Holiday Open House 2011

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The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Open House  Dear Stephen, You're cordially invited to attend the Chamber's Holiday Open House! Come to The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's Franklin office, 4 West St., on Wed., Dec. 14 or the Attleboro office, 42 Union St., on Thurs., Dec. 15. Both open houses run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. We'd love to celebrate the holidays with you! Please bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the Santa Foundation.

Forward email This email was sent to sgsherlock@gmail.com by jack@unitedregionalchamber.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Jazz mistakes for Monday (video)

Monday morning. New week. New beginnings.

Music can be a metaphor for so much.

Orchestra, band = a form of organization

Conductor, band leader = leader

What is a mistake? By talking through examples with his improvisational Jazz quartet, Stefon Harris walks us to a profound truth: many actions are perceived as mistakes only because we don't react to them appropriately.

Spend about 13 minutes with this video from TEDSalon




Enjoy!

Franklin, MA: Town Council Work Session

The Town Council will hold a work session on Wednesday, Dec 14. The work session will take place in the 3rd Floor Training Room at the Municipal Bldg. The session will begin at 7:00 PM.

The session is open to all Franklin residents. You can have direct access to the councilors to talk about your issues and concerns.

This is a great idea! The newly formed Council is attempting to foster more direct access to Franklin residents and we need to take advantage of this opportunity.

During the current Town Council meetings, you only 3 minutes to say something during Citizens Comments and then you have to wait until the end of the meeting agenda where either the Town Administrator or one (or more) of the Council will have an opportunity to respond to whatever was raised. While it works to have issues raised, this 'Citizens Comment" process does not foster a conversation.

How long the session will go will depend upon how many show up to get involved in the discussion.

Recall the listing of items up for discussion at future Town Council meetings and published as part of the workshop held in November. If you are looking for a topic, this would be one place to start.

"raising money to buy gifts for families and children who would otherwise go without"

It’s all part of the school’s Light Up a Life project that works with a local charity, The Santa Foundation, for which students shop and then wrap and deliver gifts. This year, the gifts will be distributed to 26 families as well as 24 children from a home for abused children. 

“It feels really special to give back to the community. After doing this the past two years, it feels like a Christmas tradition,” said junior Rob Ward, one of the peer leaders helping with the drive. 

Light Up a Life peer leaders, who serve as school ambassadors, collect money from fellow classmates and teachers. They are then given a family for whom to buy gifts which come from a wish list made by the family.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1270566676/Franklin-students-give-presents-to-families-in-need#ixzz1gEAz7WIo

To make a contribution, visit their website and donate using PayPal
http://lightupalife.blogspot.com/

Only 2 Days to Go

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Only 2 Days to Go

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 12/10/11

The Partnership and the Food Elves still need a few more donations to meet our goal of 1,200 pounds of food so the Food Pantry will receive $1,200 in matching funds!


Please drop off your donations by Monday, December 12.


If the Food Elves reach their goal and collect 1,200 pounds of food, participating businesses pledge an additional $1,200 in matching funds! 1,200 pounds of food can provide 923 meals to those in need. The $1,200 can provide an additional 6,000 meals.


Look for food donation bins at these locations:

• Franklin Downtown Partnership office
• Jane's Frames
• Printsmart Office Supplies
• Berry Insurance
• Dean Bank
• Dean College
• YMCA
• Allied Chiropractic
• Food Pantry -- with a note indicating that you want it to go toward the Food Elves/FDP food drive campaign

Thanks to everyone who has supported the Food Pantry and the Food Elves' "12 Days of Donating" campaign!

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Downtown Partnership using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

"education must be a priority"

Looking to the future, Biocchi said she foresees economic growth in MetroWest expanding toward I-495, the way businesses filled in the Rte. 128 corridor 10 years ago. 

Dunne said MetroWest cities and towns are learning how to show love to the businesses with roots in MetroWest and also find ways to bring new ones. 

Natick’s Economic Development Committee will soon launch a website aimed at attracting new industries and their employees. 

“Over time I think MetroWest will be sort of a known region,” Joseph said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/business/x536735116/How-the-local-economy-survived-the-death-of-manufacturing#ixzz1gE94ZuFs


Related posts on Franklin's economic development efforts

Franklin Matters: Franklin, MA is looking to do business

Franklin Matters: Franklin Economic Development Summit - Oct 27th

Franklin Matters: Franklin Economic Development Summit - Oct 27th

Franklin Matters: Economic Development Summit: Schedule

Franklin Matters: "The objective is economic development"

Reward for lost cat (photo)

When you go looking for a lost cat, wouldn't it be nice to have a photo? We do, now happy hunting for Sal.

Hi Steve,
I was wondering if you would consider posting about my lost cat? I understand if it's not the right forum, but I am out of my mind with worry and I am reaching out to anyone in Franklin (Freecycle has graciously posted my message):

LOST CAT
Black with greenish/yellow eyes
No collar
Answers to "Sal"
Last seen around 248 Pleasant St., Franklin, on December 8.

He is exclusively an indoor cat - he has no idea what to do outside. If you see him, please call me at 508-541-4431 or email me at: Kelly@alphalab.com. If you can take him in and keep him safe, I would be eternally grateful.

REWARD

Thank you,
Kelly Stenstrom

kelly@alphalab.com

Attention: Reward for lost cat

Hi Steve,
I was wondering if you would consider posting about my lost cat? I understand if it's not the right forum, but I am out of my mind with worry and I am reaching out to anyone in Franklin (Freecycle has graciously posted my message):

LOST CAT
Black with greenish/yellow eyes
No collar
Answers to "Sal"
Last seen around 248 Pleasant St., Franklin, on December 8.

He is exclusively an indoor cat - he has no idea what to do outside. If you see him, please call me at 508-541-4431 or email me at: Kelly@alphalab.com. If you can take him in and keep him safe, I would be eternally grateful.

REWARD

Thank you,
Kelly Stenstrom

kelly@alphalab.com

In the News - Big Y, break-ins, zoning

Cops: Teens steal steel from Franklin’s Big Y site

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Five charged in Bellingham break-ins

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

 - will this help to resolve the Franklin break-ins?

Casino towns face zoning obstacles

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Michael Morton/Daily News staff

 - zoning bylaws are critical to a community. Franklin is gearing up to revise their 'Master Plan' and you have the opportunity to participate. Contact the Town Administrator to express your interest.

Blinking - Sat Dec 10, 7:30 PM

Dean College School of Dance presents its first annual Guest Artist Series -- BLINKING features a multi-media contemporary choreographed dance exploration of tiny movement and light created by Providence resident Jamie Jewett and his company LOSTWAX – recently voted Rhode Island’s best dance company.

“We are thrilled to have Jamie here at Dean, not only as part of our faculty but also as part of our Guest Artists Series,” says Deb Nunes, Dance Program Director. “The dramatic relationship between the performers in BLINKING and the digital cinematography come together for a truly imaginative experience. We encourage students and local residents to take advantage of the opportunity to witness amazing artistry in their own back yard.”

Tickets are available online via the Dean College website or at the door.

Franklin Police: Chief Semerjian

The Franklin Police Dept published their own notification on Chief Semerjian's swearing in ceremony on Wednesday. As there were many folks in the room, the photos show a different angle.

Chief Semerjian

The notification also includes the historical listing of the 10 police chiefs for Franklin, MA:

History of Chiefs of Police
1. Anthony Connor, 1904-1907
2. John W Nickerson, 1907-1908
3. W H Ballard, 1908-1914
4. Feeman G Knowlton, 1914-1936
5. Walter Burke, 1936-1939
6. Joseph W Cataldo, 1940-1951
7. Arthur C Pellegri, 1951-1980
8. Lawrence P Benedetto, 1980-2003
9. Stephen T Williams, 2003-2011
10. Stephan H Semerjian, 2011


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document

Note: to subscribe to receive your own alert or news from the Franklin Police, you can do so on the Franklin website here http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news

ECDC - Application Information

The Francis X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) is an integrated preschool program operated by the Franklin Public Schools and is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The program is designed for children who are three to five years old. Parents and community involvement is an integral part of our preschool program. Additional information on the application process and lottery can be found in the attached document:


ECDC_ApplicationInfo_20111207



Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.

