Saturday, July 8, 2023

Franklin Energize Testimonial Spotlight: 2013 Ground Mount Install paid for itself in 7 years

Franklin Energize Testimonial Spotlight: 2013 Ground Mount Install paid for itself in 7 years and has yielded $13K in profits thus far…

Hot off the press! Thanks to Rand for his testimonial submitted 6-29-23. Read the full testimonial -> https://www.energizefranklin.org/testimonials/359

Franklin Energize Testimonial Spotlight: 2013 Ground Mount Install paid for itself in 7 years

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities Open Now for Building & Inspections, DPW, and Facilities

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.

Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department

Updated 07/06/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin has multiple Job Opportunities - 1 could be for You!

Senior Center concert features Southeaster MA Community Concert Band - July 10 at 6:30 PM

"On Monday, July 10, come out for a wonderful night of ice cream, music, and fun with the Southeaster MA Community Concert Band!

Doors open at 6:00 PM with an ice cream social, and music begins at 6:30 PM!

Let us know if you are coming 508-520-4945

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/events/602116875058662/

Senior Center concert features Southeaster MA Community Concert Band - July 10 at 6:30 PM

Franklin author to talk about “Cape Cod & The Portland Gale of 1898” on womr.org

Via Franklin author Don Wilding:

On Sunday, 7/9, "I’ll be Jim Freeman’s guest on his “Target Ship Radio” program on @womrwfmr to talk about “Cape Cod & The Portland Gale of 1898,” plus he’ll be playing some of my favorite tunes.

Jim’s on from 1-4 pm; I’ll be on at 2.

On Cape, you can listen at 92.1 or 91.3 FM, or worldwide at WOMR.org."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CuKHnvWgY4p/

Franklin author to talk about “Cape Cod & The Portland Gale of 1898” on womr.org

Second Sunday Speaker Series features James Johnston - July 9 at 1:15 PM

The July 9th speaker for our Second Sunday Speaker Series is James C. Johnston. Current owner of the historic "Oliver Pond House," retired history teacher and historian, Jim has spent a life accumulating bits of knowledge, local lore, and a great many things which he has cataloged and curated. In a talk that promises to showcase Jim's wit, formidable wisdom as well as a show and tell of some of his favorite objects, Jim will remind us of the "sparkle" of the shiny things that propel collectors of every sort.

There will be a lot of audience interaction as Jim is inviting folks to bring material they may want identified including, but not limited to antiques, rare books, stamps, coins, art, bamboo fishing poles, toys, and anything else. Jim has spoken at hundreds of venues in his long career and never fails to both entertain and inform.

The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Doors open at 1:00, the talk will begin at 1:15.

And in our Gift Shop ... Christmas in July!

One weekend only, July 8 + 9 , The Historical Museum's Gift Shop's special sale on the Christmas Ball Ornaments ( ladybugs, the library, the water trough) 1 for $16, or any 3 combo for $15 each. A perfect little gift for any Franklinite , and it comes in its own velvet box for safe storage!

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you're still working or are delaying applying so you can get the higher benefit.

If you're age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you're owed. Your benefits will not increase if you continue to delay applying for them because you are 70 or older.

Did you know that you can receive benefits even if you still work? Your earnings can increase your monthly benefit amount – even after you start receiving benefits. Each year that you work, we check your earnings record. It’s possible your latest year of earnings is one of your highest 35 years. If so, we will automatically recalculate your benefit amount and pay you any increase due.

Continue reading the article online -> https://blog.ssa.gov/are-you-age-70-or-older-and-not-yet-getting-your-social-security-retirement-benefits/

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

graphic adapted from @SafeClimate shows temperature change

Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) tweeted on Thu, Jul 06, 2023:

Communicating climate requires eye catching and simple visuals. This graphic adapted from @SafeClimate is one of the best I've seen showing the stark recent rise in temperature. Today's warming rate is >50X the rate after the last ice age

More info: https://t.co/o0DH4NyO3s

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/WeatherProf/status/1677031140476026883

graphic adapted from @SafeClimate shows temperature change

Friday, July 7, 2023

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 7, 2023 to July 13, 2023

Friday, July 7

Stars & Stripes Scavenger Hunt! (during open hours - Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Heather Dreary (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Laura May Duo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Saturday, July 8

