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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
School Committee Mtg 06/23/09
Live reporting - Closing
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Cafasso - compliments to the Teachers union for accepting the sacrifice, to the negotiating committees for working out the deal. Now that that has been completed there are somethings that have been on my mind. The School District is under intense stress about time, no less responsibilities. Tried to avoid reductions in staff but haven't been able to. It is all about time, the teachers are seeking what they need, the principals are seeking to fulfill their needs. I urge the Administration and the Committee to make an interested based, collaborative discussion to discuss budget savings, to see what can be done. Pursue an interest based problems to resolve rather than looking to strike certain language. There has been a lot of rhetoric. We need to change our mindset to come around to the new reality.
One thing I found upsetting were the personal attacks on the Committee Chair. I will not put up with these. Jeff ROy has done more for this committee, this district than anyone. For people to hide behind their anonymous comments in chat rooms and blogs, I do not approve it.
Roy - a note of thanks from Patrick Slight
Trahan - we got personal notes from Brittany McLeod
Sabolinski - thank you, this is our last meeting for the school year, thankyou for all you do for the kids and the community.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations - motion to enter, not to return to public session
approved 6-0
Live reporting - Superintendent update
- MSBA - letters provided to Town Administrator, Building Committee has been established, feasibility study to be funded by Town Council, project manager to be on the approved listing from the State, if we go a different way it would need to be justified
- Stimulus Money - were counting on $448,000 now down to 218,000; may not comeback as the foundation money total had been reduced and the stimulus money was to help bring us to the foundation level
- Special Education - Supreme court case on Special Ed funding is interesting and troubling
Live reporting - action items
- I recommend acceptance of three checks from the Remington PCC totaling $376.76 for field trips as detailed. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of the installation of a flagpole from the 5th grade students for the Parmenter Elementary School. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for an 8th grade field trip. motion to accept, approved 5-0, 1 abstention (Rhorbach)
- I recommend adoption of the Town-School Agreement as detailed. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend acceptance of a Japanese Maple Tree from the FHS Young Democrats Club. motion to accept, approved 6-0
- I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed. motion to accept, approved 6-0
Live reporting - Audit actions, budget, FY 10
- Town – School Agreement
- Budget to Actual
- FY10 Budget
Goodman - review of the agreement between the Town and School to formalize and eliminate the forensic audit recommendation.
For example; custodial expenses by the Town for the schools behalf have been formalized to be charged appropriately. The Technology staff is paid initially by the Schools and charged across to the Town. Both sides should be reviewing this agreement on an annual basis.
The end of year report will be used to calculate the "net school spending" amount that the State uses to track how well we are doing. As referenced during the budget discussions, this amount is getting close to the State minimum required level.
Rohrbach - where does the Charter School fit in?
Goodman - it is a factor on the Town side for the "net school spending" calculation. Let me get a better analysis of how it fits. It is a pass through charge that we don't control.
Sabolinski - we think this is a fair representation of the operations and shared expenses between the Town and Schools.
Cafasso - You're coming up on a year?
Goodman - just over a year, we have a good healthy working relationship and I look to see it maintained.
Cafasso - Thank you, I feel more comfortable with the finances you have presented this past year.
Rohrbach - it is great to have this down and documented, it will be a good reference for future.
#3 - State level updates
Chapter 70 cut 2%
Stimulus funds were also cut
Town needs to determine how to split/absorb the cuts between the Town and Schools
Circuit breaker reduced from 60% to around 38-42% that's another $274,000 cut
Since these numbers are still fluid, the budget sub-committee needs to continue to review and await some unanswered questions before making final decisions
Cafasso - we need to see a kind of menu of items and associated dollars that could be considered.
Roy - with the Teachers agreement we were getting down to about 500,000
Sabolinski - it looks like we can add back about 23 positions based upon money that is confirmed and not changing.
Sherlock - I am a little confused. Is the 800,000 shortage Jeff Nutting had referenced now closer to the 1.1 million just discussed, or if this was in addition to the 800,000. If I understand it correctly, it is now closer to a 1.1 million short fall to the total Franklin budget. It remains to be see how it gets split between the Town and Schools.
