Friday, October 12, 2018

In the News: social security gets COLA increase; register to vote by Oct 17

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

"Tens of millions of Social Security recipients and other retirees will get a 2.8 percent boost in benefits next year as inflation edges higher. It’s the biggest increase most retired baby boomers have gotten. 
Following a stretch of low inflation, the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2019 is the highest in seven years. It amounts to $39 a month raise for the average retired worker, according to estimates released Thursday by the Social Security Administration. 
The COLA affects household budgets for about one in five Americans, including Social Security beneficiaries, disabled veterans and federal retirees. That’s about 70 million people, enough to send ripples through the economy. 
Unlike most private pensions, Social Security has featured inflation protection since 1975. Beneficiaries also gain from compounding since COLAs become part of their underlying benefit, the base for future cost-of-living increases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181011/social-security-checks-will-grow-in-2019-as-inflation-rises



"The deadline for registering to vote in the Nov. 6 state election is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17. 
Any citizen who will turn 18 by election day is eligible. City and town clerks will stay open until 8 p.m. on Oct. 17. 
Voters can also register online, in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices or by mail by downloading a form available on the secretary of state’s website and sending it to or dropping it off at a local city or town hall. 
Absentee ballots are available for voters who will be out of town on election day or who have medical conditions or religious beliefs that will prevent them from going to the polls in person. Application are available on the secretary of state’s website and at city and town halls. The deadline to apply is noon Nov. 5, and the ballot must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on election day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181011/six-days-left-to-register-for-state-election

Election Information for Nov 2018
Election Information for Nov 2018


Franklin Starbucks - Hiring Event - Nov 5

Hiring Event
at the
Franklin Starbucks

648 Old West Central Street

Monday, November 5

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

download the flyer as a reminder




Franklin Starbucks - Hiring Event - Nov 5
Franklin Starbucks - Hiring Event - Nov 5

Thursday, October 11, 2018

FHS performs "A Cabaret" - Oct 17-18

Via Pantherbook, we share the news on the upcoming performance of "A Cabaret".
"When the lights go up and the curtain rises on the evenings of October 17 and 18, you will not want to miss the Franklin High School performance of, “A Cabaret,” under the direction of Marushka Waters. 
A long time Franklin High school tradition, “A Cabaret” is loosely based on the 1996 Tony Award Winning Best Musical “Cabaret”-the story of a dynamic variety show in Berlin during World War II. 
“A Cabaret” features an array of songs, dances, and scenes performed (and created) by students. Those interested in lighting and the technical side of theater have the opportunity to participate, running the lights or sound for the show; it may not seem it, but behind-the-scenes work are some of the most critical parts of the show. Additionally, the performance features live musicians as a segue to each act. Talk about student involvement!"
Continue reading about the upcoming performance
https://franklinpanthers.us/ae/2018/10/08/fhs-theatre-to-present-a-cabaret/

This years Cabaret features 30 students from the class of 2019, many of whom have taken theater with Ms. Waters for 3+ years and will be performing in their final show.
This years Cabaret features 30 students from the class of 2019,
many of whom have taken theater with Ms. Waters
for 3+ years and will be performing in their final show.

Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 28

The Franklin Police Department and Franklin Recreation Department are offering a free Halloween celebration on October 28, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at 911 Panther Way. 

The Police Department will turn the station into the Hall of Justice with superheroes and villains. They will have a spooky trail, bounce house, obstacle course, face painting and games. 

The Franklin Recreation Department will also be hosting a carved pumpkin contest. Please drop off finished, already carved pumpkins to the Sculpture Park on Panther Way between 5:00-7:00 PM. 

We will provide tea light candles. Contest starts right at 7:00 PM. 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Ages: Pre-school- 5th grade.


Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 28
Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 28
Shared from the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/281559379347664/

FHS boys and girls soccer top Sharon on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Oct 10, 2018


Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Sharon, 0 – Final
– Franklin senior Tim Duval scored just over two minutes into the game and the Panthers held on to that score for the rest of the way to earn two points.

Girls Soccer = Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– Anna Balkus scored a brace to lift the Panthers to the victory and keep Franklin within just two points of league-leading Mansfield. Freshman Riley Fitzpatrick marked her varsity debut with her first career goal. Calen Frongillo, Sydney St. Marie and Hailey Toolin each recorded assists for the Panthers. Breanna Atwood made three saves for the clean sheet and Lydia Chase made 19 saves for the Eagles.

Golf = Franklin, 158 @ North Attleboro, 147 – Final
– The Rocketeers earned their 10th win of the season on the middle course as Heather Hill. Jillian Barend shot a 2-under par 33, Marcus Costa shot 36, Matt Wanless carded a 38, and Pat Roberts finished with a 40. Matt D’Errico and Jack Paterson paced Franklin with 38

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-10-18/


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Bettman & Halpin duo - Oct 20




Bettman & Halpin Oct 20                          
View this email in your browser
Bettman & Halpin duo
Oct 20 - 8 PM - $20
We are asking you to trust us on this one.  We know that you have probably never heard of this husband-wife duo from Colorado, but here at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse we only present excellent musicians. Bettman and Halpin are a high energy, crowd pleasing pair who were voted one of the favorite acts at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.  Please join us.
Jake

Multi-award winners Bettman and Halpin have a well-earned reputation for hypnotizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies and roof-raising instrumentals. Their concerts combine high-energy upbeat bluegrass/roots inspired compositions, beautiful ballads with soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, and groovy feel-good songs that audiences will be singing in their heads for weeks thereafter. Bettman and Halpin create an authentic connection with their audience. And they have become as known for their storytelling and playful banter as for their engaging whole-hearted songs and instrumental wizardry.  They have been touring as a duo since 2008. https://bettmanandhalpin.com/

"Emotive Joan Baez inspired vocals...head-spinning mandolin and guitar picking...velvety close harmonies." - Music News Nashville

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this shows are $20.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
Upcoming Shows
Nov 3       Susan Werner with
                     Jim Henry and Ruby
Nov 17     Eliza Gilkyson
Dec 8       The Nields Holiday Show
                       and Singalong

Jan 5        Joe Crookston
Jan 26      Dar Williams

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

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Reminder: New Hampshire Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20

Lifelong Community Learning is offering a day-long fall foliage trip to New Hampshire on Saturday, October 20. The motor coach will leave Franklin High School parking lot at 9:30 AM and return at 6:00 PM. The trip will include commentary and a buffet lunch. The cost is $105 for adults and $65 for a child.

Travel the country roads of New Hampshire for Mother Nature’s annual autumn show! Experience the gently rolling New England countryside, awash with the colors of Indian summer. Travel past quiet ponds, historic farms, weathered roadside taverns, and sturdy colonial churches overlooking quaint village greens.


Woodbound Inn - Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20
Woodbound Inn - Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20
You’ll also stretch your legs for a picture stop at an old fashioned covered bridge before making your way to the Woodbound Inn for a buffet lunch. Continuing on through some of the loveliest displays of foliage in the world, the last stop of the day will be at a local farm stand for baked treats, apples, and complimentary cider. So come along and don’t forget your camera!

Visit www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com to register. You may also call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480 for more information.

Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for residents in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities.


The direct link to register is
https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-d8f7699db3644c2fa4e26a728f5e415b

Reminder: New Hampshire Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20
Reminder: New Hampshire Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20

In the News: walkway foundation set; Ross not responding to debate offer

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

"The Veterans’ Memorial Walkway is starting to take shape on the Town Common, a month after a ceremonial groundbreaking was held at the spot of the planned path. 
This week, Department of Public Works workers have been clearing and putting down a foundation of stones in the newly designed path in front of the current veterans memorial. 
The path is now cleared and ready for the granite curbing. Crews will place the curbing this weekend. Workers will place granite slabs along the path as well as the granite dividers along the walkway, between the dedicated bricks. 
An official dedication ceremony will take place once the pathway is complete, scheduled for Veterans Day (Nov. 11), but applications to buy more bricks will stay open for years to come."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181010/foundation-cleared-for-franklin-veterans-path

foundation set for the Veterans Walkway on the Town Common
foundation set for the Veterans Walkway on the Town Common

"State Sen. Richard Ross is apparently not interested in debating his Democratic challenger before the Nov. 6 general election. 
Ross, a Republican from Wrentham, “has refused the offer” to participate in a face-to-face candidates forum with Democrat challenger Becca Rausch of Needham, according to an email from the presidents of three local League of Women Voters chapters sent to the campaigns. 
Ross did not respond to two emails and five phone calls requesting his attendance at a candidates forum to be cablecast on the Wayland public access station, according to the Monday email from LWV presidents in Wayland, Wellesley and Needham. A four-term incumbent, Ross has represented the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District since winning a special election in May 2010."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181010/republican-richard-ross-of-wrentham-wont-debate-challenger-becca-rausch-of-needham

FTC Alert: It’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month




FTC Alert: It’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
by Ari Lazarus
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


October is spooky enough with its ghouls and goblins. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is here to remind us how to stay safe and secure from real (and maybe even scarier) threats – malware and scammers.

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/10/its-national-cybersecurity-awareness-month?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with Police, Fire, DPW, and Library


  • Town Electrician 
  • Police Patrol Officer - candidates must be graduates of the Full-time Basic Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) Academy or equivalent
  • Part-Time Custodian 
  • Substitute Library Assistants - we are looking for substitutes to work Sundays from 1:30 to 5:00 
  • Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
    • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov
    • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   
To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with Police, Fire, DPW, and Library
Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with Police, Fire, DPW, and Library

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Live reporting: to Closing


11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
Detective Zimmerman in Master program
much appreciated


12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
none
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pellegri - lost 2 lovely ladies both former election workers
looking for the younger ones to step forward

Nutting four vacancies in Fire Dept but civil service list doesn't come out until Dec so the fulfillment likely wont' happen until March

Harvest Festival on Saturday

Jones - FEF fund raiser with Harlem Wizards - Nov 16
tickets are on sale

Dellorco - shout out to M Belloti

Kelly - 11 - 4 PM downtown Harvest Festival


14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 9-0

Live Reporting: Subcommittee Reports - Legislation for Action


9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
$80K added to funds to get $250K for project
to be completed next year

b. Budget Subcommittee
no report

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
some things moved to Chair for future agenda

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 18-56: Establishment of a Town Administrator Search Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-56 - Majority Vote (5))

J Nutting to retire on or before, June 30
TC looking to have 4 councilors on committee
Mercer, Hamblen, Pellegri, Kelly

looking for applications soon (posting in Nov)

biggest appointment the Council 
anyone who applies is not a public record
final three recommendations with info on candidates

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 18-57: Authorization for Inter-municipal Agreement with Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School for Franklin to Provide it with School Resource Officer (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-57- Majority Vote (5))

Jones to recuse himself, Pellegri to be clerk pro-temp

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call (Jones recused)

approval here, approval by Tri-County next week, and then looking for funds to approve to begin in Jan 2019

we get an extra body on the streets with half coverage from Tri-County


Live reporting: Town Council - Oct 10, 2018

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Mercer, Kelly, Jones, Padula, Pellegri, Earls (via remote phone call)

Absent: none


Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of October 10, 2018 - 7:00 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorder by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

State election Nov 6 - no school that day
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
reserved spots for voters at FHS
absentee voting open until Nov 5th
absentee ballot available via website or email (via form request)

starting Oct 22 early voting starts
during normal business hours except for Saturday, Oct 27 8:00 AM to noon

2. CITIZENS COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.  The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
5. APPOINTMENTS
6. HEARINGS
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Public Works  - Pavement Management Program

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/early_voting_hours_1.pdf



Tony Gara, Beta engineering
Mike Maglio, Town Engineer

"goal to maximize the value and life of the pavement network"

crack sealing keeps the water out, prevent potholes
mill and fill

rubber chip seal (Forest St, and others)
used to be stone chip seal, now using rubber

microsurface, used on Prospect St

overlay, a layer of asphalt on top of existing road

hot in place recycling, very effective used on Washington St down to Bellingham
has been holding up very well (a very busy road with truck traffic)

Mill and overlay, use don Pond St

Reclaim and pave, most expensive option

RSR overall is 74
161 miles of accepted roads
the RSR previously was higher, override for roads were planned but did not pass

estimated backlog is approx $40M

Town has 26 parking lots and almost 2600 parking spaces, all require paving and maintenance
(this does not count the parking spaces along the roads)

road data to be posted online

narrowing the road is the best way to calm the traffic (i.e. as done on Lincoln and Oak St)

building inspector deals with the overgrown bushes and trees hanging in public ways/sidewalks

5 chip seal
10 overlay
10-15 hot in place

last analysis was done 6 years ago

road plans coordinated with water main replacements to do as much as possible at once effectively


The Classic Stones Live at Franklin High Auditorium - Nov 2

If you enjoyed Beatlemania last year than this is for you. This eight piece band is The Look, The Sound and The Show of the true Rolling Stones experience.

Tickets at Shaw's Markets or www.purplepass.com and Search for "Classic Stones Live"

Info at 413-341-7410

Classic Stones Live
Classic Stones Live


When using purplepass, go direct to

In the News: Franklin kids up for TV appearance; i495-i90 interchange planning underway

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Being an American Ninja Warrior doesn’t always mean hulking muscles and decades of training - sometimes all it takes is the fearlessness of a child. 
Franklin siblings Zack and Penny Keenan will soon be featured as part of the inaugural American Ninja Warrior Junior competition. 
The premiere of American Ninja Warriors Jr. will be aired on Saturday at 7 p.m. on the NBC channel Universal Kids. It’s not guaranteed that the Keenan siblings will be on that first show, but they will be featured at some point during the debut season. 
“They each have unique stories,” said their father, Tim Keenan, who owns Strive Ninja Fitness in Franklin. “Penny is almost 10 years old, and her whole life she’s been in the zero-growth percentile.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181008/franklin-siblings-make-debut-season-of-american-ninja-warriors-junior

Strive Ninja Fitness in Franklin (Strive Ninja photo)
Strive Ninja Fitness in Franklin (Strive Ninja photo)


"State officials are working to narrow down four designs to rebuild the Interstate 495-Mass Pike interchange, which becomes a traffic chokepoint in the region at rush hour, weekends and during the height of the summer tourism season. 
Nearly a dozen Hopkinton residents and business officials saw the conceptual plans during a meeting at the Marathon Elementary School Tuesday night. Similar meetings will take place in Worcester, Bolton and Milford for the project that started picking up steam in 2013. 
The price tag is expected to be $296 million to $413 million, depending on which option is selected. A 25 percent design public hearing is expected in 2020. 
The interchange is known for significant traffic congestion during peak hours, weekends and summertime and has a high crash rate. Approximately 75,000 cars go through the interchange daily. The project is designed to improve traffic and reduce the impact on wetlands, according to the presentation."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181009/three-49590-interchange-designs-rise-to-top

The next information session is scheduled for Oct 11 in Worcester. Details for the meeting and additional documents for the project can be found online
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

Check out the interactive map for the i495-i90 project
http://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

the interactive map for the i495-i90 project
the interactive map for the i495-i90 project