Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. I'll highlight some key sections from the current report over the next week or so.

The following is a text representation of the printed pages 70-71 (actually 77-78 of 264)


"ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Municipal Building
355 East Central Street
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038
lkerwin@franklinma.gov
Telephone: 508-520-4926
Direct line: 508-553-4856
FAX: 508-520-4906

The Zoning Board of Appeals currently consists of three (3) members and two (2) associate members appointed by the Town Administrator, subject to the confirmation by the Town Council, for terms of such length and so arranged that the term of one member shall expire each year. There is currently one (1) opening for an associate member. The Board would like to thank Casey Thayer for her service as ZBA Secretary and we wish her well in her future endeavors.

The Board of Appeals holds Public Hearings, as advertised, for Variance(s), Special Permits (including gravel removal), Findings and Chapter 40B applications.

The Board also renders determinations on land use and zoning issues. All necessary forms and applications may be obtained through the Building Inspection Department and via the Zoning Board of Appeals website at http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets in Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building on Thursday evenings usually twice a month, at 7:30pm.

The calendar may be viewed via website at http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals. All meetings are open to the public.

The Board has been very active this fiscal year and the following agenda is a list of all applications filed, indexed and recorded with the Town Clerk.

Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals

Member, Since
Bruce Hunchard, Chairman, 1991
Robert Acevedo, Vice Chairman, 2003
Timothy Twardowski, Clerk, 2010
Philip Brunelli, Associate Member, 2009
Ian Luke, Associate Member, 2016
Leeanne Kerwin, ZBA Secretary"

Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals

You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

FHS boys basketball win tournament; FHS boys hockey advance to final of tournament

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Dec 28, 2017


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 48 vs. Arlington, 46 – Final
– Franklin kept Arlington without a final point over the final two minutes and rattled off five straight points to turn a late deficit into a win. Senior Matt Elias (nine points) hit his first three of the game to tie it 46-46 and sophomore Chris Edgehill scored seven of his 14 points in the final quarter, including a pull-up up jumper late to give the Panthers the lead. Senior Paul Mahon (14 points) was named MVP of the tournament while Edgehill and junior Jalen Samuels were named to the all-tournament team.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 40 @ Mansfield, 50 – Final
– The Hornets took the lead with a 22-11 second quarter and held on for a double-digit win over their Kelley-Rex rival. Ann Maher finished with a team-high 14 points for Mansfield on four three-pointers. Maggie Danehy added nine points and eight rebounds in the win. Bea Bondhus was Franklin’s top scorer with 14 points and Breanna Atwood added seven.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 vs. LaSalle College, 2 – Final
– Luke Downie scored a pair of goals to help the Panthers win their opener of the annual Mount St. Charles tournament. Joey Lizzotte and Zac Falvey also scored for Franklin.


Wrestling = Lowell Holiday Tournament (Foxboro, Franklin, Stoughton), 9:00 AM
(A two day event per the tweets below)

Out at the Lowell Holiday Tournament along with 75 other teams. Wrestling starts at 10, updates coming throughout the day. via @FHSWrestle

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-28-17/

Via the Twitterverse

Wrestlers moving on to day 2: Bakalars (still in Chmp. Bracket), the Carlucci bros, Remillard, Farrell, Racca, Cogavin, MacLean, Polito, and Johnson. Wrestling starting up at 8:30 tomorrow morning.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 29, 2017

4-2 win to kick off the mount tourney. Hardhat to Downie. Tomorrow, be ready for #TheReturnOfDurk pic.twitter.com/5Q3tHWnMpq

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) December 29, 2017

Franklin 4 Lasalle College of PA 2. Hard hat goes to Downie. G’s Falvey, Lizotte and Downie (2). 8 pm Friday with the winner of Mount or Bishop Guertin @FHSSports @HockomockSports @In_The_Slot @BGlobeSports @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) December 29, 2017

Consi round results: Farrell, Racca, Cogavin, Johnson, Coughlin, and Downing advance. Sauer and Smith drop. Team trails Mt. Anthony by a single point and is in 2nd place.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 29, 2017

Lost a tough battle to Mansfield 40-50. Great team effort. Getting better everyday. #Banja

— Franklin Girls Bball (@fhsgvbasketball) December 29, 2017

Still alive in championship bracket: Carlucci brothers, Bakalars, Remillard, MacLean, and Polito. Advancing in the consis are Sauer, Farrell, Racca, Cogavin, Smith, Johnson, Coughlin, and Downing. Team’s currently in 5th place.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 28, 2017

1st Round Result: Carlucci brothers, Bakalars, Remillard, Racca, MacLean, Smith, and Polito move on in championship bracket. Sauer, Farrell, Cogavin, Johnson, Coughlin, and Downing drop to consolation.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 28, 2017

Out at the Lowell Holiday Tournament along with 75 other teams. Wrestling starts at 10, updates coming throughout the day. pic.twitter.com/hQGSGsWIsj

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 28, 2017

Franklin Library: "Fairytale Snow Queen Party" - Dec 29 - 10:30 AM

The Franklin Library is hosting a "Fairytale Snow Queen Party" today at 10:30 AM

Franklin Library: "Fairytale Snow Queen Party" - Dec 29 - 10:30 AM

This was shared from the Library webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/fairytale-snow-queen-party

“We are working diligently to strike the right balance"

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

"Despite support from a majority of its members, legislation raising the Massachusetts minimum wage from $11 to $15 is ending 2017 the same way it began the year - pending before the Democrat-controlled Labor and Workforce Development Committee. 

Meantime, citizen activists anxious to put a $15 wage floor on the lawbooks are moving forward with their plans to do so without any help from Beacon Hill. 

Raise Up Massachusetts, the coalition behind an initiative petition on track for a vote in November 2018, noted Wednesday that the minimum wage will rise on Jan. 1 in 18 states, but will remain the same in Massachusetts for the first time in four years. Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Oregon and Washington have approved minimum wages that exceed $11 an hour, and California and New York are already on schedule to bring their minimum wages up to $15 an hour. 

While minimum wage hike opponents have warned pay mandates will hold down job growth, the coalition said that since 2014, when the Massachusetts minimum wage was $8 an hour, employers have added more than 211,000 jobs in Massachusetts and the state’s low jobless rate points to a need for more workers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171228/no-bump-for-minimum-wage-earners-as-15-bill-hung-up-in-committee

"meaningful and purposeful homework assists a student in the reinforcement and extension of learning"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Franklin public schools are piloting a homework-free holiday break for students in kindergarten through eighth grade as part of a broader homework policy implemented this year by the Franklin School Committee. High school teachers have been encouraged to take the same approach where feasible during the holiday period. District leaders plan to conduct a survey following the vacation of faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and students to gather feedback on the experience."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2017/12/27/franklin-schools-pilot-homework-free-vacation/COMthNVjWS1ZdxA7DKPPTM/story.html

In case you missed the message to parents, you can find it here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/franklin-public-schools-message-to.html

Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy

Annual Report 2017: Town Administrator

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. I'll highlight some key sections from the current report over the next week or so.

The following is a text representation of the printed page 16-17 (actually 23-24 of 264)


"ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

The Town Administration works with the Town Council together to support the quality of life of our residents. We are diligent in balancing the budget and keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its assets.

Accomplishments in FY 17 include:

Renovation and expansion projects for the Library and Senior Center are completed.

The defective playground at DelCarte Recreation Area was replaced with a new modern playground at no cost to the Town.

We continue to support the Cultural District and are in the process of forming a Cultural District Committee. We’ve begun the process of creating an Agricultural Commission in an effort to support the area farms.

We’ve begun the process for upgrading the streetlights to LED.

We worked with the purchaser of Glen Meadow Apartments and with the addition of the 287 apartments to our Subsidized Housing Inventory, we are now over 10% with 11.89% of our housing stock considered affordable by State law.

We continue to update the Town’s website and information technology. Agendas and Minutes of all
boards and committees are now web-based and can be found on the boards and committees’ pages on our website. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube for up to the minute information and happenings. Visit our website at www.franklinma.gov.

