Beautification Day-Volunteers and Sponsors

HAPPY SPRING!

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Beautification Day is right around the corner...  Saturday, May 18th at 9:00 AM
If you would like to volunteer please contact one of our Beautification Committee members:

Eileen Mason: emason11@verizon.net
Chris Bond: c.bond@murphybusiness.com
Jim Schultz: jims@fairwaymc.com

If you would like to be a sponsor for Beautification please contact the FDP office.


This year we will also be having a Special Fundraising Event to raise money for Downtown Beautification and FDP Events

Tuesday, May 7th
5:00-7:30 at Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits

More information coming soon!

You won't want to miss this fun Spring Event!
If you would like to be a sponsor of this event or like to donate a raffle item please contact the FDP office.



This was originally posted to the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

In the News: King St, casino standards, softball clinic, Republican scholarships

Speed still a problem on Franklin's King Street

The town is considering placing two traffic-calming devices at the corner of Wachusett and King streets to help curb rampant speeding in the Gerald M. Parmenter Elementary School zone.

State to set casino application standards

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission met Monday afternoon in Boston to discuss how it would judge casino applications, including the one for the proposed project in Milford.

Lady Panthers Softball Clinic will be held April 6

Franklin High School Lady Panthers Softball Clinic will be held Saturday, April 6 – rain or shine – from 9 a.m. to noon at Franklin High School Field House for grades one through six.

Franklin Republicans offering scholarships

Once again, the Franklin Republican Town Committee is providing a scholarship opportunity for students.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Mar 27, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 19, 2012, January 9, 23, 2013

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
Town Council Proposal of Charter Amendment to Voters: Town Treasurer/Collector to be Changed from Elected to Appointed Position

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
YMCA – Healthy Futures/Mass in Motion

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-12: Grant of Utility Easement 218, 224 Oak Street (New High School)
2. Resolution 13-13: Appropriation: Pedestrian Safety Signal – Parmenter
3. Resolution 13-14: Appropriation: DelCarte Recreation Improvements
4. Resolution 13-15: Town Council Proposal of Charter Amendment To Voters: Treasurer/Collector to be Changed from Elected to Appointed Position
5. Resolution 13-16: Acceptance of Access Easement Over Property at 42 Hayward Street
6. Resolution 13-17: Acceptance of Access Easement Over Property at 31 Hayward Street
7. Resolution 13-18: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
8. Resolution 13-19: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Fire Dept.
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-701: Changes to Chapter 185-3. Definitions- Referral to Planning Board
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-702: Changes to Chapter 185-36. Impervious Surfaces - Referral to Planning Board
11. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-703: Changes to Chapter 185-40. Water Resource District – Referral to Planning Board
12. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-704: Changes to Chapter 185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements. – Referral to Planning Board
13. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-705: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map, Single Family III to Business Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board

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 associated with this agenda as released can be found on the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/032713.pdf

Spread the word (video)

Spread the word - to end the R word!




http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2013/03/23/spread-the-word-to-end-the-r-word/

spread the word to end the R-word

Big Lots

Is Big Lots really having a sale on snow?

Big Lots

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 26, 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 March 12, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Horace Mann Update – Shawn Fortin, Katelyn Demers
b. JF Kennedy Update – Joan Toye, Abigail Dressler
The presentation document can be found here

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Reading

JII-Student Complaints and Greivances
JFAB – Student Moving Procedures

End of School Year

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend adoption of the FY14 Budget in the amount of $54,310,000.00.
c. I recommend adoption of policy JII-Student Complaints and Grievances as discussed.
d. I recommend adoption of policy JFAB – Student Moving Procedures as discussed.
e. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $266.00 from Kelly Cannon, Deidre Sassaman and the Music Boosters for the Music Department.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of four brand new ipad 2’s valued at $1,800.00 from the Franklin Elks for elementary students.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, PC for FHS.
h. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,000.00 from Jane Sabolinski and Michael & Maureen Sabolinski for the Donald D. Sabolinski scholarship fund at FHS.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $840.00 from Remington PCC for in-house enrichment.

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

JF Kennedy Update – Joan Toye, Abigail Dressler

The presentation document as released for the School Committee agenda for Mar 26, 2013

JF Kennedy Update – Joan Toye, Abigail Dressler

Hockomock Sports - Boys Basketball Player of the Year - Sam Bohmiller

HockomockSports.com has named Franklin senior point guard Sam Bohmiller as the 2012-2013 HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year. This is the second year that the award has been presented to the top player in the Hockomock League by HockomockSports.com, with King Philip's Jake Layman taking the honors last year

Read more about Sam's award here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/03/hockomocksports-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year.html


The full listing of winter all-stars and honorable mentions was also published yesterday by Hockomock Sports and can be found here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/03/hockomock-winter-all-stars-honorable-mentions.html

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN TRAINING

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN TRAINING

FRANKLIN MA - March 26, 2013

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Weather Service Forecast Office

445 Myles Standish Blvd.

Taunton MA 02780

The National Weather Service (NWS) will be conducting a severe weather spotter training session, part of its SKYWARN program, in Franklin MA

The class will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. It will be held at the Franklin Public Library, at 118 Main Street.

The session is open to the public at no charge. Emergency managers, police, fire, and other first responders are especially encouraged to attend. Everyone age 16 and older who stays to complete the training will be able to become trained NWS weather spotters.

The training session includes a two-hour thirty-minute computer-based presentation, which discusses the development of thunderstorms, the criteria for "severe" thunderstorms, as well as the cloud features associated with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Additional information will be presented about winter storms and proper snow measurement. The session will also present the procedure for reporting weather information to the National Weather Service.

It is not necessary to pre-register for this training, but anyone attending should bring a pen or pencil. If you have any questions about SKYWARN or the training sessions, please contact Bill Babcock, SKYWARN Program Leader at NWS Taunton MA, or Glenn Field, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist, at 508-823-1900 during normal business hours.


Originally published via the FOFL Newsletter
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/march-programs-at-franklin-public.html

First Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament!

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First Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament at Horace Mann Middle School - Franklin! Sunday, May 5, 2013  2pm-5pm Upcoming Events CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND PRINT THE REGISTRATION FORM!        Click Here for a map of Franklin and Horace Mann Middle School        Join Our Mailing List!  And   Find us on Facebook!    FOR MORE INFORMTION CLICK THE LINKS BELOW   mberthia09@gmail.com       Event Name              Best Buddies First Annual Dodgeball Tournament Horrace Mann Middle School Sunday, May 5, 2013 2pm-5pm

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You can also find event info on the Facebook page

In the News: illegal apartments, casino experience

Penalty may get tougher for illegal apartments in Massachusetts

Legislation being proposed by an alliance of Massachusetts legislators, Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey would subject landlords who keep illegal apartments in houses to up to two-and-a-half years in jail.

Lessons from Connecticut's casino experience

When Massachusetts first looked at allowing casino gambling, officials pointed to Connecticut as evidence of their success in generating revenue.

"I feel like I belong there"

The Milford Daily News has an article about a new skating team in Franklin that is preparing to compete.

The team originally consisted of Brianna Cummings, Madigan Smith, Alexandra Sousa, Michaela DeToma, and Holly Swinamer. Since those five girls first skated, the team has nearly quadrupled. It now has 19 girls from Franklin and area towns. 

The team, based out of Franklin’s Pirelli Arena, made a mark when Holly Swinamer’s mother, Tracey, approached team coach Joanna Zehme about a competition in Danbury, Conn. – The Holiday Challenge. 

"Honestly, we were so new and had such a small team, I wasn’t sure we could get enough skaters interested in traveling out of state for an overnight competition," Zehme said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898153763/Franklin-kids-have-finesse-on-ice#ixzz2OMbPApGH

In the News: casino, crash, fire

Foxwood plans $1 billion Milford casino

During a preliminary discussion with town officials this week, Foxwoods representatives outlined a plan to invest $1 billion in the casino they and a Colorado developer are proposing for Milford.

Three hurt seriously in Franklin crash

Two young men were flown by LifeFlight helicopters to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester Friday morning and another was taken via ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, all with serious injuries, after their SUV struck a tree.

Firefighters snuff Franklin chimney fire

Franklin firefighters put out a chimney fire at Stone Ridge Condominiums on Friday evening.

Performances today

Crossway Church presents ‘Jack and the Beanstalk," March 23

Members of Crossway Church, 282 Summer St., Franklin will present “Jack and the Beanstalk” on Saturday, March 23, at 4 p.m.

‘Strawberry Freckleface’ to be staged in Franklin

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School’s (BFCCPS) Fine and Performing Arts Department is proud to present two performances of Freckleface Strawberry on Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann School, 224 Oak St., Franklin.

Pour Richards: Introducing In-Store Pick-up

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Connecting good friends with great wine! Never Drink Ordinary!    Introducing In-Store Pick-up! Welcome to the first phase of our new e-commerce site. Check it out....reserve online, and pick up when convenient.    Never Drink Ordinary. Ann Williams and John Wass Remember, join us for our Spring Holiday tasting this Sunday from 2-5 PM.   [Insert social links here - select the logos from the toolbar on the left side.]

Forward this email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by info@pourrichardswine.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Top secret honey mustard sauce

No, actually the Parmenter School "Talent Show" goes on stage tonight at the Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium.

Sounds like a good time!

Trivia Bee (photo slide show)

The annual Franklin Education Foundation Trivia Bee was held last night at the Mercer Auditorium, Horace Mann middle School. Each team was sponsored by a business or group. Some teams were represented by members of that group, others were filled in by Franklin High School students. Good fun was had with the music theme. Some of the questions involved clips of music to be identified. One of the clips was played in real-time by the High School Jazz Band ("the A Train").

