Thursday, July 19, 2012

In the News: Town Council meeting coverage

From the Town Council meeting held Wednesday, the Milford Daily News has two articles. One covering the liquor license suspensions and one on state aid.


The first time liquor license violators will serve their one day suspensions this Friday (Guru, Ichigo Ichie, and Alumni). The Franklin Mobil suspension is for three days beginning this Friday.


Franklin liquor license suspensions handed down



Franklin to receive more state aid

Franklin Library: Teddy Bear Picnic

Today, the Library has a bubble party with the Bubble Music Man.

Next Wednesday, there will be a teddy bear picnic!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 7/18/12



Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

TED Jared Ficklin: New ways to see music (with color! and fire!)

"Summer time, the living is easy" or so the lyrics go to one song... this TED Talk shows a rather interesting way to view music.



Enjoy!

“Americans need us to solve problems"

Part of Franklin will be interested in the 4th District candidates and part will be interested in the 3rd District.
The three are vying for the Republican nomination to fill the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, a Democrat. Frank announced in November that he is retiring after more than three decades in Congress, citing the newly reconfigured district. Bielat lost to Frank in 2010 by an 11-point margin. 
The winner of the Republican primary will likely face off against Brookline resident Joe Kennedy III. Kennedy, the son of former U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy II and grandson of the late Robert Kennedy, has shown strong fundraising capabilities— raking in $1.3 million last quarter— and pundits have said he’ll be hard to beat. 
Newton engineer Herb Robinson is also running for the seat as a Democrat, but his campaign hasn’t picked up momentum and has just $997 cash on hand.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052259920/GOP-4th-Congressional-District-candidates-duke-it-out#ixzz20xwFfXM3

In the News: art schedule, school closes



Franklin Art Center after school art fall schedule available

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Franklin schools gain $10,000 A+ dollars!

On the School Committee agenda for Tuesday evening, Jul 17, 2012, there are two action items acknowledging donations to Franklin High School and Remington Middle School.

b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $453.42 from A+ School Rewards for the Franklin High School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $66.94 from A+ School Rewards for Remington Middle School.
According to the Stop and Shop A+ webpage, this is only part of the donations heading to the Franklin schools.


The tally for the Franklin School District works out to be


School
Amount
Annie Sullivan MS  $  3,587.16
Jefferson ES  $  1,314.88
Oak St ES  $  1,014.34
Helen Keller ES  $     923.03
Gerald M Parmenter ES  $     860.13
Davis Thayer ES  $     859.75
John F Kennedy ES  $     821.44
Franklin HS  $     453.42
Horace Mann MS  $     445.06
Remington MS  $       66.94
 $10,346.15


These must be the first two donations received by the school offices. According to the A+ website checks should be delivered in June via regular US Mail attention to the principal of each school.

As a frequent shopper at Stop and Shop, our card was set up to contribute to a couple of schools. It is your choice to set this up for one or more schools.

We'll do another post as the school year approaches on how to set up your Stop and Shop card to contribute to one of the Franklin schools. If you want to see more about the A+ program visit the Stop and Shop page here  http://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/bonus_bucks/index.htm?linkid=SN


Sting Jun 15 catches four business


The Milford Daily News reports on one of the agenda items for the Town Council meeting scheduled Weds Jul 18,2012.
The Guru Bar & Grill, 30 Main St., Alumni Restaurant and Bar, 391 East Central St., Mobil gas station on West Central Street and Ichigo Ichie Sushi & Hibachi Grill, 837 West Central St., failed the check, police said. 
The Mobil gas station had failed a compliance check in 2009. 
The businesses were notified June 18 by police and received letters from Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting’s office recently informing them of the license hearings. 
From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 15, the Franklin Police Department checked 35 businesses with six undercover police officers and four under-21 buyers. The minors tried to buy alcohol while the officers observed.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1975585708/Businesses-face-liquor-charge#ixzz20s7ffqby

In the News: WAM free, graceful pig, drug charges

One site to add to your schedule this summer!

