house fire, one death

FRANKLIN -

Firefighters found a body in the kitchen of a home at 652 Old West Central St. after knocking down a fire there last night. The person has not been identified.

According to a statement released by the Franklin Fire Department, police received a report of a house explosion in the area of 658 West Central Street just after 11 p.m. Friday.

Fire crews found flames coming from the first-floor kitchen area of a two-story, single-family house at 652 Old West Central St. They were told a person was possibly trapped inside.

Firefighters knocked down most of the fire in the kitchen and searched the home. After extinguishing more fire in the kitchen, firefighters found a body that "had sustained fatal injuries from the fire."

Read the full article online at the Franklin Gazette

"probably my favorite teacher"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GateHouse News Service

Posted Dec 12, 2008 @ 01:19 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Ninety-year-old Palma A. (DeBaggis) Johnson, who inspired her students to convince the Legislature to make the ladybug the official state insect, was struck and killed by a truck while walking to church Thursday morning, according to the obituary provided by Ginley Funeral Home.

Johnson, born in Franklin, taught Latin at Franklin High School from 1939 to 1944, and returned to teaching at Redland Park Kindergarten and the Kennedy Elementary School after her children were grown.

Thirty-four years ago, Johnson inspired her students at Kennedy - and legislators - to change the law and adopt the ladybug as the state insect.

read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

MBTA Parking - pay by phone?

Found on the UniversalHub:

The MBTA has begun experimenting with a system that lets commuter-rail and ferry riders pay for parking by cell phone instead by rolling up all those dollar bills to stuff into those tiny slots at parking lots.

The new system, at parking lots along the Kingston line and at the Quincy and Hingham commuter-boat terminals, lets riders set up accounts and then dial a toll-free number to have the day's parking fee charged to their credit cards:

Upon creating a free pay by phone account, customers call the toll free number from their mobile phone, key in the location and parking numbers, and the parking fee is charged to their credit/debit card.

Thanks, adamg!

Gee is there enough bandwidth for dozens of phones calls to connect at the same time? Let's hope that is part of the pilot.

Circle of Friends: Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams

the next show
Saturday,
December 13th, 8:00PM

A Slambovian Holiday Show GANDALF MURPHY and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams

"Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is simply one of the finest American bands out there on the road. " -AllMusic Guide

with special guest Lindsay Mac

Tickets = $20

------------

Note: I added a new box on the right column with a sample song from each of the artists appearing at the Circle of Friends this season. You can click on on to listen to a sample of what they do. I'll confess that the samples are rather random, I haven't heard all the artists to say this one or that is a good representation of what they do. You can also click through to the Circle of Friends site, find the schedule, and each artist's web site is usually listed there. You can click through to find samples of what they do.

make a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry

FRANKLIN -

The Franklin Food Pantry is asking residents of the community to open their hearts and to help the less fortunate people who have difficulties feeding their families. In a country as rich as ours, no one should worry about keeping food on their tables. Hunger hurts physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

This year, the food pantry has seen a dramatic increase in people needing to access resources to help them live with dignity. The recession has made "financially stressed" a common household word.

We have 2,182 registered clients, which represents 927 households. In this number are 312 seniors who are living on the edge.

The pantry accepts all donations, both perishable and non-perishable. Our grants do not allow us to purchase non-food items. We have a need for toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, shampoo, toothpaste, soap and diapers.

To make a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry through the Country Gazette’s Gifts of Hope drive, make a check payable to Franklin Food Pantry Inc. and send c/o The Country Gazette to 159 South Main St., Milford, MA, 01757. Monetary donations can also be made to Franklin Food Pantry Inc., 80 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038.

For more information about the pantry, call 508-528-3115. Ask for Linda or Michelle.

This was originally posted in the Franklin Gazette here

FM #27 - Solar Energy - Part 2

This podcast for Franklin Matters is Part 2 of the information session on solar and renewable energy sponsored by The Franklin Area Climate Team and held at the Franklin Public Library Wednesday evening, Dec 10, 2008.

In this second part, we will listen to Matt Arner, President of SolarFlair Energy, Inc. which is based nearby in Hopkinton. Matt gets into greater detail about the solar analysis, the process of obtaining permits, of applying for the rebates and actually getting an installation of solar electricity or solar heating for your residence or business.

Time: 44 minutes, 37 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

This podcast for Franklin Matters is Part 2 of the information session on solar and renewable energy sponsored by The Franklin Area Climate Team and held at the Franklin Public Library Wednesday evening, Dec 10, 2008.

The recording of this evening is split into two parts. In the first part, we listened to Tyler Leeds, Project Manager from the Mass Renewable Energy Trust as he provided an overview on the grants and rebates available to MA residences and commercial or industrial operations.

In this second part, we will listen to Matt Arner, President of SolarFlair Energy, Inc. which is based nearby in Hopkinton. Matt gets into greater detail about the solar analysis, the process of obtaining permits, of applying for the rebates and actually getting an installation of solar electricity or solar heating for your residence or business. There is a great opportunity to tap into solar.

Listen, learn, and enjoy!

- insert clip -

Part 1 can be found here

----- -----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #26 - Solar Energy - Part 1

This podcast for Franklin Matters captures the information session on solar and renewable energy sponsored by The Franklin Area Climate Team and held at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday evening, Dec 10, 2008. This evening at the library is one of the Energy $ense series put together by FACT, with the help of Fred Schlicher, Program Manager from the Mass Climate Action Network, and by the Friends of the Library.

Part 1 of 2

Time: 48 minutes, 59 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

This podcast for Franklin Matters captures the information session on solar and renewable energy sponsored by The Franklin Area Climate Team and held at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday evening, Dec 10, 2008.

This evening at the library is one of the Energy $ense series put together by FACT, with the help of Fred Schlicher, Program Manager from the Mass Climate Action Network, and by the Friends of the Library. One more evening in January is scheduled. Details on that session can be found on Franklin Matters or the town website.

The recording of the talk this evening will be split into two parts. In the first part, we will listen as Ted McIntyre introduces Fred who in turn introduces Tyler Leeds, Project Manager from the Mass Renewable Energy Trust.

The segment we are about to begin runs about 45 minutes. This is longer than I would normally make available but there is not a natural break until Tyler finishes. You can of course, listen to as much as you can, mark your spot and return. As you listen, you’ll recognize that the presentation by Tyler is well done, the questions are generally distinctly heard and the overall conversation is very informative.

Listen, learn and enjoy!

- insert clip -

In the second part, we will listen to Matt Arner, President of SolarFlair Energy based in Hopkinton. Matt will get into more details about the analysis and process of obtaining permits, applying for the rebates and actually getting an installation of solar electricity or solar heating for your residence or business. There is a great opportunity to tap into solar.

----- -----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

"We've gotten our money's worth"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Dec 10, 2008 @ 10:46 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

The School Committee is recommending the town's school building committee remove all modular classrooms at Davis Thayer Elementary School and Franklin High School as soon as school ends next summer.

"The modulars throughout the system are reaching the end of their usable life, and those are the oldest in town," said Chairman Jeffrey Roy.

Davis Thayer's two modular classrooms at the corner of Union and West Central streets are probably the least popular because they are ugly, Roy said.

"They're an eyesore in the middle of town. I know a lot of people wanted them down from the standpoint of beautification, but we had to get as much life out of them as possible," said Roy.

When the district laid off teachers at Davis Thayer, two classrooms were left vacant, so it is now possible to dismantle the schools' modular classrooms, Roy said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

For all that occurred during the School Committee meeting on 12/9/08, click here.

single tax rate stays

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Dec 10, 2008 @ 10:47 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

Town Council unanimously voted a slight increase in the tax rate for fiscal 2009, also keeping a single tax rate for residential and business properties last night.

As recommended by the Board of Assessors, the council approved raising the tax rate from $10.23 per $1,000 of property to $11.17 per $1,000.

Doing so will bump up the average residential bill by about 2.1 percent, or $88 for the average house, which is less than past annual increases, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

The tax rate is somewhat misleading. It will fluctuate as the residential valuations go down (next year is likely to see a greater decrease) the rate will increase.

