When is the Christmas Tree pickup?

According to the Fall/Winter Solid Waste Mailer, the Christmas Tree collection days will be during the week of January 14, 2019. 

Your tree will be picked up during the week of January 14 on the day of your normal trash/recycling.


Need a new copy of the solid waste mailer? Get one here:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

When do they pick up my Christmas tree?

Franklin Library: Indoor Seed Starting - Jan 15

A presentation by the Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardening group will cover "Indoor Seed Starting" at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 PM.

Franklin Library: Indoor Seed Starting - Jan 15

"At Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, our mission is to inspire others to grow their own fresh produce. We deliver residential and community based training, consulting, and assistance in vegetable garden development. We are dedicated to the belief that most people should have the knowledge and opportunity to grow wholesome fruits and veggies in containers, raised beds, or in-ground gardens."

For more info about Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardening visit
http://www.blackstonevalleyveggiegardens.com/

Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

Our first year of the Second Sunday Speaker Series was a huge success and we are pleased to continue the series this year with the first two events scheduled for January and February.

Local historian Alan Earls returns to the museum Sunday January 13 at 1:15 PM to discuss a dark day in Franklin’s history. The early decades of the 1900’s were tumultuous and violent times throughout the world. Anarchy ruled and many cities, towns and communities found themselves caught up in the violent movement, including right here in Franklin.

When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary an historic and terrifying tragedy in Franklin’s history – an attempted bombing of the Ray Textile Mill on Union Street. Four local Italian-immigrant anarchists were killed when the dynamite bomb they were carrying to the Ray Mill went off prematurely, an event that brought world attention to Franklin. Earls will deliver a slide show and presentation on this event; the historical background and world events that led up to it; the men and their motives, and the aftermath – including the stories of the children and families of the would-be bombers. Join us for an interesting look back at this tragic event.

In February, Dean College History Professor Rob Lawson joins us to discuss historical memory, There are many contemporary controversies over historical memory, for example Confederate memory (i.e., the statues), and closer to home, the legacy of European relations to Native Americans, and the legacy of anti-immigrant discrimination. Lawson will discuss New England industrialists (Dean, for example), who profited by manufacturing with slave-grown cotton and the presence of slave-trade magnates in New England port cities. 

Presented in a lecture style atmosphere, this topic lends itself to input and conversation. Join us Sunday, February 10 at 1:15 PM for this intriguing presentation.

2019 Calendars are available for sale in the museum gift shop for $5.00. Filled with photos and facts on the town we all love. Get yours now.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and always free. Come in and find your history.

Second Sunday Speaker Series Continues at the Franklin Historical Museum

SAFE Community Forum Agenda - Jan 9

SAFE Community Forum Agenda

Franklin Municipal Building

Third Floor

Wednesday, January 9, 2018

I. Welcome 7:00-7:05

II. Introductions 7:05-7:15

III. Recovery Stories Shared 7:15-7:30

IV. What is the PMP and how is it used? 7:30-8:15

V. Grandparents Raising Grandparents group plan 8:15-8:30

VI. Upcoming Community Events 8:30-8:55
(HIPS, Narcan, 5k, ask about interest for college night/comedy show event)

VII. Closing 8:55

Next Meeting: TUESDAY, February 5 @ 7-9 pm, Franklin Municipal Building

For more about the SAFE Coalition  http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

SAFE Community Forum Agenda - Jan 9

In the News: sign bylaw up for change; energy saving tips

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

Sign Zoning Bylaw up for Town Council review/vote

"Regulations on signs in town are very loose, but that may soon change. 

The bylaw, written in 2012, is up for a public hearing on Wednesday, during the next Town Council meeting. 

Bryan Taberner, director of Planning and Community Development, said that the bylaw does not regulate how many signs can be in one plaza. For example, if a plaza in town had 10 businesses, there could be 10 different signs, one for each business. 

That reason, he said, is why the pending bylaw is going to be important."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190107/franklin-sign-bylaw-to-change

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822: Changes to §185-20. Signs

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-822.pdf

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823: Changes To Sign District Regulations

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-823.pdf

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824: Changes To Sign District Overlay Map

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/zoning_bylaw_amendment_18-824.pdf

Sign Zoning Bylaw up for Town Council review/vote

Energy saving tips

"Massachusetts residents are no strangers to expensive energy costs, especially during colder months. 

A recent report by Move.org shows Massachusetts residents on average pay the eighth-highest utility costs in the country -- $469 per month -- and the fourth highest in New England. 

What some residents don’t know, however, is that there are several ways to make changes -- big and small -- around any home or apartment that could help lower those costs. 

“Becoming more energy efficient is the single-most important step a homeowner or renter can take to gain control of their energy use and energy costs,” said Bill Stack, energy efficiency manager for Eversource, one of the state’s largest utility companies."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190107/tips-to-save-on-energy-costs-in-massachusetts

Which states pay the most for utilities?

FPAC Announces Open Auditions for Seussical

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce open auditions on Saturday, January 12 for their upcoming production of Seussical at THE BLACK BOX. Auditions will be held at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. 

Those auditioning are asked to prepare 16 bars of a song in the style of the show. Auditions for grades 4-7 will be held at 1 pm, grades 8 and 9 at 1:30 pm, grades 10-12 at 2 pm, and adults at 2:30 pm. Seussical will run March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17 at THE BLACK BOX.

Open Auditions for Seussical

Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. 

The colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." 

Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

For more information visit www.fpaconline.com or call 508-528-3370

Franklin SEPAC: January 2019 Newsletter

Parent to Parent Support  Please join us at Cole's Tavern for this month's parent to parent night. Where: Cole's Tavern (back room) When: January 10  at 7 PM  ------------------------------------------------------------ Anxiety in Relation to Learning/ Developmental Disabilities "Anxiety in Relation to Learning/Developmental Disabilities and How to Address in the IEP"  presented by Dr. Erin Gibbons  from Neuropsychology & Education Services for  Children & Adolescents (NESCA). Free and open to the public. Where: 3rd floor training room   Franklin Municipal Building When: January 17 at 7 PM If you have any suggestions for workshops or social events for the kids, please send us an email at franklinsepac@gmail.com. WWW.FRANKLINSEPAC.ORG

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Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

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In the News: MBTA brings back $10 weekend fare

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

MBTA brings back $10 weekend fare

"The MBTA and its operating partner for Commuter Rail, Keolis Commuter Services, announced the special $10 Commuter Rail weekend fare pilot will resume on Saturday, Jan. 5. This special weekend fare is available from the first train on Saturday to the last train on Sunday and may be used across all zones and all lines. 

“Resuming this pilot allows our customers to continue taking advantage of Commuter Rail as a travel option on weekends, while we study the potential for making this program permanent,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak in an announcement. “I want to thank our partners at the FTA for working with us to resume this pilot and also acknowledge the enthusiastic response we received from our customers to this initiative.” 

The special $10 all-weekend fare will be available on the mTicket app, onboard trains (cash or credit card from conductors), and at ticket windows at North, South, and Back Bay stations. The special fare applies to customers age 12 and above; the weekend fare allows adults to travel with two children under 12 at no additional cost."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190107/mbta-resumes-special-weekend-rate-on-commuter-rail

the mTicket app

Timeless Crossfit and Fitness (video)

New location, but same mission. We're so excited to share what's next.

Please join us, the Timeless Crossfit and Fitness community, where Can't is Not an Option.

More info at https://www.timelesscrossfit.com/

ADDRESS : 842 Upper Union St, Franklin, MA, 02038

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 9, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 9, 2019.  

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/january_9_2019_tc_agenda_0.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of January 9, 2019- 7:00 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
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
3a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	November 28, 2018 Minutes
3b. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	December 12, 2018 Minutes
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	None
6. HEARINGS
6a. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822: Changes to §185-20. Signs
6b. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823: Changes To Sign District Regulations
6c. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824: Changes To Sign District Overlay Map
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
8a. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	2018-2019 Goals Update
8b. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	OPEB Actuarial Presentation-Daniel Sherman
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee  b. Budget Subcommittee  c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-01: Acceptance of Gift- Franklin Council on Aging (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-01 Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-09: Acceptance of Gift- Franklin Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-09 Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-10: Acceptance of Gift- Franklin Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-10 Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-11: Acceptance of Gift- Franklin Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-11 Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822: Changes to §185-20. Signs - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823: Changes Changes to Sign District Regulations -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824: Changes To Sign District Overlay Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-835: Changes to Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-835 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

What is the future of the Brick School now that the Charter School has plans for a new building and won't need to use the facility to supplement their space needs? This is one of the items on the Town Council goals document.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/2018-2019_town_council_goals.pdf

Franklin's Brick School, an original one room school house

FHS Studio Arts Opening Reception at Patriot Place - Jan 25

Join the FHS Studio Arts faculty and students for an exhibition and celebration of the AP and Honors Portfolio program.

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, January 25 from 6 to 7:30 PM

The Artist Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place

FHS Studio Arts at Patriot Place - Jan 25

Shared from Twitter  https://twitter.com/FranklinPSart/status/1081171718205566976

In the meantime, stop by the Senior Center to view a rotating art show from the schools through May.

Welcome to 2019 from FPS Art Department!

A series of rotating shows at the Franklin Senior Center will be highlighting artwork from our schools through May.

On display now: work from our Elementary Schools! @TOFranklinMA @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/vWLZK2IFrO

— Franklin PS Art Dpt (@FranklinPSart) January 3, 2019

Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Breakfast - Jan 25

Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Breakfasts

Dean College Campus Center Join fellow FDP members at the next networking breakfast on Friday, January 25 at 8 AM. The breakfast will be held at the Dining Center in the Dean College Campus Center. Have a cup of coffee or enjoy breakfast. Let Matt or Gary know if you're planning to attend! Looking Ahead Please mark your calendars for these upcoming Networking Breakfast dates: February 15 March 22 April 12 Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Breakfast - Jan 25

Sober Mommies: Clothing Drive - Collection ends Jan 14

"The mission of Sober Mommies is to empower women in, and contemplating, recovery from substance use and misuse to reach their full personal recovery and parenting goals through peer-to-peer support and mentorship. "

Things Being Collected

• Personal hygiene products
• Diapers of all sizes
• Newborn clothing - up to adult
• Jackets
• Hats & Gloves
• New underwear and socks for all ages
• Strollers
• Gently used toys
• Gently used books

Drop off locations are at the Walpole Public Library, Hair with Flair: 499 High Street, Dedham and you can always drop off at 177 West Street, Walpole. 

Sober Mommies: Clothing Drive - Collection ends Jan 14

We will be donating up until the 14th. 

If you drop off at the library or Salon please fill out the sheet that is left there with your information, so I can send you a card and let you know exactly where your donations went. 

THANK YOU!


These donations are being personally delivered to halfway house and family shelters. Here are the places we're helping so far:

Serenity House - Located in Framingham is a residential treatment program for women recovering from substance abuse. The Serenity house has expecting mothers so they need maternity clothing, one is twenty-two weeks pregnant with a girl, and the other is thirty weeks pregnant with a boy. One little girl is one years old but will be leaving the program very soon but I’m sure she needs clothing and such to go home with, then they have two boys one is four months old and the other is a two month old preemie.

Pathways Family Shelter - Also located in Framingham. Pathways Family Shelter is a fourteen family shelter for homeless families. There are children from a newborn baby girl, up until early teens. There are boys and girls of all ages. The moms and dads need things too; things they really need are personal hygiene products, seasonal clothing and diapers!

Phoenix House - is a residential program for women with young children located in Dorchester; they also provide emergency shelter for mothers and their children.

Faith house - located in Worcester is a residential treatment program for women recovering from substance abuse. They have two women expecting, ones expecting twin girls and one is expecting a little boy. They also have a mother who is hoping to have her six month old son join her soon. Lets all pray that happens for her!

Sojourner House - Located in Roxbury houses up to nine families at a time. They can unfortunately, only accept new clothing and new twin and full size bedding. They really are in need though of diapers and hygiene products. The Sojourner house was the first shelter in Boston to house both men and female. They are really trying to help the homeless and they recognize the need for more affordable housing so they now have three houses located in Milton, Dorchester and Roxbury. They have units with 1,2 and 3 bedrooms. They have done amazing things and put on many events to raise money for the community and families in need but that doesn’t mean they don’t need help. We’ll see if we can gather up diapers and hygiene products for them.


For more about Sober Mommies, visit their web page  https://sobermommies.com/