Thursday, September 5, 2013

In the News: positive review, businesses caught

Franklin town administrator gets positive review

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, whose contract expired on June 30, received high praise in a recent performance review.

Police: Two Franklin businesses caught selling booze to minors

Ichigo Ichie was one of two businesses caught selling alcohol to a minor during recent police liquor stings, the Japanese restaurant’s second such violation in as many years.


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

From Random Smile Project - Rapid Response Alert


***** THIS IS A RAPID RESPONSE ALERT - YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW *****
Random Smile Project

We have a request for a family of 4 - Mom, Dad, Daughter and Son that recently fled Syria. The son was hurt and is receiving medical treatment in Boston. The family was only able to take one suitcase of belongings with them. Please see below for some suggested items of need:

Sheets and blankets (full or queen)
Dishes
Glasses
Flatware
Pots and Pans
Fry pan
Baking pans
Towels, washcloths
Some bigger items they need
Couch
Vacuum cleaner
Gift Cards for Stop and Shop; Target; Gas Cards would be helpful

Please drop this week between 9 - 5pm at Costello Realty at 195 Main Street Franklin up until this Friday September 6, 2013.

Please email happenings@randomsmile.org so we can anticipate what will be collected if you intend on dropping off anything.

Thanks!
Matt Sousa/Paul Molla
Co-Founders
Random Smile Project
http://www.randomsmile.org/

Franklin to participate in Mass in Motion Healthy Dining Program


Healthy Futures Franklin



Healthy Futures Franklin is proud to announce its participation in the Mass in Motion Healthy Dining Program, an initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Restaurant foods tend to be higher in calories, fat and sodium, and portions are bigger than food prepared at home. But more and more customers are looking for healthier options while dining out. The Mass in Motion Healthy Dining Program works with local restaurants to make healthy food and drink options available to customers. By offering healthy entrees and side dishes, local restaurants are making it easier for Franklin’s customers to make healthy choices.

Mass In Motion
Healthy Futures Franklin will work with local restaurant owners to help them promote smaller portions, fruit and vegetable substitutions, and healthier drink options. Restaurants simply feature healthy menu items they may already offer or make small changes to make existing items healthier. By making these small changes Healthy Dining restaurants can receive free publicity in the community and across the state, increase sales, and attract new customers.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Healthy Dining Program in Franklin, contact Marissa Garofano, Director of Community Wellness at the Hockomock Area YMCA at 774.235. 2737 or marissag@hockymca.org

About Healthy Futures Franklin, a Program of the Town of Franklin and the Hockomock Area YMCA
Healthy Futures Franklin, a Mass in Motion initiative, works locally to increase opportunities for Franklin residents to eat better and move more in the places they live, learn, work, and play. Franklin is among 52 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth that are part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program. Healthy Futures Franklin is working to support the implementation of Complete Street Policies, Safe Routes to School, Community Gardens, Safe Areas to Play and Be Active, and improving school nutrition initiatives that will make the healthy choice the easy choice for residents of Franklin.   http://www.healthyfuturesfranklin.org/

About The Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow. For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit www.hockymca.org

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.

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older fencing along Main St

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

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new section between dorm and Library


Along Main St

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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

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

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.

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the access road from Oak St


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more parking available


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yellow section is entrance to gym and auditorium


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slow down for the pedestrian crossing


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up close to the 'practice wall'


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framed view of the construction


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this corner houses the gymnasium


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full view of gymnasium


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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.

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King St speed sign

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