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

Voices of Franklin: Maria Lucier - Vote on Nov 7

Submitted by Franklin resident Maria Lucier:

"Our bi-annual town election will be in 2 weeks – on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. The polls (at the high school) will be open from 6 AM until 8 PM; school is closed that day, so parking won't be a problem.

There are more than 22,000 registered voters in Franklin, but on average, voter turnout for town elections is less than 20%. But these are the elections that have the most direct impact on you, and the elections on which you have the most impact - if you choose to participate.

Consider: Local elections can affect some of the taxes you pay, help determine which employers move to your area and which ones already there will stay. They can affect things like the kind and number of pets we keep, how you build or add on to your house, and services like trash pickup, water, sewer, police, fire, teachers, schools, roads, parks, playgrounds, sports fields and even rules about yard sales.

If you don't take the time to learn about and select the people running the town, it's a lot like handing your wallet to a stranger and saying "I trust you will do the right thing with my money."

Local cable TV and social media has made it easier to learn about the local candidates, and many of  them participated in last week's candidate forum (available On-Demand if you missed it). The Milford News is profiling the candidates, Franklin TV is posting videos, and the candidates have generally made themselves available for questions and discussions. We are also EXTREMELY fortunate to have Franklin Matters (Steve Sherlock) conducting and posting in-depth interviews with the candidates in Franklin Matters (Facebook, blog, daily email).

Generally, more than 80% of our registered voters turn out for presidential elections, and roughly 60% for state elections, but we average LESS THAN 20% for local elections. While state and national elections are certainly important, your vote in a local election actually counts for a whole lot more than your vote in the national election.

There is no early voting for local elections, but absentee ballots are available."




Voices of Franklin guidelines can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Franklin Election Collection - 2017

Christine Lavin and Don White - at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Oct 28

Two hilarious performers return to Circle of Friends.

View this email in your browser Christine Lavin and Don White Oct 28th 8PM $25 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is presenting two hilarious musicians, Christine Lavin and Don White on Saturday October 28th at 8 PM. They were snowed out last January but there is no chance of snow this Saturday. Christine's smart and funny songs nail our lives and foibles on the head! She is a comedienne whose delightfully skewed songs cover a lot of territory including relationships, politics, and life's injustices.  http://www.christinelavin.com/  Don White is a Circle of Friends regular whose songs and stories about raising teenagers always have our crowds rolling in the aisles. Together they are a fabulously hilarious duo of comedy and song. This will be a night to remember.  http://www.donwhite.net/ "...Christine Lavin and Don White, perhaps the two funniest performers on the folk circuit today." - Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe http://www.donwhite.net/don-christine/ Check out their video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLwRwZ7j3C4 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this shows are $25.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Nov 4        Eric Schwartz Nov 18      Richard Shindell Dec 9        Winterbloom Jan 6         Gretchen Peters Jan 27       Seth Glier

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

FHS girls soccer top Attleboro 3-0

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Tuesday, Oct 24.


Boys Soccer = Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 
– Attleboro junior Will Halben scored the game-winner with 10 minutes to play, handing the Bombardiers their second win in three games, and three straight games with at least a point. After a scoreless first half, sophomore Michael Russo set Halben up for the late winner.


Girls Soccer = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final 
– Molly Duncan scored five minutes into the game off an Anna Balkus assist to put the Panthers ahead early. In the second half, Miranda Smith scored off a Duncan assist just two minutes after the restart and Calen Frongillo wrapped up the scoring from Emily Mastaj with 11 minutes to play. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said that all of the Panthers stepped up and “played really well,” despite the blustery conditions.


For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-102417/

FHS Panthers

Remington-Jefferson collecting coats

"Cradles to Crayons expects to receive over 30,000 requests for winter coats this year and YOU can make a difference!

We will be collecting new and gently-used winter coats (sizes newborn to adult medium), new winter hats, mittens, and gloves from October 15 through November 15.

Donations can be dropped off in the Patriots Celebrate Volunteerism collection bins at the Remington/Jefferson schools."



For more about Cradles to Crayons  https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston/

Franklin SEPAC Reminder: Halloween Hayride

REMINDER!! 

Halloween Hayride!

When: Friday, October 27th, 4:00 PM
Where: Tangerini's Farm, 139 Spring Street, Millis, MA

Come in your costume for a great afternoon at Tangerini's

We will go on a hayride, pick and paint pumpkins, and visit the animals. Bring a flashlight to enjoy the haymaze. Snacks will be served. (Please let us know of any allergies or food sensitivities so that we can accommodate all needs). This event is open to all special-needs students and their families at no cost.

This event fills up quickly!! Hope to see you there!!

Please RSVP by Wednesday, Oct 25th to franklinsepac@gmail.com

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Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

In the News: recreational pot myths and facts; Halloween safety; "No Shame" rally

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

"With recreational marijuana now legal across the state of Massachusetts, residents and police departments alike have struggled to understand the full scope of the new legislation. While Question 4 originally provided a clear outline of what would be implemented should it pass, state legislators had the opportunity to make any alterations to the law they deemed necessary. As a result, the limits of the new legal pot law have become blurred, causing confusion throughout the state. 

Myth: Consuming marijuana in public is still illegal. 

Fact: Cities and towns must pass a bylaw prohibiting public use of marijuana."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171024/myth-busting-massachusetts-recreational-pot-law

"With Halloween just a week away, motorists should start keeping an eye out for little ghosts and ghouls during evening commutes. 

An alert from AAA Northeast Tuesday offered a few tips and warnings for both drivers and trick-or-treaters. 

Watch for children in or near the street, especially between 4 p.m. and midnight on Halloween itself. Be aware that children may wear dark clothing and dart into the road, sometimes between cars or outside crosswalks. Try to avoid heavily residential neighborhoods. 

Drive sober and slowly, the advisory cautioned. AAA research showed a pedestrian is twice as likely to be killed when hit by a car traveling 35 miles per hour, compared to 25 miles per hour, and that a third of motor vehicle deaths are caused by drivers who have been drinking."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171024/watch-out-for-trick-or-treaters-this-week

"If all goes according to plan, the small lawn outside of the Trinity Episcopal Church will be filled with #2069 signs on Saturday morning. 

The Wrentham church founded the opioid awareness signs that display the number of fatalities in 2016 due to overdoses, and at 10 a.m., they’ll be holding a rally, “No Shame, Erasing the Stigma,” and encouraging attendees to pluck their #2069 signs from their own lawns and temporarily plant them in theirs. 

“We’ll find a place for every sign, if we have to ring the gardens at the church with them if we have to,” laughed Deacon Ron Tibbetts at Trinity."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171023/wrentham-church-to-hold-2069-rally

#2069 No Shame Rally - Wrentham Common -  Oct 28

FTC Alert: Getting a call from 877-382-4357? Hang up.

Call from 877-382-4357? Hang up. by Andrew Johnson Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Scammers are using fake caller ID information to trick you into thinking they're someone who can be trusted. The practice is called caller ID spoofing, and scammers can fake anyone's phone number. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Federal Trade Commission · 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20580 · 1-877-382-4357