Wednesday, October 15, 2014

"online security can be a complicated task"

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The MA.GOV blog has a good posting with good tips like:

The internet enables people to conduct everyday transactions from anywhere, at any time, including the convenience of online commerce. As we become more dependent on this technology, we also become more exposed to the threat of cybercrime. By taking some simple cybersecurity steps, you can better safeguard yourself against it.
  • Create strong passwords for your wireless internet network, restricting unwanted users.
  • Monitor your child’s internet use and social interaction online.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month

There are security measures I take with the postings I male here and on Facebook to hopefully help all of us stay secure. I vet all links before I post them. I generally will layout the link in detail so you'll know where you are going before you click. 

Be safe. Be secure. Share good info!
 

In the News: underage liquor sales, Senior Center buildout

The Milford Daily News reports on the recent sting operation being reviewed at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday.

On Sept. 26, six police officers and three teenagers performed checks of the 35 businesses in town licensed to sell liquor. During the stings, the teens used their real Massachusetts driver’s licenses. 
Prior to each check, police photograph the teens, record their blood-alcohol level, and search them. Any cash given to them is photocopied, in case a business owner or bartender denies making the sale. 
Unlike a drug sting, departments must inform all of the businesses in the area in advance that they received the grant and will be conducting the checks. 
The 99 Restaurant & Pub on West Central Street and the British Beer Company in the Franklin Village Shopping Center were the only two establishments that sold an alcoholic drink to one of the undercover teens.
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141015/NEWS/141018133/1994/NEWS

Franklin's Senior Center
Franklin's Senior Center


The Milford Daily News also reports on the creation of a building committee to coordinate the buildout of the 2nd floor of the existing Senior Center. The building already has a second floor. It was left unfinished. There would need to be an elevator installed and then the finish work completed.

This has been talked of for some time. We have reported on the progress during the budget cycle as funds were set aside for this and for the expansion of the parking lot to accommodate the additional capacity provided.

The 3,000-square-foot unfinished space, used now for temporary storage, needs flooring and walls. The costliest aspect of the project will be installation of an elevator. 
In the months ahead, building committee members, including senior center director Karen Alves, must secure an architect and put the project out to bid. The town has saved approximately $700,000 for the work. And construction will not begin until next year. 
Alves has said the second floor should have space enough for at least two offices and a wide-open area for exercise programs. In the past, the senior center has hosted chair volleyball, Tai Chi and Zumba, among other exercise classes. 
Overall, space at the senior center is at a premium, since attendance has grown. Alves also expects the number of 65 and older residents to increase by more than 3,000 over the next seven years.
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141015/NEWS/141018123/1994/NEWS


Photos from the grand opening of the facility in 2007 can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157612392922276/

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

DelCarte Recreation in the rain

Even in the rain, the DelCarte Recreation area is glorious on an autumn morning. The geese were busy about their business and no one else was around.

trees along the water line
trees along the water line

DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area sign
DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area sign


A 360 view of DelCarte on a rainy Saturday morning




For additional posts on DelCarte, you can follow this link
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#newwindow=1&q=franklinmatters.org%3A+Delcarte%2C+recreation

Church Yard Sale - Oct 18

The Franklin Federated Church will be holding their annual yard sale on Saturday, October 18 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Franklin Federated Church - annual yard sale - Oct 18
Franklin Federated Church - annual yard sale - Oct 18

For additional information about Franklin Federated Church you can find them online here
http://franklinfederated.org/

Mark your Calendars for Hockomock Area YMCA Spooky Games!


The Hockomock Area YMCA invites area residents to enjoy a spooktacular evening as Spooky Games returns on Friday, October 24th from 6:30PM-8:00PM at its Bernon Family Branch (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro), and North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro). 
This FREE event is open to members and non-members alike. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. 
  • The theme for the Bernon Family Branch is ‘Night at the Movies”. The Bernon Family Branch staff invites participants to visit Olaf’s Ice Adventure, Maneuver through our Lego Movie Obstacle Course, Journey the Road to Oz, and meet the Sanderson Sisters, and more. 
  • The theme for the Invensys Foxboro Branch is ‘Haunted School House’. The Invensys Foxboro staff invites participants to play ghoulish games in math class, experiment in the horror lab, dare to try lunch lady snacks, and to beware of the Principal’s office. 
  • The theme for the North Attleboro Branch is ‘Never Never Land, the dwelling place of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the lost boys.’ The North Attleboro staff invites participants to visit Mermaid Lagoon and seek out the Treasure of the Tides, venture to Pixie Hollow to find fairies and fun, and to hike the Indian Camp to check on Chief and Princess Tiger Lily. 
Hockomock YMCA
Hockomock YMCA
At dusk, anyone seven years of age or older will want to head outdoors to check out Franklin branch’s ‘Batman’s Arcam City’ Haunted Woods or North Attleboro branch’s “Never Never Never Land’ Haunted Woods” both proudly presented by the Y’s Teen departments and volunteers. 
Admission to the outdoor activity will be $4.00 per person. For more information, call Michael Mahoney at 508-643-5265 or visit our website at www.hockymca.org.

In the News: simultaneous calls, Lincoln St contractor


Late last month, the fire department experienced one of its busiest days in some time.
Three alarms had sounded almost in succession. Then, with all available emergency crews dispatched, a dreaded fourth call came in: smoke alarm activation at Glen Meadow Apartments. 
"We had nothing left," Fire Chief Gary McCarraher recalled. 
According to McCarraher, that Monday in September provided yet another example of an alarming trend for the department: an increase in three or more simultaneous calls even as the overall number of responses remains unchanged. 
In fiscal year 2014, such calls made up 54 percent of the department’s total call volume, up from 44 percent the previous year.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141014/NEWS/141018625/1994/NEWS



A Bedford-based contractor has drawn the ire of residents and town officials for problems with the roadwork underway on Lincoln Street. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting and Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi have grown increasingly frustrated with Aggregate Industries, which in July started work on a stretch of Lincoln Street that begins at Elm Street and ends at Brook Street. 
Both have reached out to the company several times with concerns about delays and inconsistencies in its work schedule. 
Residents in the area have criticized the quality of the work, pointing out examples of poor oversight; the most glaring of these has been the need to tear up patches of just-paved road to adjust traffic calming islands built so tall that they blocked driveways.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141014/NEWS/141018623/1994/NEWS

Monday, October 13, 2014

"What is democracy for the Internet era?" (video)

Pia Mancini gave a TED Talk recently on "How to upgrade democracy for the Internet era." During her talk she says:
"it seems like the 18th-century slogan that was the basis for the formation of our modern democracies, "No taxation without representation," can now be updated to "No representation without a conversation." We want our seat at the table."




To extend her idea to an app some Franklin folks are already using, we could incorporate the feedback and conversation into the app that we used to report potholes or broken street lights. Imagine having such a poll and conversation with a tool in most folks hands. Yes, it is not in everyones' hand but access is available on desktop and laptop computers.

Franklin Smart Phone app
Franklin Smart Phone app

For more about the Commonwealth Connections app visit here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/yes-franklin-has-app-for-that.html


For more about Pia and her efforts to update democracy in Argentina follow this link
http://www.ted.com/talks/pia_mancini_how_to_upgrade_democracy_for_the_internet_era/

Where does FHS sit in the league standings?

The Hockomock League updated standings have been published by Hockomock Sports. You can find the Franklin High School Panthers in the standings for boys soccer, girls soccer, and volleyball by following the links listed here.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Boys Soccer

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-boys-soccer-stats-standings-101214

Girls Soccer

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-girls-soccer-stats-standings-101214
Note: the standing do not include Franklin's win over Central Catholic on Saturday


Volleyball

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-volleyball-stats-standings-101214


All of the Hockomock League results are shared by Hockomock Sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/

5th Annual Night of Comedy - Nov 7



5th Annual Night of Comedy
5th Annual Night of Comedy

COMEDY NIGHT 2014 IS HERE!!

SEPAC is hosting our 5th Annual Night of Comedy on November 7th at Franklin Country Club starting 6:30 p.m.  

Comedy Night includes dinner buffet, silent auction, balloon raffle and a comedy show featuring comedians Ray Harrington (#1 on Amazon, #2 on Itunes), Brian Beaudoin (voted #1 comedian in RI), and Derek Furtado (2012's Last Comix Standing Winner).

In the past, this event has enabled us to host monthly workshops for parents, social events for children, and a monthly support group.  In addition, we have been able to assist programs, like the Franklin Fish Swim Team, Special Olympics and Best Buddies, that work with Special Needs children in Franklin.  

Tickets for this event are $50 per person.  Tables of ten can be purchased at a discount of $450, and will be reserved under a name of your choosing.  Please contact SEPAC at franklinsepac@gmail.com to purchase tickets, go to www.franklinsepac.org to pay through Paypal.  Tickets purchased on line will be available at the door on the evening of the event.

FEF Casino Night - Nov 1, 2014

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) will hold their annual casino night on Saturday November 1, 2014.

Held at the Franklin Elks Hall, 1077 Pond St, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. There will also be a Texas Hold-em Tournament beginning at 6:00 PM which will require a separate entry fee.

Franklin Elks - 1077 Pond St, Franklin, MA 02038
Franklin Elks - 1077 Pond St, Franklin, MA 02038

Tickets for the Casino Night are $25 each or 2 for $40.





From the About us page on the FEF website
We are an independent, non-profit, community-based organization developed to support to innovation and excellence in education. We do this by funding grants for teachers and other staff within the Franklin public school system. 
Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of grants totaling over $300,000. These grants have touched students at all levels from the early childhood development center through the high school.

For more information on the Franklin Education Foundation, visit their website here
http://www.franklined.org/

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 15, 2014


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 3, 2014

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

F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10
• 99Restaurant
• British Beer Company

Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Grace
Lane and Nina Lane – 7:10

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Senator Richard Ross
Representative Jeffrey Roy
Stephan Semerjian, Chief of Police
Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-60: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Grace Lane and Related Drainage Lot
2. Resolution 14-61: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Nina Lane and Related Drainage Lot and Easement
3. Resolution 14-62: Local Licensing Authority’s Approval of Package Store Licensees’ Notifications of Change in Hours to Permit Earlier Sunday Openings
4. Resolution 14-63: Creation of a Senior Center Building Committee
5. Bylaw Amendment 14-742: Amendment to Chapter 185-§4. Districts Enumerated – Referral to Planning Board
5. Bylaw Amendment 14-743: Amendment to Chapter 185-§20. Signs – Referral to Planning Board
6. Bylaw Amendment 14-744: Amendment to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review - Referral to Planning Board

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 documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/101514.pdf

Franklin Senior Center - a new building committee is being formed to build out the 2nd floor
Franklin Senior Center - a new building committee is being formed to build out the 2nd floor

Community Service Project: Support the YMCA Youth Scholarship Fund




image
Click here to support YMCA Youth Membership Fund by...
My name is Ansh Tarafder and I am a 8th grader at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School In Franklin, Massachusetts. I am working on my...
Preview by Yahoo


From Ansh's project page on GoFundMe
My name is Ansh Tarafder and I am a 8th grader at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School In Franklin, Massachusetts. I am working on my community service project in my school called Capstone. In my project, I am working on increasing health awareness in kids. I chose this project as we kids are the future of our country and we need to be healthy so that we can learn better and also help advance it. 
As a part of my project, I have set up a Wellness Committee in my school. We had our first meeting on 30th September 2014. From now on, the Committee will be working independently to increase awareness in my school community and I will continue to be a part of it. The Hockomock Area YMCA and Action For healthy Kids are supporting my efforts in this regard. 
My other goal is to raise $600 to sponsor 2 YMCA youth memberships for 2 kids who cannot afford it. I am a member of the YMCA and it is a fun & nice place for kids to play, exercise and get healthy. Please help me reach my goal by donating to my cause. Thank you to everyone who supported me in my project .
at the Franklin Farmers Market
at the Franklin Farmers Market

Regular trash and recycling collection schedule this week

Although Columbus Day is a holiday for some, it is not for the trash and recycle schedule this week. The normal schedule applies. There is NOT going to be a one day delay as Monday is not a holiday according to the Curbside Chronicle published earlier this year.

The Curbside Chronicle




You can also find a copy of the Curbside Chronicle on the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01EC59E7-000F8513.0/Curbside%20Calendar.pdf

regular schedule for collection the week of Monday Oct 13th
regular schedule for collection the week of Monday Oct 13th


Franklin girls top Central Catholic 3-2

From Hockomock Sports we find the summary of the soccer game on Saturday:
In the 2013 playoffs, then freshman Megan Adams turned into a revelation for Franklin. She scored four times during the Panthers run to the South sectional final, including a hat trick in the tournament opener against Milford. 
Because of a number of injuries this fall, Adams’ sophomore season has never really gotten going, but she finally got back on the field for the first time this Wednesday against Stoughton. 
On Saturday afternoon at Pisini Field, Adams came off the bench in her second game of the season and provided the game-winning goal with eight minutes remaining in Franklin’s 3-2 victory over visiting Central Catholic. 
“It’s been a frustrating season for me not playing and coming out here and obviously having a big part in the game just felt great, felt like last season, and I was right back in the team again,” said Adams after the win.

Continuing reading the full article in Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/adams-returns-and-scores-game-winner-for-franklin

the game begins
the game begins

corner kick
corner kick

Franklin's second goal
Franklin's second goal

1st shot that got blocked
1st shot that got blocked

2nd shot on the follow up found the net
2nd shot on the follow up found the net

celebrating the goal
celebrating the goal

final score 3-2
final score 3-2
All the scores from Saturday's action in the Hockomcok League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-101114

Julia Roberts is Mother Nature (video)

Julia Roberts is Mother Nature





For more info on climate change you can visit the Mass Climate Action Network for their weekly summary of what's happening:
http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/the-genie-is-out-of-the-bottle-the-climate-minute-podcast/

You can listen to the weekly summary here:




Mass Climate Action Network
Mass Climate Action Network

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to the Franklin Matters webpage to view the embedded content (video,audio and documents)