Town of Franklin Board Newsletter
Volume 7 Issue 2 - The Franklin Flyer Our Town News - May 2016
From the Supervisor
By Art Willman
Highway Department
Things have been moving along since last we spoke in
January. Over at the Highway Dept., the guys have been
prepping, repairing, and doing maintenance on the
equipment they will use for the next several months. We
have finished work on our new equipment barn with the
addition of overhead doors, so we will now be able to
keep our equipment out of the weather, which definitely
will contribute to its longevity.
As for paving, we are hoping to at least finish up the Cold
Brook Rd. At almost 2 miles, it will definitely be a
project. One of the difficulties that needs to be overcome
is a series of three culverts that require replacement prior
to paving. The first of these is quite deep and probably
require some engineering work as well as involvement of
the Army Corps of Engineers.
Town Hall
Over at the Town Hall, we have been busy also getting
ready for the warm season. Last month, we had a very
successful roast beef dinner with a record turnout.
Thanks to all who came out and supported the event.
Many thanks as well to the 55+ Club which graciously
provided the cakes for dessert.
Please keep in mind that these events are conducted to raise money for a
community center at Kate Mountain Park.
As we speak, we have received proposals from four
architectural firms for work at the Park to update the
Master Plan, design some features to tie up some loose ends such as the border around the fill section, and to
produce some visual aids to help us market this project
as well as apply for grant funding. We are currently
putting together a group to help guide and plan this
project. We had our first meeting on Wed, May 18th at
the Town Hall, whereby we discussed overall plans for
the Park and narrowed down the selection of
architectural firms for the building.
Health Department Issues
You may have noticed a rather large hole alongside the
building. The Health Dept. wanted to see the origin of
the water supply in the building. At that time, we were
unsure as to the location of the top of the well casing.
Rumor had it that it might be under the kitchen.
Thanks to Dave Snickles and his trusty inspection
camera, this rumor was proved to be false. Upon
further investigation and a conversation with Bud Goff,
it was determined that the casing was buried
underground on the Post Office side of the building.
So we started digging and, after what you now see as a
big hole, the casing was located. Thanks to Alan
Hadley and Glenn Swinyer for their diligence and
careful excavation to finally expose the casing and the
pipes entering the building.
What we now have to do is install a submersible pump
and new well line, extend the casing so that it is about
18 inches above ground level, and install a sanitary cap.
That will bring us up to Health Dept. standards. We
also have to install a sanitary cap over at the Park along
with a "Don’t Drink the Water" sign since there is no
water treatment system at the Park.
That’s the news for now.
Mark your calendar
Don’t forget some important dates coming up:
On Sunday, June 26th, we will be having our first
Kickball Tournament. If you would like to play,
round up a team, sign up, and join the fun. Signup
sheets are at the Town Hall or on our web site. In
addition to kickball, the food trailer will be making its
seasonal debut with some great food and the Blue Line
Brewery will be managing the Beer Garden. Sounds
like fun for all.
On July 30th, is our 5th Annual Founders’ Day and Community Picnic.
We will have all the usual great
stuff, vendors, pony rides, music, and food along with
the return of the Blue Line Brewery’s great beers and
ales. Again, all proceeds of this event go to benefit our
Community Center Project.
Looking forward to October 17th, we will have our 3rd Annual Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival.As in the past, we can expect some interesting weather and some great fun and competition. Anyone interested in building a catapult or trebuchet for our competition should keep an eye out for the sign up information on our website, the Town Hall, and on our Facebook page.
Also, keep a look out for announcements about our lasagna, roast pork, and roast beef dinners. These have been growing in popularity and will continue to do so with your help and participation. Proceeds from these events go to the Community Center Project as well.That’s definitely about it for now. Until next time, be well.
More Odds and Ends
By Lauren LeFebvre
There are a lot of things going on right now. I'll just give you a quick update of what's what.
1. Founder's Day-July 30. Vendor space is available - free to residents and $10 for non-residents. You don't have to "sell" something to be a vendor. Maybe you're a nonprofit and want to get the word out about your cause; maybe you're a handyman looking for odd jobs; this would be the place to get the word out. Registration forms are at the Town Hall and website.
2. Pumpkin Heaves-October 15. Looking for a summer project? Build a catapult or trebuchet for the Pumpkin Heaves and Autumn Leaves Festival. More info is on the website.
3. Kickball Tournament-June 26 at Kate Mountain Park. Sign your team up today! Registration info is on the website or call me and I'll get it to you. Must be over 21 to play.
4. Website. There are so many things available on the website! All the Town Board meeting minutes for the last 10 years are there. So are building permit applications, texts of all our Local Laws, appointed and elected officials contact info, registration forms for our events, this newsletter and more! Yes, some things are out of date. I'm working on it.
5. Jumping into the 21st Century. Beginning this summer I will be taking credit card payments for all fees collected by the Town Clerk/Tax Collector. You will be able to pay in person, online and/or by phone. Govpay.net is the provider and it's available to you 24/7. Govpay (not the Town of Franklin) does charge a percentage based convenience fee. It's up to you whether or not you take advantage of the service. I still take checks, cash and money orders. When I'm all trained and ready to rock-n-roll, the link will be on the website. I'll keep you posted.
