Showing posts with label Franklin Gazette. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Franklin Gazette. Show all posts

Friday, March 20, 2009

Letter to the Editor

The following was submitted as a Letter to the Editor for the Wicked Local/Franklin Gazette. For the loyal readers here, you will get this preview assuming it does get printed some day.

------------

You look at yourself in the mirror and say “I need a haircut”. Or your wife/significant other drops a similar hint. So you make a mental note to stop by the barber shop or call for an appointment.

The designated day arrives, you get your hair cut and have a wide ranging conversation with the barber or stylist. While you are sitting there, he or she is clipping and or cutting away, and you solve half the world's problems

Amongst the topics is usually sometime spent discussing the economy and how dismal prospects seem to be at the moment. So and so was let go from Fidelity. So and so was let go from another place. If you listen to the headlines, the economy is in the tank for sure. No one seems to be doing good. Even the banks and automotive companies getting bailouts are coming back for more.

So you change the topic to something brighter. You talk about your days in school, long ago now. How the teachers were good, or tough, or easy. How so and so messed with the chalkboard and got in trouble for it. What is he doing these days? Oh, he is teaching English the next town over. Wow, that is good.

Even if the conversation switched to whatever sport was in season and how the local team was doing, the fact of the matter is the conversation could not have happened without education.

Yes, let's list out how education touched each aspect of this simple event; getting your hair cut.

The barber or hairstylist received their training at an accredited institution
The teachers at that institution were similarly trained at an accredited institution
The licensing board personnel were hired because they had a minimum of a high school education, more likely the requirement was a college degree.
The salesperson who stops by the barbershop or beauty salon to sell the shampoo, gel, and other items necessary to operate likely required training from the company on their products
The conversation itself could take place because both of you were able to speak. You listened, understood what the other was saying and continued that train of thought, or changed it along the way.

I think you get the point.

Everyone around the activity of getting your hair cut or styled was touched by education. The more successful their educational background, it is likely that the more successful they would be in operating the business. Yes, reading, writing and arithmetic are required outside of school.

You can also consider what would happen if educational priorities were changed. If students were not challenged by their teachers, would they be successful barbers and stylists? Would they gain their certification or license to operate in the State? Would the State have sufficient qualified personnel to manage the licensing and auditing process? Would the hair product companies have new products being developed by researchers to meet the needs of the market place? Would they have capable sales personnel?

Would you get a good hair cut or hair style?

Considering the impact of education on such a simple transaction, shouldn't it be a priority to provide the best education possible for our children?

Steve Sherlock
Franklin

Monday, February 2, 2009

Uncle Nick’s Happy Fun Hour III

FRANKLIN - The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present its second free concert in the 2009 Family Concert Series, "Uncle Nick’s Happy Fun Hour III," on Feb. 8, at 300 PM.

The musical event, open to the public, offers children the opportunity to enjoy folk classics, blues, early rock and roll, sing-alongs, dance-alongs and special guests. Guests are invited to bring their love of music and join Uncle Nick for an afternoon of fun.

Uncle Nick played to a standing-room-only crowd for the past two years.

Call 508-528-8668 by Friday, Feb. 6, to make a reservation.

The third concert in FPAC’s Family Concert Series will conclude with Opera for Children on Sunday, April 5, at 3 p.m. Visit www.FPAConline.com for details.

FPAC’s Family Concert Series is sponsored in part by Berry Insurance and the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
This was originally posted online here

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Second annual town-wide reading program

FRANKLIN -

Join the Franklin Library for its second annual town-wide reading program designed to have everyone in the community read the same book and share ideas expressed in the book by participating in discussions, a film series and author event.

This year’s selection is "Manhunt: The twelve day chase for Lincoln’s killer," by James Swanson.

This nonfiction book tells the story of the plot to assassinate not only Lincoln but other members of his cabinet, and the hunt for the conspirators and their eventual capture. This is a story appropriate for teens as well as adults.

Copies of "Manhunt" are available at the Franklin Library.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here


Sunday, January 4, 2009

"It's not as difficult as I thought it would be"

FRANKLIN - Joyce Walsh, 77, never took an interest in art, though her daughter, Roseanne Walsh, is an art teacher at Remington Middle School.

She said she was just too busy to ever experiment with it.

"I took a lot of comfort in the fact (Roseanne) was so creative," said Walsh.

But this fall, when high school students offered a special course in watercolor painting at the Senior Center, Walsh decided to give it a go, she said.

"This is my first attempt at any kind of painting. I wanted to see if maybe I did have some talent that didn't emerge after 77 years, maybe I could still make it grow," she said, chuckling.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here


Friday, January 2, 2009

Franklin Recreation registrations


Register for children’s programs in Franklin
By GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Franklin Recreation Department is taking registrations for Sports For
Tots, SQUISH, Jumping Gymnastics, Tumbling Two’s, and Get that Body Movin’ with
Ms. Susie.

Sports For Tots Program, Carpe Diem turf field at Aubuchon Hardware,
Cottage Street, for ages 3 ½-5 years, Tuesdays, Jan. 6 to Feb. 10, 1 to 2 p.m.;
$80.

SQUISH, a sensory exploration class for toddlers, for children ages 30
months to 4 years old, Fridays, Jan. 9 to Feb. 6, 9 to 10 a.m.; $55.

Jumping Gymnastics, for children ages 30 months to 4 years old, Wednesdays,
Jan. 7 to Feb. 4, 10 to 10:45 a.m.; $55.

Tumbling Two’s, for children mobile to 2 ½ years old, Wednesdays, Jan. 7 to
Feb. 4, 9 to 9:45 a.m.; $55.

Get That Body Movin’ with Ms. Susie, for 18 months to 4 years old, Mondays,
Jan. 5 to Feb. 2, 9 to 9:45 a.m.; $55.

Register in the recreation department, 150 Emmons St., or online at
www.franklin.ma.us/recreation and click on the link that says "Online
Registration." Call the office at 508-520-4909 for information.



---------------

Franklin Recreation offers winter programs

By GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Franklin Recreation Department is still taking registrations for winter programs, some of which include Bon A Petite, Boston Top Secret Science for preschoolers and Ms. Amy’s Art classes.

Bon A Petite — Call all budding chefs! This drop off cooking class, especially designed for 3 1/2- to 5-year-olds, is an opportunity to create delicious snacks and recipes. Participants will stir, measure, bake and cook a different project every class. Taught by two certified teachers, a book and craft will compliment each food activity. The class will be held Mondays, Jan. 5 to Feb. 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $75.

Boston Top Secret Science (Preschoolers) — The students enrolled in this course will be exposed to a variety of scientific topics through exciting experiments and beautiful children’s literature. Children will examine the effects of water on polymers, sun’s heat and light by making our own kaleidoscopes. Dive into a new topic each week with these thrilling experiments that will be sure to mold the minds of these young learners into future scientists.

Make and take home projects and experience three to five different hands-on science experiments each week. All materials are included in course fee. The class will be held Thursdays, Jan. 8 to 29, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The cost is $50.

Ms. Amy’s Art classes — Ms. Amy brings her art classes to Franklin Recreation. It’s time to get messy! Come and explore the many different ways to paint. Your child will get a painter’s education on how to use a paintbrush, create color, and make their paintings come to life with shape and texture. Bring a smock or wear paint clothes. The class will be held Wednesdays, Jan. 28 to March 11, (there will be no class Feb. 18) and Thursdays, Jan. 29 to March 12, (there will be no class Feb. 20) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $55.

Drawing From Life — If your child has an interest in drawing then come and join us for some fun. Each week we will look at a real object and learn how to draw it. Your child will learn about how shapes create drawings and will use shading and color to bring their drawings to life. This class will be held Tuesdays, Jan. 27 to March 10, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. There will be no class held on Feb. 17. The class is for children 7 to 12 years old. The cost is $55.

Register in the recreation department, 150 Emmons St., or online at www.franklin.ma.us/recreation and click on the link that says "Online Registration." Call the office at 508-520-4909 for information.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

in the news: pre-school, kindergarten

First Friends drop-off preschool class offered

By GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Franklin Recreation Department isoffering a drop-off preschool class starting on Monday, Jan. 5 or Tuesday, Jan. 6, 9:30-11 a.m.

Do you have a 2-3 year old who wishes they could go to school? Let your preschooler enjoy some independence and socialization with peers in this preschool curriculum based drop off class taught by two certified teachers.

Each week we will explore a different theme and have related activities such as stories, songs, fingerplays, art activities, and games as well as gross motor play. This 1 1/2 hour class is a great transitioning first step before preschool and longer drop off activities. Snack is provided, however if your child has allergies we ask that you provide their snack. Also, send a labeled sippy cup for your child.

This class will be held at the Franklin Recreation Department, 150 Emmons St. Call to register.

This article was originally posted here

-------------

Kindergarten registration set for 2009-2010 in Franklin

By GateHouse Media, Inc.

Kindergarten Registration for the Franklin Public Schools will be held in the Horace Mann School Cafeteria, 224 Oak St., Feb. 2 and 3, 4 to 6 p.m., and Feb. 4 and 5, 3 to 5 p.m.

All children born on or before Aug. 31, 2004, are eligible to register for kindergarten.

Bring the following along for registration:

1. Original birth certificate — Original and a copy for school files.

2. Immunization Record — You will not be able to register your child without a physician’s copy of the immunization record.

3. Proof of residence — All applicants for kindergarten enrollment must bring at least one document each from the following categories:

Category A: Record of recent mortgage payment or tax bill, copy of a lease and a record of a recent rental payment, landlord affidavit (notarized letter) and a recent rental payment, Section 8 agreement, or a signed HUD settlement statement.

Category B: valid driver’s license, valid Massachusetts photo ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.

Franklin preschools and day cares will be sending kindergarten registration folders home with your child. If your child does not attend a Franklin preschool or daycare, folders will be available at registration and also at the F.X.O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center, located at 224 Oak Street (rear).

Call 508-541-8166, ext. 2938, for assistance.



This was originally posted here

Saturday, December 13, 2008

house fire, one death

FRANKLIN -

Firefighters found a body in the kitchen of a home at 652 Old West Central St. after knocking down a fire there last night. The person has not been identified.

According to a statement released by the Franklin Fire Department, police received a report of a house explosion in the area of 658 West Central Street just after 11 p.m. Friday.

Fire crews found flames coming from the first-floor kitchen area of a two-story, single-family house at 652 Old West Central St. They were told a person was possibly trapped inside.

Firefighters knocked down most of the fire in the kitchen and searched the home. After extinguishing more fire in the kitchen, firefighters found a body that "had sustained fatal injuries from the fire."

Read the full article online at the Franklin Gazette

Friday, December 12, 2008

make a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry

FRANKLIN -
The Franklin Food Pantry is asking residents of the community to open their hearts and to help the less fortunate people who have difficulties feeding their families. In a country as rich as ours, no one should worry about keeping food on their tables. Hunger hurts physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

This year, the food pantry has seen a dramatic increase in people needing to access resources to help them live with dignity. The recession has made "financially stressed" a common household word.

We have 2,182 registered clients, which represents 927 households. In this number are 312 seniors who are living on the edge.


The pantry accepts all donations, both perishable and non-perishable. Our grants do not allow us to purchase non-food items. We have a need for toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, shampoo, toothpaste, soap and diapers.

To make a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry through the Country Gazette’s Gifts of Hope drive, make a check payable to Franklin Food Pantry Inc. and send c/o The Country Gazette to 159 South Main St., Milford, MA, 01757. Monetary donations can also be made to Franklin Food Pantry Inc., 80 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038.

For more information about the pantry, call 508-528-3115. Ask for Linda or Michelle.

This was originally posted in the Franklin Gazette here

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

in the news - Charter School applications, state warns of aid cuts

Ben Franklin Charter School accepting applications

By GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is accepting applications for kindergarten to grade eight for the 2009-2010 school year until Feb. 13.

Children must be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2009 for enrollment in kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year. A lottery will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m., in the school library.

The school will hold information evenings for parents of prospective students on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and Thursday, Jan. 29, in the school auditorium. From 7 to 8:30 p.m., the head of school, board members and teachers will be available for discussions, questions and answers. A school tour will also be given.

Read the full article in the Gazette here

-------------

House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi said yesterday that Massachusetts cities and towns should brace for cuts of up to 10 percent in state aid next year, an ominous sign that the pain of the nation's economic crisis is still just taking hold and could result in layoffs of police, firefighters, and teachers in local communities.

"Massachusetts will not be spared the pain," said DiMasi, after calling a group of reporters into his State House office. He predicted state aid would be reduced by 5 to 10 percent, saying it is "a matter of how much. It's not a matter of whether they will take a cut or not."

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here


Friday, December 5, 2008

Alina Ostrow wins Franklin Junior Miss title

FRANKLIN -

Alina Kathryn Ostrow was awarded the title of Franklin’s Junior Miss 2009 at the Franklin program on Nov. 29, Along with her title, she received a $1,000 cash scholarship, the official Junior Miss Medallion, and a one-year full tuition scholarship to Dean College. Alina is a student at Franklin High School.

A panel of five judges selected her from a field of seventeen high school seniors competing in the 41st annual Franklin Junior Miss scholarship program.

In addition to being named Franklin’s Junior Miss, Ostrow also won a preliminary Scholastic award, for a total of $1,100 in cash scholarships.

Ostrow will go on to compete in the Massachusetts Junior Miss finals in Franklin, on Feb. 21 and 22, at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.

Read the full article in the Gazette here.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Franklin Art Association awards

FRANKLIN - The Franklin Art Association’s "Fall Into Art" festival, presented Nov. 8 and 9, with a gala on Saturday evening, consisted of an open exhibit of more than 140 works of art, bins of members’ artwork and cards for sale, a silent auction of donated paintings and a raffle of artwork donated by members and well-known artists who have demonstrated their talent during the past year, and a gift certificate and gift basket donated by local businesses.

Proceeds from the raffle go to the scholarship fund. Those eligible to receive the annual scholarship are graduating seniors who live and/or attend school in Franklin or who are children or grandchildren of Franklin Art Association members. More than half of the members of the association are from Franklin and the rest are from the greater MetroWest area.

More than 500 people attended the event. Entertainment was provided by members of the Newton Symphony Orchestra and music students of Franklin High School. A variety of food was donated by area restaurants and FAA members.

Read the full article to see all the awards in the Franklin Gazette here

"He’s done a wonderful job for us"

Franklin teen works building handicapped walkway

By By Heather McCarron, STAFF WRITER

FRANKLIN - Growing up with a handicapped aunt, and spending time as a volunteer at a hospital, 17-year-old Andrew Turgeon has a pretty good idea about the challenges faced by the physically and mentally disabled.

So when he noticed a heavily traveled sidewalk at the Wrentham Developmental Center was showing some disrepair, and posing difficulty for the center’s handicapped residents, he decided to do something about it.

A member of Franklin Boy Scouts Troop 126, Turgeon spent the last couple of months planning and realizing a sidewalk repair project in his quest to attain Boy Scouting’s highest status, Eagle Scout.

And while he was at it, he decided he’d also build a walkway from the campus building out to an existing covered patio area, to make access to that favored warm-weather spot easier for the center’s clients and their caregivers.

The finishing touches were done on Monday — with winter approaching, good timing especially for the main sidewalk.

"The main walkway coming out of the (WDC) campus building was sunk in the middle, so all winter long it’s been covered with ice," explained Turgeon, who spent last Saturday morning overseeing fellow scouts in undertaking the work.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here.



Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Gallery 218 - Warm/Cool - opens 11/18/08

FRANKLIN -

Franklin Public Schools’ newest art exhibit, "Warm/Cool," is set to open at the school system’s Gallery 218 on Nov. 18.

The opening will be at the gallery, located at 218 Oak St. inside Franklin High School, from 5-7 p.m.

Many of the young artist will be there. The opening will also feature free food and live music provided by the music students at the high school.

This is a K-12 exhibit and all the schools in the district will be represented.
This was originally posted here

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

FPAC - "The Nutcracker"

FRANKLIN -

In its 18th season, the Franklin Performing Arts Company will present its popular holiday classic, "The Nutcracker," Dec. 6 and 7, featuring a professional 27-piece orchestra under the direction of Boston’s Peter Cokkinias.

With a cast of more than 100 local area performers, special guest artists Cheryl Madeux Abbott will play the role of "Sugar Plum Fairy" and Vitali Krauchenka will portray "Cavalier."

.....

Tickets are now on sale at the FPAC box office. Call 508-528-8668 or visit the FPAC box office at 34 Main St. The Nutcracker will take place at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak St. For information about featured guests and FPAC’s presentation of "The Nutcracker," visit www.FPAConline.com.


Read the full article online here and likely in this week's Gazette

Peter Cokkinias is an excellent conductor. He is on the faculty at Berklee and the conductor of the neighboring Metrowest Symphony Orchestra. My daughter played with Metrowest while a student at Franklin High and he was very welcoming of the high schoolers playing in this fine orchestra. It was a great experience for her.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Sunday, November 9, 2008

GATRA "free ride" coupon

utterli-image
Don't forget to grab the free ride coupon from this week's home delivery of the Gazette.

If you don't think you'll get to take a ride before 12/20/08, you can give it to a neighbor or some one that will use it.

Why not take a free ride? I am looking forward to some Saturday when I can take a ride.

Mobile post sent by shersteve using Utterli. reply-count Replies.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

"Doc, can you help me study?"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Sun Nov 02, 2008, 06:39 PM EST

FRANKLIN -

Don Roemer, affectionately known as "Doc" to his students and colleagues, spent 37 years in a job he loved.

"I loved it. I loved teaching," said Roemer, a Franklin resident who worked for 27 years as an English teacher at Wayland High School, and 10 years prior as an English professor at Northwestern University and Northeastern University.

Life felt a bit empty when he retired three years ago, so he decided to fill that hole by returning to his passion, he said.

For the past year, he has volunteered as a part-time teacher working alongside a few full-timers at Franklin High School, in a pilot program he proposed last October to Franklin Superintendent of Schools Wayne Ogden. Ogden is the former assistant superintendent of Wayland Public Schools.

"I really wanted very much to have something to do with education. I missed being with the kids. I may be old, but I have a lot of experience, a lot to offer," Roemer said.

"I never got tired of the teaching, I never got tired of the kids, but I did get tired of correcting papers," Roemer said.

As a volunteer, he gets the best of both worlds: giving students one-on-one academic attention, without having to pour through essays and tests, as well as a flexible, albeit, confusing rotating schedule, he said.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here

A video clip by Joyce Kelly interviewing Doc can be seen here:




Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Saturday, November 1, 2008

In the news - field lights campaign, Police union contract

GateHouse News Service
Posted Oct 31, 2008 @ 04:21 PM

FRANKLIN —

To help raise money for field lights for youth football, Franklin Chargers Football Organization has announced NorthEast-Eagle Electrical Distributors, in conjunction with WEEI, has begun "New Friday Night Lights 2008 Sweepstakes.''

Cities and towns all over New England have the chance to enter into the sweepstakes with hopes to win a brand new installed sports lighting system for their youth football league field.

For over 5 years, Franklin's Recreation Department and the Franklin Chargers Football Organization have used the Remington Jefferson School fields to house their football programs. The facility is used six days a week by more than 400 football players. The facility does not currently have lights, so the use of portable lights has been very costly for both organizations. Between rental, gas to run the lights and set up break down, it is estimated that this expense around $3,000 per month.

You can help the kids of Franklin obtain lights for their football teams, by voting today.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

---------------

After sometimes "frustrating" negotiations, the town and its police union signed a three-year contract this week, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting and Police Association President John Maloney.

"Overall, once we worked certain issues out - we definitely weren't happy with the process or sequence of events - but at the end, it's a pretty fair contract," said Maloney.

Nutting also called the contract (currently in memorandum of understanding form only) "fair" and in line with agreements other unions have with the town.

"I think it was a fair deal for everybody involved," said Nutting, adding that part of his aim was to ensure equality among public employees.

The deal is retroactive to June 2007, when the last one expired.

The new contract, which expires in June 2010, gives officers a 2 percent raise retroactive to October 2007, a 2.5 percent raise as of October 2008 and a 3 percent raise in October 2009, Nutting said.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here


Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Friday, September 19, 2008

In the News - Recycling event; Harvest Festival

GHS
Posted Sep 18, 2008 @ 12:24 AM


FOXBOROUGH —

Piles of electronic detritus, including discarded computer monitors and hard drives, tangles of thick power cords, and bulky TVs, filled a parking lot next to Gillette Stadium last Saturday, waiting to be hauled off and recycled.

The daylong event, a cooperative effort of Sony Electronics Inc. and Waste Management Recycle America, was proclaimed a success by the organizers.

"The event exceeded our expectations on all levels, which was great," said Jensen Kroll, an account manager with Waste Management who coordinates the company's recycling efforts for the northeast region.

"It was fantastic," agreed Doug Smith, director of corporate and environmental affairs for Sony. "Everything was extremely smooth. No one had to wait in line."

He said 3,494 vehicles navigated the 11 lanes set up at the drive-thru event, discarding electronics that had been pushed aside for more modern models.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

------------------------

Harvest Festival on horizon

By By Joyce Kelly, DAILY NEWS STAFF

Wed Sep 17, 2008, 04:29 PM EDT FRANKLIN -

The Downtown Partnership is gearing up for its sixth annual Harvest Festival, the largest downtown event, featuring more than 80 vendors, a farmers' market and entertainment.

The festival, which will be held Sunday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is expected to draw 2,200 visitors along Main and East Central streets.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here


"the gallery really sends a message that art is important"

Franklin teachers show off their artistic talents

By Heather McCarron/STAFF

Thu Sep 18, 2008, 03:54 PM EDT FRANKLIN -

There’s an old saying that goes like this: "Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach."

And it’s completely false, says Mike Caple, art director for the Franklin Public Schools, who is joining other members of the K-12 art faculty this fall in an exhibit that shows "these teachers can do."

To open the second season of Franklin Public Schools’ new art gallery, Gallery 218, many of the 17 members of the district’s art and visual media faculty are introducing their artist selves to the public by putting their own work up for viewing through Nov. 7.

Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here

Work from the gallery can also be viewed online here.


Monday, September 8, 2008

Tom Sousa Letter to Editor

This was in the print edition of the Franklin Gazette but unfortunately is not found in their online edition. The last "Letter to the Editor" on their web site is from October 1, 2007. Tom's letter is well argued so I asked if I could republish it here and he granted permission to do so. Thanks, Tom!


Franklin’s School Superintendent Wayne Ogden’s resignation this week was very disturbing to many people. Reading Mr. Ogden’s quotes, it seems to me he resigned because he felt he couldn’t improve the school system with diminishing funds and a lack of community support.

What’s happening to Franklin? A telling sign on the state of Franklin’s education system is that approximately 10% of the incoming Franklin Freshman High School boys are going to private schools! Will we have to continue to ship our kids out of town to ensure they receive a proper education? What about those less fortunate who can’t do this?

Milford Daily News blog contributors hammered Mr. Ogden, and belittled those who appointed him, as if his departure is the critical issue at hand here. Ogden's departure is a telling sign that he doesn't want to be associated with a failing school system, because we, the people of Franklin, are incapable of managing and controlling our budget and finances.

What are "we" the residents, thinking here? Okay, okay, we didn't pass another Proposition 2.5 because our taxes would be too high, right? Why did we have to lay off 70 school employees? Since the population has almost doubled in the last 12-15 years, all of the residents with kids can only blame themselves for this happening!

Franklin’s tax rate is still one of the lowest in the state! Think about that… Franklin, voted as one of the "Best places to bring up kids”, and to “Start a Small Business” in the country has a lower tax rate than more commercialized towns like Milford? Millis, Medway, Wrentham and Norfolk have fewer infrastructures to support, some shared High Schools and yet they have higher tax rates than us; what makes us think we shouldn’t pay more to get something similar? Franklin residents must understand that all of our property values will diminish if our school system continues to wane.

I would hope that when decision time comes around again, that Franklin residents with children and grandchildren, and the Franklin residents with businesses, and the Franklin residents with town pride, and the Franklin residents that have history here will all stand up together and understand and accept that change has occurred here, and some of it seemingly out of our control. With this change though, comes a financial responsibility for the betterment of our way of life, and for that of our children and our elderly.

Can we prioritize our spending between safety (new Fire House), our history (new Sr. Center), and our future (education budget)? I think there could be a balance, there should be a balance, but the first thing we need to do is get the ship straightened out! I don't know what the answer to this problem is; I am not a politician.

Best wishes, Mr. Ogden. I for one cannot blame you for your departure. I wouldn't want this bloody situation on my hands either.

Thanks; Tom Sousa, 508.954.2911 (c), tomsousa@gmail.com