MADD Legislative Update

MADD LEGISLATIVE UPDATE June 19, 2009 Greetings! Last week MADD testified in support of House Bill 1925 (Rep. William Brownsberger) in front of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Under Massachusetts' current underage drinking laws (Chapter 138 Section 34) it is illegal for persons under 21 to purchase, possess and transport alcohol. However, the law does not include the consumption of alcohol by minors. Underage alcohol use is the number one drug problem among Massachusetts' youth. Although it is illegal to sell or give alcohol to people under the age of 21, approximately half of MA high school students have drank alcohol in the past month. Underage alcohol use plays a major role in the top 3 leading causes of deaths among young people: unintentional injuries/motor vehicle crashes, homicide and suicide. The National Academies of Science noted underage drinking as a national problem in its 2003 report to Congress, "Reducing Underage Drinking: A Collective Responsibility." One of the reports many recommendations is replacing criminal sanctions with civil penalties to reduce societal opposition, and to increase enforcement of the Uniform Minimum Drinking Age. House Bill 1925 closes a significant loophole in our underage drinking law by adding consumption to the law and offering a civil option in addition to the current criminal options. the bill would also establish a Youth Alcohol Education Program in the Department of Public Health. The civil sanctions would include a citation given to the youth, copied to parents/guardians of those under 18, and a fine or appropriate brief alcohol screening and intervention. House Bill 1925 offers a uniform statewide response to possession, attempt to purchase, purchase, consumption, and transportation of alcohol by those under age 21. This public health program would not be offered to youth involved in impaired driving, other acts of violence, or youth with a prior criminal record. This legislation promotes a public health approach to underage drinking instead of a criminal justice approach. The bill creates a positive and effective alternative for law enforcement to hold youth accountable for their action and also helps alert their parents or guardians of the high risks associated with underage drinking. Please take a moment and use the link below to contact your legislators and the members of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse and ask them to support House Bill 1925. Please click here to contact your legislators and the Committee. Click here for a copy (.pdf) of HB 1925. Thank you for your time and if you have any questions about this legislation, please contact our office at 1-800-633-MADD or by emailing us at ma.state@madd.org. Sincerely, MADD Massachusetts

FM #42 - This week in Franklin

FM #42 - Give me ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA for the week ending June 21, 2009.

Time: 6 minutes, 46 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

Music intro
My intro
FM #42

This Internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 42 in the series.

You give me ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters this week in Franklin, MA.

We'll start with a quick review of what happened this past week

1 - Third Thursday had another good turnout
“girl's night out”
July will likely be around a beach party theme

2 - The Strawberry Festival was a success despite the weather
good strawberry shortcake
Franklin Area Bus available
have you ridden the bus yet?

3 - Rep Vallee and Sen Spilka's offices had presence at the Festival
This was good to see that our local officials had a presence
I talked with Michele Goldberg from Sen Spilka's office

4 - United Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jack Lank, Jen Osojnicki, Claire Latino, Irene Polley
doing good things for business in the area

And the outlook for the week ahead:

• school year comes to a close
• School Committee meets 6/23
• Farmers Market operates Friday's from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on the Town Common

The top post for this week will continue to be the survey to enable you to provide your feedback on what you think matters in Franklin. I'll use your input to bring forward additional and simple surveys to refine and define how to make this site work for you.

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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

School Committee - Agenda - 6/23/09

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
• Payroll - Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: Letter from FSC to Mr. Peter Light

2. Guests/Presentations

• Sam Scoba – Chosen All-American by the USLA (United States Lacrosse Association) and Hockomock League MVP
• Plaque for Senior Project – Sascha B. Werner
• Community Health Council Update – Michele Kingsland-Smith

3. Discussion Only Items

• Town – School Agreement
• Budget to Actual
• FY10 Budget

4. Action Items

1. I recommend acceptance of three checks from the Remington PCC totaling $376.76 for field trips as detailed.
2. I recommend acceptance of the donation of the installation of a flagpole from the 5th grade students for the Parmenter Elementary School.
3. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for an 8th grade field trip.
4. I recommend adoption of the Town-School Agreement as detailed.
5. I recommend acceptance of a Japanese Maple Tree from the FHS Young Democrats Club.
6. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

• MSBA
• Stimulus Money
• Special Education

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

"be careful about how much you delay"

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 21, 2009 @ 11:40 PM

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Last year's losses in the state's pension funds raise the possibility towns might have to contribute more to their retirement systems in the coming years to compensate.

There isn't necessarily a direct correlation, as many factors influence how much money a town spends annually to fund its pension obligations, and funds have more than 20 years to make up for their losses.

However, while pension systems' lifetime returns are still around where their officials expect them to be, losses from 2008 have left returns in the past 10 years well below projections.

"The more the pension system earns less than we expected, the more taxpayers have to top it off," said Steve Poftak, research director at the Pioneer Institute, a Boston think tank. "It gives one pause to see 10-year returns so far below the expected rate of return because the unfunded liability would be very large if you were assuming a 4 percent rate of return instead of an 8 percent rate of return. It's a big difference."

Read the full article on funding pension obligations in the Milford Daily News here

I disagree with "may". It is only a question of "when" that the pension obligations need to be funded. Franklin has not done much in this area of funding. The Town Council just authorized to spend $14,000 for a current actuarial analysis at the June 3rd meeting. The analysis is required every two years. Knowing what the analysis is is important, actually budgeting for it will be required some day soon.

Happy Father's Day!

special wishes to all the fathers on this day:






Thanks to Erik Kastner for Spell with Flickr

News roundup: elderly transportation

Alternate forms of transportation for the elderly

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Michael Morton/Daily News staff

When it comes to the debate on elderly drivers and safety on the roads, Franklin senior center Director Karen Alves wants to ensure one point is not lost in the shuffle: adequate public transportation alternatives.

"Otherwise, you're condemning them to life in their apartment or house," she said, given an embarrassing loss of independence and a desire to avoid becoming a burden. "These folks do not want to ask people to help them, and who can blame them?"

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Seniors weigh in on driving restrictions

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ariel Wittenberg & Nick O'Malley, DAILY NEWS CORRESPONDENTS

With Massachusetts lawmakers considering more stringent regulations on drivers over the age of 85, area residents who would be affected had mixed feelings about how additional tests should be implemented.

Richard King, 87, did not give a second thought when he drove to the Fairbank Senior Center in Sudbury on Wednesday.

"I'm almost 90 and still driving, and you better believe it," he said while stuffing envelopes for the Center's weekly senior bulletin.

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What age is too old to drive?

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Michael Morton/Daily News staff

With recent accidents by elderly Bay State drivers a hot topic of conversation among her senior center clientele this week, Director Joanne Duffy sat in her Ashland office this week and contemplated new licensing proposals.

"I don't know the answer," she said. "I'm torn. A lot of people are OK with it. They're confident in their driving abilities and feel they'll pass. At the other end, they feel they're being singled out."

Concern over physically or mentally impaired older drivers has resurfaced this month after a trio of serious accidents.

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My two cents: There should not be a specific age test requirement, age is only one factor. The ability to drive safely is really the concern.

"The reluctance to admit it's time, that is an issue,"

What do you think about elderly drivers?

"It's well attended and promotes downtown business"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 19, 2009 @ 11:44 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Seven-year-old Rebecca Natale nicely summed up the main feature of yesterday's Strawberry Festival: strawberry shortcake.

"It's really, really, really, really, really yummy! I love it," she said, kicking her legs up in excitement.

Her 5-year-old sister, Megan Natale, agreed: "I love it," she said, taking another heaping bite.

It was the family's first time at the town's annual Strawberry Festival, said their mother, Tracy Natale, and the girls couldn't wait for their next bit of festival fun.

"Face painting," they exclaimed.

The sidewalks were full of kids with freshly painted faces, holding balloons in one hand and a parent's hand in the other, happily heading to their next activity.

Read more about the Strawberry Festival in the Milford Daily News here

For my Strawberry Festival photos check here and here

Wells Thompson at Strawberry Festival

New England Revolution midfielder Wells Thompson stopped by the Strawberry Festival in Franklin, MA on Friday afternoon.



Wells and friend Dustin Hinkley liked the strawberry shortcake!

Strawberry Festival Sampler

The forecasted rain may have forced many of the tables indoors but did not dampen the spirits of those attending the Strawberry Festival in downtown Franklin on Friday, June 19th.

The CVS crew were handing out balloons and gift bags. Enzio DiMartino and Lucy LaFreniere were bringing smiles to the kids.



Megan Ellis and Julie Eppus provided gift bags with smiles!



