Saturday, October 15, 2011

Library book sale: today - 9:00 to 4:00

The Friends of Franklin Library are holding their book sale today at the DPW garage off Hayward St.

Bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry and you get a coupon for a book (up to $1).


Book sale: Franklin Food Pantry donation earns a coupon for books

There are lots of books laid out on tables

Book sale: paperback fiction

The prices of books are shown on signs in each book section

Book sale: children's book prices

I know at least one kindergarten teacher who finds some good additions to the school library

Book sale: children's books

Giraffes can't dance? Why not?

Book sale: children's books

If you are looking for a good laugh, there is a section of books for you!

Book sale: jokes & humor

Looking to travel? Check out this section

Book sale: Travel & foreign language

Books on tape to listen to for your commute.

Book sale: media prices

Pets and nature

Book sale: Pets & Nature

"Beyond risk" is one title about climbing shear rock walls in the Sports and Hobbies section

Book sale: sports & hobbies

Biographies of Barbara Bush and Bill Clinton sit among the selection

Book Sale: biography

And last but not least, the Friends of the Franklin Library thank their sponsors!

Book Sale: Sponsors

Enjoy!

In the News - Ranieri



Meet the Franklin Candidate: Donald Ranieri Jr., Board of Health



LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: OCTOBER 19, 2011 at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building.

Absentee Ballot Information: Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Monday, November 7, 2011:
(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
(3) religious belief.

All absentee requests must be made in writing with an original signature (no faxes or e-mails are accepted). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk, at 508-520-4900


Route 2 Repairs Update, Detour Map

If you were thinking of heading west to do some foliage viewing, consider the Route 2 repairs due to Tropical Storm Irene.


 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/13/11

Route 2 Repairs, Slope Stabilization, October 12, 2011Repairs are moving forward along the section of Route 2 damaged significantly by Tropical Storm Irene. 

As seen at left in North Adams and below in Florida, work is well underway to repair the man-made roadway slopes, including excavation and relocation of utilities. 

MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey at the end of September announced that work to reconstruct the six-mile section of Route 2 linking North Adams, Florida, Savoy, and Charlemont would proceed on an expedited schedule under an accelerated bidding process.

The roadway is expected to re-open to traffic by mid-December. Route 2 Repairs, Florida, October 12, 2011

MassDOT has assembled a map showing the closed portion of Route 2 that suffered significant damage due to flooding from Tropical Storm Irene and outlining the current posted detour.

Route 2 is closed from Mile Marker 21.6 in Florida to Mile Marker 27.5 in Charlemont.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola said that because of the combination of roadway washout and substantial damage to retaining walls and man-made slopes, MassDOT is using an innovative approach by separating the repairs into multiple jobs that can proceed simultaneously to safely reduce the work timeline.

 

 


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

Open House Walnut Hill Farm Plainville MA 10/15/2011 2-4

Looking for a country afternoon around horses? This might be for you!


Walnut Hill Farm Open House

Hosted by Merrill Lynch

 

Nothing could be better than a fall Saturday afternoon in the country!  Come join us for a wonderful afternoon at Walnut Hill Farm on October 15 from 2:00 to 4:oo.

 

Kellie Monahan Head trainer and owner of Walnut Hill Farm and Bill Lippincott of Merrill Lynch will be your hosts for the afternoon.

Come see the state-of-the-art equestrian facility situated on 15 beautiful acres of grassy paddocks.  New this fall is the Derby Field.  Pony rides for the kids at 2:00, Show jumping at 3:00, tour the barns anytime and get to know some of the farms storied residents!   To keep you toasty warm enjoy a hot cup of mulled cider.

Walnut Hill farm is located at 86 Walnut Street Plainville MA.  See you rain or Shine!

 

 

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks. Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

 

 

William C. Lippincott

Financial Advisor

Merrill Lynch

Global Wealth Management

One Citizens Plaza, Suite 1000

Providence, RI  02903

401-863-8726, Direct

800-937-0710

401-863-8718, Fax

william.lippincott@ml.com

http://fa.ml.com/william.lippincott

 

 

Read our latest issue of Merrill Lynch Advisor magazine:

http://www.ml.com/mladvisor

 

Licensed Mortgage Broker

NMLS #697785



Emergency Alert System (EAS) test - Nov 9

The Franklin Police sent out an alert today:
Emergency Alert System (EAS). The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday,November 9 at 2 p.m. eastern time and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test."

EAS Test Press Release

Friday, October 14, 2011

Farmer's Market: noon to 6:00 PM


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

In the News - Bartlett, casino bill, national park


Meet the Franklin Candidate: Deborah Bartlett, town clerk





Some object as Senate passes casino bill





U.S. senators file bill to create National Historical Park

Help blind pedestrians while you drive

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


By MCB Commissioner Janet LaBreck
Janet_labreckThe white cane is a symbol of independence reflecting a blind person's ability to travel independently. As part of White Cane Day on October 15, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the Department of Transportation are partnering in a campaign to remind motorists that they should come to a complete stop when they see a pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog crossing the street.

We are very pleased to promote White Cane Safety in partnership with Transportation. These eight billboards, placed along highways and at key traffic points throughout the Commonwealth, provide timely information to drivers about pedestrian safety. Independence in travel is crucial for people who are blind to safely go to work, appointments, community and recreational activities."

Communities where digital billboards are running White Cane awareness messages include: Chicopee (I-90), Foxboro (Rt. 1), New Bedford (Rt. 195), Fall River (Rt. 195), Medford (I-93), Stoneham (I-93) and Lawrence (Rt. 495). These billboards provide safety reminders to motorists when visually-impaired individuals are crossing streets.

At the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, we also promote the following 'Top 10' list of things motorists should not do when seeing a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog at street crossings.

10. Don't stop your car more then five feet from the crosswalk line. A visually-impaired person might think that there's something between the crosswalk and your car if you stop so far back. The expectation for all pedestrians is that a car stops directly behind, or fairly close, to the crosswalk.

9. Don't yell out, "It's ok to cross!" This may cause confusion to a pedestrian, particularly if another driver pulls out in front of your vehicle.

8. Don't get impatient when waiting for a visually-impaired pedestrian to cross.  If a pedestrian places a long cane into the street, it usually indicates he or she will begin a crossing.  If the cane traveler takes a step back & pulls back the cane from the curb, it usually indicates the person will not be crossing at that time. 

7. Don't consider a 'rolling' stop as a complete stop.  A stop sign means STOP! 

6. Don't turn right on red without coming to a full stop and looking for pedestrians.  The Right on Red Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn.

5. Don't fail to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks whether or not there is a traffic signal or stop sign.  Come to a full and complete stop.

4. Don't stop your car in the middle of the crosswalk.

3. Don't pass another car that has stopped and waiting for pedestrians to cross the street.

2. Don't wave to pedestrians who are using a white cane or guide dog to indicate that you are waiting for them to cross. They CAN NOT see you.

1. Don't honk!

As we acknowledge White Cane Safety and promote awareness among motorists about driving when in the proximity of the visually-impaired, I invite you to visit the MCB website to find out more, or contact the Orientation & Mobility Department at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: 1-800-392-6450.


Things you can do from here:

Attention Downtown Franklin Businesses: Holiday Stroll coming up in Dec

2011 Holiday Stroll Letter to Businesses

If you don't have a Facebook account you can download and print the file from here.

This was originally posted on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website

SNETT Trail Clean-Up Day

What is SNETT? SNETT is the Southern New England Trunk Trail, a former rail road that is being converted to a biking/walking trail. In Franklin, it starts along Grove St and runs to Bellingham and eventually to Palmer. 
 An email from the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee alerts us to this trail clean up in Bellingham.
Kathy Wicks is organizing a trail clean-up day on the SNETT in Bellingham at the Lake St crossing on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 8:00 am to Noon.  Please see the details below and contact Kathy at kwicks34@comcast.net if you have any questions.


