New Items April 2011
from Franklin Public LibraryNew Children's Items April 2011
from Franklin Public LibraryOne Book One Community
Franklin, MA
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
"everyone calls us for everything that goes wrong"
"We've turned into a reactive department" he said, adding, "What else are we not going to respond to? If you had a break-in with no evidence left, do we even respond (or take information over the phone instead)?"
Franklin's police force had 54 officer positions about 10 years ago but will drop to 43 officers after two officers are cut in fiscal 2012, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said. One position is already vacant and Nutting said he anticipates the other position will be vacated before the end of the fiscal year.
Nutting's proposed $89.2 million town budget cuts more than 31 positions overall, including the two officers, 14.3 school positions, two firefighters, four Department of Public Works positions and 5.5 library jobs. The budget represents a 1.4 percent increase over this year's $88 million budget.
Cuts have to be made despite the budget going up due to decreased state aid (down about $300,000), decreased local revenue (down about $200,000), a loss of about $2 million in stimulus funds, increases in health insurance costs (up about 12 percent) and increased contractual obligations.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1760690098/Move-to-avoid-cutting-Franklin-Police-snuffed#ixzz1LNJJA5Zb
The Budget hearings will resume Thursday, May 5.
Results of the Budget hearing on Monday evening are contained here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/05/obviously-its-continued-struggle.html
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - May 3, 2011
The Finance Committee continues their series of budget hearings on the Fiscal 2012 budget Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. The department budgets scheduled to be reviewed are contained in the document shown here.
An anonymous commenter on the Milford Daily News has already stated "Cut until someone in a town job actually has to go home tired." This is your town, these are your services. Get informed. These are your choices to make.
FinCom Agenda 5/03/2011
Franklin, MA
An anonymous commenter on the Milford Daily News has already stated "Cut until someone in a town job actually has to go home tired." This is your town, these are your services. Get informed. These are your choices to make.
FinCom Agenda 5/03/2011
Franklin, MA
"Obviously, it's a continued struggle"
Last night, leaders of the administrative, comptroller treasurer/collector, town clerk and planning departments explained how reduced clerical support could result in longer waiting times, delays in providing services and reduced office hours. Those departments - coupled with the legal, human resources and inspection departments - will lose hours that combined will total the equivalent of one position.
"We don't want to close the office, but I can envision that if something comes up and someone is out (sick) there's no way we're going to stay open," Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri said.
Planning Director Bryan Taberner said he would normally write five or six grant proposals in six months, but only anticipates completing two with the reduced staff.
"In 2009 I probably spent 50 percent of my time on economic development (activities)," Taberner said. "I don't do more than half-a-day a week now."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1870097509/Franklin-budget-would-cut-31-jobs#ixzz1LHQ2pBNl
Budget hearings continue Tues May 3, 7:00 PM, and Thu, May 5 also at 7:00 PM.
Franklin, MA
Monday, May 2, 2011
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - May 2, 2011
The agenda document for the Finance Committee meeting Monday, May 2. This is the first of a series of budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The fiscal year begins July 1, 2011 and ends June 30, 2012.
FinCom Agenda 05022011
Franklin, MA
FinCom Agenda 05022011
Franklin, MA
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 16, 2011
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Historical Commission
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
1. Resolution 11-12: Order of Taking-Land Located on Colt Road and Washington Street
2. Resolution 11-13: Designation of “Special Municipal Employees” Under State Ethics Law
3. Resolution 11-14: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-011, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
4. Resolution 11-15: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-012, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
5. Resolution 11-16: Appropriation: Veterans’ Benefits
6. Resolution 11-17: Appropriation: Norfolk County Agricultural High School
7. Resolution 11-18: Appropriation: Debt & Interest
8. Resolution 11-19: Appropriation Snow & Ice Deficit
9. Resolution 11-20: Appropriation Personal Property Revaluation (3Yr)
10. Zoning Bylaw 11-652: Amendment to Chapter 185 §4. Districts Enumerated Zoning
– Referral to Planning Board
11. Bylaw 11-653: Amendment to Chapter 185 §7. Compliance Required Zoning
– Referral To Planning Board
12. Bylaw 11-654: Amendment to Chapter 185 §12. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard &
Height Requirements. – Referral to Planning Board
13. Zoning Bylaw 11-655: Amendment to Chapter 185 §2. Parking, Loading, and Driveway
Requirements, Subsection B - Referral to Planning Board
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-660: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45. L. (1) Administration
and Enforcement – Referral to Planning Board
15. Bylaw Amendment 11-659: Amendment to Chapter 135, Removal and Undergrounding of
Utility Poles and Overhead Wires and Structures – 2nd Reading
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
Franklin, MA
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Historical Commission
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
1. Resolution 11-12: Order of Taking-Land Located on Colt Road and Washington Street
2. Resolution 11-13: Designation of “Special Municipal Employees” Under State Ethics Law
3. Resolution 11-14: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-011, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
