Friday, March 8, 2019

Horace Mann statue - May 7. 2017

The unveiling of the Horace Mann statue in Franklin, MA on May 7. 2017

Horace Mann Statue

or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157683435652096/


Local fifth grader to appear in FPAC’s Seussical

Franklin’s Julian DiChiara is set to appear as JoJo in the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) production of Seussical running March 9,10, 15, 16, and 17 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. DiChiara is a fifth grader at Oak Street Elementary and studies singing, acting, and dancing at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

Even at his young age, DiChiara is no stranger to the stage. Earlier this season, he played Les in FPAC’s sold out run of Disney’s Newsies where he appeared with Broadway’s Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) and was choreographed by Chaz Wolcott (Newsies, So You Think You Can Dance, Cats). 
Julian DiChiara
Julian DiChiara

He was also seen in the children’s choir of FPAC’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (10 DASH Award nominations) and in their original holiday panto Alice in a Winter Wonderland as Tweedle Dee. At the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, DiChiara has had roles in The Wizard of Oz, Bring It, and The Government Inspector. He also performs locally with the ensemble “Future Shock.”

Seussical is a perfect musical for the whole family. Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life Dr. Seuss favorites including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo (played by DiChiara). The colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool, to the Circus McGurkus, to the invisible world of the Whos.

Tickets for Seussical are available at www.fpaconline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin.

On this date: Mar 8, 2013: Downtown Project finally getting to bid

Stepping back into the archives for March 8, 2013 we find that the Downtown Project is about to go to bid in the fall. Yes, hard to believe is has already re-routed traffic for a couple of years now. It took a while to prepare for and really didn't take that long to complete once it started.

------

The Downtown Project is making some planning progress as reported in the Milford Daily News:

"Almost ten years in the making, the project aims to bring business back to the heart of town, in part through several cosmetic and safety improvements. 
Construction — slated to begin next fall after the project goes out to bid in August — will include: converting one-way traffic on Main Street and West Central Street to two-way; fixing roadways and sidewalks; upgrading lighting; and installing interconnected traffic signals and calming devices. 
With a total length of more than a mile, the work, the bulk of which should wrap up in the spring of 2014, will encompass a large swath of the downtown."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1433793532/Franklin-plans-for-downtown-improvement-project#ixzz2MwW3XNm8

Additional information on the project can be found on the Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/downtown-project.html

The post from March 8, 2013
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/how-construction-would-affect-businesses.html

updated lane markings were part of the Downtown Project finish work
updated lane markings were part of the Downtown Project finish work

Community Coffee - March 9 - 10 AM - School Starts Times

The next School Committee Community Coffee is scheduled for Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 AM at the Franklin Public Library.

The theme for this discussion is the work of the School Starts Times Advisory Committee. Feedback is being gathered to prepare for the presentation to the School Committee at the March 26 meeting.

More about the School Start Times Advisory Committee can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee

Community Coffee - March 9 - 10 AM - School Starts Times




Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Greg Greenway - March 9




Greg Greenway March 9                          
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Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Greg Greenway - March 9
Greg Greenway
Mar 9 -  8 PM $25
Greg Greenway has been described as "one of the strongest, and finest voices in folk music." The Boston Globe wrote, "Confessional one moment, rambunctiously disarming the next, few modern folk singers can own a coffeehouse stage as completely as Greenway."

From the end of 2010 to the present, Greenway has been one third of one of the most successful Folk trios in North America, Brother Sun.

Greenway is also involved in a new project with long time friend, Reggie Harris, "Deeper Than the Skin".

Greg will be performing with Fabio Pirozzolo on percussion and Stephanie Corby on backing vocals.

https://c9tuning.wordpress.com/  Greg Greenway
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
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                                         

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Franklin Library: Teen Board Game Cafe - Sat - Mar 9 - 3:00 PM

For teens in grades 6 through 12, the Franklin Public Library will hold a Board Game Cafe on Saturday, March 9 FROM 3:00 - 4:30 PM.


Franklin Library: Teen Board Game Cafe - Sat - Mar 9 - 3:00 PM
Franklin Library: Teen Board Game Cafe - Sat - Mar 9 - 3:00 PM
Shared from the Franklin Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/teen-board-game-cafe-1

and Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/events/2083765881645821/


Thursday, March 7, 2019

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Town Council

The Town Council is the holder of all general, corporate, legislative, and appropriations powers of the Town of Franklin. On behalf of the Town Council I submit our annual report for the FY18.

Economic Development
The Town Council adopted GL Chapter 64N Section 3 authorizing the imposition of a local sales tax on the sale or transfer of marijuana or marijuana products by a marijuana retailer and establishes the tax rate at the max of 3%. The Town council approved a Zoning Bylaw amendment the poultry set back to a minimum of 25 feet.

Facilities
The New construction and renovation of the Franklin Public Library was completed and a Ribbon Cutting was held in Fall of 2017. New Turf Fields were installed at the High School and Beaver Street Field along with a new track around the High School field. A proposal for a new bathroom facility and storage and concession building at Pisini Field near the High school was submitted and approved.

