Franklin YMCA hopes to expand
from The Milford Daily News News RSSFranklin administrators bemoan large class sizes
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Franklin, MA Public Schools: Handbooks
The parent/student/family handbooks for each school in the Franklin Public Schools were approved by the School Committee during the meeting on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010. You can cruise amongst the individual school webpage to find the handbooks or all of them can be found in one place here:
ECDC FY 11 final Family Handbook 3 (PDF)
Jefferson Parent Handbook 10-11 Final August 2010 (PDF)
Keller Parent and Student Handbook 2010-2011-FINAL (PDF)
JF Kennedy FINAL Handbook 10-11 (PDF)
Oak Street FINAL Family Handbook 2010-2011 (PDF)
Parmenter Family Handbook 2010-2011.FINAL (PDF)
Davis Thayer FINAL Family Handbook 2010-2011 (PDF)
Horace Mann MS FINAL (PDF)
Remington MS_Handbook_FINAL_10-11 (PDF)
Annie Sullivan MS Student Handbook FINAL 2010-2011 (PDF)
FHS FINAL 10-11 (PDF)
FHS Bullying Appendix A FINAL 2010-2011 (PDF)
Note: These handbooks were the 'official' ones approved at the meeting, if an individual handbook is changed after this time, THE official one should be found on the respective Franklin Schools page.
Franklin, MA
ECDC FY 11 final Family Handbook 3 (PDF)
Jefferson Parent Handbook 10-11 Final August 2010 (PDF)
Keller Parent and Student Handbook 2010-2011-FINAL (PDF)
JF Kennedy FINAL Handbook 10-11 (PDF)
Oak Street FINAL Family Handbook 2010-2011 (PDF)
Parmenter Family Handbook 2010-2011.FINAL (PDF)
Davis Thayer FINAL Family Handbook 2010-2011 (PDF)
Horace Mann MS FINAL (PDF)
Remington MS_Handbook_FINAL_10-11 (PDF)
Annie Sullivan MS Student Handbook FINAL 2010-2011 (PDF)
FHS FINAL 10-11 (PDF)
FHS Bullying Appendix A FINAL 2010-2011 (PDF)
Note: These handbooks were the 'official' ones approved at the meeting, if an individual handbook is changed after this time, THE official one should be found on the respective Franklin Schools page.
Franklin, MA
School Committee - 08/24/10
The collection of posts from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - Discussion only items
- Live reporting - Middle School Improvement Plans
- Live reporting - School Committee
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Live reporting - Closing
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Parmenter – Wachusett Street Construction
The front access loop is currently impassible, meeting with DPW and Town Administrator on Wednesday
There are 153 new students in the district, there was a line down the hall at the high school today, students who had been at the private high schools are returning
The bus routes are being posted,
there were three buses eliminated per the budget discussion to save $120,000
Stops were added other bus routes
Some routes will be longer than last year due to the additional stops
middle school buses are at about 95% capacity
elementary buses are at 75% capacity
bus counts will be taken the third week in Sep
bus counts will be taken more frequently
Late bus will be up and running for the middle and high school students
Pay to ride, currently just about where they were last year about 1591, expecting an increase but only where capacity exists.
Cafasso - can we utilize the existing media to communicate to the PCC's? We need to keep the parents aware. I would like to see in Oct.
Ridership mostly middle/high school for the pay-to-ride
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
budget subcommittee met to start discussing FY 2012
if there is any input, like to see things different from last year, let Sue know
policy subcommittee continuing to work through the manual
will be bringing forward
School Committee Liaison Reports
none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Roy - received a book from C Geromini "The Death and Life of the Great American School System"
Trahan - wishing a safe new beginning to the new year to all the students, faculty, etc.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
moving to executive session, passed 7-0
8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA
Superintendent’s Report
a. Parmenter – Wachusett Street Construction
The front access loop is currently impassible, meeting with DPW and Town Administrator on Wednesday
There are 153 new students in the district, there was a line down the hall at the high school today, students who had been at the private high schools are returning
The bus routes are being posted,
there were three buses eliminated per the budget discussion to save $120,000
Stops were added other bus routes
Some routes will be longer than last year due to the additional stops
- Remington, bus 29 eliminated, stops added to buses 1, 10, 11, 14
- Horace Mann, bus 30 eliminated, stops added to buses 15 and 22
- Parmenter, bus 5 eliminated, stops added to bus 22 and 23
- Keller, bus 24 eliminated, stops to bus 2
- Jefferson, bus 21, stops added to buses 15 and 26
middle school buses are at about 95% capacity
elementary buses are at 75% capacity
bus counts will be taken the third week in Sep
bus counts will be taken more frequently
Late bus will be up and running for the middle and high school students
Pay to ride, currently just about where they were last year about 1591, expecting an increase but only where capacity exists.
Cafasso - can we utilize the existing media to communicate to the PCC's? We need to keep the parents aware. I would like to see in Oct.
Ridership mostly middle/high school for the pay-to-ride
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
budget subcommittee met to start discussing FY 2012
if there is any input, like to see things different from last year, let Sue know
policy subcommittee continuing to work through the manual
will be bringing forward
School Committee Liaison Reports
none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Roy - received a book from C Geromini "The Death and Life of the Great American School System"
Trahan - wishing a safe new beginning to the new year to all the students, faculty, etc.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
moving to executive session, passed 7-0
8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Action items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the Franklin High School’s Handbook as presented at the last meeting.
b. I recommend acceptance of the District Improvement Plan as presented at the last meeting.
c. I recommend acceptance of the Horace Mann, Remington and Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plans as presented.
d. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of the Middle Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
f. I recommend acceptance of the Elementary Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
motion to accept, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
a. I recommend acceptance of the Franklin High School’s Handbook as presented at the last meeting.
motion to accept, passed 7-0
b. I recommend acceptance of the District Improvement Plan as presented at the last meeting.
motion to accept, passed 7-0
c. I recommend acceptance of the Horace Mann, Remington and Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plans as presented.
motion to accept, passed 7-0
d. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to accept, passed 7-0
e. I recommend acceptance of the Middle Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
motion to accept, passed 7-0
f. I recommend acceptance of the Elementary Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
motion to accept, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Discussion only items
Added charge to the Space Needs subcommittee
Have the district changes in population shift the district has seen sufficient to re-district
are the changes sufficient to consider going to a half-day kindergarten
We are talking about a possible re-districting for the next school year 2011-2012
Sabolinksi - The kindergarten committee will be prepared for input to the Space Needs Subcommittee
Franklin, MA
Have the district changes in population shift the district has seen sufficient to re-district
are the changes sufficient to consider going to a half-day kindergarten
We are talking about a possible re-districting for the next school year 2011-2012
Sabolinksi - The kindergarten committee will be prepared for input to the Space Needs Subcommittee
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Middle School Improvement Plans
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Middle School’s School Improvement Plans
Annie Sullivan - Principal, Beth Wycoff
a continuation and update of items from prior years, continuing what is going well
adding and adjusting to areas that need to be to continue to make progress
Made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) with hard work, continuing to devote effort to maintain that progress
added the bullying policy to the handbooks and to the objectives
Horace Mann - Interim Principal, Michael Levine
Speaking to the effort although not from direct and detailed exposure due to his new role
Gave thanks to those who helped prepare him for this
Remington - Principal, Paul Peri
Did meet AYP in math subgroups but did not meet AYP in the English areas
There are six performance ratings, all the schools in Franklin are in the highest category
Due to this high category a drop of a few points is not doom and gloom, there is work to be done and efforts are underway to provide the progress to meet AYP
Cafasso - looking at the enrollment for the middle schools, enrollment overall is down at all three schools but there are spikes in specific grades. Can you talk to us about class sizes and where you have concerns? Where are the pain points?
Wycoff- I am concerned about by 6th Grade class sizes. We lost a position so the class sizes are going up to 28-29. That is a deep concern for us. Took every class list and even out the classes manually. I think the other grades are managable but not what we had when I came here. I'd like to get back to the class sizes where we could have 18-22.
Peri - You can get in to the low 30's in the Unified arts classes. We are looking for additional furniture from one room to move to another where needed. We are relying on everyone in the building to come together.
Levine - 32% have class sizes over 25, the bulk in the 6th grade; 26, 27 ... The teachers change their strategies to accommodate the individualized instruction. As this gets to the heart of our success, this is an issue.
Glynn - With the changes in class size, how does this affect the performance?
Peri - there is a correlation between class size and goal performance. The goal is to hit 100% in 2014.
Wycoff - something gives at some point. We have all of these other factors, students in warning but not making progress, are we moving the advanced up as much as we are capable of. At some point, when you have these numbers in the classroom, something gives. We have done quite well here in Franklin. The dam will break but not because there is a valiant effort. To accommodate three extra bodies, you can't understand unless you are in the room with them.
Levine - I'll just add that when I started teaching, this was the discussion. I won't say when I started. There was evidence to suggest that smaller class sizes do create better performance. We need to do as much as we can to decrease class size.
Franklin, MA
a. Middle School’s School Improvement Plans
Annie Sullivan - Principal, Beth Wycoff
a continuation and update of items from prior years, continuing what is going well
adding and adjusting to areas that need to be to continue to make progress
Made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) with hard work, continuing to devote effort to maintain that progress
added the bullying policy to the handbooks and to the objectives
Horace Mann - Interim Principal, Michael Levine
Speaking to the effort although not from direct and detailed exposure due to his new role
Gave thanks to those who helped prepare him for this
Remington - Principal, Paul Peri
Did meet AYP in math subgroups but did not meet AYP in the English areas
There are six performance ratings, all the schools in Franklin are in the highest category
Due to this high category a drop of a few points is not doom and gloom, there is work to be done and efforts are underway to provide the progress to meet AYP
Cafasso - looking at the enrollment for the middle schools, enrollment overall is down at all three schools but there are spikes in specific grades. Can you talk to us about class sizes and where you have concerns? Where are the pain points?
Wycoff- I am concerned about by 6th Grade class sizes. We lost a position so the class sizes are going up to 28-29. That is a deep concern for us. Took every class list and even out the classes manually. I think the other grades are managable but not what we had when I came here. I'd like to get back to the class sizes where we could have 18-22.
Peri - You can get in to the low 30's in the Unified arts classes. We are looking for additional furniture from one room to move to another where needed. We are relying on everyone in the building to come together.
Levine - 32% have class sizes over 25, the bulk in the 6th grade; 26, 27 ... The teachers change their strategies to accommodate the individualized instruction. As this gets to the heart of our success, this is an issue.
Glynn - With the changes in class size, how does this affect the performance?
Peri - there is a correlation between class size and goal performance. The goal is to hit 100% in 2014.
