What has Dean wrought?

I'll ask your pardon for the pun in advance. It seemed like something too good to pass on. Dean College has had the classic look of brick and wrought iron for years along Main St.

older fencing along Main St

This summer they extended their wrought iron fencing to other sections of the campus to complete the 'look'

new section between dorm and Library

Along Main St

new section along Main St

I think it looks quite good.  What do you think?

In the News: court date finally set

Franklin teen accused of sucker punch to face jury

A trial date has been set for a former Franklin High student accused of slugging a classmate at school, in an assault videotaped and later posted to Twitter.

Related post - April 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/officials-investigate-franklin-high.html

FHS - construction photos

When I stopped by the new high school before school opened, I didn't get to go around the building where I had not been able to go before. I had focused on the parking lot opening in the front. With the opening of the parking lots and access road, you can get closer to the building.

the access road from Oak St

more parking available

yellow section is entrance to gym and auditorium

slow down for the pedestrian crossing

up close to the 'practice wall'

framed view of the construction

this corner houses the gymnasium

full view of gymnasium

need to find what this back section houses
this houses the cafeteria

slowing down on King St

In my brief observation on Monday afternoon the signs appear to be slowing traffic down. The sign facing traffic coming from i495/Union St did not have the flashing lights going. Vehicles as they approached were hitting 45 plus MPH and then slowing as they realized what the sign meant. One vehicle slowed quickly and so much, the vehicle behind it started tooting.

The sign facing traffic coming from RT140/Summer St did have the lights blinking and for the most part was also slowing traffic.Traffic in this direction seemed to hit 40 as a max and then slow down.

King St speed sign

I cropped the photo exclude the vehicles and license plates. My survey was purely unofficial.

Guru - Buffet lunch

The Guru Bar and Grill has signs in their windowing announcing a buffet lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Guru Restaurant

Visit their webpage for menu and additional information
http://www.gurubarandgrill.com/

FBRTC: Bike Tour Pictures and Upcoming Events

Thank you to to everyone who participated in the Guided Bike Tour of the SNETT. We saw the good, bad, ugly and future ... of the trail that is (although that formation through the streets of Blackstone was not very pretty either!)  Pictures are posted on the FBRTC Facebook page.

Rail Trail Committee

We were pleased to have such a great turn-out for the ride.  A special thanks to Bill Desantis as our guide, Ken Demeo for the shuttle and to all the members who helped plan this event, including: David Labonte, Ed Barth, David Dennison Terri Tomaino, and Dick Tomaino.  Also, thanks Rep. Jeff Roy for this participation in the ride and for his efforts to develop the trail.

We also have some upcoming events that you may be interested in:

Saturday, Sept 28 Autumn Hike/Nature Walk: (in cooperation with the Metacomet Land Trust): Enjoy all the sights, scents and sounds the seasonal changes have to offer on this Saturday morning hike. Family friendly guided activities along approximately. one mile round trip hike. Recognize trees by their scent, bark and leaves; look and listen for signs of wildlife as they prepare for winter. All ages welcome.

Oct 12; Trail Clean-up: Help clean-up and maintain the trail.  We will be working on the Lake to Center Street section.  More details to come.

Thank you again for your interest in the trail effort and for your support of the FBRTC.

_______________

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path.

FBRTC is a subsidiary of the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers, a recognized 501(c)(3), and working in partnership with federal, state and local governments, members of the FBRTC are committed to exploring all private, state and federal funding avenues to implement all necessary design plans.              

"they are beautiful and touching and even funny"

The wedding gown exhibit at the Historical Museum is open through Sunday, Sep 8, 2013

Earlier this summer volunteers with the Franklin Historical Commission helped repair wedding dresses for the display. Among them were Colette Ferguson and Connie Lawson, who do most of the work with textiles that go on exhibit at the museum. The volunteers sewed, mended, carefully ironed and dressed mannequins with the gowns, as well as did research in preparation for the exhibit. 

"We have had some challenges with the dresses. We want them to look their best, so ironing is the least amount of preparation we do," said Historical Commission member Mary Olsson. "Our oldest dress from the 1890's is very delicate and has to be handled with extreme care. A few dresses have needed some mending, but most have been kept in very good condition. In some cases the head pieces needed a bit of mending and tulle added to enhance damaged veils."

Read more about the exhibit at the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868833256/Franklin-Historical-Museum-featuring-wedding-gown-exhibit?rssfeed=true

talking about the elephant in the room

Do you know the story of the blind men and the elephant? If you want to get a quick refresher on it, this Wikipedia link is quite good. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant

You can follow the link and then return. I’ll wait for you. How this relates to the ‘elephant in the room’ will be revealed.

What elephant is in the room? The one each of us can see partially (like the blind men). The elephant in the room was raised during the recent parent meeting held at Franklin High School.

