Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Early Ed. in the Governor's budget + Globe Op-Ed



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
Early Ed. & Care in the Governor's Budget
Quality Early Education & Care can help prepare children for success in school and in life, and it provides parents the flexibility they need to seek and keep jobs. MassBudget's new brief, Early Education & Care in the Governor's FY 2014 Budget, analyzes the Governor's proposals for early education and child care. These include:

  • A 22% increase in funding for access to child care, as part of an effort to clear the current wait list

  • An expansion of education funding for pre-K students

  • New programs to train teachers and improve quality

Early Education & Care in the Governor's FY 2014 Budget is the first in a series of briefs that will explore, in greater detail, important issues in the Governor's proposal.




MassBudget Op-Ed in the Globe

In an Op-Ed in Today's Boston Globe, MassBudget President Noah Berger describes how the tax cuts of 1998-2002 have limited our ability to invest in our children, our communities, and the future of our economy.
"Tax policy debates are about how we pay for the things we do together for our communities, our families, and our economy. Working together through government allows us to accomplish things that are vital to us as a Commonwealth and that we can't do alone. This includes the roads, subways, and buses that help us get around and allow our economy to function; the schools that educate our children and strengthen our future workforce; the police and fire protection that keep our neighborhoods safe; the environmental safeguards that maintain our clean air and water; and the safety net that protects us when we fall on hard times.

About 15 years ago, at the height of the dot-com bubble, our state made tax policy choices that have shaped state policy ever since. At the time, our economy was so strong that it seemed we could cut taxes dramatically with no consequences. The state enacted a series of cuts to the income tax that are now costing us close to $3 billion a year. We cut the tax rate on most income from 5.95 percent to 5.3 percent, costing over $1.5 billion. We cut the tax rate on dividends and interest from 12 percent to 5.3 percent, costing about $850 million. We increased the personal deduction to $4,400, costing $550 million."




Mass. Business Taxes

MassBudget has updated our factsheet on statewide business taxes, How do Massachusetts Business Taxes Compare to Other States. When business are deciding where to locate or expand, they look at a range of factors: infrastructure, quality of the local workforce, available markets, and sometimes tax levels. Looking just at taxes, one prominent study--produced regularly by the Council on State Taxation (COST)--finds that overall state and local business taxes in Massachusetts are well below average.

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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This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |  

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

Tax Tip of the Week

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Ann Dufresne-DOR Communications Director on 2/12/13

Here's a deduction you don't want to miss when filing your MA tax return--the rental deduction. You may be entitled to a tax deduction equal to one half of the rent you paid during calendar year 2012 up to $3,000 for your principal residence in MA. Rent includes the amount you paid for heat, hot water, gas, electricity, furniture or parking, if the landlord makes no separate charge for these items. In tax year 2011an estimated 818,726 taxpayers claimed the rental deduction reducing paying filers' taxes by $117.8 million.Go to the TheFilingZone for anything and everything you ever wanted to know about filing your state returns.

Things you can do from here:

Franklin Library: Fun Club - Valentine Bingo

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 2/12/13



Things you can do from here:

In the News: ID bylaw, Recreation Dept



AG says voter I.D. bylaw can't apply to Bellingham town elections

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office ruled on Tuesday that part of the voter I.D. bylaw passed at the October special Town Meeting is unconstitutional.


Franklin Recreation briefs

News from the Franklin Recreation Department.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Where are all the kids?

Sunday afternoon. Dolores and I walked to downtown and back. We saw a couple of snowmen. We saw a few kids digging some tunnels in the snow. We did see evidence of some snow forts and a snow ball fight that had happened.

nemo_Franklin_FletcherFld

And when we walked by Fletcher Field, the snow was unbroken. Glistening in the snow light.

6,000 kids in the school system. Gorgeous Sunday afternoon. Plenty of snow...

Where are all the kids?


More photos from the walk around Franklin Saturday and Sunday can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157632725898629/with/8463737646/

TED: Kids need structure (video)


"Always be looking for that which you do well and that which you love doing, and when you find those two things together — man, you got it.” (Colin Powell)





"So, I tell young people everywhere, it ain't where you start in life, it's what you do with life that determines where you end up in life, and you are blessed to be living in a country that, no matter where you start, you have opportunities so long as you believe in yourself, you believe in the society and the country, and you believe that you can self-improve and educate yourself as you go along. And that's the key to success." Colin Powell

Franklin Library: Kindle eReader Instruction

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 2/11/13



Things you can do from here:

Monday, February 11, 2013

After Nemo (photo essay)

Walking around Franklin on Saturday afternoon and then again on Sunday provided some good photo opportunities.


Nemo_Franklin_Parmenter
Parmenter School
Parmenter School is ready to open two hours late today


Nemo_Franklin_HistMuseum
Franklin Historical Museum
The Museum, in the snow, with the setting sun.... looking good!


Nemo_Franklin_RocklandTr
Rockland Trust
I am not sure that the brand managers would appreciate with Mother Nature did with their sign!


