“Play is not frivolous”

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

"Imagine a drug that could enhance a child’s creativity, critical thinking and resilience. Imagine that this drug were simple to make, safe to take, and could be had for free. 

The nation’s leading pediatricians say this miracle compound exists. In a new clinical report, they are urging doctors to prescribe it liberally to the children in their care. 

What is this wonder drug? Play. 

“This may seem old-fashioned, but there are skills to be learned when kids aren’t told what to do,” said Dr. Michael Yogman, a Harvard Medical School pediatrician who led the drafting of the call to arms. Whether it’s rough-and-tumble physical play, outdoor play or social or pretend play, kids derive important lessons from the chance to make things up as they go, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180820/doctors-orders-let-children-just-play

“Play is not frivolous”

Last week of summer for students and teachers

The first day of School for the 2018-19 school year is scheduled as follows

• Teachers: August 27, 2018
• Students (Gr. 1-12): August 28, 2018
• Kindergarten Students: August 29, 2018

Last week of summer for students and teachers

If there are any updates, they should be found on the School Department page

http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31

"Please join the Regional Substance Navigation Program in showing support for those who have passed or survived an overdose.

We will have a tree of life where you can share messages to your loved ones. Also we are hoping to set off Chinese lanterns at the end of the evening.

We ask that you share a framed picture of your loved one who has passed due to an overdose.

Please join our efforts to ending the stigma. We can share stories of struggle and hope so people know they are NOT alone."

4 PM - 7 PM
12 Main St, Milford, Massachusetts 01757

Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31

For updates, follow the event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/2060870580614168/

"our state voter database is on a closed network”

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

"With midterm elections fast approaching, security of voting systems and voter data has emerged as a major concern across the country. 

“We’ve been working on this for some time and we’ve been aware of the (cyberattack) issues since the 2016 election,” said Debra O’Malley, spokeswoman for Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin. 

Public scrutiny surrounding election security intensified in July after a grand jury indicted 12 Russian hackers, accusing them of interfering in U.S. elections two years ago. 

“The object of the conspiracy was to hack into the computers of U.S. persons and entities involved in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, steal documents from those computers and stage releases of the stolen documents to interfere with the 2016 U.S. presidential election,” according to the indictment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180819/after-russian-hacker-indictment-look-at-massachusetts-election-security

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

Second Sunday Speaker Series continues at the Franklin Historical Museum - Sep 9

SECOND SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

The Amazing Story of the Franklin State Forest

Sunday September 9 at 1:15 PM

Most people, of a certain age, know the term CCC. A public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed and unmarried men. There were CCC camps and environmental projects in every state. The project was responsible for planting more than three billion trees and constructed trails and shelters in more than 800 parks nationwide during its nine years of existence. These programs and projects helped to shape the modern national and state park systems we enjoy today. Join us to learn about Franklin's own CCC Camp and it's place in this program's history/

Contrary to what a casual observer might assume, the Franklin State Forest is not the forest primeval - undisturbed by humans -- but a "modern" invention – spawned by a 1914 act of the Massachusetts legislature that authorized gradual creation of state forests around the commonwealth. It was finally made a reality during the Great Depression through "bargain" land purchases and with plantings and improvements by President Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps, which had a large encampment in town for a time. Further modest enlargements were made in the late 20th century. 

Join us Sunday afternoon, September 9 at 1:15 as local historian Alan Earls, tells the forest's story through Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) records, maps, and film clips made in 1935 by Franklin's pioneer documentarian, Stanley Chilson.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and admission is always free.

Join us, and learn your history!

Second Sunday Speaker Series continues at the Franklin Historical Museum - Sep 9

45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair - Nov 10

SAVE THE DATE!! 

The 45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair is to be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 9 AM to 3 PM at Tri-County High School in Franklin. Proceeds are distributed to local charities and non-profit organizations.  
Vendor applications are still being accepted. Send us an email at franklincraftfair@gmail.com for an application. Mark your calendar!!!

 45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair - Nov 10

Town Council - Aug 8, 2018

Unable to participate in the Town Council meeting on August 8, I share the Actions Taken document and the video recording of the meeting.

