looking out from the garage door, the snow is still coming down and swirling.
If you follow the shadow of the basketball pole, you might be able to make out the lump at the end of the driveway. That is about where the mailbox is and it is barely above the snow at this time.
Be safe. The road travel restrictions are still in place. As daylight begins to arrive, we can get out to shovel, clean out and take better photos!
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 *
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Verizon Services"
Date: Feb 8, 2013 11:40 PM
Subject: Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service
From: "Verizon Services"
Date: Feb 8, 2013 11:40 PM
Subject: Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service
|
Roy gets his assignments and votes to freeze UI
Rep Jeff Roy's office has shared two press releases. One with his committee assignments and one on a recent vote to freeze the unemployment insurance rate rather than raise it.
Committee assignments:
Unemployment Insurance Rate Freeze:
For additional information on Rep Roy, visit his webpage http://jeffreyroy.com/
Friday, February 8, 2013
Franklin Schools: Sunday Events Canceled
The schools are being proactive....
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Sunday Events Canceled
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Sunday Events Canceled
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NationalGrid out ahead of this one
According to this press release NationalGrid is getting out ahead of the storm. And that is a good thing, one - they are doing the press release which they had not done previously, and two, spelling out how prepared they are. They may have been so in prior storms (although experience tells us otherwise) so they are making improvements!
Franklin Food Pantry updates
1 - The Franklin Food Pantry is closed today, Friday, Feb 8th. The Food Pantry follows the school schedule of storm closures.
2 - Due to the storm this weekend, the first day for the Pantry phone-a-thon has been canceled; Saturday, Feb 9th. The phone-a-thon will be held as scheduled on Saturday, Feb 16th.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the phone-a-thon, please contact Bob Hamilton via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org or by calling the Pantry at 508-528-3115 and using option 5 on the voicemail.
2 - Due to the storm this weekend, the first day for the Pantry phone-a-thon has been canceled; Saturday, Feb 9th. The phone-a-thon will be held as scheduled on Saturday, Feb 16th.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the phone-a-thon, please contact Bob Hamilton via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org or by calling the Pantry at 508-528-3115 and using option 5 on the voicemail.
RMV Attleboro Branch Adds Permit Testing
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/7/13
MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian today joined local officials and announced the availability of driver's license permit testing at the Attleboro RMV Branch, located at 75 Park Street.
The Attleboro Branch is one of two express branches in the Commonwealth that provide limited license and registration transactions. The availability of the permit testing in Attleboro will help the RMV manage an anticipated influx of test takers during the busy school vacation period.
"The City has been a great partner and has made it possible to bring permit testing to Attleboro," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Teens and new drivers may now complete this important step in the licensing process closer to home."
The Registry delivered existing automated testing equipment to provide six testing stations in Attleboro. The move will save area residents from traveling to Taunton, Milford or Brockton to complete the 20 minute test.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles administered approximately 45,000 permit tests across the Commonwealth in 2012. There are 4.73 million licensed drivers in Massachusetts. To perform many basic transactions, visit the RMV online today at its new web address: http://www.massrmv.com
The Attleboro Branch is one of two express branches in the Commonwealth that provide limited license and registration transactions. The availability of the permit testing in Attleboro will help the RMV manage an anticipated influx of test takers during the busy school vacation period.
"The City has been a great partner and has made it possible to bring permit testing to Attleboro," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Teens and new drivers may now complete this important step in the licensing process closer to home."
The Registry delivered existing automated testing equipment to provide six testing stations in Attleboro. The move will save area residents from traveling to Taunton, Milford or Brockton to complete the 20 minute test.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles administered approximately 45,000 permit tests across the Commonwealth in 2012. There are 4.73 million licensed drivers in Massachusetts. To perform many basic transactions, visit the RMV online today at its new web address: http://www.massrmv.com
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
"many friendships ... will blossom in this building"
The new dormitory for Dean College was the scene for an official and ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898127413/Ribbon-cut-on-Deans-new-dorm#ixzz2KIvte278
Administrators named the 32,000-square-foot dorm after Dorothy and Glendon Horne. Glendon Horne graduated from the college in 1931. His wife left Dean her estate, a donation of about $2 million — the college’s largest single gift in its history.
"It is something in our wildest dreams we never thought would happen," said Rooney of the gift. "It made the particulars of this building possible."
Noting the building’s location along West Central Street, Rooney said, "In some ways, it will attach us to Franklin in a very different way."
