Saturday, December 3, 2022

Franklin Food Pantry busy this season serving our neighbors and getting ready for the new building

We hope you are having a happy and healthy holiday season! The Pantry is very busy with Holiday Distributions, Turkey Trot, Food Elves and getting our new home ready for our neighbors!

While Franklin is considered an idyllic residential setting, it is not immune from food insecurity. Almost 10 percent of Franklin's residents aren't sure where their next meal will come from. This isn't happening to someone else in Franklin, 

it is happening to us

rendering of the New Franklin Food Pantry
rendering of the New Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry distributed 26,292 bags of groceries last year to more than 1,100 people in more than 500 households. Many of our neighbors shopped more than twice per month in order to make ends meet. Demand for our services has grown from 150 households per week to more than 180 households per week in the last few months. Franklin Food Pantry's FY2022 statistics show just how much work there is to do and how prevalent food insecurity is in our area.

The Pantry has been fortunate to enjoy our current space for the last 13 years, thanks to the generosity of Rockland Trust. However, we have outgrown our space and cannot expand our programs and services to accommodate the increasing need. The Pantry purchased the Edwin's building at 341 West Central St. and you may be wondering exactly why we need this building.  

It's not about the building, 
it's about what we will do in the building! 

In our new space, we will: 
  • Preserve human dignity with private client meeting rooms. 
  • Expand programs and services through partnership and collaboration. 
  • Create a warm and welcoming space that honors local history. 
  • Increase the client shopping area offering more food and product choices. 
  • Increase community engagement through workshops and trainings. 
  • Ensure safety and ADA compliance with accessible walkways and interior lift 
  • Grow our weekend backpack program and increase mobile pantry sites. 
  • Save time and money with thoughtful and cost-effective design. 
We can't do this without support from YOU – please look for information about how you can contribute to The Pantry's Campaign in the coming months or contact Marsha Tait at mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

YOU have the power to create a better 
community for everyone by contributing to 
The Pantry's campaign: 

The New Franklin Food Pantry: 
Nourishing Neighbors, Building Community 


Updates for the new Franklin Food Pantry Building  can be found online ->


Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 6 at 7 PM

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
December 6, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes
a. October 4, 2022
2. 2023 CPC Meeting Schedule

3. Town Administrator Project Updates
a. Red Brick School House
b. King Street Memorial Park Design

4. Finance Update:
a. 2022 CPA Trust Fund Distribution
b. Community Preservation Act Fund Balances

5. Executive Session:
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body

The agenda doc and remote connection info ->

Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 6 at 7 PM
Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 6 at 7 PM

Town Council accepts Elk Riders donation, sets tax rate, approves sale of South Meeting House and more (audio)

FM #890 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 890 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Pellegri) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.


Quick summary of meeting:

  • Accepted donation from Elks Riders for the Veterans Services and Veterans Fund

  • Held the Tax Classification Public Hearing prior to approving the single rate at 12.58%. Overall residential assessments rose approx 17% resulting in the drop of the rate from 14.05 to 12.58. There were a series of votes to complete the formal process to set the rate for this Fiscal Year 2023

  • Approval to sell the Old South Meeting House to the Habitat for Humanity to convert to a single family affordable housing was granted by the Town Council to allow the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork and actions for the transaction

  • Formal approval to purchase the new kiosks to be used in the town parking lots to implement the parking bylaw changes approved in the prior meetings was granted

  • The Town Council approved as amended the calendar year 2023 meeting schedule. The one change was from Apr 9 to Apr 26. The document also included the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee proposed meeting schedules for reference. Those groups need to respectfully approve their own schedule

  • The policy to formally call out the process and approvals required for naming any public property was approved. It had been referenced many times that such a policy existed but when it was looked for it could not be found, hence this is now in place.  


The recording runs about 1 hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on November 30, 2022.


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-890-town-council-mtg-11-30-22


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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf


Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s


My notes in one threaded PDF document (one correction, on the vote for the single tax rate my notes said the no vote was cast by Chandler when it was really Sheridan. Twitter doesn’t allow for editing tweets hence this note of acknowledgment.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 


My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.html



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


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

 

How can you help?

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

  • 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!

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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"


Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund
Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund

Winter/Spring Registration is OPEN at Lifelong Community Learning


Winter/Spring Registration is OPEN
Lifelong Community Learning
Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038

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Wine & Chocolate? Yes, let's try some - Dec 8

Wright Old School Chocolate will be joining with Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits on Thursday Dec 8 at 7 PM. While wine is a good choice, there may be other alcoholic drink pairings offered to go with the chocolate. 

We expect to be casual and informative white enjoying each others company.

For more about Wright's Old School Chocolate you can visit their page ->   https://wrightoldschoolchocolate.com/

Pour Richard's was featured recently in our Shop Local for the Holidays series

Wine & Chocolate? Yes, let's try some - Dec 8
Wine & Chocolate? Yes, let's try some - Dec 8

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Winter Art Showcase - K-12 students display their art work - Dec 6

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted Fri, Dec 02, 2022:

"T minus 4 days until our Winter Art Showcase! K-12 students from across the district will display their masterful creations.  
Swing on by the @FranklinHS media center Tuesday, 12/6/22 from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm to join us in celebrating the artistic talent of our students" 

Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/vecT9L166p

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Winter Art Showcase - K-12 students display their art work - Dec 6
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Winter Art Showcase - K-12 students display their art work - Dec 6

Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15

Franklin Senior Center (@FranklinSrCntr) tweeted Fri, Dec 02, 2022:

Enjoy driving/walking around the Senior Center to view beautifully decorated trees & lights, visit with Santa, live entertainment, Hot Cocoa & Cookies, and more! 
Free to the public and fun for the whole family-an event you don't want to miss! #winterwonderland #community #lights 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/wKyz0iL1vB

Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15
Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15

Town of Franklin - December 2022 E-Newsletter


Subscribe for News
  

December 2022 Edition

Shop Local this Holiday Season!

