Franklin Cultural District Grant Awards Announced

Hello Everyone, please see the great news about the latest Franklin Cultural District's funding allocations! 

The Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) was honored to receive a $15,000.00 Cultural District Investment grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) for the 2024 fiscal year. The FCDC decided to utilize some of the MCC grant funds to continue its Artsy Box Project. Additionally, the FCDC issued a request that Franklin Cultural District (FCD) Partners and others submit funding proposals for projects that support the goals of the Franklin Cultural District. 

Fourteen (14) funding requests totaling over $21,500.00 were received. At the December 14, 2023 FCDC meeting all funding requests were carefully evaluated, and the Committee voted to award at least some funding in support of all 14 projects.

The FCDC is pleased to announce the following funding awards:

• Children’s Museum of Franklin, funding towards the cost of Makerspace Materials
• Franklin Art Association, funding to cover a portion of the cost of printing a FAA banner
• Franklin Farmers Market, funding for entertainment during Farmers Markets in June 2024
• Franklin Food Pantry, funding for the cost of materials/services for a public art project
• Franklin Lifelong Learning, partial funding for a presentation to parents, and the general public, by Dr. David Murphy “Executive Functions Relevance for Creativity”; Strategies to develop and improve Executive Functions in the home"
• Franklin Performing Arts Company, partial funding towards the cost of "August: Osage County" 
• Franklin Porchfest Committee, partial funding of costs associated with initiating and promoting Franklin's inaugural Porchfest event
• Franklin Public Library, funding towards the cost of the “Irish in America” performance
• Franklin Public Library, Franklin Historical Museum, and Escape Into Fiction, funding to cover a portion of the cost of planning and implementing Franklin Book Week, “A Community Rediscovery of Ideas, Literature, and the Shared Gift of Language"
• Jon Mitchell, partial funding towards the cost of his Chamber Opera, Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter.
• Mary MacMurray, FPS Music Teacher, funding for the “Night of the Arts” 
• Mary Olsson, partial funding towards the cost of scanning and digitizing 600+/- Historic Glass Plate Negatives, and for a glossy print copy of each image
• Oak Street Elementary School, partial funding towards the cost of the Cultural Fair this spring on the Oak/HMMS Campus
• Temple Etz Chaim, partial funding towards the cost of the Israel Dance and Music Program.

Franklin Cultural District

Note: The Franklin Cultural District Committee is grateful for the continued support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Town of Franklin. Their contributions are integral to the vitality of the Cultural District and its artists, creatives, businesses, organizations, and institutions.

Massachusetts Cultural Council

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Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy Visit Tri-County Campus

On Friday, Jan 5, 2024 Congressman Jake Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy paid a visit to Tri-County RVTHS to meet with school administrators, School Committee members and tour the facility.  It was the first time Congressman Auchincloss was on campus while Representative Roy, a long-time friend, has paid many visits to 147 Pond Street.

Dr. Karen Maguire, Rep Roy, Congressman Auchincloss

Following a gathering with members of TC's Upper Administration, the duo toured the school with Superintendent Dr. Karen Maguire and School Committee member, past chair and TC alum Mr. Brian Mushnick.

"It gave our entire school community the utmost pride to host Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy," Dr. Maguire said. "It is one thing to have conversations and exchange correspondence but to have these two men on campus and see with their own eyes all the great things going on within these walls, is a special moment for all of us."

Congressman Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy Visit Tri-County RVTHS

On the tour Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy were afforded the opportunity to interact with instructors and students while witnessing first-hand the plethora of benefits inherent in Career Technical Education (CTE). A productive dialogue took place in the hallways and stairwells between shops as Dr. Maguire enthusiastically discussed Tri-County's future which includes a new facility.

Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County's Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.

Town Council approves all alcohol license and sets work plan for next 2 years (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday January 3, 2024. All nine members were present in Chambers. The Council accomplished a bunch of business during the 2 hour session.

Quick recap:

• Approved a New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street 
• Reviewed, took community input, and discussed adjustments to the work plan for the next 2 years. These Council "goals" are a mix of projects not completed in prior years (Historical Museum cupola), place holders for work coming (Objectives TBD from the Master Plan), and wordsmithing to better provide opportunity to accomplish the "aggressive" plan put forward by Town Administration 
• Community input could be summarized in 3 areas: affordable housing, addressing climate change, and finding a workable solution even if a flag policy can't be found
• Agreed to an increase for the ambulance rates. This is done annually to ensure the Town recovers appropriate costs as well as maintain competitive rates vis a vi neighboring communities. This was the first reading, the second reading will likely be the next Council meeting
• The Council also approved Acceptance of Parcel A, Drainage Lot, on Westerly Side of Maple Street

The Franklin TV video link (edited to remove the 20 second zoom bombing that briefly interrupted the session) -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSJhP-o9mKE

The agenda for th

e meeting (and associated documents) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jan_3_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PAyli8_q5IIawWv8HKWNHeOP8mrfaFwi/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting - January 3, 2024

Tri-County students help this Pirate Ship Come Ashore in Medway

Months of work and collaboration resulted in a plentiful supply of play structures for youngsters in nearby Medway, one of many collaborations between Tri-County students and community entities. In this case, members of our Carpentry Program completed easels, sinks and a two-story Pirate ship for use on the playground at McGovern Elementary School.

Carpentry students and instructor Mr. Mark Spillane were on hand to cut the ribbon

While our Carpentry students and instructor Mr. Mark Spillane were on hand to cut the ribbon earlier this week, other programs played a crucial and integral role in the project coming to fruition. Engineering students assisted with the plans and design ideas while our Plumbing students helped design faucets for the outdoor sinks. Finally, members of our Auto Technology program pitched in by repairing and servicing a trailer to transport the 1,500-pound wooden ship from Franklin to Medway. Understandably, the pirate ship has been the most popular attraction for McGovern students thus far.

Earlier this week, the entire McGovern Elementary School student body and its principal Ms. Amy McDonald gathered along with Medway Superintendent Dr. Armand Pires and Facility Director Mr. Michael Grennon. On hand accompanying Spillane were TC Superintendent Dr. Karen M. Maguire, School Committee member Tracy Stewart, Principal Dana M. Walsh and Vocational Director Pamela Olsen.

Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County's Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.

FHS boys basketball and girls swim teams posts win on Friday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Jan 5, 2024. 

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 75 @ Taunton, 58 – Final

Via Twitter-> https://twitter.com/R_Lanigan

• Hockomock League action resumes tonight. In Taunton where the Tigers (1-2 Hock, 4-2 overall) are hosting Franklin (3-0, 6-1). Tigers averaged over 80ppg in three wins over break, Panthers have one of the best defenses every year under head coach CJ Neely. 
• End 1Q: Franklin 24, Taunton 14. Panthers executing at a high level offensively, five guys in the scoring column led by Sean O’Leary (8). Dray Thielker keeping the Tigers around with three threes
• Half: Franklin 41, Taunton 24. A 12-4 surge from the visitors to close the half to stake a big advantage at the break. Henry Digirogio 12 pts 5 reb, O’Leary & Caden Sullivan 10 pts. Thielker’s 9 leads the Tigers. 
• End 3Q: Franklin 70, Taunton 40. Panthers opened with an 8-0 run and just kept the foot on the gas the rest of the quarter. O’Leary up to 20 pts 6 reb 4 ast.
• Final: Franklin 75, Taunton 58. Panthers impressive on both ends of the court to land a convincing win. Sean O’Leary 20 pts 6 reb 4 ast, Caden Sullivan 16 pts 8 reb 4 ast, Henry Digiorgio 16 pts 7 reb for Franklin. Dray Thielker 17 pts for Taunton.

