Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Live reporting - Action items

4. Action Items
  • I recommend to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the Bi-County Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Walpole, MA. approved 7-0
  • I recommend approval of the Parmenter Primary Learning Center field trip to Roger Williams Park, in Providence, RI on June 2, 2009. approved 7-0
  • I recommend approval of the 2009-2010 School Committee Meeting Schedule. Amend calendar to July 21st from July 13th approved 7-0
  • I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. approved 7-0
  • I recommend acceptance of the donation of $5,000.00 to the FHS Science department in memory of Mr. Donald Redpath from the Sanofi Pasteur Company. approved 7-0
  • I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light to declare the attached list of additional FHS Library books as surplus. approved 7-0
  • I recommend acceptance the following checks for the Franklin High School Scholarships as listed: approved 7-0
1. $500.00 from Alan Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
2. $500.00 from Carla & Richard Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
3. $500.00 from Philip & Jennifer Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
4. $500.00 from Nancy Lovely for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
5. $500.00 from Janet Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
6. $5,000.00 from Jessie Lo & Michael Johnson for the Michael N. Johnson Alumni.
  • I recommend approval of the RMS Gr. 8 Science field trip to Roger Williams Park Zoo on June 8, 2009 as detailed. approved 7-0

Live reporting - Acceptable Use Policy

The subcommittee will take another crack at this and bring it back

Live reporting - Detailed Questions FY 2010

Armenio - I know this is position related, what impact will this have on the district?
Sabolinski - other districts are adding this position, we are cutting this. That is one impact. We will try and spread some of the reporting around.

Armenio - these are not options, these are requirements
Sabolinski - yes, this will be difficult

Armenio - we're zeroing this out, this will be more of a capital item. When you look at social studies they only went up to the Vietnam War.
Sabolinski - we are replacing books this year that are over a dozen years old.

Cafasso - can you tell me how this is up after years of being down?
Goodman - each school got their allocations and depending upon how they used it at their level, the schools across the board the got the same amount as they got last year, it is their discretion on how they are using it.

Armenio - question on field trips, this was taken out years ago
Goodman - this is a coding issue, all transportation should be in the 3300 series, any non-school to home transportation should be here, so visits between schools, to TriCounty these fall here

Cafasso - Where is this coming from?
Goodman - this is a growth from year to year, there is a contract in place, we have added a bus, some of this is offset with the pay-to-ride fees but this is still underfunded.

Cafasso - This is a philosophical decision that we are not fully funding the cost of the transportation.
Sabolinski - that becomes a bigger philosophical decision when you come to high school sports, those are not fully funded either. the entire population effectively subsidizes the few who use it

Cafasso - my question was designed to see if we were seeing cost increases in the contract?

Rohrbach - Can someone explain what it means?
Waters - We have approx 70 students, a small percent of the total population. There needs are such that we can not provide within the district. Those tuitions can range from 25,000 to 200,000 per student. The total is 3.8 million. We are actually doing better than elsewhere. For a district our size, to have only 70 out of district is good. We have increased programs to keep students within the district here where possible.

Armenio - we are notified of tuition rate increases around Dec 15th?
Waters - The out of district schools can apply for an increase to the State at any time, we have no control over that.

Greydon Smith, citizen - what is our responsibility for special education?
Waters- special education is federally mandated as well as at the State. The students have a right to education, the decisions are made by the team. The number you see is legally mandated.

Citizen - and what is the funding for this?
Ogden - explains that we don't get direct funding for it, the State does participate with "circuit breaker" funds
Goodman - we get reimbursed about 20%

Roy - we have options with what we can do for the public hearing. we can close it for tonight, or continue it to a future date?
Cafasso - I would move to continue the hearing to a future date.

Motion to continue the hearing until June 9th
Passed 6-1

Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget Q and A

Armenio - will the schedule rotate?
Light - we are still working out the details but yes it will rotate

Armenio - fees won't go away, participation may go down, I'm not happy with the fees. What about enrollment?
Light - we are estimating an increase of about 50-75 but things are still in flux

Kelly - The elementary numbers changed from the 3/24/09 presentation, can you explain the difference?
Minkle - The numbers are closer to actual but have been changing; April 30th enrollment, May 15th kindergarten enrollment, with a teacher reduction of 20 (versus 30 prior)

Cafasso - What will happen now with the library space? What will they be used for, how will the students use them?
Sabolinski - Assistance to checkin/checkout books will still exist, teachers can still bring their classes, there just won't be instruction in the library

Cafasso - Hard to predict what extracurriculars will be offered depending upon the teachers remaining and the student interest
Wittcoff - The middle school programs change each year depending upon the teachers and the student interest

Cafasso - Are any left in the district?
Ogden - Yes, elementary level

Cafasso - What is the role of CET in our district?
Wittcoff - They provide support to teachers in instructional practices
Ogden - There is a hope that some of the stimulus funds can be used to restore some of these positions outside of the budget.

Cafasso - Would you like to add anything to this discussion?
Wittcoff - The corner stone of the middle school model is teaming, by teaming, the teachers are sharing the same students. This allows the teachers to share and identify the students for help as required. This level is second only to the elementary level in rate of brain growth. This is a critical period, this model has been in use for 50 years, anything less than this would be a step back in time.

