Franklin Matters

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

In the News - Dean College, marathon, lack of rain

Six former Dean students indicted in sneaker attack

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin teacher’s running is a family affair

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Lack of rain has area towns eyeing early water restrictions

by Ian B. Murphy/Daily News staff

What's It Worth: A New MassBudget Report On The Minimum Wage

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What's it Worth: The Minimum Wage

Over the last four decades, workers earning the minimum wage in Massachusetts have seen a significant decline in the real value of their wages.

In What's It Worth? The Value of the Minimum Wage in Massachusetts, we find that:

Today's minimum wage is 24% lower than it was in 1968 (adjusted for inflation).
The gap between what minimum wage workers earn and what other workers earn has grown substantially over time--especially at the top of the income spectrum.
Without some adjustment, the real value of the minimum wage is projected to fall below $7.00 by the end of this decade.

"What's It Worth" also includes an interactive tool that allows you to compare various options for adjusting the minimum wage--and even to design your own proposal.

READ WHAT'S IT WORTH

USE THE ONLINE TOOL TO COMPARE OPTIONS

MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Current readership statistics

Occasionally I am asked, what is the readership for Franklin Matters? This is not something I focus on. The numbers tend to be quite dependent upon a variety of factors beyond my control. I prefer to focus on providing good content and letting the rest happen.

You have helped in this area. You have found what you wanted here. Usually spending a good bit of time reading here. And over time (as shown by the charts below) have continued to spread the word about what you find here.

You have four options to follow what matters in Franklin

the daily update via email
the weekly update via email
visit the website regularly
follow us on Facebook

You can sign up for the each email listing or follow us on Facebook here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

And as I frequently have said on the audio version:

If you like what you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like what you find here, please let me know. It is through this feedback process that I can continue to provide good content that meets your needs.

Note:
This website was "born" in November 2007. Right after the election. All posts on the Franklin election and the override (earlier in May) were to my personal website - Steve's 2 Cents.

The readership for Jan-Feb-Mar of this year already exceeds all of the first full year 2008!

Year	Page Loads	Unique Visits	First Time Visits	Returning Visits
2012	23,029	17,566	14,433	3,133
2011	67,814	48,020	37,004	11,016
2010	63,307	42,461	31,121	11,340
2009	41,845	28,131	20,016	8,115
2008	22,574	15,243	9,730	5,513
2007	1,816	1,085	511	574

Note: 2012 covers only Jan-Feb-Mar

Attention Franklin runners

For Franklin area runners, there are at least three local opportunities to run and help a good cause coming up. Mark your calendar for the following!

1 - Franklin & Bellingham Citizens Rail Trail Committee - 2nd Annual Road Race - May 12
http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=62

2 - 11th Annual Independence 5K Run/Walk to benefit the HMEA - May 20th
http://www.hmea.org/events.html

3 - 4th Annual Parmenter Run for All Ages 5K - Jun 10th
http://www.active.com/running/franklin-ma/4th-annual-parmenter-run-for-all-ages-2012

In the News - officers honored, case delayed

Franklin officers honored for their actions

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Dean College campus beating case put off until next month

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Monday, April 2, 2012

Franklin Cultural Council - Grant winners for 2012

Franklin Matters correspondent Ken Norman provides the following information:

The Franklin Cultural Council had their annual awards ceremony at the Historical Museum on Sunday. Twenty-one organizations representing twenty-seven programs were the recipients of the grants for 2012.

Franklin Cultural Council - Awards 2012

Franklin musician and artist, Kai Olsson

Dennis Ferguson, conductor of the Prolatio Singers

Franklin Cultural Council: Dennis Ferguson

Ken graciously provided both photos. For additional photos from the event, there are a bunch that have been posted to the Franklin Historical Museum Facebook page

In the News - gun sales, A Cut Above, pastel arts, cross walk

Police differed on whether the increases are noteworthy. Police chiefs in Franklin and Medway, for example, said they noticed no spikes in licensing activity recently.

Wrentham Police Lt. Michael Robillard said he seems busier with gun permits lately. His department issued 60 Class A licenses last year, up from 46 in 2010, state records show.

Should a high school student from the area get her prom-style hair and nails done at A Cut Above in downtown Franklin, the salon will offer her a dress, free of charge.

“Myself and the stylists that work here, we were all talking about the expense of the prom,” A Cut Above owner Pam Smith said, noting that prom hair and nails can cost $80 or more. “Really, between us we had quite a few dresses hanging in our closets.”

Look at her luminous scenes of Downtown Crossing or the Hotel Lenox rising into the Boston night and you’ll know why.

The Franklin resident earned her place in the selective society by showing a portfolio that included vibrant pastels from a series she calls “Reflections of the City’’ that bathe Newbury Street in brilliant colors.