MassBudget: 1) comparing revenue proposals & the investments they fund, 2) health care in the House Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Investing in Transportation, Education Our state budget describes not only what we want to do together as a Commonwealth in the coming year but also longer-term investments to strengthen our communities, create high-wage jobs, and ensure the future vibrancy of our economy. In recent months, the Senate, the House, and the Governor have all committed to raising various amounts of new revenue to support some new investments. "Comparing Revenue Proposals for Transportation, Education, and Other Investments" outlines the differences between their plans--both for next year and for FY 2018, when the plans are fully phased in. The House and Senate proposals focus largely on transportation, particularly in later years. This is in contrast to the Governor's plan, which raises significantly more revenue to increase funding for college scholarship programs and to expand access to high-quality early education & care, among other things. By FY 2018, the House and Senate would devote less money to fixing and repairing our roads, buses, bridges and other transportation networks than the Governor's proposal. The House and Senate proposals would raise comparable amounts of new revenue, and both count on similar funding support from transportation agencies (likely including user fee increases). The two proposals differ in that: 1) the Senate version includes an additional $38 million in new revenue and; 2) the Senate dedicates $77 million to transportation that the House would leave unrestricted. "Comparing Revenue Proposals for Transportation, Education, and Other Investments" is part of a series of MassBudget briefs analyzing key elements in the budget proposals for FY 2014. Read COMPARING REVENUE PROPOSALS FOR TRANSPORTATION, EDUCATION & OTHER INVESTMENTS See ALL OF OUR BUDGET RESOURCES Health Care in the House Budget A new factsheet, The House FY 2014 Budget for Health Care, describes the Massachusetts House of Representatives' Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 budget for MassHealth (Medicaid) and other subsidized health coverage programs. The House's budget bill allocates $13.38 billion to these programs, about $221 million (1.6 percent) less than the Governor's proposal. As in the Governor's budget, the House bill reflects the significant changes to health care programs that will occur midway through the fiscal year, when central provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act take effect. This brief is the second in a series of reports describing the effect of each budget proposal on Health Care programs in Massachusetts. The briefs are produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute--and published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI). Read about HEALTH CARE IN THE HOUSE BUDGET 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

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

massDOT: travel updates

Mother's Day: Busy Travel Weekend

MassDOT encourages travelers to plan ahead and travel safely during the upcoming Mother's Day weekend especially for travelers using the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) or traveling to Cape Cod.

I-95 Foxborough: Upcoming Weekend Lane Restrictions

MassDOT alerts motorists of upcoming weekend work on Interstate 95 Southbound in Foxborough and to expect possible traffic delays due to lane restrictions. The bridge deck surface replacement project on I-95 Southbound 

"I don’t think the town is ready to have a mayor yet"

"I think it’s time for a change," said Town Council Chairman Robert Vallee, who on Wednesday proposed adding the measure to the ballot. 

Still growing, the town of more than 33,000 already uses a "hybrid" city form of government, with a council and town administrator, said town attorney Mark Cerel. 

"It is a city that calls itself the town of Franklin," he said. 

Adopting a mayoral form of government would require either a charter commission or a home rule petition.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x179157012/Non-binding-ballot-question-to-see-if-Franklin-voters-want-mayor#ixzz2SsoInXhL

In related news, the Town Council agreed to the ballot question to ask the voters to approve the Treasurer/Collector position as appointed instead of elected.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/a-long-and-winding-road.html

Volunteers needed - Help Stamp Out Hunger

Thank you! We do have enough volunteers for Saturday. If you want to sign up to help for a future event, please do so by visiting the sign up form

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Once again, the Franklin postal carriers will be participating in the "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive. Residents are notified by their carriers about this event and the carriers pick it up on Saturday, May 11th. The donations will be delivered by the carriers to the Food Pantry that day. Then, the fun begins!

Franklin Food Pantry

We will need several volunteers on Saturday, May 11th between the hours of 2:00pm - 6:00pm. This would be a minimum of a 2-hour commitment. Some of the responsibilities include unloading postal trucks as they arrive, weighing the items, checking expiration dates, sorting, carrying items to the pantry and stocking the appropriate shelves.

Available shifts:
2-6
3-5
4-6

Stamp Out Hunger

Appropriate footwear is mandatory (no flip-flops!). Because the mail trucks come in randomly, there may be some down time. We will assign specific tasks so respond as soon as possible to secure your spot. You will receive an email back from us to confirm your shift.

Please let us know by send an email to volunteers@franklinfoodpantry.org

'a long and winding road'

The Town Council and Administrator Jeff Nutting agreed to new language on the proposal to appoint future Treasurer/Collector positions.

Town Council on Wednesday approved, 8-1, a charter amendment needed for the change to become law should the ballot vote pass on Nov. 5. In 2010, a similar question failed. 

The amendment gives the town administrator power to pick a candidate for treasurer/collector. However, councilors must ratify the administrator’s selection before the appointment is official. 

The council struck down the amendment proposal in March because they believed it gave the town administrator too much power. They said at least one councilor should have a say in choosing a candidate. 

To address the council’s concerns, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting added a clause to assure more officials take part in the selection. The town administrator can appoint a candidate only after consulting with at least one member of the council and at least one member of the Finance Committee.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1424275547/Franklins-vote-on-treasurer-collector-change-slated-for-November#ixzz2SmtqM2dO


Jim Dacey made his case in January and then again a couple of weeks later
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/live-reporting-treasurercollector.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/live-reporting-treasurercollector.html

A slidecast, combining the presentation document and the audio from the Town Council meeting allows you to hear the case for making the Treasurer/Collector and appointed position
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/jim-dacey-makes-case-for-treasurer.html

Bottle/Can drive for One Fund

Hello, 

My 9-year old daughter, Sydney, has started a bottle and can drive to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. All money raised will go to the One Fund. If you have returnable bottles & cans to contribute, please let me know. We'll pick them up or they can be dropped off at our house (will provide address offline). Deadline is 5/25/13. 

Thanks! 

Tina Dufourtinadufour@verizon.net

Kennedy: Fundraising recycle event

Recycling to fund raise!

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for 1 hour shifts from 9 am – 12 and clean up shifts from 12-12:30 pm. The students must have a parent with them. Each student will receive a Kennedy School Blue Citizenship Ticket for volunteering and this activity qualifies for community service. To sign up to work a shift, please go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4AADA92A1-recycling3.

We also need some supplies (disposable gloves, tables, chairs, etc.). To sign up for supplies, please go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4AADA92A1-recycling4.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by the Kennedy PCC for educational programs for the Kennedy Elementary School students and by Cub Scout Pack 126 for programs for their members. For more information, contact Lisa Lipson at lisalipson@comcast.net or 508-533-6414

In the News: tea party, sneaker case

Franklin Rec slates Mother’s Day tea party

The Franklin Recreation Department is hosting a Mother’s Day Mother-Daughter Tea Party on Friday, May 10, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the recreation department, 150 Emmons St., Franklin

Former Dean College student pleads guilty in 2011 sneaker beating case

A former Dean College student, expelled after prosecutors say he pummeled another student in a 2011 campus attack caught on video, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Parmenter: Car Wash - Bottle/Can drive - May 11 (rescheduled to May 18)

Updated: 5/10: Due to the iffy weather forecast for Saturday May 11, this has been rescheduled for Sat May 18th

Parmenter Elementary School is having a car wash and bottle and can drive on Saturday May 11, 2013 from 9 am - 1pm. 

Please bring us your bottles and cans and have your car washed. This is to benefit our 5th grade class the class of 2020! 

The rain date is 5/18/13, from 9 -1pm.

Parmenter Car Wash - 2012

Correction: Historical Museum - will be OPEN on Mother's Day

The Franklin Historical Museum will be closed OPEN on Mother's Day May 12th

Franklin Historical Museum

The 'closed' notice was originally posted on the Franklin website and now is removed. The Museum will be open for its normal Sunday schedule from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (updated 5/8/13)

Franklin Public Schools: Updates

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello As this is Teacher Appreciation Week, we would like to acknowledge the commitment and contributions of our educational staff. If you have a moment thank a teacher! Month of May Technology Training Parents who need help with applications their children are using today – Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Ask.FM, Twitter - can go to the Franklin Public Library for help : Thursday, May 9th and Tuesday, May 21st anytime between 6:30PM and 7:30PM.   Students (the experts) will be available to teach and answer questions about different applications.  They also will help parents set up privacy settings, location settings, and passwords on different devices.  BYOD (bring your own device) – Smart Phone, iPad  laptop, iTouch.  For more information please contact Lisa Keohane at lkeohane5@gmail.com. Last School Tour of the 2012-2013 Academic Year Our last tour will be at the Keller/Sullivan Complex Thursday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m in the Keller Lobby Best wishes for a Happy Mother's Day  to all our Franklin moms, stepmoms and grandmoms! Enjoy the day Regards, Maureen Sabolinski 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.

MassBudget: Law & Public Safety Programs in the House budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Law & Public Safety in the House Budget Law & Public Safety programs help us keep our communities safe. They also support our court system, which protects our rights, resolves criminal cases, and helps our economy function by enforcing contracts and settling business disputes. MassBudget's new brief, "Law & Public Safety in the House Budget for FY 2014," examines the House proposal for Law & Public Safety programs, from the court system to state prisons, state police, and others. We find that: Overall funding for Law & Public Safety programs would be reduced slightly (after adjusting for inflation) Two programs that see significant cuts are Indigent Defense, which helps ensure that no one is deprived of the right to an attorney, and Shannon Grants, which support youth violence prevention The House proposal would increase the salaries of judges and clerks for the first time since 2006 MLAC (Mass. Legal Assistance Corporation) would receive additional funding to help low-income people with non-criminal legal problems "Law & Public Safety in the House Budget for FY 2014" is part of a series of MassBudget briefs analyzing key elements in the budget proposals for FY 2014. Read LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE HOUSE BUDGET FOR FY 2014 See ALL OF OUR BUDGET RESOURCES 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

"Best Jobs in the World"

The Milford Daily News has an article on "Send BMAC Down Under"

MacLeod, a 21-year-old senior at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., has earned a place on the short list with the top 25 applicants for Funster in Chief. To get there, she had to beat out 600,000 people from 196 countries. 

The job description opens with, "If you’re the life of the party, always in search of the best events and coolest festivals, then why not do it for a living?" 

In her role as Chief Funster, she would be based in Sydney, the country’s largest city, spending a year traveling across New South Wales to promote exclusive festivals and events via new media.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1424274978/Franklin-resident-competes-for-job-as-Australia-s-Chief-Funster#ixzz2Sh2TAH5k


Related post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/send-bmac-down-under.html


Read more on BMAC's webpage  http://sendbmacdownunder.wordpress.com/

Follow her on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Send.BMAC.Down.Under

Follow her on Twitter  https://twitter.com/BMAC_DownUnder

Check out her videos on YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/user/SendBMacDownUnder

Moving Wall coming to Medway

As part of the FY14 budget, the House approved an amendment filed by Rep. Roy and Rep. Fernandes to allocate $15,000 towards the Moving Wall project for Medway. 

It will be on display in Medway from Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. until Monday, June 3, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. as part of Medway's 300th birthday celebration. It will be hosted at the Medway VFW on Holliston Street. 

The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington. 

Moving Wall in Natick Jun 2011

"Rep. Fernandes and I were honored to co-sponsor the amendment and secure the funds for this inspirational display of the war memorial in Medway," noted Rep. Roy. "We hope that many people from the area will get a chance to see and observe this fitting monument to our veterans." 

“ I was pleased and honored to join with my colleague, Rep. Roy, in cosponsoring this amendment, which if hopefully approved in the Senate and by the Governor, will serve as a fitting tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our nation’s freedom,” added Rep. John Fernandes. “This beautiful memorial, if eventually authorized, will be viewed by thousands of Medway residents, regional visitors and statewide leaders.”

Rep Roy: Student Government Day

On April 5th, the State House hosted the 66th Annual Student Government Day. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was delighted to see five students from Franklin and Medway participate – Ryan Creavin, Meagan Schmauder and Dylan Martin from Franklin, and Corrie Brown and Amanda Pollock from Medway. The students had the opportunity to participate in a Joint Senate and House of Representatives mock debate, or participate at the John Adams Court house as Supreme Judicial Court justices. 

“It was great to see the students actively engaged in government” noted Representative Jeffrey Roy (D – Franklin). “They offered some poignant arguments and speeches during the debate and set a good example for legislating” For 66 years the General Court has hosted this event, offering insight to young and spirited students into how the legislature functions. 

The enclosed photograph shows Ryan Creavin, Meagan Schmauder and Dylan Martin with Rep. Roy in the State House.

Ryan Creavin, Meagan Schmauder and Dylan Martin with Rep. Roy

Help with your career

The Dean College Library blog writes:

Graduation is looming ever closer. Right behind it rises the ever larger life decisions of the working world. The process to get there can seem daunting-resumes, job boards, interviews and networking, among other things. Yet, with the help of key offices and resources on campus, it doesn’t have to be. 

Take Dean CareerLink, for example. Dean CareerLink is the Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning’s new online career network. CareerLink gives access to job and internship postings, maintains information on employers, provides career planning resources, including a career exploration tool, and allows students to RSVP for events and workshops. In fact, one of the key features of this site is a Resume Builder. With this tool, one can create a resume by using one of the standard resume templates and customizing the content. Once completed, the resume can be uploaded to an individual’s profile and be made available for prospective employers to view. Talk about easy!

One area resource that college students should consider participating with is Job Search Jam Sessions. Scheduled for Jun 14, this one day event will bring together people and resources focused on the job search.

For additional information, visit the event website http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

Read the full Dean College Library article here

In the News: Cycling, casino

Cycling is on the rise, but is Mass. serious about sharing the road?

Gas prices are sky high and it beats idling in gridlock. Both the planet and our bodies deserve better than motoring from every Point A to every Point B. Last but not least, it’s fun. Cyclists offer all these reasons and more to explain why their ranks are growing steadily in Massachusetts.

Casino timeline concerns persist in Milford

After receiving an update from the attorney representing the town with the casino proposal, selectmen are still worried whether whether the town will have enough time to adequately examine the impacts.

"I don’t think we’ve ever done anything this big"

The Elks Lodge will hold the inaugural Elks Care Elks Share 5K Run and Walk on May 11 to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and the Wounded Warriors Project. 

The race kicks off at 10 a.m. at Lodge 2136, 1077 Pond St. The course, which begins and ends at the Elks Lodge, follows Pond Street, Southgate Road, Maple Street and Partridge Street. 

The top three female and male finishers in each age group receive trophies and other awards. Already 125 people have registered with more expected to sign up in the week ahead. 

Apart from the two main beneficiaries, a raffle has been planned to raise money for One Fund Boston — prizes include a baseball signed by Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester. Also, the sky-blue and yellow "Boston Strong" ribbon has been emblazoned on T-shirts created for the event.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x179155240/Franklin-Elks-plan-5K-race-for-food-pantry-Wounded-Warriors#ixzz2SVTBQOsS

You can register online at http://www.franklinelks5k.com/

Tree advertising

I was in Chicago this weekend for a conference. One I have been fortunate to attend for several years now and it was worth it this time around too!

While there, I visited Millennium Park where I found this photo opportunity

trees keep us cooler

trees increase our property value

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 8, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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 - Postponed Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Tanglewood Dr., Sierra Dr., Dutchess Rd., Summer Heights Dr., Autumn Ln., Fall Ln., Mary Jane Rd., and Anna Rd. – 7:15 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

• New Wine and Malt Package Store License – Angela Hayat Corporation dba DB Mart 1- Continued from May 1 – 7:15 PM
• Request for Withdrawal of Liquor License Application

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-25: Order of Acceptance of Tanglewood Drive and Sierra Drive as Public Ways – Postponed from May 1
2. Resolution 13-26: Order of Acceptance of Mary Jane Road and Anna Road as Public Ways – Postponed from May 1
3. Resolution 13-27: Order of Acceptance of Summer Heights Drive, Autumn Lane and Fall Lane as Public Ways – Postponed from May 1
4. Resolution 13-28: Order of Acceptance of Dutchess Road as a Public Way – Postponed from May 1
5. Resolution 13-30: Town Council Proposal of Charter Amendment to Voters: Treasurer Collector to be changed from Elected to Appointment Position – Postponed from May 1
6. Bylaw Amendment 13-713:Amendment to Chapter 25, Appendix A-Classification Plan and Appendix B-Compensation Plan – 1st 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 here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/050813.pdf

Drink Pink for the Cure

Pour Richard's is holding a Relay for Life fundraiser Sunday afternoon.

Pour Richards Drink Pink for the Cure from Franklin Matters

“When you build it, they come"

In advance of Bay State Bike Week which begins on Saturday, May 11 the Milford Daily News has this article on this transportation area.

Bay State Bike Week

... the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced last fall it aims to triple travel by biking, walking and public transit by 2030. It’s not about just accommodating people who bicycle for fun, but recognizing bikes as a form of transportation, said Catherine Cagle, manager of sustainable transportation at MassDOT. 

“We want more of them,” she said. 

But to get more people cycling on a larger scale across eastern Massachusetts, it could take time, more infrastructure and more concentrated efforts to educate people about rules of the road, say transportation advocates and planners. 

Advocates credit the recent expansion of bike lanes, paths and places to lock up bikes in part for the growth of cycling, making it more convenient and safer for more people to hop behind the handlebars.

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/homepage/news/x1213312379/Cycling-is-on-the-rise-but-is-Mass-serious-about-sharing-the-road#ixzz2SPg8MsbY

If the commute to work is more than 30 miles, the amount of time involved would effectively make it not practical for a daily trip. I would like to increase my recreational biking but commuting by bike is really not practical.

