Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Partridge St: road closure Aug 18
NOTICE: Partridge Street between Dover Circle and Harborwood Drive will be closed to through traffic on Thursday, August 18th, 2011 between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM due to construction.
Originally posted on the Franklin notices here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0176EAEB-000F8513
Franklin Info
Zip skinny displays publicly available info on Franklin in tables and charts. If you want to check out other zipcodes, enter one.
This link is set for 02038
Related post:
Yes, this was seen here in 2007
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2007/11/zip-skinny.html
Monday, August 15, 2011
Upper Charles Trail - Milford Section
The Milford bike path eventually will loop more than 7 miles from the Hopkinton line through downtown and back to the Holliston line. The project is nearing completion of what the town refers to as Phase 2 of the trail, which stretches from the Milford Senior Center, across Route 109 and under I-495 along power lines to the Holliston town line. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is in the works for Sept. 24, according to Reno DeLuzio, former town planner and chairman of the Milford Upper Charles River Trail Committee. Phase 1, where the Millets were riding last Tuesday, stretches from downtown to the Hopkinton town line, skirting playing fields, woods, and water along the way.
A third stretch, linking the first two, is still being designed.Read the full article here:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2011/08/14/milford_takes_the_lead_on_the_charles_river_bike_trail/?page=1
Where is the Upper Charles Trail in Milford?
View Larger Map
Is there a group doing something like this in Franklin?
Yes, there is. The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee is working to develop the section of the SNETT that starts in Franklin and runs to Palmer, MA. You can fill out an application to join the committee or donate online via Paypal here
Sunday, August 14, 2011
"We'll always be tied to St. Rocco's"
For those participating in the 33rd Feast of St. Rocco, the patron saint of the sick, the event is more than a time for socializing and eating Italian favorites like cannoli and lasagna. Like Brunelli, for most it's a matter of the heart.
Brunelli and his cousin, Mickey Degrazia, two of the five co-chairmen of St. Rocco's and both Franklin natives, have helped plan the feast for three decades now.
This year, they started the planning process July 25. They expect 50,000 to 60,000 people will attend this weekend, Brunelli said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633534048/Franklins-hearts-belong-to-St-Rocco#ixzz1V02ZgqbK
"These are objects that excite the imagination"
Occupying a single third-floor gallery, the swords in the exhibit are displayed in separate display cases according to chronology and function.
In addition to several swords, a placard in each cabinet briefly explains the metal-making techniques used to forge them plus additional information on their special features such as the development of complex hilts to protect the user's hand and evolution of the short-bladed cutlass for fighting on board crowded vessels.
Some of the exhibit's sections include "Ancient Swords," "Medieval Swords," "After the Middle Ages," "Small Swords," "Naval Swords," "American Swords," "Swords of Ceremony and Fancy" and "Making and Using a Sword."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633533920/Sword-exhibit-is-on-the-cutting-edge#ixzz1V04FC7nb
Saturday, August 13, 2011
"Everybody likes to beat the government"
Kirk Simon, owner of Simon's Furniture at 8 Summer St. in Franklin, said his business thrives on tax-free weekend because furniture is a big-ticket item. The sales tax in Massachusetts is 6.25 percent.
Simon tries to increase business by holding additional sales and extending store hours, he said. This year, the business plans to match the sales tax discount and give customers an additional discount of 6.25 percent on their purchases, he said.
"It's a double tax holiday at Simon's," he said.
Since people often postpone buying furniture for financial reasons, the tax-free holiday is a popular event for the business, said Simon.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633533992/Local-businesses-expect-good-things-over-tax-free-weekend#ixzz1UuEIbRJ5
Friday, August 12, 2011
Celebrate National Farmers' Market Week - visit the market today!
Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html
Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.
National Farmers' Market Week
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-celebrate-national-farmers.html
Moving Planet - Sep 24th (video)
For more about the Moving Planet and Sep 24th visit here
http://act.350.org/signup/moving_planet/?akid=1188.235799.m-pChN&rd=1&t=1
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video
Tanglewood Marionettes
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Our end of summer reading program will be the Tanglewood Marionettes.
They will be performing "Fairy Circus"
Monday August 15th at 1PM
The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
This program is partially funded by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
"The building has got to go"
The board placed special conditions on the project, including careful demolition of the chimney and a request that the remaining wall does not topple into nearby Mine Brook after the building is taken down. Members agreed to vote on a permit at their next meeting, Aug. 25.
If the permit is approved, the town can put the project out to bid, a process officials had hoped to complete first in May and then by the end of July.
"It's been a long haul," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "(The town) started trying to figure this out 10 years ago."
