Saturday, November 4, 2023

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 26, 2023 at 4 PM. He is reported to be arriving via a special Franklin fire truck. Will Mrs. Claus be with him too?

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26
Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26

Sponsored by Concerts on the Common. Donations to help with this and the Town Common decorations are appreciated. Checks can be mailed to 

"Concerts on the Common"
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA 02038

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26
Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Nov 3. 2023

It feels like we are hitting our stride this week! The Emergency Shelter in Franklin is near capacity, the After-School Program has begun, and we’ve worked most of the kinks out of our process for assessing needs, collecting donations and distributing them.

 

The After-School Program is up and running. In its first offering, it served an estimated 30 children, elementary age and younger. The program was such a success that, in the future, we’ve been given permission to start a little earlier in order to reach out to the middle- and high-school students who arrive to the shelter about an hour before the elementary students. If you’d like to help with the After-school Program, please reach out to Rev. Kathy McAdams. We are hopeful that we will soon be able to offer the program over multiple days each week.

 

All donations have been consolidated at the Franklin United Methodist Church and teams of volunteers have done an excellent job of sorting. Next week, we will be sorting on MondayTuesday, and Thursday. In the weeks that follow we will have regular sorting on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Click here to learn more and signup for donation sorting.

 

The other amazing thing that happened this week was the receipt of several donations for the Franklin Interfaith Council’s Local Humanitarian Aid Fund, including a $1000 gift from a community member. In the near term, these funds will go to provide direct support and aid to the shelter. If you’d like to make a donation online, click here and designate the “Local Humanitarian Aid Fund.”

 

Attached is the updated flyer. We are continuing to ask for baby wipes and laundry detergent. We are also asking for new (in the package) socks and underwear (all sizes). Please distribute the flyer as you see fit.

 

Thank for your donations! Thank you to everyone who has volunteered! Thank you all for your continued support.

 

Peace.

Jacob

 

 

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

 

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

President, Franklin Interfaith Council


Download the flyer here and share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H2wHKs4D1T5BIkYnTpLZP9BZPZqBGFuX/view?usp=drive_link


#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Nov 3. 2023
#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Nov 3. 2023


FHS field hockey tops Beverly in playoffs to advance to next round

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports playoff competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Nov 3, 2023. 

Football = Division 1 = #13 Franklin, 0 @ #4 Andover, 19 – Final

Field Hockey = Division 1 = #29 Beverly, 0 @ #4 Franklin, 5 – Final 
– A three-goal fourth quarter helped Franklin pull away for good over a tough Beverly squad, taking a 5-0 victory in the Round of 32 of the Division 1 tournament. The Panthers were kept scoreless in the first but a goal from Raena Crandall (from Haley Wernig) at the 13 minute mark of the second gave Franklin a 1-0 lead at half. Emily Carney tallied an unassisted goal at 8:12 of the third to give the hosts a little breathing room. Crandall (from Wernig), Sophia Cuneo (from Carney) and Wernig scored in the final frame to secure the win. Sophomore Devon Barry didn’t have to make a save in the shutout. “It was an outstanding effort by my team today,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “I’m very proud of how they settled in and came together in the second half.”

FHS is scheduled to play #13 Winchester on 11/8 (4 PM) at Franklin in the Round of 16

For other results around the league (subscription required)

MIAA playoff bracket for D1 field hockey


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Reminder that HockomockSports.com changed to a subscription model in July. I have a subscription to view and share the FHS results that they provide. If you want to view all the worth Hockomock League reporting they do, subscribing is a good thing. It is quite reasonable. The subscription link is provided below.

Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9

Beaver Street Interceptor
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI)
 
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

Construction activities will begin Monday, November 6, 2023. For more information, please use the interactive map below.

JOIN US!

Groundbreaking Ceremony - 11:00 am on Thursday, 11/9/23 at Franklin Recreation Office (275 Beaver Street Franklin).

 
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project
This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in 1914

Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9
Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9
 
 This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe
here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).

History
The Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) was originally constructed in 1914 and discharged to the former Franklin Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pond Street (aka, the sewer beds). Currently, the BSI conveys over 70% of the Town's sewage with an average daily flow (ADF) of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage flow through the pipeline. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles (11,932 LF) of 16-inch to 24-inch cast iron (CI) pipe, reinforced concrete (RC) pipe, and vitrified clay (VC) pipe. The BSI extends from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, and the percentage of the Town's sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor, the BSI is considered Franklin's most critical sewer asset.

The BSI, constructed in 1914, has been in continuous service for 108 years. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its construction. Since 2003, the Town has contracted for cleaning, internal investigation, and condition assessment of the BSI on a recurring 5-year basis. Extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Results of these investigations have shown signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.

Rehabilitation/Repair Project Description
The Project is located in the Town of Franklin, MA in Norfolk County. The current interceptor is in need of replacement. Therefore, the Town proposes rehabilitation, replacement, and general improvements to the interceptor as well as a new pump station on the property at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. The proposed project provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the BSI's capacity and structural deficiencies, human health and environmental risks, accessibility and operation and maintenance challenges, by abandoning and rerouting sewers in the most risk-prone and problematic, inaccessible areas. The work of the Project to reroute sewers is being undertaken, in part, to move sewers out of wetland resource areas at the same time as making other improvements. 

The Project includes the following key components:

  • New 6 MGD Beaver Street Pump Station and 4,000 LF of 18-inch Force Main from the pump station to discharge at Pond Street.
  • Rehabilitation of 6,100 LF of BSI using Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL)
  • Installation of 6,000 LF of new gravity sewers
  • The work will take place at 5 MBTA/Keolis Railroad Crossings including 3 pipe replacements using jack and bore technique and 2 pipe rehabilitation locations using CIPPL.
  • Abandonment of BSI from Panther Way to Franklin Village Plaza and Route 495 crossing

For additional information see links below:

Alternative Analysis:
Beaver St Interceptor Alternatives Analysis
Appendix A-Manhole Inspection Logs-May 2013
Appendix B-CCTV Inspection Logs-August 2014 to September 2014
Appendix C-Hydraulic Model Technical Memorandum
Appendix D-BSI Replacement-Franklin Town Council Meeting Presentation-10/21/20
Appendix E Project Cost Estimates

Presentations:
Interceptor Town Council Presentation Update June 2022
Interceptor Alternatives Analysis Town Council Presentation 10/21/20

Notice of Intent-Conservation Commission:
Notice of Intent Packet-Franklin Conservation Commission Submittal
Project Site Overview Figure

Media Coverage:
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced? -TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022 (https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor )

Schedule:
December 21, 2022 - Advertise for Bids
https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/beaver-st-interceptor-rehabilitationreplacement-and-new-beaver-st-pump-station)

(https://www.milforddailynews.com/public-notices/notice/12/21/2022/bids-beaver-street-pump-station-legal-2022-12-21-the-milford-daily-news-massachusetts-0cc175) 

March 8, 2023 - Bid Opening

June 15, 2023 - Anticipated Contact Award

Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor

River Bend hike scheduled for Thursday afternoon (school half day) - Nov 9

"Hi Franklin! 
Looking to get your kids outside on the half day next Thursday? 
Join the Conservation Commission and our Conservation Agent at the Riverbend Conservation Area for a hike and story. 
Details here! We hope to see you there!"



Congressman Auchincloss: An Update on the War in Israel


Congressman Auchincloss

UPDATE ON WAR IN ISRAEL

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

On the Hill

On the Hill



Speaker Johnson has made the craven, cynical decision to politicize support for Israel at its moment of crisis by 'paying for' its assistance with IRS cuts, which would, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, actually increase the deficit. The bill is a dead letter: the president has vowed to veto it; and both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell oppose it.

Therefore, the question before me was not whether I want Israel to receive funding, because this bill will not become law.

Instead, the question before me was what this bill signifies, and what a "Yes" vote would represent.

A "Yes" vote would signal the advent of conditioning aid for Israel. It would be the first time in U.S history that Congress has required emergency national security funding to be offset by domestic cuts. The precedent is awful: when other countries need support, Congress provides it; but when Israel needs support, party leaders extract partisan priorities in exchange.

It would not stop at this bill: the next time Israel needs support, what would stop a Republican Speaker from demanding cuts to food stamps in exchange? Or a Democratic Speaker from demanding cuts to the military's ICBM program in exchange? Israel would persistently be tossed on the seas of U.S. domestic politics.

Unconditioned aid to Israel would receive supermajority support in the House, demonstrating bipartisan support for our ally, to partners and enemies alike, when it needs it most. Unfortunately, this rookie Speaker has precluded the possibility of overwhelming bipartisanship by filing a bill so clumsy and irresponsible that the Democratic president, Democratic Senate majority leader, and Democratic House minority leader have all dismissed it out of hand.

I am firmly opposed to conditioning security aid to Israel, whether those conditions are based on Israeli domestic politics or American domestic politics. Support for Israel must be above partisanship.

Bring the Hostages Home: Last week, I stood with the families of hostages held by Hamas. Some of the captives are children, still young enough to be scared of the dark. No ceasefire should be considered until every hostage is returned.

As Israel conducts its military response, I will continue to insist that it uphold the law of armed conflict, which is meant to protect the lives of civilians, and I appreciate the Biden Administration's numerous efforts to that effect. Further, the president has requested additional funding from Congress to stabilize conditions in the Middle East, which I will support. The supplemental package proposed by House Republicans, which I opposed, did not include any humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Around the Fourth

Around the Fourth



In addition to materiél, Israel needs moral support from Americans. Now is not the time for equivocation. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are internationally recognized terrorist organizations that are executing civilians and using their own denizens as human shields. Israel is a liberal democracy with the right and responsibility to defend itself and its citizens. Calls for ceasefire are premature and counter-productive; Israel needs the military latitude to re-establish deterrence, dismantle Hamas, and rescue hostages.

In the hard months ahead, our pain and our outrage must be forged into sober determination to see Israel through to success and safety. This determination must not descend into malice. Israel's iron fist should be paired with an outstretched hand to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and, ultimately, in Gaza, as well. And the Jewish community here in the United States should always condemn and reject not just antisemitism, but Islamophobia and the cancellation of Palestinian voices, as well.

Onwards,

Image

Jake

    Image Image Image Image    

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

Sharing 2 articles from the rebranded CommonWealth Beacon; Dizoglio audit & Danielle Allen interview

Via CommonWealth Beacon (formerly CommonWealth Magazine):

"Campbell says DiZoglio lacks legal authority to audit Legislature"
"ATTORNEY GENERAL Andrea Campbell notified state Auditor Diana DiZoglio on Thursday evening that the auditor’s office lacks the legal authority to audit the Legislature without its consent.

The decision by Campbell deals a major setback to DiZoglio’s crusade to scrutinize the policies and procedures of the House and Senate chambers where she used to serve, but it doesn’t end it.

In addition to seeking Campbell’s legal opinion on her authority to audit the Legislature, DiZoglio is pursuing a ballot question that would establish a law giving her that power. Campbell, who certified the question as legally suitable to go on the ballot, said in effect that her response to DiZoglio’s request is an interpretation of existing law and is unrelated to the quest for a new law.

“I believe transparency is a cornerstone of good government, but that transparency must be achieved through methods that are consistent with the law,” Campbell said. “As the chief law officer of the Commonwealth, it is my office’s role to determine the legal position of the state by looking at the law as it exists on the books today, and evaluating what that law allows, and what it does not. After a thorough review of the statutory text, pertinent Supreme Judicial Court decisions, and relevant history, we have concluded that current law does not allow an audit of the Legislature over its objection.”

 

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, surrounded by past audits by her office of the Legislature or legislative committees. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, surrounded by past audits by her office of the Legislature or legislative committees. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

"Danielle Allen says we have work to do on Massachusetts democracy"

"MASSACHUSETTS IS rightly proud of its “revolutionary tradition,” but according to democracy scholar Danielle Allen, the health of the state’s democratic structures isn’t all rosy in practice

“A healthy democracy depends on a couple of critical values,” Allen, a Harvard professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy, said on a live episode of The Codcast. “There’s the value of inclusion, really achieving full inclusion, the value of engagement or participation, and then the value of competitiveness. And on each of those dimensions, we can see room for improvement in Massachusetts.”

Allen is focused on what she calls the work of “democratic renovation,” in part through her role as president and founder of Partners in Democracy. The organization pushes for reforms to bolster running for office, voting in elections, and making government systems more transparent. Allen herself made a short-lived bid for governor last year, pushing for many of these reforms."

Continue reading the article online, or listen to the Codcast Episode with the Danielle Allen conversation.  https://commonwealthbeacon.org/politics/danielle-allen-says-we-have-work-to-do-on-massachusetts-democracy/


Register O'Donnell Announces 2023 Holiday Food Drive November 14th through December 14th

The cost of living has become increasingly challenging for many individuals and families across Norfolk County, making it difficult to afford basic necessities such as food, which can be especially difficult during the holiday season when the pressure to provide for loved ones is heightened.  Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is asking people to take a moment to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Tuesday November 14th and running through Thursday December 14th.

 

“There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county who are truly hurting. This year, we, as a community, have seen a rising demand for food assistance, and it is crucial that we come together to support those in need. By participating in the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, we can make a significant impact this holiday season,” said Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.

 

Register O'Donnell Announces 2023 Holiday Food Drive  November 14th through December 14th
Register O'Donnell Announces 2023 Holiday Food Drive 
November 14th through December 14th

Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 18.8% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 21.9% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity. ​

 

Register O'Donnell noted. “As the holidays approach, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel, food bills, and increased interest rates. Some Norfolk County families are hit harder by these increased costs and worry about putting food on the table this holiday season. So, let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may need our help.”

 

Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, which is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. A donation bin will be set-up in the Registry's lobby and food can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products.

 

“We (Interfaith Social Services) are experiencing a 30% increase in the demand for food assistance which is the heist it has been in our 53 years of operation,” said Rick Doane, Executive Director for Interfaith Social Services in Quincy. “We would be extremely grateful for any assistance that the local community could provide.”

 

If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org for a pantry location in your community.

 

“Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season,” concluded Register O'Donnell. “By supporting each other and being mindful of those in need we can help those struggling with food insecurity, because no one should go hungry, especially during this time of year. I ask that we all embrace the true meaning of the Thanksgiving by showing compassion and generosity towards all.”

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.


The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Friday, November 3, 2023

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 3, 2023 to November 9, 2023



Friday, November 3

6:00pm - Piano Steve (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - Arts Mosaic (ticketed event) (Dean College)


Saturday, November 4 

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

4:00pm - Tyler Zajac (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Annual FPAC Gala (in person and virtual event) (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm - Arts Mosaic  (ticketed event) (Dean College)


Sunday, November 5

Daylight Saving Time ends (clocks fall back 1 hour)

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


Tuesday, November 7 = Election Day

6:00am - Town of Franklin Election (Franklin High School)

6:00pm - Franklin Garden Club - meeting (Franklin Public Library) 


Wednesday, November 8

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)

3:00pm - Fall Health Fair

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


Thursday, November 9

6:00pm - FAA Art Gallery Reception


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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: October 27, 2023 to November 3, 2023
Franklin's Event Outlook: October 27, 2023 to November 3, 2023

Join the "Friends of Franklin Conservation"!

Do you have a deep passion for the environment? Do you love getting out "into nature"? Do you want to get more involved around Town? Start by joining our local stewardship group, the Friends of Franklin Conservation (FFC)

We are hosting a meet and greet on Sunday, November 12 at the DelCarte Conservation Area from 10a-12p and we'd love to have you attend. We'd really like to get to know you, your interests, and for you to get to know us! 

This is an informal meet and greet so need to stay for the entirety of the time and if you are unable to attend, no worries. We plan to coordinate a more formal meeting opportunity in the future where we can discuss goals, missions, and projects for the stewardship group. 

Please feel free to share the attached flier with your Franklin friends and family and we hope to see you on the 12th!

By the way, the Franklin Conservation Commission is hosting their annual autumn event "Cider & Stroll" at DelCarte at the same time as the meet and greet. Feel free to join their event before or after meeting with us for FFC. 

Join the "Friends of Franklin Conservation"!
Join the "Friends of Franklin Conservation"! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/join-friends-franklin-conservation

Town Council Segment - Migrant Housing Status - 11/1/23 (audio)

FM #1093 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1093 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Administrator’s Report segment from the Town Council Meeting of Nov 1, 2023. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on the Migrant Housing status.  


The report segment runs about 9 minutes. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.


Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1093-town-administrators-report-migrant-housing-status-11-01-23



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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator


Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/franklin-ma-agenda-for-town-council.html


Migrant Housing Portal -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/migrant-dashboard-portal 


Prior updates on the Migrant Housing Status



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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"


Town Council Segment - Migrant Housing Status - 11/1/23 (audio)
Town Council Segment - Migrant Housing Status - 11/1/23 (audio)