Wednesday, June 26, 2013

"Balance is the key"


Finance Committee Chairman James Roche, who for more than a decade has played an integral part in shaping the town’s annual budget, has decided not to seek reappointment. 
Roche, however, isn't going far, taking on a new role as treasurer for the Franklin Food Pantry. 
"I think I can help them put some systems in place and take (the pantry) further down the path," he said. "I’m still serving the town, but just in a different capacity. I think it’s important that people give back to the community. I’m just changing the venue."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x986308105/Longtime-Franklin-FinCom-Chairman-Roche-won-t-seek-reappointment#ixzz2XJYJ1d16

Note: As Chairman of the Board, the Franklin Food Pantry is extremely grateful for Jim's help.

Running Event! 5K in Franklin - Jul 20

4th Annual Run, Walk, Crawl



Hi

I am writing to tell you about a great 5K happening in Franklin, MA on July 20th!  I hope you can share this event on your blog and fFcebook page!  

We are holding our 4th Annual Run, Walk or Crawl 5K - We will not lay down 2 Cancer on Saturday July 20th at the Helen Keller Elementary School in Franklin, MA.   Registration opens at 8 AM and race starts at 9 AM.  This organization started in 2010 when I was diagnosed  with breast cancer while 13 weeks pregnant.  Today I am cancer free and have a healthy 3 year old!  However we all know too many loved ones still struggling with cancer.  This race is for all cancers, in memory of those we lost and in honor of those who continue the battle.   All money raised will go directly to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund in MA.  This is our 4th year in Franklin and we hope to grow and continue to hold our race in this great town!  

This is a certified course, chip timing, medals for 6 different age groups, as well as Tech Shirts, food, music, fun and raffles!  Raffles include 2 American Airline tickets and Red Sox Tickets.  

I attached a flyer for the event.  I am hoping you could post this flyer. Please see website for more details or contact me with any questions. 
Thanks so much!
Rebecca


--
Thank you,
Amy, Rebecca, Sarah, Shelly and Kerry
We will Not lay down to Cancer!

Franklin Library: Animal World Experience



Animal World Experience

animal world experience
Animal world experience


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

In the News: election turnout, stormy weather, new comment system



Senate race: Fair turnout as area goes for Gomez 
Turnout was higher than expected Tuesday as Milford-area residents cast their ballots, mostly for Republican Gabriel Gomez, in the U.S. Senate special election.


Stormy weather tonight and for the rest of the week 
The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a special weather statement for possible strong thunderstorms for the Southern New England area, including Middlesex County.


New, improved Milford Daily News commenting system aims to build, improve conversations on our website 
On Thursday, Milford Daily News will launch a new set of social and interactive features underneath online articles. Our goal is to enhance the experience by giving readers new ways to interact with each other, share opinions and engage with the news.


Editorial: Commenting, with honesty and civility
For some time, we’ve received complaints that the anonymous commenting system we’ve hosted on our online stories does little to enhance the conversation within our community. The criticism has been that some of the comments are hateful and sometimes, downright objectionable. We heard you and we agree.


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Reminder - vote today!

You may think, "why bother?"

Aside from it being your civic duty, what happens in Washington eventually affects what happens in MA and ultimately here in Franklin. Much of our budget is derived from either Federal or State aid. The work on the Downtown Project is being funded from these sources. (Which is why there have been delays, the Federal and State government process moves slower than it does in Franklin.)
The special election for the US Senate seat formerly held by John Kerry will be held on Tuesday, Jun 25. All Franklin voters will cast their ballots at the Franklin High School field house. The polls will open at 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM.

Election Day
Election day - Jun 25, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Absentee ballots are available up until noon on Monday, Jun 24, 2013
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/Absentee%20Ballots%20Are%20Available.pdf

Gabriel Gomez campaign site   http://www.gomezforma.com/
Ed Markey's campaign site  http://www.edmarkey.com/


Lowell Sun endorsed Gabriel Gomez  http://www.lowellsun.com/opinion/ci_23500657/let-gabriel-gomez-show-what-he-can-do

Milford Daily News endorsed Markey
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x393138725/Editorial-Ed-Markey-for-U-S-Senate


The two candidates for Massachusetts' open U.S. Senate seat have differing opinions on how things are run down on Capitol Hill.


Farmers Market - Wheatless Bliss

My visit to the Franklin Farmers Market was a good news bad news story. The good news was I did get there about 5:30 PM. The bad news was it was too late to get much. I did get some honey from Akin-Bak.I needed a fresh supply.

Nick Hoffman of the Hoffman Farm was taking down his canopy as he had sold what he had brought for the day. Amy Acevdo at the Grateful Farm tent said it was a good day for business!

Franklin Farmers Market
Franklin's Farmers Market

I did stop and spend a few minutes talking with Sharon Washburn about Wheatless Bliss. The gluten free bakery is operational now and they will be opening a cafe in the fall.

Wheatless Bliss @Franklin Farmers Market
Wheatless Bliss - Franklin Farmers Market

I found their Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/WheatlessBliss

and website http://www.wheatlessbliss.com/

and that the grand opening dates were just announced to be Sep 21 -22!

Wheatless Bliss - gluten free
Wheatless Bliss - Bellingham, MA

MassBudget: Massachusetts Third in Nation for Child Well-Being



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
Massachusetts Third in Nation for Child Well-Being, Challenges Persist


Children in Massachusetts lead the nation in Educational achievement, and are at or near the top in a number of measures of Health, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book

In other areas, children in Massachusetts continue to face some significant hurdles. For instance, while Massachusetts's child poverty rate is relatively low compared to other states, one in six kids under five is currently living in poverty--roughly 75,000 young children. One way to help improve the economic security of some of those children would be to increase the minimum wage, which has lost 25% of its value since 1968.

In education, our 4th-graders have the highest rate of reading proficiency in the nation, and our 8th-graders the highest rate of math proficiency. "The long-term investments we began to make in our schools in the 1990s are paying off, but too many of our kids are not yet getting the support they need to have a real opportunity to succeed." said Noah Berger, president of MassBudget, the KIDS COUNT group in Massachusetts. "For example, half of our 4th graders are still not reading proficiently--and we know that early reading success is crucial to the ability of a child to succeed in school. Focusing on what it takes to give every child an opportunity to succeed is crucial not just for those kids, but also for our state's ability to build a strong, high wage economy."

MassBudget's KIDS COUNT reports cover a range of issues affecting children in Massachusetts, including early education & care, homelessness policy, youth jobs, and public health. Our Children's Budget contains clear descriptions and funding information for the many programs in the Massachusetts state budget that affect children. And the MassKidsCount.org group blog is a place for leading voices in child advocacy and public policy research to discuss issues affecting the well-being of children in Massachusetts.


View a summary of Findings for Massachusetts

See all of our KIDS COUNT 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
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News: Cougar Culture, Milford Casino


Tri-County RVTHS recognized 11 students during the school’s annual Honors Night with the Cougar Culture Award, which celebrates outstanding career technical and academic excellence and commitment to school community.

Residents hoping to learn more about the proposed casino will have plenty of opportunities in July: Foxwoods has several public presentations and community meetings planned. 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Planning Board - Agenda - Jun 24, 2013

The agenda for the Planning Board as published for Monday, Jun 24, 2013.




The Planning Board section of the Franklin website can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Bcomm/planning

Franklin's Planning and Community Development Dept can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/index



In times of challege there is the Franklin Neighbor Brigade

Friendly reminder, as the summer time approaches, you may hear of a neighbor in need and wonder where to turn for help.

Franklin Neighbor Brigade is a resourceful group of volunteers ready to help when immediate friends and family can’t do it all. We are ready to help families in times of crisis, such as illness, serious injury or tragic events. “Help is next door” is what we look to achieve in connecting with others to help during times of temporary crisis.




How do you reach out to the Neighbor Brigade?  You can contact
Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org


Related posts:
Most of the content in this post originally appeared here in April
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/yes-there-is-neighbor-brigade-in.html

The Milford Daily News wrote about the Neighbor Brigade in April
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/a-wonderful-community-service.html

The School Dept used one of their alerts to parents to let folks know of the Neighbor Brigade
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-public-schools-updates.html


Disclosure: Linda Gagnon has a close volunteer relationship with the Franklin Food Pantry. Wearing my other hat of Chairman of the Board for the Food Pantry, we appreciate that a great deal. Neighbors helping neighbors makes our little corner of the world bearable.

In the News: Cook's Farm


A developer is seeking a permit from the town to build 35 single-family condominiums, one-story contemporary colonials geared toward empty-nesters, on 14 acres of former farmlands near Franklin Country Club.