Wycoff - something gives at some point. We have all of these other factors, students in warning but not making progress, are we moving the advanced up as much as we are capable of. At some point, when you have these numbers in the classroom, something gives. We have done quite well here in Franklin. The dam will break but not because there is a valiant effort. To accommodate three extra bodies, you can't understand unless you are in the room with them.
Levine - I'll just add that when I started teaching, this was the discussion. I won't say when I started. There was evidence to suggest that smaller class sizes do create better performance. We need to do as much as we can to decrease class size.
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - School Committee
Present: Douglas, Cafasso, Rohrbach, Mullen, Roy, Trahan, Glynn
Franklin, MA
Absent: none
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - added Space Needs Subcommittee report to Discussion Only Items
Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open and Executive Session minutes from the August 10, 2010 School Committee Meeting. Motion to accept, passed 7-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn Motion to accept, passed 7-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives- none this meeting, next time
Correspondence - none
Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - added Space Needs Subcommittee report to Discussion Only Items
Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open and Executive Session minutes from the August 10, 2010 School Committee Meeting. Motion to accept, passed 7-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn Motion to accept, passed 7-0
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives- none this meeting, next time
Correspondence - none
Franklin, MA
the opportunity is now
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana
Why am I on this kick about the School Committee/Administration and the District Improvement Plan?
And if by chance, you missed that, I talked about it here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/school-committee-say-it-isnt-so.html
and here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/well-take-money-thank-you.html
I worked with wonderful folks on the Steering Committee to develop the Strategic Plan for the Franklin Public Schools. That overall strategy plan is now being further detailed with specific actions and follow up items to bring us toward the vision of what the schools should be.
The history of Franklin voters funding education is terrible. One operational override has passed of the seven offered. The one that passed was clearly a town-wide effort to save operations across the board (fire, police, Library and schools). Each one that failed was essentially for the schools. Although there were other departmental effects, the bulk of the funding for the six failures was for the schools.
Hence, one could argue that Franklin doesn't fund the schools.
Hence, given the opportunity to put together the details for the strategic plan, one would expect a considerable focus on communications, outreach, etc.
As I have outlined already, the bulk of the work on the District Improvement Plan is there. The issue is relatively minor in that the parents, the PCC organizations were left out of the District Improvement Plan in the key section to increase awareness of the school funding priorities. The community is included in the high school renovation project. It had better be. The community is excluded from the budget process and that is where I raise the issue.
Given the history of Franklin funding education, given the methods the School Committee and Administration have used to communicate, something needs to be changed.
Hence the George Santayana quote.
The time for change is now.
Franklin, MA
We'll take the money, thank you
As a follow up to the School Committee's action item on the District Improvement Plan, I went back through the agendas for the calendar year 2010. (Yes, the calendar year as opposed to the school year.) The PCC donations to the School Committee resulted in 22 separate actions for a total of $49,549.85.
The full listing of the 22 donations according to the published agendas for the period from Jan 1, 2010 through Aug 24, 2010 can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1WPDUuqdM2Aa5etpgqRKkNIxGUljx7vYIwwmPpYxat_A&hl=en#
Will the School Committee/Administration modify the District Improvement Plan to include the parents, especially the PCC organizations? Come to the meeting, or at least tune in to see what happens.
The School Committee meets Tuesday, Aug 24th at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Bldg, East Central St.
You can tune into either Comcast or Verizon to see the cable broadcast or from your PC follow this link to view the broadcast.
Franklin, MA
The full listing of the 22 donations according to the published agendas for the period from Jan 1, 2010 through Aug 24, 2010 can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1WPDUuqdM2Aa5etpgqRKkNIxGUljx7vYIwwmPpYxat_A&hl=en#
Will the School Committee/Administration modify the District Improvement Plan to include the parents, especially the PCC organizations? Come to the meeting, or at least tune in to see what happens.
The School Committee meets Tuesday, Aug 24th at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Bldg, East Central St.
You can tune into either Comcast or Verizon to see the cable broadcast or from your PC follow this link to view the broadcast.
Franklin, MA
Survey reminder
Friendly reminder that the current survey or poll question is still open for your input until Friday August
Franklin, MA
WOULD YOU PAY APPROX. $70 TO PUT THE UTILITIES UNDERGROUND?
You can find the survey question on the top of Franklin Matters and in the center column above the calendar.
Franklin, MA
Monday, August 23, 2010
Real time reporting - Planning Board - 8/23/10
Hockomock Y addition
The Hockomock YMCA at Forge Park is looking for a limited site plan and approval for an addition of approx. 1300 sq ft on the first floor and another 2500 sq ft on the second floor. The additions are meant to expand the teen and wellness programs. The Y has already made four or five "limited site plans" over the years so there is an issue as to whether they should come forward with a full site plan. There is also an issue and discussion on the parking available. There are only 202 parking spaces available and parking for some periods finds space along both access roads creating a safety hazard.
Me: if they have lost membership (a decline from 12,000 to approx 10,500 since 2007) part of the reason could be the economy but part of the reason could be the hassle getting to the facility (i.e. parking). Getting a competitive program should address parking as much as it should the programs offered.
The Board did approve that the Y could proceed with a "limited site plan" and the Y will return in two weeks with additional information.
Item D/E
D'Addario Hardware - Board approved moving forward with a limited site plan for adding a temporary storage container.
Ryan Development - related to D'Addario as they own the property, this limited site plan is for the paving of the land to accommodate the container for D'Addario. Both limited site plans were approved.
Item F
Franklin Place Senior Village - permit extension approved
(to be continued)
Note: headline (title) was adjusted to reflect my own policy of using "live" to reflect when I am in the room and "real time" when I am reporting while it happens but via the cable feed. My reporting got interrupted so I'll catch the remainder when the video replay is available.
Franklin, MA
The Hockomock YMCA at Forge Park is looking for a limited site plan and approval for an addition of approx. 1300 sq ft on the first floor and another 2500 sq ft on the second floor. The additions are meant to expand the teen and wellness programs. The Y has already made four or five "limited site plans" over the years so there is an issue as to whether they should come forward with a full site plan. There is also an issue and discussion on the parking available. There are only 202 parking spaces available and parking for some periods finds space along both access roads creating a safety hazard.
Me: if they have lost membership (a decline from 12,000 to approx 10,500 since 2007) part of the reason could be the economy but part of the reason could be the hassle getting to the facility (i.e. parking). Getting a competitive program should address parking as much as it should the programs offered.
The Board did approve that the Y could proceed with a "limited site plan" and the Y will return in two weeks with additional information.
Item D/E
D'Addario Hardware - Board approved moving forward with a limited site plan for adding a temporary storage container.
Ryan Development - related to D'Addario as they own the property, this limited site plan is for the paving of the land to accommodate the container for D'Addario. Both limited site plans were approved.
Item F
Franklin Place Senior Village - permit extension approved
(to be continued)
Note: headline (title) was adjusted to reflect my own policy of using "live" to reflect when I am in the room and "real time" when I am reporting while it happens but via the cable feed. My reporting got interrupted so I'll catch the remainder when the video replay is available.
Franklin, MA
School Committee - say it isn't so!
The School Committee reviewed the District Improvement Plan at their last meeting on August 10. As one of the contributors to the Steering Committee that developed the Strategic Plan, it was good to see the mission, vision, and values fleshed out with detailed action steps and follow up status points.
There is one significant omission. It was also noticed by one of the eagle eye readers here as well so I wasn't the only one to catch it.
The District Improvement Plan: The last goal statement was built on the core value that the community provides resources for learning. Resources in this case is not just funding and the Strategic Value was worded carefully:
For this goal statement, the plan lists two learning objectives:
Where are the parents? Where is the Parent Communication Council (PCC)?
Don't you think that the parents should be involved in the process? Shouldn't the parents (especially in their role as voters) be involved in the planning and communications around the educational priorities?
Shouldn't there be an objective to reach out to the parents (and other groups in the community) to improve the information and awareness of the school budget and priorities?
Is it just me or is the School Committee/Administration missing the boat?
Why is this an issue?
The School Committee agenda for Tuesday, August 24 has an action item:
Say it isn't so!
The action item and District Improvement Plan can be found here:
SchCom_20010824_ActionB
The 'final' Strategic Plan
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-reporting-strategic-plan.html
Strategic Plan Steering Committee
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/01/live-reporting-steering-committee-for.html
Strategic Plan presentation to Town Council
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/04/slidecast-strategic-plan-overview-audio.html
Franklin, MA
There is one significant omission. It was also noticed by one of the eagle eye readers here as well so I wasn't the only one to catch it.
The District Improvement Plan: The last goal statement was built on the core value that the community provides resources for learning. Resources in this case is not just funding and the Strategic Value was worded carefully:
We partner with all members of the community to exchange ideas, solve problems and build a comprehensive educational experience.From this value, the goal statement is worded as:
GOAL STATEMENT: The community will collaborate to provide the financial resources to support the educational program.This gets to the heart of the matter. For whatever reason (economic times, lack of trust, or just 'no more', etc.) the Franklin voters have spoken to deny the schools the funding the School Committee/Administration claims is required for the education of our children. One would expect that this issue, how to better engage the community, would receive a high priority and fortunately it does with the Value and Goal Statement as shown.
For this goal statement, the plan lists two learning objectives:
- Administrators will collaborate with School Committee to develop and implement a budget
- The FPS Administration will collaborate with town and community to address FHS facility needs
Where are the parents? Where is the Parent Communication Council (PCC)?
Don't you think that the parents should be involved in the process? Shouldn't the parents (especially in their role as voters) be involved in the planning and communications around the educational priorities?
Shouldn't there be an objective to reach out to the parents (and other groups in the community) to improve the information and awareness of the school budget and priorities?
Is it just me or is the School Committee/Administration missing the boat?
Why is this an issue?
The School Committee agenda for Tuesday, August 24 has an action item:
- I recommend acceptance of the District Improvement Plan as presented at the last meeting.
Say it isn't so!
The action item and District Improvement Plan can be found here:
SchCom_20010824_ActionB
The 'final' Strategic Plan
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-reporting-strategic-plan.html
Strategic Plan Steering Committee
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/01/live-reporting-steering-committee-for.html
Strategic Plan presentation to Town Council
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/04/slidecast-strategic-plan-overview-audio.html
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Planning Board - 08/23/10 - Agenda
The current agenda for the Planning Board meeting scheduled for Aug 23, 2010.
Franklin, MA: Planning Board Agenda 08-23-10
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Planning Board Agenda 08-23-10
Franklin, MA
Woodrow L. Abbott Field House
Let's reach out and draw from your memory banks on this one:
Apparently, the high school field house was once named the "Woodrow L. Abbott Field House" and then about 10 years ago (or so) the sign was removed and hence referred to as the Franklin High School Field House.
