"Our mission is to connect, protect and celebrate our local communities”

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

"New Media Investment Group and Gannett finalized their merger Tuesday, putting top executives in position to move ahead with plans they believe will transform the new company’s local and national news brands, including USA TODAY, into a reinvented digital media powerhouse. 

The merger creates the largest U.S. media company by print circulation and one that will vie for the nation’s biggest online news and information audience. 

The new company’s CEOs – Mike Reed, who will lead the overall public entity under the name Gannett Co., and Paul Bascobert, who will lead an operating company called Gannett Media Corp. – told USA TODAY in a joint interview that they have a compelling opportunity to reinvent the business and expand digital revenue. Both said the company will continue to focus on its journalistic mission. 

“Our mission is to connect, protect and celebrate our local communities,” Bascobert said. “Great journalism really is the core of that mission. The question really becomes, what’s the sustainable and exciting business model that powers that mission?”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20191119/ceos-of-new-gannett-pivot-needed-for-digital-transformation-as-merger-completes

Franklin dog park looking for volunteers Saturday morning, Nov 23

Hello dog lovers.

We need volunteers on November 23, Saturday at 9 AM to spreed wood chips. We need extra wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes.

Refreshments will be there for the volunteers.

Thank you,

Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park volunteer committee 

Franklin dog park looking for volunteers Saturday morning, Nov 23

 

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

"The Town of Franklin is seeking to fill a vacant Associate Planning Board member position.

The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a four year term, and one Associate Member. The Associate Member participates in all Planning Board hearings, but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act.

Franklin Planning Board's primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town.

For more information on the Planning Board please visit their page:   www.franklinma.gov/planning-board.

Please consider giving your time, expertise and perspective on behalf of your community. To apply please visit the Town's website and fill out the online volunteer form at:   http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php."

More about what the Planning Board does can be found in the Annual Report
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/franklin-election-2019-what-does.html

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

Franklin Public Schools: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) “Focus of the Month”

"Dear Franklin Families!

Franklin Public Schools (FPS) remains committed to supporting student development in the five Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competency areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.

To accomplish this, we are excited to roll out the Franklin Public Schools (FPS) SEL "Focus of the Month". Our goal is to provide teachers and families with strategies that support students' social and emotional learning skills development. 

November and December is Self-Awareness month, and each school is participating in this initiative. We encourage families to participate as well!

Are you ready to begin? If so, take the "Try 2" Challenge, which can be found on our website. You may notice that you already use some of the easy-to-implement strategies at home! If you have a strategy that works for you or general feedback, you can share it by using the Focus of the Month Feedback Form.

The SEL website will continue to develop as we progress through each month. Also, please be on the lookout for SEL news and information in your school newsletter!"

Shared via 
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fps_sel_focus_of_the_month-nov_dec_2019_1.pdf

New SEL web page    https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/sel/home

More about CASEL at  https://casel.org/

Franklin Public Schools: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) “Focus of the Month”

"The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day" - Dec 7

The St. Mary Women's Faith Formation Group invites all women to attend a presentation on "The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day." The presentation will be December 7 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM in the St. Mary's Parish Hall (One Church Square, Franklin). 

The talk will be given by Fr. Vincent Daily, who comes to us from St. John XXIII Seminary, and is an expert on Dorothy Day. Come join us for a unique presentation and learn about a woman who was very influential in the modern church. The talk is certain to be thought provoking and informative.

Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV1JyRVhmOUVwZHc1QTdOUTRjdl9nXzgzWmFz/view?usp=sharing

"The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day" - Dec 7

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration and Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

** Kindergarten Registration Class of 2033

• February 11, 2020 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
• February 12, 2020 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Where: Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room


** Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

• March 17, 2020 7 – 8:00 PM 

Where: Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium


Download your copy of the flyer:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/save_the_dates_2020_1.pdf

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

 

Christmas Fair - December 7

Christmas Fair • December 7, 2019 • 9 AM to 2 PM
St. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

• Silent Auction • Raffle items • Gift Basket themes: sports; spa; food and wine; games and toys; pet toys • Gift cards for local restaurants and stores • Hand-made Christmas greenery • Hand-made scarves, mittens, hats • Cookie Walk features fudge, cookies and baked treats • Activities for the kids • Food and Drinks • Pictures with Santa Claus!

Call 508-528-2387
Like us Facebook: St John’s Episcopal Church
View www.stjohnsfranklinma.org

Christmas Fair - December 7

FHS Cheerleaders take 2nd in Regional Meet

Via Twitter: Congrats to the FHS Cheerleaders for their 2nd place finish at Regionals!

