Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Franklin Public Library: Tanglewood Marionettes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/21/12



Things you can do from here:

Help the Baby Beats - Sep 15 - Boston Heart walk



From the Amante Family:
Welcome to the fundraising page for team Baby Beats. We have been raising money for the Heart Association since 2002! Just two weeks after Damian's third open heart surgery we attended our first Heart Walk in New York. 
Funds donated to the Heart Association go toward life saving research, techniques and equipment.

Damian has directly benefited from projects that were funded by the Heart Association.

We celebrate Damian and the victory over his struggles by raising money to support this important organization.

Please support our team by donating to the Heart Association! Thank you!

You can find the fund raising page here

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Franklin, MA: School Bus Routes for 2012-2013

The school bus routes have been published to the Franklin Public Schools Transportation web page and shared here.






If you have trouble with the Google link, you can also go directly to the School Transportation page to view and download the PDF file
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/transportation


Election participation data 1990-2010


Pew Center releases election participation interactive




"step out of your comfort zone"


The Nautilus embarked on its expedition in July. With remotely operated vehicles, the scientists on board study the seafloor, collecting geological and biological specimens. High-definition cameras document their work and broadcast it in real time via www.nautiluslive.org. 
Durkin boards the Nautilus as part of the JASON Project, which brings students and teachers together for field research adventures. He said it aims to attract children to science through hands-on experiences in the field. 
"It’s such a different level for kids to see and feel those experiences," he explained. "It really makes science real."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405828542/A-Franklin-mans-Mediterranean-adventure#ixzz24AfUvwj8

In the News: big league, gas prices



Franklin team, player get big league help

Monday, August 20, 2012

Questions for the 10th Norfolk Democratic Debate

Questions for the second round debate between the Democratic Candidates for the 10th Norfolk District. Jeff Roy and Peter Padula will face off in Medway on Tuesday at Medway High School at 7:30PM



Preparation/Campaign

What have you done or are planning to do to prepare for serving Medway in in the Legislature?

Based upon the flyer on the door, it seems like you are both walking the neighborhoods. What is one thing that going door to door does for your campaign?

How much will websites and other social media tools help your campaign?


Priorities/Issues

Two part Q: What do you see as Medway’s key issue at the State level and how do you plan to address it?

Do you  have any relationships with folks in or around the State House or in the Legislature that you can leverage when you are in office to help serve Medway? Please elaborate.

Medway and Franklin like most other MA communities are faced with Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) requirements that are underfunded. What is your position on what the Legislature can do to help?

What do you think about casinos as a source of state revenue?

There has been talk of the Legislature revising the Chap 70 funding formula. Franklin is a significant beneficiary of these funds. What would be your position on a revision of the formula?

What is your position on the State budget priorities? Should MA government focus on infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) or education, or??

What is your position on taxes overall? How should the business of providing government services be funded?

What is your position on usage fees? Are there cases where it makes sense to use them in lieu of a more broadly based tax?

What is your position on the governance of utilities, their service rates and performance?

The Medway library, like the Franklin Library, faces an annual budget issue. The MA Library Board of Governors is the body that provides oversight to the library systems. What is your position on what the Legislature should or should not do to help?



Franklin resident submitted questions

If elected what changes would you propose to help commuters from Medway/Franklin afford to get into Boston for work?

What are your thoughts about the MA higher education costs. Is there anything you would propose to help more students afford MA State higher education?

Local officials often complain to voters that costly state mandates tie their hands and prevent them from making common-sense fiscal policies for the town. What will you do as state rep to remove burdensome state mandates and un-tie local officials' hands?

What will be your priorities if you are selected to serve in the state legislature?

How can we make health care in Massachusetts more affordable for the commonwealth, cities, towns, businesses and individuals?

How do you feel about what Gov Patrick has done so far about containing health care costs?

My question to all is This... I think all of you are educated well, are lawyers and have held local seats on a board but what Political experience so you have that I may not know about that you feel makes you qualified to be successful at this job?

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

Specifically, how have you served the towns of Franklin and/or Medway?  (Public service, elected office?)

What makes you the best person to go to Beacon Hill to fight for funding for our district?

What would you do to get Massachusetts off dependence on oil?



If you would like to add a question you can send me an email or use the question form here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/do-you-have-question-to-ask-candidates.html


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 21,2012


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.

"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 August 7, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Handbook – Peter Light
b. Medical Emergency Response Plan – Mo/Sally

3. Discussion Only Items
Elimination Policies (First Read):
JICA Student Dress Code
JICDA Academic Honesty Policy
JICF Gang Activity/Secret Societies
JKAA Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention
JKAA-R Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Administration Procedures/Crisis Team Procedures
JKF-E Memorandum of Understanding
JKF-R Matters Involving Violence, Weapons, Hate Crimes and Drug Distribution
JLF-E Child Abuse/Neglect
JLF-R Statement of Child Abuse and Neglect

New/Revised Policies (First Read):
JLF Child Abuse/Neglect
JKAA Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention

4. Action Items
a. I recommend appointing the Superintendent of Schools to represent the Franklin Public Schools on the Board of Directors of the Bi-County Collaborative for the 2012-2013 school year.
b. I recommend appointing the Superintendent of Schools to represent the Franklin Public Schools on the Board of Directors of the ACCEPT Collaborative for the 2012-2013 school year.
c. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Rosalind Gordon for the Schaeffer Scholarship at FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Douglas Lee / Well Fargo Community Support Campaign for the FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of three pallets of mixed paper from Lindenmeyr Munroe to the Franklin Public Schools.
g. I recommend approval of the FHS Handbook as discussed.

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. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

"will be useful for other communities"


"There are a lot of ideas out there, but there is not a lot of numbers behind those ideas," said director Robert Cantoreggi. "We are doing a lot of good things and progressive things in Franklin, but what’s their ultimate value?" 
Cantoreggi said he would also continue adopting more environmentally friendly approaches to development. A recent example, the public works chief said, is how his department has tried to green up as many of the town’s 220 cul-de-sacs — big producers of runoff — as much as possible, removing pavement and replacing it with miniature oases of flowers and trees.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1405827643/Franklin-working-to-reduce-storm-runoff#ixzz244qPZtZr

Parmenter School has several rain gardens to help with the rain water runoff

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Franklin, MA: School Calendar 2012-13

The school calendar for the 2012-13 school year.



The second page of the calendar contains the all important early release days




These calendar pages can also be found on the Schools website as follows:

School calendar for 2012-2013
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_SchoolCalDocs/12-13Calendar.pdf

Page 2 of the calendar showing the early release dates
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_SchoolCalDocs/Calendar2012-13Pg2.pdf

Public Health Advisory

As posted on the Franklin, MA web page
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has found additional mosquitoes infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Braintree, Canton and Norwood. To date no EEE or WNV positive mosquitoes have been found in Franklin. As this unprecedented mosquito season continues, we again urge residents to take all steps necessary to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of mosquito activity; generally between dawn and dusk. The use of a repellent containing up to 30% DEET, permethrin or picaridin provides protection against mosquitoes. Permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin, but only used on clothing. We recommend that residents drain all standing water on their property. Birdbaths, buckets/pails, wheelbarrows and children’s inflatable pools all provide ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project has increased the frequency of vehicle-mounted spraying within the county, in an attempt to reduce mosquito populations.
Any resident wishing to have their property sprayed for mosquitoes may contact the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project @ 781-762-3681.

The Franklin Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to closely monitor mosquito/virus activity in the county to ensure the residents are provided with up to date information. 
If residents have any questions, you may contact the Franklin Health Department office @ 508-520-4905.

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department

Bakers compete in chocolate chip cookie showdown at St. Rocco's

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Heather McCarron/STAFF WRITER on 8/17/12

phoCGcookie1_811.jpg

Dark chocolate chip and cherry, chocolate chip and cranberry, vanilla splash triple chocolate chip, banana oatmeal chocolate chip, even chocolate chip bacon pecan — bakers competing in this year's chocolate chip cookie contest Aug. 12 at the Feast of St. Rocco pulled out all the stops on the creativity side in hopes of earning bragging rights as the owner of the best chocolate chip cookie recipe in town.


 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

Friday, August 17, 2012

10th Norfolk Campaign - Stolle Singleton

The campaign signs are up and the primary coming up rapidly on Thursday, Sep 6. This is the last of a series to view the five campaign signs.

Stolle Singleton is one of three Republicans facing off in the primary.

10th Norfolk Campaign Signs

For more on the Singleton campaign visit her web page  http://www.votesingleton.com/


Related posts:

The primary is on a Thursday, yes - not a Tuesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/sep-6-primary-falls-on-thursday.html

The Republicans will face off in a debate on Tuesday, Aug 28th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/10th-norfolk-republican-debate.html

In the News: Open Meeting law, Sep 6 is Thursday

Interested in the ins and outs of the Open Meeting Law? The Attorney General's office will be hold four sessions this fall for public official, committee members and the general public. Registration details and schedule information contained in this link.


