NationalGrid out ahead of this one

According to this press release NationalGrid is getting out ahead of the storm. And that is a good thing, one - they are doing the press release which they had not done previously, and two, spelling out how prepared they are. They may have been so in prior storms (although experience tells us otherwise) so they are making improvements!

Franklin Food Pantry updates

1 - The Franklin Food Pantry is closed today, Friday, Feb 8th. The Food Pantry follows the school schedule of storm closures.

2 - Due to the storm this weekend, the first day for the Pantry phone-a-thon has been canceled; Saturday, Feb 9th. The phone-a-thon will be held as scheduled on Saturday, Feb 16th.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the phone-a-thon, please contact Bob Hamilton via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org or by calling the Pantry at 508-528-3115 and using option 5 on the voicemail.

RMV Attleboro Branch Adds Permit Testing

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

RMV Attleboro Branch Adds Permit Testing

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/7/13

MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian today joined local officials and announced the availability of driver's license permit testing at the Attleboro RMV Branch, located at 75 Park Street. 

The Attleboro Branch is one of two express branches in the Commonwealth that provide limited license and registration transactions. The availability of the permit testing in Attleboro will help the RMV manage an anticipated influx of test takers during the busy school vacation period.

"The City has been a great partner and has made it possible to bring permit testing to Attleboro," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Teens and new drivers may now complete this important step in the licensing process closer to home."

The Registry delivered existing automated testing equipment to provide six testing stations in Attleboro. The move will save area residents from traveling to Taunton, Milford or Brockton to complete the 20 minute test.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles administered approximately 45,000 permit tests across the Commonwealth in 2012. There are 4.73 million licensed drivers in Massachusetts.  To perform many basic transactions, visit the RMV online today at its new web address:  http://www.massrmv.com

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"many friendships ... will blossom in this building"

The new dormitory for Dean College was the scene for an official and ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Administrators named the 32,000-square-foot dorm after Dorothy and Glendon Horne. Glendon Horne graduated from the college in 1931. His wife left Dean her estate, a donation of about $2 million — the college’s largest single gift in its history. 

"It is something in our wildest dreams we never thought would happen," said Rooney of the gift. "It made the particulars of this building possible." 

Noting the building’s location along West Central Street, Rooney said, "In some ways, it will attach us to Franklin in a very different way."

New Dean College dorm on Christmas morning 2012

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898127413/Ribbon-cut-on-Deans-new-dorm#ixzz2KIvte278

In the News: Tri-County, Democrats, MBTA, police

Restaurant competition for Tri-County is rescheduled

by Staff reports

Tri-County students preparing for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s annual culinary and restaurant management competition have another few weeks to hone their business plans and master their dishes thanks to Nor’easter Nemo.

Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus is postponed

by Staff reports

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus planned for this Saturday, Feb. 9th at 9 am at Alumni Restaurant in Franklin has been POSTPONED due to the weather.

MBTA to suspend all transportation 3:30 p.m. on Friday

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Due to the severe winter storm, the MBTA will suspend all modes of service effective at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.

Franklin Police: Robber’s own unmasking is his undoing

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

A suspected robber provided detectives with all they needed to find him when he removed his disguise during a robbery last month, authorities said.

National Grid: Blizzard update

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "National Grid"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 8:00 PM
Subject: National Grid: Blizzard update

To view this email as a web page, click here. February blizzard update With a severe winter storm on the way that some weather forecasters already are calling a storm of historic proportions, National Grid has started preparing for widespread, prolonged power outages that could result from the predicted blizzard-like conditions. Although the path of the storm is still being monitored, we are taking steps to ensure we are prepared for this storm and we want to make sure that you are too. Be prepared by creating an emergency kit: Water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Battery-powered or hand - crank radio Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Local maps Cell phone with chargers Please remember that should you lose power during the storm, restoration may not happen immediately. Given the scale of the storm , with high wind and deep snow conditions , we must first ensure the safety of our crews and linemen. We will have hundreds of additional crews and support resources able to begin work around the clock to restore service but only once it is safe for them to do so. Please be prepared for extended outages by having the items listed above and also by staying connected. We urge you to stay connected In addition to Outage Central, National Grid offers a number of ways for customers to report outages or learn about restoration efforts and important safety information.  Here's how: Outage reporting hotline - Call 1-800-465-1212 to report an outage. Text messages - Customers can receive text message alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). Customers can opt out at any time by texting the word STOP to NGRID (64743).  Find us on Facebook  or Twitter to connect with us and other customers. You can also view images from the field, get safety tips and the latest updates on our restoration efforts. Remember, if your power goes out, you can access our mobile website by going to nationalgrid.com on your mobile phone. There you will be able to report outages, check the status of your outage, view outage maps, view important messages and access safety tips. National Grid Here with you. Here for you. © 2012 National Grid USA Service Company, Inc. This email was sent by: National Grid One MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, U.S.A.

February 2013 Snow Storm

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 6:18 PM
Subject: February 2013 Snow Storm

Hello.  This is Gary Premo calling with information on the pending snow storm.  There will be regular pick up of trash and recycling on Friday Feb 8.  However, the recycling center on Beaver St will be closed both Friday and Saturday.  The parking ban will become active on Friday at 6pm through the duration of the storm.  School Officials are in constant contact with Public Safety and Town Officials regarding the possibility of cancellation/early dismissal for Friday, and will be sending out a message once a decision is made.  Thank you for listening, stay safe, goodbye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Note: Schools in Franklin are closed on Friday, Feb 8th