Personnel
New Human Resources Director, Karen Bratt replaced retired HR Director, Stephanie McNeill Lutz.
New Assistant Treasurer Collector, Kerri Bertone was appointed in September of 2016.

Other
The Town Administrator’s Office is the Passport Acceptance Facility in Franklin. You can apply for your passport here by appointment on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Our goal is to deliver high quality customer service while keeping costs under control. There will be difficult challenges to our budget in the coming year; but you can be assured that the Town Administration and Town Council will work together to solve budgetary issues.

It is my pleasure to submit the annual report of the Town Administrator for your review, and please feel free to write, e-mail, or stop by with any questions, concerns, or comments.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeffrey Nutting,
Town Administrator"

The playground equipment was replaced by the manufacturer at no cost to the Town

You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

Norfolk County Register of Deeds O’Donnell to speak at Franklin Rotary Club - February 1

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell will be the guest speaker at the Franklin Rotary Club meeting on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at 3 Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street in Franklin.

The Register will discuss the historical nature of the Registry and his ongoing efforts to modernize and computerize the vast number of Norfolk County real estate records. He will also address the Massachusetts Homestead Act and following the presentation address any specific questions members may have.

Franklin Rotary

As part of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds community outreach initiative Register O’Donnell offers this program in his effort to provide information as to the functions and services the Registry of Deeds provides to the residents and businesses of Norfolk County.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org

FHS boys basketball and girls hockey post wins; indoor track teams turn in strong performances

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Dec 27, 2017


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 62 vs. Malden Catholic, 36 – Final
– Franklin senior Paul Mahon poured in a game-high 20 points to lead the Panthers past Malden Catholic and into the Somerville Hoop Fest final. The Panthers will play Arlington in the championship on Thursday.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 8 vs. Bishop Stang, 1 – Final

8-1 win vs Bishop Stang!!🏒 Goals by Paterson (2), Connelly (2), Lewandowski (2), Quinn, and Trask‼️ #Stingem’

— FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) December 27, 2017

Indoor Track = Boston Holiday Challenge

FHS boys results for the Boston Holiday Challenge

FHS girls results for the Boston Holiday Challenge

The Indoor Track results can be found online at
Girls = https://ma.milesplit.com/meets/295800/results/562574/formatted#.WkWuat-nGUk
Boys = https://ma.milesplit.com/meets/295800/results/562575/formatted#.WkWu69-nGUk

Note - the links were updated as the original links pointed to the 2016 meet not to the 12/27/17 meet


Other results around the Hockomock League can be found
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-27-17/

Via the Twitterverse

Check the tweets from Coach Bailey. Our team is kind of a big deal. And his thumbs are tired and sore. Way to go panthers!! @FHSSports @FranklinHSNews @FHS_PCC #PantherPride https://t.co/iFapL2sayq

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) December 28, 2017

Girls 4x800 is third. I got blisters on my fingers from all this tweeting pic.twitter.com/kCFSaGKqVN

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

Nice job ladies! Third in the 4x200... you rock pic.twitter.com/JoqcPbrYu5

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

Clermont takes 5th in the 1000m with a 3:06 pic.twitter.com/nJCnmLpjXX

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

Clermont takes 5th in the 1000m with a 3:06 pic.twitter.com/nJCnmLpjXX

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

Jess Kroushl taking 2nd in long jump with a mark of 16’10” oh and that happens to be another school record! pic.twitter.com/VX4PJBOWmB

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

Brogan takes third in the mile with a 4:31 pic.twitter.com/MzGODbThkg

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

Jess Kroushl takes 2nd in the 55m dash and breaks her own school record with a 7.39 pic.twitter.com/YnxNQY41bb

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

Congrats to Bella Pierre for running a PR in the 55m hurdles. 2nd overall with a 9.07 pic.twitter.com/L1FkDBWFs2

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 27, 2017

FHS Panthers

Exploring 19 Crimes Wine - Jan 18

Exploring 19 Crimes Wine

Guest Host: Timothy Chagnon C.S.

19 Crimes, one of the fastest growing brands within the Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) portfolio, has been named 'Wine Brand of the Year' by leading US wine industry title Market Watch, demonstrating the outstanding success of this innovation since it was introduced to the US market in 2012.

