Jonathan Fields is running a series of videos called the Good Life Project. He interviews a variety of really interesting folks to find out more about them, what they do and what they think a good life means. In this segment, he talks with Vani Hari, the Food Babe, who is doing some really good work in understanding what we are eating and what that 'food' is really doing to us. Watching the interview is well worth the 35 minutes to find out about Vani's story, what got her into this food research, then you can go to her website or Facebook page for the details on what to do (or not do).
Saturday, January 25, 2014
"workshop on how to build a rain garden"
Through a $16,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the town has partnered with the Charles River Watershed Association to create a two-year rain garden training program, the first of its kind in Massachusetts.
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| rain garden at Parmenter School |
The training is to feature a classroom component where participants will learn how rain gardens work as a natural filter for polluted stormwater runoff, said Pallavi Mande, who is organizing the program for the association.
The other component will be class trips to a sample garden at the Department of Public Works headquarters on Fisher Street. The educational excursions, Mande said, should prove "a successful way to get people motivated, rather than just providing outreach on the benefits of a rain garden.
"People don’t feel compelled to take action until they get a little more in terms of training," she added.
See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140124/NEWS/140127939/1994/NEWS#sthash.9HfOjLUB.dpuf
The rain garden project is looking for a catchy name, you can find out more about this and submit your idea here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/name-that-rain-garden-project.html
"a false perception that the industry is dying"
During a manufacturing roundtable, he and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, began the process of eliciting feedback from leaders in the industry on what they’ll need to improve and build those connections. Fourteen manufacturers, a fraction of the more than 7,000 companies in the state, attended, along with other lawmakers, public officials and Tri-County administrators.
Tri-County cut its manufacturing program in 2002 in response to a decline in interest, closing its machine shop, said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. But, he said, voc-tech schools are prepared to provide a solution to the workforce shortage as long as they can get the right equipment.
"We need to partner with many of you to purchase the machinery to train our students in manufacturing," Dockray said. "But it’s expensive."
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| Tri-County Voc Tech in Franklin |
See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140125/NEWS/140127340/1994/NEWS#sthash.SLD2UVCR.dpuf
NEW DATE - United Regional YPO Event - "Networking Made Easy!"
The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO) will be holding its first quarterly educational workshop called Networking Made Easy! hosted by Ed McDonough, a Business Coach, Speaker and Marketing Consultant, on Thursday, February 27th from 6-7:30 PM at the Fisher College North Attleboro campus. The event will provide business professionals tips and techniques on how to make and keep business connections, and other do’s and don’ts of networking.
Young Professionals Organization
Ed is the founder of Executive Coaching in Walpole, MA. Since 2001 Ed has been a successful entrepreneur and multi-business owner who has a unique talent for developing and implementing long-term profitable marketing strategies.
In addition to his business owner experience, Mr. McDonough spent over 25 years as a top-level Information Technology professional and Project Management Consultant in Corporate America, making him well versed in all facets of the business environment. His real-world brick and mortar business experience combined with his passion for effective web-based marketing has lead him to coach business owners throughout North America to success from the ground up.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how you can make more and better business connections!
The United Regional YPO consists of a diverse group of young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement and professional development.
The cover charge is $5.00 with pre-registration on the YPO website or $10 at the door. Attendees may register for this event on the YPO’s website unitedregionalypo.org or by contacting 508-488-YPO1 (9761).
Friday, January 24, 2014
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/24/14 - THU 1/30/14
1/25 SAT 8:30am-11:30am Franklin Girls Softball Walk-In Registration, Elks Club, Franklin.
1/25 SAT 9am-10am dance-FIT class to benefit Munroe family, Helen Owens Fitness in Franklin.
1/25 SAT 10:30am-12:30pm Family Tracking at Stony Brook Sanctuary, Norfolk. Registration required.
1/25 SAT 4pm-7pm Three Stories Band, Pizza & Beer Extravaganza at Pour Richard's, Franklin.
1/26 SUN 2pm-5pm Wine Tasting with Appetizers to benefit Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits, Franklin.