The five teams that made it to the final round were

• Horace Mann PCC
• Franklin School Committee
• Keller PCC
• ECDC
• Remington PCC

Update: The Franklin School Committee won the final round and overall title!

A slide show of most of the sponsored teams is available here:





("Most" as there are 26 in this first pass, so I need to figure out which 4 teams I missed and add those.)

For more about the Franklin Education Foundation, you can find them on Facebook or visit their webpage

You're invited to "PodCamp WesternMass #5"

What is a PodCamp?

It is an event put together to share and learn from each other focused in this case on 'social media' tools. How to use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other channels to help you or your business accomplish what you need to.

		I'd like to share this event with you! PodCamp WesternMass #5 Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (EDT) Holyoke Community College (HCC) 303 Homestead Ave Kittredge Center Holyoke, MA 01040 View Map   Attend   Want company? Share this event!

Note: I am helping to organize this event.

In the News: grants awarded, grant scam

Sen. Spilka announces grant money for water conservation

Franklin, Medway and Hopkinton have received grant money from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to assist their efforts in water conservation.

Better Business Bureau warns of 'grant' scam

The Marlborough-based Better Business Bureau has received reports of suspicious calls concerning government grants.

MASSACHUSETTS SURPASSES PRE-RECESSION JOB LEVELS

Note: as good as the numbers are there is still a problem: "the number of unemployed residents is still 52 percent higher than it was before the downturn struck" http://buff.ly/10pEoxx 

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State emblem

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        March 21, 2013

Contact:–Kevin Franck, 617.626.7121(o), 617.823.7580(c)   Follow us on Twitter

MASSACHUSETTS SURPASSES PRE-RECESSION JOB LEVELS Revised numbers show Massachusetts added 19,400 jobs in January and February, unemployment rate ticks down to 6.5%

BOSTON MA - March 21, 2013 –The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development today announced that Massachusetts has surpassed pre-recession job levels. With revised numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing more jobs were created in January than initially estimated, there are now 3,318,500 jobs in Massachusetts, compared to 3,304,300 in April 2008. Revised jobs estimates show 18,900 jobs were created in January, an increase over the 16,100 jobs initially estimated. Initial estimates show 500 jobs were created in February and the statewide unemployment rate ticked down to 6.5% from 6.7% in January. Five of the ten sectors added jobs in February with the largest gain in Professional, Scientific, and Business Services.    Over the year, Massachusetts added 57,600 jobs, 52,500 of which were in the private sector. February 2013 Employment Overview Professional, Scientific, and Business Services added 3,200 (+0.6%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Professional, Scientific, and Business Services added 18,200 (+3.8%) jobs with gains across all components. Construction added 1,400 (+1.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Construction added 4,500 (+3.9%) jobs. Other Services added 900 (+0.7%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Other Services added 3,500 (+2.9%) jobs. Financial Activities added 700 (+0.3%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Financial Activities gained 700 (+0.3%) jobs; Finance and Insurance lost 400 (-0.2%) jobs; Real Estate, Rental and Leasing added 1,100 (+2.7%) jobs. Education and Health Services lost 3,600 (-0.5%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Education and Health Services gained 11,400 (+1.7%) jobs. Leisure and Hospitality lost 2,400 (-0.7%) jobs over the month due to the loss in Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation. Over the year, Leisure and Hospitality added 9,000 (+2.8%) jobs. Manufacturing lost 1,700 jobs (-0.7%) over the month.  Over the year, Manufacturing lost 2,900 (1.1%) jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities lost 500 (-0.1%) jobs over the month.  Over the year, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 5,900 (+1.1%) jobs. Information lost 400 (-0.5%) jobs over the month. Over the year, Information gained 2,300 (+2.7%) jobs. Government gained 2,800 (+0.6%) jobs over the month, with the largest gain coming from Local Government, which added 2,000 (+0.8%) jobs. State Government added 800 jobs (+0.6%) and Federal Government jobs remained unchanged. Over the year, Government gained 5,100 (+1.2%) jobs. Labor Force Overview The February 2013 estimates show 3,250,300 Massachusetts residents were employed and 226,700 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,477,000. The February labor force decreased by 6,900 from 3,483,900 in January 2013, as 900 fewer residents were employed and 6,000 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. The labor force was an estimated 200 below the 3,477,200 February 2012 estimate, with 5,200 more residents employed and 5,400 fewer residents unemployed.   The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers.  As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends. NOTES: Beginning with the March 2011 estimates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has assumed responsibility for the production of the CESState and sub-state jobs estimates. BLS has also implemented methodological changes which may increase the month to month variability of the estimates. See Changes to procedures for producing Current Employment Statistics (CES) State estimates. Local area unemployment statistics for February 2013 will be released on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. The preliminary March 2013 and revised February 2013 unemployment rate, labor force data and jobs estimates for Massachusetts will be released on Thursday, April 18, 2013.  See Media Advisory for a complete list of release dates. Detailed labor market information is available a twww.mass.gov/lmi.