Franklin Matters

Sunday, February 10, 2013

FPS: District Improvement Plan - checklist

The District Improvement Plan checklist is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013.

High School: Construction Update

This document is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013

All Southside Lines/Routes Alert

No trains to Boston today!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: T-Alerts Notification
Date: Sun, Feb 10, 2013 at 6:44 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: T-Alerts Notification

Due to severe weather that impacted the Boston area, MBTA service is suspended on all modes through Sunday, February 10, 2013.

Service will resume as soon as possible.

Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.

MBTA Crossing at Union St, Franklin

The tracks are fairly clear so it must be the signal/power problem in Quincy that was mentioned during the Governor's update yesterday that is still the cause. With no power at this main tower in Quincy, no signals can get to anywhere on the system.

Voices of Franklin: Fluoridegate (video)

Franklin resident Rich Aucoin sends along the link to this hour long documentary on fluoride.

FLUORIDEGATE is a new documentary that reveals the tragedy of how government, industry and trade associations protect and promote a policy known to cause harm to our country and especially to small children who suffer more than any other segment of the population. While their motivation remains uncertain, the outcome is crystal clear: it is destroying our nation!

For more information on fluoride, you can visit the Franklin Fluoride Council webpage
http://franklinfluoridecouncil.com/

or the Fluoridegate webpage http://www.fluoridegate.org/

Making our government open, transparent and accessible"

The paper has a recap of some area communities and the effort to put public meeting information in digital format.

Franklin’s website includes Town Council meeting packets dating back to 2008.

Assistant to the Town Administrator Maxine Kinhart said staff make electronic packets for councilors, so it is just one more step to post online.

"We just did it as a convenience to the citizens," she said. "They’re all public records so we just put it all out there."

Kinhart said the town made computers available for councilors to use at meetings, but they prefer to bring their own devices.

Read more: Towns look to go digital in putting documents online - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x898128772/Towns-look-to-go-digital-in-putting-documents-online#ixzz2KUlUsWw9

The Franklin School Committee puts together an Adobe document package that contains the individual files for the agenda, action items, presentations, etc.

I am not aware of the Planning Board going digital. The problem there is with all the drafting documents. Some of those documents are huge and while it is possible to put them in digital format, the usability of viewing them online is not as good as simply holding the paper document.Some day!

Blizzard Nemo 2013 Update

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 9, 2013 1:50 PM
Subject: Blizzard Nemo 2013 Update

Hello. This is Gary Premo calling with updated information on the storm. The Governor's issued driving ban will be lifted at 4pm. Please stay off the roads until then so the DPW crews can clear the streets of snow.

No significant power outages have been reported in town. If you are experiencing an outage, please call national Grid directly at 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212. Bldg Commissioner Gus Brown reminds residents to clear around ALL exhaust vents (fireplaces, furnaces, dryers). Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe asks for your assistance in clearing out any hydrants near your property. Let the clean-up continue. Thank you for listening. Goodbye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

In my walk around on Saturday afternoon, I did see some hydrants cleared.

Franklin fire hydrant cleared of snow

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Winter Storm Update: Travel Ban Lifted

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Winter Storm Update: Travel Ban Lifted

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/9/13

Governor Deval Patrick today lifted the order banning vehicle traffic on all state roads effective immediately for all communities west of I-91 and for Nantucket County, and the ban is lifted statewide at 4:00pm today, Saturday. Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel to be safe and allow public safety, emergency, and road crews to do their jobs. Visit Mass.Gov to view winter storm resources.

MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey says all MBTA service will remain shut down all day Saturday.

If you must travel, continue to use extreme caution. MassDOT live online traffic cameras show current conditions on major state roadways. More than 3,600 pieces of snow and ice removal equipment have worked around the clock during the storm clearing roadways. Check MassDOT's winter driving tips.

Visit the MBTA Winter web page to learn the latest information on MBTA service.

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

Morning snow photo

In daylight, the snow is both pretty and awesome

snow on deck, #nemo 2013

The seats will be soft and comfy. The beer will be cold!

Early morning blizzard photo

looking out from the garage door, the snow is still coming down and swirling.

If you follow the shadow of the basketball pole, you might be able to make out the lump at the end of the driveway. That is about where the mailbox is and it is barely above the snow at this time.

Be safe. The road travel restrictions are still in place. As daylight begins to arrive, we can get out to shovel, clean out and take better photos!

Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Verizon Services"
Date: Feb 8, 2013 11:40 PM
Subject: Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service

Dear Valued Verizon Customer,

In recent months, the East Coast has certainly had its fair share of significant weather events. As the latest winter storm unfolds, Verizon has deployed resources to support areas that could be impacted. Unfortunately, power outages are the most common weather-related issue our customers experience. If you should lose power, below are some important tips about your FiOS^® service:

In the event of a power outage, your FiOS^® Internet and/or TV service will not be available until your power is restored
If you have fiber-based voice service or FiOS^® Digital Voice, the Battery Backup Unit (BBU) that Verizon installed to support your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) supplies up to eight (8) hours of corded phone service
Should the battery in your BBU cease to power your corded phone, you may still be able to make an emergency phone call by pressing the blue Battery Emergency Use button on your BBU. This should enable your ONT to reboot and provide up to one hour of additional talk time
Once power is restored, you may need to reset your ONT or reconnect/replace the battery to restore your FiOS service(s)

			To Reset Your Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
			Unplug the electrical power cord of your Battery Backup Unit from the wall outlet Wait one minute and then plug the cord back into the wall and see if the ONT resets. If the ONT resets, then your FiOS service(s) should come back online. If not, please try to reconnect the battery according to the directions below

			To Reconnect (Or Replace) The Battery In Your Battery Backup Unit (BBU)
			Unplug the electrical power cord of your BBU from the wall outlet Open the battery cabinet on the BBU (you may need a screwdriver to do this) Disconnect the battery leads and wait 10 seconds. Reconnect the battery leads Put the battery cabinet back on and then plug the power cord back into the wall and see if the ONT resets. If the ONT resets, then your FiOS service(s) should come back online. If not, you may need to replace the battery that Verizon provided.

For up-to-date information throughout the storm, please visit verizon.com/outage from your computer, smartphone, or wireless device. This site will allow you to create a repair ticket, find additional help for troubleshooting or restoring your service, and download our Verizon In-Home Agent which provides you with fast, easy solutions.

Please stay safe, and thank you for being a loyal Verizon customer.

Sincerely,

Your Verizon Team

Having trouble with the links in this email? You can also copy and paste the following address into your browser to view your account: http://www.verizon.com/myaccount

Ensure Verizon emails reach your inbox by adding verizon-services@verizon.com to your "safe" email list. Your email or Internet
provider can provide instructions on how it works.

This email has been sent from an auto-notification system that cannot accept incoming email.

Forgot Your Password?

Customer Service

Roy gets his assignments and votes to freeze UI

Rep Jeff Roy's office has shared two press releases. One with his committee assignments and one on a recent vote to freeze the unemployment insurance rate rather than raise it.

Committee assignments:

Unemployment Insurance Rate Freeze:

For additional information on Rep Roy, visit his webpage http://jeffreyroy.com/

Friday, February 8, 2013

Franklin Schools: Sunday Events Canceled

The schools are being proactive....

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Sunday Events Canceled

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello
Due to weather conditions, all school and community activities scheduled for Sunday, February 10 are canceled. This includes all athletic practices and games.

Maureen Sabolinski

Superintendent of Schools

To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer.

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

NationalGrid out ahead of this one

According to this press release NationalGrid is getting out ahead of the storm. And that is a good thing, one - they are doing the press release which they had not done previously, and two, spelling out how prepared they are. They may have been so in prior storms (although experience tells us otherwise) so they are making improvements!

Franklin Food Pantry updates

1 - The Franklin Food Pantry is closed today, Friday, Feb 8th. The Food Pantry follows the school schedule of storm closures.

2 - Due to the storm this weekend, the first day for the Pantry phone-a-thon has been canceled; Saturday, Feb 9th. The phone-a-thon will be held as scheduled on Saturday, Feb 16th.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the phone-a-thon, please contact Bob Hamilton via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org or by calling the Pantry at 508-528-3115 and using option 5 on the voicemail.

RMV Attleboro Branch Adds Permit Testing

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

RMV Attleboro Branch Adds Permit Testing

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/7/13

MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian today joined local officials and announced the availability of driver's license permit testing at the Attleboro RMV Branch, located at 75 Park Street.

The Attleboro Branch is one of two express branches in the Commonwealth that provide limited license and registration transactions. The availability of the permit testing in Attleboro will help the RMV manage an anticipated influx of test takers during the busy school vacation period.

"The City has been a great partner and has made it possible to bring permit testing to Attleboro," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Teens and new drivers may now complete this important step in the licensing process closer to home."

The Registry delivered existing automated testing equipment to provide six testing stations in Attleboro. The move will save area residents from traveling to Taunton, Milford or Brockton to complete the 20 minute test.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles administered approximately 45,000 permit tests across the Commonwealth in 2012. There are 4.73 million licensed drivers in Massachusetts. To perform many basic transactions, visit the RMV online today at its new web address: http://www.massrmv.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

"many friendships ... will blossom in this building"

The new dormitory for Dean College was the scene for an official and ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Administrators named the 32,000-square-foot dorm after Dorothy and Glendon Horne. Glendon Horne graduated from the college in 1931. His wife left Dean her estate, a donation of about $2 million — the college’s largest single gift in its history.

"It is something in our wildest dreams we never thought would happen," said Rooney of the gift. "It made the particulars of this building possible."

Noting the building’s location along West Central Street, Rooney said, "In some ways, it will attach us to Franklin in a very different way."

New Dean College dorm on Christmas morning 2012

In the News: Tri-County, Democrats, MBTA, police

Restaurant competition for Tri-County is rescheduled

by Staff reports

Tri-County students preparing for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s annual culinary and restaurant management competition have another few weeks to hone their business plans and master their dishes thanks to Nor’easter Nemo.

Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus is postponed

by Staff reports

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus planned for this Saturday, Feb. 9th at 9 am at Alumni Restaurant in Franklin has been POSTPONED due to the weather.

MBTA to suspend all transportation 3:30 p.m. on Friday

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Due to the severe winter storm, the MBTA will suspend all modes of service effective at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.

Franklin Police: Robber’s own unmasking is his undoing

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

A suspected robber provided detectives with all they needed to find him when he removed his disguise during a robbery last month, authorities said.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

National Grid: Blizzard update

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "National Grid"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 8:00 PM
Subject: National Grid: Blizzard update

To view this email as a web page, click here.


February blizzard update With a severe winter storm on the way that some weather forecasters already are calling a storm of historic proportions, National Grid has started preparing for widespread, prolonged power outages that could result from the predicted blizzard-like conditions. Although the path of the storm is still being monitored, we are taking steps to ensure we are prepared for this storm and we want to make sure that you are too. Be prepared by creating an emergency kit: Water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Battery-powered or hand - crank radio Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Local maps Cell phone with chargers Please remember that should you lose power during the storm, restoration may not happen immediately. Given the scale of the storm , with high wind and deep snow conditions , we must first ensure the safety of our crews and linemen. We will have hundreds of additional crews and support resources able to begin work around the clock to restore service but only once it is safe for them to do so. Please be prepared for extended outages by having the items listed above and also by staying connected. We urge you to stay connected In addition to Outage Central, National Grid offers a number of ways for customers to report outages or learn about restoration efforts and important safety information. Here's how: Outage reporting hotline - Call 1-800-465-1212 to report an outage. Text messages - Customers can receive text message alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). Customers can opt out at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743). Find us on Facebook or Twitter to connect with us and other customers. You can also view images from the field, get safety tips and the latest updates on our restoration efforts. Remember, if your power goes out, you can access our mobile website by going to nationalgrid.com on your mobile phone. There you will be able to report outages, check the status of your outage, view outage maps, view important messages and access safety tips. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.