St Ray's - Class of 1972

Oh, when the Saints go marching in
Oh, when the Saints go marching in
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

They didn't play our song Saturday night. Maybe there wasn't enough of a number to do so. There were nine members of the Class of 1972 the participate in this forty year reunion. Yes, forty years. Staggering. Shocking. but all so true.

Mark Beauregard (sitting), and from left to right: Joe Grant, me, Terry Tierney, Terry Tracey, John Cotta, Bob Larivee, Glen Ferguson and Ron Harrison.

Now, we are the nine. On a mission. To go forth and find our other classmates for a bigger reunion next time.

5 for Friday

I haven't done this in a while so let's review five things that I found today

1

I occasionally hear that Agile is the silver bullet and will solve all engineering problems. In some cases, someone in management heard about Agile and figured it could be a quick fix to solve the challenges within their organization. Unfortunately this is far from the truth. While Agile methods can help you adapt to customer needs and deliver more effective customer value, one key benefit that I find is that Agile shines a very bright halogen spotlight on the many ailments of an organization or product team.

More about Agile can be found with Mario

Agile Halogen Spotlight

by Mario Moreira

2

I was not disappointed. Here, please find 5 networking tips from Ben and Reid that you haven’t heard before. Start using them today, before you actually need them and before everyone else gets in on the secret. And don’t cringe, some of these sound fun, even for us introverts.

Alexandria Levitt goes on to explain the five she found

5 Never-Heard Networking Tips

by Alexandra Levit

3 

Now granted, I’m a fairly change-resistant individual. I admit it. But even knowing this about myself, and factoring it into my analysis, I’m still struggling to understand why LinkedIn felt compelled to make this sudden adjustment to the site. It not only adds a big, ugly, and awkward section to the profile as a whole — with these imposing blue button-like graphics they’ve now added – but I guess I also don’t get the business reasons behind adding this new functionality. What’s the harm in continuing to take people at face value in terms of letting people outline their strengths and tell the world what they’re good at? Why is there the sudden need to add this “stamp of legitimacy” to each and every individual skill, given that we’ve already got a “Recommendations” feature in place that allows people to vouch for the people around them?

Read more from Matt Youngquist on what LinkedIn has done with the skills and recommendations

LinkedIn Tip: Skills & Expertise Endorsements

by Matt Youngquist

4 

To make sure it’s not you, log in to Facebook and click on the small, white triangle in the top right corner of the screen—the one on the blue bar across the top. Click “Privacy Settings” from the dropdown menu and right in the middle of the page, where you can “Control Your Default Privacy,” select Friends.

Continuing the theme of social media platforms and settings, Jason has some more tips on what to do with your Facebook settings to avoid issues

Facebook party invite sparks melee

by Jason Seiden

5

... Gallup is out with a new poll, showing that 60% of the US population “have little or no trust in the mass media to report the news fully, accurately and fairly.” 

Strikingly, 58% of Democrats indicate a “great deal or fair amount of trust” in mass media – the comparable number for Republicans is only 26%. 

The party line is that the fault lies with the media, that media needs to be and be seen as more trustworthy.

Charles H Green goes on to provide some valuable insights into trust, well worth the reading!

If Trust in the Media is Down, is that Bias? Or Paranoia?

by Charles H. Green

reconstructed memories

Coincidence? Not likely.

"Scott Fraser studies how humans remember crimes -- and bear witness to them. In this powerful talk, which focuses on a deadly shooting at sunset, he suggests that even close-up eyewitnesses to a crime can create "memories" they could not have seen. Why? Because the brain abhors a vacuum."

Over thinking? Possible.

"All our memories are reconstructed memories. They are the product of what we originally experienced and everything that's happened afterwards.” (Scott Fraser)

Why this? Now?
The Franklin Food Pantry Board is in the middle of a series of interviews with candidates for our open Director of Development position creating a good process that is fair for the candidates.

What do you take away from this video?

from collaborative consumption to digital ghosts

As one who does spend a lot of time online, creating and sharing information, reputation capital is a concept that I understand. I am comfortable walking in real life and sharing what I see (pictures) and hear (text from meetings) online. While it may seem to some that this is all I do, there are limits. There are whole aspects of daily life that don't go online. There is no need to put those there, they shouldn't be drivers for my reputation.

What do you do online? How much of a digital trail do you create? Are you working on your reputation?

Spend 20 minutes and listen to Rachel Botsman talk about collaborative consumption.



One phrase I really like is "digital ghosts". How to reach them in an increasingly online world is a challenge!

This was also posted to Franklin Matters
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/from-collaborative-consumption-to.html

Who eats the crusts of bread?

In this TED Talk, Tristram tells us something we don't normally hear or talk about.

Western countries throw out nearly half of their food, not because it’s inedible -- but because it doesn’t look appealing. Tristram Stuart delves into the shocking data of wasted food, calling for a more responsible use of global resources. 

Tristram Stuart sounds the warning bell on global food waste, calling for us to change the systems whereby large quantities of produce and other foods end up in trash heaps.

