Saturday, August 23, 2014

Sara Lewis: The loves and lies of fireflies

When I spent some time in Central Pennsylvania this summer, the fireflies amazed me as they do every summer. Fortunately, this TED Talk provides some wonderful insights about fireflies, their life and how they create the light we have come to love.

"It's amazing to think that the luminous displays we admire here and in fact everywhere around the world are actually the silent love songs of male fireflies. They're flying and flashing their hearts out. I still find it very romantic."





screen capture of Sara Lewis's TED Talk
screen capture of Sara Lewis's TED Talk

The link to the TED Talk page where you can find the author bio, the interactive transcript and more
http://www.ted.com/talks/sara_lewis_the_loves_and_lies_of_fireflies



Did you know that there is a registry of home improvement contractors?

If you run into trouble with your contractor doing home improvements, did you know that there was an arbitration process?

Did you know that there is a registry of home improvement contractors? A recent post from the MA Gov blog is worthy of sharing as it covers this topic well.
The Home Improvement Contractor Arbitration Program promotes speedy, efficient, and fair resolutions to disputes between homeowners and registered contractors and/or subcontractors regarding home improvements. It is part of the Home Improvement Contractor Act, which became Massachusetts law in 1992.
Continue reading the article on the MA Gov site here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/safety/the-massachusetts-home-improvement-contractor-hic-arbitration-program/

screen capture of home improvement arbitration article
screen capture of home improvement arbitration article

3rd annual Run, Walk and Score Road Race - Sep 21

The Franklin Girl's Ice Hockey Boosters Club is holding a fund raiser in September.
The 3rd annual Run, Walk and Score Road Race! takes place in the safe neighborhood of Jefferson Road in Franklin. It starts in the roadway of Jefferson Elementary school and takes a left onto Jefferson Road. The 2K race splits from the 5K when the 2K runners turn left onto Skipper Circle while the 5K runners continue until they turn right onto Peters Lane and again onto Jackson Circle. Both races finish at the same point in the parking area of Jefferson School. The routes are both USATF certified. 
The proceeds from the race support scholarships, equipment, team activities and transportation.
Event details and schedule 
Runners should be registered by 9am in order to have a timely start at 9:30am. Questions about the race can be sent to FHSGirlsHockey@gmail.com. The lobby and restrooms of the Jefferson Elementary School will be available for race participants

3rd annual Run, Walk and Score Road Race - Sep 21
3rd annual Run, Walk and Score Road Race - Sep 21
You can register online at this link:
http://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/run-walk-and-score-5k-and-2k-2014?int=


In the News: Franklin hiking group

The Milford Daily News has a nice write up on the Franklin Area Kids Hiking group:
The idea came to her while she read comments left on the "Friends of Franklin" Facebook group. Many came from moms who discussed trying to fit in outdoor activities for their children in between work and chores, Mercurio said. She suggested hiking. 
Not knowing what to expect, she created the Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group on a whim: In four days, more than 100 parents had joined. And the number has doubled since then. 
Mercurio usually plans two to three hikes each week, two of which tailor to specific themes.
Continue reading the article here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140823/NEWS/140828300/1994/NEWS

screen capture of Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group Facebook page
screen capture of Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group Facebook page


For additional info on the Kids Hiking Group you can review the article in the Franklin Town News
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/franklin-kids-hiking-group.html


and of course visit their Facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/


Friday, August 22, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/22/14 - THU 8/28/14

FRI 8/22   10:30am   Liquid Nitrogen Demonstrations at Franklin Public Library
FRI 8/22  12-6pm   Farmers Market at Franklin Common
FRI 8/22   3pm   Whale Mobile at Franklin Public Library. Registration required.
FRI 8/22   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center

SAT 8/23   1-4pm   Farm to table cocktails with Corey Bunnewith and Akin Bak Farm at Pour Richard's in Franklin

SUN 8/24   8am   Yoga on the beach - free event at Beaver Pond, Franklin

MON 8/25   4-7pm   Farmer’s Market at Whole Foods Plaza in Bellingham

WED 8/27   3pm   End of Summer Party at Franklin Public Library. Barn Babies, Balloon Animals, Glitter tattoos and more.  (Teen end of summer party on 8/29)
WED 8/27   4-8pm   FSPA Open House, 38 Main St., Franklin.
WED 8/27   5pm   Grand Opening of Franklin Sculpture Park  (Panther Way next to the Police Station)

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.


FHS - new policy on Food in School

A posting by Elizabeth's Bagels is making its way around Facebook. I saw it on Thursday and answered one of the points as to why outside food is being restricted at the new FHS building by posting the following:
FOOD IN SCHOOL AND CAFETERIA POLICY 
Outside of the cafeteria and the designated area in the Media Center food and drink WILL NOT be allowed in the classrooms or hallways. Students will not be allowed to bring any outside beverage other than water into the school. 
The school cafeteria is a vital part of the daily operation of our school.
The following regulations govern student behavior during the lunch period:
(Violations of cafeteria rules will result in progressive discipline.) 
1. Food or drink may not be taken from the cafeteria.
2. When lunch period is over, students are to deposit paper and other trash in the proper
receptacles. ALL STUDENTS SEATED AT A TABLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CLEANLINESS OF THAT TABLE.
3. Students are expected to enter the cafeteria at the beginning of their assigned lunch and
remain for the entire lunch period.
4. Students are not to throw anything at any time in the cafeteria.
5. Cutting in lunch lines is prohibited.
6. The consumption of food in the halls and classes will not be tolerated.

You can find this text on page 76 in the PDF copy here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNmVkZjBIWExtcU0/edit?usp=sharing


Video Replay of School Committee meeting

The video replay of the School Committee meeting on Aug 12 is available from the Franklin webpage. You can go directly via this link
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=635442513005685000&indexSessionSKU=aspL9zlrD2nqnB/uBCAisQ%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D

(Note: the high school portion of the handbook discussion begins approx. 17 minutes.
The food discussion begins at about 35 minutes)

You can also navigate via the new layout of the Franklin webpage. Choose "Live Meetings and Video", select August and then choose the School Committee meeting for Aug 12.

screen image of the re-designed Franklin webpage
screen image of the re-designed Franklin webpage

Sep 9 - Primary Election

While the official tours of the new High School will be held on September 20, 2014, those who are registered and choose to vote in the Primary Election on Sep 9 will be able to get a close up view as they use the school to cast their ballot.

STATE PRIMARY ELECTION
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
PLACE: NEW FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ON OAK STREET


Absentee ballots are available from the Town Clerk:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2014%20Sept.%20Primary%20Absentee%20Notice.pdf

The Democratic candidates for the Sep 9 primary can be found here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele14/democratic14.htm

The Republican candidates for the Sep 9 primary can be found here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele14/republican14.htm


Sec of the Commonwealth's Elections page
Sec of the Commonwealth's Elections page

Security concern? Odd solicitations

From our Franklin Facebook network:
Security concern?
This car was spotted in the Miller St/Briarwood/Blueberry Lane/Silver Fox area. The 2 individuals stopped at several locations and at at least one house claimed to be soliciting for Verizon. They are not registered as solicitors with the Franklin police as required. Their behavior was odd and I personally find it strange that Verizon would employ door-to-door salespeople (who do not give prior notice or appointment) in this day and age. 
Keep a lookout and let the Franklin PD know if you see them behaving suspiciously... dark gray 4-door Ford, license plate 172 ZT8.

Franklin Police station on Panther Way
Franklin Police station on Panther Way

In the News: Emmons St

The Milford Daily News reports on some changes in the proposal for what the RFP should look like for the Emmons St property:

"At what point did you decide this?" said Jane Curran, owner of the downtown business Jane’s Frames. "When the meeting ended and the public left?" 
Susan Sheridan, a member of the Franklin Art Association, noted, "We had pie in the sky dreams in the beginning, but little by little it’s been chipped away." 
Gateway Committee members in a recent petition lobbied the town to consider developing the parcel into a public space to bring out the best of Franklin’s art and food. 
That idea has not been well received, though, with one member of the Economic Development Committee remarking Wednesday that the property will "undoubtedly" become a bank.

