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:


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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


In the News - officers honored, case delayed




Franklin officers honored for their actions




Dean College campus beating case put off until next month

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

Franklin Cultural Council: 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.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x777660137/Got-guns-Sales-permits-shoot-up#ixzz1qsKUUHOQ


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.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x140150387/Such-a-deal-in-Franklin-Dressed-and-tressed#ixzz1qsKqAwo1


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.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x140150102/Franklin-artist-has-a-passion-for-pastels#ixzz1qsL87TSG



Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ scheduled on town common

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 4, 2012


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 4, Regular Session; March 21, Executive Session

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
Gary B. McCarraher – Fire Chief

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-11: Appropriation 2012 Enterprise Funds Capital
2. Resolution 12-22: Appropriation 2012 Capital Improvement Plan
3. Bylaw Amendment 12-681:Amendment to Chapter 4, Administration of Government - 1st Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-682:Amendment to Chapter 110, Licenses and Permits, Designation of Issuing Authority - 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-680:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd 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 set of documents for this meeting can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/031212.pdf

Photo essay: Bren Bataclan shows his work in Franklin


Another gray, overcast Saturday for Franklin. This one had some snow flurries for a while early in the morning. Fortunately, nothing stuck around long.

Franklin Art Center: Welcome

It was a good time to get inside and mingle among some folks interested in the art of Bren Bataclan.

Franklin Art Center: information table

Having participated in other art shows, I was most impressed by Bren. He went out of his way to greet anyone who came to the show.

Franklin Art Center: discussing art

Lingering to talk about what he does, how he does it.

Franklin Art Center: hand of an artist

He willing posed for a picture of his hand. If you look closely, it appears to be tinted blue as if some of the paint he was using he couldn't completely wash off. Actually, it is from his new jeans. Wiping his hands on his jeans is picking up the blue dye.

Franklin Art Center: red dots indicate works that sold

I think his work is easily approachable. He simplifies the world he shares. Others agree at least to the extent that he sold four or five works during the show. The red dot indicates this large work is sold. Actually before the afternoon ended, the two smaller ones partially caught here also sold.

Franklin Art Center: Bren and Linda

It was a happy Bren and Linda Kabat posing for a picture as the show closed.

While some of Bren's works have sold, his work will still be on display through April at the Franklin Art Center. If you have a chance to stop by, please do so.

Additional info on Bren can be found on his website  http://www.bataclan.com/

Related post:  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/03/bren-bataclan-art-show.html



Disclosure: my daughter Allison is one of the part-time art instructors for the Franklin Art Center. I have met Ian and Linda a few times and we share a mutual interest in art and developing a community.

Curbside Chronicle: Apr-Jun 2012

The Curb Side Chronicle for Apr-Jun 2012 as published by the Franklin, MA Dept of Public Works


Curb Side Chronicle April-June 2012


The Chronicle can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0187FC40-000F8513.0/Curbside%20Chronicle-April-June.pdf

Beaver St: Recycling Center


The Recycle Center's "seasonal hours"
Begin Tuesday April 3rd
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm


As noted on the Franklin, MA website



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