Earth Month 2024 celebration coordinated by Franklin Recreation, DPW, and Conservation

Earth Day 2024

Recreation, Conservation and DPW

Earth Month 2024 celebration

Join the Town of Franklin Recreation, Conservation and DPW for a month long
celebration of Earth Month.  

The clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Beaver Pond at 9 AM - 12 PM with the clean up of nearly 40 areas across Town.  Meet at Beaver Pond at 9 AM and pick up your bags/gloves and maps.  

First 100 participants will receive an Earth Day t-shirt.  DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee, and bagels. 

• Earth Day Map
• Earth Day clean up rules

On Saturday, April 27, the Conservation Department is sponsoring an event at DelCarte Conservation Area on Pleasant Street from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/earth-day-2024

Updated Earth Day activities info found here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/earth-day-events-in-franklin-are-not.html

Check out THE BLACK BOX schedule of performances & events for April 2024

Check out the concerts and events happening at THE BLACK BOX this April! 

Check out THE BLACK BOX schedule of performances & events for April 2024

Tickets and more info available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4_Jie1RK89/

Franklin, MA: School Committee Webinar (virtual only) Apr 2, 2024 - 12:30 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

School Committee Special Meeting

April 2, 2024 from 12:30 to 1:00 PM

Virtual only

Agenda: 

• Office of Campaign & Political Finance Webinar

Agenda doc with remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_2_24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Webinar (virtual only) Apr 2, 2024 - 12:30 PM

Franklin has 2 of the more than 400 Massachusetts bridges rated 'poor' by Feds

"More than 400 Massachusetts bridges, including the largest one in New England, are considered to be in such poor condition that they either need major work or to be replaced outright, according to state and federal data, underscoring the challenges the state faces keeping up with its aging infrastructure.

Franklin has 2 

In all, 450 of the more than 5,280 bridges tracked by the Federal Highway Administration — roughly 8.5 percent — are rated as poor, or, put more bluntly, are “at the end of their useful life,” according to state officials. State data show that 676 bridges in total are considered “structurally deficient,” meaning at least one major component has enough serious problems it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Either designation doesn’t inherently mean the spans are unsafe, transportation officials and experts say. But officials in Massachusetts and elsewhere are taking stock of their infrastructure and safety protocols after a cargo ship rammed into a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse. Six construction workers are presumed dead."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/29/metro/400-massachusetts-bridges-rated-poor/

Franklin Matters Map of the 2 bridges on the listing in past useful life condition

https://maps.app.goo.gl/UGYogWuUGzH9hWNPA

If I read the data table properly, while there are effectively 2 bridges for i495 to cross the MBTA railroad and Summer St, one north bound and one south bound, only one section of each of them is on the listing, not both.

Map view of i495 bridge south bound over MBTA railroad -> 

Map view of i495 bridge north bound over Summer St ->

Beaver Street Interceptor: Detour update for week of April 1

Beaver Street Interceptor

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

As construction continues within the Old West Central St area, a larger detour will be in place. Anticipated to run Monday through Friday between 7:30am to 4:00pm from Monday April 1st through Friday April 12th, this primarily impacts local and school traffic. Please see included details which clarifies access. 

Beaver Street Interceptor: Detour update for week of April1

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

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

BT ALC Big Band to perform with FHS Jazz Band - April 25

Mark your calendar! 

The BT ALC Big Band is scheduled to perform with the FHS Jazz Band on Thursday, April 25 at 7 PM in the FHS Auditorium.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5CmjMxumhw/

BT ALC Big Band to perform with FHS Jazz Band - April 25

Riffin' on Main Street: Thomas J. Lynch (video)

Kenneth "Ken" Elmore, the President of Dean College, has a series of video interviews called "Riffin' on Main St." In this episode, he has a conversation with Franklin Police Chief Thomas J Lynch. 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/feW2-z1U63o?si=J1bMdcaA6sUG9LO-

Rausch Report: Celebrating Women's Herstory (March 2024)

Your monthly Beacon Hill update from Senator Becca Rausch. 

