Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has elevated the risk level for West Nile Virus from low to moderate for the entire State of Massachusetts. So far this year there have been no confirmed human cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts.

It is prudent however for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children's wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and/or EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants. More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito


Additional info on mosquitoes can be found
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/mosquitoes/

Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory

Rain Barrels for Franklin Residents!

Back by popular demand, the DPW is partnering with the Great American Rain Barrel Company (GARB) to offer residents 40% off rain barrels! 

Order through the GARB website (link below) by September 26, 2018 at midnight. 

Rain barrels can be picked up at the DPW (257 Fisher Street) on October 3 from 4-6 PM. Visit the website for additional details!

Great American Rain Barrel Community Program - Franklin MA
https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

Interested in saving even more money? With your rain barrel purchase, you may qualify for a DPW Water Conservation rebate worth $50! 

Check out the application here
http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available

Great American Rain Barrel Community Program - Franklin MA

rain barrels at the Franklin Community Garden

Franklin Police arrest two in armed robbery

On August 15th, 2018 at approximately 11 PM the Franklin Police Department received a report from two individuals who stated that they had been robbed at gunpoint outside the Glen Meadow Apartments located off E. Central Street. The two male victims reported that cash and other valuables had been taken.

An extensive investigation was begun by members of the Franklin Police Detective Unit. As a result of this investigation search warrants were issued and executed in the Towns of Franklin, and Foxboro. During these searches a .45 caliber handgun was recovered.

The Franklin Police Department extends their thanks to all the agencies that assisted in bringing this investigation to a swift and successful conclusion.

At this time charges have been filed against the following individuals:

Filed in the Wrentham District Court:
NWANKWO, Emmanuel, age 20, of Franklin, Massachusetts

265-17; Armed Robbery
265-15A; Assault and Battery by means of a Dangerous Weapon
269-10(m); Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Filed in the Dedham Juvenile Court:
JUVENILE (male), age 17, of Franklin, Massachusetts

274-2; Accessory before the Fact
274-4; Accessory after the Fact
274-7; Conspiracy (to commit Armed Robbery)

The information contained in this press release does not imply listed individuals have been convicted in a court of valid jurisdiction of the crimes for which they were arrested. All individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court with proper jurisdiction over the matter(s) for which they were arrested.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin web page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2018_media_release_armed_robbery.pdf

Milford Daily News also reports on the event
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180822/police-franklin-residents-held-at-gunpoint

Franklin Police arrest two in armed robbery

GOP primary candidates for U.S. Senate

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

"In a state where polls show Sen. Elizabeth Warren is popular and President Donald Trump is not, beating the incumbent Democrat for U.S. Senate will be a challenge. 

But three Republican candidates are nonetheless convinced toppling Warren is not only possible, but ultimately important for Massachusetts residents and Americans across the country. 

“No one contributes more to the negative dynamic in Washington than Elizabeth Warren,” said Beth Lindstrom of Groton, a small-business owner and cabinet member of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a fellow Republican. “If we want a new tone, then we are going to need a new senator.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180822/trump-warren-complicate-gop-primary-for-us-senate

Campaign pages for each of the US Senate candidates

Republican primary:

• Beth Lindstrom https://bethforsenate.com/
• Geoff Dieh https://diehlforsenate.com/
• John Kingston https://johnkingston.com/

Senator Elizabeth Warren 
Senate page  https://www.warren.senate.gov/
Campaign page  https://elizabethwarren.com/

GOP primary candidates for U.S. Senate

Classic Stones Concert Franklin High - Nov 2

The Classic Stones are performing Live at Franklin High School Auditorium. This is the 2nd benefit concert for the school's music department. Nov. 2 at 7:30 PM at the Franklin High Auditorium.

Tickets are on sale now at www.purplepass.com and will be on sale at Shaw's Market in Franklin Sept 1. Last year's Beatlemania show sold out!

This is the complete Rolling Stones Experience. For more info 413-341-7410

The Look, The Sound, The Show!

Classic Stones Concert Franklin High - Nov 2

Harvest Festival Registration is Open!

Registration for booth space at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 16th annual Harvest Festival is now open! The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., on Main, West Central, Dean and Depot Streets in downtown Franklin. 

The rain date is Oct. 14. 

Organizers expect booth space for this event to sell out. Franklin Downtown Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. 

Downtown businesses must send in an application to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Follow the registration link and pay online through the “Donate” button.

Harvest Festival Registration is Open!

This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2018/08/harvest-festival-registration-is-open.html

Franklin Cultural Council announces Grant Workshop and Online Application Schedule for 2019

The Franklin Cultural Council is calling for funding proposals from organizations, schools, and individuals. Council grants support a variety of art, science, and humanities projects in Franklin—including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or workshops, lectures, and performances in schools, the library, the senior center, or for the community at large. 

Online applications will be available from Sept. 1 through Oct. 15, 2018 for 2019 grants. Only online applications will be accepted this year, and can be accessed at www.mass-culture.org. Proposals that are past the deadline will not be considered.

To help applicants in preparing an effective funding proposal, the Council will hold a grant writing workshop on Sept. 6 at 7:00 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Franklin Municipal Building at 355 E. Central Street, Franklin.

