Wednesday, September 5, 2012

In the News: 4th Congrsesional, zentangle classes, active older adults


4th Congressional candidates making final push


Zentangle classes offered in Franklin

Vote Reminder - Thursday, Sep 6




Hello.  This Thursday, September 6th, is Primary Election Day in Massachusetts.  The polls are open from 6am until 8pm, at the High School on Oak Street.  Please consider exercising your right to vote.



This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Photo essay: Community Gardens' growing!

I stopped for some photos as I ran by the Community Garden at the King St Memorial Field on Sunday morning. It is quite impressive to see so much goodness growing in the garden beds.


Cherry tomatoes


Red 'hot' peppers


The garden was built with raised beds to allow for the produce to be grown without getting contaminated by whatever pesticides and fertilizers had been used on the fields over the years. Nature does what it does best in good conditions, it simply grows. And in this case, out from under one of the raised beds, this tomato plant is doing it's thing!



How does your garden grow?

Internships available


Six One Seven Studios is currently accepting internships for an upcoming project to be released in the fall of 2012. Please contact Bryan Roberts at Six One Seven Studios for more details.

Contact Details: Bryan Roberts at Six One Seven Studios
Phone 888-234-0405
Email: hello@sixonesevenstudios.com
Webpage: http://www.sixonesevenstudios.com


Related post:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/looking-to-tell-your-story-with-video.html


This appeared on my radar and was originally posted here http://newenglandfilm.com/node/41201

In the News: fishing trophy, women's club, audition workshop



Franklin teen reels in the big one

Monday, September 3, 2012

Parmenter: Modular update

The DPW was working on the grounds on Saturday, so I got up closer on Sunday morning to get these photos.


The unit connecting the modulars to the building itself was removed.


The units are now separated and ready to be moved.


Looks like they are now ready for the next train to pull in!


This stone is all in a roped off section.

Update: New Franklin High School

What has happened since the Franklin voters approved the debt exclusion for the new Franklin High School?
While it seems like nothing has been happening, the Building Committee has been quite busy. The paperwork was all completed so that the project could get out to bid which it did, on schedule. The bids are due this month.


What time line are we looking at now?
The construction will occur during three stages.
"Stage one begins on Oct. 12 and runs until the middle of June 2013. Phase two starts on Aug. 16, 2013, ending in the fall of 2014, as students move into their 306,543-square-foot school.
And the razing of the old building and planting of the new field gets under way shortly after, finishing up sometime in the spring of 2015."


How can I find out what is happening during these three stages?
"Since the project's earliest days, the School Building Committee has maintained an active social media campaign built around community awareness. This summer, committee member Ed Cafasso rolled out an updated website and Facebook page as part of the effort. 
"Social Media, especially Facebook, has been critical for a project like this, because so much of it is visual," Cafasso said. "It allows you to post pictures and renderings and share those easily. Based on what we saw during the early campaign, the Facebook page will be a valuable tool for keeping people in touch with all the latest developments over the next two years."

You can read more about the current status in the Milford Daily News: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1803411544/New-Franklin-High-on-schedule#ixzz25P7anihm

You can view the updated webpage for the new Franklin High School here http://www.newfhs.com/

or follow the progress on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenewfhs


In the News: Class of '37, 4th Congressional



Lifelong friends remember Franklin High class of '37

"Regional equity with transportation funding"

The problem exists and the solution requires coordination and networking. The primary election on Thursday Sep 4th can help to provide Franklin with the voice in this effort.

The problem many see in the MetroWest I-495 corridor is the highways straddle the turf of two MPOs — the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization — as well as two regional planning agencies, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. 
"Their budgets are limited, which makes a project like the 495 interchange (difficult)," Denoncourt said, adding that it’s easier for MPOs to work on projects solely within their jurisdiction. 
Denoncourt and Westborough Town Planner Jim Robbins agreed the political boundaries also make things difficult. 
"When you drive from (I-)290 to the Mass. Pike via (I-)495, you drive through four congressional districts," Denoncourt said, which sometimes makes it tough to find a unified voice.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1606939612/Fueling-future-road-improvements-a-tall-task#ixzz25P3gws6U

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 5, 2012


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 18, 2012, Regular and Executive Session-to be released

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Election Workers

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689: Amendment to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map – Single Family III to Business Zoning – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
99 Restaurant of Boston LLC, Inc – New Officer/Director…

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Master Plan Committee

Director of Public Works

  • Roads
  • Fees


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689: Amendment to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map – Single
Family III to Business Zoning – 1st Reading
2. Bylaw Amendment 12-686:  Amendment to Chapter 165, Transient Vendors- 2nd Reading
3. Bylaw Amendment 12-690: Amendment to Chapter 8, Council on Aging – 2nd Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-691: Amendment to Chapter 75, Dogs – 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 associated documents for this agenda can be found on the Franklin website (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/090512.pdf


"this is kind of a balancing act"

What is a balancing act? Managing health care costs. Many communities are found not to be managing their health care costs aggressively. Franklin (and Medway) are singled out in this report by the Milford Daily News for having reduced their costs as much as the State program offered!
Among the Daily News' other findings, from reports to the state comparing existing local plans to GIC offerings and from the paper's survey of the most heavily subscribed municipal plans: 
n Two-thirds of cities and towns don't include deductibles in their plans or do so for just some of their offerings. Those that do have largely followed the GIC's lead of setting levels at $250 for individuals and $750 for families. In Medway, though, the amounts are $1,000 and $2,000, respectively. Hopkinton is also trying to get new employees on a plan with similar deductibles. 
n Medway is listed as having saved as much as the GIC, along with just one other town - Franklin
n Two-thirds of cities and towns carry plans that don't charge workers for high-tech scans, and several don't include co-pays for hospitalizations and outpatient surgeries.