Roy - good point, there were 60 notified, based on the numbers this far, approx 23 may be able to be returned leaving still 40-plus would be lost positions
My explanation added after the meeting: The School Committee and Administration were talking of adding teachers back based upon the consideration that 60 had been notified and were being cut. I had been working from a difference reference point. So if the School Committee had gotten their piece of the budget shortfall reduced to about 500,000 and the Town now needs to split the 1.1 million (up from the 800,000 previously discussed), then the School side could end up with another 550,000 to look to adjust the budget to cover. Coincidentally, that works out to be about 1 million to cover which could mean those teachers (that Sabolinski mentioned) aren't coming back. With such a fluid situation, all I can say is stay tuned in.
Armenio - parents should plan on program fees could still be increased and additional programs could still be cut until we have that final number.
Trahan - I agree we should keep things open until we have a final number, they should stay tuned.
Live reporting - Community Health Council update
Here is the summary report that Michele referenced as providing to the School Committee:
Live reporting - Presentations
Live reporting - School Committee Meeting
Missing: Mullen
1. Routine Business
- Citizen’s Comments - none
- Review of Agenda
- Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 9, 2009 School Committee Meeting. approved 6-0
- Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
- Payroll - Ms. Armenio
- FHS Student Representatives - none
- Correspondence: Letter from FSC to Mr. Peter Light
Initial survey responses to share
It's alive. It's current. You do a great job with pictures and updates. Better than the local paper.
....
Everything you have been providing ... local politics, schools, local business events ... it's been wonderful having you as a resource. Thank you!
Please consider adding your own comments on the survey. I'll keep the survey open through Sunday, June 28th.
Thank you for taking the time to help!
In the News - Food Pantry, car break-ins
The Franklin Food Pantry, which was almost homeless this summer before being saved by Rockland Trust Bank, has opened the doors to its new building, said pantry Director Linda Pouliot.
"We are open for business. The freezers were delivered this morning, and we're still waiting for more, but we couldn't wait any longer," as the pantry has been closed for more than a month, Pouliot said.
"At least we're not in limbo anymore - there is a home, there is a place to stay," said Pouliot.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
----------------
Police are urging residents to lock their cars, as the rash of break-ins that began in March hasn't stopped despite several arrests, said Deputy Chief Stephan H. Semerjian.
For the past three weekends, police have received many reports of car breaks in the Kennedy School area, including Pond Street, Charles River Drive, Maple Street, Baron Road and the surrounding neighborhoods, Semerjian said.
In some cases, the thieves have gone onto people's property and into garages to access cars, he said.
Some residents have reported seeing and hearing young people on their property and near their cars, who run off through yards and the roadway when seen, Semerjian said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Twitter search
This is another in the continuing series on Web 2.0 tools.
Thanks to the folks at Common Craft for helping to make this possible.
MADD Legislative Update
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Monday, June 22, 2009
FM #42 - This week in Franklin
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
---- ---- ----
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
- 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
- I recommend acceptance of three checks from the Remington PCC totaling $376.76 for field trips as detailed.
- I recommend acceptance of the donation of the installation of a flagpole from the 5th grade students for the Parmenter Elementary School.
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for an 8th grade field trip.
- I recommend adoption of the Town-School Agreement as detailed.
- I recommend acceptance of a Japanese Maple Tree from the FHS Young Democrats Club.
- 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"
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.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
News roundup: elderly transportation
Alternate forms of transportation for the elderly
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?"
----------------
Seniors weigh in on driving restrictions
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.
---------------
What age is too old to drive?
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.
------------
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?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
"It's well attended and promotes downtown business"
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
Wells and friend Dustin Hinkley liked the strawberry shortcake!
Strawberry Festival Sampler
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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
"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"
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
New Location:
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.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Strawberry Festival moves indoor!
Due to the rain predicted for the next few days the
New Location:
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?
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.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
what catches your attention?
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"
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
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
RokkSoft Launches DecisionBuilder ERP SaaS for Manufacturers
Franklin, MA, June 15, 2009 --(PR.com)-- RokkSoft Solutions Corp has partnered with Decision Software Inc. of Toronto, ON, Canada to offer the DecisionBuilder ERP, a comprehensive suite of software applications and premier ERP solution in Canada, as Software as a Service for small to mid-size Manufacturing companies in the US.
The DecisionBuilder Manufacturing Control System provides Cost Estimating, Material Requirements Planning, Resource Planning, Scheduling, Routing, Product Costing, Equipment Usage Analysis, and Labor Efficiency Analysis.
Coupled with the DecisionBuilder Distribution Control and Accounting Control Systems, MCS has proven equally effective in Job Shops as well as full MRP environments.
DecisionBuilder ERP is a comprehensive set of applications that is easy to implement and can be tailored to meet each company’s unique requirements. Quite often, this customization can be achieved by simply activating specific features enables customization to the processes and controls required by manufacturing businesses without costly software re-programming.
With 25 years of success in over 300 client companies DecisionBuilder provides fingertip access to information needed to drive increased revenues and lower costs.
Delivering DecisionBuilder as a Software as a Service eliminates the hardware, software and implementation costs of an on-premise solution as well as the ongoing support resource requirements.
An Internet web browser is all that is needed to begin realizing the benefits of DecisionBuilder.
For more information, go to http://www.rokksoft.com/decision.html or contact info@rokksoft.com (via email).
This press release was originally posted here
Four Corners destruction
I guess the Town didn't bother to remove their sign.
In the house next door to the property that is also coming down to make way for Walgreens, I hope the envelope in the mail box isn't important.
Strawberry Festival - June 19th 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The festival will be held at the parking lot on West Central Street from 1:00- 6:00 p.m. and continue down East Central Street to Summer Street this year.
The rain date will be Saturday, June 20th.
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.
"I am very pleased with this outcome"
The teachers union overwhelming approved a proposal to freeze their wages for one year, which will save an estimated 16 teachers' jobs, said School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy yesterday.
The Franklin Education Association voted 176-74 yesterday in favor of the proposal, which defers members' negotiated 2.5 percent pay raise through June 30, 2010, Roy said.
Union President Robert McLaughlin could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Read the full article on the teacher's deferment in the Milford Daily News here
I do not believe that the article states the correct number of school positions to be cut for this budget year. By my count, I show the following positions cut since FY 2003:
Franklin (MA) School Position Reductions | Total |
FY 2003 | -28 |
FY 2004 | -21 |
FY 2005 | -1 |
FY 2006 | -4 |
FY 2007 | -1 |
FY 2008 | -29 |
FY 2009 | -44 |
FY 2010 | -45 |
-172 |
Monday, June 15, 2009
News Flash - Teachers Accept Wage Deferral with School Committee
Many thanks to both organizations for working this out!
Additional details to follow.
FM #41 - This week in Franklin, MA
Time: 9 minutes, 21 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
Music intro My intro FM #41
This internet radio show or podcast for Franklin Matters is number 41 in the series.
You give me about ten minutes and I'll let you know what matters in Franklin, MA.
We'll start with what happened this past week
- The FY 2010 budget passed, barely
- Relay for Life opened on Friday evening and closed Saturday noon
- Congressman Jim McGovern appeared at the Library on Saturday
- MetroWest Adolescent Health survey resulted were released
Ho-hum, ten positions on the Town side went out the door and approx. 40 on the School side. No cries for appeal, no crowds appeared at any hearing.
The final number won't be known until the teachers determine if they accept the wage deferment or not. The teachers are scheduled to vote June 15th
Nothing new here in Franklin. Budget cuts and services cuts are expected now. Over 130 folks, 120 school personnel, 10 town, lost positions in the last three years. Ho-hum. I get the distinct feeling that there doesn't seem to be much of anything that will create enough attention for folks to do something about this. Ho-hum.