You can read the full article here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140822/NEWS/140828737/1994/NEWS

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Solar Challenge: Informational Meeting Summary

The Milford Daily News reported on the informational meeting on Wednesday writing in part:
The Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development held an informational meeting on Wednesday night to call attention to its "Solar Challenge," a program modeled after the state’s Solarize Massachusetts that aims to boost the use of photovoltaic energy in town. 
The more residents who sign on to have solar panels installed, the more the cost for the work drops. People can purchase a solar energy system directly or enter into a lease or power purchase agreement in which the installer will own and maintain the panels while the home or business owner purchases the power generated at a reduced rate. 
Planning Director Bryan Taberner said the department will continue marketing the program and eventually hire a solar contractor. Residents seeking more information about the program can call 508-520-4907. 
Nearly 80 people attended the meeting, underscoring the level of interest that town officials have seen so far.

Continue reading the full article (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140821/NEWS/140829262/1994/NEWS


the solar farm at Mount St Mary's earlier this year
the solar farm at Mount St Mary's earlier this year

My reporting on the presentation can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/live-reporting-solar-challenge.html

the Q&A section of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/live-reporting-solar-challenge-q.html

the actual presentation documents used can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/solar-challenge-presentation-copies.html

2014 Franklin Harvest Festival Planning Under Way

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is currently planning the 12th annual Harvest Festival and is looking for crafters, entertainers, vendors, volunteers and sponsors. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will take place rain or shine.

Organizers expect more than 6,000 visitors to attend this year’s event in downtown Franklin, where they’ll be treated to delicious food options, a live DJ and local entertainers on several stages, games and activities for the kids, and more than 100 crafter, artist and organization booths to browse through. Local businesses will hold sales and special promotions, and the Fire Station and the Historical Museum plan displays and activities.

“The Harvest Festival is one of the best opportunities we have to bring the community together and show off all that downtown Franklin has to offer. Year after year our visitors discover great shopping, new restaurants, helpful resources and talented local artists,” says Executive Director Lisa Piana.
Franklin Downtown Partnership
Franklin Downtown Partnership

There is still time for crafters, organizations, performers and interested groups to participate. Booth space is limited and registrations must be received by September 5. Registration forms and more information can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ or by contacting Booth Chairperson Terri Frank at terrifrank1@gmail.com
Sponsors are needed to support this festival. The FDP relies on sponsors to run this and other events, including the Strawberry Stroll, Holiday Stroll and its beautification days. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship can contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774)-571-3109. Sponsorship forms and a full list of opportunities can be found on the website under the Sponsors tab.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 200 business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin through events, education and communication. For more information about the Partnership or any of its efforts please contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774)571-3109.


Click on these links to download and print these important forms:

Sponsorship Registration Form

current Committee openings


The Town of Franklin is looking for Members for the following committees: If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the attached form and return the Town Administrator's Office.

Conservation - Conservation Commission 
Council on aging - COA 
Cultural Council - Cultural Council 
Disabilities Commission 
Historical Commission - Historical Commission 
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Contact Maxine Kinhart 508-520-4949 
Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate Member ZBA

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


Town of Franklin volunteer form  can be found on the Franklin webpage here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E3B9EF-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf


This was re-shared from the official Franklin page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E3B9EF-000F8513

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Solar Challenge: presentation copies

The introductory slides for the Solar Challenge meeting held in Franklin on Aug 20, 2014

Solar in Franklin



You can also view/download the document via Google Docs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRzBFeXZRYXFLVlh0Z2I5NnZpTUtHSWZRVk1J/edit?usp=sharing


The 'solar 101' presentation copy




You can also view/download the document via Google Docs:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeW1vYnZUQ3p0ZjhxVndaRHM1YUJSNHR5dy0w/edit?usp=sharing


the solar farm at Mt Saint Mary's
the solar farm at Mt Saint Mary's

Live reporting: Solar Challenge - Q&A

question on insurance?
there is insurance available per an insurance agent in the room

What happens after the life of the warranty?
panels are 25 year warranty
National Grid took 2 months to put a reverse meter on for one install

photo of presentation in Council Chambers
photo of presentation in Council Chambers

what assurance do we have that the companies are still in?
open to speculation

What is payback?
one homeowner is getting a payback in 5 years

Has seen some info on a chemical reaction that can cause hazardous waste?
there are no hazardous issues, can be disposed of industrial waste

In the winter, when it snows do you have to clear the snow?
in the winter, generally speaking, the bottom layer of the snow melts and it slides off all at once
in terms of the panels themselves, there is no maintenance required

maintains spreadsheet on production, 8,000 KW hours per year
saw same results in Concord program, a 4-5 year payback on a 25 year system
better return than the stock market
key factor is the SREC, a guaranteed revenue

can you bank the SRECs?
there are companies that will broker or manage the SRECs
the aggregator will play the market to gain the revenue

How long can you stockpile SRECs?
up to one year
SREC should last for some time
managed growth category SREC II is open for the 10 years

have an app on the cell phone to see status up to the minute

Can I ask about net metering?
generally the credits generated are not paid for by the electric companies
there are three load zones in the state, can use the credits to virtually net meter

Does pay $6 something a month for using the grid as an electrical resource
Electric companies will likely look to get that changed but it will take time

Panels were spec'ed out to cover two electric cars

Quick example with rounded dollars

stepping down for a 6 KW system
24,000
one third eligible for tax credit
down to 16,000
1,000 for MA CEC credit
1,000 for State
down to 14,000

saving 1,000 on electric
gaining 2,000 on SRECs
so you have 3,000 per year income

14,000 up front expense with a 3,000 year income calculates a less than 5 year payback

Can you clarify what the Franklin Solar Challenge will do?

will be using an agreggator, one installer to get the buying power as a group

next steps to process the RFP to choose the installer
start on Sept 10 to community outreach for the installers, etc.

great low group pricing to take advantage of
a community effort, maybe 10-15 hours a week to help spread the word

what if 1,000 residences signed up?

there is a pre-qualification process, use the suneye to evaluate
consider the design, think about financials, make a decision
then the installations will occur, it can take from 2 to 6 months

once the contract is signed, the rebates can be used
can't get rebate after system being installed

Will installer check roof for assessment?

yes, installer will be able to do that

There are options for everyone to do something


Live reporting: Solar Challenge

Factoid: 
The Town of Franklin has at least 75 individually owned solar panel projects that generate over 6.2MW.


Brett Feldman, Town Councilor

In Franklin for 10 years, now a homeowner and looking to go solar. Has been a driving influence behind the community effort to get a group project for solar going. It will help to control costs that are within the individuals realm.
A quick poll of how folks heard revealed Milford Daily News, Gazette, Franklin Matters, town website, Twitter, etc.

Derrick Mathieu, Planner

only 58 projects in the state over 7M cost, 2 are here in Franklin
looking to coordinate with a local solar provider, proposals are due back from the vendors this Friday. Would evaluate the proposals and determine the successful vendors.
one person needed to work 10-15 hours per month
a rebate is available but expiring soon
social media coordination, event planning all to be done before the end of the year

Elizabeth Youngblood, project manager, MA Clean Energy Center (CEC)

to present a 'solar 101'

MA CEC funded by renewal energy trust from each power bill
looking to grow this area of clean energy
work with interns and other energy companies
they operate the commonwealth solar rebate program
MA is looking to do their own solar challenge

solar by comparison with other energy sources renewal or otherwise - solar is huge
MA is good for solar
MA has 9th highest energy prices in US, a reason to go solar

cost of systems had been about $8/watt (2009)
now with rebates it has come down to about $5/watt

comparison of maps from 2006 to 2013 shows a dramatic increase in individual solar systems

what makes a good site?

