"produces an optimal growing condition"

Indeed, the 30-acre farm, owners Diane, Chuck, and son C.J. Koshivas say, has entered the next generation of farming, cutting labor costs and boosting produce yields, thanks to the hydro-stackers, used in a type of growing called hydroponics. 

“We were losing money,” said C.J. Koshivas in describing the state of the farm before hydroponics. “We were only going to survive another couple of years.” 

Hydroponics is growing plants with mineral nutrients in water instead of soil. The Koshivas first heard about the hydro-stackers two years ago from inventor Chester Bullock, who owns a farm in Tampa, Fla

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x345282570/High-tech-harvest-in-Franklin#ixzz1yERxIvEd

Visit the Fairmount Fruit Farm online http://www.fairmountfruit.com/ or at the Farmers Market on the Town Common each Friday from noon to 6:00 PM

In the News: Dean College, heat safety

Dean College offers discount for Franklin High students

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

MEMA issues heat safety tips

by Staff reports

In the News: 10th Norfolk candidates

Eustis to hold Meet the Candidate Night on Tuesday

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Richard Eustis is one of the five candidates that announced early enough to submit paperwork to get on the ballot for the Sep primary and Nov 6 election.

Franklin resident will announce candidacy for state rep

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

An admirable effort to announce so late that a write in campaign appears to be way she may get votes. The Secretary of the Commonwealth published in January 2012 their "Don't just stand there ... RUN! A candidates guide to the 2012 State Election"

Franklin Community Garden: Diatomaceous earth

The word for the day is "Diatomaceous earth". This was one of the discussion points Saturday morning at the Community Garden as Chris Clay and Amy Acevedo shared their insights on healthy alternatives to pesticides.

What is causing these holes in the leaves?



Ah, this is the little culprit!



You can lift the leaves, pick off these guys one at a time, and crush them with some soil in your hand, or just pinch them hard with your fingers. To help control the number that get to the plants is where the diatomaceous earth comes in.



You can by it by the bag at Agway (for example). The bag should last for multiple seasons. Put some in an empty paramsen cheese container and shake it on the roots, along the bottom of the plant, and along the leaves. The particles will cut the bugs as they crawl up the plant.



It won't prevent every bug from getting to the plant but it should keep the overall population of bugs down to avoid too much damage to the plant that it would affect the produce.

"People don’t even realize it’s there"

Cusack remembers not long ago looking out at the 11-acre pond behind the club’s Florence Street headquarters and seeing it packed with children kayaking, fishing or swimming during annual public events. 

“The pond would be filled with boats, just packed with people,” he said. 

Now, he said, he’s more likely to see still water and an empty beach. 

“It is the lack of interest in the outdoors,” Cusack said. “It’s about getting out there and seeing what there is. You can look down, see the pond, and see how beautiful it is. Get out there and get interested. Turn your phone off, sit there, relax, and listen to the birds.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1222856789/Franklin-club-president-Kids-losing-touch-with-nature#ixzz1y8Y9IX9f

The Franklin Rod and Gun Club website is http://franklinrodandgun.org/


View Larger Map

"incentives to sweeten the deal"

The Milford Daily News writes about the use of the TIF by local communities to help businesses:

... Tax Increment Financing agreements, commonly called TIFs. 

The deals, agreed upon between a municipality and a business, give companies a break on property taxes on new value they add to a property. 

The tax breaks start off larger at the beginning of a deal, then decrease over the life of the agreement, until the company is paying 100 percent of the taxes on the property. 

The tax breaks do not apply to already existing value — only to whatever value a company may add to a property.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x836133214/Communities-using-tax-deals-to-attract-businesses#ixzz1y8V0IYm0

Franklin has used the TIF to help with local businesses:
Hamilton Storage Technology received a TIF as approved by the Town Council in Sep 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/real-time-reporting-legislation-part-1.html

The TIF was discussed during the Economic Development Summit
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/10/franklin-ma-is-looking-to-do-business.html

Franklin created the Economic Development Area and the TIF back in 2008
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/09/live-reporting-resolutions-approved.html

Parmenter car wash - 6/16/12

Saturday was a grand day for a car wash. The students at Parmenter Elementary School spent some time washing cars in a fund raising effort.



There were a couple of cars in front of me and some lined up behind as I got my car washed.



Nothing wrong with getting a little wet or soapy on a day like Saturday!



Part of the washing crew stopped for a moment to pose!

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jun 20, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 23 and 24 Budget Hearings

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Annual Committee Appointments
Design Review Appointment

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-685: Amendment to Chapter 185, §24. Floodplain District – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Presentation of Boston Post Cane to oldest resident-Helen Carberry
Recycling Committee
Town Administrator’s Update

H. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

I. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-51: Appropriation: Street Acceptance
2. Resolution 12-52: Appropriation: Fire Salaries
3. Resolution 12-53: Unemployment Trust Fund
4. Resolution 12-54 Request for Legislation: Towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center
5. Resolution 12-55: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-685: Amendment to Chapter 185, §24. Floodplain District- 1st Reading
7. Bylaw Amendment 12-688: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Board of Health, Department of Public Works, Recreation, Council on Aging – 1st Reading

J. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

K. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN


The full set of documents associated with this published agenda can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/062012.pdf

"the person who grew the product"

The Milford Daily News writes about the expansion of farmers markets. Franklin's market operates on Fridays from noon to 6:00 PM on the Town Common.

With demand high for local food, the number of farmers markets in the state has doubled in five years and the number of small farms has also grown significantly, farm and market federations say. 

“The trend is that more and more people are caring about where their food comes from and interested in trying to sustain themselves a little bit more locally,” said Martha Sweet, operations manager at the Waltham-based Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets. 

Residents of MetroWest and the Milford area don’t have to go far to find pitched tents and fresh produce.

Farmers market photo taken Friday, Jun 15 at the Grateful Farm tent.
Visit Grateful Farm on their website http://www.gratefulfarm.com/

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x448221759/Farmers-markets-on-the-upswing#ixzz1y34UVZuW

"vital to their self-assessment"

The Milford Daily News has an article on the annual police staffing ratio released by the FBI. A survey of the communities in the MetroWest region shows the following: (Bold added for emphasis)

Marlborough and Framingham’s ratios come in at just under 1.7, while Shrewsbury was the lowest department surveyed at 1.2. 

Many chiefs noted they had not received a new position in years, including Northborough (1998), Holliston (2007), Hudson (2001) and Sudbury (2001). 

Marlborough Chief Mark Leonard said the city hasn’t increased its number of sworn officers since 1988. 

The most well-staffed Milford-area town is Mendon, with just more than two officers per thousand residents, while the lowest was Franklin with 1.39.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x345282287/Police-department-staffing-levels-below-regional-averages#ixzz1y32VAj9J

In the News: Electric Youth, Sweatt Beach, Fast Lane

‘Electric Youth’ embarks on 2012 European concert tour

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Electric Youth performed for the Town Council at a recent meeting. You can tune into the meeting to view the performance here 

Sunny days at Sweatt Beach: Officials look to lure people back to Pearl's shore

by Heather McCarron/STAFF WRITER

Mass Pike says goodbye to ‘Fast Lane’

by Scott O'Connell/Daily News staff

Summer Fun at the Y...Something for Everyone!

Online Registration   |   Our Facebook Page   |  Our Website                                                                            HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA                                                                                                                          JOIN US FOR SUMMER CAMP & CLASSES! Our Camp Season Starts: This Monday, June 18th! Our Summer 1 Classes Begin: The Week of June 25th!   Click here to view our camps & download camp registraton forms. Click Foxboro  Franklin or North Attleboro to view classes & plan your fun summer!  (For Aquatics classes, please click here & then click on your branch for offerings). EXPANDING YOUR EXPERIENCE FOXBORO OUTDOOR      POOL OPENING! SATURDAY, JUNE 23 11:30AM-1:30 PM Join Us for Olympic-Themed Games & Activities as we Celebrate the Opening of our NEW SPIER FAMILY Outdoor Aquatics Center! Franklin & North Attleboro Outdoor Pool Opening Celebrations! Saturday, June 16 Summer Hours:  All 3 outdoor pools will be open to members for family swim (+ 1 lap lane) Mon-Fri from 1-7pm and Sat & Sun from 12:30-6:00pm.                 'SPLASH' INTO SUMMER! 'Splash' Starts Mon, June 18th. 'Splash' is a 5-day swim & safety program for ages 3-12. Offered this Mon-Fri, June 18-22.  Teaches children basic swimming techniques & a variety of safety & rescue skills, including beach, backyard pool, & boat safety! For beginner & intermediate swimmers. Only $25 for a whole week of lessons! Members & Non-members welcome!  To register: (members) click here or visit any of our Member Service Desks (both members or non-members)    Foxboro 'Splash' Sponsored by OUR CAUSE IS OUR COMMUNITY Reach Out for Youth & Families  We are on the final leg of the Y's annual campaign, the  Reach Out for Youth & Families Campaign. We are 74% to our goal of raising $650,000. 100% of every $ is re-invested back into our community to help our neighbors live healthier, happier lives.  If you have not given yet, please consider making a gift to ROFY today.  To learn more about the Power of Y Voices, click here.  2 GREAT FAMILY EVENTS... Triathlon at Lake Pearl Sunday, July, 22, 2012 Start time: 8:00am EST    Luciano's Lake Pearl 299 Creek Street Wrentham, MA 508.695.7001 Register Today! MAKE IT A FAMILY DAY! RUN FOR BOB 5K Join me at the 8th annual Run for Bob. This event welcomes individuals and families of all abilities.  Secure your spot in this popular Walk · Run · Roll today.  (Early bird savings will end at midnight tonight, Friday, 6/15!) For more info and to register, click here The Hockomock Area Y is                   providing Stewards of Children child protection training for adults in the community.   Tues, June 26, 2012 (register by June 22)  6:30pm-9:00pm North Attleboro Police Facility 120 South Washington St, North Attleboro For more info, click here. Contact Tony Calcia at 508.643.5226 or tonyc@hockymca.org to schedule a training in your community. For program information, visit www.d2l.org. www.hockymca.org              facebook.com/hockomockareaymca

Forward this message to a friend                            Click to view this email in a browser

---

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe

---

Hockomock Area YMCA 300 Elmwood St. N. Attleboro, 02760 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

Good time for a car wash!

The Parmenter school has timed it just right with good weather and Father's Day on Sunday to hold their annual car wash this Saturday

In the News: unemployment rate

Mass. unemployment rate down to 6 percent

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

If only the number were real. The process of counting unemployment is flawed and has been for years. Nothing to celebrate with this number.

Given the slowness of the recovery, another stimulus might be a good idea

10 Reasons Why Public Policies Rescued the U.S. Economy

from Center for American Progress by Christian E. Weller

In the News: open house, Sons of Italy

Preschool Exploration open house at Dean College, June 19

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Tri-County Web kids work wonders

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

(Note: There should be a button to turn off the auto-play music when you visit the Sons of Italy web site)

"those things are done, I’m going to move on"

Rep Jim Vallee just announced that he would be stepping down immediately from his position in the House. He had previously announced he would not run again this November but at the time it seemed he would stay in the role until then. Given the House schedule and Rep Vallee's new opportunity, it does make sense to move on.

“I have a new job, and they want me to work,” Vallee, D-Franklin, said. “I had a job opportunity that started and, you know, they want me to go to work. I had some things I wanted to get accomplished … and I wanted to ensure that the budget was completed. And now that those things are done, I’m going to move on.” 

“It wasn’t a secret: I got a job opportunity. I took it. I served 18 years. My office will be staffed. And there will be someone available to answer the phones and work on constituent issues,” he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x681113347/State-Rep-Vallee-abruptly-resigns-his-seat#ixzz1xlALtyms

Social media forum Thursday night in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Social media forum Thursday night in Franklin

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 6/13/12

Milford's Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Health wants parents to be aware of the dangers of social media and to discuss the issues openly in hopes of finding solutions.

The center will host a parent roundtable from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hockomock Area YMCA in Franklin, 45 Forge Hill Road. YMCA staff will be on hand to go over strategies for teaching teens smart ways to use social media.

The cost to register is $10 per person and $15 for groups of two. Register online at www.yourteen.org.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Franklin Public Library: Survey

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Library Survey

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 6/13/12

How Are We Doing? The Franklin Public Library is committed to the efficient delivery of high-quality services and wants all customers to have an inviting and welcoming experience. Please take the time to tell us about your most recent visit and how we are doing. Any suggestions will assist us in serving you better.

Click here to take the survey

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

“We are very thin administratively"

From the School Committee meeting Tuesday night, Milford Daily News reported:

“You look at the list of schools (they will be attending),” Light said, “and it was by far the most impressive list of schools we’ve ever seen at Franklin High School.” 

Light credited the student schedule implemented this year in helping foster the success of the school’s marquee self-directed-learning program. 

The self-directed learning program gives students, during one of their free periods, the opportunity to pursue personalized courses of study. 

“They have the freedom to create their own learning goals,” Light said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1225004404/Franklin-High-principal-pleased-with-how-school-year-went#ixzz1xfFu94jk

Flower power

Downtown Franklin is looking bright and cheerful with the colorful flowers in key spots. Thanks to the Downtown Partnership and all the volunteers for making this happen!




Note: Franklin Matters maintains membership in the Franklin Downtown Partnership. The cost of membership for a citizen to join is only $25.00. If you are interested in Franklin, this might be a good thing to do! Membership forms can be found on the Downtown Partnership website