Franklin Newcomers and Friends Kickoff Meeting - Sep 5

Save the Date! Wednesday, September 5th, 7:30pm, Union Street Grill, 371 Union Street, Franklin MA

New to town or just looking for something new? Kids? No kids? Wanting to meet new people?

We are NOT just for Newcomers!

The Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club is a social and charitable organization for residents of Franklin, Massachusetts. We like to have fun, learn new things, and give back to the community through fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. We meet monthly from September through May, often with a themed event (speakers, lively programs), and provide other activities throughout the month to facilitate friendship and fellowship. The Franklin Newcomers also host an annual Craft Fair every year in November, which has become a tradition in town.

Please join us on September 5th at 7:30pm to learn more about the Club. Take a chance on a raffle prize or just sample some appetizers. Cash bar available. Bring a friend! We look forward to meeting you for a great night and to kick off the year ahead!

Mass. NOW PAC Endorses Jeffrey Roy for State Representative

The Mass. NOW PAC Endorses Jeffrey Roy, Candidate for State Representative

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee is pleased to announce its endorsement of Jeffrey Roy.  Mr. Roy is running for election to the State House of Representatives in the 10th Norfolk District.

Christina Knowles, Chair of the Mass. NOW PAC, says:  "We are proud to endorse Jeffrey Roy for State Representative. Jeff stands with us in our commitment to equal rights, and we are excited to offer him our support in his election bid and work with him on Beacon Hill."

The Mass. NOW PAC endorses candidates who are committed to NOW's mission and priority issue areas, including reproductive freedom, racial justice, constitutional rights, economic justice, LGBT rights, and ending violence against women.  In order to receive the support of the Mass. NOW PAC, candidates must go through a rigorous endorsement process, including a multi-issue questionnaire and an interview with PAC members.


The Mass. NOW PAC works to ensure that women's rights and other social justice issues are given a voice on Beacon Hill.  Prior to running for office, Mr. Roy served on Franklin's Town Council and has chaired the town's Master Plan Committee, the School Committee, and the Franklin Democratic Town Committee.  He is a graduate of Bates College and a cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School.  Mr. Roy has been a staunch supporter of equality and a voice for those who are often unheard, devoting his career as a trial lawyer to representing injured persons and co-chairing Franklin's Anti-Bullying Task Force.  The Mass. NOW PAC looks forward to electing Mr. Roy to the Legislature and working with him on equal rights and social justice issues.

On receiving the Mass. NOW PAC endorsement, Mr. Roy says: "I am honored to have the support of Mass. NOW and I share their commitment to equal rights and to giving women and girls a voice on Beacon Hill.  We share many values and a commitment to the notion of equal rights and justice for all.  I will bring those values and that commitment with me to Beacon Hill."

The primary election is Thursday September 6th.  Please be sure to head to the polls and join the Mass. NOW PAC in supporting Jeffrey Roy for State Representative. 


--

Mass. NOW Political Action Committee

PAC Chair, Christina M. Knowles 

Policy and Programs Manager, Ellie Adair

727 Atlantic Avenue, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02111

Website: www.massnow.org

Democratic Debate video

Couldn't get to Medway High School for the Democratic Debate on Tuesday? The video is now available.




Yes, you'll see me from time to time as I was honored to be one of the questioners for the debate. Many of the questions that you submitted were used. Thank you for helping to get information on each candidate's position!

McGovern endorses Roy

US Congressman Jim McGovern poses with Jeff Roy

Catching up to this press release that arrived while I was away on vacation last week. The glories of internet access kept me connected until Sunday when there was no posting here.



For additional information on Jeff Roy and his campaign visit his website http://jeffreyroy.com/

Cops investigating armed robbery of Franklin pharmacy

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Cops investigating armed robbery of Franklin pharmacy

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 8/22/12

Authorities are hunting a man who they say robbed a pharmacy on Monday night. The suspect, wearing a hood, mask and gloves, broke into the Walgreens at 160 East Central St. at about 11 p.m. and pulled a handgun on two employees preparing to leave for the night, police said.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Franklin Public Library: End of Summer Carnival

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

End of Summer Carnival

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/22/12

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

"Theater operates on that whole suspension of disbelief system"

The Milford Daily News writes about Elizabeth Barrett Groth who was nominated last month for a "New York Innovative Theatre Award in outstanding innovative design for a puppet she created"

She credits her education (and a childhood of watching the Muppets) in helping her to find a niche in designing the costumes and sets that help a production cheat reality. In 2010, the former Franklin School for the Performing Arts student earned a master’s in theater design from Yale University School of Drama. 

Asked about what prompted her to abandon her acting career, Barrett Groth said she always was fascinated by the costumes and set of a performance, more so than the actors themselves. 

"I don’t pretend to be a really great actress," she said. "What I enjoyed the most about acting was putting the costume together before hand — the visual side of things. When I would read a play, I would be more worried about imagining what everything actually looked like than the motivation behind the characters."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2118934292/Franklin-woman-is-a-master-of-puppets#ixzz24MNKZXSQ

One step

As mentioned previously, the modular units at Parmenter School are scheduled to be removed before school starts in September. The first step in the process mentioned in the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Aug 7 was the removal of the propane tank.

What was in place when the photos were taken the weekend of 8/12



is now gone

10th Norfolk Democratic Debate results

The 2nd debate or question and answer discussion for the Democratic Candidates was held at Medway High School Tuesday night. About 70 folks attended, applauding frequently as their respective candidate made a point. The Milford Daily News reports on the event in part by writing:

So far, the Franklin residents in the race for 10th Norfolk District seat, formerly held by James Vallee, have not hid their similarities — their backgrounds in law and focus on desire to push for more local aid. 

And the candidates continue to force home a pledge that the district, Franklin and parts of Medway, would have a constant voice in the state’s House of Representatives. 

But during Tuesday night’s debate, the congenial mood of the race seemed at points to become a bit more combative.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405829838/Democratic-House-candidates-stress-their-differences#ixzz24GY77vqu

My thanks to you for helping craft the questions that for the most part were used in the debate.

In the News: girls softball, false claims, kickoff meeting

Franklin softball girls in league of their own

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Franklin man admits making false medicaid claims

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Franklin Newcomers and Friends kickoff meeting set, Sept. 5

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin Public Library: Tanglewood Marionettes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Tanglewood Marionettes

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/21/12

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Help the Baby Beats - Sep 15 - Boston Heart walk

From the Amante Family:

Welcome to the fundraising page for team Baby Beats. We have been raising money for the Heart Association since 2002! Just two weeks after Damian's third open heart surgery we attended our first Heart Walk in New York. 

Funds donated to the Heart Association go toward life saving research, techniques and equipment.

Damian has directly benefited from projects that were funded by the Heart Association.

We celebrate Damian and the victory over his struggles by raising money to support this important organization.

Please support our team by donating to the Heart Association! Thank you!

You can find the fund raising page here

Franklin, MA: School Bus Routes for 2012-2013

The school bus routes have been published to the Franklin Public Schools Transportation web page and shared here.






If you have trouble with the Google link, you can also go directly to the School Transportation page to view and download the PDF file
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/transportation

Election participation data 1990-2010

Pew Center releases election participation interactive

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

The data on Massachusetts is shown below with this interactive tool. You can compare up to three states at a time. The total ballots cast is just that a count of all the ballots including blanks, etc. The votes counted is a subset of the ballots cast but will follow closely as there usually are not a significant number of blank or invalid ballots cast. As this number is generally insignificant, for simplicity sake I would have left it out. 

"step out of your comfort zone"

The Nautilus embarked on its expedition in July. With remotely operated vehicles, the scientists on board study the seafloor, collecting geological and biological specimens. High-definition cameras document their work and broadcast it in real time via www.nautiluslive.org. 

Durkin boards the Nautilus as part of the JASON Project, which brings students and teachers together for field research adventures. He said it aims to attract children to science through hands-on experiences in the field. 

"It’s such a different level for kids to see and feel those experiences," he explained. "It really makes science real."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405828542/A-Franklin-mans-Mediterranean-adventure#ixzz24AfUvwj8

In the News: big league, gas prices

Franklin team, player get big league help

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Mass. gas prices jump another 6 cents

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Questions for the 10th Norfolk Democratic Debate

Questions for the second round debate between the Democratic Candidates for the 10th Norfolk District. Jeff Roy and Peter Padula will face off in Medway on Tuesday at Medway High School at 7:30PM



Preparation/Campaign

What have you done or are planning to do to prepare for serving Medway in in the Legislature?

Based upon the flyer on the door, it seems like you are both walking the neighborhoods. What is one thing that going door to door does for your campaign?

How much will websites and other social media tools help your campaign?


Priorities/Issues

Two part Q: What do you see as Medway’s key issue at the State level and how do you plan to address it?

Do you  have any relationships with folks in or around the State House or in the Legislature that you can leverage when you are in office to help serve Medway? Please elaborate.

Medway and Franklin like most other MA communities are faced with Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) requirements that are underfunded. What is your position on what the Legislature can do to help?

What do you think about casinos as a source of state revenue?

There has been talk of the Legislature revising the Chap 70 funding formula. Franklin is a significant beneficiary of these funds. What would be your position on a revision of the formula?

What is your position on the State budget priorities? Should MA government focus on infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) or education, or??

What is your position on taxes overall? How should the business of providing government services be funded?

What is your position on usage fees? Are there cases where it makes sense to use them in lieu of a more broadly based tax?

What is your position on the governance of utilities, their service rates and performance?

The Medway library, like the Franklin Library, faces an annual budget issue. The MA Library Board of Governors is the body that provides oversight to the library systems. What is your position on what the Legislature should or should not do to help?



Franklin resident submitted questions

If elected what changes would you propose to help commuters from Medway/Franklin afford to get into Boston for work?

What are your thoughts about the MA higher education costs. Is there anything you would propose to help more students afford MA State higher education?

Local officials often complain to voters that costly state mandates tie their hands and prevent them from making common-sense fiscal policies for the town. What will you do as state rep to remove burdensome state mandates and un-tie local officials' hands?

What will be your priorities if you are selected to serve in the state legislature?

How can we make health care in Massachusetts more affordable for the commonwealth, cities, towns, businesses and individuals?

How do you feel about what Gov Patrick has done so far about containing health care costs?

My question to all is This... I think all of you are educated well, are lawyers and have held local seats on a board but what Political experience so you have that I may not know about that you feel makes you qualified to be successful at this job?

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

Specifically, how have you served the towns of Franklin and/or Medway?  (Public service, elected office?)

What makes you the best person to go to Beacon Hill to fight for funding for our district?

What would you do to get Massachusetts off dependence on oil?


If you would like to add a question you can send me an email or use the question form here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/do-you-have-question-to-ask-candidates.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 21,2012

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 7, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Handbook – Peter Light
b. Medical Emergency Response Plan – Mo/Sally

3. Discussion Only Items
Elimination Policies (First Read):
JICA Student Dress Code
JICDA Academic Honesty Policy
JICF Gang Activity/Secret Societies
JKAA Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention
JKAA-R Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Administration Procedures/Crisis Team Procedures
JKF-E Memorandum of Understanding
JKF-R Matters Involving Violence, Weapons, Hate Crimes and Drug Distribution
JLF-E Child Abuse/Neglect
JLF-R Statement of Child Abuse and Neglect

New/Revised Policies (First Read):
JLF Child Abuse/Neglect
JKAA Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention

4. Action Items
a. I recommend appointing the Superintendent of Schools to represent the Franklin Public Schools on the Board of Directors of the Bi-County Collaborative for the 2012-2013 school year.
b. I recommend appointing the Superintendent of Schools to represent the Franklin Public Schools on the Board of Directors of the ACCEPT Collaborative for the 2012-2013 school year.
c. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Rosalind Gordon for the Schaeffer Scholarship at FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Douglas Lee / Well Fargo Community Support Campaign for the FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of three pallets of mixed paper from Lindenmeyr Munroe to the Franklin Public Schools.
g. I recommend approval of the FHS Handbook as discussed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn