FM #41 - This week in Franklin, MA

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series. You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.

Time: 9 minutes, 21 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

Music intro My intro FM #41

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series.

You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.

We'll start with what happened this past week

1. The FY 2010 budget passed, barely
2. Relay for Life opened on Friday evening and closed Saturday noon
3. Congressman Jim McGovern appeared at the Library on Saturday
4. MetroWest Adolescent Health survey resulted were released
   

*** On the Budget, only 6 councilors voted on budget mustering just enough for the 2/3 majority vote required. McGann was missing both nights, Joined by Vallee on the 10th, by Whalen and Zollo on the 11th,

Ho-hum, ten positions on the Town side went out the door and approx. 40 on the School side. No cries for appeal, no crowds appeared at any hearing.

The final number won't be known until the teachers determine if they accept the wage deferment or not. The teachers are scheduled to vote June 15th

Nothing new here in Franklin. Budget cuts and services cuts are expected now. Over 130 folks, 120 school personnel, 10 town, lost positions in the last three years. Ho-hum. I get the distinct feeling that there doesn't seem to be much of anything that will create enough attention for folks to do something about this. Ho-hum.

*** The Relay for Life opened on Friday night as the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared. Over $73,000 was reported to have been raised by this effort for the American Cancer Society. It was an impressive evening as the Survivor Walk took place in the hazy darkness on the lumineria light high school track.

*** Congressman Jim McGovern held local office hours at several locations through out his district on Saturday. He arrived late at the Franklin Public Library, coming from Medway and was going to be late leaving Franklin heading for Wrentham.

About 20 people had signed up on the listing to talk with the Congressman here in Franklin. In my few minutes with him, I offered my services to help spread the word on his efforts for any matters that would be of interest to Franklin. I also took time to discuss the status of No Child Left Behind and other unfunded Federal mandates. I was pressing for funding, or for removal of the mandates if they are not going to be funded.

I joined with Ted McIntyre and Steve Deredarian to represent the Franklin Area Climate Team. Ted invited the Congressman to the 350 event being planned for Franklin on October 24th.http://www.350.org/oct24

Ted also asked the Congressman about the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Additional info on the visit can be found on Franklin Matters

*** MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey released, copies available for download via links posted on Sunday and also included in the notes accompanying this podcast.

While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.

For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.

One quote I like makes this point:

"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." Kirk Weisler

And the outlook for the week ahead:

1. destruction of the Four Corners building continues as Walgreens prepares to put their building in place
2. Third Thursday, June 18th
3. Strawberry Festival, June 19th
4. Farmers Market starts operating on Friday's from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on the Town Common
   

Franklin, MA-The Franklin Downtown Partnership announces the special activities planned for the next “Third Thursday”. Join downtown businesses for a “Girls Night Out” and discover how easy it is to get in touch with your creative side in this round robin of fun, relaxing activities for busy adults. Grab a friend and head to Franklin’s downtown for this special event.

• Artbeat Your Creativity Store, at Summer Street-Visitors are invited to take a beaded candle votive in only 15 minutes! Kids can get free milk and cookies from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
• Jane’s Frames, on East Central Street-Bring a 4”x6” photo to frame in only 15 minutes!
• Sarapaan, on East Central Street-Design your own earrings in only 15 minutes!
• Salon Sorella, at Summer Street-Have a quick massage in only 15 minutes!
• Pretty is Pink, at Summer Street-Relax with bubbly and treats!
  

Additional information on these events can be found on Franklin Matters.


*** As matter of interest, you should be aware that I have recently joined the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Downtown Partnership. By joining these two groups, I hope to learn more about the businesses of Franklin. Franklin clearly needs to increase the number and scale of businesses operating here if we have any hope of derailing the current pattern of budget cuts and layoffs.

I already have a series of postings on business operating in Franklin. I hope to expand on this series with membership in this two groups.

Why? I do believe Franklin matters. I believe the heart beat of Franklin is provided by the businesses amongst us.

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