In the News: Thayer collection, casino voted down, office hours

Helping Hands: Thayer students collect items for the Food Pantry

Fifth-graders at Franklin's Thayer Elementary School collect donations for the Franklin Food Pantry.

Milford casino opponents cheer vote

Friends and neighbors cried, hugged and jumped up and down Tuesday night at the anti-casino rally as, precinct by precinct, they realized they had brought down casino developers.

U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III to hold office hours in area towns

U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III will hold office hours Saturday, Nov. 23, in Franklin and Medway.

Franklin Sculpture Park - The Bear! (video)

A quick 4 minute walk through to highlight the newest piece added to the Sculpture Park. Hopefully this will be enough of a tease to get you out to the park to enjoy all the pieces.





You can contribute to the Sculpture Park  through the Franklin Art Center website
http://franklinartcenter.com/park.html


Additional posts watching the development of the Sculpture Park can be viewed here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/sculpture-park-november-update-video.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-sculpture-park-updated-video.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/sculpture-park-update.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/a-walk-through-sculpture-park.html

Franklin Interfaith Council Service - Nov 24, 7:00 PM

The Interfaith Council of Franklin will be celebrating with our annual Thanksgiving Interfaith service - this Sunday - November 24th , 7pm.  St. John's ( 237 Pleasant St ) will be hosting the service - and all houses of worship that are members of the council will be participating.  There will be music, readings, prayers - with songs by our Interfaith Choir - all within an interfaith framework.   People from all walks of life - people of faith and those with no faith affiliations are invited and welcome to share an hour or so of Thanksgiving with us.  Plenty of free parking and refreshments will be served afterwards.  Hope to see you there!

MassBudget: Useful resources on the state's minimum wage

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The Minimum Wage: Useful Resources  A strong minimum wage helps workers support their families, and it can also bolster our economy by increasing the amount workers have to spend at local businesses. As part of an ongoing statewide discussion about whether to adjust the state's minimum wage--which has fallen 25% since 1968--the state Senate will soon begin debating a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $11 over three years. "While our economy has become increasingly productive, wages for middle and low income workers have been stagnant and the value of the minimum wage has declined," said Noah Berger, President of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. "Because the value of the minimum wage hasn't kept pace with inflation, a full-time minimum wage worker now makes $5,000 a year less than in 1968--even though our economy is much more productive. When too many of our working people don't make enough to pay for basic necessities, it hurts those workers and their families--and the reduced demand for goods and services harms local businesses as well." MassBudget's work on the minimum wage provides information about the Value of the Minimum Wage in Massachusetts, Who is Affected by the Minimum Wage, and The Minimum Wage and Job Creation.  Today, we are releasing a new resource, "The Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers," which briefly describes how the minimum wage works for workers who regularly earn tips, like waiters and hairdressers. The $2.63 an hour that employers are required to pay these workers hasn't changed since 1999--and since 1968 the inflation adjusted value of the tipped minimum wage has fallen 58 percent. While tipped workers are required to get the full minimum wage when tips are included, recent studies have found that states with a low "tipped minimum wage" tend to have higher poverty rates for tipped workers.       See ALL OF OUR MINIMUM WAGE RESOURCES         The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News: suspicious message

Many commuter train riders got a late start to their Monday.

Passengers evacuated after suspicious message found on train

Authorities ordered a commuter train evacuated Monday morning after an MBTA crewmember saw a suspicious graffiti message scrawled onto the side of the train.

Parmenter - 2 views

The Parmenter sign is different depending upon how you approach it. Heading towards i495 you see

Parmenter sign - west bound

Heading towards Four Corners you see

Parmenter sign - east bound

School Committee: new high school construction photos

As part of the School Committee agenda package for Nov 19, this file contains photos of the new high school construction progress



The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html

Franklin Library: Teen Book Club - "Incarceron"

The Library Book Club for teens will be discussing "Incarceron." Additional details in the flyer as shown here

Teen Book Club - Incarceron

There is a wiki for Incarceron   http://incarceron.wikia.com/wiki/Incarceron_Wiki

The wikipedia entry for the book can be found here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incarceron

This was shared from the Library webpage http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/11/teen-book-club-incarceron.html

"Not a bad day’s work"

On April 14, 1945, Army Pfc. Howard Crawford stood atop a hill in western Germany, his only weapon a small "pea" gun, his only company the two German soldiers he had just startled in the brush. 

The 21-year-old Maine native had been sent up the hill to look for lumber, and had been given a comrade’s smaller gun to make his task easier. Now, he found himself pointing the "tiny" weapon at two enemies, his life hanging in the balance of what was to unfold in the next few moments. 

"We stood there and stared each other down for what seemed like eternity," Crawford said. "Finally, they dropped their guns."

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x915445589/WWII-JOURNAL-Outgunned-Franklins-Howard-Crawford-captured-two-Germans#ixzz2kzc1ysea

The honey that Howard sells is real good. It is available at the Akin-Bak Farm on RT 140 near the intersection with Beaver St.   http://www.akinbakfarmllc.com/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Nov 19, 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 October 22, 2013 and November 6, 2013 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Snow Update – Brutus Cantoriggi

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/school-committee-snow-removal-update.html

 b. MCAS Presentation – Joyce Edwards

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/school-committee-mcas-results.html

3. Discussion Only Items
Enrollment Update – Maureen Sabolinski
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/school-committee-enrollment-comparison.html


4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $220.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for in-house enrichment for the District.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1224.00 from Music Student Parents for the Central District Music Festival audition fees.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care for a grant for Karen Lindbloom at RMS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2305.27 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for in house enrichment at Keller Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2826.00 from the Oak St. PCC for a field trip to see Seusical the Musical.
f. I recommend approval of the request of Allison Fuller for a field trip to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 10, 2014 to play with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2065.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a field trip to the RI Philharmonic.

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
Personnel Matter

8. Adjourn

School Committee: Snow Removal Update

The DPW will present an update on the snow removal plan at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 19.

The document as released with the agenda is as follows:





The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html

School Committee: MCAS Results

Joyce Edwards, Director of Instructional Service, will present an update on the MCAS results for the Franklin School District at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 19.

The document as released with the agenda is as follows:





The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html

School Committee: Enrollment Comparison 2012 to 2013

Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent, will present an update on the latest student enrollment for the Franklin schools at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 19.

The document as released with the agenda is as follows:





The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov_17.html

Voices Against Violence: “Walk to Break the Silence”

On Saturday, October 19, Voices Against Violence, the rape crisis and domestic violence agency serving 13 communities throughout the MetroWest region, held its second annual “Walk to Break the Silence.” Once again, our event took place in downtown Framingham on a perfect autumn morning. The sunshine warmed our steps as more than 100 participants of all ages completed the course around downtown Framingham, guided by a number of Framingham Police Officers, who once again generously volunteered their time for our cause. 

More than $20,000 was raised for the program from a variety of sources, including online donations and pledges. That money will be used to ensure that our 24-hour emergency hotline is operational throughout the year; our staff will be available to deal with the emergencies that inevitably occur; emergency housing, counseling and legal services will be provided victims and their children; and we will continue our important educational outreach programs to schools and organizations throughout MetroWest.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/x915444996/Gianakis-Walking-to-Break-the-Silence#ixzz2ku71xFmW

For additional information on Voices Against Violence you can visit their webpage here
http://smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php

To donate to this worthy cause, you can go directly to the donation page here
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d2/default.aspx?wid=44114

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 20, 2013

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

November 20, 2013

7:00 PM

AGENDA


A. ANNOUNCEMENTS

B. DISCUSSIONS

• Council 2014/2015 Goals

C. ADJOURN

Neighbor Brigade: November News

Newsletter - November 2013

Pam's Run, October 5th, 2013
Neighborhood News
Why We Fundraise
Contact Us

Pam's Run, October 5th, 2013

To honor the memory of our founder Pam Washek and support the "neighbors helping neighbors" mission she ignited, 575 participants, aged 8 to 88, joined in our first annual Pam's Run, a fundraising road race through Wayland, Mass. Walkers and runners from as far away as Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey honored Pam's legacy while raising $70,000 to support her dream of the organization's continued growth.

Formally incorporated just three years ago, Neighbor Brigade has expanded to a current 40 chapters and 4,600 volunteers! We are in the midst of launching our newest chapter in Littleton, Massachusetts, with other future chapters pending. Pam's Run funds will allow us to hire our first Program Director in order to better support our growing numbers of chapter leaders and volunteers and assist in the community network necessary for a successful chapter launch and ongoing service delivery.

In this season of giving thanks, we express our gratitude to Run participants, planning committee members, event day volunteers, and corporate and family sponsors. We can't wait to join together and celebrate with you again next October. Thank you for joining us in partnership as we move forward toward fulfilling Pam's goal of a nationwide Neighbor Brigade presence.

To view more photos from the event, please visit Samatha Melanson Photography.

Neighborhood News

We take pride in Neighbor Brigade's ability to be creative and flexible in the type and length of delivery of our services. Earlier this year our Franklin chapter performed house cleaning for a family that required a germ free environment during a member's recuperation following a stem cell transplant. The patient's mother-in-law shared these words of thanks with her town's chapter:

"Earlier this year my beautiful daughter-in-law was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer... Determined to keep life as normal and stress free for her, my son and their children we did our best to rise to the challenge. Thanks to the help of wonderful friends and neighbors we were able to accomplish our task and then the hardest stage of her treatment arrived- a stem cell transplant. This mandated a clean, germ free environment to return to for months of isolation at home - not an easy task when there are children and pets and your "team" is already exhausted in every way. That's when my faith in fellow man was renewed as the Franklin (chapter of) Neighbor Brigade entered our lives. Angels. The burden that they took from our shoulders makes me cry to this day. Thanks to them, the cleaning was covered and the rest of us could focus on the ever changing daily needs. Words can never express our gratitude for this amazing gift from this team of strangers…"

Why We Fundraise

"If all food and services are provided by volunteers, why does Neighbor Brigade need to fundraise?"

This a question we are occasionally asked and we are always happy to answer. Yes, we are an extremely cost-efficient organization. We effectively harness the power of social capital and acts of compassion to provide free services and immediate relief to those in need. However, our organization does require an investment in outreach materials, web based services, and staff in order to administer and maintain a high quality program.

Our virtual Neighbor Brigade communities are a means to strengthening our actual communities, and the organization incurs technology expenses associated with the hosting and support of our website. We also incur expenses associated with the liability issues we face as a volunteer service delivery program. We are subject to a fee for each volunteer's background check that is conducted. Additionally, it is imperative that we carry insurance that is critical to the safety of our volunteers and recipients.

Funds are also necessary for marketing and community outreach materials. We provide these to referring and partnering organizations so that teachers, social workers, patient navigators, physicians and community residents themselves are made aware and take advantage of Neighbor Brigade's services.

Our staff provides the skills and experience in nonprofit management, community-based health and human services, volunteer leadership and technology necessary to coordinate, drive and grow this innovative program. Neighbor Brigade's staff works in tandem with our chapter leaders and referring partner organizations, and as a result of this joint effort we are successfully expanding beyond our origin as a grassroots organization.

Contact Us

Do you have any feedback or suggestions for the new year? Please share your thoughts with us by sending an email to info@neighborbrigade.org or phoning us at 781.325.8580. We love to hear from our community members.

---

neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580
 www.neighborbrigade.org | info@neighborbrigade.org
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Make a Donation

In the News: 2-alarm fire

Cat killed, homeowner displaced by 2-alarm Franklin fire

A pet perished and a homeowner was displaced by a two-alarm fire on Pond Street Saturday evening.

Downtown Improvement Project - Presentation

The document used by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi to provide the update on the Downtown Improvement Project to the Town Council on Weds, Nov 13 can be viewed here:



This doc was available as part of the Town Council meeting doc and is not available separately.

For the all the notes taken during the presentation and discussion on Weds, you can find them here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/new-town-council-new-promises.html

Reminder: Winter Storm Parking Ban

The Winter Storm Parking Ban is effective Oct 15 through Apr 15

The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently. 

A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:

• Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.

The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours. 

The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout or right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect. 

The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.

This was originally posted to the Franklin, MA webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01C0BC6B-000F8513

Voices of Franklin: Kristen Parker - Tri-County teachers working without contract

Dear Parent(s), Contractors, Members and Friends,

I’m not sure if you are aware that Tri-County Tech Voc teachers are working without a contract right now. Our teachers’ association has historically always bargained in good faith with the school committee. Our negotiations team has been working since January to settle the contract and even with a mediator from the state, we are not making progress. We continue to do what is best for our students, and we want to settle the contract so that we can continue to do just that. We are asking for your support and to join us on either November 20th @ 5:30 in the lobby of TC, November 22nd from 3pm-5pm (Three different locations, Franklin, Wrentham or Millis) or December 3rd @ 5pm in Lobby of TC. Please feel free to ask others to join in our fight. Can we count on your support? 

Please email me at tgjparker@yahoo.com if you have any questions or if you would like to volunteer at any times mentioned above and I will get you in contact with someone from Tri-County. We could really use your support to show the school committee members that the public is behind us.

Thank You,
Kristen