Wednesday, May 22, 2013

HMEA - 12th Annual Independence Day Run/Walk/Stroll

Yes, this annual event happened this past weekend. Almost 300 runners registered for the 5K race at 9:00 AM on Sunday. Hundreds of walkers lined up to do the walk at 11:00 AM.

In between, there were lots of fun, food, kids, all under some glorious sunshine made special for the day


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HMEA's Mike Moloney, Rep Jeff Roy


The Cardi Brothers from RI

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The Cardi brothers


Gene Levanchy

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Gene Levanchy and the 'moment of silence'

National Anthem

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the National Anthem


John receiving his Yoga Certificate

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John received his certificate as a yoga instructor

269 runners finished the 5K race with the overall results listed here
http://www.racewire.com/live_results.php?id=2915



Franklin LIbrary: Be a Tree: Dog Bite Prevention



Be a Tree: Dog Bite Prevention

dog safety
Be a Tree

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Red Triangle Award - Renée Quarterman, M.D.


Dr. Renée Quarterman, a true champion of the Y’s mission was honored at the annual Hockomock Area YMCA’s annual meeting and awards night on Wednesday, May 15 at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham. 
Renée Quarterman, M.D. received the Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch’s Red Triangle Award. This award is presented annually to individuals or organizations for their steadfast dedication and partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA to meet the changing needs of our community. Since coming to the region as part of The Breast Center at Milford Regional Medical Center in 2009, Dr. Quarterman has improved the health of our community. She recognizes the importance of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program – a free twelve week small group program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or cancer — and she often makes it part of her patient's recovery.
Hockomock YMCA
Hockomock Area YMCA Ed Hurley, Renée Quarterman, M.D., and Hockomock Area YMCA member and award presenter Virginia Brennan
Dr. Quarterman was acknowledged for being more than a breast health expert, more than a surgeon, and more than a community wellness provider. She is a positive, progressive, caring professional about whom presenter Virginia Brennan, Franklin resident and longtime member of the Y, had this to say, “As a patient of Dr. Quarterman, I have experienced firsthand her compassionate care. As a LIVESTRONG at the YMCA graduate and volunteer, I have met so many women that have been touched by her." Virginia continued, "She understands how a community comes together to support and encourage those with health challenges." 
Dr. Quarterman expressed fond childhood memories, growing up at a YMCA camp in Delaware where her family was offered support for which she is thankful. She says she joined the Hockomock Area YMCA quickly upon arriving from Oregon and finds it to be a very nurturing environment, with exercise, a huge part of the experience. “As a breast cancer provider, I believe in all of those things for my patients. I want them to be nurtured and supported," says Dr. Quarterman. And, after glancing at Virginia, she says, "I see so many of my patients, who are healthier and stronger, and I know their lives are better because they joined the Y." 
Dr. Quarterman passionately speaks about the collaborative work being done by the YMCA and its partners to address chronic disease, “The Hockomock Area YMCA's LIVESTRONG and MS Programs, as well as its Diabetes Program about to be launched — these are new ventures. But, I think they will be just as longstanding as the YMCA traditions of helpings a kid feel like a kid, taking the burden off a working mom, and helping members become engaged because it's the right thing to do."

She closed by saying thank you for the award, which was quickly and enthusiastically followed by "More importantly, thank you to the Y — for everything you do!" 
At the meeting, Renée Quarterman, M.D. was also elected to the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA for a three-year term.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow.For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit www.hockymca.org.

May is Older Americans Month: Unleashing the Power of Age

From Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services, we read

This year, the theme of Older American’s Month – President Carter changed the name in 1980 – is Unleashing the Power of Age, which seems eminently appropriate given the numbers and longevity of today’s senior population.  More seniors are still working or looking for jobs, engaged in athletic activities, volunteering in their communities, retooling skills, following artistic pursuits, aging in place, and caring for family members.  With the advent of antibiotics, healthy lifestyles, greater access to health care and community supports, seniors remain in their homes, a visible part of the social spectrum. 
Yet, one barrier remains inhibiting seniors from fully experiencing their power.  That barrier is ageism – the ingrained belief that seniors are less capable, less “with it,” less resilient than their younger peers.  Regrettably, many seniors believe that about themselves.  Ageism undermines the reality of senior accomplishments and abilities.  We fail to acknowledge that if someone has lived a long productive life, he or she probably has been doing something right and experience worth sharing. 
Unleash the Power of Age
Unleash the Power of Age
Ageism fails to acknowledge that seniors are quite adaptable, having lived through multiple technological and social changes in their lifetimes. Many feel perfectly at home with computers, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and whatever other new media you can think of.  They were born into a century of unleashed technological power and they adapted to it.  Our misplaced assumptions about older people prevents us and them from realizing their full potential.   
Consider this: aging begins the day we are born. At every age, we unleash the power of age.

You can read the full article here

In the News: motorcycle accident, rail trail



All three travel lanes on Interstate-495 south near Exit 26 are closed after a motorcycle accident, according to the Massachusetts State Police.

Work on the final one-mile section of the Upper Charles Rail Trail, to connect the existing five miles of trail in town, is progressing and should be completed within the next 18 months.


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

"Freedom of time and opportunity"

From the Dean College Library blog, Kent Manning writes:
Learning is something that should be an extension of you, not just something that happens in the classroom. So post-graduation, choose the subjects that you are interested in. Find the resources that are engaging and dynamic. Fit the learning into your lifestyle. And never let a detail like not being in a formal classroom limit your opportunities to be a student of life and to engage your mind.

I wholeheartedly agree. The day you stop learning is the day you'll fall behind. Competition is fierce and the knowledge economy places a premium on being able to think. For a more detail explanation of my own efforts on life long learning, read this  http://www.sobevent.com/what-makes-shersteve-come-back-to-sobcon-over-and-over/

Click through to the full article to check out the resources suggested. I do like the TED Talks series and regularly readers here have seen a few shared from time to time. The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis site is one I'll have to explore.  http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/a-life-of-learning/?utm_source=feedly

Both the Franklin School District and the Tri-County Regional Voc Tech offer life long learning opportunities.  For Franklin visit http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/  and for Tri-County visit http://www.tri-county.tc/?q=node/8


And while on the topic of learning, let me add a reminder for those currently looking for work, the Job Search Jam Sessions will be held on June 14. The day features sessions to learn and share information on the job search. For additional information, including registration, visit the webpage here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/04/job-search-jam-sessions-ready-to-return.html





Beautification Day - early results

Did you notice that Franklin got  its beautification treatment on Saturday? There are flowers in the flower pots on the triangle, the boxes along the bridge railing and in the planters on the island at Emmons and Main St.

Courtesy of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, local business sponsors and the help of many volunteers!


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spring flowers

The flowers are a mix of red, white and blue with a yellow for accent.

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planter on the Triangle

The blue are rather quiet and small but should fill in nicely as the season progresses

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flower box along the bridge railing

There was careful choice in the selection, all for hardiness and then considerations for shape and color

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flower beds and sponsor sign
Around the 4th of July, these flower beds should look less like they were newly planted and more like they are brimming with growth!

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flower bed and sponsor sign

As you pass by, consider thanking the Downtown Partnership, the business sponsors and all the volunteer time to help make Franklin as colorful and welcoming as it is!

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flower box along the bridge railing

Did you know that you could join the Franklin Downtown Partnership as an individual citizen for only $25/year? The form and details are contained on the website. http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Updated: the Franklin Downtown Partnership posted their thank you to the sponsors and volunteers here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/05/beautification-day-recap.html

Community Garden - Spring Plant Sale and Workday



Spring Plant Sale and Workday 
May 25th 9:00am to Noon 
King St. Memorial Garden

In event of Rain the even will be moved to May 26th


Join us for a day of planting and getting the garden ready for the growing season. We'll have organic plant starts on sale to help your garden get started right, and we'll be working on general maintenance of the garden as a whole. Weeding, spreading wood-chips, and other work the garden needs. We'll also be starting a pollinator garden at the garden to help bring in the beneficial bugs that the beds need for bumper crops. Please come lend a hand! For all plot holders please remember that you need to participate in at least one work day each season. There will be work days at least once a month.


Franklin, MA: Community Gardens - Opening Day
Franklin Community Gardens

Franklin's 2013 Unsung Heroine


Barbara Rondeau of Franklin was honored as an Unsung Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women on Monday, April 29, 2013 in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston. Representative Jeffrey N. Roy recommended Ms. Rondeau for this recognition because of her extraordinary service to the Franklin community.

She was honored with 82 other Unsung Heroines from throughout Massachusetts. The ceremony included a program hosted by Liz Brunner acknowledging each of the 83 Unsung Heroines of 2013, followed by a group photograph and a Just Desserts reception.

2013 unsung heroine
Rep Jeff Roy - Barbara Rondeau

“Barbara A. Rondeau was the ideal candidate for this nomination,” noted Rep. Roy. “Throughout her years of service to the Franklin community, she gave her time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others. She never sought the limelight and returns each year to the task of making Franklin a great place to live.”

The Unsung Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but truly make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community has them.

Ms. Rondeau is a lifelong resident and a tireless volunteer in Franklin. She is also a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She volunteers her time in the tax work off program in Franklin and is a long time member of the Franklin Alden Club, a women’s service group dating back to 1893. Barbara is also the chairperson of the “Concerts on the Common” that schedules concerts and children’s entertainment on Franklin’s Town Common during the summer months. Those events are enjoyed by many in the town. Barbara is also chair of the Santa Claus on the Common committee that brings Santa to the common each year to the delight of Franklin’s children and parents alike.

This event was made possible with the support of the following community sponsors: Cape Air, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, Casner & Edwards, LLP, Continental Resources Inc., Day Pitney LLP, and the members of MetroWest ATHENA Women. The Commission’s annual Unsung Heroine initiative is underwritten by these private sponsors and the MCSW Trust Fund and no tax dollars are used to fund this event.

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.

MassDOT, AAA Promote E-ZPass

AAA members will be able to obtain E-ZPass transponders!
E-ZPass transponders are now available to AAA members at AAA branches across Massachusetts, including in: Auburn, Boston, Burlington, Framingham, Haverhill, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Newburyport, Newton, North Andover, Peabody, Plymouth, Rockland, Saugus, Waltham and Westwood.

E-ZPass users can forget about keeping cash and change on hand as they skip the line at the cash booths and travel, instead, through dedicated lanes without stopping. As residents begin to plan summer travel, it is important to note that E-ZPass is accepted on toll roads from Maine to Virginia and west to Illinois.
Indeed, the Franklin AAA office is not on the listing but at least the service is expanding. For additional information on the expansion with AAA, pleas visit
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2013/05/massdot-aaa-promote-e-zpass.html?utm_source=feedly

Franklin Library: Using Pinterest

Using Pinterest


Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Monday, May 20, 2013

Farming in Franklin: Then and Now (photo essay)

Alan Earls was the host and collaborated with Seth Rousseau, AkinBak Farm and Nick Hoffman, Hoffman Farm to discuss "Farming in Franklin: Then and Now".

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Franklin Historical Museum

A small but engaged audience participated at the Franklin Historical Museum.

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Nick Hoffman, Seth Rousseau

The welcoming display

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farming display

The bust of Benjamin Franklin keeps an eye on the historical displays

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Benjamin Franklin

The presentation document



Thanks to Alan for sharing the presentation document with us all.

Recycling event - May 25

At the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School on Pleasant St in Franklin, MA

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recycling event - May 25

Electronic and bicycles

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recycle your bicycle


A similar recycling event was held in October 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/10/recycle-electronics-and-bikes-today.html



"may have the chance to travel to China"


"What better place for today’s young people to visit than the next super power," said Michael Walsh, the trip’s organizer and a Franklin High social studies teacher. "They are calling this the Chinese century. There seems to be a lot of opportunity for kids to visit European nations, so we were just thinking about another region of the globe for our students to explore. We thought, ‘Why not China?’" 
The trip, offered through the global academic company EF Education First, will run almost two weeks and take students on tours of Xi’an, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Beijing. In Beijing, the country’s capital, they’ll walk atop the Great Wall of China, see Tiananmen Square, and visit the Forbidden City. 
The trip, which the School Committee approved last week, will cost around $30,000 — $2,500 per student. Plane tickets, hotel rooms, meals and tours are included in the price. 
"It will be completely student-funded," Walsh said. "We will do whatever we can as far as group fundraising."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1039445046/Franklin-teacher-plans-China-trip#ixzz2Tp7f81Ph

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Rep Roy: Jefferson 4th Graders visit State House


Eighty Jefferson Elementary 4th Graders from Franklin took a field trip to Boston where they enjoyed a State House tour. The 4th Graders, accompanied by four teachers and a number of parent chaperones got the opportunity to take the guided tour, enter and see the House of Representatives’ Chamber and speak with their State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D), State Senator Richard Ross (R) and representative from State Senator Karen Spilka’s office. 
“It was great to see such an engaged group of 4th Graders from Jefferson Elementary School,” noted Representative Jeffrey Roy (D – Franklin). “We had some great discussions about what we do in the State House and several expressed interest in working here someday. I hope to have the chance to work with them.” 
Jefferson elementary 4th graders
Jefferson 4th Graders

“A visit to the State House is an excellent way to give our students the opportunity to experience our state’s history first hand,” said Senator Karen Spilka. “It is important for them to have an understanding of state government and their valuable role in civic engagement.” 
“I truly enjoyed meeting with the students and teachers from Jefferson Elementary School,” said Senator Richard Ross. “It is so heartening to meet with students who are engaged and interested in state government, as well as the rich history of the Massachusetts State House.”