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The summary for the past week is found here
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2011/10/week-ending-oct-16-2011.html
Monday, October 17, 2011
Weekly summary
There is a weekly summary available. If you want to stay up with the news in one weekly dose, instead of the daily dose, you have this option.
You can visit Franklin Matters Weekly and subscribe via email or RSS feed.
The summary for the past week is found here
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2011/10/week-ending-oct-16-2011.html
You can visit Franklin Matters Weekly and subscribe via email or RSS feed.
The summary for the past week is found here
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2011/10/week-ending-oct-16-2011.html
In the News - Brunelli, hair salon, NCLB, local aid
Meet the Franklin Candidate: Philip Brunelli, Board of Health
Educators welcome No Child Left Behind reform plan
While no one from Franklin was mentioned in the No Child Left Behind article, we do find the following in an article on the increase in local aid coming from the Commonwealth that was just announced:
Franklin Town Council Vice Chairman Stephen Whalen said snow removal could be a good use for the money. Whalen cautioned that it should not be used for operating expenses or to pay salaries.
"I kind of cringe when we get unexpected sources of funding from the state or any other entity," Whalen said. "I think it fuels the belief among some voters that whenever there's a shortfall in the operating budget, money will be quote-unquote found. It's very difficult to predict when the Legislature may throw a bone like this to the town."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1876835125/Lawmakers-see-boost-in-local-aid#ixzz1b1wfhQbT
Sunday, October 16, 2011
World Food Day - 2011
"Never before has man had such capacity to control his own environment, to end thirst and hunger, to conquer poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and massive human misery."~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy, before the UN General Assembly
Jeremy Irons on getting mad
Sign the petition to end hunger here
http://www.1billionhungry.org/
This Sunday, around your table in Franklin, have a conversation on where your food came from.
Join Oxfam America and make this World Food Day, Sunday October 16th, a cause for celebration and action! When we sit down to dinner every day, rarely do we realize that our meal depends on a global system that involves people both next door and across oceans. This World Food Day, Oxfam America is teaming up with allies across the USA and around the globe to encourage people to take a simple yet profound action. We’re asking you and thousands of others to dedicate your Sunday Dinner on October 16th to a conversation about where your food comes from, who is behind its cultivation and how we can make the food system more just and sustainable. Just click on www.oxfamamerica.org/worldfoodday We are all tied to a global food system that is broken. Yet there is a strong and growing movement of individuals and organizations working to repair and improve the system. In a world facing the challenges of the current famine in East Africa, constrained land and water, and an erratic climate, one of the best ways to combat global food insecurity is to invest in farmers and remove the barriers that limit their productivity. Creating this awareness is what a World Food Day Sunday Dinner is all about.
Desmond Tutu for World Food Day 2011 talks briefly in this video:
Join the many in Franklin looking to make a difference locally. Key among the groups making an effort in this area are the Franklin Food Pantry, the Community Gardens, the Farmers Market (Fridays on the Town Common) with help from the YMCA and the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation.
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Watery rain gardens
Yes, the rain gardens did catch some water.
The Parmenter School had some rain gardens installed as part of the effort to remove phosphorus from the Charles River. By catching the water and filtering it through some natural materials, the intent is to remove the phosphorous before it gets into the tributaries and into the Charles River. Additional rain gardens can be seen along the edge of the parking lot on Wachusett St for the ball fields at Fletcher Field.
Additional photos showing the construction of the rain gardens can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/4935285138/in/photostream/
and here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/4934685201/in/photostream/
The Parmenter School had some rain gardens installed as part of the effort to remove phosphorus from the Charles River. By catching the water and filtering it through some natural materials, the intent is to remove the phosphorous before it gets into the tributaries and into the Charles River. Additional rain gardens can be seen along the edge of the parking lot on Wachusett St for the ball fields at Fletcher Field.
Additional photos showing the construction of the rain gardens can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/4935285138/in/photostream/
and here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/4934685201/in/photostream/
"It isn't something you can do overnight"
"It's good to get new ideas in there," said Sean Donahue, a 23-year-old first-time candidate for School Committee. "You have people who have been there for a really long time. I think it's just good to have new people, coming in with those new ideas."
The full seven-member School Committee is up for election, with five incumbents running for their seats plus three fresh faces, as is the full nine-member Town Council, which has six incumbents running with six candidates who did not serve on the council in this last, two-year term.
Three people are running for the two open seats on the Board of Health, only one of whom is an incumbent, all three incumbent constables are vying with two potential newcomers for their positions, and Jim Dacey, who has been the town's treasurer-collector for the past 12 years, has an opponent in former Planning Board member Mark Denommee.
"There could be so much gained from having a new voice," said Denommee, who added that having someone in a position for such a long time "leads to some sort of complacency. We need a new set of eyes and a new set of ears in the Town Hall of Franklin."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1876835019/Vast-field-of-candidates-in-Franklin#ixzz1awYNlGZe
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Library book sale: today - 9:00 to 4:00
The Friends of Franklin Library are holding their book sale today at the DPW garage off Hayward St.
Bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry and you get a coupon for a book (up to $1).
There are lots of books laid out on tables
The prices of books are shown on signs in each book section
I know at least one kindergarten teacher who finds some good additions to the school library
Giraffes can't dance? Why not?
If you are looking for a good laugh, there is a section of books for you!
Looking to travel? Check out this section
Books on tape to listen to for your commute.
Pets and nature
"Beyond risk" is one title about climbing shear rock walls in the Sports and Hobbies section
Biographies of Barbara Bush and Bill Clinton sit among the selection
And last but not least, the Friends of the Franklin Library thank their sponsors!
Enjoy!
Bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry and you get a coupon for a book (up to $1).
There are lots of books laid out on tables
The prices of books are shown on signs in each book section
I know at least one kindergarten teacher who finds some good additions to the school library
Giraffes can't dance? Why not?
If you are looking for a good laugh, there is a section of books for you!
Looking to travel? Check out this section
Books on tape to listen to for your commute.
Pets and nature
"Beyond risk" is one title about climbing shear rock walls in the Sports and Hobbies section
Biographies of Barbara Bush and Bill Clinton sit among the selection
And last but not least, the Friends of the Franklin Library thank their sponsors!
Enjoy!
In the News - Ranieri
Meet the Franklin Candidate: Donald Ranieri Jr., Board of Health
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: OCTOBER 19, 2011 at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building.
Absentee Ballot Information: Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Monday, November 7, 2011:
(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
(3) religious belief.
All absentee requests must be made in writing with an original signature (no faxes or e-mails are accepted). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk, at 508-520-4900
Route 2 Repairs Update, Detour Map
If you were thinking of heading west to do some foliage viewing, consider the Route 2 repairs due to Tropical Storm Irene.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/13/11
As seen at left in North Adams and below in Florida, work is well underway to repair the man-made roadway slopes, including excavation and relocation of utilities.
MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey at the end of September announced that work to reconstruct the six-mile section of Route 2 linking North Adams, Florida, Savoy, and Charlemont would proceed on an expedited schedule under an accelerated bidding process.
The roadway is expected to re-open to traffic by mid-December.
MassDOT has assembled a map showing the closed portion of Route 2 that suffered significant damage due to flooding from Tropical Storm Irene and outlining the current posted detour.
Route 2 is closed from Mile Marker 21.6 in Florida to Mile Marker 27.5 in Charlemont.
MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola said that because of the combination of roadway washout and substantial damage to retaining walls and man-made slopes, MassDOT is using an innovative approach by separating the repairs into multiple jobs that can proceed simultaneously to safely reduce the work timeline.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Open House Walnut Hill Farm Plainville MA 10/15/2011 2-4
Looking for a country afternoon around horses? This might be for you!
Walnut Hill Farm Open House
Hosted by Merrill Lynch
Nothing could be better than a fall Saturday afternoon in the country! Come join us for a wonderful afternoon at Walnut Hill Farm on October 15 from 2:00 to 4:oo.
Kellie Monahan Head trainer and owner of Walnut Hill Farm and Bill Lippincott of Merrill Lynch will be your hosts for the afternoon.
Come see the state-of-the-art equestrian facility situated on 15 beautiful acres of grassy paddocks. New this fall is the Derby Field. Pony rides for the kids at 2:00, Show jumping at 3:00, tour the barns anytime and get to know some of the farms storied residents! To keep you toasty warm enjoy a hot cup of mulled cider.
Walnut Hill farm is located at 86 Walnut Street Plainville MA. See you rain or Shine!
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks. Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
Investment products:
Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value |
MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.
William C. Lippincott
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch
Global Wealth Management
One Citizens Plaza, Suite 1000
Providence, RI 02903
401-863-8726, Direct
401-863-8718, Fax
http://fa.ml.com/william.lippincott
Read our latest issue of Merrill Lynch Advisor magazine:
Licensed Mortgage Broker
NMLS #697785
Emergency Alert System (EAS) test - Nov 9
The Franklin Police sent out an alert today:
EAS Test Press Release
Emergency Alert System (EAS). The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday,November 9 at 2 p.m. eastern time and may last up to three and a half minutes. The public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test."
EAS Test Press Release
Friday, October 14, 2011
Farmer's Market: noon to 6:00 PM
Franklin Farmers Market, Friday, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Located on the Town Common
Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html
Visit the Franklin Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.
Help blind pedestrians while you drive
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services by Paulette Song on 10/13/11
By MCB Commissioner Janet LaBreck
The white cane is a symbol of independence reflecting a blind person's ability to travel independently. As part of White Cane Day on October 15, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the Department of Transportation are partnering in a campaign to remind motorists that they should come to a complete stop when they see a pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog crossing the street.
We are very pleased to promote White Cane Safety in partnership with Transportation. These eight billboards, placed along highways and at key traffic points throughout the Commonwealth, provide timely information to drivers about pedestrian safety. Independence in travel is crucial for people who are blind to safely go to work, appointments, community and recreational activities."
Communities where digital billboards are running White Cane awareness messages include: Chicopee (I-90), Foxboro (Rt. 1), New Bedford (Rt. 195), Fall River (Rt. 195), Medford (I-93), Stoneham (I-93) and Lawrence (Rt. 495). These billboards provide safety reminders to motorists when visually-impaired individuals are crossing streets.
At the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, we also promote the following 'Top 10' list of things motorists should not do when seeing a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog at street crossings.
10. Don't stop your car more then five feet from the crosswalk line. A visually-impaired person might think that there's something between the crosswalk and your car if you stop so far back. The expectation for all pedestrians is that a car stops directly behind, or fairly close, to the crosswalk.
9. Don't yell out, "It's ok to cross!" This may cause confusion to a pedestrian, particularly if another driver pulls out in front of your vehicle.
8. Don't get impatient when waiting for a visually-impaired pedestrian to cross. If a pedestrian places a long cane into the street, it usually indicates he or she will begin a crossing. If the cane traveler takes a step back & pulls back the cane from the curb, it usually indicates the person will not be crossing at that time.
7. Don't consider a 'rolling' stop as a complete stop. A stop sign means STOP!
6. Don't turn right on red without coming to a full stop and looking for pedestrians. The Right on Red Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn.
5. Don't fail to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks whether or not there is a traffic signal or stop sign. Come to a full and complete stop.
4. Don't stop your car in the middle of the crosswalk.
3. Don't pass another car that has stopped and waiting for pedestrians to cross the street.
2. Don't wave to pedestrians who are using a white cane or guide dog to indicate that you are waiting for them to cross. They CAN NOT see you.
1. Don't honk!
As we acknowledge White Cane Safety and promote awareness among motorists about driving when in the proximity of the visually-impaired, I invite you to visit the MCB website to find out more, or contact the Orientation & Mobility Department at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind: 1-800-392-6450.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Health and Human Services using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Attention Downtown Franklin Businesses: Holiday Stroll coming up in Dec
2011 Holiday Stroll Letter to Businesses
If you don't have a Facebook account you can download and print the file from here.
This was originally posted on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website
If you don't have a Facebook account you can download and print the file from here.
This was originally posted on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website
SNETT Trail Clean-Up Day
What is SNETT? SNETT is the Southern New England Trunk Trail, a former rail road that is being converted to a biking/walking trail. In Franklin, it starts along Grove St and runs to Bellingham and eventually to Palmer.An email from the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee alerts us to this trail clean up in Bellingham.
Kathy Wicks is organizing a trail clean-up day on the SNETT in Bellingham at the Lake St crossing on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 8:00 am to Noon. Please see the details below and contact Kathy at kwicks34@comcast.net if you have any questions.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Subject: Re: Clean Up Day
Details are:
Trail Workday on the SNETT at Lake St. crossing in Bellingham, Saturday November 5th 8AM- Noon, rain date is 11/19.
Volunteers should bring work gloves as much of the debris is construction material.
Wheelbarrows would be helpful for hauling, I plan to bring 2.
Shovels and heavy rakes if you have them.
I have someone who will take away any metal but we still need a dumpster, still hopeful Bellingham will help with this. Ron mentioned if we can't get one we can haul the stuff to his dumpster in Foxboro.
For recycleable trash such as plastic bottles I will bring large plastic bags, these can go to the recycling center in Bellingham.
I appreciate your helping with this.
Thank you.
Kathy
Taste of the Region - Oct 25th
|
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703 |
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Library book sale: Sat 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Friends of Franklin will hold their fall book sale this weekend.
In conjunction with the book sale, there will be a collection of dry goods for the Franklin Food Pantry
If you are looking to give something the Food Pantry has on the current needs list, the list can be found here
The book sale will be held at the DPW garage off Hayward St
View Larger Map
In conjunction with the book sale, there will be a collection of dry goods for the Franklin Food Pantry
If you are looking to give something the Food Pantry has on the current needs list, the list can be found here
The book sale will be held at the DPW garage off Hayward St
View Larger Map
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