Wednesday, October 24, 2012

10th Norfolk: candidates debate

The Milford Daily News writes about the final candidate debate for the 10th Norfolk District. I was unable to participate having already committed to the Taste of the Region for the Franklin Food Pantry.  Jeff Roy did have time to stop by and make the rounds before heading over to Horace Mann for the debate.
The candidates, in a far less contentious debate than last week’s, pared down their ideas and focused on what they would do immediately to help residents of Franklin and Medway, from ramping up local aid to collecting more money for the towns’ school departments. 
And in their last public meeting before Election Day, 13 days away, they took a few moments to reflect on their respective campaigns, sharing hardships and joys experienced in their months spent going door to door.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1890065024/Election-2012-Eustis-Roy-debate-priorities#ixzz2ACvEMPTC

The MDN article recapping the first debate can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/10th-norfolk-eustis-and-roy-state.html

My complete set of notes from the first debate outlining both Richard Eustis and Jeff Roy's answers to each of the topics for their debate can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/10th-norfolk-candidates-state-positions.html

For additional information, feel free to visit the candidates webpages

Richard Eustis  http://www.richeustis.com/

Jeff Roy  http://jeffreyroy.com/


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Reminder: Lots to do today!


1 - Help the Hockomock YMCA by shopping at Whole Foods

Whole Foods is donating to the YMCA next Tuesday, Oct 23 to promote 'healthy futures'
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/help-ymca-shop-whole-foods-oct-23.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/help-ymca-shop-at-whole-foods-oct-23.html


2 - Taste of the Region

Sample the variety of delicacies offered from around the region at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual Taste of the Region event. This fun-filled food festival features an eclectic mix of restaurants serving a variety of dishes. Enjoy wonderful music and bid on exciting items in a silent auction.

The Taste of the Region is Tues., Oct. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin.

Tickets are available at The United Regional Chamber of Commerce offices in Attleboro (40 Union St.) and Franklin (4 West St.). Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-528-2800, 508-222-0801 or 508-695-6011 for more information.


3 - School Committee meeting
Agenda for the meeting is posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct_21.html


4 - 10th Norfolk Debate
The second debate between Richard Eustis and Jeff Roy will be held at the Horace Mann Middle School beginning at 7:00 PM

Franklin participates in confined space training


Hi Steve,

Your readers may be interested to know that Franklin municipal employees recently participated in a free confined space training held in Williamsburg. The town of Franklin is eligible to receive insurance premium credits through participation in loss prevention and risk management programs such as this one. Please feel free to contact either Jeff Nutting or me with any questions. Thanks in advance for your consideration.



Franklin participates IN CONFINED SPACE TRAining
OCTOBER 22, 2012 -- Municipal employees in water, sewer, lighting and fire departments regularly work among the most hazardous conditions – including confined spaces. To limit risk and ensure safety, 25 municipal workers from Franklin, Williamsburg and surrounding communities participated in a comprehensive, two-day Confined Space Training on September 20-21 at the Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg. The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), Williamsburg's property and casualty insurance provider, in collaboration with The New England Consortium (TNEC), a worker health and safety training organization, offered the training free of charge to the communities as a membership benefit.
 According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) confined workspaces are those which, "Hinder the activities of any employees that must enter into, work in, and exit from them." Confined spaces present increased risk of serious injury and exposure to hazards such as entrapment, engulfment in water, soil or other debris, and dangerous atmospheric conditions (presence of toxins or lack of oxygen). On average, 80 fatalities occur each year in the Unites States because of confined space hazards; about 50 percent of them are would-be rescuers. "We are grateful to MIIA for training opportunities like this one, which will help us enhance our community services, keep Franklin's employees safe, and reduce municipal risks – without additional cost to the taxpayer," said Jeffrey Nutting, town administrator. Training participants learned about OSHA-recommended protocols for entering Permit Required Confined Spaces including procedures and checklists for eliminating or controlling hazards and preventing injury. They also evaluated confined space scenarios and learned about the roles of the worksite entrant, attendant and supervisor. Trainees were educated on personal protective equipment, gas meters, air monitoring equipment and blowers; how to calculate hazardous chemical flash points and exposure limits; as well as "lock-out/tag-out" procedures for controlling kinetic or mechanical energy. Hands-on activities in actual permit spaces included group communications exercises and demonstrations of confined space access and retrieval using harnesses and tripod systems.
Upon completion of this and other MIIA risk- and loss-prevention programs, the town is eligible to receive insurance premium credits through the MIIA Rewards Programs thereby reducing its property and casualty insurance costs.
 About MIIAMIIA is the non-profit, member-based insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association insuring nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in the state. In fiscal year 2012, nearly 8,000 city and town employees participated in close to 350 MIIA-sponsored technical trainings and management seminars offered throughout the Commonwealth. Member municipalities' collective efforts yielded more than $2.6 million in premium credits through the MIIA Rewards incentive program which has a 10-year total of $17.3 million. For more information please visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.
 About TNECThe New England Consortium (TNEC) is a worker health and safety training organization based at UMASS Lowell. Since 1987, TNEC has provided dynamic hands-on, participatory health and safety training. It partners with MIIA to bring several training programs to municipal employees in Massachusetts. Through simulated work tasks and mock incidents, TNEC students gain a better understanding of work site hazards and how to properly respond in an emergency situation. TNEC is one of 20 national programs administered by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

39th Annual Craft Fair - Nov 10th

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends will be holding their 39th Annual Craft Fair





Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry will be accepted at the entrance to the Craft Fair

For additional information on Newcomers and Friends visit their webpage here
http://franklinnewcomers.com/


Halloween event for children planned at Dean College

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 10/22/12

The Dean College Office of Residence Life and Dean Community Outreach will sponsor their second annual free Halloween Happenings for local community children ages 2-7 years and their families on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2-5 p.m. at Mitchell House, 110 West Central St., Franklin.

Things you can do from here:

Franklin hires meter maid

Otherwise known as a "parking control officer" this was reported on Friday, October 19th with the publication of the letter from Police Chief Semerjian.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 10/22/12

Officials have hired a part-time meter maid who has been patrolling downtown to curtail illegal parking and free up more spaces for businesses. The town last employed a parking control officer in 2009, on a full-time basis. However, budget constraints forced town officials to cut the position. The officer, who started a little less than a month ago, works up to 15 hours a week, following a flexible schedule.

Things you can do from here:

Monday, October 22, 2012

Library Book Sale - Photo essay

I stopped by the Library Book Sale on Saturday morning. There were lots of folks browsing among the book selections filling bags with their choices.

 
Posted by Picasa
The Franklin Food Pantry benefited from donations of food an money collected during the Book Sale.


The Friends of the Franklin Library thanks their sponsors!


Fiction or non-fiction, hard cover or paperback, there were lots of choices!


You did not have a choice to buy the snow plow!



Bielat, Kennedy debate U.S. role in the world

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Mike Gleason/Daily News staff on 10/21/12

258744 MA_MD_WEL CONGRESS 111.jpg
The candidates for the Fourth Congressional District U.S. representative seat - Democrat Joseph Kennedy III and Republican Sean Bielat - have differing views on the role of the United States in the world and how the country's power should be exercised. Kennedy, a Brookline resident, said the United States should be aware of the nuances of the current world situation, and should act accordingly.

Things you can do from here:

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 23, 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 October 9, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: (none)

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Ratification of FEA MOU
b. Elementary School Improvement Plans
1. JF Kennedy
2. Keller
3. Parmenter
4. Oak Street
5. Jefferson
6. Davis Thayer

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Readings
1. JFAA – New Resident Procedures
2. JLCB – Student Immunizations

Policy Elimination – Second Reading
1. JLCCA – AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

School Attendance Policy
Cable Committee Appointment

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Policy JFAA – New Resident Procedures as discussed.
b. I recommend adoption of Policy JLCB – Student Immunizations as discussed.
c. I recommend elimination of Policy JLCCA – AIDS School Attendance Policy as discussed.
d. I recommend approval of the Davis Thayer Elementary School’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
e. I recommend approval of the Jefferson Elementary School’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
f. I recommend approval of the Keller Elementary School’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
g. I recommend approval of the JF Kennedy Elementary School’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
h. I recommend approval of the Oak Street Elementary School’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
i. I recommend approval of the Parmenter Elementary School’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
j. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
k. The School Committee recommends ____NAME_____ to be appointed to the Franklin Cable Commission.
l. I recommend approval of the recurring trip request of Renee Hersee for the 8th grade chorus students to NYC to see Newsies on May 11, 2013.
m. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2500.00 from the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund for in-house enrichment for the Franklin Public Schools.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Copex, Inc. for in-house enrichment at the FHS.
o. I recommend acceptance of a check for $128.85 from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. for in-house enrichment at the FHS.
p. I recommend acceptance of a check for $8000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips, etc.
q. I recommend ratification of the 2012-2013 FEA MOU as detailed.
r. I recommend ratification of the 2013-2016 FEA MOU as detailed.
s. I recommend ratification of the 2012-2013 FEA Evaluation Side Letter as detailed.

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

JF Kennedy - School Improvement Plan


The School Improvement Plan for 2012-2013 is scheduled for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012.




Keller - School Improvement Plan


The School Improvement Plan for 2012-2013 is scheduled for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012.






Parmenter - School Improvement Plan


The School Improvement Plan for 2012-2013 is scheduled for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012.



Oak St - School Improvement Plan


The School Improvement Plan for 2012-2013 is scheduled for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012.




Jefferson - School Improvement Plan


The School Improvement Plan for 2012-2013 is scheduled for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012.



Davis Thayer - School Improvement Plan


The School Improvement Plan for 2012-2013 is scheduled for review and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012.




10th Norfolk: Fernandes endorses Roy

Jeff Roy has been endorsed by Rep John Fernandes and that announcement is contained here






For additional information on Jeff Roy's campaign for the 10th Norfolk seat, visit his webpage here
http://jeffreyroy.com/

8% of Franklin children

With your help, the Franklin Food Pantry has an opportunity to do more. Given the numbers here, we may not be serving all of these children. There may be several reasons why. So you can help in two ways:

1 - If you know of a family that is being challenged to provide meals, let them know that the Food Pantry is available to help them. Awareness of the Pantry and its operation is a good first step to serving all that we should.

2 - You can contribute food and non-food items, volunteer your time, or make a financial contribution to help the Pantry serve your neighbors. Visit the Food Pantry website to sign up to volunteer or to make a contribution.  http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Trivia with the YPO November 14th at Mr. Dooley's Olde Irish Country Pub



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YPO_News_Head.jpg

What is the YPO?

The YPO is THE place for young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement, and professional development.
 

Come meet other young professionals in your area and check out the YPO!
  

Find us on Facebook View our profile on LinkedIn View our videos on YouTube Follow us on Twitter
Visit our blog


YPO Now Accepting New Members

The YPO Membership Application is now available! For your convenience, you can download the application here, or you can complete it online at our new website: www.unitedregionalypo.org/join.

Membership fees are $50 per person, annually. If your business is a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC), your first year of membership into the YPO is free!

Applications can be returned:
Online: unitedregionalypo.org/join
Email:unitedregionalypo@ymail.com
Fax: (508) 440-2291
Mail: 42 Union Street,
Attleboro, MA 02703

Thank You to our recent Event Sponsor
 Hearth 'n Kettle
250 Washington St
Attleboro, MA  


Be sure to check out our upcoming events on our website and stay up to date on everything YPO by connecting with us online! We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
  
Sincerely,
United Regional YPO


YPO@Dooley PNG  
YPO@Mr. Dooley's Olde Irish Country Pub - Wednesday November 14th
  

Come join the YPO for an evening of networking and trivia at Mr. Dooley's Olde Irish Country Pub located at 303 Shears Street in Wrentham.

Light refreshments will be provided. 
Cover at the door:
$5.00 members / $10.00 non-members
Networking begins at 6:30pm. 
rivia begins at 8:00 pm. 

Mr. Dooley's is the sister bar to the World Famous Mr. Dooley's in Boston, it brings with it the high standards of the Somers Pubs along with its local feel.  An inviting and quaint bar brings you back to the village of Finuge, county Kerry, and has quickly become the "local" of Wrentham.
  