Town Council - 12/07/11

The collection of posts live reported from the Town Council meeting, Wednesday, Dec 7, 2011 can be found here

Live reporting - closing

Live reporting - Legislation

Live reporting - License renewals

Live Reporting - Town Council

In the News - Police Chief, Pearl Harbor, Hanukkah

New chief sworn in for Franklin

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin nursing center honors veterans on Pearl Harbor anniversary

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Temple Etz Chaim plans Hanukkah celebration

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Live reporting - closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Congratulations to Stephen Williams
Taught some civics classes at FHS, very good

L. OLD BUSINESS
none
Dellorco - the new parking lot lights are not working yet

M. NEW BUSINESS
Roy - Extreme Makeover has a session on bullying, Frankklin students helped and were featured in the effort

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
motion to adjourn; passed 8-0

Live reporting - Legislation

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-69: Appropriation – Norfolk County Agricultural High School – FY 2012
removed from agenda

2. Resolution 11-70: 2012 Town Council Meeting Schedule
adjusted to be weds after Thanksgiving, motion to accept as amended, passed 8-0

3. Bylaw Amendment 11-667: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Sewer System Map -2nd Reading
motion to accept, passed 7-0-1 (via roll call, Dellorco abstained)


4. Bylaw Amendment 11-668: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Water System Map -2nd Reading
motion to accept, passed 8-0 (via roll cal)

Live reporting - License renewals, Master Plan

(five minute recess)

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewal
motion to renew licenses for 2012, passed 8-0
3 licenses being held

Maplegate Country CLub
Incontro
one other

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Elements of Master Plan
Bryan Taberner
working for almost 2 years now on elements of the overall plan
remaining work is with the action items
goals and policy sections are open and important
there is also an implementation plan
community services is also a section
open space recreation

Key now to create a committee
various other boards have representation, would like to get Town Council and community representation for the remainder of the work to be done
subcommittees can be devised, not a critical number ot have but should be workable
2 councilors volunteered thus far
call for citizens, contact Jeff Nutting's office

DPW, Jim Estabrook

Jeff Roy interested in the strategic plan component

Live Reporting - Town Council

Present: Mercer, Dellorce, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Jones


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– October 5, 2011, October 26, 2011, Executive Session - November 16, 2011
motion to approve, passed 8-0 as amended


B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
Senior Outreach Committee will be reformed for this session and function as before

Working session on Dec 14th open to public

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Design Review: Adrianna Kelly
motion to ratify appointment, passed 8-0

- Swearing in of Chief of Police, Stephan Semerjian
Sworn in by Town Clerk, Debbie Pellegri



retiring Chief Steve Williams and new Franklin Police Chief Semerjian




Chief's wife does the honors of pinning the new Chief (MDN photographer gets a close up)

Tis the season

Seasonal display greets you as you enter the Franklin Municipal Building

Remember: 12 Days of Donating

Franklin Food Elves '12 Days of Donating' Campaign underway

The Franklin Food Elves and the Downtown Partnership have launched the "12 Days of Donating" food drive to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The launch occurred at the third annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 1.

The charitable community service group's goal is to collect 1,200 pounds of food and $1,200 in 12 days to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The campaign will run through December 12. The Elves have placed bins at six downtown locations where people can drop off non-perishable food items.

According to the Franklin Food Pantry, more than 1,000 residents use its services. Recent Census data shows the need is greater; more than 3,000 Franklin residents, or 9% of the town's population, are struggling. That need increases in winter due to the cost of heat.

If the Food Elves reach their goal and collect 1,200 pounds of food, participating businesses pledge an additional $1,200 in matching funds. Franklin Food Elves co-founders Melissa and Cameron Piana and the FDP hope that the community will support the Food Pantry by helping them reach this goal. What will 1,200 pounds and $1,200 do for Franklin? 1,200 pounds of food can provide 923 meals to those in need. The $1,200 can provide an additional 6,000 meals.

Look for food donation bins at these locations:
• Franklin Downtown Partnership office, 9 East Central Street
• Jane's Frames, 11 East Central Street
• Printsmart Office Supplies, 20 East Central Street
• Berry Insurance, 9 Main Street
• Dean Bank, 21 Main Street
• Dean College, Campus Center

For more information about the Franklin Food Elves and the "12 Days of Donating" campaign, please contact the Franklin Downtown Partnership at downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com or at (774)571-3109. For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry and what items are needed, please go to their website, www.franklinfoodpantry.org/.

“It was really disturbing to me"

The college does not intend to expel any other students, Chalk said, but Deputy Police Chief Stephan Semerjian said his department will press charges against some of those involved in the attack. 

“There’s a lot more to do,” Semerjian said, adding that the incident remains under investigation and that detectives are trying to contact the students. “I would say they are all Dean students. We do know who they are.” 

Neither the college nor police released identities of those shown on the video or those expelled.
The Friday assault was caught on camera and posted online Monday. It shows a group of young men circling a fellow student and laughing as another student intimidates and repeatedly punches him, then takes his shoes.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/education/x695859033/Three-students-expelled-after-Dean-College-attack-in-Franklin#ixzz1fqOQk2EY

In the News - fire education, students suspended

Franklin gets boost in fire education funds

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Students suspended after Dean College fight

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Library: Holiday Sing-A-Long

 

 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 

 

Holiday Sing-A-Long

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 12/5/11

 

 

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

 

 

What is Franklin's Master Plan?

For those who follow Franklin Matters on Facebook, you may recall the discussion around the recent article on the Big Y construction.

In response to some of the comments I wrote:

The Town has little to do with "waiting". That is all between the landowner and the buyer. Once a permit is applied for, there is a time line to be followed. If the project fits within what has been zoned for the space there is little the Planning Board can do to deny it. The opportunity for us to really have our say is when the 'Mater Plan' is revised. That is supposed to happen soon (actually overdue, but that's another story)

And Central MA Home Search wrote:

I agree with the above comment. A Planning Board's jurisdiction lies only in determining if the project is consistent with the zone in which it's proposed. Reasonable requests can be made during the project review, but denial based on opinion of a 'need' for the project is not in their power. On the plus side, there will be some healthier competition for the larger supermarkets...

The current Master Plan for Franklin was finalized in 1997 and can be found on the Planning and Community Development webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/initiatives/master/index

The update guideline document (shown below) has an outdated time line but the process of updating the Master Plan should still be accurate.

MasterPlan_updateguideline

The Cult of Lego

As a place cited for being good to raise a family, there must be a few sets of LEGOs around. Perhaps this would be a good holiday gift idea for the LEGO fan you know.

Cult of Lego Trailer from John Baichtal on Vimeo.

Enjoy!

Town Council - Agenda - Dec, 7, 2011

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– October 5, 2011, October 26, 2011, Executive Session - November 16, 2011

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS


E. APPOINTMENTS
- Design Review: Adrianna Kelly
- Swearing in of Chief of Police, Stephan Semerjian

F. HEARINGS


G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewal

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Elements of Master Plan

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-69: Appropriation – Norfolk County Agricultural High School – FY 2012
2. Resolution 11-70: 2012 Town Council Meeting Schedule
3. Bylaw Amendment 11-667: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Sewer System Map -2nd Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 11-668: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Water System Map -2nd Reading

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




The full set of documents for this meeting agenda as published are available here (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2011tc%20Complete%20With%20Documents/12-07-2011genda.pdf

"a transparent process based on real budget limitations"

"It really is the way of the future," Franklin Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said of interest-based, or collaborative, bargaining. "It really is the way to negotiate for the 21st century, especially in times of minimal resources." 

Interest-based bargaining requires training, and forces both teacher unions and a town's school officials to decide which issues to address during negotiations together, rather than coming to a negotiating table with set lists of demands. 

The result, said Boston-based negotiations trainer Mary Ellen Shea, is better relationships between towns and unions, and significant and even money-saving changes to contracts.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/education/x1560337199/Towns-teachers-learn-to-negotiate-better#ixzz1fZEUdiUk


In October, the Boston Foundation released a report on interest-based bargaining:

The report, Toward a New Grand Bargain: Collaborative Approaches to Labor-Management Reform in Massachusetts, presents a new, collaborative approach to the bargaining process in place of the current, adversarial tone of contract negotiations. This latest report in the Understanding Boston series was released at an Understanding Boston Forum at the Boston Foundation on Oct. 19, and featured a panel discussion by  labor union, school and Patrick Administration leaders.

Click through to this page to download the report and view a video panel discussion of the report findings.

Mall Santa Musical (video)

Sunday. Likely you have some shopping scheduled

Maybe to the Mall?

Maybe there'll be a Santa!




Way to go ImprovEverywhere!

Whole Foods - 5% day benefits Hockomock Area YMCA

Whole Foods Market Bellingham has selected the YMCA Healthy Futures Initiative for their Community Giving or 5% day, on Monday December 5th from 8 AM – 9 PM. Five percent of the day’s net sales will be donated to the Hockomock Area YMCA Healthy Futures Initiative to reduce inactivity and poor nutrition in the fifteen communities served. 

In Massachusetts 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese and 3 in 5 adults fall into those categories. Research now is showing numbers are rising in our youngest kids too. It is imperative that we partner together to improve the health of our children such as through this upcoming Whole Foods Market 5% Day, helping ensure that we can meet all the needs within our communities.

“Our YMCA is committed to improving the health of kids and families by making the healthy choice the easy choice. The Healthy Futures Initiative strives to support the community through the development of programs, projects and policies that create sustainable change,” says Lauren Marciszyn, Youth and Community Wellness Director.

We hope many people will show their support by saving their shopping for Monday, December 5th and participate in the various activities scheduled throughout the day.  

Activities include free classes for youth ages 1 – 4 years old between 10 AM – 12 PM, shopping while you dine from 12 – 2 PM for all who provide a shopping list (lunch must be purchased), and an Elegant Evening with Ming Tsai from 6 :30 – 8 PM. The Elegant Evening features massage therapists, hears, make-overs, tastings and an appearance by Ming Tsai.

More information can be found at www.Hockymca.org special events or directed to LaurenM@hockymca.org.

Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 6, 2011

The agenda for the Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 6, 2011.

FinCom Agenda 20111206

"the change will be good for Franklin"

"The site work is starting - obviously, you see some of that," Big Y spokeswoman Claire D'Amour-Daley said. "We've been really wanting to expand our eastern stores for quite some time." 

Contractors knocked down the empty building two weeks ago, where the Franklin Buffet restaurant last stood, but D'Amour-Daley said it could take nine months to a year before the project is finished. 

"It's good for property values around here," said Town Councilor Andrew Bissanti, whose realty business is also near the land leased by Big Y. "It's going to be fantastic. It's just a matter of time before Rte. 140 gets built up nice and clean. Now is as good a time as any." 

But other local business owners and residents have mixed feelings on the grocery chain coming to Franklin, with some happy to see development but many worried about traffic.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/business/x1178219312/Resolution-far-off-as-work-begins-at-Big-Y-in-Franklin#ixzz1fTFqfWUr


What once was:




What now is:

You're Invited - Healthy Kids Summit - Tues 12/6 @ Patriots Place

An email from the YMCA:

We hope you can be part of the Healthy Kids Summit on Tuesday December 6^th 4 – 5:30 PM at Patriots Place featuring a panel of experts and family activities. This is free event for families. As leaders in our communities Healthy Futures work, we want to make sure you are aware of great resource sharing events in our area, such as this one by Stop and Shop. We know that you will gain a lot of beneficial information and resources you can put into practice as well as have the opportunity to speak with experts in the field. Please consider joining us. We hope to see you there. Supporting Healthy Living,Lauren

 Lauren A. Marciszyn, RD, LDNDirector of Youth & Community WellnessHockomock Area YMCA774.235.2737

Downtown Partnership says "Thank You!"