Congrats to our Cheer Team on their 2nd place finish at Regionals! On to STATES! #Letsgo pic.twitter.com/JzdOJXMEPV

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 17, 2019

FHS Cheerleaders take 1st in State and 2nd in Regional Meets

updated with corrected info: "They placed 2nd in the Division 1 South competition Sunday and will compete in States Sunday November 24th at Worcester State College. Your article incorrectly says they won States. (They are defending Fall Div 1 champs) thank you!"

In the News: legislation on plastic bag ban and distracted driving maybe on Governor's desk this week

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

"The Massachusetts Senate is now scheduled to vote on not one, but two consumer product bans on Wednesday in its final formal session of the year.

The chamber teed up legislation Monday that would forbid retail businesses from providing customers with single-use plastic bags, placing it on an agenda that already includes a House-approved bill banning flavored tobacco products and imposing a 75 percent tax on e-cigarettes.

Under the bill (S 459), stores in most cases could only offer recyclable paper bags or reusable bags for a fee of at least 10 cents at the point of sale. Retail establishments would be required to remit 5 cents for each paper bag sold to the state, which would in turn be directed to communities to fund bag ban enforcement, recycling promotion, waste reduction and other local environmental efforts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/senate-vote-could-take-single-use-plastic-bag-ban-closer-to-reality

"Nine years after the state implemented a difficult-to-enforce ban on texting while driving, five months after legislative negotiators began the latest attempt to take phones out of drivers’ hands, and three and a half months after their original agreement collapsed, lawmakers Monday queued up a compromise bill that could reach the governor’s desk as soon as this week.

The legislation, filed with support from all six members of a conference committee tasked with resolving differences between the original House and Senate versions, would forbid the use of all handheld electronic devices behind the wheel, except for those in hands-free mode. Drivers could view electronic maps on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or center console, but they could not use their hands to interact with any electronic beyond a single touch or tap to active hands-free mode.

Motorists who violate the new regulation would face fines between $100 and $500, and third and subsequent offenses would be surchargeable for insurance purposes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/drivers-will-only-be-allow-hands-free-use-of-all-electronic-devices-if-bill-passes

How Christmas changed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event - Dec 8

Join Ken Turino of Historic New England for a delightful exploration of Christmas traditions from the 1600s through 1900, on Sunday, December 8. This illustrated lecture traces the development of the celebration of Christmas, from when it was outlawed in 17-century New England through the beginning of the 20th century, when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. 

Kenneth C. Turino, manager of community engagement and exhibitions at Historic New England, tells the story of how Christmas changed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event. 

Learn how Christmas trees became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town. Do you send Christmas cards each year? Decorate your house inside and out? Join us and learn about the history of your favorite traditions. 

The museum opens at 1:00 PM and the presentation will begin at 1:10 PM. Please bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Museum winter hours are Saturday mornings 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Visit the Franklin Historical Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

Left: Christmas Card sent home to Franklin from Gerald Parmenter During WWII

For more about Historic New England, visit them on the web at https://www.historicnewengland.org/

For more about Ken Turino
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reimagining-historic-house-museums-due-october-2019-ken-turino/
 

Fall cleanup - yard waste picked up on your normal trash day

via the Franklin DPW Facebook page, we find that the fall cleanup where your yard waste is picked up on your normal trash day, is this week, beginning Monday, November 18.

For more info about solid waste and recycling
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

For the online link to the solid waste flyer
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/files/20192020-solid-waste-mailer-and-calendar

For the Franklin DPW on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/

Fall cleanup - yard waste picked up on your normal trash day

Pantherbook Series: Environmental Investigations

via Pantherbook we find:

"In recent years, environmental issues have taken center stage in political discussions across the globe. How do these large-scale issues affect Franklin? Answering this question is the goal of Pantherbook’s newest series, known as Environmental Investigations.

Each week, a new article will be posted detailing an ecological problem pertaining to Franklin High School, or the town as a whole.

The series will be kicked off by Anika Patchala, who will talk about FHS’s resident environmental activists: the Green Team. Halle Goldsmith will discuss recycling practices and Amanda Wylie will inform readers about plant-based meat as a solution to meat overconsumption. Next, Gretchen Scotland will detail the issue of forest fragmentation in Franklin. Amelia Johnson-Pelligri will investigate the purportedly unsustainable cafeteria practices at FHS. Finally, Elise Ravich will summarize the findings of other journalists by describing the most effective ways for readers to get involved."

