Saturday, June 12, 2021

Recap: Town Council - on Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase

Quick Summary:
  • Three options were outlined for the Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' Franklin has 120 days to make. The first option to use the proceeds from the Pond St sale (former sewer treatment plant) ($1.6M) and to use the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to finance the remaining $3M.
  • No decision was made at the Town Council meeting. The Town Council does have final approval but they can not make the unilateral decision. There are two more public hearings; the Finance Committee (6/16) and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) (6/17). The CPC needs to make the formal recommendation to use the CPA funds for the Town Council to approve. Assuming the CPC does make the recommendation, the measure would come back to the Town Council likely at their July meeting for approval.


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  #schcom0309
 
Photos captured during the meeting, shared via Twitter can be found in one album

The proposal summary and details on the 'right of first refusal' can be found in this document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf

  • Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM agenda doc has connection information https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf #tc0609
  • In person meeting participation opens June 15, Zoom will be available as well as the live stream and cable broadcasts #tc0609
  • Justin Bates speaks to PFAS report from recent water quality report. While # within guidelines, it is concerning and should be investigated for further mitigation. #tc0609
  • Electric Youth in the Chambers for their 'almost' annual performance before heading off to Europe for their 2 week tour. #tc0609 (almost as the pandemic cut the trip last year)
  • Performing a capella #tc0609
  • Motion to approve minutes for Apr 7, passes 9-0; motion on mins for Apr 14, passes 9-0; for May 5, passes 9-0; motion for May 19, passes 9-0 #tc0609
  • Proclamation in recognition of FHS donation for veterans walkway bricks along with the pedestals for each of the 45 #tc0609 Proclamation in recognition of Mr Wright for his action during the fire at Franklin Crossing
  • Shifting order of action items to address license transactions before the public hearing. #tc0609 La Cantina proposal to combine their licenses. Really just a paperwork item per ABCC motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
  • La Cantina second transaction for the 19h, (first was 19c). Motion to approve, passes 9-0. #tc0609 Table & Vine change of Manager, etc. Motion to approve, seconded passes 9-0
  • Chapter 61 right of first refusal public hearing opens. First of 3 hearings on this matter, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf #tc9609
  • Presentation copy to be shared Thursday on town website. Meeting of the 3 hearings https://franklinma.gov/home/news/chapter-61-maple-hill-public-hearings #tc0609
  • Town land in green Metacomet in yellow on this map #tc0609
  • Purchase proposal options #tc0609
  • Additional details on the finances #tc0609
  • Debt exclusion could be an option (like a school building) #tc0609
  • If right is refused, the project would continue with development of housing overtime per schedule shown #tc0609
  • Final slide on recommendation #tc0609 councilors asking clarification questions before getting to the public side of questions/comments. With this proposal CPC recommendation would be required to get TC approval
  • Interested in finding the $1.5m from Pond St sale where it was in the financial reports? May not have been in report due to whatever accounting may have applied. #tc0609 councilors generally speaking for the proposal option 1
  • Attny Doherty speaking first as he had registered to do so; for the proposal, good planning and good timing to do so. #tc0609
  • Negative comment about the Planning Board reflects a misunderstanding of their role in the process. They are restricted to address a proposal to fit within the bylaws. The Council is in a good position as they have some money to say yes. Hasn't always been the case #tc0609
  • Unfortunately the Council seems to be passing the buck to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) which is by process; they (CPC) do need to make a recommendation for this proposal. The CPC is a new group but in my read of them are likely to recommend #tc0609
  • Residents all speaking for this proposal thus far; vernal pools a treasure, the open space has trails which has been used #tc0609 Public hearing closes EDC meets next week
  • Moving to legislation for action, capital plan second round https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._web_capital_plan_2.pdf #tc0609 FinCom voted to recommend, motion to approve, seconded, discussion on clarification of police station site analysis; passes 9-0
  • #tc0609 inter-municipal agreement to provide water supply for a single residence from Bellingham https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._web_bellingham_ima.pdf Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
  • Gift for veterans services, for walkway bricks as noted by proclamation done earlier in meeting, motion, veterans officer D Kurtz provides details second, passes 9-0
  • PEG funds transfer from ToF to Franklin TV, as per quarterly procedure; motion to approve, second passes 9-0 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._web_peg.pdf Pellegri still wants lower rates for consumers (can't be done by local authorities)
  • Sewer bylaw for second reading https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._web_sewers.pdf #tc0609 motion to approve, second, passes 9-0 via roll call
  • Zoning bylaw definitions update for tasting room, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._web_tasting_room.pdf motion to move to second reading, second, planning board recommends by a 4-1 vote; had been 25% per manufacturing alignment, passes 9-0
  • Saturday, 9-12 open house at water treatment plant, also will be a smaller version of a Touch the Truck expo at the same time. Tests for PFAS are mandated quarterly, does do required testing, not found an excess of levels. #tc0609
  • Req for SchComm to come and define the Davis Thayer timeline for town control per Pellegri. #tc0609 Kudos for farmers Market and new layout. EDC business listening sessions were good, thanks to Melanie for that. Exit #s now 41 and 43. EDC meeting 6/17 ArtWALK this weekend
  • Pellegri also adds historical museum is hosting musical performances on Saturday as well as part of ArtWALK. #tc0609 Jones will need to replace Anne Marie Tracey, DT hosting a gathering for the closing for families. Remember to block Church st for Memorial Day service
  • Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!


Audio file to be available in couple of days 

Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase
Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase

 

FM #561 - Inside Empty Bowls 2021 - 06/08/21

FM #561 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 561 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club. Brenna Johnson, FHS ceramics teacher and club advisor. The students introduce themselves: Sydney Brady, Emma Owens, and Lauren Wilson


We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. We talk about the nature of this event and making bowls for it. We find out that raku is a special clay firing process.


The silent auction website link is included in the show notes. Be sure to register before you start bidding. You can also visit the page to make a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cb0066da-0566-4864-af6f-d248fb5696f9



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


Empty Bowls page -> https://sites.google.com/view/emptybowls6/home


Food Pantry page-> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 


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


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 


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/  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!

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


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

 

Picked up my Empty Bowl and happened to meet Emily and Abby on the way out of FHS. They had collaborated to make it!
Picked up my Empty Bowl and happened to meet Emily and Abby on the way out of FHS. They had collaborated to make it! 

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Videos to view -> Leaping into Kindergarten & Substance Abuse Forum

#1 - Leaping into Kindergarten
Topic: Leaping Into Kindergarten -- Franklin Public Schools
Date: Jun 2, 2021 06:47 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/K-IxiVj5ssA6Uilv2HKsDyYj7QRUsAJVC3dlB7HnCUBt7U9t64urCJeASQ_iqWJG.nq-fdNaj31v6ICjF

#2 - Substance Use and Mental Health Forum
Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/3CIOXT3BlMU

FHS girls and boys lacrosse, girls tennis, and wrestling teams all post wins on Friday

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS spring sports results:
 
Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 17 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final

Girls Lacrosse = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 20 – Final
 
– Franklin celebrated its seniors with a big win at home, finishing the regular season at a perfect 14-0. Seniors Katie Jones scored four goals and had three assists in the win, Ali Socci netted a pair of goals and assists, and Sydney Hawkins tacked on a goal. Brigid Earley scored her first career goal in the win.

Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– A day after falling to Attleboro, the Panthers flipped the script and defended home court with a 3-2 win of their own. Franklin swept singles action to pick up its three points in the victory. Junior Vedika Vinayak battled to a 7-6 (4), 6-2 win at first singles, junior Sarah Schiavo added a 6-2, 6-4 win at second singles, and junior Jessica Pingeton earned a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles. Attleboro took both doubles matches with juniors Saharla Yusuf and Tina Lam earned a 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 decision at first doubles, and the team of freshmen Maddie Fuscaldo and Kyra Johnson grabbed a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Wrestling = Franklin, 40 @ Oliver Ames, 15 – Final
40-15 win over Oliver Ames Owens, Carlucci, Fracasa, Kuehl. Heavy large circleClock face six-thirty #lard @FHSSports @HockomockSports  The 4 athletes listed pinned their opponents.  https://twitter.com/i/lists/823290154886512641

 

For the complete results around the Hockomock League  https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-06-11-21/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

 

Sign up for these virtual events -> learn about microcars, tour the Wang Theatre

Those Fabulous Microcars - Monday June 14 at 11 AM via zoom  

Whether you think they are hilarious or amazing, the array of ultra-tiny cars popular in the decades after World War II (especially in Europe and Japan) are visually intriguing mechanical marvels. Parodied as “bubble cars” or refrigerators on wheels, these 1-6 passenger vehicles with tiny engines were engineered to get an impoverished, war-ravaged world back on the road. Alan Earls, local historian and microcar aficionado (the first car he ever drove was a micro) will share slides, stories and insights for “car geeks” or anyone with an interest in the unusual…

 

A Night at the Theatre: Tour of the Wang Theater - ZOOM-June 17 at 6 PM “A Night at the Theatre” - Experience the beauty and wonder of the historic Wang Theatre live in your home through our Virtual Tour!

Go behind the scenes of one of Boston’s most prominent landmarks! Guests will go behind the scenes and see hallways walked by entertainers like Bruce Springsteen, Ella Fitzgerald, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Queen, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli and more! This is not a prerecorded video; each tour is led by a trained guide that will take viewers through the building and backstage and answer questions about its unique history; from its roots as a hotel and glamorous days as a movie “cathedral”, to today’s role as an impressive venue for performances and events. Please register for this zoom event by emailing adoggett@franklinma.gov  


Senior Center: Email Blast - June 11, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Staying Connected

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

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

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

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 


Save the Date

Tour of the Wang Theater - ZOOM-June 17th at 6pm "A Night at the Theatre" - Experience the beauty and wonder of the historic Wang Theatre live in your home through our Virtual Tour!

Go behind the scenes of one of Boston's most prominent landmarks! Guests will go behind the scenes and see hallways walked by entertainers like Bruce Springsteen, Ella Fitzgerald, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Queen, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli and more! This is not a prerecorded video; each tour is led by a trained guide that will take viewers through the building and backstage and answer questions about its unique history; from its roots as a hotel and glamorous days as a movie "cathedral", to today's role as an impressive venue for performances and events. Please register for this zoom event by emailing adoggett@franklinma.gov  

 


Downsizing or Preparing for a  Move (even during COVID-19)! 

Monday, June 21st  4 pm—5 pm * FREE via Zoom! 

RSVP to Aicha at akelley@needhamma.gov to register to attend.

Marie LeBlanc, owner of Transitions Liquidation Services, will talk frankly and sincerely about her experiences helping seniors and their loved  ones ease the stress of decluttering, downsizing, and transitioning,  especially during this challenging time dealing with COVID-19. From  organizing household and personal belongings to reducing the emotions of  transitioning to a new home, Marie's company has guided over 1,500  successful moves.


Tips

Back stretches for sciatica

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbZzeO4P9YA 


Cardio boxing, low impact with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bwsl-Tvm90


Music

Emmanuel Sejourne': Attraction performed by Christoph Sietzen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix-QW-BShPY&list=PLEQDQpQ_pA02ubRys7yL_L3a3aEfybfEt 


Super Music by AnimusicLLC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOmFgIxvVzc&list=PLEQDQpQ_pA02ubRys7yL_L3a3aEfybfEt&index=3 


Jacob Collier - Saviour BBC Radio Scotland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSqaQaoifww&list=PLEQDQpQ_pA02ubRys7yL_L3a3aEfybfEt&index=7 


Just for Fun

Simone Biles debuts historic new move in gymnastics

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


Joys and regrets of people over 90 - what are some of your greatest joys and regrets in life?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMTm5NOVqJ8 


4 women who look alike find out they are sisters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thS2hBBNWZ4 



Humor

Top 5 Stand up clean comedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HxW1q0Ksgg 



Kindness Matters

Rescue puppy keeps getting returned until someone finally understands him

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


Pittie puppy thrown away in the trash gets the BEST home - You might need tissues for this

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


Upcoming Events 

*Monday 

10:00- Asian Mah Jong

11:00- Fabulous Microcars (ZOOM) with Alan Earls

1:00- American Mah Jong

1:00- Chair Volleyball

1:15- Movie Matinee

6:00- Cribbage


*Tuesday 

8:30 Common Grounds Cafe reopens!

9:00- Cribbage

9:30- Busy Bees

9:30- Low Impact w/ Shirley Mae

10:00- Chair w/ Judith (ZOOM)

11:00- Cardio, Strength & Balance

1:00- Audio Book Club (PHONE)

1:00- Bingo

1:00- Cribbage Instruction

1:00 Mindful Movements

1:00 Quilting

5:30 Quarantini Time (ZOOM)


*Wednesday

8:30- 12:00- Wellness RN

9:45- Chair Yoga

10:00- Knitting

10:00- Scrabble

11:00- Zumba

1:00- Chair Volleyball

1:00- Line Dancing

1:00- Senior Scribblers


*Thursday 

8:30- Senior Coffee Hour

9:00- Cribbage

9:30- Busy Bees

9:30- Low Impact w/ Shirley Mae

10:00- Chair w/ Judith (ZOOM)

10:00- Discussion Group

11:00- Cardio, Strength & Balance

12:30- Painting Space

1:00- Bingo

1:30- Franklin Matters Q&A (ZOOM)

6:00- A Night at the Wang (ZOOM)


*Friday 

10:00- Woodcarving

11:00 Sunshine Club (ZOOM)

12:00 T.O.P. S

1:00- Pokeno


Attached you will find: Donna Fun Filled Activity Pages and the flyer for Downsizing, preparing for a move


Stay safe and socially responsible,

Ariel


"We rise by lifting others" Robert Ingersoll



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator
Supportive Day Coordinator


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



HMEA fund raising concert - Studio 2 - June 26, 2021


"Live music is BACK - and what better way to celebrate than with a tribute to one of the most iconic rock bands of all time? 🎶

Join us June 26th for a live outdoor show with @studio2tribute. All proceeds benefit HMEA programs: https://t.co/736NQtUb0l
"
Shared from Twitter  https://t.co/ICzgXZQjgn

HMEA fund raising concert - Studio 2 - June 26, 2021
HMEA fund raising concert - Studio 2 - June 26, 2021

FHS' O'Brien and Gulla selected as Hockomock League Football All Stars

Via HockomockSports, we share the official 2021 (Fall 2) Hockomock League Football All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
  • TJ Guy, Mansfield

Kelley-Rex Division All Stars
  • Jake O’Brien, Franklin
  • Mack Gulla, Franklin
For the complete listing of football All-Stars

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


FHS' Bonnet-Eymard and Mackintosh selected as Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars

Via HockomockSports, we share the official 2021 (Fall 2) Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

  • Nicole Coughlan, King Philip


Kelley-Rex Division All Stars

  • Ally Bonnet-Eymard, Franklin
  • Cailyn Mackintosh, Franklin 
For the complete listing of volleyball All-Stars
 
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


Drought Status for MA - Franklin in "Mild Drought"

.@MassEEA announced updated drought conditions, showing improvement in some areas & decline in others. 
The Western, Southeast, & Cape Cod regions are at "Mild Drought" levels, with all other regions at "Normal Conditions." 
For more info & how to help, see mass.gov/guides/drought


Drought Status for MA - Franklin in "Mild Drought"
Drought Status for MA - Franklin in "Mild Drought"


Friday, June 11, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jun 11 - Jun 13, 2021 -> Escape to the Arts!

Remember last week I said June was bustin' out all over. It is really visible this weekend.  So much going on. Enjoy it, the weather should be perfect!

Friday, June 11
 "Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
 Empty Bowls - Virtual Silent Auction
 ArtWALK Celebration
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Franklin Art Association Exhibits
2:00pm - ArtWALK: War Monuments and Memorials History
2:00pm - Farmers Market
4:00pm - ArtWALK:Hodge Podge Puppet & Summer Reading Program
5:00pm - ArtWALK: Sarah Whitney & FHS School String Perform
5:00pm - Library Bag Sale
6:00pm - ArtWALK Kickoff - (complimentary reception)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
8:00pm - ArtWALK: Rising Stars Cabaret (ticket event)

Saturday, June 12
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
Empty Bowls - Virtual Silent Auction
ArtWALK Celebration
9:00am - Open house - Grove Street Water Treatment Plant (includes "Touch a Truck")
11:00am - ArtWALK: Open Studio Fundraiser for Nick Gaspar
11:00am - Flag Day Celebration
11:00am - ArtWALK: Philip Hall (all Haydn)
12:00pm - ArtWALK: Live music, active art work, and food truck goodies
12:00pm - ArtWALK: Alexander Morollo
1:00pm -  ArtWALK: Ann Sears, (Chopin, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt)
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Franklin Art Association Exhibits
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Live Jazz Band
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
8:00pm - ArtWALK: eMulbOy5 (ticket event)

Sunday, June 13
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
Empty Bowls - Virtual Silent Auction
ArtWALK Celebration
11:45am - ArtWALK: Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch (ticket event)
2:00pm - ArtWALK: Franklin Art Association Exhibits
4:00pm - ArtWALK: Donald Krishnaswami (free event)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar

FM #560 - School Committee Meeting - 06/08/21 (audio)

FM #560 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 560 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. My notes taken during the meeting are also linked to.


The recording runs about 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes), so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting for June 8. 


Audio file =>
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e489002f-fddb-4d36-ab7e-353d36d9a7d9

 


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


School Committee agenda

https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-8-21


Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-8-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 


My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-school-committee-hears-davis.html 


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


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/ 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!

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


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

 

FM #560 - School Committee Meeting - 06/08/21 (audio)
FM #560 - School Committee Meeting - 06/08/21 (audio)