Rail Trail Committee to meet Feb 12, 7:30 PM

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013. The agenda for this meeting is shown below.

Networking Luncheon - Please Join Us!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Networking Luncheon - Please Join Us!

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 2/10/13

Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon Friday, March 1st- 1:00 Dean College Campus Center Dining Hall Hope you can come and meet other FDP members. RSVP Joel Cararra at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

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Franklin Schools: 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Feb 11

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Feb 10, 2013 6:16 PM
Subject: 2 Hour Delay
:

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello Please be advised that all schools will open 2 hours late on Monday, February 11.  The DPW did a great job plowing roads and schools however not all sidewalks are plowed at this time. The district will implement emergency transportation for those students who walk to school and are unable to obtain a ride. Buses have been directed to stop and pick up all walkers. For a list of bus stops please go to the transportation page in the Business office link on our web site. Please be aware that the snow banks are high and roads are expected to be wet so please drive with caution. District office will be open at the regular time. Stay safe To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

All Southside Lines/Routes Alert

Trains to Boston resume in the AM on Monday!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 10, 2013 11:23 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:

Regularly scheduled Commuter Rail service will resume at the start of service on Monday, February 11, 2013.

Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.

Drive cautiously

Be careful driving around Franklin today. Especially when coming from a side street to a main street, the snow is piled high on the corner and you'll have difficulty peeking around to watch for the traffic.

From North Park St to Wachusett




From Wachusett to King St

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 12, 2013

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 January 29, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards
b. Best Buddies Grants
c. FHS Project Update – Tom Mercer

(Note: The document for this can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/high-school-construction-update.html)

d. District Improvement Plan (DIP) – Maureen Sabolinski, Sally Winslow, Joyce Edwards

(Note: The document for this can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/fps-district-improvement-plan-checklist.html)

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading
1. JLCCB – Wellness Policy

(Note: The current and proposed documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/fps-wellness-policy-proposed-revision.html)


4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving Policy JLCCB-Wellness to a second reading for the next School Committee meeting on February 26, 2013.
b. I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take JF Kennedy Music Students to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 11, 2013 for a musical performance as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the rescheduling of the previously approved ski trip for HMMS students due to frigid temperatures to Mt. Sunapee, Newbury, NH to March 2, 2013.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for a mini-grant awarded to Karen Lindblom at Remington Middle School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $20.00 from Robert and Joyce Cullins for district wide in-house enrichment.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3890.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for Middle School concerts and chorus.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of dictionaries for all Franklin third grade students from the Franklin Elks Lodge 2136.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,490.00 from the Horace Mann PCC for in-house enrichment.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support / Doug Lee for in-house enrichment for FHS.

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

FPS: Wellness Policy - proposed revision

The Wellness Policy is up for discussion and possible revision on the School Committee agenda.

The current policy document:




The proposed revision to the policy:

FPS: District Improvement Plan - checklist

The District Improvement Plan checklist is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013.

High School: Construction Update

This document is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013

All Southside Lines/Routes Alert

No trains to Boston today!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: T-Alerts Notification
Date: Sun, Feb 10, 2013 at 6:44 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: T-Alerts Notification


Due to severe weather that impacted the Boston area, MBTA service is suspended on all modes through Sunday, February 10, 2013.

Service will resume as soon as possible.

Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.

MBTA Crossing at Union St, Franklin

The tracks are fairly clear so it must be the signal/power problem in Quincy that was mentioned during the Governor's update yesterday that is still the cause. With no power at this main tower in Quincy, no signals can get to anywhere on the system.

Voices of Franklin: Fluoridegate (video)

Franklin resident Rich Aucoin sends along the link to this hour long documentary on fluoride.

FLUORIDEGATE is a new documentary that reveals the tragedy of how government, industry and trade associations protect and promote a policy known to cause harm to our country and especially to small children who suffer more than any other segment of the population. While their motivation remains uncertain, the outcome is crystal clear: it is destroying our nation!

For more information on fluoride, you can visit the Franklin Fluoride Council webpage
http://franklinfluoridecouncil.com/

or the Fluoridegate webpage  http://www.fluoridegate.org/

Making our government open, transparent and accessible"

The paper has a recap of some area communities and the effort to put public meeting information in digital format.

Franklin’s website includes Town Council meeting packets dating back to 2008. 

Assistant to the Town Administrator Maxine Kinhart said staff make electronic packets for councilors, so it is just one more step to post online. 

"We just did it as a convenience to the citizens," she said. "They’re all public records so we just put it all out there." 

Kinhart said the town made computers available for councilors to use at meetings, but they prefer to bring their own devices.

Read more: Towns look to go digital in putting documents online - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x898128772/Towns-look-to-go-digital-in-putting-documents-online#ixzz2KUlUsWw9

The Franklin School Committee puts together an Adobe document package that contains the individual files for the agenda, action items, presentations, etc.

I am not aware of the Planning Board going digital. The problem there is with all the drafting documents. Some of those documents are huge and while it is possible to put them in digital format, the usability of viewing them online is not as good as simply holding the paper document.Some day!

Blizzard Nemo 2013 Update

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "TOWN OF FRANKLIN"
Date: Feb 9, 2013 1:50 PM
Subject: Blizzard Nemo 2013 Update

Hello.  This is Gary Premo calling with updated information on the storm.  The Governor's issued driving ban will be lifted at 4pm.  Please stay off the roads until then so the DPW crews can clear the streets of snow.

