12 Days of Donating: Day 9

On Day 9 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In September, schools re-opened, the State primary was held, and the Harvest Festival closed out the month among the many happenings and news items. 

President Paula Rooney of Dean College presented to the Town Council on how much Dean does for Franklin. Located in the center of Franklin, Dean has integrated into the community. The presentation document can be viewed here:




You can go to the on demand video archives to view the presentation (video and audio) as it was delivered to the Town Council on Sep 19th
 http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634841170883675000&indexSessionSKU=hpiBdI5nlsn7qlgtQh+I7Q%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D  (The Dean presentation portion appears about 20 minutes into the recording)

As noted in the presentation, Franklin does receive much goodness from having Dean in the middle of town. The collaboration can continue to grow and improve. Much like the collaboration of the Franklin Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!

Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

Remington-Jefferson School Tour (photo essay)

It was cold Thursday evening in Franklin and the lights of the Remington-Jefferson building cast a warm welcoming glow.    



If you looked down at the building from the sky, it is laid out like an airplane with a main central section and two wings. Much of the central section are areas that are used by both schools; cafeteria, library, and gymnasium. The tour started on the lower level of the Jefferson side, went up to the second floor and crossed over to Remington to eventually finish on the lower level of the Remington side.



In most elementary classrooms, this a familiar sight with the chairs up to help the cleaning process.



Jefferson does have modular units, the corridors are distinct as they have the rack of hooks along the walls. The modular units are basically boxes with four walls with windows and doors but no closet space. These modulars were just budgeted for removal as they are no longer needed.



Bags on each chair provide individual reading materials for the student. They get rotated out for units of study from the in room reading collection or the central school library.



One of the architectural details in the library that I was not aware of previously is that the ceiling is shaped like a book open for reading. Both my daughters attended Remington Middle School so I have been into the school before for parents night and musical performances. I had not been into the Jefferson side.



In addition to the computer lab, Remington uses "cows" computers on wheels; carts with laptop or netbook computers that can be wheeled into a classroom.



A view down the Remington stairwell as we crossed over the center section into the wing.



Yes, every seat is this class has been replaced by an exercise ball as an experiment. There are physical benefits from sitting like this especially for the long periods that the students are required to. They are also testing a stand up desk (not pictured).



The science lab on Remington side is located under one of the two roof peaks to take advantage of the space offered.



An integrated art project, the students researched the artist to paint chair in his/her style.



Here is a close up of a chair for Piet Mondrian, a Dutch painter.



Another architectural detail found throughout the building are triangular windows. This is an attempt to pick up the Benjamin Franklin story of his kite experiment.



The cafetorium is one of the main common areas. half the cafe is used by Remington, the other half by Jefferson. The divider wall can be opened up for the school performance where the stage is used.



We got a view of the Jefferson small gym. As we went around to the Remington side, it was being used by a basketball group.



Jamie Barrett's music room



Another interesting architectural detail; the bench built into wall, the wall line broken up with the different brick colors and material.



The Jefferson entrance from inside looking towards the door.



Positioned just inside the entrance is the wood carving done for Jefferson.



Back to the Remington entrance where the tour ended.



My thanks to the School Committee for scheduling these tours and in particular to Paula Mullen and Susan Rohrbach who participated in this tour. Thanks extends of course to the principals, Paul Peri (Remington), Linda Ashley (Jefferson) and Sally Winslow, Asst Superintendent. Brian Wildeman, Asst Principal for Remington was also quite helpful on the tour with timely demonstrations.

In the News: Shakespeare, clean water, state budget

FHS is preparing to perform Shakepeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream" Dec 19 and 20

Dreaming of a successful play

by Staff reports

Franklin company fined for violating Clean Water Act

by Staff reports

State budget is tapped out, but bottled water flows

by Jessica Trufant and Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

12 Days of Donating: Day 8

On Day 8 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In August, the Big Y finally opened its doors.