View this email in your browser At the beginning of Women's History Month, I attended the unveiling of a portrait of Abigail Adams, which now graces the entrance to the Senate lobby. It was cause for great celebration: a foundational woman taking her permanent place on the walls of our State House. As the Presidents of the Senate and the Massachusetts Historical Society spoke, I reflected on how far our Commonwealth has come, and how much farther we still have to go. More than 20,000 men have served in the Massachusetts Legislature. In 2019, the year I took office, my classmates and I finally brought the number of women legislators above 200. I have this honor and privilege thanks to the women who came before me, blazing trails and holding open doors. In that spirit, every year when Women's History Month comes in March, I recognize and uplift the diversity, dedication, and talent of women leaders across our district. Click here to learn more about some exceptional women making positive impact and change in our communities.  Top row from the left: Jignasa Patel, Norfolk; Becca Kahane, Needham; Carrie Galhouse, Needham. Second row: Sandra Elaine Scott, Millis; Liz Berthelette, Bellingham. Third row: Roberta Trahan, Franklin; Tina Powderly, Franklin. Fourth row: Laurie Mills, Medfield; Julie Garland, Wrentham; Amber DeGrandpre Wilson, Franklin.  You too can get involved and bring representation to the State House. To complement the portrait of Adams, the Senate will be installing a bust of a female historical figure in the last vacant alcove in the Senate Chamber. Nominate an influential woman with ties to Massachusetts by May 1!   Read on in this month's Rausch Report for legislative updates, a roundup of district events, and a look ahead at upcoming youth engagement opportunities, Earth Month activities, and more.  For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.      Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    ON THE FLOOR The Senate voted on several important pieces of legislation in March. I voted yes alongside my Senate colleagues to pass the following bills:  Preventing Abuse and Exploitation: The Senate unanimously passed this long overdue bill, which will criminalize the sharing of sexually explicit images or videos without an individual's consent. Online abuse is a serious problem for adults and young people, and this legislation brings a measure of recognition and justice to survivors. It also contains protections to prevent future harms, such as directing the Office of the Child Advocate to develop and implement an educational diversion program for adolescents on the consequences of sexting and posting indecent visuals online. This legislation must now be reconciled with the version passed by the House before heading to the Governor's desk for her signature.  Supplemental Budget: The Senate passed a supplemental budget to fund certain activities and projects, including the Emergency Assistance Housing Program and workforce training initiatives, and make permanent certain pandemic-era provisions like outdoor dining. Through a carefully crafted financial step-down program, the bill sent a strong message that the EA system is unsustainable in its current form and must be rectified and reined in, while simultaneously approaching this deeply difficult situation with care and compassion. I successfully championed an amendment to ensure postpartum women and newborns will not be tossed out into the cold. I was disappointed, however, that my amendment to mandate independent oversight of the program was rejected, despite bipartisan support. The bill is now in a conference committee. Early Education Act: I proudly voted yes to again pass the Senate's Early Education Act, which expands the accessibility and affordability of childcare and early education. Massachusetts is among the most expensive states in the country for childcare, with more than 19,000 children on a waitlist for subsidized care. As the only mom in the Senate with elementary school aged kids, I can personally attest to the extremely high cost of this care, and also its absolute necessity. This legislation expands the number of families who qualify for subsidies and helps providers through permanent operational grants. It also supports early educators with scholarship and loan forgiveness programs. I was honored to join Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Jason Lewis, and several other Senate colleagues to announce this bill at a Head Start early education facility in Malden a few days before it came to the floor. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for its consideration.      Reading a picture book alongside Senator Lewis and meeting some of the Commonwealth's youngest students!    Hot Work Regulations: Today the Senate voted unanimously to strengthen regulations of hot work processes, like welding, cutting, brazing, and other flame-producing operations. Ten years ago, a tragic fire reportedly sparked by welding claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters. In the investigation, it became clear that the Commonwealth needs to establish and maintain standards of training, oversight, and accountability, and to back them up with enforcement. This bill will create a publicly accessible database that documents code violations and fines resulting from noncompliance with the state fire code. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for its consideration. Fairness in Debt Collection: This legislation protects Massachusetts consumers by imposing stricter regulations on debt collectors. The bill ensures that residents can repay their debt without the impediment of excessively high interest rates or the possibility of debtor's prisons.   Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 215 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents, please visit -> View this link

Easter Egg hunt at Franklin United Methodist - March 31

Easter Egg hunt

"On Easter Sunday, March 31, at 11:15 AM (following worship), children ages 12 and under are invited to hunt for Easter eggs behind the Franklin United Methodist Church. 

This event is FREE. All are welcome. Candy and prizes will be provided. 

Please bring your own basket or bag to put eggs in"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/WSWT4Kyfy6EuuPnL/

Senior Connection Newsletter from the Franklin Senior Center for April 2024

Senior Connection Newsletter for April 2024 

Hello!

Click here for our April 2024 Senior Connection Newsletter for the Franklin Senior Center

A few changes to mention - 

* The Dating Your Device 6 week classes- start on the second week of April not the first week.
* The Pizza and Movie Night is NOT Poor Things but rather the movie "100 Foot Journey"
* Joe Landry will be doing a presentation on Industry in Franklin on Wednesday, April 3rd at 1:00 PM

Have a great rest of your day and looking forward to signing everyone up for programs on Monday, April 1st!

-Your Franklin Senior Center Family 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/april-2024-senior-connection-newsletter-franklin-senior-center

Senior Connection Newsletter from the Franklin Senior Center for April 2024

Fallen Hero Recognition: W. Franklin Lynch, World War I - March 30, 3024 9 AM

Memorial event today (3/30/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor W. Franklin Lynch, World War I.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Fallen Hero Recognition:  W. Franklin Lynch, World War I

Franklin's Event Outlook: March 29, 2023 to April 4, 2024

Friday, March 29

1:00pm Mike Bent‘s AbraKIDabra Show

7:00pm Party for the Pantry (sold out)

Saturday, March 30

9:00am Fallen Hero: W. Franklin Lynch

10:00am Winter Farmers Market

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Egg Hunt on the Library Lawn

Sunday, March 31 - Easter Sunday

Tuesday, April 2

6:00pm Franklin Garden Club - meeting

7:00pm Trivia Night

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International

Wednesday, April 3

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social

6:30pm Franklin Art Association

7:00pm Newcomers & Friends Meeting

Thursday, April 4

6:00pm Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

7:00pm Community Coffee Conversations: One Franklin

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

Why have multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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

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

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin's Event Outlook: March 29, 2023 to April  4, 2024

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

Board Members Needed! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. We have several Board Members stepping down in June and would like to invite interested community members to become Friends and to join our Board of Directors. 

Please join us on Wednesday, April 3^rd at 7:00pm in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room to learn more about becoming a Board Member. 

If you cannot make this meeting, please email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information.

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

Town of Franklin, MA: Recycling Center last March weekend hours and Tuesday hours returns April 2, 2024

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Wed, Mar 27, 2024:

BEAVER ST: RECYCLING CENTER UPDATES

Open Regular Hours This Weekend 

• FRI, MARCH 29 -- 8 AM TO 3 PM 
• SAT, MARCH 30 -- 8 AM TO 3 PM 
• SUN, MARCH 31 -- 9 AM TO 1 PM

Beginning April 1 regulars will be

• TUE, Noon to 3 PM
• FRI, 8 AM to 3 PM
• SAT, 8 AM to PM
• SUN, 9 AM to 1 PM

Visit our website for a list of items you can bring to the center: https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1773057943153393992

Town of Franklin, MA: Recycling Center last March weekend hours and Tuesday hours returns April 2, 2024

Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Tina Powderly for Women's History Month

Via Senator Becca Rausch: 

"Today’s local leader shout-out goes to Tina Powderly of

@TOFranklinMA

!  

Tina is a proven food equity and nutrition champion. She serves as Executive Director of the

@FranklinFoodPan

, managing a team of nearly 300 active volunteers and staff.  

Thank you, Tina!" 

Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Tina Powderly for Women's History Month

#mapoli #WHM2024

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1773057046318850519