Cafasso - I don't see a fee cap for a family?
Ogden - We did not reach agreement in the subcommittee

Cafasso - I am disappointed with where we are, at a time when the President has announced the first Latino women in an appointment to the Supreme Court, schools are supposed to be the safety net for kids.

Rohrbach - What will PE/Health look like next year?
Ogden - Peter Light (High school principal) has not completed collecting data from the students. I can say it will look different, there will be less. The high school will look more like the elementary model where they get it once a week.

Live reporting - FY 2010 Discussion

Salary a big chunk
Health care, Transportation, and Out of district tuition account for the bulk of the remaining amount.

Elementary level $210
Middle Schools $225
High School $355

This is the apportionment of the budget on a per pupil basis
Some of the budget line item changes can be directly attributed to these amounts flowing to the schools

Overall reducing 42-25 positions with this budget

High School
Asst Principal, Secretary, Librarian, and four teachers = total of seven positions

Class sizes can remain manageable with a change in the schedule from 7 period rotating to a 6 period schedule. 60 minute per period.

Middle Schools
2 grade 6 teachers
4 grade 7 teachers
4 grade 8 teachers
2 music
1 librarian
1 Math curriculum enhancement teacher

Class sizes remain significantly high

Elementary Schools
18.5 classroom teachers
2.5 librarians
1.2 specialists

Class size will be much increased, 21 of the 30 class groupings will exceed School Committee guidelines

User Activity Fees
As announced previously, the fees will increase over the next three years to bring the fee revenue into a 50/50 support level with the budget assumptions

Athletic fees, pay-to-ride, extracurricular fees are the three areas covered.
Page 9 depicts the fee schedule for the next three years

A calculation of the fees shows a "typical" family with students at the High School could amount to $3,000 per year. This would be about 60% of the average property tax amount.

The budget reduction targeted 3 million has come within 1,489,233.
The Senate budget differs significantly from the House and Governor's budget. That amount is not reflected in the numbers shown here.

Summary
  • No late bus
  • High school scheduling changes
  • Split teams at the Middle Schools
  • Larger elementary class sizes
  • Programing changes (Music, library, PE/Health)
  • Fewer extracurricular activities

Live reporting - FY 2010 Budget

This is the budget document from the packet for the meeting this evening


Live reporting - Cafeteria takes deferment

The cafeteria workers voted to take the wage increase deferment for this year.

Live reporting - School Committee 5/26/09

Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Kelly, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Missing: none

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments - none

Review of Agenda - remove warrants from the agenda for tonight

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 12, 2009 School Committee Meeting. Motion to approve, passed 7-0

Payroll Ms. Armenio

FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence: 1. Letter from Ms. Barbara Hiss

live reporting - presentations

Mary Cole - high school track athlete broke the 2 mile record at 11:31

(pictures later)

"teaching does not end at the bell"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 25, 2009 @ 11:10 PM

FRANKLIN —

With the fate of at least 16 jobs resting on whether the School Committee and teachers union can agree on a proposed wage deferral, teachers' benefits, workloads and contracts have lately become matters of public debate.

Online comments about some recent Daily News stories on the situation have implied teachers are living "the good life," with three months of vacation, six-hour days that end at 3 p.m., and salaries that burden taxpayers.

Others insist teachers are working 80-hour weeks for low pay, and just don't get the respect from the School Committee they deserve for providing an invaluable service.

This differing views have led to the question: What, exactly, is in that 140-page teachers contract?

It is a complex document, said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy.

Read the full article on the teacher's contract in the Milford Daily News here

Note: The article is incorrectly reporting on the teacher "demands" (Bold for my emphasis)

" ... the permanent removal of the requirement for teachers to attend one of five floating after-school meetings."

My analysis covering the back story can be found here


Dedication Program

If you'd like to review the program for the Memorial Day Dedication of the Iraq/Afghanistan monument on the Town Common, you can do that here.




If you missed the ceremony or would like to listen to a replay, you can find the audio for the complete ceremony here

School Committee - Agenda - 5/26/09

Call to order Mr. Roy
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business


Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 12, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: 1. Letter from Ms. Barbara Hiss

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY10 Budget
b. Mary Cole – Track Star

3. Discussion Only Items

FY10 Budget Hearing
First Reading – Acceptable Use Policy

4. Action Items
  • I recommend to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the Bi-County Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Walpole, MA.
  • I recommend approval of the Parmenter Primary Learning Center field trip to Roger Williams Park, in Providence, RI on June 2, 2009.
  • I recommend approval of the 2009-2010 School Committee Meeting Schedule.
  • I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
  • I recommend acceptance of the donation of $5,000.00 to the FHS Science department in memory of Mr. Donald Redpath from the Sanofi Pasteur Company.
  • I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light to declare the attached list of additional FHS Library books as surplus.
  • I recommend acceptance the following checks for the Franklin High School Scholarships as listed:
1. $500.00 from Alan Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
2. $500.00 from Carla & Richard Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
3. $500.00 from Philip & Jennifer Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
4. $500.00 from Nancy Lovely for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
5. $500.00 from Janet Guidrey for the Susan E. Guidrey Memorial.
6. $5,000.00 from Jessie Lo & Michael Johnson for the Michael N. Johnson Alumni.
  • I recommend approval of the RMS Gr. 8 Science field trip to Roger Williams Park Zoo on June 8, 2009 as detailed.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
a. Honorary Diploma
b. Retirements

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session

Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Monday, May 25, 2009

Channel 5 Coverage

Hundreds gathered in Franklin Monday to support two families at the dedication of a memorial honoring their sons.

"Their names are inscribed on that monument, and we want people to understand the sacrifice that was made by Shayne and Robert and the sacrifice of their families," said veterans agent Bob Fahey.

For months, three Franklin High School seniors collected hundreds of dollars at lunch. Workers donated materials and their time, and the garden club created a beautiful setting.

Lance Cpl. Shayne Cabino, 19, and Staff Sgt. Robert Pirelli, 29, were both killed in Iraq. They were honored by a community that will never forget their sacrifices.
Read the full article on the Channel 5 site here

FM #40 - Memorial Day 2009

With no intro/closing music this time, we jump directly to the ceremony on the Franklin Town Common May 25, 2009.

This is the annual Memorial Day remembrance and the dedication of the new Iraq/Afghanistan monument inscribed for Lance Cpl. Shayne Cabino, and Staff Sgt. Robert R. Pirelli.

You can navigate to a specific section of the ceremony with the listing below.

Time: 48 minutes, 28 seconds





MP3 File

Numbers listed refer to the minutes/seconds of the recording
  • Opening Statements
  • Invocation – Rev Charles Eastman 00:40
  • National Anthem – FHS Band 2:00
  • Bob Fahey 3:30
  • Chris Feeley 8:30
  • Rep Jim Vallee 9:23
  • Sen Scott Brown 12:43
  • Cabino/Pirelli parents escorted 14:38
  • Monument unveiled 15:44
  • Moment of silence 17:00
  • Jodi Cabino/Nancy Pirelli 19:35
  • Story of the monument 23:20
  • Dave Roche 25:46
  • Monument Committee introductions 30:40
  • Dedication – Rev Carol Rosine 33:00
  • Placement of wreaths 37:00
  • Reading the list of Franklin heroes 41:44
  • 21 gun salute 44:25
  • Taps 44:45
  • Final thanks 46:15
  • Benediction – Rev Abraham Waya 47:30

Town Common Memorials


Town Common Memorials, originally uploaded by shersteve.

The blue cover of the new memorial will come off during the ceremony immediately following the parade later this morning.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:45 AM.

The unveiling should begin approximately 11:15 AM.

Franklin: Oak St Memorial Day performance

Parents, grandparents, family and friends of Oak St gathered on Friday to hear the Memorial Day performance by the entire school.

"much of the school budget is still in the air"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 24, 2009 @ 08:51 PM

FRANKLIN —

The School Committee will begin its public hearing on the budget tomorrow with no idea what the state will award the district, said Superintendent Wayne Ogden.

As of Friday afternoon, the state Senate budget gives Franklin $1.7 million less than the governor's budget, and schools are slated to take about half of that hit.

In total, $1.5 million - including $800,000 in savings from a prospective wage concession from the teacher's union - is in flux in the school budget, Ogden said.

Ogden, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy, and committee member Ed Cafasso said they were surprised at the Senate slashing Franklin's aid.

The meeting will reflect the recent changes in those numbers, Roy said.

Read more about the school budget in the Milford Daily News here

The opportunity to provide direction to the school committee on what you'd approve of for increases in fees and cuts in services begins with the budget hearing opening Tuesday night.

Tell the School Committee what you think.

more teens caught drinking

Milford Daily News
Posted May 24, 2009 @ 08:47 PM

FRANKLIN —

More than a dozen people were arrested Saturday night after police raided a party on Charles Drive, police said.

After receiving a call on Saturday at 11:25 p.m., about loud youths in the area, police responded and arrested 14 people between the ages of 18 and 23.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

It wasn't so long ago that FHS hosted the wonderful presentation on teen drinking and substance abuse (Dec 2008). That evening's message appears to have been wasted.

Events in the schools this week

ASMS - Class of 2009 Reunion (Cafetorium) 5/26/09 4:00 PM

Oak - Kindergarten Information Night 5/27/09 6:30 PM

Keller - Fun Fair 5/27/09 4-6:30 PM

Keller - Kindergarten End of Year Performance (Café) 5/28/09 9:00 AM

JFK - 4th Gr. Expo 5/28/09 8:30-10:30 AM

FHS - Sophomore Banquet (Café) 5/29/09 7-10:30 PM

JFK - 2nd Gr. Family Day 5/29/09 All Day

Check each school website for additional information on these events.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

FM #39-11 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 11 - Final

This recording for Franklin Matters is the eleventh and final part of the special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 7 minutes, 11 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-10 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 10

FM #39-9 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 9

FM #39-8 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 8

FM #39-7 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 7

FM #39-6 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 6

FM #39-5 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 5

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1


Session Notes:


Music intro
My intro
FM #39-11

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-11 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th continues the second round of Q&A with

unidentified person, moved from Maryland in 1983,

Gov Patrick thinks aggregation of services should be explored, the solution may not the same for every service – then goes into a quick closing comment


I hope you have learned something from listening to one or more of these segments. I have found them very insightful.

here we go

---- ---- ----
This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-10 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 10

This recording for Franklin Matters is the tenth of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 14 minutes, 54 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-9 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 9

FM #39-8 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 8

FM #39-7 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 7

FM #39-6 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 6

FM #39-5 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 5

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1


Session Notes:


Music intro
My intro
FM #39-10

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-10 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th continues the second round of Q&A with
Paul – these revenue increases are a “no-brainer” to me, casino revenue should be considered, thanks for reaching out (comment part of the video summary)

Sandra – special ed day program currently being cut could cause one of the two job holders to lose their job to provide the care

Jessie – casino and gambling issues have not be given a proper public discussion, for every dollar in revenue to the state costs 3-4 dollars in providing services related to gambling addiction

Gov Patrick closes this segment with his position on the casino/gambling discussion

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-9 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 9

This recording for Franklin Matters is the ninth of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 13 minutes, 49 seconds



MP3 File


FM #39-8 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 8

FM #39-7 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 7

FM #39-6 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 6

FM #39-5 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 5

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1


Session Notes:

Music intro
My intro
FM #39-9

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-9 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th starts a second round of Q&A by picking 5 people. The discussion continues with

Mary Anne – talking about “community first” vs “kids first”, involve the employee unions in looking at the reforms

Marian – DCR parks can charge more

Gov Patrick talks about the value choice we have made

Chris – talks about Federal money for Rails to Trails

Rep Vallee – jumps in has reached out to Gov Patrick about this

Gov Patrick says “here locally there is some good news coming”

Manasa – beyond taxing, what else can you ask of me, this is a game changer, what can we do to help?

Gov Patrick – I can't thank you enough for asking this question. Suggests cleaning up the parks regularly.


Great sound bite from this section, already shared as a “found sherku”
We better start behaving
Like we are members
Of the same community

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

"land conservation outpaced development"

"The ideal situation is to intensify development in smaller areas so there are more acres to permanently protect. That's the way the planning world is thinking right now," said Bryan Taberner, Franklin's planning director. "But you also have the economics of it, and a person has the right to develop their land and there are a lot of issues at play."

Taberner said he thinks the size of houses will plateau because "as we know, a lot of people over-bought and a lot of people are going to be looking to sell and get into something smaller."

Read the full article on the recently updated Audubon Society report on development vs preservation in the Milford Daily News here


Saturday, May 23, 2009

Kodak Digital Camera Found

A Kodak digital camera with a red case was found in the driveway to the Parmenter Elementary School on Wachusetts St on Saturday morning.

It looks like it has been run over. The screen is cracked but it powers on. There are pictures stored on the card.

The camera was left with the Franklin Police Dept on Panther Way and can be claimed there.

"Lawn watering is restricted"

GateHouse News Service
Posted May 22, 2009 @ 06:35 PM

FRANKLIN —

Because of the tremendous increase in the demand for water and state restrictions on the amount of water that can be pumped daily, the town must place mandatory water conservation measures in effect for lawn watering during the summer months, beginning Tuesday, May 26.

The summer Water Conservation Measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the town. There have been 24-hour periods during which water consumption has been more than twice our average daily water usage for the year.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

I don't buy this logic. The Town Council is considering a sewer rate increase because water usage is down and yet there is a "tremendous increase in the demand for water".

Oh, and you also bury the story on the holiday weekend! Come on.

Sorry guys, it is either one or the other, can't have it both ways.



Nothing To No One

Enjoy this sample of their music:



Quantcast

If you like this, click through to their website to find out more about Noting To No One.

Friday, May 22, 2009

FM #39-8 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 8

This recording for Franklin Matters is the eighth of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 11 minutes, 58 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-7 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 7

FM #39-6 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 6

FM #39-5 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 5

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1

Session Notes:

Music intro My intro FM #39-8

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-8 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th continues the Q&A session with

Michael Walker Jones – pension reform, the outliers do not represent the
whole

Gov Patrick – some of his comments in the video summary come from this
section of the discussion.

Rep Vallee chimes in not in an attempt to mediate between two of his friends,
he thinks both are right, pension reform abuses need to be stopped

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-7 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 7

This recording for Franklin Matters is the seventh of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 13 minutes, 17 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-6 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 6

FM #39-5 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 5

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1

Session Notes:

Music intro My intro FM #39-7

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-7 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th continues the Q&A session with

Jeff – proposal for 5 transportation agencies (1) to reduce costs (2) improve interconnection capabilities
Max – index Prop 2 ½ for inflation, repeal requirement for non-progressive
income tax clause
updating the Chap 70 formula

Town Council Chairperson Chris Feeley clarifies Max's comment that Franklin if it doesn't meet the net school spending level as determined by the State would be forced to fund the schools from the municipal side of the budget or stand to loose their Chap 70 funds.

Some communities desire to remain isolated and hinder the progress of the rest of the region

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-6 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 6

This recording for Franklin Matters is the sixth of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 15 minutes, 8 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-5 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 5

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1

Session Notes:

Music intro My intro FM #39-6

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-6 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th continues the Q&A session with
Bill – education funding from property taxes is broken system
other unidentified comments touch on the regionalization issue

Rep Vallee chimes in on property tax relief commending the Gov for being a strong advocate

Gov Patrick concedes we are over reliant on property taxes to support local government. His proposals for additional revenue (1) the gas tax, (2) the hotel and meals tax, (3) removal of the exemption on the telephone pole tax.

We have over 200 911 centers in MA, CA a far bigger state, has only 4, their response time is the same or better than ours. Regionalization here in New England is a third rail. We have to figure out how to combine things.

Here we go ...

