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Friday, August 3, 2012
Franklin Public Library: Davey the Clown
Thursday, August 2, 2012
"an appropriate first response"
National Grid is beginning to respond to their service issues in Franklin. As posted yesterday, they are beginning to trim trees around the power lines.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1602166441/National-Grid-responds-to-Franklin-officials-criticism#ixzz22Ne1wMKH
National Grid this week began isolating the trees around the poorest performing circuits as targets for trimming. And it recently briefed Department of Public Works Director and Tree Warden Robert Cantoreggi.
Cantoreggi said Wednesday National Grid does not plan to perform any clear cutting and will only prune and trim around lines. "For any specific tree take down, they would have to come before us," he said. "If (the tree) is a hazard tree or a dead tree, we would probably let them do it. If it is a healthy tree, we would have to have a hearing."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1602166441/National-Grid-responds-to-Franklin-officials-criticism#ixzz22Ne1wMKH
MassDOT RMV Customer Service: New Number
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 8/1/12
MassDOT today announced a new telephone number for Registry of Motor Vehicles business and transactions, 857-DOT-8000/857-368-8000.
The number is live today and serves the RMV's Call Center which answers an average of 45,000 calls each month.
"The Call Center is one part of our customer-service oriented operation and serves a population accustomed to receiving assistance and performing transactions with a helpful voice on the other end of the line," said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian.
Over the next year, customers will become familiar with the 857-DOT area code and exchange as MassDOT offices across the Commonwealth transition to the new number. The telephone transition will result in annual phone bill and maintenance savings of approximately $422,000.
"Transportation Reform continues with 857-DOT," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "We are replacing the antiqued and redundant telecom systems of the RMV, Turnpike, MassHighway and Executive Office of Transportation to realize significant savings and improve customer service."
The RMV's new telephone number, 857-DOT-8000 is being advertised inside Registry branches, on the MBTA system and through the Highway Division's digital billboard PSA program throughout the month of August.
In addition, more than two dozen RMV transactions may be performed online at mass.gov/RMV.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Art show: Tom Rose, Aug 3, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Maybe you read about the Franklin Art Center in the August edition of the localtownpages Franklin:
The calendar project collaborating with local artists and the Historical Museum is a great idea!
Would you like to know about the Franklin Art Center? Come on down to see the Photography Show Friday, August 3, from 7 to 9 PM. Tom Rose, from Medfield, will be showcasing his work. "Tom is known for not manipulating his photos".
For more about the Franklin Art Center, visit their web page http://franklinartcenter.com/
To read the online version of the Franklin Town News, visit the web page here http://www.franklintownnews.com/
Note: my daughter Allison works there as an art instructor
The calendar project collaborating with local artists and the Historical Museum is a great idea!
Would you like to know about the Franklin Art Center? Come on down to see the Photography Show Friday, August 3, from 7 to 9 PM. Tom Rose, from Medfield, will be showcasing his work. "Tom is known for not manipulating his photos".
For more about the Franklin Art Center, visit their web page http://franklinartcenter.com/
To read the online version of the Franklin Town News, visit the web page here http://www.franklintownnews.com/
Note: my daughter Allison works there as an art instructor
Another unfunded mandate?
A news release from State Senator Karen Spilka's office touts a new pilot program to provide services to children in trouble outside of the existing court process. This sounds good. Tucked away in the details is this line:
Requires school districts to establish truancy prevention programs that would be offered to habitually truant students before referring them to juvenile court.That sounds a lot like an unfunded mandate to me.
The full detail of the release from Sen Spilka's office:
The Legislature today sent to the Governor legislation that will update the current system for handling children who consistently get in trouble at home or at school, including runaways and students who are habitually truant, transforming the 38-year-old Children in Need of Services (CHINS) program that critics say unnecessarily puts troubled children in front of a judge before seeking services to help the children and their families.
“The current system is too complex and too confusing, and it unnecessarily drags some children in front of a judge over and over again,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “More than half of these children have some kind of mental health disorder and need better care and services instead of this taxing exposure to the courts which studies show will make them more likely to be involved in serious crimes later in life. The reforms in this bill will improve children’s lives and help keep families together.”
“I am proud that Chairman Dempsey, Leader Donato, members of the conference committee and the Legislature as a whole have taken strong action to protect at-risk youths,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “We need to get many of these children out of the legal system and into services and other support programs with their families so we can best ensure that they lead lives as productive residents of our state. These are practical reforms that help children and families in the short term and strengthen the Commonwealth in the long-term.”
“For several decades, the CHINS system has not been working as intended by the legislature to keep children out of the juvenile justice system,” said Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), chief Senate sponsor of the bill. “It is difficult to overestimate the importance of passing this critical reform. This bill will give the thousands of children and families who need assistance each year a clearer path to accessing the services and supports they need without exacerbating their situation and before it becomes dire. The bill will make a huge, positive difference in the lives of our families, our friends, our neighbors, our communities, and will strengthen our state as a whole.”
“This legislation would be the first step in replacing the existing “Children in Need of Services” (CHINS) system – which is not meeting the needs of children and families in the Commonwealth,” said Third Division Chair Paul Donato (D-Medford). “This reform will replace CHINS in the future with a new system that will provide preventative services and keep children in their homes and schools without overburdening courts, police and probation. It will create a statewide system of community-based programs that will provide direct access to mental health or substance abuse counseling.”
“This legislation is important to address the needs of children and families across Massachusetts,” said Senator Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster), a conferee and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Children in the CHINS system are an extremely vulnerable population and it is incumbent upon us, as public officials, to improve the manner in which services are received. I’m proud of this legislation for enhancing the process by which families are able to request and receive services for their children. I am confident that many provisions in this legislation will enhance the ability to help these families and ultimately strengthen the foundation for their future."
“Through this legislation, the conferees were able to agree to this thoughtful approach that moves us in the right direction of reforming the CHINS system,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill). “I feel strongly that the pilot programs created by this legislation will allow us to accurately identify families and children who can be better served by alternative services to the court system.”
“I am pleased the Legislature has made this bill a priority prior to adjournment,” said Senator Michael Knapik (R-Westfield), the ranking Republican member of the conference committee. “By incorporating families into the process and keeping juveniles out of the court system, I am confident this bill will connect at-risk youth with the appropriate resources so that behavior modification and counseling can have the desired long-term impact.”
“This reform will strengthen families, guide children away from the criminal justice system, and reduce costs by focusing resources on prevention rather than punishment. It makes sense on many levels and I am pleased it received bipartisan support,” said State Representative Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk), who previously served as a District Court Judge.
The bill breaks down barriers between the juvenile court, parents and the community, and it creates a second access point for children to receive necessary services.
The pilot program, established under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, diverts children from the legal process when appropriate and instead provides behavioral, medical and mental health treatment and a number of other behavioral and preventative services including special education evaluations, mentoring, family and parent support, and after-school and out-of-school opportunities.
The bill also:Finally, the bill creates a standardized data collection system to evaluate outcomes and ensure the Commonwealth and the child appropriately benefit from the new system.
- De-stigmatizes the process by deleting the “CHINS” label for children receiving services;
- Decriminalizes the process by prohibiting children requiring assistance from being arrested, confined in shackles or placed in a court lockup in connection with any request for assistance;
- Focuses on the child and family as a unit – not just the behavior of the child – and allows the parents to be full and active participants in their child’s proceedings;
- Ensures that the child and family fully understand procedures by requiring that information be given to parents in writing at the beginning of the court process;
- Creates a realistic timeframe for children and families to receive the necessary services; and
- Requires school districts to establish truancy prevention programs that would be offered to habitually truant students before referring them to juvenile court.
More information on Senator Karen Spilka can be found on her webpage http://karenspilka.com/
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
"showed just how closely aligned they are on issues"
The Milford Daily News reports on the Democratic candidate debate:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1253624465/Democrats-meet-in-debate-for-Franklin-Medway-seat#ixzz22BvAiJm4
The debate was moved to the Council Chambers due to a power outage that affected the Horace Mann Middle School area as well as other parts of Franklin. The Council Chambers is not generally used for political events but an exception was made in this case to accommodate the event at the last minute.
The event was broadcast via Franklin TV. It is not yet ready for viewing on demand but will be soon. You can follow this link to select the event to view.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewCalendar.aspx?siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin%2fr3Z0jcDVCNw%3d%3d
With a little more than a month before the Sept. 6 primaries, Jeffrey Roy and Peter Padula, both of Franklin, have been campaigning since April, striving to define themselves to voters in the 10th Norfolk District, which consists of Franklin and parts of Medway.
Standing before more than 50 people packed in Town Council chambers at the municipal center, both candidates pushed home the importance of securing local aid for Franklin.
"I think the most important job for me is to maintain levels of local aid that Franklin has come to rely on to inform its budget," Roy, a Franklin Town Council member and attorney, said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1253624465/Democrats-meet-in-debate-for-Franklin-Medway-seat#ixzz22BvAiJm4
The debate was moved to the Council Chambers due to a power outage that affected the Horace Mann Middle School area as well as other parts of Franklin. The Council Chambers is not generally used for political events but an exception was made in this case to accommodate the event at the last minute.
The event was broadcast via Franklin TV. It is not yet ready for viewing on demand but will be soon. You can follow this link to select the event to view.
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewCalendar.aspx?siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin%2fr3Z0jcDVCNw%3d%3d
Alert: Paving on RT 140 reduced to one way Aug 1
Franklin has announced that RT 140 will be reduced to one lane for paving to begin on Aug 1. The details are contained in this notice:
Jordan Road and Chestnut St will be the alternate route for westbound traffic. Traffic heading to Wrentham will be slowed to one lane through the work zone.
Jordan Road and Chestnut St will be the alternate route for westbound traffic. Traffic heading to Wrentham will be slowed to one lane through the work zone.
Why I, C. Stolle Singleton, am running for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District
This press release from C Stolle Singleton arrived in email Monday night:
I believe that now is the time to usher in a new generation of innovative ideas and fresh, energetic leadership for Franklin, Medway, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This is why I am running for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District.
A recent CNBC survey of “America’s Top States for Business” revealed that Massachusetts ranks 49th for the “cost of doing business.” In other words, Massachusetts is nearly the most expensive state to run a business in the United States, second only to Hawaii. The Democratic Super Majority on Beacon Hill has done far too little to address high taxes, rising healthcare costs, staggering electricity prices, and excessive government regulation. As a result, this collective burden continues to suppress economic growth, discourage job creation, and drive countless Massachusetts businesses and families to relocate to other states.
I am running for State Representative because I hope to buy a home and to start a family in Massachusetts and I want the best possible opportunities for my family and yours. My younger sister and I cherished growing up in Franklin and I want my grandchildren and yours to choose to raise their families in our community. I believe that Massachusetts can and should be a place where businesses and families decide to – and can afford to – put down roots, grow, and prosper.
While I anticipate that some may make my age an issue during this race, I am more concerned about the age of the old ideas that led us to struggle every year to sustain our local aid for essential services, led us to implement a regressive sales tax increase in the height of the Great Recession, and left us with a lack of oversight over government benefits, such as the cash assistance given out on EBT cards. My generation is inheriting a mess associated with poor decisions and a lack of balance on Beacon Hill, so it is unequivocally the time for a woman my age to take a stand.
Furthermore, I am running for State Representative because I want to ensure that Franklin and Medway continue to have a strong advocate for our community’s interests on Beacon Hill. With the unique perspective and invaluable experience of having already worked for the House of Representatives, I know how to get things done. This legislative session I drafted over 17 pieces of legislation, several of which were passed into law. My legislative experience means that I understand how to reach across party lines to preserve our local aid and the Chapter 70 funding for our community’s exceptional public schools. In short, from day one I will be an effective leader in crafting meaningful reforms and guiding them through the legislative logjam.
Public service is a privilege and if I am afforded the privilege of representing the residents of Franklin and Medway, I will work full-time to give back to the district where I learned that hard work, compassion, and perseverance will be met with success.
If you believe in a Massachusetts that can do better, please vote C. Stolle Singleton in the Republican Primary on Thursday, September 6th.For additional information on her campaign, you can visit her website
http://www.votesingleton.com/
Nation Grid tree work to start
Posted on the Franklin, MA website:
Beginning in August, Asplundh Tree Company will be performing work on behalf of National Grid. Crews throughout town will be cutting, clearing, pruning and removing trees around electrical transmission lines. The work is expected to last into mid September. Any questions should be directed to National Grid Arborist David W. Donaghue at 508-482-1242.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Debate moved to Council Chambers - Municipal Bldg
Received an update on tonight's debate:
In case you didn't hear, due to a power outage at HMMS, the debate has been moved to the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building. Still starts at 7:30 PM
More questions for Democratic Debate
The debate this evening will NOT be available live via cable. It will be recorded and available for replay. So you'll have a choice of watching the Olympics, the Red Sox or coming out to the debate in person!
In addition to the questions posted yesterday, I have come up with some more.
Why am I posting the questions in advance?
One, the issues we face shouldn't be a secret.
Two, it is more important to find out what the answers to these questions are.
Franklin and most MA communities are faced with Other Pension and Employee Benefits (OPEB) requirements that are underfunded. What is your position on what the Legislature can do to help?
Gov Patrick is reported to be signing the Casino proposal for Taunton today. At least one news article says it will be challenged because the return to the state is “excessive”. Whether you’ll get a chance as a legislator to have a vote in that matter is open right now. What do you think about casinos as a source of state revenue?
There has been talk of the Legislature revising the Chap 70 funding formula. Franklin is a significant beneficiary of these funds. What would be your position on a revision of the formula?
What is your position on the State budget priorities? Should MA government focus on infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) or education, or??
What is your position on taxes overall? How should the business of providing government services be funded?
What is your position on usage fees? Are there cases where it makes sense to use them in lieu of a more broadly based tax?
What is your position on the governance of utilities, their service rates and performance?
The Franklin library, along with other departments in Franklin, faces an annual budget issue. The MA Library Board of Governors is the body that provides oversight to the library systems. What is your position on what the Legislature should or should not do to help?
In addition to the questions posted yesterday, I have come up with some more.
Why am I posting the questions in advance?
One, the issues we face shouldn't be a secret.
Two, it is more important to find out what the answers to these questions are.
Franklin and most MA communities are faced with Other Pension and Employee Benefits (OPEB) requirements that are underfunded. What is your position on what the Legislature can do to help?
Gov Patrick is reported to be signing the Casino proposal for Taunton today. At least one news article says it will be challenged because the return to the state is “excessive”. Whether you’ll get a chance as a legislator to have a vote in that matter is open right now. What do you think about casinos as a source of state revenue?
There has been talk of the Legislature revising the Chap 70 funding formula. Franklin is a significant beneficiary of these funds. What would be your position on a revision of the formula?
What is your position on the State budget priorities? Should MA government focus on infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) or education, or??
What is your position on taxes overall? How should the business of providing government services be funded?
What is your position on usage fees? Are there cases where it makes sense to use them in lieu of a more broadly based tax?
What is your position on the governance of utilities, their service rates and performance?
The Franklin library, along with other departments in Franklin, faces an annual budget issue. The MA Library Board of Governors is the body that provides oversight to the library systems. What is your position on what the Legislature should or should not do to help?
Big Y traffic controls in blinking mode
The final preparations to repave RT 140 in front of the new Big Y are underway.
The top layer of RT 140's surface has been removed in preparation for a new layer of asphalt.
New traffic controls are in blinking mode.
All this in preparation for the Aug 23rd opening for the Big Y
Related posts on the Big Y:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/big-y-hitting-mailbox.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/franklins-big-y-getting-ready.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/big-y-plans-to-hire-150-plus.html
The top layer of RT 140's surface has been removed in preparation for a new layer of asphalt.
New traffic controls are in blinking mode.
All this in preparation for the Aug 23rd opening for the Big Y
Related posts on the Big Y:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/big-y-hitting-mailbox.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/franklins-big-y-getting-ready.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/big-y-plans-to-hire-150-plus.html
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Big Y hitting the mailbox
If your house is anything like mine, you have now received the third mailing from the Big Y. Each mailer opens to tout that they "not just another grocery store". In the past two weeks, there have been coupons. The coupons all are valid from Aug 23rd (the store opening day) until Sep 19.
In related news, for those wishing that this had been a Trader Joe's - they will open at Patriot Place on Sep 7th
In related news, for those wishing that this had been a Trader Joe's - they will open at Patriot Place on Sep 7th
What about the debate?
