Franklin police announce DARE camp
Franklin artists’ work on display at Norfolk library
Franklin, MA
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Library and Friends clear the air
The Friends of Franklin Public Library meeting took my attention away from the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday night. Yes, that is rare but in this case, especially worth it. Why? The book sale is a major fund raiser. The Friends contributed $20,000 last year to the Library. The bank account for the Friends is currently sitting at $29,516.
(The Town Council conducted their meeting in under 8 minutes. If you watch the recording, the first 1:20 is blank so hang in there it will appear (at least it did successfully when I watched it Weds evening). The liquor license for Ichigo Ichie Franklin, LLC (going into the former Piccadilly Pub) was approved. The July 4th committee presented their financial report to the Council. The snow and ice deficit is now about $400,000. “Pray for warm weather” is what Jeff Nutting asked for.)
The Friends meeting was indeed special. Felicia Oti, the Library Director and Cindy Dobryznski, Chair of the Library Board of Directors were both in attendance with the Board of the Friends and a couple of their members..
I won’t go into the recap of the events that transpired beginning with the December 2010 meeting. There is really no point in trying to reconstruct the incident. It has passed and both sides are willing to go forward. There may be some who don’t want to forget and that is okay. We all have choices to make and then we need to live with them.
It was acknowledged that there were mistakes made on both sides. It was acknowledged to let the past be put behind and go forward to support the Library.
There will be a book sale. It seems likely that it will be sponsored by the Friends of the Library for the benefit of the Library.
The book sale will be held at the DPW Garage like in recent years. The DPW will hold their “Touch a Truck” day to coincide with the book sale. All this will take place on the Saturday, May 21st.
The Library is still accepting books. The donation is technically to the Friends to benefit the Library. When the donation is to the Friends, the donor can receive a “Donation Acknowledgement and Tax Receipt”.If the donation is to the Library, it is accepted as a gift with no tax donation available. (An update from a loyal reader reveals that the statement above is incorrect, the gift to the Library still qualifies for a tax deduction.)
The sorting space that was a problem is still being used. Volunteers are still welcomed to help with the sorting. Felicia has heard from some volunteers who have stepped up to help conduct the book sale. The Friends book sale coordinator from last year had already determined not to do it this year (before the whole incident arose). Whether the Friends have another person to fill in remains open.
The permanent solution for space still remains to be determined.
Both the Friends and the Library Board of Directors have pledged to keep in better contact.
Felicia committed to come to the April meeting of the Friends.
Franklin, MA
(The Town Council conducted their meeting in under 8 minutes. If you watch the recording, the first 1:20 is blank so hang in there it will appear (at least it did successfully when I watched it Weds evening). The liquor license for Ichigo Ichie Franklin, LLC (going into the former Piccadilly Pub) was approved. The July 4th committee presented their financial report to the Council. The snow and ice deficit is now about $400,000. “Pray for warm weather” is what Jeff Nutting asked for.)
The Friends meeting was indeed special. Felicia Oti, the Library Director and Cindy Dobryznski, Chair of the Library Board of Directors were both in attendance with the Board of the Friends and a couple of their members..
I won’t go into the recap of the events that transpired beginning with the December 2010 meeting. There is really no point in trying to reconstruct the incident. It has passed and both sides are willing to go forward. There may be some who don’t want to forget and that is okay. We all have choices to make and then we need to live with them.
It was acknowledged that there were mistakes made on both sides. It was acknowledged to let the past be put behind and go forward to support the Library.
There will be a book sale. It seems likely that it will be sponsored by the Friends of the Library for the benefit of the Library.
The book sale will be held at the DPW Garage like in recent years. The DPW will hold their “Touch a Truck” day to coincide with the book sale. All this will take place on the Saturday, May 21st.
The Library is still accepting books. The donation is technically to the Friends to benefit the Library. When the donation is to the Friends, the donor can receive a “Donation Acknowledgement and Tax Receipt”.
The sorting space that was a problem is still being used. Volunteers are still welcomed to help with the sorting. Felicia has heard from some volunteers who have stepped up to help conduct the book sale. The Friends book sale coordinator from last year had already determined not to do it this year (before the whole incident arose). Whether the Friends have another person to fill in remains open.
The permanent solution for space still remains to be determined.
Both the Friends and the Library Board of Directors have pledged to keep in better contact.
Felicia committed to come to the April meeting of the Friends.
Friends of the Franklin Library Mission Statement: We are a nonprofit organization, incorporated in 1991 and dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. Ours is the first public, lending library in the USA, established with a donation of books from Benjamin Franklin. We are an all-volunteer community group that meets the first Wednesday of the month in the Library Community room at 7:00 pm from September thru June.
Franklin, MA
Town Council meeting 3/2/11
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Powderly
Absent: McGann, Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 2, 2011
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting recorded by Verizon and Comcast but not by Franklin Matters tonight
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Warren Ravel - July 4th Committee presented annual report on the committee's work for the event
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License
– Ichigo Ichie Franklin, LLC
motion to approve, passed 7-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - none
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
recognition of training by Police and Fire personnel
recognition of letters to thank the Fire Dept for excellent work done for the citizens
Approx $400,000 in hole on snow/ice removal, pray for warm weather
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS - none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - encourage seniors to take advantage of the Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit
don't have to own to get the credit, if any questions, contact the Senior Center
FHS doing their Spring fund raiser Sunday, March 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Vallee - question do you have the break down on the Police/Fire/DPW - that was a really big expense?
