Monday, October 7, 2013

A walk around the Harvest Festival before the rains came! (photo essay)

In addition to setting up and taking down the Franklin Food Pantry tent for the Harvest Festival, I managed to get around to visit with a number of businesses. Once the rain came, the camera went under cover.

HarvestFest_parking
parking is always important



HarvestFest_PourRichards
Ann Williams of Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits
Along East Central St, Pour Richard's set up and Ann Williams was ready to talk about Yacht Club beverages

HarvestFest_LiveArts
Did you know there were classical concerts in Franklin?
The next concert is the first of the season on Sunday, October 20th. Additional info including tickets can be found on the LiveArts webpage  http://fusf.org/livearts/


HarvestFest_JanesFrames
Jane's Frames - community art project
Samantha and Jennifer Moccia adding to the mural. When they stepped back, Ben took his turn (not shown in this photo). When the mural is finished, Jane will be looking to sell it to the highest bidder with the proceeds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.


HarvestFest_FAC_LollipopField1
painted ping pong balls will make a lollipop field
The Franklin Art Center also has a community project underway to create a lollipop field at the new Sculpture Park. (I heard there actually is a couple of sculptures already in place. I need to get back out for a visit soon!)


HarvestFest_NewTruck1
Franklin Food Pantry tent and new truck in front of their building in the Rockland Trust parking lot
Yes, one of the reasons behind our participation in this event is to help folks know where we are located. The new truck and brilliant logo (Ian Kabat from the Franklin Art Center worked with the Food Pantry to design it) will help let everyone know where we are!

HarvestFest_sponsors
without sponsors, the event couldn't happen
Thanks to the Downtown Partnership for a great event! Maybe next year the weather will cooperate!

Busy week ahead of the long weekend!

The Parmenter School sign shows a busy week and then a long weekend!

Parmenter School sign


In the News: voc-tech MCAS, respite care

Franklin's Tri-County, Upton's BVT perform well on MCAS

The area's two vocational high schools performed well above state averages in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests, the results of which were released late last month.

Bellingham, Franklin sharing respite care service

Bellingham and Franklin's senior centers now share an in-home respite care service, providing relief to caregivers aiding family members with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.


Sunday, October 6, 2013

“I think in the end, it will all work out”


There is an old-fashioned turf war going on at the Franklin Public Library, which was founded in 1790 with a gift of three books by the town’s namesake, Benjamin Franklin. 
And at the root of the infighting, to the surprise of few, are power and money. 
On one side is the library’s board of directors, whose members — appointed by the town administrator — say they have the sole responsibility for setting library policy. On the other is the Friends of the Franklin Library, a volunteer group of supporters who want a say in how the $6,000 to $7,000 they raise at book fairs each fall and spring is spent. 
The tug of war was being waged behind the scenes for months, but spilled into the open when the directors abruptly canceled the Friends’ fall book sale. In its place, the library is selling old books through an ongoing process that officials say is “extremely successful,” and there are plans to hold monthly, themed sales at the library. 
“It’s the library’s books being sold, it’s our money,” Cynthia Dobrzynski, chairwoman of the board of directors, said about the proceeds from the Friends’ annual sales. “There is no reason for that money not to be turned over directly to us.” 
The president of the Friends of the Franklin Library, Maria Lucier, sees things a little differently. 
“I agree that money is at the root of this, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a request for FoFL funds that describes how the money is planned to be spent.” she wrote in an e-mail to the Globe. 
Lucier said all her group wants is specific requests for funds, such as a certain amount for museum passes, videos, books, or programs.
Read the full article in the Sunday Boston Globe here


The recent letter to the membership of the FoFL
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/letter-to-fofl-members.html

The Library has announced a book sale at the Library for Saturday October 26th.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/library-book-sale-oct-26th.html


School Committee: NAMING FACILITIES

Up for discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 8th is this "NAMING FACILITIES"

Naming a school is an important matter that deserves thoughtful attention. Personal prejudice or favoritism, political pressure, or temporary popularity should not be an influence in choosing a school name. Generally, school buildings are named for distinguished, deceased individuals who have made extraordinary contributions of an educational, professional or public service nature related to the district’s mission. Should the School Committee choose to name a school after an individual, the naming will not occur until 3 years after the individual has been deceased. It is critically important that the integrity, history, behavior and reputation of the named individual be consistent with the academic mission and values of the district. It may be appropriate to name schools for physical locations; geographical areas; distinguished local, state and national leaders whose names will lend dignity and stature to the school. 
Effective with the adoption of this policy, specific spaces or areas within school buildings or school grounds will not be named after individuals, living or deceased. However, if a building or specific space had previously been named for an individual, the district will continue to use the name so long as the building or area remains in use and serves its original function. When the use has changed such that it must be demolished, substantially renovated or rebuilt, the district shall refer the name for some other recognition. 
The School Committee has the sole authority to name, rename or revoke the naming of buildings or other school spaces.