Bottom line, the overall tax revenues the town can receive are capped at less than 2.5% unless there is an override. The override in June failed so the increase is 2.1%.

Live reporting - Energy $ense - Part 2

Part 1 can be found here

The audio version of this section can be found here

brief interlude for the presentation switch

Fred introduces Matt

Matt Arner
SolarFlair Energy, Inc.
Hopkinton, MA

• Solar electricity
• solar hot water (mostly for domestic hot water use)

How does the system work?

1. The solar grid feeds the inverter (the brains of the system)
2. The inverter is tied to the breaker panel, just like another breaker with the exception that it provides power into the breaker panel (not drawing from like the normal breakers).
3. If you are generating more power than you need to use, you send the extra back out through the meter to the power company. Effectively turning back the meter.
4. Matt's home system is generating enough that it pays for 90% of the electricity they use.
   

How did Matt do it?

1. Bought and converted to energy efficiency appliances
2. converted more appliances
3. then installed hot water system
4. then installed solar system
5. almost 100% solar powered but over time, a five year plan

Matt's company uses local products (Marlboro and Lawrence)

How much does it cost?

• Payback: approx 7-8 years
• System life: 25 years

They partner with a local bank to provide no upfront cost (outside of the grants and tax credits).
So you could effectively pay the same amount for green solar as you would for your normal electrical monthly bill.

expecting to see an 8% increase in electric rates

For commercial installations

• Payback: 5 years
• Return on Investment: 14%

for solar electric you need a minimum of 4 hours of real direct sun daily
solar hot water becomes a good alternative if you don't have the south facing roof

They make the process easy. The permitting process can take up to 3 months, the actual installation takes 2-3 days.

For more information on SolarFlair Energy, Inc. please click through to their web site. It has additional information on the solar water heating, solar electricity and several photos of residential and commercial installations.

If you want to examine the potential for solar for your home, you can follow the steps to start here.

For commercial installations, you can follow the steps to start here.

Renewable Energy Installers

Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE) North East Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) Directory Information on Installers, Costs, and Locations Other Solar Resources

Disclaimer: The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) has not investigated, and expressly disclaims any duty to investigate, any company, product, service, process, procedure, design, or the like which may be presented on the aforementioned websites. The presentation of these website links does not constitute endorsement, warranty, or guaranty by MTC of any company, product, service, process, procedure, design, or the like. The entire risk of any information presented is assumed by the user.

Live reporting - Energy $ense

At the Franklin Library for the Energy $ense series presentation on Solar and Wind Installations. What grants and incentives are available?

Introduction by Ted McIntyre and Fred Schlicher

The audio version of this can be found here

Tyler's presentation:

Franklin Energy $ense Seminar

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: solar energy)

Tyler Leeds
Project Manager, Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust

Plug for energy efficiency
http://www.masssave.com/

Background
Commonwealth Solar
Micro Wind
Larger Wind
Q&A

Over 1000 active projects generating renewable energy in MA

Solar PV - photovoltaic

Map showing 50 communities within MA that are not eligible for grants

Key goals of Commonwealth Solar

• coordinate efforts with MA DOER
• target of 250 megawatts (NW) installed
• provide a streamlined rolling rebate process
• maintain a quality control function

MA is achieving 8 MW now, the goal of 27 MW is set for 2011

Rebates for residential up to 5 kilowatt systems (average home uses 4 kilowatts)
They would rebate 20 to 40 % of the installation

refer to website for details on the step by step process to install and apply

• www.masstech.org/solar/

Q - where do farms fall?
A - farms are non-residential

Initial installations of micro wind have not been yielding as much as had been expected.
Still a learning process, where does it make sense, where doesn't it?

The opportunity maybe in the neighborhood net metering process. A neighborhood would get together to install a larger turbine for the 8-10 neighbors to utilize instead of a single installation.

Some municipalities do have special permitting processes for turbines

Big Apple Farm is looking to install the same size turbine as the one announced for the Mount St Mary's Abbey.

Location is key for wind, solar actually provides a better ROI than wind.

Q - is there a website that would provide information on wind strength
A - yes, one of the first things they did was to develop wind maps. (link to be provided later).

Multiple questions, good discussion, hopefully the recording will catch these.

Data acquisition system can tie to a website to provide real time updates on energy generated.
(update later)

All the steps to the process of determining eligibility for a solar rebate through to the installation and successful operation can be found on the masstech.org/solar site here.

The second part of the evening covered a local installer whose service includes navigating the permitting and approval process for the home owner or commercial owner.

How to Avoid the Holiday Over-Eating Blues

As the holiday season gets busy, Christine Kane has some great advice on how to physically survive the parties. In particular, I see point #5 as being very important. I hope you enjoy this!


-----------

Office parties. Family gatherings. Neighborhood open-houses. Like it or not, holiday time is party time!

Since the season is here, I want to introduce you to a concept that might just make your holidays a little more enlightened:

Nervous Food.

Nervous Food is my name for any edible thing we shove into our mouths when we're in social situations. Not because we WANT it. But because it's there.

Like the mushroom caps - stuffed with what could easily be described as Alpo. Or the crab puffs that we snarf down, as Hal from HR recites the latest office policy on Instant Messaging.

First, let me be clear: this is not about diets or weight-loss.

This is about going unconscious.

It's about leaving your present-moment awareness back in the comfort of your quiet home.

Here are a few techniques to help you stay conscious and connected in any social situation. Try them, and you might discover that you can leave parties feeling energized and purposeful. Not stuffed and buzzed.

1 - Take a pre-party temperature reading.

Take your "temperature" about social settings.

Are you uncomfortable at parties? Do you eat food without tasting it? Can you talk about anything with anyone? Or do you prefer an intense conversation with one or two people? Do you often feel left out or uneasy? Do you try to be in the know?

There are no right answers. This is to simply get clear about your desires and behaviors, and to honor that clarity. Self-awareness is the starting point.

2 - Set your intentions.

Prior to any social situation, set intentions.

What does this mean?

This means that you create your experience before you walk through the door of the event. It means that YOU set the tone for your whole evening.

Do this before you leave your house. Or while sitting in your car outside the party.

Simply intend who you will BE and what you will DO at this event.

Some examples:

I'm a great listener. I truly taste the food I eat. I delight in other people's passions and interests. I have lots of fun without overindulging. I attract the perfect conversations. I am loved.

Your intention is powerful and will act as sort of a beacon to guide you during the party.

3 - Give yourself permission to say NO

Most of us say a knee-jerk "yes" to every invitation we get without asking ourselves if we really want to go.

Saying no doesn't mean you're saying no to the party or the people. It might mean that you're saying "yes" to yourself.

Maybe you need to go to bed early. Or you want to spend a quiet night writing in your journal.

Sometimes we eat out of distractedness and nervousness because our deepest desires aren't being met. When we ignore our true desires, we might try to compensate by filling up on "shadow desires." Shadow desires often come in the form of food and alcohol.

4 - Attract, Don't Push

Parties can be highly charged. Sometimes we walk through that door and instantly feel ourselves trying to "measure up," or prove ourselves to anyone who seems hip.

If you're familiar with this behavior, try this technique:

Stop and take a breath. Intend that you attract the perfect people to you. Do it with a sense of service, and trust.

Attraction is a powerful principle. You might be amazed at how effortless the party becomes, and how surprising the conversations are! You might hear the perfect solution to a personal challenge. Or you might be an angel to someone who needs a listening ear.

5 - Become an Alcohol-Free Observer

Recently, I opted out of drinking the perfunctory glass of wine at a dinner party. I chose to be present and to simply observe. I actively listened to people and observed the conversations all around me. Not in an aloof way, but in a deep way. I had a great time!

Try it. Forego the alcohol and become an observer. Quietly and non-judgmentally witness your behavior. See how actively you can listen in conversations. Really taste the food on your plate. You might discover a whole new definition of fun!
-----
This is not the typical magazine advice on holiday overeating. But it does work! You really can let the holidays and the Nervous Foods teach you a thing or two about how to create awareness and space, rather than anxiety and over-eating!

---

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.

WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.

Great video

I had the pleasure of being in the audience to hear Geoffrey Canada give this talk at the GEL Conference in 2006. It is now available in video, 23 minutes long and well worth watching.

Who is Geoffrey Canada?

In his 20-plus years with Harlem Children's Zone, Inc., Geoffrey Canada has become nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in Harlem and as a passionate advocate for education reform.

So what does Harlem have to do with Franklin?

The challenge that Geoffrey faces is very similar to one all students in MA face as well. The school budget is scrutinized relentlessly for every dollar because it costs too much, yet the prison budget is not given the same scrutiny nor are they given similar performance objectives.

1. Watch the video
2. Listen to Geoffrey
3. Listen to the argument he uses

There must be something in there we can use to change the approach to funding education in MA. Of course it won't be easy, but the time might be better now to try.

What do you think?

School Committee Meeting 12/09/08

The collection of posts from the School Committee meeting on 12/9/08, the last one for 2008.

• Live reporting - new business
• Live rreporting - Information matters
• Live reporting - action items
• Live reporting - Elementary schools improvement pl...
• Live reporting - Best Buddies
• Live reporting - academic awards
• Live reporting - School Committee

Franklin School Committee Meeting - agenda - 12/9/...

Live reporting - new business

Q - to use SurveyMonkey to try and determine how many 8th graders would be moving up to the high school.

Ogden - would want to extend it to all the parents as other choices are being made that we should know about. Forced choice responses are easily calculated, open answers are more difficult to calculate quickly.

Q - test some of their knowledge of the facts of the high school, like graduation rate some things that are more not known (but should be).

Sabolinski - begin with the end in mind, if the focus is to move additional resources to the high school, we need to be careful. Would the middle school faculty be concerned? If we get the data, we need to be responsive to it.

Can use this information to help focus the Panther Pride night.

Roy - develop some questions and let's review them together before they go out.

Rohrbach - endorsing consideration of EdLine or some electronic means of communication, can save paper.

Sabolinski - One day closed door, teachers, administrators, workshop next week to discuss technology needs for the district.

Live rreporting - Information matters

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report

• Academic Excellence Awards - covered previously in meeting
  
• W.A.S.T.E.D. - presentation on 12/2/08 recording of this can be found here
  
• Banner Ads - 1st five ads are in the field house
  

Live reporting - action items

4. Action Items

1. I recommend approval of the ASMS recurring trip to DC for the 8th Grade in May 2009 as detailed. Approved 5 - 0, abstain 1
   
2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $290.17 from the Remington PCC for a 7th grade field trip to the Christa McAuliffe Center. Approved 6 - 0
3. I recommend approval to declare books as surplus on the attached list for the JF Kennedy Elementary School. Approved 6 - 0
4. Take action to remove the modular classrooms at Davis Thayer Elementary School at a total cost of $30,000 to $35,000, (includes removal of interior walls, replacement of grass and landscape in front of building and renovations to the sub standard sized rooms on the second and third floors into normal sized classrooms). Approved 6 - 0
   
5. Take action to remove the modular classrooms at FHS at the cost of $25,000, (includes removal of interior walls and replacement of grass and landscape in front of building). Approved 6 - 0
   
6. Take action to remove the modular classrooms at Jefferson Elementary School at the cost of $15,000 to $20,000, (includes removal of interior walls and replacement of grass and landscape in front of building). Rejected 6 - 0
   

Criteria for removal: (1) for condition, (2) space available within building, (3) community desire to restore building appearance.

Hence for the modulars at Davis Thayer, the removal criteria is met (#s 2 and 3).

Hence for the modulars at FHS, the removal criteria is met (#1 and 2).

Live reporting - Elementary schools improvement plans

School Improvement Plans:

• Davis Thayer - Shirley Babcock, Principal
• Jefferson - Jane Hyman, Principal
• Keller - Mary Jane Wiles, Principal
• Kennedy - Joan Downing Toye, Principal
• Parmenter - Judith Bassignani, Principal

Keller increased enrollment this year by 50 students with one less teacher.

Developing a student council at Kennedy for the first time, hopeful to have intro to students in January and hold elections shortly thereafter.

Parmenter increased enrollment by 29 this year with one less teacher. Built into the building schedule for teachers in one grade to meet, collaborate for 40 minutes.

Live reporting - Best Buddies

2. Guests/Presentations

• Best Buddies

Art Streeter, Sue Streeter, (Mark ?)

Annie Sullivan, Horace Mann and FHS have chapters for Best Buddies

Awarded 1st scholarship for a May 2008 graduate from FHS

Best Buddies International has money to grant to the local Franklin chapters due to the efforts of the groups over the past several years.

The grants would be used to extend friendships beyond the classroom.

The grants would be modeled upon the FEF grant process.

------

FHS Principal Pam Gould
Miriam Connolly
Erin Miller


Looking to have a Best Buddies prom within the local area.
Might just start with Franklin but would like to expand it as it can.
Looking for a "free hall" sometime in March, approx 150.


Dec 22 - Foxboro's and Eaton will be coming to FHS for a holiday party

Live reporting - academic awards

Academic Excellence Awards

• Philip MacClellan - #1 in Senior class
  
• Arushi Singh - #2 in Senior class
  

Live reporting - School Committee

Attending: Cafasso, Kelly, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Missing: Armenio

AGENDA

Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments

Review of Agenda - move academic awards up in front of Best Buddies

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 25, 2008 School Committee Meeting. Approved 6-0

Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly Moved to accept warrants, approved 6-0

Payroll Ms. Armenio

FHS Student Representatives

• Red Cross blood drive
• Progress reports week before Christmas
• Drama performance, 12/17-18

Correspondence:

• Budget to Actual
• E-mail from Mike D’Angelo regarding modular removal

in the news - Charter School applications, state warns of aid cuts

Ben Franklin Charter School accepting applications

By GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is accepting applications for kindergarten to grade eight for the 2009-2010 school year until Feb. 13. Children must be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2009 for enrollment in kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year. A lottery will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m., in the school library. The school will hold information evenings for parents of prospective students on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and Thursday, Jan. 29, in the school auditorium. From 7 to 8:30 p.m., the head of school, board members and teachers will be available for discussions, questions and answers. A school tour will also be given.

Read the full article in the Gazette here

-------------

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi said yesterday that Massachusetts cities and towns should brace for cuts of up to 10 percent in state aid next year, an ominous sign that the pain of the nation's economic crisis is still just taking hold and could result in layoffs of police, firefighters, and teachers in local communities.

"Massachusetts will not be spared the pain," said DiMasi, after calling a group of reporters into his State House office. He predicted state aid would be reduced by 5 to 10 percent, saying it is "a matter of how much. It's not a matter of whether they will take a cut or not."

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

WASTED - available for replay

Did you miss the W.A.S.T."E".D. meeting?

No problem, the very powerful information session held at Franklin High on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 is still available for you to listen to.

Click here to find all six segments of the evening.

--------------

The number of people who have listened since the session continues to grow.

Item	Content	Mins	# Replays
Wasted 1	Intro; FHS Students	23	28
Wasted 2	Bill Phillips	25	19
Wasted 3	Nick's story	24	34
Wasted 4	Josh's story	17	14
Wasted 5	Nick's parents view	10	17
Wasted 6	Q&A; next steps	26	41

I am a little surprised by the results thus far. As impressive as Nick's story was, Josh's story is short and to the point.

Likewise for Nick's parents point of view.

Don't miss interpret what my intention is, this is not a superficial popularity contest. These are real life stories. All the information was freely presented. It took courage and effort on the part of Bill, Nick, Josh, and Nick's parents to get up on the stage in front of 100 or so people.

You should be able to find 2 hours (especially with the segments broken up into approx 20-25 minutes apiece).

Skip a movie.
Have a listen.

Then have a good conversation with your son, daughter, neighbor, etc.

Franklin needs to be talking about this.
We (adults) need to show that our children matter to us.

-------------------

One quote that I love comes from Kirk Weisler and one of his T4D:

"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us is constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is what are they learning as they watch."

Interested in wind or solar energy?

Thinking of installing a wind turbine
or solar array at your home or business? Come get all your questions answered!



Incentives for

• Residential & Commercial
• Solar and Wind Installations

Presenter:
Tyler Leeds, Project Manager, Green Building & Infrastructure
Mass Technology Collaborative

When:
Wednesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.

Where:
Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main Street, Lower Level

Description:
Massachusetts has recently developed several incentives to spur the development of renewable energy, including Commonwealth Solar Rebates, Small Renewables Initiative, and Business Expansion Incentives.
Tyler Leeds will answer your questions and help you understand the basic economics of investing in renewable energy.

This Event is of Special Interest for:
Home Owners, Business Owners, Installers, Dealers, Contractors, Electricians and Architects

Sponsored by:
Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT)
Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Friends of the Franklin Library

Franklin School Committee Meeting - agenda - 12/9/08

Franklin School Committee Meeting
December 9, 2008
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
7:00 P.M.

AGENDA

Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments

Review of Agenda

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 25, 2008 School Committee Meeting.

Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly

Payroll Ms. Armenio

FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence:

• Budget to Actual
• E-mail from Mike D’Angelo regarding modular removal

2. Guests/Presentations

• Best Buddies

Academic Excellence Awards

• Philip MacClellan
• Arushi Singh

School Improvement Plans

• Davis Thayer
• Jefferson
• Keller
• Kennedy
• Parmenter

3. Discussion Only Items
none


4. Action Items

1. I recommend approval of the ASMS recurring trip to DC for the 8th Grade in May 2009 as detailed.
2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $290.17 from the Remington PCC for a 7th grade field trip to the Christa McAuliffe Center.
3. I recommend approval to declare books as surplus on the attached list for the JF Kennedy Elementary School.
4. Take action to remove the modular classrooms at Davis Thayer Elementary School at a total cost of $30,000 to $35,000, (includes removal of interior walls, replacement of grass and landscape in front of building and renovations to the sub standard sized rooms on the second and third floors into normal sized classrooms).
5. Take action to remove the modular classrooms at FHS at the cost of $25,000, (includes removal of interior walls and replacement of grass and landscape in front of building).
6. Take action to remove the modular classrooms at Jefferson Elementary School at the cost of $15,000 to $20,000, (includes removal of interior walls and replacement of grass and landscape in front of building).

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report

• Academic Excellence Awards
• W.A.S.T.E.D.
• Banner Ads

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

School Committee Liaison Reports


6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.


7. Executive Session

• Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Green light for decorations

The light snow that we received on Sunday dusted the evergreens and ribbons along the railroad bridge.

the "Dean Difference"

FRANKLIN - In a higher education world often fixated on prestige, Dean College cuts against the grain, carving its niche by catering largely to students with spotty academic records.

Marketing itself as a haven for students who struggled through high school, the primarily two-year college proudly embraces its reputation as a safety school and its commitment to students who need extra attention.

"What you see is what you get," said Paula M. Rooney, college president . "There are no pretenses. We know who we are, and we know where we fit. We aren't ashamed of it, and we don't try to hide it."

Read the full article on Dean College in the Sunday Boston Globe here

"Storm water carries remnants of chemicals"

Denise Zambrowski, environmental affairs coordinator for Franklin's Department of Public Works, said the requirements would take some pressure off municipalities trying to protect wetlands and waterways.

"Commercial developers should pay for their own storm-water management," she said. "The large commercial facilities falling under state and federal purview makes it easier for us to focus resources and energy on our own drainage systems."

....

In Franklin, DPW engineer Zambrowski said she is encouraged state and federal employees would enforce the regulations.

What regulations?

The regulations regarding the storm water runoff around the large commercial facilities and plazas. You can read the full article in the Boston Globe West section here.

An earlier post on this topic can be found here.

Hat's Off to Franklin (1st snow)

Hat's Off to Franklin (1st snow), originally uploaded by shersteve.

A light snow dusted the sculpture this morning.