"everyone calls us for everything that goes wrong"

"We've turned into a reactive department" he said, adding, "What else are we not going to respond to? If you had a break-in with no evidence left, do we even respond (or take information over the phone instead)?" 

Franklin's police force had 54 officer positions about 10 years ago but will drop to 43 officers after two officers are cut in fiscal 2012, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said. One position is already vacant and Nutting said he anticipates the other position will be vacated before the end of the fiscal year. 

Nutting's proposed $89.2 million town budget cuts more than 31 positions overall, including the two officers, 14.3 school positions, two firefighters, four Department of Public Works positions and 5.5 library jobs. The budget represents a 1.4 percent increase over this year's $88 million budget. 

Cuts have to be made despite the budget going up due to decreased state aid (down about $300,000), decreased local revenue (down about $200,000), a loss of about $2 million in stimulus funds, increases in health insurance costs (up about 12 percent) and increased contractual obligations.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1760690098/Move-to-avoid-cutting-Franklin-Police-snuffed#ixzz1LNJJA5Zb

The Budget hearings will resume Thursday, May 5.

Results of the Budget hearing on Monday evening are contained here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/05/obviously-its-continued-struggle.html


Franklin, MA

In the News - Art, Leaders, Summer program

Franklin Art Association hosts spring art show

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Young leaders honored at Tri-County in Franklin

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin schools to offer summer art programs

by Staff reports

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - May 3, 2011

The Finance Committee continues their series of budget hearings on the Fiscal 2012 budget Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. The department budgets scheduled to be reviewed are contained in the document shown here.

An anonymous commenter on the Milford Daily News has already stated "Cut until someone in a town job actually has to go home tired." This is your town, these are your services. Get informed. These are your choices to make.

FinCom Agenda 5/03/2011



Franklin, MA

"Obviously, it's a continued struggle"

Last night, leaders of the administrative, comptroller treasurer/collector, town clerk and planning departments explained how reduced clerical support could result in longer waiting times, delays in providing services and reduced office hours. Those departments - coupled with the legal, human resources and inspection departments - will lose hours that combined will total the equivalent of one position. 

"We don't want to close the office, but I can envision that if something comes up and someone is out (sick) there's no way we're going to stay open," Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri said. 

Planning Director Bryan Taberner said he would normally write five or six grant proposals in six months, but only anticipates completing two with the reduced staff. 

"In 2009 I probably spent 50 percent of my time on economic development (activities)," Taberner said. "I don't do more than half-a-day a week now."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1870097509/Franklin-budget-would-cut-31-jobs#ixzz1LHQ2pBNl

Budget hearings continue Tues May 3, 7:00 PM, and Thu, May 5 also at 7:00 PM.



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - May 2, 2011

The agenda document for the Finance Committee meeting Monday, May 2. This is the first of a series of budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The fiscal year begins July 1, 2011 and ends June 30, 2012.


FinCom Agenda 05022011



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 16, 2011

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS - Historical Commission

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
1. Resolution 11-12: Order of Taking-Land Located on Colt Road and Washington Street
2. Resolution 11-13: Designation of “Special Municipal Employees” Under State Ethics Law
3. Resolution 11-14: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-011, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
4. Resolution 11-15: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-012, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
5. Resolution 11-16: Appropriation: Veterans’ Benefits
6. Resolution 11-17: Appropriation: Norfolk County Agricultural High School
7. Resolution 11-18: Appropriation: Debt & Interest
8. Resolution 11-19: Appropriation Snow & Ice Deficit
9. Resolution 11-20: Appropriation Personal Property Revaluation (3Yr)
10. Zoning Bylaw 11-652: Amendment to Chapter 185 §4. Districts Enumerated Zoning
– Referral to Planning Board
11. Bylaw 11-653: Amendment to Chapter 185 §7. Compliance Required Zoning
– Referral To Planning Board
12. Bylaw 11-654: Amendment to Chapter 185 §12. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard &
Height Requirements. – Referral to Planning Board
13. Zoning Bylaw 11-655: Amendment to Chapter 185 §2. Parking, Loading, and Driveway
Requirements, Subsection B - Referral to Planning Board
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-660: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45. L. (1) Administration
and Enforcement – Referral to Planning Board
15. Bylaw Amendment 11-659: Amendment to Chapter 135, Removal and Undergrounding of
Utility Poles and Overhead Wires and Structures – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN



Franklin, MA

In the News - cooking way

Bellingham students trying to cook their way to the White House

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Calling for the Pantry

$20 will feed your neighbor for a month.

Today through Tuesday evening, volunteers will be making phone calls to Franklin residents to raise money. If you are out and about, and miss the phone call you can still help by making a contribution.

You can write out a check and mail it to the Food Pantry:

Franklin Food Pantry
P.O. Box 116
Franklin, MA 02038-0116

If you would like to make a secure online donation you can do so here:

$

The Food Pantry and those we serve, thank you for your contribution!

The Franklin Food Pantry is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life.

The Food Pantry website can be found here: http://franklinfoodpantry.org/




Franklin, MA

In the News - Bowling, Organ donors

Chad Dunbar Bowling Tournament to be held tomorrow

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin High students promote organ donation

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Summer Art

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Summer Art

via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 4/29/11

This summer Franklin Public Schools is offering the Summer Art Institute, which will be directed by Michael Caple. The Institute will meet Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 8 (no class on July 4) at the high school from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Students entering grades 7, 8 and 9 may choose from a variety of classes including:
Jewelry - Beginner and advanced students alike will enjoy this intensive introduction into all things jewelry making. Basic stringing and wire working will be covered to create unique, handmade earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Design will be a large focus. Materials used will include wire, chain, leather cord, clay, diamond glaze, and sheet metal. We will form, glaze, and fire our own beautiful ceramic beads, and pendants. We'll also learn metalworking techniques of texturizing and stamping using a variety of tools. Our final design will incorporate all techniques covered. Come create your jewelry collection.

Digital Photography - Students will learn how to use the camera as an art tool to create strong photographic compositions. Students will learn and use Adobe Photoshop to create and manipulate digital images. They will make high quality digital prints of their best work.

Drawing & Painting - Students will experiment with many different drawing strategies. They will review and learn about color different painting techniques, including watercolor and acrylic.

Ceramics - Students will learn basic ceramic hand-building techniques including pinch dot, slab, coil, score and slip through a variety of projects. Students will also be able to explore glaze and paint as a decorative finish for their artwork.

Graphic Design - This class focuses on the elements and principles of design that are used to create various artworks. Students will become familiar with Adobe Software including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will create their own cartoon character, create a morphed and transformed self-image, and design their own insignia.

These five classes will be taught by FPS art faculty.

High school students entering grades 10, 11 and 12 may enroll in High School Portfolio Preparation/Open Studio. This class follows the same schedule as the middle school art classes and is designed to help students build both their skill level and their portfolio for possible entrance into a post-high school art program. This course will focus on drawing skills, but will also be individualized for each student. This is a great opportunity for students who think they may want to continue their education in the visual arts.

These classes have a variety of projects that meet the interests and needs of students who are new to art, as well as students who plan to make art part of their academic career. Come and be part of the fun!

For additional information and registration -
email: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us
Telephone: 508-553-4814

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Sign up Form for Build Day!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Sign up Form for Build Day!

via Growing In Franklin by Franklin Community Gardens on 4/28/11

Calling all Volunteers!
Sign up for Build Day!

Click on this link to open the registration form:


FORM

questions?
email us at franklincommunitygardens@gmail.com

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• Subscribe to Growing In Franklin using Google Reader
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"We feel like we made an excellent decision"

Franklin switched to a single-stream system in July under which residents combine paper, cardboard, glass and cans into a new 65-gallon container. Residents also received a new trash container. 

The town borrowed $800,000 to buy both the trash and recycling containers, a cost that will mostly be paid off by user fees. 

The grant reimburses Franklin for about 20 percent of the $400,000 cost for the recycling containers, helping the town repay that money sooner without raising fees, Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi said. 

Since the switch, the amount of material recycled has increased by 15 percent while the amount of trash has decreased by more than 18 percent, a trend Cooper said has been seen in many of the 70 Massachusetts communities that have adopted single-stream recycling programs since 2005. 

Franklin is expected to save more than $100,000 in disposal costs and earn $20,000 in new recycling revenue this fiscal year, statistics provided by Cooper's department show.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x730838910/Franklin-gets-praise-bucks-for-going-to-single-stream-recycling#ixzz1KuKJEGbd

State Rep Jim Vallee announced this grant earlier this week
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/franklin-to-receive-state-recycling.html

Prior posts on the recycling series can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/franklin-ma-trash-collection.html


Franklin, MA

In the News - Dean College

Former Dean College students settle suit against officers

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Reminder: Calling for the Pantry: Apr 30 - May 3

Volunteers for the Franklin Food Pantry will be calling residents of Franklin, MA as part of a fundraising effort during specific time periods from Apr 30 through May 3, 2011. The volunteers will be using the phone bank at Dean College to call residents on Saturday, Apr 30 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday, May 1 from Noon to 4:00 PM. Monday, May 2 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tuesday, May 3 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The volunteers will announce that this is the first annual phone call fundraising effort for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is looking to raise funds to provide for the over 400 families it services each month. The Pantry is able to provide 5 meals for each $1 donated by leveraging the resources of the Greater Boston Food Bank, local supermarkets, local farmers and generosity of the Franklin community.

Donors will be asked to make their contribution via credit card, or to make a pledge. The pledge will result in regular mail sent to their address which can be returned via the mail with a check, or the check could be dropped off at the Pantry during operating hours.

As an alternative, donors can visit the Food Pantry website and make a secure transaction with their credit card via Google Checkout. The website can be found at http://franklinfoodpantry.org/

Note that the volunteer calls will appear as “Dean College” for those with caller ID.
The Food Pantry thanks Dean College for the gracious access to their phone bank for this fundraiser.

Volunteers to make the phone calls are still welcome. There are several time slots to choose from over the four day campaign. If you would like to help with this effort, please contact Maureen Roy.

Saturday, April 30th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 1st
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday, May 2nd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3rd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m


For additional information on the campaign, contact Maureen Roy at the Franklin Food Pantry. Telephone Number: 508-528-3115. Maureen can also be reached via email at maureen@franklinfoodpantry.org

Web site address http://franklinfoodpantry.org/


We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life.


The Franklin Food Pantry was established in 1987. We provide supplemental food and non-food items to the needy in Franklin. The Food Pantry was housed in various temporary locations until June 2009 when thanks to the generosity and support of Rockland Trust, the Pantry moved to our current home at 43 West Central Street. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.



Note: I have added a Food Pantry 'Donate button' on the Franklin Matters website. The button takes you through the process of making a donation to the Food Pantry directly. The same button can be found on the Food Pantry website.

Franklin, MA

"ready to tackle the issues"

"We want to ... really focus on what we think will make the biggest impact with the town," said Chairman Douglas Hardesty. 

Hardesty presented a list of priorities he compiled from brainstorming sessions with the current committee and items the previous Long Range Financial Planning Committee was unable to fully evaluate. 

The list includes projecting and evaluating retirement benefits, the high school project, the tax burden, efforts to change state legislation and road and other capital investments. 

"We want to take a problem and say (to the council or School Committee) here's your portfolio of options," committee member Greg DiMarzio said. 

The previous committee, comprised mostly of elected officials, produced a report that explained the town faced a structural deficit in which revenue growth was less than what was required to maintain services. They projected that, through 2014, expenses would grow faster than revenue by $7 million to 10 million.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1336254064/Franklin-long-range-board-debates-future-emphasis#ixzz1KoD482Ra

Prior meeting reports are available here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/p/meeting-notes-2008.html



Franklin, MA

In the News - Fusion Fest, identity fraud, municipal guide, Historical Museum

1st Annual Franklin Fusion Fest planned

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin man indicted on 67 identity fraud charges

by Brian Benson, Daily News staff

Franklin’s municipal guide on town website

by Staff reports

Franklin Historical Museum seeking logo submissions

by Staff reports

Franklin, MA

"architects realized the costs would be similar"

The state is expected to reimburse the town between 53 and 58 percent of the cost, leaving the town to fund $30.8 million, $40.8 million, $45.6 million or $38.5 million, respectively, depending on the option. 

Dorothy Miller, who has a son in middle school and another who is a sophomore, said she worried renovating the existing building would significantly disrupt classes.
School officials said a new school would be built on nearby fields while students attend class in the existing building. 

In a renovation, "where would they put them?" said Robert Cloutier, 55, who has a son in eighth grade. "In the gym?" 