Stars & Stripes Scavenger Hunt! (during open hours - Franklin Public Library)

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

1:00pm - Learn to Play Ukulele (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Science Workshop (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm - Emily & Nick (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Freak Flag (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - The Fat City Band (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, July 9

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

1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum)

Monday, July 10

1:00pm - Frisbee Demonstration (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Movie Monday "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind"

Tuesday, July 11

7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting (monthly meeting) (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, July 12

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)

6:00pm - Smart Phone Photography (Registration Req'd)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group

7:00pm - Smart Phone Photography (Registration Req'd)

Thursday, July 13

5:00pm - Teen Paint Party (Registration req'd)

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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: July 7, 2023 to July 13, 2023

Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio)

FM #1020 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1020 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer.

We had our conversation at the Municipal Building on Tuesday June 27,2023. Tom Mercer joined via Zoom.

Now that the major FY 2024 budget decisions are behind us, how we will go forward becomes the topic. The next steps start with the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Aug 2.

Over the next several months, lots of conversations, and planning discussion should result in a plan to go forward that the ad-hoc residents committee can then spread the word on for a potential override decision by the Town.

The conversation runs about 54 minutes. Let’s listen to the recording of the way forward discussion on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1020-fy2024-going-forward-06-27-23

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials

School FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget

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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"

Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio)

Youth & Open track meets scheduled for July 11, 18, & 25 - On your Mark! Set!

Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) tweeted on Tue, Jun 27, 2023:

"The Youth/Open track meets are back this summer!

Join the Franklin and Tri-County track teams as they host three meets on July 11, 18, & 25th.

Entry fees are $5 for unlimited events with a $10 max for families. Use the link below to sign up early -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnyAXiwap9oTJ4FBPQFLUjoPf3eziUdX28VHGYuZAiPYzbxA/viewform

Shared from -> https://t.co/qaZ8buDt8B

Youth & Open track meets scheduled for July 11, 18, & 25 - On your Mark! Set!

The new Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin's was the "Wake Up Call" recently

Franklin Food Pantry (@FranklinFoodPan) tweeted on Thu, Jul 06, 2023:

We were the "Wake Up Call" on WCVB Channel 5 yesterday morning!!

Such an honor and we are so thankful for the opportunity to bring more awareness to food insecurity in Franklin
https://t.co/nPTJmCBjlA

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1676981036050264065

The new Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin's was the "Wake Up Call" recently

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Bus Registration Due July 10, 2023

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted on Thu, Jul 06, 2023:

Bus Registration for the 23-24 school year has closed.

Payment in full is due by July 10th. Please note that bus pass pickup is scheduled for August 21st - 25th at your student's school.

For more information, visit our transportation page: https://t.co/qCD2O6hRlN

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1676984449869701123

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Bus Registration Due July 10, 2023

Fat City Band at THE BLACK BOX Saturday, July 8 at 8 PM

Now in their 5th decade, The Fat City Band has had the good fortune to be able to write, record, and perform their own unique style of Blues, Roadhouse Rock, Jazz, and New Orleans Style R&B for all their fans and friends alike from coast to coast and beyond.

Two 50 minute sets

Tickets $20

*Processing fees may apply

Call the Box Office:508-528-3370 or Purchase tickets online at -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1687&month=07&year=2023

Fat City Band at THE BLACK BOX Saturday, July 8 at 8 PM

Federal Trade Commission: Military consumers and romance scams

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

Military consumers and romance scams

By Carol Kando-Pineda
Counsel, FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

For Military Consumer Month, let's talk a little about how romance scammers target people who support the troops — and sometimes servicemembers themselves. These scammers can be any age, gender, or sexual orientation and may approach you on dating sites or on social media platforms.

In 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam to the FTC — and losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion.

How can you avoid a romance scam?

Federal Trade Commission: Military consumers and romance scams

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, July 7, 2023

wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am Matt York: Highway Men

9:00 am Frank Presents: James Ginley

10:30 am Franklin Disability Expo

11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm The Only Cure Is Education

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

3:30 pm Riffing with the President: Ep 1

4:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Leigh Schoberth

8:30 pm 4th of July 2022: Duppy Conquerors

Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig

10:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

12:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

1:30 pm Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Needham 06-08-23

8:30 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2020

Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-22-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-22-23

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Franklin Public Library offers science workshop and ukulele lessons - July 8 at 1 PM

Join us for a special science workshop, brough to you by volunteers from the Franklin High School Science Department!

Franklin Public Library offers science workshop

Julie Stepanek will teach us how to hold, tune, strum, fret, read chords and play songs on a ukulele! If you have a 'Uke' please bring it with you!

Franklin Public Library offers ukulele lessons

Town of Franklin: E-Newsletter for July, 2023

Subscribe for News

July 2023 Edition

Introducing Franklin's Deputy Town Administrator

We are proud to introduce Amy M. Frigulietti as the Deputy Town Administrator for the Town of Franklin. She has nearly 20 years of experience in administrative and professional management and brings expertise in economic development, public policy, and community outreach in the public sector.

Most recently, Amy served as the Assistant Executive Director of General Government Services for the Town of Wellesley, where she collaborated across town boards and departments to manage a variety of initiatives impacting local government via her involvement in Wellesley's Traffic & Parking Committee, Mobility Committee, Housing Task Force, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force and much more.

Prior to working in Wellesley, Amy served in several capacities in state, county and local government, including in the General Court of the State Legislature, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, and for the Boston City Council. Read Amy's full bio here.

Changes to Downtown Parking

Changes to Signage

Effective July 1st, 2023, many parking regulations will change in downtown Franklin. As part of our communication to the public, we would like to remind the community to check all parking signs and street signs throughout the summer as they may continue to change. The Town will continue to communicate throughout the summer on any additional announcements/ changes as they occur.

Depot St. & Ferrara's Municipal Parking Lot Rate Structure

Monday - Friday

5AM to 12PM - $3.00 flat rate all day*
12PM to 6PM - $2.00 flat rate all day
6PM through curfew is Free!

Saturday & Sunday

Free on weekends

Please note there is no overnight parking allowed. Police take notice and violators will be susceptible to a $50.00 fine, per violation.

*The Administration and Town Council are working to tidy up the parking bylaw that will make the parking lots effective at 5:00 AM for the first commuter train. The final enactment of this change is expected to be in effect for the beginning of August. The Police will not give tickets to those commuters between 5:00 to 6:00 AM during the month of July or until the bylaw is changed (signage will be posted appropriately and timely).

Click here to read the full memo on downtown parking changes.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Paint!

Hydrant Refresh

The Town of Franklin Department of Public Works is hosting their 2nd Fire Hydrant Painting Event! Registration is open until August 11, 2023. Proposed designs must be submitted for approval along with a completed application. Applicants will be notified by August 25, 2023. All approved and completed painted hydrants will be reviewed.

Judging will take place between October 2 - October 12, 2023. Winners will be announced at the DPW Touch a Truck event on Oct. 14, 2023. Highest vote winner in the following categories: Under the age of 12; 12 to 17; 18 & over; judges' choice.

Learn more and access the application here.

Stormwater Utility Fee Implementation

Stormwater Credit

The stormwater credit application is now available! If you would like to apply for a credit on your stormwater utility fee, please fill out the Impervious Area Credit Application. You may access the full credit manual created by DPW here.

Stormwater Abatement

If you believe your impervious area is incorrect, property owners may complete an Impervious Area Abatement Application to evaluate your property.

Franklin Property owners will see the Stormwater Utility Fee on their quarterly Utility bills after July 1st, 2023. For those interested in learning more, please watch our Stormwater Utility Fee video for a brief 4 minute breakdown of the fee and what you need to know.

Learn more on the Stormwater Division webpage.

Senior Center

Programs

Vinyasa Yoga – Every Monday at 4:30 ($3/person per class)

Chocolate Taste Test – Celebrate National Chocolate Day with a Chocolate Taste Test on July 7 at 1pm. Limited Seating so Call to Reserve a Spot!

Live Music & Ice Cream – Enjoy a FREE night of music from the SouthEastern MA Community Band on June 10! Doors Open and Ice Cream Social at 6pm, Performance begins at 6:30pm.

Movie & Pizza Night Out – "The Monuments Men" starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray July 13 at 4:30pm. $3/person- Must sign up by July 12.

Mobile Food Pantry – We partner with the Franklin Food Pantry and the Hockomock YMCA to provide you with Mobile Food Pantry! Come to receive a bag of stable items, choice of proteins, and dairy items! July 12 at 11am

Eat Around the World: INDIA – Learn about India and try out it's delicious cuisine prepared by our fantastic Chef Anne! July 14 at 11am. $6/person- Please sign up!

Monthly Party: LUAU Style! – Enjoy the sounds of steel drumming and enjoy a delicious meal! $6/person. July 21 at 11am. Sign up by July 17

IPhone A Friend – Wanting some IPhone assistance? This month we have KevTech coming to focus on how to use the photos app. $10/ person. July 26 at 1pm

Questions? Visit the Senior Center website or call 508-520-4945 to learn more.

Need a Passport? Visit Franklin's Passport Facility Office!

Look Before You Book!

Passport demand is at a record high. Before making any definite or non-refundable travel plans, consider the processing times. Processing times begin when the application is received at the U.S. Department of State not when you apply. Current Processing times:

10-13 weeks for routine
7-9 weeks for expedited additional $60 fee

The Town of Franklin is an official Passport Acceptance Facility. Call the Passport Office's direct line 508-553-4890 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available as follows:

Tuesday and Thursday 8:30am – 11:45am

Wednesday 8:30am – 4:45pm

#TravelSmartFromTheStart with 5 smart travel tips...

Check your passport's expiration date before booking flights!
Learn country specific travel requirements and information.
Review travel advisories to learn about security and safety risks.
Sign up for STEP – Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Check out the U.S. Department of States Traveler's Checklist

Rock out with Recreation this Summer

Franklin Public Library

Event Highlights!

July 12 – Smartphone Photography

Join Steve McGrath at 6pm or 7pm and learn how to get the most our of your phone along with the best free and low-cost tools for editing and image management. Registration is required.

July 19 – BuildWave Family Night

Foster your child's interest in STEM and ignite their creative spark with Buildwave; a creative building program that feels like a video game! The workshop starts at 6pm. Families will create with over a dozen different building materials, including Lego®, PlusPlus®, and custom-made Buildwave materials.

July 22 – Escape Room

You and your group are members of the USS Zephyr, an exploratory Space Ship returning home from a long journey when your ship crashes onto a Rogue Planet. Repair your ship, find out where you are, launch your ship, and survive the journey home! Registration is required. Escape room starts at 1pm.

July 24 – Comic Workshop for Kids with Maris Wicks!

Learn more about how comics are created with graphic novelist Maris Wicks at 1pm. Attendees will draw inspiration from her newest picture book "You and the Bowerbird", and learn how to make their own comic about birds and nature!

July 27 – Comic Workshop for Teens

Teens can join graphic novelist Maris Wicks at 5:30pm to learn how comics work, the different types of comics, character design and development, world-building, and more!

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day. The Library's summer hours are Monday - Thursday, 9am - 8pm. Friday & Saturday, 9am - 5pm. Sunday hours will resume after Labor Day.

Library Calendar of Events - July 2023

Veterans' Services

There will be no Veterans' Council Meeting in July. The next Council meeting will be on Thursday, August 17 at 7pm at the Senior Center.

Purple Heart

Please let the Veterans' Services Office know if you or a family member (residing in Franklin) is a Purple Heart recipient so we can add you to our database. National Purple Heart Day is celebrated on August 7 every year.

Tune It Out!

The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for Veterans will not meet in July and August. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 12. Call the Veterans' Services Office for details.

Contact Veterans' Services at 508-613-1315 or access their webpage to learn more.

Franklin Public Schools

Transportation

Bus Registration for the 23-24 school year has closed. Please note that the deadline for full payment is July 10th. For more information, visit our transportation page.

23-24 Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar for the 23-24 school year is now available. The first day for students will be Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Be sure to register your Pre K -12 student(s) via Aspen, our online registration portal.

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector

Fiscal Year 2024 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - First Quarter

Treasurer/Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2024 first quarter real estate and personal property tax bills. Payment is due by August 1, 2023. Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.