Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Rezoning from residential to business

Coming up for the second reading tonight is a proposal to rezone some parcels along King St at the i495 interchange.
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689:Changes to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map: Single Family III to Business Zoning District- 2nd Reading 
The last 10 pages of the agenda document for the Town Council meeting provide the map views for these parcels.


These photos were taken of the parcel frontage along King St as I ran by Sunday morning.


The power lines run right through the property being reclassified so that will be something to work around as the developers figure out how to maximize the space being rezoned.

You can find the full agenda for the Town Council meeting here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-3.html

and the agenda document with the maps can be found here (the last ten pages cover this rezoning change)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/100312.pdf




"Improving public education would be a major focus"

Continuing to mine the recent meeting the Milford Daily News arranged with the 10th Norfolk candidates, they have posted this article where the candidates agree one issue at least: education.

Roy and Eustis expressed similar views on the state of the state’s education system — K-12 to four-year and two-year colleges — during a recent meeting with the Daily News. The Nov. 6 election is 34 days away. 
In general, they both want to help the state’s education system continue to improve, and each sees a growing problem in escalating college costs. 
Democrat and Republican agreed that tuition at state colleges has to be reined in, to prevent the high cost from dissuading prospective students and to make college a realistic option for more families.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122712/10th-Norfolk-candidates-agree-on-education#ixzz28E8td2IV

Trail Walk Scheduled - Oct 13


In case you missed talking with the folks at the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee tent at the Harvest Festival, here is the flyer about the Oct 13 Rail Trail walk that is scheduled.

The event is free, sponsored by the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Please register at www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/oct13





The trail walk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Rain date is Sunday, Oct 14 in the same starting time

More information on the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee can be found on their web page
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/


Federal Funds Boost 10 Regional Transit Authorities

Some Federal money can be coming to GATRA according to this

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/2/12

Bus PTVA, February 2012
Governor Deval Patrick and MassDOT announced today that MassDOT will award $13.2 million to 10 Massachusetts Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to make needed capital investments including new bus purchases and facility repairs.

The funds are available as part of the Obama Administration's "We Can't Wait" initiative that allows states to repurpose unused federal transportation earmarks (from 2003 to 2006) for use on highway and transit projects that are able to obligate the funds by the end of the year.

Projects selected represent RTAs across the Commonwealth and are focused on state of good repair including bus replacements along with customer service improvements, such as Real-time customer information signs for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, above, and major projects already underway such as the Gallagher Terminal Garage in Lowell.

"The Obama Administration has made a smart decision to put unspent dollars into necessary projects that create jobs," said Governor Deval Patrick.  "These projects reflect our commitment to improve public transportation for residents across the Commonwealth."

The repurposed earmark funds are 100% federal funding, require no state match and must be used for capital needs.  MassDOT selected the 11 projects from a list of 28 project requests totaling $45.6 million from the state's 15 RTAs.

The 11 projects were selected based on the likelihood of the individual RTA's ability to obligate funds by the end of December and spend all funds in the near-term.  The funded project list includes the following:
  • Berkshire RTA-  Four 14-passenger vans w/ fare boxes, $420,000  
  • Berkshire RTA-  Maintenance facility roof, $250,000   
  • Brockton Area Transit- Three 35' Hybrid transit buses and two 35' diesel transit buses, $2.6 million                       
  • Cape Ann Transportation Authority- Maintenance facility roof, $408,179   
  • Greater Attleboro-Taunton RTA- Two 30' transit buses, $740,000    
  • Lowell RTA- Gallagher Terminal parking garage replacement, $2.5 million           
  • Martha's Vineyard RTA-  Three 27' buses and one 30' bus, $1,085,000     
  • Montachusett RTA- Wachusett Commuter Rail Extension, $3.6 million     
  • Nantucket RTA-  Four 25' transit buses, $749,000       
  • Pioneer Valley Transit Authority- Real-time customer information signs, $450,000         
  • Southeastern Regional Transit Authority- Parking deck resurface, fireproofing replacement, $370,000    

Things you can do from here:

In the News: book sale, art party, variety show, skating


The fall book sale, the second major fund raiser for the Franklin Library, is coming up Oct 19-21.

