Wednesday, January 29, 2014

"the wrong type of butter can secretly ruin your health"

Vani Hari, the Food Babe, writes:
Land O’ Lakes was a staple in my household growing up. We’d use the whipped butter like it was nobody’s business – my mom would use it on her infamous parathas (Indian stuffed flat bread), in countless desserts and to make homemade ghee. Once I found out what was really happening at Land O’Lakes, my Mom and I had a little chat. I explained to her that Land O’Lakes is owned by a pro-GMO company called Dean Foods. Land O’Lakes co-developed genetically engineered alfalfa, directly contributing to the GMO animal feed supply. I also explained that Land O’Lakes contributed nearly $100,000 to the “No on I-522 Lobby” – the bill to label GMOs in Washington State. This is all on top of the fact that Land O’Lakes is not organic, raises their cows with growth hormones linked to cancer, antibiotics and harmful pesticide ridden GMO feed. I told my Mom she has to stop buying Land O’Lakes if we are going to change this world!  
Knowing all these facts, plus the health risks of consuming GMOs, my Mom finally asked “what butter can I buy?” Well there are many brands out there that are light years ahead of Land O’Lakes. Here’s a Butter Buying Guide that will help you (and my Mama) navigate the butter aisle next time you hit the market
Food Babe: Butter Choices
Food Babe: Butter Choices

Click through to view the product choices for healthy butter
http://foodbabe.com/2014/01/20/is-butter-secretly-ruining-your-health/

Land O'Lakes has been a brand staple in my household so we'll be shopping for a new brand

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Franklin, MA; School Committee - Agenda - Jan 28, 2014


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 14, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Remington Middle School Update – Paul Peri, Brian Wildeman
b. District Improvement Plan (DIP)-Progress Report – Joyce Edwards
c. PARCC Update – Joyce Edwards
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/demystifying-core-standards.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-schools-mcas-and-parcc-test.html
d. Capital Plan
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-schools-capital-budget-planning.html

3. Discussion Only Items
Fuel Up Grant and Play 60 – M. Sabolinski, S. Winslow, M. Goodman

Policy – First Reading
1. KCDA– Memorial Commemorations

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of the 2014-2015 School Calendar as presented at the 1/14/14 School Committee meeting with any changes discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3500.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for Parmenter Elementary School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4000.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4000.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for Davis Thayer.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3900.00 from Gen Youth Foundation for a “Fuel Up Grant” for Horace Mann.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $1088.00 from various parents for the Music Dept.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $225.00 from various parents for the Music Dept.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2260.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for the Music Dept.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $325.25 from All-American Publishing for the FHS Athletic Dept.
k. I recommend approval of the request to take Parmenter students to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 8, 2014 for a performance.
l. I recommend moving KCDA – Memorial Commemorations Policy to a second reading.
m. I recommend adoption of the FY14 Capital Plan.
n. I recommend approval of the request of Tony Joseph to take Keller Elementary School 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on April 29, 2014 as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Downtown Zoning Workshop - Weds - Jan 29, 2014 - 7:00 PM


Downtown Zoning Workshop
Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 pm
Town Hall-training room

The following will be discussed:

A. Zoning Changes as Recommended in 2013 Master Plan Implementation Plan


1. Proposed Zoning Map Changes
Alpine Row

  • Rezone properties along Alpine ROW currently zoned Commercial I to the Downtown Commercial Zoning District.
  • Rezone properties currently zoned Commercial I along Alpine ROW to the General Residential V Zoning District

Josephine Street

  • Rezone properties along Josephine Street currently zoned Industrial to General Residential V.
Cottage Street/Union Street Area
  • Rezone properties along Cottage Street and Union Street currently zoned Industrial and Business to Commercial I and or Commercial II.

West Central Street, East of Beaver Street

  • Rezone properties along the south side of West Central Street from Beaver Street east (approximately .15 miles) to General Residential V.

2. Other Proposed Zoning Changes
Commercial I Zoning District

  • Amend the dimensional requirements for Commercial I in the Town’s Zoning By-law’s Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements
  • Amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaw to require sufficient parking in the Commercial I zoning district.


B. Areas for Discussion requested by Economic Development Committee

1. Increase areas for Multi-family Housing
2. Increase areas for Commercial/ Business Development

Reminder: MBTA Parking is switching pay-by-phone providers



Update: MBTA Parking is switching pay-by-phone providers starting 2/1/14. 

MBTA
MBTA

Visit http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/ or call 1-866-234-7275 for details. 
Last updated: Jan 27 2014 10:14 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/
Sent by the MBTA  (or write subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com)

"165 earning passing marks"

Milford Daily News reports that 230 candidates took the test last week to get on the list for the Franklin Police Dept. They are looking to hire one more police officer to bring their total to 45. The decision to hire will likely be approved as part of the FY 2015 budget cycle which will begin with Finance Committee budget hearings in Mar/Apr and commence with a Town Council decision in June.

Pleased with the turnout on test day, Semerjian said the candidates’ level of experience could vary. 
"We may see people with extensive police experience, we may have part-time officers from other agencies, and we may have green candidates who have to be sent through the academy," he said. 
Not until the department receives an OK from the council on its request to hire one officer will it begin reviewing and winnowing down the list of candidates who passed the exam, which remains valid for three years. 
Already, the Police Exam Solutions test process has proven faster than the Civil Service system in terms of releasing results, Semerijian said. For results from the Civil Service exam, he said, the department would have faced up to a six-month wait.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140128/NEWS/140126580#sthash.KHY02puU.dpuf

Franklin Schools: Capital Budget planning

The school Committee is scheduled to discuss their capital budget submission to the town this evening. The budget is in two parts, one for facilities and one for technology.

Facilities




Technology




The full agenda for the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_28.html

Franklin Schools: MCAS and PARCC test schedule

The MCAS and PARCC test schedule for the Franklin schools is scheduled for discussion Tuesday evening at the School Committee meeting.




The full agenda for the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_28.html

"Demystifying the Core Standards"

"Demystifying the Core Standards" is the title of the presentation scheduled for the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014




The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_28.html

Monday, January 27, 2014

Crossroads at the Town Common

The light snow Saturday night into Sunday was still drifting about with Sunday's breezes. The sidewalks approaching the bandstand on the Town Common marked a crossroads on Sunday morning.


crossroads at the Town Common
crossroads at the Town Common

Stay warm!

Culinary Cabaret 2014


CALLING ALL FOODIES!
Don't Miss the Fantastic and Flavorful Culinary Cabaret 2014! 
Mark your calendars for Culinary Cabaret 2014, to be held on Friday, March 7 from 7-10 p.m. at Clarke Luxury Showroom in Milford! The third annual signature food and wine event showcases the culinary and performing arts, featuring inspired cuisine and creative cooking demonstrations by area chefs and culinarians. 
Culinary Cabaret
Culinary Cabaret
Electric Youth will headline the evening's entertainment. Savor fine wines and delicious appetizers and dishes from Artistry Kitchen, Culinary Underground, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, J & L Catering, Not Your Average Joes - Westborough, Prezo, Tavolino, Whole Foods Market, 3 Restaurant and more. 
Clarke features a kitchen-theater classroom and gallery of designer kitchens, providing an award-winning setting and inventive backdrop to eat, drink, learn and celebrate. Enjoy a special evening out with family and friends! 
Tickets are $75 and are available for purchase now at www.fpaconline.com. Proceeds will benefit Electric Youth and the ensemble's 2014 European concert tour, featuring a July 4th performance for U.S. troops.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown – The Musical, Feb 7-8


The BFCCPS Fine and Performing Arts Department is proud to present two performances of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown – The Musical on Friday, February 7, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium in Franklin. The musical features BFCCPS students in grades six through eight, along with a live orchestra comprised of students, parents and alumni. 
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a musical based on the characters created by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz in his comic strip, Peanuts. Though considered a “good man” by his friends, Charlie Brown can't seem to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl or his friend Lucy who has a crush on the piano-playing Schroeder. Meanwhile Snoopy and Linus daydream and the rest of the friends battle with kites, school, baseball and misunderstandings before finally coming to realize what makes them truly happy. 
The show won the 1999 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and features songs “My New Philosophy”, “Me and My Blanket” and “Happiness.” 
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and are available at the door. Tickets may also be purchased in advance at the BFCCPS office at 201 Main Street in Franklin. 
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum frameworks and offers a challenging classical education



"community will gain a lot from it"


In 1974, a student in Palma Johnson’s second-grade class at John F. Kennedy Elementary School wondered why Massachusetts didn't have a state bug. 
There was already a state bird, a state fish and a state tree, but not an official insect. One student suggested the ladybug. 
Together, the class drafted a petition to make the ladybug the state bug. When its petition came before a committee, the students, dressed, of course, as ladybugs, traveled to the State House and testified. 
Improbably the bill passed both the House and Senate. And when then-Gov. Francis Sargent signed it into law, the children were there to watch.

Read the full article at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140127006/1994/NEWS#sthash.oe0bYD6S.dpuf

Ladybug floor mat at JF Kennedy School
Ladybug floor mat at JF Kennedy School


Related posts on the Ladybug Spots:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/live-reporting-ladybug-project.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/cows-on-parade-now-ladybugs.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/ladybug-spots.html


Sunday, January 26, 2014

Franklin's Board of Health revises proposed tobacco regulations


More Massachusetts towns have enacted tobacco regulations in the past two years than in the history of the state’s anti-tobacco campaign, adopting new restrictions largely aimed at how businesses can sell such products. 
Since 2012, 12 communities, including Ashland, have raised the legal purchase age for tobacco products beyond 18. Fifty cities and towns ban the sale of blunt wraps, and 39 have set a minimum price for cigars. 
Town health boards have the power to pass the regulations without approval from Town Meeting or a higher governing body. 
Anti-tobacco activists, doctors and advisers, attend Board of Health meetings and public hearings both to offer up statistics pointing to the health hazards of smoking and to present model regulations that communities mold to their circumstances.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140126/NEWS/140127129#sthash.zRK3Gw5Q.dpuf


Franklin's Board of Health is among those looking to make changes, The proposed revisions can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/regulations-tighten-towns-rules-on.html

The public hearing held at the January meeting resulted in the regulations being tabled to a future meeting without a decision at that time.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/single-cigars-account-for-about-80.html


Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building
The proposed regulations (link provided above) have been revised and the new set posted to the Franklin website as of 1/23/14.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_HealthNews/01C7D47D-000F8513


The old set is no longer on the Board of Health page. You can find the old set on the Franklin Matters page. The new set is shown here:





Visit the Franklin Board of Health page on the town website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Health/index


----------

Updated: I printed both the old set of proposed regulations and the new set to walk through the document line by line, page by page to find the changes. This is what I find:

  • Definition add for "Retail Tobacco Store"
  • Section 4.1 - changed date from Feb 1 to April 1, 2014
  • Section 4.2 - changed date from Feb 1 to April 1, 2014
  • Section 4.3 - changed age from 21 to 18
  • Section 7.1 - added language to create an exception for in-store humidors
  • Section 15 - changed date from Feb 1 to April 1, 2014

If you find that there are changes that I missed, please let me know.


February is Library Lovers Month - What is your favorite book?


To help celebrate February as "Library Lovers Month", the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) would like to know what your favorite book is, and why (just a couple of sentences). It can be a book you read recently, or one you read years ago. Maybe you have a favorite author you can tell us about. Who knows, maybe we'll each find a new book or author to enjoy!





Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Library
Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Library

Entries will be accepted until Feb 28, 2014.

As you submit your entry, you'll have the opportunity to view the other entries.


Rail Trail Supporters: Stock up for the Patriots and Superbowl

An email on Saturday evening from the FBRTC:
It's too bad the Patriots are not in the Super Bowl next weekend, but chances are you'll still have that Superbowl party you planned.  So take the opportunity Sunday to stock-up for next weekend and help the rail trail effort at the same time.   
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is hosting a wine tasting at Pour Richards Wine ( 14 Grove Street in Franklin) from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.  Come taste fine wines and learn about the efforts to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail.  
Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits
Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits
And we won't pass judgement on how much you buy, but the more the better!  Pour Richards is generously donating a portion of their profits on sales to the FBRTC. Samples from Tastefully Simple will also be served along with other appetizers to pair with your wine! 
More details at www.FranklinBellinghamRailTrail.org/news or www.pourrichardswine.com 

We hope to see you.

Ladybug Spots

Additional information is contained in this one page document if you would like to be involved with sponsoring a ladybug





Related posts:

Cows now ladybugs
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/cows-on-parade-now-ladybugs.html

From the Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/live-reporting-ladybug-project.html

Emeritus at Franklin: Events for seniors and senior caregivers


Emeritus at Franklin, the new senior living community slated to open in May 2014, is hosting two events for seniors and senior caregivers, which are free to the public, in February.

Surviving the Challenge of Caregiving Being a caregiver is a demanding role, and one that requires a good deal of self-care. Rosemarie Lanchester, a certified hypnosis consultant, will present five simple steps for caregivers to take better care of themselves.
Date and Time: Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Hampton Inn, 735 Union Street, Franklin
RSVP: 508.520.1150 or Franklin-ED@emeritus.com 

Discovery Luncheon: Are you or a loved one looking for a safer and more enjoyable way to spend your golden years? Come discover how Franklin's newest Assisted Living and Memory Care community can help seniors continue to live fulfilling, productive lives even in the midst of the challenges of aging.
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Hampton Inn, 735 Union Street, Franklin
RSVP: 508.520.1150 or Franklin-ED@emeritus.com 

About Emeritus at Franklin: Emeritus at Franklin was designed for seniors whose needs include assisted living and memory care. Nestled in a charming neighborhood, this lovely residential building will feature 81 new apartments, an experienced and compassionate care staff, three homemade meals served restaurant-style daily, a dynamic activities program and weekly housekeeping services.

Visit https://www.emeritus.com/ for more information

"There’s a pharmacy in your head"


Bill and Linda Hamaker simply couldn’t stop laughing in the conference room in Franklin’s Hampton Inn Saturday morning. 
Their laughter, completely unprovoked by jokes or humor, soon spread to the room of about half a dozen who wanted to explore the idea of laughter yoga, for which the Hamakers are certified instructors. 
Life is better when you are laughing
Life is better when you are laughing
The Walpole natives say this unconventional form of yoga first came to them during a three-day seminar at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge. 
Based on the teachings of Dr. Madan Katria, a physician from Mumbai, India, laughter yoga is based on reconnecting with the unrestricted laughter we once experienced as children, Linda said.








You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140126/NEWS/140127133/1994/NEWS#sthash.9WWyLTzl.dpuf


Check out the Let's Laugh Today webpage for their complete schedule of events
http://www.letslaughtoday.com/