Friday, September 9, 2011

Pond Pfeffer: The trials and tribulations of Irene

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Judith Pond Pfeffer/Franklin on 9/8/11

Franklin, a city which always calls itself a town, was one of the victims of Tropical Storm Irene - trees down - branches down - roads closed - no power - but, in all this, there are those who still empower the "town spirit."

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Thursday, September 8, 2011

Public Workshop on Long Range Transportation Plan for MetroWest


SENATOR SPILKA INVITES RESIDENTS TO ATTEND PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

WHEN: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 - 8:30 a.m.

WHERE:
HOPKINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING ROOM
73 MAIN STREET
HOPKINTON, MA


WHAT:
Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) is inviting her constituents and all residents of the MetroWest region to attend a public workshop this Friday, September 9th to discuss the draft Long Range Transportation Plan: Paths to a Sustainable Region, now being considered by the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (Boston MPO). The Long Range Plan establishes the Boston MPO’s transportation vision for the region, discusses plans to accomplish the vision, and identifies the regionally significant projects to be funded over the next 23 years. The residents of the 101 municipalities that make up the Boston MPO have until September 13th to review the draft and submit their comments.

David Mohler, Executive Director of the Office of Transportation Planning will discuss the draft and its proposals for transportation investments between now and 2035. All significant transportation projects must be included in Long Range Transportation Plan if they are to receive funding. This workshop is an opportunity for those in the MetroWest community to give their input into the creation of the plan. This is the chance for residents, public officials, and businesses to share with MassDOT their concerns and priorities for transportation investments in the region.

The Recommended Plan lists all the significant transportation projects the Boston MPO has selected for funding over the next 20-plus years. For the MetroWest region, it includes two rail trails and one highway project.

This workshop gives residents from the area a voice in the process and a chance to discuss their vision for the 495/MetroWest region and what they see as the pressing transportation and infrastructure needs of these communities.

The draft of Paths to a Sustainable Region, can be viewed at the link listed below:
http://www.ctps.org/bostonmpo/3_programs/1_transportation_plan/plan_2035_draft_materials.html

Election line up still uncertain


Friday, Sept. 16, is the last day to take out nomination papers, and the deadline to return them is three days later, Monday, Sept. 19. 
Twenty-nine town positions are open, including every seat on the School Committee and Town Council. Neither body has staggered terms, so all incumbents are up for election at the same time every two years. 
Both contenders for town clerk are familiar in town politics. Deborah Pellegri, who has served as town clerk for 27 years and last faced opposition 17 years ago, will be challenged by Deborah Bartlett, a former town councilor.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948304655/Town-clerk-race-tops-Franklin-ballot#ixzz1XLvmjSS5


A summary of election 2011 items can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html


Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail - mission statement

An email to members of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee:
At the last meeting, we discussed reviewing the FCRTC mission statement and a possible name change for the committee. In advance of our meeting, below is the current FCRTC mission statement for your review. The mission is also posted on the web site at www.franklinrailtrail.org. Also below are sample mission statements from two other area trail groups, and attached is a brief article on the importance of a mission statement.

Hope you can all attend on Sept 13 (7:30 pm at the YMCA in Franklin)
Please let me or Dave know if you have any questions or comments.

Thank you.
Marc 
-------------- 
The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee (FCRTC) is a non-profit, community based organization that is dedicated to the development of the Southern New England Trunk Trail into a multi-use, recreational path that will link communities and businesses in a safe, healthy and aesthetically pleasing manner. Members of the FCRTC are committed to exploring all private, state and federal funding avenues, to implement all necessary design plans and studies and to develop our multi-use path for non-motorized bikers, joggers, strollers, horse riders and the handicapped. 
Other Sample Statements
Friends of the Bruce Freeman Trail (lowell, sudbury, framingham): 
The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a group of citizens working in partnership with state and local governments toward the completion of the proposed rail trail. This is a volunteer group which is active in moving forward the state and federal issues required for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the rail trail, fundraising activities and support for rail trail issues at local town meetings. The Friends work to ensure that all the questions, concerns and other issues are addressed by working in concert with neighborhood associations, each town government, and the citizens of the towns. 
Grand Trunk Trailblazers 
The Grand Trunk Trail Blazers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) chartered in 1992. Our goal is to collaborate with local trail groups to establish a non-motorized 60-80 mile East-West trail linking the Blackstone with the Pioneer Valley names "The Titanic Rail Trail".


The Mission Statement article -

FCRTC - Article


The Mission Statement worksheet -

FCRTC - Worksheet


In the News - schools, Newcomers, Internet



Franklin schools open after delay




Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off




Spilka, Vallee working with DA against Internet predators


Sen. Richard Ross undergoes emergency knee surgery

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 9/6/11

ross rally 1
State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, was rushed to the hospital for emergency knee surgery on Friday, Sept. 5. He was treated for a torn meniscus and a staphylococcus infection in his left knee joint.

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Former Franklin football coach Leone to be honored Friday

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff Report on 9/6/11

webLeone.jpg
Former players, coaches and friends of Franklin football coach Jerry Leone have two opportunities to recognize the legendary coach, who died last September at age 72.

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