The Hockomock YMCA will be hosting Elizabeth Smart to come and speak. The Y will be selling tickets for the May 8th event at all of the branches.
Want to know more about Elizabeth Smart?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Smart_kidnapping
Check her website here http://elizabethsmartfoundation.org/
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Parking Ban Activated
PARKING BAN ACTIVATED 02/15/2014
1054 AM EST SAT FEB 15 2014
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EST SUNDAY...
* LOCATIONS...MOST OF RHODE ISLAND. EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ALONG
AND EAST OF THE I-95 CORRIDOR.
* HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 8 TO 12 INCHES.
* TIMING...LIGHT SNOW DEVELOPS THROUGH THE AFTERNOON. THE HEAVIEST
SNOW FALLS AFTER 3 OR 4 PM...WITH THE WORST OF THE STORM BETWEEN
6 PM AND 1 AM. SNOW ENDS BY 3 OR 4 AM.
* TEMPERATURES...IN THE UPPER 20S.
* IMPACTS...HEAVY SNOW WITH 1 TO 2 INCH PER HOUR SNOWFALL RATES
WILL MAKE DRIVING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT THIS EVENING. BLOWING AND
DRIFTING SNOW WILL RESULT IN VERY POOR VISIBILITIES AT TIMES BY
MIDNIGHT. TRAVEL WILL BECOME QUITE DIFFICULT THIS EVENING.
* WINDS...NORTH 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH.
* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN AN AVERAGE OF 6 OR MORE
INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED IN A 12 HOUR PERIOD...OR FOR 8 OR MORE
INCHES IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD. TRAVEL WILL BE SLOW AT BEST ON WELL
TREATED SURFACES...AND QUITE DIFFICULT ON ANY UNPLOWED OR
UNTREATED SURFACES.
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parking ban activated during snow storm |
Hockomock Area YMCA Youth Sports Leagues Enrolling
The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for sports leagues that support healthy lifestyles and instill a positive self-image in kids. This spring, kids will have a great time playing Soccer and T-ball with YMCA expert coaches and friends.
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Hockomock YMCA - Youth soccer |
Everyone plays and everyone is part of the team. Players will receive a jersey and end of season award. Don’t wait; call today to save $15 through March 23rd.
FRANKLIN LEAGUES:
Sat. - Soccer, age 3-10 morning | T-ball, age 3-6 afternoon
To register, please call or visit the Hockomock Area YMCA today. Financial assistance is available to those who could benefit and is provided from The YMCA Annual Campaign. For more information, visit hockymca.org.
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Hockomock YMCA - tball |
Bernon Family Branch: 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin, 508-528-8708 | Sports Director: Kailynn Bateman 774-235-2720, kailynnb@hockymca.org
About Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. With over 31,000 members, half under the age of 18, the YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School - Enrollment Info Session
Considering sending your children to the Charter School? Check out the Enrollment Information Session for Saturday, Feb 15 from 9-10:30am. Tours will be included.
Check out the enrollment video recently published
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html
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BFCCS Band in the Franklin Memorial Day Parade, 2013 |
Check out the enrollment video recently published
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html
Trivia Bee - March 19th - 7:00 PM
Hold the date - March 19th
The Trivia Bee is approaching. Time to start brushing up on your music trivia!
For more on the Franklin Education Foundation you can visit the website here
http://www.franklined.org/
The Trivia Bee is approaching. Time to start brushing up on your music trivia!
For more on the Franklin Education Foundation you can visit the website here
http://www.franklined.org/
"Each pizza box is a mural"
Spruce Pond Creamery owner Marc Bluestein recently commissioned a Franklin High art class to create an exhibit that would fit at his flatbread pizza restaurant and ice cream parlor.
Robin Katz’s painting and printmaking class was up to the challenge: With paint and pizza boxes as palettes, the students created murals inspired by the restaurant’s menu.
