Hanging With Franklin's Own Tom Brady Jr.

This month I interviewed Franklin’s one and only Tom Brady Jr. I have wanted to interview Tom Brady Jr.for some time. We all know how busy Tom is juggling his wife, two kids, and traveling for work, so I was thrilled when we finally sat down for this interview last night.

Hello Mr. Brady it is a pleasure to meet you. I am a big fan. May I call you Tom?

But of course.

 Can you state your full name on the record?

Thomas Andrew Brady Jr.

Hmm? I thought that your name was Tom Edward Patrick Brady, Jr.?

No

Well you do play football right?

Yes

Right, for the New England Patriots.

No

Oh Sorry. What team do you play for?

The Brady Family team?

Not like the NFL?

No, Like Tom and Pru. You know touch football.

I am beginning to think that I have the wrong Tom Brady Jr. here. Are you at least a big patriot’s fan?

Oh Yes.

More so or less so since the year 2000? 

The same.

So when Tom Brady became famous in the year 2000 it didn’t ruin your team loyalty?

No.

How did your life change?

I have a company called Tom Brady Carpentry and the year we went to the Super Bowl. I had “Tom Brady” signs in my truck that fans took. I also had magnetic “Tom Brady” signs on the sides of the truck that fans also took.  

Oh dear.

My voice mails were loaded with young girls looking for Tom Brady. I had a kitchen cabinet set being delivered and the delivery guys stole the delivery labels off them because they were made out to Tom Brady. That was just the first year.

Well lots of young girls?  That must have been a plus?

My wife didn’t think so.

Oh dear, Oh my, that’s terrible. Did you get any perks?

After the Super Bowl my best friend David the plumber would go out to bars and tell the bartender that Tom Brady was coming in for beers. The bartender never believed him so they’d make a bet. Then I’d show up, show the bartender my license and we’d drink for free.

I love free stuff! Any other perks?

Well after the first Super Bowl win John Henry called my parents house the day after to congratulate Tom Brady on the win. My mother with the thickest Irish brogue said that she thought that he had the wrong Tom Brady. He said “No I don’t believe I do?” She laughed and said “okay” and hung up.

And for idiots like me who is John Henry?

Do you know the Red Sox?

Obviously I don’t know as much about them as I should.

He’s one of the owners.

I am so ashamed…I know who Bob Kraft is….

Oh I met Bob Kraft when I did the signs for Bass Pro Shops, for Bob’s Signs.

Did he think it was funny that your name was Tom Brady?

He stopped me in the stair well because my picture was in the Boston Globe the day before.

Really?  For what?

There was a picture of me hanging the signs for the Bass Pro Shops. I was on the front page.

Really? You are a celebrity! What did Bob Say?

I asked him for his autograph and he said that you are my other Tom Brady. So I asked for more zeros in the end of my paycheck.

Any luck?

Oh God no.

Did he laugh?

Yes, hysterically.

I am assuming that you still got the autograph?

Yes.

Did you ever get to meet Tom Brady?

Of course, more than once, I’ve met him three times.

What! Really?

Yeah I met him at Gillette stadium and once at Patriot place.

What?  Just walking around?

He was jogging around Gillette field and I was working for Bob’s Signs again. We were putting up flags.

How did you meet him if he was jogging?

I stopped him.

How? Did you throw yourself in front of him?

Well, I stood in front of him.

Really? He’s 6’5” and you're short like me. He didn't run you down?

No.

 Was he annoyed?

No at first he was surprised, then very pleasant.

That’s just crazy. Did you talk long?

A little then he said that he had to keep going on his routine and he jogged off.

That’s too funny? What about the second time?

He was walking to his car after practice and I got his autograph. I told him that my name was Tom Brady and he signed it “To Tom Brady oh what a name, (then he signed it) Tom Brady #12”

Amazing, then you met him yet again?

I met him at Patriot Place in front of Circuit city. He was shopping, he was running out and said a quick hi.

