Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda - June 6, 2018

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, Training Room Franklin, MA

June 6, 2018

5:45 PM

Discussion:
1. Poultry Zoning


Future Meetings:
2. Overlay Districts Review/updates:
a. Economic Opportunity Areas overlay district
b. Marijuana Use overlay district
c. BioTechnology/Life Sciences overlay district
d. Sign bylaw and temporary signs overlay district
3. Multi-Family Housing in RV and Cl/Affordable Housing
a. R7
b. Over 55 Housing Overlay
c. lnclusionary Zoning
d. Affordable Housing Plan
4. Sale of Town Owned Land
S. Brewery zoning update
6. Food Trucks

This doc was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-agenda-5

or directly to the PDF version
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/edc_agenda_6-6-2018.pdf

DelCarte Open Space

SAFE Community Meeting - June 6

Join us to hear about upcoming events and plans for the remainder of the year
All are welcome – Snacks and Drinks will be provided

If you are attending, let us know at info@safecoalitionma.org

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 - 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Wrentham Police Headquarters - 89 South St, Wrentham, MA

SAFE Community Meeting - June 6

In the News: MA Democrats endorse Gonzalez, Palfrey, Zakim

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

Democratic State Convention delegates at the DCU Center on Saturday endorsed Jay Gonzalez for governor and Quentin Palfrey for lieutenant governor, and in a rebuff to longtime incumbent William Galvin, backed Josh Zakim for secretary of state.

Gonzalez, of Needham, who served as secretary of administration and finance under Gov. Deval Patrick, received 70 percent of the delegate vote to win the endorsement for governor.

A rival candidate for governor, Bob Massie, of Somerville, an environmental activist, author and Episcopal priest who was Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 1994, received 30 percent of the delegate vote and earned a place on the primary ballot.

Convention endorsements go to statewide candidates who receive a majority vote of the delegates. But any candidate who receives 15 percent of delegate votes earns a place on the ballot for the Sept. 4 primary, which will decide the nominees for the general election on Nov. 6.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180603/democrats-endorse-gonzalez-palfrey-ticket-back-zakim-over-galvin-at-worcester-convention

Register O’Donnell Outreaches to Franklin Residents

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell and his outreach team held office hours this past Thursday, May 24th at the Franklin Municipal Building. The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records in Norfolk County cataloguing and housing more than 6 million land documents dating back to 1793.

O’Donnell and his staff met with local residents and answered questions including the importance of filing a mortgage discharge in a timely manner. Another topic addressed was the Homestead Act which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

The Register spoke about the importance of bringing Registry services directly to the citizens of Norfolk County. “The Registry’s office hour events allow Norfolk County residents to avail themselves of Registry services without having to travel to the Registry’s central office in Dedham. I want to thank Franklin residents who came to our office hours and allowed our team to assist them with their questions.”

Register O’Donnell concluded by stating, “I want to thank the town council, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting and the entire team at the municipal building for allowing us to hold office hours and bring the Registry directly to the citizens of Franklin.”

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

Register O’Donnell Outreaches to Franklin Residents

FHS playoff brackets for Tennis and Lacrosse teams

Via HockomockSports.com and the MIAA, here are the brackets for the playoffs in tennis and lacrosse


Tennis - Boys
D1 South
#9 Franklin (12-5) will travel to #8 BC High (10-4) on Wednesday, 6/6 at 4:00.

Lacrosse - Girls
D1 East
#2 Franklin (13-5) will host the winner of #7 Lexington (14-6)/#10 New Bedford (14-4) on Thursday, 6/7 with the time still to be announced.

Lacrosse - Boys
D1 South
#4 Franklin (15-3) will host #13 Mansfield (9-8) on Wednesday, 6/6 at 5:00.


Additional Hockomock League info can be found on these links
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-tennis-playoff-seeds-matchups-2018/
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-lacrosse-playoff-seeds-matchups-2018/
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-lacrosse-playoff-seeds-matchups-2018/

Additional bracket details for tennis and lacrosse info can be found on this link  http://www.miaa.net/miaa/

MIAA playoff bracket for girls lacrosse

MIAA playoff bracket for boys lacrosse

MIAA playoff bracket for Tennis

Summer basketball is here - Register Now

Franklin Public Schools - Lifelong Learning Institute, Lifelong Community Learning sends a reminder that

Summer Basketball is here ... a few slots still open!

Sign Up Today!

Tuesday or Thursday nights - basketball is a great way to burn calories and have fun at the same time. So shoot hoops for fun and health!

Tuesdays, June 19th to August 21st
or
Thursdays, June 21st to August 16th

Time: 7 PM - 10 PM 
Number of sessions: 8
Location: Annie Sullivan Middle School Gym

Cost $80

Register now
https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=429&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

Summer basketball is here - Register Now

In the News: FHS graduation; birth rates decline

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

"Franklin High School celebrated the graduation of nearly 500 students on Friday, but not without commemorating a classmate. 

As an evening of joy and accomplishment went on, a moment was taken to recognize and mourn the loss of James Sewell who died April 7 after a car crash in Bellingham. 

Sewell was assigned a seat at Friday’s ceremony, and it was not empty; it was adorned with flowers and notes of remembrance. Students seated nearby wiped tears from their faces as Principal Paul Peri called attention to the chair during the ceremony. 

Sewell’s diploma was awarded to his teachers in commemoration of his life and the knowledge he had gained from them."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180601/franklin-high-graduates-mourn-one-of-their-own

"America’s birthrate hit yet another record low in 2017, as mothers in nearly all age groups gave birth to fewer babies last year than they had the year before, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The U.S. birthrate has been falling for several years, led by declines among younger women in their teens and early 20s who seemed to be putting off motherhood until they were older. But in 2017, women in their 30s joined the trend as well. 

Here’s a closer look at the youngest Americans and their mothers, courtesy of birth records compiled by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180601/us-birthrate-hits-record-low-by-numbers

CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics

Reminder: Lane Reductions & Ramp Closures on I-90 in Boston this Weekend (June 1-3)

Beginning at 9:00 PM on Friday, June 1, MassDOT will reduce I-90 (Mass Pike) between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass in Boston to two lanes in each direction. I-90 will reopen to four lanes in each direction by 5:00 AM on Sunday, June 3. This will allow MassDOT and its contractor to conduct necessary preparation activities and a "dry run" to test the I-90 traffic logistics for the 2018 Construction Shutdown (July 26 – August 11), with the goal of making sure it will run as smoothly as possible.

The I-90 Eastbound on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldier's Field Road will be closed during the dry run. The I-90 Westbound Exit 20 off-ramp to Brighton/Cambridge will be closed intermittently. See the I-90 (Mass Pike) Ramp Closures Detour Map and directions on the Traffic Management page (http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx).

During the dry run, a "crossover" on I-90 will direct all vehicles to either the eastbound or westbound roadways at different periods of time. There will be no impacts to the MBTA Green Line, Commuter Rail, or local vehicular traffic during the dry run.

I-90 Impacts during the 2018 Construction Shutdown

From 9:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 6, MassDOT will implement lane reductions and ramp closures on I-90 in Boston (between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass), as follows:

• Two lanes in each direction during peak hours (additional lane closures during weekends and off-peak hours).
• The I-90 Eastbound on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldiers Field Road will be closed this entire period.
• The I-90 Westbound Exit 20 off-ramp to Brighton/Cambridge will be closed intermittently.
• The lane reductions will be necessary during the shutdown for the contractor to access the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge for demolition and replacement (see the video simulation of the project on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiGoPf8-3-Q).

For a full list of traffic impacts during the 2018 Construction Shutdown, see the Traffic Management page of the project website (http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx).

Please share this advisory with anyone you think may be interested in the project, and encourage them to sign up for email alerts for traffic updates and meeting announcements: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=MADOT_77%27.

For more information on the Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project, please visit the project website: www.mass.gov/massdot/commavebridge.

For any questions or comments, please contact Jim Kersten, MassDOT Legislative Liaison, at 857-368-9041 or by email at CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.

Sincerely,

Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project Team

Reminder: Commonwealth Ave. Bridge Project This Week; I-90 Lane Reductions

FTC Scam Alert: Asked to pay by gift card? Don’t.

Asked to pay by gift card? Don't. by Jennifer Leach Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Has someone asked you to go get a gift card to pay for something? Lots of people have told us they've been asked to pay with gift cards – by a caller claiming to be with the IRS, or tech support, or a so-called family member in need. If you've gotten a call like this, you know that the caller will then demand the gift card numbers and PIN. And, poof, your money is gone. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 6/1/18 - THU 6/7/18

FRIDAY 6/1/18
9am   3rd and 4th Grade Concert @ Keller Elementary School
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
12-6pm   Farmers Market @ Town Common
2pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Franklin Senior Center
5pm   FHS Graduation @ FHS
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
8pm   The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 6/2/18
7am-2pm   Annual Trout Derby (open to public, no fishing license required) @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
8am-1pm   Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair (rain or shine) @ BFCCPS
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library
8pm   The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 6/3/18
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 6/4/18
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Introduction to Drawing @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 6/5/18
9am   5th Grade Concert @ Keller Elementary School
9am   Concert @ Davis Thayer Elementary School
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Todler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Concert @ Annie Sullivan MS
6:30pm   Dancing Into the Light: A Spiritual Journey of Healing @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Friends of the Franklin Library Book Group @ @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 6/6/18
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Concert @ Remington MS
6:30pm   YA Dystopian Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Town Council Meeting @ Municipal Building

THURSDAY 6/7/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
6pm   Concert @ Horace Mann MS
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Strawberry Stroll - Downtown Franklin - June 8

This year's Strawberry Stroll on Friday, June 8 will be the largest in 16 years with close to 100 vendors, food booths and lots of music including two bands!

For more information as the event approaches, pay attention here or feel free to visit the Downtown Partnership page  FranklinDowntownPartnership.org
or their Facebook page
 https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Strawberry Stroll - Downtown Franklin - June 8

Reminder: Franklin Farmers Market opens TODAY on the Town Common

The Farmers Market opens Friday (TODAY) and runs each Friday through October.

Find out more about the vendors at the market online  https://franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFarmersMarketMA/

download the flyer 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t7S0ciZHW2u_0z7ePBfYeTFK5HswdDY5/view?usp=sharing

and of course visit the Farmers Market each Friday on the Town Common from noon to 6 PM

two rows of vendors at the Franklin Farmers Market in July 2017

"provide a strong legal protection for women’s rights"

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

"After hours of debate Wednesday night, the Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution passed the Illinois House. 

The resolution was approved 72-45, making Illinois the 37th state to ratify the ERA, which outlaws discrimination based on gender nationwide. The Senate approved the measure 43-12 on April 11. 

“I’m glad that the common sense, the recognition that women deserve and are entitled to the same protections as men, won the day,” said Rep. Steve Andersson, R-Geneva. “What we’re going to do is raise the level of all ships. Men, women, everyone does better because of this.” 

Originally brought to the states for ratification in 1972, only 35 state legislatures voted for the amendment before a 1982 deadline set by Congress."

-----------

"In 2017, Nevada became the 36th state to ratify ERA. With Illinois’ action Wednesday, only one more state needs to ratify it. But Congress will have to remove the deadline for it to become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180531/illinois-becomes-37th-state-to-ratify-equal-rights-amendment

Did MA pass this? 
Yes, as the 19th state to do so in June of 1972. For additional info, the wikipedia page is rich with history, tidbits and links  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Rights_Amendment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Rights_Amendment

Instrument Petting Zoo and Rental Night - Jun 14

The Franklin Music Department, along with Music and Arts, will be holding an instrument petting zoo and rental night. 

The evening is intended for incoming 6th graders. Any incoming 6th grader who rents an instrument that night, will have their instrument delivered to their music classroom in time for the first day of school in the fall. 

This exciting event will take place in the Franklin High School Media Center from 5-7 P.M on Thursday, June 14. 

Elementary students entering grades 3-5 in the fall will be offered another rental night on September 6. You may however come look at the instruments at the petting zoo!

Music and Arts will offer a variety of band and orchestral instruments for students to look at and hold. High school music students will be available to demonstrate the instruments and to teach the beginners how to make sounds on the instrument. We hope you will join us! 

If you have any questions, please call Diane Plouffe, Director of Music at 508-613-1650.

6th Grade Instrument Rental Information Night - June 14 
(some of the instruments shown may not be available for rental)

Trout Fishing Derby - June 2

Trout Fishing Derby

Saturday June 2 (7 AM – 2 PM)

MA Free Fishing Weekend!!

No License Required

First Prize $125
For Heaviest Trout
Cash Prizes 2nd and 3rd Places

Kids under 12 yrs., Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place

Multiple Raffle Prizes!!

Breakfast and Lunch (Pizza) Available

Free Use of Gear, Rod and Reel
(While Supplies last)

Franklin Rod and Gun Club
53 Florence Street, on Uncas Pond, Franklin, MA

Tickets Adults $10.00, Children 12 and under $5.00

(Rain Date Sunday 6/3)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FuYjvdRBRkCsPNIZ4MddZjrE9U-AKx16/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Rod and Gun Club

FHS softball ends season with 4-3 loss

Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter, provides the game recap for the FHS softball loss to Bridgewater-Raynham, 4-3

"On Monday afternoon, Franklin’s late-game heroics earned them their ninth win of the season and a chance to earn a playoff bid on Wednesday night against Bridgewater-Raynham. 

But on Wednesday night, the script was flipped, as B-R scored a run in the top of the seventh to take a 4-3 lead, and despite Franklin threatening with runners on first and second, finished off the Panthers in the bottom half of the inning to earn their 15th win of the season and eliminate Franklin from postseason eligibility. 

Things didn’t get going for either side offensively until the third inning, as Jackie Cherry (CG, nine strikeouts) and Julia Ferry (CG, 11 strikeouts) matched each other almost pitch for pitch."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/late-run-helps-b-r-edge-franklin-in-season-finale/

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday 
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-30-18/

FHS Panthers

In the News: 40B issue runs across MA; new memorial for 911 rescue and recovery workers

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

"The story is often the same. 

A developer proposes to build a densely populated, mixed-income housing complex in a community. The proposal evokes outrage from local residents who argue the development will be disruptive. The influx of so many new people will exacerbate traffic, unfairly add costs to municipal budgets and strain local infrastructure, the argument goes. 

“The proposed development is poorly designed and too intense for a site that is just over an acre in size,” wrote the Wellesley Board of Selectmen in a letter objecting to mixed-income developments on Stearns Road and Worcester Street. ”(It) must be denied at this level of density.” 

Despite the local outcry, however, developers often end up building what they want because the law is on their side."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180530/affordable-housing-still-scarce-in-massachusetts-communities

40B issue runs across MA - Franklin status

"A pathway flanked by six stones meant to symbolize strength and determination will be added to the Sept. 11 memorial site in lower Manhattan to honor the rescue and recovery workers who toiled for months at ground zero, officials announced Wednesday in unveiling the design concept. 

The new dedicated area will also serve as a way to honor those who became sick or died from exposure to the toxins in the environment after the twin towers fell. 

“Hundreds of thousands of people are estimated to have been exposed to toxins at the World Trade Center site, both on the day of 9/11 and during the months of recovery operations that followed,” Alice Greenwald, president and CEO of the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum, said in a statement. 

She added, “By integrating this meaningful public space at the memorial, we seek to recognize all those for whom 9/11 has remained an all-too-present reality.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180530/design-to-honor-september-11-rescue-recovery-workers-unveiled

Memorial Day parade in Franklin, MA. (video)

Video highlights from the Memorial Day parade in Franklin, MA.

Charter School: Yard Sale - June 2

Attention Bargain hunters: We invite you to join families from BFCCPS and the local community for a GIANT Yard Sale this Saturday June 2. With items from 20 families, you'll find plenty of deals! Please note that the event will take place rain or shine (if the weather isn't cooperative the event will be held inside the school!) Sales begin at 8 AM sharp!

In addition to family yard sales, the following vendors will be joining us!

• Avon
• Butterfly Wishes
• ColorStreet
• DoTerra
• DramaKids
• LIL' LUV BUGS Children's Boutique
• LipSense
• LuLaRoe
• Mary Kay
• Paparazzi
• Young Living
• 31 Bags

During the event you're welcome to purchase a snack from the Bake Sale or a beverage from the Cub Scouts, or buy a 50/50 Raffle Ticket.

The minimum win for the raffle is already over $2,000 and tickets are only available till the close of the Yard Sale on 6/2. Don't miss your chance to win big! We hope to see you there!

Charter School: Yard Sale - June 2

Tri-County Regional Wraps-Up Successful Year of Robotics

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School's FIRST Robotics team, Tri-Force Team 3236 has had an excellent year.

The high school robotics team participates in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC). Through work on engineering, design, animation, and development, students are inspired and encouraged to explore the wonders of technology. More importantly, team members gain valuable insight in cooperation and teamwork through intensive activities that encourage members to design solutions with the help of their peers.

Robotics as a whole encompasses a broad range of specialties necessary for the functioning of the team. Our members are skilled and specialize in a wide variety of fields.

The Tri-Force Team 3236 robotics team is made up of a group of 20 students from skilled and specialized career-focused vocations including electrical, automotive technology, engineering, computer information systems, and medical careers. Through the mentoring, teaching and coaching from Mr. Michael Garland and Mr. Tom Vagnini, the students have been able to succeed in winning competitions all the way to the World Championship in Michigan. The team also has three major sponsors, DoD STEM and TE Connectivity and Tri-County Regional that have helped them to achieve so much this season while supporting them every step of the way.

Every year, all of the teams around the world are given a new challenge. This year, the challenge was called Power Up. Teams had to place milk crates on elevated platforms to score points faster than their opponents did. The teams have 6 weeks to build and program a robot out of scratch that can perform a number of the scoring objectives. To be successful the robot had to be able to operate both automatically on its own, and with the help of human drivers. The robot also had to lift objects from the floor up to 8 feet in the air to score the most amount of points. After a 6 week build season, teams go onto competitions where they compete against over 40 other high school robotics teams and robots.

This year, Tri-Force Team 3236 attended events at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Bryant University to compete for a spot at the New England District Championship. For the first time, the team qualified for both the New England Championship and the World Championship.

The WPI event was an excellent start to the competition season. At the end of the qualification round, the team placed 16th out of 41 teams and were selected to be on the 7th seeded alliance. This caused a major upset due to the team beating the 2nd place alliance but losing in the semi-finals at the event. However, Tri-Force Team 3236 did not go home empty handed. Through the hard work of the safety captain, Mike Barba, a junior from Franklin, and the rest of the team, they earned the Safety Award. Mike Barba also moved on as a semi-finalist for the Dean's List Award.

The team continued to do well going into the second event at Bryant University. Before the matches began, the students disassembled a section of the robot with hopes of making it better and stronger. This improved design helped to finish the qualification rounds 9th out of 42 teams. In the playoffs, the team was the captain of the 6th seeded alliance and beat the 2nd and 3rd alliances to make it into the finals. They barely lost in the finals to the event winners finishing in 2nd place for the entire event.

With the number of points earned for those 2 events, the team qualified for District Championships at Boston University. They ended up in 7th place out of 64 teams overall, and qualified to be a 6th place alliance captain. Tri-Force Team 3236 placed 18th out of 209 teams in New England, and 4th in Massachusetts, allowing them to qualify to be one of the 42 New England teams attending the World Championships in Detroit, Michigan.

This year, almost 400 teams were invited to compete at the World Championships. The team competed in the Daly division against 68 teams from all over the world. After 2 days of intense competition, major work, and several design changes to their robot during competition, the team ended up 30th in their division, which was a major accomplishment for their first time at the World Championships.

"Each of these students have consistently gone above and beyond to design, build, market, and operate a competitive robot in a business-like environment while supporting the ideals of FIRST," said Michael Garland, Engineering Instructor and Robotics Mentor. "I am so proud of the team's accomplishments and am excited that the students are already preparing and looking forward to the challenge next year."

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Tri-County Regional Wraps-Up Successful Year of Robotics