Open Meeting Law forums offered in the fall

MassBudget: Health Care in the FY 2013 Budget



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
Health Care in the FY 2013 Budget
With the budget now largely in place, MassBudget is sharing a new report on planned Health Care spending for FY 2013. This includes the roughly $12.7 billion in funding for MassHealth and other programs that provide health care for low- and moderate-income Massachusetts residents.

In concert with that, we are also releasing a summary of the Health Reform initiatives in the FY 2012 supplemental budget which was enacted in July.


* These reports are part of a series of budget briefs published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI) and produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
Twitter Facebook


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

Thursday, August 16, 2012

10th Norfolk Campaign - Jeff Roy

The campaign signs are up and the primary coming up rapidly on Thursday, Sep 6. This is the fourth of a series to view the five campaign signs.

Jeff Roy is one of two Democrats facing off in the primary.

10th Norfolk Campaign Signs


For more on the Roy campaign visit his web page  http://jeffreyroy.com/


Related posts:

The primary is on a Thursday, yes - not a Tuesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/sep-6-primary-falls-on-thursday.html

The Democrats had their first debate on July 30. There is a follow up one scheduled for Medway on Aug 21.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/showed-just-how-closely-aligned-they.html

Do you have a question to ask the candidates?


Round two of the Democrat debate is coming up on Tuesday, Aug 21st. You did very well helping prepare the questions for the debate. If you listened to the debate, you would recognize that many of the questions were indeed asked and answered. If you have any questions remaining to ask, please use the form below to submit them. Alternatively, you can also send me an email.

I'll write up the questions you submit and I craft to post here before the debate. The questions are not as important as the answers. The answers are what should help the voters make a decision.




4th Norfolk Democrats debate - Round 2

The second debate between Peter Padula and Jeff Roy is scheduled for Medway on Aug 21st.
Democratic candidates for the 10th Norfolk District, Jeffrey Roy and Peter Padula, will hold a debate on Tuesday for August 21, 2012 at the Medway High School Auditorium located at 88 Summer Street, Medway. The debate will be from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. and will be moderated by Mark Cerel. 
The debate will be broadcast on cable television and the public is welcome to attend to meet the candidates.

The first debate held on Monday, July 30 can be viewed online here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634806085517785000&indexSessionSKU=n0i8L3XRGsloBIb3aj/POA%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D

In the News: DUI enforcement, high school experience



DUI enforcement amped up in 12 communities

MassBudget: The Minimum Wage and Job Creation



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
The Minimum Wage and Job Creation
In a series of recent papers, MassBudget has found 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.
  • Raising the minimum wage to $10 would increase the wages of 575,000 workers.
Our new report, The Minimum Wage and Job Creation, finds no evidence that raising the minimum wage has impeded job growth in Massachusetts. Since 1995, Massachusetts has raised the minimum wage six times. And during that period, job growth has been stronger in industries with high concentrations of minimum wage workers than in industries with low concentrations of minimum wage workers.



The Minimum Wage and Job Creation considers not only recent changes in Massachusetts, but also the experience of other New England states and the most up to date economic studies.

See our EARLIER WORK ON THE MINIMUM WAGE, including an interactive chart that lets you compare various options for adjusting the minimum wage.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
Twitter Facebook


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

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

10th Norfolk Campaign - Peter Padula

The campaign signs are up and the primary coming up rapidly on Thursday, Sep 6. This is the third of a series to view the five campaign signs.

Peter Padula is one of two Democrats facing off in the primary.

10th Norfolk Campaign Signs


For more on the Padula campaign visit his web page  http://padulaforrep.com/


Related posts:

The primary is on a Thursday, yes - not a Tuesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/sep-6-primary-falls-on-thursday.html

The Democrats had their first debate on July 30. There is a follow up one scheduled for Medway on Aug 21.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/showed-just-how-closely-aligned-they.html


Campaign News


Register to vote for the Sept. 6 primary



4th Congressional Democrats engage in friendly forum

Franklin Art Association to meet, Sept. 5

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 8/14/12

The Franklin Art Association will begin its 2012-2013 season with a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 5, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Things you can do from here:

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

10th Norfolk Campaign - John Jewell

The campaign signs are up and the primary coming up rapidly on Thursday, Sep 6. This is the second of a series to view the five campaign signs.

John Jewell is one of three Republicans facing off in the primary.