*** The Relay for Life opened on Friday night as the skies cleared and a rainbow appeared. Over $73,000 was reported to have been raised by this effort for the American Cancer Society. It was an impressive evening as the Survivor Walk took place in the hazy darkness on the lumineria light high school track.
*** Congressman Jim McGovern held local office hours at several locations through out his district on Saturday. He arrived late at the Franklin Public Library, coming from Medway and was going to be late leaving Franklin heading for Wrentham.
About 20 people had signed up on the listing to talk with the Congressman here in Franklin. In my few minutes with him, I offered my services to help spread the word on his efforts for any matters that would be of interest to Franklin. I also took time to discuss the status of No Child Left Behind and other unfunded Federal mandates. I was pressing for funding, or for removal of the mandates if they are not going to be funded.
I joined with Ted McIntyre and Steve Deredarian to represent the Franklin Area Climate Team. Ted invited the Congressman to the 350 event being planned for Franklin on October 24th.http://www.350.org/oct24
Ted also asked the Congressman about the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Additional info on the visit can be found on Franklin Matters
*** MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey released, copies available for download via links posted on Sunday and also included in the notes accompanying this podcast.
While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.
For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.
One quote I like makes this point:
"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us isAnd the outlook for the week ahead:
constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is
what are they learning as they watch." Kirk Weisler
- destruction of the Four Corners building continues as Walgreens prepares to put their building in place
- Third Thursday, June 18th
- Strawberry Festival, June 19th
- Farmers Market starts operating on Friday's from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on the Town Common
Franklin, MA-The Franklin Downtown Partnership announces the special activities planned for the next “Third Thursday”. Join downtown businesses for a “Girls Night Out” and discover how easy it is to get in touch with your creative side in this round robin of fun, relaxing activities for busy adults. Grab a friend and head to Franklin’s downtown for this special event.
- Artbeat Your Creativity Store, at Summer Street-Visitors are invited to take a beaded candle votive in only 15 minutes! Kids can get free milk and cookies from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
- Jane’s Frames, on East Central Street-Bring a 4”x6” photo to frame in only 15 minutes!
- Sarapaan, on East Central Street-Design your own earrings in only 15 minutes!
- Salon Sorella, at Summer Street-Have a quick massage in only 15 minutes!
- Pretty is Pink, at Summer Street-Relax with bubbly and treats!
*** As matter of interest, you should be aware that I have recently joined the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin Downtown Partnership. By joining these two groups, I hope to learn more about the businesses of Franklin. Franklin clearly needs to increase the number and scale of businesses operating here if we have any hope of derailing the current pattern of budget cuts and layoffs.
I already have a series of postings on business operating in Franklin. I hope to expand on this series with membership in this two groups.
Why? I do believe Franklin matters. I believe the heart beat of Franklin is provided by the businesses amongst us.
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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
Attention Veterans and Families
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7:00-8:30 PM
Location: http://vbxevents.powerstream.net/003/02408/weoweyou
The Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services invites you to join us for an important online discussion about the programs and services available to Massachusetts veterans and their families.
Hosted by Mike Nikitas of New England Cable News (NECN). Veterans’ services experts will explain the benefits available and will take questions LIVE via instant messaging throughout the program.
Military veterans, especially those who have recently returned to the Commonwealth, family members and friends of veterans, are encouraged to participate in this important live discussion.
For more information and to register, http://www.weoweu.org/.
Events in the schools this week
Jefferson - 5th Grade Celebration 6/16/09 6-8 PM
Davis Thayer - 5th Grade Musical Production (Gym) 6/17/09 10:30 AM
ASMS - 7th Gr. Evening of Excellence 6/17/09 5:00 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common 6/18/09 8:45 AM
JFK - 5th Gr. Proud To Be An American Performance 6/18/09 9:00 AM
ASMS - 8th Gr. Step Up Ceremony 6/18/09 6:30 PM
Oak - 5th Gr. Walk to the Town Common - Rain Date 6/19/09 8:45 AM
Davis Thayer - 5th Gr. Moving Up Program (Gym) 6/19/09 9:00 AM
Oak - 5th Gr. Breakfast & Celebration 6/19/09 9:15 AM
Keller - 5th Gr. Promotion Ceremony (Café) 6/19/09 8:45-10 AM
ASMS - 6th & 7th Gr. Field Day (ASMS Fields) 6/19/09 All Day
ASMS - 8th Gr. Field Day (Hopkinton YMCA) 6/19/09 All Day
Check each school website for additional details on each event
"It's not set in stone yet"
There's a decent chance parents will not have to pay the sizable increases in fees for busing, athletics and extracurricular activities that was under consideration to help offset the budget deficit, said Superintendent Wayne Ogden.
