Saturday, August 13, 2011

"Everybody likes to beat the government"


Kirk Simon, owner of Simon's Furniture at 8 Summer St. in Franklin, said his business thrives on tax-free weekend because furniture is a big-ticket item. The sales tax in Massachusetts is 6.25 percent. 
Simon tries to increase business by holding additional sales and extending store hours, he said. This year, the business plans to match the sales tax discount and give customers an additional discount of 6.25 percent on their purchases, he said.
"It's a double tax holiday at Simon's," he said.
 
Since people often postpone buying furniture for financial reasons, the tax-free holiday is a popular event for the business, said Simon.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633533992/Local-businesses-expect-good-things-over-tax-free-weekend#ixzz1UuEIbRJ5

Friday, August 12, 2011

Celebrate National Farmers' Market Week - visit the market today!


Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

Located on the Town Common

Franklin: Farmers Market


Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html

Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.

National Farmers' Market Week
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-celebrate-national-farmers.html

Moving Planet - Sep 24th (video)




For more about the Moving Planet and Sep 24th visit here
http://act.350.org/signup/moving_planet/?akid=1188.235799.m-pChN&rd=1&t=1


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

Tanglewood Marionettes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/10/11

Our end of summer reading program will be the Tanglewood Marionettes.
They will be performing "Fairy Circus"

Monday August 15th at 1PM

The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

This program is partially funded by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council.


Things you can do from here:

"The building has got to go"


The board placed special conditions on the project, including careful demolition of the chimney and a request that the remaining wall does not topple into nearby Mine Brook after the building is taken down. Members agreed to vote on a permit at their next meeting, Aug. 25. 
If the permit is approved, the town can put the project out to bid, a process officials had hoped to complete first in May and then by the end of July. 
"It's been a long haul," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "(The town) started trying to figure this out 10 years ago." 
Nutting said he still believes the building will be demolished by the fall, and conservation officials stressed the importance of taking it down.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633533666/Franklin-closer-to-tearing-down-former-Nu-Style-building#ixzz1UoNwhic1

Related posts:

The public hearing held in April, 2011
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/live-reporting-nustyle-brownfields.html



In the News - PMC, ravioli



Thanks for local support of PMC




Ravioli recipe is so good, everyone in Franklin is using it




Thursday, August 11, 2011

"There isn't going to be an option not to do the project."


"This is a very unfortunate, but not unknown increase," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "It shouldn't be a surprise to anybody." 
The Charles River Pollution Control District has already begun a $19 million project expected to cap the residuals landfill, upgrade security, and upgrade the phosphorus removal and disinfection system, add a scum handling system and replace clarifier mechanisms, among a few other improvements. The town shares the cost with Bellingham, Millis, and Medway, but Franklin's sewer assessment will go up $700,000, said Nutting. 
Then, last year, the council authorized a $7.5 million bond to improve the water system. 
The increases should cost the average customer $40 more in sewer bills the first year and $50 more for water the first year. 
Town Council did not take action on the proposal, but is expected to vote on it at its next meeting.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510866185/Franklin-water-sewer-bills-expected-to-rise#ixzz1UiFmCHXW


While Jeff Nutting is quoted as saying "this should not be a surprise". In 2009, he also said
"We do have time to plan for it per Jeff as this would only kick in for 2015 and beyond."
Apparently the increase is coming in sooner than 2015.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/02/live-reporting-charles-river-pollution.html


How to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via food: TakePart - Inspiration to Action by maxfollmer on 8/9/11

radishes

(Photo: Getty Images).

It's National Farmers Market Week here in the U.S. through August 13, as good a time as any to remind you of the thousands of great local markets supplying fresh, in-season produce grown by family farmers. 

In fact, the USDA says more than 1,000 new farmers markets popped up around America last year, bringing the total in the 2011 National Farmers Market Directory to 7,175 — a 17 percent jump over last year. 

Shoppers looking for the market nearest them can check out the USDA's national directory by clicking here

There's also the directory of markets, CSA's and farms over at Local Harvest

You can find all of TakePart's stories about America's great farmers markets here

And in case you need some pointers on how to pick some of the best produce that's in season at farmers markets right now, don't miss TakePart's recent guide on everything from Apricots to Watermelon. More

read more


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 



Around the table: healthy food, 2000 calorie diet

I'll share some good information on healthy foods that I find:


Does it really cost more to buy healthy food?




Where did the 2,000 calorie diet idea come from?


In the News - St Rocco's



There's no festival in Franklin without the gravy




Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Josette Sheeran: Ending hunger now


Josette Sheeran says: "What I would like to offer here is a challenge. I believe we're living at a time in human history where it's just simply unacceptable that children wake up and don't know where to find a cup of food. Not only that, transforming hunger is an opportunity, but I think we have to change our mindsets."



The Franklin Food Pantry works to provide a safety net for those in our community.


MBTA - Franklin Line - expect delays Sunday, Aug 14


On Sunday, Aug. 14, all outbound trains will terminate at the Norwood Central Station with substitute bus service shuttling passengers to Walpole Station. All inbound trains will terminate at Walpole Station with substitute bus service shuttling passengers to Norwood Central Station. 
Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected

Read more: Work on Franklin commuter rail line may cause 30-minute delays - Dedham, Massachusetts - The Dedham Transcript http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/archive/x919518666/Work-on-Franklin-commuter-rail-line-may-cause-30-minute-delays#ixzz1Ua3LcmMK



In the News - FSPA open house, St Rocco's



Franklin arts school plans open house





Knowing his gnocchi in Franklin




Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Shift Happens

The latest version of this "Shift Happens" video focuses on Iowa. With a little research, this could be updated to focus on MA. Anyone want to take this on?



Thanks to Scott McLeod for putting this together and sharing it!

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 8/9/11

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.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.


"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 July 12, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Handbooks

3. Discussion Only Items
• none

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Franklin Country Club for FHS Scholarships.
b. I recommend acceptance of three checks, totaling $150.00 from Mr. Light, Mr. Lima and Mr. Folan for FHS Administrator’s Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks, totaling $534.66 from Wells Fargo for in-house enrichment at FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $592.76 from Lifetouch Pictures for in-house enrichment at ECDC.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $6,431.36 from Jefferson PCC for in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend adoption of the Elementary Handbooks as presented.
g. I recommend adoption of the Middle School Handbooks as presented.
h. I recommend adoption of the FHS Handbook as presented.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the Hockomock YMCA from a grant awarded to Amanda Hartford, for supplies for Davis Thayer Elementary School.

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
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn


Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 8/9/11 - 7:30 PM

The minutes from the Rail Trail Committee meeting in July:

FCRTC Minutes July 2011


The Agenda for the meeting Aug 9, 2011:

FCRTC Agenda 110809


The Strategic Plan to be reviewed at the August 9 meeting:

FCRTC Strategic Plan Draft



In the News - Wendy's, St Rocco's



Franklin planners OK plan for restaurant, offices at former Knights site on Rte. 140

Franklin volunteers help set up for St. Rocco's Festival




Monday, August 8, 2011

"a rain garden in the Depot Street parking lot"

This initial phase, $1 million worth of repairs to side streets and a municipal parking lot downtown, is slated to finish in the fall. 
Construction crews are currently working on parts of Emmons Street, Dean Street, Ray Street, Depot Street and the Depot Street municipal parking lot. 
The $1 million phase will improve sidewalks, resurface roads, and reset curbs. Parking meters will be replaced with more efficient - as well as fewer - ticket machines as the payment system for parking, reminiscent of city parking systems. 
The improvements should add 26 parking spaces, along with period lighting, benches, and trash cans on the sidewalks. Drainage improvements have already been completed, said Cantoreggi.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510865349/Downtown-Franklin-job-making-progress#ixzz1UQptWNC9

Related posts:

Photos of paving progress
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/downtown-project-paving-progress.html

Commercial Zoning Workshop
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/live-reporting-downtown-commercial.html

Commercial Zoning Workshop documents
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/downtown-commercial-zoning-workshop.html


Jamie Barrett

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/7/11

Jamie Barret will make a return appearance on Wednesday August 10th at 1PM.
This family music show does not require registration.

Things you can do from here:

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 10

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 15, 2011 Regular, Release of Executive Session Minutes, June 8 & July 13 Executive Sessions (not released)

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council
Historical Commission

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Dog Park – Haley Goulet

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - Long Range Financial Planning Committee

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 11-10: Request for Legislation – Exempting the Deputy Fire Chief Position from Civil Service

2. Resolution 11-41: Establishment of a DelCarte Property Improvement Stabilization Fund

3. Resolution 11-42: Appropriation DelCarte Property Improvement Stabilization Fund

4. Resolution 11-43: Establishment of an Other Post Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund

5. Resolution 11-44: Appropriation Other Post Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund

6. Bylaw Amendment 11-663: Amendment to Franklin Town Code: Chapter 82, Fees – Sewer Rates- 1st Reading

7. Bylaw Amendment 11-664: Amendment to Franklin Town Code: Chapter 82, Fees – Water Rates- 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

P. ADJOURN


Franklin Election 2011 - details and timeline

Franklin election details are now available. The full slate of positions up for election are listed here:

Franklin Election 2011


The timeline for nomination papers and voter registration are shown in this document:

Franklin Election Calendar 2011


For all candidates, I will offer to publish an interview with them to provide some background and details on why they are running for office.

Details on the offer are contained here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/offer-to-candidates-for-election.html

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