What do we know about the allegation? One can put together the timeline as follows:

• Something occurred between a male teacher and a female student that was inappropriate
• The incident seems to have occurred some time ago
• Students were having a conversation about it via Twitter and texting
• Someone reported the conversation to the School Dept
• The School Dept immediately took action to suspend the teacher and report to DCF, and Franklin Police
• The incident become news recently when someone tipped the news media to it, the news media contacted the School Dept, the released their first public announcement on Monday, Aug 26 so parents would be aware before school opened
• High school teachers were aware the week before, other teachers found out on Monday
• The DCF and School Dept investigations continue, apparently Franklin Police have no investigation underway (Fox News)
• There is no estimate on how long the investigations will take to reach a conclusion

Maria Trozzi, the crisis counselor brought in by the School Dept, advised that parents have a conversation with their students about what is appropriate.

How do you start the conversation? 

There are plenty of examples all around us to draw from. Miley Cyrus’ performance at the recent VMA and broadcast via TV might be one to talk about. While much conversation has focused on Miley’s performance, what about Robin’s role?




Another and perhaps easier conversation would be with the recent Dunkin Donuts hot and spicy commercial.

• If the two people in the car were co-workers, is the conversation appropriate?
• Does appropriateness change if one were the manager of the other?
• Does it change, if the two were friends and lovers?

Keep the conversations civil and anger free. Do not end up like one of the versions of the blind men and the elephant where they were fighting each other insistent that their version was true. None of us know what the true story is today. We need to be patient, let the investigation and legal due process run its course.

"it really does make sense to serve that population"

One of the Town Council agenda items for this week's meeting is to add a part time position at the Senior center. Currently, Bob Fahey, the Veterans agent also serves as the outreach coordinator. The new position would allow Bob to focus all his attention to the veterans.

"You could see it over the years," Nutting said, adding, "In 10 years, our senior population has continued to expand … so we are having (to assist) a growing number of seniors and veterans." 

Alves has asked to hire someone to work 19 hours a week. "It will help immensely," said Fahey. "It separates one component of my job so I can place more attention on veteran affairs." 

The person will not only provide outreach to elderly, but also to non-elderly residents.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868833080/Franklin-Senior-Center-looking-to-expand-outreach#ixzz2djMcw5Ya

For the documents and full agenda for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, check this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-4.html

Zentangle Class in September at Jane's Frames

Zentangle Class Dear Steve, You are invited to attend a Zentangle  class,  on Thursday, September 19th, 6:15-8:15 at Jane's Frames. Zentangle is a meditative artform that anyone can do!  No art experience is needed.   The cost of this 2 hour class is $35.00, it includes the Zentangle kit, so you can continue creating your tangles at home. Please RSVP soon as the class is filling up! When you call or e-mail, I will send you additional information about the class.  After 14 months of enjoying the relaxing and inspiring process of creating Zen-tangles,  in June, I was fortunate enough to attend a three 1/2 day class, along with over 100 attendees from all over the world. The instructors,  Marie Thomas and Rick Roberts, are the founders of Zentangle.   I am so pleased to be a Certified Zentangle Teacher, I now add CZT after my name!  What is Zentangle? Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. For more information go to QUICK LINKS A very Special Thank you goes to my friend Cathy Corcoran, a true Angel on earth, who introduced me to Zentangle over 16 months ago. I have been enjoying this relaxing and inspiring process ever since. It was through Cathy's joy of presenting what she loves, generosity of spirit and inspiration that drew me into the world of tangling. I am forever grateful! Joyfully and Thankfully Yours, Jane Curran, CZT Jane's Frames Zentangle Class Relaxing & Eye Opening Quick Links www.zentangle.com www.janesframes.com www.tanglepatters.com A sample of creations from an Zentangle Class of first time tanglers.

Forward this email Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

13th Annual High School Fair - BFCCPS

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, located in the St. Mary’s school building at 201 Main Street, will host its 13th annual High School Fair night on Thursday, October 3rd, from 7-8:30 PM in the BFCCPS Dr. Kevin O’Malley auditorium.

Open to the public, 8th grade students both from BFCCPS and from other surrounding towns are invited to attend; admittance only with parent or guardian. The fair showcases private and independent high schools in the Metrowest area, Boston, Worcester, and northern Rhode Island. Students are invited to browse, pick up brochures and applications, ask about fall open house dates and speak directly with representatives and current students of the schools in attendance.

Parking is available in the school parking lot off Pleasant Street, just north of Main Street in Franklin.