  • southern facing
  • roof pitched at 30-45 degrees
  • at least 4-6 hours of direct sun
  • open roof area of ~100 sq ft per 1KW
  • open space for a pole mounted system


brief explanation of net metering
use of power within the house from the panels, when not being used, it can be passed out to the electrical grid and purchased by the electric company

during a power outage, the system does turn off, unless there is a battery backup system installed

solarmetric suneye

tool that will evaluate the tree coverage to help determine the sun exposure you have
Info on suneye   http://www.solmetric.com/

photo of presentation in Council Chamber
photo of presentation in Council Chamber

solar incentives in MA

  • Federal and state tax credits available
  • MA CEC rebate available
  • net metering


quarterly funding blocks
around 1,000 applications per quarter approx.
$1.5M available
looking at systems up to 5KW
rebate approx 25 cents per watt
go to www.MassCEC/solar to learn more about this program

last funding block opening in October, once fully subscribed the program will close

minimum technical requirements for installers, UL and California standards to be met

40-60% of homes may not be good for solar
go energy efficiency first, or consider solar hot water which is less forgiving

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC)
SREC II started this year

Ownership models

  • individual
  • third party ownership

eyoungblood@masscec.com


shifting to Q&A session

Concerts on the Common - 6:00 PM

It is that time of year, school preparations are underway and the last concert of the summer will be held on the Town Common.


6:00 PM - Mike Rutkowski DJ



Concerts on the Common
Concerts on the Common

In the event of rain, the concert will be held across the street at the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

Franklin Solar Challenge - information meeting tonight


Join us for our kick-off meeting, Wednesday August 20 at 7PM in Town Council Chambers! 
The Dept. of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) wants to know if Franklin wants solar panels. The Franklin Solar Challenge will help residents and business owners obtain solar panels for less. The more residents and business owners that sign up, the cheaper solar panels become. 
Right now, DPCD is speaking with other communities who have run their own Solar Challenge, in order to see how best to move forward.
solar panels at Mt Saint Mary's
solar panels at Mt Saint Mary's

DPCD Needs Your SupportPlease help get the word out about the Franklin Solar Challenge. DPCD will contact those interested to organize a meeting date and discuss next steps. 
Concord recently engaged in their own Solar Challenge and now 160 residents and business owners have their own solar panels. Save money and go green! Contact Franklin’s DPCD today!


Interested in the Franklin Solar Challenge?
Please Contact the Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning & Community Development at:
(508) 520 – 4907 or TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us



Mothers, hold the date - Sep 15th


The Franklin MOMs Club will be holding our Annual Fall Kick Off Social at the Hockomock Area YMCA in Franklin on Monday September 15 at 10:00am. 
Any interested moms living in Franklin are invited to attend with their children. The MOMs club is a non-profit international organization comprised of stay at home mothers and their children. Our primary goal is to offer mother support. 
All activities and events are scheduled M-F during the hours of 9-5 with the occasional special event falling on a weekend day or evening. 
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at this email or at 908-380-7668. 
Thank you so much! 
Siobhan Lewis
Membership Vice President
MOMS Club of Franklin

International MOMs Club website
International MOMs Club website

Additional information on the International MOMs Club can be found here
http://www.momsclub.org/

The Franklin, MA chapter webpage can be found here
http://momsclubfranklinma.weebly.com/index.html

In the News: FHS enrollment, artist-in-residence

As posted here on Sunday, the new Franklin High School will open with more students than it closed with it June. The Milford Daily News writes:
While the high school enrollment continues to climb — three more ninth grade students joined on Monday — district-wide enrollment has decreased over the last few months: from 5,776 in June to 5,628 as of July 30. 
School officials expected that with a new school opening, more students would enroll in the high school program. At the elementary school level, however, enrollment has declined. 
Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said the numbers aren’t surprising. 
"During the spring, we sent out several surveys to parents of grade eight students to see what options they were considering for HS," Sabolinski wrote in an email. "In the past we had a consistent number of students opt to attend private/parochial school and about 90 percent of the grade 8 students indicated they intended to enroll at FHS."
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140820/NEWS/140829802


Dean gets an extra special guest teacher in dance as artist-in-residence
Dance majors at Dean College this year will have the opportunity to learn from a master of the craft, a man who created his own technique and who has been called one of the top four tap dancers in the world. 
William Evans, known internationally as a successful author and choreographer, joins the college beginning this semester as an artist-in-residence who will teach and advise students of Dean’s Palladino School of Dance. 
Evans, 73, founded his own dance company in 1975 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has choreographed more than 200 works. The company has performed in all 50 states.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140820/NEWS/140829806


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Franklin Library: Sunday hours start Sep 7th

The monthly book sales have successfully enabled the Franklin Library to add Sunday hours. They will open from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays from September to May.

Franklin Library: Sunday hours - 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Franklin Library: Sunday hours - 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM

This was re-shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/new-sunday-hours.html


Franklin Library open hours

  • Monday - Thursday -- 9 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday and Saturday -- 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Sundays 1:30 PM to 5 PM (Sept - May)
  • Closed Holidays
Find our more information about the Library on their webpage here

Consumer affairs and Boston Harbor islands

Two quick links to share from the MA.gov blogs.

1 - Top consumer affairs complaints

The MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations published a listing of the top complaints they receive and resources to help resolve them.

Last month, the Consumer Federation of America published a list of their top ten consumer complaints. In it, they named many of the issues that the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations keeps consumers informed about, ranging from auto complaints to fraud and scams. 
The Office of Consumer Affairs also releases an annual list of the Top 5 Massachusetts Consumer Issues. In 2013, our top five issues were related to insurance, auto, telephone service, cable service, and home improvement contractors.
Chances Are, You’ve Had to Deal with One of These 5 Consumer Issues

Chances Are, You’ve Had to Deal with One of These 5 Consumer Issues



Continue reading the article here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/chances-are-youve-had-to-deal-with-one-of-these-5-consumer-issues/


2 - Plan a day trip to one of the islands in Boston Harbor

Looking for a fun day trip for you and possibly your family? Look no further, the Boston Harbor Islands are the place to be. Lots of events take place on these islands during the summer months, so enjoy these festivities while they are here! 
Spectacle Island has five miles of beautiful hiking, a café, a visitor center with exhibits and a sandy swimming beach. It is also home to the highest point in the harbor with spectacular views. To get there, hop on the ferry at Long Wharf-North in Boston. While you are at Spectacle Island, enjoy a swim at a lifeguarded beach. If swimming isn’t your thing, Spectacle Island has a marina with day and overnight slips to tie your boat up. So, boat on over to the island and enjoy the serenity.
Plan a Day Trip – Right in Boston Harbor!

Plan a Day Trip – Right in Boston Harbor!



Continue reading the article here
http://blog.mass.gov/greatoutdoors/education/boston-harbor-islands/

You can also go direct to the Boston Harbor Islands webpage here
http://www.bostonharborislands.org/

In the News: wiffle ball, downtown parking


Though the day was filled with fun, laughter, music and Wiffle ball, Michelle Adiletto called the day an emotional one.Even as she watched her son, Dylan, 14, dig in to try to hit a Wiffle ball over the heads of the fielders, all she could think of was how much her husband would have enjoyed the day. 
The Second Annual Random Smile Wiffle Ball Tournament was in honor of Adiletto's husband, Danny, who passed away June 7, 2013.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140816/NEWS/140817309/1994/NEWS



In Franklin, the Town Council is considering removing downtown parking meters and changing parking restrictions in an attempt to bring more customers to area restaurants and shops, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 
Earlier this month, Nutting requested the council eliminate the meters in favor of a new two-hour parking policy during the week, which he hopes will bring more traffic downtown. 
"Thursday, Friday and Saturday night the place is jammed," he said. "Part of the plan is to better utilize existing spaces." 
Nutting also proposed limiting the hours for commuter rail parking and creating permits to sell to area business owners.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140817/NEWS/140817314/1994/NEWS


Monday, August 18, 2014

Middle School and High School Handbooks

The handbooks were reviewed by the School Committee as part of the Aug 12th meeting. The handbook copies can be found here for each school. The official copy should be posted to each school website soon.

Annie Sullivan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOG9zeUZBZEEtWGM/edit?usp=sharing

Horace Mann
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd1M4UHhWUlk1bUU/edit?usp=sharing

Remington
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUUt3TTlMRkpZbVE/edit?usp=sharing



Franklin High School
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNmVkZjBIWExtcU0/edit?usp=sharing


main entrance to new Franklin High School
main entrance to new Franklin High School


Elementary School Handbooks

The handbooks were part of the School Committee meeting Tuesday Aug 12.

The updated versions will soon be available on the individual school websites.

ECDC
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRzBaQjB5emdSYzA/edit?usp=sharing

Davis Thayer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczY3JVd2pGTWtvMGs/edit?usp=sharing

Jefferson
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhcza19GUjBueXdZcmc/edit?usp=sharing

Keller
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTW1iN3VMMEpnbGs/edit?usp=sharing

Kennedy
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczendybFFodlkxajQ/edit?usp=sharing

Oak St
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMDdZbmlRSlVXV1E/edit?usp=sharing

Parmenter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczYld3R1lsUFVTRXM/edit?usp=sharing


the interior courtyard of the new FHS
the interior courtyard of the new FHS

Franklin Library: Whalemobile and Liquid Nitrogen

What do you get when you mix a whalemobile and liquid nitrogen? 

Not sure that I would like to find out. Fortunately, the combination won't occur at the library as the whalemobile is scheduled for Friday afternoon and the liquid nitrogen demonstrations are scheduled for Friday morning.

Additional details can be found in the flyers for each event shown here

liquid nitrogen demonstrations
liquid nitrogen demonstrations
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/liquid-nitrogen-demonstrations.html


whalemobile
whalemobile

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/whalemobile.html

Sunday, August 17, 2014

FHS to open with more students

The new Franklin High School is slated to open with about 1,719 students as of the enrollment at the end of July. You may recall that the school year ended with a student population in the old school building of only 1,624.

community entrance to the new FHS for gym and auditorium access
community entrance to the new FHS for gym and auditorium access


The school population across the district has dropped again to 5,628 down from 5,778 at the end of June.

You can view the full enrollment details by grade by school across the district comparing June 2014 to July 2014 here




The major drop in the district population is found in the elementary levels. Recall that the major recession started in late 2008. The decline in students now is likely due to a decline in births given the uncertain economy.

Franklin Sculpture Park (video)

A recent sunny summer Saturday I talk a walk through the Franklin Sculpture Park to record this video.




The formal ribbon cutting ceremony to open the park will be held Wednesday, Aug 27th at 5:00 PM

(Note: I did say the ribbon cutting is at 4:00 the second time I mention it as the video comes to a close. That is an error.

8/18/14 - someone else with sharp ears caught me saying it is next to the 'fire' station instead of the police station. How that happens, I have no idea! Thanks for the catch!)


A posting from July with links to earlier posts on the Sculpture Park
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/more-art-at-sculpture-park.html

Fallen Heroes Series - Remembering

When I shared the picture from the Boston Sports Club to Facebook earlier this week, I realized that it was 'only' last year that I had posted the Fallen Heroes Series. Rhode Island, where I happen to be working, remains the only state to celebrate VJ Day or Victory Day, marking the end of World War II.





I also realized that there have been so many new subscribers in the past year that it would be worthwhile to re-share the link. So without further ado:

From wikipedia:
Although September 2 is the designated V-J Day in the entire United States, the event is recognized as an official holiday only in the U.S. state of Rhode Island, where the holiday's official name is "Victory Day",[20] and it is observed on the second Monday of August. There have been several attempts in the 1980s and 1990s to eliminate or rename the holiday on the grounds that it is discriminatory. While those all failed, the Rhode Island General Assembly did pass a resolution in 1990 "stating that Victory Day is not a day to express satisfaction in the destruction and death caused by nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki."[21] It is instead commemorative of those who fought, as Rhode Island sent a significantly above-average percentage of its population into the Pacific theater.    
To recognize the Franklin Fallen heroes from World War II, I'll be sharing their information this week. 
Thanks to Rose Turco for putting it together to recognize them and for allowing me to share this with you.


What is the Fallen Heroes Series?
A description of each of the street signs that are found around Franklin to acknowledge the individual who lived near there and gave his life in either World War II or the Vietnam War.


Cpl John J Kell - Raymond St
Cpl John J Kell - Raymond St

Note: There have been some additions to the signs to recognize those individuals from Afghanistan and Iraq but their info is not included in here at this time.



You can find the complete listing here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html