---------- Forwarded message ----------

Subject: Re: Clean Up Day

Details are:
Trail Workday on the SNETT at Lake St. crossing in Bellingham, Saturday November 5th 8AM- Noon, rain date is 11/19.
Volunteers should bring work gloves as much of the debris is construction material.
Wheelbarrows would be helpful for hauling, I plan to bring 2.
Shovels and heavy rakes if you have them.
I have someone who will take away any metal but we still need a dumpster, still hopeful Bellingham will help with this. Ron mentioned if we can't get one we can haul the stuff to his dumpster in Foxboro.
For recycleable trash such as plastic bottles I will bring large plastic bags, these can go to the recycling center in Bellingham.
I appreciate your helping with this.
Thank you.
Kathy

Taste of the Region - Oct 25th




Having trouble viewing this email? Click here
Taste of the Region 2011 



The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Library book sale: Sat 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The Friends of Franklin will hold their fall book sale this weekend.

Franklin: Library Book Sale 10/20/07

In conjunction with the book sale, there will be a collection of dry goods for the Franklin Food Pantry
If you are looking to give something the Food Pantry has on the current needs list, the list can be found here


The book sale will be held at the DPW garage off Hayward St


View Larger Map

In the News - Pellegri, scrapbooking



Meet the Franklin Candidate: Deborah Pellegri, town clerk

St. Mary's Catholic club to offer scrapbooking lesson

In the News - FHS cabaret, art center, distinguished



Franklin High theater to host cabaret, Oct. 18 and 20

Franklin Art Center offers kids' art

Gazette named a ‘distinguished newspaper’ in New England

Race to Nowhere

The Franklin Public Schools, in conjunction with the Joint Parent Communication Councils of Franklin, is hosting a screening of the film Race to Nowhere on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7 p.m.  


The film will play at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street.  A panel discussion will follow the screening.

Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink and educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills needed for the global economy, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic running rampant in our schools. The film is the product of Vicki Abeles, a concerned mother turned filmmaker, who aims her camera at the culture of hollow achievement and pressure to perform that has invaded America’s schools.  As Abeles notes, “it is destroying our children’s love of learning and feeding an epidemic of unprepared, disengaged, and unhealthy students.” The film is a call to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become the healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens in the 21st century.  You can learn more about the film athttp://www.racetonowhere.com/.

The event is free and open to the general public.  However, those who wish to attend the screening must register online for tickets at http://rtnfranklinpublicschools.eventbrite.com


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Finance Committee - 10/11/11

I chose to "follow the money" and attended the Finance Committee (FinCom) meeting on Tuesday evening. It was the first time that the FinCom met this fiscal year. The committee is now nine members (down from eleven) due to the charter change passed in 2009. The committee members were sworn in by the Town Clerk and then  set their organization for this fiscal year.

Jim Roche continues as Chair.
Chris Quinn was voted as Vice Chair.
Phyllis Messere was elected Clerk.

Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagne and Jim Dacey participated to help inform the new committee of the various financial process, procedures and issues that the FinCom will be facing.

Several action items were discussed in detail to provide some background for the new members before they voted. The details for the meeting are contained in the following links.




After the meeting, the committee took a new photo to update their page on the Franklin website. The listing of members will also be updated to show the current membership.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Finance/index




"I see growth and I see improvement"


Each of the schools, Remington, Horace Mann, and Annie Sullivan, had similar struggles with their annual yearly progress goals under the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System this past year. None of them met their math or special education and low-income student requirements. 
The principals noted that this failure was not a reflection of the school system or their students, but rather somewhat unrealistic goals on the part of the state for high-performing schools like Franklin. 
"When you're in a successful district, once you get into that 90th percentile, (it becomes harder)," said Paul Peri, principal of Remington Middle School. Peri added that Franklin is in the top two levels of seven that the state sets. 
"The way the formula is set up ... the better you do, the harder it is to reach that goal," said Beth Witcoff, principal at Annie Sullivan Middle School.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1092316431/Franklin-board-extends-superintendents-contract#ixzz1aYhM5wlZ


In the News - Norman, film



Meet the Franklin candidate: Ken Norman, Board of Assessors

Franklin screens film about stressed out students

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Live reporting - FinCom - Action items and closing


Partridge St Culvert Emergency Repairs - $150,000
funding: raise and appropriate (until the tax rate is set)
already passed by Council

NuStyle - $165,000 - a placeholder for the correct amount
Jeff re-tells the story of the building
hazardous waste site or brownfield, out to bid to demolish the site
bids are being opened on Oct 27th, wants to get the item to the Council in November
once the building is demolished, we can sell the property, maybe make a little, maybe not
this amount is in addition to the $200,000 from the EPA
couple of weeks to sign contract, assuming no bid protest
so maybe in the winter

motion to raise and appropriate, passed 9-0

Roads - $400,000
Funding: raise and appropriate (Hotel/Meal Tax)
don't have enough from other sources to cover our 200 miles of roads
the money in the open space account is sitting there
DelCarte property could be a use for it but the Council has chosen so far not to do so
suggestion to use the current year's new revenue for the purpose of repairing the roads
Daniels and Lincoln are scheduled for a new water line in 2013
master 'road' spreadsheet to be updated now after the construction has been mostly completed on the roads
do have a game plan based upon a 2000 study of the water system
cast iron pipes are really old, mostly in the downtown sections
goal is to do 2-3 miles every year and to eventually replace the entire system over the years
in the long run the only way to overcome this is with a dedicated revenue source, and that is not on the table anytime soon
)Jeff told story on Bellingham got the Pulaski Blvd project over our Pleasant St project (estimated at $9M)

motion to raise and appropriate, passed 9-0

OPEB Actuary Study - $12,500
Funding from free cash
unfunded liability was last estimated at $79M, need the study to find out what it currently
need to set up an irrevocable trust so that the money currently in hand can be invested and generate a good return (another town did an override to bring their fund to fully funded -at $3M per year)
looking also to get the money

motion to approve use from free cash, passed 9-0

Fire Salaries - $85,000
see letter from Fire Chief
vacancy now at a fire fighter position due to the move up of folks to replace the Captain replacing the Chief
when we had 12 guys on a shift, it wasn't an issue to get backfills, now that we have 11 guys on a shift it becomes more critical. Everybody has been around long enough to get the top vacation amount so spread it around and there is someone out all the time

new firefighter gets 20 weeks of training before going to fight a fire

this amount is not the full amount of the Chief's letter, being conservative
firefighting is an insurance policy, it depends upon how big a deductible you want

motion to raise and appropriate, passed 9-0

Transfers
Planning Board salaries - $8,000
Board of Health salaries - $9,000
restoring part-time, non-benefit positions as the work is there and required
the positions had been full-time and moved a couple of years ago to part-time
then the people left so the positions were vacant

two motions to approve transfers, passed 9-0 for both

UnPaid Bills
Prior year bills - from Library/Recreation $716.94 from FY 2012 into prior year budget

motion to approve transfer, passed 9-0


Discussion items
Budget workshop

Open Meeting law - reminders on use of email for discussion (no) can share info but not get into a debate

Finance Committee handbook on CD

Annual meeting of Town Finance Committees (Oct 15th)

staggered terms being implemented, some for one year now

re-opening this year's budget
a joint budget subcommittee meeting
Town Council, FinCom and SchCom will be meeting
more to come on this, nothing to do just now
getting into the budget vs. actual to help prepare

SchCom funding of the teach contract was not one time money, it was recurring funding

Jeff Nutting provided an update on the high school design, now awaiting word from MSBA on size of the school, model school already built four times, can move very quickly
can have designed for approval for Jan 2012, if MSBA approves then
the Council would have 120 days to get a vote to the voters
if missing the Jan timeline, it would slip 2 months as they only meet every 2 months
MSBA would pay about 59% of the total, Franklin would contribute to the remainder
Building Committee about to put up 'frequently asked questions' on Franklin website

another big item on the agenda will be storm water
due to a pending EPA edict, no funding source to take on the work
capital requirements estimated at $75M, likely to be more like $100M
do we establish a storm water utility? how does that work?
the EPA has not yet finalized their regulation, once they do, we'll know the timeline
we have 1600 catch basins, probably cleaned 200
we have killed more trees with printing that the EPA would like

Fiscal 2013 budget around the corner, dept head requests coming in Dec, review in Jan/Feb
State Aid numbers comes in Mar, so we'll know the gap
and can budget accordingly

Long Range Fiscal Planning Committee is looking at roads and OPEB
an engineering study is being done on the dams, could go to bid next spring
has the $1.3M estimate gone up or down, don't know, may now next spring
a big deal but less than the new school or budget or OPEB or storm water issues

3.5% funding available within the budget for capacity to borrow and without asking the voters
if the new school debt exclusion passes, the funding ($1.4M) for that would go into the debt exclusion bucket and we would have more capacity within the 3.5% of our plan

space for DPW as some equipment is currently kept at the high school

Jim Dacey -
opportunity to refund 2 bonds
callable in 2012-2013
opportunity to save about 400,000 in interest cost spread over several years
won't see lot each year, but it does add up to 400,000 over the course of this opportunity
Council needs to approve authorization to refinance

Live reporting - Finance Committee - 10/11/11

Present: L Huempher, P Goldsmith, P Messere, S Dewsnap, T Smith, J Roche, C Quinn, M Dufour, B Feldman (late) - J Nutting, J Dacey, S Gagner
Absent:  none

Debbie Pellegri - swore in the committee members present

meeting called to order
meeting being recorded by Franklin Matters

motion to accept minutes of May 2, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 3, passed 5-0, 3 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 5, passed 3-0, 4 abstain
motion to accept minutes of May 9, passed 5-0, 3 abstain

re-organization; to re-elect Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk

Roche, nominated to be Chair - seconded, passed 8-0
Quinn, nominated to be Vice Chair, passed 8-0
Meserve, nominated to be Clark, passed 8-0

Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagner, Jim Dacey - the finance team

B Feldman joined meeting (he got sworn in before coming into the meeting)

$100 million dollar business, call if you have questions
Town Admin submits budget, FinCom makes recommendation, Town Council makes their final decision

Fiscal policies on various matters, one for stabilization fund to be about 5% of budget
getting about 2.5-3 percent interest today, has been more in the past

Jeff provided an overview on the status of the general accounts
"free cash" revenues in excess of those budgeted, and expenses less than those budgeted
averages about 2.7M has been as high as 7M
about 2-3% of budget, it is not free
used for capital budget, some held in reserve (for snow/ice etc.)
don't use free cash to balance the budget

capital budget for recurring expenses like police cars, equipment, etc.

fiscal year, Jul to Jun

Free cash calculated from prior year budget, books closed at June 30th, then certified by State before being used locally

a big chunk is kept for snow/ice, that budget has been bumped up gradually

what gets cut first in the budget, capital?

free cash was used during the 90's to balance the budget, Jeff weaned us off that over 2-3 years after he came in

competing interests with the budget, weigh the choices, is it reasonable and rational?




Rich Aucoin answers 3 questions



FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin?

Rich - I was born and raised in Waltham, youngest of 5. Moved to Franklin 5 years ago. I have worked in Franklin since 1992 as a mechanical designer.

My spare time is spent working with friends and neighbors on local community projects and political advocacy, particularly in the areas of civil rights and government transparency and accountability.

I have run for local office twice before, in 2001 and 2003.


FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? or What do you think makes you a good candidate to fulfill this role?

Rich - My research and experience in the area of civil rights is needed on the Franklin Board of Health.

Boards of Health are responsible for more than just disease prevention and environmental protection. Just as importantly, per Chapter 111 of MA Gen Laws, local health boards are the only governmental bodies in the commonwealth with the power to enforce the individual's right to Informed Consent. Or said another way, local health boards are the only authority in the state that can legally take away this important right and force you and your family to take a drug against your will.

Such a remarkable government power must be exercised with the utmost deliberation and care.

But having attended several Franklin health board meetings over the past two years, it is clear to me that the current board lacks sufficient appreciation for the seriousness of Informed Consent rights. The board needs at least one member who will represent the individual or parent wishing to control her own family's medical decisions.

Two immediate areas of concern for Franklin residents regarding their right to Informed Consent:
.
1.) The current board is medicating residents with uncontrolled dosages of fluoride through our drinking water, without accepting accountability for the potential side effects of the practice. Even worse than dispensing uncontrolled dosages of fluoride is doing so without even the benefit of studies showing the practice is safe or effective. The board has admitted that it has no data whatsoever backing the safety or effectiveness of uncontrolled dosages of ingested fluoride. (Note that topical use of fluoride [brushing] is safe because it is not swallowed.)
.
2.) The current board is far too eager to dispense controversial new vaccines that have been rushed to market by Big Pharma without first providing residents the good, bad and ugly facts needed to make an informed decision. E.g., in 2009, the board moved forward with the hastily readied H1N1 vaccination program without accepting any responsibility for the potentially harmful side effects. The justification given by the board was that it was just following state recommendations. This answer was a clear abdication of its Chapter 111 authority and, worse, demonstrated a disturbing lack of reverence for our town's home rule charter. Let us face it: dispensing vaccines is a very serious business due to the known risks of injury. We need a local board that will either take responsibility for its actions or step aside completely. If your doctor were to give you a treatment that caused you injury, you would at least have recourse in the courts. But if an unlicensed health board gives your child a vaccine that goes terribly wrong, the town lawyer will simply claim the board enjoys civil and legal immunity. That is wrong. I believe that if the board is going to dispense any medication, it must take responsibility for the consequences just as any licensed physician must. Otherwise, the board should stop practicing medicine and leave it to real doctors.


FM - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

Rich - The biggest challenge to my role as defender of individual rights on the health board would be persuading other town officials that enforcing Informed Consent law is good for both residents and for the town. Some town officials have a reflexive tendency to do whatever the state says. But given the influence peddling and corruption on Beacon Hill, we need local officials who will stand up for what is right when special interests at the state level try to steer us wrong.

Restoring Informed Consent will be good for Franklin's residents because it will ensure their right to make knowledgeable medical decisions without worrying that they or their child might be punished or ridiculed for making the "wrong" choice. And it's good for the town because it puts an end to civil rights abuses that could eventually lead to messy and costly civil suits.

A vote for Rich Aucoin is a vote for medical freedom and Informed Consent rights for Franklin families.

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 10/11/11 - 7:30 PM

I. Call to Order and Introduction of New Attendees

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Report from Treasurer

IV. Strategic Goals
a. Grants/Funding
Update on YMCA Grant Application
Approval of Date for 2012 Road Race (Labonte)
Update on List of Grants (Labonte)
Discussion of Associated Grant Makers membership (Labonte)

b. Organizational Review of Committee
Name and Mission
Discussion of Proposed Bylaws

c. Alliances
Update on SWAP and Met Land Trust meetings
Review of Committee's PowerPoint Presentation (Barth)

d. Trail Development Update from Ron Clough, DCR

e. Awareness/Outreach
Discussion of Potential Outreach/Awareness Ideas

V. Adjournment (9:00)

The meeting will be held at the Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road

Minutes from Sep meeting FCRTC - Minutes - Sep 2011 Draft mission statements FCRTC - Draft Missions

In the News - DeBaggis, spaghetti, flu



Meet the Franklin candidates: Vincent DeBaggis, Board of Assessors

Franklin Sons of Italy hosts spaghetti dinner

Franklin offers flu clinic Oct. 14