Cloutier said he worries about the cost, but said it's time to do something with the school, which was built in 1971. Project officials said it has outdated science labs, utilities systems and no elevators. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said during the meeting that a $35 million renovation would cost the owner of the average home valued at $360,000 an extra $235 a year while a $40 million model school would cost $265 a year, based upon current property values. A Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion override would need to be passed to pay for any of the options, most likely in the fall.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1294652027/Franklin-residents-like-model-high-school-idea#ixzz1KiLFl8QI

The March School Building Committee meeting is available here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/live-reporting-school-building.html


Franklin, MA

Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon - Apr 29th

FDP Networking Luncheon - Friday, April 29th


1:00 at Dean College Campus Dining Hall $5.00 for all you can eat


RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com




Franklin, MA

Raw Foods Cooking - this week at Whole Foods

Dont forget this weeks Raw Foods Cooking class. Thursday at Whole Foods Market Bellingham 6:30!! Who is coming??

I have a great guest speaker for this class. Sheryl Stone a graduate of the world famous Hippocrates Health Institute http://www.hippocratesinst.org/  

Sheryl is a Certified Health Educator, she works with individuals who want to lose weight and gain energy through changes in thier diet including, but not limited to, the raw vegan lifestyle. She specializes in raw desserts and not depriving youself of the foods you love!

Via email from Karen Ring, CPT / Health Coach / AADP, instructor at Whole Foods Market Bellingham

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 4/26/11

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 12, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. New Administrators
b. FHS Students – Building Project (John Leighton, TBD)
c. FHS Building Committee – Tom Mercer
d. Summer Program/Community Outreach – Pandora Carlucci

3. Discussion Only Items
Food Service Program

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $20.44 from Follett Educational Services for the Jefferson Elementary School.
c. I recommend the School Committee authorize the administration to develop an RFP that propose to seek bids to privatize the management portion of the Franklin Public Schools Food Service Program.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund for the FHS Swim boosters.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $428.57 from the RMS PCC for Field Trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $107.14 from the RMS PCC for Field Trips.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $252.00 from Wells Fargo for In-house enrichment for the FHS.

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
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn



Franklin, MA

Franklin residents urged go to meeting about school plans

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin residents urged go to meeting about school plans

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff on 4/25/11

School officials are encouraging residents to attend tonight's School Committee meeting to learn about the options being considered for renovating or building a new high school.

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Franklin to receive state recycling grant

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin to receive state recycling grant

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff on 4/25/11

State Rep. James E. Vallee, D-Franklin, announced today that Franklin will receive an $86,500 grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to help offset the cost of wheeled bins the town purchased last summer when switching to a single-stream recycling program.

Things you can do from here:

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Teen Advisory Board Meeting

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Teen Advisory Board Meeting

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 4/25/11

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"doing her part to help future cancer patients"

"They gave me the self-confidence I needed," Longobardi said. "I knew right away when I got there that they would take care of me. I'm forever grateful and want to help (the hospital)." 

The clothes, adorned with the slogan "Fight like a Girl," are on sale at Frugal Fannie's, where Longobardi works as an apparel buyer. Frugal Fannie's co-owner Kathleen Doxer, who also had breast cancer and was treated at Beth Israel, jumped at the chance to sell the shirts, Longobardi said. 

Longobardi started last year with sweatshirts and has since added T-shirts. The T-shirts cost $9.95 and sweatshirts cost $19.95, 10 percent of which is donated to Beth Israel's BreastCare Center. They have sold more than 500 T-shirts and sweatshirts, she said. 

Her efforts are one of several projects undertaken by former cancer patients to give back to the hospital that are being recognized at Beth Israel's Evening of Giving celebration on Wednesday, said Jennifer DiFranco, the hospital's director of annual giving.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1923755248/Franklin-woman-encourages-other-cancer-patients-to-fight-like-a-girl#ixzz1KWhCzq25


Franklin, MA

Team Leaders - Updated with video

Hello Again,

Chris Clay here.  I apologize for the spam but I've received several requests for clarification on what a Team Leader will be responsible for, so I wanted to make sure the job was clear to everyone.

On build day the Team Leader will be responsible for coordinating three to five people in the construction of the raised beds.  They will also be the team member responsible for handling the drill and screwing the raised bed together.  We will be using self-drilling TimberLok screws which are very easy to handle.  The whole process is simple enough that I was able to assemble the test raised bed by myself.  With additional help from team members holding boards in place and handling moving pieces around the beds should go together quite quickly.  If you'd like to see a time lapse video of me assembling the prototype bed you can do so here:





On build day the Team Leaders will get together in the morning to put together the first bed of the day with me leading that team so everyone can get some experience with the process.  Then each Team Leader will be responsible for leading their team through the process.  I will be available throughout the day to aid anyone that hits a snag.  The basic steps for assembly will be as follows. 

1.  Roughly level the marked area where your raised bed will go.  You can bring additional soil in to aid in this.  It doesn't have to be perfect, just close.  We're working in a relatively flat area so this should be a straight forward step.  In the video it takes me a while to level as I have a fairly steep incline in my garden that I've been slowly working on eliminating over the years.
2.  Acquire the wood components and fasteners from the storage area and transport them to your bed location.  (This will just be walking them over)
3.  Assemble the end sections
4.  Fasten the side boards to the end sections.
5.  Place the middle stabilization stakes and screw them in.
6.  Call in the bobcats to fill the raised bed with loam/compost
7.  Mix the loam/compost together in your bed using rakes and forks
8.  Top off the bed with additional wheelbarrow loads
9.  Start over on your next bed!

If you have any questions, or are interested in being a team leader feel free to e-mail me at hakai2@gmail.com or give me a call at 508-942-6970

Cheers,

Chris Clay
--

Subscribe to the blog!

www.franklincommunitygardens.org

Yes, we are on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Community-Gardens/152040424825578

"major projects planned for this construction season"

Franklin is starting the first phase of a $7.25 million downtown improvement project with a $883,000 reconstruction of Emmons Street between Main Street and Hillside Road, Dean Avenue between Main and Ray streets, Ray Street and Depot Street, as well as the municipal parking lot near the Franklin/Dean College MBTA station.
Franklin Town Engineer Bill Yadisernia said the project includes sidewalks, curbing, paving, traffic lights and enhancements to stormwater treatment. 

"That project is supposed to be done by the end of this year, and if not then next year," Yadisernia said. "But the majority will be done this year. That's the first phase of downtown, and the second phase will be the entire downtown area. The second phase is probably going to start in a year or two. 

"There will be road closures, but they will be temporary," Yadisernia said. "We're not shutting down roads for a long period of time, but we may have to detour them."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x128431993/Seasonal-headache-Area-roadwork-begins#ixzz1KR7sY1pE



Franklin, MA

Cardi's Furniture an active supporter of HMEA

A real nice piece on the HMEA 10th Annual Independence Day on May 22.

HMEA holds 10th Annual Independence 5K: foxprovidence.com

For more info and to register visit the HMEA website

Thanks to Cardi's Furniture, one of many good sponsors for HMEA.

Franklin, MA

"I think that's a wonderful idea for Franklin"

"There's definitely an increased need with the economy," said Maureen Roy, a member of the pantry's board of directors who is organizing the phone drive. "People are making choices between buying food and paying the electric bill. ... We're just trying to make it possible for all people that need us to have access to healthy food choices." 

The pantry, which serves about 400 people each month, is seeking volunteers to call residents to ask for donations on four days, from April 30 to May 3. 

Small donations have a big impact since the pantry can buy 100 meals for $20 by leveraging the resources of the Greater Boston Food Bank, local supermarkets and other organizations. They hope to use some money raised at the phone-a-thon to buy produce, which is often more expensive than processed foods, she said. 

Roy came up with the idea after reading about a program in Bedford where high school students call residents to raise money for a scholarship program, she said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1294651645/Franklin-Food-Pantry-putting-out-call-for-help#ixzz1KKyFIWyR


Related Food Pantry posts
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/calling-for-pantry-apr-30-may-3.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/franklin-food-pantry-stamp-out-hunger.html



Franklin, MA

Team Leaders Needed

Hello Gardeners and Supporters!

Big News!

Build Day has been scheduled for Saturday May 7th!
More info will be sent next week, but right now,

We need Team Leaders to help the day run smoothly!
Please contact Chris Clay ASAP at hakai2@gmail.com to be a team leader,

The times are:
9-12 and 1-4.

We need your organizational skills (& drills if you can spare one!)

Have you read the blog lately? click on the link!
 
until next week,

Your Community Garden Dream Team
--
Subscribe to the blog!
www.franklincommunitygardens.org
Yes, we are on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Community-Gardens/152040424825578

Don't throw it out, Freecycle

Somehow I missed this article Friday morning:

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Don't throw it out, Freecycle

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff on 4/22/11

Lorena Landry said she feels like she has a new kitchen, but she didn't spend thousands on appliances.

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Kathryn Schulz: On being wrong

Kathryn Schultz says:

"I call this error blindness. Most of the time, we don't have any kind of internal cue to let us know that we're wrong about something, until it's too late."

"This internal sense of rightness that we all experience so often is not a reliable guide to what is actually going on in the external world. And when we act like it is, and we stop entertaining the possibility that we could be wrong, well that's when we end up doing things like dumping 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, or torpedoing the global economy. So this is a huge practical problem. But it's also a huge social problem."



Will you think about being wrong today?



Franklin, MA

"recession hit and the project fell through"

In 2007, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variances for a mixed-use project by developer Antique Realty Corp. and builder Platinum Building, both Franklin-based companies. 

Ross said no formal application was ever submitted to the Planning Board.
The plan called for a four-story building with parking below ground, shops and parking on the first floor, office space on floors two and three and residential space on the top floor, according to Zoning Board documents. 

"I think everybody in the state was moving towards transit-oriented (mixed-use) development," said Daniel Lewis, of Antique Realty, a principal in the project. "The building had been vacant - it seemed like that would be the perfect spot for it."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x511177468/Temple-that-burned-was-going-to-be-torn-down-anyway#ixzz1KF4HvGnY


Related posts:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/well-investigate-as-long-as-it-takes.html

Geoffrey Zub's photo album
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/franklin-ma-old-masonic-building-fire.html

Franklin, MA

In the News - Dean College, copper theft

Dean College to offer negotiating class

by Staff reports

Copper thefts increasing

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Calling for the Pantry: Apr 30 - May 3

Volunteers for the Franklin Food Pantry will be calling residents of Franklin, MA as part of a fundraising effort during specific time periods from Apr 30 through May 3, 2011. The volunteers will be using the phone bank at Dean College to call residents on Saturday, Apr 30 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday, May 1 from Noon to 4:00 PM. Monday, May 2 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tuesday, May 3 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The volunteers will announce that this is the first annual phone call fundraising effort for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is looking to raise funds to provide for the over 400 families it services each month. The Pantry is able to provide 5 meals for each $1 donated by leveraging the resources of the Greater Boston Food Bank, local supermarkets, local farmers and generosity of the Franklin community.

Donors will be asked to make their contribution via credit card, or to make a pledge. The pledge will result in regular mail sent to their address which can be returned via the mail with a check, or the check could be dropped off at the Pantry during operating hours.

As an alternative, donors can visit the Food Pantry website and make a secure transaction with their credit card via Google Checkout. The website can be found at http://franklinfoodpantry.org/

Note that the volunteer calls will appear as “Dean College” for those with caller ID.
The Food Pantry thanks Dean College for the gracious access to their phone bank for this fundraiser.

Volunteers to make the phone calls are still welcome. There are several time slots to choose from over the four day campaign. If you would like to help with this effort, please contact Maureen Roy.

Saturday, April 30th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 1st
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monday, May 2nd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3rd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m


For additional information on the campaign, contact Maureen Roy at the Franklin Food Pantry. Telephone Number: 508-528-3115. Maureen can also be reached via email at maureen@franklinfoodpantry.org

Web site address http://franklinfoodpantry.org/


We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life.


The Franklin Food Pantry was established in 1987. We provide supplemental food and non-food items to the needy in Franklin. The Food Pantry was housed in various temporary locations until June 2009 when thanks to the generosity and support of Rockland Trust, the Pantry moved to our current home at 43 West Central Street. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.



Franklin, MA

Franklin's business delayed by lack of quorum

Last night's Town Council meeting was canceled because not enough members showed up to form a quorum. 

The board needs five of its nine members for a quorum, but Stephen Whalen, Matthew Kelly, Shannon Zollo, Joseph McGann and Tina Powderly were unable to attend. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said this was only the second time he could recall in the 11 years he's worked in Franklin that a meeting was canceled because there was no quorum.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x574193139/Franklin-Town-Council-cant-reach-quorum#ixzz1K9K2aUdj

The notes for the meetings during 2011 can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/p/meeting-notes-2008.html

Attendance records for this Town Council (since their election in November 2009) can be found here
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdEZSWlZLTFVqNmcxZWFTNDNxNk5PZkE&hl=en#gid=0



Franklin, MA

In the News - school officals, Dean College, library events

Area school officials meet in Milford next week

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Modelane named Dean College vice president

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin Library sets town-wide reading events

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin, MA