Thursday, October 3, 2013

"Citizens Bank is a model partner"

September was Hunger Action Month and in recognition of this, Citizens Bank made the following announcement.

The Citizens Bank Foundation will donate a series of 11 grants totaling $525,000 to several food organizations across the state as part of its One Million Meals initiative. The money will be used to provide meals to children and families.

Two of the food banks benefiting from the grants are the Greater Boston Food Bank and the Worcester County Food Bank, both of which supply goods to food pantries in the Milford area, including the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Milford and the Franklin Food Pantry.

Jerry Sargent, president of Citizens Bank in Massachusetts, said in a statement Tuesday: "When nonprofits, corporations and consumers work together, we can make a positive impact for the millions of people across America, and thousands here in Massachusetts who struggle with hunger and food insecurity."

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

For more about the Franklin Food Pantry:
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/09/the-franklin-food-pantry-takes-stock.html

For more about Citizens Bank and its community efforts: http://www.citizensbank.com/community/default.aspx

Disclosure: I am proud to be employed by RBS Citizens Bank and to help the Franklin Food Pantry!

NEB Mortgage - Ribbon Cutting

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting event at NEB Mortgage, 195 Main St., Hayward Manor, Suite #2, Franklin on Sept. 26. NEB Mortgage, a division of Northeast Bank, celebrated the grand opening of its office.

ribbon cutting participants (see listing below)

Pictured at the event in the front row: Patrick Dignan of NEB Mortgage, Deborah Redmond of NEB Mortgage, Gretchen O’Donnell of NEB Mortgage, Nicole Fortier of Franklin Downtown Partnership and Dean Bank, Jim Dell’Anno of NEB Mortgage, Denise Cousineau of NEB Mortgage, Mary Buck of NEB Mortgage, Claire Bean of NEB Mortgage, Richard Wayne of NEB Mortgage, Beth Caico of NEB Mortgage, Erika Paulhus of the office of State Sen. Richard Ross, Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, and Jack Lank of The United Regional Chamber of Commerce.

United Regional Chamber of Commerce

MassBudget: Declines in Funding for Higher Education in Massachusetts

MassBudget		Information.
MassBudget		Participation.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center		Democracy.

Higher Learning, Lower Funding

A strong system of higher education helps students gain the knowledge they need to succeed, and it also helps ensure that we have the kind of skilled workforce that can support a vibrant, high-wage economy.

MassBudget's new chartpack, Higher Learning, Lower Funding: The Decline in Support for Higher Education in Massachusetts finds that state support for public higher education has fallen 25% since FY 2001. As state support has decreased, tuition and fees have gone up, shifting the cost onto students and their families.

Higher Learning, Lower Funding also finds that:

Between 2001 and 2013, the cuts to higher education funding in Massachusetts were larger than 43 other states.

The amount we spend per pupil is slightly below the national average

If our state budget included an additional $940 million for public higher education, we would be right at the national average in terms of the share of our economy spent by the state on public higher education. Looking at public higher education spending in this way - namely, as a percentage of our total economic resources - gives a better sense for our capacity to make additional investments

Read HIGHER LEARNING, LOWER FUNDING: THE DECLINE IN SUPPORT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN MASSACHUSETTS

In addition to this report on higher education, MassBudget is also releasing its annual assessment of education funding in Massachusetts, "Census Data Shows Massachusetts has Untapped Capacity to Invest in Public Education."

Using the latest Census data on state-by-state education spending, we find that:

As with public higher ed., Massachusetts devotes a smaller portion of its total economic resources to K-12 education than most states.

Per-pupil spending for K-12 students in Massachusetts is relatively high (the fact that Massachusetts is a high-income state means that it can spend more than others on a per-pupil basis while still using a smaller percentage of the state's total resources)

Read CENSUS DATA SHOWS MASSACHUSETTS HAS UNTAPPED CAPACITY TO INVEST IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER

15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700

BOSTON, MA 02108

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |

Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.

In the News: toiletries drive, candidates night

Franklin Police sponsor drive for the homeless and veterans

The Franklin Police Department is sponsoring a toiletry drive for the month of October.

Franklin Candidates Night scheduled for Oct. 23

A Candidates Night featuring the four contested races set to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot has been slated for later this month.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Live reporting: Town Council - Oct 2, 2013

Present: Dellorco, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Powderly

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
● Saville M. Bennett
recognition for being the oldest Franklin resident at 103. She was awarded the Boston Post Cane

Saville M. Bennett, Town Council Chair Robert Vallee, Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri

● FISH of Franklin
volunteer group being recognized with Oct 16th as FISH of Franklin Day in appreciate for 40 years of volunteer service
508-528-2121, the FISH hotline

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Philip Gelineau, resident
read the M Tota article about the Library Board of Directors that had canceled the Book Sale
the event is a wonderful event, a three day event in October, performed all by volunteers
It would be a shame for this to go away as it is no cost to the Town

Steve Sherlock spoke to remind he Councilors of his offer to
provide information to the community via an iterview with any of the candidates so that the voters can make an informed decision

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Franklin Lodge #2136 Bene. and Prot. Order of Elks, Inc.
Bissanti, Dellorco recuse themselves due to affiliation with the Elks Lodge

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
none
.
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Harvest Festival
Police entrance exam, Jan 18th, info on line

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
Mercer - request information on the Book Sale to be brought to a future agenda
Nutting - there is no October sale, there may still be one in the Spring but there won't be one now

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mercer, Mon night FHS 5:00 PM for a walk through with the building Committee
Vallee - another Top50 rating came out without listing Franklin, I plan to make some noise about that.

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

The set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/100213.pdf

Harvest Festival - map and directory

Thanks to the Downtown Partnership's talented friends at the Local Town Pages -- Franklin newspaper, this handy map will help you find what you're looking for at the upcoming Harvest Festival this Sunday, October 6.

You can find the map in the paper this Wednesday, pick up a copy at the Festival or click here to download and print a copy.

For more about the Harvest Festival, visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Teen Book Club: Graceling

The Library's Teen Book Club is setting up to read and discuss the Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Get your copy to read now and discuss the book on Oct 30th at 6:30 PM

For additional info on the book, check this wikipedia link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceling

or the author's webpage http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/

This re-posts what was on the Franklin Library page http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/teen-book-club-graceling.html

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Franklin Election - 2013

The collection of posts covering the Franklin local election to be held on Nov 5, 2013

Precinct totals
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/precinct-totals-for-nov-5th-election.html

Election results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-election-results-nov-5-2013.html

Voices of Franklin: Powderly - Appoint the Treasurer/Collector
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/voices-of-franklin-powderly-appoint.html

Conversation with Judy Pfeffer
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/conversation-with-judy-pfeffer.html

Conversation with Andy Bissanti
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/conversation-with-andrew-bissanti-town.html

Conversation with Brett Feldman
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/conversation-with-brett-feldman-town.html

Milford Daily News - Candidate Profiles

DelFino and Feldman (Part 1)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/candidates-for-town-council.html
Pfeffer, Bissanti, Jones, Kelly, Padula, Williams (part 2)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/candidates-for-town-council-part-2.html

Letter to FoFL members

Dear Friends of Franklin Library members,

The Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) was extremely disappointed to receive the attached letter from Library Board of Directors (BofD) chair Cynthia Dobrzynski notifying us that her group had abruptly cancelled the FoFL’s planned October book sale. These semi-annual sales of donated books have produced significant funds that have been used to help our library expand its collections, purchase museum passes, offer programs to the community, enhance library services, and even buy furniture.

The FoFL board had decided to delay notification to members pending a request that the BofD reconsider its decision. That appeal was made at the board’s September 23 meeting, but was rejected without a discussion or vote. The BofD stated that its decision was based upon the results of last winter’s survey which “clearly set the direction” and was not subject to change.
We disagree with the BofD’s decision and would have welcomed – and expected - the chance to discuss it and present data in support of the popular and profitable event, but that did not happen.

We are proud of the contributions made by the Friends over the years. Money raised by our members and supportive residents has been able to supplement town allocations, funding programs and initiatives that might otherwise not be possible.

Since 2005, the book sales have generated a net revenue of $153,734.00, and the FoFL has given that, plus additional funds, to the library – a total of $179,235.00. So far this calendar year the FoFL has given the library $10,280.59, which was used for passes, programs, books, audiobooks, e-books, supplies and a new fixture for the Children’s Room.

We expected our October book sale would have shown a profit of roughly $6,000. And, as with all of the Friends’ efforts, this would have been achieved without any cost to the library or town.

The FoFL’s desire to support the library remains intact. We will continue to fulfill our mission as community advocates for the library. We believe that our library is a cornerstone of our community and provides opportunities for residents to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others, from ages past to present. Even though our revenue stream has been impacted, we will continue to provide financial support, as requested, to support those things that are outside of the town budget, and will explore other avenues of fund-raising.

As always, we meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM in the Community Room at the library. All meetings are open to anyone interested.

Please join your fellow FoFL members downtown at the Harvest Festival, on Sunday October 6 from 11am to 4pm. The Friends’ display will have literature, bookmarks, calendars along with a few surprises, and we would love your support.

Regards,

The Friends of Franklin Library

Email: Fofl02038@gmail.com

Maria Lucier, President
Kevin O’Malley, Vice President
Jan Martin, Treasurer
Vidya Vedapuri, Recording Secretary
Jim Beaulieu, Corresponding Secretary
Kathie Nosek, Director
Joe Mullen, Director
Barbara Christensen, Director
Carolyn Marr, Director

The letter referenced as an attachment is available here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

Les Misérables - Oct 18, 19, and 20

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s 23rd season opens with the Broadway and worldwide phenomenon, Les Misérables! The record-breaking musical’s enduring appeal may be attributed to its epic storyline, memorable characters and Tony Award-winning score, which includes such beloved songs as “Bring Him Home,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own” and “One Day More.” Set against a backdrop of the 1832 Paris uprising and reflecting a nation in the grip of a revolution, the acclaimed Les Misérables is a powerful story of redemption and a moving tribute to the passion and resiliency of the human spirit. FPAC’s production features a professional live orchestra and a large ensemble cast of 85 talented area performers.

Pictured in rehearsal for Franklin Performing Arts Company’s October production of Les Misérables are Anna Grasso (Young Eponine) and Kellie Stamp (Madame Thénardier) of Franklin and, in the foreground, Catherine Oliviere (Young Cosette) of North Easton

A distinctive, suburban non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, the Franklin Performing Arts Company presents quality programming with a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music. FPAC brings together professional artists, community performers, families and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment. Productions draw performers and audiences from more than 50 communities throughout the region.

FPAC presents Les Misérables on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20, at 3:00 p.m. at the New England Chapel, located at 40 Kenwood Circle in Franklin. Tickets are $30 and $28. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-8668.

In the News:school fair, apple picking, arraigned on charges

Franklin Children's School fair

The Franklin Children's School held a fair on Saturday.

Apple picking time in Franklin

Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin gets apples ready for sale on Monday.

Blackstone man arraigned on assault, B&E charges in Franklin

A Blackstone man was arraigned in Wrentham District Court on Monday on charges stemming from an altercation at his ex-girlfriend’s Brook Street home on Sunday morning.

Monday, September 30, 2013

SNETT walk on Saturday, Sep 28

It was a glorious day to walk on the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). Hosted by the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, the Metacomet Land Trust and the MA Dept of Conservation and Resources, about 20 people enjoyed the walk along the trail stopping from time to time to check out nature along the way.

SNETT Trail sign

The rail still runs from Union St out to Grove St and ends there. On the other side of Grove St, the trail continues the path where the rails ran. The rails have been removed for some time.

the rails end here at Grove St

New England Aster

New England aster

the trail showing some wear from the motor bikes that travel it illegally

motorbikes create ruts on the trail

Toad sunning

toad in the sun

wooley bear caterpillar hitched a ride temporarily

wooley bear caterpillar

one of the activities for the younger members of the group was to find and frame some signs of life

life found and framed

Spider web in the sunlight

spider web

The group as they crossed Spring St

Spring St crossing

come on out to enjoy the trail

shaded trail

For more about the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee visit their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

For more about the Metacomet Land trust visit their webpage http://www.metacometlandtrust.org/

For more about the MA DCR http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/

Additional photos from the walk can be found in the set on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636043702445/

Taste of the Region Oct. 29

http://www.unitedregionalchamber.org/

Sample the variety of delicacies offered from around the region at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual Taste of the Region event. This fun-filled food festival features an eclectic mix of restaurants serving a variety of dishes. Bid on exciting items in a silent auction. The Taste of the Region is Tues., Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin. Tickets are available at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, 42 Union St., Attleboro. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-222-0801 for more information.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Wrentham.

