Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® free community event set for May 19 at Patriot Place

On Saturday, May 19, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

“Healthy Kids Day is an important event on our YMCA calendar. The day celebrates and reinforces a commitment to our Healthy Futures Initiative, encouraging kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and enjoy healthier lifestyles. Once again we are grateful for the tremendous support and collaboration with our friends at Patriot Place,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day at Patriot Place is another example of cause meeting community.”

“The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is a wonderful community event that we are proud to host at Patriot Place for the sixth straight year,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “This signature event helps deliver the important message of living a healthy lifestyle to the children and families in our communities through a number of innovative and fun activities throughout the day.”

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities including: Airbrush Tattoos brought to you by Patriot Place, Giveaways, Inflatable Gaga Pit, Interactive Gymnastics Obstacle Course, Nutrition Demos, Pat Patriot and Patriots Cheerleader Autographs (11am-1pm), Photo Booth brought to you by Patriot Place, Seed Planting & Gardening, NE Revs Accuracy Kick & Ticket Giveaway, Character Visits including Elmo and a Ninja Turtle, Spy Obstacle Course presented by 5Wits, and STEM activities designed to awaken imaginations. Visitors, be sure to visit the Y’s summer camp section where kids can tie-dye a shirt, play games and get a taste of camp.


Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®
Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®

Thanks to their sponsorship of Healthy Kids Day, Patriot Place, Stop and Shop, Norwood Hospital, Xfinity Center, and the Lions Clubs of District 33K are helping to keep families active and healthy. Numerous community partners will attend and provide tips, activities and prizes to round out the day. These include: 5 Wits, Brain Fit Academy, Brigham and Women’s Dermatology Department & Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Bass Pro Shops, Brigham and Women’s / Mass General Health Care Center, Chestnut Dental Associates, Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Franklin Food Pantry Truck, Fuel Up to Play 60 Tour, GetREAL Food Campaign, Golden Opportunities for Independence, Kind Snacks, Lions Club Eye Mobile, Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, New England Revolution, Norwood Hospital, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, RWL Weightlifting, Inc., Sturdy Memorial Hospital, and Tinker and Create.

“Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of our Y’s youth development focus. Healthy Kids Day is another forum for our Y to provide kids and families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together,” said Earley, who also serves as Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors.
 May 19 at Patriot Place
 May 19 at Patriot Place
The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Food Access Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro and other community locations. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. Suggested items include whole grain products, brown rice/quinoa, lower sodium hearty soups, canned vegetables/fruit, beans, oatmeal, nuts, spices, and household/personal care items.

Dorel Juvenile Group, in partnership with Safe Kids, will be on site with a car seat safety checkpoint in the parking lot. Families are encouraged to bring their car seats to the designated area for a check and have the opportunity to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) about proper car seat installation. Families also can receive useful child passenger safety tips.

All participants will be required to display a Healthy Kids Day wrist band which will be provided at no charge when you visit the check-in tents located at the entrance to NRG Plaza, near The Hall. In order to expedite check-in, Pre-Registration is offered at hockymca.org/healthy-kids-day.


About The Hockomock Area YMCA
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

About Patriot Place
Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 16 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9!

Let's Laugh Today in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9 (and every second Wednesday once a month) from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Massachusetts. 


LET'S LAUGH TODAY
LET'S LAUGH TODAY
Enjoy this delightful practice, appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness. When we laugh, we energize our bodies and revive our spirits. 

All that is involved is deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 
Wednesday, May 9!
Wednesday, May 9!

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. 

Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. If you have any questions, just call Hamakers at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.


LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9
LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, May 9

Monday, May 7, 2018

Franklin, MA: Town Council - May 9, 2018 - Agenda


The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, 2018

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF


Agenda ItemSummary
A. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes - April 11, 2018
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
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.
E. Appointments
E. Appointments
F. Hearings
F. Hearings
G. License Transactions
G. License Transactions - Shaw's Supermarkets. Inc.
H. Presentations/Discussions
H. Presentations/Discussions - Opioid Litigation - Information to follow
I. Subcommittee Reports
I. Subcommittee Reports
1. Capital
2. Budget
3. EDC
J. Legislation for Action
J. Legislation for Action
J. Legislation for Action
1. Resolution 18-18: Appropriation and Loan Order (Borrowing Authorization) for Water (Motion to Move Resolution 18-18 - 2/3 Majority Vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action
2. Resolution 18-19: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Cultural Council (Motion to Move Resolution 18-19 - Majority vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
3. Resolution 18-20: Adoption of Revised Town Council Procedures Manual (Motion to Move Resolution 18-20 - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
4. Bylaw Amendment 18-801: Amendment of Service Fees: Solid Waste and Recycling - 2nd Reading (Motion for Move Bylaw Amendment 18-801 - Majority Roll Call Vote - (5))
J. Legislation for Action
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-802: Zoning Map Changes from Commercial II, or Rural Residential II & Single Family Residential IV, to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential IV, an Area on or Near Edwards, Raymond, and Beaver Streets - Referral to Planning Board - (Motion to Refer ZBL Amendment 18-802 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-803: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial, or Industrial & Single Family Residential IV, or Industrial & Rural Residential I, or Rural Residential I, to Single Family Residential IV or Industrial an Area on or Near Fisher, Hayward, and McCarthy Streets - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer ZBL Amendment 18-803 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-804: Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III & Single Family Residantial IV, to Single Family Residential III or Single Family Residential IV, an Area on or Near Washington, Arlington, and James Streets - Referral to the Planning Board(Motion to Refer ZBL 18-804 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-805: Changes to Section 185-21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer ZBL 18-805 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
9. Bylaw Amendment 18-806: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic Section 170-22 - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-806 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
10. Bylaw Amendment 18-807: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Section 170-22.1 -1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-807 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
11. Bylaw Amendment 18-808: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Section 170-22.2 and Section 170-29 - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-808 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
12. Bylaw Amendment 18-809: Chapter 170 Vehicles and Traffic - Section 170-31.B - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-809 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote - (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session - None
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn


Franklin, MA: Town Council - May 9, 2018
Franklin, MA: Town Council - May 9, 2018 - Agenda

Andrew Cody's Lemonade Stand

Catching up to sharing this message from Stephen Cody and the lemonade stand his son Andrew had on Saturday.
"Thought you would like this image of my son, Andrew, giving free lemonade to police, fire, EMS and veterans today. This was all his idea 4 months ago and he has been talking about it since. 
Once the Franklin PD heard about it they came right over in droves. Franklin fire was too busy with medical calls to make it, but we are opening again with the same business model in a couple weeks."

Andrew Cody's Lemonade Stand
Andrew Cody's Lemonade Stand (submitted photo)

“I think this was our best game offensively"


"Although it had been a running clock throughout the fourth quarter, there was still just enough time for a little history. In the final minute of a game that had long been decided, Franklin raced the ball up the right wing and immediately looked to find senior attacker Eric Civetti. He got it outside the crease on the left side and drove to the cage. 
This wasn’t about the Panthers trying to run up the score, but to give the program’s all-time leading scorer the opportunity to set another record with his ninth goal of the game. Twice, Civetti had tied the record with eight in a game, but now he stands alone. 
Even more important for Franklin was that the nine goals were part of a dominating 22-8 victory on Sunday afternoon against Longmeadow, one of the top-ranked teams in the state. This was the third time this week that the Panthers had scored 20-plus goals in a game. The first two were against a pair of the state’s newest programs (Taunton and Stoughton) and on Sunday it came against one of the state’s best. 
“I was so afraid of this because of those two games and I’m just amazed,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi. “I’m blown away by the fact that we beat them the way we did. All the stars were aligned. It was just an incredible win. The kids played their butts off.”

