Elevator 856 BACK BAY Commuter Rail Tracks 5 and 7 to the lobby is unavailable from Wednesday, October 15, 2014, through Thursday, October 16, 2014, due to maintenance. Please contact station personnel or the conductor for assistance.
Alternatively, please board at South Station. If customers desire to utilize the commuter rail at South Station, please allow additional time to your commute and check the commuter rail schedule for South Station departure times. Last updated: Oct 08 2014 12:41 PM |
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Backbay Station: Starting October 15: Commuter Rail change
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
MA Election - Nov 4th - Ballot Question #3 - Expanding Prohibitions on Gaming
Four ballot questions will be presented all voters in the Commonwealth of MA voters in the election Nov 4, 2014. Franklin voters will have two additional questions.
This is the third in a series of posts to help spread the word on the topic of each the ballot questions
By now you should have received from the Secretary of the Commonwealth the familiar red flyer with the "Information for Voters". This text comes from the Secretary's website and is the same as in the red flyer.
 |
| MA Information for Voters - Nov 4, 2014 |
QUESTION 3: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition
Expanding Prohibitions on Gaming
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 6, 2014?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would (1) prohibit the Massachusetts Gaming Commission from issuing any license for a casino or other gaming establishment with table games and slot machines, or any license for a gaming establishment with slot machines; (2) prohibit any such casino or slots gaming under any such licenses that the Commission might have issued before the proposed law took effect; and (3) prohibit wagering on the simulcasting of live greyhound races.
The proposed law would change the definition of “illegal gaming” under Massachusetts law to include wagering on the simulcasting of live greyhound races, as well as table games and slot machines at Commission-licensed casinos, and slot machines at other Commission-licensed gaming establishments. This would make those types of gaming subject to existing state laws providing criminal penalties for, or otherwise regulating or prohibiting, activities involving illegal gaming.
The proposed law states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
A YES VOTE would prohibit casinos, any gaming establishment with slot machines, and wagering on simulcast greyhound races.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the current laws regarding gaming.
ARGUMENTS
As provided by law, the 150-word arguments are written by proponents and opponents of each question, and reflect their opinions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not endorse these arguments, and does not certify the truth or accuracy of any statement made in these arguments. The names of the individuals and organizations who wrote each argument, and any written comments by others about each argument, are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
As provided by law, the 150-word arguments are written by proponents and opponents of each question, and reflect their opinions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not endorse these arguments, and does not certify the truth or accuracy of any statement made in these arguments. The names of the individuals and organizations who wrote each argument, and any written comments by others about each argument, are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
IN FAVOR: Massachusetts can do better than casinos. Just ask the “experts”:
• Governor Patrick1, Speaker DeLeo2 and Senate President Murray3 agree: No casino in their hometowns.
• The former CEO of American Gaming said he would “work very, very hard against” a casino in his hometown.4
• Ledyard, Connecticut’s mayor said there has been “no economic development spin-off from (Foxwoods). Businesses do not come here.”5
• Moody’s downgraded its casino outlook from “stable” to “negative”6 and Fitch Ratings said the casino market “is reaching a saturation point.”7
• Indiana prosecutors needed an additional court just to handle casino-related crimes.8
Listen to the experts. Vote Yes: Stop the casino mess.
