Saturday, February 25, 2023

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop
Sunday, March 26, 2023: 12:30 PM -3:00 PM
First Universalist Society in Franklin
262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Walking a labyrinth quiets the mind and reduces stress. Some labyrinths are walked with your feet while others are “walked” with your finger. Please join us for a labyrinth workshop where we’ll hear a brief history of the labyrinth, learn the difference between a labyrinth and a maze, experience the labyrinth firsthand, and share our experiences on the labyrinth. Workshop participants can choose to either walk an indoor canvas labyrinth with their feet or “walk” a handheld labyrinth with their finger. 

Please wear or bring socks to protect the canvas labyrinth. Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. 

This workshop is FREE of charge. Please pre-register by emailing Bobbi Tayne Gerlits: bobbigerlits@icloud.com; 508-446-5131.  Contact her with any questions.  

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM
One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM



Franklin Senior Center: Building Update for Feb 27 - Mar 3 -> Café & Multipurpose Room to reopen (audio)

Hello Everyone!

We have some great news- the Senior Center's Common Grounds Café and attached multipurpose room will be open and fully functional starting Monday, February 27! Although the rest of the building will be inaccessible, we will be able to have breakfast and lunch daily, as well as varied programming throughout the week! 

Everyone will need to enter through the multi purpose room doors (to the left of the main entrance), as entrance into the lobby will be prohibited while construction is happening. 

The programming schedule will be posted on our website and social media, or you can give us a call at 508-520-4945 to see what programs are available to you if you do not have computer access.

We can't wait to see all of your shining faces back at the Senior Center next week!

Thanks for your understanding and patience!

- Danielle Hopkins, 
Franklin Senior Center Director

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/franklin-ma-senior-center-building-status-update-02-24-23



programming schedule
programming schedule



Franklin Senior Center: Building Update for Feb 27 - Mar 3
Franklin Senior Center: Building Update for Feb 27 - Mar 3 

Rainbow Café - Tuesday, February 28 at 2:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center

Hello All,

Please join us at our Rainbow Café Tuesday February 28 at 2:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.  Our building is under construction so please enter through the doors to the left under the gazebo/patio area. We will be meeting on the stage in the café.  
Rainbow Café
Rainbow Café

Our Rainbow Café is multigenerational and is open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.  Join us in conversation and friendship.  Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested in joining us.  

Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.

Ariel

--
Ariel Doggett

Respite Coordinator
Supportive Day Coordinator



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

updated Monday, 2/27/23 with the correct time of 2:30 not 2 as previously published

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the past 2 weeks (2/25/23)


Congressman Auchincloss

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW

I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed.

Marking the one year anniversary of Vladimir Putin's barbaric invasion of Ukraine, I stand more committed than ever to supporting the brave Ukrainians fighting on the front lines of the free world. For as long as it takes, with whatever it takes, all the way to Crimea.

On the Hill

On the Record


All Politics is Personal: I was delighted to speak with Valerie Biden Owens - the chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware - about my public service, from  the Marines to City Hall to Congress. I encouraged young people interested in politics to spend time knocking doors instead of using social media.

Trip to Taiwan: This week, I traveled to Taiwan to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other leaders in business and government. I was joined by Representatives Ro Khanna of California, Tony Gonzales of Texas, and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois. We discussed the partnership between the United States and Taiwan in semiconductor manufacturing, cross-strait security, upholding democracy, and more. In the coming weeks, I will be working on deliverables from the trip to deepen our ties in trade, military training, and disinformation prevention.

On the Record: I joined Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti on On the Record to discuss the debt ceiling. I spoke about the need for bipartisan governance right now to ensure fiscal responsibility. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and the rest of the GOP claim to be serious about balanced budgets; however, the first bill that they passed this Congress was projected to increase the deficit by 100 billion dollars while allowing the wealthy and well-connected to evade taxes. Despite raising the debt ceiling multiple times under former President Donald Trump, the GOP is now holding hostage the full faith and credit of the United States without putting forward a coherent counter-offer. I am ready to support a deal that protects Social Security and Medicare and avoids defaulting on our debt, which would be a disaster for the economy and America's international standing.

Make your voice heard → Do you think Congress should raise the debt ceiling?

Do you support raising the debt ceiling?

 

Image

Image

 

Around the Fourth

New England Boat Show


New England Boat Show: Last Thursday I took my son Teddy to the New England Boat show. The recreational boating industry plays an important role in our regional economy, and I believe that marine science and technology is the most important growth edge for Southeastern Massachusetts. I'm committed to promoting jobs and businesses in this sector, and having some fun with the kids along the way.

Parents for Peace: I met with Parents for Peace about the need for a public health approach to hate and extremism. Parents for Peace works to protect people from extremism, including by offering a toll-free helpline to assist with the deradicalization of a loved one from any form of extremism. They are currently working on developing an evidence-based Massachusetts Violence Prevention Model. Parents for Peace is making a difference with their critical advocacy and clinical work on one of the defining challenges of our era.


MassChallenge for a panel discussion
MassChallenge: I recently joined MassChallenge for a panel discussion
on the future of healthcare innovation. MassChallenge works to connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. On the panel, we discussed policy opportunities to accelerate health tech innovation as well as action Congress has already taken in this space.

After hearing from entrepreneurs and experts at MassChallenge, it's clear that public payers need to better partner with innovators. In healthcare, the federal government must be the ultimate impact investor.

Onwards,

Image

Jake



   

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110


Contact




image
image

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 050 - Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day, Presidents Day more (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about February holidays; Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, love, and more.

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for February 2023.



Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group
Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 
Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation

25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Town of Franklin  Conservation Commission
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Brian Jones, of Allen & Major Associates, Inc., Manchester, NH on behalf of Matthew Clark, TMC Holdings & Development 2 LLC, Bellingham, MA. The project proposes to construct a 16,000 square foot building addition, 17 additional parking spaces, and a paved contractor yard within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW).
The Project is located at 25 Forge Parkway, Map 275 Lot 14, in the Industrial Zone.
The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.
All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.
Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.
Patrick Gallagher 
Chairman

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/25_forge_parkway_noi_public_hearing_notice.pdf

25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation
25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Town of Franklin - Invitation for Bids (IFB): Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repair

Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repair

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a company for the purposes of upgrades at an existing sewer ejector station in the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repairs

Read more

Town of Franklin - Invitation for Bids (IFB): Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repair
Town of Franklin - Invitation for Bids (IFB): Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repair

From CommonWealth Magazine - climate points of view: waterfront resilience & decarbonization roadmap gaps

"Waterfront resilience is ground zero in climate fight
Nature-based solutions lend themselves to resiliency strategies" 
"GOV. MAURA HEALEY’S recent appointment of the Commonwealth’s first cabinet level climate chief –Melissa Hoffer, joining from the Environmental Protection Agency – reflects the new administration’s belief that resiliency is a priority issue that spans public health, equity, the economy, and environmental sustainability.

With key federal, state, and local players committed to rapidly advancing our efforts to address climate change, Massachusetts has both the scientific prowess and innovative spirit to be a global leader in addressing this critical issue.  We also have an influx of new federal dollars, including funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  and the Inflation Reduction Act, available to municipalities, states, and community-based organizations to fund resiliency efforts."

Vikki Spruill is President and CEO of the New England Aquarium.

"Decarbonization road map has some gaping holes
Power reliability and cost need to be addressed"
"GOV. MAURA HEALEY has gotten off to a good running start on implementing the Commonwealth’s plans to combat climate change by establishing an Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience within the governor’s office and appointing a climate chief. The state’s long range climate change plans are embodied in the “Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Road Map,” which aims to reduce Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent of the 1990 baseline by 2050 and  achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, through a near-total reliance on renewable energy sources and battery storage for electricity.

If implemented, the plan will require a huge transformation of the electricity generation sector, shifting away from reliance on natural gas and other fossil fuels to generate electricity and instead relying on solar and wind sources.  It would also require 100 percent electrification of building space and water heating and a massive increase in the number of electric vehicles, among other initiatives."

Arnold R. Wallenstein is an attorney who represents independent power producers in Massachusetts and other states. He is on the board of advisers of a solar photovoltaic company and is the principal member of the EnergyLawGroup.org in Boston.

From CommonWealth Magazine - climate points of view: waterfront resilience & decarbonization roadmap gaps
From CommonWealth Magazine - climate points of view: waterfront resilience & decarbonization roadmap gaps

Friday, February 24, 2023

the Winter Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 has been cancelled

Fairmount Fruit Farm announces: 

"We are sad to announce that our 2.25 winter market has been cancelled. 

We will however be stocked up and loaded with goodies from @sanobesuperfoods @b._food @boundless.bakery @woodlandfarmsma

Stay tuned for more posts and updates!"
the Winter Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 has been cancelled
the Winter Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 has been cancelled



Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 24, 2023 to Mar 2, 2023

The Library continues with events during the school vacation. Winter Farmers Market continues on Saturday. Circle of Friends Coffeehouse returns with a live concert on Saturday. Dean students perform 4 times this weekend.

Friday, February 24

5:30pm - KJ's Con (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, February 25

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm) Cancelled

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Winter Beach Party  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am - Silent Saturday: The Freshman (free silent movie)  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

2:00pm - Highwaymen Concert with Matt York  (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)

5:30pm - Wicked West (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)

8:00pm - Tracy Grammer (with Jim Henry) Concert (ticketed event) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)


Sunday, February 26

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)


Tuesday, February 28
6:00pm - Poetry for the People (open to all) (Escape Into Fiction)
7:00pm - Book Club - Kindred (open discussion) (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, March 1 - First Day of Women's History Month

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)  (Franklin Senior Center - cafeteria)

7:00pm - Franklin Art Association (Franklin Senior Center - cafeteria)


Thursday, March 2

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting  (Franklin Public Library)


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


The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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 calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 


Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 24, 2023 to Mar  2, 2023
Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 24, 2023 to Mar  2, 2023

Town Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)

FM #950 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 950 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 


We talk about the annual census, dog registrations due by April 1, and the election calendar for 2023 including the possible Tri-County school building special election.


The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.


The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-950-franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello-02-14-23

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


Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 


Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 


Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf


Passport processing (by appointment) https://www.franklinma.gov/passport/pages/passport-acceptance-facility-office

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

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"


Town Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)
Town Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)

FHS boys basketball tops Xaverian while supporting Nick Gaspar om Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, February 23, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 51 vs. Xaverian, 37 – Final 
– Franklin hit five of its nine three-pointers in the second quarter to create a big lead that it held the rest of the way against Xaverian. The Panthers hit a trio of threes against Xaverian’s zone defense in the first quarter for a 15-8 lead and then really got going in the final minutes of the first half. Andrew O’Neill (15 points) hit three of his five three-pointers in the final four minutes of the second quarter and Justin Allen (12 points, six rebounds) hit two of his four triples in that same stretch as Franklin used a 16-2 run to build a 33-17 lead at halftime. The Panthers struggled offensively during the third but their defense was strong all game long and prevented the Hawks from making a run to get back into it. Ben Harvey added 15 points and eight rebounds for the Panthers.

A great night tonight at FHS for @fhsboysbball  vs @XBHSBBall  It was a great game but even better was the support for our honorary captain Nick Gasper!! 

What a special night to honor our friend Nick Gaspar. Thanks to the Xaverian players and Coach Sheehan. Live for the moment and value all your blessings. Nick was burying shots in warmups! So proud of our guys on and awesome season 18-1. 0-0 now and on to the next challenge

Thank you to @XBHSBBall for contributing to Gaspar night.  So classy!  We appreciate everyone who came out to support our guy Nick!

Bigger than Basketball. @1NickStrong18
For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS boys basketball tops Xaverian while supporting Nick Gaspar
FHS boys basketball tops Xaverian while supporting Nick Gaspar

FHS boys JV hockey close out season with win


"The JV boys (hockey team) closed out their season earlier this week with a 4-1 win over St. John's Shrewsbury. The team finished with an overall record of 10-7. Thank you to the players and parents for a great season! Best of luck in your spring sports!!" @FHSPantherHocke  @FranklinMatters

FHS boys JV hockey close out season with win
FHS boys JV hockey close out season with win

Good Deeds: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Celebrates Black History Month

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

Black History Month commemorates the contributions made by African Americans to our country and to the fabric of what makes up our country. Let us be proud and take note of all noted contributions, knowing that people from our communities here in Norfolk County have contributed to that history.


Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington
As Black History Month is celebrated, let us be aware of connections to Norfolk County. Booker T. Washington was born into slavery in 1856. He was an educator, author, and orator who, during his lifetime, was one of the prominent voices for African Americans in the United States. Booker T. Washington established the Tuskegee Institute, a school of higher learning for African Americans located in Alabama. He called for progress through education and entrepreneurship. Booker T. Washington’s connection to Norfolk County was that he vacationed for several summers at the residence owned by William H. Baldwin, Jr., in South Weymouth at the intersection of Main Street and Columbian Street.


Audie Cornish
Audie Cornish

As part of the 225th Anniversary Commemoration of Norfolk County in 2018, the Registry of Deeds chose another notable African American, Audie Cornish, who hails from the Norfolk County community of Randolph, to be in its Notable Land Records book. Audie Cornish was born in Randolph in 1979. She graduated from Randolph High School and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Audie Cornish went on to become a journalist for the Associated Press and later a reporter for Boston public radio station WBUR. In 2005, she shared first prize in the National Awards for Education Writing for a report entitled "Reading, Writing, and Race." Ms. Cornish became a reporter for National Public Radio, later becoming a host and news chair.

William Maurice "Mo" Cowan
William Maurice "Mo" Cowan

William Maurice "Mo" Cowan
lived in the Norfolk County town of Stoughton.  He was appointed to serve as the United States Senator for the State of Massachusetts on February 1, 2013.  He served along with U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) making it the first time that two African Americans served simultaneously in the United States Senate.  Prior to his appointment, Senator Cowan earned a law degree at Northeastern University and joined the prestigious law firm of Mintz Levin, where he later became a partner. Mr. Cowan left the law firm to become counsel to Governor Deval Patrick.

Deval Patrick
Deval Patrick




Speaking of former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, an African American who was
elected as Governor of Massachusetts in 2006, He served two terms as Governor. Did you know he lived in the Norfolk County town of Milton?





Florida Ruffin Ridleyv
Florida Ruffin Ridley
Florida Ruffin Ridley
 was an African American civil rights activist,
suffragist, teacher, writer, and editor born in 1861. She was one of the first black public schoolteachers in Boston and edited the Women’s Era, the country’s first newspaper established by and for African American women. Florida Ruffin Ridley lived in the Norfolk County town of Brookline, where in 1896 she was one of the town’s first African American homeowners. In September 2020, the Florida Ruffin Ridley School in Brookline was renamed in her honor.




The Norfolk Registry of Deeds building is located in Dedham.  This Norfolk County community recently honored the life of William B. Gould (1837-1923) by renaming the East Dedham Passive Park in his honor. William B. Gould was born into slavery in North Carolina. He escaped slavery in 1862 by boat during the Civil War.  Mr. Gould served for the Union for the rest of the Civil War in the Navy, chasing Confederate vessels. After the Civil War ended, this Civil War Navy Veteran was a distinguished member of the Dedham Community.

Henry W. Diggs was a lifelong resident of my hometown of Norwood from 1906 to 2003.  He and his relatives were the first African Americans to settle in Norwood. After graduating from Norwood High School in 1924, Mr. Diggs worked for the Norwood Press. He would later serve as a radio repairman for the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II. Henry Diggs was active in town government, having served on the Norwood School Committee, Town Meeting, and the Blue Hills Regional High School Committee. Mr. Diggs, in a high school graduation address, urged graduates to "build a bridge" to one another so that "walls of suspicion, fear, prejudice, and hate will disappear."

Sam Jones was a clutch basketball scorer who won 10 Championships with the Boston Celtics during their dynasty in the late 1950s and 1960s. Mr. Jones died recently at the age of 88. Sam Jones, who played for the Boston Celtics, wore the number 24, which was retired by the Celtics in 1969, while he was still an active player. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984, having played all 12 of his NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics. Sam Jones owned a home with his wife Gladys in the Norfolk County community of Sharon while he was playing for the Boston Celtics.

We wish to honor the contributions that African Americans have made throughout history and here in Norfolk County while also recognizing that the fight for equality and justice continues.