US Congressman Jim McGovern: Hurricane Irene: Be Prepared

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August 26, 2011 Unsubscribe Update My Profile Website | Jim McGovern | Services | 3rd District | Issues & Legislation | Media Center | Contact Jim Dear Friend, This weekend, as we prepare in Massachusetts and all along the East Coast for Hurricane Irene to hit land, there are some excellent resources to ensure you are ready for whatever comes our way. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has declared a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth; more information is available at Mass.gov. Be sure to print this article and information from the following resources, in the event you cannot access it after the storm. WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE STORM: Track the Storm: Track Hurricane Irene on NOAA's website, or follow them on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov) or Twitter (@usnoaagov) to get updates. Hurricane Checklist: Review the American Red Cross' Hurricane Safety Checklist to prepare for the next several days. Create an Emergency Kit:  Use this Ready.gov checklist to ensure you have all of the needed supplies at hand. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with local authorities by listening to your local broadcast media, or by visiting Mass.gov and Ready.gov. Mobile FEMA: FEMA's Mobile site is an excellent way to stay up-to-date if you are away from home or unable to connect to the internet through your computer. Be prepared for power outages during and after the storm: The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has the following tips for dealing with a possible power outage: Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries on hand.  A radio is an important source of critical weather and emergency information during a storm. If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water.  Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water.  Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet. Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored).  During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unnecessarily.  Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using a generator.  Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors. Carbon Monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly accumulate indoors. Never try to power your house by plugging the generator directly into household wiring, a practice known as "backfeeding." This is extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, computers, stereo, DVR, VCR, microwave oven, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener. (Review the process for manually operating your electric garage door.) Be extra cautious when you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm.  Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris, and could be live.  Never attempt to touch or move downed lines, and keep children and pets away from them.  Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences.  Always assume a downed line is a live line.  Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem. Be safe this weekend, and if you have neighbors who may need help getting prepared, please take a few minutes to check on them or help them with their efforts as well. Sincerely, Congressman Jim McGovern Contact Information Washington D.C. Office 438 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515 | Phone: (202) 225-6101 | Fax: (202) 225-5759 District Offices: 34 Mechanic Street Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 831-7356 Fax: (508) 754-0982 255 Main Street Room 104 Marlborough, MA 01752 Phone: (508) 460-9292 Fax: (508) 460-6869 8 North Main Street Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-8025 Fax: (508) 431-8017 371 S. Main Street Suite 102 Fall River, MA 02721 Phone: (508) 677-0140 Fax: (508) 677-0992 Update My Profile - Unsubscribe - Privacy Policy

State Senator Karen Spilka: Staying Safe During Hurricane Irene

August 26, 2011 Dear Steve, The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency recommends steps residents should take as Hurricane Irene approaches the Commonwealth. It is important that we all plan early for this storm, which forecasters report may bring damaging winds and torrential rain to the area. The Governor has issued a State of Emergency because of the predicted severity of this storm. It is crucial to stay informed and MEMA has frequent updates and additional recommendations. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/mema. The National Weather Service also has a full list of counties impacted and more details of the hurricane and its expected path.  Here some tips outlined by MEMA: Have a Kit Every home and business should have a stocked basic emergency supply kit that could be used for any emergency, in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power. Each kit will be unique to each family, but should include a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods, along with bottled water, a first aid kit, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets. Make a Plan Develop a Family Emergency Communications Plan in case family members are separated from one another during the storm. This plan should also address reunification after the immediate crisis passes. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the Family Emergency Communications Plan contact person. During and immediately after a disaster occurs, it is often easier to access a long distance telephone number than a local one. Also, calling outside a disaster area is usually easier than calling into the same area. Be Informed You should contact your local Emergency Management Director to familiarize yourself with you Community's Emergency Plans, particularly potential evacuation routes and shelter locations before an emergency situation occurs. Because turbulent weather is expected, MEMA also highlights steps for staying safe during power outages: •   Check flashlights and portable radios to ensure that they are working, and you have extra batteries on hand.  A radio is an important source of critical weather and emergency information during a storm.  •   If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water.  Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water.  Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet. •   Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored).  During an outage, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door unnecessarily.  Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). • If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage. •   Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using a generator.  Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors. Carbon Monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly accumulate indoors. Never try to power your house by plugging the generator directly into household wiring, a practice known as "backfeeding." This is extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. •   In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, computers, stereo, DVR, VCR, microwave oven, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener. (Review the process for manually operating your electric garage door.) •   Be extra cautious when you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm.  Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by trees or debris, and could be live.  Never attempt to touch or move downed lines, and keep children and pets away from them.  Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences.  Always assume a downed line is a live line.  Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem. I hope you and all your friends and loved ones are able to stay safe during this storm. Warm Regards, Karen E. Spilka 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk http://www.karenspilka.com/ Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 511-C, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 (617) 722-1640 phone - (617) 722-1077 fax Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov http://www.karenspilka.com/

