NHC: Hurricane SANDY Graphics

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Hurricane SANDY Graphics

via NHC Atlantic Wallet 3 - Hurricane SANDY by nhcwebmaster@noaa.gov (nhcwebmaster) on 10/28/12

5-Day Uncertainty Track last updated Sun, 28 Oct 2012 08:45:11 GMT


Wind Speed Probabilities last updated Sun, 28 Oct 2012 09:04:21 GMT

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Downtown Partnership: Everyone's Invited - General Meeting

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Everyone's Invited

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 10/26/12

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Agenda

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 a.m.

Golder Room

I.        Open Meeting

II.       Adoption of Agenda

III.      Introductions

IV.     Report from Executive Director
          a.   Membership and Sponsorship Updates
          b.   Strategic Direction and 3-year plan
          c.   Franklin Food Elves "12 Days of Donating"
          d.   Winter Decorating Day - Sunday, November 18
          e.   New business coming to downtown Franklin

V.      Report from Holiday Stroll Chairs -- Cindy Kozil and Roberta Trahan

VI.     Downtown Updates -- Jeff Nutting
          a.   Town updates
          b.   Streetscape Update
          c.   Meters and Beautification topics

VII.    Franklin Walking Map -- Beth Dahlstrom, Lauren Marciszyn

VIII.   Networking -- Joel Carrara
          a.   Networking Evening
          b.   Six One Seven Studios -- November 15 starting at 5 p.m.
          c.   Luncheon at Dean College -- November 9 at 1 p.m.

IX.     Business Updates

X.      New Business

XI.     Adjourn


Our next General Meeting will be Thusday, January 3, 2013

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MassDOT Transportation Future Meetings Update

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MassDOT Transportation Future Meetings Update

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/26/12

MassDOT is continuing its series of statewide public meetings, engaging with residents, community leaders and business owners to discuss the future of transportation in the Commonwealth.

Legislation passed in August requires the Department to host at least six public meetings in advance of developing a long-term financing plan for the state's transportation system next year. To ensure that all regions of the Commonwealth are represented, MassDOT will hold more than 15 meetings.

"Every person in the Commonwealth has a stake in our transportation system," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "Whether someone drives, walks, takes public transit or rides their bike, there is rarely a day that goes by that they don't interact with the system. These statewide discussions are intended to allow the users of our system to share their ideas, thoughts and proposals for improving and paying for our transportation network for many years to come."

Representatives from each division of MassDOT – RMV, Highway, Aeronautics and MBTA/Rail and Transit – will be available to answer questions and provide information.

Those who are unable to attend the meetings but wish to submit comments can do so at yourvisionourfuture@dot.state.ma.us

For more information, visit: http://www.mass.gov/massdot/yourvisionourfuture
A list of remaining meetings is available after the break.


UPCOMING MEETINGS:

***October 30, 2012- Brockton meeting is POSTPONED due to expected weather and will be rescheduled.

***November 1, 2012
A meeting originally publicized for November 1st in New Bedford has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. An alternative meeting is offered in nearby North Dartmouth on December 3rd.

November 8, 2012 6-8 PM
Quincy High School Auditorium
100 Coddington Street
Quincy, MA 02169

November 14, 2012 6-8 PM
Memorial Building -Nevins Hall
150 Concord Street
Framingham, MA 01701

November 15, 2012 5:30-7:30 PM
Mattapan Branch Library
Community Room
1350 Blue Hill Avenue
Mattapan, MA 02126

November 27, 2012 6-8 PM
McGlynn Middle School Auditorium
3002 Mystic Valley Pkwy
Medford, MA 02155

November 29, 2012 6-8 PM
Massachusetts Transportation Building
Conference Rooms 1,2,3
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116

***December 3, 2012 6-8 PM*** New Meeting
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Woodlawn Commons Building-Conference Room 3
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747

***December 5, 2012 6-8 PM*** New Meeting
Lynn City Hall
City Council Chambers, Floor 4
3 City Hall Square
Lynn, Massachusetts 01901