Actions Taken by the Town Council
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_august_8_2018.pdf

Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay on demand
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=577

Some of the key items approved are shown here. For all the zoning bylaw changes approved or moved to 2nd reading review the action taken doc linked to

• The Council approved the Appointment of Chrystle Chase to the Community Garden Committee ​with a term expiration of June 30, 2019
• The Council approved the request by Franklin BBC, LLC d/b/a British Beer Company for a Change of Manager to Joscelin Carson. Approved ​9-0​.
• ​The Council tabled the request by Table and Vine, Inc. for a Change of Manager to Nathan James Draper until the next meeting on September 5, 2018 due to no representation.
• The Council approved resolution 18-45 to Participate in Opioid Litigation and Engagement of Legal Counsel for that purpose

Town Council - Aug 8, 2018

Town Council - July 11, 2018

Unable to participate in the Town Council meeting of July 11, here are links to the official Actions Taken document and to the video recording.

Actions Taken document
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_july_11_2018.pdf

Franklin TV's video recording is available for replay on demand
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=569

Some of the key items approved by the Town Council at this meeting

• The Council approved the Appointment of the Election Workers for the upcoming 2018 Election
• The Council approved the request by Santa Fe Burrito Grill for a new All Alcohol License and also approved the Manager Hector Angel.
• The Council approved a resolution to accept Padden Road and a Portion of Longhill Road as Public Ways
• The Council approved a resolution to accept Sheila Lane and Tobacco Road as Public Ways
• The Council approved a resolution to accept Sarah Lane as a Public Way
• The Council approved a resolution to adopt and execute an Order of Taking to enable widening and other roadway improvements along Rt. 140 at its intersection with Maple Street to increase public safety and convenience.
• The Council approved a resolution to accept $5,390 for the general preservation assessment by Northeast Document Conservation Center and $1,055 for the construction of two exhibit cradles and installation from the Franklin Library Association.

Town Council - July 11, 2018

Town Council - June 20, 2018

I was out of town on business and missed the June 20th meeting for the Town Council. 

You can find the actions taken document here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_june_20_2018.pdf

Franklin TV has the recording of the meeting available for video replay
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=565

From the Actions Taken document, some of the key items approved at this meeting

• The Council approved Bylaw to amend the Town Code at Chapter 125 Peace and Good Order banning consumption of marijuana or marijuana products on public property, including all public property, such as the Town Common, Sidewalk, Parks, Parking lots and Buildings.
• The Council approved a resolution to Designate the members of the Agricultural Commission, Community Cable Access, Inc. Board of Directors, Cultural Council, Cultural District, and OPEB Trust Board of Trustees as “Special Municipal Employees” which limits the application of the statute to more obvious conflicts, such as self-dealing.
• The Council approved a resolution to Appropriate $20,000 for a Town- Wide Operation Risk Assessment that would review all School and Town operations from a fiscal management prospective and will outline any weakness that should be addressed.
• The Council approved a resolution to appropriate $160,000 for a Sidewalk Snow blower.
• The Council approved a resolution to appropriate $300,000 for Road improvements to Pond Street, Washington Street and others as needed.
• The Council approved a resolution to appropriate $40,000 to cover the shortfall on the Fire Department Salary Account.
• The Council approved a resolution to appropriate $10,815 to cover a shortfall in the interest account as a result of slightly higher cost to borrow funds for the Library Construction Project.

Town Council - June 20, 2018

Dan Gentile - Franklin Rotary President

Franklin Rotary 's new President Daniel Gentile, presents Past-President's gavel plaque to outgoing President Scott Martin. 

Dan is President of his third Rotary club as a result of job relocations. Scott is Director of the Hockomock Y in Franklin.

Dan Gentile - Franklin Rotary President; outgoing President Scott Martin

In the News: St Rocco's statue new home; PawSox move to Worcester

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

"The celebrated of St. Rocco may have seen its last big festival, but by this time next year it will have a new and far more visible home. 

The statue formerly sat in the old St. Mary’s convent grounds, an area that hasn’t seen much use other than for the annual Feast of St. Rocco festival. With the festival wrapping up last weekend after a 40-year run, church officials say they will move the statue to a new home in front of St. Mary’s, 1 Church Square. 

“What I thought it was important to do was to take the statue of St. Rocco from over there, and place it at our new entrance, which is for everyone,” said the Rev. Brian Manning, pastor at St. Mary Parish. “He’s the beacon of welcoming people, and healing and hope in our lives.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180817/permanent-home-for-st-rocco-statue-in-franklin

"The Pawtucket Red Sox and the city have signed an agreement that clears the way for the Triple A team to move here and play in a stadium that will be built on the former Wyman-Gordon property near Kelley Square. 

City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. emphasized Friday that the project involves more than just bringing a minor league baseball team to Worcester and building a ballpark for it. 

