Franklin, MA
Monday, February 21, 2011
X marks the spot
Running early one morning, I was startled to see a large X marking the sky over the Parmenter School. Such an opportunity was not to be passed up. I did stop and find the best view point for a quick photo. Then resumed running.
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Dona's Tailoring
Dona's Tailoring has moved to Dean St. You might still see the sign on Cottage St where they used to be. Why the landlord won't allow a sign redirecting folks to the new location is another topic for another day.
They are now located at 19 Dean Ave. Just behind Dean Bank. A block down from the Post Office.
View Larger Map
You can visit their place page on Google for additional info here
Updated: I realized late on Sunday that I left out the prime reason for creating this post. I had taken my dry cleaning to DryClean Pros and asked if they could repair a zipper for an athletic jacket I had. They couldn't but referred me to Dona's Tailoring. I remembered having seen it along Cottage St and found where it used to be easily enough. It was no longer there. Searching on the web gave me lots of links to their old address and finally one link had a comment that said they had moved. The next Saturday, I managed to get there while it was open and leave the jacket for repair. Dona told me the story about the landlord refusing to allow the re-direction sign. A couple of weeks later (only due to my schedule) I returned to pick it up. I should also note that I did return to DryClean Pros to let them know of the address change. They appreciated the update.
Small businesses need to be aware of how they are found on the web. There are so many directory services it may seem to be a full time job to track them down and make the changes.
What is the alternative? Incorrect information will send your potential customers to the competition! Take one directory at a time, fix it, then get on to the next. Eventually, all the info will be correct and your customers will find you.
Franklin, MA
They are now located at 19 Dean Ave. Just behind Dean Bank. A block down from the Post Office.
View Larger Map
You can visit their place page on Google for additional info here
Updated: I realized late on Sunday that I left out the prime reason for creating this post. I had taken my dry cleaning to DryClean Pros and asked if they could repair a zipper for an athletic jacket I had. They couldn't but referred me to Dona's Tailoring. I remembered having seen it along Cottage St and found where it used to be easily enough. It was no longer there. Searching on the web gave me lots of links to their old address and finally one link had a comment that said they had moved. The next Saturday, I managed to get there while it was open and leave the jacket for repair. Dona told me the story about the landlord refusing to allow the re-direction sign. A couple of weeks later (only due to my schedule) I returned to pick it up. I should also note that I did return to DryClean Pros to let them know of the address change. They appreciated the update.
Small businesses need to be aware of how they are found on the web. There are so many directory services it may seem to be a full time job to track them down and make the changes.
What is the alternative? Incorrect information will send your potential customers to the competition! Take one directory at a time, fix it, then get on to the next. Eventually, all the info will be correct and your customers will find you.
Franklin, MA
Finding compassion
On the train of thought around the words we use and how we use them, this talk by Krista Trippett makes some compelling points about compassion.
Krista talks at point about this remarkable observation from Matthew Sanford:
Franklin's charter was updated recently to bring some of the language to a more appropriate usage for today. I do believe we need to remember the values and virtues that Einstein remind us to use more not less.
We are members of a commonwealth. We need to help each other, together we can do more than survive. Divided we won't stand a chance.
Franklin, MA
Krista talks at point about this remarkable observation from Matthew Sanford:
"He says that he has yet to experience someone who became more aware of their body in all its frailty and all its grace without at the same time becoming more compassionate towards all of life."Later in the talk she shares some insights from Albert Einstein including:
"... He foresaw that as we grow more modern and technologically advanced, we need the virtues our traditions carried forward in time more, not less."
Franklin's charter was updated recently to bring some of the language to a more appropriate usage for today. I do believe we need to remember the values and virtues that Einstein remind us to use more not less.
We are members of a commonwealth. We need to help each other, together we can do more than survive. Divided we won't stand a chance.
Franklin, MA
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Where you born on March 2?
If so, guess what, you share your birthday with the Town of Franklin!
Although the Town of Franklin is much older (March 2, 1778), we thought it would be fun to invite everyone that shares March 2nd as their birthday to a “Birthday Bash” at the museum. From the looks of things, we will have over 70 people that share that date from children to adults.
We are planning to have a cake, beverages and certainly balloons. Who knows, we may also have some special birthday presents for everyone.
Please RSVP as soon as possible to Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk and Chairman of the Historical Commission at 508-520-4900 or email me at dpellegri@franklin.ma.us
Remember, family and friends are all invited and certainly welcomed.
We look forward to hearing from you real soon
Franklin, MA
Although the Town of Franklin is much older (March 2, 1778), we thought it would be fun to invite everyone that shares March 2nd as their birthday to a “Birthday Bash” at the museum. From the looks of things, we will have over 70 people that share that date from children to adults.
We are planning to have a cake, beverages and certainly balloons. Who knows, we may also have some special birthday presents for everyone.
Please RSVP as soon as possible to Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk and Chairman of the Historical Commission at 508-520-4900 or email me at dpellegri@franklin.ma.us
Remember, family and friends are all invited and certainly welcomed.
We look forward to hearing from you real soon
Your Birthday Celebration
At the Franklin Historical Museum
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Invitation to all
Franklin, MA
Veterans in the snow
While running last weekend, I stopped by the Senior Center for some photos. (Yes, stopping for photos are a good excuse to catch one's breath while running.)
The figures in the snow reminded me of the real folks in the trenches in the snow; from Valley Forge, Battle of the Bulge, Inchon Peninsula, Afghanistan, to other cold and not likely to be forgotten places where the veterans served.
When you see a veteran, remember to thank them for their service. When folks come up to my father (an veteran of Iwo Jima) to thank him. It really makes his day.
Franklin, MA
The figures in the snow reminded me of the real folks in the trenches in the snow; from Valley Forge, Battle of the Bulge, Inchon Peninsula, Afghanistan, to other cold and not likely to be forgotten places where the veterans served.
When you see a veteran, remember to thank them for their service. When folks come up to my father (an veteran of Iwo Jima) to thank him. It really makes his day.
Franklin, MA
Friday, February 18, 2011
The words we use
The words we use are important. This video talk by Steven Pinker and animated by the RSA Animate series raises some good points.
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Where can you find Franklin Matters content?
You can subscribe to Franklin Matters to receive the daily or weekly update directly to your email, you can also find this content featured on the CNN US edition by selecting the Franklin zip code (02038).
Thanks to the feed from Outside.in!
Franklin, MA
Thanks to the feed from Outside.in!
Franklin, MA
"You can learn from your past"
"We learned we can make a difference," said Waite, who plans to participate in an internship with the Franklin Police Department later this school year. "We can help."
Former Patriots players Gino Cappelletti, Larry Garron and Roland James spoke to Waite and about 50 of his classmates at The Hall at Patriot Place. The students are participating in a leadership development class designed to prepare them for internships during the last quarter of the school year.
In addition to hearing from Patriots alumni, the students were asked to think critically about what qualities make a good leader and how to combat prejudice. They also toured the exhibits in The Hall, a museum located next to Gillette Stadium that chronicles the football team's history.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Franklin, MA
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Town Council 02/16/11
The collection of reported posts from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 16, 2011 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Snowland
Is there anything to the talk about Rockland Trust renaming itself Snowland?
Probably not, spring is around the corner!
Franklin, MA
Probably not, spring is around the corner!
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Live reporting - Legislation for Action, closing
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-06: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
motion to accept - passed 5-0
2. Resolution 11-07: Amendment to the Final Cable Television License Granted to Verizon New England, Inc.
The cable providers don't like to give real numbers but there are 10,500 subscribers about 5500 for Comcast and 5000 for Verizon. The motion brings equity to both vendors in terms of expense to them.
motion to accept - passed 6-0
Updated after the meeting - (Powderly arrived in time for this vote)
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Thanks to all the town employees on the roof clearing, real team effort, Fire, DPW and Schools to remove snow. No reason for concern, everything under control. There are roof leaks in several buildings
Snow removal has exceeded $1 M. We have some stabilization money to handle more if necessary
Budget still a work in progress, numbers being developed. Hopefully, in March should have some.better numbers to work with.
The process at the State level in prior years has changed, we are still anticipating getting a good number to work with for local aid. The remainder of the budget at the State level may not be finalized until July. I am not ready to come out and give you a state aid number until the Senate and the House provide some indication
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS - none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Jones - the contractors had a very good turnout for the Stretch Code workshop held today at the Municipal Bldg. Could the councilors get a copy of what was handed out today?
Pfeffer - have we received a report from the 4th of July Committee?
Nutting - not yet, it is requested but not yet received.
Pfeffer - maybe someone with a cell phone could take a photo of the cars using the handicap parking spot to send to the police
February is Heart Month - Friends of Franklin, St Mary's Food Pantry or St Vincent dePaul.
Congratulations to Glen Jones and family on their new addition.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
Motion to go into executive session, not to return to open meeting
Passed 6-0 (via roll call)
Franklin, MA
1. Resolution 11-06: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
motion to accept - passed 5-0
2. Resolution 11-07: Amendment to the Final Cable Television License Granted to Verizon New England, Inc.
The cable providers don't like to give real numbers but there are 10,500 subscribers about 5500 for Comcast and 5000 for Verizon. The motion brings equity to both vendors in terms of expense to them.
motion to accept - passed 6-0
Updated after the meeting - (Powderly arrived in time for this vote)
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Thanks to all the town employees on the roof clearing, real team effort, Fire, DPW and Schools to remove snow. No reason for concern, everything under control. There are roof leaks in several buildings
Snow removal has exceeded $1 M. We have some stabilization money to handle more if necessary
Budget still a work in progress, numbers being developed. Hopefully, in March should have some.better numbers to work with.
