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Friday, January 25, 2013
Franklin Library: Krafty Mondays
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Annual Report 2012 - Dept of Public Works (DPW)
The Department of Public Works provides a wide range of services to the residents of Franklin. It is organized into seven (7) Divisions:
1. Administration
2. Engineering
3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow and Ice Control Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)
4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)
5. Sewer
6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)
7. Street Lighting
1. DPW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
The major functions of the Administrative Division include developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits, drain layer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting and payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.
Capital Projects
The Administrative Division in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions develop major capital projects.
The PWED (Public Works Economic Development) portion of the downtown project (Depot, Emmons and Dean Streets was completed in the Fall of 2011. The project provides a glimpse of the type of work planned of the downtown corridor.
The design of the downtown corridor continued throughout the year. The object of this work is to improve traffic flow through the downtown area and create an area that expands pedestrian access and is business friendly. This project will provide two-way traffic on Route 140 and will include the burying of utilities, period lighting, planters, sidewalks, brickwork, curbing and parking improvements in addition to an improved transition with Dean College. A major design milestone, the 25% public hearing was held in June. It is anticipated that this work will commence Summer 2013.
Although there is limited State and Federal funding, design work continues on Pleasant and Lincoln Streets, and survey work was undertaken on Grove Street. The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over the next three to four years. Progress on specific capital construction projects is outlined in subsequent portions of this report.
It is important to note, that many of these projects are performed by existing staff members and save significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting and constructing these projects is an arduous task that requires a great level of coordination and cooperation between DPW divisions and other state, municipal and federal departments.
Grant Writing
The Town received a $20,000.00 grant to offset the cost associated with the purchase compactors to increase the recycling rate at the Beaver Street Recycling Center.
Much of the credit for the Town’s success in obtaining highway funding and other grants goes to the Town’s legislative delegation, including Rep. Jim Vallee, Sen. Scott Brown, Sen. Karen Spilka and Congressmen James McGovern.
Permits and Long Range Planning
The Town of Franklin, along with the towns of Bellingham and Milford, were the only three communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts placed under a Residual Designation Authority (RDA) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mitigate phosphorus loading in the Charles River Basin. It is estimated the Town of Franklin may need to spend upwards of $135 million to implement all the measures that EPA feels would be required to meet phosphorus reductions.
DPW staff members have been working in conjunction with the Towns of Bellingham and Milford, State and Federal officials in conjunction with private land owners and business representatives to oppose this action based upon the unnecessary economic hardship it would create for the community. The EPA has acknowledged our concerns and we continue to wait for a final permit. The Town of Franklin also continues to oppose the implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II and pending Phase III Storm Water Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) as required by the EPA. Phase II required the Town to highly regulate and monitor storm water throughout the Town at a
significantly increased cost. Phase III is projected to include increased regulatory requirements and cost even more. The Department will continue to refine and improve adopted regulations and practices to improve the Stormwater in Franklin while minimizing the associated costs.
Long range planning is critical in the area of Public Works and must be accomplished consistently in order to ensure that the Town water, sewer and roadway infrastructure can support the needs of our residents. The Town Master Plan, 1993 Water Distribution System Study, Sewer System Evaluation Study and the Sewer System Master Plan studies have provided detailed and valuable information that is used to steer our construction and capital planning efforts.
In October 2001, the DPW commissioned an update to the 1993 Water System Master Plan. This plan identified approximately $40M in water system needs from which a 20 year, $20 million dollar (20/20) plan was devised for improvements. The 20/20 plan allowed the Town to address the most critical needs identified within the system study. With 20/20 funding executed, the Town Council authorized additional funding for water line replacement and the improvement of roadways on sections of Lincoln, East, West, Daniels, Summer, Lewis, Cresent, Anthony, Carmine Streets and Conlyn Ave. This work will commence next year and is expected to be completed within the next four years.
The DPW has continued to work with both DEP and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation to facilitate the final closing and capping of the Beaver Street Landfill Site. The Town of Franklin has continued to work with other area Towns and conservation groups towards insuring that regional water supplies are protected.
Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program
The single stream automated solid waste and recycling program was successfully implemented. This program has been extremely successful in reducing costs, improving recycling rates and providing greater convenience for users. Additional improvements have been made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center by allowing the acceptance of additional recyclable materials.
Hails and Farewells
With all the losses of the previous year, the DPW was able to hire three new employees to work on the “Crew”. They include Mr. Tony Brunetta (Highway), Mr. Jacob Standley (Grounds) and Mr. Derek Adams (Grounds). All three gentlemen were raised in Franklin and have been an excellent addition to the Department. Additionally, Mr. Michael Maglio was hired as the Assistant Town Engineer.
With gains, there are always losses. This year was once again a difficult year for the DPW; many outstanding employees retired or pursued other job opportunities. All these employees were a pleasure to work with and will be sorely missed.
Mr. Antony Mucciarone worked for the Department for over 36 years! Starting as summer help, Tony finished his career as the Deputy Director of Operations. He spend the majority of his time in DPW as the Water and Sewer Superintendent where he was considered a leader in field. I personally cannot thank Tony
enough for all support and mentoring.
“Hollywood!” Ms. Faith Falarity worked for the Town of Franklin for 20 years. She held a myriad of positions in Town working in the Treasurer’s Office, Human Resources and Recreations and finally Public Works and her kindness and wit will be missed by all.
Mr. James Esterbrook, the GIS manager who worked for the Town for almost four years is pursuing career enhancement opportunities in the private sector. His youth and willingness to assist will be greatly missed. I want to thank all of them for their years of service and wish them success in their retirement and/or all future endeavors.
Thanks
As the Director, I as always owe many thanks to my staff that make this whole department work and serve all residents in a timely manner. Everyone is committed to providing extraordinary service to the Town in the most cost-effective manner possible.
The Town Engineer Mr. William Yadisernia, Office Manager Mrs. Linda Feeley, Deputy Director of Operations Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, and Engineering Aide Mr. Warren Groth are all dedicated professionals that put in so much extra time and effort to make this Department a success. The Town and I are very fortunate to have such talented individuals
to work with.
I would also like to thank, Paula Juarez, Sandy Wedge, and Lynn Marchand who support the Administration Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year.
Continued thanks go to Mr. Christopher White, the Town’s Solid Waste Coordinator. Even though his position is a part time one, he gives his heart and soul and spends much of his personal time to insure that the solid waste and recycling program is a success.
I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the ladies and gentlemen that are not always seen but provide the day-to-day services that are all too often taken for granted. They pump, treat and deliver safe drinking water, they care for parks and ball fields, and they maintain the roadways, repair and sustain all Town and School vehicles and handle all our wastes. They are always available, day and night, working long hours to assist in any emergency situation whether it is snow removal, water breaks, sewer backups, wind/lightning storms, flooding and many others. They are all
extremely professional and dedicated to their jobs. I cannot thank them enough.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert A. Cantoreggi II
Director of Public Works
Linda Feeley
Office Manager
Additional information on the DPW activities can be found on their webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/index
Published by the Town Clerk, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/
Johnston.: Saving Ben Franklin’s money
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS by James C. Johnston Jr./Local columnist on 1/23/13
Last week good Old Ben Franklin had another birthday. Ben was born right here in Massachusetts some 307 years ago this 17th of January at his father's house on Milk Street in Boston. Ben was careful when it came to spending his money. Consequently, by the time of his death in 1790, he was reputed to be the richest man in the United States. In his will, Franklin set up a self perpetuating trust so that he could control his assets for the next 200 years. But even Franklin knew that two centuries were long enough to control his assets after his death. So, he arranged to dispose of his fortune by a final disbursement of it two centuries after his passing.Things you can do from here:
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Town Council - 01/23/13
The Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan 23 took about 90 minutes to cover the scheduled agenda. They approved the first phase of the capital plan for FY 2013. They added a license for hotels to serve liquor so that existing hotels here in Franklin can do so. The received an update on the snow plowing plan and priorities and had some discussion around the experience some councilors have had in comparison with other communities.
Treasurer/Collector Jim Dacey made a pitch for putting the Treasurer/Collector position back before the voters to have it an appointed position rather than via election (as it is today). He said: "this is not about appointing me for the next term, this is about appointing the next person to this position."
In this picture, the ledger (small black book on top) is one used in 1877 by the Treasure of Franklin at that time. The larger book (with the red binding) was used by Jim Dacey during 2000 before he switched to Excel spreadsheets. The laptop (on the bottom) is the current tool for the Treasurer as it provides access to the Excel spreadsheets and to the online software used to report Franklin's finances to MA and the IRS
The presentation documents for both the Snow Plan and the Treasurer/Collector will be added as soon as they are available
The details from the meeting can be found in the links below by section of the agenda.
The DPW Presentation document was added to the Snow Removal Process link and also posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-dpw-winter-road-treatments-and.html
Treasurer/Collector Jim Dacey made a pitch for putting the Treasurer/Collector position back before the voters to have it an appointed position rather than via election (as it is today). He said: "this is not about appointing me for the next term, this is about appointing the next person to this position."
 |
| Franklin Treasurer/Collector tools over the years |
In this picture, the ledger (small black book on top) is one used in 1877 by the Treasure of Franklin at that time. The larger book (with the red binding) was used by Jim Dacey during 2000 before he switched to Excel spreadsheets. The laptop (on the bottom) is the current tool for the Treasurer as it provides access to the Excel spreadsheets and to the online software used to report Franklin's finances to MA and the IRS
The presentation documents for both the Snow Plan and the Treasurer/Collector will be added as soon as they are available
The details from the meeting can be found in the links below by section of the agenda.
- Live reporting - closing
- Live reporting - Legislation
- Live reporting - Snow removal process
- Live reporting - Treasurer/Collector
- Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 23, 2013
The DPW Presentation document was added to the Snow Removal Process link and also posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-dpw-winter-road-treatments-and.html
In the News: students thrive, capital plan
Franklin High gets input from community
Local business leaders on Wednesday morning took part in a more than hour-long forum guided by this prompt: "students thrive at Franklin High School when…"
Franklin Town Council authorizes FY2013 capital improvement plan
Town Council on Wednesday night approved a capital improvement plan for fiscal 2013.Note: the capital plan is only one item on the agenda for the meeting that lasted about 90 minutes. For all the notes on what occurred during the meeting check out the reporting here
College student season ticket packages on sale now
For college students at Dean and living in and around Franklin, this is a good opportunity to see quality soccer and get inside Gillette Stadium for less money than a Patriots ticket costs!
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution college student season ticket package is now available for purchase. Available only to students with a valid college ID, college student season ticket holders will receive special benefits including their own section at Revolution home games.
For $99, the 17-game package includes one ticket to every regular-season home game, a limited edition college student season ticket holder adidas t-shirt and the ability to purchase tickets for international games before they go on sale to the general public.
Read More
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via RevolutionSoccer.net News on 1/23/13
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution college student season ticket package is now available for purchase. Available only to students with a valid college ID, college student season ticket holders will receive special benefits including their own section at Revolution home games.
For $99, the 17-game package includes one ticket to every regular-season home game, a limited edition college student season ticket holder adidas t-shirt and the ability to purchase tickets for international games before they go on sale to the general public.
Read More
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State warns drivers to stop using breakdown lane where fourth lane has been ...
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Staff reports on 1/23/13
State Police and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation are reminding drivers that use of the breakdown lane on Interstate 93/Interstate 95 (Rte. 128) has been discontinued where a new fourth travel lane has opened.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Live reporting - closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Water works associate, David Allard recognized by his peers
We have two vehicles in the DPW that
Brutus being recognized by the Charles River Water Association
leading the charge on storm water management
Governors budget comes out, will proceed cautiously until things are a little firmer
we do need to fix roads and bridges and fund schools
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
discussion on appointment of the Treasurer
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - condolences to the DiBaggis family
Powderly - anonymous letter regarding smoking, jurisdiction falls under the Board of Health and not the Town Council
Pfeffer - many of us received a letter from resident on Ledge St
Nutting - was out there Saturday, will make temporary repairs when the weather allows, I did not receive the letter until Tuesday but did reply to him today
Bissanti - I have the advantage of googling , it is more expensive and more effective than rock salt
Roy - House budget due in April
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
not needed
P. ADJOURN
Water works associate, David Allard recognized by his peers
We have two vehicles in the DPW that
Brutus being recognized by the Charles River Water Association
leading the charge on storm water management
Governors budget comes out, will proceed cautiously until things are a little firmer
we do need to fix roads and bridges and fund schools
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
discussion on appointment of the Treasurer
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - condolences to the DiBaggis family
Powderly - anonymous letter regarding smoking, jurisdiction falls under the Board of Health and not the Town Council
Pfeffer - many of us received a letter from resident on Ledge St
Nutting - was out there Saturday, will make temporary repairs when the weather allows, I did not receive the letter until Tuesday but did reply to him today
Bissanti - I have the advantage of googling , it is more expensive and more effective than rock salt
Roy - House budget due in April
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
not needed
P. ADJOURN
Live reporting - Legislation
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-01: Appropriation – Capital FY 13
motion to approve $1.5M from free cash to the capital improvement
passed 9-0
Nutting - taking this is phases to cautiously approach the budget situation overall
these are matters of replacing vehicles and fixing roads
$24K taken off from the Library as the Friends of the Library offered to donate that
Powderly - no text books?
Sabolinski - no, due to the changes at the state level, the text book companies haven't quite caught up to what the standards are so we weren't ready to invest in that now. There are a lot of changes coming, all new science standards coming next year. We want to wait and see
2. Resolution 13-02: Appropriation – Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 13
motion to approve, passed 9-0
big item here is to replace the pump filters to keep the swifters out of the works
3. Resolution 13-03: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Capital FY 13
motion to approve, passed 9-0
replacement of generators at pump stations, part of a regular replacement process
4. Resolution 13-04: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Water Lines FY 13
motion to approve, passed 9-0
continues the successful program, Brook to Daniels, Lewis St, and we are trying to figure out of we can get the rest of the neighborhood at the same time
the streets all have low ratings, all have old pipes, this is our best estimate of marrying the water work with the road surface work
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-699:Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Administration- 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 9-0
addition of the inn holder all liquor license fee, $3,000
we currently don't have this and at the request of our hotels, vote via roll call, unanimous
Live reporting - Snow removal process
Brutus Cantoreggi, Director Public Works and Carlos Rebelo, Highway Superintendent delivered this presentation and answered questions.
Note: the presentation doc was added after the meeting
Budgeted for $378 for this year
$277K spent thus far
salt distributed at 100%
Cost of salt has varied over the years
Sand is a problem when mixed with the salt as it affects our storm water
$80 a ton to get rid of, exceeds the DEP standards for MA
salt as a component is in our water system
5 truck route vs. 'treating the whole town'
$6,810 vs. 23,400
35 pieces of equipment on the road
DPW workers cost $1237.50 per hour vs contractors at $7450.00
The goal slide is important
aggressive goal to have roads ready 4 hours after snow fall ends!
6" snow = $100K
Reimbursement of $40 for mailbox
Kelly - you don't live in town so how do you find out how to plow the streets
Cantorregi - we have a relationship with the Police, they are on the roads, they'll let us know. I do live in Millis but only 6 miles away. I could live in Franklin and live farther from the office
Kelly - how did you do the switch during the last storm
Cantorregi - sanding trucks are also plows, they tend to come back to refill anyway, they also started out, came back to switch to the plows and while the snow came down a couple of inches in the hour, the trucks went to plow also hitting the road with every other person trying to go somewhere
Dellorco - it took me 20 minutes to get
Cantorregi - we didn't scrap, we salted, it was snow to ice to rain
Dellorco - is there any reason the other towns are better than we are
Cantorregi - I got be honest, i have never heard that others are better than us. I do err on the side of caution when it comes to spending money. I work with the Police, I work with the Schools. We can set different standard, MassDOT has a higher standard. Will no one ever have an accident, no. One accident is too many
Mercer - do you change a priority when schools are going to be open?
Cantorregi - no, our priority is the priority, with school is out, then that is huge for us as it takes so many off the roads
Bissanti - is that typical for how others work?
Cantorregi - yes,
Nutting - we have a narrow window of opportunity to make a decision, that is the worse time for us to make a decision
Sabolinksi - yes, there is collaboration among the surrounding towns, the last storm the only one delayed was Bellingham. When we spoke there wasn't a lot of snow. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get the message out, the buses are rolling at 6:00 AM. I was driving around to see for myself what the status was. Regionally we all came to the same decision.
Bissanti - how do you feel it being your call?
Sabolinski - the decision for delaying school has an economically impact on our families. You want to weigh safety but you also need to consider the costs, it can extend the school year.
Dellorco - you shouldn't have to drive around?
Sabolinski - we have to get in 180 days before the end of the fiscal year, if we get short, we have to look at other options, i.e spring vacation.
Bissanti - a delay is not canceling school?
Sabolinski - no, a delay is not canceling school.
Cantorregi - we wait until there is moisture on the road so when we put the salt out, the snow helps to hold it down. If we use snow blowers, it can pick up a newspaper and clear the shear pin
Note: the presentation doc was added after the meeting
Budgeted for $378 for this year
$277K spent thus far
salt distributed at 100%
Cost of salt has varied over the years
Sand is a problem when mixed with the salt as it affects our storm water
$80 a ton to get rid of, exceeds the DEP standards for MA
salt as a component is in our water system
5 truck route vs. 'treating the whole town'
$6,810 vs. 23,400
35 pieces of equipment on the road
DPW workers cost $1237.50 per hour vs contractors at $7450.00
The goal slide is important
aggressive goal to have roads ready 4 hours after snow fall ends!
6" snow = $100K
Reimbursement of $40 for mailbox
Kelly - you don't live in town so how do you find out how to plow the streets
Cantorregi - we have a relationship with the Police, they are on the roads, they'll let us know. I do live in Millis but only 6 miles away. I could live in Franklin and live farther from the office
Kelly - how did you do the switch during the last storm
Cantorregi - sanding trucks are also plows, they tend to come back to refill anyway, they also started out, came back to switch to the plows and while the snow came down a couple of inches in the hour, the trucks went to plow also hitting the road with every other person trying to go somewhere
Dellorco - it took me 20 minutes to get
Cantorregi - we didn't scrap, we salted, it was snow to ice to rain
Dellorco - is there any reason the other towns are better than we are
Cantorregi - I got be honest, i have never heard that others are better than us. I do err on the side of caution when it comes to spending money. I work with the Police, I work with the Schools. We can set different standard, MassDOT has a higher standard. Will no one ever have an accident, no. One accident is too many
Mercer - do you change a priority when schools are going to be open?
Cantorregi - no, our priority is the priority, with school is out, then that is huge for us as it takes so many off the roads
Bissanti - is that typical for how others work?
Cantorregi - yes,
Nutting - we have a narrow window of opportunity to make a decision, that is the worse time for us to make a decision
Sabolinksi - yes, there is collaboration among the surrounding towns, the last storm the only one delayed was Bellingham. When we spoke there wasn't a lot of snow. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get the message out, the buses are rolling at 6:00 AM. I was driving around to see for myself what the status was. Regionally we all came to the same decision.
Bissanti - how do you feel it being your call?
Sabolinski - the decision for delaying school has an economically impact on our families. You want to weigh safety but you also need to consider the costs, it can extend the school year.
Dellorco - you shouldn't have to drive around?
Sabolinski - we have to get in 180 days before the end of the fiscal year, if we get short, we have to look at other options, i.e spring vacation.
Bissanti - a delay is not canceling school?
Sabolinski - no, a delay is not canceling school.
Cantorregi - we wait until there is moisture on the road so when we put the salt out, the snow helps to hold it down. If we use snow blowers, it can pick up a newspaper and clear the shear pin
Live reporting - Treasurer/Collector
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jim Dacey, Treasurer Collector
overview of the duties of the office
showed the ledger used in 1877 and used in 2000 when he first came into the office
(will post presentation copy later)
lock box implemented in 2003
online bill pay started in 2009
collection rate over 99% consistently
electronic bill pay hopefully within the next several months, potential postage savings
multiple retirements coming over the next 5 years
opportunities for new staff
currently, a resident of Franklin and 18 years old is minimum requirement to win the election
time to put the measure on the ballot again in November to move it to an appointed position
"the position is really too important for politics"
Moddy's rating comes every year, important to have a strong team, helps the bond ratings
Jeff Nutting adds that Jim left out the transition to an electronic payment for all the employees, moved from a paper weekly system to an every two week, electronic deposit, web based payroll statement
Powderly - this doesn't question the integrity of any voter, it recognizes the specific tasks that are required
Cerel - as long it has been at least a year, it can come back to vote, it is considered a minor change, the council can take the vote to propose it, would go to the Attorney General for review and then to the ballot
Dellorco - who would appoint and approve?
Nutting - If we were consistent with other positions, I would say appoint by Town Administrator and review by Town Council. The Council can decide how to put it together on the ballot but it needs to be defined.
Bissanti - Do folks really check out the resumes of the candidates?
Dacey - I can't speak for all the voters, some do, based upon some of the comments I think the prior vote was misunderstood. This isn't about appointing me as the Treasurer/Collector, it is about appointing the next person.
Roy - one of the other things you didn't mention, you provided some input to the new Representative on some bills, I wan to publicly thank you for that
Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 23, 2013
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2012
approved 8-0 (Roy arrived right after the vote)
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
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Steve Sherlock - Franklin resident on Lawrence Dr, I am usually here reporting for Franklin Matters but for this evening I'd like to spend a couple of minutes wearing another hat.
I am the Chair for the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry and our 3rd annual phone-a-thon is approaching. We are getting the word out through the newspaper and other outlets and wanted to use this time as well.
This is an all volunteer effort. We are looking for volunteers to help on Sat Feb 9th and Sat Feb 16th. Looking for 2 hour time slots, if your schedule permits, we will welcome your help.
Additional information can be found on the Food Pantry webpage
You can send an email to Bob at Franklinfoodpantry.org or call the Pantry, option 5 for the Phone-a-thon
We are grateful to Dean College for letting us use their facilities for this effort and for providing for lunch for our volunteers on both days.
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/01/franklin-food-pantry-phone-thon.html
E. APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Historical Commission - Connie Lawson
approved 9-0
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2012
approved 8-0 (Roy arrived right after the vote)
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
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Steve Sherlock - Franklin resident on Lawrence Dr, I am usually here reporting for Franklin Matters but for this evening I'd like to spend a couple of minutes wearing another hat.
I am the Chair for the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry and our 3rd annual phone-a-thon is approaching. We are getting the word out through the newspaper and other outlets and wanted to use this time as well.
This is an all volunteer effort. We are looking for volunteers to help on Sat Feb 9th and Sat Feb 16th. Looking for 2 hour time slots, if your schedule permits, we will welcome your help.
Additional information can be found on the Food Pantry webpage
You can send an email to Bob at Franklinfoodpantry.org or call the Pantry, option 5 for the Phone-a-thon
We are grateful to Dean College for letting us use their facilities for this effort and for providing for lunch for our volunteers on both days.
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/01/franklin-food-pantry-phone-thon.html
E. APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Historical Commission - Connie Lawson
approved 9-0
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
The Glass Harmonica
Vera Meyer returned to the Franklin Historical Museum to help celebrates Benjamin Franklin's birthday on Sunday. His birthday actually is Jan 17th.
The standing room only crowd listened, made suggestions, and asked good questions about the glass harmonica.
The instrument is turned by hand or in this case with an electric motor. It is played by holding ones fingers along the edge of the glass. Both the glass and the fingers need to be wet to make good sounds.
When trying to play a piece with high notes, Vera remarked after that she usually brings her own water with her. The instrument plays better with hard water than soft water.
The instrument is more likely to play music with slower tempos like church hymns or waltzes. She did have a request for a polka and that type of music is too much uptempo to do well with this.
For Vera's prior visits to the Historical Museum for Ben's Birthday visit this link for 2012 and this for 2011
For additional info on Ben visit this wikipedia page
For additional information on the glass harmonica this page on wikipedia can get you started
And if you missed stopping by, but would like to hear what the glass harmonica sounds like, skip ahead in this recording to about the 9 minute mark to listen and enjoy (of course, if you want to step back in time to 2011, don't skip just listen).
The standing room only crowd listened, made suggestions, and asked good questions about the glass harmonica.
The instrument is turned by hand or in this case with an electric motor. It is played by holding ones fingers along the edge of the glass. Both the glass and the fingers need to be wet to make good sounds.
When trying to play a piece with high notes, Vera remarked after that she usually brings her own water with her. The instrument plays better with hard water than soft water.
The instrument is more likely to play music with slower tempos like church hymns or waltzes. She did have a request for a polka and that type of music is too much uptempo to do well with this.
For Vera's prior visits to the Historical Museum for Ben's Birthday visit this link for 2012 and this for 2011
For additional info on Ben visit this wikipedia page
For additional information on the glass harmonica this page on wikipedia can get you started
And if you missed stopping by, but would like to hear what the glass harmonica sounds like, skip ahead in this recording to about the 9 minute mark to listen and enjoy (of course, if you want to step back in time to 2011, don't skip just listen).
Jan 30, 2011
Those who came by were able to learn from Vera Meyer about the glass harmonica that Ben invented while listening to her play. I hope she is able to come back to the museum in the future. The instrument is special and her ...http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
Franklin High School Construction
Lots of trucks have been in and out of the new high school construction site. As I walked by on Monday, there was a series of cement trucks making deliveries too!
Not much to see just yet. Once the foundation is all poured and set, the steel frame will start to rise and then it will begin to look like something more than an organized mess.
Not much to see just yet. Once the foundation is all poured and set, the steel frame will start to rise and then it will begin to look like something more than an organized mess.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Voices of Franklin: What to do about the conditions on Ledge St?
Rob Crummet lives on Ledge St. Yes Ledge St, you might recognize it if you have seen the recently published road condition report. It is #2 on the list.
Scroll through his letter and view the pictures of the #2 road in Franklin.
When will Ledge St be fixed? Rob would like to know.
Scroll through his letter and view the pictures of the #2 road in Franklin.
When will Ledge St be fixed? Rob would like to know.
Franklin Senior Center: AARP Drivers Safety Class - Jan 26
Reporting by walking around Franklin, I found this and several other photos worth sharing.
For additional info visit the Senior Center webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
To register, call the Senior Center 508-520-4945
For additional info visit the Senior Center webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
To register, call the Senior Center 508-520-4945
Sam Adams Beer Dinner at 3
Good beer, good food, and likely to be a gathering of folks who like those things as well; sounds like a great combination!
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Franklin Food Pantry Phone-A-Thon slated
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/21/13
The Franklin Food Pantry will conduct it's annual Phone-A-Thon on Saturdays, Feb. 9 and 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
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Monday, January 21, 2013
Dr Martin Luther King: "I have a dream"
In a world where injustice still exists, where inequality still thrives, we must remember why this day is a holiday.
Spend less than 20 minutes to listen (or listen again) to "I have a dream"
The text of this speech can also be found here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/17/i-have-a-dream-speech-text_n_809993.html
"To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction."Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., The Purpose of Education
Spend less than 20 minutes to listen (or listen again) to "I have a dream"
The text of this speech can also be found here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/17/i-have-a-dream-speech-text_n_809993.html
Franklin Library: Make Your Own Journal
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
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
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