New Dean College dorm on Christmas morning 2012 |
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898127413/Ribbon-cut-on-Deans-new-dorm#ixzz2KIvte278
In the News: Tri-County, Democrats, MBTA, police
Restaurant competition for Tri-County is rescheduled
by Staff reports
Tri-County students preparing for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s annual culinary and restaurant management competition have another few weeks to hone their business plans and master their dishes thanks to Nor’easter Nemo.
Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus is postponed
by Staff reports
The Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus planned for this Saturday, Feb. 9th at 9 am at Alumni Restaurant in Franklin has been POSTPONED due to the weather.
MBTA to suspend all transportation 3:30 p.m. on Friday
by GateHouse Media, Inc.
Due to the severe winter storm, the MBTA will suspend all modes of service effective at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.
Franklin Police: Robber’s own unmasking is his undoing
by Matt Tota/Daily News staff
A suspected robber provided detectives with all they needed to find him when he removed his disguise during a robbery last month, authorities said.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
National Grid: Blizzard update
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "National Grid"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 8:00 PM
Subject: National Grid: Blizzard update
From: "National Grid"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 8:00 PM
Subject: National Grid: Blizzard update
|
February 2013 Snow Storm
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 6:18 PM
Subject: February 2013 Snow Storm
Hello. This is Gary Premo calling with information on the pending snow storm. There will be regular pick up of trash and recycling on Friday Feb 8. However, the recycling center on Beaver St will be closed both Friday and Saturday. The parking ban will become active on Friday at 6pm through the duration of the storm. School Officials are in constant contact with Public Safety and Town Officials regarding the possibility of cancellation/early dismissal for Friday, and will be sending out a message once a decision is made. Thank you for listening, stay safe, goodbye.
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 6:18 PM
Subject: February 2013 Snow Storm
Hello. This is Gary Premo calling with information on the pending snow storm. There will be regular pick up of trash and recycling on Friday Feb 8. However, the recycling center on Beaver St will be closed both Friday and Saturday. The parking ban will become active on Friday at 6pm through the duration of the storm. School Officials are in constant contact with Public Safety and Town Officials regarding the possibility of cancellation/early dismissal for Friday, and will be sending out a message once a decision is made. Thank you for listening, stay safe, goodbye.
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.
Note: Schools in Franklin are closed on Friday, Feb 8th
Attention: Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail Riders
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 7:23 PM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:
Due to severe weather, the last trains from South Station on Friday, February 8th, are the following:
Fairmont Line: No. 759 3:30 PM
Framingham/Worcester: No. P517 2:45 PM
Franklin: No. 713 2:40 PM
Greenbush: No. 079 2:27 PM
Kingston/Plymouth: No. 041 2:47 PM
Middleboro/Lakeville: No. 015 2:10 PM
Needham: No. 617 3:00 PM
Providence: No. 811 3:30 PM
Inbound service to Boston will be suspended at 3:30 PM
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 7:23 PM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:
Due to severe weather, the last trains from South Station on Friday, February 8th, are the following:
Fairmont Line: No. 759 3:30 PM
Framingham/Worcester: No. P517 2:45 PM
Franklin: No. 713 2:40 PM
Greenbush: No. 079 2:27 PM
Kingston/Plymouth: No. 041 2:47 PM
Middleboro/Lakeville: No. 015 2:10 PM
Needham: No. 617 3:00 PM
Providence: No. 811 3:30 PM
Inbound service to Boston will be suspended at 3:30 PM
Franklin Schools Closed, Friday, February 8
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Subject: School Closing
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 4:37 PM
Subject: School Closing
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|
Town Council - 02/06/13
The discussion of the Town Council around the proposal to move the Treasurer/Collector position from elected to appointed continued during this session. If I were to read how the Council would vote, most would not individually vote to approve of the change. They all seem to be in favor putting the proposal before the voters to decide.
The question and charter change would simply call for an appointment by the Town Administrator and ratification (approval or denial) by the Town Council. How the selection process for the candidate is conducted is still not defined. Should it be more like a school principal? or more like the current practice for the other appointed positions; fire chief, police chief, etc.
Letting folks have a say in the process and having a defined process before the vote is something that I think would make the voter's decision an easy one.
The second major item on the agenda Wednesday evening was the annual auditor's report. It is worthy of note that this is occurring earlier than normal. From my own records reporting on this meeting, except for the forensic audit report to the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting in Jan of 2008, this is the earliest the report has been available. That the report is clean and early is a good indication that the internal processes with Franklin are in a good state of affairs. Are they perfect? No.
As mentioned in the Management Letter, there are some fine tuning possibilities. The formal risk assessment process is one. The separation of duties for the ambulance accounting is another. It is interesting that this separation of duties issue has cropped up and apparently is due to the budget cuts reducing personnel. If you recall, it was also a position reduction in 2005 that lead to the accounting error discovered in 2007 and resulted in the forensic audit. Of note, the best thing to come out of that audit was that the Town finances finally got on the same set of books. Prior to that the School and Town books were separate.
The third major item on the agenda was the final passing of the bylaw changes to the site plan process. You may recall that there had been a great deal of hullabaloo over this when it first came before the Council. More than one Councilor had angry words and cutting comments. A workshop was held to clear the air, help with their understanding, resolve their miss understandings and as a result, last night there was nary a whisper as the roll call voted to approve the measures. Council Chair Vallee voted against one measure and Council Pfeffer voted against one also, the third passed with an 8-0 vote (Roy was absent).
The individual reports from the meeting on Wednesday:
The question and charter change would simply call for an appointment by the Town Administrator and ratification (approval or denial) by the Town Council. How the selection process for the candidate is conducted is still not defined. Should it be more like a school principal? or more like the current practice for the other appointed positions; fire chief, police chief, etc.
Letting folks have a say in the process and having a defined process before the vote is something that I think would make the voter's decision an easy one.
- If the voter feels comfortable with the process to select the most qualified person with a preference for a Franklin resident, then I think they would be more likely to go for it.
- If the voters have no idea how the selection is made, the fear, uncertainty and doubt about the quality of selection and lack of participation in the selection will likely doom the vote.
The second major item on the agenda Wednesday evening was the annual auditor's report. It is worthy of note that this is occurring earlier than normal. From my own records reporting on this meeting, except for the forensic audit report to the joint Town Council and School Committee meeting in Jan of 2008, this is the earliest the report has been available. That the report is clean and early is a good indication that the internal processes with Franklin are in a good state of affairs. Are they perfect? No.
As mentioned in the Management Letter, there are some fine tuning possibilities. The formal risk assessment process is one. The separation of duties for the ambulance accounting is another. It is interesting that this separation of duties issue has cropped up and apparently is due to the budget cuts reducing personnel. If you recall, it was also a position reduction in 2005 that lead to the accounting error discovered in 2007 and resulted in the forensic audit. Of note, the best thing to come out of that audit was that the Town finances finally got on the same set of books. Prior to that the School and Town books were separate.
The third major item on the agenda was the final passing of the bylaw changes to the site plan process. You may recall that there had been a great deal of hullabaloo over this when it first came before the Council. More than one Councilor had angry words and cutting comments. A workshop was held to clear the air, help with their understanding, resolve their miss understandings and as a result, last night there was nary a whisper as the roll call voted to approve the measures. Council Chair Vallee voted against one measure and Council Pfeffer voted against one also, the third passed with an 8-0 vote (Roy was absent).
The individual reports from the meeting on Wednesday:
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Legislation
- Live reporting: Audit for 2012
- Live reporting: Treasurer/Collector
- Live Reporting - Town Council - Feb 6, 2013
The full set of documents released with the agenda can be found on the Franklin Town Council webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/020613.pdfBlizzard watch issued for eastern Massachusetts; 12-24 inches possible
By all accounts Friday afternoon into evening is going to be the toughest time with the most snow fall. According to what is being shared by the various news and weather outlets this morning, the snow will last into Saturday.
Stay tuned for a decision on the Franklin Food Pantry phone-a-thon which has been scheduled for this Saturday (Feb 9) and next (Feb 16). We may decide to not make any calls this Saturday. The Food Pantry Board of Directors should have a decision to share on Friday morning.
Be safe!
The National Weather Service office in Taunton has issued a blizzard watch for eastern Massachusetts for late Thursday night through Saturday morning.
Stay tuned for a decision on the Franklin Food Pantry phone-a-thon which has been scheduled for this Saturday (Feb 9) and next (Feb 16). We may decide to not make any calls this Saturday. The Food Pantry Board of Directors should have a decision to share on Friday morning.
Be safe!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 2/6/13
The National Weather Service office in Taunton has issued a blizzard watch for eastern Massachusetts for late Thursday night through Saturday morning.
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- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
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