Campaign starting for a new Franklin High School

Hi everyone,

I hope you are enjoying the long weekend. I wanted to pass along the email (below) I received from the citizens group formed to win approval of the debt exclusion for the new high school building. It contains information if you wish to support the effort. If you have any questions or if you wish to be added to the mailing list, please feel free to contact the campaign committee at voteyesforfhs@gmail.com, or just shoot me an email.

_________

Thank you for volunteering to help Citizens for a New Franklin High School. Together we will bring the community a modern new facility that serves our children, strengthens our great community and school system, and makes us all proud. Also, thank you to those of you who joined us Thursday night for the organizational meeting of the Citizens for a New Franklin High School. The energy in the room was amazing! There is a lot of work ahead of us to get the 5,000 - 6,000 votes we need, and we have a great plan to get there.

In case you did not sign up that evening, couldn't make the meeting or are just learning about the group, there are a lot of ways to get involved:

Donate - We have a lot of great ideas -- lawn signs, handouts, mailings, get-out-the vote efforts -- but these ideas need money to be implemented. Checks can be made out to "Citizens for a New Franklin High School" and mailed to Mary Jo Peterson, 10 Juniper Road, Franklin, MA 02038.

Register to Vote - Confirm that you are registered to vote by contacting the Town Clerk's office at 508-520-4900. Encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. Once the vote date is determined, a deadline for registration will be set.

Volunteer - If you are interested in helping with the get-out-the-vote effort -- planting a sign, helping our friends and neighbors get registered, obtaining an absentee ballot or voting on Election Day or many other opportunities, contact Craig or LeAnne Haba at clhaba@comcast.net.

Host - Tom Mercer, chairman of the Building Committee, as well as other committee members, have agreed to speak to various civic organizations in Franklin, and at gatherings hosted in people's homes. If you are interested in hosting a gathering in your home, please contact Laura Brand at Brandfam4@gmail.com to schedule it.

Follow Us - Follow us on Facebook on the page "Vote Yes for the New Franklin High School Building " on Twitter with the handle @sayYEStoFHS. When our website goes live next week we will circulate that as well. When in doubt, please check these resources for accurate, timely information. Feel free to ask questions on these sites. To be added to our mailing list, please email Tina Powderly at ttpowderly@gmail.com.

Please share this email with your friends, neighbors, family members and coworkers who live here in Franklin. It is important that all of us - homeowners and renters, parents or those with no connection to the school system - have the information we need to make a good decision for the vote.

Thank you!

Citizens for a New Franklin High School

_____________

Ed Cafasso
edcafasso@comcast.net
Cell: 508.259.1833
Twitter: @edcafasso
http://www.linkedin.com/in/edcafasso
Blog: http://edcafasso.blogspot.com

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 16, 1892

Pleasant & cold. Have done but little besides the chores & looked over some papers & c & c. E. Simonds here to night. Took ?_ of buggy & put on express.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

"70 percent of school systems have such charges"

The Milford Daily News covers the increase in fees being charged by school districts for sports and other activities. This is one key reason that drew my attention to the Franklin budget problem as my daughters were going through the Franklin schools.

Hawkins’ survey shows a range of approaches to fees in Massachusetts. While some districts charge flat fees, some vary charges depending on the cost of a particular activity or sport. 

“Some communities have family caps on fees, others do not,” Hawkins said. 

Franklin charges $200 per sport, $175 for track and $450 for hockey with no family cap, and a $325 bus fee with a $975 family cap for that per year.

The fees were much less back when my girls were going to school here. They graduated from FHS in 2004 and 2006. The forecast is for a continued and gradual increase.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x255285967/Area-schools-trying-to-rein-in-student-fees#ixzz1jcpcPSc0

Did you get a Kindle?

The Milford Daily News reports a jump in e-book users across the Minuteman Library Network:

Susan McAlister, the executive director of the Minuteman Library Network, said the consortium that serves 42 libraries in 35 communities saw a huge jump in subscriptions to the network’s OverDrive e-book service after Christmas. From Dec. 25-29 the network saw 1,292 subscribers, with 316 joining on Christmas Day. She said an average day sees 80 new subscribers. 

“There were a lot of people looking to get content, even on Christmas Day,” she said.
McAlister said the consortium has a committee that is tasked with growing the network’s library, which currently stands at 4,553 unique titles and 7,962 total copies.

While Franklin's Library is not referenced in the article, there is a class scheduled at the Library on Monday, Jan 23 to help you understand how to take advantage of your new e-reader/e-book.

Details on the class can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/franklin-public-library-ereaders-and.html

The remainder of the MDN article can be found here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1987746710/Area-libraries-trying-to-keep-up-with-e-reader-explosion#ixzz1jcnlQ0oX

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 15, 1892

Foggy & rained most of AM, than snowed a little the rest of the day. Have been in house most the day, except when doing chores & seeing to trains for Willie. Think my cold’s a little better, or looser to day.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

"I’ll take the pay reduction"

“It was a calculated (risk),” Cropper said. “I thought I had a good chance. The athletic director, the department heads were recommending me. But they’re not the ones who make the decisions.” 

Cropper, 48, didn’t get the job, because, she says, her 15 years of experience required her to receive more money than the school was willing to pay. 

“Teaching seems to be the only profession where if you move, you’re screwed,” she said. “I thought all this experience would help me, but it hasn’t.”

Actually it is more this age group of workers, 40-60, that have the issue across all professions. How do I know? I spent the better part of two years looking for work after being let go from Fidelity Investments in 2008.

Some can call it a 'union' problem but it is bigger than that. The financial sector was largely devoid of unions and yet significant cuts were made across the board to reduce costs. Entire levels of management were let go, coincidentally in the 40-60 age category, and in a way to avoid age discrimination law suits.

Everybody loves a bargain so the low cost sellers of goods are driving down prices. Low price competition is making it tough to compete on delivering 'value'. This is one of the major reason why this recession has lasted so long. Prior ones could make a quick upturn when one of the Fortune 500 expanded a product line or opened a new plant. That is not going to happen within the Fortune 500 nor the Fortune 1000! Growth when it comes will be driven by the small and medium businesses, and entrepreneurs who are looking to serve gaps in the market. It will be a slow up turn.

As a result of the slow up turn and continued price pressures, the salaries that were available before should be considered gone. The odds are we won't see those again.

So what do we do in the face of all this?

Those looking for work need to network, expanding their connections, building relationships, practicing their elevator pitch and being ready to identify an opportunity where they can add value for the right position.

There are likely networking groups in the area that can help. The Hopkinton Networking group meets on the first and third Fridays of the month and they have a good program. If there is interest to get something like that for Franklin, let me know and we can collaborate to get one started here.

You can find more information about the job search at http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

Read more about Lisa Cropper: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x2062851256/High-School-Notebook-Cropped-out-of-a-job#ixzz1jWuVsLgA

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 18, 2012

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

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – Discussion of Remote Participation

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-03:Master Plan Committee
2. Resolution 12-04:Creation of A Citizen Committee
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-669:Amendment to Chapter 185-45Administration and
Enforcement - Referral to Planning Board
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-670: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – Referral to Planning Board
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-671: Amendment to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – Referral to Planning Board
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-672: Amendment to Chapter 185-20. Signs – Referral to Planning Board

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 for this meeting can be found on the Franklin website (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/011812.pdf

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 14, 1892

Foggy & damp, some rain. Warm, snow most gone, muddy.
Done but little besides the chores & housework. Have bad cough. E. Simonds came to night, but,  went to stay at G. W. Foster’s.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

MBTA Fares, Service Public Meetings Set

The closest hearing on the fare increase seems to be in Attleboro

January 24, Tuesday

Attleboro

4:30-8:00 PM

Attleboro High School

100 Rathbun Willard Drive

The full schedule can be found on the MBTA website here

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA Fares, Service Public Meetings Set

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 1/13/12

The MBTA recently proposed fare and service changes to help close the MBTA's $161 budget deficit for FY2013.  Over the coming weeks, the MBTA will be holding more than 20 public meetings so T riders can make their voices heard about these proposed changes.
The public discussion kicks off next week with the first four public meetings:
Tuesday, January 17, 5:30-7:30 pm, Newton City Hall, War Memorial Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue
Tuesday, January 17, 6:00-8:00 pm, Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square
Wednesday, January 18, 6:00-8:00 pm, Chelsea Public Library Auditorium, 569 Broadway
Thursday, January 19, 6:00-8:00 pm, Roxbury Community College Auditorium, 1234 Columbus Avenue
In the coming weeks, there will be more than 15 additional meetings throughout greater Boston and the MBTA service area.  For a full list of meetings and information, please visit MBTA.com/join the discussion.

The purpose of these meetings is to solicit your ideas and suggestions to improve the recommendations.  You know your communities best and we are counting on you for smart solutions.

Can't make one of the meetings?  Have your voice heard by sending an email with your questions, comments, and ideas to fareproposal@mbta.com.
The MBTA has proposed two possible scenarios to handle the budget deficit. Scenario 1 includes a larger fare increase but smaller service cut, protecting 98% of bus passengers.  Scenario 2 is a smaller increase but a larger service cut, protecting 76% of bus route customers. Under both proposals, the MBTA will continue to have some of the lowest fares in the country. 

In recent years, the MBTA has worked to keep the system moving forward despite facing numerous financial challenges.  For example, the MBTA released real-time bus, subway, and commuter data that is now available through more than 40 smartphone apps.  The T also put into service new Blue Line trains, upgraded stations, and made other improvements.
The MBTA's public outreach process continues with the acceptance of public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma  02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.
A final fare increase and service reduction recommendation will be made to the MBTA's Board of Directors this spring and changes will be implemented on July 1, 2012.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
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Two charged with bat beating in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Two charged with bat beating in Franklin

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff on 1/13/12

 Two Medway men were arrested Thursday night after police say they beat up a third man with a bat for his drugs.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
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Piano prodigy to perform in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Piano prodigy to perform in Franklin

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/13/12

LiveARTS Sunday Concert Series will present 16-year-old piano prodigy George Li in recital on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 3:30 p.m. at the meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St.

Things you can do from here:

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

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 13, 1892

Foggy & stormed a little most the day & this eve. Thawy. About house most the day.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

Long weekend ahead

With Martin Luther King Day on Monday, we have a long weekend ahead of us.



If you are going to be traveling, be safe. Enjoy!

In the News - Franklin students, burning permits

Franklin students get lesson in political activism

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin kids take heat for taking up space

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin burning permits available

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Budget Workshop - School presentation

From the Budget Workshop held on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2012 - this is the School Budget presentation.

FPS_Budget_workshop_20120111

View more presentations from Franklin Matters

You can view the budget workshop via the on-demand feature from the Franklin webpage. The meeting ran just under an hour and was reported to be quite informative (I haven't caught up to view it myself yet, hopefully this long weekend will provide some time to do so).

What's a GMO?

Do you know?

Food for thought:

Live reporting - Organizational meeting - "Citizens for a New Franklin High School"

Over 60 Almost 80 people have gathered here in the library in the middle of Franklin High School to start the committee to promote and advocate for the new high school proposal.

School Building Committee Chair Tom Mercer is providing an overview of the work performed to date. The various proposal put together, what was rated and ranked, pros and cons, then ultimately the MSBA invited Franklin into the "Model School" program.

Participating were at least one representative from the Finance Committee, many of the School Committee and Town Council members.

Among the items shared:

The Whitman-Hanson model school has been replicated 8 times around the state. One other model school has been replicated once. The other two model schools have not yet been replicated.

The foot print of the new building is two-thirds of the size of the existing building. It goes up three stories to reduce the foot print over the existing space.

There is 850 seat auditorium/theater in the new design.

MSBA will vote on Jan 25th to approve or deny our proposal. The School Building Committee will then come to the Town Council asking for a debt exclusion with a target date for the vote - March 27. The Town Council has final say on the debt exclusion and date for the vote.

If all goes well, ground will be broken this fall and the new building should be open in the fall of 2014.

The total cost of the project is projected to be $104.5 M
Franklin's share would be $47 M. The State will pick up 59.52% of the cost (the balance).
When the project started the expected reimbursement was expected to be 30-34%

The debt exclusion is for a twenty year period. It will be an increasing cost and then flat for the remainder of the twenty year term. Compared to an override, the debt exclusion increase in taxes will expire at twenty years. The override never expires (unless there is an 'underride' - and yes, it does happen but not frequently in MA).

Tom is doing this 'road show' several times and the schedule will continue to develop.

The group has a Facebook page
There is a Twitter account created:  https://twitter.com/#!/sayYEStoFHS
There will likely be a website (link to be added when available)

The other model schools being built with the Whitman-Hanson model are coming in on or under budget and schedule.

One of the major items bringing the current high school to warning status is the lack of handicap access. The cost to provide accessibility to the current facility still wouldn't address other issues affecting the warning status.

The current facility is experiencing a rash of electric shorts causing fire alarms. This is part of the overall infrastructure problem.

Important dates
Jan 31 - Finance Committee meeting to preview the proposal and make their vote
Feb 1 - Town Council meeting
Feb 28 - School Committee meeting

The model school is a take it or leave it proposal Franklin can get a 104.5 million facility for $47M.

"Citizens for a New Franklin High School"

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 12, 1892

Damp & foggy most the day & is this eve. Thawy. Chored about home. Cleared up a little in the house & c & c.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

In the News - budget balancing, Hamilton digs, Daddario awards, patent law, puppy training

Franklin leaders begin budget-balancing act

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Hamilton digs in at Forge Park in Franklin

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Daddario Hardware awards $1,000 Shopping Giveaway

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin resident named Boston Patent Law Assoc. president

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

NEADS seeking help training puppies

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin SEPAC: Workshop - Jan 18th

From the Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC):

Please join us on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 for Assistive Technology: Increasing Your Child's Independence presented by assistive technology and augmentative device specialists from the Integrated Center for Child Development. 

Children with developmental and learning challenges sometimes need assistive technology devices or services in order to benefit fully from social and academic placements and programs, and to participate with the greatest success and independence. This workshop will: explore a variety of new and well known assistive technology solutions; preview the framework and components of an Assistive Technology evaluation; discuss how assistive technology is addressed by IDEA legislation; describe how to access assistive technology services and resources; highlight how assistive technology is integrated into the IEP; and answer questions about how families can access assistive technology resources. 

Presentation will take place at 7:00pm in the 3rd floow training room of the Franklin Municipal Muilding, 355 East Central Street. Free and open to the public.

News from Our Town Publishing / Localtownpages

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FREE Networking Event Coming Jan 18th Don't Miss Out on This Opportunity to Network Invites you to welcome in 2012 with the first FREE Networking Event of the Year at Raffael's, 1601 Main Street, Walpole January 18th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Refreshments served. Pre-register by January 12th and you are entered to win a FREE ad in one of our 5 newspapers. RSVP: publisher@localtownpages.com We have over 57,000 readers and expect a large turnout.

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New Guide for Parents of Teen Drivers

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

New Guide for Parents of Teen Drivers

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 1/10/12

MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey today joined MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian at the Boston Chinatown RMV branch to announce the availability of a new guide to optimize the 40-hours of supervised driving teens are required to complete under parental supervision prior to receiving their license.

"As young people across Massachusetts learn to drive our roadways with obvious excitement, I hope the availability of 'The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide' will ease some of the stress and concern often experienced by the parents and guardians of new drivers," said Secretary Davey.

Teens obtaining their learner's permit will be given a copy of the "The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide" at RMV branches in the Commonwealth. The guide is intended for use by parents and guardians.  The guide is provided at no cost to families or to taxpayers, through a partnership with Safe Roads Alliance, a not-for-profit advocate for improved highway safety and the guides sponsor, Safety Insurance.

The guide is divided into eleven skill sets, such as parking, backing up, city and highway driving, and asks parents and teens to initial each lesson as the material is covered and the lesson is completed. Within the guide, a log is provided to record the required driving hours, the skills covered and the time and weather conditions. The guide also offers parents guidance on how to approach each lesson as well as how to continue education once the 40 hours are completed.

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Nick Alfieri: Why the Conservation Commission Requires a Permit to Work In or Near Wetlands

Franklin residents and contractors commonly ask, “Why do I need to file for a permit in order to do this work?” which is often followed by “This is my property and I have the right to do whatever I want”, or “How can this work affect those wetlands over there?” You may be thinking similarly, so how does working in or near a wetland resource area effect residents of the Town and why should we care? To answer, we all must have an understanding of the science behind wetlands, what they are and how they perform, as well as an understanding of social responsibility and public policy.

Wetlands are lands saturated with water, year round or seasonally, and act as the transition zone between land and water. Aside from the presence of water (or hydrology), the limit of wetlands are determined by particular soil types, vegetation, and topography, creating a unique ecosystem. This unique ecosystem has the ability to control floods by acting like a sponge to contain and absorb floodwater, which can alleviate property damage and loss and can even save lives. In addition, wetlands filter excess nutrients that threaten rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, and provides critical habitat which can often be used for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and bird-watching.

Despite all the benefits provided by wetlands, the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands each year to invasive species of plants and animals, pollutants, and global climate change. The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) was created to protect against this loss and degradation. The functions and characteristics of wetlands that the WPA seeks to protect fall into three main categories, water quality/water supply and pollution protection, storm damage and flood control and wildlife habitat and fisheries protection. By protecting the functions and characteristics of wetlands in Franklin, the businesses and residents are protected as well.

When someone buys property in Franklin, they buy the land, the structures on the land, and they buy a set of conditional rights and responsibilities tied to the property. In Franklin, Zoning is the best illustration of this because all properties in Franklin are subject to the Town’s Zoning Bylaw that outlines the rights of the property owners based upon zoning district, regulates building setbacks, open space requirements, building heights, etc. It is the property owner’s responsibility to know what and how they can build in their respective zoning district to ensure compliance. People who own property within Conservation jurisdiction also have unique rights and responsibilities.

Conservation jurisdiction is any area of wetlands, streams or water bodies and their corresponding buffer of 100 ft for wetlands and most water bodies, and 200 ft for a perennial or year-round stream. If your property falls within this area and you intend to do work within any of these areas, it is your responsibility to file for a permit with the Conservation Commission in order to ensure that the vitality of these areas is protected.

Not only is it your responsibility to file for a Conservation permit, but it is your responsibility to preserve and protect the functions and characteristics of the associated wetlands where you intend to do the work. You are a Steward of those wetlands for the good of all residents of Franklin.

If anyone has questions or comments they can call the Franklin Conservation Department at 508-520-4929, or just stop in between 8:00 am till 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and speak with someone directly.

Nick Alfieri, Franklin Conservation Agent 

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 11, 1892

Snowed a little to day, cool. Chored about. Sent a bbl. apples to Norwood. Elmer went back to Ashland this morn.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 10, 1892

Pleasant & cool. At home all day. Chored about. Elmer cooked a chicken for us. He went to ride with Emma this eve.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

Budget Workshop - Weds, Jan 11, 2012

As announced during the Jan 4 Town Council meeting, there will be a budget workshop for Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and open to the Franklin public to participate.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, Jan 11 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers and is also reported to be broadcast. Participation in the room can guarantee your input, questions and answers are addressed.

Watch as Councilor Tina Powderly mentions this workshop at the end of the Jan 4th meeting at about 39:00 minute mark
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?indexPointSKU=rXB9VmkYdGYwNuGB9%2fgS1g%3d%3d

Note: about the 27 minute mark, Councilor Tom Mercer (and School Building Committee Chair) provides an update on the increased (and final) reimbursement amount for the project at 59.52%.

High School Building Project - new design photos

A few additional design photos showing the proposed 'model school' for Franklin High School are now available:



These were originally posted to the Franklin School Building Committee webpage


Additional information on the high school building project is all collected here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the photos or visit Franklin Matters on Facebook

"endorsed the final site plan"

The Milford Daily News reports on the Planning Board meeting Monday night:

D’Errico’s final site plan calls for an eight-apartment building next to his existing 10-unit building, with a parking lot between them, and access from Winter Street. 

Neighbors came to nearly every meeting over the last several months, but publicly spoke at only a few of them. Their initial complaints were about whether the buildings fit with the neighborhood. Recently, neighbors have worried that under the new plan, trees will be removed and reveal a large, red, factory-like building on adjoining property. That building has been there for years. D’Errico does not own that building. 

Planning Board members agreed with residents, rejecting the proposed apartment building in 2007 and again in March 2011, before D’Errico re-introduced it in June 2011. 

The final site plan endorsed last night has a lower roof, slightly fewer paved parking area, and features about 75 trees and shrubs.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1178907480/Franklin-board-backs-apartment-plans#ixzz1j3C8rGFB

Franklin Public Library: eReaders and eBooks

 

 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 

 

eReaders and eBooks

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 1/9/12

 

 

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
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Wadsworth Diary - Jan 9, 1892

Pleasant & warmer. Aaron Canney helped me load a load of 935 lbs. hay. I carried to M.M. Daniels, then I put up a bbl. apples & carried to Mr. Finley 7 1/2 bus turnips to F. E. Hancock & got 25 lbs. candy & 10 bags grain.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

"2.3 degrees warmer than normal"

The Milford Daily News has an article about how the warmer weather and lack of snow cover is allowing the local communities to do some work that otherwise would wait.

In Franklin, children can enjoy a renovated baseball field at Davis Thayer Elementary School thanks to the warm weather. Crews recently replaced a clay infield with one made of stone dust that requires less maintenance, Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi said. 

“Because of the storms or lack of funding, it never got to the top of the list,” Cantoreggi said. “Now, we had some time.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1266412661/Warm-weather-helps-area-towns-get-work-done#ixzz1ixN01Uph

Reminder: Christmas tree pick up this week!

Natural Christmas trees will be picked up curbside the week of January 9th on your normal trash and recycling pick up day. Make sure they are within 3 feet of the curb and out the day before. Artificial trees and/or trees with decorations, tinsel, lights or other ornaments will not be picked up.

This was posted to the official Franklin page here

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda, Jan 10, 2012

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 December 13, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mrs. McIntyre
• Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: 1. Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Franklin Rotary Club President, Archie Acevedo (dictionary donations)
b. Annie Sullivan Middle School Anti-Bullying Award
c. Fall Sports Teams
d. FHS Update
e. Capital Plan FY 2012

3. Discussion Only Items
• Concussion/Head Injury Task Force Update

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from David Kerman for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from David Gennaro, Jr. for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School.
c. I recommend approval of the FHS Music Dept. trip to UNH, Clark Terry Jazz Music Festival on March 10, 2012 as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the recurring FHS Music Dept. trip to NY City on April 28 & 29, 2012 as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the FHS Wrestling team trip to Middlebury, VT on 12/27 & 28/11 for a competition as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the FHS Wrestling team trip to Bennington, VT on 1/14/12 for a competition as detailed.
g. I recommend approval of the FHS Wrestling team trip to Easton, PA on 1/20-22/12 for a competition as detailed.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from EMC for the FHS Robotics Club.
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an executive desk from Maria Murphy for the Franklin Public Schools.
j. I recommend acceptance of the donation of dictionaries for all Franklin 3rd graders from the Franklin Rotary Club.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,085.00 from Vicario Studio for in-house enrichment at Franklin High School.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Lueder’s Environmental, Inc. for the Franklin Public Schools.
m. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer for the Jacqueline A. Schaeffer Theatre Arts Memorial Scholarship at FHS.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Heqalth Care for supplemental curriculum materials at Remington Middle School.
o. I recommend approval of the FY2012 Capital Plan as outlined.

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

Wadsworth Diary - Jan 8, 1892

Pleasant & cool. Chored about home. Elmer went up to Mr. Hunt’s & worked about home & c & c. I killed a rooster this eve.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale. 


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html 

When you give to charities, who really gets your money?

When the Franklin Food Pantry did its first phone-a-thon during 2011, it was an all volunteer effort that resulted in a 100% yield to the Food Pantry. Dean College provided access to their phone bank and over 40 volunteers made calls to about 2400 Franklin households. The full story can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/06/franklin-food-pantry-says-thanks-to-you.html

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

When you give to charities, who really gets your money?

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Danielle Ameden/Daily News staff on 1/7/12

The phone rings during dinner. It's a professional solicitor, calling to raise money for the local police union. The smooth talker convinces you to donate $100. You write out a check. Here's what you might not realize: Only $37 goes to the union, which uses the money to support youth sports teams and the local food pantry. The fundraising company gets the rest — all $63 of it.

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In the News - rail crossing, man falls

Franklin rail crossing malfunction fixed

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Rhode Island man falls from Franklin roof

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff