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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, November 3, 2012
12 Days of Donating-Important News From the Elves
Boston Globe endorses Rich Eustis
The Boston Globe endorses Rich Eustis:
http://bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2012/11/01/open-seats-give-voters-opportunity-reshape-beacon-hill/qibWAOOqlj5fjcV2Mls6OO/story.html
Note: If some of you were wondering who I would endorse, I do not endorse candidates. In my journalistic role, I share information to help you become an informed voter.
In the 10th Norfolk district, two strong candidates compete for the seat already vacated by Democrat James Vallee. Republican candidate Richard Eustis of Medway lacks the impressive town government experience of Democrat Jeffrey Roy of Franklin. But Eustis, who runs the Bar Advocate Program in Worcester County, offers an intriguing blend of pro-business policies and cost-effective alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders.
http://bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2012/11/01/open-seats-give-voters-opportunity-reshape-beacon-hill/qibWAOOqlj5fjcV2Mls6OO/story.html
Note: If some of you were wondering who I would endorse, I do not endorse candidates. In my journalistic role, I share information to help you become an informed voter.
MassDOT Introduces 857-DOT-INFO (857-368-4636)
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 11/2/12
MassDOT today announced a new telephone number to provide customers easy, direct access to statewide transportation information as part of its internal OneVoice transition.
"We are speaking with one voice throughout MassDOT," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "It's a voice that is focused on the customer. Maybe you don't know your highway district, nearest airport, bus route or what time the local RMV opens on Thursdays. Today, we are telling our customers all that information is just one call away, 857-DOT-INFO."
In 2009, Transportation Reform integrated stand alone agencies including the Turnpike Authority and MassHighway. Today, MassDOT is comprised of four divisions: the Highway Division, Registry of Motor Vehicles Division, Rail and Transit Division and the Aeronautics Division.
Reform has allowed MassDOT to consolidate functions and see cost savings. The OneVoice telephone transition will result in phone bill and maintenance savings of approximately $422,000 each year.
Registry of Motor Vehicles customers may be familiar with 857-DOT, as the call center transitioned to 857-DOT-8000 earlier this year. For MBTA customers, this new line complements the existing customer service line, 617-222-3200, which remains active.
MassDOT is maximizing existing resources to acquaint the public with 857-DOT-INFO. Customers will notice ads on the MBTA system and on the Highway Division's digital billboard PSA program and inside our RMV offices.
Employees with the new area code and exchange include those working at the State Transportation Building, the Registry of Motor Vehicles Headquarters in Quincy and its Boston branch, as well as MassDOT Highway District 6.
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Hurricane Relief
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Nov 2, 2012 2:30 PM
Subject: Hurricane Relief
From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Nov 2, 2012 2:30 PM
Subject: Hurricane Relief
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Pantherbook: Goodbye Access Road
The School Building Committee has an update scheduled for Weds Nov 14 in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM.The update will cover the different stages of construction, how the traffic patterns will be affected and where the project is currently. This will be a good time to hear and discuss what is being planned for traffic during the construction that will be taking place for the next two years.
The new school is on it's way and will begin construction in November,but with the access road being cut off by Monday, students are forced to leave earlier in the mornings, resulting in even less sleep for us.
I already have to make my way through the day running on six or sometimes less hours of sleep with all my homework, after school activities and attempting to make time for my social life. Getting up earlier just to get to school is the worst thing anyone could tell me right now.
I am a junior in Franklin and I will not even benefit from the new high school. I do not see the new school as a benefit to me therefore I am frustrated that I will have to wake up earlier just to be able to park in my school!
Even with the access road helping the flow of traffic into the bustling high school in the morning, there is still an overflowing amount of cars piling into the parking lot.
"It takes me long enough to get here with all the traffic in the morning already. I park in H wing so I don't use the access road but I see how many cars go through the road to get to school after dropping off a sibling or something" says Erica Lutazzi, Junior at Franklin High School.
I have to drop off my sibling before I get to school and then use the access as an easy way to get into the senior parking lot. Without the access road I will just be even later arriving, and I get up at 5:45 every morning!
"I am not worried about the access road being shut down but for others it could be an issue" says Lutazzi.
While some students don't see the problem with the road being closed off while the new school is under construction, I see this as another struggle for me to get to school every morning.
What is the faculty going to do to help the overflowing traffic? Do we have to wake up even earlier just to get a parking spot? All I know is I get up early enough and cannot see many other students waking up that much earlier either.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Pantherbook by brittanylandry on 11/2/12
The new school is on it's way and will begin construction in November,but with the access road being cut off by Monday, students are forced to leave earlier in the mornings, resulting in even less sleep for us.
I already have to make my way through the day running on six or sometimes less hours of sleep with all my homework, after school activities and attempting to make time for my social life. Getting up earlier just to get to school is the worst thing anyone could tell me right now.
I am a junior in Franklin and I will not even benefit from the new high school. I do not see the new school as a benefit to me therefore I am frustrated that I will have to wake up earlier just to be able to park in my school!
Even with the access road helping the flow of traffic into the bustling high school in the morning, there is still an overflowing amount of cars piling into the parking lot.
"It takes me long enough to get here with all the traffic in the morning already. I park in H wing so I don't use the access road but I see how many cars go through the road to get to school after dropping off a sibling or something" says Erica Lutazzi, Junior at Franklin High School.
I have to drop off my sibling before I get to school and then use the access as an easy way to get into the senior parking lot. Without the access road I will just be even later arriving, and I get up at 5:45 every morning!
"I am not worried about the access road being shut down but for others it could be an issue" says Lutazzi.
While some students don't see the problem with the road being closed off while the new school is under construction, I see this as another struggle for me to get to school every morning.
What is the faculty going to do to help the overflowing traffic? Do we have to wake up even earlier just to get a parking spot? All I know is I get up early enough and cannot see many other students waking up that much earlier either.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Pantherbook using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Holiday Stroll - Nov 29th
Plan on coming to downtown Franklin for the Holiday Stroll on Nov 29th, 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Related posts
Related posts
In the News: campaign, hurricane, syringe, Shaw's
Mass. newspapers split down the middle on Brown, Warren
by Andy Metzger
Franklin seeking items for New Jersey hurricane victims
by GateHouse Media, Inc.
DA: Accused robber got syringe idea from the news
by Matt Tota/Daily News staff
Shaw's supermarkets cuts 700 jobs
by Staff
Friday, November 2, 2012
The last Farmers Market for Franklin in 2012
Here it is November 2.
The days are shortening.
We turn the clocks back this weekend.
The last Farmers Market is today.
Where does time go?
Where in Franklin is the Town Common?
View Larger Map
The days are shortening.
We turn the clocks back this weekend.
The last Farmers Market is today.
Where does time go?
Where in Franklin is the Town Common?
View Larger Map
Finance Committee - Agenda - Nov 6, 2012
The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
The published agenda for this meeting is shown in this document:
The published agenda for this meeting is shown in this document:
Holiday drive set for this month in Franklin
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 11/1/12
A 35-year-old local business has teamed up with a 163-year-old church to make sure every child in town unwraps some joy this holiday season. On Thursday, Hometown Paint Ace Hardware, at 254 East Central St., and St. Mary's Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, stationed at St. Mary's Parish, began what will be a monthlong gift drive to support needy families.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Winslow endorsed Eustis
NORFOLK (October 16, 2012)-- State Representative Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk) today endorsed Rich Eustis for election to the Massachusetts House in the neighboring towns of Franklin and Medway and urged all residents to vote Eustis on November 6. "As the only elected Republican House member who lives in Norfolk County, I need more help to solve problems and get Massachusetts working again," said Winslow. Of particular concern, noted Winslow, is the need to end the one-Party monopoly domination of state government. "The Democrats vote as a bloc nearly 100% of the time with the Speaker and the Speaker doesn't give two hoots about Franklin or Medway," said Winslow. "And when a good Democrat like my friend Jim Valle had the courage to stand up to the machine, they chewed him up and treated him disrespectfully. We shouldn't reward that thuggish behavior by sending another Democrat to the House from this area."
Winslow noted that any Democrat elected would be expected to vote as part of the monopoly or face the consequences. In the past two years, Democrats have voted on a party-line basis as directed by the Speaker in significant votes that Winslow claims have hurt this region. "All or nearly all Democrats voted with the Speaker to kill a proposal to make it easier for homeowners to refinance jumbo mortgages to take advantage of low interest rates; rejected an amendment to allow towns near a casino to receive mitigation payments; shot down a proposal to require utility companies to trim branches away from power lines and to rebate consumers for extended blackouts; rebuffed a proposal to offer consumers a choice of basic health plans that would have reduced the cost of health coverage for individuals and families by at least 25% immediately; crushed a GOP-led effort to update the House ethics rules after the felony conviction of the third Speaker in a row; and evaded a proposal by "studying" it which would have prohibited illegal aliens from receiving public welfare benefits. The Democrats even voted on a party-line with the Speaker against legalizing sparklers on the 4th of July, despite sparklers being legal in 46 states!"
"Rich Eustis is smart, hard working and articulate and would be a great partner to help me get things done in state government," said Winslow. "If people want change, we can't keep sending the same one-Party monopoly back to Beacon Hill and expecting a different result. I enthusiastically endorse Rich for Representative and urge all voters in Franklin and Medway to give him their vote on November 6."
2012 Annual St John's Christmas Fair
This year St. John’s Christmas Fair will be held Saturday, December 1st from 9am - 3pm in the St. John’s Parish Hall located at 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin, MA.
There will be homemade gift baskets, Cookie Walk, pastry table, as well as hot soup and coffee to enjoy.
Pictures with Santa as well as other activities for the kids! Join us for a fun day!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Casino Night - Nov 3
The Franklin Education Foundation will be holding its annual Casino Night, Saturday, Nov 3
Additional information can be found on the FEF webpage http://www.franklined.org/casino_nights
or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/events/295237077251757/
"There were trucks in town for four hours, and the liaison didn’t know it"
Oh, there has been progress but it is still a messy process as reported by Milford Daily News:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x303001718/Officials-furious-with-National-Grid#ixzz2AxjpLztU
Related posts
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/nationalgrid-power-outage-map-830-pm.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/national-grid-hurricane-sandy-update.html
"For starters, community liaisons don’t interact directly with our crews," she said. "Their role is to sit in the emergency operations center to be that one-on-one contact with the town, not necessarily with our crews."
"In some towns, we still have some bugs to work out about how that data is flowing back from our platforms and to the community liaisons," she said.
Praising her company’s improved response to power failures, Reed said that, as of 2 p.m., the company had restored service to 78 percent of its customers who lost it during Hurricane Sandy.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x303001718/Officials-furious-with-National-Grid#ixzz2AxjpLztU
Related posts
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/nationalgrid-power-outage-map-830-pm.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/national-grid-hurricane-sandy-update.html
"focus on talking to voters"
The Milford Daily News has an update on local campaigns and what has been reported on their fund raising and expenses.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890070203/Candidates-kick-in-personal-money-to-win#ixzz2AxgJ7evf
Jeffrey Roy, running against Richard Eustis for the empty 10th Norfolk house seat in Franklin and Medway, since May has donated $18,230 to his own campaign.
"I wanted to spend my time getting out, reaching voters, getting my message out in whatever way I could," he said.
Roy said the money will pay for mailings and newspaper ads. Fundraising this year is hard, he said, because so many presidential, senate and congressional races are happening alongside state races.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890070203/Candidates-kick-in-personal-money-to-win#ixzz2AxgJ7evf
Big Brother Big Sister - collecting Nov 13
The Big Brother Big Sister Foundation is in need of the public's support through donations of lightly used clothing and small household items. They ask, while you clean out your closets to please consider donating your lightly worn clothing to the Foundation.
The Foundation will be collecting donations door to door in Franklin on Tuesday November 13th. To schedule a free curbside pickup, please call 1-800-483-5503 or email donate@bbbsfoundation.org.
Your donations are tax deductible. The Foundation also offers special pickups for electronics recycling and car donations, please contact them for more information or visit www.bbbsfoundation.org.
Your much appreciated donations help support the children in your community.
Eustis endorsed by CLT PAC
"I am honored to be recognized as an advocate for tax relief. I believe that our legislature needs to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse of public funds rather than continue to tax our hard working families at one of the highest rates in the country." Rich Eustis
Franklin Library: How to Select eReaders
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
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Amber alert
Updated: 11/1/12 - The mother and child were found in VA.