6. Rabies Clinic. s of today, Franklin County Public Health has decided NOT to have a rabies clinic here or in Paul Smiths. I am not thrilled about our end of the county getting the shaft and will call Public Health to be sure they know we do miss the service. If you would also like to call, the number is 481-1710. Be sure to tell them your Town Clerk suggested you call.
7. Summer Youth Program. The program will run July 5-August 12. 9am to 2pm, M-F. The program is free and lunch is provided. Registration forms are at the Town Hall and on the website.
I know I'm forgetting a million things. If you have questions about anything listed here or something else, I'm a phone call away 891-2189 M-Th 9-2, message me on Facebook, email me at franklinclerk@roadrunner.com or text/call me at 637-7754 anytime.
Someone Deserves an “Atta Boy!”
by Lauren LeFebvre
For months I've been hearing about Super Student-Super
Athlete-All Around Super Person, David Sullivan, son of
deservedly proud parents Wade and Tammie Sullivan.
Rather than me blathering, read these:
David Sullivan is a dedicated student-athlete and I have
been fortunate to coach him in both football and track and
field. David was football captain in both 7th and 8th grade
and he lead by example. In track and field David has stood
out as a leader and is Varsity Captain as an 11th grader.
Through hard work, he has become the top discus thrower
in the league and is the second best shot-putter in the
league.
Coach Cy Ellsworth
David Sullivan has been a two-year starter for the varsity
football team having been brought up as a sophomore. He
is an anchor on the offensive and defensive lines and we
are excited for his third year with us this fall. He is fully
committed to his personal goals regarding football and that
of his team as well. He embodies a true team player.
Coach Eric Bennett
David has taken a full schedule college preparatory courses
each year and his grades have been of honors status every
quarter. He is in a high achieving class and maintaining this
level of work, while being so involved in sports is quite an
accomplishment. Also, David has filled his schedule with
purposeful electives in the Technology Department and
Art Department. He won an award at the recent high
school art show at the town hall.
Christine Bell, Guidance Counselor
What more is there to say? Bravo Wade and Tammie!
David Sullivan, you make us all proud! Atta Boy!
(If you know someone who deserves an Atta Boy (or girl),
let me know.)
Mary Ellen Keith Honored
L to R: Assemblywoman Janet Duprey and Mary Ellen Keith
Each year, May is Older Americans Month, and Franklin
County selects an
Outstanding Senior Citizen. The County
selected our own 55+ Club Vice President Mary Ellen
Keith for her years of dedication to her community, and
her continued selfless efforts to combat food insecurity in
our region. The honor was recognized and celebrated by
the Town of Franklin at a dinner at the Town Hall. In
addition, special guests, Franklin County Director of the
Association of Senior Citizens in Franklin County Susan
Schrader, and Director of Franklin County Office of the
Aging Becky Preve commended Mary Ellen for her years
of commitment and achievements.
Mary Ellen was also honored by New York State Office
for the Aging at a ceremony on May 10th, 2016 at the Egg
in Albany. She additionally was hand selected by the New
York State Assembly to receive the Assembly Exceptional
Senior Recognition on the floor in session on May 10th,
and was commended by Assemblywoman Janet Duprey.
Moreover, on May 20th, both Congresswoman Elise
Stefanik and Franklin County Legislator Tim Jones paid
tribute to Mary Ellen with speeches and letters of
commendation at the county Association of Seniors
Citizens annual dinner.
We are honored and proud to have her among us!
Senior Input into Building Project
55+ Club President Charles Lashway and Secretary
Donna Buckley have been appointed to the Community
Center Building Project at Kate Mountain Park. At the
committee’s first meeting on May 18, they, along with
several other members of the community, participated in
the process of selecting an architectural firm regarding the
building plans based on many factors that influence the
cost, quality, utility, site location, aesthetics, etc. Charles
and Donna presented ideas from the perspective of Senior
Citizens.
The Town of Franklin 55+ Club
Seniors’ Day Away
Historical Museum Building
Recently, the Club took a day to visit the Franklin
County Historical and Museum Society, which is
housed in Malone. The Society is devoted to the
initiation, promotion, and coordination of educational
programs mairily for the benefit of Franklin County
residents and its visitors; and to encourage and
facilitate research into the life and history of the area.
Once inside, you are impressed by its fabulous interior
and its amazing collection of antiques and artifacts,
some with which you can identify.
A guided tour was provided, during which we learned
that United States Vice President William A. Wheeler
(1877-81) was a resident of Malone. After his death on
June 4, 1887, he was interned in Morningside
Cemetery in Malone. The Wheeler home on Elm
Street in Malone is now maintained by the Malone
Lodge of Elks. The family had donated to the museum
furniture and his beaver skin top hat and the
protective box.
Our 55+Club is continually growing. We have
welcomed several new members in the past 3 months.
The Franklin County Association of Senior Citizen
Spring Festival is coming soon (May 20) and will held
this year at Paul Smith’s College.
The Town of Franklin’s Founders’ Day (July 30) is
also coming soon. Our 55+ Club is noted for holding
a bake sale which is always greatly anticipated and well
attended.
Join Us Every 2nd and Last Tuesdays at the Town Hall: 5 pm Summer, 12 pm Winter
Charles Lashway, President
Mary Ellen Keith, Vice President
Lena Skeels, Treasurer
Donna Buckley, Secretary 891-9214