Saturday, November 26, 2011
Franklin High School Winter Concert and Silent Auction December 7th
The Franklin High School Winter Concert promises to be a warm and festive evening for music students, their families and the community this year. The concert begins at 7:00 PM on Wednesday December 7th and is being held at the Thomas D. Mercer auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School, 214 Oak Street. Performances by the Franklin High School Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble under the direction of Leighanne Rudsit will be featured, as well as the Chorus and Select Chorus directed by Michael Sansoni. Concert goers will enjoy a selection of classic and contemporary pieces with a holiday spirit, and the winners of the Franklin Music Boosters 2011-2012 music scholarships will be recognized.
The Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. will be hosting a silent auction and reception beginning at 6:30 and during intermission, when refreshments will also be served. Many generous area businesses as well as music students and their families have donated items for the auction and refreshments. Donations are still being accepted. Area businesses and individuals who wish to donate please contact Cindy Gleichauf, 508-397-5204 or cindygleichauf@gmail.com.
Franklin Music Boosters, Inc. is a parent organization which supports the entire Franklin Public School Music Program grades 6-12. Through volunteer support and fundraising, the Music Boosters help provide transportation for performance trips, competitions and outings; sponsor concerts and special events; finance the purchase of musical equipment and uniforms; fund private lessons and scholarships, as well as support the music department with volunteer help.
For more information about getting involved with the Franklin Music Boosters, contact Amy Czuba, amyczuba@gmail.com.
DLS reports on average single-family property taxes and values in FY11
In preparation for the tax rate hearing being held Wednesday, Nov 30th at the Town Council meeting, this is some good background reading.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 11/18/11
The Division of Local Services in its publication City and Town yesterday reported on average single-family tax bills and property values for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2011.
Given the fiscal confines of the state's property tax limitation law, Proposition 2 1/2, it was not surprising to see that the average property tax bill increased a modest 3.35 percent in FY11.
Proposition 2 1/2 allows for annual tax levy growth of 2 1/2 percent, plus additional property tax revenue coming on line from new growth and/or Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. The rate of increase in average property tax bills in FY10 was 3.3 percent.
And given the relative stability in property values -- Massachusetts has not experienced anything like the steep drop in property valuation seen in states such as Florida or California -- it was not surprising to see a decline in single family property valuation in Massachusetts of 3.23 percent.
As the City and Town story reports, Massachusetts has indeed seen a decline in average single family home valuation since the housing bubble burst in 2008, but the tumble downward has been quite gentle compared with other locales.
The story includes a chart with comparison data for tax bills, valuations, and rankings for the state's cities and towns.
More historic information is available in DLS' Municipal Data Bank in the event readers want to explore trends going back to 1981.
The DLS story makes the point that as property valuations increase, tax rates go down, but when those same valuations go down, as they have in recent years, tax rates go up. There are still many homeowners in Massachusetts who assume that when home valuations go down, property taxes go down as well. However, under Proposition 2 1/2, tax levies are allowed to increase regardless of the direction of property valuations.
Given the fiscal confines of the state's property tax limitation law, Proposition 2 1/2, it was not surprising to see that the average property tax bill increased a modest 3.35 percent in FY11.
Proposition 2 1/2 allows for annual tax levy growth of 2 1/2 percent, plus additional property tax revenue coming on line from new growth and/or Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. The rate of increase in average property tax bills in FY10 was 3.3 percent.
And given the relative stability in property values -- Massachusetts has not experienced anything like the steep drop in property valuation seen in states such as Florida or California -- it was not surprising to see a decline in single family property valuation in Massachusetts of 3.23 percent.
As the City and Town story reports, Massachusetts has indeed seen a decline in average single family home valuation since the housing bubble burst in 2008, but the tumble downward has been quite gentle compared with other locales.
The story includes a chart with comparison data for tax bills, valuations, and rankings for the state's cities and towns.
More historic information is available in DLS' Municipal Data Bank in the event readers want to explore trends going back to 1981.
The DLS story makes the point that as property valuations increase, tax rates go down, but when those same valuations go down, as they have in recent years, tax rates go up. There are still many homeowners in Massachusetts who assume that when home valuations go down, property taxes go down as well. However, under Proposition 2 1/2, tax levies are allowed to increase regardless of the direction of property valuations.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Help my kids school - PLEASE. It just takes a second to help
PLEASE!! I need more help!! We are #11 in the Pepsi Challenge and need to be in the TOP 10 to win.
As many of you may already know, my children's school is trying to raise money for a new Inclusive Playground. Our current one is deteriorating quickly despite the efforts of our DPW to keep it maintained. In deciding to rebuild we have designed a new Inclusive one, where all children of all abilities can play together.
I am asking for your help - it only takes a few seconds and cost you nothing. I am just asking that you vote for our project in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. We are in the running for $50,000 and just need to reach the TOP 10 to win. We are currently at #17. We started at 43, moved quickly to 22, then 19, 17 and now we are at 11!! We need more votes and support!!!
Go to the Pepsi Website - If you click on this link it should take you directly to us - www.refresheverything.com/kennedyplayground - There is a wonderful video that the KennedyKids are in!
ALSO you can vote a 2nd way by Texting in a vote - TEXT 109738 to 73774
Vote EVERYDAY until Nov 30th to help us!
Any and all help would be appreciated. If you could ask friends and family to help too, we would really appreciate it! Anyone 13 and older can vote! Please help my kids school!!! Our website is www.kennedyplayground.com if you would like to learn more about this project.
Thank you
Sandy Brown
Kennedy Playground Committee
Second Annual Giving Tree to benefit The Santa Foundation
The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO), a group of young professionals having an interest in social and business networking, community involvement, and professional development; is proud to announce their second annual Giving Tree collection efforts for The Santa Foundation.
With the holidays quickly approaching and the giving season upon us, the YPO has created a Giving Tree collection drive to benefit The Santa Foundation. The tree has been set up at the Hampton Inn in Franklin, MA where patrons can collect an ornament to donate new hats, mittens or scarves for all ages. Can’t get to the Hampton Inn? Don’t worry; picking up an ornament isn’t required to donate.
Patrons can drop off all unwrapped donations to the Hampton Inn, 735 Union Street, Franklin, MA or to the United Regional Chamber of Commerce office at 42 Union Street, Attleboro, MA. Donations must be returned by December 9, 2011. Members of the YPO will deliver all of the items collected to The Santa Foundation after this date.
The Santa Foundation in Franklin, MA was established over 25 years ago to fulfill one goal - to provide gifts for families in need at Christmas time. 100% of all contributions, cash and gifts received go directly to local families in need. In 2010 alone, The Santa Foundation assisted over 700 families.
Back row, Left to right: Lori Suher, Phil Hickey, Chris Pintarich, Victoria Faunce
Front Row, Left to Right: Ron Groves, Amanda Culhane, Santa, Jen Osojnicki and Kaitlyn Pintarich
Friday, November 25, 2011
Real Food Tips: 5 Uses for Leftover Turkey
Yes, there is some left over turkey today. I plan on making a soup.
There is also some pie leftover.
What are you doing with your leftovers?
If you needs some ideas, Lisa Leake has a nice website with lots of good ideas on healthy food:
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and time with family today. Before we know it we will be on to those tasty leftovers! I am sure I'm not the only one who tries to be creative with all that turkey we couldn't finish so here are some ideas to consider:
Make "Turkey Noodle Soup" instead . . . → Read More: Real Food Tips: 5 Uses for Leftover Turkey
There is also some pie leftover.
What are you doing with your leftovers?
If you needs some ideas, Lisa Leake has a nice website with lots of good ideas on healthy food:
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via 100 Days of Real Food by 100 Days of Real Food on 11/24/11
I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and time with family today. Before we know it we will be on to those tasty leftovers! I am sure I'm not the only one who tries to be creative with all that turkey we couldn't finish so here are some ideas to consider:
Make "Turkey Noodle Soup" instead . . . → Read More: Real Food Tips: 5 Uses for Leftover Turkey
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to 100 Days of Real Food using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Mendon-Upton school board members allowed to vote remotely
With the recent advances in technology this is a good logical step. Technology can be very useful to conduct meetings with participants not all in the same room. The meeting can be conducted as long as the technology works well.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Morgan Rousseau/Daily News staff on 11/24/11
School board members in the Mendon-Upton Regional School District now have the option of participating in meetings while not being physically present.
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
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
As we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner today, let's pause a moment or two to give thanks for what we do have.
Enjoy!
“It’s all about vigilance"
Natick, Newton, Weston, and Wellesley are among several communities that have seen a significant jump in reports of residential break-ins, police said. The crimes do not appear to be related, police say, with the methods of gaining access and the types of valuables stolen varying with each incident. But detectives throughout the area are working closely to share information.
“We do have officers out there and are actively pursuing all the breaks,’’ said a Newton police spokesman, Lieutenant Bruce Apotheker. “One of the main components is we do work well with other cities and towns.’’
Newton has logged 155 house breaks this year, compared with 99 during the same period last year, he said. Just since Oct. 1, he said, there have been 35.
Law enforcement officials said they don’t know why there has been a sudden increase, but they said it’s not uncommon to have periods of ups and downs. Some officials, though, said many of the break-ins appear to be drug-related.Read the remainder of the story in the Boston Globe West article here
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
High School Project - Part 7 (audio)
Part 7 of 8 recorded at the School Building Committee informational forum held Nov 17, 2011.
Time: 17 minutes, 41 seconds
MP3 File
Show Notes
This internet radio show or podcast is number 99 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This is the seventh of a series of 8 audio segments recorded during the informational session on the new high school. The forum was conducted by the School Building Committee and held at the Horace Mann Auditorium on Thursday, Nov 17, 2011.
This seventh segment continues the Question and Answer period with Tom Mercer (School Building Committee Chair), Jim Jordan (partner and owner of Ai3 Architects), Sean Fennell (Project Manager) and School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski provide answers to the questions.
The questions covered during this segment
- What is the life expectancy of this school?
- How much does the building handle school population growth?
- What is the projected peak population?
- How does the classroom handle the average class size?
- What happens if the debt exclusion doesn't pass?
- Is accreditation at risk?
- Why doesn't this building include an indoor track?
Without further ado, here is the recording from Thursday evening Nov 17th
(audio)
Be sure to listen to the other parts of the series:
Part 1 – introduction and evolution of model school invitation
Part 2 - Jim Jordan, partner and owner of Ai3 Architects provides an overview of the building
Part 3 – Q and A: educational space and construction cost
Part 4 – Q and A: various project costs and overall process
Part 5 – Q and A; cost of designing a green building and debt exclusion timing
Part 6 – Q and A; alternate fields and communication campaign
Part 8 – Q and A and closing
---- ---- ----
While this podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help. How can you help, you ask?
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like this, please let me know.
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark &Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
High School Project - Part 8 (audio)
The eighth and final segment of the complete recording from the School Building Committee forum on the new high school held on Nov 17, 2011.
Time: 16 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
Show Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 100 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This is the eighth and final for the series of the informational session on the new high school. The forum was conducted by the School Building Committee and held at the Horace Mann Auditorium on Thursday, Nov 17, 2011.
This eight segment continues the Question and Answer period with Tom Mercer (School Building Committee Chair), Jim Jordan (partner and owner of Ai3 Architects) Sean Fennell (Project Manager) and School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski provide answers to the questions. Andrew Chagnon (?) joins to answer the traffic questions.
The questions covered during this segment
Without further ado, here is the recording from Thursday evening Nov 17th
(audio)
Be sure to listen to the other parts of the series:
Part 1 – introduction and evolution of model school invitation
Part 2 - Jim Jordan, partner and owner of Ai3 Architects provides an overview of the building
Part 3 – Q and A: educational space and construction cost
Part 4 – Q and A: various project costs and overall process
Part 5 – Q and A; cost of designing a green building and debt exclusion timing
Part 6 – Q and A; alternate fields and communication campaign
Part 8 – Q and A and closing
---- ---- ----
While this podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help. How can you help, you ask?
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like this, please let me know.
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark &Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Time: 16 minutes, 11 seconds
MP3 File
Show Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 100 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This is the eighth and final for the series of the informational session on the new high school. The forum was conducted by the School Building Committee and held at the Horace Mann Auditorium on Thursday, Nov 17, 2011.
This eight segment continues the Question and Answer period with Tom Mercer (School Building Committee Chair), Jim Jordan (partner and owner of Ai3 Architects) Sean Fennell (Project Manager) and School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski provide answers to the questions. Andrew Chagnon (?) joins to answer the traffic questions.
The questions covered during this segment
- Teachers end up cutting off the HVAC because it interferes with the class, is the noise in the room something you are planning for?
- Can you tell us about the technology? Wireless of course, but what is there in the cutting edge?
- Are you going to have virtual desktops?
- Can you facilitate the traffic situation?
- I don't want to minimize the traffic situation, it hasn't been done right at any of the schools!
- Where are you going to hold the 4th of July fireworks?
Without further ado, here is the recording from Thursday evening Nov 17th
(audio)
Be sure to listen to the other parts of the series:
Part 1 – introduction and evolution of model school invitation
Part 2 - Jim Jordan, partner and owner of Ai3 Architects provides an overview of the building
Part 3 – Q and A: educational space and construction cost
Part 4 – Q and A: various project costs and overall process
Part 5 – Q and A; cost of designing a green building and debt exclusion timing
Part 6 – Q and A; alternate fields and communication campaign
Part 8 – Q and A and closing
---- ---- ----
While this podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help. How can you help, you ask?
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like this, please let me know.
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark &Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Downtown Partnership - Holiday Stroll
3rd Annual Holiday Stroll Happenings
A Cut Above: Hot cocoa and cookies, 10% off Strawberry Patch jewelry and gift cards
Allied Chiropractic & Whole Health Center: Free chair massage and chiropractic evaluation. Visit us outside Rockland Trust.
Berry Insurance: Holiday Happenings with WODS-FM 103.3, Boston’s Holiday Music Station
Confidence Beads: Discounts on a unique and meaningful gift. Visit us outside Dean Bank.
Crossway Church: Snack bags. Visit us at the Berry Insurance parking lot.
Dean Bank: Gingerbread men cookie decorating
Dean College: 4:00pm tree lighting, caroling and holiday snacks
Digital Credit Union: Glow necklaces/sticks for children at the Mobile Branch. Visit us at the Simon’s parking lot.
Franklin Art Center: Local art exhibition and sale, ornament craft for children, free art class raffle, and
evening band exhibition
Franklin Boston Sports Club: Fitness contests and demos, Scooby Doo appearance, free 1-week gym membership. See us at Jane’s Frames.
Franklin Dance Workshop: Holiday entertainment 5:00pm at Simon’s Furniture parking lot
Franklin Federated Church: Project International. Visit us at the Berry Insurance parking lot.
Franklin Fire Department: Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Franklin Food Pantry: Open House and Franklin Food Elves donation drive kick off for “1,200 Pounds of Food and $1,200 in 12 Days
Franklin Girl Scouts: Crafts for strolling kids. Visit us at the Berry Insurance parking lot.
Franklin Historical Museum: Meet Mrs. Claus, Busy Bees craft sale, browse through Franklin history
Franklin School for the Performing Arts: Singing, crafts with the elves at Santa’s Workshop
Grandma Jen’s Crafts: Scarves, blankets and other hand crafted items. Visit us at the corner of Summer and East Central Street.
H&R Block: Free giveaways and refreshments
Jane’s Frames: Cider, live music, drawing for framed NE Patriots Sports Panoramic Print, Wish List sign-ups, check out Boston Sports Club at Jane’s Frames.
Mary Kay: Product samples, pampering gift basket drawing. Visit us at H&R Block.
Printsmart: Free candy cane pens. Check out The Cake Bar at Printsmart.
Rick’s Restaurant: Choose either a complimentary cup of Rick’s award winning chowder or a small dish of Brigham’s ice cream with the purchase of any adult entrée
SELF Aesthetics and Therapeutics Specialists: Free chair massage, hot cocoa and a holiday treat, tour of facility
Simon’s Furniture: Meet Santa from 5-7pm
The Cake Bar: Fabulous cupcake sale. See us at Printsmart.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
High School Project - Part 5 (audio)
The fifth segment of 8 recorded from the School Building Committee forum on the new high school held on Nov 17, 2011.
Time: 19 minutes, 17 seconds
MP3 File
Show Notes
This internet radio show or podcast is number 97 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This is the fifth of a series of 8 audio segments recorded during the informational session on the new high school. The forum was conducted by the School Building Committee and held at the Horace Mann Auditorium on Thursday, Nov 17, 2011.
This fifth segment continues the Question and Answer period with Tom Mercer (School Building Committee Chair), Jim Jordan (partner and owner of Ai3 Architects) and Sean Fennell (Project Manager) providing answers. Ed Cafasso, a member of the School Building Committee, chimes in to talk about the communication process.
The questions covered during this segment
- What is the scale of savings talked about for energy rebates?
- What is the cost of designing a green building?
- How do we package this building to sell it well?
- Do you have the numbers on what the total cost would be?
- Is the Remington/Jefferson debt exclusion coming off the books around the same time?
- Does anyone have statistics on house valuations for districts with good schools?
- Does the tax figure include the reimbursements?
(audio)
Be sure to listen to the other parts of the series:
Part 1 – introduction and evolution of model school invitation
Part 2 - Jim Jordan, partner and owner of Ai3 Architects provides an overview of the building
Part 3 – Q and A: educational space and construction cost
Part 4 – Q and A: various project costs and overall process
Part 6 – Q and A
Part 7 – Q and A
Part 8 – Q and A and closing
---- ---- ----
While this podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help. How can you help, you ask?
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like this, please let me know.
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark &Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
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