Franklin residents: Time to Order Your Rain Barrel

Time to Order Your Rain Barrel!

It's that time of year again! Time to order your rain barrel!

Franklin is once again partnering with The Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer residents discounted barrels for just $69. Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19!! 

Order by Wednesday, September 11 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St) on Wednesday, September 18 from 4-6 PM.

Click here for more information or to order
https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

Click here for a water conservation rebate application
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/rain_barrel_rebate_application_0.pdf

rain barrels at the Franklin Community Garden

Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts 13th Annual Triathlon and Announces New Youth Splash and Dash Event - Jul 21

The Hockomock Area YMCA will be hosting two healthy living events on Sunday, July 21st at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. The first race is the 13th annual Spier Family Triathlon which begins at 8:00 AM (registration is at 6:00 AM) and consists of a ¼ mile swim in Lake Pearl, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. The second event is the Youth Splash and Dash, a swimming and running aquathlon competition taking place at 12:00 PM for ages 5 to 14.

This friendly USAT Sanctioned Sprint triathlon is designed to work for beginners, youth/junior (ages 14+) triathletes, paratriathletes, 2 or 3 person relay teams and advanced triathletes.

Great park venue, with all proceeds benefiting the Reach Out to Youth and Families Campaign at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The race will have you enjoying picturesque New England landscapes through quaint Wrentham Center. Bike and run provide moderate hills. The grass transition area is centrally located and easily accessed; each participant will enjoy roomy and secure transition space. 

This USA Triathlon sanctioned event is limited to 400 registered athletes. The Y is proud that this is the first paratriathlete-friendly USAT event in New England, beginning in 2013.Participants can expect a high-quality race at an affordable price. If space is available, registration will begin at 6:00 AM day of event - Sunday, 7/21.

Register online at https://www.hockymca.org/triathlon by July 18th. Day of registration will begin at 6:00 AM on Sunday, July 21st if space permits.

After the Spier Family Triathlon, beginning at 12:00 PM, the Hockomock Area YMCA will host a Youth Splash and Dash event. This is a free event open to children ages 5-14. The race includes a swimming and running portion. (requires a $10 USAT day license fee)

Participants will be separated into two age groups with one race including 5-9 year olds, and another race including 10-14 year olds. The 5-9 age group will swim 25 yards in lap lanes and then run a quarter mile to the finish line. The 10-14 age group will swim 100 yards in lap lanes and then run a half mile to the finish line. For more information and to register for the race, visit https://www.hockymca.org/youth-splash-dash

All proceeds will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth & Families Annual Campaign which is the primary vehicle in subsidizing confidential scholarship assistance and programs for youth, individuals and families to have a YMCA experience regardless of ability to pay. Funds raised provide confidential scholarship assistance, giving Y experiences including summer camp, child care and teen programs to local children and families in need.

Triathlon participants at the 2018 Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

"officer was placed on unpaid administrative leave"

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

A local police officer is on unpaid administrative leave after his arrest late last month on an assault-and-battery charge in Foxborough, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Trever LaCasse, 25, of Wrentham, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery (misdemeanor) on a family or household member during his arraignment July 1 in Wrentham District Court, according to David Traub, spokesman for the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.

LaCasse, a Franklin patrol officer, was ordered to return Aug. 28 for pre-trial conference, Traub said.

As is common in cases involving the prosecution of police officers, the case has been assigned to an independent prosecutor to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest, said Traub.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190709/franklin-police-officer-charged-with-assault-on-unpaid-leave

THE BLACK BOX presents Daniel Ian Smith and the Generations Ensemble - July 12

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, will present Daniel Ian Smith and the Generations Ensemble on Friday, July 12 at 8 pm as part of their “Jazz in July” Series. Daniel Ian Smith, a new resident of Franklin, is a saxophonist, flutist, educator and composer with over 30 years of professional experience. Smith has recorded and been featured on over 30 albums. 

Most recently, he has been featured on widely acclaimed recordings with Fernando Brandao, The Fernando Huergo Big Band, The Pablo Ablanedo Octet, The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, Brian McCarthy and the Better Angels of Our Nature, and Ron Reid and Sunsteel. New recordings will soon be released by his Generations Quintet, New World Jazz Composers Octet, and The Latin Side of Billy Strayhorn.

