To the citizens and potential candidates for Franklin's election this November 5
I extend an offer to conduct and post an interview with you here. The interview can be either text or audio.
You are running to conduct business on behalf of Franklin. Together, we can share your views, your objectives, and help to spread the word to create an informed voter.
Send me an email (shersteve at gmail dot com) and we can arrange a mutually convenient time.
Be aware that this is my public service effort conducted solely to create an informed electorate here in Franklin.
I do this for fun and education. If it stops being that way, I will stop.
This is not an advertising site. This is an information sharing site.
My disclosure statement can be found here.
My comment/editorial policy can be found here.
A similar offer was made for the Franklin, MA elections in 2011, 2009 and 2007.
The interviews for the candidates in the prior elections can be found in the archives
2011 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html
2009 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/10/2009-election-collection.html
2007 - http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/11/franklin-election-2007.html
Monday, August 26, 2013
Getting ready to slow down on King St
The meetings around the safety of the school crossing on King St at Wachusett St for the students going to the Parmenter Elementary School made promises that are about to be delivered.
Construction on the past couple of days have resulted in some tree branches trimmed back
one tree removed
poles installed for better marking of the crossing
speed warning signs have been installed. This one shown is on King St heading to i495. There is a similar one on King St heading towards Wachusett St.
With school opening on Tuesday, the work to finish the installation seems like it can be completed on Monday.
From the archives
the meeting at Parmenter with Franklin officials was mentioned during the January Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/live-reporting-closing.html
the plan to prepare for this installation was voted on and approved by the Finance Committee in March and then by the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/delcarte-recreation-proposal.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-27.html
Construction on the past couple of days have resulted in some tree branches trimmed back
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| note: tree branches trimmed |
one tree removed
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| note: stump and sawdust remains where tree was |
poles installed for better marking of the crossing
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| new sign pole on corner |
speed warning signs have been installed. This one shown is on King St heading to i495. There is a similar one on King St heading towards Wachusett St.
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| new speed sign |
With school opening on Tuesday, the work to finish the installation seems like it can be completed on Monday.
From the archives
the meeting at Parmenter with Franklin officials was mentioned during the January Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/live-reporting-closing.html
the plan to prepare for this installation was voted on and approved by the Finance Committee in March and then by the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/delcarte-recreation-proposal.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-27.html
new Franklin High School parking arrangements
With construction of the new building underway, part of the main parking lot has been returned to Franklin for use when school opens on Tuesday.
The fences previously restricting the parking lot to the construction work zone have been relocated.
Access to the high school parking lot from the Horace Mann bus loop entrance has been restored.
There are eleven parking spots marked for energy efficient vehicles
There are eleven parking spots for car pools
A view of the new lot as you come in from the Horace Mann/Oak st access
The fences previously restricting the parking lot to the construction work zone have been relocated.
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| the fences have been removed |
Access to the high school parking lot from the Horace Mann bus loop entrance has been restored.
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| the access road from Horace Mann/Oak St is re-opened |
There are eleven parking spots marked for energy efficient vehicles
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| priority spots for energy efficient vehicles |
There are eleven parking spots for car pools
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| priority spots for car pools |
A view of the new lot as you come in from the Horace Mann/Oak st access
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| a view of the lot |
"the field remains wide open"
A recap of the folks who have taken out election papers is available in this article from the Milford Daily News. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5th. The election timeline was posted here earlier in case you want a refresher.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868831264/Candidates-for-Franklins-Nov-6-election-trickling-in#ixzz2d48Onn00
Councilors Tom Mercer, Andrew Bissanti, Judith Pond Pfeffer and Glenn Jones will run for re-election in November. The only newcomer to the council running thus far, Brett Feldman, a member of the Finance Committee, took out papers earlier this month.
Chairman Robert Vallee, Vice Chairwoman Tina Powderly and councilor Matt Kelly are still mulling whether to run. But State Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) has announced an end to his local political career, as he forges ahead in his freshman year at the State House.