If America really has 4 times the food that we need, then the Food Pantry and others in this space are clearly in the redistribution business, and there is still plenty to do.



Approximately 15 minutes and well worth watching!

For more information on Tristram's Feeding the 5,000  http://www.feeding5k.org/ For more on his book http://www.amazon.com/Waste-Uncovering-Global-Food-Scandal/dp/0393068366/ref=la_B001ITTVXE_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347742133&sr=1-1

Originally posted to Franklin Matters
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/who-eats-crusts-of-bread.html

Update on life changing

"It is a small world after all"

A Disney attraction and song rings through the mind. Why? We'll go there another day. The life changing event on Washington St that I shared on Sunday? It is connected in a few ways.

Turns out one of the two vehicles in the accident was a motorcycle. Turns out the motorcycle rider was the son of a co-worker. Yes, how small does that get!

My own nephew had passed away in a similar motorcycle accident at a similar age several years ago. Kevin's passing hit the family hard. And here, now another family is going through the same thing.

The obituary for Garrett Haganey, 20

Garrett F. Haganey 20, of Franklin died September 15 in a motorcycle accident in Franklin.
Born in Norwood, September 25, 1991, the son of Stephen and Carlene (Moustakis) Haganey of Franklin, Garrett was raised in North Smithfield, Rhode Island and had lived in Franklin for the past 6 years.

He was a graduate of Natick High School where he played on the football team. 

Garrett was a member of the Laborers Union Local 609; he was working at the new Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Charlestown and truly loved his work. 

He was an avid sportsman. Garrett loved spending time with family and friends. His humor, spirit, and love for life touched everyone in his path. 

In addition to his parents he is survived by his brother Gregory Haganey of Franklin and his sister Melissa Haganey of Franklin. 

He is also survived by his grandparents, Peter and Dorothy Moustakis of Canton and Patricia Haganey of Naples, Florida. 

His funeral service will be held on Friday September 21 in St. Gregory’s Greek Orthodox Church 1007 West Street, Mansfield at 11:00. 

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Franklin. 

Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street Franklin. 

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114.

Related posts

http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2012/09/life-changing-on-washington-st.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/life-changing-on-washington-st.html

bird house view of State House

Dolores and I visited Aunt Helen who is in rehab at Hallworth House in Providence. We took her for a walk to get some fresh air after lunch. Those of us in New England were enjoying a gorgeous day. Cloud dotted, bright blue skies, with a comfortable temp and a gentle breeze.

Sitting on a bench in the sun, you could see from the bird house to the State House. The public address announcer for the CVS 5K road race could be heard in the distance. The weather was perfect for that kind of outdoor exercise.  The Hallworth House has a nice terrace view of the city.

Aunt Helen was in good spirits and walked well along the terrace and to/from her room. We had a good visit.

Life changing on Washington St

A pleasant scene. Could almost be anywhere.

Yet, it is here in Franklin along Washington St.

Running by this morning I was concerned to see a road side shrine and the familiar markings of an accident investigation. The flowers were fresh so it had to be recent. So recent that it hadn't made the newspapers yet.

The Franklin Police logs did record the accident as multiple vehicles (2 were towed away) with a fatality involved. Saturday morning at 11:17 AM there were multiple 911 calls to report the accident.

There is a story or two inside the police report yet to be known. One or more families lives were changed suddenly on Saturday morning with the death and the aftermath..

60th Anniversary: Mr & Mrs Joseph Proulx

We sent this off to the Providence Journal and it hasn't appeared yet. Maybe they don't publish these things anymore? For those who do achieve this kind of accomplishment, they should do a real article!

Mr and Mrs Joseph Proulx of West Warwick, RI will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on September 13, 2012. They will celebrate by having a dinner at the Coast Guard House in Narragansett, RI.

Note: the family did have a good dinner at the Coast Guard House last weekend. Delicious food in a great setting with lots of conversations!

Dodge Poetry Festival

The Dodge Poetry Festival occurs every two years. I missed the last one but plan on getting to this one being held in Newark, NJ.

Some of my favorite poets apparently are not scheduled to be there (Robert Bly, Billy Collins, Coleman Barks) but that just means that I'll be able to explore other voices.

One who will be there and I want to see is Kurtis Lamkin. What he does with word and music is enchanting.


Kurtis Lamkin reads 'jump mama' from BillMoyers.com on Vimeo.

One of my favorite of his performances!

For more about the Festival you can visit their webpage  http://www.dodgepoetry.org

For more about my own poetry you can visit http://www.quietpoet.com/

Walk the talk

As you may know, it wasn't that long ago that I spent the better part of two years looking for work. The process was long and frustrating especially since most of the applications I submitted for open positions were never acknowledged. Days, weeks, months went by and I could only assume that since I had not heard from the company, I was not going to be part of their operation.

I don't often get to hire someone but now that the Franklin Food Pantry is looking for a Director of Development, I have a chance. As part of the process coordinating with the Board, I want to see that everyone who applies gets an acknowledgment of their interest. Most, if not all, will get a validation phone call to confirm their desire and set expectations around the salary.

We are a non-profit and can't pay much but do have something to offer that we think will be worthy of the position. We currently don't provide health benefits but if we continue to be able to build sustaining revenue, which this individual will be instrumental in, then that is up for consideration.

The 'short-list' of candidates will get an opportunity to interview with some members of the Board and our Operations Director. After the interviews, we'll compare notes, discuss the candidate pros/cons and make a decision.

Acknowledgement of the candidates interest and then a follow up to let them know of their status is very important. The job market is still tough. There are so many well qualified folks looking. We need to do our part properly. We will. I will make sure of that.

Franklin Food Pantry looking for a Director of Development

Updated 10/7/12 - We have selected a fine candidate and will be notifying all the other candidates that have applied. Thank you for your interest!

---------------

Do you know someone that has a talent for building relationships with local business and community groups for a non-profit?

Do you know someone looking for part-time work in a non-profit environment doing good by helping the Franklin community?

If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then please send them this info so they can follow through with the Franklin Food Pantry!






How to Apply
To apply for this position, send a cover letter and resume highlighting your qualifications to FFP.Hiring@franklinfoodpantry.org


This was originally posted to the Franklin Food Pantry webpage here
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2012/09/food-pantry-is-looking-for-director-of.html

For those who may not be aware, I am on the Board of Directors and will be part of the hiring process.

Remembering 9/11

Where were you 11 years ago?

Does it come back to you, what you were doing when you heard what was happening?

Do you have a story to share?

It irks me that some media are pronouncing that remembering 9/11 is waning. As if there should be a grand celebration every year? With all due respect, no. It is part of human nature, part of the grieving cycle, that there is less emphasis over time. If there wasn't, we could not go on. It is natural that there is less. We have come around each of us, in many ways, to adjust to the events of the day, the changes it brought. If we haven't, there is still work to do, and that is okay. That is part of the human experience.

Just because there is no grand celebration doesn't mean we don't remember.

Before i die ...

A busy family and community based weekend has just come and gone. Briefly:

I recall conversations with some Franklin folks at Franklin Ford during a fund raising effort for the Food Pantry. Sirens from the fire trucks interrupted our conversation as they passed. Oddly, not much later that day, the fire trucks came again and stopped at a house just across the way. The occupant is safe but his home is a mess.

Driving down RT 1 to the family dinner to celebrate Mr and Mrs Proulx's 60th wedding anniversary,  we went by the spot where nephew Kevin left us. When we toasted later, his absence and that of his cousin Jonathan's were felt.

Outside the Coast Guard House in Narragansett, the shore is covered with stones and boulders of multiple sizes. Folks have started piling them up. I guess to see after the tide has passed which one may remain standing?

Completed the details to post the job description for the Franklin Food Pantry hiring a "Director or Development".

And then to sit Monday morning and view this....



Food for thought!


Thanks to Shelly Alcorn for the tip to this video
http://www.associationsubcultureblog.com/2012/09/before-i-die-i-want-to.html

More of Candy Chang's projects can be found here
http://candychang.com/category/projects/

The toolkit to create your own wall can be found here
http://civiccenter.cc/the-before-i-die-toolkit/

Caught my eye

Walking this morning, the blossoms clinging to the fence caught my eye.

What catches your eye when you go for a walk?

Do you take pictures to remember and share what you find?

sherku: red sky

The picture was captured as we entered Gillette Stadium on Wednesday night. I crafted the sherku as we watched the teams warm up.

sherku: red sky -
maybe
red sky tonight
#revs delight
crew to rue
no matter
what the revs do!

 #140poets http://t.co/JK8mjmqa

This did turn out quite positive for a change as the Revolution did come away with a 2-0 victory. They scramble to score a goal and then benefited from aggressive play to gain an "own" goal for the final margin. More importantly, the defense held together ably for their second straight shutout!

DejaBrew: tally updated

I had not yet updated the tally of top beers based upon the "Band of Brewers" recent efforts at Deja Brew so here it is. 113 unique beers, 80 done more than once. This is the listing of those beers done 3 or more times!

Beer	Total
Stunner	14
Blueberry Ale	11
Hearty Christmas Ale	6
Lawnmower Lager	6
Downtown Brown	5
Llevar Porter	5
Hirschgarden Marzen	4
Pumpkin Ale	4
Wachusett Pale	4
Double Scotch Ale	3
Dunrovin Stout	3
Evil Santa's Ale	3
Killer Honey Ale	3
Light Irish Stout	3
Lobster Claw	3
McTartan’s Scotch Ale	3
Off Kilter Scotch	3
Rusty Anchor Lager	3
Sammy's Octoberfest	3
Steel Rail Pale Ale	3

 The row of 6 kettles at DejaBrew that we use frequently!

Water beads

The waterproofing I did on Saturday is working. As you can see, good puddles from the unexpected shower that rolled through Franklin on Sunday afternoon are lingering this morning.

Which also means that I won't be able to finish the waterproofing of the uprights and railings today. Will need to give it more time to dry before I apply the sealcoat.