"a candidate forum for October"

The local Franklin election will be held on Tuesday, November 5th. The candidates for the positions up for this election have been set.

Four races top the Nov. 5 ballot, including for seats on the Town Council.

Ten residents will square off for the nine two-year council seats up for election.

Incumbents Andrew Bissanti, Glenn Jones, Matthew Kelly, Tom Mercer, Judith Pfeffer and Robert Vallee are seeking re-election. Since nomination papers were made available in August, four hopefuls have emerged to challenge for the seats: Charles Delfino Jr., Brett Feldman, Peter Padula and Stephen Williams.

Read the full article from the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655342975/Franklins-fall-ballot-set

This was initially reported here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklins-election-lineup-set.html

If you have not registered to vote, the deadline for the Nov election is Oct 16th. Additional information can be found on the Town Clerk webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/index

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 2, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
● Saville M. Bennett
● FISH of Franklin

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Franklin Lodge #2136 Bene. and Prot. Order of Elks, Inc.

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
.
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

The set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/100213.pdf

Franklin Education Foundation’s 8th Annual Casino Night – A Night of Fun for a Great Cause!

On Saturday, November 2, 2013, the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) will hold its 8th Annual Casino Night at the Franklin Elks Hall, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin from 7 to 11 p.m. Casino Night is a fundraiser for FEF’s grant program to support innovation in Franklin Public Schools.

Tickets are $25 individually, or 2 for $40, and includes complimentary hot and cold hors d’oeuvres served in a festive “Monte Carlo” setting along with a cash bar. Come to our table at the Harvest Festival on October 6th for our $20 individual ticket special, valid only on that day!

Come play Black Jack, Roulette and our famous Money Wheel! New this year, we will have “Sit and Go Poker”! There will also be a raffle, silent auction and music. Enjoy a fun night while contributing to a very worthwhile cause, without ever leaving town!

Since 1997, Franklin Education Foundation events have raised nearly $300,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF have funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. The Franklin Education Foundation is a 5019c03 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible.

Current openings available at the Franklin Public Schools F.X.O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC)

The ECDC is an integrated preschool program operated by the Franklin Public Schools and is accredited
by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The program is designed for children who are three to five years old. Parents and community involvement is an integral part of our preschool program.

F.X. O'Regan ECDC

The highly trained staff provides a nurturing environment that utilizes a developmentally appropriate
curriculum based on the National Association of the Education of Young Children and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care guidelines. Multi-sensory and hands-on experiences maximize learning opportunities in the areas of social/emotional, language, motor, cognitions, and daily living skills

Applications and additional information for the 2013-2014 school year can be obtained online at:
www.franklin.k12.ma.us or at the E.C.D.C. 224 Oak Street (rear). All applicants must be Franklin residents who are 3 years of age by August 31, 2013. Any questions, please call 508-541-8166 ext. 2938.

The text was re-posted from the Town of Franklin news page
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01BBA231-000F8513

"It’s a great roadmap"

Yes, Master Plans are important. In this summary by the MetroWest Daily News, you can tell this had been prepared in advance of publishing today. Franklin's Master plan was approved at the Town Council meeting this past Wednesday (Sep 25).

After spending several years working to update the master plan, Loomis said town officials will continue to use the plan to help guide the town’s future development.

"There’s always work to be done," said Loomis. "The master plan is a living, working document."

After nearly three years of public hearings and visioning meetings, Franklin is on the cusp of updating its master plan for the first time since 1997. Planning Board members will likely accept the plan early next month, said Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom.

Franklin Matters