THE BLACK BOX presents Daniel Ian Smith

Other July programming at THE BLACK BOX includes Lauren Kinhan with the Mark Poniatowski Trio (Jazz in July), the acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band (Jazz in July), and musical theatre comedian Ali Funkhouser (BLACK BOX Cabaret). Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370 for more information. 

Follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA.

"it is important for residents to comply with the full water ban until further notice"

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

"A stringent water ban is in effect throughout town after a mechanical failure at the main treatment plant late Saturday night caused heavy smoke and forced a shutdown of the facility, in addition to two associated wells.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on Monday said the ban will remain in effect until further notice, as officials work to determine the cause of the failure, assess damages and undertake necessary repairs and replacements.

“We don’t know how long this (ban) will be in effect for,” Hellen said.

The DPW put out an advisory about the ban early on Sunday, stepping up water use restrictions from the conservation measures that are always in effect and that allow all types of watering one day a week according to a schedule based on address."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190708/franklin-calls-for-full-water-ban-after-malfunction-smoke-force-main-treatment-plant-shutdown


No longer allowed during the ban are the following uses:

• Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks

Residents may continue to water gardens, flowers and ornamental plants, but with hand-held hoses only.

Franklin DPW headquarters building

Open Track & Field Meet - Jul 18

Open track and field meet coming up on Thursday, July 18, July 25 and August 1. Check in and field events start at 5:00 PM. Running events start at 6:00 PM.

All events take place at Franklin High School. $5 entry fee (unlimited events)

Via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHS_girlsXC/status/1147978975421050881

Open Track & Field Meet - Jul 18

"pointed to a lack of enforcement at the federal level as one reason for growing interest in the issue"

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

"A bill before the Massachusetts Legislature, if approved, would create a Student Loan Bill of Rights that includes appointing a state student loan ombudsman in the state Attorney General’s office.

Five states so far this year have passed new laws aimed at protecting student loan borrowers. Another three are steps away from doing so and similar bills filed in a handful of others, including Massachusetts, according to a new report.

Action on the state level is in reaction to the relaxation of federal oversight, according to an issue paper from the Hildreth Institute, a Boston nonprofit focused on college affordability

“In the absence of federal leadership on regulating the loan servicing industry,” states have been left with no choice but to pass legislation that provides such oversight, the report says."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190708/massachusetts-legislators-take-steps-to-protect-student-borrowers

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

  Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau online https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

FHS Boston Globe All Scholastics - Spring 2018-2019 Season

The Boston Globe has published their All Scholastics section for the Spring season of 2018-2019. Several Franklin High School athletes were named.

Baseball
Alex Haba = Franklin | Senior
Haba was named team and Hockomock MVP after helping lead the Panthers back to the Super 8. The senior shortstop batted at a .423 clip with 21 RBIs, 30 runs scored, and 27 steals. He will play at Merrimack College.

All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Liam Dailey, Scott Elliott, Alex Haba (MVP), Jake Macchi, Brennan Rivera.

Boys Lacrosse
Jacob Alexander = Franklin | Senior
The Hockomock MVP and Bryant commit won a stunning 87 percent of his faceoffs this season, a total of 410 wins. The two-time All-American set a program mark with 1,330 career faceoff wins, adding 38 goals and 41 assists over four seasons.

All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Jacob Alexander (MVP), Nitin Chaudhury, Jake Davis, Will Davis, Will Harvey, Ben Kolb, Matt Lazzaro, Pat Morrison.

Girls Lacrosse
Gianna Cameron = Franklin | Junior
Cameron allowed fewer than seven goals per game and stopped more than half the shots that came her way. She finished with 161 saves and led the Panthers to the Division 1 East semifinals. She is committed to Oregon.

Annie Walsh = Franklin | Senior
Walsh amassed 263 goals and 326 points in her career, and was a three-time team MVP and a four-time Hockomock All-Star. She is a three-time All-American and three-time Eastern Mass. All-Star. The midfielder will play at BC.

Softball
All Stars:Hockomock
Franklin: Anna Balkus, Jackie Cherry, Ally Shea.

Boys Outdoor Track
All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Tyler Brogan, Nicholas Calitri, Michael Hagen, Cam Harrington, Dylan Kehoe.

Girls Outdoor Track
All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Halle Atkinson, Julia Fenerty, Brandi Osborne, Bella Pierre, Samantha Powderly.

