Saturday, April 15, 2023

Get Ready to Ride in the Franklin PMC Kids Ride - June 4

The 16th annual Franklin PMC Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, June 4 from 8 AM to 12 PM. The Franklin ride is one of more than 20 PMC Kids Rides throughout the New England area. The Franklin ride usually attracts 200 young cyclists between the ages of 3 and 14, who ride between 3 and 10 miles. The ride raises money for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Altogether, the PMC Kids Rides program has raised more than $9 million since their first ride in 1998. This year's goal is $50,000.

This ride is a unique event that motivates kids to learn about the importance of giving back, introduces them volunteerism and fundraising, and offers a way for children to become part of the PMC mission in a safe and athletic way. 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These donations benefit research, treatment, and care for children and families impacted by cancer.

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride will will start and end at the Jefferson School, located at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Kids can select from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. They will also enjoy an after-ride celebration with music, games, food, and more. Younger participants, not yet on two wheels, can partake in the Tikes and Trikes course in a contained area at the school. This area has several fun stations and activities for the little ones, including a car wash, gas station, snack stand, craft table, face painting, and more. There is a $20 registration fee which includes a tee shirt and goodie bag. There is also a $40 fundraising minimum for all riders.

Riders and volunteers can register, and donations can be made online at www.kids.pmc.org/franklin

All local communities are encouraged to participate. For more information about the ride or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net

Many kids. One mission. Cure cancer

This Town Council Quarterbacking session gets inside the zoning changes; inclusionary and accessory dwelling units (audio)

FM #972 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 972 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 


Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Apr 12, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

  • Police Station Building Committee

  • Second readings on lot line changes, the last bulks ones for now


  • Public hearing on the inclusionary zoning changes back from Planning Board, move to second reading

  • Accessory dwelling unit bylaw proposals referred to planning board


  • Budget coming out Friday, hearing schedule set for Finance Cmte May 8, 10, 11 & Council for May 24, 25


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 


Our conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded Apr 13, 2023. Audi file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-972-town-council-quarterbacking-04-13-23


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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_12_2023.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OcCY239kVmLdAiMS2FFZSMQyS7JWcCoZ/view?usp=share_link 

My quick notes and the meeting video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/town-council-moves-inclusionary-zoning.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


This Town Council Quarterbacking session gets inside the zoning changes; inclusionary and accessory dwelling units (audio)
This Town Council Quarterbacking session gets inside the zoning changes; inclusionary and accessory dwelling units (audio)

Explore the Town Administrator's Recommended FY 2024 Budget!

The Town Administrator's Recommended FY24 Budget materials are now available online.

Explore the Town Administrator's Recommended FY 2024 Budget!
Explore the Town Administrator's Recommended FY 2024 Budget!

In preparation for the Finance Committee budget hearings 
  • May 8 - general government
  • May 10 - schools
  • May 11 - public safety (police, fire & dispatch), DPW and enterprise accounts (water, sewer solid waste & stormwater)
We'll be spending some time on a series of posts to get into some of the details and issues raised. For one quick example, the School Committee asked for more than the Superintendent's Recommended budget, which was asking for approx. $3.4M more than last year. The Town allocation is only about $1M more than last year which would force the schools to cut $2.4M from what the School Committee approved. 
A problem we all need to solve not just for this year, it will likely be worse next year.

FHS baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, & girls tennis teams all post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, April 14, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.


Baseball = Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final 
– Buoyed by a big second inning offensively and another stellar pitching performance, Franklin secured an 8-0 win over Sharon. Matt Miller allowed just one hit in three shutout innings, striking out a pair for the win. Zach Ramaswamy (1IP), Jake Shaughnessy (2IP, 5K), and Dillon Cashin (1IP, 1K) didn’t allow a hit in relief for the Panthers. Ryan Gerety scored in the first inning and then smacked a two-run double to highlight Franklin’s six-run second inning. Jase Lyons, Eisig Chin, Mike Davide, Ryan Carlucci, and Luke Sidwell also had an RBI in the win.

Softball = Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 12 – Final (5 Inn.) 
– Franklin broke the game open in the fourth inning to earn the five-inning win. For Sharon, Manasa Josyula struck out two over three innings, while Ally Foulsham struck out two in the fourth.

Boys lacrosse = Franklin, 13 @ Acton-Boxboro, 11 – Final
– On the road, against one of the top teams in the state, Franklin rallied in the fourth quarter to pull out an impressive win. Trailing 10-8 after three, the Panthers outscored A-B 5-1, including a run in the final two minutes, to secure the win. Luke Davis scored five goals and dished out an assist to lead Franklin’s attack. Jayden Consigli had a hat trick of goals and a hat trick of assists and Tyler Sacchetti had three scores and a helper. Drew Hansen scored twice for the Panthers. Justin Alexander dominated face offs, winning 22-of-25 and Michael Galvin made six saves.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 10 vs. Westwood, 14 – Final 
– In a battle of two of the top teams in the state, Franklin and Westwood were tied 6-6 at halftime, but the visiting Wolverines went on a late run to pull out a back-and-forth game. Lindsay Atkinson sparked Franklin’s attack with four goals and Katie Peterson added a hat trick. Jamie Tanner secured five draw controls and Julia Flynn put in a strong overall performance on both ends of the field.

Boys Tennis = Sharon, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
– Sharon swept Franklin to stay level with Mansfield atop the Davenport division standings. The Eagles were especially impressive in doubles, as the teams of Sava Kassev and Rithvik Neti and Kevin Li and Joel Zwicker dropped only one game combined. Jacob Slavsky (6-2, 6-1), Matthew Lally (6-2, 6-4), and Alex Budovalcev (6-1, 7-6 (4)) also won in straight sets.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 1 @ Sharon, 4 – Final 
– Sharon swept singles and got a point at second doubles to earn the crossover win against Franklin. Judy Song won 6-2, 6-1 at first singles, Navya Shukla won 6-1, 6-2 at second singles, and Ale Aguilar won 6-2, 6-3 at third singles to earn the Eagles the points that they needed. Olivia Landstein and Jenny Sand secured a fourth point with a 6-1, 6-4 win. The first doubles team of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen made sure the Panthers avoided the sweep by winning 6-3, 7-6.

For other results around the league

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

THE BLACK BOX lines up the remainder of the season performances

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s own professional theater and music venue, has an exciting lineup of plays, musicals, concerts and more this spring. 

Led Zeppelin tribute band Confounded Bridge
Led Zeppelin tribute band Confounded Bridge
Led Zeppelin tribute band Confounded Bridge will take THE BLACK BOX stage on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30pm. Confounded Bridge is a band put together by A-List Musicians to re-create The Led Zeppelin Experience. Big vocals, guitars, and drums will have THE BLACK BOX on its feet all night long screaming for more. They will appear with opening acts Stevie J and Pride and Joy.  





Kenny Hadley Big Band
Kenny Hadley Big Band
The Kenny Hadley Big Band returns for a Big Band Brunch on Sunday, April 23 at 12:00pm. BLACK BOX Jazz presents the critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley. The band boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. Brunch begins at 11:45 am, with music beginning at noon. Brunch includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ, and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.   


Electric Youth
Electric Youth
Electric Youth and the Boston Show Band return to THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, April 29th at 7:30 pm - with special guests Future Shock. Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages and backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.


musical Violet
musical Violet

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will close its season with the musical Violet, June 9-11. As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward ax blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she's traveling across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. On the way, she meets a young soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical "imperfections."

For tickets and more information, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. 

Dean College: "When the Boston Celtics Played at Pieri: The Forgotten Story of How Dean Influenced the Start of a Dynasty"

Via Dean College:

"As the @celtics kick off their quest for their 18th championship, we retell the forgotten story of when the team brought eight basketball Hall of Famers to campus and kicked off a streak of eight consecutive world championships."
Learn more: https://t.co/LL5QDNTUkB
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/DeanCollege/status/1646875857649123330
 

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

This is part two of our series on Medicare benefits. Did you miss the first blog? Please check it out here.
"Did you know you can save money on Medicare costs this year? The Inflation Reduction Act which President Biden signed into law in August 2022, will help you save money on Medicare prescription drug costs and recommended adult vaccines starting in 2023.

Let’s explore a few of the ways that this new law will lower your Medicare prescription drug costs."
Continue reading the article online ->  

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)
Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

Night Owl Farm: Fun Fact Friday - the visible difference of compost

Night Owl Farm
Night Owl Farm
✨Farm Fact Friday✨
The Power of Compost
Night Owl Farm: Fun Fact Friday - the visible difference of compost
I took this picture a few days ago when we planted our first field crops (Kohlrabi, Scallions, Lettuce, & Escarole). I was blown away at the stark difference between beds that were right next to each other!

The bed on the right received a healthy amount of compost last year, while the bed on the left did not. I don't know why it didn't, I just know that it didn't. Did I just not want to haul another wheelbarrow up the hill? Probably 😂

Both of these were left to their own devices all winter, and when we got started this spring, this is what we had to work with! (In the photo, the bed on the right had already been broadforked, where the one on the left had not.)

We couldn't BELIEVE the difference! The bed on the right was softer, smelled good, and was much easier to work with, while the bed on the left was harder, cracked, and dried out really quickly after prepping.

The only difference between the two beds is that one received compost, and the other didn't. They received the same amendments, same watering, and were on the same weed schedule.

It's important to note that compost and amendments (fertilizer) are both important, and you shouldn't pick one or the other for your growing space.

Compost adds organic matter to the soil which helps add life, improves your soil structure, increases the ability to "catch and release" nutrients so that the plants get what they need, and helps with retaining water.

Amendments add the minerals and nutrients that your plants need to thrive, compost helps them work better!

There is so much useful information out there on the importance of compost in your gardens. I highly recommend doing a deep dive to learn more, as this is just a quick intro to it.
Night Owl Farm
49 Prospect Street, Franklin, MA, 02038

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Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

The Town of Franklin seeks written quotes for the purchase, demolition, and removal of existing partition system, and the installation of one 15' x 80' fold-up  Gym Divider curtain system, per the specifications listed in the written request for written quotes.  

Pre-quote meeting will be held at Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 020387 at 3:00 PM on April 25, 2023.

Additional Information:  Request for Written Quotes, Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider  Curtain System

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-purchase-and-installation-gym-divider


Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider
Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - Donate Life Month - sign up to be an organ donor


It's Donate Life Month. You truly can be a lifesaver! 
Register as an organ donor and make sure your family knows. 
Learn about organ donation: organdonor.gov

How does organ donation work? -> https://youtu.be/K4bS7YZjqhY


Friday, April 14, 2023

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee
Contractual Negotiations
April 24, 2023 - 3:30 - 5:30PM

ESP/LPN 

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

The meeting opens and enters executive session for negotiations

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023
Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 14, 2023 to Apr 20, 2023

A sample weekend might be: Take in a choice of music Friday night at the local brewery or winery, explore the Ladybug Trail walk around downtown on Saturday, stopping for a break with a Silent Movie, and then get an 'all you can eat breakfast' on Sunday morning, and then close the weekend with a classical music concert at LiveARTS. #artshappenhere


Friday, April 14

5:00pm - Papalias Brick oven pizza (food truck)

5:00pm - TBD The Band (live music)

5:30pm - Gay Perkoski (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)


Saturday, April 15

8:00am - Ladybug Trail Walk - anytime during the day

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

11:00am - Silent Saturday (free silent movie showing) (Franklin Historical Museum)


Sunday, April 16 

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

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

3:00pm - LiveARTS: soprano Louise Toppin (LiveARTS - FUSF - Chestnut St)


Monday, April 17 

Marathon Monday 


Tuesday, April 18 - Tax Day

6:00pm - Dean Neighborhood Alliance (Dean College)


Wednesday, April 19

11:00am - Franklin Q&A

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)


Thursday, April 20

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space


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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: April 7, 2023 to Apr 13, 2023
Franklin's Event Outlook: April 7, 2023 to Apr 13, 2023

School Committee votes to increase the Superintendent's Recommended budget, to "ask for what they need" (audio)

FM #971 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 971 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.


Quick recap:

  • Recognized swimmers from the FHS girls swim team

  • Heard from an update Jefferson on their "Wellness Wednesday's"

  • Heard a proposal for a middle school trip during Spring break 2024 to National Parks (Grand Canyon, Bryce, & Zion). Coming back for a discussion and vote at the next meeting

  • Voted to add to the Superintendent's budget proposal the $480K originally marked as 'left out'. The amendment to add this passed by 6-1 after a lengthy discussion. The overall budget passed 7-0. Next step will be the Finance Committee budget hearings on May 10. Followed by the Town Council budget hearing May 24

  • During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points

  • Entered executive session to hear an MOU for the FEA to which they returned to open meeting and approved by 7-0 before closing the meeting after 10 PM without extending their session per their recently changed protocol


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting April 11, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-971-fps-school-committee-mtg-04-11-23



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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-11-23.pdf


Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (some will be posted AFTER the meeting - per School Committee policy)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-11-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet


Middle School Trip proposal slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uii2XTG7rrrHJmmi7

District Improvement Plan update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z2mHSCxxgU4Zut1q9

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Dggz5jO854jCpN33uFlNuL29hEOEJuD/view?usp=share_link 


Note the reference to the listing of reductions over the years as compiled by the District for a School Committee budget workshop. I converted the PDF to text to share with red text highlights. 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/what-programs-positions-were-cut-school.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"


During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points
During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points