CDC FluView: H1N1 Activity

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

CDC FluView: H1N1 Activity

via Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health by Julia Hurley on 12/1/09

Every week the CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes key findings in a report called FluView. There has been significant media coverage of the report released yesterday covering flu activity for November 15-21 citing a decrease in H1N1 activity. It is important to realize, however, that while activity has decreased in some key indicators it has also increased in others. For example, the report states that thirty-two states are still reporting widespread influenza activity at this time, including Massachusetts. 

While some of these numbers make it seem that the H1N1 flu season has peaked, it is simply too soon to know if it is actually on the decline in Massachusetts. Every flu pandemic is unique so only time will tell if these downturns will continue. In the meantime, it is more important than ever that everyone continue to practice good health hygiene to help prevent getting or spreading any type of flu. Be sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hand, and wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after you cough or sneeze. Finally, be sure to get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as they are available to you. 

You can read the full FluView every week on the CDC's website at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

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Live reporting - FINCOM

New business

Jeff showed a map of Franklin where the Charles River Watershed Association, an advocacy group for the Charles River, will be looking at studying how we can reduce the phosphorous output into the streams and ultimately into the Charles River.

EPA and DEP determine the regulations. Franklin, Milford and Bellingham will be part of a pilot process to see how it works. Our regulations will cover land of 2 acres while the rest of the State is covered by regulations for 5 acres.

Related to the Delcorte dam study, the ponds there help to retain the water which allows the water to have the phosphorous drain into the land rather than flowing down the stream.

Lien of Water/Sewer bills
Due to lack of payment, the sewer/and water liens will be applied to their tax bills. The banks and processing companies have determined to only pay the bill and not the lien. Once a lien is placed and penalties are accrued, there is a multiplier effect on interest penalty.

Fiscal 09 taxes, about 100 folks where they have not been paid. A lien on the property will be recorded on the Register of Deeds and posted publicly. If you do get a letter, call the Treasurer Collector immediately. The penalty interest is 16% on liens. A hundred dollar bill can add up very quickly.

An application for a grant to put solar panels on the Parmenter School is being made. No info at this time as to what the status will be.

Motion to select Rebecca Cameron as Vice-Chair
Approved 8-0

Jim Roche
Candidates are being interviewed for an open spot on the Finance Committee.

Jeff Nutting
Regional Transportation was the big cut, it affects Tri-County but not us.
We have to be cognizant of potential budget cuts during the year at the State level. We have done another sweep within the major departments to avoid expenses and save some money in anticipation of further cuts. We'd rather avoid spending now and save to avoid further cuts in overall services or personnel.

The pension system needs to be looked at to see how it is funded. No time frame has been determined yet. The lower return on investments forcing this. Calculations were based upon an 8-9 percent return. What it will mean is an increase in payment by the Town. As the older folks retire, the newer folks will be picking up a greater per cent.

Motion to adjourn
Passed 8-0

Live reporting - Finance Committee Mtg

Attending: 
Linda Huempfner
Pat Goldsmith
Jim Roche
Phyllis Meserve
Jaun Rivera
Mark Cataldo
Rebecca Cameron
Brett Feldman (late)

Missing:
Craig Maire
Robert Texiera

Motion to approve minutes for Oct 6, 2009
approved - 7-0

Per Jeff Nutting, there are three appropriations for approval, the transfer would be from "free cash". The "free cash" amount was recently certified at $2,385,242 (very close to last years total).

1 - Motion to approve $6,000 for Elections
approved - 7-0

2 - Motion to approve $30,000 for Veterans Benefits
The money is a legal obligation. This money is reimbursed at a 75% rate after the fact. Franklin currently has 22 active cases, the most in recent history. This program is uniquely handled by the State, most others are handled at the county or State level. MA is handled at the local level. This is the third year there has been an additional request. The business has grown recently and has been hard to forecast. These benefits are for Franklin veterans.
approved - 7-0

3 - Motion to approve $175,000 for Unemployment
Stephanie has re-looked at the unemployment folks, there are 26 collecting currently. There is no reasonable expectation for these actually gaining employment before the end of the fiscal year. The total exposure is 191,000. We are hedging a bet and coming for less now. We can come back later if the numbers change.

(Brett Feldman arrived)
Approved - 8-0

Jeff provides an update on the Tax Classification Hearing scheduled for the Town Council meeting Wednesday night. The average values have declined. The valuation is 11 months old.

The tax rate is going up to 12.03%

The first two tax bills are estimated, the third and fourth are actual tax bills.

Tax levy, debt exclusion and new growth are the three components of the new tax levy.

Choo Choo stop closed

The bullet was dodged previously but as with programs associated with the MBTA, stick around for more change. It had been reported earlier this year to be closing as the MBTA was going to install ticket machines. Then the Choo Choo Shop remained opened as they backed off the timeline for machines.

Franklin: choo choo stop closed m no ticket machines yet, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Well today, the shop is closed and ticket machines are not to be found around the station building. Maybe they are scheduled for delivery.

Don't misunderstand me, as a commuter, I want train service on a schedule, run effectively for a reasonable price.

Is it too much to ask for such changes like this to be better communicated or coordinated?

Survey says

This entry will keep track of the final results on the Franklin Matters poll questions.

Question: Should the Treasurer/Collector position be changed from elected to appointed?

Yes - 9
No - 6
The question opened on August 4 and closed on August 18. The question will be on the November 2013 ballot for Franklin voters to really decide.

Question: "Would you be in favor of further amending the Franklin Home Rule Charter to provide for the election of a mayor to govern the city known as the town of Franklin?"
Yes - 17
No - 27
The question opened on Jun 20 and closed on June 30th. It will be a non-binding question on the November 2013 ballot.


Question: "Should the Wadsworth Diary continue to be shared daily for February?"
Yes - 13
No - 10
The question was introduced and then closed on Jan 31, 2012


Question: "Do you think the school committee earns an 'almost very high' level of engagement with the Franklin community on school issues?"
Yes - 12
No - 13
The question was introduced and then closed on Nov 29, 2010.


Question: "Would you pay approx. $70 to put the utilities underground?
Yes - 22
No - 44
The survey was introduced in this link and closed on Aug 28, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html


Overall - is the curbside trash/recycle process better than before?
Yes - 69
No - 17
The poll question closed at midnight August 14, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-trashrecycle-status-survey.html


If the override was split into 2 separate questions, would you have approved the school override? Q1 - $2.1 million for schools Q2 - $900K for roads/the town
Yes - 33
No -  22

This question comes out of the post-override discussion referenced here. The poll closed at midnight on June 25, 2010.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/poll-question-results.html




Do you think the new trash/recycle process will be a good thing for Franklin?

Yes - 8

No - 11

This question comes out of the decision to lower the annual curbside fee and implement the new process in July 2010. The summary of the changes can be found in here: FM #58 - Week ending 2/21/10

Should the Town consider saving money by plowing the streets less well than they currently do?

Yes - 5

No - 14

This question grew out of the discussion at the Town Council meeting on 1/6/10 concerning the sidewalk snow removal plans. The poll will close 1/15/10 at midnight.

Do you find that the Franklin School District (across the School Committee, Administration, and individual school web pages) provides the information you need in a way that is easy to find?

Yes - 3

No - 12

The post that lead to this survey can be found here

Will you get the H1N1 vaccine when it is available?

Yes - 2

No - 10

Should Franklin remain with a single tax rate?

Yes -11

No -5

The article that explains the background for this question can be found here

Who is in the best position to control bullying?

Parents - 7

Schools - 3

The article that drove this question can be found here

Should your school measure Body Mass Index (BMI) to report to you and your physician?

Yes - 5

No - 12

The article that drove the question can be found here
The issue came out of the School Committee meeting on 10/27/09

If you have a suggestion for a simple question poll, feel free to send it to me.

In the News - split tax vs. single tax rate

"Changing to a split rate does not in and of itself raise a penny of additional tax revenue to the town," council Vice Chairman Stephen Whalen said. "Rather it just shifts the overall tax burden, such that businesses pay more of the overall tax levy."

He compared Franklin to Milford and Bellingham, towns with split tax rates, and said that Milford businesses are taxed 73 percent more than residents, and Bellingham's commercial properties are taxed 46 percent more than its residential properties.

"A single tax is more business friendly because it results in a lower property tax rate paid by businesses in towns with a single rate," he said.

Franklin to vote on split vs. single tax rate

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

For my analysis on the tax rate you can view my slidecast here

Santa visits the Town Common

The newly refurbished bandstand was ready to provide a good spot for Santa to visit Franklin and all his friends on Sunday.



Enjoy!

Note: for those reading this via email, you'll need to click through to the web to view the picture slidshow.

FM #50 - Slidecast

This slidecast combines the audio of the podcast with the slides that I refer to.

FM #50 Slidecast

View more presentations from Steve Sherlock.

For the text or session notes, visit here.

Yes, I did make a mistake by not recording the text that should have accompanied the one page in the appendix. The text for the page is included in the notes above.

Town Council - Agenda - 12/02/09

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 21, 2009; November 4, 2009


B. ANNOUNCEMENTS  


C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS


E. APPOINTMENTS

Liaison to the State Ethics Commission  (Debbie Pellegri)

Council on Aging   (Mary Hick, Ken Norman)

F. HEARINGS  -        Annual Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM


G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –  Annual Alcohol License Renewals


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS  


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-74: Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
2. Resolution 09-75: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
3. Resolution 09-76: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
4. Resolution 09-77:  Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
5. Resolution 09-78: Appropriation – Veterans’ Benefits
6. Resolution 09-79: Appropriation – Employee Benefits - Unemployment
7. Resolution 09-80: Appropriation – Elections Budget


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


The full set of documents for this meeting can be found on the Town website here

FM #50 - What Matters in Franklin, MA

This segment was joined with a slideshow to create a slidecast. The full production can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/11/fm-50-slidecast.html


This internet radio show or podcast is number 50 in the series for Franklin Matters. In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin. In particular, we'll prepare for the Town Council meeting this Wednesday where the big item on the agenda will be the annual tax classification hearing

Time: 10 minutes, 47 seconds



MP3 File

Session Notes:

Music intro
My intro
FM #50

This internet radio show or podcast is number 50 in the series for Franklin Matters.

In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin.

In particular, we'll prepare for the Town Council meeting this Wednesday where the big item on the agenda will be the annual tax classification hearing beginning at 7:10 PM.

This is the time and place where the Town Council determines to keep a single tax rate or decides to implement a split tax rate.

I have reviewed the data provided by the Board of Assessors for this hearing. I have also spent some time on the Dept of Revenue website obtaining some historical data on Franklin's budget, tax rate, etc.

I have prepared a few slides to share some information that I think can help understand the overall situation to get ready for the meeting Wednesday.

Page 2 shows a table showing the residential vs. commercial/industrial property mix since 1999. It has varied a little each year but generally around 80% residential and 20% commercial/industrial. The high point for residential was 82.12 in 1988 and the low point was 77.04 in 1993.

Page 3 shows the same numbers in a chart format. As there is so little variance, I think this is more clear and understandable than the table of numbers.

Page 4 shows the tax rate as it has varied throughout the years from 1988 to 2009. I really shouldn't use a line to depict the point in time number for each year, but it is much easier to view the data this way. The tax rate high point was in 1997 when it was 14.21% and the low point (in the period shown) was 8.86% in 2007. I find it interesting that the tax rate has dropped for nine of the last twelve years and yet all you hear about is our tax problem?

Well, Page 5 more clearly shows what our tax problem is. The numbers on this chart depict the average tax bill for the period 1988 through 2009. As you can see from the reddish bars, in no year did the average tax bill decrease. The tax rate line from Page 4 is also shown here. Clearly, the tax rate whether it goes up or down seems to have little effect on the tax bill. It is always going up.

There are many reasons for the increases shown. I don't have all the information to explain nor do I have the time this week to do so. What I can show on Page 6 is how the assessed value effects the tax rate. The reddish bars in this case depict the NET change in assessed total value of all the properties in Franklin. Since 2006 the commercial industrial (CI) assessed values have been in a decline. In 2006 and 2007, the new grown for CI covered the decline in valuation so there was a net grown for CI. But for 2008, 2009 and for FY 2010, the new growth has not been able to cover the decline in valuation. More importantly, on the residential side, the decline in valuation has far exceeded the new growth. Hence the overall decline in total assessed values has dropped from 4.9 billion in 2007 to 4.3 billion for FY 2010. With less tax base upon which to levy the same amount of tax revenue, guess what, the tax rate will increase. The decline in overall assessed values has driven the increase for 2008, 2009 and will do so again in 2010.

Yes, I can hear some folks now saying “let's go with a split tax rate”. With kind of property mix we have, a split tax does not solve our problem. See, the split tax does not increase overall tax revenues, it only shifts the proportion of the pie that each party pays as shown on Page 7. For a single dollar decrease in residential property tax, the CI increase would need to be $4. We don't need to shift the tax burden from one to another. We need to grow the overall tax base. We need a bigger pie.

The best opportunities for grow come from the underutilized CI space we have. You should be aware of the efforts of Bryan Taberner and others in the Department of Planning and Community Development. They are busy working to market the attractiveness of Franklin for CI uses. This is where we need to develop. We don't need additional residential properties which would further burden the school system. We need healthy growth in CI properties to provide tax revenues and maybe even provide some jobs for local residents.

  

Page 8 and 9 provide information on the sources of the data that I used to prepare this. As well as contact information if you have any questions or would like to review this further.

One page in the appendix that charts the “free cash” to “free cash as a percent of the overall Town budget. At the end of the last council meeting, Judy Pfeffer asked Jeff Nutting for some information on the history behind “free cash”. I expect Jeff to come back with his answer but while I was putting together my analysis, I found these numbers at the MA DOR website that may help answer part of Judy's question. I think the current administration has done very well in reducing the fluctuations that can be seen over the years. The big spike in FY 2001 I believe is likely related to the settlement that the Town won. It ended up in “free cash” before the Town Council moved it to the Stabilization Fund. (Note: It is my mistake that this paragraph of text did not get recorded. It does go along with the one page that did make it to the appendix.)

For the week ahead:

• Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday
• Town Council meeting Wednesday
• Holiday Stroll on Thursday sponsored by the Downtown Partnership

I would encourage you to participate in these events.

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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell a neighbor.

If you don't like this, please tell me.

Thank you for listening.

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 music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and East of Shirley. The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with permission.

East Central/Cottage Construction Alert

 Just received the phone call from the Franklin Police and the text of the message follows:

Hello. This is the Franklin Police Department calling with a special traffic advisory. The intersection of Route 140 (E Central Street) and Cottage street will be under construction beginning Monday November 30th. There will be limited traffic lanes/access. Please seek alternate routes. Thank you for your understanding.

 

This should be interesting to a Monday morning surprise for some folks, especially those from out of town heading to the train station.

The alert doesn't say when the construction starts. I would guess around 6:00 or 7:00 AM. Hopefully, they'll be done before 4:00 PM to free the intersection for the going home traffic.

What intersection are they talking about?

The one downtown near the railroad bridge. The Rome Restaurant is on one side, Franklin Pizza was on the other (until it just moved further down Cottage).

View Larger Map

East Coast Driving School

The signs on the door and windows announcing the location for East Coast Driving School. They are moving into the Franklin Center Commons building next door to Sarapaan.

Santa on the Town Common at 4:00 PM

Santa Claus is coming to Franklin today

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News correspondent

For visitors asking where is the Town Common?


View Larger Map

Welcome Natick!

The undefeated Natick High School football team will be coming to Franklin to play on Tuesday, Dec 1 at 7:45 PM



View Larger Map


Good luck to both teams.

Go Panthers!

K12 Online Conference

The K12 Online Conference is around the corner. Here is a cool video clip teaser for the Digital Writers Workshop scheduled to be presented by Jackie Gerstein.



Find more videos like this on K12 Online Conference


What and when is the K12 Online Conference?

The K-12 Online Conference invites participation from educators around the world interested in innovative ways Web 2.0 tools and technologies can be used to improve learning. This FREE conference is run by volunteers and open to everyone. The 2009 conference theme is “Bridging the Divide.” This year’s conference begins with a pre-conference keynote by classroom teacher and international educator Kim Cofinothe week of November 30, 2009. The following two weeks, December 7-11 and December 14-17, over fifty presentations will be posted online to our conference blog and our conference Ning for participants to view, download, and discuss. Live Events in the form of three “Fireside Chats” are listed on the events page of our conference Ning and Facebook fan page, and live events will continue in 2010 through twice-monthly “K-12 Online Echo” webcasts on EdTechTalk. Everyone is encouraged to participate in both live events during and after the conference as well as asynchronous conversations.  Over 122 presentations from 2008, 2007, and 2006 are available, along with archived live events. Follow the K12 Online Conference onTwitter and Facebook!

The K12 Online Conference website can be found here

In the News - performance

The New England Center for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Franklin, is hosting a special performance of "Humbug!" for community organizations in the region on Friday Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.

The center will host a special performance of the holiday show for youth groups and individuals with special needs.

Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer said, "We are thrilled to be able to share this outstanding holiday production with audiences that may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend." 

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here:

Holiday show offered to area youth groups

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

We're certainly very optimistic the church can grow

After being without a place to hold services for nearly two years, the Anglican Church of the Redeemer has found a place to call home and will dedicate it Sunday.

The congregation moved into 31 Hayward St. earlier this month after holding services at Franklin High School every Sunday. A consecration by Bishop William Murdoch of the Anglican Diocese in New England, and citations from state Rep. James Vallee, D-Franklin, will officially recognize the space as a church at tomorrow's dedication ceremony.

"This is a much more permanent space for us," said the Rev. Jack Potter. "We're excited about it.

 Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Town Council pictures updated

In case you haven't visited the Town Council page recently, you should stop by. The page has been updated for the new Council with pictures of your Council.

Go to the page here

While on the page, you can preview upcoming meeting agenda and review past meeting minutes to keep up with what has been happening on the Town business front.

You can also subscribe for free to Franklin Matters to get real time reporting from the Council, School Committee and other significant meetings.

In the News - Anchorage Road, thanks for health

The Anchorage Road construction meeting is covered in the newspaper here

Franklin road to be redone

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Local folks giving thanks for health!

Local people give thanks

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Melanie Graham/Daily News staff

Thanks for the art and music

As Thanksgiving Day dawns, kitchens will fill with sweet smelling foods, families and friends will gather for diner and conversation. Let's give thanks for the art and artists amongst us.

Last Thursday was another Third Thursday celebration by the Franklin Downtown Partnership. Emma's Quilt Cupboard took the lead this time. It was time to showcase the talents of some men with sewing skills.

Leon Leon Guerrero did this forest theme quilt.



Look closely at the dark border and you'll see the white thread stitched to pick up the canoe paddle pattern.



Dana Ryan did this quilt to tell the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.



Note the detail stitching to show a topographical pattern like a map.



Note the color and shape arrangements



Over at Jane's Frames, another kind of art, amongst the works framed and to be framed, Kai Olsson played guitar and sang



Sitting amongst the backsides of some art, he played frontman very well!



There won't be a Third Thursday in December but there will be a Holiday Stroll. Thursday, December 3rd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. From Dean College throughout the downtown area, there will be plenty to do for all members of the family.

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Have a most Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for outstanding students at FHS

Continuing the theme of giving thanks this week for all we have, here is the photo from the School Committee meeting last week with two outstanding Franklin High School seniors getting MASS Excellence Awards in Math.



Left to right: Principal Peter Light, Kimberly Takahata, Christopher Anderson, School Committee Chair Jeff Roy and School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski

The photo was also added to the live reported meeting notes

Holiday Stroll, Dec 3rd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Franklin, MA – ‘Twas the month before Christmas and the Franklin Downtown Partnership decided to throw a holiday party in downtown Franklin, and more than 35 businesses decided to join the fun!

The Partnership will officially kick off the holiday season with the Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa and some of his elves, music, art and holiday treats are all part of the fun planned for revelers both downtown and around Franklin this year. Visitors can follow a trail of luminaries that light the downtown and each participating business will have a map detailing what special events and treats are being offered.

The Stroll starts at Dean College at 4:30 with a holiday tree lighting ceremony in front of Dean Hall. Enjoy free hot chocolate and plenty of singing to kick off the season.

The highlights of the evening will be an appearance by Santa at Simon’s Furniture on Summer Street from 5:00 to 7:00, while Santa’s elves will be at ARTBEAT from 4:00 to 6:00. Carolers will entertain the crowds by singing favorite seasonal songs as they stroll through the streets. Radio station 103.3 WODS FM, Boston ’s holiday music specialist, will ring in the cheer by broadcasting its festive blend of holiday favorites at the patio on East Central Street .

At Café Dolce, the coffee will be hot and the music will be playing as local artists from the Franklin Art Association set up their easels for a colorful night of painting. “Stop by, grab a cappuccino and watch local artists create paintings right in front of your eyes,” says Sue Sheridan, president of the association.

Residents are also invited to shop the new Handmade Crafts Gallery at Artbeat. The gallery features original art, unique jewelry and gifts created by local artist and will be open throughout December. “Artists will be on hand from 6:00 to 8:00 to talk about their art,” says owner Jan Whitted.

Visitors can see framed calligraphic art on exhibit at five locations downtown, including Jane’s Frames, Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, Franklin Center Commons ReMax Realty, Rockland Trust and Artbeat. Jane’s Frames will host an artists’ reception that evening, showcasing artwork by calligraphic artists who are members of Masscribes, a Massachusetts-based calligraphy guild.

“The Franklin Downtown Partnership created the Holiday Stroll to give everyone in the area another reason to come downtown and connect with our community,” says Lisa Piana, the partnership’s executive director and the organizer of the Stroll.  “In order to have a vibrant downtown, our stores and business owners need residents to eat, shop and spend time in Franklin .  These types of events are fun and hopefully remind residents to come downtown.

“We have many generous sponsors who make putting on events like the Holiday Stroll possible,” adds Piana.  “These events add so much to the community and we are very fortunate to have so much interest. The Partnership would love for the Holiday Stroll to become an annual event like the Harvest Festival.”

Holiday Stroll revelers will find maps at each participating business to help them navigate all the specials at the downtown and surrounding retailers.

On East Central Street, those businesses include:

A Cut Above Hair and Nails, which has relocated to 56 E. Central St, will have cider and refreshments from 4:00 to 8:00. They will give 20% off cuts for new customers and complimentary eye and lip waxing for new and existing customers that night.

Party Paints and Pottery will pass out their favorite holiday cookie, complete with a recipe card, to all visitors.

Café Dolce will offer coffee, holiday treats, live music and art demonstrations.

Jane’s Frames will be throwing a party with live music and refreshments. Enter a free raffle for a framed Patriot’s panoramic print and get a coupon worth 15% off framing in January. Stroll in and enjoy free samples from Tastefully Simple’s gourmet food collection.

H & R Block will hand out holiday treats and treat visitors to a free “Forward Looks” tax checkup and free “Second Looks” of prior years’ returns. Visitors can also enter to win a free tax return.

Sarapaan will have a holiday sale featuring 20% off all handcrafted jewelry (excluding custom designs). Get holiday presents for your loved ones or treat yourself.

ReMax Realty invites downtown residents to meet and greet each other at its open house, where cheese and crackers and beverages will help to ring in the holiday season.

On Main Street:

Berry Insurance will give away hot chocolate to help warm holiday revelers.  Strollers are also invited to enter a raffle for a free gift basket.

Fitness Together will serve fresh fruit and healthy holiday smoothies.

Hair @ Nail It invites visitors to enjoy hot cocoa while they get a free Christmas polish change.

Emma’s Quilt Cupboard invites visitors to stop in and discover unique, hand-made gifts for the holidays. Come see a selection of quilts, wall hangings, table runners and baby quilts at their annual sample sale, going on the first two weeks of December.

The Spotlight Shop will invite patrons to enter a raffle to win two premium tickets to an FPAC holiday show of their choice:  either Nutcracker or Humbug!

The Franklin School for Performing Arts invites visitors to stop by the studios and watch performances in the recital hall throughout the evening. There will be three different performances you won’t want to miss.

Facial Rejuvenation will give out free Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF 15. This SPF zinc oxide broad spectrum lip balm has a macadamia nut oil base (not petroleum), antioxidants, green tea and vitamins C and E, and the flavor is a mix of lemon and orange oils.

Pisani Shoes invites everyone to come shop for new holiday shoes and enjoy Mr. Pisani’s private art work on display.

Craig Roberts Studio will give out a free $25 gift certificate for a studio portrait. The certificate can be used for family, extended family and children’s portraits.

On West Central Street:

Hair Mania will offer a free holiday gift and 10% off all hair products.

The Fire Station will be holding a Holiday Fire Safety Expo and handing out holiday treats. Come learn safety tips on candles and Christmas trees lights.

On Cottage Street:

Franklin Pizza and Deli suggests stopping in for dinner after the tree lighting. Buy any large pizza and get a small cheese pizza free.

On Summer Street:

Simon’s Furniture invites families to meet Santa and receive a holiday treat. Visitors can also enter a raffle for a Free 19-inch flat screen LCD HD TV!

ArtBeat Your Creativity Store Kids can help Santa’s elves make glittery holiday ornaments for free. They can also make gifts for family and friends starting at $10. From 6:00 to 8:00 the store will host a reception for the Handmade Craft Gallery.

Salon Sorella invites everyone to come in and warm up with a cup of cocoa and start their holiday shopping with 15% off the purchase of gift cards.

Around Franklin

CVS Pharmacy will continue the holiday fun at both locations. Stop in for free product sample gifts.

Shades In Place, located at 76 Grove Street , will throw an Open House that evening and give 15% off plus free installation to anyone who stops by.

DCU - Federal Credit Union invites holiday shoppers to stop in for a free cup of coffee, tea or a checking account. DCU will also hand out candy at Simons Furniture during Santa’s visit.

Other participating businesses include:  Itch’s Stitches, Pretty Is Pink, Vallee’s Jewelers, Rick’s Restaurant, Rome Restaurant, Bamboo House, Central Pizza and Isabella’s Groceria. Stop by and enjoy some holiday treats!

Silver sponsors for this event are NHS Print, Middlesex Savings Bank, Rockland Trust and DG Ranieri Supply Company.  Bronze sponsors include Artbeat Your Creativity Store, CVS Pharmacy, Ficco’s Bowladrome, Rome Restaurant, Laura Lowe/Coldwell Banker, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and Digital Federal Credit Union.

For more information on this event contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774) 571-3109. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is the revitalization of downtown Franklin . The FDP believes that a vibrant downtown is key to the economic success of the town of Franklin , and it organizes events like the Holiday Stroll to promote awareness and help the town prosper. For more information visit www.franklin.ma.us Community Links.

In the News - Fire dept, James Johnston

Additional info on the just announced stimulus grant received by the Franklin Fire Dept

Franklin firefighters appreciate grant

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

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And the biweekly essay from James Johnston

JAMES JOHNSTON: There is much to be thankful for

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by James Johnston/Daily News columnist

Thanks for student artists

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, we should recognize how much we have to be grateful for. When Gallery 218 opened its doors last Tuesday for the K-12 exhibit on Portraits, the crowd was impressive. I was able to get some photos, chat with Art Director Mike Caple, Art Teacher Jane Hogan, and then head over to the School Committee meeting.



According to Jane, twelve teachers had about 10-15 students each with pieces in the show. Across the district, K-12 that calculates to about 150 students represented.



These are portraits. The students could have done them of themselves or of someone else.



A portrait represents a point of view of the world.



A portrait raises questions about the point of view.



When you recognize and accept different points of view, you can begin to talk.



As I walked down the corridor to leave Franklin High, a family was coming in. I overheard the gentleman saying "I haven't been in this place in 32 years!"

I think we can be thankful that art helped to bring this gentleman back into FHS.

The Portrait show at Gallery 218 will be open until January 15. Take some time to view the students work. You will be glad you did.

Note: as a practicing photographer, my own viewpoint is imposed upon the viewer by my taking these photos. Art is really meant to be experienced in person. I hope you do take the time to go.

In the News: stimulus, Seniors

Stimulus money comes to Fire Depts, including 135,537 for Franklin.

Area fire departments get a boost from federal stimulus dollars

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Abby Jordan/Daily News staff

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Oak St students meet with Seniors

Talking 'bout our generations

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

thanks for the holiday decorations

Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the holiday decorations throughout downtown

Franklin Express Line

The new Express Line is now available. If you have not already subscribed to receive this directly via email, I would encourage you to do so.

The subscription form is available on the Town website here

To see what this new Express line looks like, here it is:

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

For Franklin Matters email subscribers you will need to click through to the web site to view this document.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

Franklin, MA

Open Space/Recreation Plan Update

The Open Space & Recreation Plan presentation document was added to the Town Council notes for Wednesday's meeting. To save you going back to look, it is also here:

Franklin Open Space Summary Presentation

View more documents from Steve Sherlock.

Curriki - collaborative open source curriculum

For the education community amongst us, this site I recently found seems to be quite good. It's about page tells us:

Curriki is more than your average website; we're a community of educators, learners and committed education experts who are working together to create quality materials that will benefit teachers and students around the world.

Curriki is an online environment created to support the development and free distribution of world-class educational materials to anyone who needs them. Our name is a play on the combination of 'curriculum' and 'wiki' which is the technology we're using to make education universally accessible.

Curriki is built on the XWiki platform, an open source development platform and "Next Generation Wiki" application developed in Java and released the LGPL open source license.

Curriki is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

Go explore Curriki here