Friends of the Needham Rail Trail Greenway

For fellow rail trail enthusiasts!

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August 31, 2012 Friends of the Needham  Rail Trail Greenway 4.8 Miles across Needham - from Newton to Dover

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 The Five sections in Needham 1. Needham Charles River Bridge to Newton 2. Crossing Route 128 3. Route 128 to Needham Heights 4. Needham Heights to Needham Junction (Parallel to Active Commuter Rail) 5. Needham Junction to Dover  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 Check out our new website! We have an extensive website, full of useful information Main Welcome Page Goals and Timeline Bike Map of Needham Economic Benefits of the Greenway Safe Routes to School for our kids Making our streets safer for everyone How you can help Frequently Asked Questions Stakeholders  Section Descriptions in Needham 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 ! Needed roles include (listed alphabetically): 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!

Contact Us  | NeedhamRailTrail@gmail.com

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Friends of the Needham Rail Trail 75 Ridgeway Ave Needham, Massachusetts 02492 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

In the News: great heights, lab probe

Franklin grads go to great heights for others

by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Franklin woman at center of drug lab probe

by Matt Tota/Daily News Staff

Film on the Barn - Friday - 6:30 PM

Hot off the email inbox from Karen Ring:

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

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

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

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

To Simplify:

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

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

http://www.edibleevolutions.com/

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

The Farmers Market is open today on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.




Where in Franklin is the Town Common?


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MA Fraternal Order of Police endorse Padula

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

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

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

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

Franklin day care center looks to revamp property

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin day care center looks to revamp property

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spilka Announces Framingham, Ashland, and Franklin Office Hours

SENATOR SPILKA ANNOUNCES FRAMINGHAM, ASHLAND, AND FRANKLIN OFFICE HOURS

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


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

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

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


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

Congressman McGovern speaks for Jeff Roy

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



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

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

West Nile virus in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway mosquitoes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

West Nile virus in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway mosquitoes

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

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

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Job Opening: part-time Teacher

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

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

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

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

T.O.P.S.  Inspiration Workshop 

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

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

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

Labor Day Weekend: Travel Safely

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Labor Day Weekend: Travel Safely

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"Vallee has left enormous shoes to fill"

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

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

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

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

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

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

New doors at Parmenter

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

In progress (Aug 24):

Completed (Aug 25):