Making strides - yes or no?

Catching up to the Boston Globe article from Thursday. Turns out that a website has ranked Franklin amongst the least walkable communities in MA. One may quibble with the ranking or methodology, but when you think about it, the ranking I think is fair. There are more streets with no sidewalks than with, and those that have them are not all in good condition, never mind tip top condition. That's my 2 cents accumulated from spending quite a bit of time running the roads around town and some of them are far safer than others.

Meanwhile, Franklin - along with Milford and Northborough - will soon be getting some guidance and training from the nonprofit Walk Boston, through funding from the Metrowest Community Health Care Foundation. 

The project is just getting started, according to Wendy Landman, executive director of Walk Boston - which has worked with about 50 communities in various capacities, from creating walking maps to providing pedestrian safety education. 

The plan is to perform “walk audits’’ in each community. Those involve walking around and examining various factors, she explained, including sidewalk conditions, intersection placement and geometry, efficiency of pedestrian lights, presence of trees, and availability of shade.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

Making a race!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Up to 26 candidates for Franklin town election

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 8/25/11

Four more people have taken out papers for the November town election since last week, upping the list of potential candidates to 26.

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Making the way for dogs!

A dog park has been part of Franklin's open space plan since 2009, said Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom, but hasn't been a priority in past years. When Goulet began work on the project about five months ago, she contacted Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, who helped her figure out where to put the park, and to which departments she needed to talk. 

"It's something that's been in our master plan for some time and she's taking the initiative. That's great," said Nutting. "We hope she can move ahead with this in the next several months." 

To get the park opened, Goulet coordinated volunteers to help her clear the proposed space in Dacey Field, on the far side of the walking path between the sport field and playground; sought donations from local businesses and price quotes on fencing, mulch, trash bins and signs; and built a website, franklindogpark.webs.com, where people can go for more information.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1752170060/Girl-helping-Franklin-establish-dog-park#ixzz1W7v3QfOE

Making a drop off (for the can drive slated on Sept. 10)

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin Boys Hockey can drive slated, Sept. 10

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 8/25/11

The 9th Annual Franklin High School Boys Hockey Bottle &;Can Drive has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept 10, 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Franklin High School parking lot.

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FHS Wrestlers recognized

Facing the end of the north bound i495 exit ramp on to King St is this sign:



Nice to see!

"This is not a partisan issue ... This is a money issue"

"We want a clean river. Ultimately a drinkable, swimmable river is of great value to the community," Fernandes said. "I think we do need to look at continuing to slow the (regulatory) process down. We've got to look at alternative means." 

One alternative would be to pass legislation requiring phosphorus-free fertilizers, he said. 

Complying with the proposed EPA mandate could cost $66 million to $111 million in Milford, based on an EPA-funded study for the three towns, Town Engineer Michael Santora said. 

It could cost $75 million to implement in Franklin and $35 million in Bellingham, Franklin Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi said. 

"I'm very concerned about the economic fallout of trying to attract and retain businesses," Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1752169906/Officials-to-fight-EPA-stormwater-mandate#ixzz1W22vX2eX


Related posts on the EPA Proposal


http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html
(includes links to a meeting video and presentation handout)

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/epa-storm-water-proposal-information.html
(includes EPA summary doc and presentation)

Mapping Wrentham

In the category of being aware of our surroundings, as well as wasn't Franklin once part of Wrentham anyway, comes this item from fellow 'local blogger' Patrick Coleman:

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Mapping Wrentham

via The Wrentham Times by Patrick Coleman on 8/24/11

The Wrentham Cultural Council and the Wrentham Historical Commission will sponsor an exhibit "Mapping Wrentham" including maps and historical objects from their collections at Wrentham Day on September 10, 2011. The exhibit, open at the Old Fiske Museum from 9 am to 4pm, will feature a variety of maps (topographical maps, roadmaps, hand-drawn maps, and aerial photos) accompanied by representative artifacts such as postcards, vintage clothing, straw hats, and hand-made quilts, chronicling the history of Wrentham from its incorporation in 1673 to 1990.
One display will feature an 1830 reproduction of a painting of the town center (pictured) whose exact location is not eminently clear to contemporary viewers. Visitors will be invited to contribute their ideas about the painting, specifically the present day location of the figures pictured. Also featured will be a map of the hastily-prepared campsite of Rochambeau, just one of fifty-four camps of the French army used its march from Yorktown to Boston.  Each of the four divisions of the army remained at the site between Lake Archer and Main Street only one night, the first division arriving on December 1, 1782, before marching to Dedham, the last stop before Boston. Incidentally, an officer in the French army, Ludovici Cornette, who married a woman from town, is buried in a plot in the East Street cemetery easily viewed from the window of the Old Fiske.

In addition, visitors may mark the location of their homes on a reproduction of another map on display, thus creating a census of visitorship to the exhibition. The cotton bathing costume (pictured) that may have been worn by a young lady visiting Lake Pearl Park at the turn of the 20th century, will be juxtaposed with a map dated to that period. Other articles of clothing such as a Sheldonville baseball uniform and jersey and straw hats made in Wrentham will also be displayed with appropriately dated maps. A quilt constructed by Mrs. Patricia Shea's practical arts class at the King Philip North Junior High School depicting the town seal, historical structures, and important figures will hang over the newly restored fireplace mantle in the museum. Commission and Council members will be on hand all day with narratives and explanations to enhance the visitor's experience. The public is welcome!

