"epidemiology studies presented were inadequate to evaluate that risk"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin coffee drinkers. Something may eventually come of this as it works its way through the California courts:

"A Los Angeles judge has ruled that California law requires coffee companies to carry an ominous cancer warning label because of a chemical produced in the roasting process. 

Superior Court Judge Elihu Berle wrote in a proposed ruling Wednesday that Starbucks and other coffee companies failed to show that the threat from a chemical compound produced in the roasting process was insignificant. 

A nonprofit group had sued coffee roasters, distributors and retailers under a state law that requires warnings on a wide range of chemicals that can cause cancer. One of those chemicals is acrylamide, a carcinogen present in coffee. 

“While plaintiff offered evidence that consumption of coffee increases the risk of harm to the fetus, to infants, to children and to adults, defendants’ medical and epidemiology experts testified that they had no opinion on causation,” Berle wrote. “Defendants failed to satisfy their burden of proving by a preponderance of evidence that consumption of coffee confers a benefit to human health.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180329/california-judge-coffee-needs-cancer-warnings


The wikipedia entry on acrylamide https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylamide

Franklin Students Find Success at MICCA Festival

Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Annie Sullivan Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Remington Middle School and Franklin High School all performed this past weekend at the annual Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival. 

“MICCA is dedicated to the study of music through performance. Creating opportunities for evaluation and expert opinion and feedback to all our participants in a non-competitive setting is our main focus.”

Ensembles are evaluated and awarded a medal of Bronze, Silver or Gold according to the score they receive. The combined middle schools chorus received a bronze medal, while the combined Franklin Middle Schools Orchestra, Horace Mann Middle School Band, Remington Middle School Band, Annie Sullivan Middle School Band, Franklin High School Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, FHS Chorus and Select Chorus all earned Silver Medals.

The Franklin High School Symphony Orchestra and the Franklin Repertory Orchestra both brought home Gold Medals from the regional three-day festival.

The high school, under the direction of Diane Plouffe, is comprised of 72 orchestra students ranging from grades nine through twelve.

Franklin High School Symphony Orchestra

During the competition, the students performed three selections: "Symphony No. 27, Finale” by Haydn, "Make Our Garden Grow” by Bernstein and "Russian Sailor’s Dance" by Gliere.

The Franklin Repertory Orchestra, also under the direction of Plouffe, is an audition-based group comprised of 23 students from grades 8 to 12. The Repertory Orchestra is part of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Music Academy directed by Sheila Darcey.

Both orchestras will be performing in the state's Gold Medal Showcase performance on Saturday, April 8th at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. This performance is free and open to the public.

Encore Music Education Foundation has a Senior Scholarship available

The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc. has a Senior Scholarship available now! If you are a senior studying music and planning to attend a college program related to performance, music education, sound recording/ engineering, musical theatre, or music business administration, apply now! 

Our application deadline is fast approaching, you can find the application at www.wesupportmusic.org/scholarship-opportunities.

For more information please contact us at 508-533-7700, encoremusicacademy1@gmail.com, or encoremusicacademy.net.

Encore Music Education Foundation has a Senior Scholarship available

Peter Cottontail's EGGcellent Adventure Egg Hunt - Fri, Mar 30

Peter and his friends will entertain kids with egg painting, pictures, face painting, and a huge egg hunt. 

Bring your own basket and join the fun. Bring your cameras for some great photos!

Location: FHS Gymnasium
Friday, March 30, 2018 - 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

It wasn't in the notice I found but further checking did reveal registration is required and there is a $10 fee this link should take you directly to the Rec registration page https://www.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs 

if not go the Recreation Dept page, online registrations, children's events and Peter Cottontail should appear. You can also call the Rec Dept at 508-613-1666

Peter Cottontail's EGGcellent Adventure Egg Hunt - Fri, Mar 30

An eggcellent event from Franklin Recreation!
http://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/events/159463

Reminder: Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic - Apr 21

The Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic has been scheduled.

When: April 21 st 2018
Where: Bellingham D.P.W. Blackstone St.· Fee: $20.00 (Cash Only)
Time: 9 AM till noon Rain or Shine

Dogs MUST be on a leash, cats MUST be in a carrier

For Info : Call 508-966-5823 or 508-520-4922

Written proof of previous rabies vaccine within the last 9 - 12 months is needed for a three year vaccine.

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/bellingham-franklin-annual-rabies-clinic-april-21st

You can download a copy of this notice from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/annual_rabies_clinic_1.pdf

In the News: School budget hearing; 65 years of Little League in Franklin; Bellingham bans recreational marijuana sales

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

"Superintendent Sara Ahern released her fiscal 2019 budget plan to the Franklin School Committee during Tuesday’s meeting. 

The overall budget indicates a proposed increase of $3 million over fiscal 2018′s budget, 85 percent of which covers salaries and employee benefits."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/franklin-school-committee-proposes-fy-19-budget

Franklin Public Schools - FY19 Budget Hearing from Franklin Matters

"On the sunny afternoon of May 15, 1953, the first Little League pitch in Franklin was thrown. 

Sixty-five years later, the Franklin Historical Museum is commemorating that successful first year of baseball in town. 

Resident Elaine Costello, coordinator of the exhibit, was inspired to pitch the idea after looking back at old photos and newspaper clippings she found in her house. 

“My late husband Mike was on one of the first Little League teams in Franklin in 1953,” she said. “Being the 65th year of baseball in Franklin, I thought it would be nice to have an exhibit celebrating the first year.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/remembering-franklins-first-little-league-season

"Special Town Meeting voters Wednesday night opted to ban recreational marijuana sales in town. 

The measure approved by citizens bans most kinds of recreational marijuana facilities - including not only retailers but independent testing laboratories and product manufacturers. Cultivation would be allowed in industrial zones by special permit. 

During consideration, Town Administrator Denis Fraine was asked what would happen if the article were to fail. He said, in theory, retail sales could occur anywhere traditional retail is allowed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/bellingham-bans-recreational-marijuana-sales

Reminder: 2018 Dog Registration Is Due April 1

All dog owners must renew their dog license annually. Registration runs from January 1st thru April 1st. 

Dogs not licensed by April 1st are considered unlicensed and late fees ($30) will apply. 

New dogs must be registered at the age of 6 months.

If residents have any questions regarding dog licensing, please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or contact the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 or via email at townclerk@franklinma.gov 

Thank you, 

Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk

Reminder:  2018 Dog Registration Is Due

4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Due May 1, 2018

4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Due May 1, 2018
Fiscal Year 2018 4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills will be mailed out on March 30, 2018.

The due date for these bills is, May 1, 2018.

Reminders:
You can pay online at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments. 

If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.

If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA.

4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Due May 1, 2018

This was shared from
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/4th-quarter-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-due-may-1-2018

Live Reporting: from 'Legislation for Action' to 'Closing'

. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 1. Resolution 18-16: Authorization for the Town Administrator to Enter into Lease Purchase Financing Agreement to Fund New Municipal Telephone Systems (Motion to Move Resolution 18-16 - 2/3 Majority Vote (6)) motion to wave reading, seconded passed 9-0 via roll call discussed earlier, then fell by the wayside, saves money lease arrangement to be set up to replace old phone system 5 year warranty covers all services don't usually extend warranties usually pay as you go this is the most affordable and effective way to go to replace 14 year old phones motion to approve, seconded passed 9-0 via roll call
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report working on working plan for neighborhood with public safety folks cant do signage and striping in winter time but will do so in the better weather Police given great customer service, created a internet exchange zone at the parking lot between the police station and the Sculpture Park snow removal cost update - basically under $1.2M currently almost half million just for March DPW thanks the family for the BIG Y pizzas they dropped off but ran off without giving their name logic on shelter opening for emergency management if there was an easy answer to give, it is a measure of impact, amount and nature of NationalGrid was on site with the Emergency Management Team there are a lot of factors that go into doing this if you have questions, please call Town Administration
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items Earls - Franklin Focus meeting in March, looking to restart the Open Space Commission to add for future item Pellegri - 4th of July update? on next meeting Hamblen - would also like to see the open space committee
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments Hamblen - first AgComm sworn in Dellorco - can we meet with Dean? Padula - thanks for letting us know about the parking issue Imogene Johnson Smith - judge at Wrentham Court Jones - thanks for the work to keep March manageable with the storms, Dean residents, we'll get that resolved Mercer - "All set mister Chairman" Kelly - what can the DPW do on the trash? in May the students will be gone
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session - Strategy for collective bargaining with Police Unions motion to go to Executive Session, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call

Live Reporting: Animal Abuse Registry

H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - An Act relative to establishing an animal abuse registry Q - puts the responsibility on the breeders and pet stores for checking - has anyone checked? puts the conviction on the CORI central registry of animal abuse takes a special kind of evil to abuse an animal
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports 1. Capital nothing 2. Budget met this evening, about 95% with numbers numbers getting tighter, will need to reach around to make the budget balance 3. EDC nothing tonight May meeting to discuss poultry issue as raised

Live Reporting: Town Council - March 28, 2018

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Mercer (remote), Kelly, Jones, Padula, Earls
Absent:

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes - March 14, 2018	A. Approval of Minutes - March 14, 2018 approval of minutes, seconded, passed 8-0-1 via roll call (Pellegri, abstained)
B. Announcements	B. Announcements - 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 - Swearing in of Firefighter Paramedic Peter Ballou introduced by Chief McCarragher sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr
D. Citizen Comments	D. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that 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. Pam Young - 59 West St speaking on behalf of neighbors looking to resolve parking issue with Dean students the parking restricts access for emergency vehicles students moving trash containers to park, park in front of containers and block the trash pick up the ambulance couldn't park in front of the house when it came to make a pick up Jeff Eaglentine - Sherman Ave look into an ordinance with keeping chickens in the yard regulations are clear but the zoning in Chapter 185 restricts for space under 5 acres grouped chicken in with livestock and not appropriate Dale Kurtz - Veterans Service Officer May 25 Memorial Day breakfast authorizing the memorial walkway on Town Common over 350 bricks sold thus far meeting with DPW to discuss build process looking to paint area for memorial day to show progress 45 plaques ordered to recognize those who passed during conflict order by April 30 to have it placed with the first plot laying Bob Gardner - Longhill Road over 350 purchased, over 16 states purchased after May 1, won't be able to guarantee first layng will continue to sale and be laid on scheduled intervals; purchase no later than May 1 order forms available in multiple places franklinverteransbrick.com/ private donations are also welcome Town Clerk = Teresa Burr dog licenses due April 1 after this late fee of $30 go to website or call the office
E. Appointments	E. Appointments - Council on Aging Faith Flaherty motion to approve, second, passed 9-0 via roll call
F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions

Franklin Art Association’s Annual Spring Art Show and Sale - Apr 21-22

The Franklin Art Association will hold its Annual Spring Show and Sale “Art from the Heart” on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 1PM to 8 PM and on Sunday, April 22, 2018, from 12 noon to 4 PM at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

A reception held on Saturday, from 4 PM to 7 PM will include entertainment by the Padula Brothers Jazz Band.

The FAA’s Annual Spring Show and Sale includes works in oil, acrylic, water media, photography, pastel, charcoal, mixed media, calligraphy and drawing. In addition to the exhibited works, small works and unframed art will be available for purchase.

The exhibit is juried and there will be first, second, third and honorable mention ribbons awarded in each category. In addition, there will be a Best of Show award and attendees may vote for a “People’s Choice” award.

For more information about the FAA, go to www.franklinart.org

Franklin Art Association’s Annual Spring Art Show and Sale - Apr 21-22