Monday, February 17, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, February 17, 2025 ??

Monday, February 17 = Presidents' Day

* No scheduled delay for trash/recycle curbside pick up this week due to the holiday, weather might have something to do about though. Stay Tuned

* On Monday, the MBTA Commuter Rail will be operating on a weekend schedule in observance of Presidents' Day. MBTA.com/holidays

* Library, Senior Center and most Town & School buildings closed for the holiday

  • 1pm Franklin vs. New Bedford 
  • 3pm Natick vs. Xaverian

**  NO   Town Meetings today   **


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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false


Franklin Middle School's Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!

We've held our auditions and the cast list is being created!  Rehearsals begin after February vacation!  The middle school students are very excited to begin their work on "High School Musical Jr."  The performances will be held at HMMS on May 2nd and 3rd.  

We are in need of volunteers to attend rehearsals, along with the Directors, to serve as an extra adult in the HMMS auditorium and assist with supervision. 

Your responsibility would be to:
  • 2:10 PM - Arrive at HMMS to sit in the auditorium with the students until the rehearsal begins at 2:30 PM
  • 2:30 PM - For the safety of the cast, you would sit in the auditorium during the rehearsals to serve as an extra adult for supervision.  (Bring a book, computer or knitting :)  

Please consider volunteering.  We need you!  If you are interested, please fill out THIS FORM.  

Questions?  Contact Diane Plouffe at plouffed@franklinps.net or 508-613-1650 

Franklin Middle Schools Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!
Franklin Middle Schools Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!

You're Invited to the Community Conversation on the role of arts in supporting health & well being

The Town of Franklin is excited to welcome Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Emily Devlin, LICSW, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Clinical Innovation at Art Pharmacy, for a Community Conversation on how the arts can play a vital role in supporting health and well-being in Franklin.


With funding from the Town opioid settlement funds, Franklin is launching Art Pharmacy—a nationally recognized program that connects individuals to arts and cultural engagements as a tool for healing, social connection, and overall wellness. The Town is rpiloting a program in Franklin specifically for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support.


You're Invited to the Community Conversation on the role of arts in supporting health & well being
You're Invited to the Community Conversation on the role of arts in supporting health & well being


We are seeking partners from across Franklin’s arts, culture, and social services sectors to help bring these programs to life. Whether you’re part of a cultural organization, a wellness or mental health provider, a social services agency, or a business focused on community well-being, this is an opportunity to collaborate and make a difference.


Wednesday, March 5 12 - 2 PM; At the Blackbox Theater, 15 W Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038


Join us to learn more about:

  • How Art Pharmacy programs will positively impact Franklin
  • Opportunities for local arts & culture organizations, social service providers, and community-focused businesses to become program partners
  • The role of arts and culture in strengthening mental health, wellness, and social connection


Click here to RSVP to the conversation.


This community conversation is free and open to the public. Parking available onsite. For accessibility needs, please reach out to Cory Shea.


2nd Joint Budget Listening Sessions gets more questions & answers (audio)

FM #1385 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1385 in the series. 


This session shares the Joint Budget Listening Session held Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the Remington/Jefferson cafetorium.  8 of the 10 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Supt Lucas Giguere. 


Brief statements by TA Hellen and by Supt Giguere opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. About 10 folks stepped up to comment or ask a question, some multiple questions.


View of the subcommittee table lineup just before starting the session
View of the subcommittee table lineup just before starting the session

Link to the Town page with the budget materials for both Town and School sides

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500 


As of today, $3.6M short, may change slightly but that is the ballpark for today. Towb budget coming out March 5.


Cherry sheet link to MA Dept of revenue as referenced by Town administrator Jamie Hellen https://www.mass.gov/cherry-sheet-estimates 


The recording runs about 2 hours 20 minutes , so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1385-joint-budget-listening-session-2-02-12-25/



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The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_02122025-1560 


The agenda packet includes:


a. Town Administrator FY26 Budget Update #4 Memorandum - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4201/Town-Administrator-FY26-Budget-Update-4-Memorandum- 


b. Updated FY26 Budget Model (1/30/25)  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4191/02b-FY26-Budget-Control-Sheet---Control-Summary 


c. Estimated Override Matrix  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/02c-Override-Tax-Rate-Impact-Calculationxlsx---Sheet1 


d. Board of Assessors Request Letter  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4189/02d-Board-of-Assessors-Support-for-Administrative-Assistant


The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/UWOc6uLkOO0?&t=356 


My full set of notes in one PDF ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ZqQ_mjYRrkcoszx1YVW-JVq4o9CSz1V/view?usp=drive_link 


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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

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS cheerleaders take 1st for Varsity & JV on Saturday

"1st place for Varsity and 2nd place for JV today at the Wilmington Blizzard Bash 

Thank you @whscheercats for hosting, we had a great time!"

FHS JV cheerleaders take 1st on Saturday
FHS JV cheerleaders take 1st on Saturday

FHS Varsity cheerleaders take 1st on Saturday
FHS Varsity cheerleaders take 1st on Saturday

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 283 - Interview with Ray Isle (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) - Episode 283

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!


Interview with Ray Isle

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 283 - Interview with Ray Isle (audio)
Episode 283 - Interview with Ray Isle (audio)

Ray Isle is the executive wine editor for Food and Wine Magazine, Wine & Spirits Editor for Travel and Leisure, and the author of the book "The World in a Wine Glass". He has been nominated for 3 James Beard Awards in the beverage industry.