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-5 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 5

This recording for Franklin Matters is the fifth of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 13 minutes, 49 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1

Session Notes:

Music intro My intro FM #39-5

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-5 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th continues the Q&A session with
Christy – concerned about the whole child and Chapter 70 funding
Laura – Mass Academy for Math & Sciences, a cooperative venture with WPI

Gov Patrick address the “urban legend” about this roomful of cash at the State House and if you get him in a good mood, it is there for the taking. It is not. “Are you willing to contribute more to the status quo?”

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-4 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 4

This recording for Franklin Matters is the fourth of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 11 minutes, 49 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1

Session Notes:

Music intro
My intro
FM #39-4

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-4 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick at the Franklin Senior center on Sunday May 17th continues the Q&A session with
Ann – special education reimbursement from MedicAid
Jenny – special education advisory council, 64% returns to the schools but not all of it gets to special ed. How about taxing clothing? This was part of the video summary.

Gov Patrick's response is masterful. Part of his response is also captured in the video summary.

Here we go....

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-3 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 3

This recording for Franklin Matters is the third of a special series to replay the discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 14 minutes, 24 seconds



MP3 File


FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1


Session Notes:

Music intro
My intro
FM #39-3

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-3 in the series.

In this segment, we hear the first questions after the presentation. Gov Patrick moderates the discussion with
Wendy – school nurse vs school based health centers
Lynn – Worcester public health service cuts
Alice – dedicated funds remain assigned to the purpose as designated

This segment has two great sound bites:

One I already turned into a sherku when Gov Patrick was talking of growing up and his Grandmother's saying:
My Grandmother forbid us
To say we’re poor; “you’re broke,
Broke is temporary.”


Second, Gov Patrick on the proposed gas tax: “Last summer we sent $4 to OPEC and got nothing for it, here we are talking about 19 cents and getting something for it.”

The Governor closes this segment by picking the next 7 people to get around to in the Forum.

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-2 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 2

This recording for Franklin Matters is the second of a special series to replay the discussion at the Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 26 minutes, 57 seconds



MP3 File

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1

Session Notes:

Music intro
My intro
FM #39-2

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-2 in the series.

This segment of the Town Hall Forum conducted by Governor Deval Patrick replays the presentation. We pick up with the Gov completing his introduction and setting out the ground rules. He turns the mic over to Brendan Ryan, Director of Civic Engagement who takes us through a series of slides.

I intend to synchronize this audio with the actual slides. Synchronizing the audio with the slides will make this segment much easier to listen to as each time they refer to a slide, they don't always read what is on the slide itself. In the meantime, here is the audio.

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

FM #39-1 Gov Patrick Town Hall - Part 1

This recording for Franklin Matters is the first of a special series to replay the discussion at the Senior Center on May 17 when Governor Deval Patrick conducted his Town Hall Forum.

Time: 7 minutes, 4 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes

Music intro
My intro
FM #39-1

This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 39-1 in the series.

This segment will be one of a special series to cover the Town Hall Forum conducted at the Senior Center on Sunday, May 17th by Governor Deval Patrick.

The recording of the full almost two hour session will be broken into segments to make it easier to listen to (time wise). This first segments will picks up with the introduction by Representative Jim Vallee, and then Gov Deval Patrick sets the ground rules for the discussion that follows.

The recording jumps into Rep Vallee's intro. I apologize for missing the welcome remarks by Town Council Chairperson Chris Feeley.

Gov Patrick's ground rules and execution of what follows is a wonderful example of facilitating a respectful discussion.

---- ---- ----

This podcast has been a public service provided to my fellow citizens of Franklin, MA

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The musical intro and closing is from the Podsafe Music Network
Jon Schmidt - Powerful Exhilarating Piano Music

Photo essay - 3rd Thursday - Block Party

On a night when the sky was clear

Franklin_90521HowClear

The sun was setting

Franklin_90521SunSetting

These guys were concentrating on playing good music

Franklin_90521Intent

The acoustic section of the group "Nothing to No One" was something to listen to for many

Franklin_90521Singing

Have something to eat or drink at Cafe Dolce

Franklin_90521CafeDolce

Come on down to celebrate the next Third Thursday in June!

Franklin_905213rdThurs

Gov Patrick video summary

The Governor has posted his video summary of the Forum at the Senior Center on Sunday, May 17th.

You can view this almost 4 minute video:



I'll have the audio for the full Forum coming out in sections during the day Friday.

Governor's visit, summarized; short and sweet

These two sherku were written as a result of Governor Patrick's visit to Franklin's Senior center on Sunday. I am working to publish the audio of the session in sections so if you missed the event, you can still listen to what was said during his visit.

Gov Patrick says

Tough state budget choices
Most of these things we will
Pay for sooner or later

What is a sherku?

This is almost a "found" poem as it an amalgam of Gov Patrick's remarks when he visited Franklin on Sunday (5/17/09).


-----------

Gov Patrick says

We better start behaving
Like we are members
Of the same community

What is a sherku?

This is a "found" poem - Governor Patrick said this during his visit to Franklin on Sunday (5/17/09).

"We schedule them one at a time"

GHS
Posted May 22, 2009 @ 12:31 AM

FRANKLIN —

Negotiating teams for the teachers union and School Committee met for more than two hours yesterday in an effort to reach an agreement on a proposed wage deferral, but they haven't gotten there yet.

"We still haven't come to an agreement yet," said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy. "Both sides have stressed we would not discuss the details of negotiations."

Among those in the closed-door meeting: Roy, School Committee members Cora Armenio, Vice Chairwoman Paula Mullen, Franklin Education President Robert McLaughlin, Superintendent Wayne Ogden, Assistant Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Oak Street Elementary School Principal Corine Minkle, school Human Resources Director Lisa O'Keefe, school Finance Director Miriam Goodman, as well as an elementary school teacher and a middle school teacher.

To close a gap, the town has teachers for a wage freeze. The union, in return, asked for other concessions, which led to the current stalemate.

Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here



Thursday, May 21, 2009

Block Party -> 4:30 - 8:00 PM Downtown


The Franklin Downtown Partnership announced special activities planned for "Third Thursday" on May 21, 4:30 to 8 p.m.


Join downtown businesses on the third Thursday of every month for special offers, discounts and fun activities for the entire family.

The May theme is a Block Party, featuring acoustical entertainment on the outdoor patio at the newly opened Cafe Dolce and a Beader Night Party at Sara Paan Beads.

Following are the planned activities:


Cafe Dolce, 17 East Central St.:

Free live, acoustical entertainment in the outdoor patio and complementary muffins and scones during Third Thursday. Visit http://www.cafedolce.net/ for details.

Sara Paan Beads, 16 East Central St.:


Staff will help customers finish a piece during the "Beader Night Party" and give special demonstrations on creating multi-strand necklaces, loop earrings and more. Refreshments will be served. Visit http://www.maysjewelry.com/ for more details.


Artbeat, The Creativity Store, 9 Summer St.:


Children are invited to meet local author/illustrator Debra Wainwright, who will read from her new book, "That Kind of Dog." Get a signed copy of the story and take a picture with Bramble. Free craft projects can be made while enjoying light refreshments.


Other downtown business will participate in the event.

Town Council Mtg Smry 05/20/09

The collection of posts reported live during the Town Council meeting of 5/20/09 are here:

"not the final word"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 21, 2009 @ 01:15 AM

FRANKLIN —

Just as town officials seemed to have nearly closed a budget gap for next year and avoided widespread layoffs, Franklin stands to lose another $1.7 million in state aid.

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting told councilors last night that the Senate budget reduces Franklin's local aid by $1 million, which means the school district's share will be reduced by at least half a million.

Franklin is also slated to receive hundreds of thousands less in stimulus funds and reimbursements for special education costs, he said.

"There is no good news coming out of the Senate budget," Nutting said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here


New England Sports Celebration - 5/31/09


From the Facebook page for the New England Sports Celebration
Come down and help us raise funds for the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center PCC. We are planning a fun-filled family day celebrating the proud tradition of New England sports!!

Currently, we have Boston hockey legend TERRY O'REILLY coming down to sign autographs from 2PM-4PM.

Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions. You are welcome to bring your own items, and we will have a great selection of pictures, pucks and other items available for sale!


Also from 2PM - 4PM, Wally the Green Monster will be visiting to take pictures and sign autographs for his fans for FREE!!!

AND JUST ANNOUNCED - Football Legend STEVE GROGAN will also be available from 2PM-4PM!!! Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions.

There will be lots of other fun activities for the kids, as well.
Cash bar and concessions will be available. did we mention....ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

This is a public event and we want to pack the place - so please feel free to invite anyone you would like!!! A lot more to come on this...

SAVE THE DATE!!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Live reporting - Councilor Comments

Doak - I want to thanks the Charter Commission for the work they did, there is a lot of good info here that we'll need to get into.

Pfeffer - I thought Gov Patrick did very well with handling the comments, especially with asking for if you don't want this cut, where do we cut?

Nutting - I can't tell you how proud I was of the Senior Center, it was wonderful to have the Governor there

Whalen - Downtown Partnership, general meeting at Dean 8:30 AM
Third Thursday 5/21/09
Strawberry Festival, June 19th
Networking Luncheon, May 27th Golder Room

I'd like to know more about it?

Nutting - The Quinn provides a financial incentive for a degree, town pays half and state pays half; bachelors degree gets a 10% bump, the town puts in 5 and the state puts in 5. If it gets cut, the town side would still be there, the state side wouldn't. Effects folks differently depending upon their rank and their education level, it can be part of their base pay would would affect their detail rate.

Bartlett - Dow e pay any reimbursement for them on the courses themselves?

Nutting - there are 8 collective bargaining agreements, I'd like to get back to you specifically on that. I don't won't to mis-speak

Bartlett - I found it interesting that Gov Patrick has the same issue with explaining the capital vs operating budget problem that we do.

Feeley - It think it should be noted that despite what reported in the Milford Daily News, the town did provide space and was willing to do the retro-fitting necessary for the Franklin Food Pantry.

The Council went into Executive Session for purposes of collective bargaining not to return to open meeting.

(my editorial note: per Joyce Kelly, it was part of the article and the editor cut it out.)

Live reporting - Old/New Business

Vallee - with the Police department taking the wage freeze, the Quinn Bill, and the potential loss of details, what are you planning to do for them?

Nutting - The Quinn bill hasn't been finally decided yet

Nutting - if it is cut, we can have an executive session to review compensation

Live reporting - Administrator update

Nutting - thanks to all for participation, open house at the DPW in conjunction with the Library Book sale.

Third Thursday tomorrow night. Music at Cafe Dolce, other businesses will be participating with arts/crafts, etc.

