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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
The number of schools not meeting the state's achievement standards under federal No Child Left Behind regulations is quickly mounting.
Forty-seven schools across MetroWest and the Milford area were designated as at least needing improvement as a result of 2008 test scores, including ones in districts often considered to be of high quality, such as Natick, Westborough and Franklin. Half of all schools statewide received such a label.
State education officials say they are not surprised the number of schools needing improvement is swelling - up by 156 to 828 total this year - because of the ambitious goals set under No Child Left Behind. The law requires all students reach at least proficiency by 2014 on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
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Animal rights group intervening with feral cats
By Joyce Kelly
DAILY NEWS STAFF
FRANKLIN - Franklin's Animal Control will start a trap, neuter/spay, release program for feral cats at Highwood Condominiums today, according to the head of an animal rescue society intervening with the situation.
The trapped kitten and cats will go to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter in Medway for evaluation, said Stacy LeBaron, president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society of Salisbury.
The board of trustees for Highwood I, the section of Highwood where the cats live and roam, had voted to trap and kill the cats, but agreed to halt the plan and discuss an alternative when a resident and LeBaron intervened earlier this month.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The town of Franklin is negotiating with Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School on a lease of the historic Red Brick School building to run through next June, and possibly beyond.
Read the full article in the Boston Globe here
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Forget Salem or New Orleans. If you live in MetroWest, you probably don't have to go any further than your local library, town hall, or neighborhood for a good old-fashioned haunting.
Tales of the spirits of innkeepers, Native Americans, accused witches, librarians and servants, even a monster - the Dover Demon - abound right in your backyard.
The area's rich history, particularly its entrenchment in King Philip's War, makes old homes, buildings and entire sections of towns - such as South Natick - ripe for ghostly activity, some say.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
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Animal control officers in the area seem to agree the solution to feral cats - common in most communities - is the trap, neuter/spay and release program advocated by animal rights groups.
Dealing with the situation properly is more important now than ever, as the economic crisis has left many more cats and dogs abandoned and facing a cold winter, say area animal control officers.
An animal rescue organization from Salisbury is trying to save a colony of feral cats living in the woods near Franklin's Highwood Condominiums, the management of which plans to trap and kill them. The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, a nonprofit volunteer organization, promotes no-kill programs for feral cats.
Stacy LeBaron, president of the group, has said she believes it's possible to have a successful feral cat colony by using the trap, neuter/spay and release process.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
This condominium building consists of 27 single-level-living condominiums with wonderful amenities. Newly revitalized location offers walk to train, banks, post office, restaurants, shops, and only 45 minutes to Boston. Perfect for commuter, first time home buyers or downsizers. Franklin has just recently added the New GATRA bus service for easy access to shopping, senior center, etc.
The town is still hammering out a police contract with its police union hoping to nail it down in coming weeks.
The Franklin Police Association's contract expired more than a year ago, on June 30, 2007, according to Stephanie McNeil, human resources director for the town.
She expects the police union to sign a contract next week, she said, noting it is not the town delaying the process.
"The pen is in their hands," she said, refusing to comment further.
John Maloney, president of the police union, said he hopes everything will be resolved by next Friday.
"We had hoped to be done sooner," he said, preferring to keep quiet about what has stalled negotiations.
"A few things came up and helped move things along. It definitely has not gone smoothly, that's for sure," Maloney said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
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Firefighters have been working without a contract since it expired more that a year ago, but unlike the police union, which is aiming to sign a contract by the end of next week, firefighters may have a long way to go.
Stephanie McNeil, human resources director for the town, declined to comment about the situation, as negotiations are ongoing but said that the town has been waiting to hear from union representatives.
McNeil and Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting plan to continue contract negotiations with the firefighters' union next week, she said.
Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said he cannot comment on the ongoing talks.
Nutting could not be reached for comment.
Multiple calls to union representatives were not returned this week.
The contract for Franklin Permanent Firefighters Association, Local 2637, which expired on June 30, 2007, gives firefighters retention of their Civil Service rights, and requires all promotions within the department be made as a result of competitive examination and granted by the Division of Civil Service.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
An animal rescue organization from Salisbury is trying to save a colony of feral cats living in the woods near Highwood Condominiums whose management plans to trap and kill them.
Stacy LeBaron, president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, said she and a Highwood resident met with management last week and are negotiating an alternative to the board of trustees' plan.
"It's a work in progress. They haven't agreed to back down, but they aren't doing anything as we gather more information (from Purr-fect Cat Shelter). We're hoping to try to get people talking and brainstorming and get solutions," LeBaron said.
The society, a statewide, nonprofit volunteer organization that provides free services and promotes no-kill programs for feral cats (www.mrfrs.org), will offer Purr-fect Cat Shelter help and resources, she said.
"I do believe it's possible to have a successful feral cat colony" by using the trap, neuter/spay, release process, said LeBaron.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
A discussion about climate change gleaned "surprisingly pleasant" results yesterday, one participant noted during an afternoon Global Warming Cafe.
About 20 people took part in the Franklin Area Climate Team's roundtable discussion to trade ideas on fears and hopes for the planet's future.
"We want to work together to reduce our personal and collective carbon footprint," said Ted McIntyre, co-captain of Franklin Area Climate Team.
Members of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) joined the local "climate team" yesterday at the First Universalist Society of Franklin to talk to residents from Franklin, Bellingham, Millis, Wrentham, Foxborough and more.
"Be inspired, and take action in the future," Susan Altman of MCAN told the audience as they broke into small groups.
The groups compiled lists of concerns about and solutions to climate change.
Read the remainder of the article in the Milford Daily News here
Worried about seniors living paycheck to paycheck this winter, area senior center directors say they are making an all-out effort to help them.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial that struggling seniors take advantage of programs they are entitled to, said Bellingham Outreach Coordinator Sheila Ronkin: tax abatements, fuel and food assistance, and circuit breakers.
"It was very important before the economy fell apart, but now, some of these folks live really threadbare lives. Without some help, they're not going to have enough heat or food. Even folks more well-heeled may not be able to buy Christmas presents or birthday presents for their loved ones," said Franklin Senior Center Director Karen Alves.
Many seniors don't realize they qualify for tax credits or other assistance, so they don't even bother to apply, Alves said. But that is a mistake.
Through the state's circuit breaker program, seniors can get up to $900 a year in real estate tax abatements if they pay more than 10 percent of their gross income in taxes, and that includes water and sewer fees, Alves said.
So if a senior makes $30,000 a year, pays $3,000 in real estate tax, plus $500 for water and sewer ($3,500 in taxes), they can get $500 back from the state, she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Lindy Conroe always knew Jen Ballarino was amazing and special, but when the much-loved Franklin resident died in May following a long battle with brain cancer, Conroe was still deeply moved by the stories she heard.
"I've since heard such amazing stories she never told people," Conroe reflected recently.
For example, when Ballarino was working as a substitute teacher, she would often bring in coats and other necessary items for children she'd noticed were going without.
So it seems only fitting there is now an effort to collect coats and other outerwear for donation to homeless children and their families, all in Ballarino's memory.
It's part of the ongoing mission behind the newly formed Jen's Jackets, organized by Conroe and other friends and family of Ballarino. It's also the charity that has been adopted by Postal Center U.S.A. in Franklin, as well as its other area locations, in recognition of and leading up to Make A Difference Day on Oct. 25.
read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Yes, follow the boxes to the Library Book Sale being held this year at the DPW garage on Heyward St.
Saturday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Town Council voted unanimously last night to lease the historic Red Brick School to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for one year.
The town will most likely rent the school for $1 and the cost of running the 11,650-square-foot, 175-year-old building, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting, but the town and school have not yet negotiated.
"I've asked for a 10-year authorization, but they (the charter school's board of trustees) want to try it out for a year" and determine whether it fits them, Nutting said.
Charter school trustees worry about the safety of students and staff crossing through traffic at the intersection of Lincoln and Maple streets to get to the building, trustee President John Neas has said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, the only candidate for the district's superintendent job, told the School Committee last night she is ready to take the reins from Wayne Ogden.
The School Committee will vote whether to appoint Sabolinski at its next meeting Oct. 28, said Vice Chairwoman Paula Mullen, who acted as chairwoman in Jeffrey Roy's absence last night.
"We know a lot about her," Mullen said, calling her work ethic and talent "amazing" just before inviting Sabolinski to speak to the committee about her background and vision for the district.
Sabolinski described an extensive background in special education that began in her home state of New York, where she worked with inner-city children.
When she and her husband decided to come to Massachusetts in 1992, they focused on Sharon, Mansfield and Franklin, she said, and it was immediately clear that Franklin was the right community.
"One draw to Franklin was, when we came here, we were able to walk into the schools and were welcomed. We had never gotten that reception in any of the other towns. Franklin was really welcoming, and that spoke highly of the teachers," she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Town Council tonight will vote on leasing the historic Red Brick School to the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School.
Earlier this month, the charter school's board of trustees agreed to rent the Red Brick School from the town for one year, according to its board president, John Neas, a Franklin resident.
Trustees primarily want to use the Brick School, Neas said, because there is a "critical need of space" at the charter school, which is an estimated 35,000 square feet.
The charter school's student population is 416, Neas said, and there is a waiting list of 200 students the school cannot accommodate.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
After learning that organizers were canceling the Junior Miss program due to a lack of money, a local woman decided to rescue this year's competition.
"I have a 14-year-old daughter (Jordan) who can't wait to do Junior Miss ... in the year 2013," said Jill M. Bedoya, who took part in a competition here in 1988 and served on Junior Miss committees at both the town and state levels.
"I stepped forward to offer my services to run this year's program so there were no girls left without the opportunity to participate in and experience a Junior Miss program. Junior Miss has been a part of my family for many, many years. My father, Tom Mercer and my aunt, Raye Lynn Mercer, ran the Franklin program for about 10 years, prior to taking over the Massachusetts state program, which they both ran for years. I grew up with Junior Miss," Bedoya said.
She refused to let the 40-year-old program, open strictly to Franklin High School senior girls, cease.
Many people put the program together, she said, and they just needed a little support.
"I have lots of contacts and I'm trying to use my coordination abilities to give the Franklin committee some support," she said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The income tax question on the ballot this fall is a reckless proposal that will have severe and immediate consequences for all of us. This binding referendum will take more than $12 billion—nearly 40 percent—out of the state budget, driving up local property taxes and leading to drastic cuts in services. Our communities will suffer sweeping education cuts, steep reductions in public safety personnel and further deterioration of roads and bridges. Times are hard enough. Let’s not make them worse.
Even after a century, members of the philanthropic Ray family may still be hanging around their old haunts, according to staff at Dean College.
Workers at Ray House, which serves as the school's admissions office, and several staff members, including Vice President of Enrollment Jay Leiendecker, have reported encounters with spirits they believe are Ray family members. The house was their former home, built in the 1800s.
Sensing a spirit, or seeing a shadow flash by is not rare at Ray House, Leiendecker said.
"It's not once every so many years - there's definitely a spirit living in the house," he said, adding, "Nothing bad has happened."
In fact, if the otherworldly inhabitants are members of the Ray family, he said they're probably quite friendly ghosts, because they were incredibly charitable people in life.
Although encounters are common, they can still be startling.
"We had window-washing crews come here on weekends, and a man was washing the window inside and out one Saturday," Leiendecker said, pointing to his tall office window overlooking the campus, "and he apparently went screaming for the hills after he saw ... something."
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here