"Online learning developments hit a snag"

"The design of the plan really met all the criteria," Sabolinski said. "It fits aesthetically into the neighborhood and community. There is community access to the gym and auditorium. The design reflects (Franklin's) educational plan." 

The town decided in July to build a new high school rather than renovate the old structure. A state program will reimburse about half of the proposed $94.8 million project. 

The program requires the town to choose from four state-approved school building designs by four different architects. 

The decision to use Ai3, which built the Whitman-Hanson and Plymouth North schools, was made after School Building Committee members visited four high schools built, each according to one of the models.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948306258/Franklin-picks-model-for-new-high-school#ixzz1XuwG2ufx


Related posts on the build or renovation decision for the high school:

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/for-lot-of-reasons-its-best-choice.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/building-cannot-provide-adequate-level.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/state-will-cover-58-percent.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/presenting-95-million-school-will-not.html

Two fact sheets on new health care, poverty data from the U.S. Census Bureau

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 New Census data show Massachusetts leads nation in health care coverage; poverty rises nationally September 13, 2011 The U.S. Census Bureau today released data on health insurance and poverty rates for 2010.  Two new fact sheets by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center examine the data. Massachusetts Still the Leader in Health Care Coverage reports on Census Bureau data indicating that Massachusetts health insurance coverage rate is more than ten percentage points higher than the national rate.  Using a multi-year average, the Census data estimate that in the 2008-2010 period, Massachusetts had a health insurance coverage rate of 95 percent - more than any other state in the nation.  U.S. Poverty Rate Rises Again shows that the national poverty rate increased for the third year in a row in 2010, rising to 15.1 percent from 14.3 percent in 2009.  The poverty rate is now at its highest point since 1993, and the total number of people living in poverty-46.2 million-is the highest number in the 52 years for which the Census Bureau has published poverty estimates.  The Census data also show that the percentage of people in deep poverty-those with incomes below 50 percent of the official poverty level-rose to 6.7 percent in 2010 the highest point since the Census Bureau began to publish this measure in 1975. The health insurance fact sheet is available here, the fact sheet on poverty is available here; both can be found 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

Rep. Vallee holds office hours in Franklin, Medway

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Rep. Vallee holds office hours in Franklin, Medway

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/12/11

State Rep. James Vallee will hold his monthly local office hours this Friday.

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Kennedy School council holding bottle and can fundraiser

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Kennedy School council holding bottle and can fundraiser

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 9/13/11

The John F. Kennedy School Parent Communication Council will hold a bottle and can fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. The drive will be held in the school parking lot at 551 Pond St.

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Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 9/13/11

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 23, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Strategic Plan – M. Sabolinski, S. Winslow, J. Edwards, M. Goodman
b. District Improvement Plan – M. Sabolinski, S. Winslow, J.Edwards, M. Goodman

3. Discussion Only Items
Enrollment Update

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1480.00 from the Hockomock Y for a Shape Up Grant for the Franklin High School for in-house enrichment.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Douglas Lee for in-house enrichment at the Franklin High 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, MA: School District Improvement Plan

The District Improvement Plan for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sep 13, 11.

FPS: District Improvement Plan August 2011


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

The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - agenda - 9/13/11

I. Call to Order and Introduction of New Attendees - including Secretary, Annette Labonte
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
IV. Report from Treasurer
V. Strategic Goals
a. Grants/Funding Update on Grant List (Marc Kaplan and Tim Newell)

Road Race Selection of Date (Special Guest: Ron Ignotz, GTTB)
b. Organizational Review of Mission

Discussion of Committee Name
c. Alliances Update on SouthWest Advisory Planning Cmte (SWAP)Meeting
d. Awareness/Outreach Consideration of informational table at October Harvest Festival in Franklin (Oct 2)

VI. Adjournment (9:00)


Additional materials for the mission statement discussion were posted here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/09/franklin-citizens-rail-trail-mission.html

The Rail Trail web site can be found here http://www.franklinrailtrail.org/

Mower N More: Snow blower pre-season tune up 2011

Mower n More is pleased to announce the following incentives for pre-season snow-blower tune-up, when booked on-line by September 17, 2011 for any available date on the calendar:

• $15 off a snow-blower tune-up = $114 ($129)
• $10 off extended area charge (where applicable) = $19 ($29)

Book now (Use promo code SB11)

See what's included

Wishing you a happy autumn,

Mower n More

Prior post on Mower N More
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/mower-n-more-summer-2011-closure.html

This message is sent to you as a customer of Mower n More. We believe the content to be beneficial to you, but if you would like to be removed from future mailings, you can Unsubscribe. Mower n More, P.O. Box 201, Hopedale MA, 01747. (508) 478-2004

Kennedy Community Playground can use your help!

Background:
The current wooden structural playground at the Kennedy School services the nearly 500 students enrolled at Kennedy in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. In addition, the playground is a popular play spot all year long to the many residents and extended family members of the nearby neighborhoods.

The existing main structure shows evidence of wear and has several components with cracked, splintered and worn parts. The aging wooden structure and plastic components that are cracked or broken are contributing to splinters and other injuries to the children who use this playground.

The Principal has requested a new playground for several years in the budgeting process and it has been denied each time with funds going toward repairs of the school building itself. Additionally, with school funding challenges and reductions in physical activities, the playground is more important than ever in the physical well-being of the student population.

The Kennedy Parent Communication Council (PCC) is the parent community for Kennedy School and, based on widespread support and urging, has initiated a Playground Project to pursue replacement of the main playground area. The PCC has established a Playground Committee and has begun setting aside funds in a special account earmarked just for the playground. The Playground Committee is exploring designs from the same manufacturer as most other school playgrounds in Franklin.

Goals:
The Playground Committee is pursuing a new playground for Kennedy School that:
- is fun, challenging and supports the physical development and well-being of the Kennedy student population;
- is safe and accessible to children aged 5 - 12 years;
- utilizes certain elements of existing playground (ie. swingset and poured access path) to maintain costs.
- is cost efficient through use of local community volunteer support of demolition of the current playground and installation of the new equipment.

The Committee will seek funding from sources including:
- PCC donations from the Kennedy students' families;
- Corporate donations and sponsorships;
- Local community fundraising;
- Corporate, state and federal grant funds;
- Possible town funding support.

Installation of the new playground in Spring of 2012.


Visit their website for additional information and fund raising links
http://www.kennedyplayground.com/Home_Page.php



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a common denominator

"I was disturbed. It was the American flag and it was destroyed," said Michael DelConte, the branch manager of the store on Forge Parkway. "It's not good to see the American flag in that condition." 

So DelConte turned to Franklin resident Robert Long, the owner of Franklin Flags. 

Long, who began his business selling American flags just months after Sept. 11, 2001, is offering to retire American flags damaged by Tropical Storm Irene at no cost, and replace them at discounted prices.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x948305636/Franklin-company-to-honor-the-flag#ixzz1XjI5IFqt

Visit the Franklin Flags website here:  http://www.franklinflags.com/

Tucoola - Games for Kids and Parents to Play Together

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Tucoola - Games for Kids and Parents to Play Together

via Free Technology for Teachers by noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Byrne) on 9/10/11

Tucoola is a free site offering games for children and parents. The site has a section of single user activities for kids and section of two user activities for parents to play with their children. Most of the activities are simple enough for children four years old to play. The activities include things like simple jigsaw puzzles, checkers, and basic number games. The site can be used without registration, but parents who do choose to register themselves and their children can access activity reports for what their children have done on the site.

Applications for Education
Tucoola isn't breaking any new ground with their games and activities, but if you're looking for some basic skills practice activities it's worth bookmarking Tucoola. The option to access activity reports for their children might be an appealing feature for parents.

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Ichigo Ichie is coming

Ichigo Ichie is making progress toward their published opening date of October 2011. They operate one location in East Providence and will be expanding to their second here in Franklin in the former Piccadily Pub building.

You can visit their website to view their menu

From the Town Council meeting earlier this year (approving their liquor license)
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/library-and-friends-clear-air.html

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/franklin-has-developed-reputation-as.html

Sports fund raising

Franklin High School athletes were going door to door on Saturday with a fund raising effort. The card provides discounts at local merchants. Two pictured are Sports Authority and British Beer Company.






This is good exercise as they walked door to door. Better than standing outside a store with a traditional coffee can.

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda - 9/14/11

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 20, 2011

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
2011 Election Workers
Registrar of Voters
Conservation Commission
Finance Committee

F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10
Devita’s Market
Joe’s American Bar and Grill
Tedeschi Food Shop
Uptowne Pub

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages License – Sakebom - 264 Franklin Village Drive

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Residential Soliciting – Stephen T. Williams
2. Tropical Storm Irene – Gary McCarraher

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-10: Request for Legislation – Exempting the Deputy Fire Chief from Civil Service (Tabled on 8/10/2011)
2. Resolution 11-45: Chapter 61A-1st Refusal Option – Land on Spring Street
3. Resolution 11-47: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Medway for Shared Nursing Services
4. Resolution 11-48: Acceptance of Gift of Land at 1156 Pond Street (Lot #2)
5. Resolution 11-49: Grant of Sewer Easement on Property At 82 (Formerly 95) Park Rd
6. Bylaw Amendment 11-663: Sewer Rates-Appendix B- List of Service Rates - 2nd Reading
7. Bylaw Amendment 11-664: Water Rates-Appendix B-List of Service Rates- 2nd 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

To read and review the full set of documents for this agenda, you can follow this link to the PDF

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Ellis Paul

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents Ellis Paul, singer, songwriter, poet and troubadour, with special guests Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli on Saturday, Sept. 17, 8:00 PM 

Admission is $25.

The line up this season is a great one. Angel Band, Lori McKenna, Peter Yarrow, and Peter Mulvey are among those slated to appear. Check out the full schedule here http://www.circlefolk.org/sched.html

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is an acoustically great place for a concert. The dessert selection is awesome and decadent!

In September 2001 the coffeehouse moved to the First Universalist Society meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin. Doors open at 7:30 PM and all concerts start at 8:00 PM unless otherwise noted. All concerts are non-smoking and alcohol free.

View Larger Map

SEMINAR ON BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a seminar entitled Business Sustainability for the Real World: Bringing Economic Wellbeing to Our Business Community on Sept. 14. 

Learn ways to increase your market share, opportunities that sustainability can bring you, how it can help reduce operating costs, and much more. 

The event will be held at Living Waters Conference Center, 15 John L. Dietsch Blvd., North Attleborough from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The registration cost is $25. The price includes lunch. Call the Chamber at 508-222-0801 to reserve your place.

Farmer's Market - open - noon to 6:00 PM

Labor Day may be behind us, summer over, school underway but that doesn't mean the Farmer's Market is closed!

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

Located on the Town Common

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.

Photography services - what is taxable?

As a father with two daughters, the tax implications for wedding photography caught my attention. The MA Dept of Revenue writes:

If you're heading toward a wedding, a few minutes of reading time here could save you and the bride- or groom-to-be a few bucks, or at least explain the possible sales tax implications for your wedding photography or videography (the same rules apply to both). 

Generally, the sales tax applies to any sale at retail by any vendor of tangible personal property, so it is clear that a conventional wedding album or a DVD of wedding photos generates a sales tax. 

But assembling photos in an album or DVD is no longer the sole method of delivering a photography product such as wedding pictures to a client, which makes a world of difference in sales tax. A wedding album or DVD is a product delivered to the purchaser in a tangible medium. You can put your hands on it, and so it is taxed as tangible personal property. 

So how does this work in practice? Let's say you contract with a photographer to pay $3,500 for photography services on your wedding day, and also contract to pay $500 for a DVD of the photos. The $4,000 total is subject to sales tax because the photographer produced a tangible product which you are contractually obligated to purchase.

Read more on this matter in the DOR posting here
http://revenue.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2011/09/a-snapshot-of-salesuse-tax-on-photography-services.html

Franklin Democratic Town Committee: Clean Air presentation

FRANKLIN DEMOCRATS TO TACKLE CLEAN ENERGY

The wild weather patterns of the last several months will provide a unique backdrop for a presentation on the Massachusetts Clean Energy Plan in Franklin. When the Franklin Democratic Town Committee meets on Monday, September 12 at 7 pm, local physicist Ted McIntyre will give a presentation on the plan which was launched in December 2010. The Franklin Committee welcomes anyone who is interested in this topic to attend the meeting.  

The 136-page Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020 contains a "portfolio" of established and new measures that reduce energy waste, save money, and stimulate the adoption of clean energy technologies, thereby creating jobs at the same time that they reduce GHG emissions. It is estimated that 42,000 to 48,000 jobs would result from full implementation of the plan in 2020, both jobs that fill every niche in the clean energy supply chain – electricians, installers, researchers, architects, manufacturers, plumbers, energy auditors, technicians, and scientists – and jobs throughout the economy as lower fossil-fuel energy expenses lead to more spending on in-state goods and services. 

"There are many excellent reasons to support the plan, but here is one jaw-dropping reason to back it: $22 billion dollars," noted McIntyre.  "That is how much money leaves Massachusetts each year to pay for the coal, natural gas and petroleum we use." 

McIntyre is the President of the Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN) and presents frequently on the topic.  In addition to his work with MCAN, McIntyre helped establish the Franklin Area Climate Team. As a physicist, McIntyre is currently working to develop advanced equipment for use in the manufacture of computer chips. He holds seven patents and has authored more than twenty technical publications.  

The clean energy plan "lays out an ambitious but practical framework to continue – and accelerate – the Commonwealth's transition to clean energy," said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs-designate Rick Sullivan. "I look forward to maintaining this momentum as our state distinguishes itself as the national leader on clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions." 

The Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), signed by Governor Deval Patrick in August 2008, mandates the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, and requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to set a legally enforceable GHG emissions limit for 2020 of between 10 percent and 25 percent below 1990 levels by January 1, 2011, and to issue a plan for achieving those reductions while growing the clean energy economy. 

"Massachusetts has already taken great strides in energy innovation, sparking a clean energy revolution in the Commonwealth and getting us two-thirds of the way toward 25 percent lower emissions by 2020," said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles. "I am confident we will meet the 25 percent limit I set today with a portfolio of policies that build on reforms made to date, launch practical new initiatives on a pilot basis, and generate cost savings and jobs." 

In other business, the Franklin Democrats will continue reaching out to Franklin residents who are interested in running for one of the 35 positions on the town committee next March.  Nomination papers will be available for signing at the September 12 meeting.  The committee will also discuss the upcoming Senate race in Massachusetts and the current slate of candidates who are poised to take on Scott Brown in 2012. 

The Franklin committee normally meets on the second Monday of the month in the training room on the third floor of the Franklin Municipal Building. For more information on the Democratic Party or any of their meetings, please contact Jeffrey Roy at jroy@ravechroy.com or check out the FDTC website at www.franklindemocrats.com. 

To learn more about the Clean Air plan, go to http://www.mass.gov/green/cleanenergyclimateplan or http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/.

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."

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