“It’s about how we can form our goals over the next five years”

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

Franklin Library looking for survey responses

"The library is ready to release its newest trio of surveys to aid in a new strategic plan for the next five years. 

“We’re going to be rolling out a whole series of surveys and questions to our patrons to sort of help us shape the strategic plan,” said Children’s Librarian Caliegh Keating. 

The survey touches on suggestions on collections, programming, services,
Keating said that the kind of information they’re looking for is focused on areas that the library is succeeding as well as areas that may need improvement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190103/franklin-library-surveys-available

Answer the first three questions of the new Strategic Plan Survey here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqG1XVhqosaeWVwTv8BrpBEcNvQBkNdxP15908Mf3H7WqMow/viewform

Franklin Library looking for survey responses

Franklin Author Book Sale Specials

Franklin author Susan K Hamilton has some book sale specials announced that I found via the Twitter stream. We had shared the release of Shadow King in November 2018.

Franklin Author: Susan K. Hamilton fantasy genre novelist

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/franklin-author-susan-k-hamilton.html

"The ESCAPE! Anthology released yesterday and is currently in the Top 50 on Amazon for both Short Stories and Anthologies. Special $2.99 price until Jan. 6! Grab your copy today, you'll be glad you did!#shortstories #anthologies #amreading #books"

The ESCAPE! Anthology released yesterday & is currently in the Top 50 on Amazon for both Short Stories & Anthologies. Special $2.99 price until Jan. 6! Grab your copy today, you'll be glad you did!#shortstories #anthologies #amreading #books #indieauthorshttps://t.co/DU449JXSNV pic.twitter.com/wSXXCXVy4H

— Susan K. Hamilton (@RealSKHamilton) January 2, 2019

"Buy the Amazon Kindle version of Shadow King for just $0.99 through 12/12/19!
Grab a copy today!"

Buy the Amazon Kindle version of Shadow King for just $0.99 through 12/12/19!
Grab a copy today! https://t.co/FgvS5Z7On6 …#booksonsale #ShadowKing #amwriting #kindledeals #kindlebooks pic.twitter.com/mrH8IJamkZ

— Susan K. Hamilton (@RealSKHamilton) January 2, 2019

SUSAN K. HAMILTON

Newcomers and Friends Club: Book/White Elephant Swap - Jan 16

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Since it’s the New Year, why not start fresh! The Newcomers are cleaning off our bookshelves and emptying our closets. We’re having a Book and/or White Elephant Swap. Whatever you bring, you’ll bring home something similar. So, if you want to participate, bring a wrapped (brown paper or foil will do!!!) book and/or unwanted Holiday Gift to swap. Books of fiction or cookbooks are suggested.

We’re also doing a collection drive for the Franklin Food Pantry. We’re collecting bars of soap . . . please bring wrapped bars of soap to donate if you’d like to participate.

Newcomers and Friends Club:
Book/White Elephant Swap - Jan 16

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30. Due to a conflict, we had to change our January date.

No need to RSVP, just join us to have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to hear them!

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome 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. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

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.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Joe Crookston - Saturday, Jan 5

Hang on, this will be a wild ride

Joe Crookston January 5, Dar Williams Jan 26 View this email in your browser Joe Crookston Jan 5 - 8 PM $20 Happy New Year. We hope you can join us Saturday for this wonderful show. Joe Crookston returns for his fourth performance at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, January 5th. He is bringing his fiddle, his slide guitar, hilarious stories, foot-stomping and infectious rhythms, and gorgeous, universal songs for a night of sublime music that will leave you feeling more awake and alive and with a renewed sense of what's possible. http://www.joecrookston.com/ "With all the performers out there, an artist has to go beyond good…and Joe does." -Sing Out Magazine Having a good day? Having a bad day? Maybe... it's hard to say! Check out this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vod4RX0A7vg 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.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Jan 26       Dar Williams Mar 9         Greg Greenway Mar 23       Patty Larkin Mar 30       Celtic Band RUNA Apr 13       Tracy Grammer May 11       Ordinary Elephant

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

FHS boys and girls hockey teams, boys swimming, and wrestling post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2019

Boys Hockey = Oliver Ames, 2 @ Franklin, 4 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"When you are struggling to get into a rhythm offensively and everyone is grabbing the stick a little tighter, it takes players grinding in the corners and making the effort to get to the front of the net to turn things around. 

After watching Oliver Ames tie the game early in the third period of Wednesday night’s league opener at Pirelli Veterans Arena, Franklin needed a little inspiration to avoid extending its winless streak to six games (0-3-2 after opening the season with an exclusion win against Malden Catholic). Up stepped senior forward Joe Lizotte. 

Despite being the only Panther in the offensive zone, Lizotte managed to hold possession in the corner against three OA defensemen. He squeezed the puck out to the right boards where it kicked to Tom Tasker, who sent a puck across the crease. The puck was deflected by C.J. Spillane, and several bodies in front of goal, to the far post and Zac Falvey popped up to knock the loose puck into the back of the net. 

It was the spark that the Panthers needed. Franklin scored again three minutes later to seal a 4-2 victory and kick off its league title defense with a much-needed two points."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-hockey-get-late-goals-to-grind-out-win-against-oa/

– Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Franklin-Oliver-Ames-Boys-Hockey-1-2-19/

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Canton, 2 – Final

- "Franklin senior Regan Paterson scored a pair of goals and assisted on another to pace the Panthers to a key road win. Paterson opened the scoring just 53 seconds into the game, using a self pass off the boards to beat the defense and then finished with a nice shot. 

Franklin made it 2-0 with a power play goal with 3:10 left in the first. Tina Pisano played the puck behind the net, Paterson collected it, and found Jordan Dwyer open in front for a goal. Canton got on the board with 1:10 left in the second period as Leah McClellan found Katie Trerice, and her shot from just inside the blue line found its way through traffic and into the net. 

Franklin responded with a power play goal early in the third. Pisano found Cassi Ronan streaking into the area and she connected with Paterson right in front. Lauren Fitzpatrick scored with 1:18 on the power play to bring the Bulldogs within one. Gabby Colace made 33 saves in the win for Franklin."

- Click here for a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Canton-Franklin-Girls-Hockey-01-02-19/

Wrestling = Oliver Ames, 10 @ Franklin, 57 – Final
– Click here for a Photo Gallery from this dual meet.
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Franklin-Oliver-Ames-Wrestling-1-2-19/

Boys Swimming = Oliver Ames, 74 @ Franklin, 93 – Final
– Junior Chris Carey took first in the 100 free and junior Pat Juszczyszyn won the 500 free to pace the Panthers to a win.

Girls Swimming = Oliver Ames, 93 @ Franklin, 74 – Final
– Franklin senior Katie Cashin was a double winner, taking first in both the 100 free and 20 free.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-02-19/

Franklin senior forward Joe Lizotte (11) scored the tying goal midway through the second period of the Panthers 4-2 win over Oliver Ames in the league opener for both teams. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

St Mary's: Women's Faith Formation Group - Jan 19

All women are invited to join the St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group on Saturday, January 19 from 9 – 10 AM in the lower church hall at St. Mary Church in Franklin. We will be viewing a segment of Bishop Barron's "Catholicism" series, with small group discussion to follow.

Since segments are on independent topics, we encourage you to attend even if you missed previous sessions. Light refreshments will be served. Feel free to bring a friend!

We have future sessions scheduled on February 16 and March 16 - same time and location.

St Mary's: Women's Faith Formation Group - Jan 19

Lifelong Community Learning: Exercise & Wellness Classes Begin January 6 - Register today

Exercise & Wellness 

Classes Begin January 6

Mindfulness - A Four-Week Series

Curious about starting a meditation practice or struggling to stick with it? 

Then this series is for you!  Find deeper relaxation and combat heightened levels of anxiety and stress.  Through this series, participants will learn what meditation is, experience the benefits of a meditation practice and explore several meditation techniques.  

Register: https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-26aef3bed19e44cc8b751f355368c7b9

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Exercise For Active Agers

It's never too late to feel great! 

This class is for active agers - men and women in their mid-40's, baby boomers and beyond! It is designed for those interested in developing a happy, healthy lifestyle. Each one-hour class combines strength training, flexibility and cardio-conditioning.  

Register:  https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-0eebdd16f3ec468f940ed8235e294666

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Yoga, Yoga, Yoga

Yoga is back and better than ever! 

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays you can take advantage of different types of yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, & Yoga For Anyone. We know one is just right for you!   

Register:

  

https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=422&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

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Teen Yoga For Girls

This class will empower teenagers to become more self-aware and confident.

The girls will gain a sense of well-being while developing strength and flexibility. They will also learn breathing and relaxation techniques.  

Register:

  

https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-aa32cde4ccef43a782e4c33fb1a75ec1

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Zumba 

Join the fun! 

Zumba uses the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning. You don't have to know how to dance to Zumba. Zumba creates a party-like atmosphere that is less intimidating and it is fun!

Register  https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=422&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

"slowdown in natural revenue growth"

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

FY 2020 Budget Revenue Assumption Set

"State budget writers agreed this week to build their fiscal 2020 budget plans on the assumption that state tax revenues will grow by 2.7 percent over the current fiscal year. 

Gov. Charlie Baker’s budget chief and leaders of the House and Senate Ways and Means committees detailed a finalized accord on how much tax revenue the state expects to collect in fiscal 2020, which begins July 1. Budget watchers also upgraded their expectations for tax revenue in fiscal 2019, upping the projected total revenue by $200 million, to $28.529 billion. 

The estimate of $29.299 billion in tax revenues for fiscal 2020 amounts to $770 million more in revenue than the updated projection for the current fiscal year. The projected growth rate will serve as the basis for Baker’s budget, which is due on Jan. 23, and budget-building exercises this spring and summer in the House and Senate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190102/budget-writers-agree-on-27-percent-tax-growth

Franklin depends upon State funding for its budget. Funding for schools, local aid and roads account for approx 30% of the total Franklin budget. Getting a reasonable estimate of this funding from the State enables Franklin to start its own budget cycle for FY 2020.

The State budget cycle for FY 2019 (the current budget) is shown here. The steps are the same for the new budget cycle for FY 2020.

State budget cycle for FY 2019

The Franklin budget cycle is shown here

Franklin budget cycle

For more info on the Franklin budget cycle or process
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Studio Two is Back! Fund Raising Concert for HMEA - Feb 15

Don't miss this year's concert!

February 15, 2019 The Black Box 15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA Doors open at 6:00 pm / Concert at 7:00 pm CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS Sponsored by Lippolis Plumbing and Heating, Walpole All proceeds will benefit HMEA's programs that teach, support, and empower people with disabilities.

HMEA | 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by hmea@hmea.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Link for tickets  https://www.hmea.org/events/studiotwo/

In the News: Gov Baker to accept raise; Sen Spilka is Senate President; Rep DeLeo returns to lead House

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker plans to accept his $34,000 pay raise and a new $65,000 housing stipend. 

The housing allowance is a first for a Massachusetts governor after the Legislature, in its first act of the two-year session in 2017, voted through a package of pay raises for public officials, including the governor, that included a stipend for housing. 

The law states that a governor “shall receive $65,000 annually for expenses related to housing,” and the allowance was intended by lawmakers to make the office of governor a more attractive position and to eliminate any barriers to running, such as finances or geography."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190102/baker-will-pocket-raise-housing-stipend

For more about Governor Baker, visit his page 
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor

The Governor starts the MA Budget cycle by delivering his budget Jan 25

"Senate President Karen Spilka presented a “bold” and “urgent” agenda for her first full two-year term Wednesday, saying the Legislature keenly needs new ideas on how to tackle the state’s crumbling infrastructure, adequately fund education and expand affordable housing. 

“We need to be bold and look out of the box for ways to fix these problems. It’s been left unaddressed for too long,” said Spilka, D-Ashland, outside the chambers. “Massachusetts has a chance to be a leader in all these areas." 

Spilka, who turns 66 on Jan. 11, was formally re-elected as Senate president, as the historic body began its 191st session. On a roll call vote, Spilka received 33 votes to Gloucester Republican Sen. Bruce Tarr’s six. When voting was completed, Tarr moved that it be the “sense of the Senate” that Spilka’s election as Senate president be declared unanimous."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190102/spilka-sworn-in-for-first-full-term-as-senate-president

"For the sixth time, the Massachusetts House picked Winthrop Democrat Robert DeLeo, already the longest continuously serving speaker in state history, to lead the chamber for the new two-year session that began Wednesday. 

DeLeo, who was elected on a 119-31 party line vote with House Republicans instead backing Minority Leader Bradley Jones, said in his remarks to his colleagues that it’s important to have fresh voices in the House and new ideas will be welcomed as lawmakers get to work to address the needs facing the state. 

“No one’s rights will be infringed upon here in Massachusetts,” he said. 

Eight Democrats, including four new lawmakers who took their seats for the first time Wednesday, broke with their colleagues by voting “present” instead of supporting either DeLeo or Jones for speaker."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190102/secret-vote-for-speaker-squashed

2013 Master Plan - time to review

One of the items being carried on the Economic Development Subcommittee agenda and gradually moving its way up the topic listing is a discussion on the Master Plan. I would assume that the group would be looking to the current plan (see link below) to see what has been accomplished in the 5 years since the plan was approved, and what remains to be done. Of those items that remain to be done, there would likely be a discussion on what of those items to prioritize.

To help prepare for this discussion, an overview of the 2103 Master Plan is provided as well as links to the full document itself.

Happy reading!

---------

"What is a Master Plan?
According to Chapter 41 Section 81D of the General Laws of Massachusetts a Master Plan is:

“A statement through text, maps, illustrations or other forms of communication, that is designed to provide a basis for decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality…”

A Master Plan consists of the following elements as defined by the M.G.L. Chapter 41 Section 81D.

• Land Use
• Housing
• Economic Development
• Circulation
• Open Space and Recreation
• Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources
• Community Services and Facilities
• Goals and Policies
• Implementation

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The Planning and Community Development Master Plan page

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

The 2013 Master Plan doc and sections

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan-2013

The abridged version of the 2013 Master Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/abridged.pdf

In a document dated Dec 2016, Bryan Taberner provided an updated to the Town Council on recent accomplishments for the Master Plan for the Jan 4, 2017 meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/h2_master_plan.pdf

2013 Master Plan - time to review

Electric Youth Announces 2019 Debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Electric Youth 2019 will debut at THE BLACK BOX on January 5 with two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. The 2019 group of talented young singers and dancers includes Laney Dragsbaek, Hayley Driscoll, Tatiana McAlpine, Kelly McCormick, Emma Nicholson, Hannah Rezendes, Madison Rezendes, and Lindsey Wyner of Franklin, Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham, Griffin Wilkins and Caroline Wilkins of Walpole, and Cassidy Baratta and Kelsey Breslin of Hopkinton.

Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Electric Youth 2019

The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

Collectively, the members of Electric Youth 2019 have performed with Broadway stars, sung the National Anthem for Boston sports teams, been selected to perform at “Broadway Sessions” in NYC, won national gymnastics titles, worked with choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance, performed on televised dance specials, and more. Alumni of Electric Youth have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national and international tours, television, regional theater, feature film, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and more.

Tickets for the January 5 Debut shows are available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Conservation Commission - Meeting - Jan 3, 2018

Three new Notices of Intent (NOI) were filed recently in advance of Public Hearings scheduled for the Conservation Commission. Their next meeting is Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.

The full agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/jan_3_meet.pdf


The new Notice of Intent filings are as follows:

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2018, January 3, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on a Notice of Intent filed by Eversource Energy of Westwood, MA for a geotechnical boring program in the buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands. 

This project is located along the existing Right-of-Way.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/eversource_-_boring_program.pdf

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at 7:05 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on a Notice of Intent filed by Spring Street Renewables, LLC of Boston, MA for construction of a large scale ground mounted solar energy system in the buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands. 

This project is located on Spring Street.

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

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) a Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at 7:10 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on a Notice of Intent filed by PIDC Construction of Milford, MA for construction of a new parking area with 84+/- spaces on the westerly side of the existing building in the buffer zone of bordering vegetated wetlands. 

This project is located at 27 Forge Parkway.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/27_forge_parkway.pdf

Spruce Pond on a sunny day in November 2018