He said it includes a large-scale redevelopment of 18 acres of largely vacant and blighted property in the Kelley Square area that will add to the ongoing revitalization of the Canal District and transform that part of the city. 

In addition to construction of a 10,000-seat multi-use stadium, at an estimated cost of $86 million to $90 million, the deal includes a development blueprint that calls for $90 million in private development for 225 market-rate apartments, a 150-room hotel, a second boutique hotel consisting of about 100-110 rooms overlooking the ballpark, and 65,000 square feet of retail/restaurants."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180817/pawsox-to-move-to-worcester-plan-includes-shops-hotels-apartments

BNI® Massachusetts Launches 100th Networking Group

BNI®, the world’s leading networking and business referral organization, announced today that it crossed a major milestone in Massachusetts by launching its 100th BNI chapter in the Boston Region.

The new East Boston networking group, called BNI Thrive, officially marked their launch on June 15 at the Courtyard Marriott, collecting new applications from local business owners and sales professionals seeking a way to market and grow their businesses.
The launch of BNI Thrive has potential to bring significant benefits to the small business community in East Boston and to boost the local economy.

BNI Thrive members with Launch Director Claudia Thompson (third from left).

“We are thrilled to have BNI Thrive become our 100th chapter. It shows that there is still great demand for local professionals to build a reliable network to support their businesses,” said Patti Salvucci, Executive Director of BNI Massachusetts. “There has never been a better time for membership in BNI. It works because it’s a proven formula that has helped thousands of Boston-area business owners and salespeople build meaningful relationships that lead to qualified referrals and closed business.”

BNI Massachusetts has more than 2700 members representing a wide diversity of professions across its 100 chapters. In 2017 BNI Mass. reported $121 million in closed business from member referrals – an average of $45,500 per member. Those were the highest numbers in the organization’s 23-year history.

“BNI’s philosophy of Givers Gain® works. By giving business to others, you will receive business in return.” Salvucci said.

BNI Thrive meets weekly on Friday mornings from 7 AM to 8:30 AM at the Courtyard Marriott at 225 McClellan Highway, East Boston, MA 02128.

Graham Weihmiller, Chairman & CEO of BNI offered congratulations to BNI Thrive and the chapter’s Launch Director Claudia Thompson.

“We’re thrilled to see how area business leaders have embraced BNI, and we look forward to launching more chapters in the months and years to come, and building many lifelong relationships in the Boston area,” Weihmiller said. “Claudia and her launch team have done excellent work positioning BNI Thrive for long-term success by delivering new business referrals for its members.”



Franklin has a BNI group meeting

Franklin has a BNI group meeting

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Meeting - Sep 12

The Award Winning Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is excited to welcome you to our 2018/2019 Season. On Wednesday, September 12 please join us at “3” Restaurant at 7:30 PM. Come learn what we won!!

Our first meeting of the year is a perfect opportunity to have fun while you make some connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. 

As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to hear them! We offer a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.

Find us upstairs at “3”. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Meeting - Sep 12

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 8/17/18 - THU 8/23/18

FRIDAY 8/17/18

9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library

10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library

12-6pm   Farmers Market @ Town Common

SATURDAY 8/18/18

9am-2pm Electronics Recycling Event @ St. Mary's Church
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library

10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

SUNDAY 8/19/18

11am Goat Yoga (registration required) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 8/20/18

10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library

1pm   Lego Robotics Club @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/21/18

All Day   Drop In Craft @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 8/22/18

10:30am   Activated Story Theatre @ Franklin Public Library

6pm   Concerts on the Common: Elastic Five @ Town Common

6pm   Movie Night @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 8/23/18

9am-6pm FSPA Open House @ 38 Main Street
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library

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

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

Reminder: Electronics Recycling Event - August 18

SATURDAY, August 18th - 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
St. Mary’s Church, 201 Main St, Franklin MA

Accepting:
Any and all electronics and appliances, including TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, microwaves, AC’s, washers, dryers, lawn mowers and any item that has a plug.

