The Franklin Downtown Partnership is preparing for its 2009 events and festivals.Read more about event that the Downtown Partnership is holding online at the Franklin Gazette
On May 16, the Partnership and Franklin Garden Club will kick off the year with their annual Downtown Beautification Day. Volunteers will meet at the town center to plant more than 1,000 flowers. Due to the economy this year, the group is reaching out to businesses and residents asking for donations to assist with the cost of the flowers and the winter decorations. All contributions are tax deductible. Contact Eileen Mason at 508-330-4234 or emason11@verizon.net to volunteer or sponsor the beautification project.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Beautification Day - 1000 flowers today
FRANKLIN -
"Technology has a lot to offer"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
This September, Franklin High School is going hi-tech.
No more playing catch-up to students toting iPhones and other electronic gadgets in their pockets; instead, school leaders are bringing wireless technology into the classroom.
The Technology Department has installed two wireless networks, with 21 access points around the high school, to make the entire building completely wireless, said Technology Director Tim Rapoza.
"It's a very big initiative. I don't know any other district that does it. They're all watching us to see how it goes," said Rapoza, smiling.
"I don't mind pioneering it a little bit. I think it's the right way to go. I don't look at it as a leap - I look at it as us moving in the right direction faster than everybody else, because it is inevitable," Rapoza said.
Read more about the wireless internet at FHS in the Milford Daily News here
Friday, May 15, 2009
Kodak Lesson Plans
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Free Technology for Teachers by rbyrnetech@hotmail.com (Mr. Byrne) on 5/14/09
Kodak has been a household name for over one hundred years, but when most people hear the name Kodak they think "camera" not "lesson plans." A little-known aspect of Kodak's website offers lesson plans for every grade level in twelve subject areas. The lesson plans are organized by grade level and subject area. These are not skeleton lesson plans, the Kodak lesson plans have very detailed directions for classroom implementation. All of the lesson plans include the use of photographs and or cameras.Applications for Education
The Kodak Lesson Plans provide good ideas for integrating art and photography into just about any subject area.
Here are some related resources that may be of interest to you:
Blogs for Art Teachers
Explore the British Library Online Gallery
Award Winning Google Earth Lesson Plans
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Free Technology for Teachers using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
"monument only exists because of the generosity of residents"
GHS
FRANKLIN —
On Memorial Day, the families of Franklin's two soldiers killed in action since September 11, 2001, will unveil a new memorial honoring the fallen heroes, says Veterans Agent Bob Fahey.
The monument, which features a bronze doughboy statue, is fully in place on the town common, Fahey said.
Next week, colored cement will be poured around it as flooring, and six lit service flags will be installed, he said.
"I think it's going to possibly be one of the nicest memorial sites in the state. I really feel it's going to be a thing of indescribable beauty," Fahey said, getting choked up.
"But most of all, it's going to bring home to people recognition of the sacrifices made on our behalf by all those who served in the military," he said.
Read the full article on the monument in the Milford Daily News here
For pictures of the other war monuments on the Town Common visit here and here
A recent picture of the WWI doughboy can be see on the top right corner of Franklin Matters.
Gov Patrick comes to Franklin 5/17/09
Governor Deval Patrick will hold a "Town Hall Meeting" on Sunday May 17 at 4pm-5pm at the Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill Street.
For additional information on Governor Patrick's forums visit www.mass.gov/governor/forum
For additional information on Governor Patrick's forums visit www.mass.gov/governor/forum
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Industry: RokkSoft - VocalEZ
RokkSoft Solutions Offers VocalEZ Voice Recognition Medical Transcription SaaS with Expanded Support for Windows Mobile Devices
Franklin, MA, May 14, 2009 --(PR.com)--
RokkSoft Solutions Corp has announced that the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system now provides support for Windows Mobile equipped cell phones and PDAs.
VocalEZ Mobile for Windows Mobile enables dictation of patient encounter notes on any mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) that supports Microsoft Windows Mobile® OS. This empowers the physician to quickly dictate encounter notes and medical letters while making rounds or when traveling. Or, simply use VocalEZ Mobile for all dictation as an un-tethered system user.
RokkSoft offers the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system as a pay-for-use or “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics.
Support of Windows Mobile devices enables physicians to complete dictation jobs when out of the office or on rounds for later conversion to clinical documentation by the VocalEZ voice recognition software.
VocalEZ wraps an integrated workflow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform delivering more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation for electronic medical records.
For more information, visit www.rokksoft.com/vezmobile.html or call 866-509-0554.
###
About RokkSoft
RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings. For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.
This press release originally was posted here
VocalEZ voice-enabled transcription software-as-a-service converts dictation to clinical documents in minutes at half the cost of traditional transcription.
Franklin, MA, May 14, 2009 --(PR.com)--
RokkSoft Solutions Corp has announced that the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system now provides support for Windows Mobile equipped cell phones and PDAs.
VocalEZ Mobile for Windows Mobile enables dictation of patient encounter notes on any mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) that supports Microsoft Windows Mobile® OS. This empowers the physician to quickly dictate encounter notes and medical letters while making rounds or when traveling. Or, simply use VocalEZ Mobile for all dictation as an un-tethered system user.
RokkSoft offers the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system as a pay-for-use or “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics.
Support of Windows Mobile devices enables physicians to complete dictation jobs when out of the office or on rounds for later conversion to clinical documentation by the VocalEZ voice recognition software.
VocalEZ wraps an integrated workflow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform delivering more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation for electronic medical records.
For more information, visit www.rokksoft.com/vezmobile.html or call 866-509-0554.
###
About RokkSoft
RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings. For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.
This press release originally was posted here
"It's frustrating, the membership is frustrated"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Aside from the teachers union, the Professional Firefighters of Franklin is the only union in town that has not voted for a wage freeze next year - but for good reason.
The 47-member union has not had a contract since July 2007, or a raise since July 2006, said union President Capt. Steven J. Sims.
"A lot of guys are catching flak when they're out around town, people saying they should take a pay freeze. It's frustrating to the membership, because most of the public doesn't realize we haven't had a contract for two years," Sims said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
"It's a lot easier to get 40 people to agree"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
The heads of Local 1298, which represents five town unions, say the teachers union should "step up" and take a wage concession to save their colleagues' jobs.
"My belief is, when (Town Administrator) Jeff Nutting came to us with an offer to save jobs with a wage freeze, it was not an issue of negotiating a contract," said Patrick Farrell, Local 1298 chairman.
"We did it, the Police Department went for it, and the Fire Department is still in contract negotiations, so my opinion is, they should step up to the plate and they should take the deal," Farrell said.
Teachers instead asked for concessions on other matters in exchange for the pay freeze. That's led to an ongoing stalemate with the School Committee.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The Story of Stuff
Annie Leonard spent time doing some research and then managed to produce this video that tells the story of stuff.
I plan on reading the annotated script which you can find here.
You can find other resources on their web site
You can follow the updates on their blog
What do you think of the Story of Stuff?
I plan on reading the annotated script which you can find here.
You can find other resources on their web site
You can follow the updates on their blog
What do you think of the Story of Stuff?
New England Sports Celebration - 5/31/09
From the Facebook page for the New England Sports Celebration
Come down and help us raise funds for the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center PCC. We are planning a fun-filled family day celebrating the proud tradition of New England sports!!
Currently, we have Boston hockey legend TERRY O'REILLY coming down to sign autographs from 2PM-4PM.
Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions. You are welcome to bring your own items, and we will have a great selection of pictures, pucks and other items available for sale!
Also from 2PM - 4PM, Wally the Green Monster will be visiting to take pictures and sign autographs for his fans for FREE!!!
AND JUST ANNOUNCED - Football Legend STEVE GROGAN will also be available from 2PM-4PM!!! Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions.
There will be lots of other fun activities for the kids, as well. Cash bar and concessions will be available. did we mention....ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
This is a public event and we want to pack the place - so please feel free to invite anyone you would like!!! A lot more to come on this...
SAVE THE DATE!!
FREE SOLAR ENERGY PRESENTATIONS
FREE SOLAR ENERGY PRESENTATIONS FOR MA HOMEOWNERS
- May 16th in Natick
- May 19th in Newton
Hosted by Alteris Renewables, the Northeast’s leading solar energy company (www.alterisinc.com)
Come find out how solar power can affordably and effectively power your home. Photovoltaic (solar electric) technology is going mainstream as it continually becomes less expensive.
To learn about the myths and realities of solar power, including system cost and return on investment, attend a free seminar in Natick or Newton:
- May 16, 9:30am Crowne Plaza Hotel 1360 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760 (Rte 9, across from Natick Mall)
- May 19, 7:00pm Marriott Hotel 2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466 (Near intersection of Rt. 30 & I-95)
Advance registration is requested by calling 800-955-1548
You can save money and the environment at the same time. Come learn how!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
"agreed to preserve full-day kindergarten"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Hoping to preserve as many teaching jobs as possible, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy last night announced the committee and teachers union are continuing to negotiate wage concessions into the 11th hour.
Representatives from both groups met Monday night and made "significant progress" toward a resolution in the best interest of students, Roy said.
Reading from a statement he and new union President Robert McLaughlin prepared, Roy said, "The School Committee and (union) are engaged in fruitful talks regarding a temporary wage concession for (next) year."
Roy said he is optimistic.
"I was encouraged by the respectful and collaborative tone of the discussions and I'm hopeful this will lead to a solution," he said.
Read the full article on the School Committee meeting in the Milford Daily News here
Read all the live reporting posts from the same School Committee meeting here
School Committee Mtg 05/12/09
The collection of live reporting from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 12th can be found here
- Live reporting - end
- Live reporting - Superintendent's report
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - FY 2010 budget continued
- Live reporting - Joint Statement (full text)
- Live reporting - FY 2010 budget Q and A
- Live reporting - joint statement SchCom and FEA
- Live reporting - budget FY 2010
- Live reproting - FHS MSBA Draft report
- Live reporting - Moodle Facilitated Courses
- Live reporting - School Committee 5/12/09
Internet Safety - 5/19/09 - 7:00 PM
The Franklin Community Health Council
Presents Worldwide leader in the area of online safety and parent and child Internet EducationTuesday, May 19, 2009
7:00 PM
Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium
7:00 PM
Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium
Parry Aftab is a security, privacy and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. Ms. Aftab is Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace that provides important information and programs for children and teens, educators, law enforcement, parents and librarians for all matters related to children online, including online safety and privacy.
Parry Aftab is frequently called as an on‐air expert by all major news services, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC News, The O'Riley Factor and CBS News. She has been used as a resource for 20/20, Dateline, Oprah, Inside Edition and 48 Hours. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the CBS Morning Show.
For more information please a contact: Lisa Keohane at lkeohane@dean.edu or call 508‐553‐4821
"The place is looking better"
Milford Daily News
The fate of the Red Brick School is safe for another year, thanks to Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, according to the Brick School Association.
The charter school has been leasing the school from the town for $1 for the year since early last fall, and has signed on to another year, said Herbert Hunter, association treasurer.
Charter school students have been using the historic building for after-school activities that they wouldn't otherwise be able to do, said charter school Head Kevin O'Malley.
"We're just getting into our relationship with the Brick School, but we're already getting good use out of it this year, and next year, we're looking to do even more," O'Malley said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Treesavers: Paul Barcelo
Paul Barcelo, author of The Sweet War Man
Will be appearing at Treesavers Books to sign his new book, The Sweet War Man.
Paul Barcelo completed Army Infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia, then rotary wing training at Fort Wolters, Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama. He flew one tour as a UH-1 pilot in Republic of Vietnam. He resides in Franklin, Massachusetts with his wife and four children. This is his first novel.
May 16, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Live reporting - end
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. none
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
The School Committee voted to go into executive session for the purposes of negotiation, not to return to an open meeting.
School Committee Liaison Reports - none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee. none
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
The School Committee voted to go into executive session for the purposes of negotiation, not to return to an open meeting.
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