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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108 |
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Massbudget First Look: The Senate Ways and Means Budget
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Voices of Franklin: Graydon Smith on the People's Rights Amendment
The proposed agenda for the Town Council meeting May 16 was changed to remove the resolution referenced. There was discussion on the item but that was all.
You can find the agenda here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-16.html
Links to the People's Right website
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html
and the discussion summary here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html
Graydon was one of two citizens to step forward to speak on this matter. He graciously shared the copy of his comments with me.
You can find the agenda here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-16.html
Links to the People's Right website
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html
and the discussion summary here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/live-reporting-peoples-right.html
Graydon was one of two citizens to step forward to speak on this matter. He graciously shared the copy of his comments with me.
Mr. Chairman, Councilors, thank you for allowing me to address you about the proposed Resolution 12-33: "Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People's Rights Amendment".
My name is Graydon Smith, I reside in Franklin Massachusetts. I currently serve on the Franklin Long Range Finance Committee and serve as the Secretary of the Franklin Republican Town Committee. The following statement is my own.
First, I would like to address the proposed Constitutional amendment that the Council is considering endorsing. I find it ironic that this is labeled the "People's Rights Amendment" as this amendment does nothing to secure the rights of people. Our rights, enshrined in the Bill of Rights all have one thing in common. They all place restrictions on the authority of government from infringing on the rights of individuals. This proposed amendment does nothing to restrict the power of government, but instead, is a grant of unlimited authority to regulate speech if the speakers are incorporated.
The proponents of this amendment, including Congressman McGovern, argue that the Supreme Court erred in striking down campaign finance restrictions on political speech by corporations; They claim that the Supreme Court granted first amendment rights to corporations. I disagree. What the Supreme Court affirmed was that we as individuals to not forfeit our rights when we act or speak as a group.
I would ask the proponents of this Constitutional amendment, at what point exactly, do we as individuals give up our rights when we join a group? Are we going to allow the collective rights of members of a group to be trampled if the basis of the group happens to be a profit motivation?
The exercise of our right to free speech is is amplified when we as individuals come together in groups to support a cause. This amendment would undermine that exercise of our individual rights of speech and association. Under this amendment, speech sponsored by corporations could be regulated on the basis of "corporate speech we like" vs "corporate speech we dislike". There is no protection for dissenting voices. Additionally, under this amendment, the government would be free to regulate and criminalize any and all corporate speech. Nothing in this amendment states that any regulations would be limited to restrictions on participating in the political debates of the day.
Finally, Franklin has a tradition of non-partisanship in its local elections and government. I myself have supported members of the Council from both sides of the political spectrum, and have been a public advocate in defense of the Town Council during recent controversies when I felt the Council acted in the best interests of Franklin. I consider this to be a highly partisan issue that has no direct bearing on any operational issues facing the town of Franklin. As such, I see no benefit to the Council nor the Town of Franklin to make an endorsement of this amendment. As such, I am asking the Council to not adopt this resolution. I respectfully ask that any and all votes regarding Resolution 12-33 be done by roll call.
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Beautification day this Saturday, come out with gloves to help
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bissanti - thanks for the recognition for my father
Jones - Thanks for the proclamation, we need to do more of these
Pfeffer - Degnan recognizes
DPW has saved the trees with mulch and water
Someone dropped off a queen size bed and mattress at the Train station, the DPW cleaned it up
Mercer - completed 60% project document, submitted to MSBA, this will be another cost estimate to ensure still on budget and target with our numbers. We are well on our way to the 90% documents
Dellorco - thanks to Vinny Debaggis for all his years of service
Kelly - Memorial Day parade in the morning
Vallee - veterans breakfast at the Elks lodge, call the Senior Center before hand to reserve a spot
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
none required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
Live reporting - Action items
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-32: Order Dedicating Town-Owned Land at 459 Pleasant Street for Use As A Public Playground or Recreation Centre
motion to approve, passed 8-0 (Roy left early)
if passed we can apply for a $300K grant to build a playground, picnic area, parking, etc.
The DelCarte proposal is coming up Jun 6 which would include the dam repairs and trails, etc.
The amount of people getting there has tripled over his observation
2. Resolution 12-33: Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People’s Rights Amendment
removed from action for this agenda
3. Resolution 12-34: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin Council on Aging
motion to approve, passed 8-0
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-683: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §19.B – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, passed 8-0
As discussed the Post Office has been coming downtown after closing their Forge Park facility. This provides spaces with a fee to allow for the employees of the Post Office. Others can use it by buying a parking sticker at the Municipal Building. The postal workers would be parking early and reduce exposure to accidents.
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-684:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, passed 8-0
increase in parking rate from $240 to $360, affects the merchant parking not the commuter parking
Live reporting - People's Right
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jeff Roy speaks for the proposed amendment to the US Constitution in favor of People's Rights.
Additional info on this can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html
Needham and Medway had enacted this support this week and there are a number of other communities who have also joined this effort.
Tina Powderly is not sure that this is the right forum and concerned about the precedent that this would set.
Matt Kelley agrees with Councilor Powderly that this is not the right forum.
Graydon Smith, Franklin resident and member of the Long Range Finance Committee. The amendment ironically does nothing for people's rights. The amendment undermines the rights of people. No protection for dissenting voices. (full copy added here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html)
Mr Hill speaking for the amendment, the bill of rights were intended for people not corporations, political entities of corporations have been granted rights more than what the forefathers had in mind. Please pass the resolution supporting the People's Rights. It has to come from cities and towns, it is not going to come from the top down. We the people are giving up the power to corporations unless Franklin steps forward to join this effort.
Bissanti - thanks to Jeff Roy for bringing this forward. It is something that can be done.
Jeff Roy - thank you for engaging in the discussion. I have a general sense of where the Council is at this time.
Jeff Roy speaks for the proposed amendment to the US Constitution in favor of People's Rights.
Additional info on this can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/support-of-peoples-rights-amendment.html
Needham and Medway had enacted this support this week and there are a number of other communities who have also joined this effort.
Tina Powderly is not sure that this is the right forum and concerned about the precedent that this would set.
Matt Kelley agrees with Councilor Powderly that this is not the right forum.
Graydon Smith, Franklin resident and member of the Long Range Finance Committee. The amendment ironically does nothing for people's rights. The amendment undermines the rights of people. No protection for dissenting voices. (full copy added here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/voices-of-franklin-graydon-smith-on.html)
Mr Hill speaking for the amendment, the bill of rights were intended for people not corporations, political entities of corporations have been granted rights more than what the forefathers had in mind. Please pass the resolution supporting the People's Rights. It has to come from cities and towns, it is not going to come from the top down. We the people are giving up the power to corporations unless Franklin steps forward to join this effort.
Bissanti - thanks to Jeff Roy for bringing this forward. It is something that can be done.
Jeff Roy - thank you for engaging in the discussion. I have a general sense of where the Council is at this time.
Live reporting - License hearing
F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverage License - Failure to Pass Compliance Check – Bamboo House – 7:10 PM
Chief Semerjian outlines the incident that occurred on Fri Apr 13 where an individual was served without being asked for the license check.
Motion to apply the standard one day penalty with two days held in abeyance for 2 years, the day penalty to be observed this Friday (May 18).
Motion passed, 9-0
Alcoholic Beverage License - Failure to Pass Compliance Check – Bamboo House – 7:10 PM
Chief Semerjian outlines the incident that occurred on Fri Apr 13 where an individual was served without being asked for the license check.
Motion to apply the standard one day penalty with two days held in abeyance for 2 years, the day penalty to be observed this Friday (May 18).
Motion passed, 9-0
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 1, 2012, February 15, 2012
motion to approve minutes, passed 9-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Proclamation, Andrew E. Bissanti
Town Council Chair Robert Vallee reading a proclamation to recognize Andrew E Bissanti for his receipt of a Bronze Star
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ken Norman, Board of Assessors, asking for additional participation as Vinny Debaggis has resigned due to health. Please apply through the Town Administrator office.
Dennis Grello (?), Franklin Republican Committee, (1) expressing concern with the new high school building and the plans for the existing roof. There are issues with roofs on other buildings, school and senior center today. Would like to get the Building Committee to consider a life-time roof. (2) Put in a well for the use of watering the fields rather than using our existing water supply. Water is serious and we should consider this. (3) Is there anyone in the building business on the Building Committee. Has questions on the construction with regards for ledge testing and water table that should be answerable. The Senior Center is probably too small, there is a second floor but it will require an elevator.
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 1, 2012, February 15, 2012
motion to approve minutes, passed 9-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Proclamation, Andrew E. Bissanti
Town Council Chair Robert Vallee reading a proclamation to recognize Andrew E Bissanti for his receipt of a Bronze Star
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Ken Norman, Board of Assessors, asking for additional participation as Vinny Debaggis has resigned due to health. Please apply through the Town Administrator office.
Dennis Grello (?), Franklin Republican Committee, (1) expressing concern with the new high school building and the plans for the existing roof. There are issues with roofs on other buildings, school and senior center today. Would like to get the Building Committee to consider a life-time roof. (2) Put in a well for the use of watering the fields rather than using our existing water supply. Water is serious and we should consider this. (3) Is there anyone in the building business on the Building Committee. Has questions on the construction with regards for ledge testing and water table that should be answerable. The Senior Center is probably too small, there is a second floor but it will require an elevator.
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
Speak up for walking - join us Thursday or call in.
 |  |  |
 | In 2012, WalkBos  ton needs your advocacy donation to convince our Senators and Representatives to think outside the car and pass legislation that keeps walkers safe.Join Us Or Call In To Get Beacon Hill Moving!By Price Armstrong The day is almost here. Thursday, May 17th, advocates from around the state are going to come to Boston, urging their legislators to make biking and walking a priority. If you are interested in coming to the Summit, our RSVP system has closed, but feel free to join us as a drop in guest. We also have some exciting news, so please read below for a few updates. Help us get Beacon Hill moving, donate online today, or send your generous donation to WalkBoston at 45 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108Keynote Speaker Aaron NaparstekWe are pleased to announce that Aaron Naparstek, founder and former editor-in-chief of StreetsBlog, will be giving a lunchtime presentation on the power of local advocates to improve their communities. He is currently a Loeb Fellow at Harvard and has a wealth of experience as a livable streets advocate and community organizer. You can read more about him here.Virtual Lobby Day For those of you who can't make it to the event, we will be holding a virtual lobby day. Call in or email your legislators urging them to support our bills under consideration, listed above. We will send out an action alert the morning-of with more information, so stay tuned. Don't know who your legislator is? Find out here. Event DetailsWhere: Massachusetts State House, Nurses' Hall, BostonWhen: Thursday, May 17th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM The Schedule:
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Update: Stamp Out Hunger Drive Results
Good Afternoon,
Please let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help on Saturday to make the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive such a success. I know there were times when we were standing around, but in the long run it is all worth the wait! We collected more than 3,800 lbs of food that day which is such a huge help to keep the shelves stocked for our families in need. Everything was organized and we were ready for business when we opened the doors this week for our clients to come in.
Thank you again and please visit our website franklinfoodpantry.org to view some of the pictures that were taken that day.
Linda Sottile
Franklin Food Pantry
“You need to be your own advocate”
Thirteen women, some of whom hadn’t met, or who knew each other only in passing, formed the walking group Sole Sisters, and volunteered to walk with Whalen in the two-day, 39-mile Boston Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 18 and 19.
“They’re such a great group of women,” Whalen, 46, said, now past the surgery that removed the cancer. “You know your friends, but when something like this happens, that’s when you really know how great your friends are, and who your friends are.”
Whalen was a nurse at Children’s Hospital in Boston for 20 years before quitting to take care of her three children: two daughters, now 14 and 15 years old, and a son, who is 11.
“It’s a small thing we can do, walking and raising money,” said Peggy Sweeney, one of the Sole Sisters. “Lisa was very strong ... she was a trouper. She went through her treatment with grace and dignity.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738804647/Franklin-woman-s-cancer-prompts-friends-to-rally-to-her-cause#ixzz1v1ZWeNUt
Better Business Bureau warns of 'Amazon' scam
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 5/15/12
The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a new email phishing scam that looks like an order cancellation notice from Amazon.com.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
There are several worthy resources to help with your online safety.
- The Better Business Bureau can be found online: http://boston.bbb.org/
- The US Government has this site: http://onguardonline.gov/
- Wired Safety has their site: http://www.wiredsafety.org/
If you have found a site worthy of sharing, please send me an email or leave a comment.
Update to MassBudget's Budget Browser
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Library Book Sale this weekend!
It is time for the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) to hold another Book Sale. This fun and fund raising event occurs twice each year, in May and October.
The FoFL will collect for the Franklin Food Pantry. Food and monetary donations will be accepted at a special table. A coupon for up to $1.00 off a book will be given to those making donations.
Where is the Book Sale?
At the DPW garage off Hayward St.
What happens with the money raised by this event?
Money raised supports many library programs; summer reading, children's and adult programs, One Book, One Community and associated programs, museum passes, e-books and new books,CD's and DVD's for the library to name a few.
Friday - members of the FoFL get to participate in the pre-sale from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Saturday - open to all from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The DPW will also be open for their "Touch a Truck" event that kids love from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The DPW will sell some refreshments.
Sunday - the "Bag Sale" is held on Sunday from 9:00 AM to Noon. Put books into a bag and you can buy the books at a "bag" price.If you are not yet a member of the Friends of the Franklin Library, a membership table is set up and you can join right there.
The FoFL will collect for the Franklin Food Pantry. Food and monetary donations will be accepted at a special table. A coupon for up to $1.00 off a book will be given to those making donations.
Where is the Book Sale?
At the DPW garage off Hayward St.
What happens with the money raised by this event?
Money raised supports many library programs; summer reading, children's and adult programs, One Book, One Community and associated programs, museum passes, e-books and new books,CD's and DVD's for the library to name a few.
In the News: education articles
Perhaps you recall that the MA received a waiver from the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program. What the waiver does and does not do is highlighted in the following two articles.
Education standards slated to become more flexible
Education standards slated to become more flexible
Dean College - Children's Center - Open House
Open House tours will be held on Weds May 16, 2012 and Tue June 19, 2012
The open houses would run from 10:00 AM to 2:0 PM on both days.
call today to schedule a visit 508-541-1598
For additional information you can visit www.dean.edu/children
The open houses would run from 10:00 AM to 2:0 PM on both days.
call today to schedule a visit 508-541-1598
For additional information you can visit www.dean.edu/children
Monday, May 14, 2012
Stamp Out Hunger - 2012
The Franklin Food Pantry was on the receiving end of a parade of mail carrier trucks on Saturday. The annual Stamp Out Hunger drive was held. Letter carriers picked up donations from Franklin residents on their mail delivery rounds on Saturday and then dropped off the donations at the Food Pantry
The trucks arrived
The trucks got emptied
The bags/boxes were weighed and then date checked
The items were sorted and then put onto shelving
Thanks to Linda Sottile, the Food Pantry Operations Manager, for organizing the many volunteers.
Thanks to all the volunteers for their help!
Thanks to the letter carriers for their help!
Thanks to the Franklin residents who contributed!
Your Franklin neighbors will appreciate the results!
For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, visit their website http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/
Note: I am honored to lead the Board of Directors of the Food Pantry.
Thanks to Barbara Evans for taking the pictures
The trucks arrived
The trucks got emptied
The bags/boxes were weighed and then date checked
The items were sorted and then put onto shelving
Thanks to Linda Sottile, the Food Pantry Operations Manager, for organizing the many volunteers.
Thanks to all the volunteers for their help!
Thanks to the letter carriers for their help!
Thanks to the Franklin residents who contributed!
Your Franklin neighbors will appreciate the results!
For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, visit their website http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/
Note: I am honored to lead the Board of Directors of the Food Pantry.
Thanks to Barbara Evans for taking the pictures
“I think it’s fantastic”
“We all have a passion for Ultimate Frisbee, and we didn’t see a reason not to start a team,” Durkin said.
“(Xaverian Brothers High School) always talked about how they were the state champions, and we thought we could beat them,” Brian Doherty said. “So, why not give it a go?”
Ultimate Frisbee isn’t quite a sport at Franklin High School, but to get it classified as one of the official extracurricular activities associated with the high school and to become a part of the national organization, USA Ultimate, the boys had to jump through a few hoops.
They talked to their principal and the school’s athletic director, drafted and distributed concussion forms, found a coach, held no-cut tryouts, collected fees from teammates, raised $2,500 for jerseys and travel expenses, coordinated buses, scheduled games and met with area coaches.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x775168382/Frisbee-fanatics-find-a-home#ixzz1upsw3CTh
“It was an amazing experience’’ to work at 3C
“The best place I ever worked,’’ said Jack Rathmell of Franklin. There was “an esprit de corps that won’t quit, epitomized by the fact that we still have over 70 people show up for a reunion 46 years after the Honeywell acquisition."
Rathmell is among those planning this year’s reunion, to be held Thursday evening at the Elks Lodge on Union Avenue. In past years, even EMC’s Egan would attend, fellow 3C alumni said.
“It is unfortunate that many of the group has passed on,’’ said Harvey J. Bloom, a former Bellingham resident who now lives in New Hampshire. “The group has the most creative and fun people."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1310216338/Remembering-Framinghams-Computer-Control-Company#ixzz1uptitTj9
Additional information can be fond at at www.3CReunion.com
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Support of the People’s Rights Amendment
The appeal to the Citizens United decision is on the agenda for the Town Council meeting on Weds May 16, 2012. This video clip provides a quick summary:
This PDF provides a summary of a survey on this issue
You can get additional information on the website http://freespeechforpeople.org/
or their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Speech-For-People/140474869352859
Page 17 starts the documents included in the Town Council agenda for Weds May 16
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/05162012.pdf
This PDF provides a summary of a survey on this issue
You can get additional information on the website http://freespeechforpeople.org/
or their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Speech-For-People/140474869352859
Page 17 starts the documents included in the Town Council agenda for Weds May 16
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/05162012.pdf
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 16
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 1, 2012, February 15, 2012
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Proclamation, Andrew E. Bissanti
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverage License - Failure to Pass Compliance Check – Bamboo House – 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-32: Order Dedicating Town-Owned Land at 459 Pleasant Street for Use As A Public Playground or Recreation Centre
2. Resolution 12-33: Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People’s Rights Amendment
3. Resolution 12-34: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin Council on Aging
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-683: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §19.B – 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-684: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 set of documents for this agenda can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/5-16-2012.pdf
“It’s a very positive program"
“I think it’s very important,” Dahlstrom, the town’s planner, said of ensuring residents can walk around town. “We’re obviously not an urban center but we do pretty well. I find it’s very easy to get from Point A to Point B.”
Dahlstrom hopes an initiative by a Boston-based walking advocacy organization to expand outside of Boston and its surrounding communities into the suburbs will help more people realize they can walk around their town.
The organization, walkBoston, through a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation is working with officials in Franklin, Northborough and Milford to identify walkable areas and map out routes that show the distance and time to walk between shops, historical landmarks, schools and other destinations.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x2069501057/Communities-want-you-to-break-out-your-walking-shoes#ixzz1ukUvpacS
"Dean has prepared me for what’s next"
“Dean College showed me acceptance when other schools didn’t,” said O’Reilly, who majored in theater. “I’m proud of this school. I’m proud I came to this school, and I’m proud of what I’ve done at this school.”
More than 300 Bulldogs dressed in burgundy gowns received associate and bachelor degrees yesterday morning at Dean College’s 146th commencement ceremony.
The college added its first bachelor of arts program in 2007, and by 2010 it offered several four-year programs in business, theater and liberal arts.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x255391767/Dean-College-graduates-Class-of-2012#ixzz1ukTleJU6
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Things to do today in Franklin
An Introduction to Gardening and Garden Planning
9:30 am to 11:30 am
By the Franklin Community Garden at the YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-community-garden-update.html
Stamp Out Hunger food drive
Timed with you mail delivery
Leave out a bag for your mail carrier with food or non-food items. They will pick it up on the mail delivery rounds today and bring it to the Franklin Food Pantry.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/stamp-out-hunger-sat-may-12.html
Cub Scout Recycle Shoe drive
2:00 to 4:00 PM
- Fletcher Field on Peck Street
- Dacey Community Fields on Lincoln Street (from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
- King Street Memorial Park on King Street
- Beaver Pond on Beaver Street
- Town Common across from St. Mary’s Church
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-cub-scouts-looking-for-shoes.html
"everybody knows where we are"
“That shouldn’t have happened last year,” Town Council Chairman Robert Vallee said, of the Town Council cut.
To prevent a similar scene, the School Committee and Town Council have been meeting regularly as the Joint Budget Subcommittee to provide each other updates on budget needs and financial limits.
“There’s more communication, more open communication, between the School Committee and the Town Council,” Vallee said. “There’s nothing (in the fiscal 2013 budget) that will come up that will make the councilors attack the School Department for any reason whatsoever, nothing controversial.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x775168158/Franklin-officials-hope-to-avoid-budget-showdowns-this-year#ixzz1ued22sgs
The Town Council will hold their budget hearings on Weds May 23 and Thu May 24.
The budget documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/franklin-ma-fy-2013-budget-documents.html
The Finance Committee budget hearings
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/fincom-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html
Friday, May 11, 2012
“You get to share stuff"
Seven sets of twins at the same school? in the same kindergarten grade?
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2069500543/Seven-sets-of-twins-in-same-grade-no-big-deal-at-Franklin-school#ixzz1uYIJXYE4
Parmenter Principal Tom Morris said that, while twins aren’t necessarily uncommon in schools, he hasn’t seen such a large number of them in the same grade in his more than 20 years in education.
“Having so many here this year has been interesting for us,” Morris said. Chuckling, he added, “It can be hard for a principal to learn names when you have kids who look exactly alike.”
Fortunately for Morris, most of the twins have been split up, not sharing a teacher.
Despite living in close proximity to one another, none of the parents of the 14 students were aware of this anomaly until they signed their children up for school over the summer, they said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2069500543/Seven-sets-of-twins-in-same-grade-no-big-deal-at-Franklin-school#ixzz1uYIJXYE4
Alert: low flying helicopters Friday, May 18
From the Announcement page on the Franklin website:
Please be advised that on Friday, May 18th, National Grid will be conducting low-level distribution and sub-transmission helicopter patrols in the area. In case of inclement weather the patrols will be postponed until a later date.
As Foxborough folds, optimism grows in Milford for casino
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
A decision this week by the Kraft Group and Wynn Resorts to drop their plans for a resort casino in Foxborough has kindled increased optimism for development of a casino in Milford (and no doubt other places as well), the MetroWest Daily News reports. Colorado-based developer David Nunes is looking to build a $700 million, 300,000-square-foot casino at the junction of Rte. 16 and Interstate 495 in Milford. Nunes told the Daily News that with Foxborough out of the picture, there is now going to be...
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Franklin Library: Nook eReaders
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
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Thursday, May 10, 2012
“What is Franklin?"
The last master plan was drafted in 1997, and is the document Franklin officials refer to now when making any developmental changes to town, but even that draft was never fully adopted, officials said last night.
“We need your input,” Town Councilor and Master Plan Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy told residents, and a local cable TV camera.
“We can’t do this alone. We can’t make this work unless you participate.”
The master plan has seven sections, explained town Planning Department Director Bryan Taberner: economic development; land use; community service and facilities; housing; natural, cultural, and historic resources; circulation; and open space and recreation. Public opinion is sought when making any changes.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2069500175/Franklin-residents-offer-guidance-for-town-master-plan#ixzz1uSS7gvV3
Related posts on the Master Plan
From Dec 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/what-is-franklins-master-plan.html
The recent announcement of these public hearings (next one Sat May 19th 10:00 AM at the library)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklins-master-plan-public-hearings.html
The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page athttp://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.
It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.
HMEA 11th Annual Independence 5K - May 20th
Run or walk for a good cause on Sunday May 20th. The HMEA is holding their 11th Annual Independence 5K Race/Walk event at the EMC facility on 50 Constitution Blvd, here in Franklin, MA.
If you want to register as a runner, you can do that directly here
http://www.active.com/register/index.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=2009516
or if you want to register and raise some funds for HMEA, you can do that here
http://www.firstgiving.com/hmea
You can also view the document here
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczMXJVVzMxLVFRazQ
If you want to register as a runner, you can do that directly here
http://www.active.com/register/index.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=2009516
or if you want to register and raise some funds for HMEA, you can do that here
http://www.firstgiving.com/hmea
You can also view the document here
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczMXJVVzMxLVFRazQ
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