The Farmers Market is open today on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.
Where in Franklin is the Town Common?
View Larger Map
Friday, July 13, 2012
Franklin, MA: Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM
The Farmers Market is open today on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.
Where in Franklin is the Town Common?
View Larger Map
“Kids don’t even realize they are learning"
Throughout the summer, the Franklin schools’ Lifelong Learning Institute offers an eclectic array of classes for all levels of students — from kindergarten to high school.
The institute, envisioned in 1998 by then-Superintendent Richard Warren, takes a different approach to learning, said Executive Director Pandora Carlucci. Simply put, it mixes things up a bit.
“This takes the traditional academic subjects — music, math, drama, fine arts, literature, science — and presents them in a different way,” Carlucci said yesterday. “We present them through a different lens.”
Due in large part to smaller classes and interactive lesson plans, students enrolled at the institute soak up every lesson, stay engaged and display a desire to learn even as they enjoy their 2½-month hiatus from traditional school.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1975584928/Learning-goes-untraditional-in-the-summer#ixzz20Ul0sLoh
You can find out more about the Lifelong Learning programs on their website http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Franklin, MA: Concerts on the Common
Summer 2012 - Wednesdays from 6:30 PM TO 8:30 PM
July 11 - Frank Padula
July 18 - Sharon Band
July 25 - Electric Youth
August 8 - Roy Scott Swing Band
August 15 - Leeds Bank
August 22 - Ayla Brown
Children's Programs 6:00 pm -6:30 pm
July 11 - Rob Peters Bubble Music Man
August 8 - Mike Rutkowski DJ
August 15 - Story Teller Elaine Kessler
In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St.Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across from the Town Common.
Gianettis' U Pick Blueberries Newsletter - Summer Edition 2012
Dear Valued Customer,
IT'S BLUEBERRY TIME!
We are so happy to announce that Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries will be opening for the season on Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th at 8 a.m.. If at all possible, please arrive after 8 a.m. to ease the traffic jam during the morning commute, and to prevent a back-up on the street. So mark your calendars, tell all of your friends, grab your favorite picking pail and join us for a tasty time.
As usual will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. throughout the months of July and August. If there happens to be inclement weather on either a Friday or Saturday, please call 508-528-9430 ahead of time to make sure that we are open. A message will be posted on the machine by 7 a.m..
If you happen to forget to bring your own picking container, don't worry, we have containers for you to use.
Please use the link below to forward this e-mail to your family and friends. We don't want anyone to miss out on this year's great picking season!
OPENING WEEKEND!
The unuaually warm spring means that U-Pick Blueberries will be open for 2012 picking season two weeks earlier than normal, Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th!
We have a fine crop of blueberries this year due to the early heat wave in March and the frequent rain storms in May and June. Of course our tender loving care over the past 10 months didn't hurt either. Do you know that each and every one of our bushes are hand pruned every year to help promote new growth and lots of blueberries? We also make sure we have enough honeybees on the property in the spring to ensure proper pollination and large berries.
We have 5 varieties of blueberries on our farm. Collins are the earliest variety of the season. Our mid-season varieties are Blueray, Bluecrop, and Berkley. Finally, our late season variety is Coville. With these five
varieties we are able to provide our customers with lots of big, sweet, and tasty blueberries for about 6-8 weeks each year.
Through proclamation of the United States Department of Agriculture, July is National Blueberry Month, and what a wonderful time to celebrate these little berries by picking your own at our farm!
Remember we usually pick through the end of August so if you can't make it on our opening weekend, don't worry.
Blueberries and Your Health
Did you know that blueberries are the second most commonly eaten berry in the U.S.? (Strawberries are the first). They are also one of the few fruits native to North America, blueberries have been enjoyed by Native Americans for hundreds of years.
Blueberries are renowned not only for their flavor but for their impact on health. The USDA recommends adults enjoy two cups of fruit a day - all year round. Fresh blueberries can help you fulfill that recommendation. A half-cup of blueberries has just 40 calories and contributes to our daily intake of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
After many years of research on blueberry antioxidants and their potential benefits for the nervous system and for brain health, there is exciting new evidence from researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center that blueberries can help improve memory. Also, scientific studies show that blueberries contain antioxidants that may be beneficial to good health. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are linked to the development of a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's.
New studies also make it clear that we can freeze blueberries without doing damage to their delicate anthocyanin antioxidants.
FAQ
How much does a pint weigh?
A pint of blueberries weighs approximately 3/4 of a pound.
What's the best way to store fresh blueberries?
Fresh blueberries should be stored uncovered in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 10 days. Remember that they need to be completely dry when stored.
