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Image via WikipediaRobert Cantoreggi and Denise Zambrowski presenting![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vudLMaBc3Nqb75R9DC5KOcVYJCES8L05JUjccMJAsmDYC2ZT9Edq4XorbtfnUioM1ykDN4rYGMCrdv9DBXX3ycvZb4eS4axs4JeBPowFvorvtj-sIZ8t1duQ239QKEufW_qvavf3OEb1K2h5gYeMRu=s0-d)
Replies.
Image by shersteve via FlickrImprovements in recycling town wide. Increased from 21% to 25% for the past quarter compared to last year.![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_upRBOOJl7DxXmWMIVFCXxLjgMFcMzfTwcN72K1R9HKSavUlgNkmK6q5ArxeJrwdxVrJT53wERf-RP6U1t2rYSOAZNkQueipV7zOgwOAaJYh_FTxL-ixNEIUfRcYthrCTV7J7XK6OH0933TC2h-PIEh=s0-d)
This Friday’s (November 7, 2008) edition of The Country Gazette will have a 2” x 2” orange coupon also known as an “Ad Note” affixed to the front page of 10,000 copies of the paper. The “Ad Note” is a “peel off” good for a FREE RIDE. The “coupon” is good immediately up to and including Saturday, December 20, 2008.
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Thanks to the sour economy, Franklin is looking at a possible shortfall of several million dollars for fiscal 2010, and a subsequent "major reduction in force ... townwide," Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting told the Finance Committee last night.
It is still too early to estimate how much the shortfall will be, said Nutting.
That figure, he said, depends on the result of Question 1 (to repeal the state income tax), and assuming there aren't any changes in revenue projections. According to last night's numbers, Massachusetts voters shot down the effort to repeal the income tax.
Nutting's projection was not discussed at length, as it was not an issue on last night's meeting agenda, but he mentioned it when he told the board he will ask department heads to submit budgets in early December.
Michael Doherty, a member of the board of directors of the Franklin Education Foundation, said he is worried about the economy's effect on the foundation. "Local businesses have been feeling the pinch for well over a year and it is harder for them to be as generous to us as they have in the past,'' he said. "We still get a lot of support but some of the small businesses have really suffered.''
The Franklin Educational Foundation will hold its third annual casino night on Nov. 21, but on a smaller scale than in the past, Doherty said. He said he thinks people are waiting until later to purchase tickets for the event.
"We hope to get a large turnout for it, the event was well supported in the last two years,'' he said. "People who are not gamblers come out and understand its just a fun event and everyone knows what they spend will benefit a great cause.''
Doherty said another casualty of the economy is that people have less and less time to volunteer for the foundation. "People are working more, but we are always accepting new members and donations for the cause,'' he said. And with state budget cuts and less revenue from other sources, the school system is going to need it, Doherty said.
"We cannot make up the entire gap but we hope to provide whatever assistance we can,'' he said.
If the voting pattern of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders at Horace Mann Middle School is any reflection of the way the rest of the country will vote today, Barack Obama will win by a landslide.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The final tally: Barack Obama, 329; John McCain, 181; Ralph Nader, 17.
'Our motto today is: `As Horace Mann goes, so goes the nation,''' said sixth-grade math teacher Patricia Metrick, who helped organize the mock election.
"Twenty, 30 years from now, this election's going to be in our textbooks. Their children will be learning about it. It gives (today's students) a chance to participate, even though they're only young adults,'' said Metrick.
Although the school has held mock elections in the past, this was "by far the snazziest, most authentic one,'' said sixth-grade English/social studies teacher Joseph Corey, who directed the video news team yesterday with sixth-grade math and science teacher Noreen Langmeyer.
"They're very excited, they're waiting for their turn to vote,'' Langmeyer said.
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Not just patriotic, is it a democratic society's duty.
Please get out and vote today!
Don Roemer, affectionately known as "Doc" to his students and colleagues, spent 37 years in a job he loved.
"I loved it. I loved teaching," said Roemer, a Franklin resident who worked for 27 years as an English teacher at Wayland High School, and 10 years prior as an English professor at Northwestern University and Northeastern University.
Life felt a bit empty when he retired three years ago, so he decided to fill that hole by returning to his passion, he said.
For the past year, he has volunteered as a part-time teacher working alongside a few full-timers at Franklin High School, in a pilot program he proposed last October to Franklin Superintendent of Schools Wayne Ogden. Ogden is the former assistant superintendent of Wayland Public Schools.
"I really wanted very much to have something to do with education. I missed being with the kids. I may be old, but I have a lot of experience, a lot to offer," Roemer said.
"I never got tired of the teaching, I never got tired of the kids, but I did get tired of correcting papers," Roemer said.
As a volunteer, he gets the best of both worlds: giving students one-on-one academic attention, without having to pour through essays and tests, as well as a flexible, albeit, confusing rotating schedule, he said.
Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here
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| Franklin/FrgPrk #790 (5:05am ib) will not service Forge Park. #702 (5:45am ib) will run on time from Forge Park. 11/3/2008 5:31 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved. |
| Franklin/FrgPrk #790 (5:05am ib) will not service Forge Park. #702 (5:45am ib) will run 20 minutes late. 11/3/2008 5:31 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved. |
Franklin/Forge Park Nov 3, 6:41 a.m. (Inactive)
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| Franklin/FrgPrk #706 (6:35am ib) experiencing 15-20 min delay 11/3/2008 7:14 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved. |
| Franklin/FrgPrk #732 (7:54am ib) experiencing 20-25 min delay 11/3/2008 8:20 AM This alert is no longer active at mbta.com. Likely the issue has been resolved. |
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The new contract, which expires in June 2010, gives officers a 2 percent raise retroactive to October 2007, a 2.5 percent raise as of October 2008 and a 3 percent raise in October 2009, Nutting said.