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Franklin Schools' 2011-2012 Bus Routes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin Schools' 2011-2012 Bus Routes

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 8/24/11

The 2011-2012 Franklin Schools bus routes are now available HERE

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Say Something Nice!

The folks at ImprovEverywhere put up a megaphone on a street corner in NYC and let anyone come up to "Say Something Nice". Here is what happened! (a three minutes summary)



What would happen if a megaphone were put up in Franklin? say by the Post Office?

Say something nice!

Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.

Let Hopkinton be the start!

The consensus economic outlook has no quick return to full employment. This Job Search Jam Sessions event will provide you with help on entrepreneurship, networking and use of social media tools.

While Labor Day is the traditional end to summer, Job Search Jam Sessions is timed to get you off to a good start. “This is an ‘unconference’ for the unemployed and underemployed,” says Steve Sherlock, lead organizer. “The event’s organizers and session facilitators all have experience dealing with the challenges of layoffs and unemployment, and they are enthusiastic about sharing what they’ve learned in a peer-to-peer setting.”

In coordination with the Hopkinton Networking Group, Job Search Jam Session 3 will offer networking opportunities and motivational support for unemployed and under-unemployed workers. New and recent college graduates are welcome to participate to learn and share the tips and tricks of the job search.

Job Search Jam Session 3 is scheduled for Friday, Sep 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The location: St. John the Evangelist Parish Center, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, Mass. The event has the capacity to serve up to two hundred job seekers from Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Persons interested in attending should register at http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com. The cost is – $8 per person. You can pay via credit card or at the door. Attendees will be asked to check in at the Parish Center on Sep 2, between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Coffee, refreshments and snacks will be available for the morning and afternoon break. Lunch will also be served during the conference.

Proceeds from ticket sales will help defray expenses. Any ‘profit’ will be donated to the Church in return for the use of their facility.

Directions to the St. John the Evangelist Parish Center can be found on the church’s website (http://www.stjohnhopkinton.com).

“Job Search Jam Session participants will be able to acquire dozens of new LinkedIn connections. More importantly, they will share experiences from the job search with their peers, learn what has worked for others, and at the end of the day they’ll return home more informed, more confident and motivated to pursue new opportunities.”

Job Search Jam Sessions Agenda

The event will feature both seminar-like sessions and informal opportunities to network in small groups. The agenda will be adapted to reflect the needs and interests of participants. There will be sessions devoted to job interviews, financial planning, and the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Information on specific sessions will be posted to http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com as the schedule is filled in.

Hurricane Info from the Red Cross

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Hurricane Irene Update #2

via (title unknown) by Wendy Harman on 8/23/11

August 23, noon EDT
Resources:
redcross.org article about Irene
Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Follow the Red Cross on Twitter
National Hurricane Center Advisory 13
Red Cross shelter map
Safe & Well tool

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Business Sustainability Seminar

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The United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Forward email This email was sent to sgsherlock@gmail.com by jack@unitedregionalchamber.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Summer time. Crickets. Waves.

Song birds.

Kids laughing and playing.

What do you like to listen to during the summer?

Sound expert Julian Treasure says, "We are losing our listening." In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening -- to other people and the world around you.




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

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 8/23/11

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 August 9, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Food Service Director – Whitsons Management (John Gersbeck, VP, Nutrition Services, Vyju Gopalan, Food Service Director, Kyle Parson, District Chef
b. Art Director – Jane Hogan

3. Discussion Only Items
a. Software Transition
b. Facilities Update


4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1123.20 from the Oak Street PCC for Art Room Supplies at Oak Street Elementary School.
c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of art and craft items from Michael’s for Franklin elementary schools.
d. I recommend approval of a new contract for Miriam Goodman, Director of Financial Operations

5. Information Matters
• Superintendent’s Report
• 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. Adjourn

Networking Luncheon and Harvest Fest Reminders

FDP Networking Luncheon Friday, August 26th -1:00   only $5.50 Dean College Dining Hall-Campus Center Contact Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com Harvest Festival Sponsorship Checks Due Wednesday, August 24th Please contact the FDP office if you are interested. The flyers and posters are going to print on Monday, so don't miss out. Thank you to all of you who are sponsors this year! Did you miss the Harvest Festival August 20th deadline? We only have a few more spaces available. There is a late fee of $50.00.  We will need your forms in by this Friday, August 26th if you still plan to participate.  Remember, if you are a downtown business we still need a form or your sidewalk store space will be given to another vendor. Please contact our Harvest Festival Chair Angie Grant at agrant@middlesexbank.com Volunteers Needed Many volunteers are needed for the Festival.  Please contact Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com if you can assist with set up or clean up. Website Welcome New Members......we now have over 150 FDP members. Check out the FDP website at franklindowntownpartnership.org and make sure your business link is up to date! Enjoy the rest of the Summer!