#shopFranklin - supporting small business: The Sugar Shoppe

#shopFranklin TV talks with Courtney and Corey Nappa of The Sugar Shoppe and Make Change for Change. The Sugar Shoppe makes charitable giving a sweet idea!

"The Sugar Shoppe is a non-profit founded on the premise of giving HOPE to those who may have none. Your purchases go towards building the fund for Make Change for Change, a non profit setup to provide moms and kids smile. Think of all the special occasions that come and go in a year, our mission is to provide gift baskets to those in need. 50% of the homeless population in Massachusetts are women and children. We strive to help make these individuals feel a sense of hope. Your small donation enables us to give a gift basket to someone in need, potentially at the right time in their life. ​​"

http://www.sugarshoppe.org/

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday Aug 24, 10:30 AM. 

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM

"Bryson Lang is a Comedy-Manipulator. He takes both ordinary and out-of-the-ordinary objects and literally spins them into a visual tapestry in a distinctive and dynamic way. 

At Bryson’s show you’ll see: flying sombreros, sharp sickles, huge spinning rings, upside down bounce-juggling, giant beach balls, glo-in-the-dark objects, a tennis racquet and always a few surprises. The Press of Atlantic City said, “…quick-witted comedy with mind-blowing juggling skills, Bryson Lang's act is a sight to behold!"

Quote from the Bryson Lang webpage  http://brysonlang.com/

The notice was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/comedian-and-juggler-bryson-lang.html

All electronic tolling coming to MA Turnpike in October

"The state Department of Transportation has outlined its plans to demolish existing tollbooths once the state's new All-Electronic Tolling systems go into effect on the Massachusetts Turnpike in October. 

According to Highway Administrator Thomas Tinlin, toll plaza demolitions are set to begin at the same time the new system goes live on Oct. 28. Work crews will section off the center lanes of existing toll plazas, pushing traffic to the left and right as they tear down canopies and fill any underground tunnel systems beneath the structures. 

Initial work is expected to be completed by Nov. 22, after which traffic will flow through the open center as crews tear down the remaining plazas on the sides of each turnpike entrance and exit. Speed limits for the exits will be set at 15 mph. Signs will help guide traffic."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160822/massdot-lays-out-toll-plaza-demolition-plans

• A better table on the proposed MA Turnpike fares can be found here

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/08/22/how-much-will-your-new-mass-pike-toll/RD6xNPzjNnlkB4mgBymgbN/story.html

• A related article on the data collected by the new systems and how it will be used

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/08/06/what-those-gantries-mass-pike-are-secretly-doing-and-why-you-should-care/YFtCYOjtSBufnBDUGh4khI/story.html

Devices on new gantries above the Massachusetts Turnpike will soon collect tolls. For now, they’re capturing data on driving speeds.- ARAM BOGHOSIAN FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

• For more information about the EZPass program visit the MA DOT site

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/EZPassMAProgram.aspx

In the News: superintendent search begins, miniature metal artwork

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The School Committee is set to kick off its search for a new district leader this week. 

The committee is slated at its meeting Tuesday night to begin seeking a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski announced in July she is retiring at the end of the coming school year. 

Committee members have said the meeting is the best time to start making preparations. Chairman Kevin O'Malley noted the meeting following this one - on Sept. 6 - will be the committee's first of the new school year, and is likely to be filled with other topics."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160822/franklin-superintendent-search-to-begin

The full School Committee agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-aug.html

"A special exhibit will open at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., Franklin. 

A personal collection of miniature metal artwork, hand crafted by Franklin-born Abraham Megerdichian, will be on display in October. Megerdichian’s son Robert will open the exhibit with a presentation and talk about the history of his father’s work. 

In his lifetime, the elder Megerdichian, a machinist by trade, made more than 300 miniatures for family and friends as gifts for holidays and special occasions. A selection of about 20 tiny recreations of everyday objects, made from brass, aluminum, stainless-steel and copper will be on display. A sampling of items for this exhibit include a brass asphalt roller, a copper and steel cannon with cannonballs, an aluminum inkwell with feather pen, a flexible flyer sled, and tiny brass roller skates."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160822/franklin-museum-slates-metal-artwork-display

miniature metal sled

Globe West covers bullying, healthy lunches, and walking to school

The last days of summer are upon us all. Back to school preparations are in full swing. The Boston Globe West section in the Sunday paper had a group of articles on schools. If you missed them, it might be worth taking a few minutes to read.


Note to read the following articles online a Boston Globe subscription may be required

In efforts against bullying, some school districts stand out

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2016/08/18/efforts-against-bullying-some-school-districts-stand-out/ay9ph0muZIx1mM9WjX8ixK/story.html


At schools, healthier options pass the taste test

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/08/20/schools-more-healthful-options-passing-taste-test/2mgf8IjtQXGMsz1eDPqwpL/story.html


Why not walk to school this fall?

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/2016/08/19/why-not-walk-school-this-fall/2qOlaFWMsrWvKWUWoz7h1I/story.html

In Salem, the Carlton Innovation School holds a weekly trek to school called Walking Wednesday. - MARK LORENZ FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

FHS Girls Cross Country in preseason rankings

"On the girls side, three Hockomock teams were ranked in the poll, all from the Kelley-Rex division: Oliver Ames (13th), King Philip (14th) and Franklin (15th). 

The Tigers who won five straight Davenport division titles from 2010-2014, will look to make a splash in the Kelley-Rex this season. Junior Olivia Timbone was OA’s top finisher at the league championship last season, coming in at 10th and will look to pace the Tigers along with classmate Elizabeth Peckham. 

King Philip is coming off a 4-1 season last year in league meets, only falling to Franklin. Junior Erin Quinn returns after a standout sophomore season and a top 10 finish at the league championships. Senior Erica Layne and junior Leia Quinn will also play big roles for the Warriors this season. 

Franklin, the defending Kelley-Rex champions, returns the top finisher from the 2015 Hockomock League Championships in junior Nicole Clermont. The Panthers also have junior Kate Hartnett back, who came in sixth at the league championships in Wrentham last season."

FHS girls Cross Country team at the Hockomock League Championships, Oct 2015

• The full Hockomock Sports article can be found here

https://hockomocksports.com/four-hockomock-cross-country-teams-make-mstca-xc-preseason-poll/

• The full poll can be found on the MSTCA page here

http://www.mstca.org/Fall_Season/Fall%202016/MSTCA%20XC%20Coaches%20Poll%202016%20SEASON.pdf


The fall 2016 MSCTA Cross Country season information can be found here
http://www.mstca.org/Fall_Season/Fall%20Past/Fall%202016.html

"DRONE POLICY 

MSTCA prohibits the use of Drones at any of our competition sites or meets. The prohibition applies to all fields of play including the spectator stands and parking areas. We reserve the right to follow this policy. All proper officials can remove any person from the site who refuses to follow this policy."

Madelene Village - Detailed Plans

The PDF copies were shared with the Facebook group and shared here to broaden the reach


Project Narrative document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczXzNlTDNwNjJkRE0/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-iqwmH9nKH0N8-yJOK0fA9g


Plan for the Foundation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVHQtcEx5em4zTTQ/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-KDt0g5Qhw-NSbFFFPzjerA


Plan for the first Floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTzRoSjhSQ3pWZVE/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-Czjx3emYkD7SfHeq3k7E9A

Plan for the Second floor

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZ0VXYXZOV18zbGc/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-lMlhueSGnpoYsQk3ekWDYw

Front view and Rear view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczREZVTjAyZmZYNkU/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-qsM8eHchkhrrFwZ6VITakw

JPG of building as proposed

unit model and elevation

Library: Tween - Teen End of Summer party

The "end of summer reading" party for teens and tweens is scheduled for the Franklin Library on Tuesday, August 23 at 12:30 PM

Tween - Teen End of Summer party

This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/teen-tween-end-of-summer-party-tuesday.html

How do you connect? A Consumer Guide to Cable Service: 3 Part Series by MA Consumer Affairs

"Cable service is available in most Massachusetts communities through one or more providers, and may be offered as a stand-alone service or as part of a bundled package. The term “bundled package” refers to a specially-priced combination of services that may include telephone service (wireless or landline), television (cable or satellite television), internet or a home security system. Bundled packages often include a contract agreement that will require you to maintain your services for a fixed period of time, usually 12-24 months. 

The cost of cable service alone can be broken down into three main categories: (1) programming, promotions and pricing; (2) equipment and installation; and (3) taxes, fees and surcharges."

iamge from MA.gov series on cable service subscriptions

Continue reading Part 1

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-1/

Part 2

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-2/

Part 3

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-3/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 23, 2016

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 August 9, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:

Franklin Public Schools - "the key to learning"

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Superintendent’s Search Process – Presentations

1. NESDEC - Dr. Art Bettencourt
2. MASC- Jim Hardy
3. ECRA Group – John Connolly

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Readings

• DJE – Bidding Requirements
• DKC – Expense Reimbursements
• JJF – Student Activity Accounts
• JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
• JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

Discussion on Awarding Superintendent Search Contract

4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting:

1. DJE – Bidding Requirements
2. DKC – Expense Reimbursements
3. JJF – Student Activity Accounts
4. JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
5. JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2705.29 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

• Enrollment Update

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• Community Engagement

School Committee Liaison Reports

• None

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

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

The School Committee agenda would normally be found online here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/t20162017/
(as of Sunday morning it was not yet posted)

“They help in any capacity as much as they can”

"More than a hundred people gathered at Fletcher Field Saturday morning for some fundraising, some trash talking and a lot of fun at the Random Smile Project’s fourth annual Wiffle ball tournament. 

The Random Smile Project, established in 2006, is a Franklin organization aimed to provide simple acts of kindness to locals in need. 

Its mission, member Colleen Swenson said, is to “offer a bridge of support for our community members during difficult times.” 

This year, the proceeds from the tournament will benefit Franklin resident Jim Cashin, who is recovering from a liver transplant he received in June."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160821/locals-play-wiffle-ball-to-benefit-franklin-resident

sign at one of the wiffle ball diamonds between games

To donate to the Random Smile Project or find out more about what they do, visit their webpage  http://www.randomsmile.org/

Downtown Parking Map

The DPW must be busy preparing the signs as I did not see the new ones around on my Saturday walk. I did see signs that according to the new regulations would be taken down (I think). For example, the "resident parking' now enabled for Winter Street and Crescent St would be going away (as I read the new rules).

The new parking map was posted to the Town of Franklin page on Friday. You can view it here, download it here, or go to the Franklin page to get your copy.




View the PDF here

• Download your copy here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeGY4THpKVmYzRWc/view?usp=sharing

• Or from the Franklin page

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A17AB-000F8513

JPG image of the most central downtown region shown on the full map

legend of parking zones for downtown Franklin

as I read the new parking rules, these designated parking zones would go away

In case you missed the Town Council making these changes, you can find the full set of regulations and vote results here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

"it is incredibly important we all work together to conserve water while these dry conditions persist”

"Today (Friday - 8/19/16)  I listened in on a state wide conference call from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and as expected things do not look good considering the current drought we are in. The forecast for any sizable rainfall to help our water issue does not look good. No sustained rain fall in the near future. 

Given the fact that citizens for the most part are heeding the current water ban in town, we still have trouble with private well owners. Despite the fact that the ban is not covering these private well uses, I ask anyone with private wells to please respect the water ban and avoid watering lawns, washing cars, and other outdoor water activities. 

We all share the same water, public and private. Please conserve water! 

Note: there is a $200 fine for anyone not following the water ban guidelines. 

This is extremely important to the health, safety and well being of our community."

Thank you,
Councillor Glenn Jones
Franklin Town Council

• Governor Baker's Press Release

“With much of Massachusetts continuing to experience extremely dry conditions, I am asking the public to administer best water conservation practices for the foreseeable future,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By minimizing water use, especially while outside, we will collectively take crucial steps necessary to enable ground water and reservoirs to rebound quicker as we work together to manage and reduce the effects of a statewide drought. Individuals should also check with their city or town officials to find out what local restrictions are in place as they vary from community to community.”

http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2017/governor-elevates-response-to-widespread-drought.html#

U.S. Drought Monitor

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-weight-loss-program-at-y.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-drug-kiosk-success-drought.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-farms-feeling-drought-post-75.html

loans "to help them start, grow and create new jobs"

The Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, in conjunction with South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation, announces the Franklin Business Loan Program, which will be rolled out during the Small Business Administration’s workshop, ‘SBA Advantage, Connections that Work’ on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Golder Room (in the Campus Center), Franklin, MA 02038. At this seminar, the SBA and SEED will provide information on their loan programs and resources available to help business owners.

The loan programs provide financing for new and established businesses to help them start,
grow and create new jobs in Franklin by forming a partnership with SEED, which provides loans from $1,000 to $5.5 million.

http://seedcorp.com/

SEED offers three loan programs:

1) The Micro Loan Program provides loans from $1,000 up to $50,000, which can be used for working capital, inventory, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and refinancing of business credit card debt. The term on the loans is 6 years at a 6 percent fixed interest rate with no prepayment penalty.

2) The Revolving Loan Fund provides loans up to $250,000, which can be used for the purchase of land and buildings; equipment and furnishings; working capital, or as the down payment on a larger project. The SEED portion of the project is generally 40 percent or less, although in cases where there is a larger financing gap, SEED’s portion can be greater. The term on the loan is up to 10 years at a 5 percent fixed interest rate with bank participation and 6 percent without. There is no prepayment penalty.

3) The 504 Loan Program provides up to 40 percent of the financing needed behind a
bank/credit union’s 50 percent for the acquisition and improvement of commercial and
industrial buildings; and the purchase and installation of heavy machinery and equipment.
SEED’s portion can range from $120,000 to $5 million for most businesses, and $5.5 million for manufacturing businesses. SEED’s portion offers a fixed interest rate below market for 20 years, currently at 4.1 percent, and at 3.7 percent for 10 years.

SEED is a non-profit economic development organization certified in 1982 by the U.S. Small
Business Administration with the mission to grow and create jobs throughout the region. SEED also provides business assistance and works with other economic development organizations and financing institutions in the region to ensure that individuals who are committed to owning and operating a small business are able to obtain the assistance they need to be successful.

For more information, or to register for the seminar, please contact Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development at (508) 520-4907 or email
development@franklin.ma.us.




This was shared from the Town of Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A150D-000F8513

"He chose the Franklin Food Pantry"

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

That is how the phrase usually goes, unless you are a certain 9-year-old boy living in Franklin. For Suhas Wijegoonasekara, it goes more like this: When life gives you lemonade, make a food pantry donation. 

The youngster is planning to do just that with proceeds from a lemonade stand he is operating on a sidewalk bordering the Franklin Town Common from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 21 

Even before the first cups have been filled and served, though, the stand is already a triumph for the soon-to-be Kennedy Elementary School fourth-grader. For many youth, running a lemonade stand is something of a summertime rite of passage, and it's no different for Suhas. He has been working on his mom, Amali De Zoysa, to allow him to have a stand for a long time now."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160819/franklin-boy-to-serve-up-lemonade-for-food-pantry

Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry securely online