Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail - mission statement

An email to members of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee:
At the last meeting, we discussed reviewing the FCRTC mission statement and a possible name change for the committee. In advance of our meeting, below is the current FCRTC mission statement for your review. The mission is also posted on the web site at www.franklinrailtrail.org. Also below are sample mission statements from two other area trail groups, and attached is a brief article on the importance of a mission statement.

Hope you can all attend on Sept 13 (7:30 pm at the YMCA in Franklin)
Please let me or Dave know if you have any questions or comments.

Thank you.
Marc 
-------------- 
The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee (FCRTC) is a non-profit, community based organization that is dedicated to the development of the Southern New England Trunk Trail into a multi-use, recreational path that will link communities and businesses in a safe, healthy and aesthetically pleasing manner. Members of the FCRTC are committed to exploring all private, state and federal funding avenues, to implement all necessary design plans and studies and to develop our multi-use path for non-motorized bikers, joggers, strollers, horse riders and the handicapped. 
Other Sample Statements
Friends of the Bruce Freeman Trail (lowell, sudbury, framingham): 
The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a group of citizens working in partnership with state and local governments toward the completion of the proposed rail trail. This is a volunteer group which is active in moving forward the state and federal issues required for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the rail trail, fundraising activities and support for rail trail issues at local town meetings. The Friends work to ensure that all the questions, concerns and other issues are addressed by working in concert with neighborhood associations, each town government, and the citizens of the towns. 
Grand Trunk Trailblazers 
The Grand Trunk Trail Blazers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) chartered in 1992. Our goal is to collaborate with local trail groups to establish a non-motorized 60-80 mile East-West trail linking the Blackstone with the Pioneer Valley names "The Titanic Rail Trail".


The Mission Statement article -

FCRTC - Article


The Mission Statement worksheet -

FCRTC - Worksheet


In the News - schools, Newcomers, Internet



Franklin schools open after delay




Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off




Spilka, Vallee working with DA against Internet predators


Sen. Richard Ross undergoes emergency knee surgery

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 9/6/11

ross rally 1
State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, was rushed to the hospital for emergency knee surgery on Friday, Sept. 5. He was treated for a torn meniscus and a staphylococcus infection in his left knee joint.

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Former Franklin football coach Leone to be honored Friday

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff Report on 9/6/11

webLeone.jpg
Former players, coaches and friends of Franklin football coach Jerry Leone have two opportunities to recognize the legendary coach, who died last September at age 72.

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Beaver St Recycling Hours



Hello, this is Brutus Cantoreggi your director of Public Works calling with an important message about the leaf and brush drop offs and spoiled food drop offs at the Beaver St. recycling center.

Do to the effects of Hurricane Irene, and to assist residents, the Beaver St Recycling Center will be open from 8AM to 6PM daily now through September 10th for leaf and brush drop offs except this Sunday.

The Recycling Center will be closed all day this Sunday, Sept 3rd so we can grind the brush on site. The Recycling Center will reopen again on Labor Day Sept 4th at 8AM.

A Beaver Street Recycling Sticker is required on all vehicles dropping of brush and leaves at the site. Stickers can be purchased at the Beaver St. recycling center.

effective immediately, spoiled food can be dropped off in the designated dumpster at the Beaver Street Recycling Center. A sticker is not required for spoiled food drop offs.

Further information can be found on the Town's website.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.






To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 520-4938. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

FRANKLIN NEWCOMERS AND FRIENDS CLUB KICKS OFF NEW YEAR


The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club invites residents to their 2011-2012 Kickoff on Wednesday, September 14th at 7:30 pm upstairs at “3” Restaurant, 461 West Central St, Franklin. Learn what the Franklin Newcomers Club is all about and hear about the many things planned for this year. As a special treat, local musician and entertainer Jaime Barrett will perform. Plus, you can socialize with new friends while enjoying complimentary appetizers. Cash bar will be available. Bring a friend! 
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a social club for residents of all ages and situations–not just those new to town. For more info, visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.



Dean College opens its doors for Sunday brunch

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/5/11

Dean College will open its newly renovated Dining Center to the public for Sunday brunch from Sept. 11 through Dec. 11. The dining facility is located in the Campus Center on Emmons Street.