Our Costs:
● $5 each — Computers, DVD players, Laptops, Misc. Electronics, etc.
● $10 each — Microwaves and Small Appliances, Exercise Equipment, Grills, Lawn Mowers & Snow Blowers (gas removed)
● $15 each — TV’s under 19," Computer Monitors, AC’s, Dehumidifiers
● $20 each — Washing machines, Dryers, Stoves, Large appliances, TV’s between 19” and 26"
● $25 each — TV’s between 27” and 31,” Large Refrigerators
● $30 each — TV’s between 32" and 35”
● $35 each — TV’s over 36”
● $40 each — Projection TV’s
● NO CHARGE: Cell Phones, Tablets, Bikes, Car or Truck Batteries

RAIN OR SHINE, CASH OR CHECK, ZERO LANDFILL

Questions? 
Contact Jim Wood J.wood36@Yahoo.com

Electronics Recycling Event - August 18

Download the flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb085QVNCaDQxVmFDcVFSNS14dEJIUUE3THFV/view?usp=sharing

Reminder: Electronics Recycling Event - August 18

BFCCPS Capstone Project - fund raising for NEADS - Aug 19

Angie R. is a BFCCPS Grade Eight student who is holding an event at Rock n' Coal in Bellingham, MA on August 19, 2018 from 2-5 PM as part of her Capstone Project.

There will be live music and raffles. NEADS is a nonprofit organization who trains canine assistants for people who are deaf or have a disability. They are also service dogs for children and veterans too.

Support a great cause, maybe win some raffles and enjoy some delicious pizza!

BFCCPS Capstone Project - fund raising for NEADS - Aug 19

BFCCPS is hosting a High School Fair on September 17

BFCCPS is hosting a High School Fair on September 17.  The event is free and open to local Grade 8 students and their parents to meet with representatives and students from a variety of private and independent high schools in the Metrowest area, Boston, Worcester, and northern Rhode Island.  We hope you can join us!

High School Fair September 17 at 7 PM Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin, Massachusetts

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
 is hosting a High School Fair on September 17

MBTA Notice: T-Alerts Account Transition - old alerts turned off at end of August

Dear T-Alerts Subscriber,

We recently rebuilt our T-Alerts system from the ground up to make it easier to sign up for alerts relevant to your trips.

And, after a testing phase, we're ready to roll it out to everyone. As part of this process, we need to turn off the old T-Alerts system at the end of August—which means you'll stop receiving any alerts you signed up for with this system.

To continue receiving service alerts, you will need to sign up for T-Alerts Beta.

Learn more about T-Alerts Beta  https://mbta.com/about-t-alerts-beta

Sign up for T-Alerts Beta  
https://beta.alerts.mbta.com/?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_campaign=email

If you've already signed up for T-Alerts Beta, that's great! You don't need to do anything else right now.

Note: Signing up for a T-Alerts Beta will not automatically delete your previous T-Alerts account. To prevent duplicate alert notices, you may want to delete your account now.

Sent by the MBTA

Franklin Line

MBTA Notice: T-Alerts Account Transition - old alerts turned off at end of August

Request for St Rocco memorabilia

The St Rocco 40th Celebration Committee is seeking memorabilia items from the past 40 years to be placed on display at the St Rocco 40th year celebration event being held on October 6th. 

Any and all Items (posters, signage, photos, t-shirts, banners, jewelry, and other decorations pertaining to the St Rocco Festival over the years) will be of interest.

Following this event all the items received will be donated to the Franklin Historical Museum to be archived and used as display items at the museum by the discretion of the Historical Museum staff with possible input by members of the St. Rocco celebration 40th anniversary committee members.

These donations may be dropped of the parish office at the St. Mary's Rectory to be given to Paula Coughlin with a deadline of September 9th.

Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

FPAC announces 2018-2019 season

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) has announced its 2018-2019 season. The company’s 28th season will include Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Sept. 21-23), Disney’s Newsies choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson (Oct. 13-14, 19-21), The Nutcracker (Dec. 1-2), Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera (Dec. 8-9), an original holiday panto by Nick Paone (Dec. 21-22), You Can’t Take it With You (Jan. 25-27), Seussical the Musical (Mar. 8-10, 15-17) , and Cabaret (Jun. 14-15). The season will close with the 12th annual Whatever Theater Festival (Jul. 31-Aug. 3).

The season opens in September at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin with Edward Albee's Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The play examines the complexities of the marriage of a middle-aged couple, Martha and George. Late one evening, after a university faculty party, they receive an unwitting younger couple, Nick and Honey, as guests, and draw them into their bitter and frustrated relationship. Winner of the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play. The Broadway production of this play was a shattering and memorable experience and proclaimed the author as a major American playwright.

FPAC’s 5th annual season at THE BLACK BOX will continue in October with Disney’s Newsies. The production will feature choreography by Broadway’s Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda). Thomson is featured in the viral YouTube video #CupsTapDance as well as his most recent appearance in The Happy Tap Dance #TAPPY.

Tickets are already available for Disney’s Newsies and Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling (508) 528-3370.

FPAC announces 2018-2019 season