4. Resolution 11-15: Acceptance of Deed of Parcel 212-012, Pond Street Pursuant to G.L.
Chapter 60, Section 77C
5. Resolution 11-16: Appropriation: Veterans’ Benefits
6. Resolution 11-17: Appropriation: Norfolk County Agricultural High School
7. Resolution 11-18: Appropriation: Debt & Interest
8. Resolution 11-19: Appropriation Snow & Ice Deficit
9. Resolution 11-20: Appropriation Personal Property Revaluation (3Yr)
10. Zoning Bylaw 11-652: Amendment to Chapter 185 §4. Districts Enumerated Zoning
– Referral to Planning Board
11. Bylaw 11-653: Amendment to Chapter 185 §7. Compliance Required Zoning
– Referral To Planning Board
12. Bylaw 11-654: Amendment to Chapter 185 §12. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard &
Height Requirements. – Referral to Planning Board
13. Zoning Bylaw 11-655: Amendment to Chapter 185 §2. Parking, Loading, and Driveway
Requirements, Subsection B - Referral to Planning Board
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-660: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45. L. (1) Administration
and Enforcement – Referral to Planning Board
15. Bylaw Amendment 11-659: Amendment to Chapter 135, Removal and Undergrounding of
Utility Poles and Overhead Wires and Structures – 2nd Reading
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
Franklin, MA
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Calling for the Pantry
$20 will feed your neighbor for a month.
Today through Tuesday evening, volunteers will be making phone calls to Franklin residents to raise money. If you are out and about, and miss the phone call you can still help by making a contribution.
You can write out a check and mail it to the Food Pantry:
Franklin Food Pantry
P.O. Box 116
Franklin, MA 02038-0116
If you would like to make a secure online donation you can do so here:
The Food Pantry and those we serve, thank you for your contribution!
The Franklin Food Pantry is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The Food Pantry website can be found here: http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
Franklin, MA
Today through Tuesday evening, volunteers will be making phone calls to Franklin residents to raise money. If you are out and about, and miss the phone call you can still help by making a contribution.
You can write out a check and mail it to the Food Pantry:
Franklin Food Pantry
P.O. Box 116
Franklin, MA 02038-0116
If you would like to make a secure online donation you can do so here:
The Food Pantry and those we serve, thank you for your contribution!
The Franklin Food Pantry is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life.
The Food Pantry website can be found here: http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
Franklin, MA
Summer Art
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 4/29/11
This summer Franklin Public Schools is offering the Summer Art Institute, which will be directed by Michael Caple. The Institute will meet Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 8 (no class on July 4) at the high school from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Students entering grades 7, 8 and 9 may choose from a variety of classes including:
Jewelry - Beginner and advanced students alike will enjoy this intensive introduction into all things jewelry making. Basic stringing and wire working will be covered to create unique, handmade earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Design will be a large focus. Materials used will include wire, chain, leather cord, clay, diamond glaze, and sheet metal. We will form, glaze, and fire our own beautiful ceramic beads, and pendants. We'll also learn metalworking techniques of texturizing and stamping using a variety of tools. Our final design will incorporate all techniques covered. Come create your jewelry collection.
Digital Photography - Students will learn how to use the camera as an art tool to create strong photographic compositions. Students will learn and use Adobe Photoshop to create and manipulate digital images. They will make high quality digital prints of their best work.
Drawing & Painting - Students will experiment with many different drawing strategies. They will review and learn about color different painting techniques, including watercolor and acrylic.
Ceramics - Students will learn basic ceramic hand-building techniques including pinch dot, slab, coil, score and slip through a variety of projects. Students will also be able to explore glaze and paint as a decorative finish for their artwork.
Graphic Design - This class focuses on the elements and principles of design that are used to create various artworks. Students will become familiar with Adobe Software including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Students will create their own cartoon character, create a morphed and transformed self-image, and design their own insignia.
These five classes will be taught by FPS art faculty.
High school students entering grades 10, 11 and 12 may enroll in High School Portfolio Preparation/Open Studio. This class follows the same schedule as the middle school art classes and is designed to help students build both their skill level and their portfolio for possible entrance into a post-high school art program. This course will focus on drawing skills, but will also be individualized for each student. This is a great opportunity for students who think they may want to continue their education in the visual arts.
These classes have a variety of projects that meet the interests and needs of students who are new to art, as well as students who plan to make art part of their academic career. Come and be part of the fun!
For additional information and registration -
email: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us
Telephone: 508-553-4814
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Lifelong Learning using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Sign up Form for Build Day!
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Growing In Franklin by Franklin Community Gardens on 4/28/11
Calling all Volunteers!
Sign up for Build Day!
Click on this link to open the registration form:
FORM
questions?
email us at franklincommunitygardens@gmail.com
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Growing In Franklin using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Friday, April 29, 2011
"We feel like we made an excellent decision"
Franklin switched to a single-stream system in July under which residents combine paper, cardboard, glass and cans into a new 65-gallon container. Residents also received a new trash container.
The town borrowed $800,000 to buy both the trash and recycling containers, a cost that will mostly be paid off by user fees.
The grant reimburses Franklin for about 20 percent of the $400,000 cost for the recycling containers, helping the town repay that money sooner without raising fees, Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi said.
Since the switch, the amount of material recycled has increased by 15 percent while the amount of trash has decreased by more than 18 percent, a trend Cooper said has been seen in many of the 70 Massachusetts communities that have adopted single-stream recycling programs since 2005.
Franklin is expected to save more than $100,000 in disposal costs and earn $20,000 in new recycling revenue this fiscal year, statistics provided by Cooper's department show.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x730838910/Franklin-gets-praise-bucks-for-going-to-single-stream-recycling#ixzz1KuKJEGbd
State Rep Jim Vallee announced this grant earlier this week
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/franklin-to-receive-state-recycling.html
Prior posts on the recycling series can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/franklin-ma-trash-collection.html
Franklin, MA
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Reminder: Calling for the Pantry: Apr 30 - May 3
Volunteers for the Franklin Food Pantry will be calling residents of Franklin, MA as part of a fundraising effort during specific time periods from Apr 30 through May 3, 2011. The volunteers will be using the phone bank at Dean College to call residents on Saturday, Apr 30 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday, May 1 from Noon to 4:00 PM. Monday, May 2 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tuesday, May 3 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The volunteers will announce that this is the first annual phone call fundraising effort for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is looking to raise funds to provide for the over 400 families it services each month. The Pantry is able to provide 5 meals for each $1 donated by leveraging the resources of the Greater Boston Food Bank, local supermarkets, local farmers and generosity of the Franklin community.
Donors will be asked to make their contribution via credit card, or to make a pledge. The pledge will result in regular mail sent to their address which can be returned via the mail with a check, or the check could be dropped off at the Pantry during operating hours.
As an alternative, donors can visit the Food Pantry website and make a secure transaction with their credit card via Google Checkout. The website can be found at http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
Note that the volunteer calls will appear as “Dean College” for those with caller ID.
The Food Pantry thanks Dean College for the gracious access to their phone bank for this fundraiser.
Volunteers to make the phone calls are still welcome. There are several time slots to choose from over the four day campaign. If you would like to help with this effort, please contact Maureen Roy.
Saturday, April 30th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 1st
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 2nd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3rd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
For additional information on the campaign, contact Maureen Roy at the Franklin Food Pantry. Telephone Number: 508-528-3115. Maureen can also be reached via email at maureen@franklinfoodpantry.org
Web site address http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life.
The Franklin Food Pantry was established in 1987. We provide supplemental food and non-food items to the needy in Franklin. The Food Pantry was housed in various temporary locations until June 2009 when thanks to the generosity and support of Rockland Trust, the Pantry moved to our current home at 43 West Central Street. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Note: I have added a Food Pantry 'Donate button' on the Franklin Matters website. The button takes you through the process of making a donation to the Food Pantry directly. The same button can be found on the Food Pantry website.
Franklin, MA
The volunteers will announce that this is the first annual phone call fundraising effort for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is looking to raise funds to provide for the over 400 families it services each month. The Pantry is able to provide 5 meals for each $1 donated by leveraging the resources of the Greater Boston Food Bank, local supermarkets, local farmers and generosity of the Franklin community.
Donors will be asked to make their contribution via credit card, or to make a pledge. The pledge will result in regular mail sent to their address which can be returned via the mail with a check, or the check could be dropped off at the Pantry during operating hours.
As an alternative, donors can visit the Food Pantry website and make a secure transaction with their credit card via Google Checkout. The website can be found at http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
Note that the volunteer calls will appear as “Dean College” for those with caller ID.
The Food Pantry thanks Dean College for the gracious access to their phone bank for this fundraiser.
Volunteers to make the phone calls are still welcome. There are several time slots to choose from over the four day campaign. If you would like to help with this effort, please contact Maureen Roy.
Saturday, April 30th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 1st
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 2nd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3rd
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
For additional information on the campaign, contact Maureen Roy at the Franklin Food Pantry. Telephone Number: 508-528-3115. Maureen can also be reached via email at maureen@franklinfoodpantry.org
Web site address http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life.
The Franklin Food Pantry was established in 1987. We provide supplemental food and non-food items to the needy in Franklin. The Food Pantry was housed in various temporary locations until June 2009 when thanks to the generosity and support of Rockland Trust, the Pantry moved to our current home at 43 West Central Street. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Note: I have added a Food Pantry 'Donate button' on the Franklin Matters website. The button takes you through the process of making a donation to the Food Pantry directly. The same button can be found on the Food Pantry website.
Franklin, MA
"ready to tackle the issues"
"We want to ... really focus on what we think will make the biggest impact with the town," said Chairman Douglas Hardesty.
Hardesty presented a list of priorities he compiled from brainstorming sessions with the current committee and items the previous Long Range Financial Planning Committee was unable to fully evaluate.
The list includes projecting and evaluating retirement benefits, the high school project, the tax burden, efforts to change state legislation and road and other capital investments.
"We want to take a problem and say (to the council or School Committee) here's your portfolio of options," committee member Greg DiMarzio said.
The previous committee, comprised mostly of elected officials, produced a report that explained the town faced a structural deficit in which revenue growth was less than what was required to maintain services. They projected that, through 2014, expenses would grow faster than revenue by $7 million to 10 million.Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1336254064/Franklin-long-range-board-debates-future-emphasis#ixzz1KoD482Ra
Prior meeting reports are available here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/p/meeting-notes-2008.html
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
"architects realized the costs would be similar"
The state is expected to reimburse the town between 53 and 58 percent of the cost, leaving the town to fund $30.8 million, $40.8 million, $45.6 million or $38.5 million, respectively, depending on the option.
Dorothy Miller, who has a son in middle school and another who is a sophomore, said she worried renovating the existing building would significantly disrupt classes.
School officials said a new school would be built on nearby fields while students attend class in the existing building.
In a renovation, "where would they put them?" said Robert Cloutier, 55, who has a son in eighth grade. "In the gym?"
Cloutier said he worries about the cost, but said it's time to do something with the school, which was built in 1971. Project officials said it has outdated science labs, utilities systems and no elevators.
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said during the meeting that a $35 million renovation would cost the owner of the average home valued at $360,000 an extra $235 a year while a $40 million model school would cost $265 a year, based upon current property values. A Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion override would need to be passed to pay for any of the options, most likely in the fall.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1294652027/Franklin-residents-like-model-high-school-idea#ixzz1KiLFl8QI
The March School Building Committee meeting is available here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/live-reporting-school-building.html
Franklin, MA
Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon - Apr 29th
FDP Networking Luncheon - Friday, April 29th
1:00 at Dean College Campus Dining Hall $5.00 for all you can eat
RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com
Franklin, MA
1:00 at Dean College Campus Dining Hall $5.00 for all you can eat
RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com
Franklin, MA
Raw Foods Cooking - this week at Whole Foods
Dont forget this weeks Raw Foods Cooking class. Thursday at Whole Foods Market Bellingham 6:30!! Who is coming??
I have a great guest speaker for this class. Sheryl Stone a graduate of the world famous Hippocrates Health Institute http://www.hippocratesinst.org/
Via email from Karen Ring, CPT / Health Coach / AADP, instructor at Whole Foods Market BellinghamSheryl is a Certified Health Educator, she works with individuals who want to lose weight and gain energy through changes in thier diet including, but not limited to, the raw vegan lifestyle. She specializes in raw desserts and not depriving youself of the foods you love!
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