 
Contact the YPO with any questions at unitedregionalypo@ymail.com or 508-488-YPO1 (9761)


Board Positions Available
The YPO is looking for additional board members to assist with event promotion and ideas as well as in other areas. If you feel you can contribute, or want to discuss an opportunity, please contact us. We always welcome your ideas, as we desire growth of the organization and our members' businesses and general connections. This may be an attractive opportunity to work alongside your peers and also be recognized at every YPO event.                                                                                      
                                                                                                  
 For more information, please contact the YPO at
unitedregionalypo@ymail.com or 508-488-YPO (9761).
About Us
Our events will be a mix of networking and fun held in some of the best places in the area.

*Must be at least 21 years old to attend events

For more info call 508-488-9761 or e-mail
.



United Regional's YPO | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703



In the News: fuel assistance, food pantry



Cold forecast for fuel assistance this winter

Saturday, October 20, 2012

From the feed reader

I have several tools to capture information being published about Franklin, MA. One of my key tools is Google Reader http://googlereader.blogspot.com/ In today's reader, I find several good articles about what is happening in and around Franklin.


1 - Warren Reynolds publishes regularly at 02038.com. He has his write up for the FHS ground breaking event held last week

New Franklin High School ground breaking celebrated

3 - Mary writes about the new items that have arrived for the Mill Store on Union St located at the railroad crossing.


Autumn awesomeness


Enjoy!

Networking Event

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 10/18/12

YOU ARE INVITED...
to a very special Franklin Downtown Partnership 
Networking Event hosted by Six One Seven Studios

Thursday, November 15th -- Starting at 5:00 p.m.
This is a special evening for FDP members looking for connections and networking opportunities. The event will be at Six One Seven Studios' state-of-the-art film studio located at 25 Kenwood Circle in Franklin. 

Come and enjoy good company, delicious appetizers, beer and wine as you tour the exciting new state-of-the-art studios.

Please RSVP to Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

Learn more about Six One Seven Studios
Six One Seven Studios is a full-service video production company based in Franklin, MA, dedicated to telling your story through high quality video production. 

Our experienced team of professionals has years of experience in the art of communicating through video. From videography, editing, scripting and all aspects of video production service, Six One Seven Studios represents some of the best in the field offering our services at competitive prices.

Six One Studios is equipped with a 3,200 square foot soundstage, makeup and client area, state-of-the-art editing suite and multiple offices.

We look forward to seeing everyone who can attend.

www.sixonesevenstudios.com





Things you can do from here:

Help the YMCA, shop Whole Foods Oct 23

Whole Foods in Bellingham will contribute 5% of the proceeds Oct 23 to support the YMCA and their 'healthy futures' initiative!



Friday, October 19, 2012

Farmers Market - Library Book sale



Franklin, MA: Farmers Market


Where in Franklin is the Town Common?


View Larger Map



Library Book Sale

Preview for Friends of Library members Friday night, open to all on Saturday



Where is the DPW Garage?
Turn on Hayward St off of RT 140 or West Central St, and follow signs to garage.



View Larger Map

Parking Control Officer returns to downtown Franklin


October 17, 2012

Letter from the Chief’s Office
As I am sure most of the citizens of Franklin are now aware the Town has hired a part-time Parking Control Officer. For many years the Parking Control Officer was a well known fixture in the center of Town. The PCO, as we call it, would walk the Downtown streets, have conversation with citizens, help with pedestrian crossings and engage in all around friendly behavior. Due to budgetary constraints the PCO position had gone unfilled for a lengthy period of time. That has changed and a PCO is now actively enforcing parking violations for the Town. 
My experience with feedback about the PCO position was that it was welcomed by the Downtown and overall community until that bright orange parking ticket was placed under a windshield wiper blade. We have learned that parking control is one of those job functions that can bring out the worst in some people. It is however a necessary enforcement function. 
There may be any number of good reasons and/or explanations as to why a parking violation might have happened and a civil explanation may make all the sense in the world possibly remedying the ticket issue right on the spot. Parking control, particularly in the Downtown where there are businesses who need and deserve convenient access for their customers to help them stay ahead of a downtrodden economy, coupled with the amount of Commuter Rail travelers looking for available parking, is a necessary and important enforcement effort conducted by the Town. 
If you have issue with a parking violation I want to remind you that you cannot remedy your parking ticket issue at the Police Station. Parking Ticket appeals are handled by the Franklin Town Treasurer/Collector. If you received a parking ticket that you believe to be in error I would encourage you to appeal to the Town Treasurer and request a hearing. When you appear for the hearing have your facts ready, be civil when presenting your argument and leave knowing the matter has been heard and I can assure you will be decided in a fair and impartial manner.
Thank You
Stephan H. Semerjian
Chief of Police



Note the original letter can be found on the Franklin webpage. the formatting was change to improve the readability   http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_PoliceNews/019A5BE5-000F8513

School meals, KIDS COUNT data, and other MassBudget updates



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
MassBudget Updates
Over the last few weeks, MassBudget has completed a number of different projects...

  • Are free and reduced-price school meals getting to all the kids who need them? That's the question that motivated Breakfast and Lunch Participation in Massachusetts Schools--part of a joint project involving MassBudget, the Center for Social Policy at UMass Boston, and the Mass Law Reform Institute, supported by the EOS foundation. Our online chartpack summarizes the major findings.

  • A complete diagram of the food assistance programs in Massachusetts shows: who is eligible for them, who runs them, where they get their funding, and how people can gain access.

  • The KIDS COUNT data center has been updated to include a breakdown of low income students by city and town based on eligibility for free and reduced-price lunch.

  • In a brief analysis of funding for children through the Department of Children and Families, we found a significant cut over the last four years--amounting to roughly $130 million.


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
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Thursday, October 18, 2012

FEF Casino Night - Nov 3

The Franklin Education Foundation will be holding its annual Casino Night, Saturday, Nov 3




Additional information can be found on the FEF webpage  http://www.franklined.org/casino_nights
or Facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/events/295237077251757/

Parmenter modular update - last

The grass is filling in. The fence is back in place.



Hard to believe that there were modular units here for more than 10 years. Looking good DPW grounds crew!


Related posts depicting the changes as the modulars were taken down and removed
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/parmenter-modular-update_30.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/update-parmenter-modular-units-1-gone-3.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/parmenter-modular-removal-underway.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/parmenter-modular-units.html


Town Council - 10/17/12

The posts reported on live during the Town Council meeting of Wednesday Oct 17, 2012 can be found here


In the News: resignation, liquor store, earthquake



Norfolk County prosecutor resigns over contact with state lab tech

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Live reporting - Closing

Town Council returns from Executive Session at 7:45 PM


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
2. Resolution 12-71 (undefined in public session)
motion to table resolution, not debatable, passed 8-0 (Roy recuse)


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 9-0

Live reporting - license hearing


F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverage License-Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10 PM
Franklin Wine and Spirits

Chief Semerjian providing additional info

Owners: We take it very seriously, 30 plus years of experience, beyond disheartening that this happened at this location. There have been no other violations. There is a license transfer pending for ownership reasons.

Q - Councilor Roy: What training have you had?
Owners: We have had the TIPS training, the Police have been very helpful to provide information on what to look for, clock with up to date approval time. Hard to believe that someone with 30 years of experience.

Q - Councilor Jones: how does this violation work with the pending sale/
A - Counsel Cerel: The issue does not transfer with the license, it is really held to the individual

motion to approve, passed 9-0 license suspended for this Saturday


N. Council Comments
Powderly
Oct 23, Senior Center tax relief programs

Kelly
Ground breaking great event, well attended

Mercer
thanks for attending the ground breaking
thanks to those who put the day together

The Building Hearing will be holding a public meeting on Nov 14th in the Council Chambers. An update on the project, the different phases, traffic patterns, etc.
Architect, Project Manager, Contractor will all be present. Will also be televised via Franklin TV


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

Motion to go to executive session for purchase of property, open session will return
approved 8-0, Roy recuse
the Council left to use Room 205 and will return to the Council Chambers when the executive session has completed