From the PR news wire today, we find out about RokkSoft.
Franklin, MA, February 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- RokkSoft Solutions Corp has partnered with VocalEZ LLC to expand the distribution of the VocalEZ voice recognition medical dictation transcription service.
VocalEZ wraps an integrated work flow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform that is scalable from a single dictator to a large clinic or integrated hospital system, resulting in cost savings of 50 percent when compared to traditional transcription methods.
RokkSoft will offer the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics. Medical practices of all sizes are confronted with escalating costs. Because VocalEZ is a pay-for-use service, administrators are now equipped with a solution that dramatically reduces monthly expenses, without requiring a major capital outlay.
VocalEZ fundamentally changes the way the transcription industry provides clinical documentation by creating significant enhancements and savings through the entire process. This HIPAA-compliant solution delivers more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation.
VocalEZ has created a solution that allows every physician practice to enjoy the same benefits that had previously only been available to the largest groups and hospitals. By focusing on the needs of this largely overlooked segment of the healthcare market, the partnership with RokkSoft is an indication of the VocalEZ commitment to improved patient care while driving down costs.
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About RokkSoft
RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings.
For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.
From PR.Com here
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Town Council Mtg Smry 02/11/09
The summary of posts covering the Town Council meeting on 2/11/09
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Live reporting - council comments
Zollo - budget season coming and it will be the most challenging for the town. It will require sacrifice from everyone in Town. My hope is that all affected parties will work together in a spirit of unity. To think outside the box. At some point as a town, we have to decide what our budget will represent. Regardless with what is passed, this should bring us closer together.
Pfeffer - The Capital Committee has looked long and hard at the capital. There is a cost to not spend the capital. The Town has paid that price before.
Whalen - The original capital amount was in the neighborhood of 8 million dollars and we are now looking at a vetted amount just over 1 million.
Adjorn!
Pfeffer - The Capital Committee has looked long and hard at the capital. There is a cost to not spend the capital. The Town has paid that price before.
Whalen - The original capital amount was in the neighborhood of 8 million dollars and we are now looking at a vetted amount just over 1 million.
Adjorn!
Live reporting - Town Admin
The Franklin Food Pantry is looking for space. When the renovation on the old municipal building occurs later, they will need the space. They serve approx. 18 communities but most of them are from Franklin, so they would like to remain in Town.
Falling investment income, excise taxes, etc. will result in below level revenues for the first time in several years.
Falling investment income, excise taxes, etc. will result in below level revenues for the first time in several years.
Live reporting - Legislation for action
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
#2 - house cleaning on the accounting, when the department changes took place 5 were planned for, only four actually moved.
#3 - money needed to clear title and ownership for town owned land that has been accumulated over time. The company has already been doing the work, this amount allows them to finish what is in their queue.
#4 - again to clear title and survey for the land. The Town did get State approval for the 40-D priority development for this land. The approval comes with a grant to help improve the planning and permitting process.
- Resolution 09-05: Confirmatory Order of Taking Cross and King Street - approved 8-0
- Resolution 09-07: Appropriation – Public Facilities Salaries - approved 8-0
- Resolution 09-08: Appropriation – Title and Deed Research - approved 8-0
- Resolution 09-09: Appropriation – Survey on 30+ Acres on Pond Street - moved to March 4th meeting
#2 - house cleaning on the accounting, when the department changes took place 5 were planned for, only four actually moved.
#3 - money needed to clear title and ownership for town owned land that has been accumulated over time. The company has already been doing the work, this amount allows them to finish what is in their queue.
#4 - again to clear title and survey for the land. The Town did get State approval for the 40-D priority development for this land. The approval comes with a grant to help improve the planning and permitting process.
Live reporting - Town Council 2/11/09
Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, McGann, Zollo
Missing: Doak
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 7, 2009 approved 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Will bring this back in March for formal vote, only for discussion tonight.
Feeley requested to bring the ladder truck and the DPW lawn mower before the Council for a formal vote for next meeting rather than waiting.
Missing: Doak
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 7, 2009 approved 8-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Use of Town Property Bylaw
- FY 2009 Capital Plan
Will bring this back in March for formal vote, only for discussion tonight.
Feeley requested to bring the ladder truck and the DPW lawn mower before the Council for a formal vote for next meeting rather than waiting.
"He slept with his eyes open"
“He would sleep with his eyes open while posing.” Victor Pisini said as he talked about Shaney Ward, the model for one of his paintings now on display at Gallery 218. “He was a tiny fireman. He would stand only about four foot five inches tall. It was good for us painting to have him sleep with his eyes open. I did that painting about 1957.”
Allison Sherlock explained that one of the two paintings she had in the show was from her “post-stick” period. Her Art teacher at Assumption referred to it that way for an exercise she had Allie do in class. She had Allie paint with her brush taped to the end of a four foot stick. You try doing that. It is not easy to manipulate the brush holding it from such a distance.
Victor complained that he used to be able to find subject matter to paint in the daily news paper. “You can't find that any more. The pictures are all about war, and accidents. I used to be able to find a woman working in a field, or a grandfather holding a child, or someone leading a horse. I could then go and paint from that picture.”
“Imagine that, a real discussion about art right here in Franklin,” remarked Rosanne Walsh as she caught part of the conversation between Allison and Victor. This conversation almost covered the extremes amongst the alumni represented. There are works from the Class of 2008 but Victor was from the Franklin Class of 1947 and Allison was from the Class of 2004.
There is quite a range in the type of work featured in this Alumni Show at Gallery 218. There are oil paintings, ceramics, photography, prints, mixed media and an animated video being shown on DVD. Something for everyone.
Refreshments were served in the cafeteria while Andrew Barry played some background music on his electric guitar. Andrew, a senior at Franklin High has already been accepted at Franklin Pierce College but is waiting to hear from Emerson and Berklee. He would like to pursue studying music and those are his #1 and #2 choices.
Victor's second painting is more recent. He completed a “Meditation” about a year ago. Mike Caple had stopped by the Pisini Shoe Store to pick up the two works for the show. Victor was grateful that he did. “We need more art here in Franklin. Whenever I traveled, I would find the art community. They were very nice people. They were always helpful.”
I think that given the expressive nature of art, given the creativity found in art, Franklin can use more art as we approach this budget season. Stop by Gallery 218 to view the Alumni show. It will be worth your time and may help Franklin's future.
A photo slideshow of Gallery 218 on opening night is available here
Pictures and Slides added
The picture of the panel presenting on the Literacy initiative was added to that posting here
The picture of Peter Light and John Koch was added to that posting here, along with the presentation slides that they used for Advanced Placement Access.
The slides that Peter Light used for the High School Improvement plan were added to that posting here.
Enjoy!
The picture of Peter Light and John Koch was added to that posting here, along with the presentation slides that they used for Advanced Placement Access.
The slides that Peter Light used for the High School Improvement plan were added to that posting here.
Enjoy!
Gallery 218: Alumni Show
Gallery 218 located near the cafeteria at Franklin High School is now featuring the works of FHS Alumni. This slide show captures some of the activity at the opening on Tuesday evening.
Enjoy!
Updated 2/26/09 - The show will continue to feature Alumni art until Mid-April, 2009.
Enjoy!
Updated 2/26/09 - The show will continue to feature Alumni art until Mid-April, 2009.
In the News - Nutting, Cafe Dolce, School Committee
GHS
BOSTON —
Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting was sworn in as the new president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association at yesterday's Local Government Advisory Council meeting, which featured grim conversations on the state's finances, the federal stimulus package and ways to help local governments.
Nutting said he and his colleagues were encouraged by the governor's legislation to help cities and towns cut health insurance and pension costs and giving them the option of charging a local tax on meals.
"I think on the budget issue, with the exception of health insurance, we really lined up with the governor," Nutting said in an interview.
Nutting said he would like to see towns and cities be given the same authority as the state to make changes in health insurance plans for municipal workers.
While some have continued to question Jeff Nutting's ability, his track record here has been good. His predictions of the budget cycle with potential shortfalls each year have been very accurate. Now that he has a greater platform to share his drive for more efficient local government, Franklin can only continue to fare better than the others. Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
------------
GHS
FRANKLIN —
After managing Ashton Kutcher's Geisha House in Hollywood - yes, the one featured on "The Hills" - and some of the hottest nightclubs and cafes in Los Angeles, Dave Purpura and Robert James "B.J." Carlucci are bringing Cafe Dolce to Franklin.
Purpura makes one promise: "There won't be anything like it in Franklin."
Inspiration to start an upscale coffeehouse in downtown Franklin hit Purpura and Carlucci, who are workout buddies, at the gym one night, Purpura said.
Lamenting that the daily grind of physical labor - they do masonry work for Carlucci's father, Nick - was taking a toll on them, making them feel like old men, the pair decided they wanted to start their own business, they said.
Hurrah! A coffee shop coming to downtown. That is progress. Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
-------------
FRANKLIN —
Preparing for next year's looming budget shortfall, School Committee members last night began discussing how to approach making cuts, but did not reach a consensus.
They were all in agreement, however, that whatever choices they make will be painful.
"Anything we reduce this year, plan on it not coming back, maybe never," School Committee member Susan Rohrbach said, responding to committee member Ed Cafasso's call to taking a strategic approach to making cuts.
"That's one of my guiding principles: 'Can we do without this for a long time?"' she said.
Cafasso suggested the committee create a roadmap for deciding where to make reductions by first determining its priorities.
For example, the committee should consider Franklin High School has a projected enrollment increase this fall, whereas the middle and elementary schools are mostly expected to see enrollment decreases, he said.
Read the full article on how the School Committee will deal with the 2010 budget shortfall in the Milford Daily News here.
This was only one of several items on the agenda Tuesday night. For everything else that was covered, you can find out here.
How should MA be represented?
In a successor to the 50 States Quarters Program, the U.S. Mint, in a nationwide program, has asked Governor Patrick to select one preferred and three alternate Massachusetts national sites to be featured on the reverse of a quarter. Beginning in 2010, the Mint will release five new quarter designs annually based on the order in which the selected sites gained federal designation.Governor Patrick is calling on the people of Massachusetts to help with this decision.
“Our Commonwealth has many great parks and historically significant sites,” said Governor Patrick. “It will be fun to let everybody help choose the one to submit.”
It will be fun to watch the various constituencies go for their cause.
How should MA be represented?
By a mark of the Revolution?
Those I think are fairly well plastered everywhere.
By a mark of the sailing industry?
I am leaning this way. Either Salem (for the clipper) or New Bedford (for the whaler) showed MA at the forefront of innovation in shipping and commerce. Such innovation is still required today.
What do you think? How will you vote?
The link to vote can be found here
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Cheryl Wheeler - Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
You'll have to get your tickets early next time, the show this Saturday is already sold out.
If you haven't seen Cheryl before, here is a sample of what she does:
Enjoy!
If you haven't seen Cheryl before, here is a sample of what she does:
Enjoy!
School Committee Mtg 02/10/09
The following posts summarize the live reporting from the School Committee meeting of 2/10/09.
- Live reporting - Superintendent's report, etc.
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - Discussion only items
- Live reporting - FHS School Improvement plan
- Live reporting - Advance placement (AP)
- Live reporting - Literacy continued
- Live reporting - Literacy Update
- Live reporting - School Committee 2/10/09
- School Committee - Agenda - 2/10/09
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Live reporting - Superintendent's report, etc.
Feedback on Mr Peri's performance at Remington this year is astounding, such positive accolades. Some who could not stay sent emails.
FEF - March 19th
Already 400 students enrolled for summer school
FEF - March 19th
Already 400 students enrolled for summer school
Live reporting - Action items
4. Action Items
Roy - we'll table this discussion what is in the best interest for the kids, what are the costs for the options
- I recommend action be taken regarding the make up day for the HM/Oak/ECDC Complex.
- The best educational decision would be to come in on Good Friday
- The best economical solution is to add a half day at the end of the year.
- ECDC faculty has to put in 183, the students are not constrained by 180 days.
- Transportation would be additional either way
Roy - we'll table this discussion what is in the best interest for the kids, what are the costs for the options
- I recommend acceptance of Policy GBAB – Acceptable Use moved back to policy committee for review and revision
- I recommend approval of the Franklin High School’s School Improvement Plan as Presented Approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of the request of Parmenter Principal, Judi Bassignani to declare the listed books as surplus. Approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $427.00 from General Mills Box Tops for Education for the Remington Middle School to be used for supplies. Approved 6-0
- I recommend adoption of Policy KCDB School Based Advertising Content. Approved 6-0
- I recommend moving Policy BEDGG/BEDGG-E Sub Committee Minutes & Exhibit to a second Reading Approved 6-0
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