Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Stop Stealing Dreams
Seth Godin always asks provocative questions. He has an ebook/essay on education reform that I just found here
http://www.squidoo.com/stop-stealing-dreams
Have you read this yet?
What do you think?
http://www.squidoo.com/stop-stealing-dreams
Have you read this yet?
What do you think?
Alert: RT 140 Construction
Beginning April 9th, 2012 a water main replacement project will begin on East Central St (Route 140) in the area between Glen Meadow Road and Aspen Way. Motorists should allow for extra time when travelling in this area as the roadway will be reduced to a single lane at times. Work will be completed during the hours of 9 AM – 4 PM in an effort to minimize disruption. Construction is anticipated to last approximately 4 weeks.
This text and the embedded doc were originally posted on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01887CEA-000F8513
RT_140_Construction_20120409
A live portion of Google Maps showing the area of construction:
View Larger Map
Public Notice: hydrant flushing
The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 9, 2012. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed between the hours of 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures. Residents may experience discolored water during this process.
Residents may experience, temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though aesthetically the water may look discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.
Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation and we apologize for any
inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Water Office at 508-553-5551.
Department of Public Works
Deacon Perrotta
Water & Sewer Superintendent
Originally posted on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01887947-000F8513
In the News - Dean College, marathon, lack of rain
Six former Dean students indicted in sneaker attack
by Alison McCall/Daily News staff
Franklin teacher’s running is a family affair
by Alison McCall/Daily News staff
Lack of rain has area towns eyeing early water restrictions
by Ian B. Murphy/Daily News staff
What's It Worth: A New MassBudget Report On The Minimum Wage
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Current readership statistics
Occasionally I am asked, what is the readership for Franklin Matters? This is not something I focus on. The numbers tend to be quite dependent upon a variety of factors beyond my control. I prefer to focus on providing good content and letting the rest happen.
You have helped in this area. You have found what you wanted here. Usually spending a good bit of time reading here. And over time (as shown by the charts below) have continued to spread the word about what you find here.
You have four options to follow what matters in Franklin
You can sign up for the each email listing or follow us on Facebook here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
And as I frequently have said on the audio version:
Note:
This website was "born" in November 2007. Right after the election. All posts on the Franklin election and the override (earlier in May) were to my personal website - Steve's 2 Cents.
The readership for Jan-Feb-Mar of this year already exceeds all of the first full year 2008!
Note: 2012 covers only Jan-Feb-Mar
You have helped in this area. You have found what you wanted here. Usually spending a good bit of time reading here. And over time (as shown by the charts below) have continued to spread the word about what you find here.
You have four options to follow what matters in Franklin
- the daily update via email
- the weekly update via email
- visit the website regularly
- follow us on Facebook
You can sign up for the each email listing or follow us on Facebook here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
And as I frequently have said on the audio version:
- If you like what you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
- If you don't like what you find here, please let me know. It is through this feedback process that I can continue to provide good content that meets your needs.
Note:
This website was "born" in November 2007. Right after the election. All posts on the Franklin election and the override (earlier in May) were to my personal website - Steve's 2 Cents.
The readership for Jan-Feb-Mar of this year already exceeds all of the first full year 2008!
Year
|
|
|
Page
Loads
|
Unique
Visits
|
First
Time Visits
|
Returning
Visits
|
2012
|
|
|
23,029
|
17,566
|
14,433
|
3,133
|
2011
|
|
|
67,814
|
48,020
|
37,004
|
11,016
|
2010
|
|
|
63,307
|
42,461
|
31,121
|
11,340
|
2009
|
|
|
41,845
|
28,131
|
20,016
|
8,115
|
2008
|
|
|
22,574
|
15,243
|
9,730
|
5,513
|
2007
|
|
|
1,816
|
1,085
|
511
|
574
|
Note: 2012 covers only Jan-Feb-Mar
Attention Franklin runners
For Franklin area runners, there are at least three local opportunities to run and help a good cause coming up. Mark your calendar for the following!
1 - Franklin & Bellingham Citizens Rail Trail Committee - 2nd Annual Road Race - May 12
http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=62
2 - 11th Annual Independence 5K Run/Walk to benefit the HMEA - May 20th
http://www.hmea.org/events.html
3 - 4th Annual Parmenter Run for All Ages 5K - Jun 10th
http://www.active.com/running/ franklin-ma/4th-annual- parmenter-run-for-all-ages- 2012
1 - Franklin & Bellingham Citizens Rail Trail Committee - 2nd Annual Road Race - May 12
http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=62
2 - 11th Annual Independence 5K Run/Walk to benefit the HMEA - May 20th
http://www.hmea.org/events.html
3 - 4th Annual Parmenter Run for All Ages 5K - Jun 10th
http://www.active.com/running/
In the News - officers honored, case delayed
Franklin officers honored for their actions
by GateHouse Media, Inc.
Dean College campus beating case put off until next month
by Alison McCall/Daily News staff
Monday, April 2, 2012
Franklin Cultural Council - Grant winners for 2012
Franklin Matters correspondent Ken Norman provides the following information:
The Franklin Cultural Council had their annual awards ceremony at the Historical Museum on Sunday. Twenty-one organizations representing twenty-seven programs were the recipients of the grants for 2012.
Franklin Cultural Council - Awards 2012
Franklin musician and artist, Kai Olsson

Dennis Ferguson, conductor of the Prolatio Singers

Ken graciously provided both photos. For additional photos from the event, there are a bunch that have been posted to the Franklin Historical Museum Facebook page
The Franklin Cultural Council had their annual awards ceremony at the Historical Museum on Sunday. Twenty-one organizations representing twenty-seven programs were the recipients of the grants for 2012.
Franklin Cultural Council - Awards 2012
Franklin musician and artist, Kai Olsson
Dennis Ferguson, conductor of the Prolatio Singers
Ken graciously provided both photos. For additional photos from the event, there are a bunch that have been posted to the Franklin Historical Museum Facebook page
In the News - gun sales, A Cut Above, pastel arts, cross walk
Police differed on whether the increases are noteworthy. Police chiefs in Franklin and Medway, for example, said they noticed no spikes in licensing activity recently.
Wrentham Police Lt. Michael Robillard said he seems busier with gun permits lately. His department issued 60 Class A licenses last year, up from 46 in 2010, state records show.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x777660137/Got-guns-Sales-permits-shoot-up#ixzz1qsKUUHOQ
Should a high school student from the area get her prom-style hair and nails done at A Cut Above in downtown Franklin, the salon will offer her a dress, free of charge.
“Myself and the stylists that work here, we were all talking about the expense of the prom,” A Cut Above owner Pam Smith said, noting that prom hair and nails can cost $80 or more. “Really, between us we had quite a few dresses hanging in our closets.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x140150387/Such-a-deal-in-Franklin-Dressed-and-tressed#ixzz1qsKqAwo1
Look at her luminous scenes of Downtown Crossing or the Hotel Lenox rising into the Boston night and you’ll know why.
The Franklin resident earned her place in the selective society by showing a portfolio that included vibrant pastels from a series she calls “Reflections of the City’’ that bathe Newbury Street in brilliant colors.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x140150102/Franklin-artist-has-a-passion-for-pastels#ixzz1qsL87TSG
Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ scheduled on town common
by GateHouse Media, Inc.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 4, 2012
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 4, Regular Session; March 21, Executive Session
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Gary B. McCarraher – Fire Chief
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-11: Appropriation 2012 Enterprise Funds Capital
2. Resolution 12-22: Appropriation 2012 Capital Improvement Plan
3. Bylaw Amendment 12-681:Amendment to Chapter 4, Administration of Government - 1st Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-682:Amendment to Chapter 110, Licenses and Permits, Designation of Issuing Authority - 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-680:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 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 full set of documents for this meeting can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/031212.pdf
Photo essay: Bren Bataclan shows his work in Franklin
Another gray, overcast Saturday for Franklin. This one had some snow flurries for a while early in the morning. Fortunately, nothing stuck around long.
It was a good time to get inside and mingle among some folks interested in the art of Bren Bataclan.
Having participated in other art shows, I was most impressed by Bren. He went out of his way to greet anyone who came to the show.
Lingering to talk about what he does, how he does it.
He willing posed for a picture of his hand. If you look closely, it appears to be tinted blue as if some of the paint he was using he couldn't completely wash off. Actually, it is from his new jeans. Wiping his hands on his jeans is picking up the blue dye.
I think his work is easily approachable. He simplifies the world he shares. Others agree at least to the extent that he sold four or five works during the show. The red dot indicates this large work is sold. Actually before the afternoon ended, the two smaller ones partially caught here also sold.
It was a happy Bren and Linda Kabat posing for a picture as the show closed.
While some of Bren's works have sold, his work will still be on display through April at the Franklin Art Center. If you have a chance to stop by, please do so.
Additional info on Bren can be found on his website http://www.bataclan.com/
Related post: http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/03/bren-bataclan-art-show.html
Disclosure: my daughter Allison is one of the part-time art instructors for the Franklin Art Center. I have met Ian and Linda a few times and we share a mutual interest in art and developing a community.
Curbside Chronicle: Apr-Jun 2012
The Curb Side Chronicle for Apr-Jun 2012 as published by the Franklin, MA Dept of Public Works
Curb Side Chronicle April-June 2012
The Chronicle can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0187FC40-000F8513.0/Curbside%20Chronicle-April-June.pdf
Curb Side Chronicle April-June 2012
The Chronicle can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0187FC40-000F8513.0/Curbside%20Chronicle-April-June.pdf
Beaver St: Recycling Center
The Recycle Center's "seasonal hours"
Begin Tuesday April 3rd
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
As noted on the Franklin, MA website
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