"It is very difficult to think straight about well being"

The difference between our experience and our memory is fascinating. The colonoscopy patient example is a wonderful story. Not so much about the colonoscopy itself but for what the ending is and how it determines the memory. A story is a combination of changes, significant moments and endings. The ending determines the remembering self not the experience self.

Daniel Kahneman shares his insights on this in this TED Talk.

"Below an income of $60,000 per year, American people are unhappy."




Now moving from happiness to optical illusions. If the visible error can be seen, how can we deal with those other logic errors that don't appear so visible?

Dan Ariely asks "Are we in control of our decisions?"



Why explore these studies on irrational behavior, experience and memory? We are in the budget season. There are a number of discussions underway around priorities. We also have a significant discussion underway on the Town Charter. The charter changes should be done with a good deal of thought for the future. Those who seem to be stuck with people in roles, or people making proposals, are falling into the traps outlined in these talks. Their thoughts are being colored, even coerced in ways that if they were to reconsider, there might be a different result.

Will taking the time to think about this change the way we do things?

There is always hope.


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the two videos here.


Franklin, MA

Safe Schools Package = unfunded mandates

Senator Spilka Votes in Favor of Safe Schools Package

BOSTON - 03/11/10 - Senator Spilka voted on Thursday to advance a pair of bills aimed at promoting a safe, healthy and productive learning environment for all students through banning bullying and updating nutritional standards in schools.

Senate anti-bullying legislation prohibits physical, verbal and written acts that threaten or cause harm to another student, including Internet "cyber-bullying," while a separate school nutrition bill establishes new standards for fresh food options in school cafeterias and vending machines.

"Both of these bills will help create a secure, healthy and beneficial school environment," stated Senator Karen Spilka.  "Kids need to know that the adults in their lives will back them up when they participate in positive behaviors, like healthy eating, and won't tolerate deplorable behaviors, like bullying.  These bills go a long way towards setting new and important standards for a productive learning setting.

"These two bills working together will make a dramatic difference in our school environment," Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. "We all know there's a strong connection between health and safety and learning. By striking out fear and improving nutrition, we're going to provide students with a more valuable and rewarding educational experience."

The anti-bullying bill requires all school districts, charter schools and non-public schools to develop prevention and intervention plans by December 31, 2010 that include procedures for investigating bullying incidents, notifying parents and determining appropriate disciplinary actions.

"The anti-bullying legislation passed today provides a framework for schools to adequately address the damaging impacts of bullying in all its forms," said Senator Robert O'Leary (D-Barnstable), Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Education. "Equipping teachers, students and parents with more information and education on bullying and outlined steps on how to handle it provides a community solution to a community problem."

Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) said: "This is comprehensive, prevention-oriented legislation that will work to end the persistent cycle of bullying we've seen in the Commonwealth's schools for years,

leading to tragedies like those in South Hadley, Springfield and too many other communities. Every student deserves to feel safe in their own schools, and this bill is a strong step in that direction."

The bill requires school principals to notify local law enforcement of bullying incidents if there is reason to believe criminal charges may be pursued. It also allows Individualized Education Programs for children with special needs to include provisions that will help them handle and respond to incidents of bullying. The bullying ban extends to all school facilities, school-sponsored functions, school buses and bus stops.

The Senate also passed a bill establishing new nutritional standards in schools to address the problem of childhood obesity in the Commonwealth. Food and beverages in school cafeterias, vending machines and other locations in public schools separate from federal meal programs must be

in compliance.

"The fact that the current generation of children may have a shorter life expectancy than their parents is simply unacceptable," said Senator Susan Fargo (D-Lincoln), lead sponsor of the bill. "Families demand and deserve that their children be offered food that is healthy, wholesome and safe. The School Nutrition Bill makes certain that parents have the final word on what children eat at school and makes it a requirement that schools maintain healthy standards in the cafeterias."

The standards, to be implemented by the 2012-13 school year, will be developed by the Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and include requirements for the availability of free drinking water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nutritional information for non-packaged foods. The use of deep fryers is banned.

The regulations do not apply to bake sales, concession stands and other school-sponsored events.

The nutrition bill also requires issues of nutrition and exercise to be included in the educational curriculum, and it establishes a commission to make recommendations related the management of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and eating disorders.

"I applaud the Senate for taking an important step in combating what has become a childhood obesity epidemic in the Commonwealth, and across our nation," said Sen. Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge), Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "By limiting the availability

of unhealthy foods and promoting the infusion of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, we're not only curbing bad habits among our children, but improving the general, healthy outlook of wellness in

Massachusetts."

As a way to further promote wholesome food options and locally grown products, the bill encourages statewide adoption of the successful "Farm-to-School" program, which creates contracts between local farms and public schools to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and ingredients.

The bill also adds state colleges and universities to the requirement that state agencies or authorities give preferential treatment to local farms when purchasing agricultural products.

Finally, capitalizing on the fresh food trend, the bill requires the study of Boston's "Chefs in Schools" program, which teaches schools to create healthy, cost-effective meals that kids like to eat, to see how it could be effectively implemented in other school districts.

The bill now goes back to the House of Representatives for further action.

I would prefer to see more of a focus on how to cook and prepare good meals. Jamie Oliver's talk and the actions he proposed I think would be a better longer term solution than "unfunded mandates."

Why?
The State is addressing a major issue (societal obesity) via a mechanism it can control (school lunches) that doesn't get to the heart of the matter (the family dinner table).

In the News - regionalization

The proposal would also look at the merits of a regional dispatch or communications center.

Such a system would not only save money, but use manpower more efficiently, Thompson said.

"For the police side, it's an opportunity to reduce liability, particularly for holding prisoners," he said.

In a regional lockup, deputies would pick up prisoners from all the police departments, bring them to the facility, feed them, and then drive them to court the following day, or the next time the court is open.

The communications center would also be for all the police and fire departments, with trained emergency dispatchers working the phones.

Public safety officials say regionalization worth considering

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Norman Miller/Daily News staff



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Trash Collection

The collection of posts on the new curbside trash and recycle process that will begin July 1, 2010

Trash/Recycle survey results one month after the service started

Trash/recycle tips for good service

Trash/recycle recycling

Trash/Recycle video of process in action

Trash/Recycle cart placement

Trash/Recycle what goes, what doesn't

Trash/Recycle bin ownership

Trash/Recycle Frequently Asked Questions

Trash/Recycle bins start July 1

The Trash Announcement Flyer and FAQ documents

Trash pickup in action (video)

Survey says: new trash/recycle process - not a goo... 

Trash Research - What the other communities do

Solid Waste Pros/Cons - Updated

Solid waste - pros/cons

The Town Council authorizes the new curbside rate and the finance of the new totters

Live reporting - Legislation

The initial presentation to the Town Council Jan 20th


Live reporting - Solid Waste

Live reporting - Solid Waste Q&A

New trash recycle containers 







Franklin, MA

"Curiosity is the most powerful thing you own"

"Curiosity killed the cat" is an old saying probably based upon some truth, passed down and now lost. The message though is one of caution, don't go too far, don't explore, don't learn what is at the edges. Not a good message for a world where life long learning is becoming a requirement.

James Cameron tells the story of how following his curiosity has resulted in Avatar! His learning about leadership and teamwork built upon a bond of respect is wonderful.



"Failure is an option, fear is not"

Let's move from curiosity and fear to dance. The body is a wonderful thing. It possesses such great moves. Some moves were recently seen during the Olympics when the snowboarders showed off their flips and twists, the ice skaters performed their Triple Lutz and Quad jumps. Watch this piece on what these dancers can do.

Just imagine if some of these moves worked their way on to a snowboard or the ice rink? What would it be like?



The advances these dancers have made exploring the limits of what their bodies can do, has been fostered by the internet. Easy access, cheap video, "keeping up with the Jones"... driven by curiosity.


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the two videos shown here.


Franklin, MA

HMEA 5K Race/Walk - May 23rd

The Horace Mann Education Associates - HMEA, Inc. is located here in Franklin, MA but their effective service delivery is to over 100 communities in MA.

HMEA has a long history of providing innovative services in school, at work, at home and in the community and now serve over 2400 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Services include: Residential, Day and Family supports, and services for children.

HMEA's Employment Programs provides people with disabilities the opportunity to pursue meaningful employment either on a full- or part-time basis. For people in the Employment Program who work part-time, HMEA encourages volunteering for community organizations, or leisure and recreation activities to supplement their day.

HMEA's Employment Programs serve people 22 years of age and older who live within the commuting distance of program locations in the following cities and towns: Bellingham, Clinton, Hopedale, Plainville and Worcester

The annual fund raiser for HMEA is the 5K Race/Walk and Family Fun Day scheduled for May 23, 2010.

SAVE THE DATE...Sunday, May 23, 2010 HMEA's 9th Annual Independence 5K Walk/Run in the Park - MARK YOUR CALENDARS and grab your sneakers to participate in this "Fun-filled Family Day fundraising event...

This event, which is hosted by our good friends at EMC2 Corporation in Franklin, MA gathers 2,000 or more people to help HMEA continue its mission to make a difference in people's lives. AND, all the money raised is returned to the many programs at HMEA, which supports 2,400 children and adults with intellectual challenges and developmental disabilities.

Once again we have Gene Lavanchy from Fox News25 and tentatively Gail Huff from WCVB-TV Channel performing hosting duties for us. And our great friends and inspiration to many, "TEAM HOYT", Dick and Rick will be on hand again this year -- plus we're pretty sure there will be a few other celebrities and mascots on hand as well!

So come on down and participate in the fun...there's raffle prizes, food, tee shirts for participants (while they last), prizes, a Kids Corner filled with games and activities, a Kids "FUN RUN" and so much more... 

In addition to working the road race registration table (and providing splits at the 2 mile mark), I have decided to help HMEA do some fund raising this year.

I love the quote from Horace Mann that they use on their History page:

"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity"

You can help the HMEA make a difference with a donation. I have a widget in the center column of this and my other blogs, should you choose to donate an amount within your means.

I will appreciate it.
The HMEA clients you help will too!

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If you would like to register for the race you can do so here
http://www.hmea.org/events.html

If you'd like you can contribute in one of several options directly through the HMEA website here
http://www.hmea.org/donations.html

Franklin, MA: Library Tour (video)

How many styles of Greek columns are used in the Library building?
The answer to that can be found by taking a tour of the library. The tour will help you understand more about how the Franklin Library is really one of our treasures.

Have you taken the tour?
I haven't but when I stopped by recently to get some Dr Seuss books, I found out about a video tour that was available on DVD. Could the video be converted to share on a website? Yes, it could.

While a real 'in person' tour, is the best way to view the library, you can take a tour of the library from the luxury of your own computer. Click a view the video, it will be a well spent 35 minutes!



The video will also be posted to the Library website.

The video was put together by The Preservation Committee for the 100th Anniversary celebration of the library in 2004. Many thanks to the great time and effort put into this by Donna Estey, Ann Arpin, and Hugh Bolton in particular amongst the many involved in the production.


Note: for email subscribers, you will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.