In this episode, Kim and Mark interview Ray about a variety of wine-related topics, including:

  • Food and Wine Magazine content: Kim and Mark ask Ray about the content of Food and Wine Magazine.
  • Ray's book "The World in a Wine Glass": Ray discusses his book, which focuses on helping people shop for wine more effectively. He emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as origin, production methods, and the winemaker when making purchasing decisions.
  • Wine Additives: Labels and wine additives are discussed 
  • How to buy wine: Ray provides tips on how to buy wine, including information on non-alcoholic wines.
  • The 3 categories of wine writing: Ray discusses three main categories of wine writing: factual, relational, and impressionistic.
  • Wine stories: We discuss wine stories and Ray shares many of his own.

By the end of the episode, you'll be eager to run out and buy Ray's book or follow him on Food and Wine.


For more information on Ray, visit his website: 



Cheers,

Kim and Mark

🍷🍷🍷


#thewonderfulworldofwine #wine #rayisle #foodandwine #theworldinawineglass



Register O'Donnell Reveals Norfolk County’s Top 10 Real Estate Sales of 2024

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that during 2024, ten properties, a mix of commercial and residential, sold for more than $25.4 million with an average price of $78,823,200.

The following prices pertain to real estate sales from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

The ten properties were:
(10) 23-25 Bridge Street, Quincy, the 6-story, 60-unit apartment complex known as Hillside Residences, sold in March for $25,450,000;
 
(9) 2 Kay Way, Stoughton, a 118,200-square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility built on 5.92 acres of land, sold in September for $26,100,000;
 
(8) 1 Richard A Stratton Way, Quincy, the five-floor, 89,507-square-foot Holiday Inn hotel, sold in May for $30,498,000;
 
(7) 1280-1300 & 1330 Boylston Street, Brookline, a 5.34-acre office park comprised of four commercial buildings totaling nearly 120,000 square feet, sold in May for $41,000,000;
 
(6) 122 & 130-132 Granite Street, Quincy, the 100,000-square-foot retail shopping plaza known as Granite Place, sold in May for $41,500,000;
 
(5) A multibuilding manufacturing facility totaling more than 212,000 square feet of space located at 10 & 20 Dan Road, Canton, sold in May for $50,000,000;
 
(4) 655 Washington Street, Weymouth, the 4-story, 160-unit luxury apartment complex known as Helix Apartments, sold in May for $62,645,000;
 
(3) 170-180 Main Street, Walpole, the 3-story, 161-unit Senior Living Community, known as New Pond Village, sold in August for $66,000,000;
 
(2) 33-39 Main Street, Medway, the 5-story, 190-unit high-end apartment complex built on 12.32 acres of land known as the Hathon, sold in December for $75,600,000;
(1) Upland Road, 1 Moderna Way, and 10 Forbes Drive, Norwood, Moderna purchased the 200,000-square-foot clinical development manufacturing facility they were renting from Alexandria Real Estate Partners in December for $369,439,000.
The top sales appear to have been a combination of apartment complexes, research labs, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and office space. The state and Norfolk County collected excise taxes totaling more than $3,594,338 from these 10 sales.
Norfolk County’s Top 10 Real Estate Sales of 2024
Norfolk County’s Top 10 Real Estate Sales of 2024

“The variety in these real estate transactions bodes well for the Norfolk County economy, with high-value properties selling in both commercial and residential sectors,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “This indicates that Norfolk County is not only a desirable place to live and work but also a magnet for business, industry, and trade. Overall, the dynamic real estate market in Norfolk County underscores its attractiveness and potential for continued growth and prosperity.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Pantherbook: "Choosing electives at FHS"

By Omer Abdelwahab 

Photo via Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages under CC BY-NC 2.0
Photo via Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages 
under 
CC BY-NC 2.0
"Many of you may feel uncertain as the time approaches to select your electives for next year. For underclassmen, the future might seem distant, while upperclassmen may be focused on challenging themselves with new opportunities. Regardless of where you stand, the decision can feel overwhelming. In this article, I break things down to help make the process a little easier, so that you can make an informed choice for your academic journey.

Firstly, while many already know this, there is an art requirement at FHS where you must take 2 semesters of an art class. While this can include many courses such as graphic design, ensembles, and 3D modeling there is one that seems to stick out in the crowd known to be a creative, dynamic, and engaging class filled with new material to learn: Video Production One and Two. This two-part course will take you on an adventure from behind the scenes of your favorite films to the cinematic acting that many are interested in."




Franklin TV mobile streaming this week - Feb 17

Franklin TV mobile streaming this week - Feb 17
Franklin TV mobile streaming this week - Feb 17

The mobile Franklin TV studio crew will broadcast from the High School on Monday at 1:00 PM and from the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday at 7:00 PM

The Franklin TV Pride channel ->    https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools

The Franklin TV Town Hall channel ->    https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall





Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Feb 17, 2025

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM Frank’s Music – with Frank Falvey


  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
7:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones
8:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
9:00 am Shelley Otis: Harpist
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Stir Fry
1:05 pm Cooking Thyme: Lasagna
1:33 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
4:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
5:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Michael Soter & Jeff Roy
8:30 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner
  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Wachusett 02-13-25
9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Fall 2024 Pt 2
10:30 am Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee
11:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
3:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19
5:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25
7:30 pm Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

 
8:00 am Planning Board 02-10-25
2:00 pm Planning Board 02-10-25
6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 2 02-12-25

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA