In the News: few contested elections for State primary; Charles River Meadowlands survey

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

"With less than a month to go before primary elections, contested races are heating up across Massachusetts. 

The primary, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 4, will decide which Democratic and Republican candidates will go on to run against one another in the general election scheduled for Nov. 6. 

This year, the primary is scheduled for the day after Labor Day, which could complicate voting for some people, such as families with school-age children and college students, who might be leaving the state. 

“Voting on the day after Labor Day will prove challenging for voters in the commonwealth, especially for families preparing children for the start of school, and for candidates who are eager to get their message out to voters,” the League of Women Voters Massachusetts wrote in a statement earlier this year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180813/few-contested-races-could-impact-voter-turnout-for-sept-4-primary

http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/elections-2018

"The Charles River Meadowlands Initiative will survey approximately 500 acres of protected land in Franklin, Bellingham and Medway after finding a consulting firm. 

The purpose of the study will be to help “assess conservation and passive recreation opportunities available on those lands and adjacent town lands,” according to a press release from the organization. 

“We want to make sure to look at all potential stakeholders, look at the conservation value of the land and find ways to ensure it’s properly protected,” said Alan Earls, founder of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180813/survey-of-local-protected-lands-planned

Timeless Women's Fit Boxing - new sessions start Aug 14

TIMELESS WOMEN'S FIT BOXING!
The next 5 Week Session of our Timeless Women's FIT Boxing Program begins this week! Sign-Ups are NOW OPEN! 5 Weeks

BEGINS: Tuesday, August 14 - Saturday, September 15, 2018

Classes to choose from:
Tuesdays 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Fridays 5:30am - 6:30am
Saturdays 7am - 8am

Cost for 5 Week Session:
Members: $60.00
Non-Member: $75.00
"Can't Is Not An Option" so sign up TODAY and achieve a healthier and Fit Body and be stronger for life!

Contact me directly to Sign-up: mc@timelesscrossfit.com
MC Alexander
Timeless CrossFit and Fitness
Phone: #508-528-8900 — with Patricia Fullam Ross and 15 others.

Timeless Women's Fit Boxing - new sessions start Aug 14

FPAC to host Newsies Dance Master Classes with Broadway’s Clay Thomson

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will host two Newsies-themed dance master classes with Broadway cast member Clay Thomson on Sunday, August 19 where he will teach choreography from the show. Clay will be returning to Franklin in October to choreograph FPAC’s production of Newsies. A Beginner/Intermediate level class (min. age 10) will be held from 12:00-1:30. An Intermediate/Advanced level class will be held from 2:00-4:00.

FPAC to host Newsies Dance Master
Classes with Broadway’s Clay Thomson

Clay Thomson started out as a competitive gymnast at the age of four, which eventually led him into the performing arts. At age twelve, Clay joined the Cameron Mackintosh/NETworks tour of Oliver!. Clay toured the U.S, Canada, and Japan with the Broadway First National Tour of West Side Story as A-rab. He made his Broadway debut in Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. After that, he was cast in the Original Broadway Cast of Matilda The Musical.

Clay performed in New York City Center Encores' productions of Little Me and The Most Happy Fella. He has also made numerous television appearances, performing on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The 2013 TONY Awards, The 2012 and 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Show with David Letterman, The View, Good Morning America, and more.

He is featured in the viral YouTube video #CupsTapDance as well as his most recent appearance in The Happy Tap Dance #TAPPY.

The 12:00 class is $25, the 2:00 class is $30, and both classes are $40. Show a college ID to get half price. Classes held at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts at 38 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038 Call 508.528.8668 to register.

Twitter round up

New logo for Lifelong Learning

Many thanks to David Mann for his assistance in creating a new logo for the Lifelong Learning Institute! We're in the process of rolling out the new look across web sites, documents, and more. pic.twitter.com/cUQcgL1Rhk

— Lifelong Learning (@FPSLearning) August 9, 2018

Good message from High School Experience (HSE) closing session

One of the closing messages from the final day of #HSE2018 But applies to all!! Looking forward to a phenomenal school year starting in a few weeks!!! pic.twitter.com/JwOUxLBWce

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) August 10, 2018

Coming together at High School Experience (HSE)

They’ve come from different middle schools, but by working together they form PANTHERS! @HseFranklin #HSE2018 #Classof2022 pic.twitter.com/QZkwuoN2YS

— Alyssa Taranto (@MsTaranto) August 9, 2018

The incoming 9th grade class for Franklin High

They’ve come from different middle schools, but by working together they form PANTHERS! @HseFranklin #HSE2018 #Classof2022 pic.twitter.com/QZkwuoN2YS

— Alyssa Taranto (@MsTaranto) August 9, 2018

“We like to say ‘play messy so they’ll think messy’"

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

From across a small field at Oak Grove Farm Friday morning, two-year-old Charlie Phippard saw children experimenting with water and dirt near the edge of the woods. 

“Mud,” he exclaimed, dashing across the space. 

Elsewhere, toddlers poured buckets of water down makeshift slides, sprayed it at tubes of duct-taped plastic bottles, played with colored, frozen blocks of it, created pools for small stone pigs with it, and submerged a variety of things into containers of it. 

The children watched the results of their play with a combination of serious focus and sheer delight. 

This is Tinkergarten, a play-based learning program popping up across the Milford area.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180810/millis-learning-through-play-at-tinkergarten

Tinkergarten had some classes in Franklin in August of last year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/two-quick-updates-on-tinkergarten.html

https://twitter.com/tinkergarten

Register O'Donnell Highlights July '18 Norfolk County Real Estate Numbers

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights July '18 Norfolk County Real Estate Numbers While residential and commercial real estate transactions crept slowly higher for the month of July 2018, the average sales price of Norfolk County property remains as hot as the summer's weather. Register O'Donnell noted, "During the month of July, a total of 1,796 residential and commercial properties were sold in Norfolk County, representing a modest 2% increase year over year. This small growth in sales activity, contrasting with the significant increases seen in total dollar sales volume and average sales price for both residential and commercial properties, clearly demonstrates the extremes of the market." For the month of July, total real estate sales volume was $1.06 billion, a 33% increase compared to July 2017. Also, the average sales price, again for both residential and commercial properties, was $835,316, a 29% increase compared to the previous year. "Industry observers," stated O'Donnell, "are seeing sellers getting their asking price and in some cases, even more. This data strongly points to the continuing competition amongst prospective buyers for a very limited pool of real estate inventory." Lending activity for July decreased by 4% countywide. A total of 2,309 mortgages were recorded during the month compared to 2,407 recorded in July 2017. O'Donnell noted, "It would appear rising interest rates are causing consumers to pause when borrowing money for big ticket expenditure items." An aberration in the July data was the steep decrease in total residential and commercial borrowing which fell by 79% to $992 million. However, this major drop-off can be largely attributed to a $1.6 billion mortgage taken out against a commercial property on the Weymouth and Quincy line in July 2017. On the comsumer front, July also saw a slight 3% increase in the number of Homesteads recorded from the same time last year. "A Homestead," noted Register O'Donnell, "is an important consumer protection tool that provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." During July 2018, there were small increases seen in foreclosure activity. A total of 20 foreclosure deeds were recorded during the month compared to 18 in July 2017. In addition, 38 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, were filed versus 34 year over year. O'Donnell noted, "We continue to watch closely the foreclosure numbers here in Norfolk County." The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lending institution. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Norfolk County continues to mirror eastern Massachusetts when it comes to limited real estate inventory, resulting in higher housing costs. The reduced lending numbers also tell us that consumers are looking at the impact of higher interest rates before making major purchases, especially in the area of real estate." 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 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 12, 2018 - Final Day, Final Feast

Food Booths, Rides and Music - Sunday, August 12 from 12:00 Noon - 8:00 PM

Unlimited Ride Specials:
Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM - $25 per person with coupon, $30 without coupon  http://fiestashows.com/m/events/byid/277

Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 12, 2018

Franklin School for the Performing Arts to host a series of Open Houses

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts will host a series of Open Houses at 38 Main Street on Tuesday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, August 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, September 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama for all ages and levels. Prospective students are also encouraged to schedule a complimentary trial class. The FSPA summer session runs through August 24, and fall classes begin on September 10. Registration is ongoing for all programs.

