Saturday, August 22, 2020

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Sessions Scheduled - Aug 25, Aug 26

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf


"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.
Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tues, August 25 7:00 PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Weds, August 26 1:00  PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

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Note: Franklin residents will also get the benefits of Municipal Aggregation this fall and only need to opt out of the agreement if they already have a solar or other private supply agreement.

The deal for Municipal aggregation was confirmed at the February 12, 2020 Town Council meeting. 


olar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
 

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast 8-21-2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the warm summer weather and staying healthy. Fall is just around the corner!


Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/


August Events

Mon., Aug.24: MEMORY CAFÉ at 3:00 p.m. on ZOOM, features the beautiful and engaging music of violinist, Lynn Canavan. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


Thurs., Aug.27: FASHIONS OF HOLLYWOOD on ZOOM with Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion at 1:00 p.m. Ren presents this fascinating look at the glamorous fashions of the silver screen during the '30s, '40s, '50s. Join us as we travel through the decades to enjoy a glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


Mon., Aug. 31: STEVE SHERLOCK - Talk Franklin Matters at 2:00 p.m. for all the latest Franklin news. To join us, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


And don't forget the Curbside Cafe!  Open M-F, Great food and service with a smile! https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb


CHANCE TO WIN A FREE LUNCH! - Email me and tell me your favorite thing about this email blast or something you would like me to include in the next one and be entered to win a free lunch at our FABULOUS Curbside Cafe!   

Tips

Beautiful backyard landscaping ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFrnGVBHuG0


5 gardening tips that actually work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kueifr5Ve8Q


Guided meditation - 20 minutes long reduce stress and anxiety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIr3RsUWrdo


Music

Big Band Swing Era - over 45 minutes of fantastic swing music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U69OtG1Mti4


A magical piano moment - impromptu concert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avlOGya53IU


Just for Fun

Watch Orchestra Wives - full version featuring Glenn Miller 1.5 hours long. Original B&W version.  Sit back and enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9TXTizrMBE


Retired and living on a cruise ship - Would you do this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dWFKp-bJtk


Giant flying boats!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f906Sy79hA


12 of the most amazing abandoned planes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNABAOBPL5s


Easter Island - fascinating information about the statues 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4U5Y7MSAJc


Humor

Bloopers on the news.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oizzPmG6BlU


Funny golden retrievers - a compilation of funny dog videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiP4jwiTazI


Andy Woodhull - Being late - a comedy special

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLUFit8815c


Jeanne Robertson - we don't sell vanilla milkshakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLmQEOZOqTU


Kindness Matters

Have faith in the goodness of humanity.  Random acts of kindness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcI1E8C3mB8


Simple acts of kindness.  A short film part 2 will play immediately after part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdYJr03eJjE


Caught in Providence - This should possibly be in the Humor category

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG8g4WReE5c


Attached you will find:

  1. Donna's fun filled activity sheets https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pCvN69S61X63FrOEurXnKqZbSEAGpHQf/view?usp=sharing

  2. Paint by number 2 sheets https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rWrxF3GY9nxcKtq4HcAryvitr8BDH0iC/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JM5XIqVjS8an19vxL9voEQfima-FBvpU/view?usp=sharing

  3. Cranium crunches  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMu-SF_MGR6OMuJ_NKVLwt0D1Pi5cF9L/view?usp=sharing


Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you! 

Ariel 


Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 



MEMORY CAFE!

Exciting news starting on  September 14th, there will be a virtual Memory Cafe EVERY MONDAY at 3 PM!  Please let us know if you would like to be on the list to receive the invite to attend!


REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast 8-21-2020
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast 8-21-2020

FHS Joshua Hanna video update For Aug 21

Here is a link to our FHS weekly video.  I hope you all are able to have a peaceful weekend.  https://t.co/IaSTJ8iyuO @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters @FranklinHS #PantherPride

 

Commonwealth Magazine: delays in childcare licensing; "A color coded map is not a plan"

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

"NICOLE MCCORMACK, a hairstylist from Haverhilll, always dreamed of opening a home daycare. So with her youngest son entering kindergarten, she started applying for a license in March.

Five months later, she has not been able to take the training courses required by the Department of Early Education and Care, and her licensing process is stalled. The delays have left her and several families who are interested in her daycare, either neighbors or people who saw her website, in limbo.

“There’s people that are calling, and I don’t know what to tell them, when I’ll be able to accept them,” McCormack said.

As many existing childcare providers struggle with the decision about whether to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a crop of potential new providers have been prevented from opening by pandemic-related delays in the state’s licensing process."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

"EVERY CITY AND TOWN in Massachusetts has spent months trying to figure out how to return to in-person schooling. We all know the social, emotional, and educational benefits for our children. We all know a fully functioning school system also primes the pump of our economy because it allows everyone to go to work. I recognize the importance not just as a mayor, but as a parent of four school-aged children. However, the stark reality is we’re in the midst of a pandemic with COVID-19 cases still cropping up all over our state.

What we have needed from the start is a real plan from the state and the support needed to implement it. We need pervasive surveillance testing so we can catch and isolate new cases before we suffer general outbreaks. We need robust contact tracing. We need to re-outfit ventilation systems in our schools and reorganize our classrooms. We need to have a rational understanding of how many other things in our society we can have open before we attempt to bring back our schools full-time. Instead, what we got last week was a color-coded map that provides no new information for those of us working on these issues.

I appreciate the bind in which Gov. Charlie Baker finds himself. Much of what we need to develop a sustainable reopening plan relies upon federal funding and support, and that’s a black hole from which no help is likely to emerge. However, a map is not a plan.

Municipal officials already are well aware of our local numbers. Yet it means very little that our community ranks as low risk of transmission when we have two extremely high risk communities, Everett and Chelsea, on our border and a school workforce that resides throughout the region. What happens in Everett and Chelsea happens in Somerville. Coronavirus doesn’t recognize city lines. If we’ve got an outbreak on our doorstep, then we need to respond like we’ve got an outbreak."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 


In the News: police alert residents to lock cars; unemployment in MA is highest in USA

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

A ring of criminals who steal belongings from cars and trucks has swept through several local communities in the last two weeks, and police are telling residents there’s one huge way they can protect their vehicles — by locking them.

From Wednesday through Saturday last week, vehicle break-ins were reported in Dover, Needham and Sherborn, said Medway police Lt. Matt Reardon. On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, he said Hopedale, Holliston, Franklin, Medway and Millis were hit.

“We believe it’s the same organized crew responsible for all the break-ins both nights,” Reardon said. On Tuesday night there were eight break-ins reported in town, he said, with West Street and the lower Village Street area targeted.

The thefts happened late at night into the wee hours of the morning, and all vehicles hit were unlocked, said Reardon. That’s why Medway police, along with more than five other local departments, are urging residents to lock their vehicles at night, with some advocating for the “9 p.m. routine.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  

"The state’s unemployment rate, which soared during the coronavius pandemic, fell to 16.1% in July, yet remains the highest in the nation, according to numbers released Friday by state and federal labor officials.

The July rate is down 1.6 percentage points from the adjusted June rate of 17.7%, according to the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

The national unemployment rate in July was 10.2%. The Massachusetts unemployment rate in July 2019 was 2.9%.

Massachusetts added more than 72,000 jobs last month after adding nearly 95,000 in June as the state continues to recover from the economic shutdown prompted by the pandemic, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary job estimates."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Friday, August 21, 2020

Big day Saturday: Last Day to Register to vote; First day to Early Vote

Last Day To Register To Vote:   

August 22, 2020


First Day for Early Voting


Vote Early In Person:  FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GYM
(1 week) starting Saturday, Aug. 22nd through Friday, Aug. 28th
  • Saturday, Aug. 22      10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday Aug. 23         10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
  • Monday, Aug. 24         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM                      
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM             
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, Aug. 27       9:00 AM -  3:00 PM
  • Friday, Aug. 28            9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

For additional information on voting visit the Town Clerk page

For the Franklin voters "election collection" visit

Big day Saturday: Last Day to Register to vote; First day to Early Vote
Big day Saturday: Last Day to Register to vote; First day to Early Vote

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Sonya Rae Taylor on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 PM! 

Sonya is part of the new breed of blues and soul musicians, always searching for new ways to revitalize the form. A triple threat, Sonya is a fiery guitar slinger, soulful blues belter, and a songwriter of depth and craft beyond her years. 

She is joined by her husband Ryan Taylor to form a powerful guitar duo. The couple has logged many miles in their young careers, from Boston to Austin then Nashville, where Sonya was signed by BMG Chrysalis. The two have worked with or shared stage with artists ranging from Austin queen of soul, Tameca Jones, Gary Clark Jr, John Popper of Blues Traveler, John Medeski, and Derrico Watson of the Victor Wooten Band and have made TV appearances on shows such as the the ABC series "Nashville". 

They are two of the finest young guitar players in the scene today and continue to provide audiences with high energy and soulful performances up and down the east coast and beyond.


THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22
THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Sonya Rae Taylor - Aug 22

Hockomock League statement regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season

Below is the official statement from the Hockomock League regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season.

August 20, 2020

We have all patiently, yet eagerly, awaited the Massachusetts DESE guidelines pertaining to Interscholastic Athletics for the 2020-21 school year. Late Tuesday we received those guidelines and the MIAA Board of Directors have voted to approve those guidelines. Very importantly, there is still a lot of work to be accomplished before a Fall 2020 sports season is permitted. The earliest date to begin any practices is Friday, September 18.

Each school district was tasked over the last several weeks to develop a detailed DESE-approved plan for the return-to-learning this school year. Rightly so, each district’s School Committee and Superintendent’s office is now focused on implementing that approved learning plan. Some districts have opted for a full-remote start while others have approved a hybrid model. Both come with their own obstacles that each district is aiming to overcome. Both plans will impact how Fall sports may look for that district.

We do know under these DESE-approved guidelines that the high-risk sports, Football and Competitive Cheer, have moved to a “Fall II” season with a start date of February 22, 2021. The low-risk sports, Cross Country and Golf and the moderate-risk sports, Field Hockey, Soccer, and Girls’ volleyball must undergo modifications, some significantly changing the look of the game, to adhere to the EEA/DESE guidelines. Those MIAA-sport committees are working on that goal now. Girls’ volleyball, as an indoor sport, has some very significant hurdles for high school programs to overcome.

Please be patient as our twelve districts individually tackle the DESE parameters and logistics of implementing their return-to-learning models. We hope to know more in the coming week or two what a Fall Sports season will look like. Each district’s School Committee is charged with approving the specific sports programs that will be offered at each of our schools. Once those details are gathered by our League ADs and Principals, schedules can be drawn up and approved for publication.

Please know we all want to see as many student-athletes return to the competitive playing field this Fall. The health and safety of our students is paramount in any and all of these decisions which are forthcoming.

Sincerely,
The Hockomock League ADs

  • Mark Houle, Attleboro
  • Danny Erickson, Canton
  • Joe Cusack, Foxboro
  • Tom Angelo, Franklin
  • Gary Brown, King Philip
  • Mike Redding, Mansfield
  • Peter Boucher, Milford
  • Kurt Kummer, North Attleboro
  • Bill Matthews, Oliver Ames
  • Nick Schlierf, Sharon
  • Ryan Donahue, Stoughton
  • Mark Ottavianelli, Taunton



HockomockSports (@HockomockSports) tweeted at 9:25 PM on Thu, Aug 20, 2020:
Hockomock League Makes Statement On Fall Sports - https://t.co/QIFEg2p0hz #hockomock

https://twitter.com/HockomockSports/status/1296619352733683718?s=03



Hockomock League statement  regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season
Hockomock League statement  regarding the upcoming Fall 2020 season

Voices of Franklin: State Rep Jeff Roy, State Rep Brian Murray "We are with Joe Kennedy"

We are with Joe Kennedy in his campaign for the United States Senate because he cares, he shows up and he leads.
 
We first saw Joe in 2010, talking about the need for civility in government. That speech captured our moral imagination and we sure hoped that he would run for office.
 
In 2012, he was in our communities talking with us and our friends about what he would do in Congress.
 
While a member of Congress, he has been a champion on  such very important issues as health care, manufacturing, substance use disorder, energy, the environment and civil rights,
 
We have witnessed firsthand his dedication, thoughtfulness and energy. His ability to work across the aisle with those who may have different beliefs is impressive, as is his ability to clearly see complex issues and get to the heart of the matter. And he does it all with a strong sense of empathy, a trait possessed by truly great leaders.
 
His service to our District is unparalleled. His commitment to constituent services for the folks throughout our communities has been exceptional.  His belief that everyone counts and should be counted is his high watermark.
 
At this moment in the history of our nation, we need his commitment, compassion and leadership on the floor of the United States Senate now more than ever.
 
Joe has been with all of  us, he is one of us and he has the vision to lead us.
 
That is why we hope you will join us in voting for Joe Kennedy for the U.S. Senate on September 1st. It is a vote not only for a better Commonwealth, but for a better country as well.
 


Jeffrey N. Roy
State Representative – Franklin & Medway

Brian W. Murray
State Representative – Milford, Medway Hopedale, & Mendon

Franklin (MA) voter totals for September Primary (2003-2018)

From the Town Clerk section of the Franklin Annual Report come the results of previous September primaries.


Year     Totals

2004 1415

2006 3315

2008 1442

2010 2261

2012 4826

2014 2325

2016 871

2018 4013

2020 ???


Franklin (MA) voter totals for September Primary (2003-2018)
Franklin (MA) voter totals for September Primary (2003-2018)

In the News: Severe drought recorded; another ex-Trump aide arrested

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

"About a quarter of Massachusetts is now experiencing a severe drought that threatens crops, diminishes air quality, makes trees more susceptible to insects and could lead to widespread water conversation measures.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday morning that while all of Massachusetts is at least abnormally dry, about 60% is experiencing a moderate drought and another 25% — most of Bristol and Plymouth counties and the southern parts of Norfolk, Worcester and Hampden counties — is going through a severe drought.

“In the Northeast, anomalously warm temperatures and below-normal precipitation during the past 90-day period have led to deterioration in drought-related conditions in parts of New England — including Massachusetts where state officials declared a Level 2 drought on August 14 for all regions of the state,” David Simeral of the Western Regional Climate Center wrote in the Monitor’s weekly summary. “Average temperatures for the week were 2-to-10 degrees above normal. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the Northeast Climate Region experienced its warmest (+4.6° F anomaly) July on record.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200820/severe-drought-recorded-in-parts-of-state?rssfeed=true

Severe drought recorded
Severe drought recorded


"President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, was pulled from a luxury yacht and arrested Thursday on allegations that he and three associates ripped off donors trying to fund a southern border wall, making him the latest in a long list of Trump allies to be charged with a crime.

The organizers of the “We Build The Wall” group portrayed themselves as eager to help the president build a “big beautiful” barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, as he had promised during the 2016 campaign. They raised more than $25 million from thousands of donors and pledged that 100% of the money would be used for the project.

But according to the criminal charges unsealed Thursday, much of the money never made it to the wall. Instead, it was used to line the pockets of group members, including Bannon, who served in Trump’s White House and worked for his campaign. He allegedly took over $1 million, using some to secretly pay co-defendant Brian Kolfage, the founder of the project, and to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal expenses."

In the News: 4th District candidates for ranked choice; Pelosi endorses Kennedy

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

"A significant majority of the Democratic candidates in the Fourth Congressional District race support the initiative petition on the Nov. 2 ballot that seeks to implement a ranked choice voting system in the 2022 elections.

The field includes eight contenders who are seeking to fill the seat that U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III is giving up as he challenges U.S. Sen. Ed Markey this election cycle. Out of the eight candidates who responded to a News Service request for their positions on the major voting reform, seven voiced concrete support for the ballot question — an initiative that appears designed to come into play in races with large fields just like the one the candidates are competing in in the Fourth Congressional race.

Natalia Linos, Ihssane Leckey, Ben Sigel, Jake Auchincloss, Jesse Mermell, Becky Grossman, and Alan Khazei all voiced support for the initiative, saying ranked choice voting increases representation of people of color, boosts election participation and encourages candidates to appeal to a wider base of voters."



"U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed fellow Democratic House member Joe Kennedy III on Thursday in his bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Edward Markey in the Democratic primary.

Pelosi said when Democrats were working to take back control of the House from Republicans during the 2018 elections, Kennedy stumped for candidates across the country.

“From climate change to health care to racial justice, Joe has been a leader in our Caucus organizing us around our core values,” Pelosi said in a press release. “We need leaders who are willing to give every inch of themselves to the causes and concerns that unify Democrats. Joe Kennedy represents this Party’s future,”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


The Guardian: "Revealed: how the gas industry is waging war against climate action"

From The Guardian, an article of interest to Franklin:
"When progressive Seattle decided last year to wipe out its climate pollution within the decade, the city council vote in favor was unsurprisingly unanimous, and the easiest first step on that path was clear.

About one-third of the city’s climate footprint comes from buildings, in large part from burning “natural” gas for heating and cooking. Gas is a fossil fuel that releases carbon dioxide and far more potent methane into the atmosphere and heats the planet. It is plentiful and cheap, and it’s also a huge and increasing part of America’s climate challenge.

...

The effort died. The ban wasn’t politically tenable, it seemed.

But internal records obtained by the Guardian show the measure’s defeat and the “wall of opposition” that advocates experienced were part of a sophisticated pushback plan from Seattle’s gas supplier, Puget Sound Energy.

Seattle’s story isn’t unique. In fact, it’s representative of a nationwide blitz by gas companies and their allies to beat back climate action they consider an existential threat to their business, according to emails, meeting agendas and public records reviewed by the Guardian."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/20/gas-industry-waging-war-against-climate-action

The Guardian: "Revealed: how the gas industry is waging war against climate action"
The Guardian: "Revealed: how the gas industry is waging war against climate action"

Thursday, August 20, 2020

FM #333 4th District Candidates Town Hall - 8/19/20 (audio)

FM #333 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 333 in the series.

This session shares the 4th District Candidates Town Hall facilitated by the “Franklin Area Against Racism” and “Medway Marches” and broadcast by Franklin TV. The Forum was conducted via Zoom to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Angelica Crosby, Raj Seelam, and Justin Bates moderated the forum providing time for each candidate to respond to the questions on a random rotation.

All Democratic and Republicans were invited. The Democratic candidates participating (alphabetic order by last name) Jake Auchincloss, Becky Grossman, Alan Khazei, Ihssane Leckey, Natalia Linos, Jesse Mermell, and Ben Sigel.

Photos of the event participants (including screen captures of the questions and response order shared via Twitter - tagged as “#4thDist0819”) are available in this Google Photo Album https://photos.app.goo.gl/DQYMEE1ZVRq8g8yh9

The recording runs just about 1 hour and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the 4th District candidates discuss their positions on a series of issues.

Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXg6gkXK

 

 ----------

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

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!

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

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

 

FM #333 4th District Candidates Town Hall - 8/19/20 (audio)
FM #333 4th District Candidates Town Hall - 8/19/20 (audio)

Virtual Memory Cafe - Friday at 2 PM

Hello All,

Shrewsbury has graciously invited people to their Virtual Memory Cafe tomorrow at 2 PM.  If you are interested in attending please email cbudge@cwmars.org for the invite link.
  
Enjoy!
Ariel

Virtual Memory Cafe - Friday at 2 PM
Virtual Memory Cafe - Friday at 2 PM



FM #332 Franklin Food Pantry Community Garden - 8/13/20 (audio)

 FM #332 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 332 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jen Kuse, volunteer coordinator of the Franklin Food Pantry beds at the Community Garden. We are also joined by Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. Our conversation was conducted at the Community Garden, outdoor, and adhering to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


In this conversation, we learn about Jen’s green thumb (sometimes brown and dirty) as she coordinates the efforts of several local churches and many volunteers to provide fresh produce to the Food Pantry’s clients. The Tuesday of the week we recorded this, they delivered 50 pounds of produce, with likely another 50 pounds scheduled for Friday for the Food Pantry.


This is a great story to share. You can help in any number of ways. Contact Jen to volunteer with the regular maintenance, or a maintenance day, or financially.


As we listened to the recording, we found a few minor corrections. Jen never actually answers Lynn’s question on how many garden beds the volunteers are gardening and harvesting from; it currently is 12. The listing of the organizations who have helped is in the show notes below. Jen also mentions Deb's name (volunteer from The BFCCS), and says her correct name (Deb Schwab) the first time, and then refers to her as Deb Benjamin the second time. Oops, we got you covered Jen (and Deb!)


The recording runs just about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jen and Lynn. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-332-franklin-food-pantry-community-garden-8-13-20



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


  • The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

  • Franklin Federated Church

  • St. John's Episcopal Church

  • Franklin United Methodist Church

  • New England Chapel


Jen also considers the Town of Franklin Recreations Dept and the Franklin Agway (https://www.franklinagway.com/) as partners in support and supplies.


Jen Kuse  communitygardens@franklinfoodpantry.org 


Lynn Calling, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry  lcalling@franklinfoodpantry.org 


Franklin Food Pantry = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 


Photos of the garden beds at the Community garden

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

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


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

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

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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Jen Kuse showing one of the garden beds to Lynn Calling
Jen Kuse showing one of the garden beds to Lynn Calling