Talking about "Train Town Franklin" with Scott Mason (audio)

FM #892 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 892 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with current Historical Commission member Scott Mason. Scott is a former three term Town Councilor with a lifelong passion for model railroads. 

Scott is designing and building a diorama of the uptown area of the Franklin train station, circa 1932 for this first phase. Our conversation via conference bridge explores some of his Franklin story and then gets into the development of this first of a series of dioramas. We talk about the research, interesting findings, decisions on scale, etc.

The exhibit is scheduled to open Dec 18, 2022 and run through Feb 2, 2023 at the Historical Museum. The museum is open on Saturdays (10 AM to 1 PM), and Sundays (1 PM to 4 PM) during winter.

Our conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Scott and his work on “Train Town Franklin” recorded Dec 5, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-892-train-town-franklin-with-scott-mason-12-05-22

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Historical Museum notification on "Train Town Franklin" 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/train-town-franklin-scheduled-to-arrive.html

Scott’s model railroad page on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/people/wwwScottyMasoncom/100063840514784/

The Heather McCarron article in Dec 2007 on “Model railroads are Mason's passion’ (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2007/12/23/model-railroads-are-mason-s/41390388007/

From deep in the archives, my prior recordings with Scott

Sep 2009  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/09/fm-46-scott-mason.html

June 2010 (prep for override vote - which failed)   50 minutes split into 2 parts https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/fm-69-scott-mason-part-1-of-2.html

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/fm-69-b-scott-mason-part-2-of-2.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Talking about "Train Town Franklin" with Scott Mason (audio)

Recap of Town Council meeting Mar 3, 2021 - train station discussed, appt to ConComm approved, ambulance fees approved

Quick Recap:

• appointment to Conservation Commission approved, all committees/board now with full compliment of appointments
• Erin Rogers of Senior Center talks about the tax work off programs available from the State and from Franklin
• discussion on the condition and future of the downtown MBTA train station and exercise in futility. parking an issue downtown, apparently due to zoning changes made that can be/should be reviewed again
• vaccine not available for local clinic per State, teachers were added to eligibility as of Mar 11, 2021

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gN3Z5Y2wUxdXqBNa6

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #TC0303

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0303&src=recent_search_click 

• Real time reporting about to begin for Town Council meeting #tc0303 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda 
• Meeting opens, Chair runs thru the standard protocol statement on meeting conduct #edc0303 a small group at opening.
• #edc0303 meeting is announced for phone callers  One (member) remote, other 8 in Chambers
• #tc0303 (yup, 2nd time tonight used prior meeting to tag a tweet, oops) no citizen comments
• Motion to approve Jan 3 minutes, second, Chandler announces that the minutes are in great order, compliments to Judy L for doing them. Passes 9-0 via roll call. Motion on Feb 17 minutes
• Second, passes via roll call 9-0, #edc0303 appointment to conservation commission, Bissanti recuses, motion and second, after tonight, all vacancies are now full. Passes 8-0-1 1 recused (Bissanti)
• No hearings, no license transactions; moving to presentations, Erin Rogers from Senior Center on the tax work off program, if taxes are more than 10% of income, if renter and taxes more than 25% of income. Need to file with state, meet income guidelines. #tc0303
• #tc0303 anything we can do to help residents with their taxes, talk to their accountants and to the senior center for the form. If people qualify for this, they should also apply for the DPW for a credit against the water, sewer, etc. Storm water if it comes, may would need to
• Suggestion for something on the webpage for assistance available. #tc0303 clarification, you can do both it is not double dipping. State program is one and there is also the Franklin program.
• Other than web page, send elsewhere (i.e. newsletter) as some seniors don't go to the website. #tc0303 legal ads we spend 40K annually with Milford Daily News, also appearing as PSA with Franklin TV. http://Ma.gov webpage takes you right to DOR page and info
• #TC0303 moving to downtown Franklin MBTA station and parking lot. Was on evaluation and goals, a paper trail was included in the meeting docs. Kudos to Frank Falvey who has been a persistent advocate for addressing this item see page 17 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/3-3-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 
• Maps of the station from package  #tc0303
• Continuing discussion on the station, a frustrating situation. This is a T issue and with pandemic they are in lots of trouble with revenue. #tc0303
• They are extending the line double track and going around the station. Also would need to take care of the bridge
• If you're in for a penny, you're in for more than a pound. #tc0303 we offered to but it from them, and they turned us down. Zoning changes recently increased parking requirements downtown and there is no space available. "This like beating a dead horse"
• #tc0303 lighting is brutal, and the bike racks are always full, can't they add some?
• Best opportunity may be the transit oriented development the Legislation that was recently passed called for.
• Let's think of the downtown and consider changing the zoning when the guidance Jamie mentions comes out. #tc0303 
• Budget meeting 3/17 at 6 PM, EDC just met tonight. Some things coming to council for consideration. Draft of business guide reviewed. Coming soon
• Moving to legislation for action, second reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._als_bls_web.pdf #tc0303 for ambulance service fee adjustments for this year.  Motion and second, vote via roll call (BLS basic life support, ALS advanced life support.) 9-0
• #tc0303 next up Quarterly PEG funds, the flow through of cable fees to Franklin TV per MGL, as an approved transaction  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._peg_-_web.pdf motion, second, passes via roll call 9-0 (Bissanti not going to yell at cable tonight)
• #tc0303 St Patrick's day serving dinner to seniors via the curbside cafe. Make reservations! Phase IV part 1 the library will be opening March 22, incredible innovation, popular curbside pickup; COVID school staff eligible as of Mar 11, schedule via portal
• No local clinic anytime soon, legislative delegates advocated but we're not getting supply. #tc0303 insufficient doses available in March to meet requirements. Per Gov Baker's press release. Happy to answer questions.
• Moving on. #tc0303 consensus on addressing downtown zoning now
• Kudos to the sports teams, great work! Great to hear of the town's work on a national podcast. Buses moved from former Kegan space to use King St until the Panther Way property is ready, helping the schools
• Yesterday was Franklin's birthday, and it wasn't noticed. 3/2 is the birthday. 243 years young. 
• Agendas and packets for CPC will be online #tc0303 excited that the library will be open. Don't let the guard down, we are almost there.
• Thanks to the community for doing what it takes, numbers are down, keep it that way. #tc0303 motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 
• That is all for tonight, thanks for following, catch you next time!

