Franklin Matters

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Watery rain gardens

Yes, the rain gardens did catch some water.

The Parmenter School had some rain gardens installed as part of the effort to remove phosphorus from the Charles River. By catching the water and filtering it through some natural materials, the intent is to remove the phosphorous before it gets into the tributaries and into the Charles River. Additional rain gardens can be seen along the edge of the parking lot on Wachusett St for the ball fields at Fletcher Field.

Additional photos showing the construction of the rain gardens can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/4935285138/in/photostream/

and here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/4934685201/in/photostream/

"It isn't something you can do overnight"

"It's good to get new ideas in there," said Sean Donahue, a 23-year-old first-time candidate for School Committee. "You have people who have been there for a really long time. I think it's just good to have new people, coming in with those new ideas."

The full seven-member School Committee is up for election, with five incumbents running for their seats plus three fresh faces, as is the full nine-member Town Council, which has six incumbents running with six candidates who did not serve on the council in this last, two-year term.

Three people are running for the two open seats on the Board of Health, only one of whom is an incumbent, all three incumbent constables are vying with two potential newcomers for their positions, and Jim Dacey, who has been the town's treasurer-collector for the past 12 years, has an opponent in former Planning Board member Mark Denommee.

"There could be so much gained from having a new voice," said Denommee, who added that having someone in a position for such a long time "leads to some sort of complacency. We need a new set of eyes and a new set of ears in the Town Hall of Franklin."

In the News - Aucoin

Meet the Franklin Candidate: Richard Aucoin, Board of Health

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Library book sale: today - 9:00 to 4:00

The Friends of Franklin Library are holding their book sale today at the DPW garage off Hayward St.

Bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry and you get a coupon for a book (up to $1).

Book sale: Franklin Food Pantry donation earns a coupon for books

There are lots of books laid out on tables

The prices of books are shown on signs in each book section

I know at least one kindergarten teacher who finds some good additions to the school library

Giraffes can't dance? Why not?

If you are looking for a good laugh, there is a section of books for you!

Looking to travel? Check out this section

Books on tape to listen to for your commute.

Pets and nature

"Beyond risk" is one title about climbing shear rock walls in the Sports and Hobbies section

Biographies of Barbara Bush and Bill Clinton sit among the selection

And last but not least, the Friends of the Franklin Library thank their sponsors!

Enjoy!

In the News - Ranieri

Meet the Franklin Candidate: Donald Ranieri Jr., Board of Health

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Remember that all the information for the election Nov 8th is being collected in one place for you

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: OCTOBER 19, 2011 at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building.

Absentee Ballot Information: Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Monday, November 7, 2011:
(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
(3) religious belief.

All absentee requests must be made in writing with an original signature (no faxes or e-mails are accepted). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk, at 508-520-4900

Route 2 Repairs Update, Detour Map

If you were thinking of heading west to do some foliage viewing, consider the Route 2 repairs due to Tropical Storm Irene.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Route 2 Repairs Update, Detour Map

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/13/11

Repairs are moving forward along the section of Route 2 damaged significantly by Tropical Storm Irene.

As seen at left in North Adams and below in Florida, work is well underway to repair the man-made roadway slopes, including excavation and relocation of utilities.

MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey at the end of September announced that work to reconstruct the six-mile section of Route 2 linking North Adams, Florida, Savoy, and Charlemont would proceed on an expedited schedule under an accelerated bidding process.

The roadway is expected to re-open to traffic by mid-December.

MassDOT has assembled a map showing the closed portion of Route 2 that suffered significant damage due to flooding from Tropical Storm Irene and outlining the current posted detour.

Route 2 is closed from Mile Marker 21.6 in Florida to Mile Marker 27.5 in Charlemont.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola said that because of the combination of roadway washout and substantial damage to retaining walls and man-made slopes, MassDOT is using an innovative approach by separating the repairs into multiple jobs that can proceed simultaneously to safely reduce the work timeline.

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Open House Walnut Hill Farm Plainville MA 10/15/2011 2-4

Looking for a country afternoon around horses? This might be for you!

Walnut Hill Farm Open House

Hosted by Merrill Lynch

Nothing could be better than a fall Saturday afternoon in the country! Come join us for a wonderful afternoon at Walnut Hill Farm on October 15 from 2:00 to 4:oo.

Kellie Monahan Head trainer and owner of Walnut Hill Farm and Bill Lippincott of Merrill Lynch will be your hosts for the afternoon.

Come see the state-of-the-art equestrian facility situated on 15 beautiful acres of grassy paddocks. New this fall is the Derby Field. Pony rides for the kids at 2:00, Show jumping at 3:00, tour the barns anytime and get to know some of the farms storied residents! To keep you toasty warm enjoy a hot cup of mulled cider.

Walnut Hill farm is located at 86 Walnut Street Plainville MA. See you rain or Shine!

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks. Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

William C. Lippincott

Financial Advisor

Merrill Lynch

Global Wealth Management

One Citizens Plaza, Suite 1000

Providence, RI 02903

401-863-8726, Direct