Growing to one million cases in annual volume over the last 12 months, 19 Crimes is a unique wine proposition that celebrates the rebellious spirit of men and women exiled from 18th and 19th century Britain to Australia, having committed one of the 19 Crimes meriting punishment via transportation.

We will taste all 7 wines made!

Also A Leader In New Augmented Reality Technology
Available now via the Apple App and Google Play stores, this first-of-its-kind app will animate 19 Crimes' criminals-turned-colonists. Hovering a mobile device over the bottles will bring the character on the label to life, sharing their stories of rule breaking that sent them across the ocean to Australia.
Load the app on your phone to check it out at the tasting.

About Timothy:

Timothy Chagnon has been with Treasury Wine Estates since July of 2017. Prior to joining Treasury he had worked extensively in the hospitably industry. Over the past 10+ years, his experiences have encompassed all aspects of the restaurant world including casual fare and fine dining establishments under the direction of such renown chefs as Jasper White and Ming Tsai . Most recently, Timothy was the Wine Director and Certified Sommelier at Flank Steakhouse in Waltham.


January 18, 2018 - 7 PM
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/246043718/

Exploring 19 Crimes Wine - Jan 18

"It’s been quite a tradition"

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

"If you’ve resolved to get in touch with nature in 2018, you’ll have an opportunity to do so on the very first day of the year. 

The Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park will be hosting a “First Day Hike” in the afternoon on New Year’s Day - part of a statewide series of hikes held by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. According to the department, this will be the fifth year the event has been offered in Uxbridge, though the first hike in the state took place 27 years ago at Milton’s Blue Hills Reservation. 

Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the park’s River Bend Farm Visitor Center at 287 Oak St., while the hike will kick off at 1 p.m."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171227/first-day-hike-will-ring-in-new-year


The MA DCR also shares the 7 hikes around the State that are scheduled for January 1
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-first-day-hikes-at-state-parks

The trails at DelCarte were in use this week

The walk provided some great scenic views

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Jan 10

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30. A special guest will leave you with meditative and stress relief strategies. Come with an open mind . . . she’ll provide a pen, chocolate and a mindful experience!

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin.  
Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Jan 10

Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX with two shows on Friday, January 5 at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! 

Electric Youth 2018 includes Lily Barney, Kelsey Breslin, Naomi Fitzgerald, Mia Fleischer, Aaron Frongillo, Sydney Leach, Caroline Merten, Maddie Rezendes, Hannah Rezendes, Susauna Wickstrom, Caroline Wilkins, Griffin Wilkins, Caitlin Woodcock, and Lindsey Wyner. 

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

Don’t miss this exciting evening of timeless hits and non-stop entertainment! Tickets are $26.

Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Friday, January 5
6:30 and 8:30 PM
THE BLACK BOX

Purchase your tickets online https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1071

Annual Report 2017: Town Council

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. I'll highlight some key sections from the current report over the next week or so starting with the Town Council.

The following is a text representation of the printed page 16 (actually 23 of 264)

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNCIL

The Town Council is the holder of all general, corporate, legislative, and appropriations powers of the Town of Franklin. On behalf of the Town Council I submit our annual report for the fiscal year 7/1/2016 to 6/30/2017.

Economic Development
The Town Council voted to sell land on Pond Street to a developer who is building 96 Condominiums.

Zoning for economic development included voting to create a zone for Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries with tasting rooms, a Rural Business zone, storage facilities from C2 to Industrial and a portion of land off of Dean Avenue to R5. Additionally, we voted to zone for marijuana manufacturing and sales that also included a 2% local tax.

Facilities
Facilities improvements included new space at the recreation complex on Beaver Street, the Senior Center, as well as the renovation and expansion of the Franklin Public Library.

Recreation and Open Space
The Town exercised its first refusal option to purchase 12 acres of land on Washington Street. The Town accepted 20 acres of land next to the Keller Sullivan School and a parcel of land on Prospect Street. 

We voted $100,000 for weed control at the DelCarte pond.

We voted to appropriate funds for the expansion of field space at Beaver Street Recreation complex and two new turf fields and a new track at the High School.

Downtown
The long term downtown construction project was completed in 2016 and a new parking plan for downtown was finalized. Parking meters were removed to allow more access to downtown businesses.

The new Horace Mann statue at the corner of Emmons Street and West Central Street was completed and dedicated.

Other
The Council voted to transfer 17 acres of land behind the High School to the Affordable Housing Trust. The Trust will use the land for construction of new senior housing.

Abatements for qualified citizens were increased from $750 to $1,000 and the senior tax workout amount increased from $9 to $10 per hour. We also adopted a Veterans Assistance Fund to help assist veterans in need of fuel, food, or transportation assistance.

The Council appropriated $600,000 for a new fire truck.

The Council voted to request legislation to establish an Agricultural Commission.

Alcohol regulations were amended to require all employees of an establishment to have TIPS training.

Finally, we continued improvements to the Town Common by increasing the seasonal lights for the Holiday display and also voted to replace the stage. 

It is a pleasure to serve my fellow citizens and to submit this annual report on behalf of the Franklin Town Council for your review.

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew T. Kelly
Chairman, Franklin Town Council

Annual Report 2017: Town Council

You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

Library of Congress: Lincoln Papers in Full Color

Papers of Abraham Lincoln Now Online in Full Color Abraham Lincoln's papers from his time as a lawyer, congressman and the 16th president are now online in full color in a new presentation after a multi-year digitization effort at the Library of Congress. Click here for more information. This service is provided by the Library of Congress at www.LOC.gov. Follow us: Blog | Facebook | Flickr | Instagram | Pinterest| Twitter | YouTube

About this Collection

"The papers of Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), lawyer, representative from Illinois, and sixteenth president of the United States, contain approximately 40,550 documents dating from 1774 to 1948, although most of the collection spans from the 1850s through Lincoln’s presidency (1861-1865). Roughly half of the collection, more than 20,000 documents, comprising 62,000 images, as well as transcriptions of approximately 10,000 documents, is online. Included on this website in their entirety are Series 1-3 of the Lincoln Papers and the original materials in Series 4. Excluded from this online presentation is a sizeable portion of Series 4, which consists of printed material and reproductions of government and military documents made from originals in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration. 

Treasures in the collection include Lincoln’s first and second inaugural addresses, his preliminary draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, the two earliest known copies of the Gettysburg Address (the Nicolay and Hay copies), his August 23, 1864, memorandum expressing his expectation of being defeated for re-election in the upcoming presidential contest, and a condolence letter written to Mary Todd Lincoln by Queen Victoria following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The Lincoln Papers are characterized by a large number of correspondents, including friends and associates from Lincoln’s Springfield days, well-known political figures and reformers, and local people and organizations writing to their president. 

Notable correspondents include Nathaniel Prentiss Banks, Edward Bates, Montgomery Blair, Salmon P. Chase, Schuyler Colfax, David Davis, Ulysses S. Grant, John Hay, Andrew Johnson, Reverdy Johnson, Mary Todd Lincoln, George Brinton McClellan, George Gordon Meade, Edwin D. Morgan, John G. Nicolay, William S. Rosecrans, William Henry Seward, Horatio Seymour, Caleb B. Smith, Edwin McMasters Stanton, Charles Sumner, Lyman Trumbull, E. B. Washburne, and Gideon Welles."

Follow the link to discover more about this collection online
https://www.loc.gov/collections/abraham-lincoln-papers/about-this-collection/

“It is a blessing for us to be able to serve our neighbors"

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

"During the month of January, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be collecting donations at The Parish of Saint Mary at One Church Square. 

They’re looking for donations of personal hygiene products for both men and women. The items most needed are toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, brushes, combs, shaving cream and hand lotion. 

Members of the parish will put together personal care bags for those who call St. Mary’s in need of help. Donations may be placed in the boxes at the doors of the St. Mary’s parish anytime during January. Call 508-528-0020 for more information, or to request a care package for you or someone you know.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171226/franklin-st-marys-seeking-january-donations

The Parish of Saint Mary at One Church Square