Friends of Franklin Library plan annual book sale

"give the kids a better experience"

Milford daily News reports the Tri-County VocTech will be getting some MSBA funding to renovate its science labs.
Four of Tri-County’s five labs will be revamped using the design, inspired by the nationwide push to bolster science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, in public schools. The fifth lab only requires minor renovations. 
The labs date back to 1977, the year in which Tri-County was built. 
The state grant covers slightly more than half of the $1.8 million project, with the school paying the rest. Work will include the installation of new casework, wall cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, flooring and furniture. 
The labs will also feature upgraded infrastructure, such as new electrical and plumbing systems and smartboards.

Worthy of noting is that the architect selected is Ai3, the same as for the Whitman-Hanson model school that was selected for the new Franklin High School.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122693/Tri-County-Valley-Tech-get-help-from-state#ixzz28E6z8OKU

Related post on Ai3  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/ai3-architects.html


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Experienced with the model

Reporting on the School Building Committee meeting from Monday night, the Milford Daily News writes:
The East Providence-based firm constructed the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School and in 2008 worked on Norwood High School, the first built under the state’s model school program. 
Norwood was also the first school to use the Whitman-Hanson model. Since then, a handful of other districts have picked the model because of its adaptable design, including Natick and Franklin. 
Sean Fennell, Franklin’s project manager, said Agostini has a pristine reputation for completing big projects on time and within budget. Fennell said the firm is "the best you can hope for" when placing a public bid. 
"They make sure the price is right," Fennell said. "And these guys never miss a deadline."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264122307/Contractor-for-new-Franklin-High-is-praised#ixzz288M5J3u4

Additional information on the entire high school building project can be found in my collection
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

and updated information can always be found on the new high school web page
http://www.newfhs.com/


In the News: legal work, Falk's Market

As mentioned during the televised debate


U.S. Senate hopeful Warren releases list of legal work

Franklin, MA: Curbside Chronicle


Attached please find the latest Curbside Chronicle with Fall holiday delays and yard waste and tree pick ups.

Please remember to keep your recycling loose in the cart so the full automation machinery can sort the items.

Thank you





You can also find the Curbside Chronicle on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/o-d%202012.pdf

Find additional information on Franklin's solid waste and recycling programs here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/index

You can subscribe to receive your own copy via email here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news


Five Guys fund raiser for FHS Soccer boosters! Oct 4th


The Franklin High School Soccer Boosters are holding their annual FIVE GUYS Fundraiser

Thursday, October 4th, from 5:00PM - 10:00PM at the FIVE GUYS Restaurant in Franklin Village.



A portion of the receipts for the evening will be graciously donated by FIVE GUYS to the FHS Soccer Boosters organization, which supports the Franklin High School Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman Boys and Girls Soccer Teams.

Please come out this Thursday night to enjoy a great meal at Five Guys and support the Franklin High School Soccer Teams at the same time!

Thank you in advance; your support is greatly appreciated.


Monday, October 1, 2012

Photo essay: Harvest Festival 2012

The balloons didn't always float in the air but that didn't dampen the spirits of those who did brave the showers to come to the Harvest Festival on Sunday.


Main Street was packed from time to time as the crowd visited the various displays or watched a performance by the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.



Using the Rockland Trust parking lot for the children's play area and the Farmers market was a good idea. Franklin Ford had a big display there. The Keefe Insurance 'tailgate' party drew a crowd to catch updates on the Patriots game.



There were breaks in the showers as the sun threatened to come out. It eventually did at 4:00 PM as the Festival was shutting down for the day (and the Patriots made their final score to beat the Bills!).


Don't cook lunch or dinner Tuesday, Oct 2


The Franklin SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Council) is having a fundraiser. So don't cook lunch or dinner Tuesday, Oct 2

Print up a flyer (see image below) and bring it to the Franklin 99 on Tuesday, October 2nd from 11am-10pm. The 99 will donate 15% of your total bill to the Franklin SEPAC!

