Local resident helps sponsor Laid Off Camp tomorrow
from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff
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Friday, November 6, 2009
In the News - event canceled, rings come home
The article is a good one but came too late to help us drive attendance for the event. The event has been canceled. The team will re-group and likely try something early in 2010.
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
LaidOff Camp Attleboro/Providence - EVENT CANCELED
Date: Saturday, November 07, 2009 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Living Waters Church
15 John L Dietsch Blvd
North Attleboro, MA 02763
For more information click here: http://laidoffcampprovidence.blogspot.com/
Regretfully, the event has been canceled. We only achieved one third of the required registrations for this non-profit, all-volunteer event to break even.
The Team will gather information on what we learned during this process and likely attempt to create an event sometime early in 2010.
Your registration fee will be refunded in full to the credit card you used to register.
Thank you for your interest.
Foster systems thinking
Modern education systems deserve much of the blame, both for fostering the belief that education ends when a person leaves school and for its emphasis on being right rather than on how to learn from mistakes. This has encouraged caution rather than risk-taking, with individuals preferring to avoid mistakes when possible and hide them if necessary. The world’s four greatest statisticians never took a course in statistics, Mr Ackoff would point out, and three of America’s greatest architects (Henry Hobson Richardson, Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright) never took a formal course in architecture.Read the full article in The Economist here
Society urgently needs to find better ways of inculcating systems thinking in its decision-makers and public-policy experts in particular, he argued. It also needs to change how it accounts for mistakes. Currently, almost any accounting system you can think of records mistakes of commission, when a deliberate act goes wrong, but keeps no record of mistakes of omission: things not done that should have been. The result is a conservative, risk-averse culture that holds back the innovation that society needs.
Read more about the ideas of Russ Ackoff here and here
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Newly elected sworn in
The newly elected School Committee was sworn in this evening.
Two members of the School Committee were not present for this: Ed Cafasso (who was sworn in earlier today) and William Glynn.
They held a brief organizational meeting. Jeff Roy was selected as Chair and Paula Mullen as Vice-Chair.
Three new members of the Planning Board were sworn in this evening also:
Chris Feeley as the newly elected Assessor was also sworn in.
The newly elected Town Council was also sworn in.
Scott Mason was selected Chair by a 9-0 vote. Steve Whalen was selected as Vice-Chair by an 8-1 vote. There almost was a runoff for this as Joe McGann nominated Bob Vallee but that nomination did not get a second. Judy Pfeffer was selected as Clerk by a 9-0 vote.
They held a brief organizational meeting. Jeff Roy was selected as Chair and Paula Mullen as Vice-Chair.
Three new members of the Planning Board were sworn in this evening also:
Chris Feeley as the newly elected Assessor was also sworn in.
The newly elected Town Council was also sworn in.
Scott Mason was selected Chair by a 9-0 vote. Steve Whalen was selected as Vice-Chair by an 8-1 vote. There almost was a runoff for this as Joe McGann nominated Bob Vallee but that nomination did not get a second. Judy Pfeffer was selected as Clerk by a 9-0 vote.
engage the Franklin voters
I'll have more later this week but my first reactions to the election results are
It is a sad day for Franklin when so few registered voters do exercise their right to vote. There are no excuses for weather problems, absentee ballots were available in advance. Only 16.4% of 19,780 voters bothered to cast a vote. Less than the two prior off year elections. The trend (if there is one) is going the wrong way.
It was good to see the energy of some of the newcomers to the Council race; Tina Powderly and Glenn Jones in particular. Glenn was observed on the triangle over the railroad bridge holding his sign in the rain on Sat Oct 24th and then again early Sun morning, Nov 1. Tina garnered the largest vote amongst the Council candidates.
The Brick School remains a significant factor in Franklin and although closed is still important. The results for Matt Kelly and Cynthia Douglas show this. Cindy running in her first election took in the top number of votes from all candidates. Teaching at the Brick School, over 30 years of good service, 20 or so kids at a time builds up relationships. Relationships that turned out to vote.
That newcomers garnered some of the larger totals seems to validate the message Ashley Studley, Milford Daily News reporter, was picking up from the voters leaving the field house. The attempt to vote out the incumbents ultimately failed as all were re-elected albeit some were by slim margins.
The problems of Franklin remain the same after election. They didn't just disappear because someone didn't vote for an incumbent. The challenge is clearly in the Town Council's hands now to come together and engage the Franklin voters/tax payers in such a way that our issues can be responsibly discussed and then worked to a solution.
It is a sad day for Franklin when so few registered voters do exercise their right to vote. There are no excuses for weather problems, absentee ballots were available in advance. Only 16.4% of 19,780 voters bothered to cast a vote. Less than the two prior off year elections. The trend (if there is one) is going the wrong way.
It was good to see the energy of some of the newcomers to the Council race; Tina Powderly and Glenn Jones in particular. Glenn was observed on the triangle over the railroad bridge holding his sign in the rain on Sat Oct 24th and then again early Sun morning, Nov 1. Tina garnered the largest vote amongst the Council candidates.
The Brick School remains a significant factor in Franklin and although closed is still important. The results for Matt Kelly and Cynthia Douglas show this. Cindy running in her first election took in the top number of votes from all candidates. Teaching at the Brick School, over 30 years of good service, 20 or so kids at a time builds up relationships. Relationships that turned out to vote.
That newcomers garnered some of the larger totals seems to validate the message Ashley Studley, Milford Daily News reporter, was picking up from the voters leaving the field house. The attempt to vote out the incumbents ultimately failed as all were re-elected albeit some were by slim margins.
The problems of Franklin remain the same after election. They didn't just disappear because someone didn't vote for an incumbent. The challenge is clearly in the Town Council's hands now to come together and engage the Franklin voters/tax payers in such a way that our issues can be responsibly discussed and then worked to a solution.
domino falling in our direction
Tri-County is also affected by transportation cuts. Franklin sends a good portion of the students at Tri-County. A budget issue there could replicate back to the Town.
Regional school officials dismayed by steep transportation cuts
from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Krista Perry/Daily News staff
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Vote totals by Precinct - 11/3/09
3,244 votes cast were on the November 3, 2009 election. This is 16.4% of the total 19,780 registered voters in Franklin.
The vote for each position by precinct can be viewed in the following document provided by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri.
The vote for each position by precinct can be viewed in the following document provided by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri.
Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io
Franklin 2009 Election Results
| Board of Assessors | ||
| Chris Feeley (write-in candidate) | 217 | |
| Board of Health | ||
| Bruce Hunchard | 1556 | winner |
| Koren Kanadanian | 1150 | |
| Planning Board | ||
| Anthony Padula | 1570 | |
| Joseph Halligan | 1780 | |
| Planning Board (Associate) | ||
| John Carroll | 1892 | |
| Town Council | Votes | |
| Tina Powderly | 1868 | 1 |
| Robert Vallee | 1826 | 2 |
| Glenn Jones | 1767 | 3 |
| Shannon Zollo | 1648 | 4 |
| Matthew Kelly | 1617 | 5 |
| Judith Pond Pfeffer | 1553 | 6 |
| R. Scott Mason | 1528 | 7 |
| Joseph McGann | 1443 | 8 |
| Stephen Whalen | 1437 | 9 |
| Robert Avakian | 1378 | |
| Daniel Ballinger | 1211 | |
| Glenna Richards | 1182 | |
| Bryce Kuchs | 592 | |
| School Committee | Votes | |
| Cynthia Douglas | 1927 | |
| William Glynn | 1621 | |
| Jeffrey Roy | 1616 | |
| Paula Mullen | 1562 | |
| Roberta Trahan | 1558 | |
| Edward Cafasso | 1507 | |
| Susan Rohrbach | 1412 | |
3,244 total votes were cast. Only 16.4% of the 19,780 registered voters in Franklin.