The School Committee still must vote whether to bump up athletic fees to $200 per sport (now $150), extracurricular fees to $50 per activity (now $25), and $350 for busing (now $325).
Administrators calculated the cost for a family with three children, who each participated in one sport per season ($1,800 total), one extracurricular activity each, for the year ($150), and each taking the bus ($1,050), to total $3,000 annually, or 60 percent of the average Franklin tax bill.
"We deliberated a great deal about the need to increase fees to cover our rising costs at a time when the budget was being level-funded, versus the financial stress on families during our economic crisis," Ogden said.
"Plus, there was a very real possibility that increased fees might result in reduced participation in these programs," said Ogden.
Read the full article on activity fees in the Milford Daily News here
With the final budget still unsettled, if the fees are not raised, how will the budget end up balanced?
You can either increase revenue (increase fees in this case) or cut expenses (additional programs or personnel) to balance a budget. Stay in touch to find out what schools could look like when September 2009 rolls around.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Franklin woes
“We’re cutting down to bare bones,” ... “We are cutting some services. We are taking no increase in pay on the town side. On the school side, teachers are giving up some pay days. We still don’t have a state budget. We are using estimated figures. If we’re wrong, we’re looking at additional cuts. People are unhappy.”Gee, this sounds familiar! We are not the only Franklin with budget troubles. Franklin, CT has similar woes. Read the full article in the Norwich Bulletin here
For the listing of other Franklin's across the US, check out this listing
"students who reported recently smoking marijuana rose"
Amid the backdrop of the deaths this week of two teens linked to drinking, a report released today by a regional health foundation shows a drop in alcohol use among area high school students.
The biennial report, the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, uses responses from questionaires sent to middle and high schools in MetroWest and Greater Milford by the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation. Introduced in 2006, the report now includes data from 2008, allowing the first look at possible trends.
Between the two surveys, the proportion of high school students who reported drinking within a month of the questionnaire dropped from 42 percent to 39 percent.
Those using alcohol at some point in their lives, meanwhile, fell from 67 percent to 63 percent. And those recently consuming five or more drinks in a row binge drinking fell from 25 percent to 23 percent.
Click through to the Milford Daily News web site to down load the full report.
While the numbers are down for alcohol, they are up for marijuana. Given the recent tragedies involving local youth and drinking, clearly much work remains.
For my two cents; how much have parents/guardians changed their own behavior? They are the ones who are setting the example for the children to grow up with.
One quote I like makes this point:
"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us is constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is what are they learning as they watch." Kirk Weisler
Items of interest; ethics reform, farmer's markets, union givebacks
Speaker Robert A. DeLeo has appointed his chief advocate, Majority Leader Rep. James E. Vallee, D- Franklin, Majority as the principal House member of the legislative conference committee on ethics reform.
DeLeo credited Vallee with being the drafter of the stringent, far-reaching ethics and lobbying reform bill recently passed by the House and strongly applauded by government reform advocates.
The conference committee, consisting of three House members and three Senate members, is charged with resolving the differences between each chamber's versions of ethics reform legislation.
"I am honored to be part of crafting such an important piece of legislation," said Vallee. "Only when the citizens of Massachusetts see their legislators making bold moves to change the public perception will we prove that we are acting with nothing but the public interest at heart. I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to negotiate a bill that will represent the strongest, most comprehensive, and meaningful overhaul of the way our government does business."
Read the full article about Rep Vallee and the ethics reform efforts in the Milford Daily News here
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Farmers already depend on the unpredictability of weather and nature each year so it was with some trepidation given the faltering economy that organizers of local farmers markets opened for business last week.
For now, farmers and organizers are optimistic for their harvest sales.
Framingham farmer Tom Hanson said the poor economy in an indirect fashion is fueling farmers markets. He believes people are slowing down, eating at home, and taking the time to come out to the market, while before they were too busy.
Jeff Cole, executive director of the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets, said the downturn in the economy and a declining restaurant industry "leads us to conclude that folks are taking limited resources and making different choices on how they are going to spend, which seems to be in the direction of the markets."
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here. Note: there is no reference to Franklin in this article.
Did you know Franklin has a farmer's market? On the Town Common, Friday afternoons. You can visit the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets website to sign up and receive an email alert to remind you of the market.
Unions mixed on givebacks
Officials lobbying for budget relief
By Connie Paige Globe Correspondent / June 14, 2009Several area communities and school districts have asked employees to break existing contracts and accept wage freezes, salary-increase deferrals, or other givebacks in the coming fiscal year to help prop up wobbly municipal finances.With the stakes high for both communities and public employees, municipal and school unions have generally turned down the requests, with reactions ranging from respectful mutual understanding on both sides to acrimony and suspicion.
In Franklin, the School Committee's chairman, fearing that the teachers union had not adequately briefed its members about the town's financial plight, used the online site YouTube to make a direct appeal to teachers. In a virtual Internet duel, the union used its own website to respond.
Whatever the relationship between employers and employees, there is a shared understanding of the need to save cash, as municipal revenues and local aid from the state go into freefall, according to local officials.
Read the full article in the Boston Globe here
The Franklin teachers are scheduled to vote on their latest negotiated agreement with the School Committee on Monday, June 15th.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
McGovern running late
The bad news is that this has him running vary late. He arrived Franklin Library at 10:10 (not the 9:30 he was scheduled for).
I left after talking with him about 11:10. He is due in Wrentham at 11:30. Given the number of folks remaining to talk with him in Franklin, I would estimate that he would not arrive before noon time maybe not before 12:30. Note: these are my estimates.
As for my time with the Congressman:
- I talked with Congressman McGovern about collaborating with communications on his various issues and initiatives. You, the readers of Franklin Matters, should hear what he has to say in the matters that affect us. And given the current state of affairs, there is little that doesn't affect us. He listened, he liked to offer and claimed to follow up.
- I also talked about No Child Left Behind and other Federal unfunded mandates upon education. I pressed him that if the government is going to require something to be done, then fund it appropriately. Or take away the requirements. There are sufficient requirements at the state and local level to provide a good quality education to all the children of Franklin.
- After my time with the Congressman, I stayed to provide morale support for Ted McIntyre of the Franklin Area Climate Team. Ted wanted to invited the Congressman to participate in the Franklin event being put together for 350.org on October 24th. He also wanted to discuss the pending legislation on carbon trading. We were also joined by Steve Deredarian in this effort. Steve also took the opportunity to talk with the Congressman on the health care issue.
Congressman Jim McGovern - Office hours today
- Medway: Coffee Sensations, 116 Main St, 8:00 - 9:00 AM
- Franklin: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St, 9:30 - 10:30 AM
- Wrentham: Public Safety Bldg, 89 South St, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Plainville: Fire Station, 157 South St, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
- North Attleborough: Richards Memorial Library, 2:30 - 3:30 PM
This is your chance to talk with Congressman McGovern.
Sign up for his newsletter on his web site here
teachers = "are expert learners first"
... I also wonder if we can actually make something new out of something old in this case. Without remaking the system, is it reasonable to expect that we can systemically move toward inquiry based, self-directed, networked learning spaces that focus on the learning that Carroll describes in the essay?
Thoughtful posting by Wil Richardson on the idea that if we could start over and create schools, what would we do?
I highly recommend clicking through to read the full posting here
Given the cost pressures affecting school districts here and elsewhere, how should schools operate? What do you think?