The process at the State level in prior years has changed, we are still anticipating getting a good number to work with for local aid. The remainder of the budget at the State level may not be finalized until July. I am not ready to come out and give you a state aid number until the Senate and the House provide some indication
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS - none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Jones - the contractors had a very good turnout for the Stretch Code workshop held today at the Municipal Bldg. Could the councilors get a copy of what was handed out today?
Pfeffer - have we received a report from the 4th of July Committee?
Nutting - not yet, it is requested but not yet received.
Pfeffer - maybe someone with a cell phone could take a photo of the cars using the handicap parking spot to send to the police
February is Heart Month - Friends of Franklin, St Mary's Food Pantry or St Vincent dePaul.
Congratulations to Glen Jones and family on their new addition.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
Motion to go into executive session, not to return to open meeting
Passed 6-0 (via roll call)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Kelly, Jones, Vallee, Mason, Pfeffer
Absent: Whalen, Zollo, McGann, Powderly
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none to approve
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The meeting is recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
Franklin, MA
Absent: Whalen, Zollo, McGann, Powderly
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none to approve
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The meeting is recorded by Verizon, Comcast and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS - none
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - none
Franklin, MA
School Committee 02/15/11
The collection of reporting from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 can be found here
Finance Committee Chairperson Jim Roche takes notes during the school budget hearing
Franklin, MA
Finance Committee Chairperson Jim Roche takes notes during the school budget hearing
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - action items
- Live reporting - Discussion only items
- Live reporting - School Budget
- Live reporting - Life Long Learning
- Live reporting - Rep Vallee, Sen Spilka
- Live reporting - Franklin Arts Academy
- Live reporting - School Committee
Franklin, MA
"This is not a Cadillac school system"
"We think this is not an unreasonable expectation for a budget," Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said, noting some figures such as local aid and health insurance could change. "It helps us to keep and maintain programs. Would we like to have all 14.3 positions back? Absolutely. But, we think this is a reasonable budget proposal in these economic times."
The positions to be cut include five elementary school teachers, six middle school teachers and the high school's alternative programs coordinator.
Remington Middle School Principal Paul Peri said fewer teachers could boost class sizes to more than 27 students while Sabolinski noted it would be harder for teachers to focus on helping individual students who may be struggling.
School Committee member Ed Cafasso said while many people may have individual complaints about a bad teacher, overall the district has performed well while spending about $2,800 less per pupil than the state average.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.
Review all the notes reported live during the School Committee meeting here
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Live reporting - Closing
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
Kindergarten registration is in, there is already an increase of 14 students and we are expecting more, we tend to get registrations through the beginning of the school year
Recognition of the two retiring principals
Introduction of Mr Fortin - new Horace Mann principal, he will return for a more formal intro and discussion
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
March 10th - Trivia Bee
Motion to enter executive session not to return to open meeting
Franklin, MA
Superintendent’s Report
Kindergarten registration is in, there is already an increase of 14 students and we are expecting more, we tend to get registrations through the beginning of the school year
Recognition of the two retiring principals
Introduction of Mr Fortin - new Horace Mann principal, he will return for a more formal intro and discussion
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
March 10th - Trivia Bee
Motion to enter executive session not to return to open meeting
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - action items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $921.60 from the Remington PCC for in-house enrichment. motion to approve, passed 6-0
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips. motion to approve, passed 6-0
c. I recommend the naming of the FHS away-side press box in memory of FHS football coach, Gerry Leone.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Hartford, CT for the FHS Cheerleaders for a competition as detailed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
e. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012 as discussed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1655.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for in-house enrichment at HMMS. motion to approve, passed 6-0
\
g. I recommend acceptance of $308.00 from Roberta Trahan for supplemental curriculum materials for the Franklin Public Schools. motion to approve, passed 6-0
h. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a bass, bag and bow from Mr. & Mrs. Richards for the FHS Music Department. motion to approve, passed 6-0
j. I recommend adoption of the FY 2012 budget as detailed
Cafasso - this is not a Cadillac service, this is providing a high quality education, more than others, at a cost less than others. There is no one who can show us that these school are not worth every penny.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $921.60 from the Remington PCC for in-house enrichment. motion to approve, passed 6-0
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips. motion to approve, passed 6-0
c. I recommend the naming of the FHS away-side press box in memory of FHS football coach, Gerry Leone.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Hartford, CT for the FHS Cheerleaders for a competition as detailed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
e. I recommend adoption of the School Committee Schedule for 2011-2012 as discussed. motion to approve, passed 6-0
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1655.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for in-house enrichment at HMMS. motion to approve, passed 6-0
\
g. I recommend acceptance of $308.00 from Roberta Trahan for supplemental curriculum materials for the Franklin Public Schools. motion to approve, passed 6-0
h. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a bass, bag and bow from Mr. & Mrs. Richards for the FHS Music Department. motion to approve, passed 6-0
j. I recommend adoption of the FY 2012 budget as detailed
Cafasso - this is not a Cadillac service, this is providing a high quality education, more than others, at a cost less than others. There is no one who can show us that these school are not worth every penny.
motion to approve, passed 6-0
Franklin, MA
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