Friday, December 7, 2012

Franklin joins discussion on how to handle medical pot

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 12/6/12

Like so many other municipalities across the commonwealth, the town has begun planning for the slim possibility that a medical marijuana dispensary or clinic would attempt to open within its borders. In his report during the Town Council meeting Wednesday night, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting presented officials' their options, saying they can allow such businesses to open, but regulate where they can and cannot set up shop with a zoning bylaw, prohibit them entirely, or take no action.

Things you can do from here:

Franklin Library: Jamie Barrett - Holiday Music Show

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 12/5/12



Things you can do from here:

Thursday, December 6, 2012

12 Days of Donating: Day 7


On Day 7 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 July, road work on RT 140 was underway to prepare for the opening of the Big Y in August. A syringe disposal kiosk was positioned at the Fire Station downtown, then moved to the DPW Offices. The five candidates campaigning to replace Rep Vallee were hitting the pavement going door to door and the three Democrats were preparing for their first debate on July 30.

The Farmers Market opened every Friday from June through November 2 and seemed to be the busiest during July. The market located at the Town Common, featured the produce from local farmers. One special treat I enjoyed was the fresh native honey from Akin-Bak Farms. Stopping by to talk with Howard Crawford was always a pleasure.

I have seen articles raising questions about the benefits of buying local produce but I also wonder who is really behind the article. Unfortunately, so many of the big food companies fund research that is slanted, it becomes hard to trust what is available to read. Hence, there is one advantage with buying local. The farmer is there to talk to. Simple, direct. Fresh produce from the local area.

Nourse Farm
The Nourse Farm stand from Oct 2011 at the Franklin Farmers Market


Half way through the 12 Days of Donating, the Franklin Food Elves have combined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership 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


Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html

Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
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

Town Council - 12/05/12

The collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 5, 2012 can be found here



In the News: trail improvements, capital plan, day care snags



Franklin to help improve trail

"There’s an air of uncertainty"

You may have heard it before and you did because it is true. Until the overall economic conditions radically improve, this situation will arise each budget year.

Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Wednesday that he’s confident the town has enough money in its reserve to make it through the year without slashing jobs if the state makes cuts, but fiscal 2014 could be a different story. 
"We can survive short-term, but it’s the long term I’m worried about. Franklin is overly dependent on state aid, and a cut would have a major effect on us," said Nutting. 
About one-third of Franklin’s 2013 budget – $30 million of $92 million – is funded by state aid due to the town’s fast growth and school-aged population. Even a slight decrease in fiscal 2014 aid would therefore be concerning for the town. 
"We are much more heavily dependent on state aid than other communities our size," Nutting said. "A fiscal 2014 reduction in state aid of even 2 or 3 percent is a million bucks, and to another town of size, it could only be $200,000."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1107418643/Officials-concerned-with-future-of-state-aid#ixzz2EGdLTLxa

Best Buddies (video)


There have been a number of Best Buddies activities in Franklin so this new holiday video message is a good one to share.



"Show up
Stand up
I'll be your buddy anyway!"


For more information and to donate to Best Buddies visit their web page  http://www.bestbuddies.org/


Related posts on the Best Buddies program in Franklin schools
Best Buddies provides grants
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jun_24.html

Best Buddies brought the Meiers to Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/i-hope-that-you-welcome-them.html

Best Buddies grant awards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/01/fm-54-week-ending-11710.html