Visit Worcester Art Museum's world-class collection for free




'Gwendolyn the Graceful Pig' to dance in Franklin, Hopedale




Franklin man, Holliston man arrested on drug charges

Salisbury Historical Markers Unveiled


Does Franklin have one of these markers?

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 7/16/12

Salisbury Signs, July 16, 2012MassDOT today joined state and local officials in Salisbury to unveil five Historical Markers, reclaiming an important connection to the proud history of the Commonwealth.

In 1930, the legislature authorized the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the colony with historical markers.  Nearly 300 markers were erected statewide, all with an inscription telling the stories of the early settlements in each community.

Five signs were erected in the Town of Salisbury.  MassDOT restored one, the Old Meeting House sign, and replaced four others with replicas of the original 1930 signs.

The Commission 82 years ago promised that "travellers who shall pass by the many storied ways through the lands of the Puritan occupations in the ancient days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, may now read on tablets set by roadsides or in city streets the tales which the ocean shores, the hills, the fields, the churches, the garrison houses and the old hearthstones, have to tell of the heroism, of the romance and of the tragedies, and of the unfaltering faith, of the ancestors of our Commonwealth."


The legislation called for the highway department to maintain the signs.  Congratulations to MassDOT workers for doing just that, keeping alive the tales of our ancestors.


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

Franklin Public Library: Bubble Music Man

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 7/16/12



 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

Monday, July 16, 2012

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jul 17, 2012


Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 26, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll - none Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Linda Ashley – New Principal at Jefferson
b. Evemarie McNeil – New Principal at Davis Thayer
c. Barbara Sherman – New FHS Assistant Principal for Student Services
d. Whitsons – Food Service Presentation (Joe Armenti, District Manager and Kyle Parson, Chef)

3. Discussion Only Items
Remote Participation

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the donation of the JF Kennedy School Inclusive Playground by the JFK PCC valued at $114,830.00.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $453.42 from A+ School Rewards for the Franklin High School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $66.94 from A+ School Rewards for Remington Middle School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $792.85 from Life Touch for Davis Thayer Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of $50.00 cash from Oak St. School’s fifth grade class for Oak St. Elementary School.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $775.25 from All American Publishing for the Athletic Dept. at FHS.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,600.00 from Parmenter PCC for supplies for Parmenter School.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Adjourn

Franklin's Big Y getting ready

The final preparations along RT 140 are underway for the Big Y to open as announced on Aug 23.

RT 140: expanding for Big Y

New curbing is being placed as the road will be wider approaching the Big Y entrance.

RT 140: expanding for Big Y

New concrete sidewalks are being finished along the way on both sides.

RT 140: expanding for Big Y

The wider road becomes more evident as you approach the main entrance which is also opposite the entrance to the Franklin Municipal Bldg and neighboring retail plaza.

RT 140: expanding for Big Y

This is one of the light poles that will control access to the main entrance of the Big Y as well as the entrance into the Franklin Municipal Bldg and retail plaza.

RT 140: expanding for Big Y

The landscaping is looking good. The signs are in place. Aug 23 will be here soon.

For more about the Big Y feel free to visit their web page http://www.bigy.com/

Museums turn to high tech to attract young audience

Franklin's Historical Museum has a web page and a Facebook page. Have you visited them yet?

Web page http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 7/15/12

phoMWmuseum_0716.jpg
In 2009, as part of a major re-branding campaign, the Framingham Historical Society became the Framingham History Center. Along with the hipper name, it hired a freelance Web designer to build a spiffy, streamlined website, which included a blog.

Things you can do from here:

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Molloy's new sign

The smiley face sign has gone to wherever those old signs may go.

Franklin: Where am I? #3

A smaller version of the smile remains on the Molloy's Service Center sign.


All the gas pumps were replaced and are not yet operational.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jul 18, 2012


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 6, 2012, June 20 Regular and Executive Session - to be released

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS – Franklin Lodge of Elks #2136

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10

  1. Alumni Restaurant
  2. Franklin Mobil
  3. Guru Restaurant
  4. Ichigo Ichie Restaurant


G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store– Devita’s

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Senators Karen Spilka and Richard Ross
2. Emergency Management – Gary McCarraher

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-56:Ratification of Franklin Police Association Contract
2. Resolution 12-57:Ratification of Franklin Police Sergeants Association Contract
3. Resolution 12-58:Ratification of Franklin Public Library Staff Association Contract
4. Resolution 12-59:Ratification of Department of Public Works Contract
5. Resolution 12-60:Exemption of All Positions in the Police Department from the Civil Service Law
6. Resolution 12-61:Declaration of Town-Owned Land (Two Unimproved Lots Off Beaver Court) As Surplus and Available for Disposition and Authorization to Convey Same for Nominal Consideration to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund
7. Resolution 12-62: Authorization to Hold Bonfire
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-685: Amendment to Chapter 185 §24 Floodplain District – 2nd Reading
9. Bylaw Amendment 12-687:Amendment to Chapter 25, Personnel Regulations, Appendix A, Classification Plan and Appendix B Compensation Plan Pay Schedules – 2nd Reading
10. Bylaw Amendment 12-688:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates-Board of Health, Department of Public Works, Recreation, Council on Aging – 2nd Reading
11. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-689:Amendment to Chapter 185 §5. Zoning Map - Single Family III to Business Zoning – Referral to Planning Board

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 webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/071812.pdf

In the News: ballot questions, trash costs, tax holiday

Questions on the right to life, medical marijuana, and auto-repair will be on the ballot this November

Three hot-button issues on Nov. ballot in Mass.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Slyde is coming to Franklin Jul 21


Good Morning -

Just wanted to share our latest addition to our race this year - SLYDE, the Mascot for the NE Revolution, will be at our event!

If you haven't registered yet you still have time - we have extended registration through Tuesday of next week so you have until July 17th to pre-register. We have over 30 raffles to include 2 American Airline Tickets anywhere in the US, Dinner Cruises on Spirit out of Boston, complimentary hotel stays and many great restaurants, museums and aquarium gift certificates.

You can check out our website at http://www.wontlaydown2cancer.com/ Thank you for all your support over the years....we will be going over $50k raised in 3 years this year and its because of YOU!!!!

Warmest Regards,

Amy Buzzell
http://www.wewontlaydown2cancer.com/

Franklin/Bellingham Rail Trail receives state grant

This is good news! The committee has been working hard and their work is getting rewarded.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 7/13/12

The Massachusetts Department of Recreation (DCR) announced yesterday that the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and the Bay State Trail Riders Association were among this year's recipients of the DCR Partnerships Matching Funds Grant.

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Additional info on the Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee can be found on their website
www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org

Related post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/fundraising-for-rail-trail-effort.html

Friday, July 13, 2012

Franklin, MA: Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM


The Farmers Market is open today on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.

Franklin, MA: Farmers Market

Where in Franklin is the Town Common?


View Larger Map



“Kids don’t even realize they are learning"


Throughout the summer, the Franklin schools’ Lifelong Learning Institute offers an eclectic array of classes for all levels of students — from kindergarten to high school. 
The institute, envisioned in 1998 by then-Superintendent Richard Warren, takes a different approach to learning, said Executive Director Pandora Carlucci. Simply put, it mixes things up a bit. 
“This takes the traditional academic subjects — music, math, drama, fine arts, literature, science — and presents them in a different way,” Carlucci said yesterday. “We present them through a different lens.” 
Due in large part to smaller classes and interactive lesson plans, students enrolled at the institute soak up every lesson, stay engaged and display a desire to learn even as they enjoy their 2½-month hiatus from traditional school.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1975584928/Learning-goes-untraditional-in-the-summer#ixzz20Ul0sLoh