The session is open to non-profit cultural organizations, artists, schools, and residents interested in applying for funding from the Franklin Cultural Council. The workshop will walk attendees through the online application and answer any questions about the grant process. In addition, FCC members will be on hand to discuss specifics of individual project proposals to give advice and suggestions. To RSVP or for any questions, please e-mail Stacey David, FCC Chair, at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com

"We really encourage applicants to attend the workshop as well as carefully read the grant application guidelines and grant priorities, which can all be found on our website," says FCC Chair Stacey David. "We are very pleased that the Town of Franklin increased our budget this year, and hope to fund more projects than we were able to in the past. We have also established new Council Priorities, which gives priority consideration to projects that meet certain criteria, including programs that engage girls in science, those that involve events held within the newly demarcated Franklin Cultural District, new programs or applicants, and, as always, those that are held in or benefit residents of Franklin."

While grant allocations have yet to be announced from the FCC's state funding source, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the FCC anticipates disbursing approximately $12,000 in grants for 2019. In addition, a separate grant cycle will be conducted for ArtWeek-specific grants, which will open for applications on Dec. 15, and close on Jan. 31. 

Previously funded projects include: programs/field trips for many of Franklin’s schools (public and charter), Concerts on the Common, Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Stroll, LiveArts concerts, FPAC's Whatever Theater Festival, Southeastern MA Community Concert Band, and the Franklin Art Association, to name a few.

http://www.mass-culture.org

The Franklin Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

Franklin Cultural Council announces Grant Workshop and Online Application Schedule for 2019

What is next for McCoy Stadium?

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

"What’s next for McCoy Stadium now that the Pawtucket Red Sox have decided to pursue a new home field in Worcester? 

There’s a good chance it’s not professional baseball affiliated with a big-league team such as the Red Sox or Yankees, if Minor League Baseball territorial rules are any indication. 

Meant to protect teams from competition in their home markets, these rules have put Worcester within the PawSox territory for years, preventing another Single-A, Double-A or Triple-A team tied to a Major League franchise from playing in the city. 

If the PawSox leave for Worcester in 2021, as they said last Friday they plan to, the shoe will be on the other foot, with Pawtucket trapped in Worcester’s territory, which includes large chunks of Rhode Island and Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180821/with-pawsox-leaving-whats-next-for-pawtucket-rhode-island-officials-ponder-next-use-for-mccoy-stadium-apex-sites

What is next for McCoy Stadium?

Concerts on the Common: Elastic Five - DJ Mike Rutkowski - Aug 22

August 22
Elastic Five
DJ - Mike Rutkowski


The main program is scheduled to run on Wednesday from 6:30 PM  - 8:30 PM. The Children's Programs from 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM.

You can download a copy of the schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oG2-XOINB4ziJgVbf_4N0B6MNJCrG_SJ/view?usp=sharing

Concerts on the Common: Elastic Five  DJ - Mike Rutkowski - Aug 22

Lifelong Music Academy: 2018-2019 Registration Now Open!

2018-2019 after-school music classes are now open for registration! Please click a program name for more information, calendars, and how to register.

• The Band School of Franklin: For students in grades 4 through 8. Tuesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting 9/25/18.
• The Chorus School of Franklin: Elementary Glee for students in grades 3, 4 and 5. Tuesday afternoons at Franklin High School starting 9/25/17.
• The String School of Franklin: For students in grades 3 through 12. Monday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting 9/24/17 –or- Thursday afternoons at Franklin High School starting 9/27/18.
• Private Music Lessons: For all ages (children, teens, adults). Monday through Thursday at Franklin High School. Instruction is offered in the following instruments: Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar (acoustic, electric, ukulele), Low Brass (baritone, trumpet, tuba) Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Viola, Violin, Voice. 

Lessons begin the week of 9/10/18 and enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year.

Lifelong Music Academy
508-613-1481
MusicAcademy@franklinps.net

Lifelong Music Academy:  2018-2019 Registration Now Open!

FTC Alerts: Back to school - Protect your child’s information

Back to school: Protect your child's information by Colleen Tressler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Many school forms require personal and sensitive information. Here are some tips for keeping your child's personal information safe — from pre-school through college. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/back-school-protect-your-childs-information?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Reminder: 38th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic - Sep 15

Just a reminder that on Saturday, September 15, 2018, the 38th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic 5K Road Race for the benefit of residents at Wrentham Developmental Center, Wrentham, mass. will be held. 

I hope that you and your friends can join us again to support such a worthy cause. Pre-registartion is up and running through Runreg.com
https://www.runreg.com/36th-annual-crackerbarrel-classic-5k-road-racewalk

See you soon and have a great day!

Thanks,
Rich Katno
Crackerbarrel Classic Race Director

38th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic  5K Road Race

URCC Women's Expo at Plainridge Park Casino - Sep 25

‌ URCC Women's Expo Plainridge Park Casino  Speakers are sewn up. Vendors are lining up. Attendees will be showing up. We hope you will join us. The Loft at Plainridge Park Casino Tuesday, September 25 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm Following the Expo Alive After Five 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Slack's Oyster House and Grill Search URCC Women's Expo on eventbrite to purchase tickets on line or contact the chamber for tickets or use this link to go directly to the event https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urcc-womens-expo-tickets-48034089254?aff=es2 Contact rebecca@unitedregionalchamber.orgwith questions.   ‌  ‌

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 310 South Street, Plainville, MA 02762 Sent by jack@unitedregionalchamber.org in collaboration with Try it free today

“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