Friends and ColleaguesTomorrow is election day, and I respectfully ask you to VOTE YES on Question 1 to make the Treasurer/Collector position in Franklin an appointed position, not an elected position as it currently stands.Moving the position to an appointed position does not indicate a loss of faith or trust in the voters. The move recognizes that Franklin has grown to a $100 million+ business, with complex debt management and cash flows, and that an election does not necessarily allow one to properly vet candidates for such a critical position. The process for hiring our next Treasurer/Collector should include interviews, references, requirements for certifications, prior experience, assessment of ability to work with other Franklin departments, at a minimum. Indeed, the likes of General Motors or IBM or Pepsi do not choose their CFO based on a poll of their staff because although their staff may be well-informed and well-intentioned, the dynamics of an election do not automatically mean that a rigorous full review of the candidates takes place.Please note that our current Treasurer/Collector, Jim Dacey, has lobbied for a change to an Appointed position for years. He has done a phenomenal job for the Town and is the one most qualified to comment on the rigors of the position. Please read his editorial below for his reasoning, and note that last week Milford approved by Town Meeting this same change.Please support the Treasurer/Collector position as Appointed for the long-term financial health and stability of Franklin.Thank you.
Tina Powderly
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, November 4, 2013
Voices of Franklin: Powderly -> Appoint the Treasurer/Collector Position
Conversation with Brett Feldman - Town Council Candidate
Brett Feldman is attempting to step up to the Town Council after 8 years with the Finance Committee. Brett will be one of 10 candidates for 9 positions on the Town Council. Aside from the existing Councilors, his experience on the Finance Committee has probably best prepared him for what will be needed to serve on the Town Council.
By the time, Brett and I got together earlier this month, he has already met with Town Administrator Jeff Nutting to review the listing of the topics Jeff had prepared for the candidates to be aware of. There were no surprises on the list. Brett was already familiar with the issues around the funding for the roads, the schedule for the downtown project, and Davis Thayer’s status, to mention just a few.
Brett’s eight years on the Finance Committee has provided him a good knowledge of the overall business of Franklin. He understands the budget process. He has worked with the various department managers and other committees.
Brett is an energy professional with experience working for energy companies. He lives in Franklin with his wife and two children. The oldest of his two children is in elementary school and youngest is about to enter. He is a civic minded volunteer looking to be ‘part of the solution’ for Franklin.
You can also find Brett’s input during the Candidate Forum on Oct 23rd here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/live-reporting-candidates-forum-town.html
Election sign collection - 2013
The photos of the election signs that I found around Franklin can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157637276276744/
If you find a sign for a candidate that I missed please send it to me so I can add it to the collection.
Thanks
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157637276276744/
If you find a sign for a candidate that I missed please send it to me so I can add it to the collection.
Thanks
"We are hoping that it will be good"
The Milford Daily News writes about the local Franklin election happening on Tuesday, Nov 5th
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825427347/Election-day-is-Tuesday-in-Franklin#ixzz2jfnSzSy1
The candidate profiles are posted to the Wicked Local Franklin page and summarized here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/candidates-for-town-council-part-2.html
and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/candidates-for-town-council.html
The Franklin Matters election collection can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
The ballot includes races for Planning Board, Board of Assessors, constable and Town Council.
Voters are to decide whether to make the treasure/collector position appointed through an amendment to the town’s charter. And they will see a non-biding referendum asking if the town should adopt a mayoral form of government.
Ten candidates, six incumbents and four hopefuls, are vying for the nine available council seats.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825427347/Election-day-is-Tuesday-in-Franklin#ixzz2jfnSzSy1
The candidate profiles are posted to the Wicked Local Franklin page and summarized here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/candidates-for-town-council-part-2.html
and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/candidates-for-town-council.html
The Franklin Matters election collection can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
Candidates for Town Council (part 2)
The Milford Daily News is posting their candidate profiles to the Wicked Local webpage.
