Saturday, November 28, 2009

Welcome Natick!

The undefeated Natick High School football team will be coming to Franklin to play on Tuesday, Dec 1 at 7:45 PM



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Good luck to both teams.

Go Panthers!



K12 Online Conference

The K12 Online Conference is around the corner. Here is a cool video clip teaser for the Digital Writers Workshop scheduled to be presented by Jackie Gerstein.



Find more videos like this on K12 Online Conference


What and when is the K12 Online Conference?
The K-12 Online Conference invites participation from educators around the world interested in innovative ways Web 2.0 tools and technologies can be used to improve learning. This FREE conference is run by volunteers and open to everyone. The 2009 conference theme is “Bridging the Divide.” This year’s conference begins with a pre-conference keynote by classroom teacher and international educator Kim Cofinothe week of November 30, 2009. The following two weeks, December 7-11 and December 14-17, over fifty presentations will be posted online to our conference blog and our conference Ning for participants to view, download, and discuss. Live Events in the form of three “Fireside Chats” are listed on the events page of our conference Ning and Facebook fan page, and live events will continue in 2010 through twice-monthly “K-12 Online Echo” webcasts on EdTechTalk. Everyone is encouraged to participate in both live events during and after the conference as well as asynchronous conversations.  Over 122 presentations from 20082007, and 2006 are available, along with archived live events. Follow the K12 Online Conference onTwitter and Facebook!


The K12 Online Conference website can be found here


In the News - performance

The New England Center for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Franklin, is hosting a special performance of "Humbug!" for community organizations in the region on Friday Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.
The center will host a special performance of the holiday show for youth groups and individuals with special needs.
Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer said, "We are thrilled to be able to share this outstanding holiday production with audiences that may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend." 


Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here:

Holiday show offered to area youth groups

from The Milford Daily News News RSS 


We're certainly very optimistic the church can grow

After being without a place to hold services for nearly two years, the Anglican Church of the Redeemer has found a place to call home and will dedicate it Sunday.
The congregation moved into 31 Hayward St. earlier this month after holding services at Franklin High School every Sunday. A consecration by Bishop William Murdoch of the Anglican Diocese in New England, and citations from state Rep. James Vallee, D-Franklin, will officially recognize the space as a church at tomorrow's dedication ceremony.
"This is a much more permanent space for us," said the Rev. Jack Potter. "We're excited about it.
 Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here


Friday, November 27, 2009

Town Council pictures updated

In case you haven't visited the Town Council page recently, you should stop by. The page has been updated for the new Council with pictures of your Council.

Go to the page here

While on the page, you can preview upcoming meeting agenda and review past meeting minutes to keep up with what has been happening on the Town business front.

You can also subscribe for free to Franklin Matters to get real time reporting from the Council, School Committee and other significant meetings.




In the News - Anchorage Road, thanks for health

The Anchorage Road construction meeting is covered in the newspaper here



Franklin road to be redone





Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanks for the art and music

As Thanksgiving Day dawns, kitchens will fill with sweet smelling foods, families and friends will gather for diner and conversation. Let's give thanks for the art and artists amongst us.

Last Thursday was another Third Thursday celebration by the Franklin Downtown Partnership. Emma's Quilt Cupboard took the lead this time. It was time to showcase the talents of some men with sewing skills.

Leon Leon Guerrero did this forest theme quilt.

ThirdThursday_Emma's Quilt 1

Look closely at the dark border and you'll see the white thread stitched to pick up the canoe paddle pattern.

ThirdThursday_Emma's Quilt 2

Dana Ryan did this quilt to tell the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

ThirdThursday_Emma's Quilt 3

Note the detail stitching to show a topographical pattern like a map.

ThirdThursday_Emma's Qult 5

Note the color and shape arrangements

ThirdThursday_Emma's Quilt 4

Over at Jane's Frames, another kind of art, amongst the works framed and to be framed, Kai Olsson played guitar and sang

ThirdThursday_Kai Olsson

Sitting amongst the backsides of some art, he played frontman very well!

ThirdThursday_Kai Olsson

There won't be a Third Thursday in December but there will be a Holiday Stroll. Thursday, December 3rd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. From Dean College throughout the downtown area, there will be plenty to do for all members of the family.

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Have a most Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanks for outstanding students at FHS

Continuing the theme of giving thanks this week for all we have, here is the photo from the School Committee meeting last week with two outstanding Franklin High School seniors getting MASS Excellence Awards in Math.

SchCom_MASS_Awards

Left to right: Principal Peter Light, Kimberly Takahata, Christopher Anderson, School Committee Chair Jeff Roy and School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski

The photo was also added to the live reported meeting notes


Holiday Stroll, Dec 3rd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Franklin, MA – ‘Twas the month before Christmas and the Franklin Downtown Partnership decided to throw a holiday party in downtown Franklin, and more than 35 businesses decided to join the fun!

The Partnership will officially kick off the holiday season with the Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa and some of his elves, music, art and holiday treats are all part of the fun planned for revelers both downtown and around Franklin this year. Visitors can follow a trail of luminaries that light the downtown and each participating business will have a map detailing what special events and treats are being offered.

The Stroll starts at Dean College at 4:30 with a holiday tree lighting ceremony in front of Dean Hall. Enjoy free hot chocolate and plenty of singing to kick off the season.

The highlights of the evening will be an appearance by Santa at Simon’s Furniture on Summer Street from 5:00 to 7:00, while Santa’s elves will be at ARTBEAT from 4:00 to 6:00. Carolers will entertain the crowds by singing favorite seasonal songs as they stroll through the streets. Radio station 103.3 WODS FM, Boston ’s holiday music specialist, will ring in the cheer by broadcasting its festive blend of holiday favorites at the patio on East Central Street .

At Café Dolce, the coffee will be hot and the music will be playing as local artists from the Franklin Art Association set up their easels for a colorful night of painting. “Stop by, grab a cappuccino and watch local artists create paintings right in front of your eyes,” says Sue Sheridan, president of the association.

Residents are also invited to shop the new Handmade Crafts Gallery at Artbeat. The gallery features original art, unique jewelry and gifts created by local artist and will be open throughout December. “Artists will be on hand from 6:00 to 8:00 to talk about their art,” says owner Jan Whitted.

Visitors can see framed calligraphic art on exhibit at five locations downtown, including Jane’s Frames, Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, Franklin Center Commons ReMax Realty, Rockland Trust and Artbeat. Jane’s Frames will host an artists’ reception that evening, showcasing artwork by calligraphic artists who are members of Masscribes, a Massachusetts-based calligraphy guild.

“The Franklin Downtown Partnership created the Holiday Stroll to give everyone in the area another reason to come downtown and connect with our community,” says Lisa Piana, the partnership’s executive director and the organizer of the Stroll.  “In order to have a vibrant downtown, our stores and business owners need residents to eat, shop and spend time in Franklin .  These types of events are fun and hopefully remind residents to come downtown.

“We have many generous sponsors who make putting on events like the Holiday Stroll possible,” adds Piana.  “These events add so much to the community and we are very fortunate to have so much interest. The Partnership would love for the Holiday Stroll to become an annual event like the Harvest Festival.”

Holiday Stroll revelers will find maps at each participating business to help them navigate all the specials at the downtown and surrounding retailers.

On East Central Street, those businesses include:

A Cut Above Hair and Nails
, which has relocated to 56 E. Central St, will have cider and refreshments from 4:00 to 8:00. They will give 20% off cuts for new customers and complimentary eye and lip waxing for new and existing customers that night.

Party Paints and Pottery
will pass out their favorite holiday cookie, complete with a recipe card, to all visitors.

Café Dolce will offer coffee, holiday treats, live music and art demonstrations.

Jane’s Frames will be throwing a party with live music and refreshments. Enter a free raffle for a framed Patriot’s panoramic print and get a coupon worth 15% off framing in January. Stroll in and enjoy free samples from Tastefully Simple’s gourmet food collection.

H & R Block will hand out holiday treats and treat visitors to a free “Forward Looks” tax checkup and free “Second Looks” of prior years’ returns. Visitors can also enter to win a free tax return.

Sarapaan will have a holiday sale featuring 20% off all handcrafted jewelry (excluding custom designs). Get holiday presents for your loved ones or treat yourself.

ReMax Realty
invites downtown residents to meet and greet each other at its open house, where cheese and crackers and beverages will help to ring in the holiday season.

On Main Street:

Berry Insurance will give away hot chocolate to help warm holiday revelers.  Strollers are also invited to enter a raffle for a free gift basket.

Fitness Together
will serve fresh fruit and healthy holiday smoothies.

Hair @ Nail It invites visitors to enjoy hot cocoa while they get a free Christmas polish change.

Emma’s Quilt Cupboard
invites visitors to stop in and discover unique, hand-made gifts for the holidays. Come see a selection of quilts, wall hangings, table runners and baby quilts at their annual sample sale, going on the first two weeks of December.

The Spotlight Shop will invite patrons to enter a raffle to win two premium tickets to an FPAC holiday show of their choice:  either Nutcracker or Humbug!

The Franklin School for Performing Arts invites visitors to stop by the studios and watch performances in the recital hall throughout the evening. There will be three different performances you won’t want to miss.

Facial Rejuvenation
will give out free Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF 15. This SPF zinc oxide broad spectrum lip balm has a macadamia nut oil base (not petroleum), antioxidants, green tea and vitamins C and E, and the flavor is a mix of lemon and orange oils.

Pisani Shoes invites everyone to come shop for new holiday shoes and enjoy Mr. Pisani’s private art work on display.

Craig Roberts Studio will give out a free $25 gift certificate for a studio portrait. The certificate can be used for family, extended family and children’s portraits.

On West Central Street:

Hair Mania will offer a free holiday gift and 10% off all hair products.

The Fire Station will be holding a Holiday Fire Safety Expo and handing out holiday treats. Come learn safety tips on candles and Christmas trees lights.

On Cottage Street:

Franklin Pizza and Deli
suggests stopping in for dinner after the tree lighting. Buy any large pizza and get a small cheese pizza free.

On Summer Street:

Simon’s Furniture invites families to meet Santa and receive a holiday treat. Visitors can also enter a raffle for a Free 19-inch flat screen LCD HD TV!

ArtBeat Your Creativity Store Kids can help Santa’s elves make glittery holiday ornaments for free. They can also make gifts for family and friends starting at $10. From 6:00 to 8:00 the store will host a reception for the Handmade Craft Gallery.

Salon Sorella
invites everyone to come in and warm up with a cup of cocoa and start their holiday shopping with 15% off the purchase of gift cards.

Around Franklin

CVS Pharmacy will continue the holiday fun at both locations. Stop in for free product sample gifts.

Shades In Place
, located at 76 Grove Street , will throw an Open House that evening and give 15% off plus free installation to anyone who stops by.

DCU - Federal Credit Union
invites holiday shoppers to stop in for a free cup of coffee, tea or a checking account. DCU will also hand out candy at Simons Furniture during Santa’s visit.

Other participating businesses include:  Itch’s Stitches, Pretty Is Pink, Vallee’s Jewelers, Rick’s Restaurant, Rome Restaurant, Bamboo House, Central Pizza and Isabella’s Groceria. Stop by and enjoy some holiday treats!

Silver sponsors for this event are NHS Print, Middlesex Savings Bank, Rockland Trust and DG Ranieri Supply Company.  Bronze sponsors include Artbeat Your Creativity Store, CVS Pharmacy, Ficco’s Bowladrome, Rome Restaurant, Laura Lowe/Coldwell Banker, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and Digital Federal Credit Union.

For more information on this event contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774) 571-3109. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is the revitalization of downtown Franklin . The FDP believes that a vibrant downtown is key to the economic success of the town of Franklin , and it organizes events like the Holiday Stroll to promote awareness and help the town prosper. For more information visit www.franklin.ma.us Community Links.



In the News - Fire dept, James Johnston

Additional info on the just announced stimulus grant received by the Franklin Fire Dept

Franklin firefighters appreciate grant

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS 

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And the biweekly essay from James Johnston

JAMES JOHNSTON: There is much to be thankful for

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS 



Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanks for student artists

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, we should recognize how much we have to be grateful for. When Gallery 218 opened its doors last Tuesday for the K-12 exhibit on Portraits, the crowd was impressive. I was able to get some photos, chat with Art Director Mike Caple, Art Teacher Jane Hogan, and then head over to the School Committee meeting.

Gallery218: Portraits 1

According to Jane, twelve teachers had about 10-15 students each with pieces in the show. Across the district, K-12 that calculates to about 150 students represented.

Gallery218: Portraits 2

These are portraits. The students could have done them of themselves or of someone else.

Gallery218: Portraits 3

A portrait represents a point of view of the world.

Gallery218: Portraits 4

A portrait raises questions about the point of view.

Gallery218: Portraits 5

When you recognize and accept different points of view, you can begin to talk.

Gallery218: Portraits 6

As I walked down the corridor to leave Franklin High, a family was coming in. I overheard the gentleman saying "I haven't been in this place in 32 years!"

I think we can be thankful that art helped to bring this gentleman back into FHS.

The Portrait show at Gallery 218 will be open until January 15. Take some time to view the students work. You will be glad you did.

Note: as a practicing photographer, my own viewpoint is imposed upon the viewer by my taking these photos. Art is really meant to be experienced in person. I hope you do take the time to go.

In the News: stimulus, Seniors

Stimulus money comes to Fire Depts, including 135,537 for Franklin.

Area fire departments get a boost from federal stimulus dollars

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS


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Oak St students meet with Seniors

Talking 'bout our generations

from The Milford Daily News News RSS



Monday, November 23, 2009

thanks for the holiday decorations

Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the holiday decorations throughout downtown

Grey Monday  holiday decorations up  a whole lot to be thankful for this week!


Franklin Express Line

The new Express Line is now available. If you have not already subscribed to receive this directly via email, I would encourage you to do so.

The subscription form is available on the Town website here

To see what this new Express line looks like, here it is:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

For Franklin Matters email subscribers you will need to click through to the web site to view this document.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

Franklin, MA

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Open Space/Recreation Plan Update

The Open Space & Recreation Plan presentation document was added to the Town Council notes for Wednesday's meeting. To save you going back to look, it is also here:



Curriki - collaborative open source curriculum

For the education community amongst us, this site I recently found seems to be quite good. It's about page tells us:
Curriki is more than your average website; we're a community of educators, learners and committed education experts who are working together to create quality materials that will benefit teachers and students around the world.
Curriki is an online environment created to support the development and free distribution of world-class educational materials to anyone who needs them. Our name is a play on the combination of 'curriculum' and 'wiki' which is the technology we're using to make education universally accessible.
Curriki is built on the XWiki platform, an open source development platform and "Next Generation Wiki" application developed in Java and released the LGPL open source license.
Curriki is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
Go explore Curriki here