Nemo_Franklin_Triangle1
Downtown view at the triangle

Nemo_Franklin_Triangle2
Looking west at the triangle
The roads are narrow, be careful moving about


Nemo_Franklin_WinterSt
The storm hid the name of this street
When walking Sunday, the street sign was able to reveal its name. The snow had cleared. (see below)

Nemo_Franklin_KingStSummerSt
King of the hill anyone?
The corner of King St and Summer St heading into Franklin was piled high

Nemo_Franklin_KingSt
King St empty on a Saturday afternoon?
The travel ban was still in effect and folks were abiding by it. Only a few snow plows came by during our walk on Saturday.

nemo_Franklin_TreeShadow
Tree shadow
Sunday brought bright sunshine

nemo_Franklin_SnowWaves
snow sculpted by the wind
Many yards slope and how the wind played with the snow revealed some interesting combinations

nemo_Franklin_FHARoof1
snow overhang
One of the Franklin Housing Association buildings has this nice big snow curve hanging there

nemo_Franklin_FHA2
snow curve, side view
The connections are made one flake at a time

nemo_Franklin_WinterSt2
Winter St
The mystery sign is appropriately Winter St.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 13, 2013



A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 5, 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

F. HEARINGS
Acceptance of Lady Slipper Lane, Pasture Way and Symmes Road as Public Ways – Public Hearing – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Gus Brown, Building Commissioner

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-07: Order of Acceptance of Lady Slipper Lane, Pasture Way, and Symmes Road as Public Ways

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 documents as published for this session can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/021313.pdf

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:

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



Things you can do from here:

Sunday, February 10, 2013

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

Nemo_Franklin_NParkcorner


From Wachusett to King St

Nemo_Franklin_WachusettSt



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.

Nemo_Franklin_FireHydrant
Franklin fire hydrant cleared of snow



Saturday, February 9, 2013

Winter Storm Update: Travel Ban Lifted

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

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.

Things you can do from here:

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


Verizon


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)
  1. Unplug the electrical power cord of your Battery Backup Unit from the wall outlet
  2. 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)
  1. Unplug the electrical power cord of your BBU from the wall outlet
  2. Open the battery cabinet on the BBU (you may need a screwdriver to do this)
  3. Disconnect the battery leads and wait 10 seconds. Reconnect the battery leads
  4. 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
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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/


Friday, February 8, 2013

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!




Franklin Food Pantry updates

1 - The Franklin Food Pantry is closed today, Friday, Feb 8th. The Food Pantry follows the school schedule of storm closures.



2 - Due to the storm this weekend, the first day for the Pantry phone-a-thon has been canceled; Saturday, Feb 9th. The phone-a-thon will be held as scheduled on Saturday, Feb 16th.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the phone-a-thon, please contact Bob Hamilton via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org or by calling the Pantry at 508-528-3115 and using option 5 on the voicemail.


RMV Attleboro Branch Adds Permit Testing

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/7/13

RMV Attleboro, February 7, 2013MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian today joined local officials and announced the availability of driver's license permit testing at the Attleboro RMV Branch, located at 75 Park Street. 

The Attleboro Branch is one of two express branches in the Commonwealth that provide limited license and registration transactions. The availability of the permit testing in Attleboro will help the RMV manage an anticipated influx of test takers during the busy school vacation period.

"The City has been a great partner and has made it possible to bring permit testing to Attleboro," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Teens and new drivers may now complete this important step in the licensing process closer to home."

The Registry delivered existing automated testing equipment to provide six testing stations in Attleboro. The move will save area residents from traveling to Taunton, Milford or Brockton to complete the 20 minute test.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles administered approximately 45,000 permit tests across the Commonwealth in 2012. There are 4.73 million licensed drivers in Massachusetts.  To perform many basic transactions, visit the RMV online today at its new web address:  http://www.massrmv.com




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"many friendships ... will blossom in this building"

The new dormitory for Dean College was the scene for an official and ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Administrators named the 32,000-square-foot dorm after Dorothy and Glendon Horne. Glendon Horne graduated from the college in 1931. His wife left Dean her estate, a donation of about $2 million — the college’s largest single gift in its history. 
"It is something in our wildest dreams we never thought would happen," said Rooney of the gift. "It made the particulars of this building possible." 
Noting the building’s location along West Central Street, Rooney said, "In some ways, it will attach us to Franklin in a very different way."
New Dean College dorm on Christmas morning 2012

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898127413/Ribbon-cut-on-Deans-new-dorm#ixzz2KIvte278

In the News: Tri-County, Democrats, MBTA, police



Restaurant competition for Tri-County is rescheduled

Tri-County students preparing for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association’s annual culinary and restaurant management competition have another few weeks to hone their business plans and master their dishes thanks to Nor’easter Nemo.



Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus is postponed

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee Caucus planned for this Saturday, Feb. 9th at 9 am at Alumni Restaurant in Franklin has been POSTPONED due to the weather.



MBTA to suspend all transportation 3:30 p.m. on Friday

Due to the severe winter storm, the MBTA will suspend all modes of service effective at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013.



Franklin Police: Robber’s own unmasking is his undoing

A suspected robber provided detectives with all they needed to find him when he removed his disguise during a robbery last month, authorities said.