Revel - Yes, I don't have the specific break out with me but it was about $10,000 for Police and Fire and $3,000 for DPW
Nutting - I can provide a copy of the invoice if you want
Mason - is that alright Bob?
Vallee - yes
Mason - thanks for your work on this, it is a great event for the town and a ton of work. I hope you can continue to do this for some time.
Motion to adjourn - less than 8 minutes (likely a record!)
Franklin, MA
Absent: McGann, Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 2, 2011
Motion to approve, passed 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting recorded by Verizon and Comcast but not by Franklin Matters tonight
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Warren Ravel - July 4th Committee presented annual report on the committee's work for the event
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License
– Ichigo Ichie Franklin, LLC
motion to approve, passed 7-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - none
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
recognition of training by Police and Fire personnel
recognition of letters to thank the Fire Dept for excellent work done for the citizens
Approx $400,000 in hole on snow/ice removal, pray for warm weather
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS - none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - encourage seniors to take advantage of the Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit
don't have to own to get the credit, if any questions, contact the Senior Center
FHS doing their Spring fund raiser Sunday, March 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Vallee - question do you have the break down on the Police/Fire/DPW - that was a really big expense?
Revel - Yes, I don't have the specific break out with me but it was about $10,000 for Police and Fire and $3,000 for DPW
Nutting - I can provide a copy of the invoice if you want
Mason - is that alright Bob?
Vallee - yes
Mason - thanks for your work on this, it is a great event for the town and a ton of work. I hope you can continue to do this for some time.
Motion to adjourn - less than 8 minutes (likely a record!)
Franklin, MA
Happy birthday Franklin!
On March 2, 1778 Franklin was incorporated.
Franklin shares its birthday with another significant MA personality (Dr Seuss) as well as about 70 Franklin residents.
The party will be held on Sunday, March 20th at the Historical Museum. Join the celebration of Franklin's birthday and those Franklin residents who share the Mar 2nd birthday!
Read more about the history of Franklin, MA in Wikipedia
Related post:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-you-born-on-march-2.html
Franklin shares its birthday with another significant MA personality (Dr Seuss) as well as about 70 Franklin residents.
The party will be held on Sunday, March 20th at the Historical Museum. Join the celebration of Franklin's birthday and those Franklin residents who share the Mar 2nd birthday!
Read more about the history of Franklin, MA in Wikipedia
Related post:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/where-you-born-on-march-2.html
"I think this a great idea"
A community garden would provide a spot for kids and adults to learn about gardening, the importance of growing food locally and the benefits of working outside, said Amy Acevedo, who started Franklin Community Gardens, a group of residents that are in the process of forming a nonprofit organization.
"There are so many benefits," said Acevedo, 46, who has lived in Franklin for 10 years. "We'd love to see some Scouts and school groups in there."
Efforts to create a community garden began when the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA used grant money to build raised garden beds. Last year, beds were built at several locations including the Senior Center, Franklin Food Pantry and Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, Acevedo said.
Read more: Franklin residents hope to start community garden
Related post:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-reporting-community-garden.html
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
"increasing the fruit and vegetable choices"
Franklin's six elementary schools, as well as Remington Middle School and Horace Mann Middle School got salad bars. All three of Bellingham's elementary schools will have a new salad bar, and so will Uxbridge's Taft Elementary School.
None of the salad bars are open to students just yet.
"It is a good source of nutrition," said Franklin Food Service Director Clair Doyle. "We are hoping to get them operational by next week."
The program is sponsored by the Whole Foods Market Foundation and chef Ann Cooper's Food Family Farming Foundation. The salad bars were paid for by Whole Foods customers who donated at local stores through a special school promotion as well as online donations.Read more: Local kids to eat salad thanks to donations - Milford, MA - The Milford Daily News
Yes, I endorse this effort and thank the Whole Foods Market Foundation (and all the contributors) for this. We will live better when we eat better.
This effort ties in nicely with the Franklin Food Pantry, the Community Gardens, and other healthy programs.
Franklin, MA
Dean College - James Roosevelt, Jr.
Dean College invites the public to its
5th Annual Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture
James Roosevelt, Jr.
President and CEO, Tufts Health Plan
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
5:30 p.m. Networking Reception
6:30 p.m. Presentation
Dean College Campus Center, 135 Emmons Street, Franklin
RSVP to: alumni@dean.edu or 508-541-1612
James Roosevelt's presentation at the Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture will be on Social Security and Medicare. Mr. Roosevelt joined Tufts Health Plan in 1999 as senior vice president and general counsel, and became president and CEO in 2005. As general counsel he presided over the legal department and the company's compliance, privacy and government relations functions. In November 2008 President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Roosevelt to his transition team to co-chair a review of the Social Security Administration.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Live reporting - Community Gardens Committee Meeting
About 16 folks here tonight to get the low down on the developments for the community gardens
Where is it?