Update: Amber Alert baby found safe in Virginia
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Oct 31, 2012 12:18 PM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
Amber Alert: Mass State Police looking for 2004 gray Toyota pick up, MA Reg. 85ZH15. Mother took 3-month-old from home in Westfield, MA. Mother's name is Cheryl Kozaczek. If anyone sees this individual, please contact 911 or Mass. State Police at 508-820-2121.
10/31/12 12:11 p.m.
Update: Amber Alert baby found safe in Virginia
by Staff reports
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Oct 31, 2012 12:18 PM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
Amber Alert: Mass State Police looking for 2004 gray Toyota pick up, MA Reg. 85ZH15. Mother took 3-month-old from home in Westfield, MA. Mother's name is Cheryl Kozaczek. If anyone sees this individual, please contact 911 or Mass. State Police at 508-820-2121.
10/31/12 12:11 p.m.
Goodbye Sandy, hello Halloween!
Here's hoping the last of Hurricane Sandy allows the children (big and small) to get around their neighborhoods this evening safely and dry.
Here's to those without power, that the power will be restored quickly.
https://www1.nationalgridus.com/PowerOutageMap
Reminder that the trash pick up schedule remains offset by one day. Wednesday's pick up is now Thursday, etc.
Here's to those without power, that the power will be restored quickly.
https://www1.nationalgridus.com/PowerOutageMap
Reminder that the trash pick up schedule remains offset by one day. Wednesday's pick up is now Thursday, etc.
Franklin Newcomers - Meeting - Nov 7
The Franklin Newcomers will hold their November Business Meeting on Wednesday, November 7rd, 7:30pm, Union Street Grill, 371 Union St, Franklin.
JOIN US FOR A
Social Media Discussion, Tour and Q&A
Are you fumbling your way through Facebook? Attempting to "tweet" through Twitter? Baffled about what a blog is? Guest speaker Ed Donohue will discuss social media on the internet and help us understand the variety of social media and websites for general use. The discussion will focus on Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter and blogging, covering what they are, their purpose, how to use them, and when one would choose one website versus another. Mr. Donohue will have hand-outs to offer with information, and will take us on a visual tour, showing how to navigate and get started within each of the sites.
If you feel clueless, or just need to better understand these popular websites, then this is the meeting for you! Feel free to bring a friend. We will also have a question-and-answer session following his discussion, so bring your questions and issues!
We'll meet in the downstairs function room at Union Street Grill (down the stairs by entrance to side parking lot). Join us for an interesting and informative evening with appetizers and fun company.
Prospective members welcome as well as long-time residents!
For more info: www.franklinnewcomers.com
JOIN US FOR A
Social Media Discussion, Tour and Q&A
Are you fumbling your way through Facebook? Attempting to "tweet" through Twitter? Baffled about what a blog is? Guest speaker Ed Donohue will discuss social media on the internet and help us understand the variety of social media and websites for general use. The discussion will focus on Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter and blogging, covering what they are, their purpose, how to use them, and when one would choose one website versus another. Mr. Donohue will have hand-outs to offer with information, and will take us on a visual tour, showing how to navigate and get started within each of the sites.
If you feel clueless, or just need to better understand these popular websites, then this is the meeting for you! Feel free to bring a friend. We will also have a question-and-answer session following his discussion, so bring your questions and issues!
We'll meet in the downstairs function room at Union Street Grill (down the stairs by entrance to side parking lot). Join us for an interesting and informative evening with appetizers and fun company.
Prospective members welcome as well as long-time residents!
For more info: www.franklinnewcomers.com
"A lot less than what we thought it would be"
There are costs associated with the clean up from Hurricane Sandy. The Milford Daily News has a write up to report on the early estimates:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890069546/Sandy-costs-towns-thousands-for-cleanup#ixzz2ArpZiPP1
Franklin’s cleanup tab may reach $60,000, said Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi. He said that around 60 percent of the costs will likely come out of the town’s general funds, while the rest will come out of the town’s water and sewer enterprise funds.
Cantoreggi said that around $10,000 was needed to hire a contracting company to help clear trees over the course of two days.