I am so jealous. It must be nice to be Tom Brady.

Well, whenever I order food for takeout in Franklin, its ready 10 minutes earlier.

Do the people look all disappointed when you come in?

Yes, I disappoint people all of the time.

Well you have not disappointed me. You are a fascinating guy. Before I let you go, do you and Tommy #12 have anything else in common?

We both have a beautiful wife and two beautiful children.

Public Notice: Tree Removal of Public Shade Trees

TREE REMOVAL OF PUBLIC SHADE TREES

A public hearing will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2010, 3:00 PM on the Franklin Town Common for the cutting and removal of thirteen hazard/dieing trees. The public shade trees to be removed are located at the Town Common. All interested people should meet at the gazebo at 3:00 PM. All trees to be removed will be marked with yellow caution tape.

Robert A. Cantoreggi
Tree Warden/Director of Public Works


Franklin, MA

In the News - Iron Chef at Dean

Dean College students enjoy Iron Chef competition

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

Franklin, MA

Gallery 218: works of the summer

A crowd, behaving nicely with one another. The work came from the summer. When time was freer and easier than dictated by the school bells, the bus schedule or homework requirements.

Intent on observing a video or one of the paintings on the wall. Observation can lead in so many directions.

A self portrait. Is it close? What do you see when you look in the mirror?

What can you do with your hands, some paint, paper, or knitting needles and yarn? How handy are you?

These works are a small of what some of the Franklin teachers and students did this summer. Representing all the K-12 schools in the district, there are over 100 works on display at Gallery 218 in Franklin High School.

The Gallery is open immediately before and after school. Access off hours can be arranged by contacting Mike Caple, Director of the Art Program.


Art Bonus:
There is also a showing of some Franklin Teachers works at the Hunakai Studio in Foxboro. The show is called "Art of the Educator" and closes Nov 19th this weekend. Take a drive out this Saturday or Sunday to view it before it closes.

Hunakai School of Fine Arts
16 Chestnut Street Suite 410
Foxboro, MA 02035
(508) 543-5665


Updated 11/5/10 - after posting this about the show at Hunakai, I managed to catch up with Carla to find out more about the show and that it was extended until Nov 19th due to the great reception the show has received.


Franklin, MA

"The move to Franklin has been everything we had hoped"

"There is no other community that has put on such an effort," said Jack Lank, president of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. "People here in Franklin get it, they really do."

The summit highlighted the town's ability to offer tax incentives to businesses that expand within six so-called economic opportunity areas designated over the last two years.

The areas include Forge Park, Franklin Industrial Park, North Grove Street, South Grove Street and Pond Street. There are about 100 parcels available, totaling more than 900 acres.

Read the full article about the economic summit held yesterday in Franklin:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x370072951/Franklins-focus-on-business-applauded


Franklin, MA

Parmenter School: Story Walk

StoryWalk is an exciting initiative that combines a children’s story with a popular walking route, developed in September 2007 by Anne Ferguson in Vermont. Ferguson conceived of StoryWalk as a way to inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers to take young children on a short stroll that will be fun for all.

While the current book will stay up all year, Girl Scout Troop 80913 of Franklin will be hosting a GRAND OPENING this Saturday, October 30th, from 2-4pm.

The walking trail is located behind the Parmenter School in Franklin.


Organization: Girl Scouts of Eastern MA (Troop 80913)

Franklin, MA

In the News - home schooling

Franklin schools: Home-schoolers can only play if team spots are open

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

Sure this piece of the discussion was controversial, but what happened during the remainder of the meeting? What happened to the bullying plan and the update on Special Education?


Franklin, MA

Fund raising weekend for Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is fortunate to participate in two, yes, two exciting fund raising events on one weekend.

Saturday, Nov 13 - Bigelow Station plays at the 3 Restaurant
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry.html

Sunday, Nov 14 - Fund Raising at Legacy Place
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry_23.html

How does the Legacy Place fund raiser work?

You buy a ticket for $10. This gets your name on the listing at Legacy Place. When you arrive on Sunday, Nov 14th. Check in to get a bracelet. You wear the bracelet during your shopping trip. The bracelet is an easy sign for the merchants to see that your part of the fund raising "Legacy of Giving" and you obtain the appropriate discount.

The $10 goes entirely to the Franklin Food Pantry. You gain by getting discounts on your purchases at participating vendors. A win-win!

Franklin, MA

Special Education - Update 10/26/10

This document is scheduled to be reviewed at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, October 26.

Beth Fitzmaurice will be presenting:

FPS_SpecialEducation_Update10-26-10


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.


Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 10/26/10

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 minutes from the October 12, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual
2. Jefferson Letter


2. Guests/Presentations
a. Anti-Bullying Task Force Presentation
b. Special Education Presentation – Beth Fitzmaurice


3. Discussion Only Items
Policy: IHGB – Homeschooling – Second Reading
Delegate Selection for MASC Convention
Community Outreach


4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the donation of MacBook Pro-Laptop including accessories and document cameras (valued at $2,453.31) from Mr. Robert Salzberg of Resh, Inc. for the Davis Thayer Elementary School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Youwei and Jeanne Lin for math enrichment at RMS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $123.19 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for the Remington Middle School.
d. I recommend acceptance of two checks from Follett for $51.22 and $122.06 (Total: 172.28) for Jefferson Elementary School from consignment of old books.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from a Fidelity anonymous gift account for the Annie Sullivan Middle School Field trips and in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from a Fidelity anonymous gift account for the Annie Sullivan Middle School Field trips and in-house enrichment.
g. I recommend adoption of Policy IHGB Homeschooling as discussed.
h. I recommend the selection of Bill Glynn as the School Committee’s delegate to the MASC Convention.


5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. TBD


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




Franklin, MA

In the News - Alzheimer's Talk, Economic Summit

Alzheimer's talk at Franklin Senior Center

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

Franklin to hold economic summit tomorrow

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Joe O'Connell/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Federal Rail Grants Announced

Work to add seven tracks to South Station. Work around New England to upgrade rail services. This is promising! For additional details following the linked headline.

Federal Rail Grants Announced

from Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen



Franklin, MA

Anti-bullying Task Force: Report and Plan

The Franklin School Committee aims to provide its students and staff with an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from student harassment, also known as bullying. Indeed, the mission of the Franklin Public Schools is to “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 School Committee meeting scheduled for Oct 26th (full agenda not yet published) will include an update from the Anti-Bullying Task Force. The task force's full report is contained here:

Antibullying Task Force Report

The plan proposed by the Anti-Bullying Task Force is contained here:

Franklin Public Schools Bullying Plan


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to review both documents.

Franklin, MA

Look for a good community as a base to conduct business?

Consider Franklin, MA - There will be an Economic Development Summit on Wednesday, October 27th to showcase the properties and opportunities to do business in Franklin,

Additional info on the event including pre-registration and agenda can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/franklin-ma-is-looking-to-do-business.html



Franklin, MA

New paper coming to Franklin

Yes, the Milford Daily News and Wicked Local/Franklin Gazette will get some competition.

I met with Chuck Tashjan of Our Town Publishing recently to discuss his new expansion into Franklin. He has already been publishing a monthly for Medway-Millis and expanded to Norwood earlier this year.

You can view the online version of these papers here:

• Medway-Millis www.millismedwaynews.com 
• Norwood www.norwoodtownnews.com

He is looking to do a monthly newspaper for Franklin beginning in December. The newspaper (likely 12-16 pages) will be delivered via postal mail (not thrown in your driveway).

Contact Chuck, his office number is 508-533-4588

• If you have a local business and would like to advertise
• If you are a local  community group and have good news to share on a monthly basis

Franklin, MA