Governor Patrick calls for income tax hike, sales tax cut

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Governor Patrick calls for income tax hike, sales tax cut

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Bob Salsberg on 1/17/13

Gov. Deval Patrick asked the Legislature on Wednesday to support a net increase of $1.9 billion in state taxes to support major new spending on transportation and education. Patrick used his annual state of the state address to propose hiking the state income tax from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent, while doubling the personal exemption for all taxpayers and eliminating dozens of itemized deductions. At the same time, he called for reducing the state sales tax from the current 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Discover Dean College (video)

Dean has a new video to share touting what they can offer!



For more on Dean College, click through to their webpage  http://www.dean.edu/

Two hurt in head-on crash on Rte. 140 in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Two hurt in head-on crash on Rte. 140 in Franklin

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff on 1/17/13

Two people were injured, one of them seriously, in a head-on crash on Rte. 140 near Franklin Village Thursday night, police said.

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

Annual Report 2012: Franklin Library

FY2012 was a transformative and productive year for the Franklin Public Library.

The Franklin Library Board of Directors combined the two circulation desks in order to address persistent budgetary constraints, functional space issues, and the efficient delivery of services. We deeply regret the loss of our hardworking staff; the loss of certification for two months and the inconvenience it caused.

Funding level reductions have not impacted services: Service levels, library hours, library visits, special programs have increased through the effective utilization of resources

Important Notes:

• Annual book budget increased by 53% from 2011, providing more new materials for patrons than  previous year.
• Checkouts for downloadable ebooks increased by 52%. ($5,000 funding provided by the Friends of the Library) 
• Investment in and the use of automated services has enabled the library to provide higher level of services with less staff. Use of automated self-check-out has increased by 35% from last year; and now accounts for 43% of our total circulation.
• Total circulation in FY2012 was 309,807, down 9% from FY2011. (Large sections of the collection were unavailable during renovation).
• Total attendance at children’s programs increased by 28% from 4,134 in FY2011 to 5,328 in FY2012.
• Library visits increased by 7%, from 165,403 in FY2011 to 177,324 in FY2012. 

New Initiatives in FY2012

• Opened Fridays for the first time in 3 years. The Library is now open 60 hrs a week, 6 days a week – a 15% increase from FY2011. 
• Opened a Student’s Assistance Center in October 2011 to provide free homework assistance to students in grades 2-8. 
• Incorporated Kindles and Nooks in the circulating collection 
• Added a Blu-ray collection
• Added a Speed view Collection (3day loan of DVDs & Blu-rays)
• Initiated a local author’s shelf

Expanded Services in FY2012

• Home delivery for patrons with disabling conditions
• Speed view collection (7 day new popular fiction and non fiction)
• Downloadable e-books
• Downloadable audio-books
• Family and special programming

How Are We Doing?
We asked you to rate the changes and new services on a scale of 1 to 10. You responded with very high marks. (9s and 10s) Thank you!! Here are samplings of your impressions of the Library

• “I like the openness of the Main Circulation Desk” 
• “Nice people, very helpful”
• “The library is wonderful and well organized. Keep the good work”
• “Impressed – everything is so easy and staff very nice and helpful”
• “Super happy you made computers instantly accessible without having to stop at the desk and get ID code…!! That’s the way it should be. Thanks”
• “Great services”
• “Love the environment”
• “Pretty clean”
• “Excellent – so happy Library is open on Fridays and certification is back”
• “Shelf check is so convenient”

Your suggestions for improvement
“More programs for older children (8-12)
“The children’s room could use more child friendly décor & demarcation”
“Better Lighting on the fourth floor; better air-conditioning”
“More confined space for toddler story time ….for tighter community feel”
“Having staff available on the second floor”

A million thanks!
The above accomplishments are a result of a group effort. Library staff admirably performed their new roles
during a period of anxiety and disruption. The community’s support and encouragement during the  decertification crisis kept us strong and focused. We thank the Massachusetts Board of Library  Commissioners for granting the Library’s appeal for a waiver of the FY 2012 Municipal Appropriation Requirement. We are especially grateful to the Franklin Town Council for providing additional funding critical in securing recertification.