10th Norfolk Campaign Signs

For more on the Jewell campaign visit his web page  http://www.johnjewell.org/



Related posts:

The primary is on a Thursday, yes - not a Tuesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/sep-6-primary-falls-on-thursday.html

The Republicans will face off in a debate on Tuesday, Aug 28th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/10th-norfolk-republican-debate.html

Franklin Police: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

If you tend to drink and drive, be even more careful as the Franklin Police are teaming up with other communities.



In the News: Dean, MOMS




Dean School of Professional and Continuing Studies slates information session




MOMs Club of Franklin plans open house

Franklin MOMS - Open House - Sep 6, 9:00 AM


The MOMS Club of Franklin invites Franklin mothers to attend their Open House on Thursday September 6, at 9:00 AM, at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The Y is located at 45 Forge Hill Road. The Y staff will provide games and entertainment for the children while Whole Foods of Bellingham makes a presentation on healthy eating habits for children. The Y's pool will be available for open swim after the event if weather permits. For additional information about the event, please contact Caitlin MacDonald at franklinnorthmoms@gmail.com.

Monday, August 13, 2012

10th Norfolk Campaign - Rich Eustis

The campaign signs are up and the primary coming up rapidly on Thursday, Sep 6. This is the first of a series to view the five campaign signs.

Rich Eustis is one of three Republicans facing off in the primary.

10th Norfolk Campaign Signs

For more on the Eustis campaign visit his web page  http://www.richeustis.com/


Related posts:

The primary is on a Thursday, yes - not a Tuesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/sep-6-primary-falls-on-thursday.html

The Republicans will face off in a debate on Tuesday, Aug 28th
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/10th-norfolk-republican-debate.html

"a Town Council is like having Town Meeting twice a month"

The Milford Daily News reports on some area communities that have changed from a town meeting to a manager and elected council to govern.
Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting said many Bay State communities are still wrestling with "the never-ending debate over choosing between giving people a direct voice or governmental efficiency.'' 
Since revising its charter in 2010, Franklin is governed by nine Town Council members and an administrator whom they appoint. 
"When communities debate this you always hear people's concern about losing their representative voices. The love of town meeting is an emotional issue. People say it's the purest form of democracy,'' he said. "But towns can't be run like they were 200 years ago. I just see the world is changing and I think this is the best way to deal with it.'' 
For Nutting, working in concert with Town Council has helped Franklin move quickly to offer businesses tax incentives to move to town, fine tune zoning changes and resolve unexpected problems.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x866123769/Officials-Change-led-to-greater-efficiency#ixzz23Px1QbT8


In the News: library, temple

What summer holds beyond stacks at area libraries


Franklin Public Library: Star Wars Symposium

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 8/9/12



 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Parmenter - Modular Units

Walked by the Parmenter School on Saturday to get pictures of the modular units before they get removed. According to the update at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday (8/7/12), the propane tank is scheduled to be removed first, then the units will come down. During the last week of August, the DPW will return the space below the modulars to useful land, seeding grass, etc.

What do the modulars look like?

From the outside, a walk around them produces the following views.

Parmenter Modular Units

Parmenter Modular Units

Parmenter Modular Units

Parmenter Modular Units

Parmenter Modular Units

Parmenter Modular Units

Parmenter Modular Units

The tech department would probably not be happy to find that one of their computer cables was being used to hold the door open from time to time.



Closing Day for St Rocco's

Today marks the closing of the Olympics in London and St Rocco's Festival here in Franklin.

Annual fun at St. Rocco's in Franklin


Yes, the major reason for St Rocco's Festival is a fund raiser for St Mary's Church

St Rocco's Festival

St Rocco's Festival

St Rocco's Festival

St Rocco's Festival

"considered high quality by all standards"


Towns with a higher bond rating are more likely to be able to pay off their loans, and as such are often given a lower rate of interest on their bonds. 
"On smaller projects, a few (percentage) points isn’t going to matter too much," said Ballantine. "But if you’re building a high school, it can make a significant difference." 
Much like there are three main credit bureaus for personal credit scores, there are three main bond rating agencies — Moody’s Investors Service, Standard and Poor’s, and Fitch Group.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x521655892/Despite-recession-area-municipal-bond-rates-in-good-shape#ixzz23KDAVE3B

Franklin has been able to maintain a very good bond rating with its overall budget management. This will be a major factor as the new high project goes out to bid for the bonds to finance the building. Of course, the timing for the actual construction bids will hopefully produce the lowest overall cost for the project as well.

Franklin is also aggressive in managing its debt to take advantage of the lowest ratings available. It was able to perform two refinancing exercises that substantially reduced the amount of interest that would be paid over the life of the bond. The most recent of these efforts was reported on during the FinCom meeting in April
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/live-reporting-fincom.html