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Holiday Stroll -- Thank You!

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 12/2/11

Hundreds of people turned out in chilly but seasonal weather yesterday afternoon for the Partnership's Third Annual Holiday Stroll! 

The holiday tree lighting at Dean College kicked off the event. Carolers led the crowds in song, dancers entertained and an a cappella choir performed in front of Dean Hall. More than 250 Gingerbread Men and 250 Whoopie Pies were quickly devoured, along with gallons of hot chocolate. 

From there the Stroll wound throughout the downtown. Businesses kept their doors open late and offered shoppers incentives as well as refreshments. Kids decorated cookies at Dean Bank, created ornaments at the Franklin Art Association and met Scoobie Doo on East Central Street. Santa heard wish lists at Simon's Furniture and Mrs. Claus read stories to the younger crowd at the Historical Museum.

The Franklin Food Elves's donation bins were filling up quickly with the start of the 12 Days of Donating Campaign benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. Just a reminder -- the bins will be set up at participating businesses through December 12 (click here for more information).

For more images from the Stroll please see the slideshow above right. 


Thank you to our sponsors for making this year's Holiday Stroll our best yet! 


Silver Sponsors:  Dean Bank, DCU, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Ferguson Enterprises, Middlesex Savings Bank and nhs print. 


Bronze Sponsors:  Judith V. Butler, M.A., LLC, Franklin Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, John J. Roche, Attorney, and Laura Lowe, Realtor, Coldwell Banker, Franklin.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Downtown Partnership using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Giving the Gift of Less

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Giving the Gift of Less

via Catalog Choice - MailStop Blog by Jill on 12/1/11

Looking for a meaningful gift that everyone can use? Our new MailStop Envelopes save trees and reduce clutter by stopping unwanted mail. Prepaid MailStop Envelopes make perfect, practical gifts for your friends, family and co-workers. Everyone will appreciate this easy way to eliminate the waste of unwanted mail.


MailStop Envelopes are great for people who are too busy to use our online service, not Internet-savvy, or just have not gotten around to stopping unwanted mail. With the postage-paid MailStop Envelope, you simply collect and send in mailing labels, saving trees and time with minimal effort. Give envelopes to anyone who wants to make a difference this holiday season and beyond.

At $6.75 each, a MailStop Envelope is the perfect stocking stuffer or gift. Give the gift of less – less paper waste, less clutter, less time managing unwanted mail – and celebrate a meaningful holiday season.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Catalog Choice - MailStop Blog using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Thanks to Abbe for pointing this tip out for us!

In the News - Youth baseball, music boosters

Franklin Youth Baseball registration

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Help the Franklin Music Boosters: Have some pizza pie

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

DOR warns of Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit scam

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

DOR warns of Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit scam

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 12/2/11

The Department of Revenue today released a statement from Taxpayer Advocate Dennis Buckley warning the public, tax preparers, and those who assist seniors in preparing tax returns of a scam that surfaced last year involving the popular Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit.

"The Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit last year helped nearly 80,000 state residents receive a refundable tax credit. Unfortunately, several unscrupulous tax preparers coaxed elderly public housing residents to fraudulently apply for the credit (residents of public housing are ineligible for the credit).

"The preparers who participated in this scam asked for a payment to submit the fraudulent application, and some seniors received the credit without actually qualifying for it. The Department of Revenue has notified those senior residents that the refund was obtained fraudulently and must be paid back.

"We ask you to share knowledge of this scam with your colleagues. Seniors are not eligible for the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit if they live in public or subsidized housing," Buckley wrote.

The Senior Circuit Breaker will deliver a maximum tax credit of $980 in tax year 2011.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Santa's arrival (photo slideshow)

I missed the tree lighting ceremony at Dean College but did manage to make it around to most of the Holiday Stroll on Thursday evening. As I made the rounds however, it was too dark to take good photos. I do have additional photos from Santa's arrival on the Town Common on Sunday to share:




Enjoy!