Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Franklin, MA: Override and Debt Exclusion History (new format)


As requested, I have formatted the override and debt exclusion history to make it easier to view






Hopefully this will make it easier to read the information on each election


You can also view this document here
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczanE1eWt1UXVIQVE


This was compiled from official MA and Franklin election records. If there is a mistake, it is not intended. Please let me know what you think is an error and I'll check it out with the official records.


Cub Scouts want your usable shoes!


The five local Cub Scout packs of Franklin have banded together this spring to help those in need by organizing a shoe drive to benefit Soles4Souls Inc., a Nashville, Tennessee-based shoe charity, and Rerun Shoes, an Amherst, Massachusetts-based shoe charity. The packs, comprised of approximately 300 elementary school-age boys and adult volunteers, have committed to collect shoes over the course of five weeks in April and May, beginning April 14th, at locations all around Franklin. In turn, the shoe charities will distribute the shoes to people living in extreme poverty and recovering from natural disasters. Soles4Souls provides one pair of shoes to a person in need every 7 seconds and, since 2005, has distributed more than
13 million pairs of shoes because of the generosity and commitment of people and organizations like the Franklin Cub Scout packs.

“With tragedies such as the earthquakes in countries like Haiti and Japan, on top of the enormous needs elsewhere, including our own country, we can use the shoes that are taking up space in the closets of ordinary people to help change the world one pair at a time,” said Mike McGuire, one of the adult leaders helping to organize the Scouts.

According to Rerun Shoes, consumers who recycle their shoes for reuse help provide employment at home and abroad. They also avoid the wasteful practice of disposing useable shoes in a landfill. To help keep those shoes out of landfills, the Cub Scouts will be collecting your new or gently worn footwear to make a tangible difference in the lives of many people through the gift of shoes. Every donation will support the shoe charities’ initiatives to distribute shoes to those in need.

To promote giving, the packs are holding a friendly competition amongst one another to collect the most shoes. All the packs are asking the town’s residents to “vote” for their favorite pack by donating all the excess shoes in their closets to the pack of their choice.

“Donating shoes is one of the simplest yet profound acts someone can do, because it will greatly improve someone’s life in the most difficult of times,” McGuire added. “Our boys understand this and really want to do all they can to make this successful for so many people. That’s why we’ve introduced a small, healthy rivalry – to encourage as many donations as people are willing to give.”

The Cub Scouts will be collecting shoes at the following locations throughout Franklin from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning on Saturday, April 14th and each Saturday thereafter until May 12th:

  • Dacey Community Fields on Lincoln Street
  • King Street Memorial Park on King Street
  • Fletcher Field on Peck Street
  • Beaver Pond on Beaver Street
  • Town Common across from St. Mary’s Church

“Our scouts hope that people will realize the great impact that small gestures can have in peoples’ lives,” added McGuire. “Through Scouting, our boys have many opportunities like this shoe drive to provide service to others and reinforce ethical values. These opportunities not only help them now, when they are young, but will carry forward into their adult lives, improving the standards by which they’ll live and our society as a result. That’s what keeps us committed to finding opportunities such as this that will
benefit both our local community here in Franklin as well as the global community, of which we are all a part.”

The Cub Scouts will be holding a registration event on May 20th on the Town Common from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for those interested in becoming part of the Scouting family. The event will feature some typical field day-type events in addition to traditional scouting events. For those that prefer to become part of the fun immediately, visit BeAScout.org today to register with your local pack.

In the News - Planning Board, feline friend


Franklin council to decide on subdivision roads



Franklin woman was unfailing friend of felines

Wally the Green Monster

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 4/9/12

Wednesday April 18th       1:30 PM

Come meet Wally the Green Monster, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox.  Wally's friend will read a book about Wally and Wally will take pictures with the children and their families.

All Ages, No registration required.

Things you can do from here:

Bubble Party with The Bubble Music Man

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 4/9/12

Tuesday April 17th     11 AM - Noon

An interactive program designed for children ages 3 to 7 years which brings together musical fun, interactivity, and BUBBLES!

No registration required.

Things you can do from here:

Monday, April 9, 2012

You can help your neighbor

You may recall hearing of the house fire in on Hillside Road last Wednesday. The Milford Daily News story is here http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x826299284/Cat-dies-in-Franklin-fire

Fortunately, no one was hurt as the family escaped although they did lose one of their cats. The house and contents were destroyed. Neighbors have rallied to help collect food, clothing and money for the family.

Cheryl Hobbs is one of the neighbors leading this effort. Her post in the Yahoo Group for "Franklin Area Parents" summarized the situation last Wednesday:
Today has been a very terrible day for our neighbors (Lazanski/Kelly) on Hillside Road, they lost their home and all their belongings. Taryn is a senior at Franklin High. Tom graduated 2 years ago. All 4 are safe and being well taken care of. They, of course, are devastated! They did lose one cat and the other cat was revived and staying well at Tufts. I, first, want to thank my neighbors who came in in a clutch and gave clothing. Many of you have asked what you can do in lieu of clothes (because you don't have kids their size, etc.). Monetary donations are being accepted. Checks made payable to: Michelle Kelly. Please drop off your donation (or mail) to: Cheryl Hobbs - 144 Hillside Road, Franklin
Her update on Easter:
I just want to update everyone on the happenings here on Hillside. Michelle is in better spirits this morning...smiling, laughing and so thankful for all that has been given to her, her husband and kids. The cat is back home and not leaving Michelle's side. 
I am going to try and email once a week now, however, please know, I am still collecting. Again, it is overwhelming the generosity of this community. I was surprised to what I came home to last night..letter box over flowing, as well as, foyer filled with envelopes.


What can you do?
Make your check made payable to: Michelle Kelly.

Provide a gift card for Walmart, Kohls, Stop & Shop or any other retail outlet the family could use.

You can drop off your donation (or sent via mail) to: Cheryl Hobbs - 144 Hillside Road, Franklin

MBTA halting 12-ride punch card

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


The MBTA plans to retire the 12-ride commuter rail punch card and its six-month expiration as of July 1, replacing it with a 10-ride pass good for a mere 30 days, the Boston Globe reports. As the Globe reports, the punch card is open to abuse, in which users can stretch the card well beyond the 12-ride limit, which means lost revenue for the cash-strapped T.

Things you can do from here: