Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Zollo, Powderly
Absent: McGann
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
-Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
Economic Development Summit - Oct 27, 2010
Congratulation to Franklin Housing Authority for award as as Outstanding Agency
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, British Beer Company
Richard Cornetta, representing Franklin BBC
Located in former Applebees in the Franklin Village Mall
5700 sq foot building
extensive renovations to inside and outside the building
outdoor seating proposed
a partially enclosed area, control by a management station
enclosed by a 4 ft decorative wrought iron fence
all one level inside (currently two levels but the second is being removed)
British Beer Co a 'chain' of restaurants, most recently in Westford, next closest is Walpole
theme, an atmosphere of an 'Olde English pub'
food service is a central element to their offerings
motion to approve license, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"We just want to give you the tools you need to analyze"
Ken Moraff, EPA deputy director of ecosystem protection, said the agency hired the Horsley Witten Group, a Sandwich engineering firm to analyze the best options for each town.
Moraff said the study will conclude May 31, with the possibility of an extension.
"The study is supposed to give towns options," Moraff said.
Members from the company weren't present at yesterday's meeting in the Franklin Municipal Building. EPA officials said the company is finishing its final work plan, and will be available to meet with each town.
In an attempt to clean the Charles River, the mandate requires each town, and businesses with more than two acres of impervious surface to reduce phosphorous by at least 54 percent.Read the full article on the EPA's new assistance for the local communities to handle their storm water here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1164157616/EPA-hired-engineer-prompts-questions
Prior posts on the EPA and storm water
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html
Franklin, MA
the power to change the world
“Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
This famous quote by the American anthropologist, Margaret Mead has always inspired me in my fight to end hunger. I am audacious enough to truly believe that Stop Hunger Now can be the catalyst to eradicate hunger in our lifetime.
Continue to read the remainder of Ray Buchanan's post here: http://blog.stophungernow.org/?p=795
What struck me was the coincidence (?) that this same quote is hung on the wall of the restroom at the First Universalist Church where the Board of Directors of the Franklin Food Pantry held their planning session last Saturday. This has to be a good thing! Stay tuned for more from the Food Pantry as the organization renews itself.
What's in a name? High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Corn Sugar
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health by Kara Ryan on 10/4/10
Posted by: Meghan Mueller, Department of Public Health
Meghan is the State Breastfeeding Coordinator for DPH.
Controversy over consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) versus sugar has been a hot topic in the news for as long as I can remember. Recently, HFCS found itself back in the spotlight when the Corn Refiners Association petitioned the FDA to change their products' name from HFCS to 'corn sugar.' Their goal is to clarify that HFCS is still sugar.
Read the full posting by clicking the title and follow the link
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Franklin school earns state nod
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 10/5/10
Rep. James E. Vallee, D-Franklin, today congratulated students at Franklin's John F. Kennedy Elementary School with an assembly and an official citation for being named a "Commendation School" by the state's Department of Education.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Franklin, MA: DelCarte tour
I managed to get a tour of the DelCarte properties with Conservation Agent Nick Alferi and Conservation Commission member Jeff Livingstone in May. The brief tour helped me to better understand the potential for this property. I hope the pictures show here will help you as well.
This is a view of the one of the larger ponds. If my notes and orientation is correct this is the water held back by Dam 3.
This is the broken spillway of Dam 3
A rusted basket on some concrete at Dam 5
Refuse collecting below Dam 5
Clearly on one dam, looking back across the water to another dam, but I have misplaced the notes telling me exactly which one this is. Perhaps someone can help us identify which one this is?
The broken concrete on Dam 5
One of the signs posted to keep folks off the dam
Evidence of two-legged and four-legged 'beaver' damage.
The dams do need to get fixed, sooner or later. The area has so much potential to be a recreational gem for Franklin residents. I wonder what the presentation and discussion at the Town Council meeting on Weds will lead to?
Franklin, MA
This is a view of the one of the larger ponds. If my notes and orientation is correct this is the water held back by Dam 3.
This is the broken spillway of Dam 3
A rusted basket on some concrete at Dam 5
Refuse collecting below Dam 5
Clearly on one dam, looking back across the water to another dam, but I have misplaced the notes telling me exactly which one this is. Perhaps someone can help us identify which one this is?
The broken concrete on Dam 5
One of the signs posted to keep folks off the dam
Evidence of two-legged and four-legged 'beaver' damage.
The dams do need to get fixed, sooner or later. The area has so much potential to be a recreational gem for Franklin residents. I wonder what the presentation and discussion at the Town Council meeting on Weds will lead to?
Franklin, MA
International Walk to School Day October 6
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/4/10
MassDOT encourages students, parents and school officials to celebrate International Walk to School Day this Wednesday, October 6, as part of the Safe Routes to School Program, which works with students, parents, school staff and local police in 115 communities and more than 340 schools to promote walking and bicycling to school in order to improve students' health, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in Massachusetts communities.MassDOT Highway Administrator Luisa Paiewonsky will join students walking to school on International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, at Beebe School in Malden.
