Franklin Matters

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Where's the Train? Check "Rail Radio"

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Where's the Train? Check "Rail Radio"

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 4/8/11

MBTA New Locomotive, South Station, February 7, 2011

MBTA and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company today announced the launch of an updated "Rail Radio" service. "Rail Radio" provides real-time information about the status of approaching trains on car radios. It is now integrated with commuter rail's Passenger Train Information System, a computerized system that links real-time information from approaching trains to LED monitors at stations.

"The integration of Rail Radio and PTIS delivers real-time information directly from approaching trains to customers' cars," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. "This service gives commuter rail customers more accurate information about when their train will arrive."

The low wattage AM radio service is currently available at more than 80 MBTA commuter rail stations with over 50 parking spaces in Eastern Massachusetts. Customers should check LED monitors at their local stations for the "Rail Radio" frequency in their area.

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Friday, April 8, 2011

Hey Mom, let's make some squishy circuits!

Looking for something to do and entertain the kids? Got play dough?
Stop at Radio Shack for some electrical parts and make some squishy circuits!

What? Watch, it is only a six minute video to get the idea.

For recipes and activities, visit the web site referenced as Anne Marie Thomas finishes her demo: Squishy Circuits

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

Franklin, MA

In the News - spring cleaning

Franklin schools seek volunteers for spring clean up

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin, MA

Let Your Life Speak

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Let Your Life Speak

via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 4/7/11

Let Your Life Speak is a 3-day workshop that will be offered this summer for incoming high school seniors. Pamela McIntyre, Ph.D. and Janet Pergola, FHS Faculty, are collaborating on this class that is designed to help students communicate about themselves through college essays and interviews. The name of the class has its origins in an old Quaker saying that refers to having the ability to articulate your values, priorities, and interests. Throughout one's life and most particularly during senior year, seniors will be asked to communicate who they are to colleges, employers, and scholarship foundations. Furthermore, seniors will need to write college essays and interview with admission officers. Throughout these processes, they will need to share information about who they are and what is important to them. This class asks each incoming senior: Do you know what you want to say? Do you know how you're going to say it? In this class students will:

Explore and identify primary strengths, passions, and priorities
Learn how to write effective college essays
Enhance and refine your interviewing and public presentation skills

For more information:

Telephone: Lifelong Learning at 508-553-4814 0r email: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us

To register: www.franklin.k12.ma.us select the Summer Program from the center of the page, select Let Your Life Speak.

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Thursday, April 7, 2011

Town Council - 04/06/11

The collection of live reporting notes from the Town Council meeting Wednesday, April 6, 2011 can be found here:

Franklin, MA

"officials would probably seek additional money"

"It's a step in the process," Foss said. "I agree that ideally the work would be done more quickly. But, (we're planning to hire) a licensed contractor to do the work and that takes time and money."

Contaminants, including lead and chlorinated volatile organic compounds, have been detected in some soil and groundwater at the site. The property was taken by the town through the tax title process in 2002 and 2005.

The volatile organic compounds could pose a risk to indoor air quality if the 1-acre parcel is redeveloped. The parcel also includes part of Mine Brook and a parking lot built by a neighboring property owner with permission of the town.

The town could have spent money itself and possibly cleaned up the property sooner, but Franklin is trying to save taxpayers' money by seeking outside funding, Town Adminstrator Jeffrey Nutting said.