Monday, October 6, 2014

MA Election - Nov 4th - Ballot Question #1 - Eliminating Gas Tax Indexing

Four ballot questions will be presented all voters in the Commonwealth of MA as we go to the polls on Nov 4, 2014. Franklin voters will have two additional questions.

This is the first in a series of posts to help spread the word on the topic of each the ballot questions.

By now you should have received from the Secretary of the Commonwealth the familiar red flyer with the "Information for Voters". This text comes from the Secretary's website and is the same as in the red flyer.

MA Information for Voters - Nov 4, 2014
MA Information for Voters - Nov 4, 2014


QUESTION 1: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition

Eliminating Gas Tax Indexing

Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 6, 2014?

SUMMARY

This proposed law would eliminate the requirement that the state’s gasoline tax, which was 24 cents per gallon as of September 2013, (1) be adjusted every year by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index over the preceding year, but (2) not be adjusted below 21.5 cents per gallon.
A YES VOTE would eliminate the requirement that the state’s gas tax be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws regarding the gas tax.

ARGUMENTS
As provided by law, the 150-word arguments are written by proponents and opponents of each question, and reflect their opinions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not endorse these arguments, and does not certify the truth or accuracy of any statement made in these arguments. The names of the individuals and organizations who wrote each argument, and any written comments by others about each argument, are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
IN FAVOR: Voting yes simply stops the linkage of the gas tax to inflation. This linkage causes the tax to increase every year without a vote of the Legislature. That’s taxation without representation. If the Legislature wants to increase taxes, they should have to vote for it. No tax should automatically increase.
This initiative cuts no money for bridge or road repair. It just requires the Legislature to take a vote if and when they want to raise the tax.
You already pay hefty gas taxes – 26.5 cents for state taxes and 18.4 cents for federal. For an average 15 gallon fill-up, you spend $6.73 in taxes.
Within the last year the administration has re-instituted tolls, raised registry fees by 20%, and raised other taxes. And the last time gas taxes were increased the money was diverted from road repair. The state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
Authored by:
Steven Aylward
Committee to Tank Automatic Gas Tax Hikes
154 Worcester Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617-744-0760
www.tankthegastax.org

AGAINST: Question One threatens the safety of you and your family when traveling on Massachusetts’ roads and bridges. The problems are startling: according to the Federal Highway Administration, 53% of all bridges in the state are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Moreover, 27 bridges have been closed because they are unsafe. Potholes and bad roads cost Massachusetts residents $2.3 billion a year in car repairs.
After decades of neglect, the poor condition of Massachusetts bridges and roads is now a significant public safety crisis. The longer we wait, the more it will cost every taxpayer to fix the problems. A Yes vote would make things even worse, by taking away existing gas tax revenues that we need to solve this public safety crisis – revenues that, under the state constitution, can only be used for transportation needs. Vote NO on Question One, and let’s fix our unsafe bridges and roads now.
Authored by:
Committee for Safer Roads and Bridges
89 Broad Street, #394
Boston, MA 02110
617-391-9663
www.saferoadsbridges.com

FULL TEXT OF QUESTION:
Be it enacted by the People, and by their authority, as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 1 of chapter 64A of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out, in the definition of “tax per gallon”, the following words:-, “adjusted at the beginning of each calendar year, by the percentage, if any, by which the Consumer Price Index for the preceding year exceeds the Consumer Price Index for the calendar year that ends before such preceding year; provided, that the Consumer Price Index for any calendar year shall be as defined in section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code pursuant to 26 U.S.C. section 1; provided further, that the tax shall not be less than 21.5 cents per gallon.”
SECTION 2. The provisions of this law are severable, and if any clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this measure, or an application thereof, shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or application adjudged invalid. Effective January 1, 2015.

If you have not registered to vote, you can still do so up until Wednesday, October 15, 2014.
The Franklin Town Clerk's office hours are
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm
  • Wednesday 8:00am-6:00pm
  • Friday 8:00am-1:pm

For absentee ballots and additional information on the election visit the Town Clerk's page here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/index
For additional information from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, visit the Elections page here   http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm

Winter Youth Basketball League Registration Kicks Off at Hockomock Area YMCA


female youth basketball player
female youth basketball player
The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for its annual winter Youth Basketball League which begins December 6th for children ages 3-14. The first three weekends will be devoted to practices and the last five weekends to playing games. The league is open to players of all levels.

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.

Children will play in coed divisions. The cost for the program is $69 for members and $104 for program members. Hurry and sign up today because after November 26th winter league prices will increase.

To register, please stop by your branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA: Bernon Family Branch - 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin 508.528.8708; Invensys Foxboro Branch – 67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro 508.543.2523; North Attleboro Branch - 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro 508.695.7001. Visit hockymca.org for details and member online registration. Ages may vary by branch.
team huddles to prepare to play
team huddles to prepare to play

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow. For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit hockymca.org.

In the News: Fletcher Field


In April, the town announced it had received a $150,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation to construct a spray park — a watery playground where children can frolic through water that spurts from squirt guns and drops from buckets. 
The council last Wednesday fulfilled a condition of the grant that it formally dedicates Fletcher Field. 
The 15 acres off Peck Street – with its baseball fields, playgrounds and tennis courts — has for some time been considered parklands. 
"Decades ago," the property was donated to the town so it could construct a public park, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. One of the deeds was recorded in 1931, the other in 1959.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141006/NEWS/141007750/1994/NEWS

Fletcher Field memorial marker and playground in the shade
Fletcher Field memorial marker and playground in the shade


My complete set of notes from last week's Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/jones-resignation-will-bring-special.html

Notes from the Wednesday, April 16 Town Council meeting where the water park was discussed and the money approved. We need to front the money that the state would then pay.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/live-reporting-legislation.html


Keep those pens and pencils around


When writing, your hand is used to form the shapes of the letters, therefore engaging your brain in the process. Handwriting requires a hand-eye coordination. As you write, your brain must work to recognize and remember the shape of the letter. This method exercises your brain and keeps it sharp and fast, especially as you get older. When you type, you are repeatedly striking corresponding key, which does not bring about the same effect in the brain. Typing involves less brain activity, and therefore doesn’t bring about the same results in the thought process. 
Next time you take notes, close your laptop cover and use pen and paper; you will retain more information and you will keep your brain healthy.

See more at: http://pantherbook.org/news/2014/10/05/its-right-to-write/#sthash.hZqGjbfE.dpuf

Pantherbook article on using pen/pencil for notes
Pantherbook article on using pen/pencil for notes

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 6, 2014

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."

Franklin (MA) Public Schools - "the key to learning"
Franklin (MA) Public Schools - "the key to learning"

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 23, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget To Actual – Miriam Goodman


2. Guests/Presentations

a. Sophia Addi – French Horn
b. Star Team Plaque Presentation
c. Tech Update / Plan – Tim Rapoza, Joyce Edwards
d. Facilities Update – Maureen Sabolinski


3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – Second Readings
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers


4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of Policies as discussed
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
b. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $3,286.50 from the Keller PCC for Field Trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,200.00 from the JFK PCC for Field Trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for Field Trips.
e. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $746.80 from the Oak St. PCC for Field Trips.
f. I recommend approval of the request of the Remington Adventure Club’s field trip to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 25th (rain date 11/1/14) as detailed.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from Shaws and Star Market for in-house enrichment at FHS.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of art supplies valued at $277.00 from DonorsChoose.org for FHS.


5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
(Sept 2013 to Sept 2014 enrollment comparison)
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

Franklin Public Schools: Enrollment changes from Sept 2013 to Sept 2014

The September 2013 to September 2014 enrollment comparison for the Franklin Public Schools.

2013 2104 Delta
Elementary 2705 2556 -149
Middle Sch 1433 1385 -48
High School 1635 1706 71
Total 5773 5647 -126





the new Franklin high School, one reason for an increase in enrollment
the new Franklin High School, one reason for an increase in enrollment

don't call between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM

If you need to call for an emergency, don't call between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Monday to Friday.

The frequency of simultaneous calls is raising a concern. The Fire Dept is barely staffed to serve two calls at one time. When the third one comes in, assistance from one of our neighboring communities is needed. It is not that they are not responsive, they are. The response time (travel time) from their departure point to the site in Franklin will be longer than if Franklin served the call.

Chief Gary McCarragher's presentation to the Town Council on Wednesday.




One other document provided to share is the marketing plan for the two RFPs currently out on the street. The Dept of Community Development and Planning is leading the efforts outlined here.




For the complete set of notes from Wednesday's Town Council meeting, check this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/jones-resignation-will-bring-special.html

Franklin - Fire Station #1 - West Central St
Franklin - Fire Station #1 - West Central St

FEF Casino Night - Nov 1

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/

YPO@ Game 7 Sports Bar and Grill on Thursday 10/16/14 from 6pm-8pm!


      
 Young Professionals Organization 

football


UPCOMING EVENTS

Kick off your Fall networking by joining the YPO for a night of friendly competition and conversation at:

Game 7 Sports Bar amd Grill Thursday, October 16th 6pm-8pm

Come and make connections over cocktails by networking with area professionals before Thursday Night Football. Conveniently located in Plainville, Game 7 provides sports fan's paradise by having plenty of TV's, plenty of beer and great tasting food.


Like a challenge? Test your paper flicking skills in our Paper Football tournament! Light appetizers will be served and a cash bar available. After the event wraps up, stay and root for the home team as the Patriots take on the New York Jets.

21+ event.
Registration is $5.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door.

Location:
Game 7 Sports Bar and Grill
60 Man Mar Drive
Plainville, MA 02762



The United Regional Young Professionals Organization is a community of diverse individuals who share a common interest in professional relationship building, career development, social engagement and civic leadership. As an affiliate of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, the United Regional YPO provides a platform for individuals to engage with their peers and community while providing guidance and support to help them grow personally and professionally. 
Join Our Mailing List
STAY CONNECTED

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our profile on LinkedIn   
Forward email
Privacy Policy.

United Regional YPO | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Oct. 7-13 is YMCA’s Arts Week


The Hockomock Area YMCA will host a week filled with activities 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) to educate, inspire and connect youth. Arts Week is an annual celebration at Ys nationwide that spotlights the nonprofit’s commitment to arts programming, ensuring youth have an outlet to express themselves creatively and discover and enhance talents.

Held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month in October, Arts Week at the Hockomock Area YMCA is free to the public and will feature activities for youth to explore art and “turn up” their creative expression. Each branch will offer free art activities in their lobbies and in program areas for youth in the community to help children explore the arts throughout the week of October 6th.
Hockomock YMCA
Hockomock YMCA


The Hockomock Area YMCA offers many varied art programs which include cooking, mixed media art, video production, voice lessons, and many preschool art and music classes. In addition, the Hockomock Area YMCA offers two fantastic theatre programs based out of our Mansfield Arts & Education that is open to all area communities, the Broad-Y Academy for ages 7-14, and The Theatre Institute for high school aged students. These programs provide performance opportunities ranging from musical theatre, plays, original play righting, Shakespeare, camps and many workshops. “The mission for our theatre program is to create magic for students of all ability levels and to instill a deep love for the arts that will last the rest of their lives” explains Heather Utsler-Smith, Hockomock Area YMCA Mansfield Arts Director.

“At the Y, we are invested in helping young people recognize their potential, and providing them with an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively,” said Michael Mahoney, Senior Program Director at the North Attleboro Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Art comes in many forms, from dance to drama and music to visual and digital arts. Whatever a child's passion, our Y offers a way for them to get involved in the arts. Join us for Y Arts Week or register for our Fall 2 classes starting October 7”.

To learn more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Arts Week or the arts programs, contact Michael Mahoney at 508-643-5265 or email michaelm@hockymca.org. To learn more about our Theatre programs, contact Heather Utsler-Smith 614-581-1783 or heatheru@hockymca.org.

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.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Harvest Festival - Music Schedule

Multiple stages will be set up throughout downtown Franklin with entertainment options sure to make you festive. Please join us Sunday for the 12th annual Harvest Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Click here to download a PDF.


Entertainment Schedule

Main Street Stage Schedule
        
11 - 11:30 a.m.                    DJ Domenic Cotoia opens the Festival

11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.           FSPA “character performances”
                  
12 - 12:30 p.m.                   DJ - “Top 40 Playlist”

12:30 - 1 p.m.                     DJ - “Country Time”
                           
1 - 1:30 p.m.                       FSPA “character performances”

1:30 - 2 p.m.                       DJ - “Rock and Roll”

2 - 2:30 p.m.                       DJ - “Dance Music”

2:30 - 3 p.m.                       FSPA “character performances”
                           
3 - 4 p.m.                            DJ - “Top 40 Playlist”

4 p.m.                                 DJ Domenic Cotoia closes the Festival

Harvest Festival Parking Sign 2013
Harvest Festival Parking Sign 2013

Center Island Stage

11 a.m.              Corinne Savage - Singer/Songwriter

12 p.m.              Heath Nisbett- Flamenco Guitar

1 p.m.                Airacuda - Americana

2 p.m.                Michael Stefanic - Guitars and Keyboard

3 p.m.                Jamie Barrett - Guitar


East Central Street Patio

12:30 - 12:45 p.m.   Flute duet - Nicole and Samantha

12:45 - 1 p.m.          Brick Wall Hearts, acoustic set 
                                       Trea, Matt, Ryan and Gillian

1- 1:30 p.m.              Brass Quintet - Sophie

2:30 - 3 p.m.             Harp and voice - Emma

3 - 3:30 p.m.             Brick Wall Hearts, electric set
                                        Trea, Matt, Ryan and Gillian


The Cake Bar
2 - 4 p.m.          Fun Faces With a Twist - Balloon Artist Dick Moberg


Rockland Trust Parking Lot


Children’s Area featuring carnival games, sports activities, and fall arts and crafts




This was shared from the Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/10/sundays-harvest-festival-entertainment.html

Special Election scheduled for Dec 16

As announced during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Glenn Jones has resigned effective immediately. This has triggered a special election to be held Dec 16th.
Elected to his third term last November, Jones, 44, recently started teaching at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. And the State Ethics Commission told Jones that continuing to serve in both positions might present a conflict of interest, as the council each year must vote to fund the town’s contribution to Tri-County’s budget. 
"It’s with a heavy heart that I resign," said Jones, who also chaired the economic development subcommittee. "This, by far, is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life as a volunteer. It’s been five great years and I hope to continue to serve in the future." 
For now, he added, "My commitment is to my students."
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News (Subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141003/NEWS/141008554/1994/NEWS


Special Election announced for Dec 16, 2014
Special Election announced for Dec 16, 2014


There will be a Special Election to fill a vacancy on the Town Council Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Nomination papers will be available beginning on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 8:00am. 
Last day to obtain nomination papers will Friday, October 24, 2014 at 4:00pm 
Nomination paper must be returned by Tuesday, October 28, 2014 by 4:00pm 
Last day to register to vote for this special election is November 26, 2014 by 8:00pm 
Absentee ballots will be available within three weeks of the election.
If you have any questions please call Deborah L. Pellegri, CMC at 508-520-4900.

The Special Election timeline was shared from the Franklin website
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01EB038C-000F8513



The full set of notes from the Town Council meeting Wednesday can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/jones-resignation-will-bring-special.html

Franklin Solar Challenge now on Facebook


You can follow the link to 'like' their page and sign up for notifications.
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinSolarChallenge





Franklin Solar Challenge
Franklin Solar Challenge

Prior posts on the Franklin Solar Challenge

Informational meeting in August
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/solar-challenge-informational-meeting.html

Informational meeting in September
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-solar-challenge-meeting.html