King St Memorial Playground - most families may have found this spot already due to the variety of sports played here but for those who need help positioning it is off King St, just past Forest St and before you get to the Remington-Jefferson complex.
View Larger Map
44 plots for raised beds is the first goal
4 plots for the 'giving garden'
4 plots for community groups
the remainder for first come first served
How would the plots be allocated?
Ideally, they would be assigned via the Recreation Dept website program (assuming it can be set up).
Worse case, it would be done via some sort of lottery to ensure appropriate allocation
A layout has been designed to optimize space
some of the plots will be on smooth ground to enable wheel chair access
The Steering Committee has worked with Tri-County to get some logos developed
there is a meeting Weds to review the drafts and see which one would work for the group
There is a meeting with Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator, to review the plans thus far
and to hopefully confirm some of the direction and planning
What size are the plots?
The plots are planned to be
Ideally 2' deep to ensure good root growth, with alternative plans for 16" or 12" deep beds
One reason to use raised beds on King St is to avoid the ground itself which has been treated over time with pesticides, etc and would not be good for growing organic foods.
Targeting for Apr 22, Earth Day, for the build - coordinated with the Town's Earth Day
each plot would have a 4' by 10' bed using 2" untreated pine
Yes, the beds would have an early life time but this is too get us started at a reasonable cost.
What else is needed?
Looking for another member for the Board
looking for fund raising ideas
looking to leverage relationships with building materials, etc.
Franklin, MA
Where is it?
King St Memorial Playground - most families may have found this spot already due to the variety of sports played here but for those who need help positioning it is off King St, just past Forest St and before you get to the Remington-Jefferson complex.
View Larger Map
44 plots for raised beds is the first goal
4 plots for the 'giving garden'
4 plots for community groups
the remainder for first come first served
How would the plots be allocated?
Ideally, they would be assigned via the Recreation Dept website program (assuming it can be set up).
Worse case, it would be done via some sort of lottery to ensure appropriate allocation
A layout has been designed to optimize space
some of the plots will be on smooth ground to enable wheel chair access
The Steering Committee has worked with Tri-County to get some logos developed
there is a meeting Weds to review the drafts and see which one would work for the group
There is a meeting with Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator, to review the plans thus far
and to hopefully confirm some of the direction and planning
What size are the plots?
The plots are planned to be
Ideally 2' deep to ensure good root growth, with alternative plans for 16" or 12" deep beds
One reason to use raised beds on King St is to avoid the ground itself which has been treated over time with pesticides, etc and would not be good for growing organic foods.
Targeting for Apr 22, Earth Day, for the build - coordinated with the Town's Earth Day
each plot would have a 4' by 10' bed using 2" untreated pine
Yes, the beds would have an early life time but this is too get us started at a reasonable cost.
What else is needed?
Looking for another member for the Board
looking for fund raising ideas
looking to leverage relationships with building materials, etc.
Franklin, MA
In the News - Tri-County; FinCom Mtg Canceled
Four boys involved in fight at Tri-County
from The Milford Daily News News RSSFranklin Finance Committee meeting canceled
As mentioned in the weekly summary, it is not surprising to see the meeting has been canceled.
Franklin, MA
FM #87 - Week ending 2/27/11
Let's take about 10 minutes to get up to speed on what matters in Franklin, MA as the week comes to a close Sunday, Feb 27, 2011
Time: 10 minutes, 1 second
MP3 File
Show Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 87 in the series for Franklin Matters.
We'll look back at the past two weeks as school vacation comes to a close Sunday Feb 27. Then we will look at what is scheduled for the week ahead.
The School Committee meeting on the 15th before school vacation was a full meeting.
Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka attended to provide an update on the overall budget outlook.
They did arrive in time to see the Franklin Arts Academy presentation which was quite impressive.
The school budget was reviewed and with minor discussion, approved.
While I can understand from the SchCom point of view that they have almost lived with the budget, some on the budget subcommittee more so than the others, and they had spent most of Saturday morning Jan 29th in the budget workshop. But as on that Saturday, the reporter from the MDN and I were the only members of the public, you would think that they would take some time to showcase the budget in this real public forum complete with live video which would be available later in the video on demand archive. But no, they went through it summarily and that is that. Shame on those in Franklin who did not come out to the meeting in person, that was your chance to step up and say something.
I do have links to the budget presentation and to the entire budget book available in the show notes
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-public-schools-budget-book-fy.html
Kudos to Jim Roche, Finance Committee chair, who did participate in the meeting for the budget discussion.
The notes from the full meeting can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/school-committee-021511.html
The Town Council had a short and relatively uneventful meeting. The meeting notes can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/town-council-021611.html
The only meeting of significance during the school break was the Long Range Financial Planning Committee which did meet on Wednesday, Feb 23. It was a smaller group than normal but they met the quorum requirements (4 of 7). The lower attendance was likely due to the school vacation. There was a special guest, Town councilor Steve Whalen. Steve reviewed his worksheets which had just been updated with Census Data for 2010. The updated data did not change the overall results, Franklin by all measures does get a great deal of quality services for what little it puts out of its own pocket.
Side note – as the documents Steve shared were legal size, I do not have the ready capability to copy them and share them.
