Saturday, May 26, 2012

Franklin veterans gather for Memorial Day breakfast

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff on 5/25/12

phoMDvetbkfstatelks3_5-25-12.jpg
More than 100 local veterans, their wives and town officials gathered at the Elks Lodge yesterday morning for the ninth annual Memorial Day breakfast. A tradition started by Veterans Agent Bob Fahey, the breakfast is an opportunity to acknowledge veterans, both living and dead, and the sacrifices they made for our country.

Things you can do from here:

MassVetsAdvisor.org launches Memorial Day weekend: Services and support for ...

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


By U.S. Army Reservist Kyle Toto
I joined the U.S. Army Reserves because I wanted to give back to my country and to carry on a tradition that had been in my family for three generations. After being in the reserves for three years, my civil affairs company was mobilized for a year-long deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. It wasn't easy to leave my family and friends, as well as my commitments to work and grad school, but I felt that it would be worth it. After a long year in Afghanistan and countless times outside the wire, I was thrilled to go home and reconnect with family. When I got back I was focused on catching up with friends and enjoying all the comforts of home. My benefits were the last thing on my mind.

That's why I'm proud this Memorial Day to help the Patrick-Murray Administration's Department of Veterans' Services, Massachusetts Broadband Institute and the Home Base Program launch a new website to help veterans and their family members access over 200 state and federal benefits in one location.

MassVetsAdvisor.org is the perfect resource for veterans to easily access their benefits from the comfort of their own homes, on their own time.

As the new Community Manager for Broadband Adoption, I'll be working with veterans and Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) across the Commonwealth to help them utilize the website and connect to all of the benefits and services they have earned.

MassVetsAdvisor.org is just one more way that the Patrick-Murray Administration has continued to make Massachusetts the the nation's leader in providing services and outreach for our state's veterans.

If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran please check out www.massvetsadvisor.org

If you are a service provider and would like training on the new veterans portal, feel free to contact me via email at toto@masstech.org, by telephone at (508) 870-0312 x 604, or through the mail at: Massachusetts Broadband Institute, ATTN: MassVetsAdvisor, 75 North Drive, Westborough, MA 01581.
# # #

Things you can do from here:

Friday, May 25, 2012

Garden Party Monday



On May 28th, 2011 the King St. Memorial Community Garden official opened for gardening. Join us as we celebrate the our first successful first year of gardening, and the many years to come. There will be seedlings on hand for sale to support The Friends of Franklin Community Gardens efforts to continue to expand on the garden, and other events and activities. Drop by to share a story, a piece of cake, or just the view.

Franklin, MA: Community Gardens


Read more on the Community Garden website  http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/

Franklin council unanimously backs budget

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff on 5/24/12

Town Council last night took just 15 minutes to unanimously approve a $91.5 million budget for fiscal 2013, up from $90.1 million in fiscal 2012. The council discussed the information technology and Fire Department budgets in further detail before voting on the second reading, or final approval, of the budget.

Things you can do from here:

In the News - workshop, drug charges


This workshop will be held at Dean College
Workshop to help area towns keep their rural feel

Vote for HMEA!


A quick video from HMEA about the Toyota 100 Cars for Good contest that HMEA is a finalist for:




This follows up on the post from yesterday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/hmea-is-finalist-in-nationwide-contest.html

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Town Council - Budget Hearing FY 2013

Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti
Absent: Jones, Roy


A. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters.
Parade 10:30 AM Monday morning, Andy Bissanti Senior Grand Marshall

B. HEARING
FY 2013 Budget Hearing – 2 nd Reading

Clerk to read line item, if an item would like to be held for discussion, say so
The line items come from this worksheet  Expense budget FY 2013

motion to move all line items not held, passed 7-0

hold placed on
155 - Info Technology : why expenses and no salaries? The School Dept pays the salaries, while the Town picks up the facilities. The expenses are kept here, mostly maintenance fees and software licenses. Some purchases for replacements. The School Dept has their own expense line item

motion to move line item, passed 7-0

220 - Fire
I have been wanting to see three ambulances here 24x7, how close are we to that goal?
We are quite a bit away. We are about 5-8 people away from staffing level. We have applied for a grant to help. We continue to monitor this, monitoring mutual aid. The cost for overtime to staff doesn't cover the ambulance revenue the 3rd one would bring. As the industrial parks continue to build out, we would have pressure to increase but the call volume is pretty static right now. We do have two full staffed ambulances right now.

How much have your responses increased in the last several years?
With the downturn in the economy we have 'lost' calls and really held about the same. It hasn't been escalating like it did when we were growing. When we see the full commercial side of the town running, we'll see an increase.