Big Y - Franklin, MA opened in Aug 2012

RT 140 is newly expanded and paved, the lights are operational to allow access out of Big Y and the Municipal Building as well as the other business opposite. It is rare to see only one car in the parking lot.

Why highlight the Big Y for this month? I think it tells us a couple of things about Franklin.

First - Businesses find Franklin a good place to operate. Look around at what is underway (new or renovation) or proposed. There are still some empty or underutilized buildings but compared to other communities, this is so much better. Why? Tax dollars. Yes, it is all the same tax rate but the businesses are at least paying and the more that come here, the better off we'll all be.

Second - the Big Y has helped create competition for our food dollars. Our family shopping pattern has changed to include a stop there periodically to take advantage of the sales. In times like these when stretching a dollar for as much as you can get, it helps when there is competition. Will Franklin remain with three food markets? Time will tell. In the meantime, we can shop for the best price!

For the 12 Days of Donating, the Franklin Food Elves have combined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

Dean College - the street view

On Main St, Dean College has a classic looking entrance with brick and wrought iron

The fencing continues up Main St anchored by brick posts. Many of the brick posts have plaques commemorating a graduating class.

With the new residence hall on West central St about to open, the landscaping includes the addition of this wrought iron fencing

The corner of Union and West Central is an updated version of the main entrance shown above.

Franklin joins discussion on how to handle medical pot

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin joins discussion on how to handle medical pot

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 12/6/12

Like so many other municipalities across the commonwealth, the town has begun planning for the slim possibility that a medical marijuana dispensary or clinic would attempt to open within its borders. In his report during the Town Council meeting Wednesday night, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting presented officials' their options, saying they can allow such businesses to open, but regulate where they can and cannot set up shop with a zoning bylaw, prohibit them entirely, or take no action.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Franklin Library: Jamie Barrett - Holiday Music Show

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Jamie Barrett - Holiday Music Show

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 12/5/12

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

12 Days of Donating: Day 7

On Day 7 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.

In July, road work on RT 140 was underway to prepare for the opening of the Big Y in August. A syringe disposal kiosk was positioned at the Fire Station downtown, then moved to the DPW Offices. The five candidates campaigning to replace Rep Vallee were hitting the pavement going door to door and the three Democrats were preparing for their first debate on July 30.

The Farmers Market opened every Friday from June through November 2 and seemed to be the busiest during July. The market located at the Town Common, featured the produce from local farmers. One special treat I enjoyed was the fresh native honey from Akin-Bak Farms. Stopping by to talk with Howard Crawford was always a pleasure.

I have seen articles raising questions about the benefits of buying local produce but I also wonder who is really behind the article. Unfortunately, so many of the big food companies fund research that is slanted, it becomes hard to trust what is available to read. Hence, there is one advantage with buying local. The farmer is there to talk to. Simple, direct. Fresh produce from the local area.

The Nourse Farm stand from Oct 2011 at the Franklin Farmers Market

Half way through the 12 Days of Donating, the Franklin Food Elves have combined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:

• Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
• Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.

You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html

Town Council - 12/05/12

The collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 5, 2012 can be found here

• Live reporting - legislation, closing
• Live reporting - appointments, licenses renewals
• Live reporting - Town Council - Dec 5, 2012

In the News: trail improvements, capital plan, day care snags

Franklin to help improve trail

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Additional information from the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 5th can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/town-council-120512.html

Schools may receive funds for capital improvement projects

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Improvements to Franklin day care hit snag

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

"There’s an air of uncertainty"

You may have heard it before and you did because it is true. Until the overall economic conditions radically improve, this situation will arise each budget year.

Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Wednesday that he’s confident the town has enough money in its reserve to make it through the year without slashing jobs if the state makes cuts, but fiscal 2014 could be a different story. 

"We can survive short-term, but it’s the long term I’m worried about. Franklin is overly dependent on state aid, and a cut would have a major effect on us," said Nutting. 

About one-third of Franklin’s 2013 budget – $30 million of $92 million – is funded by state aid due to the town’s fast growth and school-aged population. Even a slight decrease in fiscal 2014 aid would therefore be concerning for the town. 

"We are much more heavily dependent on state aid than other communities our size," Nutting said. "A fiscal 2014 reduction in state aid of even 2 or 3 percent is a million bucks, and to another town of size, it could only be $200,000."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1107418643/Officials-concerned-with-future-of-state-aid#ixzz2EGdLTLxa

Best Buddies (video)

There have been a number of Best Buddies activities in Franklin so this new holiday video message is a good one to share.



"Show up
Stand up
I'll be your buddy anyway!"


For more information and to donate to Best Buddies visit their web page  http://www.bestbuddies.org/


Related posts on the Best Buddies program in Franklin schools
Best Buddies provides grants
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jun_24.html

Best Buddies brought the Meiers to Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/i-hope-that-you-welcome-them.html

Best Buddies grant awards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/01/fm-54-week-ending-11710.html

Live reporting - legislation, closing

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-82: Legal Notices
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

2. Resolution 12-83: 2013 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
moving the meeting in July to the 17th
Feb 20th moved to the 13th
Mar 17 moved to the 24th
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

3. Resolution 12-84: Southern New England Trunkline Trail Multi-Community Joint Planning Resolution
Received a grant for $10K to do some planning, working to study the Prospect St crossing

Powderly thanks for all the effort, this is a long development
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Can suspend the parking on Saturday beginning this weekend
just can't park all day

Planning Board endorsed the Site Plan bylaw and it will come back to Town Council

DelCarte dam construction will start next week and should end about May

Governor's adjustment to budget in administrative areas, looking to the Legislature to make local aid cuts, not too concerned about the short term cuts, the schools will get hit the most due to the circuit breaker
big concern to look to FY 2014, especially given Congress inability to do anything
it will be a trickle down effect to the local communities, this year we'll get by, next year is a concern

zoning bylaw on medical marijuana, looking to get ahead of the curve
choices are, don't allow it at all, or allow it in the adult entertainment area (industrial park) or not do anything which will create a problem eventually

Q - are there a limited number of dispensaries?
A -  in the beginning there will be five dispensaries per county, but after that they can expand

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - had opportunity early on to be interviewed when on the School Committee, that experience taught him to be better prepared
Received many compliments on the tree lighting on the common, it has been well received

Bissanti - congratulations to Stella on her award, I had heard her name referenced as a person to be recond with

Pfeffer - she knows what is going on, she is on top of her game; I remember going to her father's store (the holder of the first liquor license)

Powderly - had received the first congratulatory phone call from Stella
Echo the fine comments on the Town Common, it looks beautiful
thanks to the Downtown Partnership for a great Holiday Stroll

Kelly - congrats, the common looks beautiful

Dellorco - congrats, the lights look great, the trees that were cut were a great call

Mercer - congrats on the award, my family has know Stella for many years; I had worked with her on the Senior Center project and she was a great leader along with Judy Pfeffer
Mountains of dirt being moved around on the high school site. foundations getting poured in the next couple of weeks and with some weather luck we'll see some steel shortly after

Vallee - I'd like to thank you for what you have done, and thank you to Karen for bringing her to the meeting, that is over and above her duty

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

P. ADJOURN

motion to adjourn, approved 8-0

Live reporting - appointments, licenses renewals

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council - Caterina Colson
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0

2013-2014 Election Workers
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Location and Alteration of Premises - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits
moving to 14 Grove St, looking to move subject to approval and completion of the improvements
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

2013 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals
with a few licenses being held back until past due invoices are paid in full
while some of the restaurants are on the listing, there maybe another party (land owner for example) responsible for the tax bills.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Live reporting - Town Council - Dec 5, 2012

Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Jones

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
April 18, 2012
move approval of the minutes, seconded, passed 8-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
and by Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Stella Jeon

Stella said she shares this award with a number of folks, members of the groups she is part of and works with. "It has been a joy of me to serve the community."

Karen Alves, read a poem written by Stella to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Senior Center