Recreation and Open Space
We are continuing to clean up the weed and fish issues at the DelCarte as part of the restoration and preservation of this recreation area. The Town recorded and deeded two unimproved vacant parcels on Grove Street from the land of low value auction that the Town Treasurer/Collector held.

Downtown
The Downtown Revitalization project is still underway with continued efforts to improve the roadways in the Alpine Place neighborhood.

Other
Approved a balanced budget and worked with the Town Administration on obtaining a five year capital plan for all departments including the Water and Sewer Enterprise funds.

The Town Council voted to transfer two town owned parcels of vacant land (244-040-000-000 .182 acres on Brook Street and 266-073-000-000 7.582 acres off Mill Street) to the care, custody, control and management of the Conservation Commission.

The Council appropriated:
● $160,000 for a new snow plow for the Public Works.
● $550,000 for Roadway Improvements for the Public Works.
● $18,000 for Police Radio Improvements.
● $20,000 for a Town Wide Operational Risk Assessment of all Town and School operations from a fiscal management perspective to outline any weaknesses to be addressed

The Town Council approved a Bylaw Amendment to raise the Water and Sewer Usage Rates. The expansion and construction of the existing Veterans War Memorial on the Town Common was approved.

Franklin was designated as a Green Community. With a new Fuel Efficient policy and Energy Reduction plan in place. More than 90% of electricity used by the town is generated through solar energy.

The Town receives a donation of a parcel of land on Grove street that abuts two of the town owned wells and the future Treatment Plan Site.

It is a pleasure to serve my fellow citizens and to submit this annual report on behalf of the Franklin Town Council for your review.

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew T. Kelly 
Chairman, Franklin Town Council


You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports


Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Town Council
Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Town Council

Franklin Cultural Festival 2016

Photos from the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival held in Franklin, MA in July 2016

Franklin Cultural Festival - 2016

or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157676824880036/

On this date: Mar 7, 2012: 15th Trivia Bee to be held

Stepping into the archive for March 7, 2012 we find that the FEF 15th Annual Triva Bee was being announced to be held on March 15.

How cool is that! the 15th event coincidentally on the 15th!

The FEF has turned from the Trivia Bee to the Harlem Wizards and other fund raising activities


https://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/03/15th-annual-trivia-bee-march-15.html

So set the date for No 22 and the next visit of the Harlem Wizards

set the date for No 22 and the next visit of the Harlem Wizards
set the date for No 22 and the next visit of the Harlem Wizards

Franklin Education Foundation
Franklin Education Foundation

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Franklin School Committee

The Franklin School Committee utilizes a number of subcommittees to initially review, propose and consider policies and issues that come before the Committee. We are committed to two-way communication with the citizens of Franklin, listening to concerns and sharing information in the true spirit of democracy.

The subcommittees and their functions are outlined below:

  • Budget: Reviews, proposes and considers matters pertaining to the school budget. Participates with the town-wide Joint Budget Subcommittee. Committed to educating the public about the budget process in an open and transparent way.
  • Community Relations: Reviews, proposes and considers matters pertaining to communication with the community about school policies, issues and programs. Meets on a monthly basis throughout the community at various locations including the Harvest Festival, The Farmer’s Market, The Senior Center, The Public Library, Franklin Cable TV Station, etc. in order to share information and address citizens’ concerns.
  • Policy: Reviews, proposes and considers matters pertaining to policies and procedures in the Franklin Public Schools. This subcommittee also maintains the Policy Manual.
  • Public Schools Advocacy: Keeps the committee and the community informed on legislative matters at the federal, state and local levels. Promotes the importance of public schools in a democratic society. In February a Legislative Forum was held for the public. State Senators Ross and Spilka along with State Representative, Jeff Roy shared legislative updates relative to funding education and answered questions from interested citizens.
  • Transportation: Recommends and reviews policies regarding transportation. The subcommittee also develops bids for transportation services.
In addition to the work of these subcommittees, members participate on advisory councils and as liaisons to the Joint Parent Communication Councils and Mass Association of School Committees (MASC).

The responsibilities of these members are outlined below:

  • School Wellness Advisory Council: Establishes annual wellness goals for the district. Reviews data, conducts data collection and sponsors professional development programs for students, faculty, parents and the community. Meets monthly throughout the school year.
  • Parent Communication Council Liaisons: Joining the Superintendent and other central office administrators, school committee liaisons share important information relative to policies and issues before the school committee. This is another opportunity to gain feedback, insights as to the issues/ concerns of the community. Meets every month during the school year.
  • MASC Liaison: Advocates at the state level for issues relative to public schools.
  • School Start Times Advisory Council: A committee comprised of representatives from the School Committee, teachers, administrative team, parents and interested community leaders with the purpose of objectively analyzing the data and issues relative to school start times. This committee is organized into subcommittees which are meeting throughout the entire year. Recommendations will made to the School Committee at the conclusion of this study.
  • Summer Workshop: The School Committee also meets at a one-day summer workshop with the Superintendent to provide input relative to the District Improvement Plan and to plan pertinent School Committee presentations and workshops for the following school year. 

Throughout the year, the School Committee works with a facilitator from MASC to strengthen our skills and effectiveness as an elected body so that we may better serve the public.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Bergen, 
Chair, Franklin School Committee




You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

For more about the School Committee
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee


Franklin School Committee
Franklin School Committee

Reporting by Walking Around - Feb 26, 2016

Photos from the walk around Franklin, MA on Saturday Feb 26, 2016

Reporting By Walking Around - 02/26/16

or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157665058649341/

For the commentary from the "reporting by walking around"
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/photos-from-walk-around-franklin.html

On this date: Mar 6, 2011: The week in Review

Yes, I did a weekly review for a period of time. The time I put into it didn't seem to be worth it in generating more readers or engagement so it came to an end. 

As the Town gets more and more into timely publication of reports, presentations, agendas, and meeting minutes, then perhaps this is something to reconsider. Until then, the podcast will share key meetings or events.


FM #88 - Week ending 3/6/11

Lets take less than ten minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends March 6, 2011. 

Time: 6 minutes, 20 seconds


For the full set of show notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/fm-88-week-ending-3611.html


Franklin Community Gardens
On this date: Mar 6, 2011: The week in Review mentioned the Community Garden

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Mar 10

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
2nd Sunday of the month
Mar 10, Apr 14
7:30 - 11:00 AM

Pancakes - Scrambled Eggs - Sausage - Home Fries
(drinks are included)

Adults - $8 Kids (4 -12) - $4
(3 and under eat free)

FRANKLIN ROD and GUN CLUB
53 Florence Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Please visit www.franklinrodandgun.org for more info

Download a copy of the flyer here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zah6YdFe-IFngqZknj5OSdT7yKsjcUAP/view?usp=sharing



All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Jan 13
All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast - Jan 13




Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Treasurer-Collector

Fiscal 2018 has been another very busy year in the Treasurer-Collector’s office. Jim Dacey retired after 18 years on the job and Kerri Bertone was appointed Treasurer-Collector in November 2017.

The fiscal year ended with higher investment interest rates (MMDT –1.75%). On the borrowing side, low rates had a positive effect. In April of 2018 we issued a 1 year Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) for $10,300,000 for Library planning and design. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC was the winning bidder on the BAN with a weighted average interest cost of .9852%. At the same time, we issued a General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2018 Bonds (the “Bonds”) for $6,985,000 million for FHS construction and water infrastructure improvements. J.P. Morgan and Century Bank were the winning bidder with a weighted average interest cost of 1.8997%.

Prior to the sale, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a municipal credit rating agency, affirmed the Town’s AA+ bond rating. They also assigned its 'SP-1+' short-term rating to Franklin’s series 2018 A and B general obligation (GO) bond anticipation notes (BANs), payable on May 17, 2019.

Standard and Poor’s stated “The stable outlook reflects what we view as the town's very strong liquidity position and strong budgetary flexibility. In addition, we believe Franklin's very strong economy and access to the Boston MSA lends stability to the town's tax base. Strong management, with “good” financial policies and practices under our Financial Management Assessment (FMA) mythology.

During FY 2018, $133,000.00 was collected in back property taxes, interest and fees. Ten property owners paid off all outstanding taxes and redeemed their properties out of tax title. We continue to pursue delinquent taxes through the foreclosure process and there are currently 17 properties in Land Court. Since 2001 we have foreclosed on 70 properties. Some properties will eventually be auctioned off and the rest will remain as town property.

There were 877 Municipal Lien Certificates issued by the Treasurer-Collector’s office generating revenue of $43,850.00. Also collected was $4,421.51 in fees for duplicate bills and files that we supplied to tax services and escrow agents. During FY18, the Treasurer-Collector’s office printed and mailed 40,947 Real Estate Tax bills, 2,094 Personal Property Tax bills, 33,535 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax bills, and 41,441 Utility bills. 

The following Demands were also printed and mailed, 483 Real Estate Tax, 95 Personal Property Tax, and 4,103 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax. There were 2,480 Motor Vehicle warrants issued in FY18. There were 4 Betterment releases (water, sewer and road) generating revenue of $120. We also collected $104,500 for backflow testing and $65,700 for Sprinkler/Hydrant charges. The Treasurer also acts as the town’s parking clerk. Our deputy collector, Kelley & Ryan Associates of Hopedale, handles the billing and collection of parking tickets. During FY18 we collected $33,928 for parking violations.

I would like to thank all town departments for the timely and accurate turnover of fees to the Treasurer-Collector’s office. I also would like to acknowledge my team, I appreciate the efforts of each one of you in the past year. I am grateful for all of you. I would like to congratulate Jim Dacey on his richly deserved retirement. Thank you Jim, for your many years of great leadership. Everyone agrees, that you possess a rare combination of vision, fairness and understanding, crucial qualities for an effective Treasurer-Collector. Your career will be a model to follow. 

Finally, I like to thank the citizens of Franklin for their continued support.

Respectfully submitted,

Kerri A. Bertone
Treasurer-Collector


You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Treasurer-Collector
Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Treasurer-Collector

The Last Tour of the old Franklin High School - 2014

photos from the last tour of the old Franklin High School on June 21, 2014

FHS Last Tour

or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645999514842/