Nutting - we have asked for a transfer of money coming in a future meeting to cover for injured coverage.

motion to move line item, passed 7-0


C. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-36: Adoption of FY 2013 Budget
Motion to accept, passed 7-0
needed a 2/3 vote, so they did roll call to cover


D. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Oak St School sign

I don't always get over to Oak St in my daily travels so when going by yesterday I managed to pause a moment to snap this photo.

Yes, I did pull over, parked safely and then took the picture.

Be safe and enjoy!


"pleased with the level of communication and transparency"

The Milford Daily News reported on the Town Council Budget hearing on Wednesday:
“Overall, the budget is only up about 2 percent. … It’s a pretty modest budget. We still are near the bottom in all spending categories for towns our size,” Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said. 
Unfunded health insurance liability, stormwater management and roads are potential fiscal hardships for 2014, Nutting said. 
School Committee Chairwoman Paula Mullen presented her committee’s proposed $52.7 million budget, up from about $51.1 million this year. 
Mullen said Chapter 70 funding, or state aid for schools, is expected to be $26.86 million, which will cover 51 percent of the budget.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1347547568/Franklin-Town-Council-approves-budget-in-first-hearing#ixzz1vmQyukYL

Related post on the Franklin budget hearing process
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html

HMEA is Finalist in nationwide contest in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program

Help HMEA win a new Toyota! The car will be used by our programs and individuals with disabilities to deliver meals on wheels to the elderly, shut ins and veterans in 25 Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. Currently we deliver 140,000 meals on wheels per year. 


On May 29th vote for HMEA. Click the #1 link below (they are certified safe) to remind yourself to vote - you will receive an email reminder and then click the #2 link to "Join the Cause" created on Facebook. From there you can invite up to 25 friends to join the cause and also vote on May 29th. 


Spread the word – please.





A little about the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program
In a nationwide written essay and video contest to see how a charity would use a new Toyota of their choice, Toyota chose 500 finalists. On each of 100 days starting May 16th, Toyota has selected 5 charities to see who can garner the most votes on their https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood page to win the Toyota!!


Our date is Tuesday May 29th


Vote for HMEA on Tuesday May 29th.    


Thank you


Doug MacPherson
VP, Development and Public Relations
(508) 298-1105

For more information on HMEA and the services it provides visit http://hmea.org/

Trout Derby in Franklin


The Franklin Rod & Gun club will be holding its annual Trout Derby on Saturday, June 2, 2012.  June 2 & 3rd is  Massachusetts's No-Fishing License-Required weekend.  This is a great opportunity to introduce the family to fishing and the great outdoors.  For those who do not have a fishing rod, the Franklin Rod & Gun Club will have fishing gear on hand  to lend out complete with rod real tackle and bait.  If you do have a fishing rod, please bring it as supplies are limited.  Our anglers will be on hand to help those new to fishing get started.  Raffle and prizes a great time for the whole family.  Bring your lucky hat and come on down and enjoy one of Franklin best fishing spots, Uncas Pond.  Uncas Pond is stocked with trout twice a year. 

The cost to enter the trout derby is $10 for adults and $5 for 12 years old and under. 

Time. Saturday June 2, 2012 from 6:30AM to 3:00PM.   Location: Franklin Rod & Gun Club, 51 Florence St Franklin, MA.  Breakfast and lunch available.  Visit www.franklinrodandgun.org  


In the News - holdup, drunk driving, hearing postponed



Franklin teen charged in holdup

Memorial Day Murph!!!!



Having trouble viewing this email? Click here
cff
CROSSFIT FRANKLINMAY, 28, 2012
Greetings!

Join us at CrossFit Franklin on Memorial Day 
to pay tribute to one of our fallen heroes, 
Lt. Michael Murphy, Navy Seal.
This workout is one small way we can remember his sacrifice for us all. 
All athletes, friends, family and veterans are welcome to workout here at CFF .
 There are no main classes this day.
We  will assemble for Murph at 10 am, Monday morning and begin the workout shortly after. 
Please be here to support this great day. 
Thanks Murph! you'll be in our hearts.


The Coaches at CrossFit Franklin



                                                                                THE MURPH!! 
This event is open to ALL people!! 
You do not need to be a 
CrossFit Franklin Member. 
Come challenge yourself and have some fun!!

 1 mile run
 100 pull ups
 200 push-ups
 300 squats
 1 mile run



This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by tricia@teamfitnessfranklin.com |  
Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

Holiday Weekend: Travel Safely

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 5/21/12

Traffic Cam Route 3MassDOT encourages travelers to plan ahead and travel safely during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.  The heaviest traffic is expected Thursday, Friday, and Monday afternoons and early evenings.  Drivers are encouraged to make travel plans accordingly and if possible avoid peak traffic volumes between 1pm and 7pm on those days.

