Pond Pfeffer: The trials and tribulations of Irene

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Pond Pfeffer: The trials and tribulations of Irene

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Judith Pond Pfeffer/Franklin on 9/8/11

Franklin, a city which always calls itself a town, was one of the victims of Tropical Storm Irene - trees down - branches down - roads closed - no power - but, in all this, there are those who still empower the "town spirit."

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Public Workshop on Long Range Transportation Plan for MetroWest

SENATOR SPILKA INVITES RESIDENTS TO ATTEND PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

WHEN: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2011 - 8:30 a.m.

WHERE:
HOPKINTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
TRAINING ROOM
73 MAIN STREET
HOPKINTON, MA


WHAT:
Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) is inviting her constituents and all residents of the MetroWest region to attend a public workshop this Friday, September 9th to discuss the draft Long Range Transportation Plan: Paths to a Sustainable Region, now being considered by the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (Boston MPO). The Long Range Plan establishes the Boston MPO’s transportation vision for the region, discusses plans to accomplish the vision, and identifies the regionally significant projects to be funded over the next 23 years. The residents of the 101 municipalities that make up the Boston MPO have until September 13th to review the draft and submit their comments.

David Mohler, Executive Director of the Office of Transportation Planning will discuss the draft and its proposals for transportation investments between now and 2035. All significant transportation projects must be included in Long Range Transportation Plan if they are to receive funding. This workshop is an opportunity for those in the MetroWest community to give their input into the creation of the plan. This is the chance for residents, public officials, and businesses to share with MassDOT their concerns and priorities for transportation investments in the region.

The Recommended Plan lists all the significant transportation projects the Boston MPO has selected for funding over the next 20-plus years. For the MetroWest region, it includes two rail trails and one highway project.

This workshop gives residents from the area a voice in the process and a chance to discuss their vision for the 495/MetroWest region and what they see as the pressing transportation and infrastructure needs of these communities.

The draft of Paths to a Sustainable Region, can be viewed at the link listed below:
http://www.ctps.org/bostonmpo/3_programs/1_transportation_plan/plan_2035_draft_materials.html

Election line up still uncertain

Friday, Sept. 16, is the last day to take out nomination papers, and the deadline to return them is three days later, Monday, Sept. 19. 

Twenty-nine town positions are open, including every seat on the School Committee and Town Council. Neither body has staggered terms, so all incumbents are up for election at the same time every two years. 

Both contenders for town clerk are familiar in town politics. Deborah Pellegri, who has served as town clerk for 27 years and last faced opposition 17 years ago, will be challenged by Deborah Bartlett, a former town councilor.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948304655/Town-clerk-race-tops-Franklin-ballot#ixzz1XLvmjSS5


A summary of election 2011 items can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail - mission statement

An email to members of the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee:

At the last meeting, we discussed reviewing the FCRTC mission statement and a possible name change for the committee. In advance of our meeting, below is the current FCRTC mission statement for your review. The mission is also posted on the web site at www.franklinrailtrail.org. Also below are sample mission statements from two other area trail groups, and attached is a brief article on the importance of a mission statement.

Hope you can all attend on Sept 13 (7:30 pm at the YMCA in Franklin)
Please let me or Dave know if you have any questions or comments.

Thank you.
Marc 

-------------- 

The Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee (FCRTC) is a non-profit, community based organization that is dedicated to the development of the Southern New England Trunk Trail into a multi-use, recreational path that will link communities and businesses in a safe, healthy and aesthetically pleasing manner. Members of the FCRTC are committed to exploring all private, state and federal funding avenues, to implement all necessary design plans and studies and to develop our multi-use path for non-motorized bikers, joggers, strollers, horse riders and the handicapped. 

Other Sample Statements

Friends of the Bruce Freeman Trail (lowell, sudbury, framingham): 

The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a group of citizens working in partnership with state and local governments toward the completion of the proposed rail trail. This is a volunteer group which is active in moving forward the state and federal issues required for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the rail trail, fundraising activities and support for rail trail issues at local town meetings. The Friends work to ensure that all the questions, concerns and other issues are addressed by working in concert with neighborhood associations, each town government, and the citizens of the towns. 