Judith Pond Pfeffer
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/topstories/x915439608/Judith-Pond-Pfeffer-Candidate-for-Town-Council
Andrew Bissanti
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439617/Andrew-Bissanti-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Glenn Jones
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439619/Glenn-Jones-Candidate-for-Town-Council
Matt Kelly
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439623/Matthew-Kelly-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Peter Padula
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439625/Peter-Padula-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Stephen Williams
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439629/Stephen-Williams-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Judith Pond Pfeffer
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/topstories/x915439608/Judith-Pond-Pfeffer-Candidate-for-Town-Council
Andrew Bissanti
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439617/Andrew-Bissanti-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Glenn Jones
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439619/Glenn-Jones-Candidate-for-Town-Council
Matt Kelly
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439623/Matthew-Kelly-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Peter Padula
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439625/Peter-Padula-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Stephen Williams
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x915439629/Stephen-Williams-Candidate-for-Town-Council?rssfeed=true
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Conversation with Andrew Bissanti - Town Council Candidate
Andrew Bissanti is up for his second term on the Town Council. His first two years went by quickly. Andy spent the time doing a lot of learning. He expects that he will be more active in this next Council assuming he is re-elected. We sat down recently to discuss the top questions facing Franklin.
Q - Now that the Master Plan has been approved, what do you think will happen to it?
The previous Master Plan sat on a shelf and was referenced from time to time but that was about it. There was a good team that worked on this plan. The skills and abilities in the room were impressive. I am all for this plan, it needs to work for us..The Master Plan was well presented by the team and should be good to work with.
Q - Do you think the Treasurer/Collector should be appointed or elected?
I think it should be appointed. Franklin is a $100 million dollar business. We need the expertise to manage the money properly. There should be a search committee. I expect that there will be some good candidates. If the individual is a Franklin resident, all the better. That should be our #1 option.
Q - What do you think of the non-binding question for mayor? Should we have one?
The first question is what kind of mayor? There are different kinds. We pretty much have the structure today, just change the name from Town Administrator to Mayor and that is one of the possibilities. We need to look at what we want. Where are the strengths, where are the weaknesses?
From this point the conversation turned to related matters. Andy feels there should be a joint session with the Planning Board and Town Council. There needs to be a better understanding of the “Special Permit” criteria. A lot of what has been set up was done years ago. Franklin needs to grow again. How do we do that? We should look at ‘net equity yield’. Andy says he hears of folks saying we can’t have more kids here. Look around you. We have good schools, look at all the youth programs, there are lots of families here. I don’t think it has to be growth without kids. We are a top community to raise a family. We can continue to be that and grow.
Related Links
The 2013 election collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
The 2011 election collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html
The 2009 election collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/10/2009-election-collection.html
Conversation with Judy Pfeffer - Candidate for Town Council
When Judy Pfeffer and I sat down recently to talk about the election Nov 5th, we realized that the last time we had got together was prior to the election in 2009. My how time does fly? Without letting too much more time go by, we got into a series of questions which Judy answered.
Q - Now that the Master Plan has been approved, what do you think will happen to it?
A - The Master Plan needs an implementation committee to do the work. It took a whole lot of good work by a lot of people to put the Master Plan together. It will take some work to put into action.
Q - Do you think the Treasurer/Collector should be appointed or elected?
A - I had been on the side to have the position appointed. I have changed my mind and it should remain elected. It is the only way to keep the position with a Franklin resident. And with the size of the budget, it really should be managed by someone local. I have long advocated for Franklin residents to be first inline for town positions. Keeping the position elected will do that.
Q - What do you think of the non-binding question for mayor? Should we have one?
A - How will the mayor be set up? It depends. I don’t want to be mayor. Some others might but not me. people need to know that this won’t happen anytime soon. It will take another charter commission to study, make a proposal, go through the approvals and require another vote before we see it.
After these questions, our conversation vered to cover other Franklin topics. Judy thinks the Citizens Committee is shaking things up a bit. Attention needs to be paid to some things where it hasn’t been. The downtown train station got fixed up recently due to their efforts. What will we do with the old municipal building? It needs repair because nobody was paying attention to the building. That should not happen. Judy would like to return to the Town Council to help address these things.
Related Links
The 2013 election collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
The 2011 election collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html
The 2009 election collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/10/2009-election-collection.html
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Nov 6, 2013
WEDNESDAY - November 6, 2013
Municipal Building – Training Room - 7:30 P.M.
This meeting will not be televised
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
1. Action Items:
a. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1190.00 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $472.00 from All American Publishing for FHS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of $10.00 from MIT for in house enrichment.
2. Adjourn
Municipal Building – Training Room - 7:30 P.M.
This meeting will not be televised
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."
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
1. Action Items:
a. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1190.00 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $472.00 from All American Publishing for FHS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of $10.00 from MIT for in house enrichment.
