Food security: waste not, want not

A good friend of mine pointed this movie out to me over the holidays. Hunger and food security are big issues world wide. The Franklin Food Pantry is working to provide food for those who need it amongst us.

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

I hope that this doesn't spoil your appetite.

I do hope that you'll consider portions when eating.


To learn more about food security, consider reading from these sources:

• Food security learning center http://www.whyhunger.org/programs/fslc.html
• USDA Food Security resources  http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsec/Resources.htm
• Community Food Security Coalition http://www.foodsecurity.org/

Franklin, MA

Christmas trees will be picked up on your trash day this week

I went digging for my copy of the Curbside Chronicle to find out the Christmas Tree pick up schedule. Good thing I did. The trees will be picked up on the day of your regular trash schedule this week. Yes, this week from Jan 3 - Jan 7.

Last year, the tree pickup was scheduled for Saturday of this week. I guess I will be taking down the tree tonight to make our Wednesday trash schedule day.


FranklinCurbsideChronicle_JanMar_2011



Franklin, MA

In the News - back taxes, quiet car, tight budgets

Franklin to go after back taxes

by Brian Benson, Daily News staff

Riders like new quiet train car

by Brian Benson, Daily News staff

Tight budgets seen for this year

by Brian Benson, Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

"I think it's good to have fresh eyes look"

Areas to be discussed include Emmons Street between Main Street and Hillside Road, Dean Avenue between Main and Ray streets, Ray Street, Depot Street and the town's Depot Street parking lot.

Town officials hope the work, which will be paid for through a $1 million state public works grant, will fix deteriorated roads and sidewalks, improve drainage and stormwater systems and stimulate private investment downtown, Taberner said.

"This is a section we wouldn't have been able to afford if we didn't get that (grant)," Taberner said.

The construction is part of a $7.25 million downtown revitalization project to eliminate one-way traffic, install decorative streetlights, improve sidewalks and curbs and resurface streets. Work on main streets will be covered by a $5 million federal grant, which will be matched by about $1.25 million in state and local funds.

Public urged to talk on plans for Franklin streets

by Brian Benson, Daily News staff


Related posts:

• The plan for Franklin Center - 2003
• Transit Oriented Development
• Downtown Parking - is there enough or not?
• Public Meeting regarding the PWED Project Draft Pl...

Franklin, MA

Fiscal year 2012 - budget information

This page collects all the writing and information on the FY 2012 budget

Long Range Financial Planning Committee meetings

• Long Range Financial Planning Committee 02/23/11
• Long Range Financial Planning Committee 02/09/11
• Long Range Financial Planning Committee 01/05/11

School Budget Workshop
Preliminary School Budget document
Handout for the Workshop
Workshop notes - part 1
Workshop notes - part 2

School Space needs report

Kindergarten: full vs. half-day
My analysis from 2010 can be found here

School budget hearing (held 2/15/11)


Center for American Progress report touts Franklin as a high performing district


Mass Budget's analysis of the Gov Budget (1/26/11)

Gov Patrick's full budget for FY 2012 (1/26/11)

Gov Patrick's local aid and Chap 70 (1/26/11)

Gov Patrick proposes local aid cuts (1/21/11)

Chapter 70 info from MASSBudget (1/5/11)

Capital expenditures from 'free cash' FY 2010 (12/8/10)

Jeff Nutting's outlook from November 2010 (11/03/10)

Town Budget workshop from Jan 2010
This three hour meeting was recorded and the documents used are all available here
The numbers will change for this year but the story behind the numbers won't differ much.

Citizens against waste - question collection


Franklin, MA

"the national economic crisis has caused real pain"

Reconfirming a strong link between education and economic success, the report notes that Bay State hourly wages and household incomes leapt from near the national average 30 years ago to among the top in the nation today.

Yet those with less education are struggling to find jobs at higher rates than past downturns. People with only high school degrees are unemployed at nearly twice the rate of those with a bachelor's degrees or higher, the report says.

While the report points to Massachusetts' strengths, it also highlights the need for better training for less educated workers to gain middle-level skills, said Robert Tannenwald, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities.

Such skills are important to the state's economy in growing sectors such as niche manufacturing and the medical technician field, he said.

"The high school diploma doesn't cut it anymore, but you don't quite need the college degree either," said Tannenwald, whose organization is affiliated with the report's authors. "You need specialized skill."

You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.

You can read the full report at its source here


Franklin, MA

In the News - senior tax abatements

For seniors, town jobs can reduce property tax bills

by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

While not specifically referenced in this article, Franklin is one of the communities that offers this. In fact, early in 2010, the Town Council increased the amounts available for seniors to take advantage of.

The first discussion was February 10 when Tina Powderly provided the update on the Senior Outreach initiatives.  http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/live-reporting-senior-outreach.html

On March 3, the Town Council voted unanimously to accept the four proposals (Zollo absent):
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/live-reporting-actions.html


Franklin, MA

Happy New Year 2011

Wishing you and yours all the best for a happy and healthy 2011









Franklin, MA

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Franklin, MA

MBTA Tests Commuter Rail "Quiet Cars"

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA Tests Commuter Rail "Quiet Cars"

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 12/31/10

On Monday morning, January 3^rd, the MBTA and MBCR will begin the "Quiet Car" program on rush-hour trains on the Fitchburg and Franklin commuter rail lines.


The pilot program is to run for 90 days, during which time riders on the two lines will be asked to provide feedback on their experience with the program. Depending on customer response to the pilot program, the MBTA and MBCR will consider the deployment of "Quiet Cars" on all thirteen Commuter Rail lines.


MBTA General Manager Richard Davey said the program is the result of a recent survey, which indicated significant demand for passenger coaches free from cell phone chatter.


The car closest to the locomotive will be designated as the 'quiet car.' Customers using it will be asked to refrain from cell phone use; keep pagers, cell phones, laptop and PDA sounds off or to vibrate; and speak in whispers. Riders seated in a quiet car who need to use the phone will be asked to move to another car for the duration of their call. Conductors will make normal announcements during the trip. Conductors will be authorized to lift quiet car restrictions during any periods of service disruption or heavy passenger volume.


For more information, as well as tips for riding the "Quiet Car," please visit www.MBTA.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

Franklin wants your business

The one page summary of benefits for businesses to locate in Franklin, MA:

Franklin Wants Your Business



Franklin, MA

Sample Census Data for Franklin, MA

The NY Times has a pretty slick interactive map tool based upon sample Census data. Input the Franklin zip code (02038) and see the results:

http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer?hp




Franklin, MA

In the News - train schedule, Shell Station, Trash system, Donny Drive fire

Franklin train schedule changed for New Year's Eve

by Staff reports

Franklin Shell broken into

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

New Franklin trash system withstands snow challenges

by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Two children escape fire in Franklin

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Meeting notes archive for 2010

 

2010

The collection of meeting summaries for calendar year 2010


Budget Workshop 01/25/10 

Conservation Commission 08/12/10 

Finance Committee 02/02/10 

Finance Committee 03/23/10 

Finance Committee 05/04/10

Finance Committee 05/06/10

Finance Committee 05/10/10

Finance Committee 09/07/10

Financial Plng Comm 03/24/10

Financial Plng Comm 03/31/10

Financial Plng Comm 06/23/10

Financial Plng Comm 08/11/10

Planning Board 03/22/10 

Planning Board 05/03/10 

Planning Board 05/17/10

Planning Board 06/07/10

Planning Board 06/21/10

Planning Board 07/26/10

Planning Board 08/23/10

Planning Board 09/13/10

School Committee 01/12/10 

School Committee 01/26/10 

School Committee 02/09/10 

School Committee 02/23/10 

School Committee 03/09/10 

School Committee 04/13/10 

School Committee 05/11/10 

School Committee 05/25/10 

School Committee 06/08/10 

School Committee 06/22/10 

School Committee 07/20/10 

School Committee 08/10/10 

School Committee 08/24/10 

School Committee 09/14/10 

School Committee 10/12/10 

School Committee 11/09/10 

School Committee 11/16/10 

School Committee 12/14/10 

Town Council 01/06/10 

Town Council 01/20/10 

Town Council 02/03/10 

Town Council 02/10/10 

Town Council 03/03/10 

Town Council 03/10/10 

Town Council 03/17/10 

Town Council 04/07/10

Town Council 04/28/10

Town Council 05/05/10

Town Council 06/02/10

Town Council - Budget Hearing - Part 1 - 06/09/10

Town Council - Budget Hearing - Part 2 - 06/10/10

Town Council 06/16/10

Town Council 07/21/10

Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan

Town Council 08/04/10

Downtown Improvement Project (Collection)

Town Council 08/18/10

Town Council 09/08/10

Town Council 09/29/10

Town Council 10/06/10

Town Council 10/20/10

Town Council 11/03/10

Town Council 11/17/10

Town Council 12/01/10

Town Council 12/08/10
Town Council 12/15/10


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Public Meeting regarding the PWED Project Draft Plan - Jan 10, 2011

Important Downtown Franklin Project in Need of Input

Public Meeting regarding PWED Project Draft Plan

The Town of Franklin is holding a public meeting in order to obtain comments and suggestions on the Public Works Economic Development (PWED) grant funded portion of the Downtown Franklin Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project. The meeting will be held on Monday January 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Dean College’s Alden Center (S11) located in the Arthur W. Pierce Center for Science and Technology.

Parking will be available in the Dean Hall Lot located off Emmons Street behind Dean Hall.

The focus of the meeting is to obtain input from the general public, government officials, Downtown business owners, property owners, and other individuals and organizations on draft plans for the PWED project area, which includes the following:

• Emmons Street between Main Street and Hillside Road
• Dean Avenue between Main and Ray Streets
• Ray Street
• Depot Street
• The Town of Franklin’s Depot Street Parking Lot

The goals of this project are to improve the deteriorated conditions of these secondary roadways, create a safer pedestrian friendly environment, stimulate private sector investment, and improve the overall appearance of Downtown Franklin.

The meeting will be a hands-on workshop, where meeting attendees will have the opportunity to review draft plans, ask questions, exchange ideas, and provide suggestions. If unable to attend the public meeting, draft plans are available for review in the Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD).

To make it easy for individuals to submit comments and suggestions, the Department of Planning and Community Development has created the Downtown Improvement Project webpage on the Town’s website: http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/dtimprovement

Please utilize the website to provide input and look for other ways to participate in this important project. DPCD asks that the public utilize the website whenever possible to provide input, however input in any format (direct mail; email; telephone; fax) is welcome.

Feel free to contact Franklin’s Director of Planning and Community Development, Bryan W. Taberner, at 508-520-4907 or btaberner@franklin.ma.us if you have questions or require additional information. We look forward to hearing from you.


Note: There are two projects that have been funded for Downtown - This is funded separately from the Downtown Improvement Project. The two projects are related in that they cover adjoining sections of Franklin and will be worked on a similar schedule.

Franklin, MA

"It's probably a good thing to do"

Some charities, including the Franklin Food Pantry, will send donors letters acknowledging the gift rather than hand out receipts.

Anne Marie Bellavance at the Franklin Food Pantry said donations being dropped off and coming in the mail have picked up in the past two weeks.

"It's definitely on the minds of people the week before Christmas to ensure it does get credited as a tax donation (for this year)," she said. "We actually have a major donor who comes every year on Christmas Eve or it's mailed around that time and he does it partly to make sure it counts on that year's taxes."

The Franklin pantry is open until 2 p.m. Friday. Food donations are not assigned a monetary value but are listed by weight in a donation letter, Bellavance said. It's up to the donor or accountant to assign a value.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News



Franklin, MA

Downtown Parking - is there enough or not?

Parking, is there enough or not? Is it convenient or not?

What was the study done that leads folks to conclude "there is no parking issue downtown"?

How do you count to get over 2,000 parkings spots downtown?

These and other questions are answered in this document that summarizes the study conducted in 2008 by the Department of Planning and Community Development.

Franklin Downtown Parking Study 2008

This continues the series of additional information from the Franklin Dept of Planning and Community Development on development of downtown Franklin, MA. Look for more over the course of the week to help prepare for the Public Meeting Monday, Jan 10th.

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.


Franklin, MA

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), a highly successful charter school, was founded in 1995. We are located on the town common in the building which previously housed St. Mary’s School. The mission of BFCCPS is “to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing a classical academic education integrated with sound character development and community service.” The founding parents established a public school that emphasizes character education, community involvement, service and academic dept with outstanding MCAS performance. BFCCPS is a free, public school open to all Massachusetts students in grade K-8 by lottery.

Our students consistently score above average on MCAS and other standardized exams. We have already met the NCLB National Standard for ELA due in 2014. In addition to the MA Curriculum Frameworks, BFCCPS also incorporates the classically oriented Core Knowledge Sequence, created by nationally known author E. D. Hirsch, Jr. All students take French beginning in Kindergarten an all take Latin beginning in Grade 3 on. Other school successes include three French Gold Medals out of fifteen awarded nationally and excellent Latin scores on the respective National Exams.

A sophisticated system of eighth grade individual Capstone student presentations are required as part of our Community Service initiative. Students in all grades participate in community service programs.

A special effort to include parents in the life of our school community as Parents as Primary Educators enriches our school’s culture and supports the parents role as the first educator of their child. Parents can volunteer in and out of the classroom. They are active members on our Board of Trustees and participate in the many overnight and daily field trips.

Another pillar of BFCCPS is Character Education. Character education is infused into the daily education of our students through responsive classroom techniques, academic advising, and integrated curricular lessons.

Our Classical approach to educate the whole child includes: French, Latin, Art and Music. We have been recognized as one of America’s 100 outstanding music schools with over 80% of our students in grades 4-8 participating in one of our four music ensembles. Our grade 6-8 “Arts Block” offers include: Jazz, Drama, Architecture, Graphic Design, Cartooning, Guitar, Songwriters Workshop, Printmaking, Creative Writing, Photoshop, Keyboard, and Film to name a few.

Sophisticated teacher evaluations and teacher empowerment initiatives give way to teacher creativity in the classroom. With the three computer labs, computer projectors installed in all classrooms, and interactive white board technology, we are able to provide cutting edge Technology classes to all students.

As a K-8 public school we service over 440 students. We are now in our 15th year educating students. We are proud of our past and confident of our future as a charter school of excellence. We invite your questions and interest as we continue to serve students in the Town of Franklin and the eleven surrounding districts.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

201 Main Street

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

508.541.3434 www.bfccps.org

From the 2010 Franklin Annual Report