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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
MassBudget: A breakdown of who would be affected by a minimum wage increase - by region and demographics
In the News: Thayer collection, casino voted down, office hours
Helping Hands: Thayer students collect items for the Food Pantry
Fifth-graders at Franklin's Thayer Elementary School collect donations for the Franklin Food Pantry.
Milford casino opponents cheer vote
Friends and neighbors cried, hugged and jumped up and down Tuesday night at the anti-casino rally as, precinct by precinct, they realized they had brought down casino developers.
U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III to hold office hours in area towns
U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III will hold office hours Saturday, Nov. 23, in Franklin and Medway.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Franklin Sculpture Park - The Bear! (video)
A quick 4 minute walk through to highlight the newest piece added to the Sculpture Park. Hopefully this will be enough of a tease to get you out to the park to enjoy all the pieces.
You can contribute to the Sculpture Park through the Franklin Art Center website
http://franklinartcenter.com/park.html
Additional posts watching the development of the Sculpture Park can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/sculpture-park-november-update-video.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-sculpture-park-updated-video.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/sculpture-park-update.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/a-walk-through-sculpture-park.html
You can contribute to the Sculpture Park through the Franklin Art Center website
http://franklinartcenter.com/park.html
Additional posts watching the development of the Sculpture Park can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/sculpture-park-november-update-video.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-sculpture-park-updated-video.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/sculpture-park-update.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/a-walk-through-sculpture-park.html
Franklin Interfaith Council Service - Nov 24, 7:00 PM
The Interfaith Council of Franklin will be celebrating with our annual Thanksgiving Interfaith service - this Sunday - November 24th , 7pm. St. John's ( 237 Pleasant St ) will be hosting the service - and all houses of worship that are members of the council will be participating. There will be music, readings, prayers - with songs by our Interfaith Choir - all within an interfaith framework. People from all walks of life - people of faith and those with no faith affiliations are invited and welcome to share an hour or so of Thanksgiving with us. Plenty of free parking and refreshments will be served afterwards. Hope to see you there!
MassBudget: Useful resources on the state's minimum wage
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In the News: suspicious message
Many commuter train riders got a late start to their Monday.
Passengers evacuated after suspicious message found on train
Passengers evacuated after suspicious message found on train
Authorities ordered a commuter train evacuated Monday morning after an MBTA crewmember saw a suspicious graffiti message scrawled onto the side of the train.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Parmenter - 2 views
School Committee: new high school construction photos
As part of the School Committee agenda package for Nov 19, this file contains photos of the new high school construction progress
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
Franklin Library: Teen Book Club - "Incarceron"
The Library Book Club for teens will be discussing "Incarceron." Additional details in the flyer as shown here
There is a wiki for Incarceron http://incarceron.wikia.com/wiki/Incarceron_Wiki
The wikipedia entry for the book can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incarceron
This was shared from the Library webpage http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/11/teen-book-club-incarceron.html
Teen Book Club - Incarceron |
There is a wiki for Incarceron http://incarceron.wikia.com/wiki/Incarceron_Wiki
The wikipedia entry for the book can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incarceron
This was shared from the Library webpage http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/11/teen-book-club-incarceron.html
"Not a bad day’s work"
On April 14, 1945, Army Pfc. Howard Crawford stood atop a hill in western Germany, his only weapon a small "pea" gun, his only company the two German soldiers he had just startled in the brush.
The 21-year-old Maine native had been sent up the hill to look for lumber, and had been given a comrade’s smaller gun to make his task easier. Now, he found himself pointing the "tiny" weapon at two enemies, his life hanging in the balance of what was to unfold in the next few moments.
"We stood there and stared each other down for what seemed like eternity," Crawford said. "Finally, they dropped their guns."
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x915445589/WWII-JOURNAL-Outgunned-Franklins-Howard-Crawford-captured-two-Germans#ixzz2kzc1ysea
The honey that Howard sells is real good. It is available at the Akin-Bak Farm on RT 140 near the intersection with Beaver St. http://www.akinbakfarmllc.com/
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Nov 19, 2013
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 22, 2013 and November 6, 2013 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Snow Update – Brutus Cantoriggihttp://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/school-committee-snow-removal-update.html
b. MCAS Presentation – Joyce Edwardshttp://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/school-committee-mcas-results.html
3. Discussion Only Items
Enrollment Update – Maureen Sabolinski
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/school-committee-enrollment-comparison.html
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $220.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for in-house enrichment for the District.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1224.00 from Music Student Parents for the Central District Music Festival audition fees.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for a grant for Karen Lindbloom at RMS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2305.27 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for in house enrichment at Keller Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2826.00 from the Oak St. PCC for a field trip to see Seusical the Musical.
f. I recommend approval of the request of Allison Fuller for a field trip to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 10, 2014 to play with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2065.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a field trip to the RI Philharmonic.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Personnel Matter
8. Adjourn
School Committee: Snow Removal Update
The DPW will present an update on the snow removal plan at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 19.
The document as released with the agenda is as follows:
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
The document as released with the agenda is as follows:
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
School Committee: MCAS Results
Joyce Edwards, Director of Instructional Service, will present an update on the MCAS results for the Franklin School District at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 19.
The document as released with the agenda is as follows:
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
The document as released with the agenda is as follows:
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
School Committee: Enrollment Comparison 2012 to 2013
Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent, will present an update on the latest student enrollment for the Franklin schools at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 19.
The document as released with the agenda is as follows:
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
The document as released with the agenda is as follows:
The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html
Voices Against Violence: “Walk to Break the Silence”
On Saturday, October 19, Voices Against Violence, the rape crisis and domestic violence agency serving 13 communities throughout the MetroWest region, held its second annual “Walk to Break the Silence.” Once again, our event took place in downtown Framingham on a perfect autumn morning. The sunshine warmed our steps as more than 100 participants of all ages completed the course around downtown Framingham, guided by a number of Framingham Police Officers, who once again generously volunteered their time for our cause.
More than $20,000 was raised for the program from a variety of sources, including online donations and pledges. That money will be used to ensure that our 24-hour emergency hotline is operational throughout the year; our staff will be available to deal with the emergencies that inevitably occur; emergency housing, counseling and legal services will be provided victims and their children; and we will continue our important educational outreach programs to schools and organizations throughout MetroWest.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/x915444996/Gianakis-Walking-to-Break-the-Silence#ixzz2ku71xFmW
For additional information on Voices Against Violence you can visit their webpage here
http://smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php
To donate to this worthy cause, you can go directly to the donation page here
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d2/default.aspx?wid=44114
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 20, 2013
FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
November 20, 2013
7:00 PM
AGENDA
A. ANNOUNCEMENTS
B. DISCUSSIONS
- Council 2014/2015 Goals
C. ADJOURN
Neighbor Brigade: November News
Newsletter - November 2013
Pam's Run, October 5th, 2013Neighborhood News
Why We Fundraise
Contact Us
To honor the memory of our founder Pam Washek and support the "neighbors helping neighbors" mission she ignited, 575 participants, aged 8 to 88, joined in our first annual Pam's Run, a fundraising road race through Wayland, Mass. Walkers and runners from as far away as Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey honored Pam's legacy while raising $70,000 to support her dream of the organization's continued growth.
Formally incorporated just three years ago, Neighbor Brigade has expanded to a current 40 chapters and 4,600 volunteers! We are in the midst of launching our newest chapter in Littleton, Massachusetts, with other future chapters pending. Pam's Run funds will allow us to hire our first Program Director in order to better support our growing numbers of chapter leaders and volunteers and assist in the community network necessary for a successful chapter launch and ongoing service delivery.
In this season of giving thanks, we express our gratitude to Run participants, planning committee members, event day volunteers, and corporate and family sponsors. We can't wait to join together and celebrate with you again next October. Thank you for joining us in partnership as we move forward toward fulfilling Pam's goal of a nationwide Neighbor Brigade presence.
To view more photos from the event, please visit Samatha Melanson Photography.
Formally incorporated just three years ago, Neighbor Brigade has expanded to a current 40 chapters and 4,600 volunteers! We are in the midst of launching our newest chapter in Littleton, Massachusetts, with other future chapters pending. Pam's Run funds will allow us to hire our first Program Director in order to better support our growing numbers of chapter leaders and volunteers and assist in the community network necessary for a successful chapter launch and ongoing service delivery.
In this season of giving thanks, we express our gratitude to Run participants, planning committee members, event day volunteers, and corporate and family sponsors. We can't wait to join together and celebrate with you again next October. Thank you for joining us in partnership as we move forward toward fulfilling Pam's goal of a nationwide Neighbor Brigade presence.
To view more photos from the event, please visit Samatha Melanson Photography.
We take pride in Neighbor Brigade's ability to be creative and flexible in the type and length of delivery of our services. Earlier this year our Franklin chapter performed house cleaning for a family that required a germ free environment during a member's recuperation following a stem cell transplant. The patient's mother-in-law shared these words of thanks with her town's chapter:
"Earlier this year my beautiful daughter-in-law was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer... Determined to keep life as normal and stress free for her, my son and their children we did our best to rise to the challenge. Thanks to the help of wonderful friends and neighbors we were able to accomplish our task and then the hardest stage of her treatment arrived- a stem cell transplant. This mandated a clean, germ free environment to return to for months of isolation at home - not an easy task when there are children and pets and your "team" is already exhausted in every way. That's when my faith in fellow man was renewed as the Franklin (chapter of) Neighbor Brigade entered our lives. Angels. The burden that they took from our shoulders makes me cry to this day. Thanks to them, the cleaning was covered and the rest of us could focus on the ever changing daily needs. Words can never express our gratitude for this amazing gift from this team of strangers…"
"Earlier this year my beautiful daughter-in-law was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer... Determined to keep life as normal and stress free for her, my son and their children we did our best to rise to the challenge. Thanks to the help of wonderful friends and neighbors we were able to accomplish our task and then the hardest stage of her treatment arrived- a stem cell transplant. This mandated a clean, germ free environment to return to for months of isolation at home - not an easy task when there are children and pets and your "team" is already exhausted in every way. That's when my faith in fellow man was renewed as the Franklin (chapter of) Neighbor Brigade entered our lives. Angels. The burden that they took from our shoulders makes me cry to this day. Thanks to them, the cleaning was covered and the rest of us could focus on the ever changing daily needs. Words can never express our gratitude for this amazing gift from this team of strangers…"
"If all food and services are provided by volunteers, why does Neighbor Brigade need to fundraise?"
This a question we are occasionally asked and we are always happy to answer. Yes, we are an extremely cost-efficient organization. We effectively harness the power of social capital and acts of compassion to provide free services and immediate relief to those in need. However, our organization does require an investment in outreach materials, web based services, and staff in order to administer and maintain a high quality program.
Our virtual Neighbor Brigade communities are a means to strengthening our actual communities, and the organization incurs technology expenses associated with the hosting and support of our website. We also incur expenses associated with the liability issues we face as a volunteer service delivery program. We are subject to a fee for each volunteer's background check that is conducted. Additionally, it is imperative that we carry insurance that is critical to the safety of our volunteers and recipients.
Funds are also necessary for marketing and community outreach materials. We provide these to referring and partnering organizations so that teachers, social workers, patient navigators, physicians and community residents themselves are made aware and take advantage of Neighbor Brigade's services.
Our staff provides the skills and experience in nonprofit management, community-based health and human services, volunteer leadership and technology necessary to coordinate, drive and grow this innovative program. Neighbor Brigade's staff works in tandem with our chapter leaders and referring partner organizations, and as a result of this joint effort we are successfully expanding beyond our origin as a grassroots organization.
This a question we are occasionally asked and we are always happy to answer. Yes, we are an extremely cost-efficient organization. We effectively harness the power of social capital and acts of compassion to provide free services and immediate relief to those in need. However, our organization does require an investment in outreach materials, web based services, and staff in order to administer and maintain a high quality program.
Our virtual Neighbor Brigade communities are a means to strengthening our actual communities, and the organization incurs technology expenses associated with the hosting and support of our website. We also incur expenses associated with the liability issues we face as a volunteer service delivery program. We are subject to a fee for each volunteer's background check that is conducted. Additionally, it is imperative that we carry insurance that is critical to the safety of our volunteers and recipients.
Funds are also necessary for marketing and community outreach materials. We provide these to referring and partnering organizations so that teachers, social workers, patient navigators, physicians and community residents themselves are made aware and take advantage of Neighbor Brigade's services.
Our staff provides the skills and experience in nonprofit management, community-based health and human services, volunteer leadership and technology necessary to coordinate, drive and grow this innovative program. Neighbor Brigade's staff works in tandem with our chapter leaders and referring partner organizations, and as a result of this joint effort we are successfully expanding beyond our origin as a grassroots organization.
Do you have any feedback or suggestions for the new year? Please share your thoughts with us by sending an email to info@neighborbrigade.org or phoning us at 781.325.8580. We love to hear from our community members.
www.neighborbrigade.org | info@neighborbrigade.org
like us on Facebook
In the News: 2-alarm fire
Cat killed, homeowner displaced by 2-alarm Franklin fire
A pet perished and a homeowner was displaced by a two-alarm fire on Pond Street Saturday evening.
Downtown Improvement Project - Presentation
The document used by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi to provide the update on the Downtown Improvement Project to the Town Council on Weds, Nov 13 can be viewed here:
This doc was available as part of the Town Council meeting doc and is not available separately.
For the all the notes taken during the presentation and discussion on Weds, you can find them here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/new-town-council-new-promises.html
This doc was available as part of the Town Council meeting doc and is not available separately.
For the all the notes taken during the presentation and discussion on Weds, you can find them here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/new-town-council-new-promises.html
Reminder: Winter Storm Parking Ban
The Winter Storm Parking Ban is effective Oct 15 through Apr 15
The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.
A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours.
- Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.
The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout or right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect.
The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.
This was originally posted to the Franklin, MA webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01C0BC6B-000F8513
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Voices of Franklin: Kristen Parker - Tri-County teachers working without contract
I’m not sure if you are aware that Tri-County Tech Voc teachers are working without a contract right now. Our teachers’ association has historically always bargained in good faith with the school committee. Our negotiations team has been working since January to settle the contract and even with a mediator from the state, we are not making progress. We continue to do what is best for our students, and we want to settle the contract so that we can continue to do just that. We are asking for your support and to join us on either November 20th @ 5:30 in the lobby of TC, November 22nd from 3pm-5pm (Three different locations, Franklin, Wrentham or Millis) or December 3rd @ 5pm in Lobby of TC. Please feel free to ask others to join in our fight. Can we count on your support?
Please email me at tgjparker@yahoo.com if you have any questions or if you would like to volunteer at any times mentioned above and I will get you in contact with someone from Tri-County. We could really use your support to show the school committee members that the public is behind us.
Thank You,
Kristen
"they are able to make a difference"
The Franklin Food Elves will make their return in December for the "12 Days of Donating" campaign in support of the Franklin Food Pantry.
The High School and Middle School student-run group, which has more than 60 members, will collect food donations through the first 12 days of December.
Residents simply place bags of goods at their mailboxes on the designated pickup day for the students to gather. Collection dates will be Saturday, Dec. 7, Sunday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 14.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825431789/Franklin-Food-Elves-return-this-holiday-season#ixzz2koMdF0Gz
Food Elves gathered at the Franklin Food Pantry in 2012 |
The Franklin Food Pantry can be found on the web at http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry
Photo form the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/10/fdp-food-elves-team-up-for-12-days-of.html
In the News: Chamber choices, Class of 1964, school custodian
MetroWest Chamber expands service area
The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce announced at its annual meeting Thursday night that it is more than doubling the number of towns it considers part of its coverage area in the region.
FHS Class of 1964 invited to graduation ceremonies
Members of Franklin High School, Class of 1964, are invited to celebrate their 50th anniversary at graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2014 on Friday, June 6.
Tip led to arrest of Franklin school custodian
A Taunton man, employed as a school custodian in Franklin and arraigned Wednesday for child-pornography possession, had previously uploaded hundreds of images of young girls, some of them pre-pubescent and some of whom were depicted engaging in sex with grown men, police said.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Weekend events in Franklin
There are shopping opportunities with two craft fairs and an art show this weekend.
Start Friday night with some wine tasting and fund raising for the Electric Youth at Pour Richard's
Details can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/electric-youth-fundraiser.html or on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/events/291075441031070/
Saturday
Craft Show and Franklin Art Association show
The craft show at the VFW will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Info on the Art Association show can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-art-association-nov-2013.html
Sunday
Craft Show and Franklin Art Association show
Info on the craft show at the Elks can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/change-of-seasons.html
The Franklin Art Association show closes on Sunday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-art-association-fall-show-nov.html
Did I miss something? Please leave a comment or send me an email
Start Friday night with some wine tasting and fund raising for the Electric Youth at Pour Richard's
Details can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/electric-youth-fundraiser.html or on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/events/291075441031070/
Saturday
Craft Show and Franklin Art Association show
The craft show at the VFW will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Info on the Art Association show can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-art-association-nov-2013.html
Sunday
Craft Show and Franklin Art Association show
Info on the craft show at the Elks can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/change-of-seasons.html
The Franklin Art Association show closes on Sunday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-art-association-fall-show-nov.html
Did I miss something? Please leave a comment or send me an email
FPAC announces new venue
The Franklin Performing Arts Company will open a roughly 250-seat theater at 15 West Central St. in the spring, providing a venue to host its productions, from musicals to well-known plays, and contributing to the growth of the town’s burgeoning arts community.
And the theater, to be named "THE BLACK BOX," will play an important role in the ongoing effort to revitalize the downtown, the company’s executive director, Raye Lynn Mercer, said Thursday.
"Our hopes are that we can provide many new opportunities for performers and not only produce our own shows, but also present music on a regular basis along with all types of live entertainment," Mercer said. "And with a vibrant calendar of events, we hope that both our theater and our organization will be an economic driver for downtown Franklin."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915444459/Downtown-Franklin-theater-no-longer-a-dream#ixzz2ki5ktsDm
One of the performing groups "Electric Youth" has a fund raiser Friday evening at Pour Richard's. Details on the event can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/electric-youth-fundraiser.html or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/291075441031070/
Six One Seven Studios: November Newsletter - Check Out Our New Website!
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