Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 23, 2013

Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent:   none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2012
approved 8-0 (Roy arrived right after the vote)

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Steve Sherlock - Franklin resident on Lawrence Dr, I am usually here reporting for Franklin Matters but for this evening I'd like to spend a couple of minutes wearing another hat.

I am the Chair for the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry and our 3rd annual phone-a-thon is approaching. We are getting the word out through the newspaper and other outlets and wanted to use this time as well.

This is an all volunteer effort. We are looking for volunteers to help on Sat Feb 9th and Sat Feb 16th. Looking for 2 hour time slots, if your schedule permits, we will welcome your help.

Additional information can be found on the Food Pantry webpage
You can send an email to Bob at Franklinfoodpantry.org or call the Pantry, option 5 for the Phone-a-thon

We are grateful to Dean College for letting us use their facilities for this effort and for providing for lunch for our volunteers on both days.

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/01/franklin-food-pantry-phone-thon.html


E. APPOINTMENTS 
Appointment to the Historical Commission - Connie Lawson
approved 9-0

F. HEARINGS 

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

The Glass Harmonica

Vera Meyer returned to the Franklin Historical Museum to help celebrates Benjamin Franklin's birthday on Sunday. His birthday actually is Jan 17th.

The standing room only crowd listened, made suggestions, and asked good questions about the glass harmonica.



The instrument is turned by hand or in this case with an electric motor. It is played by holding ones fingers along the edge of the glass. Both the glass and the fingers need to be wet to make good sounds.



When trying to play a piece with high notes, Vera remarked after that she usually brings her own water with her. The instrument plays better with hard water than soft water.



The instrument is more likely to play music with slower tempos like church hymns or waltzes. She did have a request for a polka and that type of music is too much uptempo to do well with this.



For Vera's prior visits to the Historical Museum for Ben's Birthday visit this link for 2012 and this for 2011

For additional info on Ben visit this wikipedia page

For additional information on the glass harmonica this page on wikipedia can get you started

And if you missed stopping by, but would like to hear what the glass harmonica sounds like, skip ahead in this recording to about the 9 minute mark to listen and enjoy  (of course, if you want to step back in time to 2011, don't skip just listen).

Franklin Matters: FM #84 - Week Ending Jan 30, 2011Jan 30, 2011
Those who came by were able to learn from Vera Meyer about the glass harmonica that Ben invented while listening to her play. I hope she is able to come back to the museum in the future. The instrument is special and her ...http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

Franklin High School Construction

Lots of trucks have been in and out of the new high school construction site. As I walked by on Monday, there was a series of cement trucks making deliveries too!



Not much to see just yet. Once the foundation is all poured and set, the steel frame will start to rise and then it will begin to look like something more than an organized mess.

Voices of Franklin: What to do about the conditions on Ledge St?

Rob Crummet lives on Ledge St. Yes Ledge St, you might recognize it if you have seen the recently published road condition report. It is #2 on the list.

Scroll through his letter and view the pictures of the #2 road in Franklin.





When will Ledge St be fixed? Rob would like to know.

Franklin Senior Center: AARP Drivers Safety Class - Jan 26

Reporting by walking around Franklin, I found this and several other photos worth sharing.




For additional info visit the Senior Center webpage  http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index


To register, call the Senior Center  508-520-4945

Sam Adams Beer Dinner at 3

Good beer, good food, and likely to be a gathering of folks who like those things as well; sounds like a great combination!

An Exceptional Evening of 3's Great Food Paired with Samuel Adams Beer Please join 3 for an evening of delicious food and beer. We will be featuring a four course dinner specially prepared by Sous Chef Danielle Sargent - each course paired with a beer from the Samuel Adams Brewery. Thursday, January 31, 7:00pm; $55/pp:  includes four course dinner, four beer tastings, tax and gratuity. Plus, some great Samuel Adams Brewery giveaways!    Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 508.528.6333. 3  461 West Central Street, Franklin, MA  508.528.6333  3-restaurant.com Visit our other Let's Eat, Inc. restaurant in Norwood: SKY

Forward email Let's Eat, Inc. | 461 Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin Food Pantry Phone-A-Thon slated

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin Food Pantry Phone-A-Thon slated

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/21/13

The Franklin Food Pantry will conduct it's annual Phone-A-Thon on Saturdays, Feb. 9 and 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Dr Martin Luther King: "I have a dream"

In a world where injustice still exists, where inequality still thrives, we must remember why this day is a holiday.

"To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction."

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., The Purpose of Education


Spend less than 20 minutes to listen (or listen again) to "I have a dream"





The text of this speech can also be found here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/17/i-have-a-dream-speech-text_n_809993.html

Franklin Library: Make Your Own Journal

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Make Your Own Journal

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 1/20/13

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

"18-acre community-supported farm off Daniels Street"

The Milford Daily News reports on the Planning Board approval for the Hoffman Farm:

Hoffmann’s first was in New Braintree, a farming town northwest of Worcester where he and his family currently reside. He had 40 acres, tended to 40 dairy goats and grew 40,000 pounds of butternut squash a year. 

He’s working with a considerably smaller plot this time. Still, the farm will yield a wide-variety of vegetables. And he’ll keep cows and goats. (For now, his animals are staying at a friend’s farm.) 

"We will be in full operation vegetable-wise this summer," Hoffmann said. "We have to - that’s how I make my living. If I don’t do that, I don’t go to work." 

Hoffmann’s Farm is exempt from most of the town’s zoning bylaws. However, the Planning Board pushed Hoffmann to create a subdivision for his house, forcing him to build a private road leading to where the home will go.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1084485419/After-getting-OK-from-town-Franklin-farmer-ready-to-grow#ixzz2IbvyjFaO

Special Education Speaker in Medway

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What the Dracut decision taught us about the importance of social skills and language pragmatics in an IEP.       Date: January 22nd, 2013 Where: MHS - 88 Summer Street Medway, MA 02053    Time: 7pm    Open and free to the public.  Please RSVP to medwayspedpac@gmail.com    Discussions lead by Elsa Abele MS CCC/SLP and clinical assistant professor at Boston University and professor at the Center For Autism Disorders at Antioch University and Attorney's Janine A. Solomon and Pamela J. Coveney, from the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts.    Funded by the Medway SEPAC 2013       Have you heard the words social skills or language pragmatics but don't really know what it means? Have you observed or know a child or adolescent who: Doesn't say hello, goodbye or greet with a smile unless they are told? Rarely says please or thank you? Doesn't take turns when talking or interrupts often? Say inappropriate or unrelated things during conversation? Doesn't make small talk or show interest on others topics? Not able to understand sarcasm. Tell stories in a disorganized way? Has difficulty understanding another viewpoint or feelings. Doesn't notice others feelings? Unable to build friendships or keep friends? Doesn't think ahead about something nice that could be done for friend or family? Always to get their own way? Has difficulty discussing conflict calmly and rationally and come to an agreement about a solution? Has difficulty managing their emotions? Sometimes seems like they just don't get it? Doesn't comprehend the impact of nonverbal communication on others and/or can't interpret the nonverbal communication that others communicate Body language Fidgeting/twirling/jumping Eye contact or lack of eye contact Facial gestures            Who is on an IEP, 504 or has a learning disability? If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue reading. What are social skills? Social Skills, Language pragmatics (social language) refers to the verbal and nonverbal rules that dictate our social interactions. Social skills are critical to function in society and maintain a healthy, happy, successful life. Ability to control emotions, anxiety, attention and impulses. Meet Greet, Acknowledge, and Communicate and interact with others. Engage in a back and forth conversation AND showing interest by nodding or smiling. Joint decision making, negotiation, ability to discuss conflict calmly and rationally and come to an agreement about the solution. Being able to say what you are feeling without aggression or getting personal. Noticing, understanding, acknowledging others feelings and perspectives. Recognizing and interpreting correctly nonverbal communication (body position, eyes, tone, volume, gestures) 7% communication is verbal 93% communication is non-verbal If one does not understand nonverbal cues it will significantly impact all aspects of life such as self-esteem, relationships, school, employment, stress/anxiety, overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. Consequences of Poor Social Skills Experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships with parents, peers, and teachers. Evoke highly negative responses from others that lead to high level peer rejection. Peer rejection has been linked with school violence. Show signs of depression, anxiety, aggression or withdrawal. Demonstrate poor academic performance as an indirect consequence. Show a higher incidence of involvement in the criminal justice system as adults. Consequences of Good Social Skills Strengthen relationships and facilitate success at school/work. Ability to problem solves, manage stress and emotions, ask for assistance when needed, respectfully and appropriately and deal with conflict lead to resiliency of future events. Students make healthy, safe choices. Students take personal responsibility for self-discipline and actions.    What happened in Dracut??? In violation: the Dracut Public Schools failed to provide adequate transition services for the student, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts state law. As such will need to : This effectively denied the student a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and Mr. Crane has ordered Dracut to provide two years of Compensatory services for the student and his family. The Hearing Officer agreed with the family, noting that Dracut had declined to evaluate the student properly, plan proper community-based transition services for him or accept recommendations from highly credentialed experts who had suggested modifications to his Individual Education Program (IEP). He credited testimony offered on behalf of the student, both as to the severity of his deficits, and what was needed to address them. Accordingly, he awarded two years of compensatory transition services specifically ordering Dracut to: · extend the student's special education eligibility for an additional two years; · convene a team meeting in 30 days to develop a new transition plan; · start providing new transition services within 60 days; and · hire two of the student's testifying experts as consultants (or accept their recommendations for other appropriate consultants, if they are unavailable). The decision carefully enumerates the required elements of the student's new IEP transition plan, mandating that it include: · systematic, step-by-step pragmatic language instruction; · development of organizational skills; · vocational training; · travel instruction; · a comprehensive social skills assessment; and · training in social skills. The decision has important implications for the rights of young people with disabilities approaching transition age. It carefully enumerates several legally required elements of the transition process. First, it underscores the need for IEP teams to work collaboratively, to identify students' deficits while they are still eligible for special education services, and to listen to recommendations from properly credentialed experts. The decision also highlights the underlying purpose of transition services, and why Congress added them to the IDEA. It cites Congress's finding that, "when individuals are not prepared to make the transition into the post-school environment'[years of special education will be wasted while these individuals languish at home.   It further notes that "transition services are part of, and not separate from, a school district's responsibility to provide FAPE." In this case, the student's Asperger's Syndrome limits his ability to apply learned skills from one environment to another. Therefore, he needs to experience employment situations within three or four community settings, to develop usable vocational skills. To determine what additional services are necessary, there must be appropriate transition assessments. Without them, the team has insufficient information to devise an appropriate program, and plans need to be individualized for each student. The decision then underscores that mere academic success is not enough, when other deficits will likely preclude a student from functioning effectively in a post-secondary environment, whether in the community, in college, or when interacting with social and workplace peers. STAY CONNECTED

Forward this email WMRC Daily News | 258 Main Street | Milford | MA | 01757

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 23, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 7, 2012

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Appointment to the Historical Commission - Connie Lawson

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jim Dacey, Treasurer Collector
Brutus Cantoreggi, Director Public Works

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-01: Appropriation – Capital FY 13
2. Resolution 13-02: Appropriation – Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 13
3. Resolution 13-03: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Capital FY 13
4. Resolution 13-04: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Water Lines FY 13
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-699:Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Administration- 2nd Reading

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 as published for this agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/012313.pdf

Change to Beaver St Recycling Center stickers

From the Franklin, MA webpage, comes this notice of a policy change to the stickers needed for Beaver St which is effective immediately.

Attached is the new policy for Recycling Center stickers effective immediately. When a sticker is purchased it is to be paper clipped to this 3 page form with instructions on putting the sticker on the vehicle along with the center rules, regulations and fees. Town employees are not required to put stickers on the vehicle. The sticker must be on the vehicle prior to entering the Recycling Center or will be denied access. When a sticker is purchased at the center it must be on subsequent visits.

The policy referenced above as "attached" is located here for your convenience:

Friendly Reminder - Curbside collection delayed this week

From the official Franklin, MA webpage

MONDAY JANUARY 21 IS A HOLIDAY

NO CURBSIDE COLLECTION

COLLECTION WILL BE ONE DAY

LATER THAN USUAL FOR THE WEEK

With the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, there is no school!

Parmenter School, Wachusett St, Franklin, MA 02038

Livy's Hope - The Cake Bar

While I was on my errands Saturday afternoon, Tracie Turinese sent me an email about a fund raiser at her place, The Cake Bar. Hmm, I was going to drive right by on my way home, might as well stop in and see what's up.

The Cake Bar was busy. As I was in line, watching for an opportunity to take a picture of the luscious cupcakes in the display case, the tray marked "Livy's Hope" was pulled out. The last of that batch had just been sold. Any cupcake purchase qualifies for a contribution to this cause so I did make a choice. There are so many decadent ones to choose from!


Here is the flyer with the full story on the fund raising effort for Livy




Here is a view of the special Livy cupcakes. Yes, more are being made. You might be able to get one or more when you go there this weekend.

The Cake Bar - Livy's Hope

For more about Livy's Hope you can visit their webpage   www.livyshope.com

If you don't make it to the Cake Bar, you can donate through the Livy's Hope website

http://www.livyshope.com/index.php/fundraising/donate

BTW - The Cake Bar now is selling gluten free cupcakes made by Twist Bakery from Millis

If it is hard to get to the links in the flyer, you can try these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtgzYA-HNnM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgo_CN1w25Y

And if course, The Cake Bar can also be found online  www.thecakebaronline.com

Food Pantry: Volunteers needed for Phone-a-thon

Franklin Food Pantry Volunteers,

On Saturday(s), February 9th and February 16th the Franklin Food Pantry will be holding its biggest fundraiser, The Annual Phone-A-Thon.

Last year, through the help of generous folks like you, we were able to raise over $12,500.00 to feed our Franklin neighbors in need.

This year, it is our goal to exceed that number by 20% to support the 40% increase in the number of clients seeking our assistance.

Will you join us?

Volunteers are asked to sign on for two-hour call shifts at Dean College:

February 9th       February 16th

10:00-Noon

Noon-2:00

2:00-4:00

Can we count you in?

Please call the Phone-A-Thon hotline @ (508) 528-3115 (option 5 on voicemail), or contact me via email bob@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Please be sure to leave the following information
· First name, Last name
· Best phone number to reach you
· Email address
· Preference of day and shift/time(s)

Your response by January 26th would be appreciated.

As always, it is neighbors like you that keep us going!

Thanks,

Bob Hamilton
Fundraising Committee Chair


Note: this was also posted to the Franklin Food Pantry web page here
Disclosure: I am one of the volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Food Pantry and proud to lead this effort to help our neighbors.

MassBudget: Analyzing the Governor's Proposals on Education, Transportation, and Revenue

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Analyzing the Governor's Proposals Over the past week, the Governor has introduced a series of important policy proposals, including: 1) new investments in education; 2) a commitment to fix and improve the state's transportation system; and 3) a detailed plan to pay for these investments with new revenue. MassBudget's "First Look at the Governor's Proposals" analyzes each of these initiatives, including the impact they would have on Early Education & Care, K-12, Higher Ed., Transportation, the Sales Tax, and the Income Tax. Among other things, the Governor's proposals include: Significantly more funding for Early Education & Care, to help ensure that lower-income families have access to the kind of high-quality child care that helps prepare young children for success in school and in life. A combination of sales taxes decreases and income tax increases that would help fund these investments in education and transportation with $1.9 billion in new revenues--while also making the state's tax system more fair. Read A FIRST LOOK AT THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSALS Other MassBudget Updates A new factsheet, "The Regional Impact of a Minimum Wage Increase" provides a regional breakdown of the workers and families who would benefit from a minimum wage increase. In addition, we have also updated and expanded our previous minimum wage reports and our interactive tools. Looking for a primer on Local Aid before the Governor releases his full budget next week? Senior Policy Analyst Luc Schuster explains what Local Aid is for--and how deeply it has been cut--in a new MassBudget video. 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

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News: Lt Gov Murray, head on crash, right to repair, stove rebates

Lt. Gov. Murray: I won't run for governor next year

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, after spending the last 15 years in local and statewide public office, will not run for governor in 2014, citing the time commitment that would be required to juggle his current job, a full-time campaign, and his responsibilities to his family.

