Franklin Matters

Friday, December 7, 2012

12 Days of Donating: Day 8

On Day 8 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 August, the Big Y finally opened its doors.

Big Y - Franklin, MA opened in Aug 2012

RT 140 is newly expanded and paved, the lights are operational to allow access out of Big Y and the Municipal Building as well as the other business opposite. It is rare to see only one car in the parking lot.

Why highlight the Big Y for this month? I think it tells us a couple of things about Franklin.

First - Businesses find Franklin a good place to operate. Look around at what is underway (new or renovation) or proposed. There are still some empty or underutilized buildings but compared to other communities, this is so much better. Why? Tax dollars. Yes, it is all the same tax rate but the businesses are at least paying and the more that come here, the better off we'll all be.

Second - the Big Y has helped create competition for our food dollars. Our family shopping pattern has changed to include a stop there periodically to take advantage of the sales. In times like these when stretching a dollar for as much as you can get, it helps when there is competition. Will Franklin remain with three food markets? Time will tell. In the meantime, we can shop for the best price!

For 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

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
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

Dean College - the street view

On Main St, Dean College has a classic looking entrance with brick and wrought iron

The fencing continues up Main St anchored by brick posts. Many of the brick posts have plaques commemorating a graduating class.

With the new residence hall on West central St about to open, the landscaping includes the addition of this wrought iron fencing

The corner of Union and West Central is an updated version of the main entrance shown above.

Franklin joins discussion on how to handle medical pot

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin joins discussion on how to handle medical pot

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.

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Franklin Library: Jamie Barrett - Holiday Music Show

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Jamie Barrett - Holiday Music Show

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

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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.

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: