Join Downtown Partnership at Pour Richard's

The Franklin Downtown Partnership invites the public to Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits for a wine and beer tasting party on Tuesday, May 7. Come mingle with friends old and new while sampling a variety of beverages and learning about Pour Richard’s unique products. Try your luck with a chance to win raffle prizes and hear about the FDP’s plans for downtown Franklin.

The fundraiser will take place at Pour Richard’s new location, 14 Grove Street, Franklin, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and proceeds will help to support the Partnership’s Beautification efforts and downtown events. Dean Bank and Next Step Living will sponsor the event.  Raffle prizes include items donated by Jane’s Frames and Emma’s Quilt Cupboard.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

“Pour Richard’s is a unique new business in Franklin and we invite everyone to come experience something different,” says Lisa Piana, FDP executive director. “We hope to bring the community together to support our downtown revitalization efforts, and this is a fun way for residents and business owners to learn more about the Partnership’s goals.”

Money raised at this tasting evening will be used to support on-going beautification efforts and the downtown events, including the Strawberry Festival on June 13th. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and many volunteers plant more than 1,200 colorful flowers downtown each spring, and hang wreaths and greenery for the holidays. This year’s spring Beautification Day will be Saturday, May 18.

“We enjoy partnering with local and regional nonprofits on fundraising initiatives,” says Ann Williams, co-owner of Pour Richard’s. “We present a well-edited selection of small producers, unique products and great values. With more than two decades’ experience in wine sales, we find our products endlessly fascinating; we firmly believe they should also be fun,” she adds.

For more information about this event please contact FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774) 571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com. Details about the Partnership, Beautification efforts, downtown events and sponsorship also can be found on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of business owners, town leaders and residents working together to revitalize downtown Franklin through improvement projects like beautification and streetscape design and with events such as the Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival and Holiday Stroll. The Partnership currently has more than 160 members and welcomes all businesses and residents.  The next general meeting is May 2



This was originally posted to
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/04/fdp-pour-richards-fundraiser-press.html

MassBudget: Cuts to programs that help young adults

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Helping Young Adults With the job market still weak and higher education growing more expensive, young people in Massachusetts today face some significant challenges. The Youth Empowerment programs that we fund through our state budget help young people find jobs, break from cycles of violence, and build careers. Our new brief, "Cuts to Youth Empowerment Programs in the HWM Budget," looks at funding for these Youth Empowerment programs and finds that: Whereas the Governor's budget would increase support for these programs that help young people build a strong future for themselves, the House Ways & Means proposal includes significant funding cuts. The level of support envisioned by the House Ways & Means plan is 50% below the current funding level. MassBudget's Children's Budget provides a detailed description of each of the affected programs, along with funding information. "Cuts to Youth Empowerment Programs in the HWM Budget" is part of a series of MassBudget briefs analyzing key elements in the budget proposals for FY 2014. Read CUTS TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS IN THE HWM BUDGET See ALL OF OUR BUDGET RESOURCES 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

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News: marathon bombing, donations

Many reach out to help

A week after the Boston Marathon bombings, many local and national fundraisers have emerged to support the victims of the violence. The following is a round-up of several that are either currently active or taking place in MetroWest soon:

Locally, The Cake Bar will be donating a portion of its proceeds on Weds May 8th to the One Fund Boston. https://www.facebook.com/events/101351470068836/



AT&T announces text-to-donate feature for One Fund Boston

AT&T has announced a text-to-donate drive to support One Fund Boston, the charity established to support the victims of last Monday’s marathon bombings.

Read the criminal complaint against Marathon bombing suspect

Federal authorities charged Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in his hospital room Monday with using and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction and malicious destruction of property by means of an explosive device, causing death.

Franklin Library: Tween and Teen Writing Event with Jennie Coughlin

Tween and Teen Writing Event with Jennie Coughlin

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Franklin street construction (photo essay)

My walk around Franklin on the weekend ended up with some photos of the progress putting in the curbs and sidewalks along East, West, Nason and other streets in that area of the town.

curbing on East St

Asphalt curbing along the train tracks on East St

concrete sidewalk on East St

New curbing and sidewalk on the other side of East St

curbing and sidewalks on West St

New curbing and sidewalks on West St

sidewalk prep on West St

Across the street and looking back to the train tracks on West St

sidewalk prep on Nason St

curbing and sidewalks on Nason St

On the Town Council agenda for this Wednesday's meeting is an update by DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi on the work his department has scheduled for this summer.

You can find the full agenda here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-apr-24.html

Tour Franklin High School - 4/24/13 at 6:00 PM

You can tour the current Franklin High School facility on Wednesday starting at 6:00 PM. Join FHS administrators, and representatives from the Central Office as well as School Committee for this event that is open to the public.

FHS field house

The Facebook event can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/events/165016513660704/

In the News: moment of silence - 2:50 PM today

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is asking residents to observe a moment of silence Monday at the time the first of two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. 

The one-minute silent tribute to victims is scheduled for 2:50 p.m. and will be followed by the ringing of bells in Boston and elsewhere in Massachusetts. It marks one week since the attacks that killed three people and wounded more than 180 others.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x633481982/Mass-to-observe-moment-of-silence-Monday#ixzz2RBPhlrxp

from 'cringe mode' to happiness (video)

Let's start the new week by stepping out of 'cringe mode' and open the gate to happiness.

Spend a little over a dozen minutes as Matt Smith tells us about the 'failure bow' and how we can celebrate failure in order to achieve happiness!



Do I see you standing with arms raised and "that dumb ass grin"?

Do I see you applauding someone who has done this?

Not yet... okay. Take it slow but take it!




Thanks to +John Haydon for sharing this

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 24, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 13, 2013, March 27, 2012

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-701: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 3. Definitions
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-702: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 36. Impervious Surfaces
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-703: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 40. Water Resource District
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-704: Changes to Chapter 185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-705: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 5. Zoning Map

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Facilities Director – Michael D’Angelo
DPW Director – Brutus Cantoreggi

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-24: Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Mass DOT Land Damage Agreement in Connection with Route 140 Improvements
2. Resolution 13-29: Authorization to Sign Amended Regulatory Agreement for Meadowbrook Heights
3. Bylaw Amendment 13-700: Amendment of Chapter 82. Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-701: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 3. Definitions – 1st Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-702: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 36. Impervious Surfaces – 1st Reading
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-703: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 40. Water Resource District – 1st Reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-704: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – 1st Reading
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-705: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 5. Zoning Map – 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

The full set of documents as released for this agenda can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/042413.pdf

Parmenter 5K - June 2

The 5th Annual Parmenter 5K will be held on Sunday, June 2.

• USATF sanctioned event
• FREE Panda Dash for kids 4-12...bigger and better for 2012!
• T-Shirts to first 150 registered (must be present to receive.)
• Awards to top 3 finishers in each age division (M/F)
• Time splits, water stations, professionally timed
• Refreshments

Parmenter Panda

Collection of paper products and non-perishable food items for the Franklin Food Pantry

Registration Fees (non-refundable)

• Age 13 and over-$15 pre-registered/$20 on race day.
• Age 12 and under-$10 pre-registered/$15 on race day.
• Family 4 Pack (all ages)-$40 pre-registered/$50 race day.

All proceeds to benefit Parmenter Elementary School

There doesn't appear to be an online registration like there was prior years, if this changes, I'll add the link. In the meantime, you can download the application, fill it out and mail it in the 'old fashioned' way. It works!

Online Registration can be found here
http://www.active.com/running/franklin-ma/5th-annual-parmenter-run-for-all-ages-2013

If you can't download the form here, go to the race webpage to obtain it there
http://www.parmenter5k.com/index.html

In the News: coping with trauma

Trauma experts discuss how to cope with bombings

Listen to relaxing music. Go for a walk. Switch the television away from news coverage. Talk with friends and family.

Runners, families feel a relief tinged with sadness

After a week of tossing and turning, Franklin marathoner Jamie Tighe at last slept through the night Friday.

Looking back to get ahead

April vacation brought a quiet week on the news front within Franklin. This was a good thing in a way as the Boston Marathon bombing and hunt for the suspects has dominated the attention. With the second suspect in custody after a long day, the rain has come, perhaps to help the cleansing process. We can begin to return to the new 'normal', whatever that will be, it will be different.

In lieu of sending you to any of the news on the marathon bombers, let's take a few minutes to look back into the archives. What was happening on April 20th last year and each year prior that this site has been sharing news on Franklin matters?

In 2012
The FY 2013 budget documents were published
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/franklin-ma-fy-2013-budget-documents.html

In 2011
The fire investigation of the old Masonic Temple was reported on
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/04/well-investigate-as-long-as-it-takes.html

In 2010
Photos of the raised garden beds that were installed at the Senior Center, ECDC and Charter School for Earth Day (yes, these were installed and a year later the Community Garden opened).
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/04/franklin-ma-raised-garden-beds-in.html

In 2009
The MDN reported on information from the Town Council meeting the week before. The MDN reporter at the time was Joyce Kelly and we have had several others since then. I guess even though the reporters change the newspaper process has not.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/04/we-can-only-spend-what-we-have.html

In 2008
The answer to the "Where in Franklin?" picture was revealed.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/04/where-in-franklin-answer-44.html

Can't go back any further as this site actually started in Nov 2007. If I was publishing anything on Franklin in April of 2007, it was on my personal webpage Steve's 2 Cents. Checking there I actually skipped posting on Apr 20 but did post the Override Collection on Apr 18. This collection had all the information for the override vote in 2007 which remains as the only operational override Franklin has successfully passed.
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/04/franklin-override-collection.html

The April showers today will bring the green grass and May flowers.

spring flowers

Thanks for visiting. Consider subscribing to receive updates via email. Follow us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter.

If you like what we are doing share this with your friends and neighbors. If you don't like something, let me know. Only with this of feedback can the information sharing process be improved.

If you have good news to share, please send it along. Good news includes announcements on upcoming events, fund raising efforts, etc.

A quiet moment

Given the rapidly developing events in the search for the Marathon bombing suspects, we can take a moment or two to reflect on the natural good life around us.

spring flowers

The residents of Watertown, Newtown, Belmont, Cambridge, Alston/Brighton are being asked to stay indoors. Businesses are being asked not to open. No vehicle traffic in or around that area.

Be safe folks!

MBTA Service Suspended - All routes

Service on the Franklin Line is listed as "normal" at this time suspended

All Southside Lines/Routes Attention Customers: per order of the MBTA Transit police all service is suspended until further notice. 4/19/2013 5:39 AM

For more current updates visit the MBTA webpage and subscribe to Alerts.
http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/

"a symbol of respect and sorrow"

Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday ordered that the flags of the United States and commonwealth be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing - three of whom were killed and more than 170 others injured. 

From the Franklin Historical Museum to the Bellingham Fire Station and nearly every post office and school in between, lowered flags waving in the wind this week signify the grief. 

The order from Patrick stands until further notice, and applies to all state and administrative buildings, including town halls. 

President Barack Obama also issued a proclamation ordering flags at all public buildings and grounds - from parks to schools yards - to fly at half-staff until sunset on Saturday. He encouraged homes and businesses to do the same.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202903/Lowering-of-flags-helps-represent-grieving-communities#ixzz2QtsL75HU

Additional information about the US Flag code, how to care for it, display it, etc. can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code