***December 6, 2012 6-8 PM*** New Meeting
Attleboro City Hall
City Council Chamber
77 Park Street
Attleboro, MA 02703

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Sean in the District: Focus on Franklin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2012  Sean in the District: Focus on Franklin Foxboro, Mass. -- Continuing his tour throughout the Fourth District, Sean Bielat, businessman, family man and U.S. Marine spent the day greeting commuters and meeting with small businesses in the town of Franklin. Starting off the day by greeting commuters at the Franklin Dean College train station, Sean was joined by supporters and Rich Eustis, candidate State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District. The two candidates then continued onto the Cake Bar, a gourmet Franklin dessert shop, the Elite Barber Shop on Main Street, and the Medway Senior Center, where Sean spoke with Medway residents about preserving Medicare and Social Security benefits for current beneficiaries. Sean then shared pancakes and eggs with local business owners at Galante's Restaurant in Medway and visited with the owners and employees of Franklin's Hometown Paint & Decorating Inc., Franklin Tile Carpet One, Franklin Glass Company, and Daddario Hardware and Supply.  To date, the Bielat for Congress campaign has held more than 215 events, including 15 townhalls throughout the region. Between the Newton and Foxboro office, volunteers have made 157,387 calls to registered voters in the Fourth District. Click here to view photos of Sean Bielat in Franklin on October 25.  Sean Bielat is a businessman, family man and serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He currently runs www.OneClickPolitics.com, an online start-up. Prior to his 2010 campaign against Barney Frank, Sean led a $100 million defense robotics program at iRobot Corporation. The son of a teacher and a veteran, Sean grew up in a middle class family and worked his way through college and graduate school with the help of the GI Bill, scholarships and student loans. Sean holds an MBA from Wharton and degrees from Harvard University and Georgetown University.  Sean and his wife, Hope, met in graduate school at Harvard and have been married for six years. They live in Norfolk with their toddler son, Theodore, infant daughter, Seraphina, and rescue cat, Coolidge. For more information, please visit www.SeanForCongress.com or www.QualificationsMatter.com.  U.S. Marine. Businessman. Family Man. Qualifications Matter.  www.SeanForCongress.com

Contact Us Sean Bielat for Congress P.O. Box 1143 Brookline, MA 02466 508-318-VOTE (8683) Foxboro Office 21 Cocasset Street Foxborough, MA 02035 Hours: M-F: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat : 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Newton Office Echo Bridge Office Park 377 Elliot Street, Suite 377J Newton, MA 02464 Hours: M-F: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sat: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. www.SeanForCongress.com

FHS Pantherbook: AP The Right Way?

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AP The Right Way?

via Pantherbook by jonathangeromini on 10/26/12

The toughest thing at Franklin High School at this time seems to be the AP courses the school has to offer. But this year the dreaded AP classes have taken on more attention with sophomores being eligible for the courses adding a whole new grade and a whole new perspective of the highest class FHS has to offer. So that brings up the question Is it even worth it?

The tales of AP can be good or bad, but we all know one thing about the class it invites a lot of stress into the student if they decide to take it. With summer work, four hour homework assignments, endless projects and exams one might think Why even go through the trials and tribulations?

"I think with this new program we have now is good" AP U.S. History teacher Mr. Leighton said " I think that it is good for sophomores especially to ease into the program so for example history they can take two years to prepare for the exam and see if they can handle the class or not."

An AP class is the precedent of all learning program and classes, When colleges see advanced placement next to your name in an application they immediately stop what they are doing and start paying more attention. Also with AP it gets you ready for college studies so when you get their you are not jumping off the walls and staying up all night doing assignments.
But with all that in mind some might argue that you cant succeed in college if you are already burnt out mentally from all the AP classes you took in high school and you need to ease into it.

"I think anyone can do it if they are dedicated" Mr. Leighton said " Its not a select special group of people who can do it, anyone student can do it but they have to put in the work and put in their best effort."

When asked about his AP experience sophomore Jake Bontempo said "It is hard but I know that if I keep practicing at it and get better at it I will have a better understanding of the material."
It should be interesting to see how everything turns out with now three grades at FHS eligible for AP Classes and It should be exciting to see the feed back from the class that revels  the true character of students.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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National Grid Hurricane Sandy Update

To view this email as a web page, click here. As Hurricane Sandy approaches, National Grid is urging customers to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. We have been preparing for Hurricane Sandy for several days and our employees are ready to respond to our customers' needs. We remind you to be prepared and follow safety precautions.  Please check to make sure you have bottled water, working flashlights, a battery operated radio and extra batteries in your home. If you plan to use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. To prevent a safety issue, before operating generators, be sure to turn off the main breaker located in the electric service panel.  If you see a downed power line, do not go near it or drive over it, always assume it's live. For more safety tips visit us at www.nationalgrid.com/HurricaneSandy. In case you lose power, National Grid provides you with multiple ways to receive up-to-date information on things like restoration details, more safety tips, important phone numbers and more. Sign up for National Grid state-level broadcast text* alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743).   You can now get safety and outage information on your mobile phone via our new mobile web browser at www.nationalgrid.com.  We also keep customers informed on Facebook and Twitter. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for up-to-date information. Power outages can be reported online or by calling 1-800-465-1212 in New England and 1-800-867-5222 in New York. For more information and to report an outage visit,www.nationalgrid.com/HurricaneSandy. Sign up for major storm alerts Text STORM to NGRID (64743) Report or check an outage   |   View outage map   |   Safety and outages © 2012 National Grid *We do not charge customers for this service. However, normal message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan. We will not send more than four messages a day during major storms. You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743). Text messages can also be paused by texting PAUSE to NGRID (64743) and then resumed by texting RESUME to NGRID (64743). Unsubscribe  |  Update Profile This email was sent by: National Grid One MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, U.S.A.

Hurricane Sandy Preparations

Good Evening.  This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with information on the pending storm, Hurricane Sandy.  If you have not done so already, please take some time to ensure storm drains near your property are clear of debris; remove any loose objects on your property that may become airborne. 

Please reach out to family, friends and neighbors and encourage them to sign up for this valuable service, if they have not done so already.  

We will keep you updated during and after the storm with pertinent information. A decision on school opening for Monday will be made tomorrow 10/28/12.  Should we need to open a shelter, we will use the Remington School on Washington St. 

Thank you for listening.  Stay safe.  Good bye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 

Ball smart

I was among the hundreds who turned out for the FHS Girls Soccer team game Friday night. They beat Mansfield by a 4-0 score. It was a tightly played 1-0 game at the half and then it opened up with Franklin scoring 3 times in the second half.

I was impressed with their play and see how they are undefeated. While I am not a soccer expert I have watched my share of games from youth through professional. Soccer is a game where control of the ball is critical. If you have it you can score, if you have it, the other team can't score. The FHS defensive players had good positioning and were hungry to get the ball away from their opponent. The offensive players were likewise hungry for the ball and took care of it. They would let the ball do the work rolling on the surface and picking their head up to look for a team mate to pass to. The passes were crisp and generally received well so that the ball stayed in control of Franklin.

The one disappointment is one I have seen in other games where the goalie is given the punt and the ball generally ends up with the other team. Why more teams don't bring the ball up field on the ground I fail to understand.



Congratulations to the Team on the success they have accomplished this season!

"Still a man hears what he wants to hear"

What do Simon and Garfunkel have to say about the water and sewer bills for Franklin?

The rate hikes, though, went into effect July 1, after being approved by Town Council last year.
For the average customer, that has meant a little more than $40 increase for sewer and a $50 increase for water. 

And the sewer rate will go up again this summer by 20 percent, resulting in a more than $80 increase. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Thursday that the raised rates have been expected, though he acknowledged, "Time goes by, and people forget."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1831584163/Reminder-Franklin-water-sewer-rates-have-risen#ixzz2AUpkasdr

The rates were on the agenda for Sep 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-91411.html

Reporting on the approval of the rates
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/town-council-091411.html





You can avoid surprises by subscribing to either the daily update or the weekly summary
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Networking Event - Fri, Nov 9

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Networking Event

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 10/26/12

Franklin Downtown Partnership 

Networking Luncheon

Friday, November 9th, 1:00 p.m.

Dean College Campus Center Dining Hall

$6.00 for lunch

Come network with FDP members and enjoy good food!

New Members Welcome!

RSVP: Joel Carrara

jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

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If you can't make the lunch time networking event, there will be one Thursday evening, Nov 15th at Six One Seven Studios   http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2012/10/networking-event.html

Last minute call for volunteers, only 1/2 HR on Saturday

Hi Gardeners and Friends,

I know this is last minute, but the Garden is in need of a few volunteers for a quick task on Saturday Oct 27:

Grateful Farm of Franklin has generously donated a pallet of bagged cow manure so that we may amend our raised beds. There is enough for each bed.

We need strong bodies to offload the bags from the Farm's van, a human chain of sorts. 

Please respond to Amy at amyacevedo1@verizon.net if you are able to help.

1/2 hour, tops.

Noon at the Garden

Community service certifications will be available.

 A Huge Thank You in advance!!

~Amy from the Garden.

--

www.franklincommunitygardens.org

Visit us on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Community-Gardens/152040424825578

Follow us on Twitter!

http://twitter.com/#!/FRKLNCommGarden

Hurricane Sandy Preparations

The text of the alert sent out Friday evening:

Good Evening.  This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with information on the pending storm, Hurricane Sandy.  Please take some time to ensure storm drains near your property are clear of debris; remove any loose objects on your property that may become airborne and cause damage or injury.  Please reach out to family, friends and neighbors, and encourage them to sign up for this valuable service, if they have not done so already.  We will keep you updated during and after the storm with pertinent information.  Thank you.  Stay safe.  Good bye.

You can subscribe to the news alerts on the Franklin webpage here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/subscriber-news

In the News: hurricane, craft fair

Towns brace for hurricane's fury

by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Franklin Newcomers and Friends plan craft fair, Nov. 10

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Dean College Donates Media Production Equipment to Franklin High School

Donation provides needed upgrade to enhance student hand-on experience for media curriculum at Franklin High School

Franklin, MA (October 25, 2012) – Dean College School of Arts, in conjunction with Franklin TV, recently donated media production equipment to the Franklin High School media program in hopes of enhancing the hands-on experience Franklin High students have the opportunity to gain throughout their high school career.

With the rapid evolution of High Definition programming, Dean College saw an immediate need to upgrade their equipment, television studio and production center.  High Definition equipment provides students in the Communications program at Dean College the most up-to-date experience needed to prepare for a career in media. This upgrade provided Dean the opportunity to donate the previous equipment to Franklin High School.

"Dean's cameras will help us fill a big void in our media curriculum," said Franklin High School Media Teacher Mr. Nick Bailey. "Our students will gain a much better understanding of how multi-camera studio programs are produced in real-time.  There's nothing like practical, hands-on experience."

The donation was made possible and coordinated through Mr. Pete Fasciano, Executive Director of Franklin TV.

"Dean's equipment contribution could not have happened at a better time for us," said Fasciano. "We were looking to help Franklin High School with expanding their abilities, and Dean's studio cameras are exactly what we needed." 

Dean College offers a two year Associates degree program in communications, as well as a four year Bachelors degree program in Arts and Entertainment Management.

A Musical Thanskgiving

On Sunday Night, November 18th at 7:00 PM, the Franklin Interfaith Council (IFC) will sponsor a Musical Thanksgiving event at the handicapped accessible First Universalist Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin. The Interfaith Choir will perform as well as musicians from each house of worship. Admission is free but a plate will be passed for donations to the Council's Fuel Assistance Fund. Baked goods will be available at no charge.

