Franklin Matters

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

In the News: free ride, readiness defined, Senate candidates, anti-casino

Free tolls on the Mass Pike Friday

by Staff reports

Drivers on the Massachusetts Turnpike this Friday will get a break on some tolls thanks to Cumberland Farms, the company said today.

State education boards develop new post-high school readiness definition

by Staff reports

The state’s Board of Higher Education Tuesday voted to accept a new definition of post-high school readiness, encompassing skills and qualities ranging from reading comprehension to the ability to receive direction and criticism in the workplace.

Republican Senate candidates talk gun control, sequester at Stonehill College forum

by Alex Bloom

The three Republican candidates for U.S. Senate looked calm and composed as they appeared for the first time together in an issues forum at Stonehill College. Former U.S. Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez, of Cohasset , State Rep. Dan Winslow, of Norfolk, and former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan, of Abington, exchanged few blows and appeared prepared for tough issues as they talked about personal issues, gun control, the federal budget, and immigration.

Milford anti-casino group to host forum at Holliston middle school

by Joe O'Connell/Daily News staff

In an effort to educate residents on the work it takes to challenge a proposed casino development, a Milford group is hosting a forum Thursday at Holliston's Robert Adams Middle School.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Spring green for the budget season

Doesn't exactly feel like spring with so much snow around. It is March. The Ides of March approach on Friday. St Patrick's Day on Sunday. There should be lots of green around this weekend.

Community garden bed

There will be green on the minds for some Franklin discussions this week beginning with the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening. The school budget is proposed to be $54,307,969 an increase of $1,597,969 or 3.03% over the current year budget.

The full set of budget documents for the school budget can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/fy-2014-franklin-public-schools.html

The Finance Committee opens its series of budget hearing with meetings on Weds and Thurs. Both nights beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of the Municipal building.

I find the Finance Committee budget hearings to greatly insightful. They tend to be more collegial and more informational than the Town Council budget hearings (sorry Councilors!). If you really want to find out what goes into the budget, the interviews with each of the department managers during the series of budget hearings, I think is the very best time to do so. I learn so much from each of these sessions.

Budget Hearing (3/13/13)

Assessors - 141 A-10
Board of Health - 510 E-1
Public Health - 525 E-6
Planning - 175 A-40
COA - 541 E-7
Recreation - 630 F-7
Town Council - 111 A-1
Town Admin - 123 A-2
Fin Comm - 131 A-4
Comptroller - 135 A-5
Treasurer - 147 A-14
Legal - 151 A-21
Central Services - 196 A-53

Action Items (3/14/13)

Request for Funds: Pedestrian Safety Signal - Parmenter School $35,000
Request for Funds: Del Carte Recreation Improvements $395,000

Budget Hearing

Inspection - 240 B-67
Appeals - 177 A-39
Police - 210 B-1
Parking Meters - 293 B-74
DPW - 422 D-1
Streetlights D-21
Enterprise Funds H-1
School Dept - 300 C-1
Information Systems - 155 A-30

The full agenda for the FinCom meeting on Wednesday
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQnhKQ2pzN29Jdjg/edit?usp=sharing

The full agenda for the FinCom meeting on Thursday
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeHhORXRxbHRsTjQ/edit?usp=sharing

Rail Trail Committee meeting: 7:00 PM - YMCA

From the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee email I find:

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 7:30 pm at the Franklin YMCA. Attached is the agenda and minutes from the last meeting.

Some items that we will be discussing include details for our upcoming road race (Saturday, May 11, 2013), other potential trail events, and a review of our strategic plan.

The full agenda for the meeting Tuesday evening can be found here (yes, the date on the PDF file says this is for Feb 12 but in comparison to the original Feb 12 agenda, this has been updated and different - with the exception of the date).

You have two choices to run a road race in Franklin on May 11

The Rail Trail 5k
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/3rd-annual-road-race

The Elks 5k
http://www.franklinelks5k.com/

In the News: casino, baby shower

Franklin to examine Milford casino proposal

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Town leaders have agreed to host serious discussions over the Crossroads Massachusetts Milford casino proposal, which has steadily gained steam and opposition.

St. Mary’s plans annual Baby Shower, donations sought

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin is hosting their annual Baby Shower March 16 and 17 at the church.

Franklin Library: Fun Club - St. Patrick's Day Party

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Fun Club - St. Patrick's Day Party

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 3/11/13

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Sen Spilka: Supporting Massachusetts' Innovation Economy

Dear Steve,

As I write this the sun is shining and the snow is melting away; I bet you are looking forward to spring as much as I am. Like the weather, the economic news for Massachusetts is getting brighter all the time.

Last week, the state jobs report showed that Massachusetts added 16,100 jobs and our unemployment rate held steady at 6.7 percent, far below the national average of 7.7 percent. It is wonderful to report that so many residents are finding work - but many are still looking so in the Legislature we need to keep working on promoting economic growth and job creation.

One important focus must be on the technology industries that help drive our state's economy. If Massachusetts can maintain its competitive edge, those industries will continue to create jobs. In our state, this sector includes over 10,300 businesses, and directly and indirectly supports the employment of nearly half a million residents! It is important that government officials be aware of the goals, capabilities, and reach of the tech economy. To help make that happen, last month I started the Tech Hub Caucus in the legislature.

This newsletter highlights some of the many activities related to this industry, which has companies and entrepreneurs working in every region of the Commonwealth. For more on this vibrant industry, check out this short video, Tech Everywhere, which provides some insight into the tech sector's richness and diversity in Massachusetts.

As always, if I can be of any assistance to you, please contact my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov.

Kind Regards,

Tech Hub Caucus Launched in Massachusetts Legislature:

Promoting Public-Private Partnerships to Grow and Support Critical Economic Engine

Senator Spilka addresses the audience at launch of Tech Hub Caucus

On February 28th, through active collaboration with technology industry leaders and my colleagues in the legislature and administration, I officially launched the Tech Hub Caucus. This collaboration will connect legislators with industry officials and shine a spotlight on technology's far-reaching economic importance and its significance to the Commonwealth's employees, firms, and residents.

The Caucus will give legislators the chance to work with leaders of technology companies and find out what the industry needs to thrive in Massachusetts. Our goal is to do whatever we can to be sure that next-generation tech innovation starts here, stays here, and grows here.

The launch of the Caucus was recognized at a ceremony at the State House, which included hands-on demonstrations of the amazing work of some of our top tech firms and a roundtable discussion with Massachusetts industry leaders. William Teuber, Vice Chairman of EMC Corporation, delivered the keynote address.

Click here to read more on the launch of the Caucus. Click here to read The Boston Globe's coverage or here to read the piece by the Boston Business Journal.

Check out more photos from the event here.

MassChallenge is the largest-ever startup accelerator, helping early-stage entrepreneurs in Massachusetts and beyond by connecting them with the resources they need to successfully launch their companies.

On February 13th, MassChallenge kicked off its 2013 season. The 4 month start up accelerator program provides participants with world-class mentoring and training, free office space, access to funding, legal advice, co-founders, media exposure, and more. All early-stage startups can apply - from anywhere and from any industry. This year's program will include over $1 million in grant funding and over $10 million of in-kind deals - all with no strings attached.

Since 2010, the 361 startups participating in the MassChallenge accelerator classes have generated nearly $100 million in revenue, raised over $362 million in outside funding, and created nearly 3,000 new jobs!

Applications are now open until April 3rd. Visit www.masschallenge.org for application details, full accelerator benefits, and other information.

Middle and high school students, their parents, teachers, and guidance counselors are invited to attend the MetroWest Tinkershop at MassBay Community College's Wellesley Hills Campus.

At the Tinkershop, kids use the latest tools to design and create - getting a real feel for how technology is built. Professionals will be on hand to discuss their own jobs and the skills necessary for these 21st century careers. This innovative event should spark an interest in advanced manufacturing and will feature a number of fun building projects for these students, parents, and educators.

MassBay Community College's Wellesley Campus

Room 320

Thursday, March 14, 2013

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Click here for more information and to register.

MassTech Intern Partnership

Senator Spilka speaks at today's kick-off of the MassTech Intern Partnership at hack/reduce, a Big Data community workspace in Cambridge

Today was the official launch of the MassTech Intern Partnership, a new public-private effort that will provide grants for college student internships at tech companies in Massachusetts, particularly startups and smaller firms.

The program gives students and recent college graduates a direct pathway to internship opportunities with businesses and startups in the innovative technology sector. This will not only provide students with unique work opportunities, it will also help us strengthen our pipeline of talented and skilled workers in this cutting-edge industry.

Last July, the legislature established this dynamic internship program in the 2012 Economic Development and Jobs Creation Act. It is one of the first recommendations of the Jobs Creation Commission to be implemented. The project is led by the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, which is working with leading public and private universities, technology councils, and venture capitalists to connect Massachusetts students to exciting employers.

Students interested in the program can access the intern application form here. And tech sector companies interested in participating can fill out a company application form here.

For more information, please visit www.masstech.org/intern.

TechSandBox

TechSandBox - a new innovation center and incubator - will open this month in MetroWest. The goal is to provide one-stop access to the funding, office space, resources, and mentoring that local startups need to be successful.

Started by tech sector entrepreneur Barbara Finer, TechSandBox will accelerate the success of science and technology startups and entrepreneurs based in the more than 30 towns located near the I-495, I-90, and Rt.9 corridors of Massachusetts - from Natick to Worcester and from Westford to Bellingham.

For more on TechSandBox, please visit www.techsandbox.org.

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Monday, March 11, 2013

FHS - construction progress photos

When I stopped by the Winter Carnival at the Field House on Sunday, I took a walk around the outside to get some snapshots of the construction well underway at the new high school.

FHS construction

This should be the front right corner of the new building (photo above)

FHS construction - backside

This should be the back right corner of the building (photo above)

FHS construction - backside closer view

A look across the back of the new building (photo above)

FHS construction - front view

A look across the front view of the new building (photo above). For comparison, the architect rendering of this view (not exactly the same angle but you can get the idea). (photo below)

FHS architect depiction

FHS construction - dirt pile

I assume this is a collection of good soil that will be redistributed post construction as the landscaping is done.

Winter Carnival (photo essay)

Many of the sports teams and student organizations at Franklin High School conducted the annual Winter Carnival on Sunday. The field house was full of families with young kids having a good time.

There was a pile of shoes outside the large inflated bouncing area moderated by the wrestling team

Hurdles and other challenges were set up by the track and field team in this obstacle course

There was a pitching mound and a target net to throw to moderated by the baseball team

The standard basketball hoop was shortened to help the little ones reach

As a fund raiser for the Sandy Hook schools, the sponsors played a good role!

"We’ll always have a backlog of work"

The Milford Daily News shares some insights into the additional Chapter 90 funding proposed in his budget. State-wide the amount increases from $200 to $300 million. The additional money would flow to the individual communities to help their road repair costs. While the additional funds will help, it is not a "silver bullet" solution:

"We have a $42 million backlog that needs to be done," he said. "That’s everything from complete reconstructions to chip-sealing."

According to Cantoreggi, it could take some time to incorporate additional funds.

"With minor road improvements, we can react pretty quickly," he said. "If there’s a subsequent infusion of extra money, it may take some time to plan."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898146543/Will-Patricks-transportation-funding-plan-help-local-towns#ixzz2NDpgswFF

Related posts:

Franklin's Road Status 'from worse to first'
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-road-conditions-from-worst-to.html

FinCom meeting to review the capital budget including funding for the roads
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/live-reporting-finance-committee-2513.html

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 12, 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.

"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 February 26, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY 14 Budget Hearing
(The full budget book is available in Google documents. You can read each or all sections
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/fy-2014-franklin-public-schools.html)

3. Discussion Items
a. Policy – First Reading
1. JII-Student Complaints and Grievances
2. JFAB-Student Moving Procedures

4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving Policy JII-Student Complaints and Grievances to a second reading.
b. I recommend moving Policy JFAB-Student Moving Procedures
to a second reading.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $313.26 from PBC Bottling Group for the FHS Athletics Dept.
d. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Wrestling Team to travel to Providence, RI on Saturday March 2, 2013 for the New England Wrestling Competition.
e. I recommend approval of the request of Judy O’Neill for the DECA Club travel to Boston, MA for the State Competition on March 14-16, 2013 as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the request of Judy O’Neill for the DECA Club travel to Anaheim, CA for the International Competition on April 24-28, 2013 as detailed.

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. Adjourn

FY 2014: Franklin Public Schools - proposed budget

The proposed budget book for the Franklin Public Schools is a large PDF file with 23 sections. You can read each section individually by clicking on the appropriate links here

The budget is scheduled for review at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 12. It will also be reviewed during a budget hearing by the Finance Committee and then by the Town Council.

The School Committee agenda for March 12 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

Snow budget update

Has the snow buried the Franklin budget? Not yet anyway.

snow pile along RT 140

From the Town Council meeting on Weds, they did take steps to authorize spending additional money for snow removal if required.

4. Resolution 13-11:Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations motion to approve, 9-0 via roll call

standard request for coverage of the snow and ice during winter, likely to get to it spent approx $700K against the $900K budget

Given the length of the storm and current costs of snow removal, this was a timely move. It is likely that the budget was exceeded with this recent storm. In January, the DPW updated their presentation on snow removal and you can find that here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-dpw-winter-road-treatments-and.html

You can find the full recap and all the links from the live reporting I posted during the Town Council meeting here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/town-council-meeting-030613.html

This photo was originally posted to my Twitter account:

Has the snow budget buried Franklin? No, not yet any way! @franklinmatters twitter.com/shersteve/stat…
— Steve Sherlock (@shersteve) March 9, 2013

"The publicity has been challenging"

The Franklin Public Library is looking to attract more youth and adult readers according to this report in the Milford Daily News.

Meanwhile, America’s first public library now has the distinction of being the first town department with a Facebook page (the fire and police departments have Twitter handles.)

"I was a big proponent to get Facebook up and running for the library," said Susan Rittenhouse, a member of the Library Board of Directors. "We want to get our programs out there to the public; you can update the page on a daily basis, and it’s such an easy way to communicate ideas and get more people involved in our programming."

Asked why it took the library so long to dip its toes into Facebook, Rittenhouse said the board needed time to develop a goal for the account, rather than creating one willy-nilly.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1433794286/Franklin-Library-seeks-to-attract-a-younger-crowd#ixzz2N8Rh219j

The Facebook page for the Library can be found here:
http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary

The Twitter account for the Library can be found here:
https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib

March Programs at the Franklin Public Library

March Programs for Youth and Adults at the

Franklin Public Library

Something for every age group throughout the week.

Mondays

Wee Read for 3, 4, & 5-year-olds at 10:30 A.M

This thirty minute storytime is for independent 3, 4, & 5-year-olds who are invited to attend "on their own." It features stories, songs, fingerplays, and other interactive activities to encourage reading and promote literacy. No registration is required.

Krafty Mondays for ages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 at 3:30 P.M

Come to the library and see what original masterpieces you can make. A short story and different craft will be offered each week during this thirty minute program. No registration is required. Weekly programs below:

"Get Framed!"

Monday, March 4^th, 2013

You'll be the center of attention in the picture frame you make.

"St. Patrick's Day"

Monday, March 11^th, 2013

St. Patrick's Day is the 17^th…Celebrate the day with a leprechaun hat and shamrock glasses.

"Spring's coming! Let's go fly – An airplane!"

Monday, March 18^th, 2013

We'll be making wood and paper airplanes. Will yours fly the farthest?

"Kaleidoscopes"

Monday, March 25^th, 2013

No batteries needed to make your magical kaleidoscope with spectacular patterns.

Tuesdays

Mother Goose on the Loose for birth to age 2 at 10:30 A.M

Each thirty minute session uses nursery rhymes, songs, puppets, and more to promote the learning process of babies and toddlers. This program is designed for children up to two-years-old along with their caregiver. No registration is required.

Wednesdays

Terrific Twos at 10:30 A.M.

Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and activities for children who are two-years-old. No registration is required.

March 6^th, 2013

Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) at 6:30 P.M.

Calling all teens: this is your chance to tell us what to do! On the first Wednesday of the month, come help us plan teen programs, choose materials, and promote the library…we will provide the snacks. Membership looks great on job and college applications. Open to all!

Thursdays

Story and Craft for ages 4 and 5 at 10:30 A.M.

Stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 4 and 5 who are able to attend "on their own." This program lasts around 45 minutes. No registration is required.

Fun Club for ages 6 to 12, Every Thursday at 3:30 P.M.

This program is designed for tweens ages 6 to 12 years old and will feature different games, contests, and crafts each week. Come join us for some fun! No registration is required. Weekly programs below:

"Green Slime Time"

Thursday, March 7^th, 2013

Celebrate Albert Einstein's birthday with us by making green slime and having some fun with science.

"St. Patrick's Day"

Thursday, March 14^th, 2013

Happy St. Patrick's Day! We will have a craft, a game, and a little Irish music to get us in the holiday spirit!

"Grass Hair Planters"

Thursday, March 21^st, 2013

Welcome the first day of Spring by making your own funny Grass Hair Planters. Design your own and watch the grass hair grow when you bring it home.

"Game Night"

Thursday, March 28^th, 2013

Just drop in and play a variety of board games or bring your own to challenge others!

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN TRAINING

FRANKLIN MA – March 26, 2013

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Weather Service Forecast Office

445 Myles Standish Blvd.

Taunton MA 02780

The National Weather Service (NWS) will be conducting a severe weather spotter training session, part of its SKYWARN program, in Franklin MA

The class will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. It will be held at the Franklin Public Library, at 118 Main Street.

The session is open to the public at no charge. Emergency managers, police, fire, and other first responders are especially encouraged to attend. Everyone age 16 and older who stays to complete the training will be able to become trained NWS weather spotters.

The training session includes a two-hour thirty-minute computer-based presentation, which discusses the development of thunderstorms, the criteria for "severe" thunderstorms, as well as the cloud features associated with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Additional information will be presented about winter storms and proper snow measurement. The session will also present the procedure for reporting weather information to the National Weather Service.

It is not necessary to pre-register for this training, but anyone attending should bring a pen or pencil. If you have any questions about SKYWARN or the training sessions, please contact Bill Babcock, SKYWARN Program Leader at NWS Taunton MA, or Glenn Field, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist, at 508-823-1900 during normal business hours.

March 27^th, 2013

Craft Circle - Last Wednesday of every month at 3:30 PM

Come join the new "Craft Circle" beginning Wednesday, February 27^th at 3:30 PM. Bring your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, or other projects to work on and meet others with similar interests. A great way to share ideas and get help as you work on a project. This group is open to all ages and will meet the last Wednesday of every month.

Four Books One Community; One Red Sox Nation

Read one, read all.

Fenway 1912 by Glen Stout
Summer of '49 by David Halberstam
Teammates by David Halberstam
Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Save a date. Monday, April 8^th @ 6:30PM. Book discussion with Glen Stout, award winning author of Fenway 1912.

Strategic Planning Initiative Survey

Please help us plan for the future by participating in a survey. The survey is available on the Library's homepage and in the Library. Thank you.

Like us on facebook Follow us on Twitter

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary

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Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA 02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

In the News: Daylight savings, drug lab

What do you have to adjust for daylight-saving time?