Real property values are positively affected

Two other sources of information on how public spaces can help the economic development of communities were shared by the Dept of Community Development and Planning.

Key Point #1
Real property values are positively affected. 

Key Point #2
Municipal revenues are increased.

There are additional points made in this paper but for me, the additional revenue is key. Read the full article here:




In the Introduction to this paper we read:

"Too often we hear that communities cannot afford to “grow smart” by conserving open space. But accumulating evidence indicates that open space conservation is not an expense but an investment that produces important economic benefits."

Why are these papers shared? Good information to have for the Emmons St building discussion

Emmons St this past winter

PodCamp WesternMass 6

Where do I learn how to do what I do here for Franklin Matters? I managed to attend the first PodCamp in 2006 in Boston and have been continuing to learn something new at unconference event since then.

PodCamp WesternMass 6 - Saturday, April 19, 2014 

Where: The Kittredge Center, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA 

When: Saturday, April 19, 2014 – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Tickets are $30 plus processing, or $10 with a valid student ID, and includes a full day of PCWM6, lunch, admission to our after party, and so much more! 

At PodCamp, everyone's a rock star. 

PodCamp is an un-conference about social media and online networking. It is an open and collaborative event with discussions and interaction from attendees. Anyone with something to contribute or with the desire to learn is welcome and invited to join. Some sessions will be planned ahead of the event, but plenty of spaces will be open for the topics YOU want to discuss and learn. You can participate by giving a presentation, demo, or joining into another cooperative event, being on a panel/roundtable, or in other ways helping out on event day. 

PodCamp is NOT just about podcasting, but about all social media/networking, and its relevance and usefulness to community, business and otherwise. This PodCamp is all about blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, podcasting, videocasting/YouTube, and any other online community tools. 

Western Mass entered the Social Media age with the inaugural PodCamp WesternMass in early 2009. We have a thriving community here of some truly amazing people. This is a chance for Western Mass bloggers, business people, artists, and academics, to get together, make connections, and for everyone to learn how social media can enhance their business, cause or organization. This is also a chance to celebrate the cornucopia of Western Mass. culture, a joyous blend of urban and rural; business, artistic and academic; near enough to other large metro areas, but small enough to hear yourself think. 

There will also be a Post-PodCamp Party on Saturday after the event, at Sláinte.

To get your ticket, follow this link  pcwm6.eventbrite.com/

The schedule of sessions for PodCamp WesternMass 5

The Recycle Center

The Recycle Center - Hours of Recycling Operation:
Tuesday 12-3 p.m. (April – Nov) Fri, Sat 8-3 p.m. 


USER PERMIT FEE: $25
Permits valid July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 attached to windshield – no exceptions

• The recycle center also accepts rigid plastic items. ex: plastic lawn furniture, empty garage cans, plastic shelving, milk/soda crates and more. Please see the Town of Franklin website for more information.
• Recycling Center permits can now be purchased via telephone by calling the DPW office during business hours. DPW - 508.553.5500
• Cash is not accepted at the Recycling Center. Payments can be made by check, credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).
• The town’s new needle/syringe disposal kiosk is located in the lobby of the DPW office at 257 Fisher Street. The kiosk will be available to residents during normal DPW business hours.

Yard Waste
Leaves and brush will be collected curbside. Beaver Street Recycling Facility also accepts yard waste.
Check calendar for schedule.

Bulk Items

• Large indoor furniture Pickup Fee: There is a fee per item (limit 1 per week). ex. mattress, box spring, carpet, (per 108sqft, 9x12), wood table & chairs, sofas, etc.
• Oil-based paints, thinners, shellac and turpentine are accepted at the Recycling Center
• The Recycling Center now accepts mattresses, box springs and carpeting.
• Most appliances are $25 • Disposal of TV's start at $25 • Freon Appliances - $30
• All pickups done on Thursdays. Call Waste Management by Tuesday 3 pm for Thursday pick up! 1.800.972.4545. Please call Waste Management for pricing on other items.

Franklin trash and recycle bins or totters

The Recycling Flyer can be viewed here:





The recycling flyer can also be found on the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01D2465A-000F8513.0/Recycling%20Flyer.pdf

BJ's Intersection

The improved signage for the intersection of Forge Parkway and West Central St has apparently reduced the number of traffic incidents. You may recall that for a period of time, the neighborhood was quite upset when  traffic signals were removed by the state. Several accidents occurred some of them with significant injury. Franklin worked with MassDOT to improve the stop signs at the intersection.

In my own use of the intersection, it seems much better behaved than the 'wild west' it used to be.

early warning stop sign ahead

stop sign has blinking lights all around the edge

the intersection is a wide one with good views

Pet CPR and First Aid

CAN YOU SAVE YOUR DOG?

• Learn Pet CPR and First Aid
• Get Certified!
• % of proceeds donated to a local animal charity!

Saturday April 27, 2014 - 1pm to 4pm

Destination Dog,
7 Forge Parkway,
Franklin, MA 02038

Cost: $55

To register:
Pet Emergency Education, LLC
401-450-5047


The skills and topics covered in this course include:
• Safety when working with sick and/or injured animals
• Restraint and transportation of injured dogs and cats
• Choking/Heimlich Maneuver in dogs and cats
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in dogs and cats
• Bandaging and wound management
• Triage and Assessment

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/11/14 - THU 4/17/14

FRI 4/11  6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center
FRI 4/11   7pm   FSPA presents: Disney Showcase, Elks Lodge Franklin. Tickets available at the door or www.fspaonline.com
FRI 4/11   7pm   Kennedy School Ladybug Auction, Primavera in Millis. Tickets available at the door.

SAT 4/12   8:30am   Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Clean Up (meet at Grove St. trailhead, bring gloves)

SUN 4/13   3:30pm   LiveARTS Concert: Janice Weber (piano), First Universalist Society Franklin

WED 4/16   7pm   Rails To Trails and Rails WITH Trails Projects in Southern New England, Franklin Public Library
WED 4/16   7pm   Town Council Meeting, Franklin Municipal Building.

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

High School parking update (video)

This was presented during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Apr 8. While the new school opens in Sep, the removal of the old school will begin and result in less parking spaces until the removal of the old school and construction of the new fields is complete.

Action is required now!




Additional info can be found here:

new Franklin High School - winter of 2013-14

For additional updates on what is happening at Franklin High School, visit their webpage here
http://franklinhigh.vt-s.net/Pages/index