The Franklin Interfaith Council's Fuel Assistance Fund is funded by donations made through the member houses of worship and collections made at Interfaith Council sponsored events. This fund provides fuel assistance, to those in need, in the form of payments to oil, gas, and electric companies. These payments ease the burden of local families experiencing financial difficulties.

The IFC is composed of Clergy and Lay Representatives from the various Franklin houses of worship and celebrates values common to all faiths. The Council sponsors various events and activities to benefit fuel assistance and other charitable causes. The IFC's website is franklininterfaithcouncil.org. The "Community Outreach" page has a secure "Donation Button" for credit card contributions to the Fuel Assistance Fund as well as request-for-help application instructions. The IFC may be contacted by email: fuelassistance@franklininterfaithcouncil.org

Lifelong Learning Updates

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October 25, 2012

via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 10/25/12

Last evening was Panther Pride Night at Franklin High School. This program welcomes incoming grade 8 students to the high school and shares information about academics and extra curricular activities. The high school was alive with activity as 8th grade students and their parents visited different information tables hosted by school clubs, listened to the Pep Band and a string ensemble, saw a video on the High School Experience, and listened to a presentation by the FHS principal. Very nice.

Tonight, October 25, over 100 high school students and faculty will be attending the Cabaret dress rehearsal at Dean College. This is an exciting partnership between FPS and Dean College.

Tonight is the second of two classes taught by Mr. Phil Hulbig as part of the Adult Education Continuing Education program for child care providers. The class: Behavior Modification and Designing Positive Behavior Intervention Plans, provides a platform for child care providers to learn how to achieve successful positive behavioral approaches and practical solutions to documentation and intervention.

Sunday, November 4,Franklin Adult Education will be hosting an Afternoon Tea, A La Downton Abbey at Pinecrest Country Club in Holliston. This is a wonderful opportunity for those who love tea and/or Downton Abbey to gather and share an afternoon of delicious food served in a welcoming setting.

Indoor walking at FHS has resumed on Monday and Tuesday evenings between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. It will expand to include Wednesday and Thursday evenings, after Daylight Savings Time. For questions about these or any LLL programs please email us at lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.

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In the News: K9 calendars, Ballot Q2

Gotta love that calendar dog: Fundraising calendars for police K9s on sale in Franklin

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Pharmacists group opposes ballot question two

by Staff reports

Tour three schools in one night

You can get an inside view of Franklin schools tonight with a tour of the Horace Mann, Oak St and ECDC complex that starts at 6:00 PM. I think this among all the scheduled tours should be the one single tour you make an effort to attend. I happen to believe that this tour can reveal the real secret to Franklin's successful school program.

Gee Steve, that is a bold statement!

Yes, it is. I don't usually step out so far but in this case I am not alone in the belief that early childhood education is what drives success in life. A recent podcast (or radio show) from NPR's Planet Money talked about this.

Episode #411 - Why preschool can save the World
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/10/19/163256866/episode-411-why-preschool-can-save-the-world

Two studies are referenced in this show that confirm gains made by students enrolled in preschool created an advantage for those students compared to the control group that lasted for years. Impressive  results.

Maybe you'll take the tour tonight? You'll be able to see what Franklin does in the classrooms for early childhood education, elementary and middle school all on the same tour!



Note: I will only be a participant tonight,the School Administration, School Committee members and building principals are the tour guides. I do hope to stop by to see Mrs Sherlock's room at Oak St.

Franklin's Wendy's new and improved (video)

The new Wendy's opened on RT 140 here in Franklin has made the news as it is one of the first of 10 stores and one of two in MA to convert to this new format.

Reminder: Preschool Fair

The MOMS Club of Franklin, in cooperation with the Franklin Public Library, invites the public to attend a preschool fair. This fair, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Franklin Library on Thursday, October 25th from 5:30-8:00 p.m. 

Representatives from local preschools in Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Wrentham will be on hand to answer any questions and provide information to parents seeking preschools for the 2013-2014 school year. 

Please join us in the Community Room of the Library at 118 Main Street in Franklin.