There are additional finding in this report, you can read more here: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1606939434/Not-all-communities-find-ways-to-save-on-health-insurance-costs#ixzz25JFxs7SG

MDN Editorial: Primary candidates deserve voters

Yes, Thursday, September 6th - Primary Election day



The Milford Daily News has a recap of the candidates and positions up for this primary election

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/1/12

Massachusetts state primaries never seem to come at a convenient time. The early September scheduling disadvantages challengers, who have barely six weeks to campaign once they've captured their party's nomination.

Things you can do from here:

Two companies bidding to run the commuter rail system

For the Franklin commuters!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff on 9/1/12

MBTA 2
Nearly a decade after acquiring the contract, officials with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. say riders have benefited from improvements to service and infrastructure. Despite service upgrades the past 10 years, company Chairman Jim O'Leary said there is still more work that needs to be done for riders of the 13 rail lines.

Things you can do from here:

Road Alert: Grove St closed September 8 - 10


Grove Street will be closed from Route 140 to Forge Hill Road
Beginning at 1:00 AM Saturday September 8th until midday Monday September 10, 2012



This was originally posted to the Franklin webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01951999-000F8513

West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes

In case you missed this MA MA Dept of Public Health alert:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed the Franklin Health Department that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Franklin on August 22, 2012. 
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 dusk and dawn. 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. 
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project has increased the frequency of vehicle-mounted spraying within the county, in an attempt to reduce mosquito populations.
Any resident wishing to have their property sprayed for mosquitoes may contact the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project @ 781-762-3681. 
The Franklin Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to closely monitor mosquito/virus activity in the county to ensure the residents are provided with up to date information. 
If residents have any questions, you may contact the Franklin Health Department office @ 508-520-4905.

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Parmenter: Modular removal underway

And the modular units are coming down at Parmenter. As I ran Friday morning, I captured these photos.


The fence is down. The entrance steps have been removed. You can compare to the pictures from last week shown here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/one-step.html or here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/parmenter-modular-units.html


MassBudget: Wages and Inequality in Massachusetts - Labor Day Report



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
Wages and Inequality in Massachusetts
In honor of Labor Day, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center is releasing a new brief on wages and inequality in Massachusetts. It describes not only the lingering effects of the Great Recession but the long-term trends affecting workers and families across Massachusetts.

In particular, we find that:
  • There are still fewer jobs than before the recession began
  • Median wages in Massachusetts have increased 24% since 1979
  • The gap between low-wage and high-wage workers has grown substantially over the last few decades



This Labor Day brief is available both as a report and a slideshow. It is part of a broader MassBudget project to track and analyze the State of Working Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Friends of the Needham Rail Trail Greenway

For fellow rail trail enthusiasts!


August 31, 2012

Friends of the
Needham 
Rail Trail Greenway

4.8 Miles across Needham -
from Newton to Dover

Picture 194 larger
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Upcoming guided walks on the (future) trail

We have 3 upcoming walks on the Needham Heights section trail, all will meet at the Needham Heights MBTA Commuter rail station.
Thursday September 6 at 6:30 PM
Thursday September 13 at 6:30 PM
Thursday September 20 at 6:30 PM

Check the calendar on the main page of the web site 

Map of the Needham Rail Trail Greenway

About Friends of the Needham Rail Trail Greenway

The Friends is applying to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization. Formed in 2012 to benefit the Town of Needham & surrounding areas, working diligently and in cooperation with the Town of Needham Parks and other departments, various community groups and interested parties to:

-- Educate the residents of the Town of Needham and neighboring communities about the recreation and transportation opportunities offered by the Needham Rail Trail Greenway
-- Promote the use, development, enjoyment, and care of the Needham Rail Trail Greenway  thru volunteer membership
-- Raise and expend funds to support trail maintenance and improvements for the benefit of the residents of the Needham area.

You can contact us via: NeedhamRailTrail@gmail.com
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Check out our new website!

Mission Statement
The Friends of the Needham Rail Trail Greenway is a group of interested citizens with broad representation from the community working in partnership with residents, neighborhood associations, town and state government to support the financing, planning, design, construction and maintenance needs of the Greenway.

The Friends group will work to resolve engineering, environmental and safety concerns, including street crossings and bridges, parking and other amenities, dimensions and materials used to construct the path. 

The Friends group will work to reduce the impact on and alleviate the concerns of abutters to the path; establish trail clearing and maintenance projects, develop financial resources to design and construct the path, and sponsor fund raising campaigns and grant applications with the goal of minimizing any expense to the town, and to provide a safe, healty recreation and transportation option for the entire community.

Get Involved - Have fun while helping Needham

Are you looking to work with fun people to make our town even better? In particular, would you like to join the board of this non-profit? Contact us !
  • Attorney 
  • Bicycle / Pedestrian Safety
  • Communications and messaging 
  • Construction supervision
  • Environment and Green Issues
  • Fundraising 
  • Government relations
  • Grassroots canvassing 
  • Health and Fitness
  • Issue advocacy
  • Merchant Associations
  • Parks and recreation
  • Public event organization and logistics 
  • Public relations 
  • Schools and Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
  • Senior Center 
  • Transportation planning 
  • Treasurer / Accounting
  • Urban design 
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Youth Representative

Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook!





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Friends of the Needham Rail Trail
75 Ridgeway Ave
Needham, Massachusetts 02492
US

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In the News: great heights, lab probe


Franklin grads go to great heights for others



Franklin woman at center of drug lab probe

Friday, August 31, 2012

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


    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.

    Franklin, MA: Farmers Market


    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:

    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.

    Things you can do from here:

    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.

    Thursday, August 30, 2012

    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:

    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.

    Things you can do from here:

    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/