Saturday, September 18, 2021

Andy & Judy to perform at the Franklin Public Library - Sep 19

Andy & Judy to perform at the Franklin Public Library

Andy & Judy
Andy & Judy to perform at the Franklin Public Library - Sep 19

Andy & Judy are a Contemporary Folk duo hailing from southeastern Mass. They play guitars, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and other instruments and have performed on Folk coffeehouse stages, in libraries, festivals and in retirement communities in 24 states. During a concert, Andy & Judy perform original songs in many different styles, such as traditional Folk, roots music, country swing or bluegrass. There is always an open invitation for the audience to participate by singing along, clapping or stomping to their original tunes. As contemporary folk singer/songwriters, Andy & Judy tell stories through song - many of which are based on historical events, times or places. Also, the audience will experience the tradition of folk singing as evidenced through their learning and singing of new songs in the spirit of community. They strive to write songs that are carefully crafted and performed so that the listener experiences all of the emotions woven into the music. This performance is free and open to the public. For more information about Andy & Judy, please visit http://www.andyjudysing.com/ .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/andy-judy-perform-franklin-public-library

FHS Hockey Bottle & Can and Food Pantry Drive! Sep 25

Update - FHS Hockey Bottle & Can | Food Pantry Drive! Drop off your bottles, cans & food items on 9/25 btw 8-12 @ Franklin's Pirelli Ice Rink.
For Food Pantry items click: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/
@FHSSports @PanthersJVPuck @ToFranklinMa @FranklinRec @FYHockey @FranklinFoodPan
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1438938146322923521?s=03

FHS Panther Hockey:  bottle/can drive - Sep 25, 2021
FHS Panther Hockey:  bottle/can drive - Sep 25, 2021

FHS Golf, volleyball, field hockey, boys soccer, and football teams all post wins on Friday

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Friday, Sep 17, 2021 

Football = Franklin, 37 @ Brockton, 7 – Final
"Final: Franklin 37 Brockton 7. Boxers drop to 0-2 for the first time since 2008 and have allowed 89 points in the two losses.
Franklin senior running back Mac Gulla the big star in this one as he runs for 285 yards and 2 TDs on 30 carries. "   https://twitter.com/gdudek10/status/1439029316554313733
Boys Soccer = Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
"BIG 2-1 DUB VS OA Goals by Terry (from Hansy) and Tyler (from Noah). Juice goes to Sexy Rexy for stepping up big time in the back. Next game on Monday @ Taunton. "  https://twitter.com/_FranklinSoccer/status/1439015577595564034
Boys JV Soccer with a 5-3 win against Oliver Ames Friday. Great game boys!     https://twitter.com/FHSBoysSocBSTRs/status/1439184009377075204

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final


Field Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final 
– OA won a close first set, 27-25, but then Franklin rolled over the next three sets (25-12, 25-13, 25-12) to pull out the win and stay perfect on the season. Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 21 assists and added eight kills. She also chipped in with four aces and 27 digs. Taylor Lacerda also had eight kills for the Panther and Brigid Earley had four kills and seven blocks. Addyson Smock had a pair of blocks for the Tigers and gave them an aggressive presence at the net. Hadley Rhodes led OA with 20 assists and five kills and Maddie Homer was strong in serve-receive and on defense with 27 digs and 32 receptions.

Golf = Mansfield, 168 @ Franklin, 166 – Final 
– Franklin defended its home course to hand Mansfield its first loss of the season. Sophomore CJ Steel show the low round of the afternoon, carding a 38. That was one stroke better than Mansfield’s Cian Goulet. Caden Sullivan added a round of 42 and Ben Paterson and Caroline Woelfel each shot 43s for the Panthers. Cody Nieratko shot a 40 for the Hornets, who also got a round of 43 from Jordan Tavares and a 46 from Brendan Vokey.
"Big win for Panthers golf today!
Nice job by sophmore CJ Steel coming in with low round 38 and freshman Caden Sullivan firing a solid 42 to bring home the victory.
Co-Captain Caroline Woelfel with her 5th straight top 4 finish along with soph Ben Paterson shot 43's "   https://twitter.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1439008033825345537
 
For other results around the Hockomock League

The FHS Sports Twitter list to follow for results and updates

FHS Golf, volleyball, field hockey, boys soccer, and football teams all post wins on Friday
FHS Golf, volleyball, field hockey, boys soccer, and football teams all post wins on Friday

Boston Veterans Job Fair! - Sep 23, 2021

Boston Veterans Job Fair!

September 23, 2021 - Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA 

11:00 AM  -  3:00 PM.