1 http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/gov_deval_patrick_says_he_woul.html
2 http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/like_deval_patrick_massachuset.html
3 http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_24644606/like-patrick-and-deleo-murray-would-not-want
4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbRYUEtpGVQ
5 http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20031002-NEWS-310029963?cid=sitesearch
6 http://www.streetinsider.com/Credit+Ratings/Moodys+Lowers+Outlook+on+U.S.+Gaming+Industry+to+Negative+(LVS)+(MGM)+(IGT)+(BYI)/9624468.html
7 Wall Street Journal, June 19, 2014, Casino Boom Pinches Northeastern States Influx of Competition Leaves Early Players—Such as Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia—Struggling to Keep Bets Flowing, By Scott Calvert and Jon Kamp
8 http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/documents/KarenRichardsLetter.pdf
2 http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/like_deval_patrick_massachuset.html
3 http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_24644606/like-patrick-and-deleo-murray-would-not-want
4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbRYUEtpGVQ
5 http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20031002-NEWS-310029963?cid=sitesearch
6 http://www.streetinsider.com/Credit+Ratings/Moodys+Lowers+Outlook+on+U.S.+Gaming+Industry+to+Negative+(LVS)+(MGM)+(IGT)+(BYI)/9624468.html
7 Wall Street Journal, June 19, 2014, Casino Boom Pinches Northeastern States Influx of Competition Leaves Early Players—Such as Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia—Struggling to Keep Bets Flowing, By Scott Calvert and Jon Kamp
8 http://www.repealthecasinodeal.org/documents/KarenRichardsLetter.pdf
Authored by:
Repeal The Casino Deal Committee
5 Michael’s Mall, #520162
Winthrop, MA 02152
617-701-7823
www.Question3Facts.org
Repeal The Casino Deal Committee
5 Michael’s Mall, #520162
Winthrop, MA 02152
617-701-7823
www.Question3Facts.org
AGAINST: A no vote will preserve the state’s Expanded Gaming Law, generating thousands of construction and permanent jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for our cities and towns. Every year Massachusetts residents spend close to $900,000,000 at casinos in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine adding millions to their state budgets.
The Law already has provided voters in several communities, including Springfield and Plainville, an opportunity to bring much needed jobs and economic activity to their communities through first-class development projects. At the same time, the Law has ensured that no community opposed to a casino within its borders will have one. To help further protect residents, the Law contains industry leading consumer safeguards and dedicated public health funding.
Vote no on question 3 to create jobs, economic growth and much-needed new revenue in Massachusetts.
Authored by:
The Honorable Domenic Sarno
Mayor of Springfield
P.O. Box 8670
Boston, MA 02114
617-520-4559
www.ProtectMassJobs.com
The Honorable Domenic Sarno
Mayor of Springfield
P.O. Box 8670
Boston, MA 02114
617-520-4559
www.ProtectMassJobs.com
FULL TEXT OF QUESTION:
Be it enacted by the people and their authority:
SECTION 1. Section 7 of chapter 4 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out clause Tenth and inserting in place thereof the following clause:
“Tenth, ’Illegal gaming,‘ a banking or percentage game played with cards, dice, tiles or dominoes, or an electronic, electrical or mechanical device or machine for money, property, checks, credit or any representative of value, but excluding: (i) a lottery game conducted by the state lottery commission, under sections 24, 24A and 27 of chapter 10; (ii) pari-mutuel wagering on horse races under chapters 128A and 128C; (iii) a game of bingo conducted under chapter 271; and (iv) charitable gaming under said chapter 271.”
SECTION 2. Chapter 23K of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section 72 following section 71:
“Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any general or special law to the contrary, no illegal gaming as defined in section 7 of chapter 4 shall be conducted or permitted in this commonwealth and the commission is hereby prohibited from accepting or approving any application or request therefor.”
SECTION 3. The several provisions of this Act are independent and severable and the invalidity, if any, of any part or feature thereof shall not affect or render the remainder of the Act invalid or inoperative.
If you have not registered to vote, you can still do so up until Wednesday, October 15, 2014.
The Franklin Town Clerk's office hours are
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm
- Wednesday 8:00am-6:00pm
- Friday 8:00am-1:pm
For absentee ballots and additional information on the election visit the Town Clerk's page here http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/index
For additional information from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, visit the Elections page here http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm
Harvest Festival Kids' Fundraiser Success!
Hi there!
I just wanted to share with "FRANKLIN MATTERS" about the wonderful, and successful day our girls had at their Harvest Festival booth.
Katherine Kurtz (left) Mirabella Carrara (right)
Mirabella Carrara and Katherine Kurtz, both age 9, met in pre-school, forming an immediate bond. They now sit side-by-side in their forth grade classroom at Davis Thayer Elementary. Their philanthropic hearts and love for American Girl dolls gave rise to the idea of selling crafts in order to raise money to buy toys, books and dolls for patients at Boston Children's Hospital, where Mirabella was treated as a baby.
The girls partnered with American Girl Place in Natick and were able to shop there and deliver gifts to BCH last year.
 |
| crafts sold to raise money |
With the local support and encouragement, the girls have decided to make this an annual event and started their efforts early this year. Through sales and generous donations, they raised $342 yesterday, selling hot pink sparkly star ornaments and earrings that they made. They also had a coloring table where children were encouraged to color an official Get Well card. We collected over 50 Get Well cards that will be delivered with our gifts in December.
Thank you to Franklin for supporting these girls, their great idea, and the children at Boston Children's Hospital!
Kellie Carrara (mother)
Franklin, MA
 |
| making Get Well cards at the Harvest Festival |
"the important (thing) is where we are going"
The School Committee took time to recognize students on Tuesday night. Sophia Addi was recognized for being selected to the All National Concert Band. Several high school students were recognized for their contribution to get the technology deployed and ready at the new FHS building. The STAR team spent many days/hours during the summer and as school opened.
The technology update revealed that the 1700 chromebooks are up and running to provide a 1:1 educational experience for the students. The network was built to handle not just today's capacity but for the future.
Additional chromebooks were purchased for the K-8 grades. While the wireless points were expanded in all the schools, not all the chromebooks have been deployed yet. The smart boards re-redeployed from the old high school building were set up in K-8 clasrooms that did not previously have them.
Technology training is being provided to the teachers at the high school. The training was budgeted as part of the new building project. Training for all the teachers on technology continues to be a challenge.
A new Digital Literacy Group has been formed within the schools to work on helping define and update policy regarding the use of technology in education. This group will also continue to address the educational needs of the teachers in using the technology appropriately in the classroom.
The facility update acknowledged that the parking situation at the high school may be resolved in the next couple of weeks. Paving the newer sections of the parking lot is underway. Paving the extension of Panther Way to the high school will also relieve traffic issues on Oak St.
The security separating the 'public' sections of the new high school is still being worked on. The bell system to alert all on changing classes is not yet working. They are using music to do so now. The music is prompting a discussion on involving the students in the selection of music to be played.
Such engagement is a good thing. The meeting had opened with teacher union president Chandler Creedon raising some issues from the teachers around the handling of the incident at the high school. Established procedures were not followed and teachers were being asked to do things that they should not have. As the investigation into the email is still underway with police and FBI activity, the full debrief is not yet scheduled but being planned for.
The complete set of notes taken during the School Committee meeting Tuesday can be found here
 |
| Supt Sabolinski, Sophia Addi, School Committee Chairperson Paula Mullen, Kevin O'Malley (left to right) |
The technology update revealed that the 1700 chromebooks are up and running to provide a 1:1 educational experience for the students. The network was built to handle not just today's capacity but for the future.
Additional chromebooks were purchased for the K-8 grades. While the wireless points were expanded in all the schools, not all the chromebooks have been deployed yet. The smart boards re-redeployed from the old high school building were set up in K-8 clasrooms that did not previously have them.
Technology training is being provided to the teachers at the high school. The training was budgeted as part of the new building project. Training for all the teachers on technology continues to be a challenge.
A new Digital Literacy Group has been formed within the schools to work on helping define and update policy regarding the use of technology in education. This group will also continue to address the educational needs of the teachers in using the technology appropriately in the classroom.
The facility update acknowledged that the parking situation at the high school may be resolved in the next couple of weeks. Paving the newer sections of the parking lot is underway. Paving the extension of Panther Way to the high school will also relieve traffic issues on Oak St.
The security separating the 'public' sections of the new high school is still being worked on. The bell system to alert all on changing classes is not yet working. They are using music to do so now. The music is prompting a discussion on involving the students in the selection of music to be played.
Such engagement is a good thing. The meeting had opened with teacher union president Chandler Creedon raising some issues from the teachers around the handling of the incident at the high school. Established procedures were not followed and teachers were being asked to do things that they should not have. As the investigation into the email is still underway with police and FBI activity, the full debrief is not yet scheduled but being planned for.
The complete set of notes taken during the School Committee meeting Tuesday can be found here
Blackstone Valley: Things to do in October
| Having trouble viewing this email? Click here |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||
Walk to Break the Silence - Oct 18th
Friendly reminder that you can take action to help end domestic violence.
The "Walk to Break the Silence" flyer:
For additional information about Voices Against Violence you can visit their webpage
http://smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php
To register for the Walk to Break the Silence, follow this link
Voices Against Violence provides comprehensive services including a 24 hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and shelter to more the 3000 victims and survivors in the Metrowest area every year. Voices depends on the generosity of the community to ensure that life-saving services remain free and accessible to all.
The "Walk to Break the Silence" is an annual, family-friendly, 1/2 day rally and walk-a-thon event in downtown Framingham that celebrates the strength and courage of victims and survivors. The event includes powerful visual art displays, games and face painting for the kids, inspiration from our speakers, and a little exercise too! Registration is free and there are several ways you can lend your support - you can be a Team Captain, a Walker, or a Virtual Friend!
The "Walk to Break the Silence" flyer:
For additional information about Voices Against Violence you can visit their webpage
http://smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php
To register for the Walk to Break the Silence, follow this link
 |
| Register to Walk to Break the Silence |
“Even if you want to stay focused, it is just so tempting"
As there are two sides to a coin, there are two sides to a story. To pair with the glowing technology update Tuesday night at the School Committee meeting, we can also share this timely student update on the new Chromebooks:
My notes from the technology update can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/live-reporting-technology-update.html
Use of the new chromebooks at Franklin High School causes students to be distracted in class due to what is visible on their peer’s screen. Although they create many educational benefits, at times they become problems in the classroom.
A student will be in a class, and the student next to them will be playing a game or messaging their friends. Instead of focusing on what the teacher says, the student eyes will veer onto the computer screen of the person sitting next to them.
Now they are distracted.- See more at: http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2014/10/07/chromebooks-create-classroom-distractions/#sthash.WG6UKSW3.dpuf
 |
| Pantherbook reports on chromebook 'distractions' |
My notes from the technology update can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/live-reporting-technology-update.html
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Live reporting - Closing
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report(Sept 2013 to Sept 2014 enrollment comparison)
virus update, hand washing best practice
health advisory posted to alert the community
follow up on the emergency situation
we will be scheduling a de-brief, there is still an on-going investigation
need to wait until the investigation closes to have all the facts
there are some things we could have done better
we have a training tomorrow with the Fire Dept and will be talking with the Chief
for ConnectEd
parents sign up at the school
can sign up for phone calls and/or emails and entered at the schools
call the school secretary to sign up, can sign up at anytime
if you don't opt in, you don't get notified
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
none
School Committee Liaison Reports
none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.FEF fund raiser, Nov 1
parents we thrilled to see the curriculum night and the technology working, heard from more than several parents
it was a far cry from lining up in the field house, there is a new way of doing business at the high school
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiationsnot needed
8. Adjourn
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 6-0
Live reporting - Action Items
3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Readings1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
no updates or changes
4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Policies as discussed1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
b. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $3,286.50 from the Keller PCC for Field Trips.
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,200.00 from the JFK PCC for Field Trips.
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for Field Trips.
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
e. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $746.80 from the Oak St. PCC for Field Trips.
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
f. I recommend approval of the request of the Remington Adventure Club’s field trip to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 25th (rain date 11/1/14) as detailed.
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from Shaw's and Star Market for in-house enrichment at FHS.
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of art supplies valued at $277.00 from DonorsChoose.org for FHS.
motion to adopt, seconded, passed 6-0
Live reporting - Facility Update
2. Guests/Presentations
d. Facilities Update – Maureen Sabolinski
we got our building permit on Aug 20th, paving of the new parking lot is progressing
maybe able to resolve our parking issue in about 2-3 weeks
still working on the security system
just not at times working together, police answering calls at all hours of the day
still working on training, the training was built into the cost of the high school
much of this needs to happen during the day so we are relying on subs
signs are not quite right
Braille for example incorrectly told that the men's room was actually the women's room
flags for the gym haven't arrived yet
bell system doesn't work yet, using music to playing of the changing of classes
A/C is working in all areas of the building
the building committee has been very responsive in getting the issues addressed
once the parking lot is done, that will also open Panther Way and alleviate the traffic on Oak St
fields would be seeded for the spring and then used a year later
need to get the field established
problems with one spots and parking lights, should go away when the new parking lot is open
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)