Cross Reference: KCDA

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 8, 2013

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 24, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Update – Peter Light

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Reading
o FF - Naming Facilities

Class Size Update – Sally Winslow

4. Action Items
a. I recommend the School Committee re-appoint Dr. Anne Bergen to the Board of Directors of the Cable Committee for 2013-2014.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $6,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend adoption of Policy FF – Naming Facilities as discussed.
d. I recommend approval of the request of Frank Fitzgerald for the recurring field trip for the Franklin Adventure Club at Remington Middle School to travel to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 19, 2013 as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $408.04 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for Remington.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Jefferson PCC for in-house enrichment for the Remington Best Buddies Program.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $15,000.00 from Franklin Youth Services for scholarships as detailed.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Oak Street School for field trips.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $750.00 from MA General Hospital for in-house enrichment at FHS.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
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

8. Adjourn

"The better we can work together, the better results we have"

The Milford Daily News writes about the sometimes contentious discussion about an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for special education students.

Haberman said parents "are very aware of the difficult financial times districts are under," but also want to ensure students are receiving services outlined in an IEP or are needed. 
She said the litigious nature of special education disputes can lead to a breakdown of trust between both sides. 
Haberman emphasized disputes are almost always with school administration rather than teachers and staff actually providing the services. 
Beth Fitzmaurice, Franklin’s special education director, said staff encourage parents to sit and talk with them multiple times before rejecting an IEP and often, both parties are able to come to a resolution without a rejection.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1155172085/The-battle-for-whats-best-in-special-education#ixzz2gwFOiOiz

For Franklin parents, there is a Special Education Parents Advisory Council that can help
http://franklinsepac.org/home


Saturday, October 5, 2013

"How do we make a difference in a real way?"

The Milford Daily News writes about the difference that Panera Bread is attempting to make and challenging other businesses to join them.
When Ron Shaich, the founder, CEO and chairman of Panera Bread, opened the first "Panera Cares" cafe in St. Louis three years ago, with a plan to let customers decide what they wanted to pay, people thought he was crazy. 
The menu featured suggested donations for each item and a donation box replaced the cash register. Shaich believed people in a community who could afford to pay more would do that, supporting those who couldn't afford to pay full price - or who would pay nothing at all. His goal was simple: Make sure people had enough to eat, whether they could afford it or not.
Three years later, with Panera Cares in St. Louis, Detroit, Chicago, Portland, Ore., and Boston, the experiment has been a success, Shaich told several hundred people attending the Community Leadership Breakfast of the Foundation for MetroWest Friday. 
The Panera Cares cafes pay their own way now, he said, adding, "Of those five cafes, the people of Boston are the most generous. We may not be able to drive, but we have heart."

For more about Panera Bread, visit their website  https://www.panerabread.com/

For more about Panera Cares, visit their website  http://paneracares.org/locations/

Panera Bread operates a store front in Franklin (Franklin Village Plaza) and their bakery operates from a facility on Beaver St. They are a key contributor of baked goods for the Franklin Food Pantry.


In the News: Harvest Festival, Alpine Place fire, dining for a cause

Franklin fest expected to draw thousands

On Sunday, some 5,000 people are expected to flock to the center of town for the Downtown Partnership’s 11th annual Harvest Festival.


Sixteen displaced by Franklin fire

A fire that originated in a second-floor bedroom of a multi-family Alpine Place home temporarily displaced 16 residents. It also "gutted" a bedroom where a 2-year-old boy had been sleeping in a crib and caused an estimated $20,000 in damage.

FHS Girls Ice Hockey road race & Dining Out For a Cause slated

The FHS Varsity Girls Ice Hockey Team Booster Club is partnering with Franklin Cafe & Grill at 418 W. Central St. in Franklin on Oct.  7,8, and 9 to raise money for their first new uniforms in the history of the team through its Dine Out for a Cause event.
(Note, the MDN story has a typo in the link to the Girls Hockey website. This link works
http://www.franklingirlshockey.com/index.html)





"Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy"


Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D- Franklin) visited Pierce Aluminum's manufacturing,
distribution and national headquarters in Franklin to commemorate Manufacturing Day.
Manufacturers from across the country opened their doors on Friday to demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing, while fostering an interest in manufacturing careers. 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum
Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum
"Manufacturing is the sixth largest employment sector in Massachusetts, and is helping to lead
us out of the recession," noted Rep. Roy after the visit. "My visit with Pierce today, and the
many other manufacturers in the area over the past several months, is part of an effort to support and recognize our manufacturers as leaders in advancing the Commonwealth's economy. The manufacturing of today involves a lot more expertise and training in technology, programming and streamlined production. We need to prepare and train people to work in this vital sector." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum
Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum
"I am proud to say that the Legislature has made thoughtful investments in the state's
manufacturing industry," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop. "Whether through the gaming law or the 2012 economic development legislation, Massachusetts is increasingly becoming the place for manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing Day is a call to action for legislators, business leaders and employers. I urge you to pursue new ways to incorporate these jobs - for employees of all skill levels - into existing and emerging industries. I believe this is essential in furthering our state's development and will help make Massachusetts a better place to live, work and do business." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum
Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum
"Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy," stated Senate President Pro
Temporc Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, Senate Chairman of the Legislature's Manufacturing
Caucus. "What were once dark, gritty factories, are now high-tech, innovative facilities that
provide good paying jobs to skilled and educated employees. Partnering with manufacturing
leaders to ensure that their companies have the tools and highly trained workforce they need to
grow is an essential component of our strategy for economic growth." 
"In light of very positive competitiveness trends in both domestic and global markets,
Massachusetts manufacturers are experiencing a welcomed and sustained resurgence of business activity that is favorable to our entire state's ongoing recovery," said Rep. John V. Fernandes, DMilford, House Chairman of the Legislature's Manufacturing Caucus. "These large and small sized manufacturing companies often provide meaningful jobs for thousands of new and retrained workers, offer middle-class level wages, and energize regional suppliers and ancillary businesses for long-term growth. We must do what we can to facilitate that growth and develop a strong nexus between educational and training opportunities and the specialized worker skills required by these companies to ultimately succeed." 
Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum
Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

Manufacturing Day is a national event designed to addresses common misperceptions about
manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their efforts in a coordinated
fashion. The goal of Manufacturing Day is to begin addressing the national skilled labor shortage that manufacturers face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry. 
In Massachusetts, manufacturing contributes to more than 10 percent of gross state product
(GSP). Currently there are 7,680 manufacturing establishments in Massachusetts that employ
more than 275,000 residents. Over the next five years, manufacturing establishments are
expected to expand their employment by an estimated 65 percent. 
State Senators and Representatives are supported by the Legislature's recently-formed, bipartisan Manufacturing Caucus which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that
affect the manufacturing industry. Rep. Roy is a member of that caucus.

For more about Pierce Aluminum visit their website  http://www.piercealuminum.com/


Photos provided by the office of Rep Roy

Friday, October 4, 2013

Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM

Yes, it is October and the Farmers Market is still open on Friday throughout this month. Come down to the Town Common for fresh produce!

Franklin_FarmersMarket
farmers market sign downtown

Stop by to get fresh produce!

farmers market on a sunny day

"the council should not approve particular developments from particular developers"

The Milford Daily News gets into a recap of the zoning bylaw changes coming up for a second reading on Oct 16th. The bylaws were moved to the second reading by a 5-2 with two councilors recusing themselves. The measure requires 6 votes to pass.
Taken together, the amendments create a new residential district for the Cook’s Farm parcel allowing for several single-family units as long as the developer meets certain requirements, such as receiving a special permit from the Planning Board. 
The town’s planning director, Bryan Taberner, said the amendments provide "the opportunity for multiple single family homes on one parcel. 
"And that parcel would be condominium owned," he said. "It would not really be an apartment complex. The roads would be private."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x980101981/Zoning-for-new-development-in-Franklin-nears-decisive-vote#ixzz2gkBSPbJN

Library: Book Sale - Oct 26th

Found this posted on the Library website:

Library book sale
Library Book Sale

"WIC will remain in operation for the immediate future"

This is good news. Given the impasse in Washington, that this program is still being operated will help those women and children most in need. As reported earlier this week, the activities at local food pantries has continued to increase due to the overall economic conditions.

The federally funded Women, Infants and Children program known as WIC will remain in operation for the immediate future. At this time there is no impact on the nutritional services delivered by the Massachusetts WIC Program, according to program director Sharon McCollum. 
Currently all WIC program offices in the following locations: 300 Howard St., Framingham; 32 South St., Waltham; and 230 Maple St., Marlboro, are open for business. All WIC services and benefits continue to be provided and all WIC checks will be accepted at WIC grocery stores and pharmacies.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1155170686/WIC-program-remains-open-for-business-despite-shutdown#ixzz2gkHByZ9s


Related posts:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/citizens-bank-is-model-partner.html
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/10/distributing-food-is-just-one-piece-of.html



Thursday, October 3, 2013

"Citizens Bank is a model partner"

September was Hunger Action Month and in recognition of this, Citizens Bank made the following announcement.
The Citizens Bank Foundation will donate a series of 11 grants totaling $525,000 to several food organizations across the state as part of its One Million Meals initiative. The money will be used to provide meals to children and families. 
Two of the food banks benefiting from the grants are the Greater Boston Food Bank and the Worcester County Food Bank, both of which supply goods to food pantries in the Milford area, including the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Milford and the Franklin Food Pantry. 
Jerry Sargent, president of Citizens Bank in Massachusetts, said in a statement Tuesday: "When nonprofits, corporations and consumers work together, we can make a positive impact for the millions of people across America, and thousands here in Massachusetts who struggle with hunger and food insecurity."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655343792/Citizens-Bank-pledges-more-than-4-million-meals-to-feed-hungry-families#ixzz2geMDFeOG

For more about Hunger Action Month:
http://feedingamerica.org/get-involved/hunger-action-month.aspx

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

For more about the Franklin Food Pantry:
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/09/the-franklin-food-pantry-takes-stock.html

For more about Citizens Bank and its community efforts: http://www.citizensbank.com/community/default.aspx


Disclosure: I am proud to be employed by RBS Citizens Bank and to help the Franklin Food Pantry!

NEB Mortgage - Ribbon Cutting


The United Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting event at NEB Mortgage, 195 Main St., Hayward Manor, Suite #2, Franklin on Sept. 26. NEB Mortgage, a division of Northeast Bank, celebrated the grand opening of its office.

ribbon cutting participants (see listing below)
ribbon cutting participants (see listing below)

Pictured at the event in the front row: Patrick Dignan of NEB Mortgage, Deborah Redmond of NEB Mortgage, Gretchen O’Donnell of NEB Mortgage, Nicole Fortier of Franklin Downtown Partnership and Dean Bank, Jim Dell’Anno of NEB Mortgage, Denise Cousineau of NEB Mortgage, Mary Buck of NEB Mortgage, Claire Bean of NEB Mortgage, Richard Wayne of NEB Mortgage, Beth Caico of NEB Mortgage, Erika Paulhus of the office of State Sen. Richard Ross, Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, and Jack Lank of The United Regional Chamber of Commerce.
United Regional Chamber of Commerce

MassBudget: Declines in Funding for Higher Education in Massachusetts



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.

Higher Learning, Lower Funding 
A strong system of higher education helps students gain the knowledge they need to succeed, and it also helps ensure that we have the kind of skilled workforce that can support a vibrant, high-wage economy.

MassBudget's new chartpack, Higher Learning, Lower Funding: The Decline in Support for Higher Education in Massachusetts finds that state support for public higher education has fallen 25% since FY 2001. As state support has decreased, tuition and fees have gone up, shifting the cost onto students and their families.
  • Between 2001 and 2013, the cuts to higher education funding in Massachusetts were larger than 43 other states.

  • The amount we spend per pupil is slightly below the national average

  • If our state budget included an additional $940 million for public higher education, we would be right at the national average in terms of the share of our economy spent by the state on public higher education. Looking at public higher education spending in this way - namely, as a percentage of our total economic resources - gives a better sense for our capacity to make additional investments

In addition to this report on higher education, MassBudget is also releasing its annual assessment of education funding in Massachusetts, "Census Data Shows Massachusetts has Untapped Capacity to Invest in Public Education."   

Using the latest Census data on state-by-state education spending, we find that:
  • As with public higher ed., Massachusetts devotes a smaller portion of its total economic resources to K-12 education than most states.   

  • Per-pupil spending for K-12 students in Massachusetts is relatively high (the fact that Massachusetts is a high-income state means that it can spend more than others on a per-pupil basis while still using a smaller percentage of the state's total resources)
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER

15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
Twitter Facebook

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

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

In the News: toiletries drive, candidates night

Franklin Police sponsor drive for the homeless and veterans

The Franklin Police Department is sponsoring a toiletry drive for the month of October.


Franklin Candidates Night scheduled for Oct. 23
A Candidates Night featuring the four contested races set to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot has been slated for later this month.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Live reporting: Town Council - Oct 2, 2013

Present: Dellorco, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Powderly


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
● Saville M. Bennett
recognition for being the oldest Franklin resident at 103. She was awarded the Boston Post Cane

TownCouncil_SBennett
Saville M. Bennett, Town Council Chair Robert Vallee, Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri


● FISH of Franklin
volunteer group being recognized with Oct 16th as FISH of Franklin Day in appreciate for 40 years of volunteer service
508-528-2121, the FISH hotline


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Philip Gelineau, resident
read the M Tota article about the Library Board of Directors that had canceled the Book Sale
the event is a wonderful event, a three day event in October, performed all by volunteers
It would be a shame for this to go away as it is no cost to the Town

Steve Sherlock spoke to remind he Councilors of his offer to
provide information to the community via an iterview with any of the candidates so that the voters can make an informed decision

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Franklin Lodge #2136 Bene. and Prot. Order of Elks, Inc.
Bissanti, Dellorco recuse themselves due to affiliation with the Elks Lodge


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
none
.
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Harvest Festival
Police entrance exam, Jan 18th, info on line

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
Mercer - request information on the Book Sale to be brought to a future agenda
Nutting - there is no October sale, there may still be one in the Spring but there won't be one now


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mercer, Mon night FHS 5:00 PM for a walk through with the building Committee
Vallee - another Top50 rating came out without listing Franklin, I plan to make some noise about that.


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

The set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/100213.pdf

Harvest Festival - map and directory


Thanks to the Downtown Partnership's talented friends at the Local Town Pages -- Franklin newspaper, this handy map will help you find what you're looking for at the upcoming Harvest Festival this Sunday, October 6. 

You can find the map in the paper this Wednesday, pick up a copy at the Festival or click here to download and print a copy.




For more about the Harvest Festival, visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Teen Book Club: Graceling

The Library's Teen Book Club is setting up to read and discuss the Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Get your copy to read now and discuss the book on Oct 30th at 6:30 PM


For additional info on the book, check this wikipedia link  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceling

or the author's webpage http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/


This re-posts what was on the Franklin Library page http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/teen-book-club-graceling.html

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Franklin Election - 2013

The collection of posts covering the Franklin local election to be held on Nov 5, 2013

Precinct totals
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/precinct-totals-for-nov-5th-election.html

Election results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-election-results-nov-5-2013.html

Voices of Franklin: Powderly - Appoint the Treasurer/Collector
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/voices-of-franklin-powderly-appoint.html

Conversation with Judy Pfeffer
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/conversation-with-judy-pfeffer.html

Conversation with Andy Bissanti
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/conversation-with-andrew-bissanti-town.html

Conversation with Brett Feldman
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/conversation-with-brett-feldman-town.html


Milford Daily News - Candidate Profiles


Candidate Forum - cable replay schedule
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/candidates-forum-replay-schedule.html

Candidates Forum held on Oct 23, 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/candidates-forum-oct-23-2013.html

What one question would you ask the candidates?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/what-one-question-would-you-ask.html

Election line up set
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklins-election-lineup-set.html

Milford Daily News status update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/eleven-residents-had-pulled-papers-to.html

Offer to candidates for election
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/offer-to-candidates-for-election.html

Treasurer/Collector ballot question text
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/proposed-ballot-question.html

Election timeline
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-local-election-timeline.html