Two hurt in head-on crash in Franklin

by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Two women were injured, one seriously, in a head-on collision on Rte. 140 near Franklin Village shopping center Thursday night, police said.

Note: the stub of the story available on Friday has been updated in this posting.

'Right to Repair' might need fixing

by David Riley/driley@wickedlocal.com

Get ready for Right to Repair déjà vu. Last year, the Bay State passed two versions of a bill requiring automakers to make previously guarded diagnostic and repair information available to independent garages. The measures conflict on key details, and now advocacy groups are lining up behind dueling bills on how to reconcile the differences.

State offers rebates for new woodstoves

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

The state's Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs today announced the second round of a program that provides rebates to residents for the replacement of old, inefficient wood or coal-burning stoves.

Downtown triangle signs

On the triangle, if you have driven by this week maybe you saw one side of the sign.

If you didn't go back the same way, maybe you did not see the other side of the sign

With the eventual reconfiguration of this intersection to allow two way traffic on Main St, I expect these signs will go away. I recall from one of the preparation meetings, there is a plan for the historical water trough. It wasn't always here and can be re-located.

I hope it finds a good place. It is one of the connections to where I grew up, down the road a piece in Pawtucket, RI.

Andy Puddicombe: All it takes is 10 mindful minutes (video)

"Most people assume that meditation is all about stopping thoughts, getting rid of emotions, somehow controlling the mind. But actually it's … about stepping back, seeing the thought clearly, witnessing it coming and going.” (Andy Puddicombe)

Hear this quote in the context of this 10 minute video



Then reward yourself with 10 minutes of nothing.

You can do it!

Governor Patrick calls for income tax hike, sales tax cut

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Governor Patrick calls for income tax hike, sales tax cut

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Bob Salsberg on 1/17/13

Gov. Deval Patrick asked the Legislature on Wednesday to support a net increase of $1.9 billion in state taxes to support major new spending on transportation and education. Patrick used his annual state of the state address to propose hiking the state income tax from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent, while doubling the personal exemption for all taxpayers and eliminating dozens of itemized deductions. At the same time, he called for reducing the state sales tax from the current 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
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Discover Dean College (video)

Dean has a new video to share touting what they can offer!



For more on Dean College, click through to their webpage  http://www.dean.edu/

Two hurt in head-on crash on Rte. 140 in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Two hurt in head-on crash on Rte. 140 in Franklin

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff on 1/17/13

Two people were injured, one of them seriously, in a head-on crash on Rte. 140 near Franklin Village Thursday night, police said.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Annual Report 2012: Franklin Library

FY2012 was a transformative and productive year for the Franklin Public Library.

The Franklin Library Board of Directors combined the two circulation desks in order to address persistent budgetary constraints, functional space issues, and the efficient delivery of services. We deeply regret the loss of our hardworking staff; the loss of certification for two months and the inconvenience it caused.

Funding level reductions have not impacted services: Service levels, library hours, library visits, special programs have increased through the effective utilization of resources

Important Notes:

• Annual book budget increased by 53% from 2011, providing more new materials for patrons than  previous year.
• Checkouts for downloadable ebooks increased by 52%. ($5,000 funding provided by the Friends of the Library) 
• Investment in and the use of automated services has enabled the library to provide higher level of services with less staff. Use of automated self-check-out has increased by 35% from last year; and now accounts for 43% of our total circulation.
• Total circulation in FY2012 was 309,807, down 9% from FY2011. (Large sections of the collection were unavailable during renovation).
• Total attendance at children’s programs increased by 28% from 4,134 in FY2011 to 5,328 in FY2012.
• Library visits increased by 7%, from 165,403 in FY2011 to 177,324 in FY2012. 

New Initiatives in FY2012

• Opened Fridays for the first time in 3 years. The Library is now open 60 hrs a week, 6 days a week – a 15% increase from FY2011. 
• Opened a Student’s Assistance Center in October 2011 to provide free homework assistance to students in grades 2-8. 
• Incorporated Kindles and Nooks in the circulating collection 
• Added a Blu-ray collection
• Added a Speed view Collection (3day loan of DVDs & Blu-rays)
• Initiated a local author’s shelf

Expanded Services in FY2012

• Home delivery for patrons with disabling conditions
• Speed view collection (7 day new popular fiction and non fiction)
• Downloadable e-books
• Downloadable audio-books
• Family and special programming

How Are We Doing?
We asked you to rate the changes and new services on a scale of 1 to 10. You responded with very high marks. (9s and 10s) Thank you!! Here are samplings of your impressions of the Library

• “I like the openness of the Main Circulation Desk” 
• “Nice people, very helpful”
• “The library is wonderful and well organized. Keep the good work”
• “Impressed – everything is so easy and staff very nice and helpful”
• “Super happy you made computers instantly accessible without having to stop at the desk and get ID code…!! That’s the way it should be. Thanks”
• “Great services”
• “Love the environment”
• “Pretty clean”
• “Excellent – so happy Library is open on Fridays and certification is back”
• “Shelf check is so convenient”

Your suggestions for improvement
“More programs for older children (8-12)
“The children’s room could use more child friendly décor & demarcation”
“Better Lighting on the fourth floor; better air-conditioning”
“More confined space for toddler story time ….for tighter community feel”
“Having staff available on the second floor”

A million thanks!
The above accomplishments are a result of a group effort. Library staff admirably performed their new roles
during a period of anxiety and disruption. The community’s support and encouragement during the  decertification crisis kept us strong and focused. We thank the Massachusetts Board of Library  Commissioners for granting the Library’s appeal for a waiver of the FY 2012 Municipal Appropriation Requirement. We are especially grateful to the Franklin Town Council for providing additional funding critical in securing recertification.

The Library continually relies on the generosity of the Friends of the Library. Their support and monetary gifts have allowed the Library to fund museum passes, programs and collections. We appreciate their time and financial assistance.

The Student’s Assistance Center was a tremendous success in its first year. Twenty-five students in grades 2-8 received free homework assistance every week. The success of this program is due to dedicated, dependable and caring volunteers. Both the students and their parents were very grateful for this service.
Sincerest thanks to Nancy Rappa, Suzanne Stilgoe, and Monique Doyle for co-coordinating this effort.

The Beautification Committee, chaired by Susan Rittenhouse, has been working all summer to make the Library more welcoming and inviting.  Some of the improvements are evident on the first floor. We commend their efforts.

Andrea Burke and her committee worked hard over the summer to create an exciting array of adult programs and new outreach initiatives for the coming year. Check the library web site and
blog for more information. We thank them.

Moving Forward: Assessing the Future

A New Vision
The Library Board is undertaking a new vision to ensure sustainability, fiscal responsibility and community responsiveness. Your participation is critical as the process moves forward. We invite you to stay involved and welcome your suggestions.

Respectfully submitted,

Felicia Oti, Library Director


--------

You can participate in their Strategic Direction Survey here
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDR5OXhIOE00M2ZKWTF1ZDZ0R3VoQkE6MQ


Visit the Library webpage for updates throughout the year
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/index

Published by the Town Clerk, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Mass Poetry Festival - May 3 - 5, 2013 (video)

Salem is not just for witch craft, it is also a place for words, and lots of them. The Mass Poetry Festival will be held in Salem May 3rd through the 5th.


Massachusetts Poetry Festival 2012 from Riley Fearon on Vimeo.

For more info on the Festival, visit their webpage here http://masspoetry.org/massachusetts-poetry-festival-2013/