2. Adjourn
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Candidates for Town Council
Milford Daily News is starting to post profiles for the Town Council candidates
Charles DelFino
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/newsnow/x915439602/Charles-DelFino-Jr-Candidate-for-Town-Council
Brett Feldman
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/newsnow/x915439604/Brett-S-Feldman-Candidate-for-Town-Council
Charles DelFino
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/newsnow/x915439602/Charles-DelFino-Jr-Candidate-for-Town-Council
Brett Feldman
http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/newsnow/x915439604/Brett-S-Feldman-Candidate-for-Town-Council
"tax-free online purchases are unfair for local business"
When you purchase something from Amazon beginning Nov 1, you'll notice that you will have to pay a MA sales tax when you checkout.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825427174/Local-reps-applaud-sales-tax-collection-from-Amazon#ixzz2jU9crwmX
"It's something we needed in Massachusetts because our Main Street businesses and local businesses have been at a disadvantage," said state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin.
Roy said tax-free online purchases are unfair for local business that must pay the state sales tax.
"If somebody goes into a local store, they can effectively use it as a showroom, look at the items, talk to store owners, learn about the qualities of the merchandise, and then they can leave the store and order it online, and they will save 6.25 percent," he said. "I am glad to see it has finally been fixed."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825427174/Local-reps-applaud-sales-tax-collection-from-Amazon#ixzz2jU9crwmX
Franklin Youth Soccer Assoc: Keep that playoff energy going!!
From: FYSA - Keep that playoff energy going!!
"to help handle the ripple effects"
Franklin has sent a letter to the casino developers for the Milford project asking to be considered a "surrounding community."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825427163/Franklin-rolls-dice-on-Foxwoods-compensation#ixzz2jU82WneP
"We continue to have concerns about the impact of the casino on the town’s housing stock, negative impacts on local retail, including loss of meals and hotel tax revenues, impact on the education system and the demand for increased public safety response to Interstate 495 as a result of the dramatic increase of traffic to and from the casino," Nutting wrote.
Nutting penned a similar letter in June asking for a meeting with Foxwoods officials, but he did not hear back.
According to the gaming commission, the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act aims to protect not just the town or city where a casino might be built, but also those municipalities nearby.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825427163/Franklin-rolls-dice-on-Foxwoods-compensation#ixzz2jU82WneP
Dean College Hosts Early Childhood Education Training on Nutrition
The Dean College School of Continuing Studies will be hosting a free training for early childhood educators on the topic of nutrition. The event will be held on Wednesday November 20, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM and participants will earn two hours of nutrition training from the Department of Early Education and Care. Seating is limited.
Highlighting the schedule is a presentation from Pam Mele, titled "Growing up Healthy: A nutrition seminar for early childhood education providers", Pam is an adjunct faculty member and expert in the field of Early Education with over 30 years experience working with young children and educators.
"On behalf of Dean College's School of Continuing Studies, I am pleased we are able to support the professional development of early childhood educators in our community on such a critical topic as childhood nutrition," says Veatrice Carabine, Dean of the School of Continuing Studies at Dean College.
The training will take place in the Golder Room, located in the Dean College Campus Center. Attendees are asked to park in the Campus Center parking lot, at 109 West Central Street/Route 140.
To register for the event, please call 508-541-1629 or email vcarabine@dean.edu. For more information, please visit www.dean.edu
Friday, November 1, 2013
Nov 2: Due to the Rolling Rally, Commuter Rail's Saturday schedule has been modified
Nov 2: Due to the Rolling Rally, Commuter Rail's Sat sched has been modified to provide special, pre-parade service w/ extra IB trains in the morning Capacity is being significantly increased along each line. Pleas expect variations in scheduled times due to increased ridership and allow extra time for your trip. The MBTA strongly urges parade-goers to take advantage of the earliest trains to avoid very heavy volume on subsequent trains. Please note: Commuter Rail service will not run on lines that do not normally run on Saturdays (Greenbush, Kingston, Needham, Fairmount, and Stoughton). Making stops on each line, the North Side train departure times will be: Trains departing Rockport at: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:45 a.m. Trains departing Newburyport at: 6:15 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 8:48 a.m. Trains departing Haverhill at: 6:00 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 8:15 a.m. Trains departing Lowell at: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. Train departing Wilmington at: 7:45 a.m., 9:20 a.m. Trains departing Fitchburg at: 6:00 a.m., 6:50 a.m., 7:40 a.m. Train departing South Acton at: 8:50 a.m. Making stops on each line, the South/West Side departure times will be: Trains departing Worcester at: 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m. Trains departing Franklin/Forge Park at: 6:35 a.m., 8:35 a.m. Trains departing Providence at: 6:35 a.m., 8:35 a.m. Trains departing Middleboro/Lakeville at: 6:50 a.m., 8:22 a.m. All Commuter Rail lines will return to their regular Saturday schedules at approximately 4:00 p.m. Additional outbound trains have also been added to the Fitchburg Line, leaving North Station at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., making stops at all stations. Commuter Rail customers can purchase a $10 roundtrip fare electronically via our mTicket mobile ticketing app at www.mbta.com/mticket beginning Friday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m. Last updated: Nov 1 2013 11:28 AM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Sent by the MBTA. Manage subscriptions Help (or write support@govdelivery.com)
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Food Pantry, Food Elves and Downtown Partnership
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is once again teaming up with the Franklin Foods Elves for the "12 Days of Donating" Campaign to support the Franklin Food Pantry.
The "Food Elves" which is a student run organization will collect food donations the first 12 days of December for the Food Pantry. We are looking for 10 businesses that will agree to have a food donation bin placed at their business location for this time period for residents to drop by and donate food. In addition,each business will agree to donate $200 to the Food Pantry for the campaign.
Last year the Food Elves collected 2 Tons of food! It was one
of the most successful food drives ever in Franklin!
Let us know if you would like to be one of the participating businesses so we can list your business in the press release and on the Holiday Stroll flyers. The deadline is next week so let us know soon. The $200 is not collected until December 12th.
Thanks for your interest....
Lisa Piana
Executive Director
and The Franklin Food Elves
Candidates Forum replay schedule
The recent Candidates Forum is available for replay via your cable channel on these days and times. Franklin TV has confirmed that the schedule was adjusted to provide more views of the program before our election on Tuesday, Nov 5th.
Franklin Town Hall TV |
The Candidates Forum will run this week:
Friday 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM
They will also schedule it heavily Mon/Tues next week.
Franklin.TV ... 23 Hutchinson St., Box 286 Franklin, MA 02038-0286 ... 508-541-4118
Friday 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM
They will also schedule it heavily Mon/Tues next week.
Franklin.TV ... 23 Hutchinson St., Box 286 Franklin, MA 02038-0286 ... 508-541-4118
What are you going to do with all that Halloween candy?
Friendly reminder that the Franklin Lions will take it off your hands on Sunday
Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy, Candy!!
Donate Yours
To Our
Troops!!
Sunday November 3rd, 2013
VFW Hall
1034 Pond Street
Franklin, MA 02038
10am to 2pm
Every Child who donates is entered into a drawing various prizes!!!
Sponsored by the Franklin Lions
National Grid: High Wind Alert
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Thursday, October 31, 2013
Franklin Art Association - Nov 2013 - Newsletter
The November 2013 Newsletter for the Franklin Art Association
This includes a reminder of their upcoming Art Exhibit and Sale on Sat Nov 16th and Sun Nov 17th
For more about the FAA visit their webpage http://www.franklinart.org/
This includes a reminder of their upcoming Art Exhibit and Sale on Sat Nov 16th and Sun Nov 17th
For more about the FAA visit their webpage http://www.franklinart.org/
Sunrise Montessori School - Yard Sale - Nov 2
The yard sale details are as follows:
- Sunrise Montessori School yard sale
- Saturday, November 2nd from 9am to 2pm; rain or shine
- 31 Hayward St., Franklin
Stop by the Sunrise yard sale for some fantastic deals on children's games, toys, clothing, items for the home, gently used sports equipment and much more.
Sunrise Montessori School is a nonprofit, 501c3 organization. All proceeds from the sale to benefit the school's programs. Unsold items will be donated to Cradles to Crayons and Big Brother-Big Sister.
In the News: make Treasurer appointed, witch in Unionville
Dacey: Make Franklin post appointed
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, voters in Franklin will have an opportunity to change the Treasurer-Collector position from elected to appointed. The Town of Franklin can join surrounding towns who appoint their Treasurers and Collectors with Milford and Plainville being the lone exceptions; Milford is looking to make their positions appointed.This is the binding question on the ballot next Tuesday. The second or non-binding question is whether Franklin should consider a mayoral form of government. Technically we already do. In any case, it would take years to bring about the change if the decision were to go forward.
The text of the question can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/proposed-ballot-question.html
Johnston: Be there a witch in Unionville?
On All Hallow's Eve, the men went to Old Moll's grave on Forge Hill. In the dark of the night, guided only by the light cast by their tin lanterns, they dug up Old Moll.There is nothing like a good story for Halloween!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
MBTA: Some subway, commuter rail, and bus service may be extended to accommodate World Series Game 6.
Some subway, commuter rail, and bus service may be extended to accommodate World Series Game 6. Subway The Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Silver Lines will operate until their regular weekday schedule time. If necessary, subway service will continue until all fans from Fenway Park have been accommodated after the game's conclusion. Commuter Rail The last outbound Fairmount, Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, Middleborough/Lakeville, Needham, and Newburyport Line trains will depart at their regularly scheduled time. The last outbound Fitchburg/South Acton, Franklin, Haverhill, Lowell, Rockport, and Providence/Stoughton Line trains will be held approximately 45 minutes after the game's conclusion but will leave no later than 1 a.m. The last regularly scheduled outbound Framingham/Worcester Line train will depart South Station at its regularly scheduled time. An extra train will accommodate World Series passengers at Yawkey Way and will depart approximately 15 minutes after the game's conclusion. Bus All connecting bus service (service which waits for the last subway train) will operate until its regular weekday schedule time. If necessary, bus service will continue until all fans from Fenway Park have been accommodated after the game's conclusion. Last updated: Oct 30 2013 1:44 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Sent by the MBTA. Manage subscriptions Manage account Help (or write support@govdelivery.com)
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Franklin Library: trick or treat
Trick or Treat at the Library on Thursday
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/trick-or-treat-at-library.html
Trick or Treat at the Library |
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/trick-or-treat-at-library.html
Reminder - FEF Casino Night - Nov 2, 2013
Details on the Franklin Education Foundation - Casino Night - Nov 2, 2013 can be found in this PDF:
FEF Casino Night - Nov 2 |
Since 1997, Franklin Education Foundation events have raised nearly $300,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF have funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. The Franklin Education Foundation is a 5019c03 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible.
Beethoven at the Claflin Hill Symphony - Nov 2
There are four Franklin Public School staff members who are playing in an all Beethoven program this Saturday Nov. 2 with the Claflin Hill Symphony. The concert, which features the Beethoven Violin Concerto with soloist Angel Valchinov, is at 7:30 PM at Milford Town Hall, under the direction of Paul Surapine.
Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra |
The Franklin Public School and Lifelong Learning staff who are symphony members are Diane Plouffe, violin; Kathleen Woods, viola; Brent Selby, cello; and Kevin Donegan, trumpet. The concert will also feature Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 and the Coriolanus Overture.
Additional details and tickets for this concert can be found online http://www.claflinhill.org/
Hockomock YMCA: Youth Basketball League registration
The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for its annual winter Youth Basketball League which begins December 7th for children ages 3-14. The first three weeks will be devoted to practices and the last five weeks to playing games (all will be held on Saturdays). The league is open to players of all levels.
Hockomock YMCA - Youth Basketball League |
The Youth Basketball League (YBL) is the YMCA’s most popular youth sports league. It focuses primarily on skill development, sportsmanship and fun. Emphasis will be placed on dribbling, shooting, passing, teamwork, and having fun. The first three weeks of practices are developed to meet the needs of each age group and to best advance their skills in a healthy and fun way. For the following five weeks, children will compete in games (times are TBA). Each player in YBL will receive a team t-shirt and a trophy at the end of the season banquet.
Children ages will play in coed divisions. The cost for the program is $66 for members and $99 for non-members. Hurry and sign up today because after November 26th winter league prices will increase.
To register, please stop by your local branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA:
- Bernon Family Branch (FR) - 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin | call 508.528.8708
- Invensys Foxboro Branch (FX) – 67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro | 508.543.2523
- North Attleboro Branch (NA) - 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro | 508.643.5215
Or, visit us online at www.hockymca.org (only full members can register online).
Please note, ages may vary by branch. For further information, please contact your branch’s Sports Director FR: Kailynn Bateman, kailynnb@hockymca.org, 774.235.2720; FX: Shelly Jacobsen, shellyj@hockymca.org, 508.772.1354; NA: Michelle Burke, michelleb@hockymca.org, 508.643.521.
About the Hockomock Area YMCA
We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth & Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Pumpkin Stroll at Parmenter, election day next Tuesday
3 Restaurant - Caring for our Community with a Night of Comedy!
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Franklin Library: music and movement
Don't go stir crazy. The youngsters can get out to the Library for music and movement.
Tuesday at 10:30 AM at the Franklin Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/celebrate-fall-through-music-movement.html
Music and movement |
Tuesday at 10:30 AM at the Franklin Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/celebrate-fall-through-music-movement.html
In the News: Friday tweet-a-hon, Washington St accident
State police to take part in Friday Tweet-a-thon
On Friday, Nov. 1, the Massachusetts State Police will join law enforcement agencies around the world to participate in a 24-hour Tweet-a-thon to bring attention to the use of social media by law enforcement.
@MassStatePolice
@franklinpolice
and while you are at it you can follow @franklinmatters and @franklinfoodpan
Franklin crash leaves Uxbridge man dead, another injured
An Uxbridge man is dead and a Franklin woman injured following an accident Sunday night on Washington Street, police said.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Public Art - Portland, ME
I did a bunch of walking in Portland, ME this weekend and was pleased to see some public art in the city. Along the waterfront in one of the main tourist sections (Commercial St) and then in the Eastern Promenade there were several pieces on display and the photos are shown here. There are other pieces located through out the city in addition to many monuments.
For additional information on this piece you can visit the Public Art Portland webpage
http://www.publicartportland.org/project/untitled-armillary/
Unfortunately, the three pieces from the Eastern Promenade are not available on this webpage.
Portland did put together a "Master Plan" for the Eastern Promenade and you can find that here
http://www.portlandmaine.gov/planning/epmp.pdf
public art - eastern promenade |
public art 2 - eastern promenade |
public art 3 - eastern promenade |
Armillary - Portland, ME |
Armillary 2000 - Portland, ME |
For additional information on this piece you can visit the Public Art Portland webpage
http://www.publicartportland.org/project/untitled-armillary/
Unfortunately, the three pieces from the Eastern Promenade are not available on this webpage.
Portland did put together a "Master Plan" for the Eastern Promenade and you can find that here
http://www.portlandmaine.gov/planning/epmp.pdf
Why privacy matters? (video)
After walking around Portland, ME this weekend, this TED Talk is quite relevant. It is amazing how much information we choose to share and what can be done with it.
Alessandro Acquisti explores the topic and provides some insights on the research being done in this arena.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Turkey Trot Family Fun Run 5K
Have a good excuse for some second helpings by running or walking the Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning.
Details for this event can be found in the flyer here or on the race webpage http://feedtheneed.org/races/112813.html
Registration is 20 non-perishable food items or $20.
Flyer updated 11/7/13 to fix a typo
Details for this event can be found in the flyer here or on the race webpage http://feedtheneed.org/races/112813.html
Registration is 20 non-perishable food items or $20.
Flyer updated 11/7/13 to fix a typo
2013 Fall Art Exhibit and Sale
Franklin Art Association
2013 Fall Member’s Art Exhibit and Sale
Bellingham Library
100 Blackstone Street
Bellingham, MA 02019
Follow I-495 North to Exit 17 (Route 140). Take a left off the exit ramp to Route 140 North. Follow Route 140 North through 4 traffic lights, past the Rapid Refill Plaza. At the 5th traffic light, take a left onto Blackstone Street. The Library is located less than a 1/2 a mile down Blackstone Street, on the left hand side of the road.http://www.bellinghamlibrary.org
508-966-1660
Saturday November 16th 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday November 17th 12 pm to 4 pm
Franklin Art Association |
The exhibit is free and open to the public and includes:
- The exhibit and sale of fine art paintings and photographs
- Bin sales of original works of art and prints
- A silent auction of small works
- A scholarship raffle
- Complementary food and beverages
Since 1971 www.franklinart.org
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Franklin Food Pantry Receives Grant from Darden Restaurants
Funds Earmarked to Support the Healthy Futures Initiative - Grant is one of more than 850 awarded through Darden’s 2nd annual Restaurant Community Grants program
The Franklin Food Pantry was selected as a recipient of a $1,000 grant as part of the Restaurant Community Grants program from the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants Inc. The grants program, now in its second year, empowers each restaurant in the Darden family of brands to help award a $1,000 grant to support local community programs.
Chosen by the LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant in Franklin, The Franklin Food Pantry has earmarked Darden’s funds to supply fresh fruit to its clients through its recently launched Healthy Futures Shelf.
In Photo from left to right: Linda Sottile, Director of Operations at the Franklin Food Pantry; Jodi Morgan, Kitchen Manager, Jessica Studley, Culinary Professional, and Jason McHenry, Managing Partner from LongHorn Steakhouse in Franklin; Tony Kucich, Volunteer at the Franklin Food Pantry, and Jon Morse of The Big Apple in Wrentham. |
“With this grant from Darden and support from The Big Apple in Wrentham, The Pantry can supply approximately 240 apples each week for 4 months, a welcome item on the shelves at The Pantry this Fall”, stated Linda Sottile, Director of Operations for The Pantry.
Healthy Futures Franklin is part of Mass in Motion (MIM), a statewide movement that promotes opportunities for healthy eating and active living. MIM programs work with communities, schools, childcare centers, and businesses to create changes that make it easy for people to eat better and move more. “Together, we can create healthier communities, and a healthier Commonwealth. We have received funding through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to continue the work in Franklin, and the Franklin Food Pantry has been an instrumental partner in these efforts”, said Marissa Garofano, Director of Community Wellness for the Hockomock Area YMCA.
According to Erin Lynch, Director of Development at the Franklin Food Pantry, “Providing nutritional advocacy and access to fresh fruits and produce is a priority for The Pantry in its role as a Healthy Futures partner. The high cost of perishable items is a barrier to wholesome nutrition for many families. We try to supply these items to our clients whenever affordable and available. We are very grateful to Darden Restaurants for their contribution to this community effort.” The Pantry has also received support from MetroWest Health Foundation, Stop & Shop, and the community to enhance the variety and quality of healthy items and nutrition resources that they can offer.
Darden’s Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s brands participated in the grant program. Many restaurants and brands worked together to award one nonprofit organization with a larger grant and make a greater impact in their community. The restaurants will award more than $1.9 million to more than 850 exceptional nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Nonprofits receiving grants support one of Darden’s three key focus areas: access to postsecondary education, preservation of natural resources and hunger.
“Our employees are incredibly passionate about the communities where they live, and our restaurant teams are in a position to understand and help address the needs of their communities,” said Drew Madsen, Darden Restaurants’ president and chief operating officer. “We’re all proud to build on that passion through the grants program and bring real, local citizenship to life by enabling each restaurant to make a difference in their backyard.”
For more information about the Darden Foundation, please visit www.dardenfoundation.com. For additional information on The Franklin Food Pantry, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. For more information on Mass in Motion, please contact Marissa Garofano at marissag@HOCKYMCA.ORG or visit www.healthyfuturesfranklin.org for information on the Healthy Futures Initiative.
About Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, owns and operates more than 2,000 restaurants that generate over $8.0 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and employing more than 190,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. In 2013, Darden was named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the third year in a row and is the only full-service restaurant company to ever appear on the list. Our restaurant brands – Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House – reflect the rich diversity of those who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights into what our guests want. For more information, please visit, www.darden.com.
The Darden Foundation
The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation is the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants, Inc. The Foundation’s mission is to maintain a spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy as defining characteristics of Darden Restaurants. Since 1995, the Darden Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants, with $7.2 million given in fiscal year 2012. The Darden Foundation carries out its mission by focusing philanthropic efforts and resources on the following program areas: Access to Postsecondary Education, Preservation of Natural Resources and Good Neighbor Grants. For more information, please visit, www.dardenfoundation.com.
About The Franklin Food Pantry
Established in 1987, the mission of the Franklin Food Pantry is to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions, by empowering the community through resources, education and collaboration. It is part of the Greater Boston Food Bank network and depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners and the community at large. The Franklin Food Pantry is located at 43 West Central Street, Route 140 and can accept donations during business hours, Tuesday - Friday, 9am -1pm. Non-perishables may also be dropped off after hours in the bin by the front door, or monetary donations may be mailed to Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin MA 02038. For more information, visit us at franklinfoodpantry.org, like our page on Facebook, or call us at 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization FEIN # 04-3272663.
"people need to consider how it is going to be paid"
Representative Jeffrey Roy is putting his experience dealing with unfunded mandates to good use.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
A list of the unfunded mandates required for schools as of 2009 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-1.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-2.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-3.html
The Mass Association of School Committees (MASC) document listing the unfunded mandates is now located here:
http://www.masc.org/advocacy-center/position-papers/131-getting-ready-for-a-difficult-budget-setting-process
Drawing from his experience in local government, Roy has co-sponsored a bill to establish a commission to study unfunded mandates imposed on public schools.
A section in the 1993 education bill was similar to what Roy and other sponsors want - a commission to review and evaluate all legislative requirements related to education and to make recommendations to eliminate or reduce some of the mandates.
"No commission was ever formed since 1993," Roy said. "We are not asking you to discontinue this practice, what we are asking you to do is study the practice.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
A list of the unfunded mandates required for schools as of 2009 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-1.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-2.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/state-education-mandates-part-3.html
The Mass Association of School Committees (MASC) document listing the unfunded mandates is now located here:
http://www.masc.org/advocacy-center/position-papers/131-getting-ready-for-a-difficult-budget-setting-process
Friday, October 25, 2013
Farmers Market - Town Common - noon to 6:00 PM
Grand Opening Celebration for Fred Astaire Franklin
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Franklin Hosts Grand Opening on Saturday, November 23, 5-9 p.m.
The new Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Franklin welcomes dance enthusiasts of all ages to swing into the studio's grand opening party for refreshments and performances. The event will be held on Saturday, November 23, from 5-9 p.m. at the new studio located in Franklin Village Shopping Center, 475 Franklin Village Drive. Refreshments will be served and guests can participate in a raffle to win free dance lessons.
The evening will be filled with fun and entertainment for all ages, including professional dance performances by Olaf Pries and Mona Hofmann, national American Smooth champions, as well as local dance students just getting started in ballroom dance. Whether you can heat up the dance floor with salsa moves or a graceful waltz, or are getting married and want to impress your guests with a romantic first dance, Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Franklin teaches students that ballroom dance is a great way to relax, stay in shape, and learn the art of social dancing in a fun, low-stress, non-competitive environment.
Everyone from the community is invited to attend the celebration and tour the new location. Please RSVP (508) 528-6200 or email dance@fredastairefranklin.com. The studio is online at www.fredastairefranklin.com, and on Facebook as well.
Franklin businesses on the news wire for plastics and wireless
In the world of plastics, Dynisco has made its mark
Read the full story here
http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20131024/NEWS/131029941/dynisco-eliminates-mercury-in-sensors#
Visit the Dynisco webpage for more about this Franklin based company http://www.dynisco.com/
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In the wireless space, CTI Towers is growing
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/10/9/cti_towers_inc_secures_30_million.htm
Visit the company webpage here to learn more about Franklin based CTI Towers
http://www.ctitowers.com/
DÃœSSELDORF, GERMANY — Walking around K, it’s all “green” this, “blue” that and “eco” the other. But when Franklin, Mass.-based Dynisco LLC introduced Vertex, its mercury-free melt-pressure sensor in October 2012, Matthew Carrara, vice president and general manager of Dynisco Plastics, didn’t intend the “green” connotations of the brand.
“We didn’t realize until afterwards that “vert” was French for “green.” I thought of the name “Vertex” meaning “apex,” the top of the pile. And the “ex” in the logo symbolizes the diaphragm flexing,” he said.
Read the full story here
http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20131024/NEWS/131029941/dynisco-eliminates-mercury-in-sensors#
Visit the Dynisco webpage for more about this Franklin based company http://www.dynisco.com/
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In the wireless space, CTI Towers is growing
FRANKLIN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CTI Towers, Inc., a wireless tower operator with more than 800 wireless towers throughout the United States in its portfolio, today announced the company has secured up to $30 million in debt financing and closed its first third-party acquisition, purchasing five towers from a major wireless carrier.Read the full article about CTI Towers here
This acquisition continues CTI Towers’ growth strategy outside the Comcast portfolio – from which the company has acquired 230 towers to-date – and secures towers within strategic, high-demand regions. The debt facility will allow CTI Towers to accelerate its acquisition pipeline as it continues to enhance its position as one of the top 10 largest wireless tower operators in the U.S.
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/10/9/cti_towers_inc_secures_30_million.htm
Visit the company webpage here to learn more about Franklin based CTI Towers
http://www.ctitowers.com/
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