He said that around $20,000 will cover the salaries of employees who worked during and after the storm. Six worked overtime.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890069546/Sandy-costs-towns-thousands-for-cleanup#ixzz2ArpZiPP1
In the News: scams, ballot question, debate, robber
Avoid scams after the storm
by Staff reports
Advocates for ballot question on assisted suicide pledge more ads
by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff
Brown won't debate Warren because of schedule
by Patrick Ronan
Franklin cops: Robber uses Sandy to his advantage
by Matt Tota/Daily News staff
Food Pantry does have handicap access
The Food Pantry does provide handicap access. While it may not look that way from the front
you can go around the side of the building to the back to use the ramp.
What happened to the front railing? The cement along the front entrance was deteriorating and was just replaced. A new wrought iron railing is being ordered and will be installed in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, a wooden railing has been put up. Thanks to Rockland Trust for their contribution that allows the Food Pantry to use this building.
Disclosure: As part of my volunteer effort to help Franklin, I lead the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry. A version of this was originally posted on the Food Pantry website http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2012/10/handicap-access.html
you can go around the side of the building to the back to use the ramp.
What happened to the front railing? The cement along the front entrance was deteriorating and was just replaced. A new wrought iron railing is being ordered and will be installed in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, a wooden railing has been put up. Thanks to Rockland Trust for their contribution that allows the Food Pantry to use this building.
Disclosure: As part of my volunteer effort to help Franklin, I lead the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry. A version of this was originally posted on the Food Pantry website http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2012/10/handicap-access.html
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Update October 30 2012
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Oct 30, 2012 5:30 PM
Subject: Hurricane Sandy Update October 30 2012
Good Evening. This is Gary Premo calling with updated information on Hurricane Sandy. National Grid continues to work on restoring power to those without.
The YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, has opened their doors to the public for a hot shower (bring your own towels-toiletries) and as a charging station for your cell phones, iPads etc.
We have NO plans to postpone Halloween Trick or Treating for the children.
There will be a dumpster at the Recycling Center on Beaver Street to dispose of spoiled food during normal business hours. No sticker is needed.
Dean College reminds residents they can buy a hot meal at their cafeteria on Emmons Street.
Thank you for listening. Good bye.
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Oct 30, 2012 5:30 PM
Subject: Hurricane Sandy Update October 30 2012
The YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, has opened their doors to the public for a hot shower (bring your own towels-toiletries) and as a charging station for your cell phones, iPads etc.
We have NO plans to postpone Halloween Trick or Treating for the children.
There will be a dumpster at the Recycling Center on Beaver Street to dispose of spoiled food during normal business hours. No sticker is needed.
Dean College reminds residents they can buy a hot meal at their cafeteria on Emmons Street.
Thank you for listening. Good bye.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
A Christmas Carol Times Two! - Dec 13
"A Christmas Carol Times Two!", a dramatic reading performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" combined with traditional 19th century English Christmas carols will happen on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.
Actor Al LePage will become "Englishman Thomas Hutchinson, Traveling Thespian" complete with English accent, clothing of the period and other accoutrements for the dramatic reading part. Organist and local minister Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter will weave piano music between various scenes to set the tone for what's to come and entertain.
This is a special benefit performance sponsored by the Franklin Historical Commission and hosted by the Franklin United Methodist Church with all proceeds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.
Admission is $10 per person and the performance is best appreciated both by adults and children 7 years of age and older. Tickets go on sale Nov. 15th and their advanced purchase is required by visiting the Franklin Historical Museum located at 80 West Central St. in Franklin Thurs. 5-8PM, Sat. 10AM-1PM and Sun. 1-4PM. Doors for the performance open at 6:30PM, the fun begins at 6:45PM, and seating is general admission.
"One of the best gifts I received this year," begins actor Al LePage, "was an email from Franklin, MA. A Mary Olsson called me about doing my Christmas Carol performance in the first town ever named after Benjamin Franklin. And during our follow-up phone conversation, the gift kept getting bigger and better, like unwrapping one box only to find another and yet still another inside that one!"
LePage entertains appreciative audiences with his one-man "solo" of Dickens' Christmas Carol as Victorian-era "Englishman Thomas Hutchinson." His abbreviated performance is not only based upon Dickens own historic public reading version, but are also done just like Dickens did simply by using his voice, facial expressions, gestures and movement to create all 18 characters -- accents and all -- plus sound effects, too! From Scrooge to Tiny Tim, from Marley's Ghost to Mrs. Cratchit, there's howls and growls, bangs and bongs, a dance with a song, lively laughter and heartfelt tears.