Election Day
There are two civic duties required. However, one is considered by most to be optional while the other is required. The required one is to pay your taxes. The 'optional' one is to cast your vote. Since casting your vote helps to determine what taxes you will pay, voting should also be required.
The most important thing you should do today is to cast your ballot at the high school field house.
The polls open at 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM
Make your vote count!
The most important thing you should do today is to cast your ballot at the high school field house.
The polls open at 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM
Make your vote count!
Monday, November 2, 2009
School Committee - Agenda - 11/4/09
Call to order Mrs. Sabolinski
1. Discussion Only Items
2. Adjourn
- Re-Organizational Chart Update
- Swearing In with Town Clerk
2. Adjourn
Note the meeting is scheduled for the Training Room on the third floor of the Municipal Building.
Town Council - Agenda - 11/4/09
A. SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL
B. ORGANIZATION
Election of Officers
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
D. ANNOUNCEMENTS
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
F. CITIZEN COMMENTS
G. APPOINTMENTS
H. HEARINGS
I. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
J. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
K. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
L.LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-70: Appropriation – Exit 16/King Street Reconstruction Account
M. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
N. OLD BUSINESS
O. NEW BUSINESS
P. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Q. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
R. ADJOURN
B. ORGANIZATION
Election of Officers
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
D. ANNOUNCEMENTS
E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
F. CITIZEN COMMENTS
G. APPOINTMENTS
H. HEARINGS
I. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
J. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
K. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
L.LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-70: Appropriation – Exit 16/King Street Reconstruction Account
M. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
N. OLD BUSINESS
O. NEW BUSINESS
P. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Q. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
R. ADJOURN
STATE SENATOR KAREN SPILKA'S 2009 SENIOR HEALTH and WELLNESS FAIR
STATE SENATOR KAREN SPILKA'S 2009 SENIOR HEALTH and WELLNESS FAIR will be held on November 21 from 9:00-1:30 at the Callahan Senior Center 535 Union Avenue in Framingham.
This year's program will include ongoing presentations on health, wellness & prevention, informational booths, and health care screening along with a wonderful hot lunch.
While at the fair, take advantage of the many workshops including container gardening, financial planning, Medicare D, genealogy, zumba, and much more.
Informational booths on topics ranging from area discounts, health care services and providers & transportation as well as health care screening will be available throughout the day.
Contact Senator Spilka's office at 617-722-1640 or email her at Karen.E.Spilka@state.ma.us to reserve your spot and take advantage of this wonderful event.
In the News - FHS Swim Team
My daughters would have liked to have had this opportunity when they went to FHS. They had swum for the Y and for the Adirondack Club before high school and switched to track & field at FHS. I hope the trial works out.
Franklin swim team ready to make a splash
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Why an iPhone could actually be good for your 3-year-old
But here’s the tantalizing part: If done the right way, with the right limits, handing a preschooler a smart phone could be good not just for the parents’ sanity. It might even be good for the child’s development.
Read the full article here. I question his logic. He quotes from sources to show both sides of the story but makes the leap to say it is a good thing without having proved that it is.
I think the evidence shows that kids should spend more time away from technology and TVs as long as possible. The book "Last Child in the Woods" raises the issue of "nature-deficit disorder". Kids should spend more time in nature and less time with technology. For more on this topic, you can read what I wrote earlier this year.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Boston Globe -- Globe Magazine by Neil Swidey on 10/30/09
Parents who hand smart phones to their preschoolers as a distraction are shocked to see how quickly the kids become pros. They may worry about such early screen time. But for this generation of "mobile kids," portable, wireless technology promises to improve the way they learn.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Boston Globe -- Globe Magazine using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Letter from Ed Cafasso
Tuesday, as you know, is Election Day in Franklin. I hope you will get to the polls to cast your votes for candidates for Town Council, School Committee, and other positions, including Board of Health and Board of Assessors. I am seeking my third full term as a volunteer member of the School Committee and once again I ask for your support. In my view, our schools face three priorities in the next two years:
Budget – We were able to balance the current year’s budget with state and federal stimulus money, a wage freeze for school employees, and budget cuts. Our task will be no easier when we begin working with Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski to create the fiscal 2011 budget. The stimulus monies that helped us this year will not be available next year. It also seems clear that our state aid will be threatened and local revenues will likely fail to keep pace with rising costs.
Franklin High School – Principal Peter Light and his team have made big strides in strengthening the academic and cultural atmosphere of FHS. We need to continue to support those improvements while also finalizing a plan for addressing the building’s structural deficiencies and classroom capabilities. Community support will be critical to move forward with the renovations that will help Franklin High deliver a competitive experience for our students.
Efficient Academic Excellence – The Franklin Public Schools remain a fantastic bargain in a community that offers a nice quality of life with incredibly low property tax rates. Your schools spend well below average in every cost category, but your students consistently score well above average on every academic benchmark. It’s a record to be proud of, but it’s highly unlikely to continue unless we provide more financial support and reduce our reliance on state aid.
The contested race for Franklin Town Council demands your attention on Tuesday. Twelve candidates are running for nine Council seats. In addition to having the final say on school spending, the new Council will face tough decisions on how to fund and manage public safety, public works and other services that are important to our quality of life and property values.
You can learn more about the Town Council candidates at:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/homepage/x876590732/Meet-the-candidates-for-Franklin-Town-Council
Please take the time to vote for the candidates of your choice on Tuesday. It’s important to make your voices heard to those who seek to represent you. I will be outside the Field House at various times during the day. I hope you’ll say hello. And thank you for your support.
These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
edcafasso@comcast.net
Budget – We were able to balance the current year’s budget with state and federal stimulus money, a wage freeze for school employees, and budget cuts. Our task will be no easier when we begin working with Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski to create the fiscal 2011 budget. The stimulus monies that helped us this year will not be available next year. It also seems clear that our state aid will be threatened and local revenues will likely fail to keep pace with rising costs.
Franklin High School – Principal Peter Light and his team have made big strides in strengthening the academic and cultural atmosphere of FHS. We need to continue to support those improvements while also finalizing a plan for addressing the building’s structural deficiencies and classroom capabilities. Community support will be critical to move forward with the renovations that will help Franklin High deliver a competitive experience for our students.
Efficient Academic Excellence – The Franklin Public Schools remain a fantastic bargain in a community that offers a nice quality of life with incredibly low property tax rates. Your schools spend well below average in every cost category, but your students consistently score well above average on every academic benchmark. It’s a record to be proud of, but it’s highly unlikely to continue unless we provide more financial support and reduce our reliance on state aid.
The contested race for Franklin Town Council demands your attention on Tuesday. Twelve candidates are running for nine Council seats. In addition to having the final say on school spending, the new Council will face tough decisions on how to fund and manage public safety, public works and other services that are important to our quality of life and property values.
You can learn more about the Town Council candidates at:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/homepage/x876590732/Meet-the-candidates-for-Franklin-Town-Council
Please take the time to vote for the candidates of your choice on Tuesday. It’s important to make your voices heard to those who seek to represent you. I will be outside the Field House at various times during the day. I hope you’ll say hello. And thank you for your support.
These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
edcafasso@comcast.net
Fall back!
Friendly reminder that you should have turned your clocks back one hour.
You can use the extra hour to think about who you'll chose to vote for on Tuesday when the polls open from 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM in the High School field house.
The election collection can be found here
You can use the extra hour to think about who you'll chose to vote for on Tuesday when the polls open from 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM in the High School field house.
The election collection can be found here
In the News - First Universalist
The Faithful Nine were Grace Buchanon, Joe Cook and his wife Ellie, Edna Fitzgerald, Marion Chilson, Lincoln and Bunny Dana and Robert and Emilia Dean. Emilia Dean and Bunny Dana are the only living members.
"They were determined this church was not going to die," Rosine said. "Their families grew up in the church, were baptized, had weddings and funerals...they were not going to let this church die."
Franklin church will dedicate rooms those who kept it alive
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