Safe Routes to Schools through MassRIDES provides students, parents and the school community with education and training on transportation, safety, and health benefits from walking and bicycling to school. Participating schools also qualify for financial support for improvements to sidewalks and other infrastructure surrounding schools.
Read the full post by clicking on the title above to follow the link
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Read WAITING FOR "SUPERMAN" and Help Schools
|
Participant | 14011 Ventura Blvd. | Suite 206E | Sherman Oaks | CA | 91423 |
In the News - Pirelli Scholarship
Third annual Comedy Night benefit
The SSG Robert Ryan Pirelli Scholarship Committee presents the third annual Comedy Night on Saturday, Oct. 16.Franklin, MA
Monday, October 4, 2010
Big Lots - jobs in Franklin
According to an email from the Milford Career Center, the Big Lots store in Franklin is hiring. There weren't positions on the corporate website but the information said to go to the store, fill out an application and be prepared for an interview.
Franklin, MA: Sparky's Puppets
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 10/4/10
Saturday, October 30,2010 Sparky's Puppets presents "A Halloween Harvest" at 1 pm. This show is suitable for ages 3 and up. No registration is required and is funded by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 10/05/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, British Beer Company
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – DelCarte Dam Feasibility Study
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-48: Appropriation – DelCarte Open Space Design and Permitting of Repairs to Dam
2. Resolution 10-60: Acceptance of Deed with Conservation Restriction for Open Space Parcels Located in Franklin for the Preserve At Oak Hill
3. Resolution 10-61: Renewal of the Comcast Cable Television License
4. Bylaw Amendment 10-649: Amendment to Sewer System Map, Coutu Street- 2nd Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 10-650: Chapter 168, Vacant Properties: Registration and Maintenance -1st 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
Franklin, MA
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS -Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, British Beer Company
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – DelCarte Dam Feasibility Study
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-48: Appropriation – DelCarte Open Space Design and Permitting of Repairs to Dam
2. Resolution 10-60: Acceptance of Deed with Conservation Restriction for Open Space Parcels Located in Franklin for the Preserve At Oak Hill
3. Resolution 10-61: Renewal of the Comcast Cable Television License
4. Bylaw Amendment 10-649: Amendment to Sewer System Map, Coutu Street- 2nd Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 10-650: Chapter 168, Vacant Properties: Registration and Maintenance -1st 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
Franklin, MA
Comedy Night - Nov 12
Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC)
2010 Evening of Comedy Fundraiser!
Date: Friday November 12, 2010
Time: Doors at 6:30, show at 8
Location: Milford Doubletree Hotel Ballroom, 11 Beaver St. Milford, MA 01757
Ticket cost: $30 in advance/ $35 at door (includes show and appetizer buffet)
We are happy to announce our 3rd annual Comedy Night
Featuring:
Door prizes throughout the evening
AMAZING silent auction
Our infamous balloon raffle
And, of course, TONS OF LAUGHS
TICKETS ON SALE NOW:
Email Sarah Montani, SEPAC fundraising committee chair, at sarahmontani37@gmail.com.
Franklin, MA
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Native Plants of Franklin
Greetings Franklin! It has been two weeks since I posted the last mystery plant - sorry for that unexpected delay. The hint for this week's plant is "the fruit is a lot more interesting than the flowers." And here is the flower:
I cheated here: I had to aim the camera up into the flower to get a good picture. The flowers are a pretty yellow on the inside, and they bloom from summer all the way through until the fall, but they hang downward like bells, so they aren't particularly showy.
The plant itself is a foot or two high, a bit fuzzy, perennial, and , if you know your veggie garden plants at all, you might think it looks like a tomato or potato plant. That's because it's a relative. This is called ground cherry, or more specifically, "clammy ground cherry", or Physalis heterophylla. And just like its more well-known veggie cousins, this plant has edible parts.
Ground cherry is perhaps most closely related to the tomatillo. Just like the tomatillo, it produces edible fruit in a papery husk. This is what the husks look like when they are developing.
And these are the husks when the fruit is ready to harvest. Which, by the way, is right now, so get out there and look in the weeds for this plant. If you find some, you may get a tasty treat.
The fruit itself is a marble-sized berry that is yellow or orangy when ripe, and tastes like a combination of a tomato and pineapple.
One word of caution: like the tomato, tomatillo, and potato, this plant is in the nightshade family of plants. Nightshade plants are all typically poisonous to some degree, which is why we don't eat tomato leaves or green potatoes. To be safe, don't eat any portion of the ground cherry plant except for the ripe berries.
But don't let this put you off from sampling these delicious native fruits! Ground cherries used to be more common as backyard vegetable garden plants, but seem to have been forgotten in recent years. I hear they make good pies, but I wouldn't know, because I ate all of my berries before I had a chance to cook them.
Here is next week's mystery plant. It's a tree actually.
Here's a hint: this tree is nearly extinct. I'll tell you all about the effort to restore the tree in next week's post, along with where you can go to see it growing in and around Franklin.
Michelle Clay writes about gardening here in Franklin at the Clueless Gardeners Blog.
Franklin, MA
I cheated here: I had to aim the camera up into the flower to get a good picture. The flowers are a pretty yellow on the inside, and they bloom from summer all the way through until the fall, but they hang downward like bells, so they aren't particularly showy.
The plant itself is a foot or two high, a bit fuzzy, perennial, and , if you know your veggie garden plants at all, you might think it looks like a tomato or potato plant. That's because it's a relative. This is called ground cherry, or more specifically, "clammy ground cherry", or Physalis heterophylla. And just like its more well-known veggie cousins, this plant has edible parts.
Ground cherry is perhaps most closely related to the tomatillo. Just like the tomatillo, it produces edible fruit in a papery husk. This is what the husks look like when they are developing.
And these are the husks when the fruit is ready to harvest. Which, by the way, is right now, so get out there and look in the weeds for this plant. If you find some, you may get a tasty treat.
The fruit itself is a marble-sized berry that is yellow or orangy when ripe, and tastes like a combination of a tomato and pineapple.
One word of caution: like the tomato, tomatillo, and potato, this plant is in the nightshade family of plants. Nightshade plants are all typically poisonous to some degree, which is why we don't eat tomato leaves or green potatoes. To be safe, don't eat any portion of the ground cherry plant except for the ripe berries.
But don't let this put you off from sampling these delicious native fruits! Ground cherries used to be more common as backyard vegetable garden plants, but seem to have been forgotten in recent years. I hear they make good pies, but I wouldn't know, because I ate all of my berries before I had a chance to cook them.
Here is next week's mystery plant. It's a tree actually.
Here's a hint: this tree is nearly extinct. I'll tell you all about the effort to restore the tree in next week's post, along with where you can go to see it growing in and around Franklin.
Michelle Clay writes about gardening here in Franklin at the Clueless Gardeners Blog.
Franklin, MA
Traffic Survey Comments - Yes and No
The survey conducted on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website resulted in many comments for an against the proposal to change the Main St traffic flow from 1-way to 2-way.
While the survey is not an exact science nor can the results be taken as an 'official' reflection of the will of the people, the comments do provide valuable insights.
While the Town Council did indicate that they are for the change to 2-way traffic, they will still need to vote on a bylaw change to do so. The bylaw change will require additional discussion at 2 public meetings (of the Town Council).
What do I think one should take from the comments?
The need for better communication on the details, the reasons, and the numbers remains great. While some number of folks have spent a lot of time working on this over the years, and I have great respect for that effort, there are folks who are just now becoming aware of it, who need to be able to find clear information on what the change is and how it was arrived at.
As much time as I personally have spent reporting on what is happening in and around Franklin, I do not feel that I have all my questions answered. This is what is continuing to drive my own efforts to share what information I can. This website (Franklin Matters) and the information shared here is not and has never been about me. I truly believe that Franklin matters. I do believe that information sharing can be improved. Franklin doesn't have nor can it afford a "Community Information Director". Hence I have assumed that title on a volunteer basis.
These are the comments associated with NO
Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded No
These are the comments associated with YES
Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded Yes
Prior posts
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/09/downtown-traffic-survey-says.html
Franklin, MA
While the survey is not an exact science nor can the results be taken as an 'official' reflection of the will of the people, the comments do provide valuable insights.
While the Town Council did indicate that they are for the change to 2-way traffic, they will still need to vote on a bylaw change to do so. The bylaw change will require additional discussion at 2 public meetings (of the Town Council).
What do I think one should take from the comments?
The need for better communication on the details, the reasons, and the numbers remains great. While some number of folks have spent a lot of time working on this over the years, and I have great respect for that effort, there are folks who are just now becoming aware of it, who need to be able to find clear information on what the change is and how it was arrived at.
As much time as I personally have spent reporting on what is happening in and around Franklin, I do not feel that I have all my questions answered. This is what is continuing to drive my own efforts to share what information I can. This website (Franklin Matters) and the information shared here is not and has never been about me. I truly believe that Franklin matters. I do believe that information sharing can be improved. Franklin doesn't have nor can it afford a "Community Information Director". Hence I have assumed that title on a volunteer basis.
These are the comments associated with NO
Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded No
These are the comments associated with YES
Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded Yes
Prior posts
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/09/downtown-traffic-survey-says.html
Franklin, MA
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