Ditch the standards!

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which is appointed by the governor but operates independently, will decide today whether to postpone the vote, state education officials said. Reville said he could not predict if board members would comply with the request.

State education officials have been exploring the possibility of adopting the national standards for more than a year, a controversial proposition for a state known to have some of the most rigorous academic standards in the nation.

The national standards, which Massachusetts officials helped to develop, specify what material should be taught in English and math at every grade level. The voluntary effort was spearheaded by associations representing the nation’s governors and state education leaders and has received the support of President Obama, who is now pushing states to adopt the standards by offering financial incentives.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here:
http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/07/21/education_board_urged_to_delay_vote_on_new_standards/

The Franklin School Committee blog posted on this earlier and you can read that here:
 http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/massachusetts-education-chief-supports-national-standards/

Picking up on the creativity idea in Jeff Roy's posting, I encourage you to read through the Newsweek article he references.

I would rather see us ditch the standards, which end up requiring schools to teach to the test and go for more creative approaches. A TED Talk video I posted here in June makes great points on this subject:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/everything-is-possible.html


Franklin, MA

School signs

A couple of the local school signs have been updated with the summer message:

and Parmenter welcomes their new Principal, Tom Morris:

Enjoy!


Franklin, MA

Hopkinton Networking Group - Jul 23 meeting

I'm on LinkedIn, now what?

That will be the subject of an interactive presentation I'll lead at the Hopkinton Networking Group meeting on Friday. I did the presentation before and will update some of the photos to keep the presentation fresh. The text will remain pretty much the same. The delivery and interaction will be up to those participating.


I want to make sure that your questions will be answered. I want to make sure that you'll be able to walk away with something specific to do.


1 - If you want to attend, the meeting details are as follows:  


When: Friday, July 23 from 10:00 AM - Noon
Where: St John's Evangelist Parish Center, 20 Church St, Hopkinton
Cost: $1 donation requested


2 - If you have a LinkedIn question you would like answered, please let me know.



Franklin, MA

In the News - search ends

Search for Franklin man ends

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

Franklin, MA

Engage with your government

The role of government as a service for the people should be an ongoing discussion. The Franklin Charter should be coming up for a decision by the voters of Franklin this November.

Changes to government at the State level impact what happens here in Franklin. Changes to the government at the Federal level also trickle down to impact what happens here. If you want to get involved on the Federal level:

The Federal Communications Commission is holding two dialogs with the public:

• Future of Media Forum – Join in the discussion to help ensure that all Americans have access to vibrant, diverse sources of news and information that will enable them to enrich their families,  communities and democracy.
• Reboot.FCC.gov Forum – Join the discussion to help improve the Federal Communications Commission. Your suggestions, ideas and comments will be part of a public discussion that furthers FCC reform. 

You can view more dialogs with the government at USA.gov.

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

More info on the Franklin charter changes can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/07/in-news-charter-changes.html

Additional info will be posted as soon as it is available.


Franklin, MA

Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan

The Affordable Housing Plan document has been posted to the Franklin website. You can find it here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/ahs

At the bottom of this page, you'll find a link to the doc and a link to provide feedback on the document.

This document is scheduled for a hearing at the Town Council on Wednesday July 21 and at the Planning Board meeting Monday, July 26.


Franklin, MA

A visible budget cut

One of the budget items cut was weed control. The effects of this cut are now clearly visible along some of the main roads around Franklin.

Since Franklin voters have decided not to pull a few dollars out of their pocket to maintain services, maybe they will be to pull out their individual weed control implement and attack the portion in front of their property. Then there will need to be a "weed day" to attack the portions of the roads along the public spaces.


Franklin, MA

In the News - rain barrels, YMCA strategy

If you missed the opportunity to buy a rain barrel or composter earlier this year, you have another chance:

CRWA partners with towns to offer discounted rain barrels, composters

from Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Y has been active in the community and this strategy helps to focus their efforts to help them become more effective:

YMCA unveils new brand strategy to further community impact

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

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Main St flowers

Franklin, MA: Main St flowers, originally uploaded by shersteve.

