In the News: reaction to opioid emergency; Vallee's influence recognized

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Local officials said more resources are needed on the ground level to combat the opioid epidemic that President Donald Trump has called an emergency. 

Those who face the crisis in the Milford and MetroWest areas were cautiously optimistic following the president’s Thursday declaration of a nationwide public health emergency, saying the high-level acknowledgement is a positive step. 

They added, though, that funding for local services is a critical need. 

This move does not necessarily include that money. Administration officials have announced their intentions to seek emergency funds from Congress, but this declaration does not have any dedicated money attached."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/locals-react-to-emergency-opioid-declaration

For Help call SAFE Resource Support line – 508-488-8105

"Bob Vallee sat in the center of the half-circle desk in council chamber for the last time at Wednesday night’s meeting, marking the end of his 32-year run on the Town Council. 

Highly regarded by his fellow council members, Vallee oversaw innumerable changes in Franklin’s zoning and infrastructure, bringing the town from 1930s zoning to 2017 standards. 

“Sitting on the council for the last four years, I got to watch first-hand the kind of direct impact someone with Bob’s integrity and courage can do to shape the town of Franklin,” said council member Peter Padula. “He’s a been a great influence on me and I think the whole council. Franklin is a much better place to live because of guys like Bob Vallee.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/vallee-a-great-influence-on-town-council

Town Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes fellow councilor
Bob Vallee for his 30 plus years of service for Franklin

Franklin Turkey Trot Helps Feed Local Families in Need

For the hundreds who will come out on Thanksgiving morning for the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run, the motto is “Run now, gobble later!” When families gather together for their traditional feast after the event, there will be many more grateful for the bounty that results from the race. The registration fee of $20, or 20 nonperishable goods, goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need.

The event begins and ends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) at 91 Jordan Road in Franklin. The race, open to runners and walkers of all ages, attracts experienced runners as well as families who want to get out and exercise together before their traditional holiday get-together. A professional race organizer officially records timing, pace and rankings for each runner.

“Thanksgiving is truly a time to be grateful for the many blessings we have,” said Erin Lynch, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “But it is also an occasion to think of others who are struggling to put food on their tables. The Franklin Turkey Trot rallies our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. The more than 1,000 individuals we serve are grateful to our community for coming out to support us.”

The November 23 race will begin at 8 a.m. Registration can be done online at franklinturkeytrot.org; at the LDS Church from 7 – 9 p.m. the Wednesday before the race; or the morning of the race from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. Official race t-shirts can be purchased online for $10 for those who register by November 2.

The registration fee of $20 is preferred as it allows the Pantry to “stretch our budget for leaner times,” said Lynch. “Our capacity to store the donated goods is extremely limited this time of year.” If participants prefer to donate goods, Lynch said the Pantry is in need of tea, coffee, hot cocoa and canned fruit. They can also go to the Pantry’s website at franklinfoodpantry.org for a longer list of current needs.

Lynch credits much of the event’s success to Race Director Krystal Whitmore. “We are fortunate to have an incredibly hard-working group of volunteers, led by Krystal, who make this event possible,” said Lynch. “Krystal organizes church members, high school students, and her own family members to volunteer. The amount of work involved is amazing. We could not do this without them.”

For more information, call 508-520-9864 or email franklinturkeytrot@gmail.com.

Franklin Turkey Trot Helps Feed Local Families in Need - "run now, gobble later!"

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Anne Bergen

This interview with Dr. Anne Bergen (AB), candidate for Franklin School Committee, was collaborated on via email.


Franklin Matters (FM): Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

AB: I am married (husband Tom) and have one adult daughter who was lucky enough to be educated in the Franklin public schools. I came to Franklin as a young teacher and never left! I also served as a reading specialist, elementary principal, middle school principal and acting head of the English department at Franklin High School. In my current role as school committee member, I view my work through the lens of educator, parent and now senior citizen.

FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

AB: My knowledge of curriculum and instruction, school policy, budget and a thorough understanding of what it takes to manage and protect buildings and grounds. I think because I have spent a great deal of time interviewing/meeting with students, teachers, parents, senior citizens, I have a profound understanding of what matters to the stakeholders in our community. 

Too many of our young people today are suffering from depression and anxiety; mental health issues contribute greatly to the eventual use of substances which are destroying the lives of so many families. Working with the Safe Coalition and the Substance Use Task Force has broadened my understanding of the complexity of this issue and what we can do to more powerfully address the social and emotional needs of our students

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

AB: All of us I think will point to finances as a huge challenge, trying to maintain a high quality system in a time of fiscal uncertainty. It means establishing clear priorities based on what is best for our students in today’s world and making sure our budget reflects those priorities. As school committee members we must be transparent about school finances and communicate student needs to the public, working with our elected officials at the national, state and local levels. We must be the voices for our students. 

It is always up to the citizens in a community to decide what they are willing and able to support; that is the beauty of a democracy. But we must continue to inform our citizens in an open and transparent way, so they will have the best information available upon which to make those decisions.