More about Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School can be found on their webpage
http://bfccps.org/

33rd Annual Crackerbarrel Classic 5K Road Race/Walk

FROM: Annual Crackerbarrel Classic 5K Road Race/Walk

-------------------------------------------------

Hello Again,

If you haven't done so yet. Just a reminder that 33rd Annual Crackerbarrel Classic 5K road Race at Wrentham Developmental center is on 9/14/13. Hope to see you again. You can register on line through runreg.com   Thanks!!

Rich Katno
Race Director


Visit the race website  http://www.crackerbarrelclassic.com/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 4, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– June 5, 2013

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
● Design Review Commission

Claudine Silverman
Robert J. Tobin Jr.

● Conservation Commission

Dayna Gill
Ravi Pendkar 

F. HEARINGS
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to §185-7. Compliance Required

• Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery of Furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – Postponed to September 4, 2013- 7:10 PM

Ichigo Ichie
Village Mall Liquors

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
• Residence Inn by Marriott-Franklin-Change of Manager
• Artistry Kitchen Franklin, LLC –New License

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Changes to Chapter 185. Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – Referral to Planning Board
2. Bylaw Amendment 13-720: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated. – Referral to Planning Board
3. Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map. - Referral to Planning Board
4. Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Changes to Chapter 185-50. Residential VII Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Changes to Chapter 185 Use Regulation Schedule, Parts I through Parts VII.- Referral to Planning Board
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required- 1st Reading
7. Resolution 13-62: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 1, Paragraph 8
8. Resolution 13-63: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 9
9. Resolution 13-64: Council on Aging – Outreach Coordinator
10. Resolution 13-65: Ratification of Town Administrator’s Contract
11. Resolution 13-66: Authorization for Disposition (Sale) of Town-Owned Land (Vacant Parcel Between Old West Central and West Central Streets)

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 documents associated with this agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/090413.pdf

Networking Event - Sep 18 - Twenty8

The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO) is hosting a night of networking at Twenty8 Food and Spirits located in the Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel & Spa in Patriot Place, Foxboro on Wednesday, September 18, 2013. Networking will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and light appetizers will be provided. The YPO will also be raffling Door Prizes. 

The cover charge is $5.00 with pre-registration on the YPO website or $10 at the door. Don’t miss the opportunity to make connections, build relationships and showcase your business with your peers.

Young Professionals Organization

Twenty8 Food and Spirits has quickly become one of the hottest dining spots in Foxboro, MA. The ambiance is sophisticated yet fun while the menu features New England favorites with a trendy twist. Come dine on your favorite comfort foods chicly redesigned and served in an eclectic, electric setting. The ambiance is sophisticated yet fun while the menu features New England favorites with a trendy twist. 

The YPO consists of a diverse group of young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement and professional development. 

You may register for this event on the YPO’s website unitedregionalypo.org or by contacting 508-488-YPO1 (9761).

Bottle and Can Drive - FHS Boy's Hockey - Saturday, Sep 7

The FHS Boy's Hockey Bottle and Can drive 

Saturday, Sep 7th

Pirelli Veterans Arena

8:30 AM to 2:00 PM

“We don’t shut down during the summer”

Milford Daily News reports on the activities on campus during the summer for schools like Framingham State and Dean College.

“The summer’s a busy time on college campuses,” said Dave Drucker, dean of students at Franklin’s Dean College. 

At Dean, freshman orientations begin in June. The college holds four separate sessions for students and parents. 

“We really orientate our students to what life is going to be like at Dean,” Drucker said. “We work very closely with the families about what that transition will be like for students. We try to forge a partnership to work with them through the first year to commencement.”

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1155158606/Summer-a-busy-time-of-year-for-area-colleges#ixzz2ddOHECz0

Visit  Dean College on the internet at http://www.dean.edu/

One change Dean made on their campus this summer was the addition of wrought iron fencing in places where it didn't already exist to complete the look.

new wrought iron fencing at Dean College

Reminder: set up your A+ schools account

The Stop & Shop A+ rewards start accumulating with your October purchases. You can link your Stop & Shop rewards card to one or more Franklin schools as of Sep 1.


Related posts
Over $9,000 in total awards to Franklin schools for 2012-2013 school year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/stop-shop-bonusbucks-rewards-franklin.html

How to set up your card for a school or two
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/stop-shop-update.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/stop-shop-can-help-your-franklin-school.html

In the News: Back to school

Milford Daily News does an interesting round up of the area school districts and what changes occurred during the summer.

School districts in MetroWest and the Milford area opened classes for the school year last week or will begin this week after Labor Day. In many districts, the new year means changes including new hires for teachers and administrative jobs, buildings that have been renovated, as well as programs and classroom tools that have been added. The following is a catalog of stories outlining the major changes at each area school district.

Construction progress at the new high school building is what is covered in Franklin's summary. Read the full article here: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1155158556/Its-back-to-school-time#ixzz2ddRCM2p8