Blackstone Heritage Corridor News

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Volume 2 Issue 9/ September 2014 In This Issue Greenway Challenge Video of the Month Ranger Walkabouts Greenway Challenge Connect on Facebook Become a Corridor Keeper Quick Links Volunteer Opportunities Get on the Bike Path Enjoying the Blackstone River Enjoy the Blackstone Valley on the go with our mobile Web app.  And, it's free! Click on the image above to get the free web app Ashton Mill ANNOUNCEMENT Call for local photographers! Do you enjoy taking photos of the beautiful Blackstone River Valley?  If so, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. has a contest for you. The nonprofit is searching for special images that capture the spirit and beauty of the Corridor to illustrate its 2015 Calendar. Submissions are due by email no later than noon on September 30, 2014.   Read contest details   VIDEO OF THE MONTH Canalfest 2014 - How to Build a Canal Click on the image to watch the video Canalfest returned to the canal district on September 6. What draws many people is the recreation of the Blackstone Canal. Take a look to see how the canal was constructed in just 2 hours. Enjoy a self-guided tour of Worcester: Quinsigamond Village, Walking Tour (PDF) Worcester Driving Tour (PDF) NEWS Blackstone Heritage Corridor Announces Hiring of Executive Director Donna M. Williams, Chair of Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. (Blackstone Heritage Corridor), is pleased to announce the hiring of Charlene Perkins Cutler as Executive Director, effective September 2.  In her role, Charlene will provide day-to-day guidance for thenewly formed nonprofit. The Blackstone Heritage Corridor manages operations in the Blackstone Corridor on behalf of the former federal commission; and, works with partners to preserve, protect and interpret (telling the story) the heritage of the 24 Corridor communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  "I have followed the success of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor for years and am thrilled to be part of such a great organization," says Charlene.  Read the press release   EVENT 2014 Greenway Challenge Course Has Been Revealed! The site maps are posted on the website. Make sure you practice the newly designed Mountain Bike Course this year. Thanks Team Bums for your work and continued support! Interested in volunteering? Contact Barbara Dixon at 401-762-0250, ext 5503 or barbara_dixon@partner.nps.gov. Check out the Greenway Challenge Facebook page and web site for the latest information. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES? We want to share news and information with our readers using social media. What social media sites do you use? GET INVOLVED   Become a Corridor Keeper Today! The success of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor has always been due, in large part, to public support and active participation by the people and communities of the Blackstone Valley. People like you! For more than 25 years, the people of the valley have shared in rediscovering their roots, their heritage and their common identity. They have supported the Corridor by speaking or writing to their elected officials, by showing up at public events, and by participating in numerous projects and programs. Join Today! Become a Sponsor! Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a unique cultural landscape of industrial history and immigration in the interconnected system of the Blackstone River watershed. An energetic nonprofit, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. partners with organizations, local communities and businesses, and residents to insure the long term vitality of the Corridor. Read more

Forward this email Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | One Depot Square | Woonsocket | RI | 02895

Franklin High School sports results - 9/16/14

From Hockomcok Sports we find the results from Tuesday's action in the Hockomock League:

Volleyball

Franklin, 3 @ Mansfield, 2 - Final - Mansfield's Alyssa Kelley had a team-high 18 kills and Sarah Mullahy added 13 kills for the Hornets.

Field Hockey

Franklin, 1 @ Mansfield, 2 - Final - Mansfield's Julia Todesco scored the tying goal and then Lexi DiPierro scored with the game winner with four minutes left. Senior Maddie Bressler scored Franklin's goal in the first half on an assist from Taylor Reutlinger. Franklin's Samantha Jones had seven saves in net for the Panthers.

FHS Panthers

Read the full listing of results here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-091614

New MassBudget factsheet: Balancing Work and Family

BALANCING WORK AND FAMILY: The Economic Effects of Earned Paid Sick Time To build a life of economic security for themselves and their families, people need to be productive at work and meet their responsibilities to their families. "Balancing Work and Family: The Economic Effects of Earned Paid Sick Time" examines how providing paid sick time affects working people, their families, and the broader economy. Most children now live in families where all parents work. The share of children with a nonworking parent declined from 64 percent in 1967 to 34 percent in 2009. Yet our employment policies often don't reflect the challenges faced by working parents. Earned paid sick time provides one useful support by allowing workers to earn paid time off to address a health issue or care for a family member in need. Most higher-paid employees already have this benefit. But one in three Massachusetts workers doesn't, including more than half of low wage workers.  Click HERE to read the factsheet. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108 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

Franklin Public Forum - Sep 22

Hello Steve, 

Please add to events on Franklin Matters the following public forum. On Monday September 22nd 730 pm at Franklin H.S. lecture hall will host Concord attorney Jeffrey Clements. He is a co-founder of Free Speech for Free People a nonpartisan campaign to reverse Citizens United. He is Author of Corporations Are Not People Reclaiming Democracy from Big Money and Global Corporations. 

He will be speaking about the need for campaign finance reform. Eighteen districts will be voting on this issue in November including Franklin.  

Thank you,  

Christine Manns

 

corporations are not people

For more about the Jeff Clements visit his page here

http://corporationsarenotpeople.com/jeff-clements/

For more about the 2014 edition of the book

http://corporationsarenotpeople.com/

For more about "Free Speech for Free People" 

http://freespeechforpeople.org/

Water Conservation Measures are still in effect

From the Franklin website:

Please be advised that the Water Conservation Measures are still in effect until further notice due to the dry weather conditions.

yes, the election has come and gone but the water conservation measures remain

Online course available through Brown University

Interested in neuroscience and/or computer programming? This might be up your alley!

Hi Steve, 

I am a Franklin resident, a lecturer at Brown University, and an avid reader of Franklin Matters :-) 

I was wondering if you might be interested in promoting a course I am teaching online starting at the end of the month.  The course, Exploring Neural Data, is offered for free to anyone, on the Coursera platform.  Brown University did a write-up about it today: https://news.brown.edu/articles/2014/09/mooc 

I thought it might be fun for members of the community to participate in the course, so I was hoping that Franklin Matters might be a way for them to become aware of it.  The course has no prerequisites, and would even be appropriate for advanced high schoolers with an interest in neuroscience and/or computer programming.  Here is the link to the course: https://www.coursera.org/course/neuraldata 

Please let me know what you think and if you need any more info! 

Thanks,
Monica 

--
Monica Linden, Ph.D.
Lecturer
Dept. of Neuroscience
Brown University
Box GL-N
Providence, RI 02912
401-863-5192

neuroscience online course through Brown

Emmon's Street RFP Vote-Wednesday-Sept 17th

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 17th

7:00 pm at Town Hall

Town Council will vote on the specifics of the the RFP for the downtown Emmon's Street Property. 

They will decide on if they will allow a drive-through option on this site. The Council would like to hear from residents and business owners on what their views are regarding this downtown gateway property.

150 Emmons St

The FRP details can be found in the posted agenda for this meeting

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-17.html

FHS Soccer teams win and tie; Golf wins

From Hockomock Sports we find the results of the Hockomock League action on Monday:

Girls Soccer

Franklin, 6 @ Attleboro, 0 - Final - Bailey Knous, Alexis Stowell, Victoria Stowell and Taylor Cogliano scored for the Panthers.

Boys Soccer

FHS Panthers

Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 0 - Final

Golf

Franklin, 152 @ Attleboro, 198 - Final - Evan Vaughan carded a match best 36 for the Panthers. Attleboro's Eric Carey shot a 46 for the Bombardiers.

For all the Hockomock results you can visit
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-091514

In the News: Annual Run, Walk and Score! Road Race - Sep 21

The Franklin High School girls ice hockey team booster club will hold its Annual Run, Walk and Score! Road Race on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 9 a.m., at Jefferson Remington Middle School, 628 Washington St., Franklin. 

With tremendous turnouts in 2012 and 2013, the boosters offer both 2k and 5k courses, which appeal to enthusiasts of any fitness level and age. Both courses have been measured and certified by USATF and all participants will receive an official time once they have completed the course. 

This course is quite flat, which makes it favorable not only for experienced runners but also for those entering a running event for the first time. Prizes will be awarded to the top finisher, man and woman, in six age categories in both races.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140915/NEWS/140917761/1994/NEWS


The registration and race information was posted here previously
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/3rd-annual-run-walk-and-score-road-race.html

2K, 5K Road Race

What will we do with the money?

The RFP for the former sewer plant on Pond St is out as well as the proposal to sell 150 Emmons St. With two RFP's on the street to sell town property, it might be time to start the discussion on what are we going to do with the money?

The money from either or both sales would qualify as capital funds and hence would have to be used for similar purposes according to what I recall the discussion on the sale of the Four Corners Building (now Walgreens). The funds can not be used for annual operational expenses.

The renovation and expansion of the Library I think would qualify. The buildout of the second floor of the Senior Center should also qualify.

What else would?

Is there a current plan to use the money or to just set it aside in the bank for future use?

Four Corners Building - June 2009 (just before demolition)

Milford Daily News article on the Pond St RFP
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140913/NEWS/140918125/1994/NEWS

The agenda for Wednesday's Town Council meeting includes the details of the 150 Emmons St RFP
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-17.html

Audio from the Town Council meeting January 19, 2008 on the Four Corners RFP
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/01/four-corners-rfp-discussion.html

One more "Amazing" Pan-Mass Fundraiser...

Only 15 more days of fund raising left for the 2014 Pan Mass Challenge!

Many of you have already donated and for that I thank you.

Now please support me with this one last fund raiser for 2014. I am selling raffle tickets for this "Amazing Spider-Man" quilt that my wife, Patricia, work hard on all spring and summer.

​

Until September 27th, this 38" × 47" Spider-Man Quilt will be on display at:
Friendly Neighborhood Comics
191 Mechanic St.
Bellingham, MA 02019

Friendly neighborhood comics

amazing Spiderman quilt

​
If you would like to be the proud owner of this quilt you can purchase raffle tickets at Friendly Neighborhood Comics during the month of September.

The drawing will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 @ 4:00 PM. The winner will be announced on FNC's FaceBook page and via @PMC_M8R on Twitter.

You can also purchase raffle tickets online by making a donation to my Pan-Mass Challenge ride:
http://pmc.org/egifts/mm0373

Be sure to mention "Spider-Man Quilt" in the "Note to Rider(s)" field at the bottom of the second screen. Your tickets will then be mailed to you.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• 3 tickets for $5.00
• 7 tickets for $10.00
• 15 tickets for $20.00

…and if you want the quilt really bad:

• 40 tickets for $50.00
• 90 tickets for $100.00

…and if you want the quilt really REALLY bad:

• 240 tickets for $250.00
• 500 tickets for $500.00

Did I mention that it glows in the dark?

Spiderman quilt glows in the dark

If you have a friend you think might be interested then please forward this email or send them to this link, which describes the Spider-Man Quilt Raffle in detail:

http://pmcmarty.tumblr.com/post/96264499041/spider-man-quilt

---

100% of all proceeds will get directly passed through to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where your donations will fund vital cancer research and patient care.

---

PS - If you have your donation to the PMC matched by your company's Corporate Gift Matching Program, that amount will be taken into consideration for your raffle ticket order.

---

---------------------------------------------------------
Martin Middelmann​
Pan-Mass Challenge Rider
Cure Cancer by donating here:
http://pmc.org/MM0373
---------------------------------------------------------

Franklin Flyers Learn to Skate and Introduction to Hockey registration is now open!

Franklin Youth Hockey has opened the registration for their Learn to Skate and Introduction to Hockey programs. Each program has three consecutive 9-week sessions. Session 1 will start on Sunday September 21, 2014. 

You can register and get additional information on their website, franklinflyers.org. Act now before the sessions fill up, these are the only Learn to Skate and Introduction to Hockey programs affiliated with the Franklin Flyers.

Franklin Flyers website

Informational Meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Project

Algonquin Gas Transmission has scheduled an informational meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Project, which includes a proposed expansion of the Algonquin Gas Transmission with new pipelines in Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Algonquin representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the proposed facilities, safety, environmental and permitting processes, construction and operation, and other aspects of the Atlantic Bridge Project.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

5:30 pm -7:30 pm

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham,

835 Upper Union Street in Franklin

If you are unable to attend feel free to call 888-331-6553 or write to the Algonquin Project Office, 3 Allied Drive, Suite 303, Dedham, MA 02026 with questions

Atlantic Bridge Project

You can also find additional info on the Spectra Energy webpage here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Newsroom/News-Archive/Spectra-Energy-to-Expand-Pipeline-Systems-in-New-England/

and here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Operations/New-Projects-and-Our-Process/New-Projects-in-US/Atlantic-Bridge/



This was shared from the Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E79389-000F8513

New FHS Tour/Dedication Schedule

From the Franklin Public Schools page

Tours

Saturday, September 20

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m

Dedication Ceremony and Reception

Sunday September 21

Ceremony 1:00
Reception and Tours 1:30- 3:30

Franklin High School

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 17, 2014

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS 
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Advisory Committee

Deborah L. Pellegri
Joseph F. Halligan Jr.
Paul R. Compton
Richard Ciccone

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Ron Roux – Design Build, LLC
David McKearney, Board of Health

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 14-56: Franklin Advisory Committee
2. Resolution 14-57: Support for House Bill 1840, Seniors and Retired Volunteers Act of 2013
3. Resolution 14-58: Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals – Emmons Street Property

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN



The set of documents released for this meeting can be found on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/091714.pdf


Note: most of the document released is the full text and associated supporting docs for the RFP on 150 Emmons St

150 Emmons St - the subject of the RFP

"How not to be ignorant about the world"

The TED Talk by Hans and Ola Rosling has a provocative title. It may be just me but I would have said "How to better informed about the world." And maybe that is why I am doing what I do and not presenting something like this.

Regular readers know that what we are about here at Franklin Matters is sharing information and creating a fact-based understanding about what is happening in Franklin. We focus on the business side of things but do spend time in related matters.

At one point in the talk Hans says:

"You see, the problem is not that people don't read and listen to the media. The problem is that the media doesn't know themselves."

What we do here is not 'traditional media'. I use "we" deliberately. You contribute as much to this site as I do. Your questions, your information, your corrections all help to drive what is shared here. It may be my name on most of the regular posts. It may be Renata's name on the weekly summary of events. But is is YOU behind the scenes feeding us the info and questions.

Towards the end of the talk Ola (Hans' son) says:

"If you have a fact-based worldview of today, you might have a chance to understand what's coming next in the future."

Thank you! Please continue to read, comment, share and ask question. Together we can become more informed about Franklin or as Hans would say "not ignorant!"

The video runs about 18 minutes so settle in and enjoy!





You can find this Ted Talk on the official Ted page here
http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_and_ola_rosling_how_not_to_be_ignorant_about_the_world/transcript?language=en

Other TED Talks by Hans Rosling can be found on his profile page
http://www.ted.com/speakers/hans_rosling

Hans Rosling - TED bio page

Note: as mentioned previously, if someone has interest to follow and report on Franklin committee meetings, feel free to reach out to me. I can help you with the technical details.

Please Support Neighbor Brigade!

Hello Friend, 

It's hard to believe October is just around the corner and Neighbor Brigade's annual Pam's Run 

On Oct 18, 2014 we honor Pam Washek's memory and the need to support the mission she ignited and that lives on. 

This is my 3rd year leading the Franklin chapter and I am honored to be helping our neighbors when an immediate short term crisis enters their lives.  The community of volunteers in Franklin has been a great comfort to families, knowing a neighbor is willing to lend a helping hand if family and friends are not enough or available.  

After a year of many of my close friends and family members challenged by the unexpected health and life challenges, I could not imagine anyone doing these real life days without help.  We continue to grow as a community of volunteers as well as our partnerships in the community.  

I am grateful to take part in a wonderful organization that is bringing needed love and attention to our neighborhoods.  Please support Neighbor Brigade in any way you can to help in enriching more and more communities to join and help their neighbors!  

I have a donation page open and ready: https://donate.neighborbrigade.org/fundraise?fcid=341412 

Much love and thanks in advance, 

Linda

Neighbor Brigade - help is next door

The Organization:

Neighbor Brigade

Neighbor Brigade establishes and mobilizes community-specific networks of volunteers to help residents facing sudden crisis such as devastating illness, accident, or other tragic event. Our volunteers provide non-medical, non-monetary services and collaborate with the shared purpose of helping fellow residents. Neighbor Brigade provides temporary support to those affected while strengthening the fabric of a community.

Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org
https://donate.neighborbrigade.org/fundraise?fcid=341412

Next Size Up founders celebrate 5 years running consignment events

Two Franklin moms, Kristin Kane and Tiffany Miller, are celebrating five years of running the Next Size Up  Kids' Consignment Sale this fall. 

Through the business, they conduct large consignment sale events every spring and fall, where area families can both earn cash selling their children's outgrown or unwanted items, and shop for gently used toys, clothes, furnishings, strollers and more at a fraction of retail.

next size up consignment sale

The events have grown considerably since the first sale was held in the fall of 2009 in Franklin: that event was held in a small function hall and had 60 consignors selling 2,500 items. Next week, when the sale is held Sept. 19 – 21 at the John Smith Sports Center in Milford, the sale will have 200 consignors and more than 30,000 items. 

"The idea caught on pretty quickly," Miller said. "At the time, consignment sales were common in other parts of the country but they were a new concept in this area.  We have found that once people experience the sale, they get hooked." 

Local parents who sell through Next Size Up earn at least 60 percent of the sale price of their items – much higher than what is offered by a traditional storefront consignment shop. They can increase that percentage to 75 percent by volunteering at the sale itself. 

"Last spring, our average consignor payout was $326, and a number of consignors earned over $1,000 each," Miller said. "A lot of families tell us these payouts really make it worthwhile to take part in our events."

Each sale is not just a big yard or rummage sale, but a highly organized event. Prior to the sale, each consignor enters their inventory into an online system, choosing their own prices, and then prints barcoded tags to attach to each item. They come by appointment to drop off their items, which are then inspected by a team of volunteers to ensure that toys and baby equipment are in working order and clothing is free of stains or excessive wear. 

 "From the beginning, we have put an emphasis on quality," Kane said. "We wanted shoppers to be confident in what they were buying from us. They have shown their appreciation for that by coming back year after year to shop." 

Once items are inspected, they are placed on the sale floor much like they would be at a retail store – a very large retail store. Clothing is hung by gender and size, and toys, books, sporting equipment and other items are organized by interest and age range.

In addition to an emphasis on quality, Kane and Miller have also made charitable giving a priority. They invite consignors to leave unsold items at the end of the sale for pickup by Cradles to Crayons, a Boston charity that gives the items directly to needy families. A food drive is also held in conjunction with each sale, and on half-price day, shoppers can gain admission a half-hour early by bringing in two non-perishable items for the local food pantry. They also provide free passes to a private presale – which is generally open to consignors, volunteers and paid ticket holders only – to military families and a limited number of new, first-time parents.

Miller and Kane also provide other local entrepreneurs a chance to advertise through their events, as vendors during the sale or advertisers on the Next Size Up website or shopper handouts. This has been a great way for many local businesses to reach out to local families. 

The next event will be Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 AM to 8 PM.  New items will be restocked on Friday evening for Saturday's opening.  The half price sale will be on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 10 AM to 2 PM (many items will be marked 50% off). Those bringing 2 items for donation to the Daily Bread Food Pantry of Milford will get 9:30 admission on Sunday.   

Cash, Mastercard and VISA will be accepted. No food or drink will be allowed on the sale floor due to the new turf.

More information is available at: http://nextsizeupkids.com

Have you taken a ride on the Franklin Area Bus?

The Franklin Area Bus is a service provided by GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority).

The bus runs a route from the Municipal Building to the Village Mall Plaza (Stop & Shop).

Franklin Area Bus

Visit the Franklin Area Bus page for their schedule and fare information
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

Franklin Area Bus