"community will gain a lot from it"

In 1974, a student in Palma Johnson’s second-grade class at John F. Kennedy Elementary School wondered why Massachusetts didn't have a state bug. 

There was already a state bird, a state fish and a state tree, but not an official insect. One student suggested the ladybug. 

Together, the class drafted a petition to make the ladybug the state bug. When its petition came before a committee, the students, dressed, of course, as ladybugs, traveled to the State House and testified. 

Improbably the bill passed both the House and Senate. And when then-Gov. Francis Sargent signed it into law, the children were there to watch.

Read the full article at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140127006/1994/NEWS#sthash.oe0bYD6S.dpuf

Ladybug floor mat at JF Kennedy School

Related posts on the Ladybug Spots:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/live-reporting-ladybug-project.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/cows-on-parade-now-ladybugs.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/ladybug-spots.html

Franklin's Board of Health revises proposed tobacco regulations

More Massachusetts towns have enacted tobacco regulations in the past two years than in the history of the state’s anti-tobacco campaign, adopting new restrictions largely aimed at how businesses can sell such products. 

Since 2012, 12 communities, including Ashland, have raised the legal purchase age for tobacco products beyond 18. Fifty cities and towns ban the sale of blunt wraps, and 39 have set a minimum price for cigars. 

Town health boards have the power to pass the regulations without approval from Town Meeting or a higher governing body. 

Anti-tobacco activists, doctors and advisers, attend Board of Health meetings and public hearings both to offer up statistics pointing to the health hazards of smoking and to present model regulations that communities mold to their circumstances.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140126/NEWS/140127129#sthash.zRK3Gw5Q.dpuf


Franklin's Board of Health is among those looking to make changes, The proposed revisions can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/regulations-tighten-towns-rules-on.html

The public hearing held at the January meeting resulted in the regulations being tabled to a future meeting without a decision at that time.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/single-cigars-account-for-about-80.html

Franklin Municipal Building

The proposed regulations (link provided above) have been revised and the new set posted to the Franklin website as of 1/23/14.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_HealthNews/01C7D47D-000F8513


The old set is no longer on the Board of Health page. You can find the old set on the Franklin Matters page. The new set is shown here:





Visit the Franklin Board of Health page on the town website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Health/index


----------

Updated: I printed both the old set of proposed regulations and the new set to walk through the document line by line, page by page to find the changes. This is what I find:

• Definition add for "Retail Tobacco Store"
• Section 4.1 - changed date from Feb 1 to April 1, 2014
• Section 4.2 - changed date from Feb 1 to April 1, 2014
• Section 4.3 - changed age from 21 to 18
• Section 7.1 - added language to create an exception for in-store humidors
• Section 15 - changed date from Feb 1 to April 1, 2014

If you find that there are changes that I missed, please let me know.

February is Library Lovers Month - What is your favorite book?

To help celebrate February as "Library Lovers Month", the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) would like to know what your favorite book is, and why (just a couple of sentences). It can be a book you read recently, or one you read years ago. Maybe you have a favorite author you can tell us about. Who knows, maybe we'll each find a new book or author to enjoy!

Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Library

Entries will be accepted until Feb 28, 2014.

As you submit your entry, you'll have the opportunity to view the other entries.

Rail Trail Supporters: Stock up for the Patriots and Superbowl

An email on Saturday evening from the FBRTC:

It's too bad the Patriots are not in the Super Bowl next weekend, but chances are you'll still have that Superbowl party you planned.  So take the opportunity Sunday to stock-up for next weekend and help the rail trail effort at the same time.   

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is hosting a wine tasting at Pour Richards Wine ( 14 Grove Street in Franklin) from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.  Come taste fine wines and learn about the efforts to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail.  

Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits

And we won't pass judgement on how much you buy, but the more the better!  Pour Richards is generously donating a portion of their profits on sales to the FBRTC. Samples from Tastefully Simple will also be served along with other appetizers to pair with your wine! 

More details at www.FranklinBellinghamRailTrail.org/news or www.pourrichardswine.com 

We hope to see you.

Ladybug Spots

Additional information is contained in this one page document if you would like to be involved with sponsoring a ladybug





Related posts:

Cows now ladybugs
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/cows-on-parade-now-ladybugs.html

From the Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/live-reporting-ladybug-project.html

Emeritus at Franklin: Events for seniors and senior caregivers

Emeritus at Franklin, the new senior living community slated to open in May 2014, is hosting two events for seniors and senior caregivers, which are free to the public, in February.

Surviving the Challenge of Caregiving Being a caregiver is a demanding role, and one that requires a good deal of self-care. Rosemarie Lanchester, a certified hypnosis consultant, will present five simple steps for caregivers to take better care of themselves.

Date and Time: Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Hampton Inn, 735 Union Street, Franklin
RSVP: 508.520.1150 or Franklin-ED@emeritus.com 

Discovery Luncheon: Are you or a loved one looking for a safer and more enjoyable way to spend your golden years? Come discover how Franklin's newest Assisted Living and Memory Care community can help seniors continue to live fulfilling, productive lives even in the midst of the challenges of aging.

Date and Time: Tuesday, February 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Hampton Inn, 735 Union Street, Franklin
RSVP: 508.520.1150 or Franklin-ED@emeritus.com 

About Emeritus at Franklin: Emeritus at Franklin was designed for seniors whose needs include assisted living and memory care. Nestled in a charming neighborhood, this lovely residential building will feature 81 new apartments, an experienced and compassionate care staff, three homemade meals served restaurant-style daily, a dynamic activities program and weekly housekeeping services.

Visit https://www.emeritus.com/ for more information

"There’s a pharmacy in your head"

Bill and Linda Hamaker simply couldn’t stop laughing in the conference room in Franklin’s Hampton Inn Saturday morning. 

Their laughter, completely unprovoked by jokes or humor, soon spread to the room of about half a dozen who wanted to explore the idea of laughter yoga, for which the Hamakers are certified instructors. 

Life is better when you are laughing

The Walpole natives say this unconventional form of yoga first came to them during a three-day seminar at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge. 

Based on the teachings of Dr. Madan Katria, a physician from Mumbai, India, laughter yoga is based on reconnecting with the unrestricted laughter we once experienced as children, Linda said.

You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140126/NEWS/140127133/1994/NEWS#sthash.9WWyLTzl.dpuf


Check out the Let's Laugh Today webpage for their complete schedule of events
http://www.letslaughtoday.com/

Vani Hari aka the Food Babe, Takes On The Industry

Jonathan Fields is running a series of videos called the Good Life Project. He interviews a variety of really interesting folks to find out more about them, what they do and what they think a good life means. In this segment, he talks with Vani Hari, the Food Babe, who is doing some really good work in understanding what we are eating and what that 'food' is really doing to us. Watching the interview is well worth the 35 minutes to find out about Vani's story, what got her into this food research, then you can go to her website or Facebook page for the details on what to do (or not do).

"workshop on how to build a rain garden"

Through a $16,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the town has partnered with the Charles River Watershed Association to create a two-year rain garden training program, the first of its kind in Massachusetts. 

rain garden at Parmenter School

The training is to feature a classroom component where participants will learn how rain gardens work as a natural filter for polluted stormwater runoff, said Pallavi Mande, who is organizing the program for the association. 

The other component will be class trips to a sample garden at the Department of Public Works headquarters on Fisher Street. The educational excursions, Mande said, should prove "a successful way to get people motivated, rather than just providing outreach on the benefits of a rain garden. 

"People don’t feel compelled to take action until they get a little more in terms of training," she added.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140124/NEWS/140127939/1994/NEWS#sthash.9HfOjLUB.dpuf

The rain garden project is looking for a catchy name, you can find out more about this and submit your idea here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/name-that-rain-garden-project.html

"a false perception that the industry is dying"

During a manufacturing roundtable, he and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, began the process of eliciting feedback from leaders in the industry on what they’ll need to improve and build those connections. Fourteen manufacturers, a fraction of the more than 7,000 companies in the state, attended, along with other lawmakers, public officials and Tri-County administrators. 

Tri-County cut its manufacturing program in 2002 in response to a decline in interest, closing its machine shop, said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. But, he said, voc-tech schools are prepared to provide a solution to the workforce shortage as long as they can get the right equipment. 

"We need to partner with many of you to purchase the machinery to train our students in manufacturing," Dockray said. "But it’s expensive."

Tri-County Voc Tech in Franklin

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140125/NEWS/140127340/1994/NEWS#sthash.SLD2UVCR.dpuf

NEW DATE - United Regional YPO Event - "Networking Made Easy!"

The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO) will be holding its first quarterly educational workshop called Networking Made Easy! hosted by Ed McDonough, a Business Coach, Speaker and Marketing Consultant, on Thursday, February 27th from 6-7:30 PM at the Fisher College North Attleboro campus. The event will provide business professionals tips and techniques on how to make and keep business connections, and other do’s and don’ts of networking. 

Young Professionals Organization

Ed is the founder of Executive Coaching in Walpole, MA. Since 2001 Ed has been a successful entrepreneur and multi-business owner who has a unique talent for developing and implementing long-term profitable marketing strategies. 

In addition to his business owner experience, Mr. McDonough spent over 25 years as a top-level Information Technology professional and Project Management Consultant in Corporate America, making him well versed in all facets of the business environment. His real-world brick and mortar business experience combined with his passion for effective web-based marketing has lead him to coach business owners throughout North America to success from the ground up. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how you can make more and better business connections! 

The United Regional YPO consists of a diverse group of young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement and professional development. 

The cover charge is $5.00 with pre-registration on the YPO website or $10 at the door. Attendees may register for this event on the YPO’s website unitedregionalypo.org or by contacting 508-488-YPO1 (9761).

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/24/14 - THU 1/30/14

1/25 SAT   8:30am-11:30am   Franklin Girls Softball Walk-In Registration, Elks Club, Franklin.
1/25 SAT   9am-10am   dance-FIT class to benefit Munroe family, Helen Owens Fitness in Franklin.
1/25 SAT   10:30am-12:30pm   Family Tracking at Stony Brook Sanctuary, Norfolk. Registration required.
1/25 SAT   4pm-7pm   Three Stories Band, Pizza & Beer Extravaganza at Pour Richard's, Franklin.

1/26 SUN  2pm-5pm   Wine Tasting with Appetizers to benefit Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee,  Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits, Franklin.

1/27 MON  7pm    Planning Board Meeting, Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.

1/28 TUE   7pm   School Committee Mtg., Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.

1/29 WED  7pm   Town Council - Zoning Workshop, Municipal Building - Council Chambers, Franklin.

Downtown Franklin on a warmer day

For more details click HERE and select the event of interest.

If you know of an event or have a suggestions for the calendar, please email Renata at Renata@BetterLivingRE.com.

Important change to Respite Companion Program

Do you recall the Respite Companion Program introduced at the Senior Center recently?
(If not, you can check out this link or this link and come back. We'll wait for you!)


The Senior Center has some good news to announce. They were able to get the grant amended.  It does say in the brochure that both the caregiver and the care recipient have to be 60 years of age or over.

The Senior Center found that they had turned down 25% of the folks who wanted respite care since September because the age of the caregiver was under 60. They have removed the age requirement for the the caregiver. The age requirement for the care recipient remains at age 60 or over.

This makes sense. Looking around at those I know in this situation, most of the caregivers are under sixty with the care recipient over sixty. The 'sandwich' generation is not just a media sound bite. It is real.

If you would like to check out the Companion Caregiver Program, contact the Senior Center. You can call the Senior Center to register: 508-520-4945

Franklin Senior Center

For more information about the Senior Center and all the programs they offer, visit their page on the official Franklin website  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

MassBudget: Analyzing the Governor's Budget for FY 2015

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The Governor's Budget for FY 2015  Yesterday, the Governor filed his budget proposal for FY 2015. Our new Budget Monitor shows how the Governor's budget would affect programs across state government, from health care and education to public safety and the environment--including information on tax revenues.  The Governor's proposal does not include significant new revenue, which means that the investments he specifies are relatively modest. They include: Higher Education, which would see a third straight year of increases--albeit to levels still 22% below where they were in 2001 (adjusted for inflation) Elder Services, where increases would expand access to home care and improve quality Early Education and Care, where continued funding growth would help move more children off the wait list and into early education and care programs  Read our full BUDGET MONITOR   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. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

"There’s the understanding that change is scary"

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, among the oldest charter institutions in Massachusetts, has sought approval from the state to double its enrollment and expand its district to include other towns. 

The school, which opened in 1995 in a Main Street building leased from the Archdiocese of Boston, has applied for two major charter amendments that would allow it to add 450 students over the next 10 years, increasing its enrollment to 900, and extend the district beyond the boarders of Franklin to include 13 other communities. 

If the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approves the school’s requests, prospective students from Bellingham, Blackstone, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole and Wrentham would be on equal footing with those from Franklin in terms of their chances for gaining a seat at BFCCPS.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140124/NEWS/140127943/1994/NEWS#sthash.WbUdvUFc.dpuf

Standard & Poor's gives Franklin the best grade yet!

As initially reported during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday evening, Standard and Poor's Rating Services has given the Town of Franklin the highest rating yet: AA+

In summary they wrote:

The stable outlook reflects what we view as the town's very strong liquidity position and strong budgetary flexibility. In addition, we believe Franklin's very strong economy and access to the Boston Metrolpoitan Statistical Area (MSA) ledns stability to the town's tax base. Consequently, we do not expect to change the rating with the outlook's two-year time frame. While unlikely, if management is unable to maintain structural balance resulting in what we view as weak budgetary performance and flexibility, we could lower the rating.

Congratulations, Franklin!



Additional details from the live reporting at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found here:

• Live reporting - Legislation, Closing

• Live reporting - Housing

• Live reporting - Ladybug project

• Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 22, 2014

Franklin Municipal Building

• 
  

cows on parade, now ladybugs!

The cows went on parade in Chicago in 1999.  The cow parade came to Boston in 2006.

The MBTA Map Cow

The cows have been on parade in many major cities around the world. For other photos, you can visit the website here http://www.cowparade.com/  and here  http://cowparade.phanfare.com/9999/

And now ladybugs will come to Franklin!

Do you know the story of the ladybug? if not then you should read this
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/ciskid/kidlbs/lbsidx2.htm

Ladybugs Spots from Franklin Matters

Note: Franklin's ladybugs will be about 2 foot in size, not as large as the cows shown on parade in Boston

Senior Center: Conversations about Dementia - Feb 4

The Senior Center is holding a "Conversations about Dementia" on Tuesday, Feb 4th

conversations on dementia

You need to call the Senior Center to register: 508-520-4945

For more information about the Senior Center and the programs they offer, visit they page on the official Franklin website  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index