Thursday, April 18, 2013

Reminder: Mosquito Control



Good Morning.  This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with important information regarding mosquito control.  The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District is conducting spraying by helicopter.  You may see blue/yellow/silver helicopters flying very low.  In light of Monday's tragic events in Boston, we know that your sense of security may be heightened.  Rest assured there is no cause for concern.  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.


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"Four stop signs aren't going to keep us quiet"

The Milford Daily News reports on the four way stop signs coming to the intersection near BJ's.

MassDOT expects to complete the signs and pavement markings by the middle of May. Its engineers have requested that the town put up message boards along West Central Street a couple of weeks in advance to inform drivers of the change. 
"We asked them to investigate the feasibility of a roundabout, which will take them at least six months," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 
In the meantime, Nutting said, town officials will monitor the number of accidents at the intersection to judge the effectiveness of the four-way stop. 
"I think it’s going to be a great interim step," he said, adding that there are still questions about whether a roundabout would work at the relatively small intersection.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202495/Four-way-stop-outlined-for-troublesome-Franklin-intersection#ixzz2Qo5ULJPW


Related post
The Town council meeting on Apr 3rd had the intersection issue raised during the Citizens Comment and then a discussion at the end of the meeting under New Business
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/town-council-040313.html

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The One Fund Boston


Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino today announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. 
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Governor Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.” 
The One Fund - Boston
The One Fund - Boston
According to Mayor Menino, support from the business community was immediate. “Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families, and friends. And they want to do everything they can to help these people physically and psychologically in the future.” 
The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock. “John Hancock is honored to contribute to The One Fund Boston, aiding those who were affected by this terrible event,” said Craig Bromley, President. “The Boston Marathon is about courage and resilience and community. John Hancock, which has been headquartered in Boston for more than 150 years, will continue to stand by our city, the people of Boston, our
community partners, the runners, and the Boston Athletic Association as we unite in recovery and in renewal of our commitment to the Boston Marathon.” 
Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Jack Connors, John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction, Brian Moynihan, President and CEO of Bank of America, Paul Grogan, President of The Boston Foundation, Steve Pagliuca, Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox, and Mike Sheehan, CEO, and Karen Kaplan, President of Hill Holliday. 
Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize The One Fund Boston and has applied for 501(c)(3) status. One Fund Boston, Inc. will apply for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. Although the Fund cannot guarantee that the IRS will make a determination that the organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, if approval is received within the expected time frame, the determination will be retroactive to the date of the Fund’s formation, which is April 16, 2013. 
“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said. 
To contribute to The One Fund Boston, click on onefundboston.org.

Cupcakes for Jefferson


Come to The Cake Bar on Thursday, April 18th and help support the Jefferson Elementary PCC!

Cupcakes for Jefferson
Thursday, April 18th
6:30am-7:00pm
The Cake Bar
The Cake Bar

The Cake Bar
17 E Central St.
Franklin, MA
(508) 553-8700

The Cake Bar specializes in gourmet sugar confections, made from scratch in small batches. Their cupcakes, and dessert bars promise to please your palette through their unique twists on classic dessert favorites. Some of their flavors include Sticky Toffee, Trifecta, Pinkalicious, Simply Carrot and Cookie Monster – just to name a few!

No forms are necessary - just drop in and pick up some cupcakes. We'd love to see you there!


"it's almost like the innocence is gone”

Local runners shared their experiences of the Marathon on Monday with the Milford Daily News:
Kimberly Austin, 39, of Franklin, was on Hereford Street heading toward Boylston Street when she heard the first explosion. 
“As I ran down Boylston, I made it to the 26 mile marker when I heard and saw the second explosion, and there was still the smoke from the first,” Austin wrote in an e-mail. “The police ran in and made all of the runners stop and everyone, including spectators on Boylston, turned around and moved out.” 
Austin is still rattled from Monday, but said that her family and running teammates are all fine. 
“It was a horrific and chaotic scene - the worst experience I have ever witnessed,” she said.  

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545201983/Local-runners-spectators-recall-moments-after-blasts-at-Boston-Marathon#ixzz2QiGAl5j8

Senator Spilka: Statement on Monday's Events





April 16, 2013
Dear Steve,

Yesterday, we experienced a horrific tragedy as a state with the attacks on the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. I am confident in the resiliency and strength of Massachusetts and its residents and I know that we will bring those responsible for this terrible event to justice. We will overcome this tragedy.

In the coming day, more details will emerge. Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and all those who were affected by these unconscionable acts. Once again, our heartfelt gratitude goes to the first responders as well as the volunteers, runners, and spectators who rushed to aid the victims at the scene and showed their capacity to sacrifice their own needs to help their fellow human beings.

We experienced unfathomable horror and tremendous sadness on a day when we come together as a state, nation, and global community to celebrate and witness our nation's oldest and most prestigious race, the Boston Marathon. This day celebrates the spirit of the marathon run as a global phenomenon that transcends national boundaries.

The Boston Marathon was inspired by the Battle of Marathon, which took place in Marathon, Greece in the year 490 BC. An Athenian army messenger ran 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens to announce the Athenians' victory over the Persians. 

The very first running of the Boston Marathon began on Pleasant Street in Ashland in 1897 and stayed there for the next 26 years. The starting line was moved to Hopkinton in 1924 to increase the length of the race to 26.2 miles and MetroWest plays an important role, with the first 16 miles of the race traveling through our communities.

While emotions are still raw and the feelings of sadness and anger are high, we must focus on coming together to show our strength as a Commonwealth and as a nation. We must show our sense of community, honor, resilience, and our dedication to remain a strong, vibrant state, pushing forward to overcome tragedy. This is a time to gather together. A time to work together, no matter how different our backgrounds are or our lives may seem because, quite simply, we are all members of the Massachusetts community and we are all Americans. Facing such a tragedy together helps us understand that we have a stake in each other. We are bound by a common thread that makes us more alike than any of our differences.

Today, the Battle of Marathon is celebrated as a triumph of democracy over empire. In the coming days, weeks, and months, I believe that the communities and residents of the Commonwealth will be lauded for our ability to triumph over such terrible tragedy. We will show the nation and the world our courage and selflessness to care for those in need, and our capacity to remain hopeful. We will focus on looking towards a bright future and a better tomorrow even as we face some of our darkest hours.

I remain committed to keeping that sense of honor and unity with me. In my work, I promise to focus on building bridges and bolstering our communities so that we remain the strong and vibrant state the world knows us to be.

As always, if I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov or call my office at (617) 722-1640.

Warm Regards,
Karen E. Spilka
2nd Middlesex and Norfolk
http://www.karenspilka.com/


Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka
Room 511-C, State House
Boston, Massachusetts  02133


:
Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133
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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Franklin Interfaith Council - Prayer Service - 7:00 PM


The Franklin Interfaith Council will host a Prayer Service at 7 PM on Wednesday, April 17th at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. in Franklin. This communal service is for all who are still feeling shock and grief over the horrific events at the Boston Marathon and who would like to join their neighbors in the greater Franklin community in a time of fellowship and prayer. All are welcome. An offering will be taken to benefit The One Fund