For a complete write up of the game (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/selfless-franklin-boys-basketball-power-past-taunton-with-big-win/

Girls Basketball = Taunton, 46 @ Franklin, 39 – Final

Boys Swimming = North Attleboro, 81 @ Franklin, 70 - Final

Girls Swimming = North Attleboro, 64 @ Franklin, 97 - Final

Gymnastics = Mansfield, 140.85 @ Franklin, 125.40 – Final  (added after newsletter went out)

FINAL Franklin 125.4 vs Mansfield's 140.85 

- Franklin was defeated by a strong Mansfield team on Friday night. I am continually proud of my team who pushes themselves each practice trying new events and new skills each practice. Rebuilding seasons are hard, having athletes sidelined due to injury is hard, yet they come out and give everything they have with great sportsmanship and excitement for the sport they love! We also had a green themed meet bringing awareness to mental health. Many of our athletes are involved in Active Minds at FHS and Captain Ryann Chandler and teammate Lilly Cardin are officers in that club. Our team made T-shirts and made ribbons for the opposing team to show our support towards a great cause. #needyouhere Top 4 in each event. 

VAULT - Tied, Molly D'Amato & Ciara O'Brien 8.3, Abby Robillard 8.35, Molly Chandler 8.55 and Ryann Chandler 8.75 

BARS - Molly Chandler 6.5, Ciara 6.85, Kendra Love 7.0 and Abby R 7.7 

BEAM - Abby R 7.1, Lilly Cardin 7.6, Molly C 8.4 and Ryann C 8.55 

FLOOR - Abby Scotland 7.45, Molly C 7.75, Abby R 8.15 and Ryann C 8.4. 

Continue to work hard and make progress each day. Proud of this group of girls!  https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1744742944354230543

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-05-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Beaver Street Interceptor: Detour alert for week of Jan 8

Beaver Street Interceptor

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT: Starting Monday January 8th,  the area of Old West Central St., Pond St., and Rolling Ridge Rd.  will be impacted by a construction detour. Access to this area may look different as work continues but 
LOCAL BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN!

 

Please visit our interactive construction map for details 
https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae 
We will update and communicate regularly via social media,
our dedicated email list, and the construction map.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

 

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 

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).

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

Tap into your inner artist with one of these Lifelong Learning painting classes

"Discover your inner artist! 

Join one of these popular painting classes from Lifelong Community Learning. 

Sign up at https://t.co/9gpYT5oPKy.

#fpslifelong #fpslifelongcommunity https://t.co/D5JVxOfCWJ

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FPSLearning/status/1743329640486207548

Tap into your inner artist with one of these Lifelong Learning painting classes

First communities in Mass. to ban gas appliances get final state OK

"After years of deliberations, negotiations and regulatory rollout — and some well-publicized “agita” in the corner office — a handful of Massachusetts cities and towns can now significantly limit the use of fossil fuels in new building projects.

The state’s Department of Energy Resources gave seven communities the final green light to begin a groundbreaking experiment: they will require new construction and major renovation to embrace fossil fuel-free infrastructure for uses like heating and cooling.

They include Acton, Aquinnah, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Lincoln and Lexington, which can now effectively mandate that most construction or significant renovation projects within their borders abstain from oil and gas hookups.

Effective dates vary by community. In several cases, the rules will take effect within three months, though Lincoln’s will not kick in for roughly six months and Aquinnah’s appears to have already started on Jan. 1."

Continue reading the article at the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/05/business/massachusetts-gas-bans/

New construction in Cambridge and at least six other cities and towns in Massachusetts will be largely free from fossil fuels under a new pilot program approved by state energy regulators last month.LANE TURNER/GLOBE STAFF

A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept

Via Franklin Police Dept:

Dear Franklin,

It’s going to snow this weekend. That being said please reference the very official document below regarding on street parking. Winter parking ban by-law 170-60 will be in effect. 

The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.

§ 170-61  Activation of parking ban.

A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:

A. Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.

B. The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours. 

Effect of parking ban.

The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout of the right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public or on any municipally owned property is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect. 

Violations and penalties.

A. Winter storm overnight parking ban violators shall be charged a fine of $25 for each offense.

B. In addition to the foregoing penalty or in lieu thereof, the Town may have the violator's vehicle towed and stored at the violator's expense.

C. For purposes of this section, the vehicle's registered owner and any permitted user shall be deemed a violator. 

Effective time period.

This article shall be in effect from October 15 to April 15. 

Enforcement.  

The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.

A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept

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Franklin's Event Outlook: January 5, 2023 to January 11, 2024

Friday, January 5

Trash-Recycle Pickup Delayed 1 day (Thursday picked up today)

7:30pm BRIGHT STAR (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)  

Saturday, January 6

Trash-Recycle Pickup Delayed 1 day (Friday picked up today)

8:30am Girl Scout Cookie Sale (US Post Office, Main St)

10:00am Girl Scout Cookie Sale (Stop & Shop, Franklin Village Mall)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

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

10:00am LGBTQ Brunch with Friends (Maks Roast Beef & Breakfast)

10:00am Standout for Democracy (Franklin Village Mall)

7:00pm 2nd Chance Band (live music) (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm BRIGHT STAR (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, January 7

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Train Town Franklin; Part 2  (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm Bright Star (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Tuesday, January 9

7:00pm FBRTC Meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)

Wednesday, January 10

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

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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: January 5, 2023 to January 11, 2024

First 2024 meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

FM #1126 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1126 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

Participating in the room: D Callaghan, A Charles, Supt. Giguere, Dr. Dutch, Dr. Rogers, Mike D’Angelo. Participating remotely: E Gallagher

Quick recap:

• District did issue an RFP with pricing separately, once qualifications were confirmed, Fran Locker & Assoc selected for visioning and planning aspects to work with Kaestle Boos report as baseline

• D’Angelo provides info on building work around the Town, all the schools built; Across the three complexes, Remington Jefferson roof needs to be placed; fire alarm system, heating/cooling systems all need to be replaced (except interior air handlers); Similar story for the other two complexes, eventually

• Built out a ten year projection for the facilities across the district with details on the items for replacement, etc. McKibben demographics updated with 2020 census info, presentation coming to School Committee. Educational visioning exercise (Locker & Assoc), tour of buildings scheduled to view educational spaces and utilizations. Kaestle Boos (KBA) report then gets updated with the additional pieces, (visioning), and facilities costing

• Timeline still good to get the report/analysis done before end of this school year

The meeting runs about 45 minutes so let’s listen to the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1126-fps-comprehensive-school-facility-planning-mtg-01-03-24

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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-1_3_24.pdf 

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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"

First meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

Franklin & Medway SEPACs announce 2 workshops

Happy New Year!

We are excited to announce 2 upcoming workshops.

These are free and open to all extended community members. Your child does not have to be receiving Special Education for you to attend.

• Managing Behavior Challenges

Strategies for Preventing & Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children = Jan 11, 2024 at 7 PM

• Neuropsychological Evaluations 101

What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation & What Can I Expect from it? = February 8, 2024 at 7 PM

Register here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-vnN5mTP3X--bOVw2ITOxWP-p9rhI_9A/view

Franklin & Medway SEPACs announce 2 workshops

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Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, 1/06/24

Given the weather forecast for late Saturday into Sunday, there will be time early Saturday to stock up with Girl Scout Cookies this weekend!

Where will the cookies be in Franklin!

• 1/06   10:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ Stop & Shop
• 1/06   8:30 AM - 12 noon @ Post Office on Main St

Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, 1/06/24

LGBTQ Brunch with Friends - Jan 6 at 10:00 AM

The Franklin LGBTQ+ Alliance and the "Non-Scene" Friends LGBTQ Meetup are hosting a brunch to enjoy each other's company. Please come join us!

We'll be meeting on the first Saturday of January, April, July, and October, at Mak's Roast Beef in Franklin. Meet us there at 10:00 AM, and come hungry!

LGBTQ Brunch with Friends - Jan 6 at 10:00 AM