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Collecting used bikes


On Saturday, September 17th there will be a used bicycle collection at the Franklin High School parking lot, 218 Oak Street, to benefit charity. The collection runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is sponsored by the Franklin High School RE:Cycles Club to benefit a Boston based charity that provides used bicycles to people in need, in the US and overseas. We are looking for used bike donations as well as money donations to defray the cost of shipping overseas. Bikes Not Bombs, the beneficiaries of the drive, are a 501(c)3 charity, and donors can request a receipt for tax purposes. We are especially in need of adult bikes in reasonable or easily reparable condition. The event will be held, rain or shine.

For more information contact Eamon McCarthy Earls at re_cycles@yahoo.com.



The cost of attention (video)


What do you pay attention to? The headlines?



Julia Bacha tells a compelling story about paying attention to nonviolence.



Monday, September 5, 2011

The post-industrial revolution is here

Seth Godin writes:
As we get ready for the 93rd year of universal public education, here’s the question every parent and taxpayer needs to wrestle with: Are we going to applaud, push or even permit our schools (including most of the private ones) to continue the safe but ultimately doomed strategy of churning out predictable, testable and mediocre factory-workers?

Read his full posting here.


The magic of truth and lies (video)


Labor Day, the traditional end to summer.

There are those among us who do work, very hard, at looking for work.

There are those among us who work very hard, at getting enough to eat.

There are those among us who have so much, they become careless.

This Labor Day, take a few minutes. Reflect on where you are, what you have, what you can help some one with.

Be aware of the lies and deceptions you tell your self. The lies that others tell you.

Marco Tempest has this brief TED video to help understand the difference between truth and lies, deception and magic.



Enjoy!

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video

Sunday, September 4, 2011

"improving the map for all users"


"Here's one, the Nason Street Tot Lot. That was never there," said Zub, pointing out places in the Franklin map he found and added. "The train station icon over here was on top of BJ's, so people probably thought 'Hey, big parking lot - this must be the train station.' " 
Using a satellite setting on Google Maps to find places that are not yet labeled, and drawing from his own visits to local spots, Zub puts more and more of his hometown on the interactive map every day. 
He has more than 9,000 map edits to his name. 
Zub uses a free program called Google Mapmaker, which allows anyone with Internet access to refine the maps in the Google database. It was introduced to the United States in April. A user goes to google.com/mapmaker and does not have to download the program.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948303690/Local-man-working-to-chart-Franklins-every-detail-using-online-maps#ixzz1Wz3bC8TU

Geoffrey's profile page in Google

And the Nason St Tot Lot mentioned in the article:



View Larger Map



PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: mosquito alert


The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has found a bird-biting mosquito in the central section of Franklin, which has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. This is the first positive WNV mosquito sample found in Franklin so far this season. All residents are urged to avoid mosquito bites if at all possible.

The use of an insect repellent containing DEET is recommended during all outdoor activities. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age, and not used in concentrations above 30% in older children. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are also recommended when out of doors during times of peak mosquito activity; usually between dawn and dusk.

In addition, residents should drain all standing water on their property to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Inspection and/or repair of window and door screens are also important to keep mosquitoes from entering ones home.

We expect mosquito activity to remain high until the first hard frost in the fall. As such, residents should take all steps necessary to prevent mosquito bites until then.

Additional information is available on the Department of Public Health website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-627-7968.

You may also contact the Franklin Health Department with questions at 508-520-4905.

Franklin Health Department
David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director

Originally posted to the Franklin, MA website here


In the News: SNAP benefits, Irene update



Reimbursements possible for losing food during Tropical Storm Irene




National Grid: All Mass. customers to have power today


Jobs and the Massachusetts Economy on Labor Day 2011





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  (617) 426-1228 x102



Facts at a Glance: Jobs and the Massachusetts Economy, Labor Day 2011

September 2, 2011   


After a record-setting economic downturn that officially began in December of 2007 and ended in June of 2009, the US economy is now in a period of weak and fragile recovery, one that features both slow growth and high levels of unemployment.  For many Americans, the current recovery feels little different than the recession itself.

This certainly holds true for the many Massachusetts families who have felt the direct effects of this historic downturn - Labor Day 2011 offers little cause for celebration among the Bay State's thousands of unemployed and underemployed workers.  By many measures, however, Massachusetts has fared far better than most other states during the Great Recession and its aftermath.  We have experienced lower rates of unemployment, lost a smaller share of our jobs, and maintained higher median wages for many of our workers.

A new Facts At A Glance, Jobs and The Massachusetts Economy: Labor Day 2011, provides charts and analysis of the most current data for Massachusetts and the US on unemployment rates, job losses, and median wages.  The report offers snapshots of how these measures have changed since the start of the Great Recession and over prior decades.  It is available here and at www.massbudget.org.    

MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by info@massbudget.org |  

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Community Garden Walkabout

Last Saturday morning, before Irene brought her rain and wind to Franklin, Chris Clay held a "Community Garden Walkabout". Only a few took advantage of this and it was worthwhile.

Here Chris is pulling up some mint which is prolific and he wanted to remove it before if took over the bed.

Franklin Community Gardens

See how deep and expansive the roots for this plant are. This growth is just since May.

In the walkabout, as Chris and I took pictures, he shared some insights on what we were seeing. On the face of it, these cucumbers look good and healthy.

Franklin Community Gardens

While they are healthy, the key to picking a cucumber is to do so while there are still some numbs along them. The dark green one in the center is a good example, the two lighter cucumbers on either side are bigger, less or no numbs showing and past prime for picking.

I have more photos and stories from the walkabout to share. The sharing is meant to learn from. I don't mean to pick on anyone for doing something wrong. I am learning so much from this and I hope we all will continue to share and learn and grow better gardens!


"a global fishing crisis that is masked by sparkling blue waters"

Revenga suggests that sometimes supporting policies that may be unpopular in the short term will be beneficial to all in the long term, such as catch shares/limits, no-take zones and fishing gear modifications. She notes that supporting local fisherman and fishing communities is also important. International cooperation is also essential, since more than 80 percent of U.S. seafood is imported and the FDA inspects a small fraction of it. 
Consumers' choices are important. Revenga says, "Consumers need to ask questions and be informed. They can ask their stores and restaurants, not only where the fish is from, but how it was caught....The closer to home the better and the less impact the fishing method the better." 
Environmentally responsible methods of fishing include: hook and line, trolling, traps and pots, and harpooning larger fish. Products that carry the Marine Stewardship Council label ensure that the fish were caught sustainably (www.msc.org). Responsibly caught seafood tends to be more expensive, but the price will be much higher if we do not take steps now to support conscientious fishing practices. 

 Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948303120/Down-to-Earth-Look-for-sustainable-seafood-options#ixzz1Wsy6jQ5F






In the News - MOMS Club, Irene help



MOMS Club of Franklin slates kickoff social




Volunteer hotline set up for post-Irene help


Friday, September 2, 2011

The demise of guys

Philip Zimbardo was the leader of the notorious 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment. Now retired from teaching for over 50 years, he makes this presentation at TED about the demise of guys.
Video is less than 5 minutes long. You may need to return and watch it multiple times!










For information on a related topic, how little time outside is creating a 'nature deficit disorder'


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to view the video on Franklin Matters






In the News - mosquitoes, electricity



Mosquitoes with West Nile virus found in Medway, Franklin




Some still without power




Public School Funding in Massachusetts: Where We Are, What Has Changed, and How We Compare to Other States





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Budget Browser


Is our research helpful to you? Support our work
Donate to the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center


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Contact Info



  Noah Berger
  President
  (617) 426-1228 x102


Public School Funding in Massachusetts: Where We Are, What has Changed, and How We Compare to Other States

September 1, 2011   


Each year, the U.S. Census Bureau releases education spending data on all 50 states.  Using this data, MassBudget reports annually on the state of education spending in Massachusetts.

A new MassBudget report examines FY 2009 Census data (the most recent national data available) and compares education spending in Massachusetts to that of other states.  Key findings this year include: 

  • Massachusetts saw a significant increase in federal education revenue in FY 2009 as part of the federal stimulus efforts to protect local schools from being harmed by cuts in state aid.
  • Massachusetts ranks high in per-pupil spending but average in total education spending as a percentage of the state economy.
  • Compared to other states, Massachusetts continues to rely more heavily on local funding sources for education than on state and federal sources. 
The report, Public School Funding in Massachusetts: Where We Are, What Has Changed, and How We Compare to Other States, is available here and at www.massbudget.org.    

MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by info@massbudget.org |  

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News - youth baseball, Vallee



Franklin youth basketball sign ups




Vallee family welcomes baby boy


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Another School Year!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 9/1/11

The 2011 - 2012 school year has experienced a delayed start due to power outages associated with Tropical Storm Irene. That said, teachers, staff and administrators throughout the district have worked diligently to re-shape the start of the new school year.

Adult Education: Tracy Cheney is returning to offer three courses for Child Care Providers that are timely and provide needed continuing education points. The classes for this term include: The Ten P's of Partnering with Parents, Transition Magician, and Creating a Classroom that is Inclusive.

Other classes that support careers include: Social Media - Learning how to effectively use social media tools to support your business; Tips on Writing and Publishing your Book; and, the Virtual Assistant -- What is it?

Adult Education also offers classes in Belly Dancing, Bollywood Dancing, Line Dancing, a Thriller Dance Workshop for Adults, and a Father/Daughter Valentine's Dance.

Check our website for additional courses in Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, Self Defense for Women, Fitness for Women, Basketball, Volleyball, art, cooking, photography and more!

www.franklin.k12.ma.us select Lifelong from the top banner.

We hope to see you soon!

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Towns may get delay on river fix

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Jose Martinez, Globe Correspondent on 8/31/11

The next step in cleaning up the water flowing in the Charles River appears to be so costly that federal regulators are considering more than doubling the length of time given the test communities of Milford, Franklin, and Bellingham to reduce the amount of phosphorus pouring into the river from their shores.

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Final Prep for Job Search Jam Sessions

Friday is almost here. Have you registered for Job Search Jam Sessions? If you are looking for work, or know someone who is, this is the event to participate in. This will be your time to find out what others know, get your questions answered from those who can answer them, and get to network with others to build your listing of valuable connections.

How should I prepare?
Come to the event prepared to share something you have learned along the way. Come prepared for learn. Come prepared to network (bring business cards).

How should I dress?
Dress as you would for any other networking event, business casual or business comfortable. You still want to make a good first impression but a suit or tux is not required.

What does the facility look like?
Check out the brief video of the facility recorded during May 2010:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/05/video-tour-of-job-search-jam-session.html

What will the schedule be?
Check out the overall schedule here:
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/p/schedule.html

When do the doors open?
The registration/welcome desk will be open at 8:30 AM.
You can check in, pay at the door (if you elected to do that), and make a name tag.

Beginning at 9:00 AM (or thereabouts) we'll provide an overview of an unconference using the open space technology.

If you want to read up on the unconference format, you can find info here
http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?AboutOpenSpace
here
http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?WorkingInOpenSpace
and here:
http://podcamp.pbworks.com/ scroll down the page to view the section on how to "host a podcamp"

What is the registration fee being used for?
1 - We intentionally don't want to make money, we are all looking for work and recognize that funds are tight.
2 - We did want to charge something to ensure a reasonable headcount for planning purposes.

Hence, the $8 charge seems reasonable and allows us to plan a good event and to make a contribution to the church for the use of the facility.

Your registration fee ($8.00) paid via Eventbrite nets the organizing team approx. $6.50 (Eventbrite has a charge for processing the credit card).

From the $6.50 times however many people show up, we will plan for refreshments, lunch and will purchase accordingly.

All surplus funds will be donated to the St John the Evangelist Parish. The church has graciously allowed us use of the facility for free. A full accounting of the receipts and expenses will be provided to the attendees.

You can still talk about the event with your friends, neighbors and networked connections. Registrations will be taken at the door on Friday. You can share the event website http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

or have them go directly to the registration page http://jobsearchjamsessions2.eventbrite.com/


Thank you. See you soon!

The Job Search Jam Sessions organizing committee