For the complete report on all that happened at the Town Council meeting Wed, Jun 19
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/tensions-rise-over-cooks-farm-and.html

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jun 25, 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 June 11, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Honor Mike Peacock
b. Honor Bob Lima
c. FHS Senior Project

3. Discussion Only Items
Ratification of Van Drivers Contract
Ratification of Cafeteria Workers Contract
Ratification of FEA Educator Evaluation Tool

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from James and Margaret Maness for a FHS scholarship.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Candace and Terry Murray for a FHS scholarship.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $236.00 from Paula Vozzella for a FHS scholarship.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Linda Dooley for a FHS Scholarship.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $65.00 from Carol Beard for a FHS scholarship.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2888.69 from the JF Kennedy PCC for supplies for JF Kennedy.
g. I recommend approval of declaring Family and Consumer Science kitchen supplies listed as surplus.
h. I recommend approval of budget transfers as detailed.
i. I recommend approval of the Van Drivers Contract as presented.
j. I recommend approval of Appendix D of the FEA Educator Evaluation Contract Language as presented.
k. I recommend acceptance several checks totaling $300.00 from the FHS Administrators for a FHS Scholarship.
l. I recommend approval of the Cafeteria Workers Contract as presented.

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
Review of Executive session minutes from 9/25/12; 11/27/12; 1/15/13; 1/29/13; 3/12/13; 5/28/13 and 6/11/13.

8. Adjourn

Election Day - Jun 25, 2013


The special election for the US Senate seat formerly held by John Kerry will be held on Tuesday, Jun 25. All Franklin voters will cast their ballots at the Franklin High School field house. The polls will open at 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM.

Election Day
Election day - Jun 25, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Absentee ballots are available up until noon on Monday, Jun 24, 2013
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/Absentee%20Ballots%20Are%20Available.pdf

Gabriel Gomez campaign site   http://www.gomezforma.com/
Ed Markey's campaign site  http://www.edmarkey.com/


Lowell Sun endorsed Gabriel Gomez  http://www.lowellsun.com/opinion/ci_23500657/let-gabriel-gomez-show-what-he-can-do

Milford Daily News endorsed Markey
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x393138725/Editorial-Ed-Markey-for-U-S-Senate


The two candidates for Massachusetts' open U.S. Senate seat have differing opinions on how things are run down on Capitol Hill.


Attention Franklin: Open Board and Committee positions


The following Boards/Committees are looking for members:

  • Conservation Commission - Kathy Celorier -508-553-4846
  • Disabilities Commission - Mary ONeil - 508-520-3050
  • Finance Committee - Jeff Nutting - 508-520-4949* Send letter of interest and resume to Jeff Nutting 355 East Central St.
  • Franklin Cultural Council - Claire Griffin - 508-520-8857
  • Library Board of Directors - Felicia Oti - 508-520-4940
  • Franklin Housing Trust Fund - Maxine Kinhart - 508-553-4886
  • Public Land Use Committee - Beth Dahlstrom - 508-553-4852

If you are interested in serving on the committee, please complete the required form and if you would like more information on the committee, please contact the above.


The form can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B2AF2D-000F8513.0/Town%20of%20Franklin%20-%20Request%20For%20Committee%20Appointment.pdf



"our trail networks connect to public transportation"

The Milford Daily News writes about the rail trails in the area.
Nearly $10 million of that, for instance, could go to finishing work on the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, which stretches 22 miles from the Franklin State Forest to the Douglas State Forest, traveling east to west through Bellingham, Uxbridge, Blackstone and Millville. 
The state-owned trail has several undeveloped segments, and the DCR has been helping grassroots nonprofit groups like the Friends of the SNETT chip away at these unfinished sections in hopes of connecting the trail to the Blackstone River Greenway, which picks up in Worcester and runs 48 miles to Providence, R.I. 
In Massachusetts, according to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, there are 55 completed trails, spanning nearly 400 miles, and 62 trails under development. A handful of these pass through or near MetroWest and Milford area communities.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1002429162/Local-bike-trails-have-much-to-offer#ixzz2X2KokbVe

BVRP - winding trail
summer day on the Blackstone River Bikeway

Good Links:

The full report "The Way Forward" can be found at the MassDOT website
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/0/docs/infoCenter/docs_materials/TheWayForward_Jan13.pdf

The Grand Trunk Trailblazers webpage can be found here
http://www.grandtrunktrailblazers.org/

The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail webpage can be found here
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

The Assabet Trail webpage has a good collection of other rail trails in MA
http://www.arrtinc.org/google_map5.asp