Traffic is especially heavy at the I-84 interchange at Exit 9 in Sturbridge on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and at Exit 11A, I-495, which handles cars headed south to Cape Cod and north to New Hampshire and Maine.

The U.S Army Corps of Engineers reports it has completed current work and all lanes on the Sagamore Bridge are now open through the Memorial Day weekend.  The Corps says all lanes will remain open through Labor Day, with the exception of one or two work setups during weekdays only later in the summer.

MassDOT will suspend all construction work on major arterial roadways from 12:00PM Noon on Friday, May 25 through the start of normal business on Tuesday, May 29.

Use MassDOT traffic resources available to assist motorists.  Before you travel, check the interactive live Traffic Cameras web page to view current traffic.

Sign up at the 511 Traveler Information Service to receive personalized travel information alerts via email, text or telephone. MassDOT as always reminds drivers to avoid using cell phones while driving.  Call into the 511 service before departing.

A reminder that the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law bans texting while driving and cell phone use while driving by 16 and 17 year old drivers.  Drivers are reminded to travel safely and avoid distracted driving such as using cell phones.   

To save time, money and gas, motorists who have not yet done so are encouraged to join E-ZPass (FAST LANE) to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths.

Free coffee will be served at the 18 MassDOT service plazas from 10 pm Monday night through 5 am Tuesday morning.
The MBTA will operate buses and subways on a Sunday schedule on Memorial Day.

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Election 2012: Jeff Roy Launches Campaign

Over 100 people gathered at the Franklin Elks on Tuesday to help Jeff Roy launch his campaign for the 10th Norfolk District. Chris Feeley, Paul Ravich, and Michael Doherty spoke in turn to introduce Jeff and provide some context for their support of Jeff in this effort.

Jeff talked of his year studying law at DePaul University in Chicago and how the "ticket to getting home was working hard". Each of the introductions also referenced Jeff's hard work in multiple areas.

He told the story of a college visit with one of his daughters and being stopped by a statue on one campus that was engraved "What are you doing for justice?" His work on this campaign will be to help answer that question. A recent speech provides a more complete version of the story and its impact.

Sparked by the loss of a couple of friends to cancer, he turned to the PanMass Challenge as "a way to channel those feelings, that energy, to do something good to fight cancer."

Jeff went on to highlight the three areas of focus for his campaign: jobs and the economy, quality education, and bringing civility back to government. He called for those gathered to "come together, work together to bring about a better life for us in MA."

For more about Jeff Roy and his campaign you can visit his website http://jeffreyroy.com/ or his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/jeffroyforstaterep


Note: this is not an endorsement of Jeff. As a reporter, I am looking to share accurate information for my fellow voters to create an informed decision for the 10th Norfolk district primary on Sep 6 and election on Nov 8.  As I have offered to candidates in prior Franklin elections, I will offer also to the candidates for the 10th Norfolk, the opportunity to have a full interview published here. As the campaign season progresses, I'll remind the candidates of the offer.

“These are really important presentations”

In an article on the School Committee meeting Tuesday, the Milford Daily News writes:

The Kennedy School presentation, and accompanying Keller-Sullivan Elementary School presentation last night, are part of an ongoing series of presentations the School Committee sees each week, from several school departments and buildings. 
Members also learned that the Kennedy School art program blends math and culture into the students’ art lessons, and that the children made art through painting, sculpture, printmaking, and weaving, as well as drawing. 
“I think one of the things about Kennedy that makes it special is its integration of the arts,” School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said. “Magic happens every day for students.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1982677358/Children-s-artwork-shown-to-school-board#ixzz1vgWmvBzr

Analyzing the Senate Ways and Means Budget for FY 2013



Having trouble viewing this email? Click here
MASSBudget Facebook
twitter
BUDGET MONITOR:
The Senate Ways and Means Budget for FY 2013
Last Wednesday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its budget proposal for FY 2013.

Our Budget Monitor shows how the proposal would affect each major area of state government, from health care and education to public safety and the environment--including information on tax revenues.

The chart below highlights the different ways that the Governor, the House, and the Senate Ways and Means Committee would fill the state's $1.3 billion budget deficit.
In order to balance the budget, the Senate Ways and Means proposal relies largely on cuts and savings. Much of that comes from MassHealth and other health accounts, but there are also meaningful cuts to Child Care and Human Services.
For our complete analysis Read our Budget Monitor.
MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |  
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Franklin Downtown Partnership: 2012 Strawberry Stroll

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 5/22/12


Franklin's Strawberry Stroll to be Thursday, June 7
The Franklin Downtown Partnership expects to dish up more than 700 sweet, juicy strawberry shortcakes at this year's Strawberry Stroll on Thursday, June 7. The event will be held downtown from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., rain or shine. 
The FDP's famous strawberry shortcakes will be served up by Dean Bank's branch staff in front of the bank on Main Street. Dean College volunteers expect to cut more than 160 quarts of red, ripe strawberries for the stroll. Garelick Farms will provide 4 cases of whipped cream to top off the mouth-watering dessert. 
"We sold out of our shortcakes last year thanks to all the families who came downtown to enjoy the afternoon and explore our shops and restaurants," says Nicole Fortier, event chairperson. "The whole idea of the Stroll is to enhance cohesiveness. We want to bring people and merchants together and get them engaged in the downtown." 
Sponsorship Row in the Berry Insurance parking lot will feature the event's backers. Platinum sponsor for this event is Dean Bank and silver sponsors are Dean College and Garelick Farms. Bronze sponsors are Chestnut Dental Associates, CVS Pharmacy, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) and Keefe Insurance. Music will be provided by Music Odyssey Productions, and the Franklin Art Center will showcase self portraits by budding artists from the Franklin Children's School. 
Participating businesses throughout downtown plan sweet and spring-themed specials for the afternoon. Singer and guitarist Kevin Wolfe will be performing outside Pisini Shoes on Main Street. On East Central Street the band Yookeroo will perform at The Cake Bar. At Jane's Frames owner Jane Curran will show visitors how to create lively and fun home displays with children's framed art while local musician and music teacher Jamie Barrett entertains young and old and all those in between. 
The Historical Museum invites the public to its wedding gown display and refreshments on the porch, and A Cut Above will offer visitors lemonade and cookies along with giveaways. Vallee's Jewelers plans to buy back gold items at their shop on Main Street. Many other downtown businesses also are offering store specials and discounts. 
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this popular event. For more information contact Event Chair Nicole Fortier at nfortier@deanbank.com.  More information is also available on the Partnership's website at www.franklindowntownpartnership.com.  As a non-profit organization, the Downtown Partnership depends on sponsors to run events like this, the Harvest Festival and the Holiday Stroll. 
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Partnership's mission is to stimulate economic development downtown in order to create a positive impact throughout the area, and to be a pro-active organization that brings residents, business owners and community leaders together, encourages cooperation and builds leadership for the purpose of revitalizing downtown Franklin. For more information please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  


Things you can do from here:

In the News: tick season, film directors, scam warnings



State warns of tick season

Summer Camp, Summer Programs & Community Campaign



1_7215886_logo_orange_rgb_jpg

JOIN US FOR SUMMER CAMP!
Enhanced Formula for a Super Summer at your Y!
Click here to view our camps and download registration forms.


* NEW Flexible Scheduling Options     
* Enhanced Age-Appropriate Curriculum
* Increased Communication to Parentsphoto201005_0304_04_preview
Healthy Lunch Options
NEW Adventure Teen Camps 
click here for more info
* NEW Horizons Integration Camp click here for more info
And many more exciting opportunities! 

Click on your branch for more info on camp: 

North Attleboro   Foxboro    Franklin


Camp Directors, for questions:
Lexi Allen (Franklin Branch), lexia@hockymca.org | 774.235.2752 / Ashli Phllips (Foxboro Branch), ashlip@hockymca.org | 508.772.1353 / Neal Beaupre (North Attleboro Branch), nealb@hockymca.org | 508.643.5219 / Emily Harrop (Mansfield Arts & Education Center), emilyh@hockymca.org | 508.699.8846
jumping swim suit girl
VIEW SUMMER PROGRAMS NOW
Registration begins Tuesday, 5/29  


Click here to view classes and plan your summer activities. We look forward to seeing you in classes this summer!

Summer 1 Session Dates:
June 25-July 29

Summer 2 Session Dates:
Juliy 30-August 26
spacer.gif



GIVE NOW YMCA
OUR CAUSE IS OUR COMMUNITY
Reach Out for Youth & Families Phonathon 

Next week, dedicated volunteers and staff will be calling, asking for your support of our Y's annual campaign, the Reach Out for Youth & Families Campaign.

The phonathon will take place at Dean College.  When you see Dean College on caller ID, it is your Hockomock Area YMCA calling. We look forward to talking with you!


To-date, we are 70% to our goal of $650,000. Your gift is appreciated and will make the difference!

We are able to work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors, just like Michael:


Michael 2


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


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

Hockomock Area YMCA
300 Elmwood St.
N. Attleboro, 02760
US

Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.
Non-Profits Email Free with VerticalResponse!