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!

In the News - Ranieri

Meet the Franklin Candidate: Donald Ranieri Jr., Board of Health

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Remember that all the information for the election Nov 8th is being collected in one place for you

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html

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:

 

 

Route 2 Repairs Update, Detour Map

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/13/11

Repairs are moving forward along the section of Route 2 damaged significantly by Tropical Storm Irene. 

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.

 

 

 

 

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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

800-937-0710

401-863-8718, Fax

william.lippincott@ml.com

http://fa.ml.com/william.lippincott

 

 

Read our latest issue of Merrill Lynch Advisor magazine:

http://www.ml.com/mladvisor

 

Licensed Mortgage Broker

NMLS #697785

Emergency Alert System (EAS) test - Nov 9

The Franklin Police sent out an alert today:

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

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.

In the News - Bartlett, casino bill, national park

Meet the Franklin Candidate: Deborah Bartlett, town clerk

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Some object as Senate passes casino bill

by Krista Kano/Daily News correspondent

U.S. senators file bill to create National Historical Park

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Help blind pedestrians while you drive

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Help blind pedestrians while you drive

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
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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

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

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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 the News - Pellegri, scrapbooking

Meet the Franklin Candidate: Deborah Pellegri, town clerk

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

St. Mary's Catholic club to offer scrapbooking lesson

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

In the News - FHS cabaret, art center, distinguished

Franklin High theater to host cabaret, Oct. 18 and 20

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin Art Center offers kids' art

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Gazette named a ‘distinguished newspaper’ in New England

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Really?

Race to Nowhere

The Franklin Public Schools, in conjunction with the Joint Parent Communication Councils of Franklin, is hosting a screening of the film Race to Nowhere on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7 p.m.  


The film will play at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street.  A panel discussion will follow the screening.

Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink and educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills needed for the global economy, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic running rampant in our schools. The film is the product of Vicki Abeles, a concerned mother turned filmmaker, who aims her camera at the culture of hollow achievement and pressure to perform that has invaded America’s schools.  As Abeles notes, “it is destroying our children’s love of learning and feeding an epidemic of unprepared, disengaged, and unhealthy students.” The film is a call to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become the healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens in the 21st century.  You can learn more about the film athttp://www.racetonowhere.com/.

The event is free and open to the general public.  However, those who wish to attend the screening must register online for tickets at http://rtnfranklinpublicschools.eventbrite.com

Finance Committee - 10/11/11

I chose to "follow the money" and attended the Finance Committee (FinCom) meeting on Tuesday evening. It was the first time that the FinCom met this fiscal year. The committee is now nine members (down from eleven) due to the charter change passed in 2009. The committee members were sworn in by the Town Clerk and then  set their organization for this fiscal year.

Jim Roche continues as Chair.
Chris Quinn was voted as Vice Chair.
Phyllis Messere was elected Clerk.

Jeff Nutting, Susan Gagne and Jim Dacey participated to help inform the new committee of the various financial process, procedures and issues that the FinCom will be facing.

Several action items were discussed in detail to provide some background for the new members before they voted. The details for the meeting are contained in the following links.

• Live reporting - FinCom - Action items and closing...
• Live reporting - Finance Committee - 10/11/11

After the meeting, the committee took a new photo to update their page on the Franklin website. The listing of members will also be updated to show the current membership.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Finance/index

"I see growth and I see improvement"

Each of the schools, Remington, Horace Mann, and Annie Sullivan, had similar struggles with their annual yearly progress goals under the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System this past year. None of them met their math or special education and low-income student requirements. 

The principals noted that this failure was not a reflection of the school system or their students, but rather somewhat unrealistic goals on the part of the state for high-performing schools like Franklin. 

"When you're in a successful district, once you get into that 90th percentile, (it becomes harder)," said Paul Peri, principal of Remington Middle School. Peri added that Franklin is in the top two levels of seven that the state sets. 

"The way the formula is set up ... the better you do, the harder it is to reach that goal," said Beth Witcoff, principal at Annie Sullivan Middle School.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1092316431/Franklin-board-extends-superintendents-contract#ixzz1aYhM5wlZ

In the News - Norman, film

Meet the Franklin candidate: Ken Norman, Board of Assessors

by Alison McCall, Daily News staff

Franklin screens film about stressed out students

by GateHouse Media, Inc.