You can find out more about the Lifelong Learning programs on their website http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/

In the News: unclaimed money, tax holiday, healthy kids



84 million reasons to check this site

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Franklin, MA: Concerts on the Common


Summer 2012 - Wednesdays from 6:30 PM TO 8:30 PM

July 11 - Frank Padula

July 18 - Sharon Band

July 25 - Electric Youth

August 8 - Roy Scott Swing Band

August 15 - Leeds Bank

August 22 - Ayla Brown


Children's Programs 6:00 pm -6:30 pm

July 11 - Rob Peters Bubble Music Man

August 8 - Mike Rutkowski DJ

August 15 - Story Teller Elaine Kessler


In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St.Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across from the Town Common.

Gianettis' U Pick Blueberries Newsletter - Summer Edition 2012

Dear Valued Customer,

IT'S BLUEBERRY TIME!

We are so happy to announce that Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries will be opening for the season on Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th at 8 a.m.. If at all possible, please arrive after 8 a.m. to ease the traffic jam during the morning commute, and to prevent a back-up on the street. So mark your calendars, tell all of your friends, grab your favorite picking pail and join us for a tasty time.

As usual will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. throughout the months of July and August. If there happens to be inclement weather on either a Friday or Saturday, please call 508-528-9430 ahead of time to make sure that we are open. A message will be posted on the machine by 7 a.m..

If you happen to forget to bring your own picking container, don't worry, we have containers for you to use.

Please use the link below to forward this e-mail to your family and friends. We don't want anyone to miss out on this year's great picking season!

OPENING WEEKEND!

The unuaually warm spring means that U-Pick Blueberries will be open for 2012 picking season two weeks earlier than normal, Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th!

We have a fine crop of blueberries this year due to the early heat wave in March and the frequent rain storms in May and June. Of course our tender loving care over the past 10 months didn't hurt either. Do you know that each and every one of our bushes are hand pruned every year to help promote new growth and lots of blueberries? We also make sure we have enough honeybees on the property in the spring to ensure proper pollination and large berries.

We have 5 varieties of blueberries on our farm. Collins are the earliest variety of the season. Our mid-season varieties are Blueray, Bluecrop, and Berkley. Finally, our late season variety is Coville. With these five
varieties we are able to provide our customers with lots of big, sweet, and tasty blueberries for about 6-8 weeks each year.

Through proclamation of the United States Department of Agriculture, July is National Blueberry Month, and what a wonderful time to celebrate these little berries by picking your own at our farm!

Remember we usually pick through the end of August so if you can't make it on our opening weekend, don't worry.


Blueberries and Your Health

Did you know that blueberries are the second most commonly eaten berry in the U.S.? (Strawberries are the first). They are also one of the few fruits native to North America, blueberries have been enjoyed by Native Americans for hundreds of years.

Blueberries are renowned not only for their flavor but for their impact on health. The USDA recommends adults enjoy two cups of fruit a day - all year round. Fresh blueberries can help you fulfill that  recommendation. A half-cup of blueberries has just 40 calories and contributes to our daily intake of dietary fiber and vitamin C.

After many years of research on blueberry antioxidants and their potential benefits for the nervous system and for brain health, there is exciting new evidence from researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center that blueberries can help improve memory. Also, scientific studies show that blueberries contain antioxidants that may be beneficial to good health. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are linked to the development of a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's.

New studies also make it clear that we can freeze blueberries without doing damage to their delicate anthocyanin antioxidants.


FAQ

How much does a pint weigh?
A pint of blueberries weighs approximately 3/4 of a pound.

What's the best way to store fresh blueberries?
Fresh blueberries should be stored uncovered in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 10 days. Remember that they need to be completely dry when stored.

Do you have handicapped parking? We try our best to accomodate our handicapped customers with allowing them to park as close to the field as possible. However, since this is a working farm some walking on uneven ground is required.

Can I bring my dog along?
Unfortunately due to health reasons, dogs (except service dogs of course) are not allowed in the field. Please be kind to your pet and leave them at home to rest, while you enjoy your picking experience, it's really too hot to leave them in your car in the middle of the summer.

Do you take credit cards?
We do not have electricity out in the field, and therefore do not accept credit cards. Cash and personal checks are always more than happily accepted.

Do you advertise?
Word of mouth is our best form of advertisement. We rely on our customers to spread the word to their family, friends, and neighbors. So we appreciate it when you do your part!

Do you have restroom facilities?
Unfortunately, we do not have restroom facilities on-site. However, if Mother Nature calls, there is a gas station or Dunkin Donuts 1/10th of a mile down the street.

Thank you for your continued patronage. It is loyal customers like you that make all of our hard work enjoyable. We hope you enjoy our blueberries and your picking experience at our farm.

Gianettis' U Pick Blueberries


We Won't Lay Down 2 Cancer Run, Walk, or Crawl 5K


The We Won't Lay Down 2 Cancer Run, Walk or Crawl 5k is less than 2 weeks away and only a few more days to pre-register.

Registration is $25 by July 13 and $30 day of the event.


This will be held July 21, 2012 at the Franklin High School and we have lots of vendors, raffles, a certified coarse, professionally timed, etc - for more information or to register you can go to http://www.wontlaydown2cancer.com/


In the News: Girl Scouts, music academy, community preservation



Franklin Girl Scouts make Bronze from lead

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Nick Alfieri will be missed

I was fortunate to have met and talked with Nick Alfieri at a number of meetings over the years. He was always helpful and took time to explain the details and the impact of the issue at hand. My tour of the Del Carte property with Nick and Jeff Livingstone is all the more memorable due to the insights he shared along the way.
Alfieri, who lived in Franklin for 17 years, holding multiple positions in town government, including town planner and geographic information system administrator, died in his sleep of a heart attack Sunday. He was 53. 
“Nick played a very large role in turning around and fixing the relationship between the town and the Conservation Commission,” said Commissioner Jeff Livingstone. “He really did change the entire town’s perception of obtaining the right permits as a hassle-filled process to one that was more of partnership driven.” 
And Livingstone said yesterday he expects Alfieri’s passing to affect the commission for a long time. 
“Franklin has become a poster child for how to do things and a highly rated town in terms of its ability to promote conversation initiatives,” he said. “We have relied extremely heavily on Nick’s perception, his feedback and his knowledge of the town.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258710/Franklin-Conservation-Agent-Nick-Alfieri-dies-at-53#ixzz20J09rA3J

As part of the outreach by the Conservation Commission, Nick submitted this article in January
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/nick-alfieri-why-conservation.html

The obituary can be found here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/milforddailynews/obituary.aspx?n=nicholas-alfieri&pid=158473884
(services will be private and burial will be in PA).

The Adult Congenital Heart Association website can be found http://www.achaheart.org/

Related post on the the Del Carte property visit
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/09/fm-72-week-ending-91210.html


"The committee is looking at the big picture"

Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator, was quoted in the article posted by the Milford Daily News on the final report issued by the Long Range Financial Planning Committee.
“Franklin has an excellent reputation as a place to live, work and go to school,” said the Long Range Finance Committee in its annual report. “The decisions we are making (or not making) now will determine how long this reputation endures. 
“Quality of life in the town will continue to erode, affecting our infrastructure, public safety, education and other core services,” the report says. 
According to the report, future road maintenance will present a serious financial hurdle for the town, as budget constraints have postponed work, costing Franklin in the long run.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258676/Report-Franklin-to-face-fiscal-challenges#ixzz20IyHnZra

To read the full report, you can find it here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/franklin-ma-long-range-financial.html

In the News: education, recycling, court, art



Legislation aims to improve early education

Rec Department announces NFL Flag Football signups

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 7/10/12

The Franklin Recreation Department is offering the popular NFL Flag Football to Franklin and Medway residents.

Things you can do from here:

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Sep 6 primary falls on a Thursday


The Boston.com website has a piece on the candidates who will be facing off in Sep 6 primary.
Two Democrats and three Republicans are seeking the state representative seat formerly held by James Vallee, who resigned last month. 
In the Sept. 6 primaries, Jeffrey Roy, a member of the Franklin Town Council, and Peter Padula, a criminal defense lawyer, will face off for the Democratic Party’s nomination, while the Republican race will have John Jewell, a member of the Franklin School Committee; lawyer Rich Eustis; and C. Stolle Singleton, who works as a policy adviser to the 33-member House Republican Caucus.
Read the full article here
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2012/07/01/candidates_line_up_for_house_race_five_vie_for_open_house_seat/


Candidate websites

Jeff Roy   http://jeffreyroy.com/

Peter Padula   http://padulaforrep.com/

John Jewell   http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Jewell/381175918591241

Rich Eustis  http://www.facebook.com/RichEustisForStateRepresentative

C Stolle Singleton  http://www.votesingleton.com/

In the News: registration, smoke free, master dance



Patrick vetoes vehicle registration amendment

Franklin sets up medical sharp disposal kiosk


“I think that the number of people who are utilizing home sharps has risen annually,” said David McKearney, public health director for the Franklin Health Department. “There was just a pent-up demand for a way to dispose of these things; people are not only injecting themselves but also their pets.” 
Franklin has already purchased a $2,500 kiosk. Located at the Franklin Fire Department on West Main Street, it is open all week and managed by a hazardous waste company the town employs. 
“We want to let people know we have a safe and viable option (for disposal),” McKearney said yesterday.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1052258508/Area-towns-work-on-needle-disposal#ixzz20DCMvGt5

Monday, July 9, 2012

"a good little niche"


In March, the Franklin school showed interest in renting a space. Alan Mercer, manager of business development for the school, said school officials heard about the facility through Studio Ballet director Cathy Fallon. 
Fallon’s studio will be merging with FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory. 
“Our vision (at FSPA) is to bring quality performing arts education opportunities and performing opportunities to the local community — to the suburbs, if you will,” Mercer said. “This just extends our mission. Hudson is a very nice community and the people have been very engaging.” 
FSPA will hire staff for the new facility and has already had students enroll there. And it’s the school’s first satellite location.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x345286845/Franklin-arts-school-expanding-its-reach#ixzz207Ej1K4I

Visit the Franklin School for Performing Arts website here http://fspaonline.com/


In the News: malware, budget, reading



Remember to check computer for malware today

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Franklin, MA: Long Range Financial Planning Committee - Final Report and Recommendations

The Long Range Financial Planning Committee has published their 'final' report. You can view the report and findings here:





You can also review the report on the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/019066B2-000F8513

Big Y - opening Aug 23, 2012

Did you get the flyer in the mail recently? The Big Y will be opening in Franklin on August 23.



“I don’t think it’s safe to let kids out”


“The act of simply kicking your kid out the door could be the best thing you could do for their health,” said Mark Fenton, a transportation engineer and public health consultant. 
Fenton, speaking to a group of local officials at Marlborough Hospital for a kick-off for the “MetroWest Moves” health program last month, said one of the best things that could happen for children’s health is a return to the concept of “free-range kids.” 
The term refers to the type of childhood that many adults remember, Fenton said, one where mothers would kick their children out the door on a Saturday morning and not see them again until the street lights came on and it was time to come home. 
Fenton said that children who are able to go out and explore and make their own entertainment are inherently more active, often traveling everywhere by bike or on foot. Simply being outside, Fenton said, also naturally encourages physical activity.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1222861112/Health-expert-says-children-need-more-unsupervised-play-time#ixzz201lfQSVX

This is not a new idea. Richard Louv wrote "Last Child in the Woods:  Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder". I wrote a review of the book in 2009 and you can find that here
http://joyfuljubilantlearning.com/2009/03/take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side/