Who was Woodrow L Abbott?
Why was the change made?
You can send me an email or respond in the comments.
Thanks!
Franklin, MA
Catch basin does its thing
Coming down Upper Union St to the newly redesigned corner at King St, the catch basin (or rain garden?) is doing its thing along the side of the road.
MassHighway, now a Division of MA DOT is responsible for this construction which won't be completed until Summer of 2010. You can find out project status on the MA DOT website here
Franklin, MA
MassHighway, now a Division of MA DOT is responsible for this construction which won't be completed until Summer of 2010. You can find out project status on the MA DOT website here
Franklin, MA
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Conservation Commission - reporting - Aug 12
The Conservation Commission meeting of 8/12/10 is recorded and available for review on demand on the Franklin website
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634180921746168826&indexSessionSKU=FfA8vbJzDUVgSnMLeNnOFg%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
Conservation Agent report: Nick Alferi
Of interest and an item that slipped in with the Governor's approval of the Tax Free days for Aug 14/15, all permits if they were issued between 8/15/08 and 8/15/10 are automatically extended two years. The process of tolling is adding two years to the clock usually when an item goes to court. As the new law doesn't explicitly include extensions (amongst the long list of items included), research by Mark Cerel is underway to find out.
Discussion on a public hearing to review the process on a minor buffer zone and functional characteristics. Likely to hold a public hearing first. Need a clean copy of the Commission rules and regulations allow with a a marked up copy to help the discussion.
video segment can be viewed here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=F4pi8e4ST9CRUFAWP7iUBw%3d%3d
Summer St - new water main
From Crocker Ave to Squibnocket Rd
replacement of the existing water line, abiding with all regulations for conservation commission etc.
Final paving of this section will be done next year after the trench has settled.
Standard special conditions would apply.
View the video segment here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=n%2fykJ3qSTo8UmPrQMnpn6g%3d%3d
486 E Central St - Price Chopper
Plans about 90% done, still making adjustments to incorporate the feedback from various agencies (including Charles River Watershed). Should have paperwork complete with some understanding that there will be iterations as the details are worked out.
Discussion on intermittent stream seems to be coming from runoff of impervious surfaces off the property. According to the wetlands act, the mitigations would be required if it was jurisdictional (i.e. had vegetation at the source of the water). Since there is no vegetation at the source of the water, it is their opinion to not be jurisdictional and the plans will reflect that.
Still working with Planning Board, on their agenda for their second meeting in Sep. Would likely be ready for the second meeting here in Sep as well (Sep 23).
Public hearing continued to Sep 23rd.
View the view segment here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=rQs7OCdTRdu%2fPwIQA9IpQw%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634180921746168826&indexSessionSKU=FfA8vbJzDUVgSnMLeNnOFg%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D
Conservation Agent report: Nick Alferi
Of interest and an item that slipped in with the Governor's approval of the Tax Free days for Aug 14/15, all permits if they were issued between 8/15/08 and 8/15/10 are automatically extended two years. The process of tolling is adding two years to the clock usually when an item goes to court. As the new law doesn't explicitly include extensions (amongst the long list of items included), research by Mark Cerel is underway to find out.
Discussion on a public hearing to review the process on a minor buffer zone and functional characteristics. Likely to hold a public hearing first. Need a clean copy of the Commission rules and regulations allow with a a marked up copy to help the discussion.
video segment can be viewed here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=F4pi8e4ST9CRUFAWP7iUBw%3d%3d
Summer St - new water main
From Crocker Ave to Squibnocket Rd
replacement of the existing water line, abiding with all regulations for conservation commission etc.
Final paving of this section will be done next year after the trench has settled.
Standard special conditions would apply.
View the video segment here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=n%2fykJ3qSTo8UmPrQMnpn6g%3d%3d
486 E Central St - Price Chopper
Plans about 90% done, still making adjustments to incorporate the feedback from various agencies (including Charles River Watershed). Should have paperwork complete with some understanding that there will be iterations as the details are worked out.
Discussion on intermittent stream seems to be coming from runoff of impervious surfaces off the property. According to the wetlands act, the mitigations would be required if it was jurisdictional (i.e. had vegetation at the source of the water). Since there is no vegetation at the source of the water, it is their opinion to not be jurisdictional and the plans will reflect that.
Still working with Planning Board, on their agenda for their second meeting in Sep. Would likely be ready for the second meeting here in Sep as well (Sep 23).
Public hearing continued to Sep 23rd.
View the view segment here:
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=rQs7OCdTRdu%2fPwIQA9IpQw%3d%3d
Franklin, MA
Native Plants of Franklin
Were you able to identify last week's mystery plant? Here it is, providing food to a hummingbird:
This is Oenothera biennis, otherwise known as common evening primrose. You've likely seen it in fields and weedy places, but you may never have noticed its amazing scent. Evening primrose blooms at night to attract moths. The flowers wilt under the hot sun, so the best time to see and smell this plant is early in the morning. Early in the morning is also when you are most likely to see hummingbirds feeding from its flowers.
Like many native flowers of North America, evening primrose is a biannual, meaning it goes through its entire lifecycle in two years. The plant grows as a small rosette of foliage the first year, and shoots upward with a flower stalk on the second. Under the right conditions, such as in a sunny location against a wall, it can grow eight feet tall and can produce hundreds of yellow flowers.
Seeds of evening primrose are easy to collect: simply break off seed-pods from a spent plant, and break them open. Seeds can then be scattered where you would like the plant to grow.
If you grow this plant in your garden, consider leaving the dead flower stalks standing through the winter to provide food for goldfinches.
And here is our next native plant:
Feel free to post your guesses here in the comments section!
If you would like to see more photos of hummingbirds here in Franklin, you can visit my blog at http://thecluelessgardeners.blogspot.com/ .
Franklin, MA
This is Oenothera biennis, otherwise known as common evening primrose. You've likely seen it in fields and weedy places, but you may never have noticed its amazing scent. Evening primrose blooms at night to attract moths. The flowers wilt under the hot sun, so the best time to see and smell this plant is early in the morning. Early in the morning is also when you are most likely to see hummingbirds feeding from its flowers.
Like many native flowers of North America, evening primrose is a biannual, meaning it goes through its entire lifecycle in two years. The plant grows as a small rosette of foliage the first year, and shoots upward with a flower stalk on the second. Under the right conditions, such as in a sunny location against a wall, it can grow eight feet tall and can produce hundreds of yellow flowers.
Seeds of evening primrose are easy to collect: simply break off seed-pods from a spent plant, and break them open. Seeds can then be scattered where you would like the plant to grow.
If you grow this plant in your garden, consider leaving the dead flower stalks standing through the winter to provide food for goldfinches.
And here is our next native plant:
Feel free to post your guesses here in the comments section!
If you would like to see more photos of hummingbirds here in Franklin, you can visit my blog at http://thecluelessgardeners.blogspot.com/ .
Franklin, MA
In the Globe - library thrives in hard times
Library thrives in tough times
from Boston Globe -- Globe West Lessons that we may be able to borrow and use here in Franklin?
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 8/24/10
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open and Executive Session minutes from the August 10, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Middle School’s School Improvement Plans
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the Franklin High School’s Handbook as presented at the last meeting.
b. I recommend acceptance of the District Improvement Plan as presented at the last meeting.
c. I recommend acceptance of the Horace Mann, Remington and Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plans as presented.
d. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of the Middle Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
f. I recommend acceptance of the Elementary Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Parmenter – Wachusett Street Construction
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
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the Open and Executive Session minutes from the August 10, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Middle School’s School Improvement Plans
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the Franklin High School’s Handbook as presented at the last meeting.
b. I recommend acceptance of the District Improvement Plan as presented at the last meeting.
c. I recommend acceptance of the Horace Mann, Remington and Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plans as presented.
d. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of the Middle Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
f. I recommend acceptance of the Elementary Schools Handbooks as presented at the last meeting.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Parmenter – Wachusett Street Construction
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
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Statewide Trend: Tax Bills
The property tax is by far the largest and most reliable component of revenue for cities and towns. Data collected by DLS makes it clear that whether property values are moving up or down, property taxes will increase, except in rare instances, given the need to provide ever more costly services. This is particularly true during times when there is less state aid, stagnant local receipts, and little new growth. Over each of the past ten years, the statewide average single-family tax bill has increased in both actual and constant dollars. The weighted average tax bill increased in 2010 by $140, or 3.3 percent, to $4,390, the smallest percentage increase of any year in the past decade. The percentage increase during this time ranged from the current low to a high of 6.7 percent in 2002. The cumulative percentage increase over this period is 55.3 percent, an average of 5.5 percent each year. Generally speaking, the average bill has recently increased at a slower pace suggesting a few factors are at play, such as leaner budgets, reduced excess levy capacity and Proposition 2 ½ override fatigue.bold added for my own emphasis
Read the full article here:
Updated 8/22/10 - The Boston Globe headlines for the Sunday paper referenced this same report.
Franklin, MA
DEA: prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative
The Drug Enforcement Administration and government, community, public health and law enforcement partners today announced a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at sites nationwide o n Saturday, September 25 th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.For locations near you, check on the DEA website here. You can search by zip code and within a radius of that zip code. Currently there are not locations close to Franklin. However, the website claims additional locations will be added and to check back often.
The top page on the DEA website is here: http://www.justice.gov/dea/index.shtml
Franklin, MA
Friday, August 20, 2010
Downtown Improvement Project - collection
The collection of information on the Franklin, MA Downtown Improvement Project can be found here. Note the project has also been called or referred to as 'street-scape' or 'revitalization'.
The collection will be added to as the project and discussions continue.
Franklin, MA website links ---------------------
The Franklin Planing and Community Development project page
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/dtimprovement
July 2010 Drawings
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/july2010drawings.pdf
June 2010 Design update
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/designupdatejune.pdf
Proposed Pedestrian Improvements May 2010
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/pedestrianimprovements.pdf
Proposed Intersection Improvements May 2010
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/intersectionimprovements.pdf
Franklin Matters website links ----------------------------
The May 12 presentation document
http://franklinmatters.blo
The May 12 meeting video recording
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/downtown-improvement-project-live.html
Underground Utility - survey
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html
Survey results
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/underground-utilities-survey-results.html
Underground Utility - clarifications
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-utility-wires-to-go.html
Underground Utility - 'the rest of the story'
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/underground-utilities-rest-of-story.html
Improvement Project Presentation to Town Council and Downtown Partnership from Jan 2010
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/downtown-improvement-project.html
The collection will be added to as the project and discussions continue.
Franklin, MA website links ---------------------
The Franklin Planing and Community Development project page
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/dtimprovement
July 2010 Drawings
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/july2010drawings.pdf
June 2010 Design update
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/designupdatejune.pdf
Proposed Pedestrian Improvements May 2010
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/pedestrianimprovements.pdf
Proposed Intersection Improvements May 2010
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/downtowndocs/intersectionimprovements.pdf
Franklin Matters website links ----------------------------
The May 12 presentation document
http://franklinmatters.blo
The May 12 meeting video recording
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/downtown-improvement-project-live.html
Underground Utility - survey
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html
Survey results
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/underground-utilities-survey-results.html
Underground Utility - clarifications
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-utility-wires-to-go.html
Underground Utility - 'the rest of the story'
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/underground-utilities-rest-of-story.html
Improvement Project Presentation to Town Council and Downtown Partnership from Jan 2010
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/downtown-improvement-project.html
Road construction to cause detours this fall
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff on 8/19/10
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting last night asked drivers to be aware of potential detours this fall due to reconstruction of Wachusett Street.
He said the road work could affect school traffic by Parmenter Elementary.
"School will be in session, and we're working with the school department to let citizens know there's a potential for detours," Nutting told the Town Council.
He said the project, which includes drainage and sidewalk improvements, will not be finished until next year.
"There will be a lot of shuffling around," he said.
Nutting said detour routes will likely be announced in the next few weeks.
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Constitution Day Lessons from Sunnylands Classroom
Recalling the recent handbook discussion at the School Committee meeting on 8/11/10, this article caught my eye.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/freetech4teachers/cGEY/~3/MCnM0jf26Fw/constitution-day-lessons-from.html
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/freetech4teachers/cGEY/~3/MCnM0jf26Fw/constitution-day-lessons-from.html
Thursday, August 19, 2010
YPO COOKOFF POSTPONED
The United Regional Chamber’s Young Professional Organization (YPO) has postponed its Chowder & Chili Cookoff scheduled for Sept.1 at the Boston Sports Club in Franklin. The rescheduled date will be announced later.
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Underground Utilities - the rest of the story
With homage to the late Paul Harvey, whose signature line is quite appropriate here. For those watching the Town Council meeting on Wednesday evening, we were able to find out the "rest of the story" on putting the utilities underground.
1 - What was presented earlier is still valid.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-utility-wires-to-go.html
2 - The section of W Central between the bridge and Emmons, and Emmons between W Central and Main St were originally considered for underground utilities. The estimate for these sections would be 4-5 million dollars. Due to the estimate, these sections have been excluded from the current planning.
3 - Once the utilities go underground, the electric service is delivered to within 2 feet of the property line. The property owner would then either connect to the service there or need to run the service to where his power box is currently. This cost would be paid for the property owner. The utilities have thus far refused to estimate this cost. The cost estimates would be better obtained from electrical contractors. The property owners would have to pay for the work from their business income. In cases where the property is rental units, this cost would likely result in higher rental rates.
4 - Franklin would need to front the money for the work to be done due to the way the utilities would do it. NationalGrid would be 'easy' as its work and funding could be accomplished within a year. Both Verizon and Comcast, due to the expense involved, would require a longer period to obtain the funds and therefore would spread the work out over a longer period. This is not acceptable as all the work needs to be done when the street construction is done. Franklin can arrange to borrow the money for the work. The utilities would then through the customer surcharges reimburse Franklin.
5 - To go through this borrowing process, Franklin needs to hold a public hearing. The public hearing was agreed to by all the councilors present as they did not feel comfortable to make the decision on their own. The date for the public hearing was not determined during the Council meeting.
The agenda document for the Town Council meeting has supporting information (memos from Jeff Nutting) on this matter here. Look to pages 6, 7 and 8.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2010tc/08182010Agenda.pdf
Franklin, MA
1 - What was presented earlier is still valid.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-underground-utilities.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/franklin-ma-utility-wires-to-go.html
2 - The section of W Central between the bridge and Emmons, and Emmons between W Central and Main St were originally considered for underground utilities. The estimate for these sections would be 4-5 million dollars. Due to the estimate, these sections have been excluded from the current planning.
3 - Once the utilities go underground, the electric service is delivered to within 2 feet of the property line. The property owner would then either connect to the service there or need to run the service to where his power box is currently. This cost would be paid for the property owner. The utilities have thus far refused to estimate this cost. The cost estimates would be better obtained from electrical contractors. The property owners would have to pay for the work from their business income. In cases where the property is rental units, this cost would likely result in higher rental rates.
4 - Franklin would need to front the money for the work to be done due to the way the utilities would do it. NationalGrid would be 'easy' as its work and funding could be accomplished within a year. Both Verizon and Comcast, due to the expense involved, would require a longer period to obtain the funds and therefore would spread the work out over a longer period. This is not acceptable as all the work needs to be done when the street construction is done. Franklin can arrange to borrow the money for the work. The utilities would then through the customer surcharges reimburse Franklin.
5 - To go through this borrowing process, Franklin needs to hold a public hearing. The public hearing was agreed to by all the councilors present as they did not feel comfortable to make the decision on their own. The date for the public hearing was not determined during the Council meeting.
The agenda document for the Town Council meeting has supporting information (memos from Jeff Nutting) on this matter here. Look to pages 6, 7 and 8.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2010tc/08182010Agenda.pdf
Franklin, MA
Town Council - 08/18/10
The collection of live reported posts from the Town Council meeting Wednesday, August 18th can be found here:
Franklin, MA
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - Underground utilities
- live reporting: Town Council
Franklin, MA
Dean College: Information session August 26
Dean College School of Professional and Continuing Studies hosts information session August 26
The School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) at Dean College will be holding an information session regarding fall programs on Thursday, August 26, 2010. The event will run from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Green Family Library Learning Commons, located on the Dean College campus.
“At these information sessions we will provide program overviews and the opportunity for potential students to schedule advising appointments,” said Renee Vachon Danho, Dean of SPCS. “Now that we are offering part-time baccalaureate degrees in Business and Liberal Arts and, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the options available to past, current and prospective part-time students.”
This event is free and open to the public. For more information regarding the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Dean College, please call (508) 541-1624 or email spcsweb@dean.edu. Visit us online at www.dean.edu.
Franklin, MA
The School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) at Dean College will be holding an information session regarding fall programs on Thursday, August 26, 2010. The event will run from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Green Family Library Learning Commons, located on the Dean College campus.
“At these information sessions we will provide program overviews and the opportunity for potential students to schedule advising appointments,” said Renee Vachon Danho, Dean of SPCS. “Now that we are offering part-time baccalaureate degrees in Business and Liberal Arts and, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the options available to past, current and prospective part-time students.”
This event is free and open to the public. For more information regarding the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Dean College, please call (508) 541-1624 or email spcsweb@dean.edu. Visit us online at www.dean.edu.
Franklin, MA
Do you have electronics to recycle?
I am posting this here for two reasons, one to help the Blackstone Valley area and two, if you have electronics to recycle, Cranston is not a bad drive from here.
Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful, a program of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and in partnership with REI Cranston and Indie Cycle, LCC will hold an electronics recycling drive on Saturday, September 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at REI, located at 22 Chapel View Boulevard in Cranston.
“This electronics recycling drive is being held in conjunction with REI’s annual Labor Day sale,” said Mathhew DeMello, Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful program coordinator and AmeriCorps*VISTA member. .
Residents are encouraged to recycle the following items, all free of charge: computers, servers, printers, televisions, CRT monitors, LCD monitors, laptops, UPS battery back-ups, and stereo equipment. No other items will be accepted.
Donations benefit the environmental programs of Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful. For more information, call 724-2200 or visit www.KeepBlackstoneValleyBeautiful.com.
Indie Cycle, LLC, a Providence-based company, recycles the electronic items. Their zero-waste policy means that everything is reused, resold, reclaimed or recycled.
About the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Established in 1985, the agency’s mission is to create positive change with regard to community values by developing and promoting coordinated, responsible and sustainable tourism in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley communities. To plan and collaborate with intrastate, state, regional, national and international organizations to sustain and enhance the character of our destination, and to develop the public and private natural, historic, cultural, ethnic, industrial, recreational, educational, special events, artistic and commercial resources in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Burrillville and Glocester.
About Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful is a national nonprofit public education organization dedicated since 1953 to engaging individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their local community environments. For half a century, Keep America Beautiful has been the nation’s leading community improvement organization successfully implementing an effective, systematic strategy for reducing waste, preventing litter and beautifying communities nationwide.
About Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful
Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful serves as the environmental education and awareness program of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. We are focusing on preventing litter, reducing waste and beautifying our communities by working with government, business and civic groups in Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, Glocester, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Smithfield and Woonsocket. We work with these cities and towns to understand their specific needs and to create programs that will enhance their landscapes. Emily Soergel, the program coordinator, is sponsored by AmeriCorps*VISTA.
Visit the event's Facebook page
Franklin, MA
Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful, a program of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and in partnership with REI Cranston and Indie Cycle, LCC will hold an electronics recycling drive on Saturday, September 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at REI, located at 22 Chapel View Boulevard in Cranston.
“This electronics recycling drive is being held in conjunction with REI’s annual Labor Day sale,” said Mathhew DeMello, Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful program coordinator and AmeriCorps*VISTA member. .
Residents are encouraged to recycle the following items, all free of charge: computers, servers, printers, televisions, CRT monitors, LCD monitors, laptops, UPS battery back-ups, and stereo equipment. No other items will be accepted.
Donations benefit the environmental programs of Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful. For more information, call 724-2200 or visit www.KeepBlackstoneValleyBeautiful.com.
Indie Cycle, LLC, a Providence-based company, recycles the electronic items. Their zero-waste policy means that everything is reused, resold, reclaimed or recycled.
About the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Established in 1985, the agency’s mission is to create positive change with regard to community values by developing and promoting coordinated, responsible and sustainable tourism in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley communities. To plan and collaborate with intrastate, state, regional, national and international organizations to sustain and enhance the character of our destination, and to develop the public and private natural, historic, cultural, ethnic, industrial, recreational, educational, special events, artistic and commercial resources in Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket, Smithfield, North Smithfield, Burrillville and Glocester.
About Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful is a national nonprofit public education organization dedicated since 1953 to engaging individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their local community environments. For half a century, Keep America Beautiful has been the nation’s leading community improvement organization successfully implementing an effective, systematic strategy for reducing waste, preventing litter and beautifying communities nationwide.
About Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful
Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful serves as the environmental education and awareness program of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. We are focusing on preventing litter, reducing waste and beautifying our communities by working with government, business and civic groups in Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, Glocester, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Smithfield and Woonsocket. We work with these cities and towns to understand their specific needs and to create programs that will enhance their landscapes. Emily Soergel, the program coordinator, is sponsored by AmeriCorps*VISTA.
Visit the event's Facebook page
Franklin, MA
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