Monday, December 10, 2012
How can I volunteer? (video)
Thanks to Eagle Scout Zach Zollo, the Franklin Food Pantry has a couple of videos to share. This one answers the question on what you could do to volunteer for the Food Pantry.
Parmenter and Five Guys, Dec 11
From the sing outside the Parmenter Elementary School, we find that there is a fund raising event on Tuesday, Dec 11 at Five Guys.
The schools have half days on Thu/Fri with parent conferences scheduled.
The schools have half days on Thu/Fri with parent conferences scheduled.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 11, 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 November 27, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
2. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the donation of assorted science laboratory supplies as detailed with an estimated value of $2,000.00 to the FHS from Melissa Hancock from BD Biosciences.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from PISA for in-house enrichment at the FHS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library Books at DT.
d. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Boys Ice Hockey team to travel to North Smithfield, RI on December 28 & 29, 2012 for a team building event.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1569.20 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
3. NEASC - Core Values and Expectations Focus Group
4. Adjourn
12 Days of Donating: Day 10
On Day 10 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 October, the campaigns made their final pitch, the Library Book Sale took place, and the ceremonial shovel went into the ground for the new Franklin High School among the many highlights. These are just a few of the many events that occurred during this busy month. I would suggest that most folks would agree on Hurricane Sandy probably as being the most significant event of October.
Franklin was lucky. Some folks did lose power. NationalGrid for all the improvements they made did fail in the communication realm and town officials will be working with them to improve yet again to do better next time.
While Franklin was lucky, getting some rain and wind, Sandy bore her full force on the NY/NJ area. Sections of the metropolitan area will be a long time recovering. It will take time and resources to rebuild.
Franklin participated in a relief effort to send food, water and other key items to those in need. Franklin has been good about this, it is a caring and sharing community.
While the Food Pantry has two part-time employees, everything it does is really accomplished through the efforts of volunteers. The collections, sorting and stocking the shelves, assisting with the distribution of food; all of these steps take time and effort and are driven by Food Pantry volunteers.
A current example of the community effort to supply the Food Pantry is that of the Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
Day 9 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-9.html
Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
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
In October, the campaigns made their final pitch, the Library Book Sale took place, and the ceremonial shovel went into the ground for the new Franklin High School among the many highlights. These are just a few of the many events that occurred during this busy month. I would suggest that most folks would agree on Hurricane Sandy probably as being the most significant event of October.
 |
| NationalGrid power outage map for Franklin during Hurricane Sandy |
Franklin was lucky. Some folks did lose power. NationalGrid for all the improvements they made did fail in the communication realm and town officials will be working with them to improve yet again to do better next time.
While Franklin was lucky, getting some rain and wind, Sandy bore her full force on the NY/NJ area. Sections of the metropolitan area will be a long time recovering. It will take time and resources to rebuild.
 |
| Collection bin for NJ Hurricane Sandy relief |
Franklin participated in a relief effort to send food, water and other key items to those in need. Franklin has been good about this, it is a caring and sharing community.
While the Food Pantry has two part-time employees, everything it does is really accomplished through the efforts of volunteers. The collections, sorting and stocking the shelves, assisting with the distribution of food; all of these steps take time and effort and are driven by Food Pantry volunteers.
A current example of the community effort to supply the Food Pantry is that of the Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
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 9 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-9.html
Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
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
Will area residents be left out in the cold this winter?
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff on 12/8/12
With the impending "fiscal cliff" and recent state budget cuts, local fuel assistance programs that rely on federal and state dollars are worried residents who need help might be left out in the cold this winter.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
Creepy now, worse later
Ah that explains why we are seeing these all around!
It's the beginning of December, and like the black-sheep relatives in a Chevy Chase comedy, winter moths have made a habit of showing up before Christmas in droves.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Julia Spitz/Daily News staff on 12/8/12
It's the beginning of December, and like the black-sheep relatives in a Chevy Chase comedy, winter moths have made a habit of showing up before Christmas in droves.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Saturday, December 8, 2012
12 Days of Donating: Day 9
On Day 9 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 September, schools re-opened, the State primary was held, and the Harvest Festival closed out the month among the many happenings and news items.
President Paula Rooney of Dean College presented to the Town Council on how much Dean does for Franklin. Located in the center of Franklin, Dean has integrated into the community. The presentation document can be viewed here:
You can go to the on demand video archives to view the presentation (video and audio) as it was delivered to the Town Council on Sep 19th
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634841170883675000&indexSessionSKU=hpiBdI5nlsn7qlgtQh+I7Q%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D (The Dean presentation portion appears about 20 minutes into the recording)
As noted in the presentation, Franklin does receive much goodness from having Dean in the middle of town. The collaboration can continue to grow and improve. Much like the collaboration of the Franklin Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
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
In September, schools re-opened, the State primary was held, and the Harvest Festival closed out the month among the many happenings and news items.
President Paula Rooney of Dean College presented to the Town Council on how much Dean does for Franklin. Located in the center of Franklin, Dean has integrated into the community. The presentation document can be viewed here:
You can go to the on demand video archives to view the presentation (video and audio) as it was delivered to the Town Council on Sep 19th
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634841170883675000&indexSessionSKU=hpiBdI5nlsn7qlgtQh+I7Q%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D (The Dean presentation portion appears about 20 minutes into the recording)
As noted in the presentation, Franklin does receive much goodness from having Dean in the middle of town. The collaboration can continue to grow and improve. Much like the collaboration of the Franklin Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
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 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
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
Remington-Jefferson School Tour (photo essay)
It was cold Thursday evening in Franklin and the lights of the Remington-Jefferson building cast a warm welcoming glow.
If you looked down at the building from the sky, it is laid out like an airplane with a main central section and two wings. Much of the central section are areas that are used by both schools; cafeteria, library, and gymnasium. The tour started on the lower level of the Jefferson side, went up to the second floor and crossed over to Remington to eventually finish on the lower level of the Remington side.
In most elementary classrooms, this a familiar sight with the chairs up to help the cleaning process.
Jefferson does have modular units, the corridors are distinct as they have the rack of hooks along the walls. The modular units are basically boxes with four walls with windows and doors but no closet space. These modulars were just budgeted for removal as they are no longer needed.
Bags on each chair provide individual reading materials for the student. They get rotated out for units of study from the in room reading collection or the central school library.
One of the architectural details in the library that I was not aware of previously is that the ceiling is shaped like a book open for reading. Both my daughters attended Remington Middle School so I have been into the school before for parents night and musical performances. I had not been into the Jefferson side.
In addition to the computer lab, Remington uses "cows" computers on wheels; carts with laptop or netbook computers that can be wheeled into a classroom.
A view down the Remington stairwell as we crossed over the center section into the wing.
Yes, every seat is this class has been replaced by an exercise ball as an experiment. There are physical benefits from sitting like this especially for the long periods that the students are required to. They are also testing a stand up desk (not pictured).
The science lab on Remington side is located under one of the two roof peaks to take advantage of the space offered.
An integrated art project, the students researched the artist to paint chair in his/her style.
Here is a close up of a chair for Piet Mondrian, a Dutch painter.
Another architectural detail found throughout the building are triangular windows. This is an attempt to pick up the Benjamin Franklin story of his kite experiment.
The cafetorium is one of the main common areas. half the cafe is used by Remington, the other half by Jefferson. The divider wall can be opened up for the school performance where the stage is used.
We got a view of the Jefferson small gym. As we went around to the Remington side, it was being used by a basketball group.
Jamie Barrett's music room
Another interesting architectural detail; the bench built into wall, the wall line broken up with the different brick colors and material.
The Jefferson entrance from inside looking towards the door.
Positioned just inside the entrance is the wood carving done for Jefferson.
Back to the Remington entrance where the tour ended.
My thanks to the School Committee for scheduling these tours and in particular to Paula Mullen and Susan Rohrbach who participated in this tour. Thanks extends of course to the principals, Paul Peri (Remington), Linda Ashley (Jefferson) and Sally Winslow, Asst Superintendent. Brian Wildeman, Asst Principal for Remington was also quite helpful on the tour with timely demonstrations.
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
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