Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Holiday News from Jane's Frames



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3rd Annual Holiday Stroll
Thursday, December 1st  4pm-8pm
Dear Steve,
         Join the festivities beginning with tree lighting and Carolers at Dean College at 4 p.m. Then head Downtown to Jane's Frames. Come by for some treats and get some unique ideas for your Holiday gift giving. Boston Sports Club will be joining us with fitness contests and an appearance by Scooby Doo! 
         We are collecting for the Franklin Food Pantry beginning on December 1st until December 12th. Your donation puts you in a drawing for a framed Patriots prints (see below). We will be matching all donations up to $200.
Thank you,       
Jane                 
       

Holiday Stroll flyer
 December 1st 
 4:00-8:00 PM 

  

Treats for young and old
 Gingerbread Cookies,  Caramel apples, Hot Cider,  Live Entertainment 


Drop off your Donation for the Franklin Food Pantry & be entered into a drawing for a framed Patriots Panoramic print.


 
super bowl

Photo Restoration is our specialty! 
There is still time to get your antique photos restored and framed for that unique Holiday present. We specialize in creating beautifully restored photos printed on high quality artpaper. They will look just like the originals looked! When you frame them using our archival framing methods they will last through many generations.

Your "Name In the Frame" 
Name in the frame
Family name in frame  

Professional   Baseball  Football  Hockey
College Sports, Family Name, Golf, Soccer, Sports pubs
and many other choices
$40. each plus starting at $40 for framing a 14 x 11
         Come in before December 5th to place your Holiday Framing and receive a free Photo Album. We provide expert design services and high quality archival framing. We always guarantee our work, our goal is that you are pleased with the finished product.
        For that person for whom you can't decide on : how about a Gift Certificate from Jane's Frames is always a pleaser!
Sincerely,
Jane



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

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Food Elves and Partnership "12 Days of Donating"


Franklin Food Elves Launch '12 Days of Donating' Campaign
 
The Franklin Food Elves and the Downtown Partnership will launch the "12 Days of Donating" food drive to benefit the local food pantry at the third annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 1, at the 4 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony.
 
The charitable community service group's goal is to collect 1,200 pounds of food and $1,200 in 12 days to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The campaign will run from December 1 through December 12. Along with a food bin set up at the tree ceremony on the Dean College campus, the Elves are placing bins at six downtown locations where people can drop off non-perishable food items.
 
According to the Franklin Food Pantry, more than 1,000 residents use its services. Recent Census data shows the need is greater; more than 3,000 Franklin residents, or 9% of the town's population, are struggling. That need increases in winter due to the cost of heat.
 
If the Food Elves reach their goal and collect 1,200 pounds of food, participating businesses pledge an additional $1,200 in matching funds. Franklin Food Elves co-founders Melissa and Cameron Piana and the FDP hope that the community will support the Food Pantry by helping them reach this goal. What will 1,200 pounds and $1,200 do for Franklin?  1,200 pounds of food can provide 923 meals to those in need. The $1,200 can provide an additional 6,000 meals.
 
Look for food donation bins at these locations: 
   Franklin Downtown Partnership office, 9 East Central Street
   Jane's Frames, 11 East Central Street
   Printsmart Office Supplies, 20 East Central Street
   Berry Insurance, 9 Main Street
   Dean Bank, 21 Main Street
   Dean College, Campus Center
 
For more information about the Franklin Food Elves and the "12 Days of Donating" campaign, please contact the Franklin Downtown Partnership at downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com or at (774)571-3109.  For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry and what items are needed, please go to their website, www.franklinfoodpantry.org/.
 

 

What is turquoise?

What to find out something? Google it.



It is fascinating when you stop and look back at how search has evolved.

Google search is enabled on this site to help you find things once you are here. More than half of you have arrived here via a search result!

Welcome. I hope what you find here is useful.

Dean College: "Blinking"

The Dance program at Dean College will be putting on a show called "Blinking" Dec 10th.

Dean College - show time!

In the News - FHS, Nutcracker, workshops, $50K, handbells, fair



Franklin High winter concert, silent auction set




Franklin Performing Arts Co. presents 'The Nutcracker'




Kids’ workshops at Franklin Art Center




Help Kennedy School win $50k in Pepsi Refresh Challenge

Elizabeth Warren - House Party - Dec 3

Christine Manns is holding a house party for US Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren on Saturday, Dec 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Seating is limited so please RSVP early. You can RSVP by calling Christine at 508-528-7905.


Monday, November 28, 2011

FM #101 - Tax Rate Info


This is #101 in the series for Franklin Matters. This covers tax rate information to prepare for the hearing set for the Town Council meeting on Weds Nov 30, 2011.

Time: 11 minutes, 15 seconds

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0b02d48e-eb09-4412-8eb1-f82cc308a8da



The presentation to view along with the audio:



Show Notes:

This internet radio show or podcast is number 101 in the series for Franklin Matters.

In this session, you give me about ten minutes and I'll fill you in on what matters in Franklin.

In particular, we'll prepare for the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Nov 30th, where the big item on the agenda will be the annual tax classification hearing beginning at 7:10 PM.

This is the time and place where the Town Council determines (1) to keep a single tax rate or decides to implement a split tax rate and (2) sets the actual rate.

I have reviewed the data provided by the Board of Assessors for this hearing. I have also spent some time on the Dept of Revenue website updating my files with historical data on Franklin's budget, tax rate, etc.

I have updated the slides to share information that I think will help us all understand the overall situation.

Page 2 shows how the tax rate is calculated. Starting with the levy limit from 2011, 2.5% is added. Based upon Prop 2.5%, up to this amount can be added without a special override vote. The growth from last year is added. This provides a subtotal. Any prior debt exclusions are added and this provides the maximum levy limit. We can technically achieve this due to rounding factors on the rates. So we have what they call an “excess levy capacity” of $9,341. This leaves us with the tax levy, the amount that Franklin is authorized to raise this year. The amount is divided by the total assessed values of all the residential, commercial, industrial and personal property.

The tax assessors package for the Town Council meeting has a number of pages devoted to the property analysis of the residential, commercial/industrial (CIP) to get to this value. The major factor to remember is that due to the overall economic conditions, property values are declining. Divide any number by a declining number and the percent will increase.

Page 3 shows the tax rate as it has varied throughout the years from 1988 to 2012. I really shouldn't use a line to depict the point in time number for each year, but it is much easier to view the data this way. The tax rate high point was in 1997 when it was 14.21% and the low point (in the period shown) was 8.86% in 2007. I find it interesting that the tax rate dropped for ten years in a row (from its peak in 1997), has gone up for the past 5 years, and yet all you hear about is our tax problem?

There are many reasons for the increases shown. I don't have all the information to explain nor do I have the time this week to do so. What I can show on Page 4 is how the assessed value effects the tax rate. The blue bars in this case depict the NET change in assessed total value of all the properties in Franklin. From 1997, the peak tax rate, the overall assessed values rose and the tax rate dropped each year until the values peaked in 2007 (when the tax rate hit its low point). Since 2007, the assessed values have dropped and the rate has risen. With less of a tax base upon which to levy the expected tax revenue, guess what, the tax rate will increase. Simple math.

Well, Page 5 more clearly shows what our 'tax problem” is. The numbers on this chart depict the average tax bill for the period 1988 through 2012. As you can see from the red bars, in no year did the average tax bill decrease. The tax rate line from Page 4 is also shown here. Clearly, the tax rate whether it goes up or down seems to have little effect on the tax bill. It is always going up.

One alternative to increasing the single tax rate is to consider a split tax rate. On Page 6 - the table depicts the residential vs. commercial/industrial property mix since 1999. It has varied a little each year but generally around 80% residential and 20% commercial/industrial. The high point for residential was 82.12 in 1988 and the low point was 77.04 in 1993.

Page 7 shows the same numbers in a chart format. As there is so little variance, I think this more clearly depicts the small range that the commercial/industrial and residential split has had over the years.

Why did I spend time on the CI vs Residential split? I can hear some folks now saying “let's go with a split tax rate”. With kind of property mix we have, a split tax does not solve our problem. See, the split tax does not increase overall tax revenues, it only shifts the proportion of the pie that each party pays as shown on Page 8. For a single dollar decrease in residential property tax, the CI increase would need to be $4. I have said it before and it bears repeating again: We don't need to shift the tax burden from one class to another. We need to grow the overall tax base. We need a bigger pie.

The best opportunities for grow come from the underutilized CI space we have. You should be aware of the efforts of Bryan Taberner and others in the Department of Planning and Community Development. There are scheduled additional bylaw proposals to increase the zoning for biotechnology. This would be one potential area for good growth. We don't need additional residential properties which would further burden the school system. In particular, the residential growth we have seen recently has been mostly in the rental unit arena and that is even worse for Franklin than a single family home. We need healthy growth in CI properties to provide tax revenues and provide some jobs for local residents.

Page 9 provides information on the sources of the data that I used to prepare this.

Page 10 provides my contact information if you have any questions or would like to review this further.


---- ---- ----

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell a neighbor.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

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!

New MassBudget Report on State Education Funding


MASSBudget Facebook
twitter
Cutting Class
November 27, 2011 

In a new report titled "Cutting Class: Underfunding the Foundation Budget's Core Education Program," The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center finds that districts across the state are hiring fewer teachers, providing less professional development, and spending less on materials & technology than the state funding formula considers appropriate for a quality education.

Why is this happening? Because the foundation budget--the model school budget on which state aid is based--has not been updated to reflect the current costs of education. Currently, it underestimates health insurance costs by more than $1 billion dollars, and special education costs by another billion. On several occasions, the state has also failed to make inflation adjustments indicated by the law.

In the highest-wealth districts, such shortfalls are often made up with additional local revenues. But in many communities, raising local revenue is extremely difficult. On average, the lowest-wealth districts spend 32 percent less on teachers than is specified in the foundation budget formula.

To accompany "Cutting Class," MassBudget has an online interactive tool that allows you to look more closely at individual districts and the impact of wealth on education spending. 

Click here to see a copy of the report. Or here to use the online tool. 
MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people. "Cutting Class" was supported by the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials.


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

Eat at Pizzeria Uno on Tuesday December 6th and Support Franklin Music Boosters, Inc.!


On Tuesday, December 6th, UNO Chicago Grill in Bellingham (205 Hartford Ave.) will donate up to 20% of your check to benefit the Franklin Music Boosters. Dine-in or Takeout! A coupon is required for the Music Boosters to receive this benefit. Please visit their website at www.FranklinMusic.org to print one out.

Franklin Music Boosters 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.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common

Yes, Sunday afternoon promptly at 4:00 PM



A good time was had by all!


Santa on the Town Common: 4:00 PM

Santa is scheduled to arrive at the Town Common this afternoon at 4:00 PM.

Franklin: Hi, Santa!

Photo from 2010. Additional photos can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common_29.html

The video of Santa's arrival in 2010 can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/santa-arrives-on-franklin-town-common.html


Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 11/30/11


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
- This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS - Annual Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 11-65:Classification Tax Allocation– Residential Factor
2. Resolution 11-66:Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
3. Resolution 11-67:Classification Tax Allocation – Small Businesses Exemption
4. Resolution 11-68: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption

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


The full set of documents published for this meeting can be viewed/downloaded here (PDF)

Ai3 Architects

Ai3 Architects has been selected for the design of the new Franklin High School because of their work on the 'model school' program that the MSBA invited Franklin to join.

What does Ai3 do?
Visit their website to find more information on the firm's profile
http://ai3architects.com/firm-profile/fp_about_us


They have a set of case studies on projects they did, including Whitman-Hanson High School
http://ai3architects.com/case-studies/cs_whitman_hanson_high_school


The Ai3 site also showcases their portfolio of 8 high schools, 8 middle schools and 7 elementary schools.
http://ai3architects.com/portfolio


Celebrate the Holidays with Dinner & A Show



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Celebrate the Holidays with  Dinner & a Show!
Presented by
3 and Franklin Performing Arts Company

Your ticket includes a full buffet dinner served in the Amber Room at 3 prior to the show and preferred seating for your choice of one of FPAC's two holiday shows,
The Nutcracker
or
Humbug!
  
A$75 value for only $50 (adults) $40 (children under ten)!
  

How to Purchase

Purchase Dinner & A Show tickets at the FPAC Box Office,
34 Main Street, Franklin or call

Your show tickets will be held at Will Call
the night of the performance at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.  Or, you can  pick up your tickets at the FPAC Box Office. 
NUT-CRACKER-2011-design 2

Saturday, December 10th

The magical journey of Tchaikovsky's world famous ballet featuring a live orchestra, guest artists from The Boston Ballet, and local performers.

Saturday, December 17th

FPAC's own adaptation of the classic, A Christmas Carol.  Accompanied by a ten piece band, the cast of characters retell their story with musical hits of every genre!
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The Best Ticket in Town!

Buffet dinner includes salad, entree (chicken, pasta and beef or seafood), potato, vegetable and dessert, coffee and tea.

For best seats, call early!



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Franklin Performing Arts Company
38 Main Street
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038
US

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"A Christmas Carol - The Musical" Opening Soon!

Hi Steve-
Here is something else you might be interested in.  This show is right at the Orpheum in Foxboro and is going to be awesome, complete with actual "snow" and people"flying!"  For those that can't afford to make the trip to the Wang for the Rockettes, it is another great option for a holiday show.  My daughter Heidi Gleichauf, 15 and a sophomore at Franklin High School is playing the part of Emily, Scrooge's fiance.  She is the only cast member from Franklin, but adults and children from Norfolk, Foxboro, Mansfield, Plainville etc. comprise the rest of the all-ages cast. 
Here is a description of the show: 
Charles Dickens' classic gets the full Broadway treatment by the Broadway team of Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast", "Little Mermaid"), Lynn Ahrens ("Ragtime", "Seussical") and Mike Ockrent ("Crazy For You", "Me and My Girl."). A story we all know and love set to music overflowing with Holiday feelings to carry in our hearts all year long. 
Called by The New York Times "a tonic for adults, and for children a transfixing journey", this spectacular musical extravaganza is filled with the magic of the holiday season, exuberant dances, flying ghosts and the sights and sounds of Dickensian London. "A Christmas Carol" retains its emotional power and pure joy, thanks to the marvelously-told story by Ockrent and Ahrens, and the Menken/Ahrens score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics.

Un-Common Logo
 The Un-Common Theatre Company
 & Bay Colony Productions
 present 
Christmas Carol




Opening Friday, December 2nd!
Playing at
The Orpheum Theatre, Foxboro

Weekends, December 2nd - 11th

Christmas Carol Scrooge 
  
 Bob Cratchit (Lou DiPietro), Tiny Tim
(Matthew Neary) and Scrooge (Fred Armstrong)




Tickets are going FAST so
Order Tickets On-Line Today!
  
Performances:
Friday, December 2nd and 9th, 7:30pm
Saturday, December 3rd and 10th, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 4th and 11th, 2:00pm

Advance Tickets:
Premium $22.00
Reserved $20.00
Balcony $16.00

 Week of the Production Tickets:
 
Premium $26.00
Reserved $24.00
Balcony $20.00

 Location:
 
Orpheum Theatre Foxboro
1 School Street, Foxboro, MA



  
Tickets available 24/7 by calling
  Brown Paper Ticket Logo
Or to order online now

 For information on handicapped and group tickets for this show, please call the Orpheum Foxboro box office at 508 543-2787


 
Christmas Wreath 


  
 
MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL!!
Become a Member and receive 4 tickets to
"A Christmas Carol" at the discounted price of $15 each.*

Enjoy preferred seating, ticket exchange privileges and much more.

JOIN TODAY!
by calling
or email
uncommontheatre@

Click Here
 for more information.

*A maximum of four tickets for the run of the show are available to purchase for $15 and are valid for any level of seating.  Additional tickets are available at regular prices.  Discounted tickets must be purchased prior to the week of the show.
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The Un-Common Theatre Co | P.O. Box 161 | Mansfield | MA | 02048