Franklin Matters

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Help the YMCA, shop Whole Foods Oct 23

Whole Foods in Bellingham will contribute 5% of the proceeds Oct 23 to support the YMCA and their 'healthy futures' initiative!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Farmers Market - Library Book sale

Where in Franklin is the Town Common?

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Library Book Sale

Preview for Friends of Library members Friday night, open to all on Saturday

Where is the DPW Garage?
Turn on Hayward St off of RT 140 or West Central St, and follow signs to garage.

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Parking Control Officer returns to downtown Franklin

October 17, 2012

Letter from the Chief’s Office

As I am sure most of the citizens of Franklin are now aware the Town has hired a part-time Parking Control Officer. For many years the Parking Control Officer was a well known fixture in the center of Town. The PCO, as we call it, would walk the Downtown streets, have conversation with citizens, help with pedestrian crossings and engage in all around friendly behavior. Due to budgetary constraints the PCO position had gone unfilled for a lengthy period of time. That has changed and a PCO is now actively enforcing parking violations for the Town.

My experience with feedback about the PCO position was that it was welcomed by the Downtown and overall community until that bright orange parking ticket was placed under a windshield wiper blade. We have learned that parking control is one of those job functions that can bring out the worst in some people. It is however a necessary enforcement function.

There may be any number of good reasons and/or explanations as to why a parking violation might have happened and a civil explanation may make all the sense in the world possibly remedying the ticket issue right on the spot. Parking control, particularly in the Downtown where there are businesses who need and deserve convenient access for their customers to help them stay ahead of a downtrodden economy, coupled with the amount of Commuter Rail travelers looking for available parking, is a necessary and important enforcement effort conducted by the Town.

If you have issue with a parking violation I want to remind you that you cannot remedy your parking ticket issue at the Police Station. Parking Ticket appeals are handled by the Franklin Town Treasurer/Collector. If you received a parking ticket that you believe to be in error I would encourage you to appeal to the Town Treasurer and request a hearing. When you appear for the hearing have your facts ready, be civil when presenting your argument and leave knowing the matter has been heard and I can assure you will be decided in a fair and impartial manner.

Thank You
Stephan H. Semerjian
Chief of Police

Note the original letter can be found on the Franklin webpage. the formatting was change to improve the readability http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_PoliceNews/019A5BE5-000F8513

School meals, KIDS COUNT data, and other MassBudget updates

MassBudget		Information.
MassBudget		Participation.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center		Democracy.

MassBudget Updates

Over the last few weeks, MassBudget has completed a number of different projects...

Are free and reduced-price school meals getting to all the kids who need them? That's the question that motivated Breakfast and Lunch Participation in Massachusetts Schools--part of a joint project involving MassBudget, the Center for Social Policy at UMass Boston, and the Mass Law Reform Institute, supported by the EOS foundation. Our online chartpack summarizes the major findings.

A complete diagram of the food assistance programs in Massachusetts shows: who is eligible for them, who runs them, where they get their funding, and how people can gain access.

The KIDS COUNT data center has been updated to include a breakdown of low income students by city and town based on eligibility for free and reduced-price lunch.

In a brief analysis of funding for children through the Department of Children and Families, we found a significant cut over the last four years--amounting to roughly $130 million.

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

Thursday, October 18, 2012

FEF Casino Night - Nov 3

The Franklin Education Foundation will be holding its annual Casino Night, Saturday, Nov 3

Additional information can be found on the FEF webpage http://www.franklined.org/casino_nights
or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/events/295237077251757/