Saturday, December 8, 2012
In the News: Shakespeare, clean water, state budget
FHS is preparing to perform Shakepeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream" Dec 19 and 20
Dreaming of a successful play
Dreaming of a successful play
Friday, December 7, 2012
12 Days of Donating: Day 8
On Day 8 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.
In August, the Big Y finally opened its doors.
 |
| Big Y - Franklin, MA opened in Aug 2012 |
RT 140 is newly expanded and paved, the lights are operational to allow access out of Big Y and the Municipal Building as well as the other business opposite. It is rare to see only one car in the parking lot.
Why highlight the Big Y for this month? I think it tells us a couple of things about Franklin.
First - Businesses find Franklin a good place to operate. Look around at what is underway (new or renovation) or proposed. There are still some empty or underutilized buildings but compared to other communities, this is so much better. Why? Tax dollars. Yes, it is all the same tax rate but the businesses are at least paying and the more that come here, the better off we'll all be.
Second - the Big Y has helped create competition for our food dollars. Our family shopping pattern has changed to include a stop there periodically to take advantage of the sales. In times like these when stretching a dollar for as much as you can get, it helps when there is competition. Will Franklin remain with three food markets? Time will tell. In the meantime, we can shop for the best price!
For the 12 Days of Donating, the Franklin Food Elves have combined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
- Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
- Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
- Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
- Dean College, Campus Center
- DCU, 500 West Central St.
- East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
- Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
- Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
- Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
- Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
- RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.
You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page
Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
Dean College - the street view
On Main St, Dean College has a classic looking entrance with brick and wrought iron
The fencing continues up Main St anchored by brick posts. Many of the brick posts have plaques commemorating a graduating class.
With the new residence hall on West central St about to open, the landscaping includes the addition of this wrought iron fencing
The corner of Union and West Central is an updated version of the main entrance shown above.
The fencing continues up Main St anchored by brick posts. Many of the brick posts have plaques commemorating a graduating class.
With the new residence hall on West central St about to open, the landscaping includes the addition of this wrought iron fencing
The corner of Union and West Central is an updated version of the main entrance shown above.
Franklin joins discussion on how to handle medical pot
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 12/6/12
Like so many other municipalities across the commonwealth, the town has begun planning for the slim possibility that a medical marijuana dispensary or clinic would attempt to open within its borders. In his report during the Town Council meeting Wednesday night, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting presented officials' their options, saying they can allow such businesses to open, but regulate where they can and cannot set up shop with a zoning bylaw, prohibit them entirely, or take no action.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 Library: Jamie Barrett - Holiday Music Show
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
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
Thursday, December 6, 2012
12 Days of Donating: Day 7
On Day 7 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.
In July, road work on RT 140 was underway to prepare for the opening of the Big Y in August. A syringe disposal kiosk was positioned at the Fire Station downtown, then moved to the DPW Offices. The five candidates campaigning to replace Rep Vallee were hitting the pavement going door to door and the three Democrats were preparing for their first debate on July 30.
The Farmers Market opened every Friday from June through November 2 and seemed to be the busiest during July. The market located at the Town Common, featured the produce from local farmers. One special treat I enjoyed was the fresh native honey from Akin-Bak Farms. Stopping by to talk with Howard Crawford was always a pleasure.
I have seen articles raising questions about the benefits of buying local produce but I also wonder who is really behind the article. Unfortunately, so many of the big food companies fund research that is slanted, it becomes hard to trust what is available to read. Hence, there is one advantage with buying local. The farmer is there to talk to. Simple, direct. Fresh produce from the local area.
 |
| The Nourse Farm stand from Oct 2011 at the Franklin Farmers Market |
Half way through the 12 Days of Donating, the Franklin Food Elves have combined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
- Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
- Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
- Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
- Dean College, Campus Center
- DCU, 500 West Central St.
- East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
- Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
- Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
- Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
- Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
- RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.
You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
Town Council - 12/05/12
The collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 5, 2012 can be found here
- Live reporting - legislation, closing
- Live reporting - appointments, licenses renewals
- Live reporting - Town Council - Dec 5, 2012
"There’s an air of uncertainty"
You may have heard it before and you did because it is true. Until the overall economic conditions radically improve, this situation will arise each budget year.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1107418643/Officials-concerned-with-future-of-state-aid#ixzz2EGdLTLxa
Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Wednesday that he’s confident the town has enough money in its reserve to make it through the year without slashing jobs if the state makes cuts, but fiscal 2014 could be a different story.
"We can survive short-term, but it’s the long term I’m worried about. Franklin is overly dependent on state aid, and a cut would have a major effect on us," said Nutting.
About one-third of Franklin’s 2013 budget – $30 million of $92 million – is funded by state aid due to the town’s fast growth and school-aged population. Even a slight decrease in fiscal 2014 aid would therefore be concerning for the town.
"We are much more heavily dependent on state aid than other communities our size," Nutting said. "A fiscal 2014 reduction in state aid of even 2 or 3 percent is a million bucks, and to another town of size, it could only be $200,000."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1107418643/Officials-concerned-with-future-of-state-aid#ixzz2EGdLTLxa
Best Buddies (video)
There have been a number of Best Buddies activities in Franklin so this new holiday video message is a good one to share.
"Show up
Stand up
I'll be your buddy anyway!"
For more information and to donate to Best Buddies visit their web page http://www.bestbuddies.org/
Related posts on the Best Buddies program in Franklin schools
Best Buddies provides grants
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jun_24.html
Best Buddies brought the Meiers to Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/i-hope-that-you-welcome-them.html
Best Buddies grant awards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/01/fm-54-week-ending-11710.html
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Live reporting - legislation, closing
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-82: Legal Notices
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 12-83: 2013 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
moving the meeting in July to the 17th
Feb 20th moved to the 13th
Mar 17 moved to the 24th
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
3. Resolution 12-84: Southern New England Trunkline Trail Multi-Community Joint Planning Resolution
Received a grant for $10K to do some planning, working to study the Prospect St crossing
Powderly thanks for all the effort, this is a long development
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Can suspend the parking on Saturday beginning this weekend
just can't park all day
Planning Board endorsed the Site Plan bylaw and it will come back to Town Council
DelCarte dam construction will start next week and should end about May
Governor's adjustment to budget in administrative areas, looking to the Legislature to make local aid cuts, not too concerned about the short term cuts, the schools will get hit the most due to the circuit breaker
big concern to look to FY 2014, especially given Congress inability to do anything
it will be a trickle down effect to the local communities, this year we'll get by, next year is a concern
zoning bylaw on medical marijuana, looking to get ahead of the curve
choices are, don't allow it at all, or allow it in the adult entertainment area (industrial park) or not do anything which will create a problem eventually
Q - are there a limited number of dispensaries?
A - in the beginning there will be five dispensaries per county, but after that they can expand
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - had opportunity early on to be interviewed when on the School Committee, that experience taught him to be better prepared
Received many compliments on the tree lighting on the common, it has been well received
Bissanti - congratulations to Stella on her award, I had heard her name referenced as a person to be recond with
Pfeffer - she knows what is going on, she is on top of her game; I remember going to her father's store (the holder of the first liquor license)
Powderly - had received the first congratulatory phone call from Stella
Echo the fine comments on the Town Common, it looks beautiful
thanks to the Downtown Partnership for a great Holiday Stroll
Kelly - congrats, the common looks beautiful
Dellorco - congrats, the lights look great, the trees that were cut were a great call
Mercer - congrats on the award, my family has know Stella for many years; I had worked with her on the Senior Center project and she was a great leader along with Judy Pfeffer
Mountains of dirt being moved around on the high school site. foundations getting poured in the next couple of weeks and with some weather luck we'll see some steel shortly after
Vallee - I'd like to thank you for what you have done, and thank you to Karen for bringing her to the meeting, that is over and above her duty
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, approved 8-0
Live reporting - appointments, licenses renewals
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council - Caterina Colson
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0
2013-2014 Election Workers
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Location and Alteration of Premises - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits
moving to 14 Grove St, looking to move subject to approval and completion of the improvements
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
2013 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals
with a few licenses being held back until past due invoices are paid in full
while some of the restaurants are on the listing, there maybe another party (land owner for example) responsible for the tax bills.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Live reporting - Town Council - Dec 5, 2012
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Jones
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 18, 2012
move approval of the minutes, seconded, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
and by Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Stella Jeon
Stella said she shares this award with a number of folks, members of the groups she is part of and works with. "It has been a joy of me to serve the community."
Karen Alves, read a poem written by Stella to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Senior Center
Absent: Jones
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 18, 2012
move approval of the minutes, seconded, passed 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
and by Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Stella Jeon
Stella said she shares this award with a number of folks, members of the groups she is part of and works with. "It has been a joy of me to serve the community."
Karen Alves, read a poem written by Stella to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Senior Center
12 Days of Donating: Day 6
On Day 6 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.
In June, the Town Council approved the budget for FY 2013, the Downtown Partnership held their Annual Strawberry Stroll, and MassDOT held a public hearing on the Downtown Project among many events during the month.
The Franklin Community Garden operating in its second year was the setting for a good bit of sharing on healthy alternatives to the use of pesticides. If you have not been to the Community Garden at the King St Memorial Field, please make a date to do so sometime. It is a great example of the collaboration among organizations within Franklin. The benefits are enormous. Every time I go there, I come away with another good story to share. While good food is grown in the raised garden beds, the conversations among the gardeners, and with those who pass by, is building the kind of community where we can all be proud to say we live here!
For more on the Community Garden and healthy alternatives to pesticides, visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-community-garden-diatomaceous.html
For additional information on the Community Garden, visit their website http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/
Another good example of collaboration is the current 12 Days of Donating where the Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
In June, the Town Council approved the budget for FY 2013, the Downtown Partnership held their Annual Strawberry Stroll, and MassDOT held a public hearing on the Downtown Project among many events during the month.
The Franklin Community Garden operating in its second year was the setting for a good bit of sharing on healthy alternatives to the use of pesticides. If you have not been to the Community Garden at the King St Memorial Field, please make a date to do so sometime. It is a great example of the collaboration among organizations within Franklin. The benefits are enormous. Every time I go there, I come away with another good story to share. While good food is grown in the raised garden beds, the conversations among the gardeners, and with those who pass by, is building the kind of community where we can all be proud to say we live here!
For more on the Community Garden and healthy alternatives to pesticides, visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-community-garden-diatomaceous.html
For additional information on the Community Garden, visit their website http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/
Another good example of collaboration is the current 12 Days of Donating where the Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
- Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
- Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
- Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
- Dean College, Campus Center
- DCU, 500 West Central St.
- East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
- Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
- Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
- Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
- Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
- RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.
You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
"duel entrances in and out were the preferred option"
For those shopping at Stop & Shop, using the points for gas purchases meant going to the Shell Station on RT 140. There are plans in the process of gaining approval for a Stop & Shop gas station to be located at the empty lot on the corner of Grove St and RT 140. The Planning Board will continue their hearing on Dec 17th with Zoning Board and Conservation Commission approval required as well before they can begin.
Where would the gas station be located? On the empty lot at the corner of Grove St and RT 140 according the the address and the map.
View Larger Map
Stop & Shop has proposed a gas station with five fueling islands that can service 10 vehicles at a time. Near the pumping stations, the company has said it wants to build an attendant’s kiosk with an attached restroom. Underneath the facility will be two gasoline tanks (diesel won’t be available): one holding 30,000 gallons of fuel the other 8,000 gallons.
The gas station would be located about a quarter mile from the Stop & Shop supermarket at 40 Franklin Village Drive.
Should the Planning Board — which met on Monday to discuss the proposal during a public hearing — approve the design plan and issue the company a special permit, Stop & Shop has indicated that it would look to begin construction sometime in the spring.Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x719501777/Franklin-Stop-Shop-gas-station-proposal-closer-to-approval#ixzz2EAmQAW5r
Where would the gas station be located? On the empty lot at the corner of Grove St and RT 140 according the the address and the map.
View Larger Map
"having money left over is always a good thing"
In the Franklin budget process, the Finance Committee gets the preview of the budget before it goes to the Town Council. In their meeting Tuesday, they were shown the plan to cover the capital budget in two phases for this time around. The first phase is underway and is scheduled for Council vote in Jan 2014. The second phase is scheduled to complete in Apr/May 2014. The Milford Daily News reports on the meeting in part by writing:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x719501763/Franklin-may-go-easy-on-capital-improvement-plan#ixzz2EAjBdwA2
The Finance Committee reviewed most of the plan, including spending requests from the fire, police, technology, library and school departments — during its meeting Tuesday night.
The committee will examine the remaining requests, from the Department of Public Works and water and sewer departments, at its Jan. 8 meeting, before spending the rest of that month reviewing the plan in its entirety and then making a recommendation to Town Council.
Calling his strategy fiscally conservative, Nutting wants to prepare the town for strains on the budget resulting from a potentially harsh, snowy winter and a possible decline in local aid prompted by shortfalls in state revenue.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x719501763/Franklin-may-go-easy-on-capital-improvement-plan#ixzz2EAjBdwA2
MassBudget: Mid-Year Budget Cuts
Because tax receipts for FY 2013 have been lower than expected, the Governor today announced a series of mid-year spending cuts--along with plans to use money from existing reserves. Our new factsheet, Mid-Year Budget Cuts for FY 2013, describes these proposals and the broader fiscal context.
Among the cuts announced today are the following:
There are two basic reasons that Massachusetts continues to find itself in a fiscal crisis. First, because of the lingering effects of the Great Recession. And second, because of tax cuts and other declines in tax receipts over the last fifteen years that cost the state over $3 billion in annual revenue.
|
| ||||||
12 Days of Donating: Day 5
On Day 5 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.
In May, there was a whole lot going on. candidate campaigns for Rep Jim Vallee's seat started, the Master Plan Committee held its first public forum, and the annual Memorial Day activities took place among the many events for the month.
The one event, i'd like to focus on here is the combined Library Book Sale and DPW "Touch a Truck". This is a good example of Franklin seamlessly providing a quality event and yet it is a combined Town and non-profit sponsored event. The DPW provides the facility and the vehicles are arranged for easy access around the garage and parking areas. The food is donated by local businesses. The Library Book Sale is coordinated by the Friends of Franklin Library and is an all volunteer non-profit effort. The turnout is great, the smiles and bags of books are plentiful. The Library (and hence the Franklin residents) benefit from the funds raised. There is also a separate collection for the Franklin Food Pantry (which we appreciate!).
One could walk away from the event and think this is a wonderful thing that the town does. And they would be right. It is a result of the wonderful collaboration that can be very effective among the various Franklin organizations.
Guy Supernor poses as Batman
For more photos from the Library Book Sale and DPW "Touch a Truck" day
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/library-book-sale-and-dpw-touch-truck.html
Another good example of collaboration is the current 12 Days of Donating where the Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
In May, there was a whole lot going on. candidate campaigns for Rep Jim Vallee's seat started, the Master Plan Committee held its first public forum, and the annual Memorial Day activities took place among the many events for the month.
The one event, i'd like to focus on here is the combined Library Book Sale and DPW "Touch a Truck". This is a good example of Franklin seamlessly providing a quality event and yet it is a combined Town and non-profit sponsored event. The DPW provides the facility and the vehicles are arranged for easy access around the garage and parking areas. The food is donated by local businesses. The Library Book Sale is coordinated by the Friends of Franklin Library and is an all volunteer non-profit effort. The turnout is great, the smiles and bags of books are plentiful. The Library (and hence the Franklin residents) benefit from the funds raised. There is also a separate collection for the Franklin Food Pantry (which we appreciate!).
One could walk away from the event and think this is a wonderful thing that the town does. And they would be right. It is a result of the wonderful collaboration that can be very effective among the various Franklin organizations.
Guy Supernor poses as Batman
For more photos from the Library Book Sale and DPW "Touch a Truck" day
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/library-book-sale-and-dpw-touch-truck.html
Another good example of collaboration is the current 12 Days of Donating where the Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
- Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
- Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
- Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
- Dean College, Campus Center
- DCU, 500 West Central St.
- East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
- Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
- Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
- Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
- Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
- RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.
You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)