The flowers that didn't appear on the bridge when Stanley Chilson recorded his movies are in full bloom now.

BTW - the flowers can still be watered even in this updated water restrictions imposed effective 7/7/10. Watering the flowers is generally done with a hand held hose.

Thanks to the Eileen Mason and the Franklin Downtown Partnership for their work in keeping the flowers healthy.  

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 7/21/10

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Historical Commission Associate Member (Connie Lawson)

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amend. 10-645: Site Plan Review & Design Review- 7:10 PM
Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan – Public Hearing

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 10-40: Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan
2. Resolution 10-41: Authorization to Hold Bonfire-Tri-County School
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-645: Site Plan Review & Design Review – 1st Reading

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



Franklin, MA

Stanley Chilson's films are a big hit

Yes indeed, Stanley Chilson's films are a big hit at the new Franklin Historical Museum. The museum was my first stop for the 3rd Thursday events. I stayed there a while being thoroughly entertained by a group of women who were reminiscing and laughing as they viewed the films from the 1930's. I was too busy writing notes to take any pictures so you'll need to imagine the scene.

Multiple families are visiting the museum. They are exploring the display cases and talking amongst themselves. In the center aisle, chairs are set and almost filled by a group of about 12-15 women. Some who weren't sitting (actually exploring one or more of the exhibits) get called over to view a scene from the movies and stay to sit.

The movies are being shown on a screen dropped from the ceiling in front of the circular display with the bust of Ben on top.

The films being shown are black and white and according to the text dated in 1933 and 1935. There is no music or background to the film. However, the silence is ably filled in with the women's commentary as they roll.

The Pond/Crowley wedding of 1935 is shown. The bridal party is coming down the steps at St Mary's. At that time, there are no railings on the stairs. "Where's Judy? Is she there?" (Judith Pond Pfeffer?)

The next clip shows the intersection of Chestnut St and King St. The roads are more dirt than pavement. There are more trees around. The old house on the corner is the same one there today. It looked much more lived in then.

The next clip is of Main St and the old railroad bridge. "Look, there are no flowers!" (Kudos to the efforts of Eileen Mason and the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the flowers we get to enjoy today.)

There is a scene showing the Town Clerk walking across the street to get into an auto reported to be leaving work to go for dinner with a friend. The two men are dressed to the nines. "Look how sharply they are dressed. No jeans and t-shirts!"

The next scene shows construction on Chestnut St, the group tries to figure out if it is in the same spot as the construction going on today. The scene changes before they can figure it out.

The mother of one of the families exploring the cases asked the group: "Does anyone remember what they called the kids who wore these?" She was pointing to a manikin wearing a cowboy-themed uniform standing in the corner. "Yes, they were Rangerettes! They were good."

There were other scenes around Franklin,  of the pool, and a football game between Franklin and North Attleboro. Additional sections of the Chilson film archive will be converted to an updated format for viewing.

As the group was leaving, they were making requests for more scenes particularly dated around the time period of the Class of 1957.

The museum is open Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and then again on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Stop down to the museum and explore the exhibits. Maybe you'll time your visit with another group providing commentary on the Chilson films!


Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 7/20/10

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement

The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open and Executive Session minutes from the June 22, 2010 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence:
FSC letter to the FEA

2. Guests/Presentations
Summer Update

3. Discussion Only Items
None

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $2,655.00 from the Annie Sullivan PCC to pay for buses as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $721.39 from Stop and Shop for FHS Scholarships.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,200.00 from SEPAC for the supplemental curriculum materials.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $252.00 from Wells Fargo for FHS In House Enrichment.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from Dr. & Mrs. Robert Doyle for in house enrichment at the FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of two checks ($1377.00 & $3031.00) totaling $4408.00 from Parmenter PCC for field trips and supplies.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
a. Stop & Shop / Hockomock Area Y Grant for Jefferson Elementary School
b. ELL Grant / Curriculum Development
c. Verizon Affinity Grant

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

In the News - Charter changes

Franklin town treasurer position may switch to appointment

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

My reporting from Town Council meetings earlier this year on the Charter changes can be found here

1 - Charter revisions reviewed by subcommittee
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2010/01/fm-55-review-of-week-ending-12410.html 

2 - Charter revisions got a formal hearing
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2010/03/fm-60-week-ending-31410.html 

3 - Charter changes approved by a 6-2 vote (Jones, Zollo, voted no – Vallee was absent)
http://franklinmattersweekly.blogspot.com/2010/04/fm-64-week-ending-41110.html 


Note: there is a date error in the report, the discussion referenced as occurring on May 10th actually occurred on March 10th.