What about your situation?  Is the commute to work less than 30 miles? Have you taken your bike?

Franklin Historical Museum - Open on Mother's Day

The Franklin Historical Museum will be closed OPEN on Mother's Day May 12th

Franklin Historical Museum

The 'closed' notice was originally posted on the Franklin website and now is removed. The Museum will be open for its normal Sunday schedule from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (updated 5/8/13)

Franklin Library: Move Along!

Move Along!

move along

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Franklin Art Association at Stony Brook - May 4th and 5th

For the first time ever, the Franklin Art Association is partnering with the Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary to produce an art show on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, complete with bin sales, live landscape painting demonstrations, and complimentary food and beverages. 

Stony Brook, a sprawling 86-acre panorama of New England Wildlife, is part of the Mass Audubon Society. 

Doug Cannon, a Stony Brook employee in charge of coordinating the show, is thrilled about the newfound relationship between Stony Brook and the FAA. 

“We are excited for a few reasons: We definitely want to work more with local organizations, and the Franklin Art Association originally came out here to use the space to paint on their own. When we saw that, we thought it’d be a great idea to use the grounds as a jumping-off place for their art and their shows,” Canon said.

Read more: Stony Brook, Franklin Art Association team up for art show, this weekend - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.wickedlocal.com/norfolk/news/x179154912/Stony-Brook-Franklin-Art-Association-team-up-for-art-show-this-weekend#ixzz2SK4TS1LR

"a foretaste of things to come"

Realtor Warren Reynolds writes:

Demographic trends are very powerful forces in the social and economic development of any society. In every decade of the latter half of the 20th Century, the US experienced the profound influence of the Baby Boom generation (both for the good and the bad). Now we may stand poised to benefit in coming decades from the economic and social vitality about to be unleashed by the Millennial Generation as they come of economic age. There are many reasons for optimism about our futures!

Read more about the increase in housing prices and why this is a good thing

Why housing may stay on the rise

Franklin Library: Krafty Mondays - Beach Hats

Krafty Mondays - Beach Hats

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Save The Date - May 17th - PMC Fundraiser

On Friday May 17th, we are having our Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) fundraiser at the Franklin Country Club, which will include dinner and entertainment. The entertainment is absolutely hysterical. 

Yes, we are having Jim Spinnato back again this year, the R - Rated Hypnotist / Comedian. It is a great night out. For those of you who attended last year, you know the show is nonstop laughter…. and the best thing is….. you don’t have to travel to the CT Casino’s (where he regularly sells out) and spend a lot of money. I really hope that you can attend. 

I will get back to you with more details…. But please save the date and please spread the word and invite neighbors, friends and family. We need to pack the house again this year.

Check out this YouTube clip:

"To me, life’s just too short"

In February, Drengberg, under the pen name P.L. Byers, might have become the first CEO in the defense industry to publish a romance novel. 

“Divine Intervention,” her first self-published book, revolves around a harrowing plane crash that brings together the only two survivors. 

“I enjoy these types of stories because much of what I do for a living is reading defense contracts,” she said, sitting in front of The Cake Bar on a recent afternoon. “When you’re done with that, you want to read something that makes you feel good, that’s light and has a good ending. Romance novels put me in another world, where I’m not thinking about helicopters …” 

Drengberg, who lives in Franklin with her husband, Mark, read romance novels feverishly as a young girl. Her first was Kathleen Woodiwiss’s “The Flame and the Flower,” which sparked her interest in writing.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x179154973/Franklin-writer-goes-from-weapons-to-love#ixzz2SK1KmogB

Reminder: 1st Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball

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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

Spring Fair: Sunrise Montessori

Sunrise Montessori is having their annual spring fair, this Saturday (May 4th) from noon - 2pm.

This event is open to the general public. Kids of all ages enjoy riding in the train and jumping in the bounce house. 

How about getting your face painted or designing a bracelet? Plenty of fun, games and crafts for the kids. 

Adults will definitely want to take a chance on our raffle baskets or perhaps, bid in our silent auction. 

All proceeds to benefit the Sunrise Montessori School, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization, which offers preschool and kindergarten programs to children in Franklin and the surrounding communities.

spring fair

Rail Trail Presentation

The presentation used by the Rail Trail Committee in their update to the Town Council on Wednesday is shown here:

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - Overview May 2013 from Franklin Matters

For additional notes from the Town Council meeting on weds, check this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/town-council-050113.html