Council candidates will need to round up 100 signatures to run, while others need 50. Sept. 18 is the final day to return the documents.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868831264/Candidates-for-Franklins-Nov-6-election-trickling-in#ixzz2d48Onn00
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 27, 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.
AGENDA
"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 July 16, 2013 and August 13, 2013 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Elementary - School Improvement Plans
1. ECDCb. Middle - School Improvement Plans
2. Davis Thayer
3. Jefferson
4. Keller
5. Kennedy
6. Oak Street
7. Parmenter
1. Horace Mannc. High School – School Improvement Plan
2. Remington
3. Annie Sullivan
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend approval of the ECDC School Improvement Plan as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the Davis Thayer School Improvement Plan as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the Jefferson School Improvement Plan as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the Keller School Improvement Plan as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the Kennedy School Improvement Plan as detailed.
g. I recommend approval of the Oak Street School Improvement Plan as detailed.
h. I recommend approval of the Parmenter School Improvement Plan as detailed.
i. I recommend approval of the Horace Mann School Improvement Plan as detailed.
j. I recommend approval of the Remington School Improvement Plan as detailed.
k. I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan School Improvement Plan as detailed.
l. I recommend approval of the FHS School Improvement Plan as detailed.
m. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light to declare Science books as detailed as surplus.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from BJ’s Wholesale for Keller Elementary School.
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
The 'phantom ecologist' can do better
A loyal reader found this note posted on one of the information kiosks at the DelCarte property last weekend and shared the photo with me. A series of emails with Michele Grenier, the Franklin Conservation Agent, and Jeff Nutting, the Town Administrator, confirmed the following.
- Trapa natans is an invasive species, it is not legally sold in MA.
- Franklin will put a plan together to remove the plant from the pond
- The 'phantom ecologist' should come forward with anything else they find and reach out to the Conservation Agent.
The contact information for Michele (email and phone) can be found on the official Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Conservation/index
Additional info on the trapa natans can be found on the National Park Service page here
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/trna.htm
or wikipedia here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_caltrop
What does the trapa natans look like?
From Evernote: |
Water Chestnut (Trapa natans)Clipped from: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/trna.htm |
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| trapa natnas |
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| Photo of 'phantom ecologist' note |
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) has been observed in DelCarte Pond #4, the pond immediately behind this kiosk. The plant has not previously been observed in Franklin.
This is a highly invasive non-native plant most probably introduced by geese and/or swans. If not controlled the pond is expected to be completely controlled by the plants' floating mats in just a couple of years, reducing sunlight and dissolved oxygen to the extent that fish kills can be expected, severely limiting the potential for fishing and bating at DelCarte.
Currently there are dozens of colonies, composed of a few hundred individuals. This population has grown in just a single season (it was not observed in 2012) giving an idea of how it quickly it multiple geometrically.
It is still feasible to control this plant by manually pulling the plants, although it may take several years to completely eradicate it. The plants have dropped their seeds in July, so no control measures are planned until next spring and summer.
If allowed to grow for another year or two, removing the plants manually will be impractical. There are mechanical and chemical controls that can be applied for established infestations, but are prohibitively expensive. next summer is our best chance to control this plant and maintain the ability to fish and boat at DelCarte.
Information will be posted here next spring regarding an attempt in May/June 2014 to manually pull the plant using canoes and kayaks.
- the phantom ecologist - 8/16/2013
How much do you want to play football?
Nine year old Kyle Florio has been deaf since birth. He was born with the love of football. Kyle's parents are also deaf and they wanted their son to be able to play sports just like all the other kids. So they supported his decision when he wanted to join the Pop Warner league.
"I feel like it's a little different. Most of the time, feels just normal," says Kyle through an interpreter.
This year mark the third year Kyle has been drafted by the Charger's as a defensive back. And thanks to his team's generosity, they have raised thousands of dollars every year to make sure Kyle has an interpreter right there on the field with him, putting Kyle on a level playing field with everyone else.
"It's really nice to have an interpreter there. Have full communication access, full enjoyment. It's almost like a sense of equity among the players, says Steve Florio, Kyle's father, through an interpreter.
Read more: http://www.myfoxny.com/story/23233829/team-raises-funds-for-child#ixzz2cqHBKTky
The fund raiser was held this past Friday night at Cole's.
The team needed to raise $3,600 to pay for an interpreter this season. If you'd still like to helpthe team, visit: http://www.gofundme.com/Communication-Access-Fund
Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/23247306/2013/08/24/franklin-football-players-raise-10k-to-help-deaf-teammate#ixzz2d0ya5QA3
New York News
Franklin Public Schools: School Improvement Plans (SIP)
On the agenda for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday Aug 27 is the presentation, discussion and acceptance of the school improvement plans.
The district improvement plan is set and then each individual school works out how they can meet the overall objectives based upon their student population and individual requirements.
The School Administration earlier this year introduced a checklist to enable better tracking of the improvement plans and detailed action items. The checklist can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/fps-district-improvement-plan-checklist.html
The individual school improvement plans can be found on the link to each school name.
Elementary - School Improvement Plans
The district improvement plan is set and then each individual school works out how they can meet the overall objectives based upon their student population and individual requirements.
The School Administration earlier this year introduced a checklist to enable better tracking of the improvement plans and detailed action items. The checklist can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/fps-district-improvement-plan-checklist.html
The individual school improvement plans can be found on the link to each school name.
Elementary - School Improvement Plans
1. ECDCMiddle - School Improvement Plans
2. Davis Thayer
3. Jefferson
4. Keller
5. Kennedy
6. Oak Street
7. Parmenter
1. Horace MannHigh School – School Improvement Plan
2. Remington
3. Annie Sullivan
Bottle and Can Drive - FHS Boy's Hockey - Sep 7
The FHS Boy's Hockey Bottle and Can drive
Saturday, Sep 7th
Pirelli Veterans Arena
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
"SNAP dollars" are used like regular money
In an effort to expand their customer base and provide fresh and affordable food to low-income families, some Bay State farmers markets are accepting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
Previously known as food stamps, SNAP is a federally-funded program that offers nutritional assistance to millions of low-income families. The U.S. Department of Agriculture budgeted $82 million for the program in fiscal year 2013.
According to MassGrown, which is overseen by the state Department of Agriculture and provides information on farm products and activities, 80 farmers markets in Massachusetts now accept SNAP benefits, including Ashland, Framingham and Hopkinton.
Read more on the Milford Daily News webpage here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x511616740/Farmers-markets-starting-to-accept-SNAP-benefit?rssfeed=true
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Voices of Franklin: FRANKLIN HEIGHTS: Family Community Dream or Foreclosure Nightmare?
The Franklin Heights development is a Townhome/Condo Community located off of Lincoln St. My family purchased our town home in May 2008, at that time there were two townhome buildings with 4 units per building on the property. We were told at the time of sale there were plans for a beautiful family community and 109 townhomes were to be built in two phases.
Soon after our sale, we noticed that things weren’t happening the way that we were told they would. Since our development was not complete, our association was run by the Trustee, the current builder. He had the control over how our condo fees were distributed and we were unaware of how much money was not being used as we were told until the development went into foreclosure and we were told that our condo reserve was gone. During this time, we had no landscaping or road maintenance. Our yards were literally overgrown, there were big mosquito infested holes from where construction had begun but not finished. From what I understand, the Condo association is required to have a 10% reserve in the budget for units to be sold and re-sold. We have never, in the 5 years that I have lived here, been given a budget or statement of how our fees are distributed. Our fees were quickly raised to make up for this reserve that is needed. We are threatened with liens on our property if we are delinquent on payment. After the foreclosure, we were told (through our own research through the Registry of Deeds and demands for information from realtors on the property) that there was a new property developer taking over our development. The new developer has since only developed the 18 unit complex located on the property that was abandoned for years. It took our own research through the Registry of Deeds to find out that a member of this new company was the new Trustee of our association. He has told us that his hands are tied in relation to the existing townhome units. He will not answer my emails or talk to me about my concerns. He will only send impressions of legal action if I continue to speak out with my opinions. We are told by Continuing Care (Property Management Company that handles our association money) that there is no money in our budget for road/driveway maintenance, recycling, and regular maintenance of our units. This is all outlined as the responsibility of the Trustee/Association in our condo documents. All townhome units pay month HOA fees, some units as high as $310/month. Just recently, homeowners have begun to use their own money to make repairs to prevent damage to our cars and provide safe spaces for our children.
My mission is to raise awareness about this development in hopes that drawing attention will force the “board” and “association” and “Trustee” to start running this neighborhood as a true association with unit owner involvement and proper maintenance of our units and roads.
Thank you,
Rachel Brancato
Voices of Franklin guidelines
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
"we have a long way to go"
The Citizens Committee is exploring how to get the downtown train station on the historical register according to this article in the Milford Daily News.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655329783/Franklin-panel-envisions-station-on-historic-list#ixzz2csdfSPQf
The station roof was being repaired when I made the rounds in Franklin recently to capture some photos. Boarded up to do the roof construction certainly gives it a different appearance.
Describing what comes with placement on the registry, McNiff said, "If it’s a commercial property, there are some tax benefits available. Work done on it would have to be reviewed by the historical commission if what’s being done does not conform with the historic nature of the building."
"There are preservation grants that are available," he continued, "and those are open to communities and nonprofit entities. It’s a competitive program so you have to make an application."
One of two T stops here, the downtown station dates back to the 1800s. "A lot of us who grew up in Franklin remember what the station looked like: a picture-perfect postcard," Benedetto said. "Now it looks like the South Bronx."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655329783/Franklin-panel-envisions-station-on-historic-list#ixzz2csdfSPQf
The station roof was being repaired when I made the rounds in Franklin recently to capture some photos. Boarded up to do the roof construction certainly gives it a different appearance.
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| Downtown train station under construction |
Bekah Redwine's "Bear Mitzvah" Project
Julia Redwine sent me an email with this message: "I wanted to share a special story that I thought may warm your readers' hearts."
A year ago July, a very special family friend of ours, seven year old Alexandra Pacher, lost her battle with leukemia. As one can only imagine, this was extremely heart breaking for Alexandra's family, friends, and our Franklin, MA community where Alexandra, her parents and dog Franklin lived.
Our daughter Rebekah was one who was very much affected by Alexandra's passing. Bekah and Alexandra were not close friends but had spent some time together over the years and for Bekah, it was just unfathomable that anyone so young would not only have cancer, but worse, pass away from such an unfair and cruel disease. Soon after Alexandra's passing, Bekah asked in honor of her own Bat Mitzvah which was coming the following June (June 22, 2013) if she could take on a special project in memory of Alexandra. At our temple, a large "mitzvah" project is not required for preparation of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah but Bekah wanted to do this in addition to the responsibilities that were actually required at our synagogue leading up to her special day - Alexandra's passing really affected her.
Bekah decided to sew 54 bears (18 in the Jewish religion is "chai" and means life - so triple chai is 54) in Alexandra's memory. Bekah spent the next 11 months sewing, stuffing and adding eyes, noses and bows to these cuddly critters. Alexandra's favorite colors were pink and blue so Bekah decided to tie these colored ribbons around the bears necks so that they can be given to boys and girls alike.
Yesterday Bekah, along with Alexandra's mother, Tamara Pacher brought the 54 bears to the MGH clinic where Alexandra sadly spent a lot of time receiving treatments. Bekah and Tamara visited one of the pediatric inpatient floor as well to continue handing out these special bears. Next year our family is planning a trip to Israel and Bekah's intention is to sew and stuff an additional 54 bears over the next year and deliver them to a hospital there as well.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month so not only does Bekah hope that these bears bring some comfort to the children at MGH and want them to know she is thinking of them, but to also spread the word of how important it is to continue the commitment to fighting childhood cancer.
The story aired on Channel 7 and can be viewed here
http://www1.whdh.com/news/
New State Grants Benefit Community Cultural Programs
New State Grants Benefit Community Cultural Programs
Senator Spilka announces state grants for nonprofit cultural organizations and schools in Franklin and Medway
(FRAMINGHAM, MA) – Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) today announced that the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) has awarded grants totaling $10,780 to cultural organizations, schools and communities in Franklin and Medway.
These grants support a wide variety of cultural activities and projects that benefit local residents, while supporting jobs in the nonprofit cultural sector. The announcement was made as part of MCC's statewide funding program, which benefits in FY14 from a $1.6 million increase to its state appropriation, approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in July.
"MCC grants help to ensure that the unique cultural resources in our community and across the Commonwealth continue to thrive and benefit our citizens today and in the future," Senator Spilka said. "I am pleased to announce these new grants and cultural investments. State support for the arts, humanities and sciences is invaluable in connecting children and adults to diverse cultural experiences."
The MCC approved the following funding for local cultural councils in the community:
• Franklin Cultural Council, $6,530
• Medway Cultural Council, $4,250
Local Cultural Councils comprise the most extensive public cultural funding network in local concerts and exhibitions. Grants to local councils are determined by a formula that reflects the state's local aid system.
About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The MCC is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities and artists. For more information, please visit www.massculturalcouncil.org.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Fallen Heroes - Booklet
The booklet available for those attending the ceremony to unveil the street signs on May 15, 2011 marking the Fallen Heroes can be viewed here:
I'll second the acknowledgements listed on the back cover and especially to Rose Turco for allowing me access to this material to share here.
Many thanks!
I'll second the acknowledgements listed on the back cover and especially to Rose Turco for allowing me access to this material to share here.
Many thanks!
Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr., U.S. Navy
Aviation Radioman Second Class John W. Wyllie, Jr., son of John and Elizabeth Wyllie, was born on December 4, 1922. John lived with his parents and two sisters at 460 Washington Street. John attended the Franklin Public Schools and was a graduate of Franklin High School Class of 1941.
Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr. was in the service for 3 years during which he saw extensive combat flight duty in the various invasions in the South Pacific.
Aviation Radioman 2C John Wyllie had completed 11 months of combat duty in the South Pacific and was scheduled to go overseas again. In August of 1945, while on an authorized Navy patrol bomber training flight, John lost his life as the bomber exploded in midair and crashed into the sea 20 miles southwest of San Diego, CA.
Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr., U.S. Navy was 22 years old at the time of his death while in the service of his country during World War II.
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| Fallen Hero: RM 2C Wyllie |
For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
Now Opening for Business in New Locations
In June, we wrote about the 3 locations at the Silver Maple Commons on King St that were open for business. Two of these have now been filled by businesses relocating from downtown Franklin.
Salon Sorella is going into the spot left behind by the Phillip DePalma Salon and Day Care moving to Grove St.
You can visit Salon Sorella on the web at http://www.salonsorellafranklin.com/
Pretty Is Pink is going into the spot vacated by TD Bank over a year ago. I captured the temporary banner when walking by this past weekend.
You can visit Pretty Is Pink on the web at http://prettyispink.wordpress.com/
Both of these businesses now leave behind some empty space in the downtown business area. What will move in to take their place? Will it be a new business or another relocation to continue playing leap frog or dominoes or (you get the idea!).
Salon Sorella is going into the spot left behind by the Phillip DePalma Salon and Day Care moving to Grove St.
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| Salon Sorella |
Pretty Is Pink is going into the spot vacated by TD Bank over a year ago. I captured the temporary banner when walking by this past weekend.
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| Pretty Is Pink |
Both of these businesses now leave behind some empty space in the downtown business area. What will move in to take their place? Will it be a new business or another relocation to continue playing leap frog or dominoes or (you get the idea!).
MassBudget: A Well-Educated Workforce is Key to State Prosperity
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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