Nutting said he still believes the building will be demolished by the fall, and conservation officials stressed the importance of taking it down.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633533666/Franklin-closer-to-tearing-down-former-Nu-Style-building#ixzz1UoNwhic1
Related posts:
The public hearing held in April, 2011
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/04/live-reporting-nustyle-brownfields.html
In the News - PMC, ravioli
Thanks for local support of PMC
Ravioli recipe is so good, everyone in Franklin is using it
Thursday, August 11, 2011
"There isn't going to be an option not to do the project."
"This is a very unfortunate, but not unknown increase," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "It shouldn't be a surprise to anybody."
The Charles River Pollution Control District has already begun a $19 million project expected to cap the residuals landfill, upgrade security, and upgrade the phosphorus removal and disinfection system, add a scum handling system and replace clarifier mechanisms, among a few other improvements. The town shares the cost with Bellingham, Millis, and Medway, but Franklin's sewer assessment will go up $700,000, said Nutting.
Then, last year, the council authorized a $7.5 million bond to improve the water system.
The increases should cost the average customer $40 more in sewer bills the first year and $50 more for water the first year.
Town Council did not take action on the proposal, but is expected to vote on it at its next meeting.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510866185/Franklin-water-sewer-bills-expected-to-rise#ixzz1UiFmCHXW
While Jeff Nutting is quoted as saying "this should not be a surprise". In 2009, he also said
"We do have time to plan for it per Jeff as this would only kick in for 2015 and beyond."Apparently the increase is coming in sooner than 2015.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/02/live-reporting-charles-river-pollution.html
How to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
(Photo: Getty Images).
It's National Farmers Market Week here in the U.S. through August 13, as good a time as any to remind you of the thousands of great local markets supplying fresh, in-season produce grown by family farmers.
In fact, the USDA says more than 1,000 new farmers markets popped up around America last year, bringing the total in the 2011 National Farmers Market Directory to 7,175 — a 17 percent jump over last year.
Shoppers looking for the market nearest them can check out the USDA's national directory by clicking here.
There's also the directory of markets, CSA's and farms over at Local Harvest.
You can find all of TakePart's stories about America's great farmers markets here.
And in case you need some pointers on how to pick some of the best produce that's in season at farmers markets right now, don't miss TakePart's recent guide on everything from Apricots to Watermelon. More
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to food: TakePart - Inspiration to Action using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Around the table: healthy food, 2000 calorie diet
Does it really cost more to buy healthy food?
Where did the 2,000 calorie diet idea come from?
In the News - St Rocco's
There's no festival in Franklin without the gravy
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Josette Sheeran: Ending hunger now
Josette Sheeran says: "What I would like to offer here is a challenge. I believe we're living at a time in human history where it's just simply unacceptable that children wake up and don't know where to find a cup of food. Not only that, transforming hunger is an opportunity, but I think we have to change our mindsets."
The Franklin Food Pantry works to provide a safety net for those in our community.
MBTA - Franklin Line - expect delays Sunday, Aug 14
On Sunday, Aug. 14, all outbound trains will terminate at the Norwood Central Station with substitute bus service shuttling passengers to Walpole Station. All inbound trains will terminate at Walpole Station with substitute bus service shuttling passengers to Norwood Central Station.
Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected
Read more: Work on Franklin commuter rail line may cause 30-minute delays - Dedham, Massachusetts - The Dedham Transcript http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/archive/x919518666/Work-on-Franklin-commuter-rail-line-may-cause-30-minute-delays#ixzz1Ua3LcmMK
In the News - FSPA open house, St Rocco's
Franklin arts school plans open house
Knowing his gnocchi in Franklin
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Shift Happens
Thanks to Scott McLeod for putting this together and sharing it!
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 8/9/11
1. Routine Business
• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 12, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Handbooks
3. Discussion Only Items
• none
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Franklin Country Club for FHS Scholarships.
b. I recommend acceptance of three checks, totaling $150.00 from Mr. Light, Mr. Lima and Mr. Folan for FHS Administrator’s Scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks, totaling $534.66 from Wells Fargo for in-house enrichment at FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $592.76 from Lifetouch Pictures for in-house enrichment at ECDC.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $6,431.36 from Jefferson PCC for in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend adoption of the Elementary Handbooks as presented.
g. I recommend adoption of the Middle School Handbooks as presented.
h. I recommend adoption of the FHS Handbook as presented.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the Hockomock YMCA from a grant awarded to Amanda Hartford, for supplies for Davis Thayer Elementary School.
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. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 8/9/11 - 7:30 PM
FCRTC Minutes July 2011
The Agenda for the meeting Aug 9, 2011:
FCRTC Agenda 110809
The Strategic Plan to be reviewed at the August 9 meeting:
FCRTC Strategic Plan Draft
In the News - Wendy's, St Rocco's
Franklin planners OK plan for restaurant, offices at former Knights site on Rte. 140
Franklin volunteers help set up for St. Rocco's Festival
Monday, August 8, 2011
"a rain garden in the Depot Street parking lot"
This initial phase, $1 million worth of repairs to side streets and a municipal parking lot downtown, is slated to finish in the fall.
Construction crews are currently working on parts of Emmons Street, Dean Street, Ray Street, Depot Street and the Depot Street municipal parking lot.
The $1 million phase will improve sidewalks, resurface roads, and reset curbs. Parking meters will be replaced with more efficient - as well as fewer - ticket machines as the payment system for parking, reminiscent of city parking systems.
The improvements should add 26 parking spaces, along with period lighting, benches, and trash cans on the sidewalks. Drainage improvements have already been completed, said Cantoreggi.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510865349/Downtown-Franklin-job-making-progress#ixzz1UQptWNC9
Related posts:
Photos of paving progress
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/downtown-project-paving-progress.html
Commercial Zoning Workshop
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/live-reporting-downtown-commercial.html
Commercial Zoning Workshop documents
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/downtown-commercial-zoning-workshop.html
Jamie Barrett
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Jamie Barret will make a return appearance on Wednesday August 10th at 1PM.
This family music show does not require registration.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 10
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council
Historical Commission
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Dog Park – Haley Goulet
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - Long Range Financial Planning Committee
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-10: Request for Legislation – Exempting the Deputy Fire Chief Position from Civil Service
2. Resolution 11-41: Establishment of a DelCarte Property Improvement Stabilization Fund
3. Resolution 11-42: Appropriation DelCarte Property Improvement Stabilization Fund
4. Resolution 11-43: Establishment of an Other Post Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund
5. Resolution 11-44: Appropriation Other Post Employment Benefits Stabilization Fund
6. Bylaw Amendment 11-663: Amendment to Franklin Town Code: Chapter 82, Fees – Sewer Rates- 1st Reading
7. Bylaw Amendment 11-664: Amendment to Franklin Town Code: Chapter 82, Fees – Water Rates- 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Franklin Election 2011 - details and timeline
Franklin Election 2011
The timeline for nomination papers and voter registration are shown in this document:
Franklin Election Calendar 2011
For all candidates, I will offer to publish an interview with them to provide some background and details on why they are running for office.
Details on the offer are contained here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/offer-to-candidates-for-election.html
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the documents.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
In the News - kites, horses
Franklin couple lives to make kites
Franklin woman wants drivers to beware of horses
Headed out to Sturbridge today for the PMC!
Thank you all for contributing to my PMC ride. So far I have raised over $4,600!
I'm headed out to Sturbridge today for my 3rd Pan Mass Challenge.
If you want to be a part of it you can watch the opening ceremonies at 7:00 pm tonight either on WCVB Channel 5 or, if you don't happen to live in Massachusetts, live streamed online at www.thebostonchannel.com.
(Don't worry everybody, you'll only miss the first hour of the Yankees/Red Sox game ;-) )
I will be posting updates throughout the weekend on Twitter http://twitter.com/PMC_M8R and on my FaceBook Page: http://www.facebook.com/PMCMarty
---------------------------------------------------------
Martin Middelmann
Pan-Mass Challenge Rider
Cure Cancer by donating here:
http://pmc.org/MM0373
---------------------------------------------------------
Friday, August 5, 2011
Farmers' Market: noon to 6:00 PM
Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html
Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.
British Beer Company - ribbon cutting
For more information on the United Regional Chamber of Commerce visit their website
http://www.unitedchamber.org/
Related post:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/12/british-are-coming-to-franklin.html
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Jane's Frames: You don't want to miss this Inventory Clearance Sale!
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Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038 |
Note: This is not a paid advertisement. I have used and paid for framing services from Jane's Frames
Interesting reports on school funding
The Design of the Rhode Island School Funding Formula
Measuring Inequity in School Funding
In the News - high school sports
Franklin High fall sports registration slated
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Math can explain Franklin
The walking speed is one aspect of the theory that is coming together now about how cities and companies grow. Why does this matter? What has Franklin done? The population has tripled since the 1960's.
The problems Franklin faced when it was 10,000 people are different that it is now 30,000 people. The ideas that worked for 10,000 won't necessarily work for 30,000 people. Why? A multitude of reasons but there is one basic and fundamental reason that is now explained by Geoffrey West with this new theory.
Watch the video (18 minutes). More than once to get the information and begin to digest it.
Fascinating stuff. Follow the links to the TED Talk page and find additional information on the studies that have brought this theory to light.
I happen to think that Franklin tends to behave like a teenager. We are in that middle stage of growth trying to remain a kid yet forced to recognize that we have an adult-like body. We still want to play but are being forced to work, and not just 'to work' but 'to work' differently than our parents. It is a new and changing world.
How do you think this applies to Franklin?