This is valid on Dine-In and Take-Out.
We recommend Call Ahead Seating 508-520-9909.
Hope you can make it! Thank you!


In the News: commuter rail, Tri-County, alumni funds


If anyone has ridden the commuter rail, you know that from time to time the on-time performance can be frustrating. The MBTA provides some updates on new equipment which should help to improve the situation and the new arrangement with CSX which will reduce contention on the rail line.

Rail company: Late trains are not just on us


Sunday, September 30, 2012

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 3, 2012


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 5, 2012

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
DPW Director – Town Common

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-65:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 40, Section 42J:Deferral of Water Charges
2. Resolution 12-66:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 80, Section 13B:Deferral and Recovery
Agreements
3. Resolution 12-67:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 83, Section 16G:Deferral of Sewer Charges
4. Resolution 12-68:Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5N:Reduction of Property Tax
Obligation of Veteran in Exchange for Volunteer Services
5. Resolution 12-69:Senior Tax Deferrals
6. Bylaw Amendment 12-694:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689:Changes to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map: Single Family III to Business Zoning District- 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


You can view the full set of documents for this agenda on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/100312.pdf


Parmenter: Modular update

The grounds have been landscaped. The pathway (access road) is ready to be paved.


The spot where the propane tanks were is ready to be paved. The fencing is ready to be replaced.

Soon it will be hard to tell that there were once some modular units in this space. It will be the stuff of memories and stories to be doubted until someone produces the pictures.


Franklin, MA: Curbside Fall Yard Waste - pick up schedule


From the Franklin webpage
Curbside Fall Yard Waste pickup will be the week of November 5th and the week of November 26th on your normal trash and recycling day. All yard waste must be in compostable bags, open barrels or bundled with compostable twine no longer than 4 feet in length and 18 inches in diameter. 
Additional yard waste can be brought to the Beaver Street Recycling Center.
You can visit the Franklin DPW weboage for additional information on how to handle your recycling and solid waste.  http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/index

In the News: representation, West Nile



Women, minorities underrepresented in Massachusetts State House

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Traffic Alert: Harvest Festival on Sunday

Be aware that Main St will be closed to traffic on Sunday, Sep 30 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM for the Annual Harvest Festival.

For those traveling recently on RT 140, they may have seen the electric sign board put up by the Franklin Police Dept.





Come to downtown Franklin to enjoy the Harvest Festival on Sunday. Be prepared to park outside the downtown proper!


Enjoy the natural beauty

Leaves changing color. Rain.


What a combination!

Enjoy the natural beauty of Franklin this weekend. Don't let the rain stop you from coming on down to the Harvest Festival on Sunday.


The map of the Harvest Festival was posted yesterday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/harvest-festival-know-where-good-things.html

Schedule for School Tours

As mentioned during the School Committee meeting on Sep 11, the schedule of school tours is now available. The first tour comes up Oct 4th at the JF Kennedy School.

The tours are open to the public and will be lead by School Committee members. This effort comes out of the positive feedback received during the tours of the high school before the debt exclusion vote to fund the new high school building in March.




The schedule of school tours will be added to the Franklin Matter's calendar.


"Annie Dookhan pleaded not guilty"



"We can’t speculate on the motive," Coakley said. "To date, we certainly do not have it. We have seen in other cases someone who has a drug habit or someone who is looking for monetary gain. We don’t have that evidence in this case." 
Dookhan carried a heavy caseload at the lab, Coakley said, and at first glance appeared to be an "efficient, effective" chemist. 
"She had a caseload and was able to effectuate two or three times what other workers were doing," Coakley said, adding that Dookhan appeared to be "proud" of her work.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264121186/Former-state-chemist-from-Franklin-arrested#ixzz27r6s5KVF


Related posts
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x422898823/Franklin-chemist-admits-to-wrongdoing-at-lab

http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2012/09/26/chemist-annie-dookhan-lab-scandal-investigators-messed-bad/UTcU3pdvgy7WbInA9DTKKO/story.html

http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/23/charles-stuart-anniversary

http://www.onthemedia.org/2012/sep/21/problem-getting-it-wrong/

http://www.necn.com/09/20/12/Broadside-More-on-state-drug-lab/landing_broadside.html?blockID=776627&feedID=11110

Thanks to a loyal reader for providing the related links on this developing story

Friday, September 28, 2012

Harvest Festival: Know where the good things are!

The Harvest Festival map!

See where

  • the music performances will be
  • the kids play area is located
  • the food tents are





Hoffman Farm at Farmers Market - today noon to 6:00 PM

The Farmer's Market is open today on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM. The Hoffman Farm is one of the local farms present. The Milford Daily News has a timely article on the growth of the Hoffman Farm here in Franklin.

"My father told me, ‘You’ll never make it,’ " Hoffmann said on Thursday morning as he strode through the 18-acre parcel off Daniels Street that he obtained in May for $100,000. 
Preparing to start his second farm, Hoffmann has spent the last nine years proving those words wrong. 
"I’ve redeemed this land from the woods," he said, standing in a field of gnarled roots and branches. "Minus the machinery, it’s exactly what the early settlers did."

Read more about the Hoffman Farm: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264120541/Franklin-farmer-plows-new-ground#ixzz27kwcuN2t


Franklin, MA: Farmers Market


Where in Franklin is the Town Common?


View Larger Map

Voters should ignore Question 1 on Election Day

Franklin voters should have received the November ballot information package put out by the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office. The familiar red pamphlet outlines the ballot text and background information for the three ballot questions we get to vote on November 6.


The first ballot question is one that can be skipped over.
The new law fulfills ballot Question 1’s requirement that car manufacturers make all repair codes and other diagnostic information available to independent mechanics. 
The law also gives concessions to the automobile industry by extending the deadline of a mandate that all new cars sold in the state have an onboard diagnostic and repair information system to 2018 from the ballot question’s 2015 requirement. 
The issue won a place on the ballot after advocates gathered 120,000 signatures earlier this year. By the time the Legislature passed its own version of the law, it was too late to legally remove the question from the November ballot.
Yes, timing is everything. The Legislature heard the voters and acted. Now the best thing we can do is get out to vote for everything else on the ballot and skip question 1.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x422900332/Former-opponents-agree-Right-to-Repair-ballot-question-is-moot#ixzz27krtjcYT

If you haven't already registered to vote, you can still do so by October 17th.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/Voter%20Registration%20Information.pdf
If you are going to be out of town or can't make it to Franklin High School on Nov 6, you can get an absentee ballot. Information for that is available here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howabs.htm


In the News: 4th Congressional debate


Kennedy said his public service record shows he can fight to give people, including small business owners, better opportunities. 
"The number one issue in this district is jobs and the economy. But it’s almost bigger than that. There are people who are not getting that access to opportunity. I’ve spent my entire life fighting for people in that position [while working] in the DA’s office," he said. 
The debate, moderated by WCVB anchor Ed Harding and political reporter Janet Wu, gave Bielat and Kennedy a chance to distinguish their platforms. 
To help the economy, Bielat said he favored tax cuts over government spending because "tax relief lets families and businesses make the best decisions. Families and businesses know best. The result is you get more efficient expenditure of capital than government spending." 
On the other hand, Kennedy said the government plays an important role in giving small businesses access to capital, strengthening education, "putting Americans to work" and "removing uncertainty in the market."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x264120504/Kennedy-Bielat-trade-jabs-in-4th-Congressional-District-debate#ixzz27kvJpQMe

The debate reported on here is scheduled to air on Sunday at 11 a.m on The Boston Channel, WCVB, TV 5


Thursday, September 27, 2012

What's with teenagers? (video)

As parents, we either have had teenagers, or those youngsters now will soon become teenagers. Life is consistent in that it advances one day at a time. So why are the teenage years so challenging?

In this TED Talk,
"Cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore compares the prefrontal cortex in adolescents to that of adults, to show us how typically “teenage” behavior is caused by the growing and developing brain."




"So adolescence is defined as the period of life that starts with the biological, hormonal, physical changes of puberty and ends at the age at which an individual attains a stable, independent role in society."

"So what's sometimes seen as the problem with adolescents — heightened risk-taking, poor impulse control, self-consciousness — shouldn't be stigmatized. It actually reflects changes in the brain that provide an excellent opportunity for education and social development."

In the News: lab wrongdoing, Tri-County, fall festival


Franklin chemist admits to wrongdoing at lab

MassBudget: Massachusetts Ranks 25th in Taxes



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
Massachusetts Ranks 25th in Taxes
State and local taxes in Massachusetts are roughly in line with the national average, according to data released today by the census bureau. Massachusetts ranks 25th among all states--meaning there are 24 states with a higher level of taxation and 25 with lower rates.



The most accurate way to compare taxation across states is to measure it as a percentage of personal income. That is, you look at the total amount of money collected through state and local taxes and then see what share that is of the total income earned in the state. When you do that for Massachusetts, you find that the level of taxation is 10.2%--below the national level of 10.6%.

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

Springfield: 1st MassDOT "Your Vision Our Future" Meeting

According to the published schedule for these meetings, it looks like the closest meeting will be in Framingham.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 9/26/12

MassDOT will kick off a series of statewide public meetings tomorrow, Thursday, September 27, in Springfield, engaging with residents, community leaders and business owners to discuss the future of transportation in the Commonwealth.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Thursday, September 27, 6-8 pm, Springfield Technical Community College One Armory Square, Building 2, Scibelli Hall Theater, Springfield

Legislation passed in August requires the Department to host at least six public meetings in advance of developing a long-term financing plan for the state's transportation system next year. To ensure that all regions of the Commonwealth are represented, MassDOT will hold 15 meetings.

Representatives from each division of MassDOT – RMV, Highway, Aeronautics and MBTA/Rail and Transit – will be available to answer questions and provide information.
An informational website is available at: http://www.mass.gov/massdot/yourvisionourfuture

Those who are unable to attend the meetings but wish to submit comments can do so at yourvisionourfuture@dot.state.ma.us

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Franklin High School: Update to School Committee

While I was unable to attend the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, I want to thank Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski for sending this document along to share with you.


FHS Update 9-25-12 Final


"sighs of relief from town officials"

The constructions bids for the new Franklin High School were opened and ended up $1.1M under the estimated cost.
"The builder has an excellent reputation," said Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski. "And the price was very good, very good for the community. It’s very fulfilling." 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said going with the model school program rather than repairing the town’s 41-year-old high school, which town officials initially discussed doing, was the better choice. 
"I think the numbers proved today that what we were asking the citizens to support was the right decision," Nutting said. "I think we are going to have an awesome education facility for the next 50 years or so." 
As long as the bid came in at or below the estimated budget, he said, "We were going to be happy. Now that it’s well below the estimate, that’s good for the state and good for the tax payers of Franklin."


Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1238767627/Bids-for-new-Franklin-High-School-below-budget#ixzz27ZBgVDWO


The collection of posts on the new high school can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

In the News: Harvest Festival



Zentangle demo planned at Franklin Harvest Fest





The weather outlook isn't great for Sunday. The Festival will be held rain or shine so let's all hope and pray for some sunshine!

Additional information on the Harvest Festival can be found on the Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

FHS SOCCER - FIVE GUYS FUNDRAISER - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4th 4:00PM - 10:00PM (FLIER)


The Franklin High School Soccer Boosters are holding their annual FIVE GUYS Fundraiser

Thursday, October 4th, from 5:00PM - 10:00PM at the FIVE GUYS Restaurant in Franklin Village.



A portion of the receipts for the evening will be graciously donated by FIVE GUYS to the FHS Soccer Boosters organization, which supports the Franklin High School Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman Boys and Girls Soccer Teams.

Please come out this Thursday night to enjoy a great meal at Five Guys and support the Franklin High School Soccer Teams at the same time!

Thank you in advance; your support is greatly appreciated.


Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Oct 3rd

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

When
Wednesday, October 3rd, 7:30pm, Union Street Grill, 371 Union Street, Franklin MA


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 for our next monthly meeting on October 3rd at 7:30pm, Union St Grill, 371 Union Street, Franklin, to learn more about the Club. We will be having a cupcake decorating demonstration by one of our members! You can also sample some appetizers. Cash bar available. Bring a friend! We look forward to meeting you for a great night!

For additional information on the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club visit their webpage
www.franklinnewcomers.com


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Dean College presentation to Town Council

Dean College's presentation document used last Wednesday evening at the Town Council meeting is now available for your review.



You can view the presentation via the on-demand webcast here (Dean starts about 20 minutes into the meeting)  http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634841170883675000&indexSessionSKU=hpiBdI5nlsn7qlgtQh+I7Q%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D


Ski Club Registration opens


Though the last leaves have not yet fallen from the trees, the Hockomock Area YMCA is already thinking snow! Registration for their annual Ski Club program will begin on Monday, October 15th and will continue through Friday, November 16th. This popular activity is open to teens ages 12-17.

The Ski Club program will begin on Sunday, January 6th. The group will meet for six Sundays in January and February and will ski the slopes of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. This family friendly resort offers teens a variety of well-groomed trails matching their skill level. For the beginner, lessons and ski rental packages are available.

Registration for this program is limited and traditionally fills quickly. There are several ski and snowboard packages available and all include transportation to and from the mountain.

For more detailed information specific to the Ski Club program, please contact the Hockomock Area YMCA at (508) 695-7001 or (508) 528-8708. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers financial assistance to those who qualify.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Hockomock Area YMCA works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.   http://www.hockymca.org/


Absolutely Fabulous Affairs - launch party!


Absolutely Fabulous Affairs brings unique and creative party planning to the area as it opens for business in Franklin

Absolutely Fabulous Affairs, a full-service event planning company, opened its doors for business in September. Their launch party will be hosted at 7:00 PM on September 29th at their Franklin, Mass. location.

Absolutely Fabulous Affairs offers everything you need for an absolutely fabulous party or event. Whether it be help with portions of the event or creating a party from the ground up, they work with clients to make visions come to life and craft a unique and memorable experience.

One of their specialties is creating displays called "interactive party stations," which are designed to engage guests and provide a unique and fun way to serve food, drinks or dessert at an event. These can include a Sweet Table, with assorted candies and confections, a Make-Your-Own Mojito Bar, a Popcorn Bar, or an Ice Cream Bar, for example. "You can create an interactive party station to add another dimension to any event and the possibilities are endless," said owner Sandi Verhaegen.

She has created parties for children, teens, and adults, bridal and baby showers, office parties, and holiday parties. A few examples include a glow party, a mad scientists party, magical fairy party, Harvard Medical School reunion luncheon, wine and beer tasting parties and a gender-reveal baby shower. "If you can dream it, I can do it," is her philosophy.

Why hire an event planner? "We give you access to our creativity. Understanding the time and cost it takes to source the bits and pieces to complete the theme, Absolutely Fabulous Affairs provides the ease, affordability and convenience to make your vision come alive," said Verhaegen.

They have a storeroom full of amazing decorations, props and party ware that will add to your event without you having to purchase them. At the end, hiring an event planner can be more cost effective than planning it on your own.

Absolutely Fabulous Affairs will also open an online shop in early November. This shop will carry everything you need to host party, from the traditional to the most trend setting party gear. The shop will be found on the company website: www.abfabaffairs.com.

Early in her career Verhaegen worked for a marketing agency in California and managed promotional events for corporations such as Cartoon Network, Levi's, and 7-Eleven. Now she enjoys creating personalized, smaller scale special occasions for people and businesses.

"I always liked to do parties for my friends and family," she recalls. "I would go all out. People would comment on my party and would ask me to do something for them."

"This is a result of my passion for creating simply amazing events," she added. "It is rooted in the philosophy that a party has the potential to deliver happiness and memories long after it's done, by creating special moments that last a lifetime."

Call Absolutely Fabulous Affairs today at 773-332-0718 or view their website at www.abfabaffairs.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/abfabaffairs