Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Franklin arts company sets cast for 'Annie'

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 2/14/12

The cast list for the Franklin Performing Arts Company's version of "Annie" has been posted.

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In the News - Downtown, 5th grade, Art Center, Dean, cheerleading



Franklin Downtown Partnership announces events for 2012

Clown Shoes Beer Celebration - Franklin


Hello Everybody, 
The British Beer Company will celebrate the brewing prowess of Clown Shoes Beer at the Franklin pub on Saturday February 25th. Five kegs and a cask from this popular Massachusetts based craft brewer will be tapped at noon. Flowing through the taps: Supa Hero IPA, Tramp Stamp Belgian IPA, Clementine Witbier, Muffin Top Belgian Tripel IPA, and Hoppy Feet American Black IPA. The cask will be a Vampire Slayer Imperial American Stout - one of Clown Shoes newest and most highly rated beers! How could anyone not be intrigued by a beer made with "Holy Water, malt smoked locally with hickory, beechwood and vampire killing stakes". Mmmm...stakes. Join the BBC from 3-6pm for a brewery promotion and social with a bunch of give-aways. 
British Beer Company executive chef James Gibney of Essex England will be using and pairing Clown Shoes for some unforgettable lunch and dinner specials. These one day only delicacies will put a unique twist on some pub grub favorites and will incorporate and infuse Clown Shoes Beer into the recipes. Sorry...there will be no cotton candy. 
Media Contact
grahamwilson@britishbeer.com 

British Beer Company
280 Franklin Village Drive - Franklin, MA
http://www.britishbeer.com/local/franklin/ 

Clown Shoes Beer
http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Wadsworth Diary - Feb 14, 1858


Clowdy and snowed some cold, 13 above zero Went to meeting in fournoon Rev. J. Thayer preached (or explained from the Bible some) Staid at home in the afternoon. No meeting in 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  
  






Note: I guess Valentine's Day wasn't a big deal in 1858. For more about the history of the day, here is the Wikipedia entry  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day


"we have to house students at a hotel"


The new dorm is designed to solve overcrowding and not intended to handle expanded enrollment, he said. The college has 1,356 students now. 
The new residence hall is expected to be on West Central Street and will be addressed 100 West Central St. 
Last night college staff presented the plan for the new building and accompanying landscaping to the Planning Board for the first time. The proposed building will be 37,000 square feet, with 121 bedrooms, and is part of the college’s long-term design plan. 
Dean College hopes to begin construction in the spring and move students into the completed residence hall by the beginning of December, before the college’s winter break.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x183258756/Franklin-s-Dean-College-to-build-new-dorm#ixzz1mLsbqYHC

Where is 100 West Central?


View Larger Map

ALERT: MBTA Framingham Public Workshop - Feb 14!!




February 13, 2012

Dear Steve,

On January 3, 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) released fare increase and service reduction proposals for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) aimed at closing a projected $161 million budget gap for Fiscal Year 2013.

In Fiscal Year 2013, revenues are estimated to be  about $185 million below operating costs. Over the next few months, the MBTA must make decisions that will impact fares and service in order to maintain financial stability.

The MBTA has launched a public outreach process and is accepting public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at www.mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attn: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200. Twenty public meetings will be held beginning January 17 through early March, including one in Framingham.

Details:
MBTA Public Workshop

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Framingham Town Hall
150 Concord Street, Framingham
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Since this will be the only redistricting hearing held in the MetroWest area, I urge all my constituents and all others in the region to attend. It is crucial that we get feedback on this issue so that we can do the best possible job for the Commonwealth.

I look forward to seeing you at this important hearing and discussing how to ensure that the MetroWest remains an economically vibrant region with a strong presence in the legislative process.

For those who cannot attend the hearing, all information on the proposed changes to the MBTA fares and service are available at www.mbta.com.

If you have any other concerns or comments, please do not hesitate to email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov or call my office at (617) 722-1640.

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


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Monday, February 13, 2012

Wadsworth Diary - Feb 13, 1858

After yesterday's mistake, we are back on track with the correct postings:

Pleasant & cold above zero at sunrise Jos went to Boston. I cut some wood (birch) fixed the Chandelier & carried it to the school house. Went to see Mr. Pherson. Aunt Patty is sick. Went to Wrentham with a passenger (Mr. H. Bowen.) Went to Lyceum in 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  
  



In the News - Library



Libraries of larger towns must stay open longer

‘No worries’ works

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Phil Perry, Globe Correspondent on 2/11/12

Watching the Franklin High girls' basketball team warm up is a reminder that the upcoming game will be just that: a game. On Tuesday night, Kaitlin Copponi chatted playfully during a passing drill. Lauren Irvine danced to hip-hop songs. No game faces here. And before tip-off, they chant their mantra three times over: "Hakuna mattata!'' Then the Panthers rolled to their 15th straight victory, clinching the Hockomock Davenport title with a 46-29 win at Attleboro.

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Franklin Food Pantry: 2nd Annual Phonathon


The 2nd Annual Phonathon will be conducted by the Franklin Food Pantry on Saturday Feb 18 and Saturday Feb 25.


Franklin Food Pantry Phonathon

Food Pantry volunteers will make phone calls during the hours between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM on both Saturdays.

Thanks to Dean College for the use of their facilities for allowing this to happen.

You can make donations on line at the Food Pantry website http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
or use the button here at Franklin Matters that will link you to the same donation process.



Wadsworth Diary - Feb 12, 1858

Oops, I posted Jan 12, 1858 instead of Feb 12, 1858
Very Pleasant very warm & windy Staid in store some & in house some with Wm. & c. in fournoon. Helped Jos & Father load a car of oak & ash. Put up 10 Bushels Potatoes for Clarry. Joseph went to Bellingham & to wood lot. 
Written upside down: Started for the sing about 8 ¼ O’clock but went to writing school.
Here is Feb 12, 1858

Very pleasant & cold 3 above zero at sunrise Jos masured boards in fournoon Father & Mother went to Uncle Richs to see Grandmother. She is some better. I staid in store some, split some birch wood & c. Sent a paper to Lorrinda.



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  
  



Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 15, 2012



A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS – Life Saving Award-Franklin Police Dept

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Public Land Use Committee - Roger Denny
Franklin Community Garden Committee - Kiernan Joliat
Citizen Committee - Robert Avakkian, Lawrence Benedetto, Paul Cheli, Monique Doyle, Donald Nielsen, Donna Resten, Steve Sherlock

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Library Board of Directors
- Remote Participation Guidelines

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-10: Appropriation: Library Expenses
2. Resolution 12-11: Appropriation: FY 12 Enterprise Funds Capital
3. Resolution 12-12: Appropriation: FY 12 Capital Improvement Plan
4. Resolution 12-13: Authorizing the Town Administrator to Execute Agreement By and Between the Town of Franklin and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc.
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-679:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

The full document set as published before the meeting can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/021512.pdf

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Wadsworth Diary - Feb 11, 1858


Stormed hard all day, warm (rain) Staid in the house most the day with Wm. and looked over my books & c in my draw. Bought a note of $10.00 of Siles Adams against Jos Fisher. Paid $5.00 in money & the rest in potatoes. Bought 2 Ladies Almanacs (gave 1 to Sarah) & this book.

Also looking like a stormy day in 2012, this is what it looked like out the back window this morning.

Franklin, MA: light snow


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  
 



Facts About the Cost of the New Franklin High School

Dear Franklin Friend,
As we move closer to the March 27 vote to support the construction of a fully furnished and equipped 21st century high school and auditorium for our community, you should feel confident the project will stay on time and on budget.  Here are five factual reasons why you can be comfortable the new Franklin High School will be delivered as promised with no costly surprises:
·         The new Franklin High School is a Model School. Our model has been built eight times in other communities in Massachusetts, an experience which eliminates many of the unknowns that can drive up the cost of design and construction in these projects. You can learn more about the Model School Program here: http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/programs/model_school

·         The cost includes a conservative contingency budget of 4 percent. This far above what other model school projects have experienced. In Whitman Hanson, the change orders during construction amounted to less than 1%. Norwood had the same experience. And Plymouth North has had change orders amounting to one-half of 1 percent. All of the real-world evidence demonstrates that Franklin's project will come in at or under budget.

·         The cost includes everything. The March 27 debt exclusion voters are being asked to support funds a fully furnished and equipped new high school. In addition to furnishings and equipment, the cost of demolishing the old facility and constructing new athletic fields is included. It also accounts for potential inflation during the five or six months it will take to complete the bid documents and bid the project.

·         The project budget underwent a rigorous, professional review and approval process. The budget was developed by a project manager and architect with deep experience in the Model School Program; analyzed by two other professional firms; carefully reviewed by the Franklin School Building Committee; and, heavily scrutinized and unanimously endorsed by the professionals at the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

·         The cost of new construction is more predictable than a renovation. New construction eliminates much of the guesswork in the budgeting process. For example, the key systems at the current Franklin High School are located under a concrete slab foundation and behind cinder block walls. A renovation of the existing building would require significant demolition, take twice as long, and could encounter unforeseen, costly issues.

Thanks to careful planning and oversight by experienced school building professionals, as well as heavy scrutiny by town and state officials at every step of the process, Franklin residents can feel confident about the new Franklin High School budget. The budget is capped at $104.5 million, as is the cost to the taxpayers of $47 million. 
Please visit www.newfhs.com for updated information on the new FHS and why it deserves your YES vote on March 27. The "Learn the Facts" page (http://www.newfhs.com/facts.php) offers great factual information. We also encourage you to keep up with project news by "Liking" our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/newfhs.
Please share this email with your friends and neighbors here in Franklin so that everyone has the information they need to make a good decision.
To those who are already volunteering and have contributed financially, thank you. To those who have not, we need your active support and donations, and we welcome questions. You can email us at voteyesforFHS@gmail.com, or visit: http://www.newfhs.com/contact.php for more information.
Thank you!
Citizens for a New Franklin High School
Vote Yes for FHS on March 27! A Real Need. The Right Time.

Discover Tax program generates business expense audits

Tax season is upon us. This article from the Dept of Revenue highlights what they use to flag returns for audits. Deviations from the norm is the simple way to explain what they look for.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 2/10/12

Banker & Tradesman (subscription only) ran a story this week on the subject of mortgage loan originators subject to DOR audits. The story also discussed how DOR generates taxpayer audits in general.

The piece was pegged to a notice from the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association urging loan originators to "consult with your tax accountant or adviser" to best preserve the deductibility of appropriate unreimbursed business expenses for outside sales people. By the way, it is the IRS that defines what are acceptable unreimbursed expenses.

The story posed the question: Was DOR singling out mortgage loan originators for special attention? The answer, as reported in Banker & Tradesman, and we'll repeat it here, is simply, "no."

DOR uses a program called Discover Tax to review information on tax returns against many different kinds of databases. If, for example, a tax return reports relatively low income, but the taxpayer owns a $1 million home and two Bentleys, Discover Tax will flag that incongruity and generate an audit. DOR has no idea what type of employment or employer the taxpayer has; it's the numbers that jump out.

Similarly, if a taxpayer has an unusual amount of unreimbursed business expenses relative to income, Discover Tax will recognize that and kick out an audit.

Any individual taxpayer -- including mortgage loan originators -- may encounter a problem if they claim unreimbursed business expenses on the same basis as afforded to outside salesman.

DOR's view, articulated in 1989 and maintained since then, is that outside salesman sell for their employer outside the employer's office. Thus, a mortgage loan originator who works in an office is not an outside sales person.

If mortgage loan originators claim unreimbursed business expenses in amounts that  bubble up to an audit after a Discover Tax run, they face the question not only of justifying and documenting the expenses, but they must also make sure of their legitimate claim to them in the first place.  

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