train station discussed

MBTA: Franklin Line notice for Thursday, Jan 4

Franklin Line: As part of the Reduced Schedule on January 4th, additional stops will be added to Trains 703, 715, 717, 719 and 721.

Train 703 (8:04 am from South Station) will make additional stops at Readville and Endicott

Train 715 (3:48 pm from South Station) will make all local stops EXCEPT Hyde Park or Plimptonville

Train 717 (4:43 pm from South Station) will make all local stops EXCEPT Plimptonville

Train 719 (5:20 pm from South Station) will make all local stops INCLUDING Plimptonville

Train 721 (5:45 pm from South Station) will make additional stops at Readville and Islington


Last updated: Jan 03 2018 05:22 PM

Sent by the MBTA. 

MBTA: Franklin Line notice for Thursday, Jan 4

The full Franklin schedule (PDF) can be found here
https://d3044s2alrsxog.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/commuter-rail-franklin-2017-11-20.pdf

COLUMBUS DAY SALE !!! - Polar Express Train Ride in Blackstone Valley

SAVE on your tickets for the Blackstone Valley Polar Express!

COLUMBUS DAY SALE!!! THIS WEEKEND! SAVE $5.00 on each ticket by using discount code: MAGICAL Call 401-495-1213 for tickets or PURCHASE ONLINE *Ends at 11:59 PM on 10/9/17. Good for new ticket purchases made  between 10/6/17 and 10/9/17. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges.  Don't forget...you can also check out our Polar Express Gift Shop! It's full of great official Polar Express items and more! BLACKSTONE VALLEY POLAR EXPRESS  1 DEPOT SQ. WOONSOCKET, RI |  401-495-1213  BLACKSTONEVALLEYPOLAREXPRESS.COM #BVPolarExpress

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Sent by info@tourblackstone.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Train Excursion through the Blackstone Valley less than a month away!

Tickets are going fast!!!

For tickets, call 401-495-1213 or Visit our website Join us for a scenic trip through the Blackstone Valley, and a day filled with fun autumn activities! Enjoy a relaxing train ride, Putnam's Annual Pumpkin Festival, many antique and gift shops, a farmers' market, local restaurants, and more! Last year's trip sold out! Get your tickets today!

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Sent by info@tourblackstone.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Train Excursion through the Blackstone Valley

Tickets available now! Don't miss this fun fall train trip!

For tickets, call 401-495-1213 or Visit our website Join us for a scenic trip through the Blackstone Valley, and a day filled with fun autumn activities! Enjoy a relaxing train ride, Putnam's Annual Pumpkin Festival, many antique and gift shops, a farmers' market, local restaurants, and more! Last year's trip sold out! Get your tickets today!

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Sent by info@tourblackstone.com in collaboration with Try it free today

"Rail Good Coffee" now open at Franklin/Dean Station

When getting ready to catch the inbound train Thursday morning, I noticed that the doors to the building were open. This had been closed up for a bit after The Cake Bar and Cafe Dolce both gave it a good try.

They were indeed open. It had just opened earlier that morning. Newspapers had not yet started delivery but were scheduled. Train tickets can be purchased. The menu board had a listing of prices for coffee, etc.

Stop in to talk with Randy. Buy a coffee before your ride into Boston the next time you go.

menu board at Rail Good Coffee