Due to the rain predicted for the next few days the
Strawberry Festival will be moved inside!
The festival will be Friday the 19th -Rain or Shine
New Location:
Inside Depot Plaza Building (Acapulco's) on 15 Main Street
Thursday, June 18, 2009
practical wisdom
Obama appealed to virtue. And I think he was right. And the virtue I think we need above all others is practical wisdom, because it's what allows other virtues -- honesty, kindness, courage and so on -- to be displayed at the right time and in the right way. He also appealed to hope. Right again. I think there is reason for hope. I think people want to be allowed to be virtuous.
In many ways, it's what TED is all about. Wanting to do the right thing in the right way for the right reasons. This kind of wisdom is within the grasp of each and every one of us if only we start paying attention. Paying attention to what we do, to how we do it, and, perhaps most importantly, to the structure of the organizations in which we work, so as to make sure that it enables us and other people to develop wisdom rather than having it suppressed.
The BOLD was added for my emphasis. This is from Barry Schwartz's TED Talk presented in February 2009. He talks about the need for "practical wisdom".
"Practical wisdom," Aristotle told us, "is the combination of moral will and moral skill." A wise person knows when and how to make the exception to every rule...Here is the full TED Talk:
Should we reconsider "zero tolerance" rules?
Big pile of dirt being removed
Big pile of dirt being removed from the Four Corners lot to make room for Walgree, originally uploaded by shersteve.
from the Four Corners lot to make room for Walgreens
It's not to late to celebrate summer!
 | |
| eat ¢ drink ¢ celebrate summer | |
 | |
 | Celebrate Summer with 3! |
| It's not too late to celebrate summer at 3! For the entire month of June, dine at 3 and receive a sealed envelope. Inside the envelope is a surprise gift voucher valid on your next visit to 3 before August 31, 2009. The voucher may be for a complimentary appetizer, an entree, or maybe even dinner on us! So come see us soon, and celebrate summer with 3! | |
| Envelopes will be given out during lunch and dinner from June 1 to June 30, or while supplies last. One envelope will be given per table, per visit, in the dining room only. Envelopes must be presented by August 31, 2009. Vouchers are not valid unless envelopes are opened with your server present. This offer is valid at 3 only. Vouchers must be redeemed at time of reveal. No substitutions are available on this offer, and vouchers are not redeemable for cash. Tax, gratuity, and alcohol are not included on any voucher offers. | |
| | |
| 461 West Central Street (Route 140), Franklin, Massachusetts www.3-restaurant.com Visit our other Let's Eat, Inc. restaurants: SKY, Norwood, MA www.sky-restaurant.com and Sudbury, MA www.sky-restaurant.com | |
3 is a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and hosted a recent Chamber "Open House". The Chamber staff were on hand to meet and greet with all participants. The Chamber has grown from three different chamber groups merging into one.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
what catches your attention?
From TED Talks, this one is on a listing of top talks recommended for educators and school administrators by Dr Scott MacLeod. David Perry is a very successful video game designer. His presentation reviews the development of video games. One of the highlights for me was the video within this presentation; a creative autobiographic essay on why a student is addicted to video games.
If you are looking to understand what catches someone's attention, I think that the video game industry is one that we can learn from.
Does that help you understand the attraction of video games?
What catches your attention?
If you are looking to understand what catches someone's attention, I think that the video game industry is one that we can learn from.
Does that help you understand the attraction of video games?
What catches your attention?
"the day the boys had been waiting for"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Local twins John and Austin Brown brought something much more exciting than their favorite toys to school for show and tell yesterday.
They took Bruins forward Phil Kessel.
"This is our buddy Phil Kessel," Austin said to a crowd of his fifth-grade classmates gathered in the auditorium at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School.
The Browns were the winners of the "Show and Tell" experience sponsored by the Boston Bruins Foundation. According to the boys' father, Dan Brown, the family was looking to donate to the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon and saw this as the perfect way to contribute.
"I just thought it would be a great way to support a great cause and my kids are more than excited," Brown said.
Read the full article about Bruin Phil Kessel's visit to Franklin in the Milford Daily News here
Treesavers - Jan Bornstein, book signing
Jan Bornstein will be at Treesavers Books to sign on June 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM
For more about Jan's books visit her web site
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
RokkSoft Launches DecisionBuilder ERP SaaS for Manufacturers
Enables Manufacturing Companies to Eliminate Startup Costs and Realize Efficiencies.
Franklin, MA, June 15, 2009 --(PR.com)-- RokkSoft Solutions Corp has partnered with Decision Software Inc. of Toronto, ON, Canada to offer the DecisionBuilder ERP, a comprehensive suite of software applications and premier ERP solution in Canada, as Software as a Service for small to mid-size Manufacturing companies in the US.
The DecisionBuilder Manufacturing Control System provides Cost Estimating, Material Requirements Planning, Resource Planning, Scheduling, Routing, Product Costing, Equipment Usage Analysis, and Labor Efficiency Analysis.
Coupled with the DecisionBuilder Distribution Control and Accounting Control Systems, MCS has proven equally effective in Job Shops as well as full MRP environments.
DecisionBuilder ERP is a comprehensive set of applications that is easy to implement and can be tailored to meet each company’s unique requirements. Quite often, this customization can be achieved by simply activating specific features enables customization to the processes and controls required by manufacturing businesses without costly software re-programming.
With 25 years of success in over 300 client companies DecisionBuilder provides fingertip access to information needed to drive increased revenues and lower costs.
Delivering DecisionBuilder as a Software as a Service eliminates the hardware, software and implementation costs of an on-premise solution as well as the ongoing support resource requirements.
An Internet web browser is all that is needed to begin realizing the benefits of DecisionBuilder.
For more information, go to http://www.rokksoft.com/decision.html or contact info@rokksoft.com (via email).
This press release was originally posted here
Four Corners destruction
The destruction of the Four Corners Building is underway. The windows have been removed and now you can see right through the building.
I guess the Town didn't bother to remove their sign.
In the house next door to the property that is also coming down to make way for Walgreens, I hope the envelope in the mail box isn't important.
I guess the Town didn't bother to remove their sign.
In the house next door to the property that is also coming down to make way for Walgreens, I hope the envelope in the mail box isn't important.
Strawberry Festival - June 19th 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
There will be over 30 crafters, artisans, community groups, vendors, free entertainment, music, crafts, balloons, give-aways and, of course, the Downtown Partnership’s Famous Strawberry Shortcakes!
The festival will be held at the parking lot on West Central Street from 1:00- 6:00 p.m. and continue down East Central Street to Summer Street this year.
The rain date will be Saturday, June 20th.
Some of the highlights include Zumba demonstrations by the YMCA, Punk jump rope, and face painting. ArtBeat will offer free balloons and a children’s “Trash to Treasure” art gallery show. Salon Sorella will offer hair braiding and color hair spraying.
According to Mary Graff, the Festival Chair, “This festival has grown over the years and we have great entertainment lined up. There will be something for every age group!” This year there will be live music at three locations including the East Central Street patio at Café Dolce and the Summer Street Patio. The popular band “Nothing To No One” will perform at the Festival at West Central. “Knuf Said” John Kinney and Jessi Fanuele will be entertaining crowds, as well as “Tunes by Tina” a festival favorite.
Garelick Farms is the Platinum sponsor for this year’s festival.
A grant from the Mass Cultural Council will help fund the entertainment, and “Ever So Humble” will provide the shortcakes this year! “We really could not have the festival without our generous sponsors,” commented Lisa Piana, Executive Director for the Downtown Partnership.
If it rains the Festival will be held on Saturday from 1:00-6:00. The Farmer’s Market will also be held on Friday and the Garden Club will join the market with their plant sale on the town common. There will plenty of parking available at municipal lots and at Dean College Campus Center.
Visitors this year can ride the “Strawberry Express Bus” provided by GATRA. Pick ups will be at the Town Common at High Street and the Dean College Campus Center.
The festival will be held at the parking lot on West Central Street from 1:00- 6:00 p.m. and continue down East Central Street to Summer Street this year.
The rain date will be Saturday, June 20th.
Some of the highlights include Zumba demonstrations by the YMCA, Punk jump rope, and face painting. ArtBeat will offer free balloons and a children’s “Trash to Treasure” art gallery show. Salon Sorella will offer hair braiding and color hair spraying.
According to Mary Graff, the Festival Chair, “This festival has grown over the years and we have great entertainment lined up. There will be something for every age group!” This year there will be live music at three locations including the East Central Street patio at Café Dolce and the Summer Street Patio. The popular band “Nothing To No One” will perform at the Festival at West Central. “Knuf Said” John Kinney and Jessi Fanuele will be entertaining crowds, as well as “Tunes by Tina” a festival favorite.
Garelick Farms is the Platinum sponsor for this year’s festival.
- Silver sponsors: Dean College and Franklin Newcomers and Friends
- Bronze sponsors: Berry Insurance, Comcast, CVS, Chestnut Dental Associates and Keefe Insurance
A grant from the Mass Cultural Council will help fund the entertainment, and “Ever So Humble” will provide the shortcakes this year! “We really could not have the festival without our generous sponsors,” commented Lisa Piana, Executive Director for the Downtown Partnership.
If it rains the Festival will be held on Saturday from 1:00-6:00. The Farmer’s Market will also be held on Friday and the Garden Club will join the market with their plant sale on the town common. There will plenty of parking available at municipal lots and at Dean College Campus Center.
Visitors this year can ride the “Strawberry Express Bus” provided by GATRA. Pick ups will be at the Town Common at High Street and the Dean College Campus Center.
"I am very pleased with this outcome"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
The teachers union overwhelming approved a proposal to freeze their wages for one year, which will save an estimated 16 teachers' jobs, said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy yesterday.
The Franklin Education Association voted 176-74 yesterday in favor of the proposal, which defers members' negotiated 2.5 percent pay raise through June 30, 2010, Roy said.
Union President Robert McLaughlin could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Read the full article on the teacher's deferment in the Milford Daily News here
I do not believe that the article states the correct number of school positions to be cut for this budget year. By my count, I show the following positions cut since FY 2003:
| Franklin (MA) School Position Reductions | Total |
| FY 2003 | -28 |
| FY 2004 | -21 |
| FY 2005 | -1 |
| FY 2006 | -4 |
| FY 2007 | -1 |
| FY 2008 | -29 |
| FY 2009 | -44 |
| FY 2010 | -45 |
| -172 |
Monday, June 15, 2009
News Flash - Teachers Accept Wage Deferral with School Committee
The Franklin Education Association (commonly called the "teachers union") did vote today to accept the negotiated agreement to accept the wage deferral for FY 2010. Many hours were spent working on the agreement between the teachers and the School Committee bargaining units.
Many thanks to both organizations for working this out!
Additional details to follow.
Many thanks to both organizations for working this out!
Additional details to follow.
FM #41 - This week in Franklin, MA
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series. You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.
Time: 9 minutes, 21 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro My intro FM #41
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series.
You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.
We'll start with what happened this past week
Ho-hum, ten positions on the Town side went out the door and approx. 40 on the School side. No cries for appeal, no crowds appeared at any hearing.
The final number won't be known until the teachers determine if they accept the wage deferment or not. The teachers are scheduled to vote June 15th
Nothing new here in Franklin. Budget cuts and services cuts are expected now. Over 130 folks, 120 school personnel, 10 town, lost positions in the last three years. Ho-hum. I get the distinct feeling that there doesn't seem to be much of anything that will create enough attention for folks to do something about this. Ho-hum.
*** The Relay for Life opened on Friday night as the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared. Over $73,000 was reported to have been raised by this effort for the American Cancer Society. It was an impressive evening as the Survivor Walk took place in the hazy darkness on the lumineria light high school track.
*** Congressman Jim McGovern held local office hours at several locations through out his district on Saturday. He arrived late at the Franklin Public Library, coming from Medway and was going to be late leaving Franklin heading for Wrentham.
About 20 people had signed up on the listing to talk with the Congressman here in Franklin. In my few minutes with him, I offered my services to help spread the word on his efforts for any matters that would be of interest to Franklin. I also took time to discuss the status of No Child Left Behind and other unfunded Federal mandates. I was pressing for funding, or for removal of the mandates if they are not going to be funded.
I joined with Ted McIntyre and Steve Deredarian to represent the Franklin Area Climate Team. Ted invited the Congressman to the 350 event being planned for Franklin on October 24th.http://www.350.org/oct24
Ted also asked the Congressman about the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Additional info on the visit can be found on Franklin Matters
*** MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey released, copies available for download via links posted on Sunday and also included in the notes accompanying this podcast.
While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.
For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.
One quote I like makes this point:
*** As matter of interest, you should be aware that I have recently joined the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Downtown Partnership. By joining these two groups, I hope to learn more about the businesses of Franklin. Franklin clearly needs to increase the number and scale of businesses operating here if we have any hope of derailing the current pattern of budget cuts and layoffs.