Marini working with Planning Board to remove fence downtown, put some greenery and benches there

Live reporting - Action items

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - None

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
  1. Resolution 09-30: Appropriations Amended motion to accept - passed 7-0
  2. Bylaw Amendment 09-633: Amendment to Sewer Rates motion to move to second reading - passed 7-0

Notes: 1 - a house keeping approval to clean up for old bonds, there is no cash involved.

Notes: 2 - this wasn't expected a year ago when you voted to reduce the rates. Water usage down 14%, which reduces sewer rates. Charles River rate increased. Vacancies consume less water. This would be the first rate increase since 2003. We cut the rate 10%, this would actually add that back plus 5%. If consumption doesn't increase, we may still need to adjust again for 2011.

Live reporting - FY 2010 update

What happened today reduced $1.7 million from the Franklin budget for FY 2010.

The local revenue options were passed but the timing of obtaining that would prevent us from benefiting it for next year.

No indication that the budget will be adopted until late June

We'll need to use the Governor's number which is probably high to begin with.

Bartlett - Hw would we estimate the meals tax?
Nutting - The DOR estimated sometime ago for us. We haven't done anything yet as it isn't real. You couldn't use 100% in the first year to be fiscally prudent. There are all kinds of estimates. The Senate and the House have two different telecom versions which all leads to no definitive answer.

Picture won;t be clear on the Senate side until the end of this week, or next week.

Nutting - the telecom is pretty straight forward as it is a property tax, we have the data.

Live reporting - Charter Commission

Paul Cheli - Chair
Larry Benedetto - Vice-Chair
Michael Walker-Jones

Review of prior Charter Commission from 1995

Discussion on how to handle the presentation and questions, resolved to present tonight, allow for review by the Council, the Council can accumulate questions and the committee will return to discuss in more detail at a future time.

Live reporting - Town Council Mtg 5/20/09

Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak,
Missing: McGann, Zollo


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 15 & May 6, 2009
Motion to approve - Approved 7-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Dedication of new monument, directly after the parade (approx 11:00 AM). Rain date, 5/31/09

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none

E. APPOINTMENTS none

F. HEARINGS none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS none

"town offers expedited permitting"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 20, 2009 @ 12:11 AM

FRANKLIN —

The state has given Franklin the green light to designate Forge Park, Franklin Industrial Park and Pond Street as economic development sites, said Bryan W. Taberner, Franklin's director of planning and community development.

"With the sluggish economy, the town of Franklin needs to utilize all economic development incentives available to it in order to assist companies looking to settle or expand in the area," Taberner said.

"One of the most attractive incentives that a Massachusetts community can offer businesses is a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement," he said.

Read the full article about the economic development plan in the Milford Daily News here


"a "win-win" for the town and bank"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 20, 2009 @ 12:17 AM

FRANKLIN —

The Franklin Food Pantry, which has been on the verge of homelessness for the past year, has a new home: an entire building owned by Rockland Trust, said Ralph Valente, marketing director for the bank.

On Monday, the pantry's executive director, Linda Pouliot White, and bank officials signed a two-year lease giving the pantry free use of a building at 43 West Central St., across from the new fire station and Rick's Ice Cream.

"They can move in whenever they are ready," Valente said, noting it is slated to open in early June.

Read the full article about the new location for the Franklin Food Pantry in the Milford Daily News here.


Tuesday, May 19, 2009

"Marini must refile his application"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 18, 2009 @ 10:42 PM

FRANKLIN —

Developer John Marini withdrew his application for a site plan modification at the request of town officials who said he failed to mention in the document that he added a few partners since his initial request.

The Planning Board last night unanimously voted to accept the withdrawal without prejudice, which means it can be brought up again.

The application was to make improvements to the interior and exterior of the last of his old buildings so that it is presentable while the town waits another three years for Marini to demolish and rebuild 12-26 East Central St.

Marini had asked to delay the project because he was not able to secure financing during the recession.

Read the latest on the Center Commons development downtown in the Milford Daily News here


Block Party - Downtown Franklin 5/21/09

FRANKLIN - The Franklin Downtown Partnership announced special activities planned for the next "Third Thursday" on May 21, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Join downtown businesses on the third Thursday of every month for special offers, discounts and fun activities for the entire family.

The May theme is a Block Party, featuring acoustical entertainment on the outdoor patio at the newly opened Cafe Dolce and a Beader Night Party at Sara Paan Beads.

Following are the planned activities:

Cafe Dolce, 17 East Central St.: Free live, acoustical entertainment in the outdoor patio and complementary muffins and scones during Third Thursday. Visit www.cafedolce.net for details.

Sara Paan Beads, 16 East Central St.: Staff will help customers finish a piece during the "Beader Night Party" and give special demonstrations on creating multi-strand necklaces, loop earrings and more. Refreshments will be served. Visit www.maysjewelry.com for more details.

Artbeat, The Creativity Store, 9 Summer St.: Children are invited to meet local author/illustrator Debra Wainwright, who will read from her new book, "That Kind of Dog." Get a signed copy of the story and take a picture with Bramble. Free craft projects can be made while enjoying light refreshments.

Other downtown business will participate in the event.
Read the full article online at the Franklin Gazette

Monday, May 18, 2009

Town Council - Agenda - 5/20/09

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 15 & May 6, 2009

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSION
  1. Charter Commission Report
  2. Update of FY 2010 Budget

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
  1. Resolution 09-30: Appropriations Amended
  2. Bylaw Amendment 09-633: Amendment to Sewer Rates

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Road Construction Alert

The Town of Franklin, Department of Public Works would like motorist and residents to know that the following streets will be under construction starting May 19, 2009 to about June 30, 2009:

  • Beech Street from Kathleen Drive to Joseph Circle
  • Daniels Street from Lenox Drive to Short Street
  • Short Street from Daniels Street to Brook Street

The streets will be open to through traffic, however you should expect delays.

Any questions, contact DPW at 508-520-4910.

This was posted on the Franklin website

"there are some difficult choices to be made"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 17, 2009 @ 11:36 PM

FRANKLIN —

Teachers, nurses and residents fearful of deep cuts to state programs and services pleaded their case yesterday afternoon before a captive audience.

Gov. Deval Patrick listened intently while hosting a community forum at the senior center.

"We will get through this by hanging together, by being clear and bringing in the collective wisdom of everyone in the community," Patrick said.

The event is one of 36 forums scheduled across the state for the governor to hear from his constituents. Yesterday Patrick solicited ideas and fielded questions from more than 50 local residents.

Read the full article on Gov Patrick's visit to Franklin in the Milford Daily News here


Events in the schools this week

Jefferson - Wingmasters - Gr. 5 5/18/09 11:30-1 PM

Keller/Sullivan - Evening of the Arts 5/19/09 6:30 PM

JFK - Volunteer Reception 5/19/09 8-9:15 AM

Keller - Kevin Lemanowicz - Gr. 4 Weather 5/20/09 1:00 PM

JFK - Recorder Concert 5/20/09 2:00 PM

Remington - May Mosaic 5/21/09 6:30-8 PM

Oak - Memorial Day Concert 5/22/09 9:00 AM

Keller - Gr. 1 Celebrate America (Cafeteria) 5/22/09 9:00 AM

Parmenter - Memorial Day Remembrance (outside-weather permitting) 5/22/09 9:30 AM

FHS - Flea Market (rain or shine) - donations will go to the Food Pantry, Iraq/Afghanistan War Memorial, and the FHS Theater Scholarship 5/23/09 8 AM - 2 PM

Check each school website for additional information for these events

"The bylaw prohibits"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 17, 2009 @ 09:27 PM

FRANKLIN —

Conducting business in one's home isn't always kosher.

Catering businesses run from the family kitchen, for instance, is a no-no in the town of Franklin, as health officials worry about sanitation issues, says Town Administrator Jeffery D. Nutting, but they still exist here.

The Planning Department is proposing an amended bylaw to better define home businesses and what is allowed in a "home occupation" business and a "home professional office," in order to both make it easier to run a home-based business and to address concerns from neighbors and the health agent, said Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom and Conservation Agent Nick Alfieri.

The town's existing bylaw does not sufficiently cover home businesses, said Town Attorney Mark Cerel.

Read the full article on the home business bylaw in the Milford Daily News here

For all the discussions during the Town Council meeting on 5/6/09 check the live reporting here.


Internet Safety - 5/19/09 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Community Health Council

Presents Worldwide leader in the area of online safety and parent and child Internet Education

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

7:00 PM

Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium

Parry Aftab is a security, privacy and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. Ms. Aftab is Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace that provides important information and programs for children and teens, educators, law enforcement, parents and librarians for all matters related to children online, including online safety and privacy.

Parry Aftab is frequently called as an on‐air expert by all major news services, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC News, The O'Riley Factor and CBS News. She has been used as a resource for 20/20, Dateline, Oprah, Inside Edition and 48 Hours. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the CBS Morning Show.

For more information please a contact: Lisa Keohane at lkeohane@dean.edu or call 508‐553‐4821

Sunday, May 17, 2009

HMEA 5K: Wayne Levy


HMEA 5K: Wayne Levy, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Wayne Levy has no one looking over his shoulder as he approaches the 2 mile mark in today's 5K race in Franklin, MA.

Well over 200 runners participated. There was another group of walkers who raised money for the HMEA today.

Teens drinking

GHS
Posted May 16, 2009 @ 11:42 PM

FRANKLIN —

Police busted up a party Friday night and charged 11 teens with with underage possession of alcohol.

Police said they received a call reporting a party behind the businesses at 38 Pond St. at about 11 p.m.

Police arrested Michael A. Carbone, 17, of 12 Taft Drive; Eric C. Plakias, 17, of 5 Kayla Drive; Christopher B. Dixon, 17, of 5 Echo Bridge Road; Matthew C. O'Neill, 18, of 95 Daniels St.; Patrick S. Cameron, 18, of 580 Maple St.; Michael B. Iacobucci, 18, of 10 Elizabeth Ave.; Matthew C. O'Brien, 18, of 8 Meadow Parkway; Daniel Joseph Telhada, 17, of 23 Susan's Way; Ryan M. Killoy, 18, of 49 Pond St.; Philip Graff, 17, of 17 Marthas Way and a juvenile whose name was not released.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News

Are you registered on the Do Not Call listing?

If you haven't registered yet, Massachusetts residents can use this online form to register. It takes less than a minute to provide the required information.

You can also check to see if your phone # is already registered.

Remember that this will help reduce unwanted phone calls, no one can guarantee stopping all of them.