Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Stop Stealing Dreams

Seth Godin always asks provocative questions. He has an ebook/essay on education reform that I just found here

http://www.squidoo.com/stop-stealing-dreams

Have you read this yet?

What do you think?

Alert: RT 140 Construction


Beginning April 9th, 2012 a water main replacement project will begin on East Central St (Route 140) in the area between Glen Meadow Road and Aspen Way. Motorists should allow for extra time when travelling in this area as the roadway will be reduced to a single lane at times. Work will be completed during the hours of 9 AM – 4 PM in an effort to minimize disruption. Construction is anticipated to last approximately 4 weeks.

This text and the embedded doc were originally posted on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01887CEA-000F8513


RT_140_Construction_20120409


A live portion of Google Maps showing the area of construction:


View Larger Map

Public Notice: hydrant flushing


The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 9, 2012. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed between the hours of 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures. Residents may experience discolored water during this process.

Residents may experience, temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though aesthetically the water may look discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation and we apologize for any
inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Water Office at 508-553-5551.

Department of Public Works
Deacon Perrotta
Water & Sewer Superintendent



Originally posted on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01887947-000F8513

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



Six former Dean students indicted in sneaker attack

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.


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

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

  1. the daily update via email
  2. the weekly update via email
  3. visit the website regularly
  4. 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