A better cell phone service map

Instead of compiling the data on cell phone coverage in our spreadsheet, another loyal reader points us to sensorly.com/

The various carrier services are mapped out so it helps to see where the coverage is in relationship to where your residence is.

Verizon 4G for 02038, 12/3/12 6:00 PM

This screen shot above depicts the Verizon 4G coverage for 02038.

I'll suspend the spreadsheet we started earlier today and recommend that all who want to participate use this instead. It is so much better!

Go to sensorly.com!

12 Days of Donating: Day 4

On Day 4 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In April, there was a whole lot going on. Construction on the Big Y, Earth Day,and candidates began lining up to  fulfill Rep Jim Vallee's seat. You can find all that happened during the month in the archives here. The major news item I'll take away from the events during April will be the annual Franklin budget discussion.

The process starts in the fall with each department putting together their capital requirements.  As they do this, the department also starts working on their operational budget. The department managers work with Jeff Nutting, Town Administrator, and Susan Gagner, Comptroller, to put together the overall budget. The budget document then is reviewed in a series of budget hearings with the Finance Committee followed by usually a two night budget hearing with the Town Council.

I find it disturbing that other than the department managers and a few key Franklin officials, generally the Franklin residents and voters do not participate in these budget hearings. This is where the priorities are set. This is how the decisions are made on what Franklin will do with the money it does have.

So what does the budget process have to do with "12 Days of Donating"? The money and food collected during this period help the Franklin Food Pantry serve our neighbors. When Franklin comes together and takes action, we can accomplish a great deal. This is one example of what makes Franklin a place that matters! When we give of ourselves, with whatever contribution we can make, to the 12 Days of Donating, we will be helping our neighbors.

The snow has already melted, but it will return!

The Franklin Food Elves are combining forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

Cell phone service survey

Prompted by a conversation among Franklin residents on Facebook, this survey will attempt to gather some data on the quality of cell phone service here in Franklin, MA. Please fill in the survey and share with your Franklin friends and neighbors. The more responses we get, the better the data will be to tell our story to the cell phone companies.

Updated 12/3/12 6:00 PM

The survey here has been suspended. A loyal reader found a better site to use.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/a-better-cell-phone-service-map.html



Thank you for submitting your info, please share with your Franklin friends and neighbors!

Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2012

The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2012 with the following agenda:

"Parents Night Out" - Dec 7

Girl Scout troop 80637, comprised of High School aged girls, is pleased to announce “Parents Night Out”; an opportunity for parents to leave their children with the Girl Scouts on Friday, December 7 2012 from 6pm to 10pm at the Franklin VFW on Pond Street. The children will be entertained with holiday themed activities such as crafts, games and snacks. Many of the troop members are certified babysitters and CPR/first aid trained adult supervision will also be present. Boys and girls who are potty trained through elementary age are welcome. The cost per child is $20. Space is limited. To pre-register, email the ages and names of children, along with the parent contact information to troop80637@gmail.com.

Girl Scout troop 80637 is raising funds to cover expenses incurred for troop activities and for costs associated with girls who are earning their Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award Girl Scout Seniors (grades 9-10) and Ambassadors (grades 11-12) can earn. The award is designed to be completed by an individual girl who completes two Senior or Ambassador journeys or completes one Senior or Ambassador journey and has earned a Girl Scout Silver Award. Once the prerequisites are completed, the Girl Scout will plan and perform an individual take action project relating to an issue that she cares about. The completion of the project will make a lasting difference in the local community, region, or beyond.

Girl Scouts is a value-based organization that helps girls build strong interpersonal skills, independence, and a sense of responsibility. Girl Scouts is an affordable option for families and offers financial assistance. For more information or to sign-up please visit www.hergirlscouts.org or call 888-9-GIRL-SCOUT.

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts serves more than 40,000 girls ages 5-17 and 17,000 adult volunteers in 178 communities across Eastern Massachusetts with the mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scouts provide girls with the opportunity to DISCOVER their world, CONNECT with and build an understanding for others and TAKE ACTION to make the world a better place. Girls are guided by committed and caring adults who make learning fun. Girl Scouting helps each girl achieve her personal leadership pathway to the future. The Girl Scouts organization has a rich history and has been the nation’s leading expert on girls for nearly 100 years.

Reminder: Franklin High School Winter Concert - Silent Auction

The Franklin High School Winter Concert will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 4th at the Thomas D. Mercer auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School, 214 Oak Street. This highly anticipated event promises to be a warm and festive evening for music students, their families and the community. Concertgoers will enjoy performances by the Franklin High School Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Leighanne Rudsit, as well as the Chorus, Select Chorus and A Cappella groups directed by Michael Sansoni. A selection of classic and contemporary pieces will be performed, and the 2012 music scholarship winners will be recognized.

The Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. will once again be hosting a silent auction and reception at the concert. Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Last year many generous area businesses as well as music students, their families and faculty members donated items and refreshments for the auction which was highly successful, raising over $2,500. Through fundraising efforts such as this throughout the year, the Music Boosters sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, and provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings for music students.

Silent auction bidding will begin at 6:30 when doors open, and resume at intermission when complimentary refreshments will also be served. Donations of auction items and refreshments for this year’s event are still being accepted. Area businesses and individuals who wish to donate please contact Cindy Gleichauf, 508-397-5204 or cindygleichauf@gmail.com. For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.

Franklin Police: Coat and Food Drive

The Franklin Police Safety Division is sponsoring a coat and food drive. They are seeking new or gently used winter coats, gloves, hats as well as non-perishable food items.



Please bring items or a monetary donation to:

Franklin Police Department

911 Panther Way

Franklin, Ma

The drive will be held from December 1st to December 31st