I already have a series of postings on business operating in Franklin. I hope to expand on this series with membership in this two groups.
Why? I do believe Franklin matters. I believe the heart beat of Franklin is provided by the businesses amongst us.
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Time: 9 minutes, 21 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro My intro FM #41
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series.
You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.
We'll start with what happened this past week
- The FY 2010 budget passed, barely
- Relay for Life opened on Friday evening and closed Saturday noon
- Congressman Jim McGovern appeared at the Library on Saturday
- MetroWest Adolescent Health survey resulted were released
Ho-hum, ten positions on the Town side went out the door and approx. 40 on the School side. No cries for appeal, no crowds appeared at any hearing.
The final number won't be known until the teachers determine if they accept the wage deferment or not. The teachers are scheduled to vote June 15th
Nothing new here in Franklin. Budget cuts and services cuts are expected now. Over 130 folks, 120 school personnel, 10 town, lost positions in the last three years. Ho-hum. I get the distinct feeling that there doesn't seem to be much of anything that will create enough attention for folks to do something about this. Ho-hum.
*** The Relay for Life opened on Friday night as the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared. Over $73,000 was reported to have been raised by this effort for the American Cancer Society. It was an impressive evening as the Survivor Walk took place in the hazy darkness on the lumineria light high school track.
*** Congressman Jim McGovern held local office hours at several locations through out his district on Saturday. He arrived late at the Franklin Public Library, coming from Medway and was going to be late leaving Franklin heading for Wrentham.
About 20 people had signed up on the listing to talk with the Congressman here in Franklin. In my few minutes with him, I offered my services to help spread the word on his efforts for any matters that would be of interest to Franklin. I also took time to discuss the status of No Child Left Behind and other unfunded Federal mandates. I was pressing for funding, or for removal of the mandates if they are not going to be funded.
I joined with Ted McIntyre and Steve Deredarian to represent the Franklin Area Climate Team. Ted invited the Congressman to the 350 event being planned for Franklin on October 24th.http://www.350.org/oct24
Ted also asked the Congressman about the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Additional info on the visit can be found on Franklin Matters
*** MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey released, copies available for download via links posted on Sunday and also included in the notes accompanying this podcast.
While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.
For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.
One quote I like makes this point:
"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us isAnd the outlook for the week ahead:
constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is
what are they learning as they watch." Kirk Weisler
- destruction of the Four Corners building continues as Walgreens prepares to put their building in place
- Third Thursday, June 18th
- Strawberry Festival, June 19th
- Farmers Market starts operating on Friday's from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on the Town Common
Franklin, MA-The Franklin Downtown Partnership announces the special activities planned for the next “Third Thursday”. Join downtown businesses for a “Girls Night Out” and discover how easy it is to get in touch with your creative side in this round robin of fun, relaxing activities for busy adults. Grab a friend and head to Franklin’s downtown for this special event.
- Artbeat Your Creativity Store, at Summer Street-Visitors are invited to take a beaded candle votive in only 15 minutes! Kids can get free milk and cookies from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
- Jane’s Frames, on East Central Street-Bring a 4”x6” photo to frame in only 15 minutes!
- Sarapaan, on East Central Street-Design your own earrings in only 15 minutes!
- Salon Sorella, at Summer Street-Have a quick massage in only 15 minutes!
- Pretty is Pink, at Summer Street-Relax with bubbly and treats!
*** As matter of interest, you should be aware that I have recently joined the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Downtown Partnership. By joining these two groups, I hope to learn more about the businesses of Franklin. Franklin clearly needs to increase the number and scale of businesses operating here if we have any hope of derailing the current pattern of budget cuts and layoffs.
I already have a series of postings on business operating in Franklin. I hope to expand on this series with membership in this two groups.
Why? I do believe Franklin matters. I believe the heart beat of Franklin is provided by the businesses amongst us.
---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music
Attention Veterans and Families
Webcast Discussion for Veterans and Families
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7:00-8:30 PM
Location: http://vbxevents.powerstream.net/003/02408/weoweyou
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services invites you to join us for an important online discussion about the programs and services available to Massachusetts veterans and their families.
Hosted by Mike Nikitas of New England Cable News (NECN). Veterans’ services experts will explain the benefits available and will take questions LIVE via instant messaging throughout the program.
Military veterans, especially those who have recently returned to the Commonwealth, family members and friends of veterans, are encouraged to participate in this important live discussion.
For more information and to register, http://www.weoweu.org/.
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7:00-8:30 PM
Location: http://vbxevents.powerstream.net/003/02408/weoweyou
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services invites you to join us for an important online discussion about the programs and services available to Massachusetts veterans and their families.
Hosted by Mike Nikitas of New England Cable News (NECN). Veterans’ services experts will explain the benefits available and will take questions LIVE via instant messaging throughout the program.
Military veterans, especially those who have recently returned to the Commonwealth, family members and friends of veterans, are encouraged to participate in this important live discussion.
For more information and to register, http://www.weoweu.org/.
Events in the schools this week
Parmenter - Gr. 5 Celebration 6/15/09 9:00 AM
Jefferson - 5th Grade Celebration 6/16/09 6-8 PM
Davis Thayer - 5th Grade Musical Production (Gym) 6/17/09 10:30 AM
ASMS - 7th Gr. Evening of Excellence 6/17/09 5:00 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common 6/18/09 8:45 AM
JFK - 5th Gr. Proud To Be An American Performance 6/18/09 9:00 AM
ASMS - 8th Gr. Step Up Ceremony 6/18/09 6:30 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common - Rain Date 6/19/09 8:45 AM
Davis Thayer - 5th Gr. Moving Up Program (Gym) 6/19/09 9:00 AM
Oak - 5th Gr. Breakfast & Celebration 6/19/09 9:15 AM
Keller - 5th Gr. Promotion Ceremony (Café) 6/19/09 8:45-10 AM
ASMS - 6th & 7th Gr. Field Day (ASMS Fields) 6/19/09 All Day
ASMS - 8th Gr. Field Day (Hopkinton YMCA) 6/19/09 All Day
Check each school website for additional details on each event
Jefferson - 5th Grade Celebration 6/16/09 6-8 PM
Davis Thayer - 5th Grade Musical Production (Gym) 6/17/09 10:30 AM
ASMS - 7th Gr. Evening of Excellence 6/17/09 5:00 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common 6/18/09 8:45 AM
JFK - 5th Gr. Proud To Be An American Performance 6/18/09 9:00 AM
ASMS - 8th Gr. Step Up Ceremony 6/18/09 6:30 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common - Rain Date 6/19/09 8:45 AM
Davis Thayer - 5th Gr. Moving Up Program (Gym) 6/19/09 9:00 AM
Oak - 5th Gr. Breakfast & Celebration 6/19/09 9:15 AM
Keller - 5th Gr. Promotion Ceremony (Café) 6/19/09 8:45-10 AM
ASMS - 6th & 7th Gr. Field Day (ASMS Fields) 6/19/09 All Day
ASMS - 8th Gr. Field Day (Hopkinton YMCA) 6/19/09 All Day
Check each school website for additional details on each event
"It's not set in stone yet"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
There's a decent chance parents will not have to pay the sizable increases in fees for busing, athletics and extracurricular activities that was under consideration to help offset the budget deficit, said Superintendent Wayne Ogden.
The School Committee still must vote whether to bump up athletic fees to $200 per sport (now $150), extracurricular fees to $50 per activity (now $25), and $350 for busing (now $325).
Administrators calculated the cost for a family with three children, who each participated in one sport per season ($1,800 total), one extracurricular activity each, for the year ($150), and each taking the bus ($1,050), to total $3,000 annually, or 60 percent of the average Franklin tax bill.
"We deliberated a great deal about the need to increase fees to cover our rising costs at a time when the budget was being level-funded, versus the financial stress on families during our economic crisis," Ogden said.
"Plus, there was a very real possibility that increased fees might result in reduced participation in these programs," said Ogden.
Read the full article on activity fees in the Milford Daily News here
With the final budget still unsettled, if the fees are not raised, how will the budget end up balanced?
You can either increase revenue (increase fees in this case) or cut expenses (additional programs or personnel) to balance a budget. Stay in touch to find out what schools could look like when September 2009 rolls around.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Franklin woes
“We’re cutting down to bare bones,” ... “We are cutting some services. We are taking no increase in pay on the town side. On the school side, teachers are giving up some pay days. We still don’t have a state budget. We are using estimated figures. If we’re wrong, we’re looking at additional cuts. People are unhappy.”Gee, this sounds familiar! We are not the only Franklin with budget troubles. Franklin, CT has similar woes. Read the full article in the Norwich Bulletin here
For the listing of other Franklin's across the US, check out this listing
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)