No significant power outages have been reported in town.  If you are experiencing an outage, please call national Grid directly at 1-800-322-3223 or 1-800-465-1212.  Bldg Commissioner Gus Brown reminds residents to clear around ALL exhaust vents (fireplaces, furnaces, dryers).  Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe asks for your assistance in clearing out any hydrants near your property.  Let the clean-up continue.  Thank you for listening.  Goodbye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

In my walk around on Saturday afternoon, I did see some hydrants cleared.

Franklin fire hydrant cleared of snow

Winter Storm Update: Travel Ban Lifted

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Winter Storm Update: Travel Ban Lifted

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/9/13

Governor Deval Patrick today lifted the order banning vehicle traffic on all state roads effective immediately for all communities west of I-91 and for Nantucket County, and the ban is lifted statewide at 4:00pm today, Saturday.  Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel to be safe and allow public safety, emergency, and road crews to do their jobs.  Visit Mass.Gov to view winter storm resources.

MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey says all MBTA service will remain shut down all day Saturday.

If you must travel, continue to use extreme caution.  MassDOT live online traffic cameras show current conditions on major state roadways.  More than 3,600 pieces of snow and ice removal equipment have worked around the clock during the storm clearing roadways.  Check MassDOT's winter driving tips. 

Visit the MBTA Winter web page to learn the latest information on MBTA service.

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Morning snow photo

In daylight, the snow is both pretty and awesome

snow on deck, #nemo 2013

The seats will be soft and comfy. The beer will be cold!

Early morning blizzard photo

looking out from the garage door, the snow is still coming down and swirling.

If you follow the shadow of the basketball pole, you might be able to make out the lump at the end of the driveway. That is about where the mailbox is and it is barely above the snow at this time.

Be safe. The road travel restrictions are still in place. As daylight begins to arrive, we can get out to shovel, clean out and take better photos!

Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Verizon Services"
Date: Feb 8, 2013 11:40 PM
Subject: Important storm-related updates regarding your Verizon FiOS service

Dear Valued Verizon Customer, In recent months, the East Coast has certainly had its fair share of significant weather events. As the latest winter storm unfolds, Verizon has deployed resources to support areas that could be impacted. Unfortunately, power outages are the most common weather-related issue our customers experience.  If you should lose power, below are some important tips about your FiOS® service:  In the event of a power outage, your FiOS® Internet and/or TV service will not be available until your power is restored   If you have fiber-based voice service or FiOS® Digital Voice, the Battery Backup Unit (BBU) that Verizon installed to support your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) supplies up to eight (8) hours of corded phone service   Should the battery in your BBU cease to power your corded phone, you may still be able to make an emergency phone call by pressing the blue Battery Emergency Use button on your BBU. This should enable your ONT to reboot and provide up to one hour of additional talk time   Once power is restored, you may need to reset your ONT or reconnect/replace the battery to restore your FiOS service(s) To Reset Your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) Unplug the electrical power cord of your Battery Backup Unit from the wall outlet Wait one minute and then plug the cord back into the wall and see if the ONT resets. If the ONT resets, then your FiOS service(s) should come back online. If not, please try to reconnect the battery according to the directions below To Reconnect (Or Replace) The Battery In Your Battery Backup Unit (BBU) Unplug the electrical power cord of your BBU from the wall outlet Open the battery cabinet on the BBU (you may need a screwdriver to do this) Disconnect the battery leads and wait 10 seconds. Reconnect the battery leads Put the battery cabinet back on and then plug the power cord back into the wall and see if the ONT resets. If the ONT resets, then your FiOS service(s) should come back online. If not, you may need to replace the battery that Verizon provided. For up-to-date information throughout the storm, please visit verizon.com/outage from your computer, smartphone, or wireless device. This site will allow you to create a repair ticket, find additional help for troubleshooting or restoring your service, and download our Verizon In-Home Agent which provides you with fast, easy solutions.  Please stay safe, and thank you for being a loyal Verizon customer. Sincerely, Your Verizon Team Having trouble with the links in this email? You can also copy and paste the following address into your browser to view your account: http://www.verizon.com/myaccount Ensure Verizon emails reach your inbox by adding verizon-services@verizon.com to your "safe" email list. Your email or Internet provider can provide instructions on how it works. This email has been sent from an auto-notification system that cannot accept incoming email. Sign In Forgot Your Password? Customer Service ©2013 Verizon

Roy gets his assignments and votes to freeze UI

Rep Jeff Roy's office has shared two press releases. One with his committee assignments and one on a recent vote to freeze the unemployment insurance rate rather than raise it.

Committee assignments:




Unemployment Insurance Rate Freeze:



For additional information on Rep Roy, visit his webpage http://jeffreyroy.com/

Franklin Schools: Sunday Events Canceled

The schools are being proactive....

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Date: Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Subject: Sunday Events Canceled

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello Due to weather conditions, all school and community activities scheduled for Sunday, February 10 are canceled. This includes all athletic practices and games. Maureen Sabolinski Superintendent of Schools To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

NationalGrid out ahead of this one

According to this press release NationalGrid is getting out ahead of the storm. And that is a good thing, one - they are doing the press release which they had not done previously, and two, spelling out how prepared they are. They may have been so in prior storms (although experience tells us otherwise) so they are making improvements!