The Democratic candidates are having a debate on Monday evening, July 30. The Thomas Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School will be the location for this event. It begins at 7:30 and should end by 9:00 PM.
More details here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/10th-norfolk-democratic-candidate.html
If you have a question you'd like to ask the candidates, you can add your question to the list here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/what-would-you-ask-candidate.html
The current list of questions can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/10th-norfolk-collected-questions-for.html
More details here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/10th-norfolk-democratic-candidate.html
If you have a question you'd like to ask the candidates, you can add your question to the list here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/what-would-you-ask-candidate.html
The current list of questions can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/10th-norfolk-collected-questions-for.html
10th Norfolk: Collected questions for Democratic debate
My questions:
What have you done or are planning to do to prepare for serving Franklin in the Legislature?
Two part Q: What do you see as Franklin’s key issue at the State level and how do you plan to address it?
Do you have any relationships with folks in or around the State House or in the Legislature that you can leverage when you are in office to help serve Franklin? Please elaborate.
Based upon the flyer on the door, it seems like you are both walking the neighborhoods. What is one thing that going door to door does for your campaign?
How much will websites and other social media tools help your campaign?
Questions submitted by others in Franklin:
If elected what changes would you propose to help commuters from Franklin/Medway afford to get into Boston for work?
What are your thoughts about the MA higher education costs. Is there anything you would propose to help more students afford MA State higher education?
Local officials often complain to voters that costly state mandates tie their hands and prevent them from making common-sense fiscal policies for the town. What will you do as state rep to remove burdensome state mandates and un-tie local officials' hands?
What will be your priorities if you are selected to serve in the state legislature?
How can we make health care in Massachusetts more affordable for the commonwealth, cities, towns, businesses and individuals?
How do you feel about what Gov Patrick has done so far about containing health care costs?
My question to all is This... I think all of you are educated well, are lawyers and have held local seats on a board but what Policical experience so you have that I may not know about that you feel makes you qualified to be sucessful at this job?
Don't see a question topic here that you would like an answer to, add yours to the mix via email or the form here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/what-would-you-ask-candidate.html
What have you done or are planning to do to prepare for serving Franklin in the Legislature?
Two part Q: What do you see as Franklin’s key issue at the State level and how do you plan to address it?
Do you have any relationships with folks in or around the State House or in the Legislature that you can leverage when you are in office to help serve Franklin? Please elaborate.
Based upon the flyer on the door, it seems like you are both walking the neighborhoods. What is one thing that going door to door does for your campaign?
How much will websites and other social media tools help your campaign?
Questions submitted by others in Franklin:
If elected what changes would you propose to help commuters from Franklin/Medway afford to get into Boston for work?
What are your thoughts about the MA higher education costs. Is there anything you would propose to help more students afford MA State higher education?
Local officials often complain to voters that costly state mandates tie their hands and prevent them from making common-sense fiscal policies for the town. What will you do as state rep to remove burdensome state mandates and un-tie local officials' hands?
What will be your priorities if you are selected to serve in the state legislature?
How can we make health care in Massachusetts more affordable for the commonwealth, cities, towns, businesses and individuals?
How do you feel about what Gov Patrick has done so far about containing health care costs?
My question to all is This... I think all of you are educated well, are lawyers and have held local seats on a board but what Policical experience so you have that I may not know about that you feel makes you qualified to be sucessful at this job?
Don't see a question topic here that you would like an answer to, add yours to the mix via email or the form here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/what-would-you-ask-candidate.html
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Blueberry time
Gianetti's is open on Fri and Sat from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Related post with additional information
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/gianettis-u-pick-blueberries-newsletter.html
Related post with additional information
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/gianettis-u-pick-blueberries-newsletter.html
"Is tooth health more important than brain health?"
From the Franklin Fluoride Council via email this week:
Harvard Study Finds Fluoride Lowers IQ
Excerpt 1:
It is time for the Town of Franklin's Board of Health to do the right thing. Lift their risky fluoridation order so we can start drinking our water without worry like our neighbors do.
Big news. The truth about artificial fluoridation is finally coming to light. And it is much worse than we thought.
Harvard Study Finds Fluoride Lowers IQ
Excerpt 1:
NEW YORK, July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Harvard University researchers' review of fluoride/brain studies concludes "our results support the possibility of adverse effects of fluoride exposures on children's neurodevelopment." It was published online July 20 in Environmental Health Perspectives, a US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' journal (1), reports the NYS Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. (NYSCOF)
Excerpt 2:
"It is senseless to keep subjecting our children to this ongoing fluoridation experiment to satisfy the political agenda of special-interest groups," says attorney Paul Beeber, NYSCOF President. "Even if fluoridation reduced cavities, is tooth health more important than brain health? It's time to put politics aside and stop artificial fluoridation everywhere," says Beeber.
Full article here:
http://www.reuters.com/
PS:
http://www.reuters.com/
PS:
Watch for Franklin Fluoride Council's upcoming mailings to Franklin parents warning them about the now-documented dangers of administering uncontrolled dosages of industrial-grade sodium fluoride to children, without parental consent and without even a minimum of medical best practices observed.
The Board of Health is administering a controversial drug without a license and without even the patients' consent. This is a clear violation of Nuremberg principles and basic human rights.
It is time for the Town of Franklin's Board of Health to do the right thing. Lift their risky fluoridation order so we can start drinking our water without worry like our neighbors do.
More about the Franklin Fluoride Council can be found on their web page
Friday, July 27, 2012
Franklin Farmers Market: noon to 6:00 PM
The Farmers Market is open today on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.
Where in Franklin is the Town Common?
View Larger Map
"for the good of the whole"
On my commute to work, I used to be able to open my laptop, read a book, or take a nap when I used the commuter rail. Using my car is the only practical option these days so I have found some internet radio shows or podcasts to listen to while driving. One of the regular listens is to Krista Tippett and her On Being podcast. In this show she talks with David Sloan Wilson about the evolution of a city. Binghamton, NY is where he lives and works. Binghamton has a population of about 50,000. Not too much larger than Franklin which is reported to be about 33,000.
Later in their conversation, David outlines the 8 design features for well functioning social group. If you only review this listing, it should be worth your time.
The full text transcript of the podcast can be found here
http://www.onbeing.org/program/transcript/4726#main_content
You can listen to the audio podcast here
http://www.onbeing.org/program/evolving-city/4720/audio
Additional information and more links can be found here
http://www.onbeing.org/program/evolving-city/4720
Ms. Tippett: Again, this is another thing that you point out that just makes logical sense, but it's a thought that I hadn't quite conceptualized before. You know, you say cities decay like other organisms and Binghamton, as you said before, is a place that's like many places and has some of the same issues now that many American cities are struggling with, unemployment, an industrial base that's shifted. You say cities decay like other organisms and also the people take their cues from environments and that they behave in disorderly ways when they're in a disorderly environment.
Dr. Wilson: Yeah, that's a great point and there's a lot of science which is showing that our instincts for what we do are largely subconscious. So our conscious decisions about how to behave are the tip of an iceberg of decisions that take place below the surface of consciousness.They talk of an experiment and the insights it provides into how our first impressions, instincts, help to drive our behavior. Not terribly surprising if you really think about it. The implications of this and how it can be used in his 'pro-social' terms are interesting.
Later in their conversation, David outlines the 8 design features for well functioning social group. If you only review this listing, it should be worth your time.
The full text transcript of the podcast can be found here
http://www.onbeing.org/program/transcript/4726#main_content
You can listen to the audio podcast here
http://www.onbeing.org/program/evolving-city/4720/audio
Additional information and more links can be found here
http://www.onbeing.org/program/evolving-city/4720
Thursday, July 26, 2012
10th Norfolk - Democratic candidate debate - Jul 30, 2012
Mark your calendar! Hold the date!
For additional information on the candidates, you can visit their websites
Peter Padula http://padulaforrep.com/
Jeff Roy http://jeffreyroy.com/
Note: yours truly is honored to be one of the panelists asking questions of the candidates. If you would like to add a question to the potential listing, feel free to do so here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/what-would-you-ask-candidate.html
Democratic candidates for the 10th Norfolk District, Jeffrey Roy and Peter Padula, will hold a debate on Monday, July 30, 2012, at the Thomas H Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann Middle School, located at 224 Oak Street Franklin, MA. The debate will be from 7:30p.m. to 8:45p.m. and will be moderated by Franklin Chief of Police Stephan Semerjian.
The debate will be broadcast on cable television and WMRC radio. The public is welcome to attend to meet the candidates.
A second debate is scheduled for August 21, 2012 in Medway.
For additional information on the candidates, you can visit their websites
Peter Padula http://padulaforrep.com/
Jeff Roy http://jeffreyroy.com/
Note: yours truly is honored to be one of the panelists asking questions of the candidates. If you would like to add a question to the potential listing, feel free to do so here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/what-would-you-ask-candidate.html
David Rottenberg and Gwendolyn Goes Hollywood
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
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Massachusetts Second in Nation for Child Well-Being
Massachusetts leads the nation in Education and ranks second in child Health (with the highest percentage of insured children), according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2012 KIDS COUNT Data Book Like so many across the nation, however, children in Massachusetts face significant economic hurdles.
The Data Book evaluates all 50 states on a range of different measures, all organized into four domains (in each case, one is best and 50 worst.)
The Data Book is the signature report of The Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT initiative, and MassBudget is now the KIDS COUNT group for Massachusetts. That means that in addition to our long-standing work on economic and fiscal issues affecting low- and middle-income people, we are going to produce additional research on the well-being of children in Massachusetts. If you want to learn more about our role with KIDS COUNT, visit the KIDS COUNT area of our website.
Read the 2012 KIDS COUNT Data Book
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Candy is not banned, can't be thrown!
Candy is not banned from the Franklin 4th of July parade. It can be handed out. It can not be thrown. Did you miss the candy incident? It was mentioned in two "letters to the editor" published by the Milford Daily News here and here.
Jeff Nutting clarified with this note:
Apparently thowing candy to kids watching the pararde has not been allowed for some time. In the past young kids would run out into the street which caused safety concerns as well as delays in the parade. The folks that run the parade ( warren revelle) explained to all the participants about this policy. Apparently one person did not get the message and was ask to stop by the police.And Jeff also sent along this email from Warren Revill representing the July 4th Coalition Parade Committee
For years now, the "no throwing candy" in the Franklin 4th July parade has been the rule ever since a young boy in New Hampshire slid under a float chasing candy and was killed. To avoid this and similar tragedies , the rule was put into effect.
Participants are advised of this and other rules when they register, however the Callahans did not register this year, they just showed up.
It's hard at" Staging Area" to review all the rules with everyone, especially when the participants are out of sight of parade management, they do what they want (i.e. throw candy).
The Franklin Police did what was asked of them by enforcing that rule and seeing to they safety of the public. Sometimes one has to sound forceful to make people understand rules. (and be heard above the Parade noise.)
We applaud the Franklin Police for all they do during the 4th of July Celebration (and the rest of the year).
The "no throwing candy" rule will not change. The safety of the public and participants is our major concern, not candy!
Franklin July 4th Coalition
Parade Committee
Warren Revell
Mike Kelly
National Grid provides power poorly
If you felt you lost power frequently, the report from National Grid has confirmed your experience, Coincidentally, our house briefly lost power during the day on Tuesday before the storms rolled through in the afternoon and evening.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x814447576/Franklin-officials-upset-with-National-Grid-report#ixzz21cn64q3o
Consistently underperforming feeders are ranked by DPU in a category called "Poor Performing Circuits." The ranking system allows DPU to monitor the feeders and address reliability issues they may be having.
The report also addresses the amount of time Franklin residents were without power in those years. In 2010, the report says, the average Franklin resident lost electricity more frequently than any other National Grid customer in the state.
Last year, Franklin residents were without power longer than the average customer — 2.5 days compared to 1.5 days — in part due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x814447576/Franklin-officials-upset-with-National-Grid-report#ixzz21cn64q3o
Temple Etz Chaim slates pizza, ice cream event
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 7/24/12
Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin is holding a pizza and ice cream fundraiser to benefit its religious school.
Everyone is welcome to join the effort at Spruce Pond Creamery, King Street, Franklin, on Sunday, Aug. 12 from 5-9 p.m.
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012
“It’s a win-win for the town"
A solar farm could be coming to Franklin.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1073621464/Franklin-looks-at-large-solar-farm#ixzz21X9lg4JY
Kearsarge Energy, a renewable energy firm founded in 2009, approached town officials last fall with a proposal to construct the 6-megawatt farm on land owned by Mount St. Mary’s Trappistine Abbey.
The farm would provide the town’s municipal buildings and schools with 60 percent of their power.
In the deal, Franklin would receive net metering credits through the farm. With net metering, the town would offset electrical usage by generating its own electricity, and, in this case, it would be reducing the amount of electricity purchased from National Grid.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1073621464/Franklin-looks-at-large-solar-farm#ixzz21X9lg4JY
Monday, July 23, 2012
Schools website changes underway
Franklin upgraded its website a couple of years ago and at the time, the School Dept did not follow to the new software. This summer a transition appears to be underway to a new website design. This seems to be the same package as the 'virtual town hall' that the town portion of the website is using.
The top level page is currently showing the School Committee although when you follow a link to the "District" that is where you end up. This will likely get resolved as work progresses. The School Committee subcommittee page is updated with a description of each subcommittee and the members.
The District Profile link will bring you to the official MA DOE ESE page for Franklin. The School Committee Members page is complete. Following the link to the individual school pages still brings you to the old pages. Word of caution: there are still some broken links (i.e. links that take you to pages that error out) but it is summer time and the work is underway!
The top level page is currently showing the School Committee although when you follow a link to the "District" that is where you end up. This will likely get resolved as work progresses. The School Committee subcommittee page is updated with a description of each subcommittee and the members.
The District Profile link will bring you to the official MA DOE ESE page for Franklin. The School Committee Members page is complete. Following the link to the individual school pages still brings you to the old pages. Word of caution: there are still some broken links (i.e. links that take you to pages that error out) but it is summer time and the work is underway!
TED Talks: Jane McGonigal - add 7.5 minutes to your life
Summer time, time to be busy about doing something different while school is out. wouldn't it be nice to have some extra time anytime? In this TED Talk, Jane McGonigal shares a way to gain sometime.
When game designer Jane McGonigal found herself bedridden and suicidal following a severe concussion, she had a fascinating idea for how to get better. She dove into the scientific research and created the healing game, SuperBetter. In this moving talk, McGonigal explains how a game can boost resilience -- and promises to add 7.5 minutes to your life.
Enjoy!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Rockland Trust generosity helps the Franklin Food Pantry
For the third year Rockland Trust has donated the use of its building located at 43 West Central Street in Franklin, Mass. to the Franklin Food Pantry. The two-story building, located adjacent to Rockland Trust’s Main Street branch serves as a valuable resource to the Franklin community and provides between 2,600 and 3,200 pounds of food to area citizens each week.
Accepting the $43,200 donation check, Linda Sottile, Pantry Manager of the Food Pantry stated, “This generous donation from Rockland Trust ensures that we can continue to serve the people of the Franklin area. Local residents need our help now more than ever. The space offers plenty of storage space for food and allows us to provide private meeting space for support services.”
“At Rockland Trust, we believe in strengthening the communities in which we work and live,” stated Laurel Katsaros, Vice President and manager of the Rockland Trust Main Street branch. “Rockland Trust is proud to support the Franklin Food Pantry and its efforts to help individuals and families in need.”
About Rockland Trust
Rockland Trust Company is a full-service community bank headquartered in Massachusetts, with approximately $5 billion in assets. Rockland Trust provides a wide range of consumer, business, investment, and insurance products and services. Rockland Trust’s network consists of 67 retail branches, nine commercial lending centers, three Investment Management Group offices, and four residential lending centers located throughout Eastern Massachusetts, and one commercial lending center and investment management office in Rhode Island. To find out why Rockland Trust is the bank “Where Each Relationship Matters®,” please visit www.RocklandTrust.com.
Photo: Ann-Marie Corriveau, Rockland Trust Universal Representative; Linda Sottile, Pantry Manager of the Franklin Food Pantry; and Laurel Katsaros, Vice President and manager of the Rockland Trust Main Street branch stand in front of the Franklin Food Pantry.
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