Boys Tennis
All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Vayshnav Malhotra.Rohan Herur, Vayshnav Malhotra, Liam Marr, Saketh Saripalli.


The complete listing of Boston Globe All Scholastics can be found online
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/all-scholastics/

FHS Panthers

Friends of the Franklin Library - brochure

The Friends of the Franklin Library membership brochure is available for reading and downloading. Are you already a member? Why not join?


"We encourage public support for continuing development of the library and supplement the library budget. We enhance the library community by providing a combination of programming, services, and financial support, including:

• Children’s Programs and Concerts
• Summer Reading Program
• Book, Music, and Movie Supplements to the Library Collection
• Adult and Teen Programs and Concerts
• Book Discussion Group
• Educational Materials"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQUNsdEhibzVTUmJMU0dYRDVVS0FtYWdpWWdj/view?usp=sharing

Friends of the Franklin Library - brochure

In the News: still no State budget

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

"There were no fiscal fireworks coming from the Massachusetts Statehouse this past week as a deadline for producing a new state budget passed quietly without eliciting much, if any, concern from state leaders.

A six-member legislative conference committee led by Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues and House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz is working to settle disagreements between the two chambers over a $42.7 billion spending plan for the 12-month period that started July 1.

Meanwhile state government is operating on a stopgap budget."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190707/talks-drag-into-states-new-fiscal-year

https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Senate

Attention Franklin Residents: [DPW] water ban effective immediately

Due to a fire at treatment plant the following is in effect:

The following water uses are NOT allowed:

• Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks.

The following water uses are allowed:

• Watering gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose

Violators may be fined up to $200.00

Attention Franklin Residents: [DPW] water ban effective immediately

Franklin 4th of July Celebration: Sunday, July 7 - (Update) fireworks at 9:15 PM

Schedule Of Events On The Town Common

*** Sunday, July 7
12-9 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12-5 PM - $30 )

12-3 PM: Duppy Conquerors (a Bob Marley tribute band)

3:30-5 PM: Sam Woolf, 2014 American Idol finalist (solo acoustic)

6:30 - 8:45 PM: The Black Vines (high energy guitar based funk rock - not limited by any genre)

9:15 PM Fireworks from Franklin High School (rescheduled from Saturday)



*** Food Booths (sponsored by various non-profit organizations in Franklin):

• Democratic Party- Pizza and water
• Franklin July 4th Coalition - Soda, seltzer water, Gatorade, ice cream and a 50/50 raffle
• Republican Party- Corn dogs, nachos, watermelon and root beer floats
• Rod & Gun Club - Fried dough and French fries
• Rotary Club - Sausages, peppers and onions
• Temple Etz Chaim - Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board

For the latest updates to our Schedule of Events please visit www.franklin4th.com

Download your copy of this schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._4th_of_july.pdf

carnival rides on the Town Common

Town of Franklin Building and Inspections Dept - online permits starts July 1

Starting July 1st, the Town of Franklin Building and Inspections Department will be accepting Permits on-line!

Read the full announcement
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/viewpoint_is_here.pdf

Visit the Online Licensing and Permit Applications 
https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

 

Visit the Online Licensing and Permit Applications

Town of Franklin Building and Inspections Department can process Permits on-line

Spier Family Issues Camp Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

The Spier Family of Foxborough is issuing a challenge grant to Hockomock Area YMCA members, donors, local businesses and partners. For the third straight year, a generous $25,000 matching gift challenge is being offered. The Spiers are matching every donation made July 8 through July 21 up to $25,000, which will result in an additional $50,000 to provide more kids with a summer camp experience in August.

Children and families who face financial challenges are welcomed each day to enjoy a YMCA experience in a place where they are nurtured and where they belong. On average 1,300 kids attend Hockomock Y camps each summer day, including YMCA camps located in Bellingham, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, and North Attleboro.

Last year, the Y provided $180,985 in confidential scholarships for summer camp; more than 20% of campers received some form of financial assistance. As the need continues to grow, the generous Spier Challenge gift will provide more opportunities for kids to experience camp this summer.

Many family budgets are increasingly strained, placing a hardship on children in area communities, especially during the summer when they may not have access to quality care, active outdoor fun, and healthy meals each day. To learn more and make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/camp-challenge.