Continue reading about the new series
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2019/11/15/upcoming-series-environmental-investigations/

Is Franklin doing a good job conserving beautiful landscapes like this one? (Photo by Emily Cesa)

Register O'Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October 2019

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported lending activity, fueled by continued low interest rates, showed significant increases during October 2019. O'Donnell noted, "As we saw during the 3rd quarter 2019, significant increases year over year were seen with lending activity in Norfolk County. A total of 3,373 mortgages were recorded in October, a significant 62% increase compared to October 2018. Also, the total amount of money borrowed against Norfolk County properties during the month was $1.9 billion, a 106% increase compared to the previous year.  While this particular figure was impacted by two commercial loans of $100 million and $160 million recorded against Franklin and Braintree properties respectively, the statistics also show that positive trend lines relative to borrowing in the county continue unabated. Consumers are clearly taking advantage of low interest rates to purchase big ticket items and pay for large capital expenses." During October, the number of county real estate transactions both residential and commercial, recorded was 3,373, a 5% increase year over year. Buyers also saw encouraging signs as the average real estate sales price, again both residential and commercial, fell 6% to $878,369. Total dollar real estate sales for the month was $866 million, a 2% decrease from the previous year. "These figures," noted the Register, "bear watching as they may portend a real estate inventory increase and more options for prospective Norfolk County homeowners." Norfolk County homeowners continued to show they are very familiar with the benefits of the Homestead Act. A total of 1,042 Homesteads were recorded during the month of October, a 2% increase compared to October 2018. Register O'Donnell reiterated the importance of having a Homestead. "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this important consumer protection tool." One surprise seen during October was a small increase in the number of foreclosure deeds recorded countywide. A total of 17 foreclosure deeds were recorded compared to 14 during the same timeframe in 2018. This bit of bad news was offset by a 28% decrease in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded during the month. O'Donnell stated, "The reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings in October was certainly encouraging. With that said, we want any homeowner facing challenges paying their mortgage to know help is available. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376 and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help any homeowner who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. An additional option available is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400." Register O'Donnell concluded, "A robust eastern Massachusetts economy continues to propel the Norfolk County real estate market in a positive direction. Strong lending activity, also fueled by low interest rates, and an uptick in real estate sales shows Norfolk County homeowners are confident about the current state of the economy and their finances. Another possible factor to consider could be concern that a possible recession, forecast by some economic watchdogs, could mean it is more advantageous to borrow now instead of in calendar year 2020." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October

Franklin Starbucks - hiring event - Dec 2

Franklin Starbucks is hosting a hiring event on Monday December 2 from 3 to 6 PM

Franklin Starbucks - hiring event - Dec 2

Hiring Event

at the

Franklin Starbucks

648 Old West Central Street

Monday, December 2

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PEDC presents the Nutcracker! - four performances on Dec 7-8

With the explosive growth of the arts in the Franklin community, Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center is proud to present the Nutcracker with four performances this holiday season. The performances will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 1:30 and 5:30 PM and Sunday, December 8, at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at Bellingham High School.

Dancing the role of Young Clara is Haylee Goguen, Cheyanne Kelley and Abigail Scollins. Mature Clara will be danced by Grace Jerrier, Rachel Barrows, Jackie Dubois and Angelina Rak.

In other lead roles, the Snow Queen will be danced by Emily Conroy, Julia Broll, Nora Hansen and Kaitlyn Auerbach. The Dew Drop Fairy features Larissa Logan, Amanda Mason, Ellie Rodrigues and Dani Bean. The featured dancers for the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy are Andrea Gray, Isabella Lambros, Samantha Robillard and Bridgette Ginley. 

The box office is open and tickets are limited for the performances. Ticket prices are family-friendly at $18. Tickets are available by calling PEDC at 508-520-7873 or emailing pedcnews@gmail.com.

The show is performed at Bellingham High School's auditorium, 60 Blackstone St., Bellingham, MA.

From left to right, first row: Abigail Scollins, Haylee Goguen and Cheyanne Kelley as Ypung Clara; second row: Jackie Dubois, Agelina Rak, Grace Jerrier and Rachel Barros as Mature Clara; third row: Julia Broll, Katelyn Auerback, Isabella Lambros, Ellie Rodriques and Amanda Mason; fourth row: Emily Conroy, Samantha Robillard, Bridgette Ginley, Andrea Gray, Dani Bean and Larissa Logan. Missing: Norah Hansen. Photo credit: Marcos Esteves

For more info on the Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center visit
https://www.pattieisenhauerdancecenter.com/