Do you have handicapped parking? We try our best to accomodate our handicapped customers with allowing them to park as close to the field as possible. However, since this is a working farm some walking on uneven ground is required.
Can I bring my dog along?
Unfortunately due to health reasons, dogs (except service dogs of course) are not allowed in the field. Please be kind to your pet and leave them at home to rest, while you enjoy your picking experience, it's really too hot to leave them in your car in the middle of the summer.
Do you take credit cards?
We do not have electricity out in the field, and therefore do not accept credit cards. Cash and personal checks are always more than happily accepted.
Do you advertise?
Word of mouth is our best form of advertisement. We rely on our customers to spread the word to their family, friends, and neighbors. So we appreciate it when you do your part!
Do you have restroom facilities?
Unfortunately, we do not have restroom facilities on-site. However, if Mother Nature calls, there is a gas station or Dunkin Donuts 1/10th of a mile down the street.
Thank you for your continued patronage. It is loyal customers like you that make all of our hard work enjoyable. We hope you enjoy our blueberries and your picking experience at our farm.
Gianettis' U Pick Blueberries
IT'S BLUEBERRY TIME!
We are so happy to announce that Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries will be opening for the season on Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th at 8 a.m.. If at all possible, please arrive after 8 a.m. to ease the traffic jam during the morning commute, and to prevent a back-up on the street. So mark your calendars, tell all of your friends, grab your favorite picking pail and join us for a tasty time.
As usual will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. throughout the months of July and August. If there happens to be inclement weather on either a Friday or Saturday, please call 508-528-9430 ahead of time to make sure that we are open. A message will be posted on the machine by 7 a.m..
If you happen to forget to bring your own picking container, don't worry, we have containers for you to use.
Please use the link below to forward this e-mail to your family and friends. We don't want anyone to miss out on this year's great picking season!
OPENING WEEKEND!
The unuaually warm spring means that U-Pick Blueberries will be open for 2012 picking season two weeks earlier than normal, Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th!
We have a fine crop of blueberries this year due to the early heat wave in March and the frequent rain storms in May and June. Of course our tender loving care over the past 10 months didn't hurt either. Do you know that each and every one of our bushes are hand pruned every year to help promote new growth and lots of blueberries? We also make sure we have enough honeybees on the property in the spring to ensure proper pollination and large berries.
We have 5 varieties of blueberries on our farm. Collins are the earliest variety of the season. Our mid-season varieties are Blueray, Bluecrop, and Berkley. Finally, our late season variety is Coville. With these five
varieties we are able to provide our customers with lots of big, sweet, and tasty blueberries for about 6-8 weeks each year.
Through proclamation of the United States Department of Agriculture, July is National Blueberry Month, and what a wonderful time to celebrate these little berries by picking your own at our farm!
Remember we usually pick through the end of August so if you can't make it on our opening weekend, don't worry.
Blueberries and Your Health
Did you know that blueberries are the second most commonly eaten berry in the U.S.? (Strawberries are the first). They are also one of the few fruits native to North America, blueberries have been enjoyed by Native Americans for hundreds of years.
Blueberries are renowned not only for their flavor but for their impact on health. The USDA recommends adults enjoy two cups of fruit a day - all year round. Fresh blueberries can help you fulfill that recommendation. A half-cup of blueberries has just 40 calories and contributes to our daily intake of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
After many years of research on blueberry antioxidants and their potential benefits for the nervous system and for brain health, there is exciting new evidence from researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center that blueberries can help improve memory. Also, scientific studies show that blueberries contain antioxidants that may be beneficial to good health. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are linked to the development of a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's.
New studies also make it clear that we can freeze blueberries without doing damage to their delicate anthocyanin antioxidants.
FAQ
How much does a pint weigh?
A pint of blueberries weighs approximately 3/4 of a pound.
What's the best way to store fresh blueberries?
Fresh blueberries should be stored uncovered in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 10 days. Remember that they need to be completely dry when stored.
Do you have handicapped parking? We try our best to accomodate our handicapped customers with allowing them to park as close to the field as possible. However, since this is a working farm some walking on uneven ground is required.
Can I bring my dog along?
Unfortunately due to health reasons, dogs (except service dogs of course) are not allowed in the field. Please be kind to your pet and leave them at home to rest, while you enjoy your picking experience, it's really too hot to leave them in your car in the middle of the summer.
Do you take credit cards?
We do not have electricity out in the field, and therefore do not accept credit cards. Cash and personal checks are always more than happily accepted.
Do you advertise?
Word of mouth is our best form of advertisement. We rely on our customers to spread the word to their family, friends, and neighbors. So we appreciate it when you do your part!
Do you have restroom facilities?
Unfortunately, we do not have restroom facilities on-site. However, if Mother Nature calls, there is a gas station or Dunkin Donuts 1/10th of a mile down the street.
Thank you for your continued patronage. It is loyal customers like you that make all of our hard work enjoyable. We hope you enjoy our blueberries and your picking experience at our farm.
Gianettis' U Pick Blueberries
We Won't Lay Down 2 Cancer Run, Walk, or Crawl 5K
The We Won't Lay Down 2 Cancer Run, Walk or Crawl 5k is less than 2 weeks away and only a few more days to pre-register.
Registration is $25 by July 13 and $30 day of the event.
This will be held July 21, 2012 at the Franklin High School and we have lots of vendors, raffles, a certified coarse, professionally timed, etc - for more information or to register you can go to http://www.wontlaydown2cancer.com/
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Nick Alfieri will be missed
I was fortunate to have met and talked with Nick Alfieri at a number of meetings over the years. He was always helpful and took time to explain the details and the impact of the issue at hand. My tour of the Del Carte property with Nick and Jeff Livingstone is all the more memorable due to the insights he shared along the way.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258710/Franklin-Conservation-Agent-Nick-Alfieri-dies-at-53#ixzz20J09rA3J
As part of the outreach by the Conservation Commission, Nick submitted this article in January
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/nick-alfieri-why-conservation.html
The obituary can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/milforddailynews/obituary.aspx?n=nicholas-alfieri&pid=158473884
(services will be private and burial will be in PA).
The Adult Congenital Heart Association website can be found http://www.achaheart.org/
Related post on the the Del Carte property visit
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/09/fm-72-week-ending-91210.html
Alfieri, who lived in Franklin for 17 years, holding multiple positions in town government, including town planner and geographic information system administrator, died in his sleep of a heart attack Sunday. He was 53.
“Nick played a very large role in turning around and fixing the relationship between the town and the Conservation Commission,” said Commissioner Jeff Livingstone. “He really did change the entire town’s perception of obtaining the right permits as a hassle-filled process to one that was more of partnership driven.”
And Livingstone said yesterday he expects Alfieri’s passing to affect the commission for a long time.
“Franklin has become a poster child for how to do things and a highly rated town in terms of its ability to promote conversation initiatives,” he said. “We have relied extremely heavily on Nick’s perception, his feedback and his knowledge of the town.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258710/Franklin-Conservation-Agent-Nick-Alfieri-dies-at-53#ixzz20J09rA3J
As part of the outreach by the Conservation Commission, Nick submitted this article in January
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/nick-alfieri-why-conservation.html
The obituary can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/milforddailynews/obituary.aspx?n=nicholas-alfieri&pid=158473884
(services will be private and burial will be in PA).
The Adult Congenital Heart Association website can be found http://www.achaheart.org/
Related post on the the Del Carte property visit
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/09/fm-72-week-ending-91210.html
"The committee is looking at the big picture"
Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator, was quoted in the article posted by the Milford Daily News on the final report issued by the Long Range Financial Planning Committee.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258676/Report-Franklin-to-face-fiscal-challenges#ixzz20IyHnZra
To read the full report, you can find it here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/franklin-ma-long-range-financial.html
“Franklin has an excellent reputation as a place to live, work and go to school,” said the Long Range Finance Committee in its annual report. “The decisions we are making (or not making) now will determine how long this reputation endures.
“Quality of life in the town will continue to erode, affecting our infrastructure, public safety, education and other core services,” the report says.
According to the report, future road maintenance will present a serious financial hurdle for the town, as budget constraints have postponed work, costing Franklin in the long run.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258676/Report-Franklin-to-face-fiscal-challenges#ixzz20IyHnZra
To read the full report, you can find it here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/franklin-ma-long-range-financial.html
Rec Department announces NFL Flag Football signups
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 7/10/12
The Franklin Recreation Department is offering the popular NFL Flag Football to Franklin and Medway residents.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Sep 6 primary falls on a Thursday
The Boston.com website has a piece on the candidates who will be facing off in Sep 6 primary.
Two Democrats and three Republicans are seeking the state representative seat formerly held by James Vallee, who resigned last month.
In the Sept. 6 primaries, Jeffrey Roy, a member of the Franklin Town Council, and Peter Padula, a criminal defense lawyer, will face off for the Democratic Party’s nomination, while the Republican race will have John Jewell, a member of the Franklin School Committee; lawyer Rich Eustis; and C. Stolle Singleton, who works as a policy adviser to the 33-member House Republican Caucus.Read the full article here
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2012/07/01/candidates_line_up_for_house_race_five_vie_for_open_house_seat/
Candidate websites
Jeff Roy http://jeffreyroy.com/
Peter Padula http://padulaforrep.com/
John Jewell http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Jewell/381175918591241
Rich Eustis http://www.facebook.com/RichEustisForStateRepresentative
C Stolle Singleton http://www.votesingleton.com/
Franklin sets up medical sharp disposal kiosk
“I think that the number of people who are utilizing home sharps has risen annually,” said David McKearney, public health director for the Franklin Health Department. “There was just a pent-up demand for a way to dispose of these things; people are not only injecting themselves but also their pets.”
Franklin has already purchased a $2,500 kiosk. Located at the Franklin Fire Department on West Main Street, it is open all week and managed by a hazardous waste company the town employs.
“We want to let people know we have a safe and viable option (for disposal),” McKearney said yesterday.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258508/Area-towns-work-on-needle-disposal#ixzz20DCMvGt5
Monday, July 9, 2012
"a good little niche"
In March, the Franklin school showed interest in renting a space. Alan Mercer, manager of business development for the school, said school officials heard about the facility through Studio Ballet director Cathy Fallon.
Fallon’s studio will be merging with FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory.
“Our vision (at FSPA) is to bring quality performing arts education opportunities and performing opportunities to the local community — to the suburbs, if you will,” Mercer said. “This just extends our mission. Hudson is a very nice community and the people have been very engaging.”
FSPA will hire staff for the new facility and has already had students enroll there. And it’s the school’s first satellite location.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x345286845/Franklin-arts-school-expanding-its-reach#ixzz207Ej1K4I
Visit the Franklin School for Performing Arts website here http://fspaonline.com/
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Franklin, MA: Long Range Financial Planning Committee - Final Report and Recommendations
The Long Range Financial Planning Committee has published their 'final' report. You can view the report and findings here:
You can also review the report on the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/019066B2-000F8513
You can also review the report on the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/019066B2-000F8513
Big Y - opening Aug 23, 2012
Did you get the flyer in the mail recently? The Big Y will be opening in Franklin on August 23.
“I don’t think it’s safe to let kids out”
“The act of simply kicking your kid out the door could be the best thing you could do for their health,” said Mark Fenton, a transportation engineer and public health consultant.
Fenton, speaking to a group of local officials at Marlborough Hospital for a kick-off for the “MetroWest Moves” health program last month, said one of the best things that could happen for children’s health is a return to the concept of “free-range kids.”
The term refers to the type of childhood that many adults remember, Fenton said, one where mothers would kick their children out the door on a Saturday morning and not see them again until the street lights came on and it was time to come home.
Fenton said that children who are able to go out and explore and make their own entertainment are inherently more active, often traveling everywhere by bike or on foot. Simply being outside, Fenton said, also naturally encourages physical activity.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1222861112/Health-expert-says-children-need-more-unsupervised-play-time#ixzz201lfQSVX
This is not a new idea. Richard Louv wrote "Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder". I wrote a review of the book in 2009 and you can find that here
http://joyfuljubilantlearning.com/2009/03/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side/
Saturday, July 7, 2012
"bring more people to downtown"
In a follow up to the Public Hearing held on Jun 28th, the Milford Daily News writes:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x345286605/Franklin-business-owners-hope-downtown-construction-project-doesn-t-cause-problems#ixzz1zvnE0CwN
My reporting on the public hearing can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/live-reporting-public-hearing-downtown.html
Design documents on the downtown project can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/dtimprovement
One piece of the project business owners seem to collectively approve is the one-way traffic on Main Street and West Central Street being converted to two-way. Most agreed the change is one of its most notable, and appealing, aspects.
Michael Espinosa, owner of Fitness Together on Main Street, said he and some of the other business owners see the one-way traffic on Main Street as uninviting.
“If you miss the business you’re looking for, you have to loop back around again,” Espinosa said. “That’s very frustrating to people.”
“I think the change to two-way, it will be a good thing,” said Virginia Kon, owner of Maguro House, a Japanese-style restaurant on East Central Street. “I think it will help the (the flow) of traffic, help people driving to 495.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x345286605/Franklin-business-owners-hope-downtown-construction-project-doesn-t-cause-problems#ixzz1zvnE0CwN
My reporting on the public hearing can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/live-reporting-public-hearing-downtown.html
Design documents on the downtown project can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/dtimprovement
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