Proudly serving more than 500 students annually from 45 communities in Massachusetts’ Metro West region, FSPA is a unique place where students of all ages and levels of ability participate in an array of music, dance and drama programs with professional instruction and extraordinary performing opportunities.

For additional info visit FSPA online at https://www.fspaonline.com/

Franklin School for the Performing Arts to host a series of Open Houses

Franklin and Medway Police receive Jail Diversion Program Grant

The Franklin Police Department has been awarded a joint grant with the Medway Police Department, and Advocates, Inc. of Framingham, Massachusetts to hire a clinical social worker to assist with cases of people in a mental health crisis. This grant was made possible by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

The Jail Diversion Program aims to help people in mental health crisis get the assistance they need, and not direct them unnecessarily into the Criminal Justice System. The Clinician will ride with police officers in cruisers and respond directly to calls. They will help evaluate and make recommendations for further care and follow up. This shortens the time on scene for officers, and ultimately leads to a better outcome for those involved.

The initial grant is valued at approximately $300,000, and is good for three years, with renewals possible after that.

Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J Lynch said “This program has been successfully used in several surrounding communities. Mental health crisis calls can be very difficult for officers, and having a highly trained clinician with them will lead to better results for all involved.”

Medway Chief of Police Allen M. Tingley added that “Mental health calls can be stressful, and sometimes volatile. Any tools that we can give our officers to resolve these calls without the use of force, and also reduce the number of repeat calls for service is a win for the Department, and the individual in crisis.

The program is in its initial phase of hiring a clinician, and working on new policies and procedures. It is expected that the program will be fully functioning within two months. Program coordinators for the Jail Diversion Program are Sgt. Brian Johnson of the Franklin Police Department, and Detective Sergeant Matthew Reardon of the Medway Police Department.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-and-medway-police-receive-jail-diversion-program-grant

Franklin and Medway Police receive Jail Diversion Program Grant

"Drunk? Stoned? Driving? Don’t.”

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

"As the list of legal and commercially available substances that can impair a person’s ability to drive a vehicle grows to include pot, state public safety officials on Wednesday launched a public awareness campaign to urge drivers to find alternate transportation if they have been drinking or using marijuana. 

An average of 125 drunk or high drivers die on Massachusetts roads each year, Undersecretary for Public Safety and Security Jennifer Queally said, and a recent Department of Public Health survey found that one-third of people who said they have used marijuana in the last 30 days have also driven under the influence in the last 30 days. 

“The number of high drivers and the number of deaths on our roadways is already too high, no pun intended,” Queally said Wednesday at a press conference to launch the campaign. “Driving high, driving stoned or driving drunk is dangerous and illegal, but most importantly it is deadly.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20180809/no-difference-between-driving-drunk-or-stoned-new-psa-warns

https://youtu.be/l5Xc3FRLEek

In the News: St Rocco's ends; Pfeffer recognized

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

"Nobody knows better than Peter Brunelli why the Feast of St. Rocco ends tonight after a 40-year run. 

“People get older,” Brunelli said while seated Saturday under a tent to shield him from a steady drizzle. Brunelli, 78, is co-chairman of this year’s weekend festival, and he’s been to all 40 of them. He grew up in Franklin, still lives there, and said there just aren’t enough volunteers anymore to keep the event going. 

It all started in 1978, when the Rev. Brian Manning wanted a community celebration at St. Mary’s Parish modeled after a traditional Italian festival. Manning noticed a statue of St. Rocco on the parish grounds, and decided it would be the theme of the party. 

St. Rocco is the patron saint of healing, and the statue still stands on grounds across the street from the parish. Ribbons in the color of the Italian Flag hung on it Saturday, and dollar bills were pinned to the ribbons, a festival tradition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180812/40-year-tradition-ends-in-franklin

"Judith Pond Pfeffer comes from a long line of Franklinites who took on various roles in town, from the Town Hall to the fire station. It was these people who gave her an up-close look at the rewards of public service as she was growing up. 

Cut from the same cloth, Pfeffer has always followed their example. 

So it comes as no surprise that Pfeffer was recently recognized by the state Legislature and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) as an “Unsung Heroine.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180811/franklins-judith-pond-pfeffer-honored-as-unsung-heroine

Reminder: St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul 24th Annual Backpack Collection - Aug 18-19

The St. Mary's Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is excited to announce its 24th annual collection of back-to-school supplies to help children prepare for a wonderful school year. 

If you would like to participate, please buy a school backpack, and fill it with back to school supplies. Please label the backpack either Grades K-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, or Grades 9-12. The backpacks should not be specific for either a boy or a girl. 

The backpacks may be dropped off inside the front of the church in the designated boxes on the weekend of August 18/19 and on Monday, (August 20th) until noon. 

St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul
24th Annual Backpack Collection

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be distributing backpacks to families in town with school-aged children starting on Tuesday, August 21st. We are also hoping to have enough backpacks to offer them to families living in area shelters. 

Last year, 133 children and teens benefited from your generosity. It is so important for children and youth to see the goodness in the world.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this year’s drive!



Suggestions for supplies may be found on our website:
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/uploads/docs/backpacksupplylist2018.pdf

or here:

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 11, 2018

Anointing Mass Saturday, August 11 10:00 AM under the tent

Food Booths, Rides and Music Saturday, August 11 from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Ride bracelets or wrist bands are available Saturday 12 - 4 PM Normally $30 or $25 if you show the coupon which you can download from here:
http://fiestashows.com/m/events/byid/277

Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 11, 2018

Remember when: Aug 11, 2017

Friday, August 11, 2017

The Vet Ruck Walk will travel through Franklin Saturday, Aug 19

Franklin's Veterans' Services Officer Dale Kurtz says:

"We expect the walkers to enter Franklin about 6 PM on Saturday, August 19. They will travel Lincoln St to make a brief stop at the War Memorial on the Town Common and then proceed through town via Main St to East Central expecting to exit at 7 PM into Wrentham. There will be 8 to 9 walkers and supporters are invited to join in, but we must keep up the pace of the team for them to make their timelines. We hope that veterans, scout groups and town people will come out to support the walkers."

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/the-vet-ruck-walk-will-travel-through.html

The Vet Ruck Walk will travel through Franklin Saturday, Aug 19

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 8/10/18 - THU 8/16/18

FRIDAY 8/10/18

9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library

10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library

10:30am   Mr. Vinny’s Bubble Guys @ Franklin Public Library

12-6pm   Farmers Market @ Town Common

12:30pm   Farmer’s Market Tasting @ Town Common

1:30pm   Silvertones Concert and Root Beer Floats @ Franklin Senior Center

5-10pm   40th Feast of St. Rocco’s Festival (rides, food, music) @ 195 Main St.

SATURDAY 8/11/18

10pm   40th Feast of St. Rocco’s Festival  - Anointing Mass (under the tent) @ 195 Main St.

10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library

5-10pm   40th Feast of St. Rocco’s Festival (rides, food, music) @ 195 Main St.

SUNDAY 8/12/18

8am   FREE Yoga at the Beach @ Chilson Beach, Beaver Pond  

10:30am   40th Feast of St. Rocco’s Festival - Closing Mass and Procession of the Statue @ St. Mary’s Parish

11am Goat Yoga (registration required) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
12-8pm   40th Feast of St. Rocco’s Festival (rides open) @ 195 Main St.

1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

1:15pm   Speaker Series @ Franklin Historical Museum

MONDAY 8/13/18

10:30am   Matt Heaton Concert @ Franklin Public Library
4:30pm Commuter Rail Meeting @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/14/18

All Day   Drop In Craft @ Franklin Public Library

9am-7:30pm FSPA Open House @ 38 Main Street
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting (open to public) @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 8/15/18

10:30am   Marcos Valles Concert @ Franklin Public Library

5pm   Book Bites @ Franklin Public Library

6pm   Movie Night @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 8/16/18

9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library

10:30am   Pre-K Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library

1pm   Lego Robotics Club @ Franklin Public Library

1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge

5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

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.

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM