Monday, August 27, 2012

Dean College welcomes students Sunday, Sep 2



"unfortunate but necessary response"?

The Milford Daily News has an article covering the local college campuses that have switched their security guards from unarmed to armed. Is this an "unfortunate but necessary response"?
There were also some skeptical of the plan, however, including many students who were wary of dealing with gun-toting police. 
Other colleges in the area, particularly ones with smaller campuses, don't have any immediate plans to arm police. 
"We are located within minutes of the Franklin police station, and have an outstanding relationship with them," said Dean College spokesman Gregg Chalk, who added school officials haven't had any discussions about giving guns to police.

Read more: Arming police a hot topic on area campuses - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x976203572/Arming-police-a-hot-topic-on-area-campuses#ixzz24jnisnNV

Sunday, August 26, 2012

New Facebook page for the new Franklin High School building

Switching to a more serious topic for Franklin. I received the following in an email from Ed Cafasso:
I wanted to let you know that there is a new Facebook page for the Franklin High School construction project. I am trying to get the folks who liked the campaign page ("Vote Yes..") to switch over. 
The community can now stay in touch with the project by "liking" and following our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thenewfhs. Hopefully, they "share" it too, to spread the word. 
I also have re-tooled the web site, stripping away all the campaign stuff. New info and pictures will start to be posted to the site on a regular basis. The address is the same:www.newfhs.comInformation on this site will be updated as developments warrant. You'll see capsules of the latest updates right on the home page. 
If folks have questions about the new FHS project, they can visit the "Ask Us" page of the web site or contact us by e-mail at the franklinhigh2014@gmail.com. That is a new email address, by the way -- not the one used during the campaign.
If you are on Facebook, please follow the links above to "like" the new page!


Your photo from the OSCAR MAYER Wienermobile!


Oscar Mayer Selects Here's your Digital Postcard from the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!
Your Postcard is now ready. Click on your photo to see a high resolution image that you can email to family and friends. You can also click the buttons to share your photo via FAcebook or Twitter Facebook and Twitter buttons to instantly share.
Your photo! Share on FacebookOscar Mayer Share on TwitterCheck outwww.oscarmayer.comto follow the Hotdogger Blog, see special promotions and learn more about Selects!
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The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile: photo essay


The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile came to Franklin yesterday as part of the Big Y celbrating their grand opening.

Franklin, MA: Oscar Meyer Wienermobile

As a big kid, and one who grew up with Oscar Meyer (yes, showing my age!) I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Franklin, MA: Oscar Meyer Wienermobile

Especially since Beefilicious Ben had sent me an email letting me know they were coming. If they took the time to find me, I could only return the favor!

I was justly rewarded with the visit

Franklin, MA: Oscar Meyer Wienermobile

The inside reminded me more of Pooh Bear (similar colors)

Franklin, MA: Oscar Meyer Wienermobile

I think I would could get used to seeing the hot dog on the dash after awhile. At least I hope so

Franklin, MA: Oscar Meyer Wienermobile

This is only the most recent of a long line of vehicles that goes back to 1936. Is anyone around who remembers one of these earlier versions?

Franklin, MA: Oscar Meyer Wienermobile

You can enter a contest to get driving around in the luxury vehicle if you register on oscarmeyer.com

This was one way to bring smiles to those who came by the Big Y on Saturday!


Saturday, August 25, 2012

Big Y coins

Dolores and I made our first visit to the Big Y on Friday night. The parking lot was busy but there were open spots fairly easy to find. The store is nice. I got the feeling that some of the crowding, negotiating in the aisle will settle down as folks figure out their path through the store. Right now, there is a lot of looking and exploring going on.


And there is a lot to see and explore. Folks will hand out a store layout so you'll be able to find the produce or meat section readily. There are plenty of baggers and cashiers available. This is always the cash for a new store. It will be interesting to see how many there will be on a regular basis going forward.

You can sign up for a frequent buyer card. They apparently have multiple levels as we found out at the register when asked if we had any coins to use. Coins?



Yes, apparently based upon purchases, you can earn coins and then use them for reduced prices on future purchases. I understand the concept behind it but tracking and remembering to bring the coins back with you might be too inconvenient for some (including moi!).

I do like and appreciate their efforts to use local products. There were some stuffed clams that we purchased at a good price that were made in RI.

I was disappointed that while Big Y offers the 'store brand' of Greek yogurt, they don't offer their own for regular yogurt. Odd. They must have a reason for it. May be one factor keeping us from being a regular customer. Like others, it may very well be another stop for a good sale but may not replace our regular shopping.

What do you think of the Big Y?

"improve mobility options in our suburban communities"

The Milford Daily News informs us of a new study to look at regional transportation.
The study, paid for with a $40,000 grant from the Metropolitan Planning Organization, involves taking stock of the various public transportation options in Bellingham, Franklin, Milford, Medway, Millis, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Dover, Norfolk and Wrentham. 
The SouthWest Advisory Planning Committee represents those towns and will work with the MAPC to finalize the scope of the study. The committee met on Wednesday. 
"These types of studies are important," said Eric Halvorsen, a transportation planner, "because we are trying to identify how towns can work … to connect people to the larger transportation networks and create more mobility."

We are fortunate to have access to the two train stations to take the commuter rail into Boston. The GATRA bus gets around Franklin and to Patriot Place. In the times I have seen the bus go by or taken it myself, it is underutilized.

What kind of regularly schedule transportation would you utilize if it was available and reasonably priced? Where would it go? What times would you want it to run?


Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405833151/Milford-area-towns-look-to-bridge-gaps-in-public-transit#ixzz24YF52YBt

The GATRA bus schedule can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/09/gatra-updated-schedule.html

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at Big Y

Hi Steve, 

My name is Beefelicious Ben, and i'm one of the drivers of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. My partner Tailgating Theresa and I are rolling into Franklin, MA tomorrow! We will be setting  up at the Big Y from 9am-3:00pm. We would love it if you could share this information on your site for the community to see. We hope that you'll come visit us tomorrow at the Big Y and share in the community events with the Wienermobile. 

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: 

We look forward to seeing tomorrow!

Beefelicious Ben & Tailgating Theresa



Photo from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wienermobile-Bologna.jpg

More info on the wienermobile and here

Franklin Art Center: Fall Classes

Hello Everyone!


Hope you are enjoying the last weeks of summer! 
We will not be open during the day this week except for playgroups.
We are busy getting things organized for the Fall classes.

 New workshops will be coming up this fall  -- Halloween, Thanksgiving, & Holiday Workshops 


Preschool Classes 

We are registering for all preschool classes. They can be taken Tuesday or Thursday  , Monday or Wednesday or both days.  This first session's theme is "A for Autumn"   
We also have mom's groups scheduling for monthly themed art projects .  
Music Together will be there Tuesday and Thursday mornings this year.

After School
We have some openings on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Friday's class has 2 spots left and I will close that class this week.  We have added a Wednesday 3:30-5 class for 9-11 year olds.

Teens - Adults 

Drawing 1
Wednesdays  6:30-8 
This is taught by Andrea Olmstead.  She teaches drawing classes at Emmanuel.  Any teens interested in working on their drawing skills and portfolios, this is a great class to take !  You will be working in a studio in a small class setting.  This is not only for teens.  This is a class where adults can work on their drawing skills as well. Beginners and above  are welcome to come and work on improving their skills.

Saturday morning Painting
Saturdays 10:45-11:15

We are bringing back our Saturday morning painting class.  
If interested please call.  We have not updated the website for this class.

Figure in Clay
Saturdays  11-2    Sept 29, Oct 6 & 13
NEW!  Interested in sculpture?  Come join us for 3 Saturday Workshops.   Figure In Clay is an entry level sculpture study of the human figure.  Like Auguste Rodin, students will create maquette size clay sculptures of a live model.  Students will become familiar with basic figurative gesture, surface anatomy, and measuring techniques as they learn how to represent the figure three dimensionally in clay

Call for more details as it is not on the website yet.

We look forward to a very exciting Fall !

Friday, August 24, 2012

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

Big Y draws big crowd in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 8/23/12

665861 MD_MA_bigy4.jpg
The Big Y supermarket, which when first proposed stoked some residents' fears that a large chain store along Rte. 140 would generate too much traffic, opened Thursday morning to the cutting of a cake.

Things you can do from here:


Taken before the opening on Thursday, the parking lot was empty.

Big Y: street view

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Kickoff Meeting - Sep 5


Save the Date! Wednesday, September 5th, 7:30pm, Union Street Grill, 371 Union Street, Franklin MA

New to town or just looking for something new? Kids? No kids? Wanting to meet new people?

We are NOT just for Newcomers!

The Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club is a social and charitable organization for residents of Franklin, Massachusetts. We like to have fun, learn new things, and give back to the community through fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. We meet monthly from September through May, often with a themed event (speakers, lively programs), and provide other activities throughout the month to facilitate friendship and fellowship. The Franklin Newcomers also host an annual Craft Fair every year in November, which has become a tradition in town.

Please join us on September 5th at 7:30pm to learn more about the Club. Take a chance on a raffle prize or just sample some appetizers. Cash bar available. Bring a friend! We look forward to meeting you for a great night and to kick off the year ahead!

Mass. NOW PAC Endorses Jeffrey Roy for State Representative

The Mass. NOW PAC Endorses Jeffrey Roy, Candidate for State Representative

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee is pleased to announce its endorsement of Jeffrey Roy.  Mr. Roy is running for election to the State House of Representatives in the 10th Norfolk District.

Christina Knowles, Chair of the Mass. NOW PAC, says:  "We are proud to endorse Jeffrey Roy for State Representative. Jeff stands with us in our commitment to equal rights, and we are excited to offer him our support in his election bid and work with him on Beacon Hill."

The Mass. NOW PAC endorses candidates who are committed to NOW's mission and priority issue areas, including reproductive freedom, racial justice, constitutional rights, economic justice, LGBT rights, and ending violence against women.  In order to receive the support of the Mass. NOW PAC, candidates must go through a rigorous endorsement process, including a multi-issue questionnaire and an interview with PAC members.


The Mass. NOW PAC works to ensure that women's rights and other social justice issues are given a voice on Beacon Hill.  Prior to running for office, Mr. Roy served on Franklin's Town Council and has chaired the town's Master Plan Committee, the School Committee, and the Franklin Democratic Town Committee.  He is a graduate of Bates College and a cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School.  Mr. Roy has been a staunch supporter of equality and a voice for those who are often unheard, devoting his career as a trial lawyer to representing injured persons and co-chairing Franklin's Anti-Bullying Task Force.  The Mass. NOW PAC looks forward to electing Mr. Roy to the Legislature and working with him on equal rights and social justice issues.

On receiving the Mass. NOW PAC endorsement, Mr. Roy says: "I am honored to have the support of Mass. NOW and I share their commitment to equal rights and to giving women and girls a voice on Beacon Hill.  We share many values and a commitment to the notion of equal rights and justice for all.  I will bring those values and that commitment with me to Beacon Hill."

The primary election is Thursday September 6th.  Please be sure to head to the polls and join the Mass. NOW PAC in supporting Jeffrey Roy for State Representative. 


--

Mass. NOW Political Action Committee
PAC Chair, Christina M. Knowles 
Policy and Programs Manager, Ellie Adair
727 Atlantic Avenue, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Website: www.massnow.org

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Democratic Debate video

Couldn't get to Medway High School for the Democratic Debate on Tuesday? The video is now available.




Yes, you'll see me from time to time as I was honored to be one of the questioners for the debate. Many of the questions that you submitted were used. Thank you for helping to get information on each candidate's position!


McGovern endorses Roy

US Congressman Jim McGovern poses with Jeff Roy



Catching up to this press release that arrived while I was away on vacation last week. The glories of internet access kept me connected until Sunday when there was no posting here.



For additional information on Jeff Roy and his campaign visit his website http://jeffreyroy.com/