Sergeants' pay will increase to 17 percent above the top patrol officer salary step in the first year of the contract, to 18 percent in the second year, and to 19 percent above in the third year.
In recent meetings, the School Committee has broached the possibility of redistricting local schools, but officials say it is a long way off, and any changes will be minor.
"The most important thing for parents to know is, neither the School Committee nor I anticipate any redistricting this year or next year," said Superintendent Wayne Ogden.
Leaders are considering redistricting because some schools, such as Sullivan Middle, are overcrowded, while others like Jefferson Elementary, have available space. The imbalance has resulted in the need to ship some kids around, said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.
"It's just trying to balance out the schools and make sure we're maximizing space in every building," said Roy.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
---------------------
RESERVE ANOTHER LAUREL for Edward O. Wilson, the Pellegrino University Professor emeritus at Harvard, serial Pulitzer winner, and prominent intellectual: online celebrity.
Forget Charlie Rose - Wilson has Google for a soapbox. Amid the amateur-hour piffle of YouTube "talent" and skateboarding dogs, the famed botanist stands in bold relief, with more than 500 Google video search results to his credit: Interviews ranging far afield of TV shows to a spate of appearances on several Web-only video platforms such as Meaningoflife.tv, Bigthink.com, Fora.tv, and the online home of the Technology Entertainment Design (TED) conference.
Read the full article in the Boston Globe here
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To help raise money for field lights for youth football, Franklin Chargers Football Organization has announced NorthEast-Eagle Electrical Distributors, in conjunction with WEEI, has begun "New Friday Night Lights 2008 Sweepstakes.''
Cities and towns all over New England have the chance to enter into the sweepstakes with hopes to win a brand new installed sports lighting system for their youth football league field.
For over 5 years, Franklin's Recreation Department and the Franklin Chargers Football Organization have used the Remington Jefferson School fields to house their football programs. The facility is used six days a week by more than 400 football players. The facility does not currently have lights, so the use of portable lights has been very costly for both organizations. Between rental, gas to run the lights and set up break down, it is estimated that this expense around $3,000 per month.
You can help the kids of Franklin obtain lights for their football teams, by voting today.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
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After sometimes "frustrating" negotiations, the town and its police union signed a three-year contract this week, said Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting and Police Association President John Maloney.
"Overall, once we worked certain issues out - we definitely weren't happy with the process or sequence of events - but at the end, it's a pretty fair contract," said Maloney.
Nutting also called the contract (currently in memorandum of understanding form only) "fair" and in line with agreements other unions have with the town.
"I think it was a fair deal for everybody involved," said Nutting, adding that part of his aim was to ensure equality among public employees.
The deal is retroactive to June 2007, when the last one expired.
The new contract, which expires in June 2010, gives officers a 2 percent raise retroactive to October 2007, a 2.5 percent raise as of October 2008 and a 3 percent raise in October 2009, Nutting said.
Read the full article in the Franklin Gazette here
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Franklin High School has begun a six-month pilot program allowing advertising on 4- by 6-foot banners in its field house.
"Despite a tight economy, you do have a captive audience," and the district should benefit from it, said School Committee member Ed Cafasso, a member of the advertising subcommittee.
The money made during the pilot program will go to Franklin High's revolving athletic account, but the School Committee may direct the money elsewhere if and when the program continues.
"We've been talking about this for quite some time," said Franklin High School Athletic Director Brad Sidwell.
"Hopefully, we'll get it done in the next month, during the busy winter season," Sidwell said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
This was part of the live reporting here on Tuesday night during the school committee meeting.
The dented, rusty lockers with missing handles, doors that don't shut and the rest of the boys' locker room was the low point on a tour for local officials of Franklin High School last night.
Some of the showers do work, said Mike D'Angelo, facilities director for the town and schools, adding, with a laugh, "though nobody uses them."
The boys' locker room is one of several places at the high school, built in 1971, that is not handicapped-accessible, said D'Angelo, who led the tour.
The girls' locker room "is just like times gone by, the '70s," D'Angelo said.
As D'Angelo showed the group an outdated general science classroom in the B wing, Town Council Chairman Christopher Feeley asked, "What's the worst thing to the eyes in this building?"
D'Angelo and Principal Pamela Gould answered unequivocally: the boys' locker room and chemistry labs.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Citing an amazing work ethic and knowledge of Franklin schools and the community, the School Committee last night unanimously voted to appoint Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski as the new superintendent, with the whole room clapping.
Sabolinski will take the reins from her mentor, Superintendent Wayne Ogden, when he resigns June 30.
"I wholeheartedly support and endorse your candidacy for this position," School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy said, addressing Sabolinski. "I've seen your level of dedication, I've seen the skill set you bring to the job and the wonderful working relationship between you and Wayne Ogden."
Roy also said he was "delighted" to be able to say there was a great candidate in the Franklin school system.
"I thought long and hard about whether we should go to a broad, nationwide search. Having participated in two searches, and ... judging what we've seen in the past ... Why would I spend taxpayers' money when I know in my heart, the top candidate is sitting here in our lap?" Roy said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
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Replies.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
Replies.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
------------------
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
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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.
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Replies.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
---------------
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
