Film on the Barn - Friday - 6:30 PM

Hot off the email inbox from Karen Ring:

The annual Open Air Movie Night at White Barn Farm is happening tonight! 
Make it if you can ;)
6:30pm 
458 South St. Wrentham, MA 02093

FREE FOOD! Whole Foods Market will be there with healthy snacks for the movie. I will be there doing a demo on how to make Farm Fresh Salsa!

This full moon Friday Night, August 31st, we are having a very wholesome event at White Barn Farm. We are projecting a movie on the side of the barn! Independent Filmmaker, Drew Pearson, will be showing his documentary film, The Great Lesson. which focuses on the power of the mind and body connection.

We are making it into more of an event by beginning with a healthy eating presentation at 6:30pm by Karen Ring, one of the authors of the www.edibleevolutions.com blog. Her connection with Whole Foods (she was the healthy eating specialist there) is bringing their sponsorship as well. They will provide anything for her presentation that doesn't come from the farm and if we're lucky they will set up a trail mix bar for movie snacks.   Karen's presentation will be followed by a yoga demonstration in the barn given by Lauren, owner of Wrentham's Humble Warrior Yoga studio. Sunset is scheduled to be around 7:30, and the movie should start just before 8pm. Bring your own chairs and/or blankets, coolers, snacks, bugspray, and flashlights.No dogs, please. The optional suggested donation is $6 for those over 12 years old. 

To Simplify:

• This Friday night August 31st
• Park at the Roadside Stand
• 6:30pm: Healthy Eating Presentation by Karen Ring at our Farmstand (which is open until 7pm)
• Carefully cross the road and Set up your spot under the Ash Tree by the barn
• 7:15pm ish: Yoga demonstration in the barn with Lauren from Humble Warrior Yoga
• around 8pm: screening of The Great Lesson

--
Karen M Ring
CPT / Health Coach / AADP
8 Rona Lane
Franklin, MA 02038
Cell: 508.954.8837

http://www.edibleevolutions.com/

Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM on the Town Common

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

MA Fraternal Order of Police endorse Padula

The Fraternal Order of Police is the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 325,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. The Fraternal Order of Police works to improve the working conditions of law enforcement officers through education, legislation, information, community involvement and employee representation. 

Peter is honored to be endorsed by the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police. Police officers work tirelessly to protect and serve the residents of the 10th Norfolk District, as well as every other district in the state and nationally. It is vital that these individuals have a voice in government and are properly represented to ensure that they have access to the resources necessary to provide the best possible service to our communities. The Fraternal Order of Police works aggressively to provide this voice and representation for its many members.

More information on the Fraternal Order of Police can be found on their webpage http://www.massfop.org/

Additional information on Peter Padula and his campaign for the 10th Norfolk District seat can be found on his webpage http://www.padulaforrep.com/

Franklin day care center looks to revamp property

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin day care center looks to revamp property

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 8/30/12

A children's day care center seeking permission from the town to begin major renovations around its property will learn at a public hearing in September whether it can move forward with the plans.

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Active Older Adult Day - Sep 6 - 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM

FRANKLIN, FOXBORO, MANSFIELD, NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA – The Hockomock Area YMCA Live Y’ers Group will sponsor an Active Older Adult Day with information, activities and workshops on Thursday, September 6th from 8:30am – 1:30pm at the Hockomock Area YMCA’s North Attleboro Branch located at 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro.

A continental breakfast will be served as well as a barbeque lunch with entertainment by Dave Valerio. The cost for the day is $5. GATRA, CVNA, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Ameriprise Financial and other community organizations will have information available in the YMCA gym. 

Workshops include Balance, Family History, Nutrition, Reflexology, Zumba, Travel and much more! Come for the day, workshops or just lunch, whatever fits your schedule. Register at any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Service Desk. This is open to the entire community, including those not affiliated with the Y.

For more information or to sign up, call Anne Lonzo at 508-643-5260 or email her at annel@hockymca.org or visit www.hockymca.org.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA
We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth & Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.

Spilka Announces Framingham, Ashland, and Franklin Office Hours

SENATOR SPILKA ANNOUNCES FRAMINGHAM, ASHLAND, AND FRANKLIN OFFICE HOURS

On Monday, September 10th, join Senator Karen Spilka and Puja Mehta, Senator Spilka's District and Constituent Services Director, for district office hours in Framingham, Ashland, and Franklin. They will be available to update constituents on the latest news and events and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.


FRAMINGHAM OFFICE HOURS
Cafe Fresh Bagels
957 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01701
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

ASHLAND OFFICE HOURS
Sunnyside Cafe
24 Front Street
Ashland, MA 01721
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

FRANKLIN OFFICE HOURS
Elizabeth's Bagels
456 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM


Any resident unable to attend or looking to schedule an appointment should contact Senator Spilka's office at (617) 722-1640.

Congressman McGovern speaks for Jeff Roy

As noted previously, Congressman Jim McGovern endorsed Jeff Roy and on Wednesday spoke at a campaign event to introduce Jeff. Jeff spoke for a few minutes. The 9 minute video clip is here:



For more information on Congressman McGovern  http://mcgovern.house.gov/

For more information on Jeff Roy  http://jeffreyroy.com/

West Nile virus in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway mosquitoes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

West Nile virus in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway mosquitoes

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff on 8/29/12

Mosquito bites have always been itchy and unpleasant – but they are becoming increasingly risky, too. Officials this week added Medway, Franklin and Bellingham to the list of towns where mosquitoes samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, raising the risk level to moderate.

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Job Opening: part-time Teacher

A great local school, Sunrise Montessori School, is looking for a part-time teacher. Candidates should be EEC Lead Teacher or Teacher Certified.  Please call 508 541 8010 or e-mail your resume to: Director@MySunriseMontessori.com 

For more information about the school see the website: www.mysunrisemontessori.com

T.O.P.S (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) - Sep 15th

Would you please put this event in Franklin Matters in time -- Sept. 15th.  The organization is T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)?  Thank you.  Faith Flaherty, TOPS Leader

T.O.P.S.  Inspiration Workshop 

Inspire each person to manage their nutrition and life in ways that will help each person.  T.O.P.S. is a support group that aims to promote health and well-being nutritionally.  T.O.P.S. mission is to support our members as they take off and keep off pounds sensibly. 

When:    Saturday, September 15, 2012Where:  Franklin Senior CenterTime:    8:30 AM registration  9:00 - 12:00 programCost:     Free

More information on TOPS can be found on the national TOPS webpage here http://www.tops.org/

Labor Day Weekend: Travel Safely

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Labor Day Weekend: Travel Safely

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 8/29/12

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation encourages safe travel during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.
Heaviest Labor Day traffic on I-90 is expected Thursday and Friday westbound and Monday afternoon-evening eastbound. 
In 2011, the number of toll transactions on the Turnpike from Weston to the New York border on the Friday before Labor Day was approximately 358,000, third highest in 2011. 

MassDOT suspends all road and bridge construction on major roadways from Noon Friday through start of normal business on Tuesday.

Before you travel, check out MassDOT statewide live traffic cameras. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all traffic lanes on both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges on the Cape Cod Canal will remain open through the Labor Day weekend.

Free coffee will be served at the 18 service plazas along I-90 and other major state highways on Monday night into Tuesday morning, from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. 

To save time, money and gas, if you have not yet done so, consider joining E-ZPass (FAST LANE) to avoid waiting in line at cash toll booths.

The Massachusetts Safe Driving Law bans texting while driving and cell phone use while driving by 16 and 17 year old drivers.  Drivers are reminded to travel safely and avoid distracted driving such as using cell phones.  

The MBTA service schedule for Labor Day, Monday, September 3, follows:  

All subway trains, streetcars, buses, trackless trolleys, and commuter rail trains will run on a Sunday schedule.

Hingham boat service will not operate.  Quincy and Charlestown Service will operate on a weekend schedule.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at (617) 222-3200 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146).

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"Vallee has left enormous shoes to fill"

The three Republican candidates for the MA 10th Norfolk District got together for their only debate before the primary next Thursday, Sep 6. The Milford Daily News reports on the event by writing in part:

Facing questions from moderator state Rep. Daniel Winslow, R-Norfolk, on Tuesday night, C. Stolle Singleton, Richard Eustis and John Jewell all came forward as fiscal conservatives — staunch proponents of reining in government spending. 

The candidates derive from different parts of the political spectrum: Singleton from state government, Eustis from law and Jewell from town government. 

And they chase a seat formerly held by Democrat James Vallee, in a district that includes Franklin and precincts 2,3 and 4 in Medway. Vallee made a mark on Beacon Hill that the three candidates have said they can only hope to replicate.

Will one of these three attempt to fill Vallee's shoes? Your vote on Thursday, Sep 6th will help decide.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405836088/10th-Norfolk-GOP-hopefuls-want-to-shrink-government#ixzz24vSY0RIV

New doors at Parmenter

Work on the school facilities hits prime time during the summer. One example of work around the district is shown here with new doors for the Parmenter School.

In progress (Aug 24):

Completed (Aug 25):

"tested positive for West Nile virus"

It was only a matter of time before this happened!

West Nile found in Medway, Franklin, Bellingham

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

On August 17th, the Board of Health had posted on Franklin's website:

As this unprecedented mosquito season continues, we again urge residents to take all steps necessary to prevent mosquito bites. 

• Avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of mosquito activity; generally between dawn and dusk. 
• The use of a repellent containing up to 30% DEET, permethrin or picaridin provides protection against mosquitoes. 
• Permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin, but only used on clothing. 
• We recommend that residents drain all standing water on their property. Birdbaths, buckets/pails, wheelbarrows and children’s inflatable pools all provide ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Franklin Food Pantry website update

We apologize for the issues with the website. The data and information is still here but if you can't find it then it doesn't do much good.

At least for now, you can find us at franklinMAfoodpantry.org

You already remember "franklinfoodpantry" just stick a "ma" right after Franklin and you should arrive to the website properly!

This should buy us some time while we sort out the issues with the original "franklinfoodpantry.org" problem and return to a normal operation.

In the meantime, the Food Pantry is continuing to operate. We remain open and active during our normal business hours.

National Grid invests $60M to prepare for severe weather seasons

I think it interesting to find this from the Providence area news and not yet reported on by MA news.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

National Grid invests $60M to prepare for severe weather seasons

via PBN.com - Latest Stories by By PBN Staff Twitter: @ProvBusNews on 8/27/12

National Grid is investing $60 million in a new system to prepare for the severe weather season and make sure customers who lose power get it back more quickly.

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Primary election - Thursday, Sep 6th

The primary is coming up next week on Thursday, Sep 6th. Yes, we'll get to go to the polls to vote on a Thursday not a Tuesday as we normally do. The regular election on November 6th will be on a Tuesday.

The three Republican candidates get to debate tonight. They will gather at the Town Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. I'll catch the replay on video as the Franklin Food Pantry holds their monthly Board meeting this evening at the same time.

If you missed the Democratic Debates, you can view the first one here and the second one here

"I learn something new every day"

One of the questions in the Democratic Debates has been what the candidates have learned from going door-to-door in their campaign effort. The Milford Daily News talked with both Republican and Democratic candidates to put this together.

With the primaries set for Thursday, Sept. 6, the candidates say each visit to a resident’s home bolsters their respect for the job they seek. 

And talking with voters face-to-face, they say, gives them a deep understanding of the mark left by James Vallee — the Franklin Democrat who occupied the seat before them — and how important it will be to carry his torch. 

"We need to make sure we continue to have a strong advocate for the 10th Norfolk," said Republican C. Stolle Singleton. "Because Representative Vallee was an unbelievable advocate for our communities."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405834597/District-candidates-love-going-door-to-door#ixzz24pbKLip3

Franklin Public Library: Story Times Resume

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Story Times Resume

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/27/12

Library Story Times will resume on 

Tuesday September 4th

Tuesdays

Mother Goose on the Loose - Ages 0-2 - 10:30 AM

Wednesdays

Terrific Twos - 10:00 AM

                       Time for Tales - Independent 3,4,5 year olds - 10:30 AM

Thursdays

Story & Craft - Ages 4 & 5 - 10:30 AM

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MEMBERS OF MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS ENDORSE STOLLE SINGLETON

MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS ENDORSE STOLLE SINGLETON FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE 10^TH NORFOLK DISTRICT

Stolle Seeks to Represent Franklin and Precincts 2, 3, and 4 in Medway

FRANKLIN—The Massachusetts House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. and thirteen members of Massachusetts House of Republican Caucus have announced their official endorsement of Stolle Singleton for the open State Representative seat in the 10^th Norfolk district. The district is comprised of Franklin and Precincts 2, 3, and 4 in Medway. "I am honored to receive the endorsement of fourteen outstanding Republican Legislators, whom I have had the privilege of working with as a policy analyst in the State House," Stolle Singleton said. "I am continually encouraged by the support of these genuine public servants, whom I consider my friends and mentors.  I am confident that my first-hand legislative experience, informed by my working relationships with legislators, committees, and staff, will make me a strong advocate for the interests of Franklin and Medway on Beacon Hill." On the endorsement, House Minority Leader Brad Jones said, "I am pleased to give my support to Stolle as she embarks on this endeavor that is a reflection of her hard work and dedication to the residents of the 10^th Norfolk District. Furthermore, Stolle is a passionate and persuasive advocate whose experience working in the Massachusetts Legislature will enable her to be effective from day one as a member of the House of Representatives."
 "I have had the pleasure of working with Stolle on a number of pieces of legislation at the State House and time and time again I was amazed by her ability to comprehend and simplify very complex subject matter in a timely and efficient manner," said Representative Mathew Beaton of Shrewsbury. "Stolle's professionalism, passion for public service and diverse knowledge is exactly what we need in the House of Representatives to help the Republican Caucus advance our efforts to reform and bring transparency to Beacon Hill." Minority Leader Jones and Representative Beaton were joined in endorsing Stolle Singleton's candidacy by colleagues Assistant Minority Leader George Peterson or Grafton, Second Assistant Minority Leader Brad Hill of Ipswich, and Representatives Vinny deMacedo of Plymouth, Jay Barrows of Mansfield, Susan Gifford of Wareham, Donald Humason of Westfield, George Ross of Attleboro, Angelo D'Emilia of Bridgewater, Geoff Diehl of Whitman, Kim Ferguson of Holden, David Vieira of East Falmouth, and Donald Wong of Saugus. Stolle Singleton spent the past two years working on Beacon Hill as a policy advisor to the House Minority Leader and the Massachusetts House Republican Caucus. During her time in the State House, she drafted over 17 pieces of legislation and a myriad of amendments to state budgets and bills, some of which have been signed into law by Governor Patrick. Stolle's legislative experience and commitment to work as a full-time legislator will allow her to effectively collaborate across party-lines to pass legislation to restore our economy, maintain our local aid, and bring increased accountability to State Government.

In the News: yard sale, Catholic program, Harvest Festival

First Universalist Society seeks yard sale donations

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

St. Mary’s offers program about the Catholic faith

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin Harvest Festival slated for Sept. 30

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Construction Alert: Downtown Franklin

From the Franklin, MA webpage:

The roadway construction project for East Street, West Street, Nason Street, Church Avenue and Walnut Street will start on Friday August 24, 2012 and will be completed in June 2013

Franklin, MA: Getting ready for school

The last week of summer is upon us as schools open after Labor Day for the first time in several years. The teachers report on Weds and Thur this week for preparation and professional development. The students report on Tue Sep 4th.

The Davis Thayer sign:

The Parmenter sign:

Check with your school for when the K Orientation begins on Tuesday, Sep 4th. The starting times may differ school to school.

Generally across the district, there is the orientation on Tuesday, half the class reports for a full day on Wednesday. The other half of the class reports on Thursday. Then the full kindergarten class reports on Friday. This provides a good opportunity for the K teachers to greet the students and start getting the school routine established for this young and precious group.

The full school calendar for 2012-2013 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/franklin-ma-school-calendar-2012-13.html

The bus schedule can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/franklin-ma-school-bus-routes-for-2012.html

News on the New Franklin High School Project!

Hello everyone,

Hope you have had a great summer! Hard to believe it's "back-to-school" time in Franklin already.

It's been five months since the March 27 vote to overwhelmingly approve financing for the construction of the new Franklin High School. The Franklin School Building Committee and the management and design team worked throughout the summer to prepare the project to go out to bid on August 10.

In just one month, those bids will be open and, shortly after that, construction is scheduled to begin!

To keep the community up to date on the latest developments on the construction of the new FHS, the web site used during the campaign has been re-tooled to provide new information and new pictures on a regular basis. The web address is the same: www.newfhs.com, but you'll find summaries of new information right on the home page and elsewhere on the site. Please take the time to visit www.newfhs.com.

The web site will be updated weekly as developments warrant. If folks have questions about the new FHS project, visit the "Ask Us" page of the web site or send questions and comments by e-mail at the franklinhigh2014@gmail.com. Please be patient. Remember, this is a volunteer effort. Inquiries will be answered as soon as possible.

Another great way to keep in touch with the latest developments on the new FHS is through the NEW community Facebook page created for the construction phase of the project. You can "like" and follow the page at www.facebook.com/thenewfhs. Remember, this is a NEW Facebook address. The page created during the campaign is being phased out. More than 400 people have "liked" the Facebook page since it was launched on Saturday.

There are no plans at this time to send out weekly emails with project updates. The web site (www.newfhs.com) and the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thenewfhs) will be the chief ways to stay informed, as well as through news generated by the Building Committee, the Franklin School Committee, the Town Council, the Franklin High PCC and others school PCCs in town.

Every effort will be made to secure coverage of the progress toward the new FHS in the Milford Daily News and the Country Gazette, but the best way to stay on top of important project developments – including how construction will be phased and new renderings of key interior features – will be through the new FHS web site and Facebook page.

Thank you again for your interest and support!

Ed Cafasso

On Behalf of the Franklin School Building Committee

Dean College welcomes students Sunday, Sep 2

Dean College prepares for new school year

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

I had heard that the new dormitory building would be opening this September. It may still make it during the month but with work on the roof and exterior to complete before they get the interior work done, it won't make it for the opening of school this Labor Day weekend. The article updates the scheduled opening of the new dorm to be in time for the Spring 2013 semester.

"unfortunate but necessary response"?

The Milford Daily News has an article covering the local college campuses that have switched their security guards from unarmed to armed. Is this an "unfortunate but necessary response"?

There were also some skeptical of the plan, however, including many students who were wary of dealing with gun-toting police. 

Other colleges in the area, particularly ones with smaller campuses, don't have any immediate plans to arm police. 

"We are located within minutes of the Franklin police station, and have an outstanding relationship with them," said Dean College spokesman Gregg Chalk, who added school officials haven't had any discussions about giving guns to police.

Read more: Arming police a hot topic on area campuses - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x976203572/Arming-police-a-hot-topic-on-area-campuses#ixzz24jnisnNV

New Facebook page for the new Franklin High School building

Switching to a more serious topic for Franklin. I received the following in an email from Ed Cafasso:

I wanted to let you know that there is a new Facebook page for the Franklin High School construction project. I am trying to get the folks who liked the campaign page ("Vote Yes..") to switch over. 

The community can now stay in touch with the project by "liking" and following our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thenewfhs. Hopefully, they "share" it too, to spread the word. 

I also have re-tooled the web site, stripping away all the campaign stuff. New info and pictures will start to be posted to the site on a regular basis. The address is the same:www.newfhs.com. Information on this site will be updated as developments warrant. You'll see capsules of the latest updates right on the home page. 

If folks have questions about the new FHS project, they can visit the "Ask Us" page of the web site or contact us by e-mail at the franklinhigh2014@gmail.com. That is a new email address, by the way -- not the one used during the campaign.

If you are on Facebook, please follow the links above to "like" the new page!

Your photo from the OSCAR MAYER Wienermobile!

The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile: photo essay

The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile came to Franklin yesterday as part of the Big Y celbrating their grand opening.



As a big kid, and one who grew up with Oscar Meyer (yes, showing my age!) I couldn't pass up the opportunity.



Especially since Beefilicious Ben had sent me an email letting me know they were coming. If they took the time to find me, I could only return the favor!

I was justly rewarded with the visit



The inside reminded me more of Pooh Bear (similar colors)



I think I would could get used to seeing the hot dog on the dash after awhile. At least I hope so



This is only the most recent of a long line of vehicles that goes back to 1936. Is anyone around who remembers one of these earlier versions?



You can enter a contest to get driving around in the luxury vehicle if you register on oscarmeyer.com

This was one way to bring smiles to those who came by the Big Y on Saturday!

Big Y coins

Dolores and I made our first visit to the Big Y on Friday night. The parking lot was busy but there were open spots fairly easy to find. The store is nice. I got the feeling that some of the crowding, negotiating in the aisle will settle down as folks figure out their path through the store. Right now, there is a lot of looking and exploring going on.

And there is a lot to see and explore. Folks will hand out a store layout so you'll be able to find the produce or meat section readily. There are plenty of baggers and cashiers available. This is always the cash for a new store. It will be interesting to see how many there will be on a regular basis going forward.

You can sign up for a frequent buyer card. They apparently have multiple levels as we found out at the register when asked if we had any coins to use. Coins?

Yes, apparently based upon purchases, you can earn coins and then use them for reduced prices on future purchases. I understand the concept behind it but tracking and remembering to bring the coins back with you might be too inconvenient for some (including moi!).

I do like and appreciate their efforts to use local products. There were some stuffed clams that we purchased at a good price that were made in RI.

I was disappointed that while Big Y offers the 'store brand' of Greek yogurt, they don't offer their own for regular yogurt. Odd. They must have a reason for it. May be one factor keeping us from being a regular customer. Like others, it may very well be another stop for a good sale but may not replace our regular shopping.

What do you think of the Big Y?

"improve mobility options in our suburban communities"

The Milford Daily News informs us of a new study to look at regional transportation.

The study, paid for with a $40,000 grant from the Metropolitan Planning Organization, involves taking stock of the various public transportation options in Bellingham, Franklin, Milford, Medway, Millis, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Dover, Norfolk and Wrentham. 

The SouthWest Advisory Planning Committee represents those towns and will work with the MAPC to finalize the scope of the study. The committee met on Wednesday. 

"These types of studies are important," said Eric Halvorsen, a transportation planner, "because we are trying to identify how towns can work … to connect people to the larger transportation networks and create more mobility."

We are fortunate to have access to the two train stations to take the commuter rail into Boston. The GATRA bus gets around Franklin and to Patriot Place. In the times I have seen the bus go by or taken it myself, it is underutilized.

What kind of regularly schedule transportation would you utilize if it was available and reasonably priced? Where would it go? What times would you want it to run?


Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405833151/Milford-area-towns-look-to-bridge-gaps-in-public-transit#ixzz24YF52YBt

The GATRA bus schedule can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/09/gatra-updated-schedule.html

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at Big Y

Hi Steve, 

My name is Beefelicious Ben, and i'm one of the drivers of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. My partner Tailgating Theresa and I are rolling into Franklin, MA tomorrow! We will be setting  up at the Big Y from 9am-3:00pm. We would love it if you could share this information on your site for the community to see. We hope that you'll come visit us tomorrow at the Big Y and share in the community events with the Wienermobile. 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: 

Email: benjamin.urkov@kraftfoods.com

We look forward to seeing tomorrow!

Beefelicious Ben & Tailgating Theresa

Photo from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wienermobile-Bologna.jpg

More info on the wienermobile and here

Franklin Art Center: Fall Classes

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are enjoying the last weeks of summer! 

We will not be open during the day this week except for playgroups.

We are busy getting things organized for the Fall classes.

 New workshops will be coming up this fall  -- Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Holiday Workshops 

Preschool Classes 

We are registering for all preschool classes. They can be taken Tuesday or Thursday  , Monday or Wednesday or both days.  This first session's theme is "A for Autumn"   

We also have mom's groups scheduling for monthly themed art projects .  

Music Together will be there Tuesday and Thursday mornings this year.

After School

We have some openings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Friday's class has 2 spots left and I will close that class this week.  We have added a Wednesday 3:30-5 class for 9-11 year olds.

Teens - Adults 

Drawing 1

Wednesdays  6:30-8 

This is taught by Andrea Olmstead.  She teaches drawing classes at Emmanuel.  Any teens interested in working on their drawing skills and portfolios, this is a great class to take !  You will be working in a studio in a small class setting.  This is not only for teens.  This is a class where adults can work on their drawing skills as well. Beginners and above  are welcome to come and work on improving their skills.

Saturday morning Painting

Saturdays 10:45-11:15

We are bringing back our Saturday morning painting class.  

If interested please call.  We have not updated the website for this class.

Figure in Clay

Saturdays  11-2    Sept 29, Oct 6 & 13

NEW!  Interested in sculpture?  Come join us for 3 Saturday Workshops.   Figure In Clay is an entry level sculpture study of the human figure.  Like Auguste Rodin, students will create maquette size clay sculptures of a live model.  Students will become familiar with basic figurative gesture, surface anatomy, and measuring techniques as they learn how to represent the figure three dimensionally in clay

Call for more details as it is not on the website yet.

We look forward to a very exciting Fall !

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

Big Y draws big crowd in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Big Y draws big crowd in Franklin

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 8/23/12

The Big Y supermarket, which when first proposed stoked some residents' fears that a large chain store along Rte. 140 would generate too much traffic, opened Thursday morning to the cutting of a cake.

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Taken before the opening on Thursday, the parking lot was empty.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Kickoff Meeting - Sep 5

Save the Date! Wednesday, September 5th, 7:30pm, Union Street Grill, 371 Union Street, Franklin MA

New to town or just looking for something new? Kids? No kids? Wanting to meet new people?

We are NOT just for Newcomers!

The Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club is a social and charitable organization for residents of Franklin, Massachusetts. We like to have fun, learn new things, and give back to the community through fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. We meet monthly from September through May, often with a themed event (speakers, lively programs), and provide other activities throughout the month to facilitate friendship and fellowship. The Franklin Newcomers also host an annual Craft Fair every year in November, which has become a tradition in town.

Please join us on September 5th at 7:30pm to learn more about the Club. Take a chance on a raffle prize or just sample some appetizers. Cash bar available. Bring a friend! We look forward to meeting you for a great night and to kick off the year ahead!

Mass. NOW PAC Endorses Jeffrey Roy for State Representative

The Mass. NOW PAC Endorses Jeffrey Roy, Candidate for State Representative

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee is pleased to announce its endorsement of Jeffrey Roy.  Mr. Roy is running for election to the State House of Representatives in the 10th Norfolk District.

Christina Knowles, Chair of the Mass. NOW PAC, says:  "We are proud to endorse Jeffrey Roy for State Representative. Jeff stands with us in our commitment to equal rights, and we are excited to offer him our support in his election bid and work with him on Beacon Hill."

The Mass. NOW PAC endorses candidates who are committed to NOW's mission and priority issue areas, including reproductive freedom, racial justice, constitutional rights, economic justice, LGBT rights, and ending violence against women.  In order to receive the support of the Mass. NOW PAC, candidates must go through a rigorous endorsement process, including a multi-issue questionnaire and an interview with PAC members.


The Mass. NOW PAC works to ensure that women's rights and other social justice issues are given a voice on Beacon Hill.  Prior to running for office, Mr. Roy served on Franklin's Town Council and has chaired the town's Master Plan Committee, the School Committee, and the Franklin Democratic Town Committee.  He is a graduate of Bates College and a cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School.  Mr. Roy has been a staunch supporter of equality and a voice for those who are often unheard, devoting his career as a trial lawyer to representing injured persons and co-chairing Franklin's Anti-Bullying Task Force.  The Mass. NOW PAC looks forward to electing Mr. Roy to the Legislature and working with him on equal rights and social justice issues.

On receiving the Mass. NOW PAC endorsement, Mr. Roy says: "I am honored to have the support of Mass. NOW and I share their commitment to equal rights and to giving women and girls a voice on Beacon Hill.  We share many values and a commitment to the notion of equal rights and justice for all.  I will bring those values and that commitment with me to Beacon Hill."

The primary election is Thursday September 6th.  Please be sure to head to the polls and join the Mass. NOW PAC in supporting Jeffrey Roy for State Representative. 


--

Mass. NOW Political Action Committee

PAC Chair, Christina M. Knowles 

Policy and Programs Manager, Ellie Adair

727 Atlantic Avenue, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02111

Website: www.massnow.org

Democratic Debate video

Couldn't get to Medway High School for the Democratic Debate on Tuesday? The video is now available.




Yes, you'll see me from time to time as I was honored to be one of the questioners for the debate. Many of the questions that you submitted were used. Thank you for helping to get information on each candidate's position!

McGovern endorses Roy

US Congressman Jim McGovern poses with Jeff Roy

Catching up to this press release that arrived while I was away on vacation last week. The glories of internet access kept me connected until Sunday when there was no posting here.



For additional information on Jeff Roy and his campaign visit his website http://jeffreyroy.com/