Letter to FoFL members


Dear Friends of Franklin Library members, 
The Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) was extremely disappointed to receive the attached letter from Library Board of Directors (BofD) chair Cynthia Dobrzynski notifying us that her group had abruptly cancelled the FoFL’s planned October book sale. These semi-annual sales of donated books have produced significant funds that have been used to help our library expand its collections, purchase museum passes, offer programs to the community, enhance library services, and even buy furniture. 
The FoFL board had decided to delay notification to members pending a request that the BofD reconsider its decision. That appeal was made at the board’s September 23 meeting, but was rejected without a discussion or vote. The BofD stated that its decision was based upon the results of last winter’s survey which “clearly set the direction” and was not subject to change.
We disagree with the BofD’s decision and would have welcomed – and expected - the chance to discuss it and present data in support of the popular and profitable event, but that did not happen. 
We are proud of the contributions made by the Friends over the years. Money raised by our members and supportive residents has been able to supplement town allocations, funding programs and initiatives that might otherwise not be possible. 
Since 2005, the book sales have generated a net revenue of $153,734.00, and the FoFL has given that, plus additional funds, to the library – a total of $179,235.00. So far this calendar year the FoFL has given the library $10,280.59, which was used for passes, programs, books, audiobooks, e-books, supplies and a new fixture for the Children’s Room. 
We expected our October book sale would have shown a profit of roughly $6,000. And, as with all of the Friends’ efforts, this would have been achieved without any cost to the library or town. 
The FoFL’s desire to support the library remains intact. We will continue to fulfill our mission as community advocates for the library. We believe that our library is a cornerstone of our community and provides opportunities for residents to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others, from ages past to present. Even though our revenue stream has been impacted, we will continue to provide financial support, as requested, to support those things that are outside of the town budget, and will explore other avenues of fund-raising. 
As always, we meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM in the Community Room at the library. All meetings are open to anyone interested. 
Please join your fellow FoFL members downtown at the Harvest Festival, on Sunday October 6 from 11am to 4pm. The Friends’ display will have literature, bookmarks, calendars along with a few surprises, and we would love your support. 
Regards, 
The Friends of Franklin Library
Email: Fofl02038@gmail.com  
Maria Lucier, President
Kevin O’Malley, Vice President
Jan Martin, Treasurer
Vidya Vedapuri, Recording Secretary
Jim Beaulieu, Corresponding Secretary
Kathie Nosek, Director
Joe Mullen, Director
Barbara Christensen, Director
Carolyn Marr, Director

The letter referenced as an attachment is available here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

Les Misérables - Oct 18, 19, and 20


Franklin Performing Arts Company’s 23rd season opens with the Broadway and worldwide phenomenon, Les Misérables! The record-breaking musical’s enduring appeal may be attributed to its epic storyline, memorable characters and Tony Award-winning score, which includes such beloved songs as “Bring Him Home,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own” and “One Day More.” Set against a backdrop of the 1832 Paris uprising and reflecting a nation in the grip of a revolution, the acclaimed Les Misérables is a powerful story of redemption and a moving tribute to the passion and resiliency of the human spirit. FPAC’s production features a professional live orchestra and a large ensemble cast of 85 talented area performers. 
FSPA performers in rehearsal
Pictured in rehearsal for Franklin Performing Arts Company’s October production of Les Misérables are Anna Grasso (Young Eponine) and Kellie Stamp (Madame Thénardier) of Franklin and, in the foreground, Catherine Oliviere (Young Cosette) of North Easton

A distinctive, suburban non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, the Franklin Performing Arts Company presents quality programming with a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music. FPAC brings together professional artists, community performers, families and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment. Productions draw performers and audiences from more than 50 communities throughout the region.

FPAC presents Les Misérables on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20, at 3:00 p.m. at the New England Chapel, located at 40 Kenwood Circle in Franklin. Tickets are $30 and $28. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-8668.


In the News:school fair, apple picking, arraigned on charges

Franklin Children's School fair

The Franklin Children's School held a fair on Saturday.


Apple picking time in Franklin

Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin gets apples ready for sale on Monday.


Blackstone man arraigned on assault, B&E charges in Franklin

A Blackstone man was arraigned in Wrentham District Court on Monday on charges stemming from an altercation at his ex-girlfriend’s Brook Street home on Sunday morning.