My notes from the meeting including highlights from the Whalen updates can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-reporting-long-range-financial_23.html
The other significant item that came from the meeting was the revelation that both Whalen and Zollo will not be running for re-election. I have heard this before but there was still plenty of time for them to change their minds. I guess that is not about to happen. So there will be opportunity for folks to run for the Council. It would be good to see some real competition.
And while we are at it, I have no intentions of running. My approach to this situation has not changed, nor is likely to, so you won't have to worry about it. I'll continue reporting on what matters in Franklin. You can review my disclosure statement for the additional details.
Looking ahead:
The Community Garden Committee meets Monday evening at Stop and Shop.7:00 PM 7:30 PM in the community room.
The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday. February's meeting you may recall was canceled. The Franklin website does not have an agenda posted but it may be on the Municipal Bldg window and I did not have time to go by and check. The Town Council meeting does not have any financial action items which FinCom would have approved first so not sure what's up. We'll find out Tuesday and not be too surprised if the meeting does get canceled.
The Town Council is scheduled to meet Wed March 2. A new liquor license for a Japanese-themed restaurant opening in the former Piccadilly Pub location is on the agenda for approval.
The Town Council agenda is posted here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-2.html
The Franklin Cafe & Grill scheduled to open soon in the former KFC building on 140 has generated some conversation on the Facebook page. In particular about the sign requirements.
March 2 is also significant for two birthdays – Franklin's own birthday and that of Dr Seuss!
Franklin will hold a party on Sunday March 20th at the Museum to celebrate Mar 2 also with some of the 76 Franklin residents who share the March 2 birthday!
The Commonwealth released data by community for 2001 through 2009 on the senior circuit breaker tax advantages available to them. Franklin does quite well in that there has been an increase each year in the number of filers and in the average credit received. To paint a complete picture, I'd like to know how many are eligible and don't apply?
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-residents-gain-with-senior.html
The Franklin chapter of the Teenangels were in the news
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/teenangels.html
So as we close this week, welcome back. The snow hasn't gone yet. The budget cycle is getting into high gear in March. The time to be involved is now.
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in covering the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and or the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings in Franklin, please let me know.
And as always -
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like this, please tell me.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Time: 10 minutes, 1 second
MP3 File
Show Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 87 in the series for Franklin Matters.
We'll look back at the past two weeks as school vacation comes to a close Sunday Feb 27. Then we will look at what is scheduled for the week ahead.
The School Committee meeting on the 15th before school vacation was a full meeting.
Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka attended to provide an update on the overall budget outlook.
They did arrive in time to see the Franklin Arts Academy presentation which was quite impressive.
The school budget was reviewed and with minor discussion, approved.
While I can understand from the SchCom point of view that they have almost lived with the budget, some on the budget subcommittee more so than the others, and they had spent most of Saturday morning Jan 29th in the budget workshop. But as on that Saturday, the reporter from the MDN and I were the only members of the public, you would think that they would take some time to showcase the budget in this real public forum complete with live video which would be available later in the video on demand archive. But no, they went through it summarily and that is that. Shame on those in Franklin who did not come out to the meeting in person, that was your chance to step up and say something.
I do have links to the budget presentation and to the entire budget book available in the show notes
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-public-schools-budget-book-fy.html
Kudos to Jim Roche, Finance Committee chair, who did participate in the meeting for the budget discussion.
The notes from the full meeting can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/school-committee-021511.html
The Town Council had a short and relatively uneventful meeting. The meeting notes can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/town-council-021611.html
The only meeting of significance during the school break was the Long Range Financial Planning Committee which did meet on Wednesday, Feb 23. It was a smaller group than normal but they met the quorum requirements (4 of 7). The lower attendance was likely due to the school vacation. There was a special guest, Town councilor Steve Whalen. Steve reviewed his worksheets which had just been updated with Census Data for 2010. The updated data did not change the overall results, Franklin by all measures does get a great deal of quality services for what little it puts out of its own pocket.
Side note – as the documents Steve shared were legal size, I do not have the ready capability to copy them and share them.
My notes from the meeting including highlights from the Whalen updates can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-reporting-long-range-financial_23.html
The other significant item that came from the meeting was the revelation that both Whalen and Zollo will not be running for re-election. I have heard this before but there was still plenty of time for them to change their minds. I guess that is not about to happen. So there will be opportunity for folks to run for the Council. It would be good to see some real competition.
And while we are at it, I have no intentions of running. My approach to this situation has not changed, nor is likely to, so you won't have to worry about it. I'll continue reporting on what matters in Franklin. You can review my disclosure statement for the additional details.
Looking ahead:
The Community Garden Committee meets Monday evening at Stop and Shop.
The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday. February's meeting you may recall was canceled. The Franklin website does not have an agenda posted but it may be on the Municipal Bldg window and I did not have time to go by and check. The Town Council meeting does not have any financial action items which FinCom would have approved first so not sure what's up. We'll find out Tuesday and not be too surprised if the meeting does get canceled.
The Town Council is scheduled to meet Wed March 2. A new liquor license for a Japanese-themed restaurant opening in the former Piccadilly Pub location is on the agenda for approval.
The Town Council agenda is posted here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-2.html
The Franklin Cafe & Grill scheduled to open soon in the former KFC building on 140 has generated some conversation on the Facebook page. In particular about the sign requirements.
March 2 is also significant for two birthdays – Franklin's own birthday and that of Dr Seuss!
Franklin will hold a party on Sunday March 20th at the Museum to celebrate Mar 2 also with some of the 76 Franklin residents who share the March 2 birthday!
The Commonwealth released data by community for 2001 through 2009 on the senior circuit breaker tax advantages available to them. Franklin does quite well in that there has been an increase each year in the number of filers and in the average credit received. To paint a complete picture, I'd like to know how many are eligible and don't apply?
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/franklin-residents-gain-with-senior.html
The Franklin chapter of the Teenangels were in the news
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/teenangels.html
So as we close this week, welcome back. The snow hasn't gone yet. The budget cycle is getting into high gear in March. The time to be involved is now.
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in covering the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and or the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings in Franklin, please let me know.
And as always -
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like this, please tell me.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Franklin Public Schools - Budget Book FY 2012
The School Budget Book for Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) is ready for review. Each section is stored as it's own file.
You can also review the folder of all the documents made public on Franklin Matters here
Franklin, MA
- Executive Summary
- District Improvement Plan (DIP)
- Achievement Profile
- Enrollment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Overview
- ECDC
- Davis Thayer
- Jefferson
- Keller
- Kennedy
- Oak St
- Parmenter
- Horace Mann MS
- Remington MS
- Annie Sullivan MS
- Franklin High School
- Central Office
- Curriculum-Instruction
- Pupil Personnel Services
- Transportation
- Grant Budgets
You can also review the folder of all the documents made public on Franklin Matters here
Franklin, MA
Where you born on March 2?
If so, guess what, you share your birthday with the Town of Franklin!
Although the Town of Franklin is much older (March 2, 1778), we thought it would be fun to invite everyone that shares March 2nd as their birthday to a “Birthday Bash” at the museum. From the looks of things, we will have over 70 people that share that date from children to adults.
We are planning to have a cake, beverages and certainly balloons. Who knows, we may also have some special birthday presents for everyone.
Please RSVP as soon as possible to Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk and Chairman of the Historical Commission at 508-520-4900 or email me at dpellegri@franklin.ma.us
Remember, family and friends are all invited and certainly welcomed.
We look forward to hearing from you real soon
Franklin, MA
Although the Town of Franklin is much older (March 2, 1778), we thought it would be fun to invite everyone that shares March 2nd as their birthday to a “Birthday Bash” at the museum. From the looks of things, we will have over 70 people that share that date from children to adults.
We are planning to have a cake, beverages and certainly balloons. Who knows, we may also have some special birthday presents for everyone.
Please RSVP as soon as possible to Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk and Chairman of the Historical Commission at 508-520-4900 or email me at dpellegri@franklin.ma.us
Remember, family and friends are all invited and certainly welcomed.
We look forward to hearing from you real soon
Your Birthday Celebration
At the Franklin Historical Museum
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Invitation to all
Franklin, MA
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Mar 2, 2011
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 2, 2011
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License
– Ichigo Ichie Franklin, LLC
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
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
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License
– Ichigo Ichie Franklin, LLC
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
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
Franklin Cafe & Grill - "now hiring - opening soon"
The former KFC is getting transformed. New signs are up announcing the Franklin Cafe & Grill. There is also a banner announcing "now hiring, opening soon"!
The liquor license was approved at the Jan 12, 2011 Town Council meeting.
Franklin, MA
The liquor license was approved at the Jan 12, 2011 Town Council meeting.
Franklin, MA
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Franklin residents gain with the Senior Circuit Breaker
The MA Dept of Revenue released numbers on the Senior Circuit Breaker program for all communities in the Commonwealth on Friday. Franklin does well with this credit. There has been steady growth in the number of filers, total credit received, and as a result the average credit per filer. The data released covers the tax years from 2001 through 2009. Now that the data is available, I'll watch to see when each new year is added to the table and update the numbers.
Of the 335 communities where residents did receive the credit Franklin ranked 90th in the total number of filers. Franklin ranked 89th in total credit received but dropped to 175th in average credit received.
What is the Senior Circuit Breaker?
For additional info on the credit, check the State website here
To view (or download) the data from the state, check the web page here
The table of Franklin's data is also posted as a Google document and can be found here. I pulled from each year, the data specific for Franklin to make this table. The info in this table drove the chart and table found above.
Related post on credits or abatements for seniors
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2010/03/fmw-59-week-ending-3710.html
Franklin, MA
| Tax Year | Number of Filers | Amount of Credit Claimed | Average Credit |
| 2001 | 87 | $28,251 | $325 |
| 2002 | 109 | $66,448 | $610 |
| 2003 | 150 | $90,818 | $605 |
| 2004 | 171 | $107,020 | $626 |
| 2005 | 202 | $122,377 | $606 |
| 2006 | 234 | $158,800 | $679 |
| 2007 | 248 | $173,524 | $700 |
| 2008 | 302 | $217,429 | $720 |
| 2009 | 324 | $240,692 | $743 |
Of the 335 communities where residents did receive the credit Franklin ranked 90th in the total number of filers. Franklin ranked 89th in total credit received but dropped to 175th in average credit received.
What is the Senior Circuit Breaker?
No other refundable tax credit equals the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for putting money into the wallets of average taxpayers 65 and older. In tax year 2009, more than 77,000 senior taxpayers who were either homeowners or renters received credits of nearly $60 million.
Yet it is safe to say that many eligible taxpayers have never heard of the credit. If you are reading this and have older relatives or friends who might benefit, pass on the word. The maximum credit, after all, is worth $970 in the coming tax year.
The Department of Revenue has just released the rules and regulations for the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit in tax year 2010. The credit is based on the actual property tax or rent paid by the eligible taxpayer who is either living in their own home or paying rent.
A taxpayer's total income may not exceed $51,000 for a single individual; $64,000 for a head of household; or $77,000 for married couples filing a joint return. The assessed valuation of a residence may not exceed $764,000. Many taxpayers 65 and over fall within these limits.
The credit is equal to the amount by which the taxpayer's property tax payments in the current tax year, including water and sewer charges but excluding any abatement or exemption, exceeds 10 percent of the taxpayer's total income.
The credit also works for renters. It is equal to the amount by which 25 percent of the rent actually paid during the taxable year exceeds 10 percent of the taxpayer's total income, with the credit capped at $970.
For additional info on the credit, check the State website here
To view (or download) the data from the state, check the web page here
The table of Franklin's data is also posted as a Google document and can be found here. I pulled from each year, the data specific for Franklin to make this table. The info in this table drove the chart and table found above.
Related post on credits or abatements for seniors
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2010/03/fmw-59-week-ending-3710.html
Franklin, MA
Friday, February 25, 2011
Worst Ice Skater Ever!
Let's make this a video Friday!
Not sure if I have shared this groups exploits here before, I know I have shared them where I write elsewhere. I became aware of ImproveExverywhere several years and their exploits are rather good. This one is perhaps a little less dramatic or impressive than some others but it handles what could be a dangerous situation and turns it into a couple of moments of grace.
Enjoy!
For more of a full write up, the full back story and behind the scenes info click through here to the ImrpovEverywhere website
Franklin, MA
Not sure if I have shared this groups exploits here before, I know I have shared them where I write elsewhere. I became aware of ImproveExverywhere several years and their exploits are rather good. This one is perhaps a little less dramatic or impressive than some others but it handles what could be a dangerous situation and turns it into a couple of moments of grace.
Enjoy!
For more of a full write up, the full back story and behind the scenes info click through here to the ImrpovEverywhere website
Franklin, MA
Better searching for just the recipe you need!
Google has some wonderful news to help find recipes for special days, to use specific ingredients, or even for how long it will take to prepare! This brief video shows how:
Yes, the Franklin Food Pantry is pulling together a set of recipes for publication on the web as well as in a cook book that would be a possible fund raiser for the Food Pantry. Google's search enhancements will make the recipes you create and share easier to find!
If you have a recipe or two you want to share, please let me know or contact Michelle Clay who has graciously volunteered to head up this effort for the Food Pantry.
Franklin, MA
Yes, the Franklin Food Pantry is pulling together a set of recipes for publication on the web as well as in a cook book that would be a possible fund raiser for the Food Pantry. Google's search enhancements will make the recipes you create and share easier to find!
If you have a recipe or two you want to share, please let me know or contact Michelle Clay who has graciously volunteered to head up this effort for the Food Pantry.
Franklin, MA
Guster - "Do you love me?"
No more iPad musical toys. This time, it is real instruments and live action, creative, fun with paints all captured and rendered with stop motion video.
Enjoy!
Franklin, MA
Enjoy!
Franklin, MA
4th Annual Random Smile Gala
The Random Smile Project does good work and is holding their 4th Annual Random Smile Gala on Saturday.
The 4th Annual Random Smile Gala will be held at Christina's in Foxboro at 6:00 pm. The event is a semi formal, black tie optional affair. There will be a surf and turf dinner with live music and both live and silent auctions. A few of the items up for bid include Patriot and Red Sox memorabilia, vacations, golf related items and electronics. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased via the Random Smile web site.Read more in Patrick Coleman's Wrentham Times
Franklin, MA
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Franklin Community Garden - meeting Feb 28, 7:30 PM
There will be a Franklin Community Garden meeting to be held on Monday, February 28th from 7:30-8:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the Franklin Stop and Shop in the community room.
The meeting is open to the community, so feel free to bring others who are interested in getting involved. If you plan on attending this meeting, please send an email to franklincommunitygardens@gmail.com
When you arrive at Stop & Shop on Monday, ask the customer service desk to direct you to the Community Room.
Thanks and we hope to see you on Monday the 28th!
In health and seedlings,
The Franklin Community Garden Steering Committee
Franklin, MA
The meeting is open to the community, so feel free to bring others who are interested in getting involved. If you plan on attending this meeting, please send an email to franklincommunitygardens@gmail.com
When you arrive at Stop & Shop on Monday, ask the customer service desk to direct you to the Community Room.
Thanks and we hope to see you on Monday the 28th!
In health and seedlings,
The Franklin Community Garden Steering Committee
Franklin, MA
Teenangels
Representatives from Franklin's Teenangels testified before Attny General Martha Coakley at a hearing on the progress of the anti-bullying legislation:
From Lisa Keohane, local mentor to the Teenangels chapter:
Prior posts on the Teenangels
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-teen-angels.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/text-translator-for-teen-speak.html
Franklin, MA
From Lisa Keohane, local mentor to the Teenangels chapter:
One item that was not written in the article was that Parry Aftab presented the kids with the "Teenangel Chapter of the Year" award at the hearing in front of Attorney General Coakley. The kids are soo excited. This was the first time in 6 years that this award has been given to a chapter other than the New Rochelle, NY chapter.
Prior posts on the Teenangels
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/teen-angels-pledge-text-think-send.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/live-reporting-teen-angels.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/text-translator-for-teen-speak.html
Franklin, MA
"They are really not beholden to anyone"
"Any way you slice the data, we look like a low-tax, efficient (town government), dangerously over-reliant on a revenue source (state aid) on which we have no control," Whalen said.
"They're a new set of eyes and they will challenge things (in the previous report) as they go through the process," said Douglas Hardesty, the committee's chairman. "When we are through, hopefully we'll learn something new."
At a meeting last night, the committee discussed an analysis done by Whalen showing how Franklin compares to 30 comparable communities in the state in tax rate, and spending on education.
Franklin has one of the lowest tax rates of the comparable communities, and it is one of the lowest in per-pupil spending, he said.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Read my notes from the same meeting here
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Live reporting - Long Range Financial Planning Committee
Present: Doug Hardesty, Deb Bartlett, Craig DiMarzio, Graydon Smith, Sue Rohrbach, Steve Whalen,
Absent: Jeff Nutting, Orrin Bean, John Hogan, Ken Harvey, Tina Powderly
Approval of minutes - postponed to next meeting
Action items - none
Discussion:
Metrics and benchmarking - Steve Whalen (Vice Chair, Town Council)
background, research analyst for an investment banking firm
drawn in by a comment made by J Nutting at a meeting sometime ago; "a town's budget is a reflection of their values"
started collecting data, started with a map and filled in data for the communities around us
The DOR site is a tremendous source of info, so much data is available
came up with 30 communities
walking through the info on his comparison worksheet
color coded communities by single versus split tax rate
we have a low tax rate compared to other communities with either a split or single tax rate
we are 21st in comparison on the average tax bill (of the 30)
we are 26th on relative tax burden which is a comparison of tax rate to community wealth
we rank 28th in percent of local property tax contributing to the total community revenue
we rank 1st in the percent of state aid contributing to the total community revenue
second sheet on Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education data
rank 27th of the 30 on per pupil spending for 2009 and would be on 2010 as well, two towns are missing data for 2010
we rank 10th in the same 30 for percent of population in school, so amongst larger communities, we have more students than most
discussion on the quality of the whole educational experience and how to best represent what we get. MCAS scores are readily available, SATs offer more comparison to those outside MA, with the increase in fees, cutting of enrichment programs, protected the core curriculum (and maintained, if not increased performance).
need to show where the cuts are happening, i.e. how much of the budget is allocated to the core versus the enrichment and what does that show? are the changes in the program indicative of the budget issues? how much of a lag in the reporting is there? We are seeing the early warnings amongst the low income and English Language Learners (ELL)
The recent requirement to meet the bullying legislation within the budget restrictions, resulted more in a shifting of resources; language was removed from the elementary grades, Latin was lost in middle schools, the Spanish teachers moved from the elementary to middle and we are adding health teachers to meet the curriculum requirements for bullying
talked bout looking at the numbers, need the story to tell, how to convey the erosion that is occurring with the cut of over 100 teachers with an increase in students
Is there a community that was high and made cuts, where are they now? Randolph is one example amongst the 30 communities
can we tackle some of these things; i.e. key metrics around the school numbers are validated, define a number of meaningful metrics and a story around it (for four weeks out)
next to last sheet - Franklin was 3rd in growth amongst the 30 communities from 1990 to 2009
we are 22 of 23 on Police spending per capita (7 towns currently missing data for the current year - should be added over the next several weeks)
comparison of Fire similar, comparison of DPW more difficult to compare
we rank 14th on per capita overall town budget
in a comparison to Natick the population is similar, yet the growth of Natick since 1990 is 6% versus Franklin in same period of 45%. they have had a growth of 45% in net state aid versus 350% for Franklin in the same period
there are many takeways from this discussion, need to continue to look in the numbers, challenge them, there is a benefit to the simplicity in our peer group, do need to challenge the comparable listing
visibility creates trust so when you include the same listing, it makes it easier, when you start excluding some here and some there, it creates questions
it is not cherry picking the data, it is creating an apples to apples comparison
no matter which way we slice the data, we have a low tax, we are efficient, and we are dependent upon state aid which we have no control over
show the 30 peer communities and include the state average
need to include some value metrics, what are we getting that we are paying for?
