Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Under budget and a gem!
The Milford Daily News article on the School Building Committee update of the new Franklin High School is here
New Franklin High will be a gem, architect says
New Franklin High will be a gem, architect says
by Matt Tota/Daily News Staff
My live reporting of the Schools Building Committee meeting can be found here
and here
The agenda document for the meeting:
"substantial long-term consequences"
This morning, while reading of the new high school building project and construction phases, there is also an article touting research on the cost of high school dropouts. An interesting combination of articles!
Read more: With dropouts, taxpayers also pay a price - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x35739381/With-dropouts-taxpayers-also-pay-a-price#ixzz2CHrFSrb1
Additional information on the study released can be found here
http://www.renniecenter.org/events/121113_event.html
The Complete presentation by the Rennie Center can be viewed here:
In a push for more programs to re-enroll students who have dropped out, the education research group the Rennie Center Tuesday released a report on the statewide impact of dropouts.
The average Bay State dropout costs taxpayers $122,000 over the course of his or her lifetime, the report said, through cash assistance and benefits including food stamps, health care and housing subsidies.
Read more: With dropouts, taxpayers also pay a price - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x35739381/With-dropouts-taxpayers-also-pay-a-price#ixzz2CHrFSrb1
Additional information on the study released can be found here
http://www.renniecenter.org/events/121113_event.html
The Complete presentation by the Rennie Center can be viewed here:
Downtown Holiday Decorating Day-Sunday-9:00
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Franklin Library: Family Storytime and Craft, Nov 21
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
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Intercession Registration Open
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 11/13/12
Looking for something to do in 2013?
Lifelong Learning Adult Education is registering for its intercession classes. There are classes in dancing, fitness and sports. Some of the classes are: Bollywood Dancing, Bollywood Dancing for Moms, and Line Dancing. Fitness classes include: Booty Barre, Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba Gold, Zumba Monday, Zumba Wednesday and Zumba Toning. Athletic classes include: Men's Full Court Basketball Tuesday and Men's Full Court Basketball Thursday, as well as Advanced Volleyball (coed) Intermediate Volleyball(coed).
Visit our website and begin the new year with Lifelong Learning! www.franklin.k12.ma.us. Lifelong Learning is located under the Department drop down menu.
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New Road Anti-Icing: Better for the Environment
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 11/14/12
For the first time, MassDOT will blend its own anti-icing liquid for use on roadways in Highway District 5 during the snow and ice season, saving money and improving environmental conditions.
"MassDOT works diligently to find cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to our improve operations," said Secretary Davey. "This plant allows us to trim costs and treat our roads in a smarter, innovative way."
MassDOT will make, store, and apply its own anti-icer for approximately $.07/gallon. Currently, MassDOT purchases large amounts of magnesium chloride at $.89/gallon. The mix produced at the plant will be 85% salt brine and 15% magnesium chloride. MassDOT purchased brine last winter for treatment on certain bridges and frost prone areas in Highway District 1 at a cost of $.55/gallon.
"With salt brine we are able to pre-treat our roads up to 48-hours in advance of a storm. We can be more proactive and reduce overtime costs by closely monitoring the forecast," said Administrator DePaola. "Magnesium chloride has a much shorter window; it must be applied 2-3 hours prior to the snow and ice event."
The location was chosen because salt brine works best in the average winter temperatures found in this region. Construction of the plant, including equipment and infrastructure, cost approximately $250,000. Based on weather conditions, MassDOT anticipates the plant paying for itself in 2-3 years.
More on the benefits of reducing salt and sand use are available after the break.
Environmental Benefits of Salt Brine
Benefits of Reducing Salt Use
Cost Savings;
Less impact to soils and vegetation;
Reduces impact to rivers, streams, wetlands and water supplies;
Reduces deterioration of concrete and steel structures;
Reduction in vehicle corrosion.
Benefits of Reducing Sand Use
Traction benefits of sand are limited and temporary;
Sand accumulates on roadside edges, catch basins, and drainage pipes which can lead to flow restrictions and blockages in the storm-water drainage systems. The collection and disposal of sand adds considerable cost to the operation;
Sand contributes to the sedimentation in streams, impacting fish species and aquatic ecosystems;
Suspended in water sand increases turbidity and can result in the death of fish and invertebrates, and reduces photosynthesis in aquatic plants;
Siltation and sediment deposits have been cited as one of the leading causes of water quality impairments in various regions around the country.
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