Continue reading the game recap by Josh Perry, the Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/eric-civetti-sets-record-franklin-boys-lacrosse-routs-longmeadow/

A photo gallery of the game can be found online
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Spring-2018/Franklin-Longmeadow-Boys-Lacrosse-5-6-18/
Franklin senior Eric Civetti (6) scored a program-record nine goals and the Panthers earned a marquee blowout win against highly-ranked Longmeadow. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior Eric Civetti (6) scored a program-record nine goals and the Panthers earned a marquee blowout win against highly-ranked Longmeadow. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Norfolk County Lending Activity



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Norfolk County Lending Activity

A modest increase in mortgage lending highlights April's real estate activity in Norfolk County, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.

"For the first time in several months, the county experienced an increase in mortgage financing. A total of 1,974 mortgages were recorded at the Registry, which is a 4% increase year over year. This is an indicator that consumers are perhaps beginning to feel more comfortable borrowing money for big ticket items such as real estate, home improvements and educational expenses," noted the Register.

Norfolk County also witnessed an increase in real estate sales during the same time period, totaling 1,378 real estate sales transactions for both residential and commercial sales, a 10% increase. Conversely, the average real estate sales price, again combining both residential and commercial sales, fell 12% to $880,613. Total gross dollar real estate volume was $730.9 million, a 6% decrease.

Register O'Donnell noted, "While real estate sales and mortgage financing data were somewhat encouraging, I nevertheless would like to see a few more months of numbers before I can state there has been a turnaround from the limited economic activity that has been taking place in the real estate sector. Additionally, the current lack of available real estate inventory is still a nagging problem, especially for first time potential homebuyers who are attempting to crack the market."

Foreclosure activity was a mixed bag for the same time period. O'Donnell stated, "first the good news: there was a 47% decrease in the number of foreclosure deeds. The bad news: a total of 83 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process were filed, resulting in a 73% increase.

The Register noted that the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950, to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

Norfolk County homeowners continued to take advantage of the protections offered through the Homestead Act. A total of 895 Homestead documents were recorded in April, a 5% increase year over year. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell.

In conclusion Register O'Donnell stated, "I was pleasantly surprised by the uptick seen in lending activity during April. Of course, one month does not make a trend, but the news is nevertheless encouraging. The total number of property sales was also encouraging too, but we correspondingly need to see an increase in real estate inventory, particularly for first-time homebuyers, before we will see a real breakout relative to real estate sales in the 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, 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 at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact


Norfolk County Register of Deeds Franklin Office Hours - May 24
Norfolk County Register of Deeds Franklin Office Hours - May 24

Franklin High School All Night Party - Volunteers needed

Sign ups are open for chaperoning the Franklin High School All Night Party June 1-2 following Graduation. We need over 350 volunteers! It's a big deal to be part of this important community event. 

We have shifts from 11-3 AM and 1-5 AM for cleanup. Please share!

Thank you for understanding how important this event is to keep Franklin safe after high school graduation.

Sign up by clicking the link http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/sign-up-to-volunteer.html

Volunteers needed for the Franklin High School All Night Party
Volunteers needed for the Franklin High School All Night Party

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 8, 2018

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.


A G E N D A
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH
c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Transition Program (Students age 18-22) – Pam Myette, Amanda Notz, Carol
Merchant

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – First Readings
I recommend moving the following Policies to a second reading as detailed:
KF-E2 – FHS Building Use
KF-E3 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule
KF-E4 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule FHS

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Update from Dr. Linden regarding Professional Development recently attended

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations;
Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s
Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task
Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 24, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. Davis Thayer Gifts
I recommend acceptance of the donation of two check totaling $775.00 from Maureen Sabolinski and Various donors for supplemental supplies for Davis Thayer as detailed.
c. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 form Peter Baglioni for the Fernando P. Baglioni Scholarship at FHS.
d. RMS Surplus Books
I recommend declaring the list of books as surplus at Remington Middle School as detailed.
e. Oak St. Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $680.00 from the Oak St. PCC for inhouse enrichment as detailed.
x. Music Field Trip-Recurring
I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take Music students to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 8, 2018 as detailed.
f. ASMS Surplus Books
I recommend declaring the list of books as surplus at Annie Sullivan Middle School as detailed.
g. FHS Senior Pilot
I recommend continued suspension of policy JH – Student Absences for the purposes of the late arrival/early release pilot for seniors at FHS on good standing during quarter 4.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION pursuant to Purpose 7 (M.G.L. c 30A, Section 21(a)(7) ), to
comply with or act under the authority of a general or special law when an open meeting would compromise the purpose for which the executive session is called, with the relevant citations of law being M.G.L. c. 71, §34D and 603 CMR 23.00 et. seq. and 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, which pertain to the confidentiality of student and education records, and to receive legal advice from counsel protected from disclosure under Massachusetts General Law with the relevant citations of law being M.G.L. c. 4, Section 7, clause twenty-sixth, MGL. c. 30A, s. 21 (a) (1), and M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 22 

12. Adjournment

The full set of documents released for the agenda can be found here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/n5-8-18%20SC%20Packet/

NOTE: As of this posting, several of the documents (pertaining to the building use policy and fee schedules) are not available. The error message I interpret as the file is indeed posted but not yet properly permissioned for public viewing.

Note: that some documents are added to this folder after being presented to the School Committee.

Superintendent Ahern presenting an update to the School Committee
Superintendent Ahern presenting an update to the School Committee

Franklin Garden Club Member Honored as Unsung Hero

Debra DeGrazia of Franklin, MA, a longtime member of the Franklin Garden Club, was recently honored as the Club’s Unsung Hero at the Spring Meeting of the Massachusetts Federation of Garden Clubs Central South/Central North Spring Luncheon held at the Grange Hall in Sudbury, MA. DeGrazia received a special citation for her work on behalf of the Franklin Garden Club.

Over the years, DeGrazia has held several leadership positions, including that of president and vice president. She currently serves as treasurer. Her deep commitment to Club activities involves a wide range of services over the years. 

The citation presented at the luncheon stated: 
“Deb DeGrazia is very generous with her time and utilizes her creative, organizational and leadership skills to ensure club events are successful. Her contributions include: offering fun and interesting ideas for programs; setting up the annual holiday auction; ordering supplies for workshops and community projects, such as the annual Pine Tree Seedling Project; donating items for the monthly opportunity drawing, many handmade; and ensuring that the Franklin Town Common Garden, maintained by the Garden Club, receives special attention and care. These are only a few of the ways that Deb makes a difference every year. Whenever Deb sees a need, she finds a way to meet it – quietly and effectively! She truly makes a difference for the Franklin Garden Club.”

In addition to her involvement with the Garden Club, DeGrazia is Human Resources Director of her family’s business, Camger Chemical in Norfolk, MA, and a member of the Mass Paint Council. The mother of two children and two grandchildren, she enjoys working in her own garden in her spare time.



Deb DeGrazia, back row, left, was awarded the Franklin Garden Club’s Unsung Hero Award at the Spring Meeting of the Massachusetts Federation of Garden Clubs Central South/Central North Spring Luncheon.  Joining her at the meeting were the following Franklin Garden Club members: front row – Joanne Roche, Gail Matanes, and Carol Cowen; back row – Deb DeGrazia, Janice Cederquist, and Nancy Rappa.
Deb DeGrazia, back row, left, was awarded the Franklin Garden Club’s Unsung Hero Award at the Spring Meeting of the Massachusetts Federation of Garden Clubs Central South/Central North Spring Luncheon.  Joining her at the meeting were the following Franklin Garden Club members: front row – Joanne Roche, Gail Matanes, and Carol Cowen; back row – Deb DeGrazia, Janice Cederquist, and Nancy Rappa.