Franklin, MA
Absent: Jeff Nutting, Orrin Bean, John Hogan, Ken Harvey, Tina Powderly
Approval of minutes - postponed to next meeting
Action items - none
Discussion:
Metrics and benchmarking - Steve Whalen (Vice Chair, Town Council)
background, research analyst for an investment banking firm
drawn in by a comment made by J Nutting at a meeting sometime ago; "a town's budget is a reflection of their values"
started collecting data, started with a map and filled in data for the communities around us
The DOR site is a tremendous source of info, so much data is available
came up with 30 communities
walking through the info on his comparison worksheet
color coded communities by single versus split tax rate
we have a low tax rate compared to other communities with either a split or single tax rate
we are 21st in comparison on the average tax bill (of the 30)
we are 26th on relative tax burden which is a comparison of tax rate to community wealth
we rank 28th in percent of local property tax contributing to the total community revenue
we rank 1st in the percent of state aid contributing to the total community revenue
second sheet on Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education data
rank 27th of the 30 on per pupil spending for 2009 and would be on 2010 as well, two towns are missing data for 2010
we rank 10th in the same 30 for percent of population in school, so amongst larger communities, we have more students than most
discussion on the quality of the whole educational experience and how to best represent what we get. MCAS scores are readily available, SATs offer more comparison to those outside MA, with the increase in fees, cutting of enrichment programs, protected the core curriculum (and maintained, if not increased performance).
need to show where the cuts are happening, i.e. how much of the budget is allocated to the core versus the enrichment and what does that show? are the changes in the program indicative of the budget issues? how much of a lag in the reporting is there? We are seeing the early warnings amongst the low income and English Language Learners (ELL)
The recent requirement to meet the bullying legislation within the budget restrictions, resulted more in a shifting of resources; language was removed from the elementary grades, Latin was lost in middle schools, the Spanish teachers moved from the elementary to middle and we are adding health teachers to meet the curriculum requirements for bullying
talked bout looking at the numbers, need the story to tell, how to convey the erosion that is occurring with the cut of over 100 teachers with an increase in students
Is there a community that was high and made cuts, where are they now? Randolph is one example amongst the 30 communities
can we tackle some of these things; i.e. key metrics around the school numbers are validated, define a number of meaningful metrics and a story around it (for four weeks out)
next to last sheet - Franklin was 3rd in growth amongst the 30 communities from 1990 to 2009
we are 22 of 23 on Police spending per capita (7 towns currently missing data for the current year - should be added over the next several weeks)
comparison of Fire similar, comparison of DPW more difficult to compare
we rank 14th on per capita overall town budget
in a comparison to Natick the population is similar, yet the growth of Natick since 1990 is 6% versus Franklin in same period of 45%. they have had a growth of 45% in net state aid versus 350% for Franklin in the same period
there are many takeways from this discussion, need to continue to look in the numbers, challenge them, there is a benefit to the simplicity in our peer group, do need to challenge the comparable listing
visibility creates trust so when you include the same listing, it makes it easier, when you start excluding some here and some there, it creates questions
it is not cherry picking the data, it is creating an apples to apples comparison
no matter which way we slice the data, we have a low tax, we are efficient, and we are dependent upon state aid which we have no control over
show the 30 peer communities and include the state average
need to include some value metrics, what are we getting that we are paying for?
Franklin, MA
Student iPad orchestra
How about a student iPad orchestra?
Thanks to David Warlick who saw this group at a conference in Hong Kong
Franklin, MA
Thanks to David Warlick who saw this group at a conference in Hong Kong
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"He took great pride in the entire athletic program"
... the school district will ensure Leone isn't forgotten by naming the away-side press box at Franklin High School in his honor. The press box above the home bleachers is named after public address announcer John Padula.
"The stories we've heard from over the years recounted what a great coach he was and how many lives he changed," School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy said. "We like to honor those types of people and thought it was tremendously appropriate to honor his name and somehow relate it with our football program."
The School Committee approved the recognition at a recent meeting and Roy said school officials hope to hold a ceremony at a home football game in the fall.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News:
Franklin to name press box for former coach Jerry Leone
Other action items from the Feb 15th School Committee meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/live-reporting-action-items.html
The full set of notes reported live from the meeting can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/02/school-committee-021511.html
Franklin, MA
Looking for the Class of 1961
If life for the Class of 1961 has been topsy-turvy since graduation, I would not be surprised. 1961 was a special year. As wikipedia points out MAD Magazine's March 1961 issue announced that
If you know of anyone in the Class of 1961, please let them know they are welcome to join the Franklin High School Graduation of 2011 as honored guests.
June 3, 2011 will be Graduation Day.
There will be a reception at 3:00 PM at the high school. The Class of 1961 will then process into the graduation with the Class of 2011.
You can call 508-553-4814 for more information.
Franklin, MA
this was the first "upside-up" year—i.e., one in which the numerals that form the year look the same as when the numerals are rotated upside down—since 1881, and the last until 6009
If you know of anyone in the Class of 1961, please let them know they are welcome to join the Franklin High School Graduation of 2011 as honored guests.
June 3, 2011 will be Graduation Day.
There will be a reception at 3:00 PM at the high school. The Class of 1961 will then process into the graduation with the Class of 2011.
You can call 508-553-4814 for more information.
Franklin, MA
Monday, February 21, 2011
X marks the spot
Running early one morning, I was startled to see a large X marking the sky over the Parmenter School. Such an opportunity was not to be passed up. I did stop and find the best view point for a quick photo. Then resumed running.
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
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