Since he's playful, likes to experiment and believes in seizing the moment, even he doesn't always know what's going to happen next. And, before each reading, he's definitely got what could aptly be called “his stories” to tell both in “the year” and the place he's performing to connect, interpret, and share history with the audience. He loves to play to -- and with -- audience members to bring history alive, which will quickly become evident when you first encounter him. He's sure to bring you lively laughter, and hopefully some tears, during his dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol.'
"Gifts, oh yes, gifts," continues LePage. "The first, of course, was the invitation to perform. I gave the second gift and said I'd perform for free with the idea, though, that all the money would go to help keep hunger away from local doorsteps. And it all started coming together with other people giving gifts too! The Franklin Historical Museum would provide the volunteers, the Franklin United Methodist Church would freely host and its very own 'Pastor Dianne' also agreed to play the organ for the event! The Franklin Food Pantry agreed to receive all the money, which in itself, accepting a gift that is, is a sort of gift, too, to the giver, right? This wasn't just another event, this was already becoming a real community event, where everyone involved was being generous with their time, talents and resources."
Hunger close to home is a serious issue both locally and nationally. At any given time, people sometimes have to make choices between food and other critical survival factors such as heat, housing, medical care or transportation. In Massachusetts alone more than a quarter million children, that's almost 1 in every 5 in the state, often face hunger, and almost half are from families that don't qualify for government programs like food stamps or free school lunches simply because they earn too much money. And also according to Map the Meal Gap: Child Food Insecurity, a report issued last year by The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) and the national network of food banks, Feeding America, children who don't eat what they need for strong healthy brain development may never recover their lost potential for cognitive growth. The report goes on to say that besides stunting their intellectual capacity, it could also affect learning, social interaction and productivity, diminishing what could have been a child's eventual contributions to society.
"We're still seeing probably a 25% increase this year over last year, and last year was a 25% increase over the year before that, too," says Steve Sherlock, President of the Franklin Food Pantry, "so the demand even for a fairly well to do community, the number of hungry and at risk continues to increase. It's something that's not very well talked about, but the need is something the community fortunately is very able and willing to support. So we want to continue to get the word out, continue to get that support, and this special event will help us do that."
Dianne Carpenter started playing piano at age 6, took up the violin a few years later, and by the time she was a junior in high school landed her first job as a church organist! She pursued her music education degree from Lowell State College, went on to teach music in area schools, but always remained a church organist or choir director as that "teachers second job" to make ends meet. She eventually decided to get even more serious about her life in "music ministry," went back to school to receive a Masters of Sacred Music from Boston University, but continued to teach school. A few years later, though, the economic situation for funding education statewide in Massachusetts took a turn for the worse and teaching jobs were threatened. All this forced her to do some soul-searching, and in the end she decided her journey was now to be the path of pastoral ministry. She sold her house, went back to school yet again, and eventually earned both a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School and a PhD in Christian Social Ethics from Boston University Graduate School. She's been a minister in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church for nearly two decades, serving in Natick, Spencer, Belmont, Hamilton and Brewster Massachussetts. She currrently serves as minister of the United Methodist Church in Franklin, MA, and continues to publicly perform both on organ and piano, typically now only playing the violin for her own enjoyment.
"We all have gifts, and God wants us to be generous with those gifts, asking us to share them," begins Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter, pastor at Franklin United Methodist Church. "And this event is an opportunity for the community not only to be entertained, but also become aware of the real meaning of Christmas, God's passion for the entire world as reflected in providing the resources needed by the food pantry so everyone served can celebrate the season, too."
LePage got his start bringing history to life through improvised portrayals of real people from the past and has been seen by thousands during the eight years he appeared at events with the National Park Service, historic sites, museums, and other venues in the Pacific Northwest. He's appeared on the PBS TV History Detectives series as everything from a bartender to Robert E. Lee! He's also written and produced his own one-man historical dramas, and recorded his “short” performance version of Dickens' classic holiday story as a one man radio show, an Oregon Public Broadcasting Radio production that premiered last year on Christmas Eve. LePage has even given “historical performances” on location in Boston where, and once when (same calendar date), Dickens did in 1867! "Performance with passion and purpose" is the mission of his Great Stories Alive! theater company shows. “Englishman Thomas Hutchinson” was first created to share history as an “average guy” but who somehow always seemed to turn up when and where historic events happened! He now lives on as a Victorian-era “Traveling Thespian” giving performances of Dickens' Christmas Carol to benefit charity, having done so since 2006. Last year he even traveled to England to perform the Carol for the very first time. LePage loves to improvise and believes all the world's a stage, and every audience member a potential player, so watch out!
"As an actor, the show itself is my work," says Al LePage, "but as a person my real work is about generosity, not only being generous myself, but also cultivating it in others. And what's great about generosity, about giving of oneself, is that it does good things both for the giver and the receiver, too. Tis better to give than to receive, as the saying goes. So give yourself a special treat this year and know that the ticket you buy isn't really just about a show, it's also about generosity, it's about helping to feed someone, it's about loving your neighbors as yourself."
"I've been talking about the upcoming event for the last three months," says Mary Olsson, Franklin Historical Commission board member, "and everyone is so excited, I know it's going to be a sell-out! Get your tickets fast!"
Photo Credit: David Krapes
East St Construction
East St, West St, Nason St have had their water mains and sewer lines redone.
As I walked by on Saturday, it looked like the roadway was being patched. The roads will likely stay this way until the construction season opens in 2013.
As I walked by on Saturday, it looked like the roadway was being patched. The roads will likely stay this way until the construction season opens in 2013.
Roy gains 3 endorsements
Jeff Roy has been endorsed by Glenn Jones, Matt Kelly and Andrew Bissanti.
Pictured left to right: Jones, Kelly, Roy and Bissanti
The press release is attached:
Pictured left to right: Jones, Kelly, Roy and Bissanti
The press release is attached:
NHC: Post-Tropical Cyclone SANDY Graphics
In the after math of Sandy, we can be thankful for the storm being not as bad for us as it could have been. Those rising tides have caused damage that will take time to repair. Our thoughts and prayers go to those in the recovery areas.
5-Day Uncertainty Track last updated Tue, 30 Oct 2012 02:50:53 GMT
Wind Speed Probabilities last updated Tue, 30 Oct 2012 03:03:17 GMT
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Post-Tropical Cyclone SANDY by nhcwebmaster@noaa.gov (nhcwebmaster) on 10/29/12
5-Day Uncertainty Track last updated Tue, 30 Oct 2012 02:50:53 GMT
Wind Speed Probabilities last updated Tue, 30 Oct 2012 03:03:17 GMT
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Post-Tropical Cyclone SANDY using Google Reader
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In the News: storm, Warren, Cinderella, gardeners
Crews prepared for a large storm
by Matt Tota/Daily News staff
Warren aims to be first Mass. woman sent to U.S. Senate
by Chris Burrell
Crossway Church to present unique version of ‘Cinderella’
by GateHouse Media, Inc.
Franklin Garden Club seeking new members
by GateHouse Media, Inc.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Update: Franklin schools to open Tuesday
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Oct 29, 2012 8:33 PM
Subject: Update
From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Oct 29, 2012 8:33 PM
Subject: Update
| |||||||
|
MBTA: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Oct 29, 2012 8:59 PM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
Regularly scheduled MBTA service to resume at the start of service Tuesday, October 30, 2012, with the exception of Providence/Stoughton Line.
For updates, check MBTA.com/weather. 10/29/2012 8:53 PM
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Oct 29, 2012 8:59 PM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
Regularly scheduled MBTA service to resume at the start of service Tuesday, October 30, 2012, with the exception of Providence/Stoughton Line.
For updates, check MBTA.com/weather. 10/29/2012 8:53 PM
nationalgrid Power Outage map - 8:30 PM 10/29/12
The nationalgrid Power Outage map as of 8:30 PM Monday evening showing Franklin, MA
To get an updated view of the map, you can visit this webpage
https://www1.nationalgridus.com/PowerOutageMap
To get an updated view of the map, you can visit this webpage
https://www1.nationalgridus.com/PowerOutageMap
Hurricane Sandy Update
Good Evening. This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with updated information on Hurricane Sandy. Reports are the brunt of the storm will felt locally for the next several hours. Please report any power outages directly to National Grid at 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212. If you encounter a downed wire outside, assume it is LIVE and STAY AWAY. National Grid is reporting approximately 800 customers without power in Franklin, and are actively working to restore power.