To follow up directly with Anne, you can reach her via email at annekbergen@gmail.com 

From the archives, her interview in 2015: School Committee - Anne Bergen
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee_31.html


You can find about more about what Anne does in her regular Franklin TV broadcast "It Takes a Village". In this episode, she talks with Jim Derick of the SAFE Coalition.





Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 

Election Collection - 2017

THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, presents a full lineup of quality live entertainment this November. A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. 

On Friday, November 3 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents jazz vocalist Brenda Padula. The evening will showcase songs from the Great American Songbook, along with blues and Motown favorites. Padula will be joined by pianist Dennis “Rusty” Hughes, saxophonist Arnie Krakowsky, bassist Mark Poniatowski, and drummer Kenny Hadley. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors.

On Saturday, November 4 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX presents the renowned James Montgomery Band. Growing up in Detroit, James Montgomery learned firsthand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he has carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene. Montgomery has recorded six albums and toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, and Steve Miller. Tickets are $25.

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the acoustic jazz ensemble Rhythm Future Quartet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5. The virtuosic foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt tune, offers up a newly minted sound, influenced by the classic Hot Club of France, yet wholly contemporary. Led by violinist Jason Anick and guitarist Olli Soikkeli, the quartet performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms. With Max O’Rourke on second guitar and Greg Loughman on bass, Rhythm Future is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of a vital musical genre. Tickets are $20.

Roomful of Blues kicks off a new season of THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series concerts on Friday, November 10 at 8 p.m. The eight-piece blues band is led by guitarist Chris Vachon and features singer Phil Pemberton, bringing his sweet and soulful vocals to the ensemble’s jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B, and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Tickets are $28.

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents Quartett Giocosa on Sunday, November 12, at 4 p.m. Featuring violinists Irina Fainkichen and Heather Goodchild, violist Irina Naryshkova, and cellist Elizabeth Schultze, the program will include selections from Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, Still, and Gershwin. Tea service will be available. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students/seniors.

On Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m., the third annual Rising Stars Cabaret presents a special revue spotlighting the talents of promising young singers. The cabaret is presented in an intimate nightclub atmosphere with professional accompaniment. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students/seniors.

On Sunday, November 19, BLACK BOX Jazz presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. Combination tickets for brunch and music are $45; tickets for the concert alone are $20. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents DayBreakers with Copilot at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock ‘n’ roll grit, the DayBreakers have crafted their own sound on the backs of bands like the Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and the Eagles. Combining rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, and funk, the band has worked tirelessly to craft a sound that is filled with hard riffs and soulful melodies. Copilot is an American Pop duo based in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As Copilot, Ry McDonald and Maggie Quealy explore their passion and unique Americana music through their popular covers and original songs in a way that many listeners haven’t heard before. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance or $12 at the door.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events

FHS volleyball loses 3-1 to undefeated KP

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Wednesday, Oct 25.


Volleyball = King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
– King Philip capped its perfect Hockomock League schedule with a 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 21-25, 25-18) win over Franklin. Sydney Phillips continued her strong season at the net with 23 kills while Michaela Palumbo added 12 kills and 10 service points. Kat Kmetz had 11 service points, including two aces, and three blocks while Julianne Rando finished with eight digs. For Franklin, Meaghan Maguire (five blocks) and Hailey Sanders (two blocks) each chipped in with eight kills and Maggie Doyle (two blocks) had seven kills. Junior Lauren McGrath had 35 assists for the Panthers.

Field Hockey = King Philip @ Franklin – Postponed to Friday, 10/27 at 3:45.


For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-102517/

FHS Panthers

“I do this because I love doing it"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Though it’s not her primary job, Susan Barbour doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty with the rest of the kitchen staff at the Senior Center. 

It is likely one of the many reasons she was awarded the 2017 Citizen’s Award from Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA) for her work with the organization. 

Among many titles, Barbour is the program coordinator at the Senior Center. Though she devotes much of her time to her interns from HMEA in the kitchen. 

Quick to perk a smile among co-workers and customers, Barbour is humble, but proud of the work she does for HMEA. Her dedication and pride is evident through her 13 years of volunteer work for the organization."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/franklin-resident-awarded-good-citizens-award

"HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA, but our service area extends to over 110 communities in the Commonwealth’s Central, Southeastern and Eastern regions. We have a long history of providing innovative services in school, at work, at home and in the community and HMEA now serves nearly 3,800 children and adults with developmental disabilities."

Visit HMEA on the web for more information  https://hmea.org/ 

HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA

Live reporting: Legislation for action to Closing

J. Legislation for Action	1. Resolution 17-58: Transfer From Water Enterprise and Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolutions No. 14-16, 15-27, and 17-14 Appropriation Funding Sources (Motion to Move Resolution 17-58 - Majority vote (5)) paying down 2.5 million of the bond with cash, and authorizing to redo the $5 million bond for more water imporvements motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)
J. Legislation for Action	2. Resolution 17-65: Acceptance of Deed to Two Unimproved Parcels of Land on Grove Street, Pursuant to G.L. Chapter 60, Section 77C (Motion to Move Resolution 17-65 - Majority vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action	motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call) 3. Resolution 17-66: Assent to Grant of Utility Easement on Former Town-Owned Land on Pond Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-66 - 2/3 Majority vote (6)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report Jim Dacey's last day as Treasurer in Friday, Oct 27. Thanks for his service Thanks to Mr Vallee  When you think of Franklin, you think of Vallee for his 32+ years of service
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items none
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments Jones - thanks for your years of service thanks to Jim for his years of service, it is a little unnerving when you loose good people Dellorco - enjoy your retirment Bissanti -  Pfeffer -  Pellegri - we're going to miss you, vote Nov 7th absentee ballots are available Vallee - thanks to my fellow councilors for your kind words I feel so very comfortable leaving with Jeff here Mercer - your leadership and gudience will be missed by all of us Kelly - I am not rattled at all thanks to Pack 17 we took a tour last night condolences to the Siltetto family adjournment via roll call
N. Executive Session - None Scheduled	N. Executive Session - None Scheduled
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

Live reporting: Veterans recognition and presentation

F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - Veterans Service Officer, Dale Kurtz 1 - Recognition of Post 3402 for accomplishments and awards 2 - Recognition of Ernest Carruthers, Quartermaster of Post by both State and Federal VFW organizations 3 - Recognition of Lawrence P Bederian, Post Commander - All American Team Post Commander Veterans Day program, call the Senior Center to respond Peter Beane, Korean War hero proposing a veterans walk way 45 veterans, personalized bricks (photos to be added) cost of this approximately $90K only the Town Council can approve changes to the Town Common; would come back with a formal resolution but wanted to get a sense of the Council tonight In addition to the VFW, the American Legion and Franklin Elks were instrumental in this proposal
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports none

Carruthers, Kurtz and Bederian at the Town Council meeting

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common around memorials at Pleasant St end (near St Mary's)

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view from Union St corner

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view near WWI doughboy statue

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view
near WWI doughboy statue looking to Pleasant St/Main St

Live reporting: Town Council - October 25, 2017

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones, Mercer (via remote phone call)

Absent: none

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes
B. Announcements	B. Announcements 1. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions	C. Proclamations/Recognitions special recognition for Robert Vallee, for over 30 years of service Pellegri - many reminisces, will miss Bob Padula - was also taught by Bob in high school,  Pfeffer - this is your life, Bob and I have done this for a long time Bissanti - Bob showed me where to get inexpensive lunches, and what to drink Dellorco - leads me down the right way, you'll still be at the jewelry store so we can still pull in Jones - you have earned that kind of respect, I can't call you other than Mr Vallee I'll be watching! Mercer - congratulation, thanks for leadership, guidance and contributions to Franklin Rep Roy - presented proclamation from MA House of Representives to Bob Vallee
D. Citizen Comments	D. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter this is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments	E. Appointments 1. Franklin Cultural Council - Olivier Edouard motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 (via roll call) 2. Franklin Cultural Council - Jose Trevino motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 (via roll call)

Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes Bob Vallee

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Tom Mercer

This interview with Tom Mercer (TM), candidate for Franklin Town Council, was collaborated on via email.


FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

TM - My name is Tom Mercer and I am the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Fuller Box Company for the past 36 years. I am a lifelong resident of Franklin, graduate of Franklin Public Schools, married to my high school sweetheart, have 3 daughters (who all graduated from FPS) and 7 grandchildren.

FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

TM - I believe my 40+ years of professional and community volunteer experience contribute to setting me apart from others. I have successfully served the community, as a Town Councilor for the last 9 years, prior to that as a School Committee Member for 10 years - 8 of which I served as Chairman. Additionally, I serve(d) as Chairman of the Building Committees for the 4 largest and newest town structures – the Horace Mann/Oak Street/ECDC School Complex, the Franklin Senior Center, the state of the art Franklin High School and currently in progress, the Franklin Public Library.

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

TM - I believe one of the biggest issues facing Franklin and an issue I continue to feel passionate about is maintaining a high level of services. Public Safety, Emergency Services and Education are ever evolving and of the utmost importance to any community.
 

FM: The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:

"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?"

TM - Experience tells me that arts education and on-stage performing provides lasting life skills such as discipline, teamwork, communications and social skills that our students carry throughout their personal and professional lives.

The recent Stanford University study “Engaging the Arts and Creativity” states that involvement in the arts fosters creativity. Arts education is traditionally thought of as the formal process of developing skills and knowledge in an individual through schooling, instruction and training.

I support the mission of the cultural district to generate an increased awareness of the cultural facilities in our town.

These cultural districts help local arts, humanities, and science organizations improve the quality and range of their public programs so that more local families can benefit from them. They enhance the experience for visitors and thus attract more tourist dollars and tax revenue. And they attract artists, cultural organizations, and entrepreneurs of all kinds - enhancing property values and making communities more attractive.



If you want to follow up with Tom directly, you can reach him via email at tdmercer@verizon.net



Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 

Election Collection - 2017