Kids deserve to be active, happy and care-free, especially during the summer months. Summer days are longer, warmer and more enjoyable for children to explore the world around them. This is exactly the setting YMCA member Mary needed and wanted for her son Parker. “It was kindergarten going into first grade when we experienced camp for the first time and my son went for two weeks. I was still a stay at home Mom, but just to have that opportunity to give him a break from having to go to his Dad’s cancer treatments those two weeks out of the summer really helped.

Last summer Parker attended summer camp for the whole summer and that’s because his Dad had passed and I had gone back to work and I didn’t know how I was going to be able to take care of my son and still provide for him. I think his favorite counselors really made an impact on his life, for which I’m forever grateful,” says Mary.

“The Y is important to kids like Parker, but also to all the other kids. The benefits of summer camp are phenomenal. Becaues of the Reach Out for Youth & Families assistance program, my son was able to have these opportunities when we couldn’t afford them. It not only gave my son a sense of normalcy during a time that wasn’t normal for him but it also gave me the opportunity to have a stress relief by having a membership to the Y for myself.”

Greg and Kathy Spier, long time Foxborough residents, Y members and volunteers, and community leaders, are passionate about improving the quality of life in their community. The Spier Family name is prominently displayed on the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch. The Spiers are also benefactors of the SPLASH program which has resulted in teaching hundreds of local school children how to be safe around water, learn to swim, and begin enjoying swimming as lifelong recreation.

“Our family has always believed in giving back to the community we love and our Mom and Dad modeled the importance of paying it forward. There is something magical about summer camp that every child needs and deserves. Through this challenge, together with our community, we can provide more kids an opportunity to experience their best summer ever at the Hockomock Area YMCA camps,” said Greg Spier.

When asked why the Spiers are issuing this challenge, Greg Spier shared, “Kathy and I give because our hearts feel good when we do so, and we advocate for the Y because we know the Y strengthens families and communities. Summer camp provides a special opportunity to shape a kid’s life while building confidence and self-esteem.”

Ed Hurley, President of the Hockomock Area YMCA expressed, “We are so grateful to the Spier Family for their continued commitment and confidence in our YMCA. This donor challenge and the gifts that will result means more children will have the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp at the Y.

Our Y has a proud yet ever-growing history of inclusiveness. Whether it’s a family that cannot afford a Y camping experience for their children or a teenager who struggles with bullying at school, we continually extend our arms, welcoming them into our Y family. We are grateful to be part of 15 communities full of caring, committed people who share the values of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” said Hurley.

In 2018, the Hockomock Area YMCA provided $ $2,111,811 in confidential scholarship assistance and program subsidies.

To learn more and make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/camp-challenge.

The Spier Family with summer campers in 2012

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

In the News: vaping help for teens; kids day at the Franklin 4th

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

"Massachusetts is one of nine states participating in a program to help teenagers stop using electronic cigarettes. Some call vaping a health “epidemic” that must be stopped.

Statistics show the phenomenon known as “vaping” is a health problem for teenagers in MetroWest, and a new multi-state program hopes to give them the tools to quit.

Called “My Life, My Quit,” teenagers can text or call a toll-free number, 1-855-891-9989, to get connected with a coach for five sessions of personalized support. Those sessions can be done through live texting, phone or online chat. The goal is to build a plan to quit tobacco and vaping - the term used to describe puffing on electronic cigarettes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190706/my-life-my-quit-helps-metrowest-teenagers-kick-vaping-habit

Visit My Life My Quit for more info  https://mylifemyquit.com/

Visit My Life My Quit for more info

"With her hair tucked into a white bonnet and gold sequins sparkling on her red, white and blue dress, Georgette Glavin, who turns 4 next week, surveyed the Franklin Town Common from her star-spangled stroller, outfitted with American flags and tinsel.

Minutes later, Georgette, embodying Betsy Ross, held a tiny gold trophy in her hands, as she and her 8-month-old cousin, Caroline Chagnon - tucked into a Statue of Liberty costume fashioned from a green bed sheet - had won first place in the July 4 Children’s Bike parade, sponsored by the Franklin Lions Club. Second place went to Aria Julian while third place was garnered by Amelia Collins.

“What better person to be than Betsy Ross?” asked Georgette’s grandmother, Kim Donahue, explaining the inspiration behind the costumes she helped design. “Now it’s time for Popsicles.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190706/franklin-pedals-patriotism-at-fourth-of-july-festivities

Groove Doctors performing Friday night at the 4th of July Celebration