The Library continually relies on the generosity of the Friends of the Library. Their support and monetary gifts have allowed the Library to fund museum passes, programs and collections. We appreciate their time and financial assistance.

The Student’s Assistance Center was a tremendous success in its first year. Twenty-five students in grades 2-8 received free homework assistance every week. The success of this program is due to dedicated, dependable and caring volunteers. Both the students and their parents were very grateful for this service.
Sincerest thanks to Nancy Rappa, Suzanne Stilgoe, and Monique Doyle for co-coordinating this effort.

The Beautification Committee, chaired by Susan Rittenhouse, has been working all summer to make the Library more welcoming and inviting.  Some of the improvements are evident on the first floor. We commend their efforts.

Andrea Burke and her committee worked hard over the summer to create an exciting array of adult programs and new outreach initiatives for the coming year. Check the library web site and
blog for more information. We thank them.

Moving Forward: Assessing the Future

A New Vision
The Library Board is undertaking a new vision to ensure sustainability, fiscal responsibility and community responsiveness. Your participation is critical as the process moves forward. We invite you to stay involved and welcome your suggestions.

Respectfully submitted,

Felicia Oti, Library Director


--------

You can participate in their Strategic Direction Survey here
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDR5OXhIOE00M2ZKWTF1ZDZ0R3VoQkE6MQ


Visit the Library webpage for updates throughout the year
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/index

Published by the Town Clerk, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Mass Poetry Festival - May 3 - 5, 2013 (video)

Salem is not just for witch craft, it is also a place for words, and lots of them. The Mass Poetry Festival will be held in Salem May 3rd through the 5th.


Massachusetts Poetry Festival 2012 from Riley Fearon on Vimeo.

For more info on the Festival, visit their webpage here http://masspoetry.org/massachusetts-poetry-festival-2013/

February Programs at the Franklin Library - for children and adults

February Programs for Youth at the

Franklin Public Library

Our regularly scheduled programs have something for every age group throughout the week.  

Mondays

Wee Read for 3, 4, & 5-year-olds at 10:30 A.M

This thirty minute storytime is for independent 3, 4, & 5-year-olds who are invited to attend "on their own." It features stories, songs, fingerplays, and other interactive activities to encourage reading and promote literacy. No registration is required.

Krafty Mondays for ages 6, 7 & 8 at 3:30 P.M

Come to the library and see what original masterpieces you can make. A short story and different craft will be offered each week during this thirty minute program. No registration is required. Weekly programs below:

"Valentine's Day Wreath" 

Monday, February 4^th, 2013

Join us to make a unique wreath that celebrates Valentine's Day.

"Bundle Up"

Monday, February 11^th, 2013

Brrrr…its cold outside! Come to the library and make a warm scarf.

"Ducktivities"

Monday, February 25^th, 2013

Come and see all of the things you can make with Duct Tape!

Tuesdays

Mother Goose on the Loose for birth to age 2 at 10:30 A.M

Each thirty minute session uses nursery rhymes, songs, puppets, and more to promote the learning process of babies and toddlers. This program is designed for children up to two-years-old along with their caregiver. No registration is required.

Wednesdays

Terrific Twos at 10:30 A.M.

Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and activities for children who are two-years-old. No registration is required.

Beginning February 6^th, 2013 (The first Wednesday of the month)

Teen Advisory Board (T.A.B.) at 6:30 P.M.

Calling all teens: this is your chance to tell us what to do! One evening a month come help us plan teen programs, choose materials, and promote the library and we will provide the snacks. Membership looks great on job and college applications. Open to all!

Thursdays

Story and Craft for ages 4 and 5 at 10:30 A.M.

Stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 4 and 5 who are able to attend "on their own." This program lasts around 45 minutes. No registration is required.

Fun Club for ages 8 to 12, Every Thursday at 3:30 P.M.

This program is designed for tweens ages 8 to 12 years old and will feature different games, contests, and crafts each week. Come join us for some fun! No registration is required. Weekly programs below:

"Mardi Gras Party!"

Thursday, February 7^th, 2013

Come celebrate Mardi Gras with us! We will make masks and noisemakers and play games to win prizes.

"Sweetheart Bingo"

Thursday, February 14^th, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day! Join us for a special game of Valentine Bingo. Registration is not required.

"LEGO Creations"

Thursday, February 28^th, 2013

Be inspired by the birthday of Dr. Seuss and use your imagination to build with LEGOs. No registration is required.

February School Vacation Week – Special Programs

Tuesday, February 19^th, 2013

Family Storytime for all ages at 10:30 A.M.

Join us for thirty minutes of stories and music the whole family can enjoy. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

Winter Carnival for all ages at 3:30 P.M.

Come in out of the cold to enjoy our indoor Winter Carnival featuring games, music, crafts, henna tattoos, face painting, refreshments, and more.  No registration is required to join in the fun.

Wednesday, February 20^th, 2013

Haunts, Haints, and Hollers: Scary Stories to Rattle Your Bones for ages 8 to 12 at 6:30 P.M.

International storyteller, Rona Leventhal, will reach into her large bag of multi-cultural stories to share a dramatic and exuberant experience. In this show you will find all manner of haints, dead folk, shape shifters, and mysterious players…from the spooky and eerie to the silly and transformative. This program contains some scary content that may frighten younger children.

Thursday, February 21^st, 2013

Drop-In Craft for all ages at 10:30 A.M.

Drop-in and see what crafts you can make from a variety of choices. This is for all ages and no registration is required.

Friday, February 22^nd, 2013

Family Drum-Fun-Circle for all ages at 10:30 A.M.

Join Tony Fonseca for an entertaining and exciting morning of music. Adults and children can have an interactive drumming experience or you can just sit back, listen, and enjoy the beats! All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

February Programs for Adults at the

Franklin Public Library

Craft Circle - Last Wednesday of every month at 3:30 PM

Come join the new "Craft Circle" beginning Wednesday, February 27^th at 3:30 PM.  Bring your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, or other projects to work on and meet others with similar interests.  A great way to share ideas and get help as you work on a project.  This group is open to all ages and will meet the last Wednesday of every month.

Kindle eReaders – Tuesday, February 12^th at 6:30 PM

This program will look at the Overdrive ebook service provided by the Minuteman Library Network and the Franklin Public Library.  eBooks can be checked out and downloaded from Overdrive and then transferred to Kindle devices. 

Nook eReaders – Tuesday, February 26^th at 6:30 PM

This program will look at the Overdrive ebook service provided by the Minuteman Library Network and the Franklin Public Library.  eBooks can be checked out and downloaded from Overdrive and then transferred to Nooks, iPods, and other portable devices. 

Beginning in March 2013:

"Like" us on Facebook

  

--

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com 

In the News: Library, Train station, casino, drug lab

Friends of the Franklin Library will meet on Feb. 6

by Staff reports

The Friends of the Franklin Library will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room in the Franklin Library.  All are invited and welcome to attend.

Franklin's Depot Street station to see improvements

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

The MBTA confirmed Tuesday that it will begin planned improvements on the Depot Street commuter rail station this spring.

Opposition builds against Milford casino

by Lindsay Corcoran/Daily News staff

Local officials and opposition groups were rallying on Wednesday following the surprise news that the developer planning a Milford casino filed a last-minute application on Tuesday for a license from the state’s gaming commission.

Sen. Ross filing legislation for drug laboratory oversight board

by Staff reports

State Sen. Richard J. Ross, R-Wrentham, is joining his colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus to request that a forensic services drug laboratory oversight board be created within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

In the News: SPED Vans, education spending

Franklin School District to replace 2 SPED vans

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

The School Department has requested capital improvement funds from this year’s budget to replace two special education vans that, combined, have more than 200,000 miles on them.

Gov. Patrick proposes up to $1 billlion a year in new education spending

by Alex Bloom

Gov. Patrick wants to increase education spending by up to $1 billion annually by fully funding Chapter 70, increasing learning time at middle schools, and expanding early childhood education

MassDOR: Tax Preparation Video for 2013

What changes in either the Federal or MA taxes could affect how you file for this year? This video from the Mass Dept of Revenue walks through the changes.

The video takes about 23 minutes

MassBudget: the benefits of Early Ed & Care....and the funding cuts

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The Benefits of Early Education and Care... and the Cuts to Funding Early education and care can provide lifelong benefits for young children, and it also helps support the day-to-day needs of working parents. Two new MassBudget reports examine the positive impact early education and care can have, along with the funding cuts that have affected these programs. The first paper, "Declines in Spending on Early Education and Care in Massachusetts," tracks trends in funding since welfare reform in the mid-1990s and finds that: Under pressure from the recession and the large revenue losses that followed the tax cuts of the late 1990s and early 2000s, spending on early education and care has fallen by 25% since 2001 (adjusted for inflation) When we combine spending for early education and care with the other major source of support for lower-income parents--cash assistance--we find a $1 billion decline since 1995 (adjusted for economic growth) The second paper, "Economic Gains from Early Education and Care" is authored by PERI economist and UMass professor Arthur MacEwan. It documents the large economic benefits of high quality early education and care. This includes both the contribution of parents who could not work without the support of reliable child care and also the long-term gains from kids whose life prospects are improved by early education. As MacEwan puts it: "High quality programs can enhance children's cognitive and social development, which will shape their well-being throughout their lives. The higher salaries that the children then obtain later in life, the greater economic contribution to society that these salaries tend to reflect, and the higher resulting tax payments are important elements of the gains that have been observed. There are, however, many other indirect economic gains: lower incidences of grade retention and special education; elevated high school graduation rates and college-going rates; reduced reliance on social support programs; better health outcomes; and less engagement with the criminal justice system." Read DECLINES IN SPENDING ON EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE IN MASSACHUSETTS Read ECONOMIC GAINS FROM EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Upcoming Event: Solar Anniversary Celebration

Please join us for a celebration to mark the 1-year anniversary of the First Unitarian Society in Franklin solar electric system. Come find out how much energy was produced right on our roof-top and how that translates into environmental impact and financial benefit. 

Refreshments and general information on solar energy will also be available.

Feb 24th, 12-1pm

FUSF

262 Chestnut Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Ryan Elliott

Sales & Marketing Coordinator

Second Generation Energy

12 Rosenfeld Drive

Hopedale, MA 01747 

Office: 800-653-4270

Fax: 888-294-3067

relliott@sgegroup.com

We Love Referrals!  Don't forget to tell your friends and neighbors, if they Go Solar with us we'll send you $500.  Click here for more details! 

What can solar energy do for you?

Find out at www.SGESolar.com

In the news: food collection, Democratic caucus, softball registration

Society of St. Vincent DePaul will hold food collection

by Staff reports

The Society of St. Vincent dePaul of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin will hold its monthly food collection at all Masses the weekend of Feb. 2 and 3.

Franklin Democrats plan caucus

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Democrats in Franklin will hold a caucus to elect delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s 2013 Platform Convention on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. in the Franklin Room at the Alumni Restaurant, 391 East Central St., Franklin.

Register for Franklin Girls Softball

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin Girls Softball Association has opened registration online and will have two “walk in” dates as well.

2012 FOOTBALL ACCOLADES INCLUDE 4 SIGNED TO DIVISION-1 TEAMS

2012 Football Accolades Include 4 Signed to Division-1 Teams

The Dean College Football team ended their 2012 season with an impressive 7-3 record. Even more impressive are the accolades and achievements in the months following the season. As we reported earlier, two players were named National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Americans, and four have signed with impressive Division 1 programs in the National College Athletic Association.

Six-foot-two-inch receiver Shavarez Smith, who caught 43 balls for 685 yards and 6 touchdowns, was recruited to and signed by South Alabama (read about it on ESPN) -
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfrecruiting/on-the-trail/post/_/id/26718/juco-receiver-picks-south-alabama

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) was very interested in the talents of two Dean players, one on each side of the ball. The aforementioned Rodney "Lucky" Whitehead was recruited and signed, and shortly after, defensive lineman Lance Burlingame signed with FAU (read about it in the Sun Sentinel) -
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-12-19/sports/sfl-fau-gets-lucky-signs-three-other-junior-college-players-20121219_1_fau-offense-fau-coach-carl-pelini-stephen-curtis

Finally, the impressive play of four Dean players was recognized by well respected NCAA Division 1 football programs around the country. Starting Quarterback Trevor Vasey was heavily recruited by Elon University in North Carolina, ultimately where Vasey signed (read about it in the Providence Journal). Vasey expects to compete for the starting quarterback job immediately.
http://news.providencejournal.com/sports/high-school/2012/12/former-st-rays-qb-to-play-at-elon-college.html

Congratulations to all on their achievements.

Kaitlyn B. Schlegel

A classmate of my daughters, Kaitlyn's funeral will be held Friday, Jan 18 with viewing hours at the Ginley Funeral Home on Thursday.

Arrangement details are still not complete at this time. You can visit the Ginley Funeral Home webpage for updates:  http://www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com/Obituaries.html

"What is clear is that we can’t afford the system we have today"

The news on WBZ Radio recently has been touting the need to improve our transportation systems in MA and how much it will cost us. There is no such thing as a free lunch, so it will cost to maintain and prepare for our needs. The real questions will be how much? who will pay? how will we pay? what should we prioritize (we can't do it all)? and when?

An accelerated investment in our transportation system is needed to stabilize maintenance needs, modernize roads and trains, and create jobs.

MassDOT has released their full report. You can go to their website to download it or go here to obtain a copy. This should be required reading!





The MassDOT link to the report
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2013/01/massdot-releases-21st-century-transportation-plan.html

the report itself:
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/0/docs/infoCenter/docs_materials/TheWayForward_Jan13.pdf

Massachusetts Bar Association's 28th annual Mock Trial Program

In Franklin and elsewhere around MA, some classrooms turn to court rooms as the Mock Trail sessions get underway.

Area high schools competing include Algonquin Regional, Acton-Boxborough, Bellingham, Dover-Sherborn, Framingham's Marian High, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Maynard, Medfield, Milford, Natick, St. John's of Shrewsbury, Gann Academy of Waltham, and Wayland. 

In this year's criminal case, the prosecution alleges the defendant poisoned and killed his great-aunt by tampering with her medication. The defense claims the great-aunt either died of a natural heart attack or was murdered by either her live-in caretaker or another relative upset about her reduction of their inheritance.

Read more: Local high schools compete in Mock Trial - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1503800200/Local-high-schools-compete-in-Mock-Trial#ixzz2I2SIBuWm

For more about the Mock Trial program  http://mocktrial.massbar.org/

Franklin Library: Digital Photographs

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Digital Photographs

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 1/14/13

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

iPhone Photography Workshop

Do you have an iPhone?
Want to take better pictures?

This workshop at the Franklin Art Center might be a good one to consider?





For more about the Franklin Art Center, visit their website  http://franklinartcenter.com/

Talking about the 'edge city'

A standing room only audience showed up to the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday.

presentation title slide

Town Clerk and Historical Commission Chair, Debbie Pellegri introduced Eamon Earls.

Debbie Pellegri introduces Eamon Earls

Eamon referenced key points on an early map of Franklin including the fact that at one time, Dorchester was a neighboring community. Yes, the same Dorchester. It used to extend from the coast far inland and then communities split off from it and it shrunk to its current size.

Eamon Earls points to one of the maps

Eamon spent a couple of years researching and writing the book. He has many stories to tell and if you have good history to share, he would like to hear that too!

Eamon talking about Franklin as an 'edge city'

The book can be purchased online or at various locations around Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/historical-museum-book-signing-jan-13.html