Franklin, MA

What's your name?

I've wanted to re-open the "Where in Franklin?" series and had the thought today on how to do it with a twist (of course).  I recall taking a walk along a state park trail with a naturalist when my daughters were young. The naturalist was able to name every plant along the way. Well, at least it seemed like she could. That is one area where my own development is lacking. I can recognize some vegetation (common trees, poison ivy, cherry tomatoes, etc.) but generally to walk in the woods, I feel a loss in that I don't know the names of the trees, plants and other vegetation.

Let's start with some simple things. Walking along the streets in Franklin, folks have various flowers and plants adorning their yard. Some of them are more attractive than others but all have a place in the circle of life. All of them have a name. As I walk around town and take pictures, I'll post good ones to find out the name.

You can play along in at least three ways:
1 - name it
send me an email, or leave a comment to identify the item shown

2 - send me a photo
of an item you would like to know the name of. I'll post it so we can all learn together

3 - you can also be less active and just read along
learning and sharing as we find out 'who's who' in the plant kingdom

This is not a contest where the first person who correctly names the item wins. We will all win by learning, and sharing and yes, perhaps having a laugh together, over what we know (and don't know).

This will be a new series. I'll have a separate page to collect the individual posts, pictures and results.

How does that sound?

I believe that learning, sharing, and laughing are the three things that I try to do everyday. Will you join me in this? Would you like to play along?

Yes, that is good. Then here is the first challenge. I found this gorgeous flower in a yard along King St.

Ms Flower - what's your name?

Note: If you have a Flickr account, you can also click through and comment on the photo in Flickr. I'll also post this to the Franklin Matters Facebook page.

-----

The Answer - my friend from Hawaii, Rosa Say, left a comment on the Flickr page to identify these as hibiscus.  More on hibiscus can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus


Franklin, MA

If you've already read Dark Tide

The Dark Tide was the book selected for the "Franklin Reads" program in 2008.

And from the Library newsletter:

Introducing One Book Two Communities. “Franklin Reads” is three years old. We are pleased to expand this program to include the Community of Medway. Book selection is in progress and we invite you all to participate in this exciting adventure.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

If you've already read Dark Tide

via Universal Hub by adamg on 7/14/10

Stephen Puleo, author of the definitive work on our very own Molasses Flood, has a new book out on the history of Boston between 1850 and 1890: A City So Grand.
Chris Klein reviews the book, says it's a great read, but left him melancholy:

... Back then, Bostonians literally moved mountains to resculpt the city, filling in waterways and creating the Back Bay. Puleo writes that the Great Coliseum, 500 feet long and 300 feet wide, that held 50,000 people for the Great Peace Jubilee was built in just 90 days. 90 days!

Boston still plays a leading role in science, technology, and education. In the last 20 years, Boston has had some notable achievements such as the cleanup of Boston Harbor and the Big Dig, but even while the Big Dig was an engineering marvel it was a long, protracted project and not necessarily a source of pride. These days, we can't even stage an event such as the Parade of Tall Ships without constant bickering and political infighting. There's a huge hole festering in Downtown Crossing where the old Filene's building, a Boston institution, once stood. I fear that it's becoming a symbol of a can't-do spirit in the city. Could Boston build the Great Coliseum in just 90 days today? I doubt it. ...

read more

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• Subscribe to Universal Hub using Google Reader
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Third Thursday - July 15th - photo summary

The Museum was open and busy with visitors. Some were enjoying the Stanley Chilson videos being shown that showed life in Franklin in the 1930's.

The Fire Dept trucks were shining in the setting sunlight.

Rick's added a sign showing a welcome service in the recent heat; AC

The Downtown Consignment shop was open in the rear of the Berry Building

The triangle sign was updated to reflect the new water restrictions in place as of 7/7/10

The cherry tomatoes are growing at the Franklin Food Pantry

Did you go downtown for Third Thursday? Did you have any fried dough at the Rome? Or stop into Jane's Frames or Cafe Dolce?


Updated 5/17/11 - sometime in the past couple of months, Downtown Consignment moved to an unknown location in Plainville. The Franklin Art Association now has a gallery in this location.


Franklin, MA

Main St Construction

In case you missed the notice that construction on Main St began this week, you would find the following signs as you approached the Post Office heading to Dean College and the Library.

Franklin, MA

Massachusetts ballot questions announced by secretary of state

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Massachusetts ballot questions announced by secretary of state

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 7/15/10

Expect to hear a lot in the coming months about Questions 1, 2 and 3.  Massachusetts voters in November will decide the fate of questions slashing the sales tax rate to 3 percent from 6.25 percent, overturning last summer's new tax on retail alcohol sales and repealing the state's comprehensive permit law known as Chapter 40B.
Secretary of State William Galvin on Thursday announced the numbers attached to each question.

• The alcohol sales tax repeal question will be Question 1,
• The comprehensive permit law repeal is Question 2 and
• The initiative petition to reduce the sales tax to 3 percent will be Question 3. 

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• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

MBTA New Commuter Rail Locomotive Purchase

Local commuters on the Franklin Line will have some light at the end of the tunnel for better service in 2013.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA New Commuter Rail Locomotive Purchase

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 7/15/10

The MBTA Board of Directors has approved the purchase of 20 new diesel electric locomotives for commuter rail service.  The $114.6 million contract with Motive Power Inc. of Boise, Idaho will deliver the new locomotives beginning in 2013.

The acquisition of new locomotives is a high priority for the MBTA and is a critical element in improving commuter rail performance and service. 

The MBTA operates a fleet of 80 revenue service locomotives, the oldest of which were manufactured between 1978 and 1980.  Overhauled in 1989, these locomotives were programmed for retirement in 2005.  The purchase will allow the MBTA to remove the 20 oldest and least reliable locomotives from service, eliminating associated armature and traction motor failures. 
In addition to realizing increased reliability, the MBTA will significantly reduce locomotive emissions.  The new units will be required to meet "Tier 3" emission standards as regulated by the EPA.  Advancing the delivery of this cleaner technology will reduce fuel consumption by approximately 730,000 gallons per year and will reduce the following in emissions per year; particulate Matter – 26 tons, Hydrocarbons – 38 tons, and Oxides of Nitrogen – by 924 tons.  The reduction in fuel consumption will save an estimated $1.5 million annually.  Visit MBTA on the web to learn more and purchase commuter rail tickets.

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New MBTA trains to be added to Framingham, Franklin lines

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

Facts At a Glance: Massachusetts Ranks 31st in Taxes in FY 2008

I get this newsletter and for those interested in the whole budget process, they are quite informative. You can subscribe to receive your own copy via one of their channels.

Explore our online budget database Is our research helpful to you? Support our work Contact Info   Noah Berger   President   nberger@massbudget.org   (617) 426-1228 x102   Tom Benner   Communications Director   tbenner@massbudget.org   (617) 426-1228 x100 Facts At a Glance: Massachusetts Ranks 31st in Taxes in FY 2008 July 15, 2010 This week the U.S. Census Bureau released its annual update of State and Local Government Finances, providing national data for Fiscal Year 2008.  The amount of state and local taxes paid in Massachusetts as a share of total personal income was 10.3 percent in FY 2008. By this measure, Massachusetts had lower taxes than 30 other states. A MassBudget fact sheet analyzing the new Census data is available at www.massbudget.org or by clicking here. In addition, a newly updated fact sheet, Facts At a Glance: New Corporate Tax Breaks Proposed in Economic Development Legislation, is available by clicking here. See MassBudget's Budget Browser to explore Massachusetts state budgets from Fiscal Year 2001 to the present, as well as budget proposals offered by the Governor and the Legislature. MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108