"Part of the fun was they weren’t just doing something for our classroom, but the community as well," said Katz. "You should always experience learning outside of the classroom; it makes it more meaningful and relevant."See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140215/NEWS/140217108/1994/NEWS#sthash.Wo4T6JJg.dpuf
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Spruce Pond Creamery as seen from across the pond |
Friday, February 14, 2014
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/14 - THU 2/20
FRI 2/14 3:30-5:30pm Valentine Art Party. Grades K-5. Franklin Art Center.
FRI 2/14 7pm Dancing For The Paws - 3rd annual Valentine's Ball to benefit BASK. Donation $50. Elks Lodge, Franklin. http://www.bask9.org/fundraisers/
SAT 2/15 Library Book Sale 9:00am-4:00pm
12:30pm Spirograph Play Day at Learning Express, Franklin.
SUN 2/16 Library Bag Sale (buy books by the bag) 9:00am-Noon
TUE 2/18 12pm Soccer for Smiles Tournament to benefit Random Smiles Project. For age groups and times visit https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament
WED 2/19 10am Soccer for Smiles Tournament to benefit Random Smiles Project. For age groups and times visit https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament
THU 2/20 10am Soccer for Smiles Tournament to benefit Random Smiles Project. For age groups and times visit https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament
For camps and activities for your child/teen during February vacation visit Franklin Living blog.
For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.
*If you have any suggestions for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com
Soccer for Smiles Tournament
People in our own community need our help
to put smiles on their faces! Help us raise money for:
to put smiles on their faces! Help us raise money for:
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Random Smile Project |
Come help others and have some fun!
Soccer for Smiles Tournament
February 18th, 19th and 20th
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Soccer for Smiles |
You can register a team here
https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament
Library Book Sale
The latest from Mass Poetry
|
School Opening Delayed 2 hours
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Good Morning-
Due to icy roads and the anticipation of more precipitation until 7 a.m. school opening is delayed by 2 hours.
Morning preschool programs are canceled.
Emergency busing is in place for students who are walkers and for HS drivers - students may access a bus without a bus pass and bus drivers will pick up any student seen walking to school. For a list a bus stops please access district web site.
School administration and clerical staff have a 1 hour delay.
Central Office administration and clerical staff have a 1 hour delay.
Thank You
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 either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
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Winter St sign in Feb 2012 |
The bus information can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/transportation
The PDF doc with all the bus routes for each school can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/Bus%20Routes%20FY14.pdf
"We don’t have any room to cut"
The Milford Daily News reports on the 5 year financial forecast shared at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday:
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140214/NEWS/140217568/1994/NEWS#sthash.cX4w7iH2.dpuf
My recap of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/follow-money.html
In his five-year budget forecast, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said on Wednesday that balancing the fiscal year 2015 and 2016 budgets will be manageable, but in the years after the town may have to consider increasing taxes or cutting staff.
Speaking to the Town Council, Nutting emphasized that his message of doom and gloom was not new and could change.
"The trend shows us going negative a few years out," he said, noting that expenses will begin outpacing revenues. "But there’s a lot of unknowns — no need to panic at this point."
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140214/NEWS/140217568/1994/NEWS#sthash.cX4w7iH2.dpuf
My recap of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/follow-money.html
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Franklin Schools: Weather Update and Friday Status
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Good Evening
It is my hope that you all managed in this the terrible weather. School department our offices were open so I did experience the impact of the snow/ice/sleet on our roads. I am thankful for my Jeep !!
We anticipate that all schools will be open in the morning. As the forecast continues to be unpredictable we are hopeful that by morning there will be significant improvement in the conditions. DPW has been plowing and treating roads and will continue to treat roads/parking lots through tomorrow morning. In the event that snow/ice accumulations are more than anticipated we may need to delay the start of school, however this is not our goal. An additional concern is the possibility of a power outage. Any loss of power in a school may impact our ability to open a specific school.
Due to the volume of snow, DPW will not be able to plow sidewalks by the start of the school day. As a safety measure we will implement emergency transportation for our students who walk to school and for HS drivers whose parents feel road conditions are not appropriate for new drivers. Buses have been directed to pick up any student walking. Buses will also pick up students at bus stops and students will be able to access a bus without a bus pass. For a list of bus stops please refer to the district web site and look for the drop down menu for transportation. As always if a parent feels the weather conditions are not safe for a child to attend school please feel free to exercise your right to keep your child home without impunity.
As this is our fourth ( hopefully final) snow day, our last day of school is now a half- day on June 20. For those traveling during the winter vacation, safe travels and hopefully you are going to a far warmer place. To all of our families and faculty- enjoy the vacation.
Regards,
Maureen Sabolinski
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 either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
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Maybe winter will give us a break soon! |
Follow the money
The Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 12 had several points of interest.
1 - Deviating from protocol, Bob Donovan representing the fire fighters union used the Citizen Comment to talk about the agenda item which proposed to remove fire fighters from civil service positions. The union was surprised by the agenda item as they had not been notified before hand and were already in arbitration with the Town on the current contract. During that negotiation, the discussion was focused on other items in the contract. After making his statement in the allotted time, he also returned to speak during the agenda. The comments and arguments were not convincing and the Town Council voted unanimously to remove the fire fighters from civil service.
This is just a step in the process to do so. The Town is legally obligated to still negotiate with the fire fighters union over the implementation details. This would only affect new fire fighters and with the current forecast, about 75% of the fire fighters would be retiring within the next 5-7 years. This could have an immediate impact if during the negotiations, the newest 4 fire fighters currently hired through a grant are affected. Otherwise, as the fire fighters retire and their replacements get hired, those would be the ones coming in to work form Franklin but not through the civil service system.
Will this ultimately get resolved? Hopefully sooner than later. The fire fighters union does have a history of not resolving contract negotiations on time. They have been the last union to settle and as I recall most have gone the arbitration route to reach an agreement.
(Protocol for the Town Council meetings is that any citizen can speak for up to five minutes on a topic not on the published agenda.)
2 - Jeff Nutting presented the 5 year financial forecast. The previous draft has not changed. The document is reported to be posted to the Town website. When the link is found it will be added here. The previous draft version can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal-forecast.html
3 - Maria Lucier, President of the Friends of the Franklin Library presented a check for $5,000 to the Library. Her remarks are listed in full here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/friends-of-franklin-library-5000.html
4 - Sewer extension approval was provided for a 9 unit development off Uncas Av and Ledge St. This apparently had been approved several years ago. The original developer went bankrupt, this agreement now allows the development to proceed.
5 - In the Administrators Report, Jeff Nutting provided several updates:
The individual posts reported live from the meeting can be found here
1 - Deviating from protocol, Bob Donovan representing the fire fighters union used the Citizen Comment to talk about the agenda item which proposed to remove fire fighters from civil service positions. The union was surprised by the agenda item as they had not been notified before hand and were already in arbitration with the Town on the current contract. During that negotiation, the discussion was focused on other items in the contract. After making his statement in the allotted time, he also returned to speak during the agenda. The comments and arguments were not convincing and the Town Council voted unanimously to remove the fire fighters from civil service.
This is just a step in the process to do so. The Town is legally obligated to still negotiate with the fire fighters union over the implementation details. This would only affect new fire fighters and with the current forecast, about 75% of the fire fighters would be retiring within the next 5-7 years. This could have an immediate impact if during the negotiations, the newest 4 fire fighters currently hired through a grant are affected. Otherwise, as the fire fighters retire and their replacements get hired, those would be the ones coming in to work form Franklin but not through the civil service system.
Will this ultimately get resolved? Hopefully sooner than later. The fire fighters union does have a history of not resolving contract negotiations on time. They have been the last union to settle and as I recall most have gone the arbitration route to reach an agreement.