The United Regional Chamber of Commerce has a good contingent of their staff looking up! From left to right: Jack Lank, Jen Osojnicki, Deb Cote, Claire Latino and Irene Pelley.



Jane Curran at her table outside Jane's Frames.



John Kinney provided some music outside Cafe Dolce.



Lisa Jessick of Dream Dinners put some smiles on kids faces by helping them prepare a bag of their personal trail mix.



The Franklin Area Bus also provided a free shuttle ride. Had the rain allowed for the original set up on the Common, this would have been a much utilized feature to bring folks from the Common downtown and return.

"developed powerful programs to address these needs"

Horace Mann Middle School science teacher James Schliefke is at space camp this week after earning a scholarship from Honeywell.

Schliefke, a resident of Franklin, was one of 288 teachers from 16 countries and 47 states chosen to take part in the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy programs at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy programs provide teachers with new and innovative techniques to educate their students about science and math.

The programs focus on space science and exploration in a variety of classroom, laboratory and real-life astronaut training, including: a high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and state-of-the-art flight dynamics programs.

Schliefke is the only teacher from Massachusetts chosen to attend.

Read more about this visit to Space Camp on the Wicked Local site here

Schliefke will be posting "Letters from Space Camp" and those can be read here.

"People forget who is downtown"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 18, 2009 @ 10:58 PM

Last update Jun 18, 2009 @ 11:10 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Free champagne, brownies, doughnuts, massages, art and lots of gabbing - that's what you missed out on if you didn't go to "Girls Night Out" last night.

The ladies - and a fair share of men - seemed delighted as they perused downtown businesses and partook of freebies from 6 to 8 p.m. during the Franklin Downtown Partnership's "Third Thursday" event.

"The goal is really education. It's like a giveaway night: Come get something for free and learn about us," said Jane Curran, owner of Jane's Frames and president of the partnership.

As part of the event, a number of businesses offered 15-minute specials, like a 15-minute massage at Salon Sorella, 9 Summer St., lessons on how to design earrings at Sarapan, a bead store at 16 East Central St., or making quilt squares at Emma's Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St., and proper picture framing at Jane's Frames, 11 East Central St.

Across the way at 9 Summer St., Pretty is Pink owner Lori Rosenberg, who always keeps jars of chocolate kisses and candies throughout the store, gave out bubbly and sweets, and Artbeat Creativity Store staff showed people how to make a beaded votive candle.

Cafe Dolce, 17 East Central St., which hosted a reception for Franklin artist Susan Sheridan's art show and served lattes and desserts, was clearly the hub of last night's activities.

Read more about Third Thursday in the Milford Daily News here

Strawberry Festival - TODAY - 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Due to the rain predicted for the next few days the

Strawberry Festival will be moved inside!

The festival will be Friday the 19th -Rain or Shine

New Location:

Inside Depot Plaza Building (Acapulco's) on 15 Main Street

There will be over 30 crafters, artisans, community groups, vendors, free entertainment, music, crafts, balloons, give-aways and, of course, the Downtown Partnership’s Famous Strawberry Shortcakes!



Some of the highlights include Zumba demonstrations by the YMCA, Punk jump rope, and face painting. ArtBeat will offer free balloons and a children’s “Trash to Treasure” art gallery show. Salon Sorella will offer hair braiding and color hair spraying.

According to Mary Graff, the Festival Chair, “This festival has grown over the years and we have great entertainment lined up. There will be something for every age group!” This year there will be live music at three locations including the East Central Street patio at Café Dolce and the Summer Street Patio. The popular band “Nothing To No One” will perform at the Festival at West Central. “Knuf Said” John Kinney and Jessi Fanuele will be entertaining crowds, as well as “Tunes by Tina” a festival favorite.

Garelick Farms is the Platinum sponsor for this year’s festival.

• Silver sponsors: Dean College and Franklin Newcomers and Friends
• Bronze sponsors: Berry Insurance, Comcast, CVS, Chestnut Dental Associates and Keefe Insurance

A grant from the Mass Cultural Council will help fund the entertainment, and “Ever So Humble” will provide the shortcakes this year! “We really could not have the festival without our generous sponsors,” commented Lisa Piana, Executive Director for the Downtown Partnership.

If it rains the Festival will be held on Saturday from 1:00-6:00. The Farmer’s Market will also be held on Friday and the Garden Club will join the market with their plant sale on the town common. There will plenty of parking available at municipal lots and at Dean College Campus Center.

Visitors this year can ride the “Strawberry Express Bus” provided by GATRA. Pick ups will be at the Town Common at High Street and the Dean College Campus Center.

Strawberry Festival moves indoor!

Due to the rain predicted for the next few days the

Strawberry Festival will be moved inside!

The festival will be Friday the 19th -Rain or Shine

New Location:

Inside Depot Plaza Building (Acapulco's) on 15 Main Street

practical wisdom

Obama appealed to virtue. And I think he was right. And the virtue I think we need above all others is practical wisdom, because it's what allows other virtues -- honesty, kindness, courage and so on -- to be displayed at the right time and in the right way. He also appealed to hope. Right again. I think there is reason for hope. I think people want to be allowed to be virtuous.

In many ways, it's what TED is all about. Wanting to do the right thing in the right way for the right reasons. This kind of wisdom is within the grasp of each and every one of us if only we start paying attention. Paying attention to what we do, to how we do it, and, perhaps most importantly, to the structure of the organizations in which we work, so as to make sure that it enables us and other people to develop wisdom rather than having it suppressed.

The BOLD was added for my emphasis. This is from Barry Schwartz's TED Talk presented in February 2009. He talks about the need for "practical wisdom".

"Practical wisdom," Aristotle told us, "is the combination of moral will and moral skill." A wise person knows when and how to make the exception to every rule...

Here is the full TED Talk:



Should we reconsider "zero tolerance" rules?

Plastic on the windows. What's this hole for?

Plastic on the windows. What's this hole for?, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Big pile of dirt being removed

Big pile of dirt being removed from the Four Corners lot to make room for Walgree, originally uploaded by shersteve.

from the Four Corners lot to make room for Walgreens

It's not to late to celebrate summer!

eat ¢ drink ¢ celebrate summer
	Celebrate Summer with 3!
	It's not too late to celebrate summer at 3! For the entire month of June, dine at 3 and receive a sealed envelope. Inside the envelope is a surprise gift voucher valid on your next visit to 3 before August 31, 2009. The voucher may be for a complimentary appetizer, an entree, or maybe even dinner on us! So come see us soon, and celebrate summer with 3!
Envelopes will be given out during lunch and dinner from June 1 to June 30, or while supplies last. One envelope will be given per table, per visit, in the dining room only. Envelopes must be presented by August 31, 2009. Vouchers are not valid unless envelopes are opened with your server present. This offer is valid at 3 only. Vouchers must be redeemed at time of reveal. No substitutions are available on this offer, and vouchers are not redeemable for cash. Tax, gratuity, and alcohol are not included on any voucher offers.
461 West Central Street (Route 140), Franklin, Massachusetts www.3-restaurant.com Visit our other Let's Eat, Inc. restaurants: SKY, Norwood, MA www.sky-restaurant.com and Sudbury, MA www.sky-restaurant.com

3 is a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and hosted a recent Chamber "Open House". The Chamber staff were on hand to meet and greet with all participants. The Chamber has grown from three different chamber groups merging into one.

what catches your attention?

From TED Talks, this one is on a listing of top talks recommended for educators and school administrators by Dr Scott MacLeod. David Perry is a very successful video game designer. His presentation reviews the development of video games. One of the highlights for me was the video within this presentation; a creative autobiographic essay on why a student is addicted to video games.

If you are looking to understand what catches someone's attention, I think that the video game industry is one that we can learn from.




Does that help you understand the attraction of video games?

What catches your attention?

"the day the boys had been waiting for"

By Nick O'Malley/Daily News correspondent

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 16, 2009 @ 09:54 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Local twins John and Austin Brown brought something much more exciting than their favorite toys to school for show and tell yesterday.

They took Bruins forward Phil Kessel.

"This is our buddy Phil Kessel," Austin said to a crowd of his fifth-grade classmates gathered in the auditorium at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School.

The Browns were the winners of the "Show and Tell" experience sponsored by the Boston Bruins Foundation. According to the boys' father, Dan Brown, the family was looking to donate to the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon and saw this as the perfect way to contribute.

"I just thought it would be a great way to support a great cause and my kids are more than excited," Brown said.

Read the full article about Bruin Phil Kessel's visit to Franklin in the Milford Daily News here

Treesavers - Jan Bornstein, book signing

Jan Bornstein will be at Treesavers Books to sign on June 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

For more about Jan's books visit her web site