Thank you for listening. Stay safe. Good bye.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN.
Google's Hurricane Sandy Map
Google has prepared this map of Hurricane Sandy
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-crisis-response-maps-feature.html
All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification" <talerts@talerts.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2012 10:53 AM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
To: "T-Alerts Notification" <shersteve@gmail.com>
All MBTA Modes of Service will be suspended as of 2:00 PM, Monday, October 29, 2012. Please continue to check MBTA.com/weather for updates throughout the storm. 10/29/2012 10:47 AM
Sent to:shersteve@gmail.com
From: "T-Alerts Notification" <talerts@talerts.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2012 10:53 AM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
To: "T-Alerts Notification" <shersteve@gmail.com>
All MBTA Modes of Service will be suspended as of 2:00 PM, Monday, October 29, 2012. Please continue to check MBTA.com/weather for updates throughout the storm. 10/29/2012 10:47 AM
Sent to:shersteve@gmail.com
What's happening to the building downtown?
What are all the fences doing around the old building downtown?
Wasn't that supposed to get replaced by a new building like the one behind it to go along with the one across the street?
Portions of the building interior has been gutted. The exterior in the back is being redone
Access to the lower level and parking behind is still available from either Summer St or Cottage St
Franklin Pizza was located on the corner before moving around to Cottage St.
Florentina's was located in back on the lower level before moving out to RT 140
MelDivas Coffehouse, of course, was located in the center.
Printsmart Office Products did have space there before returning to an online only business that still delivers office products.
What other businesses inhabited these spaces?
Wasn't that supposed to get replaced by a new building like the one behind it to go along with the one across the street?
Given the economic status, renovation is the least cost option.
Access to the lower level and parking behind is still available from either Summer St or Cottage St
Franklin Pizza was located on the corner before moving around to Cottage St.
Florentina's was located in back on the lower level before moving out to RT 140
MelDivas Coffehouse, of course, was located in the center.
Printsmart Office Products did have space there before returning to an online only business that still delivers office products.
What other businesses inhabited these spaces?
Community Garden update
A donation of bags of manure from Franklin Agway were delivered to the Franklin Community Gardens by Grateful Farm on Saturday. A call for help went out and a few helpful hands arrived to move the pile of bags from the van
to the ground easily.
The garden beds are quiet now as winter approaches. Stay tuned for updates on the registration process for next year.
For more information on the Franklin Community Gardens, you can visit their webpage here
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/
to the ground easily.
The garden beds are quiet now as winter approaches. Stay tuned for updates on the registration process for next year.
For more information on the Franklin Community Gardens, you can visit their webpage here
http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/
In the News: teeth, election
Help troops and help your teeth in Franklin
by Zachary Comeau/Daily News correspondent
Election 2012: Bielat, Kennedy disagree on health care
by Mike Gleason/Daily News staff
YMCA - Youth Basketball Registrations
The Bernon Family Branch of The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for its annual winter Youth Basketball League which begins December 8th for children ages 3-12. The first three weeks will be devoted to practices and the last five weeks to playing games (all will be held on Saturdays). The league is open to players of all levels.
The Youth Basketball League (YBL) is the YMCA’s most popular youth sports league. It focuses primarily on skill development, sportsmanship and fun. Emphasis will be placed on dribbling, shooting, passing, teamwork, and having fun. The first three weeks of practices are developed to meet the needs of each age group and to best advance their skills in a healthy and fun way. For the following five weeks, children will compete in games (times are TBA). Each player in YBL will receive a team t-shirt and a trophy at the end of the season banquet.
Children ages 3-12 will play in coed divisions. The cost for the program is $66 for members and $99 for non-members. Hurry and sign up today because after November 23rd winter league prices will increase.
To register, please stop by the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch located at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin, contact the front desk at 508.528.8708, or visit us online at www.hockymca.org (only full members can register online). For further information, please contact Sports Director Kailynn Bateman at 774.235.2720 or kailynnb@hockymca.org.
About the Hockomock Area YMCA
We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth & Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.
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