(Protocol for the Town Council meetings is that any citizen can speak for up to five minutes on a topic not on the published agenda.)
2 - Jeff Nutting presented the 5 year financial forecast. The previous draft has not changed. The document is reported to be posted to the Town website. When the link is found it will be added here. The previous draft version can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal-forecast.html
3 - Maria Lucier, President of the Friends of the Franklin Library presented a check for $5,000 to the Library. Her remarks are listed in full here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/friends-of-franklin-library-5000.html
4 - Sewer extension approval was provided for a 9 unit development off Uncas Av and Ledge St. This apparently had been approved several years ago. The original developer went bankrupt, this agreement now allows the development to proceed.
5 - In the Administrators Report, Jeff Nutting provided several updates:
- The CIC grant of $20,000 for the GIS map of the four communities covered by the regional dispatch system was acknowledged.
- The DPW also received a grant of $100,000 for work on stormwater.
- The State DOT did open the bids for the downtown project. Walsh Bros apparently is the low bidder but the contract has not yet been awarded. Stay tuned for further news on that front.
- There will be a notice with the next sewer bill about not flushing 'swifters'. This is costing the town money as they clog up the sewer pump systems. The Council will see a future item for $100,000 to repair a pumping station.
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Franklin, MA - Municipal Building |
The individual posts reported live from the meeting can be found here
Friends of the Franklin Library - $5,000 donation
Maria Lucier's statement for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 12:
The Friends of Franklin Library is pleased to present a check for $5000 to the Franklin Public Library to be used for the purchase of library materials (Books, Dvds, and e-books).
This brings the total the Friends have given to the library this fiscal year to just over $9000 ($9027.47). Since 2005, the FoFL has provided funding of over $184 thousand dollars to the library which has allowed purchase of “extras” not covered by the town budget, like museum passes, special programs, furniture, and more.
The Friends are also pleased and excited to announce the creation of a $1000 annual scholarship in the memory of Wilma Winters, in recognition and honor of her dedication to and support of the FoFL. The first scholarship will be awarded to a Franklin High senior this spring. Part of the consideration for this is an essay indicating what the library has meant to them and how they envision the library of the future.
Also, the FoFL recently became a member of the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries Association, and will be hosting the president of that group at our meeting on April 5. The MFOL sponsors workshops around the state and provides leadership on issues of regional, state and national concern to libraries. The meeting is open to anyone interested.
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Benjamin Franklin statue outside the Franklin Public Library |
Schools Closed - Thu Feb 13th - Administrative Offices Open
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
All Franklin Schools will be closed on Thursday and all evening activities canceled.
Central Administration Offices will be open.
Stay Safe
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 either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
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Wachusett and King St during the Feb 2012 snow "Nemo" |
Public Meeting - Emmons St building - March 4th
The public meeting to discuss the future uses of the Emmons St building, delayed due to a snowstorm in January, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 4.
Please see the flyer below for details and plan to provide your input at this important meeting.
Please see the flyer below for details and plan to provide your input at this important meeting.
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flyer for public meeting on future of Emmons St building |
In the News: goodbye civil service, MA governor candidates
Town Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution that will exempt future fire department hires from the Civil Service system despite the objection of the local firefighters’ union.
President Bob Donovan said the union membership feels blindsided by the change, as it comes with the two sides already in state mediation to hash out a new contract, the final step before arbitration.
Several firefighters attended the meeting as a show of support for the union’s position.
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140213/NEWS/140218323/1994/NEWS#sthash.zc2Ye1F2.dpuf
In November, Massachusetts voters will elect a new governor for the first time in eight years in what promises to be a gubernatorial race filled with both mainstream candidates and outsiders from a variety of political persuasions.
Nomination papers for legislative and statewide elections became available Tuesday from the Secretary of State office. So far, nine people want to be the next governor.
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140212/NEWS/140218908/1994/NEWS#sthash.bAMjgNsq.dpuf
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