Rockland Trust donates $43K to Franklin Food Pantry

Yes, relationships matter! Thanks to Rockland Trust this provides the space the Franklin Food Pantry operates from to serve the Franklin community.

Franklin Food Pantry

Rockland Trust this week announced its continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry with a $43,200 donation to renew the pantry’s rent-free lease for the fifth consecutive year. The food pantry provides between 2,600 and 3,200 pounds of food to area residents each week. In addition to providing the Franklin Food Pantry with rent-free space, Rockland Trust recently concluded a month-long food drive throughout its entire service area in Massachusetts, including its new Metro North communities and Greater Providence. As part of the food drive, which ran throughout April, the bank also donated more than $13,750 to local food banks.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/business/x1391862985/Business-Digest-for-June-8-2013#ixzz2VjwiQM00


For more about the Franklin Food Pantry, visit their webpage  http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

or "Like" them on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry

Even AARP says you need to use social media to find your next job!

Using one or more of the social media tools to find work these days is becoming more and more of a requirement. The recent AARP Bulletin, (yes, I am that old (although young at heart!) has the cover article titled "Why you need social media to find your dream job"

AARP article on going social to look for work

If you are 40+ and looking for work today, you need to be using LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media tools. Why? The recruiters are using those tools to check you out. If you don't have a good presence there, they will simply skip by you.

There are naysayers who claim you don't need to use these tools. I would agree it is not absolutely required for every industry or skilled position but it is becoming more so.

One item in the recent and local Franklin news makes this point. Brittany MacLeod just graduated from Marist College in NY. She was a Franklin High School grad and served as the student representative to the School Committee for two years. This spring her mother heard about Australia running a campaign for #bestjob. Brittany found out and started her campaign. This young lady from little Franklin, MA rose to the top 3 in the world out of 600,000 candidates!

On Wednesday Jun 5th, she was hosted at the MA State House and presented a proclamation wishing her the best of luck. In the evening, she received similar treatment from the Franklin Town Council. Do you think something like that might help your job application?

As this is posted, she is in Australia courtesy of the Australian Board of Tourism running the job search to prove herself as one of the three finalist for "Chief Funster". She'll find out June 20th if she'll be moving down under to start her career.

Will the YouTube videos, blog posts, tweets, Instagram pictures, that she used to help create the buzz around her campaign work for you?  Maybe all of them won't but one or more of them just might give you the edge you need to rise out of the pack.

The Job Search Jam Sessions being held this Friday, Jun 14 will feature one or more sessions on these social media tools. You'll be able to update your LinkedIn profile picture (photographer on site).

So what are you waiting for?

Get to the Job Search Jam Sessions webpage to find out what else is happening.
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

While there check out the results of the three prior JSJS events (2 in 2012, and one in 2011). For $8 you can afford to find out how to use these social media tools to get your next position.

Register here  http://jobsearchjamsessions4.eventbrite.com/



Note: The nature of the AARP Bulletin website prevents a direct link to the article (you need to be registered to view the content).

related posts

Franklin Town Council proclamation  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/franklin-town-council-sends-bmac-down.html

Brittany's 30 second video  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

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



This was also posted to

Rail Trail Committee meeting - Jun 11

The agenda for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee meeting is available for review.




Additional information on the Rail Trail can be found on their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

MassBudget: Declining value of the minimum wage for tipped workers

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers A strong minimum wage helps workers support their families, and it can bolster our economy by increasing the amount of money workers have to spend at local businesses. In the case of workers who regularly earn tips, like waiters and hairdressers, employers are only required to pay what's called the "tipped minimum wage," which in Massachusetts is well below the regular minimum wage (it is currently $2.63). The law then requires that for any such worker, the combination of hourly pay and tips must be at least as high as the full minimum wage. Our new factsheet, "The Declining Value of the Tipped Minimum Wage in Massachusetts," tracks the history of the tipped minimum wage and finds that: Since 1968, the value of the tipped minimum wage has fallen by 58% Massachussets has the lowest tipped minimum wage in New England Nationwide, about 73% of all tipped workers are women In those states where the tipped minimum wage is above the federal minimum, the number of tipped workers living in poverty is lower. And the difference is especially dramatic in states where the tipped minimum wage is the same as the regular minimum wage. "The Declining Value of the Tipped Minimum Wage in Massachusetts" is part of MassBudget's ongoing analysis of the Massachusetts minimum wage. Other recent reports include: What's It Worth?: The Value of the Minimum Wage in Massachusetts Who is Affected by the Minimum Wage? The Minimum Wage and Job Creation Futures of the Minimum Wage - an interactive tool showing the effect of various proposals Read THE DECLINING VALUE OF THE TIPPED MINIMUM WAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS See OUR RECENT WORK ON THE MINIMUM WAGE 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

Franklin Youth Soccer Association registration for Fall 2013

Franklin Youth Soccer Association registration for Fall 2013 Soccer will be closing on Sunday, June 16^th.

Programs are available for children ages 4 through High School.  Cost to play is $65.  Uniform cost is additional where needed.

Registration is online at:  http://www.franklinyouthsoccer.org/registration

Fall season will run Sept 7^th – Nov 16^th.  In addition, summer camp options are available:  http://www.franklinyouthsoccer.org/resources/summercamps

"These were exploratory-type conversations"

In the Town Council meeting last Wednesday, the final approval was received for the medical marijuana zoning changes. Franklin is now prepared for a business looking to locate here.

Its "Medical Marijuana Use Overlay Districts" are spread out on or near Forge Parkway, National Drive, Kenwood Circle and Constitution Boulevard. Located south and west of Interstate 495, they fall within the town’s industrial zone. 

Incidentally, the industrial zone also contains an "Adult Use Overlay District" designated for adult entertainment businesses, such as strip clubs and risqué bookstores. 

According to the town’s regulations, a registered dispensary, the nonprofit company where the drug can be cultivated and sold to patients who’ve received approval from a doctor to use it, could not set up shop within 200 feet of a residential zoned district, school, library, church, child-care facility, park or playground.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x625969468/Zoning-regulations-for-medical-pot-shops-approved-in-Franklin#ixzz2VtnrC2XO


While the anaerobic digestion plant took the headlines last week, one of the series of zoning bylaw changes covered the medical marijuana overlay district
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/live-reporting-legislation-continued_5.html

The full set of reporting for the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-tabled-in-franklin.html

Mount St Mary's - solar farm

The sisters of Mount St Mary's Abbey installed a wind turbine a couple of years ago. It helps to power their candy store operations.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/mount-st-marys-new-candy-house.html

You can purchase their candy on site or via their web store  http://www.trappistinecandy.com/

Mt St Mary's Abbey - wind turbine

The wind turbine in action as captured in a 2010 video
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/02/abbey-wind-turbine.html


Recently they signed an agreement with the Town of Franklin to install a solar farm. The Town Council voted in November 2012 to approve the deal.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/real-time-reporting-legislation.html

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm

I stopped by on Sunday to grab these photos of the construction underway for this solar farm.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 2

The frames are sturdy and follow the contour of the ground.  Completely installed the farm is reported to generate 6 megawatts of electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 3

The galvanized steel (?) is shining in the sunlight. When the panels are installed the sunlight will be generating electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 4

Additional links
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/its-win-win-for-town.html

Mount St Mary's Abbey = http://abbey.msmabbey.org/

Seven Years STRONG

View on the web Click here

Hey Steve  This month, my "baby" is celebrating its 7th anniversary! I know....time flies! It would be an understatement to say that it was a lot of hard work to made Shades IN Place come this far. Looking back, I decided to list the seven biggest reasons that I believe have helped the most in keeping us alive. Just a side note: there is absolutely no order of importance and all the reasons somewhat interconnect to one another. HAVING FUN - I enjoy meeting new people and learning about how they live, their culture and how each individual sees their lives. I meet some very wealthy and bright minds and it fascinates me when I am able to provide a solution for them. It puts a smile on my face. GOING THE EXTRA SEVERAL MILES - Because I was a long haul truck driver in the past, to me, no job is too far. If my clients like my work so much that they trust me working on their vacation homes, why would I say no? For those "far away jobs" I bring Ana along for the ride and buy her a nice dinner at the end of the day.  At this point I have completed work in all six New England states plus NY. BILLBOARD ON WHEELS - if you don't promote your business how people will know about it? To me, every moment is an opportunity. I even got a nice job because the girl at the bakery shop saw my shirt and said: "Oh, you do curtains? Please call my friend." The "friend" was a nice high end contractor...go figure!  NEVER STOP LEARNING - I was called on a job in Boston for some hard to reach windows a few years back. The guy showed me the windows and what he wanted. Then I said "Sure, I can do it".  He said "NO, YOU CAN'T!"  And he followed "there were four companies before you and they all said no!"  Well, because I keep myself on top of the industry, I was able to provide a solution for his challenging windows. SUPPORT FROM ANA - If you are married you know.... no man can work 15 - 18 hour days for too long without getting complaints from the wife. But my wife Ana is unique and she was aware that she was marring a workaholic guy. Ok, I admit, she is slowly changing me. I now "only" work 14 hours day max. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION DRIVEN - My motto is "if you are happy, I am happy." And I also live by the principle of "treat people the way you would like to be treated." I am so shocked when people thank me for returning their call - it's my obligation to at least let you know if I can help you or not. LOVE CHALLENGES - this is my favorite! The harder, the more complicated the tallest the better...Some professionals like to make money the easy way. I, on the other hand, must be an exception because I LOVE the challenges and to solve problems other companies avoid confronting. Three years ago, one of my competitors called asking if I was interested in doing a job on behalf of his company. He said that none of his installers could do the job. Well, I did. Imagine that - even my competitors HIRE me! Thanks again for supporting Shades IN Place, Ana and me!   Now, if you want a piece of the birthday cake too you must be the SEVENTH person to call 508-520-6700 and sing "Happy Birthday". Ok...ok...if you are shy like me, you can email me your congratulations. It will count as well. See you again in seven years... Oh, wait! No, see you next month!     Roger Magalhaes  Shades IN Place, Inc. SHOWROOM HOURS Tue - 10am - 5pm Thru - 10am - 5pm Sat - 10am - 3pm *** Buy More...$ave More ***  Spring is in the air.And so is the several projects around the house. The more you buy, the more you save: 5 to 10 window coverings = 5% off 11 to 15 window coverings = 10% off 16 and up = 15% off

Forward email . Shades IN Place | 76 Grove St | Franklin | MA | 02038

"If the music stops, keep dancing"

The Milford Daily News reports on the graduation at Tri-County by writing:

The Superintendent-Director of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School applauded the hard work the graduating class of 2013 had done to reach this moment in their lives. He also commended the parents for all their support. 

"Sometime today you should thank them for caring so much about you," Dockray encouraged the graduates under a bright blue sky Sunday, when 223 students received their diplomas and trade certificates at Tri-County's 34th commencement exercises. 

The hard work of the graduates has not gone unnoticed. More than $60,000 in scholarships has been awarded to those choosing to further their academic careers.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x625969029/More-than-200-students-turn-tassels-at-Franklins-Tri-County-Regional-Voc-Tech#ixzz2Vo0CbtI4

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 11, 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 May 28, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FPS Retirees
b. ECDC Update – Karen Seyfried
c. School Committee Presentation

3. Discussion Only Items
School Calendar Survey

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the request of Sigrid Miranda/FHS Foreign Language for a field trip to Costa Rica from April 18, 2014 to April 28, 2014 as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $40.36 from Follett for supplemental curriculum materials at Jefferson Elementary School.
c. I recommend approval of the request of ASMS Grade 8 for a field trip to Providence Place Mall on June 20, 2013 as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of the gift of 4 Red Sox Tickets (valued at $200.00) from Donna MacKay to be raffled for a FHS Scholarship.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips for Keller Elementary School students.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1025.00 from the JF Kennedy PCC for field trips.

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

Open for business

The Silver Maple Common on King St, near exit 16 for i495 has three of the five business locations now vacant.  The drive through bank was occupied by TD Bank and they left a couple of years ago. The liquor store sold their business and liquor license to Pour Richard's who opened on 14 Grove St. Frankly, not a great location as it is somewhat out of the way but the facility is larger and they are making a good effort to attract the business they want.

3 open locations

Philip DePalma Salon and Day Spa just moved a couple of weeks ago to a new professional office on West Central St, between the 99 Restaurant and BJ's Warehouse.

new location for Philip DePalma

"Location, location, location" is the old adage applied to business. You need to be located conveniently. Dunkin Donuts is doing well in this location as it is right at the highway and unless you decide to go into the store, easy enough to go through the drive-through. The Dry Clean Pro operation seems to be doing well. It is located conveniently for me to drop my things off on the way to work. We just received a flyer for Lapels which is opening their dry cleaning business in the plaza with Elizabeth's Bagels on RT 140. That is a high traffic zone on RT 140 and should do well.

As most businesses know (or should know) location is only the first step with the customer. The business still needs to deliver their product or service reasonably priced in a manner to bring the customers back again and again. Failure to do so will have the customers voting with their their dollars elsewhere.

site view of 3 open locations

I think is good that there is movement of businesses within Franklin. The spaces now open at the Silver Maple Common will be taken eventually by someone where that location and arrangement will be good for their use.

BTW - if you are looking for a reason to visit Pour Richard's, they are holding their first "Pennywise" fund raiser today to benefit The One Fund from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Additional details can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/pour-richards-one-fund-fundraiser.html

BFCCPS performed the National Anthem

It was a pleasant surprise to hear that the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School chorus was announced to perform the national anthem for the New England Revolution soccer game on Saturday night.

My phone was handy so I managed to grab a long distance shot

BFCCPS Chorus at Gillette Stadium

and then tried to zoom in on the chorus

BFCCPS Chorus at Gillette Stadium - zoom

Well done, BFCCPS chorus!


PS - The Revolution played to 0-0 draw with DC United. The defense maintained their shutout streak (4 complete games) but the offense failed to score on multiple opportunities.

PS1 - as the picture indicates, Gillette Stadium had a few seats open. The attendance was 14,163 and somewhat normal for the Revs games. With free parking and reasonably prices tickets, this is a good way to get into Gillette Stadium and see some good soccer. You could likely bring a family of four for the about the same price as a single New England Patriots ticket.

In the News: outdoor destinations, hurricane gas prices

Outdoor summer destinations in MetroWest

Closed since 2009 because of budget cuts, Ashland State Park will reopen June 22 to provide residents craving hiking, biking or swimming yet another option in the MetroWest and Milford areas.

Note: You can find the trail maps online for the Ashland St Park (and other state parks in MA) on the Dept of Conservation and Recreation webpage http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/ashl.htm

More hurricanes could boost gas prices

An active hurricane season this summer could put a damper on predicted falling gas prices.

The rain will clear for the PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Jun 9

7th Annual PMC Franklin Kids Ride slated, June 9

The 7th Annual PMC Franklin Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, June 9, at Jefferson Elementary School, 628 Washington St., Franklin, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

PMC Franklin - Kids Ride

To contribute to this worthy cause, you can visit the event Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/PMC-Franklin-Kids-Ride/207877159223678?fref=ts

or their website  http://www.kids.pmc.org/franklin.aspx

MassBudget: Comparing Health Care Proposals from the House and Senate Proposal

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Health Care in the House and Senate Budgets A new fact sheet, Health Care in the House and Senate Budget Proposals, summarizes the House and Senate Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 proposals for MassHealth (Medicaid) and other subsidized health coverage programs. The House's budget bill allocates $13.38 billion to these health care programs while the Senate bill allocates $13.45 billion. Both proposals are less than the Governor's proposal of $13.6 billion. The House and Senate bills both reflect 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 budget brief is the third in a series of FY 2014 reports describing the effect of various budget proposals 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 See ALL 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

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