LOOKING FOR A JOB? 

The Boston Veterans Job Fair will be held on on Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Gillette Stadium on Route 1 in Foxboro.

The Mass/Hire Metro South/West Career Center team is working with employers across the region to assist with recruitment needs in many industries including automotive, banking, IT, manufacturing, accounting, sales & marketing, cyber security and more!

For more information, contact the Mass/Hire Norwood Career Center at:  1-781-269-5494 

Shared from  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/boston-veterans-job-fair

Boston Veterans Job Fair! - Sep 23, 2021
Boston Veterans Job Fair! - Sep 23, 2021


Senator Rausch to host virtual office hours in October and November

SENATOR RAUSCH ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL FALL OFFICE HOURS 


Senator Rausch (D-Needham) will host her next virtual office hours on Friday, October 9 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am (link here). 


In keeping with best practices and recommendations from public health officials, conversations with the Senator and her staff will  take place via video conferencing and phone calls. 


Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with Senator Rausch and her staff. Constituents may reserve 15-minute appointments in advance at beccarauschma.com/office-hours 


Senator Rausch will also hold virtual office hours on The following dates: 

  • Friday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

  • Friday, November 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

To subscribe to Senator Rausch's newsletter, please visit https://beccarauschma.com/newsletter. Constituents can still contact the Senator and her team at 617-722-1555 or email becca.rausch@masenate.gov to share their opinion on state issues, seek assistance, or schedule a call with the Senator or her staff. Residents can also get live updates from the Senator via Twitter (@BeccaRauschMA) and Facebook (@BeccaRauschMA). 



Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Currently in her second term, Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 

 


Senator Rausch to host virtual office hours in October and November
Senator Rausch to host virtual office hours in October and November

Harvest Moonshine Festival - Sep 18

It has been a long time since you heard from us at OCC Coffeehouse – since the start of the COBID pandemic in February or March 2020.  Times have been difficult, but we are still here.  The future has begun to look much brighter in many respects, and you will be hearing more in the near future.

In the meantime, here is your invitation to a wonderful festival in Wrentham that will be well worth going to this afternoon, Saturday, September 18, from 3:30 until 8 PM at White Barn Farm in Wrentham.

Be sure to let them know that you heard about it from Ken Graves at OCC Coffeehouse, and let me know how you like it.  I may very well see you there.

The Festival will be held at White Barn Farm, 458 South Street, Wrentham, MA.  Tickets are $15 no matter how long you want to stay.

Music features Billy Wylder, Hawthorn, and DJ Rutabaga!

This is the 10th anniversary celebration on the farm.

For more information, go to whitebarnfarm.org. 

Harvest Moonshine Festival - Sep 18
Harvest Moonshine Festival - Sep 18


Friday, September 17, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 17 - Sep 23, 2021

Friday and the Farmers Market comes around again. Jamie Barrett shares his music in a performance at the Market today. Cobi Frongillo and the DPW are also scheduled to be there today to talk about "Complete Streets". In addition to the kids activities provided by the Library, there is also the Book and Bag sale this weekend. On Saturday morning, get rid of stuff with the recycling and energy drive at Beaver Pond.


Friday, September 17
1:00pm - Book Sale
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services

Saturday, September 18
9:00am - Book Sale
9:00am - Recycling and energy drive
9:30am - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Bag Sale

Sunday, September 19
1:00pm - TBB: Rock'n Lobster Roll (fund raiser)
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free) 

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

Franklin Food Pantry re-evaluates and changes plans for 138 East Central St

The Board of Directors, at the recommendation of Franklin Food Pantry leadership, Franklin Food Pantry Building Committee, and the team of professionals hired to build out 138 East Central Street, has decided to put 138 East Central Street on the market for sale, effective immediately.

We are extremely disappointed that this property no longer meets the operational needs of the Franklin Food Pantry (FFP). We are appreciative of the hundreds of hours of work spent exploring every possible avenue to successfully open the building as the Pantry’s new location. Not only have staff and our team of architects, builders, engineers, traffic consultant, legal services, and site planning experts worked tirelessly to vet potential solutions, the public also has been incredibly supportive of this endeavor.

After almost 18 months of work, we concluded that while 138 East Central was a viable option for FFP pre-pandemic, COVID-19 so drastically changed our operations and programming that the property no longer allowed us to fully meet the needs of our neighbors.

Some of the new programs that this property was challenged to support include:
  • Curbside Distribution – shown to be incredibly important for our neighbors with health issues, mobility concerns, young children, constrained schedules etc.
  • Home Delivery – critical for our most vulnerable neighbors facing chronic disease, cancer treatments, transportation limitations, and other situations that restrict travel
  • Holiday Distributions – this program grew under COVID, adding a permanent Summer Distribution to augment the two winter distributions

We also faced logistical challenges on the site that would have limited the ability of our community to contribute through the food drives or our community donation bin – both of which are key aspects of our success. Finally, a number of discretionary site planning requirements became evident. Meeting these would have drastically and negatively impacted our services.

We are actively pursuing other options for a new Franklin Food Pantry site. The limitations of our current site remain, and our reach has expanded beyond what our current site can do. We are grateful to Rockland Trust for allowing us to continue to operate under their roof – our neighbors rely on us, and them, to access support during difficult times. What we learned through this process is valuable and will be applied to the next site. While this pivot is a temporary change in direction, the strategic decision to move to a new location has not wavered and the project has not lost steam.

For all of those who financially supported our new building campaign, rest assured that it is happening. For all of those who provided your expertise, letters of support, time on our various Committees and continue to be Ambassadors to what we do every day – thank you. We take that commitment to our mission very seriously and will achieve our goal of a new space.

In the meantime, we continue to serve those who need us. Food insecurity isn’t merely a physical struggle, but a social, mental and emotional burden that FFP tries to meet with kindness, grace and humility. We will continue serving, every day, without waver, while we work to secure our new home.

 

Franklin Food Pantry re-evaluates and changes plans for 138 East Central St
Franklin Food Pantry re-evaluates and changes plans for 138 East Central St

The Coaches Corner: Wachusett Win (video)

"The Coaches Corner! Wachsett Win! at The New Coaches Corner Studios "

FM #603 - Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 09/15/21 (audio)

FM #603 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 603 in the series. 

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; the three committee members present were in the Council Chambers, along with some public participants and the Town Administration staff. Others were able to via the Zoom conference bridge. 


Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about thirty-seven minutes (~:37).  Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting for Sep 15. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bbb4f182-2c73-46c5-8a8b-f7ad8a00e315



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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-09-15_edc_agenda_.pdf 


My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-economic-development-subcommittee.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


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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.

 

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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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FM #603 - Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 09/15/21 (audio)
FM #603 - Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 09/15/21 (audio)


Recap: Introduction, retirement, promotion, and two presentations highlight the Town Council meeting

Quick Recap:
  • Less than polite discourse around comments regarding the Senator Warren visit to the Town Common continue among multiple parties. Edgy tone continues in a long set of 'facts' ultimately leaving one citizen confused about the zoning bylaw proposal reviewed in the public hearing at last meeting and then put aside. 
  • Brief introduction of new Veterans Service agent - Shannon Nisbett and Debra Martin now a Town employee (previously funded by Norfolk County).
  • One retirement and one promotion recognized with state and local proclamations including swearing in for promotion
  • New all alcohol license approved for the Franklin Shed, a new restaurant slated to open in early to mid-2022 next to the Big Y
  • Presentation from Jen Knight-Levine touting the services and development of SAFE Coalition also closed with the staggering fact on the potency of THC in the vap cartridges today vs. the marijuana of several years ago
  • Jen Delmore, Conservation Agent, provided an update on the progress to mitigating the invasive plant growth on the DelCarte ponds. Much accomplished, more to be done before fishing can be restored
  • Formal passage of the trash/recycling fee with the second vote to approve. An increase of $8/year for the normal containers, no change for the smaller containers. This still leaves the town residents paying less than the $300/year we paid before the single stream system was implemented.
 
----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting although this time, reporting live from the Council Chambers.
 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/3y3gZiaavkP78m6A6

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0915 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0915&src=typed_query  
 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/09-15-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf 
 