1/27 MON 7pm Planning Board Meeting, Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.
1/28 TUE 7pm School Committee Mtg., Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.
1/29 WED 7pm Town Council - Zoning Workshop, Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.
For more details click HERE and select the event of interest.
If you know of an event or have a suggestions for the calendar, please email Renata at Renata@BetterLivingRE.com.
1/25 SAT 9am-10am dance-FIT class to benefit Munroe family, Helen Owens Fitness in Franklin.
1/25 SAT 10:30am-12:30pm Family Tracking at Stony Brook Sanctuary, Norfolk. Registration required.
1/25 SAT 4pm-7pm Three Stories Band, Pizza & Beer Extravaganza at Pour Richard's, Franklin.
1/26 SUN 2pm-5pm Wine Tasting with Appetizers to benefit Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits, Franklin.
1/27 MON 7pm Planning Board Meeting, Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.
1/28 TUE 7pm School Committee Mtg., Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.
1/29 WED 7pm Town Council - Zoning Workshop, Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.
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| Downtown Franklin on a warmer day |
For more details click HERE and select the event of interest.
If you know of an event or have a suggestions for the calendar, please email Renata at Renata@BetterLivingRE.com.
Important change to Respite Companion Program
Do you recall the Respite Companion Program introduced at the Senior Center recently?
(If not, you can check out this link or this link and come back. We'll wait for you!)
The Senior Center has some good news to announce. They were able to get the grant amended. It does say in the brochure that both the caregiver and the care recipient have to be 60 years of age or over.
The Senior Center found that they had turned down 25% of the folks who wanted respite care since September because the age of the caregiver was under 60. They have removed the age requirement for the the caregiver. The age requirement for the care recipient remains at age 60 or over.
This makes sense. Looking around at those I know in this situation, most of the caregivers are under sixty with the care recipient over sixty. The 'sandwich' generation is not just a media sound bite. It is real.
If you would like to check out the Companion Caregiver Program, contact the Senior Center. You can call the Senior Center to register: 508-520-4945
For more information about the Senior Center and all the programs they offer, visit their page on the official Franklin website http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
(If not, you can check out this link or this link and come back. We'll wait for you!)
The Senior Center has some good news to announce. They were able to get the grant amended. It does say in the brochure that both the caregiver and the care recipient have to be 60 years of age or over.
The Senior Center found that they had turned down 25% of the folks who wanted respite care since September because the age of the caregiver was under 60. They have removed the age requirement for the the caregiver. The age requirement for the care recipient remains at age 60 or over.
This makes sense. Looking around at those I know in this situation, most of the caregivers are under sixty with the care recipient over sixty. The 'sandwich' generation is not just a media sound bite. It is real.
If you would like to check out the Companion Caregiver Program, contact the Senior Center. You can call the Senior Center to register: 508-520-4945
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| Franklin Senior Center |
For more information about the Senior Center and all the programs they offer, visit their page on the official Franklin website http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
MassBudget: Analyzing the Governor's Budget for FY 2015
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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"There’s the understanding that change is scary"
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, among the oldest charter institutions in Massachusetts, has sought approval from the state to double its enrollment and expand its district to include other towns.
The school, which opened in 1995 in a Main Street building leased from the Archdiocese of Boston, has applied for two major charter amendments that would allow it to add 450 students over the next 10 years, increasing its enrollment to 900, and extend the district beyond the boarders of Franklin to include 13 other communities.
If the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approves the school’s requests, prospective students from Bellingham, Blackstone, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole and Wrentham would be on equal footing with those from Franklin in terms of their chances for gaining a seat at BFCCPS.
See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140124/NEWS/140127943/1994/NEWS#sthash.WbUdvUFc.dpuf
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Standard & Poor's gives Franklin the best grade yet!
As initially reported during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday evening, Standard and Poor's Rating Services has given the Town of Franklin the highest rating yet: AA+
In summary they wrote:
Congratulations, Franklin!
Additional details from the live reporting at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found here:
In summary they wrote:
The stable outlook reflects what we view as the town's very strong liquidity position and strong budgetary flexibility. In addition, we believe Franklin's very strong economy and access to the Boston Metrolpoitan Statistical Area (MSA) ledns stability to the town's tax base. Consequently, we do not expect to change the rating with the outlook's two-year time frame. While unlikely, if management is unable to maintain structural balance resulting in what we view as weak budgetary performance and flexibility, we could lower the rating.
Congratulations, Franklin!
Additional details from the live reporting at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found here:
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| Franklin Municipal Building |
cows on parade, now ladybugs!
The cows went on parade in Chicago in 1999. The cow parade came to Boston in 2006.
The cows have been on parade in many major cities around the world. For other photos, you can visit the website here http://www.cowparade.com/ and here http://cowparade.phanfare.com/9999/
And now ladybugs will come to Franklin!
Do you know the story of the ladybug? if not then you should read this
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciskid/kidlbs/lbsidx2.htm
Note: Franklin's ladybugs will be about 2 foot in size, not as large as the cows shown on parade in Boston
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| The MBTA Map Cow |
And now ladybugs will come to Franklin!
Do you know the story of the ladybug? if not then you should read this
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciskid/kidlbs/lbsidx2.htm
Note: Franklin's ladybugs will be about 2 foot in size, not as large as the cows shown on parade in Boston
Senior Center: Conversations about Dementia - Feb 4
The Senior Center is holding a "Conversations about Dementia" on Tuesday, Feb 4th
You need to call the Senior Center to register: 508-520-4945
For more information about the Senior Center and the programs they offer, visit they page on the official Franklin website http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
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| conversations on dementia |
You need to call the Senior Center to register: 508-520-4945
For more information about the Senior Center and the programs they offer, visit they page on the official Franklin website http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
In the News: bond rating
Standard & Poor's has upgraded the town’s long-term bond rating to AA+ from AA, citing its strong local economy and adept budgeting.
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting announced the new rating — the highest Franklin has ever received — on Wednesday night at a Town Council meeting.See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140123/NEWS/140128729/1994/NEWS#sthash.y4LfHfVS.dpuf
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Live reporting - Legislation, Closing
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-05: Appropriation: Fire Detail Account
tabled until April 1, approved 9-0
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-726: Amendment to §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard, and Height Requirements – 2nd Reading- Requires 2/3 Vote
Mercer and Bissanti recused themselves
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0 (via roll call)
a correction to the original bylaw
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-728: Changes to §185-5 Zoning Map- Referral to Planning Board
motion to table until after the workshop, until first week of April
approved 9-0
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
thanks to DPW for the work on the snow storm, job well done
received notification on bond rating increase, good news, highest level ever
zoning workshop next Wednesday, open to all, 7:00 PM, 3rd Fl Training Room
several stabilization accounts, recap from FinCom meeting totals
these accounts and overall fiscal prudence have helped to get the rating increase
Financially we are good shape, yes because we have made the difficult decisions, you still have reserves
Vallee - I am impressed with the way you are doing things, good job
L. OLD BUSINESS
Kelly - what is snow budget?
Nutting - we were at 485K and we'll now later this week what this one did
training session for all town officials?
Nutting to send draft agenda
Cerel going to Planning Board for how to properly hold a public hearing, Feb 10th
Jones - What about the Remington Jefferson issue?
I'll have an update next week
Bissanti - do we have a bylaw on blight properties
Nutting - we have a vacant property bylaw in the town code
M. NEW BUSINESS
Feldman - local aid numbers?
Nutting - The governors budget was just released, it was within the ballpark expected (about 18K off)
what will the legislature do with the totals? Not sure. We'll go with the governors total for now
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Padula - good show of support from the community for the Monroe family
great news on the bond rating, that is why you get the big bucks
great follow up today with the notice and reminder on the trash pickups
Kelly - great work on the bond rating
Jones - echo Councilor Padula's comments on the Lexi and Sean wake/funeral
Bissanti - I reserved the first three foot ladybug, I know where I am going to put it
I see the roads deteriorating, that is something we are going to have to face
Nutting - I want to thank Jennifer for organizing the candle light vigil
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining – Fire Union
motion to go into executive session, passed 9-0 (via roll call)
Live reporting - Housing
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Christopher Vericker
info on new project starting to buy and sell housing for affordable buyers
mini team together, something formal being prepared
alert the realtors of this option
the Town would be a cash buyer to help sellers
Nutting - funding source for affordable housing Trust, from two developers who didn't want to develop affordable housing as part of their plan
payments from one of them still coming
formula set by Government based upon members of the household and income
it should be cheaper than otherwise
Bissanti - revitalization?
Nutting - we would prefer not to get into that aspect because then it becomes a construction project
Padula - deed restrictions forever?
Cerel - yes, as long as you apply with the process when it is set up
Live reporting - Ladybug project
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Franklin Cultural Council, Claire Griffin
to be added
• Franklin Cultural Council, Claire Griffin
Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 22, 2014
Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 11, 2014
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Doug Newton
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (Feldman arrived)
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 11, 2014
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Doug Newton
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (Feldman arrived)
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Munroe Family fundraiser - Sunday, Feb 9th - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Yard sale at the Franklin VFW, Sunday, Feb 9th
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| Monroe Family Fund raiser - Yard Sale |
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2014
Assuming the meeting doesn't get canceled due to the snow storm, this would be the scheduled agenda
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 11, 2014
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Doug Newton
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Franklin Cultural Council, Claire Griffin
• Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Christopher Vericker
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-05: Appropriation: Fire Detail Account
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-726: Amendment to §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard, and Height Requirements – 2nd Reading- Requires 2/3 Vote
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-728: Changes to §185-5 Zoning Map- Referral to Planning Board
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining – Fire Union
P. ADJOURN
The set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/012214.pdf
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 11, 2014
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Doug Newton
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Franklin Cultural Council, Claire Griffin
• Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Christopher Vericker
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-05: Appropriation: Fire Detail Account
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-726: Amendment to §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard, and Height Requirements – 2nd Reading- Requires 2/3 Vote
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-728: Changes to §185-5 Zoning Map- Referral to Planning Board
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining – Fire Union
P. ADJOURN
The set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/012214.pdf
One Book, One Community: "In the Heart of the Sea"
The Franklin Public Library is pleased to announce the One Book, One Community town-wide read for 2014, In the Heart of the Sea, the Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick. The 2014 One Book, One Community Franklin Kids Read is Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex, adapted for younger readers from the National Book Award winner In the Heart of the Sea.
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| In the Heart of the Sea |
More info on the book from the wikipedia page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Heart_of_the_Sea
There is a movie based upon the book directed by Ron Howard scheduled for release in March
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Heart_of_the_Sea_(film)
Read more on the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/01/one-book-one-community.html
Lifelong Learning: Music programs
Lifelong Learning offers several music programs that complement and supplement instruction during the traditional school day. These programs include the Private Music Lesson program, The String School of Franklin, the After School 4th/5th Grade Band and the 4th/5th Grade Honors Chorus. On Tuesday, January 28, the strings, band and chorus programs will host their mid-year recital.
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| Horace Mann Middle School Band from Memorial Day parade 2013 |
For more information on the music programs available from Lifelong Learning
http://lifelonglearningfps.blogspot.com/2014/01/january-21-2014.html
and to register on the Lifelong Learning page here
http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Franklin Schools Closed - Wed Jan 22
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello
All Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday due to the storm. All offices are closed as well.
Stay Safe
Maureen Sabolinski
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. 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 FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
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| Franklin Municipal Building |
NationalGrid: Winter Storm Warning
To view this email as a web page, click here. |
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Connect Now
| This email was sent by: National Grid |
Public Meeting on Emmon St Building -> Canceled Tonight
Good Morning:
The public meeting regarding the Emmons Street property is canceled tonight due to expected snow.
It will be rescheduled at a later date.
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| Emmon St building - flag wrapped in wind |
New FHS - Jan 2014
Sunday was a good day to walk around Franklin with my camera. I had not been to the high school in a while so I wanted to see how complete the brickwork and exterior was.
Draft - Franklin School Calendar for 2014-15
The draft school calendar for the 2014-15 school year is available for review and discussion. It is currently scheduled for approval at the School Committee meeting on Jan 28th.
While the school calendar started early this year, one main reason was for school to end early and help with the move from the old high school to the new. Next year's calendar was scheduled to start late (i.e. after Labor Day) to enable more time for the move and settling into the new high school. Labor Day falls on Sep 1 this year!
You can view the proposed calendar here
Or go to the School Department webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01C6DD65-000F8513
While the school calendar started early this year, one main reason was for school to end early and help with the move from the old high school to the new. Next year's calendar was scheduled to start late (i.e. after Labor Day) to enable more time for the move and settling into the new high school. Labor Day falls on Sep 1 this year!
You can view the proposed calendar here
Or go to the School Department webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01C6DD65-000F8513
Report card changes coming to elementary schools
Report card changes that were supposed to implemented this school year have been moved out to next year. So parents should be aware that the report card format currently used does not align with the standards being taught in the classrooms. Parents should participate in one of the forums being scheduled to review the proposed changes to the report card.
Parent Meeting Schedule
Oak and Kennedy = Jan 22, 6:30 PM (at Oak St Library)
Keller and Davis Thayer = Jan 30, 6:30 PM (at Keller Library)
Jefferson and Parmenter = Feb 6, 6:30 PM (at Parmenter Library)
Weather date (if needed) = Feb 12, 6:30 PM (TBD)
The letter to the parents was posted to the Franklin Schools webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01C5CCDE-000F8513
Parent Meeting Schedule
Oak and Kennedy = Jan 22, 6:30 PM (at Oak St Library)
Keller and Davis Thayer = Jan 30, 6:30 PM (at Keller Library)
Jefferson and Parmenter = Feb 6, 6:30 PM (at Parmenter Library)
Weather date (if needed) = Feb 12, 6:30 PM (TBD)
The letter to the parents was posted to the Franklin Schools webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01C5CCDE-000F8513
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee : 2014 Annual Appeal
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Stephen Sherlock
Chair, Board of Directors (volunteer) for Franklin Food Pantry
Community Information Director (volunteer) for FranklinMAtters.org/
Monday, January 20, 2014
Reminder: the Holiday delays trash/recycle pickups one day this week
Monday, January 20 is a Federal holiday so trash and recycling pickup will be on a one day delay from your scheduled pick up day.
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| trash/recycle lined up for pickup |
Editorial: Resolving the Library dispute
In my role as the self-appointed Community Information Director, I present the details and leave the opinions aside. For the Library Board of Directors vs. Friends of the Library issue, this has gone on long enough and I can no longer sit idle on the sideline.
When the Library Board of Directors canceled the Book Sale run by the Friends of the Library, this was the ultimate move in a disintegrating relationship. The bi-annual book sale which raised about $10-20,000 per year was no more. The event held at the DPW that was a great community gathering was no longer. The Library proceeded to conduct their own regular and now a monthly book sale to raise funds in lieu of what the Friends would have been providing.
I attended the Board of Directors meeting in September. I also attended the Friends of the Library (FOFL) meeting this January. While there have been some personnel changes on both sides, the discussion doesn't seem to be making progress. During this recent FOFL meeting, no matter which side was leading the conversation, it would go down one of the rat holes of he-said/she-said with disappointing body language exhibited by the other side.
In the he-said/she-said, there is disagreement about timeliness of delivery of funds from the Friends to the Library, and there is disagreement about information requested by the Friends and not provided by the Library as an example of some of the issues. There is more but suffice to say, there is no point in trying to resolve this he-said/she-said.
Suffice to say there when some one plays in the mud, everyone gets dirty. Both sides have room to improve their behavior.
It is time to for both parties (Library Board and FOFL) to put the past aside. The real issue is the Library budget over the years. There is not sufficient funding for the Library to operate the way it used to or the way it should. For both sides to continue to squabble over the $10-20,000 from the book sale diverts attention from the real issue.
The people of Franklin need a library that functions well, is open for convenient hours, and provides appropriate services to meet the needs of the library users. The needs will change as technology changes. There will be need for less hardcover books and more ebooks for example.
The chart below shows the total Franklin Library budget from fiscal year 2005 through 2014. The peak year was in fiscal 2008 at $925,000. This year's budget is $237,000 less and both sides are arguing about $10-20,000? Come one, get real. Ten years of maximum book sales don't make up this years delta from the peak.
Frankly, the $10-20,000 is insignificant compared to the real budget issue. The budget currently covers the only the daily operating expenses.
I respectfully encourage Franklin residents, taxpayers, and voters to talk with the members of Board of Directors AND the Friends of the Franklin Library. The next time you see one of them around town, tell them to put aside the past once and for all. Let's get on with solving the real mission of the library: providing a worthy resource center for all of Franklin residents young and old!
Let's not leave Ben wondering if he really did the right thing!
Information about both the Library Board of Directors and the Friends of the Franklin Library can be found here http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/about
When the Library Board of Directors canceled the Book Sale run by the Friends of the Library, this was the ultimate move in a disintegrating relationship. The bi-annual book sale which raised about $10-20,000 per year was no more. The event held at the DPW that was a great community gathering was no longer. The Library proceeded to conduct their own regular and now a monthly book sale to raise funds in lieu of what the Friends would have been providing.
I attended the Board of Directors meeting in September. I also attended the Friends of the Library (FOFL) meeting this January. While there have been some personnel changes on both sides, the discussion doesn't seem to be making progress. During this recent FOFL meeting, no matter which side was leading the conversation, it would go down one of the rat holes of he-said/she-said with disappointing body language exhibited by the other side.
In the he-said/she-said, there is disagreement about timeliness of delivery of funds from the Friends to the Library, and there is disagreement about information requested by the Friends and not provided by the Library as an example of some of the issues. There is more but suffice to say, there is no point in trying to resolve this he-said/she-said.
Suffice to say there when some one plays in the mud, everyone gets dirty. Both sides have room to improve their behavior.
It is time to for both parties (Library Board and FOFL) to put the past aside. The real issue is the Library budget over the years. There is not sufficient funding for the Library to operate the way it used to or the way it should. For both sides to continue to squabble over the $10-20,000 from the book sale diverts attention from the real issue.
The people of Franklin need a library that functions well, is open for convenient hours, and provides appropriate services to meet the needs of the library users. The needs will change as technology changes. There will be need for less hardcover books and more ebooks for example.
The chart below shows the total Franklin Library budget from fiscal year 2005 through 2014. The peak year was in fiscal 2008 at $925,000. This year's budget is $237,000 less and both sides are arguing about $10-20,000? Come one, get real. Ten years of maximum book sales don't make up this years delta from the peak.
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| Franklin Library Budget History - total dollars FY 2006 - 2014 |
Frankly, the $10-20,000 is insignificant compared to the real budget issue. The budget currently covers the only the daily operating expenses.
- What about the library renovations? That will need to come from the Franklin capital budget or perhaps the bonding capability that Franklin has. The proposal needs to be reviewed, discussed and supported. This seems to be on schedule for some time in March.
- What about digitizing the archives of microfiche? Where will that money come from? Are there collections that Franklin has that others would like access to?
- What about taking care of the original set of books from Benjamin Franklin that started the library as the first free and public library in USA? Do we really want our legacy and possibly most treasured possession to be "None of those books will ever be read again"? If you missed that story from November you can read it here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/none-of-those-books-will-ever-be-read.html
I respectfully encourage Franklin residents, taxpayers, and voters to talk with the members of Board of Directors AND the Friends of the Franklin Library. The next time you see one of them around town, tell them to put aside the past once and for all. Let's get on with solving the real mission of the library: providing a worthy resource center for all of Franklin residents young and old!
Let's not leave Ben wondering if he really did the right thing!
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| Benjamin Franklin statue outside Franklin Public Library |
Information about both the Library Board of Directors and the Friends of the Franklin Library can be found here http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/about
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