Saturday, August 20, 2011

"helps the whole school be a student body"


The High School Experience program runs the weeklong orientation - yesterday was the last day - and introduces new students to as many aspects of Franklin High as it can, from academics to simple things such as the layout of the building. Sophomore, junior and senior volunteers helped to acclimate their new schoolmates. 
"I've learned a lot," said incoming freshman Hannah Gallo, citing her newfound knowledge of the footprint of the school, especially. "Before, when we had tours, I didn't know where we were going at all. There was a group of 50 people, and now it's a group of 10." 
More than 230 freshmen - there will be about 400 in the Class of 2015 - took part in the optional freshman orientation. The first year brought in around 90 students, and last year had 198, said Kristin Cerce, co-director of the program and the district director of health and physical education. School starts Aug. 31.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510868100/Schooling-the-rookies-in-Franklin#ixzz1VZCgHXiS


Franklin's McGann undecided on re-election

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff on 8/19/11

Town Councilor Joseph McGann said yesterday that he is interested in serving on a town board, but has not decided whether he will seek re-election to the council or run for a different board in the Nov. 8 election.


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

“There’s room for improvement”


“It seems that there is a clear need for a more ambitious curriculum -- and more rigorous assessment of teachers and student performance,” Charny said. 
Chester said the state’s new Common Core curriculum has made many changes to math education standards already, such as putting more emphasis on teaching proportional reasoning and fractions. 
“Too often, curriculum in those areas have not been as deliberately and carefully sequenced as they should be,” he said. 
Ultimately, though, “math is math,” said Sweeney. “Nothing’s changed about it.” 
“So much of what we’re talking about is the basics,” said DeBenedictis. “Give (students) support, and math is really much easier to supplement than writing, for example.” 
What’s important, educators agree, is finding ways to make the subject interesting to students, and rewarding for them to master. Sweeney said he often tries to incorporate real-life math problems -- figuring out electrical circuits, for example -- so that students will “see firsthand how (math) is done, and how it’s used.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x386669906/Solving-Americas-math-challenge#ixzz1VZB1Fiqp


Friday, August 19, 2011

"It's been a wonderful experience"


Former Town Councilor Deborah Bartlett has taken out papers to run against incumbent Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri. Pellegri has been town clerk for 27 years, she said, and was last challenged 17 years ago. 
"I don't take anything for granted," said Pellegri, of her position. "I am excited for every election whether I'm running in it or not." 
Current School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy, and current School Building Committee Chairman Thomas Mercer have taken out papers for Town Council, along with Juan Ramon Riveras. 
Three of the nine current town councilors, Chairman Scott Mason, Shannon Zollo and Stephen Whalen, have said they do not intend to run for re-election. In Franklin, the seats of all nine councilors are up for grabs every two years.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633535108/Franklin-town-clerk-may-face-a-challenger#ixzz1VStXt9zI

Related post:
The full slate of positions available for election as well as the complete timeline can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/franklin-election-details-are-now.html

Farmers Market: noon to 6:00 PM


Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

Located on the Town Common

Franklin: Farmers Market


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.


"right back into the swing of things"


"As a coach you have a good understanding of what coaches have to do and do not lose track of what it's like," said Sidwell.

There is much to do this time of year for any athletic director. For the AD-football coach dual role, preparation is the key for opening week.

"To be honest, from doing this awhile, you get used to the flow of how it works," said Sidwell. "You work during the summer prior to this so it's not just overwhelming. You meet with the (fall) coaches over the summer. And you need good maintenance people, which we do in Franklin, that will know what to do with the fields so we do not have a lot of problems and it's not an issue."

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/archive/x1510867605/Local-ADs-getting-ready-for-summer#ixzz1VQIRSpK7


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Avery Give Back to Schools


I saw the Parmenter sign the other day and wondered what Avery was up to.

Vote Parmenter $ Avery Com


When I visited Avery.com I found the following:
There are lots of ways to help earn cash and much needed supplies for your school today. First, make sure that Avery school supplies are on all your Back-to-School supply lists. Avery offers high-quality, durable school supplies with Box Tops for Education® coupons, so kids and parents can clip off the coupons and give them to their schools. Each coupon is worth 10¢—and boy does it add up fast! Schools have earned over $1,000,000 from Box Tops coupons found on Avery products that have helped purchase computers, playground equipment, books and more.And with the Avery Give Back to Schools™ promotion, all you have to do is vote for your favorite school. The top five schools at the end of the promotion will each win $10,000 worth of Avery School Supplies, 10,000 Bonus Box Tops coupons, and $1,000 worth of gift cards. Twenty-five runner-up schools will also win 5,000 Bonus Box Tops coupons! So what are you waiting for? Start voting today! 
Promotion runs June 15 - September 16. Winners announced in late September.
Visit Avery.com here http://givebacktoschools.avery.com/schools/index

Register with an email (you can opt out of receiving promotional emails!) and vote often for your favorite Franklin school!



Nature and Her Ways: Artists' Reception this Thursday

logo
11 East Central Street 
 Franklin, MA
August  2011
Dear Steve,
 You are invited to an exhibit: 




NATURE AND HER WAYS:
THROUGH THE LENSES OF TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS  


Artist Opening Reception 

Pamela Ruby Russell
&
Rebecca Skinner


Thursday,  August 18, 2011 4pm-8pm
.
 The Gallery Show is on display until September 9th



Twilight Moon by Pamela Ruby Russell 
Twilight Moon
by Pamela Ruby Russell
 "My personal approach... is to observe and capture those vulnerable, fleeting moments, the essence of my subject...to intimately record the authentic center of a subject, I find this experience completely exhilarating"

Leaf by Rebecca Skinner
Leaf
by Rebecca Skinner
  "Photography is my lifelong passion...the majority of my work is in color, I tend to avoid any type of digital manipulation of my images....I am constantly exploring new subjects as well as new techniques- there is nothing more rewarding."
Come meet and greet these two talented artist photographers,
  Enjoy live entertainment by singer, guitarist Kai Olsson, 
Be treated to a free hand massage by
Lucy Gallagher, massage therapist,
 Introducing a new organic skin care line by
Neals Yard Remedies.
  Delectable Refreshments and more!!

For more information go to www.JanesFrames.com 
  
Natur and Her Ways
Save up to  
   $50  
CustomFraming
with your
Clipper Coupon
      Watch for your Jane's Frames coupon arriving in the mail from Clipper Magazine!



This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by janeframe@verizon.net |  
Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Harvest Festival Press Release

Franklin’s Harvest Festival Plans Being Finalized




With only a month to go, volunteers are finalizing plans for the 2011 Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 2. The Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 9th annual event promises crafters, live entertainment, food, kids games and antique cars spanning the downtown area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We expect more than 5,000 visitors this year and we’ve had a tremendous response from crafters and groups who want to participate,” says Harvest Festival Chair Angie Grant. “We especially appreciate our sponsors who have stepped in to make this work. Without their collective support of our community effort we wouldn’t be able to deliver an event of this magnitude.”

The Gold sponsor of this event is Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation. Silver sponsors are Middlesex Savings Bank, Digital Credit Union and Green Mountain Chocolate Company. Bronze sponsors are Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC., Chestnut Dental Associates, Dean Bank, Michael Dunsky of Guaranteed Rate and NHS Print. Friends of the Festival include Ferguson Enterprises and Ten Key Inc.

Anyone interested in sponsoring this event can contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774)571-3109. Sponsorship registration forms and a list of opportunities can be found on this website under the Sponsorship tab.

Booth space is going fast. If you’re interested in participating contact Harvest Festival Chair Angie Grant at agrant@middlesexbank.com. Registration forms can be found on this website. If you would like to volunteer for festival setup or cleanup on the day of the event please contact Joel Carrara at jcarrara@prntsmartoffice.com.

----

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of businesses, community leaders and residents. The Partnership relies on donations and sponsorship to fund events like the Harvest Festival as well as downtown improvement projects like beautification efforts and streetscape improvements. For more information please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.



This was originally posted on the Downtown Partnership website
http://franklindowntownpartnership.blogspot.com/2011/08/harvest-fesival-press-release.html

Budget Brief: The FY 2012 Budget for MassHealth and Related Programs





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Budget Brief: The Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for MassHealth and Related Programs

August 17, 2011 

This Budget Brief describing the Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) budget for MassHealth (Medicaid) and other related health care programs is the latest in a series of fact sheets published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI) and produced by MassBudget in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.  The Budget Brief is available here


These fact sheets have been published at each stage in the FY 2012 budget process; this fact sheet summarizes the enacted budget for FY 2012.  The other budget briefs are available on our website.


MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.


This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by info@massbudget.org |  
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Fairmount Fruit Farm - strawberries


Did you know that there are still U-pick strawberries to be found in Franklin?

Fairmount Fruit Farm on Lincoln Street (near the Medway border) has an amazing greenhouse full of the berries growing on their new hydro-stackers.

We had a great time picking recently, no deep knee bending or sunscreen needed.

They also have great fresh, organic eggs and a freezer full of fresh lamb.

They will be opening the berry greenhouse to the public later this week.

http://www.fairmountfruit.com/

Check availability by calling them at 508-533-8737

Support your local farmers!


Antonio Mendoca, Neil Acevedo, and Will Acevedo, all from Franklin, at the Fairmount Fruit Farm


Look at the size of this one!


A peek at the hydro-stackers, which the greenhouse also sells.


My thanks to Amy Acevedo for sharing these pictures and information!


Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/15/11

Join author David Rottenberg as he reads from his book
Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig
David will be joined by ballet dancers who will provide a mini-dance lesson
August 27th at 11 AM
Ages 3 - 8 No Registration required.

Things you can do from here:

In the News - Tr-County, Rep Vallee, school backpacks



Tri-County Regional School holds grade 9 orientation




Rep. Vallee slates district office hours

Backpack, school supplies collection under way


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

In the News - high school fair



High school fair planned, Sept. 14




Monday, August 15, 2011

Upper Charles Trail - Milford Section

For the cyclists in the area, the Boston Globe West edition for Sunday had an article about the rail trail efforts in Milford:
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"

For something to do out of the rain, Worcester is not far away. There is a sword exhibit at the Higgins Armory Museum that sounds interesting!

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!


Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

Located on the Town Common

Franklin: Farmers Market


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:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/10/11

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:

"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:

 
 

via food: TakePart - Inspiration to Action by maxfollmer on 8/9/11

radishes

(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

read more


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 



Around the table: healthy food, 2000 calorie diet

I'll share some good information on healthy foods that I find:


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