 
  • getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM - agenda can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/09-15-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf  #TC0915
  • All 8 councilors present this evening (1 spot open due to resignation, to be filled with the Nov 2, 2021 election) #tc0915
  • Chair Mercer opens meeting; multiple access to meeting reminder - in person, Zoom access, live stream via Town page, or cable via Verizon/Comcast #tc0915
  • brief intro of Shannon Nisbett, new Veterans Service Officer (replacing Dale Kurtz who retired); Debra Martin, assistant to the VSO now a ToF employee for veterans service #tc0915
  • Nancy Danello, acting Town Clerk, with an update on the local election  - Sep 30 last day to withdraw; Oct 13 last day to register to vote; Oct 14 candidates night; Oct 20 machine testing; early voting during business hours once ballots arrive #tc0915
  • Sat Oct 23, and Sun Oct 24; from 10 AM to 1:00 PM for early voting in the Town Clerk's office #tc0915
  • J Callaway-Tripp making comment against Pellegri's comments from the Sep 1 meeting; slander, violation of resolution 20-14. #tc0915
  • C Cass commending Pellegri for her comments; #tc0915 some of the heckling occurred during a requested moment of silence; showed lack of decency by those participating
  • J Maciel (?) re: comments on the research she did regarding the zoning discussion; what is the cost? What are the qualifications of the MAPC? Confused by the actions and notes of the discussion around downtown parking #tc0915
  • D Bardsley - sad about the blurred lines of opinions; #tc0915
  • approval of mins from Aug 28 meeting; second, passes 8-0  #tc0915
  • PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS a.Police Department:  i.Sergeant Lee Drake - Retirement  #tc0915 ( photos to be added )
  • Sergeant Drake with Chief Lynch and State Rep Roy #tc0915
  • Not to be out done, the Town Council also has a proclamation of recognition #tc0915 Chair Mercer presenting
  • Sergeant Louis Marguerite - Promotion Chief Lynch provides intro, N Danello  swears Sgt in to office; pinned by family members (photos to be added) #tc0915
  • Promotion photos as referenced #tc0915
  • 5.APPOINTMENTS a. Janice Prentice - Associate member, Historical Commission   https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_prentice.pdf  motion to approve, second, passes 8-0  #tc0915
  • b. Chuna Keophannga - Finance Committee   https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5b._appointment_-_keophannga.pdfmotion to approve, second, passes 8-0  
  • c. Tyrel Hansen - Finance Committee    https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_hansen.pdf  motion to approve, second, passes 8-0
  • next up ->  a.  Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a Franklin Shed, New Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcoholic Beverages, and approval of manager, located at 340 East Central Street, Franklin, MA.   https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._web_franklin_shed.pdf#tc0915 motion to approve, second, passes 8-0 via roll call
  • two roll call votes, one to approve license, second to approve the pledge of license as collateral for loan from bank - both pass 8-0 #tc0915
  • next up - SAFE Coalition, Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director #tc0915
  • Slides being talked to about SAFE #tc0915
  • AWESOME, Jen Knight-Levine and SAFE are an incredible resource for this community and the surrounding coverage area #tc0915
  • host community agreements are a complex mix but we do allocate funds for SAFE and will do more so as they become available. #tc0915
  • Dellorco with great heartwarming story, Mercer in a short time (5 years) the development and the breadth of services is awesome #tc0915
  • Next up Jen Delmore, Conservation Agent with an update on the weeds at DelCarte #tc0915 presentation copy https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._delcarte_weeds_pres.pdf
  • part way there with milfoil getting resolved;; chestnut still to be monitored and treated #tc0915 long term plan to clear the plants first, then get the invasive fish species, and settle it, before stocking with game and native fish
  • subcommittee reports: EDC met this evening, next meeting Oct 20, discussion on town branding and wayfinding #tc0915
  • a. Resolution 21-53: Gift Acceptance, Franklin Public Library $5,890, Veterans’ Service Department $300, Fire Department $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-53 - Majority Vote) motion to approve, second, passes 8-0  #tc0915
  • b. Bylaw Amendment 21-875: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-875 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-875_trash.pdf  motion to approve, second, passes (via roll call) 8-0
  • no Town Administrator report tonight, future agenda items - Oct 6, School District to provide an update to Council on their Davis Thayer plans and timeline #tc0915 there will be an open house but no date available at this time
  • councilor comments; Chandler - thanks for the increased participating; Hamblen, thanks for the presenters tonight, thanks for the zucchini racers; thanks for the Cultural Festival - Harvest Festival - Oct 2 (rain date Oct 3) #tc0915
  • bike racks on Common, complete streets - Sep 22, 6:00 PM, at Farmers Mkt this Friday to gather info on improvements re: complete streets; #tc0915 incredible event, kudos to those who put this on - Kaye Kelly, Chair of Cultural Council
  • MAPC is the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, they are highly professional and experienced in doing this kind of work #tc0915  MAPC will have a booth at the Harvest Festival Oct 2 to introduce new websites for feedback;
  • pancake breakfast every 2nd Sunday at the Rod & Gun club - #tc0915 Cultural Festival, also at the Historical Museum for the speaker there, impressive, was recorded will be available for replay.
  • Thanks to the Fire/Police Chiefs to come in to recognize the retirements and new hires; SAFE doing great things for our community. #tc0915  motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0
 
Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

one of the slides from the SAFE Coalition presentation
one of the slides from the SAFE Coalition presentation