Grand Trunk Trailblazers 

The Grand Trunk Trail Blazers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) chartered in 1992. Our goal is to collaborate with local trail groups to establish a non-motorized 60-80 mile East-West trail linking the Blackstone with the Pioneer Valley names "The Titanic Rail Trail".

The Mission Statement article -

FCRTC - Article


The Mission Statement worksheet -

FCRTC - Worksheet

In the News - schools, Newcomers, Internet

Franklin schools open after delay

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall, Daily News staff

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off

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

Spilka, Vallee working with DA against Internet predators

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

Sen. Richard Ross undergoes emergency knee surgery

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Sen. Richard Ross undergoes emergency knee surgery

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 9/6/11

State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, was rushed to the hospital for emergency knee surgery on Friday, Sept. 5. He was treated for a torn meniscus and a staphylococcus infection in his left knee joint.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Former Franklin football coach Leone to be honored Friday

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Former Franklin football coach Leone to be honored Friday

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff Report on 9/6/11

Former players, coaches and friends of Franklin football coach Jerry Leone have two opportunities to recognize the legendary coach, who died last September at age 72.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Beaver St Recycling Hours

Hello, this is Brutus Cantoreggi your director of Public Works calling with an important message about the leaf and brush drop offs and spoiled food drop offs at the Beaver St. recycling center. Do to the effects of Hurricane Irene, and to assist residents, the Beaver St Recycling Center will be open from 8AM to 6PM daily now through September 10th for leaf and brush drop offs except this Sunday. The Recycling Center will be closed all day this Sunday, Sept 3rd so we can grind the brush on site. The Recycling Center will reopen again on Labor Day Sept 4th at 8AM. A Beaver Street Recycling Sticker is required on all vehicles dropping of brush and leaves at the site. Stickers can be purchased at the Beaver St. recycling center. effective immediately, spoiled food can be dropped off in the designated dumpster at the Beaver Street Recycling Center. A sticker is not required for spoiled food drop offs. Further information can be found on the Town's website. Thank you for your patience and understanding. To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 520-4938. THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED. Please do not reply to this e-mail as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address.

FRANKLIN NEWCOMERS AND FRIENDS CLUB KICKS OFF NEW YEAR

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club invites residents to their 2011-2012 Kickoff on Wednesday, September 14th at 7:30 pm upstairs at “3” Restaurant, 461 West Central St, Franklin. Learn what the Franklin Newcomers Club is all about and hear about the many things planned for this year. As a special treat, local musician and entertainer Jaime Barrett will perform. Plus, you can socialize with new friends while enjoying complimentary appetizers. Cash bar will be available. Bring a friend! 

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a social club for residents of all ages and situations–not just those new to town. For more info, visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.

Dean College opens its doors for Sunday brunch

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Dean College opens its doors for Sunday brunch

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/5/11

Dean College will open its newly renovated Dining Center to the public for Sunday brunch from Sept. 11 through Dec. 11. The dining facility is located in the Campus Center on Emmons Street.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Collecting used bikes

On Saturday, September 17th there will be a used bicycle collection at the Franklin High School parking lot, 218 Oak Street, to benefit charity. The collection runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is sponsored by the Franklin High School RE:Cycles Club to benefit a Boston based charity that provides used bicycles to people in need, in the US and overseas. We are looking for used bike donations as well as money donations to defray the cost of shipping overseas. Bikes Not Bombs, the beneficiaries of the drive, are a 501(c)3 charity, and donors can request a receipt for tax purposes. We are especially in need of adult bikes in reasonable or easily reparable condition. The event will be held, rain or shine.

For more information contact Eamon McCarthy Earls at re_cycles@yahoo.com.

The cost of attention (video)

What do you pay attention to? The headlines?



Julia Bacha tells a compelling story about paying attention to nonviolence.

The post-industrial revolution is here

Seth Godin writes:

As we get ready for the 93rd year of universal public education, here’s the question every parent and taxpayer needs to wrestle with: Are we going to applaud, push or even permit our schools (including most of the private ones) to continue the safe but ultimately doomed strategy of churning out predictable, testable and mediocre factory-workers?

Read his full posting here.

The magic of truth and lies (video)

Labor Day, the traditional end to summer.

There are those among us who do work, very hard, at looking for work.

There are those among us who work very hard, at getting enough to eat.

There are those among us who have so much, they become careless.

This Labor Day, take a few minutes. Reflect on where you are, what you have, what you can help some one with.

Be aware of the lies and deceptions you tell your self. The lies that others tell you.

Marco Tempest has this brief TED video to help understand the difference between truth and lies, deception and magic.



Enjoy!

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

"improving the map for all users"

"Here's one, the Nason Street Tot Lot. That was never there," said Zub, pointing out places in the Franklin map he found and added. "The train station icon over here was on top of BJ's, so people probably thought 'Hey, big parking lot - this must be the train station.' " 

Using a satellite setting on Google Maps to find places that are not yet labeled, and drawing from his own visits to local spots, Zub puts more and more of his hometown on the interactive map every day. 

He has more than 9,000 map edits to his name. 

Zub uses a free program called Google Mapmaker, which allows anyone with Internet access to refine the maps in the Google database. It was introduced to the United States in April. A user goes to google.com/mapmaker and does not have to download the program.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948303690/Local-man-working-to-chart-Franklins-every-detail-using-online-maps#ixzz1Wz3bC8TU

Geoffrey's profile page in Google

And the Nason St Tot Lot mentioned in the article:



View Larger Map

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: mosquito alert

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has found a bird-biting mosquito in the central section of Franklin, which has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. This is the first positive WNV mosquito sample found in Franklin so far this season. All residents are urged to avoid mosquito bites if at all possible.

The use of an insect repellent containing DEET is recommended during all outdoor activities. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age, and not used in concentrations above 30% in older children. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are also recommended when out of doors during times of peak mosquito activity; usually between dawn and dusk.

In addition, residents should drain all standing water on their property to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Inspection and/or repair of window and door screens are also important to keep mosquitoes from entering ones home.

We expect mosquito activity to remain high until the first hard frost in the fall. As such, residents should take all steps necessary to prevent mosquito bites until then.

Additional information is available on the Department of Public Health website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-627-7968.

You may also contact the Franklin Health Department with questions at 508-520-4905.

Franklin Health Department
David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director

Originally posted to the Franklin, MA website here

In the News: SNAP benefits, Irene update

Reimbursements possible for losing food during Tropical Storm Irene

by Staff reports

National Grid: All Mass. customers to have power today

by Staff reports

Jobs and the Massachusetts Economy on Labor Day 2011

Explore our onlinebudget database Is our research helpful to you? Support our work Contact Info   Noah Berger   President   nberger@massbudget.org   (617) 426-1228 x102 Facts at a Glance: Jobs and the Massachusetts Economy, Labor Day 2011 September 2, 2011    After a record-setting economic downturn that officially began in December of 2007 and ended in June of 2009, the US economy is now in a period of weak and fragile recovery, one that features both slow growth and high levels of unemployment.  For many Americans, the current recovery feels little different than the recession itself. This certainly holds true for the many Massachusetts families who have felt the direct effects of this historic downturn - Labor Day 2011 offers little cause for celebration among the Bay State's thousands of unemployed and underemployed workers.  By many measures, however, Massachusetts has fared far better than most other states during the Great Recession and its aftermath.  We have experienced lower rates of unemployment, lost a smaller share of our jobs, and maintained higher median wages for many of our workers. A new Facts At A Glance, Jobs and The Massachusetts Economy: Labor Day 2011, provides charts and analysis of the most current data for Massachusetts and the US on unemployment rates, job losses, and median wages.  The report offers snapshots of how these measures have changed since the start of the Great Recession and over prior decades.  It is available here and at www.massbudget.org.     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.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by info@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108