This message was sent to shersteve@gmail.com from: Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133

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Making a purchase!

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.

Where is the Town Common?


View Larger Map

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!

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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.




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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!

"It's clear that the unit has to be on-site"

Should the town permit everything the developer is requesting, the Villas will amount to 45 condominiums, 22 of which will be age-restricted, and 23 of which will not. 

Under that formula, Eastern Management owes the town an affordable housing unit, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting and the Planning Department have said. 

After conceding at the Aug. 8 Planning Board meeting that he is required to build the unit, Coras and his attorney Gary Hogan last night asked that it be built off-site.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1752169190/Planning-Board-builder-spar-over-Franklin-condos#ixzz1VqKfT7xc

Franklin High School PCC Meetings Set--Franklin, MA

 

 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 

 

Franklin High School PCC Meetings Set--Franklin, MA

via Franklin Massachusetts Homes Blog by Kathy Stankard & First Time Buyers,Relocation (Coldwell Banker of Franklin, MA/508-369-5131) on 8/22/11

 

The Franklin High Parent Communication Council has established its meeting dates for the 2011/2012 school year.  They have several upcoming events and could use many helping hands to make these a success...

The PCC will be having meetings on the following dates:

1. Sept. 12, 2011, Monday
2. Nov. 7, 2011, Monday
3. Jan. 9, 2012, Monday
4. March 5, 2012, Monday
5. May 7, 2012, Monday

All meetings start at 7p.m. and are held in the FHS Technology Center.

Each meeting will have guest speakers and a principal update. These meetings are truly a communication tool for parents, to hear about important topics regarding the school, and to ask questions and find out answers that their teenager may not be able to give them.

If you need more information or would like to get involved, please email me at franklinmahomes@comcast.net or call 508-369-5131.

************************************************************************************************ 

Kathy Stankard of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage can be reached by cell at 508-369-5131 or via email. 

Kathy has been a top producing REALTOR for the past 15 years helping buyers and sellers in the Franklin, MA and metrowest of Boston area.  Feel free to check out her website for more resources and information.

 

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YMCA announces races on Sep 10th

Youth races, tri-races, and 9th annual 5K road race are announced by the Hockomock Area YMCA. Details contained in the flyer attached.

Healthy Futures Races Press Release

Visit the Y website to register - look for Special Events

"fewer soggy chicken nuggets"

While farmers' markets are expanding, the use of fresh and local foods is increasing in the school lunch programs:

Franklin decided to revamp its food program by bringing in help. 

In June, the school system awarded its dining contract to Whitsons Culinary Group, a company that works with public and private schools to improve menus and promote healthy eating. 

School Committee member Bill Glynn, who led a nutrition subcommittee while the school was evaluating potential candidates, said at a June meeting that the change was to address the state's ever-evolving nutrition standards, according to school committee minutes. 

Kevin Silivia, an area training manager for Whitsons, said the company is training cafeteria employees to cook a variety of foods using fresh ingredients. 

"I think we are on the cutting edge, starting to develop programs that make food nutritious and fun for kids," Silivia said. "We develop our concepts around that ideal."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1837753803/Area-schools-go-local-to-get-healthy-produce#ixzz1VkWRf0vO


Related Post:
Farmers' markets are expanding
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/people-want-convenience.html

"people want convenience"

Much of the expansion of farmers markets has come in the past three years, said Scott Soares, state commissioner of agricultural resources. 

Public interest in buying local products "really caught fire," he said. In part, demand seems driven by worries about food safety. 

"(Customers) get it here fresh," said Terri Kanief of Boston-based Globe Fish Company, who was in Framingham last Thursday selling seafood. "You don't (know) how long it's been in the grocery store." 

Farmers markets give customers a connection to growers and their techniques that they can't find elsewhere, Cole said. 

Shoppers also are increasingly conscious of how far their food must travel to get to their table, Soares said. 

"Consumers are really recognizing those kinds of impacts that their food choices can make on the environment," he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x27462244/Farmers-markets-sprouting-up-all-over-Massachusetts#ixzz1VkVKUGIV

Related post:
Food Pantry grant doubles SNAP dollars at the Franklin Farmers Market
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html

product warranties

It wasn’t until 1975 — when Congress passed the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — that federal teeth were added to consumer warranty protections. 

Among other things, Mag-Moss says that businesses offering written warranties to consumers have to clearly disclose the details. Over the years, to flesh out companies’ obligations, the FTC has issued additional compliance guidance in the form of rules, guides, and interpretations. 

As part of its systematic review of regs on the books, the FTC just announced it's looking into how Mag-Moss is faring in today’s marketplace. What’s up for consideration? The FTC’s Interpretations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; rules dealing with written disclosure of warranties, how warranty documents should be available pre-sale, and informal dispute settlement procedures; and the agency’s Guides for the Advertising of Warranties and Guarantees. 

The FTC is interested in feedback about the rules' costs and benefits, as well as their overall effectiveness and coverage. If your company offers warranties — or if you can share insights into how warranties are working in today’s marketplace — you’ll want to be part of the conversation.

Read the full posting on the official FTC website here

"A waiver for Massachusetts could lift a burden"

It is a particularly high bar for Massachusetts, whose statewide standards for student attainment are among the toughest in the country. And the consequences of falling short are serious - including the possibility of the state taking over underperforming schools. 

Mitchell Chester, the state’s commissioner of elementary and secondary education, said in an interview last week that Massachusetts is giving serious consideration to filing for a waiver from the 100 percent proficiency rule, under a new program announced this month by the Obama administration. 

“For me, the reason filing a waiver makes sense for Massachusetts is that [the rule] no longer does a good job of differentiating our strongest performers from our weakest performers,’’ Chester said. “We have many schools in the Commonwealth at this point that are failing the federal requirements but are not failing schools.’’

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

"Economic inequality"

From the Boston Globe comes the stark realities of the gulf between the haves and  havenots:

Shoestock, 29, is part of a forgotten economy. While family incomes across Massachusetts have generally risen over the past three decades, the state’s poorest residents have fallen behind. And nowhere have they fallen farther than here in Western Massachusetts, where families in the bottom fifth of the income scale have seen inflation-adjusted earnings drop below 1979 levels, according to a new study by University of Massachusetts economists. 

The study paints a stark picture of two commonwealths, in which the gap between rich and poor, east and west is growing. For example, the inflation-adjusted median income of affluent families in Greater Boston has grown 54 percent since 1979, to $230,000 from $150,000 a year, largely due to high-paying technology jobs. 

In Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley, where decades of plant closings have left hollowed-out economies, the inflation-adjusted median income of the poorest families fell 24 percent, from $21,000 a year in 1979 to $16,000 - on par with some of the most impoverished parts of Appalachia. 

“No real income growth over three decades is what we’re seeing - no improvement in the standard of living,’’ said Michael D. Goodman, one of the study’s authors. “It’s a lost generation of families.’’

Read the full article in the Globe here

Buddy Greene Classical Harmonica, Carnegie Hall

I do have a harmonica and some day I'll take some time to learn to play. Will I ever play like this? It would be a good goal to do so but this guy can play!





Enjoy!

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"real housewives of Norfolk County box"

Despite the gym's opening in June at its current location, 33 Forge Hill Road, the women have been boxing with Keegan for years, and moved from the Adirondack Club without hesitation when she did. 

"I didn't think twice about not going where she went," said Rossi, a stay-at-home mother of three in Franklin. Like the other mothers, Rossi explained that boxing is the first exercise that kept her focus and didn't bore her. 

Keegan keeps the classes small intentionally, allowing her to make sure everyone has the right form, and she works one-on-one with the women. She is also a licensed personal trainer, and helps the women with nutrition questions and muscle aches.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x633535546/At-local-boxing-club-these-mothers-pack-a-punch#ixzz1Vf0EFWvW

Franklin Art Center sets fall registration

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin Art Center sets fall registration

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 8/20/11

Franklin Art Center, 5 Main St., Franklin, is having an open house Thursday, Aug. 25, 4-6 p.m.

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