Think Franklin First

When it's the thought that counts, be sure to Think Franklin First! With a Think Franklin First gift card you can give your favorite "'Franklinite" the flexibility of redeeming their card at over 40+ participating businesses, whilst shopping local! You can email, ship or pick up a card in person at Dean Bank to bundle with another gift!

Buy a Think Franklin First Gift Card today in person at Dean Bank in Franklin or online here.

Support Small Businesses!

There are plenty of small businesses all around town! You're bound to find one that has the perfect gift. If you've already finished your holiday shopping, here are some ways you can still support local businesses...

1. Leave a Google or Yelp review for small businesses.

2. Follow and engage with their social media accounts.

3. Tell a friend about your favorite small business.


Downtown Gift Guide

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has created a fabulous Holiday Gift Guide to help shoppers find what they need!

Franklin Police 

Toy Drive

The Holiday Toy Drive is back! The Franklin Police Department is collecting unopened and unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Toys can be dropped off in the bin in the lobby of the police station. Last year the FPD was able to donate toys to over 100 Franklin families and the Franklin Santa Foundation. Any donations are greatly appreciated!


Lock your Cars!

Franklin and other towns in the area have experienced an increase in thefts from motor vehicles. The majority of these thefts occur when cars are left outside and unlocked. We're asking all Franklin residents to secure their belongings and lock their cars every night to help prevent these crimes.

Franklin Police Receive Accreditation

Accreditation is a self-initiated process by which police agencies voluntarily strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession by the profession. The Mission of the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is to ensure that the delivery of police services within the Commonwealth is at the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

Resident Radar - News You Should Know

DPW Reminder: Protect Your Pipes!

The Winter Season is upon us, so please be prepared! If your house has a history of frozen pipes please let the water drip. Even if you've never had trouble in the past, you may want to consider it.

Get tips and tricks for keeping your pipes from freezing here.

Fate of the Tax Rate for FY2023

During the November 30th, 2022 Town Council meeting, the Council voted to approve the FY2023 tax rate at $12.58 per thousand of taxable value. This is a substantial decrease of $1.49 from FY2022 rate of $14.07 per thousand of taxable value.

Reminder: Fall curbside yard waste collection will now run the week of December 5, 2022.

Franklin Public Library

Event Highlights!

December 2,9,16 - Hot Cocoa and Coloring

Join us from 2:30-4:30pm every Friday in December for a cozy and creative afternoon!


December 7 - Library-wide Scavenger Hunt

Assemble your team and take on the ultimate scavenger hunt in the library! Bring your family, or grab your friends, and meet us at 2pm to see how many items on our epic list your can find before time runs out!


December 8 - "She's on the Case" An Evening with Mystery Writers

Don't miss your chance to chat with critically acclaimed authors Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk about some of their intriguing mysteries. This virtual event starts at 7pm, register here today.


December 17 - Holiday Concert from NoteAble Blend

Ready to get festive and maybe even sing along with a dynamic Women's Barbershop Chorus? Swing by at 3pm to experience NoteAble Blend; an energetic women's a cappella barbershop chorus that shares a passion for singing, a support of friendship, a love for teaching and promoting the art of barbershop music, and a desire to contribute to the local artistic community through musical expression.


Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am-8pm., Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1:30pm - 5pm.The library will be closing at 2:00 pm on Friday,

December 23, and Saturday, December 24 for Christmas Eve. The library will also be closing at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 31 for New Year's Eve. The library will be closed on Sunday, December 25 and Monday, December 26 for Christmas (observed).

Library Calendar of Events - December 2022

Veterans' Services

Veterans' Services

December 7 – Veterans Monthly Coffee Social – 10am at the Senior Center featuring a holiday musical performance by the Franklin Silvertones!

December 7 – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 8 – Veterans' Resume Writing Workshop – will be held from 11am-1pm.


The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30pm at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required!


Contact the Veterans' Services Office at 508-613-1315 or access their department page to learn more.

Now Boarding: The 'Train Town Franklin' Exhibit

Beginning December 18, 2022 the Franklin Historical Museum will exhibit the first in a series of annual dioramas entitled, "Train Town Franklin"- which will feature a Historical Exact replica of the area around the train depot, circa 1932, a time when the rhythm of the daily trains set the pace for a small New England Town - and news from 'down at the depot' was the news everyone wanted to hear!


Young and old will be captivated by this miniature look at "the way we used to be". The structures in this exhibit are built to exact scale from photographs and films taken from that period. Franklin native, and former Town Council Chair, Scott Mason utilizes his historical knowledge and model building skills to bring this exhibit to life! The exhibit will run through February 5, 2023 and will be open to the public every Saturday 10am- 1pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm with the exception of holidays.

Keep up with meetings, departments & committees. The schedule and links can be found on our website calendar.
Arts, theater, dining, live music & more! Find out what's happening in town! Visit our website!

Talk Franklin: Podcast

from the TA's Office

Subscribe to our Town podcast and listen to bi-weekly episodes detailing town news and updates.

Town of Franklin
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 520-4949
Visit our Website
Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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