Franklin Matters: 2024-08-11

Saturday, August 17, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 17, 2024?

Saturday, August 17

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am Car Wash for FHS Cheerleaders fundraising (Franklin Car Wash)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (free, donations welcomed)

12:00pm FHS Boys Soccer Booster fund raiser (La Cantina Winery)

1:00pm India's Independence Day Celebration (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (books by the bag, $5) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Helping Endangered Animals (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm Franklin TV Annual Mtg & Block Party (Franklin TV Studio)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm Bigelow Station (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

8:00pm THE BLACK BOX Sings… WICKED (THE BLACK BOX)

** NO Town Meetings today **

What's happening today in Franklin?

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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:

Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events -> calendar link

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

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

State budget allocates $50,000 to support enhanced client programs provided by the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance, was granted $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget. State Representative Jeffrey Roy spearheaded the funding, which will support enhanced client programs including in person shopping, the Franklin Public Schools Weekend Backpack program, food delivery for homebound clients, and The Pantry’s building upkeep and maintenance. This is the fourth consecutive year that Representative Roy, a champion in ending hunger, has secured funding for The Pantry from the state.

(L-R) Marsha Tait, Development Director, State Rep Jeff Roy, Tina Powderly, Executive Director (Photo Credit: Paul Vicario)

"Individuals and families in our community are experiencing hunger,” says Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “In the past year, The Pantry has welcomed lifelong residents and families who for a variety of reasons or circumstances seek food assistance. Because of the support from our leaders and lawmakers including State Representative Jeffrey Roy, we’re able to help those in need and provide access to healthy, nutritious food.”

Upon moving to 341 W. Central St. in Franklin in June of 2023, The Pantry saw an immediate increase in demand of about 40 percent over last year—and that increase remained constant through Fiscal Year 2024. Pantry staff attributes the increase to greater visibility on route 140, as well as the high cost of food, housing, and other expenses.

“The Franklin Food Pantry is essential to our community in providing supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals each year,” said State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D) 10th Norfolk. “I am happy to have secured $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget as so many residents in the Commonwealth are struggling with food insecurity and these funds will help with finishing the building project and enhancing programs in the new facility. I am grateful to The Pantry for its continued commitment and dedication to our community.”

To learn more about how you can support the Franklin Food Pantry, and help end food insecurity in the community, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market.

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Note: By way of disclosure, I am supporting the Food Pantry by volunteering on two of their committees and happy to give my time freely for this important effort.

This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)

FM #1260 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1260 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning August 15, to recap and condense the 3 and 40 minute session to about 30 minutes.

We look to focus on

ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Alarm Robotics Club 2079

b. Discussion: Legislative Delegation - Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Discussion: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Update - Register William O’Donnell

Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)
Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1260-town-council-quarterbacking-08-15-24/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?si=guHDipisHqH_Q9hn&t=73

Agenda and docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_14_2024.pdf

My full set of notes as captured during the meeting via Twitter/X ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10kZggKLArBB2AbSMxRKHWb8b2iUFIhZH/view?usp=drive_link

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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"

This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)

Friendly Reminder: the Kristi Kirshe Celebration - Aug 20 at 6 PM on the Town Common

Via Franklin Recreation:

"We can’t wait to celebrate with Kristi Kirshe next Tuesday, August 20 at 6 PM, Franklin Town Common."

Friendly Reminder: the Kristi Kirshe Celebration - Aug 20 at 6 PM on the Town Common

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

Franklin TV is looking for high school sports announcers

Franklin.TV (@FranklinTV12) posted on Fri, Aug 16, 2024:

Are you a #franklinsports buff?

Do you have #pantherpride?

Franklin TV needs your voice this upcoming fall!

Email cflynn@franklin.tv to get involved! https://t.co/YifEUtOsPF

Franklin.TV is looking for high school sports announcers

Shared from -> https://x.com/FranklinTV12/status/1824506637740101878

Thank you, Officer James Lawrence for 37 years of service taking care of us

Via Franklin Police Dept

"Today Officer James Lawrence retired from the Franklin Police Department. James was joined by retired officers, friends, town employees, and his family.

Born in North Carolina, James and his family moved to Boston in 1967 to escape racial tensions in the area. James attended Boston English High School then Fischer Junior College and Northeastern University.

James was hired by the Franklin Police Department on April 26, 1987, by then Chief Lawrence Benedetto. In 1997 James joined the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro-LEC) and worked in the regional response team and SWAT logistics unit. During his time with Metro-LEC, James responded to the Boston Marathon bombings and security for the Democratic National Convention and countless SWAT-related missions. In 2015 James joined the Franklin Police Community Service Unit as a traffic officer. Throughout his career, James has been awarded the Exceptional Duty Award and Town Council Proclamation.

Over the last 37 years, James has been the gold standard of professionalism, honor, and integrity. James’s influence will be felt for years to come. James is truly the last of an old-school generation of police officers to retire from the Franklin Police Department. Congratulations James! Enjoy your much deserved retirement!"

Thank you, Officer James Lawrence for 37 years of service taking care of us

Shared from (Find additional photos there) -> https://www.facebook.com/share/sLimc142LZLrNHHq/

Car wash fund raiser for FHS Cheerleaders - Saturday, August 17 from 9 AM to noon

Via FHS Cheerleaders

"Please support FHS cheer at Franklin car wash Saturday (8/17)!! (Right next to McDonald’s)"

Car wash fund raiser for FHS Cheerleaders - Saturday, August 17 from 9 AM to noon

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/79KANvjomh3PM2Qx/

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: "From Elementary Physical Education Teacher to Award-Winning Artist: A Brain Injury Survivor's Journey"

In 2016, Ali Rheaume sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries, along with having a severe medication reaction that caused rare Tardive Dyskinesia and Serotonin Syndrome. This all landed her in the hospital at a 10% functioning level. She was unable to talk, walk, eat, or do anything herself. She couldn’t color a simple children’s coloring page and struggled to even pick one crayon out of a box.

Ali found herself increasingly connected to the disability community as she navigated her journey, which included Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, Dysautonomia, and more—all diagnosed after her brain injury. During her recovery, Ali not only persevered but also unearthed new talents and purpose. She began exploring art as a calming, seated activity and a means to enhance her visual perception, fine motor skills, and decision-making abilities. Starting with crayons and pencils, Ali gradually advanced to mastering acrylics and watercolors.

Now, Ali is a member of the Franklin Art Association and created her own art business called Embracing Unique. Her main work is “painting things that are important to people”, where someone will give her a photo of importance, and she will create a watercolor painting of it - a house, an engagement capture, a pet, a wedding moment, family photos, and more. She also specializes in unique sepia tone paintings created from handmade black walnut paint, foraged in Franklin, MA.

In addition to art, Ali is a public speaker and a disability advocate. She serves on the Brain Injury Council of Massachusetts and the Franklin Disability Commission. Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability, and “Life After Concussion”, a free virtual growth mindset group to help regain life after a concussion. Her mission in life is to multiply hope, to encourage people to be their true selves, and to turn mourning into dancing.

Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability

Follow Ali's journey on Instagram: @alison.rheaume & @embracingunique and on Facebook: Ali Rheaume & Embracing Unique.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

"The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life in their own terms. Our programs focus on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do."

shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/SS6maQLik1yqZFQy/

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction alerts for week of August 19 - 26, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor Project (BSI)

BSI Construction Update for the Week of August 19!

Monday (8/19) - Friday (8/23) the construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm. There will be limited lane closures on Grove Street during this time please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Also, there will be a crew working on Old West Central Street Thursday (8/22) and Friday (8/23) connecting the sewer services for house no. 650 & 657. A limited detour on Rolling Ridge Rd. will be in place during this time -- please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation and the installation of steel beam bracing on sheet piles.

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

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

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 Project: Construction alerts for week of August 19 - 26, 2024

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-project

Friday, August 16, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, August 16, 2024?

Friday, August 16

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

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

2:00pm Farmer’s Market Fun (Franklin Public Library at the Market)

2:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

3:00pm Matt Zajac (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

6:00pm Alex Franklin (live music) (@ 67 Degrees/Wrentham Outlets)

6:00pm Pub Kings (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

8:00pm Movie night: Super Mario Bros (Franklin Town Common)

9:00pm Jack Cappadonna (live music) (3 Restaurant)

** NO Town Meetings today **

What's happening today in Franklin?

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events -> calendar link

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

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - August 16?

We are glad you asked.

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share.

Concerts on the Common also provides musical entertainment on the bandstand.

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - August 16?

FHS Newsletter - late summer edition

The Franklin High School Newsletter - "late summer edition" is available now

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGHRkcH9UQ/FNZzlx0ji588h7RiCMvb6g/view?#1

FHS Newsletter - late summer edition

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yN9XazD9cm1M29bV/

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Police Dept, Senior Center, Treasurer, DPW, & 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.

Patrol Officer (academy trained) - Franklin Police Department

Part-Time Van Driver (2 positions) - Franklin Senior Center

Deputy Director - Franklin Senior Center

Treasurer/Collector - Office of the Treasurer/Collector

Mechanic - Department of Public Works

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department

Updated 08/14/2024

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: Job Opportunities with Police Dept, Senior Center, Treasurer, DPW, & Facilities

Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is excited to host a series of Open Houses for prospective students and families!

Invite a friend to stop by 38 Main Street to tour the facilities, speak with faculty, and explore all of the options FSPA has to offer!

Tuesday, August 20
Monday, August 26

10:00am-6:00pm

Saturday, September 7

10:00am-2:00pm

Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

For more info -> https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1783

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/UiFCcuTzWW6Vs1QC/

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Five members were present in Council Chambers, 2 were absent (Charles, McNeill).

Quick recap:

School dates for opening new year

Aug 26, teachers report
Aug 27 Professional development day
Aug 28 First day for 1st - 12 grades
Aug 29 First day for K
Aug 30 No school (Labor Day weekend)
Sep 3 pre-K first day

Staffing update - 19 hired thus far, some still open, some resignations still coming in
Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. The boundary line info would go to the School Committee for review first, no word on the formal closing of the prior redistricting committee or the set up of a new process to continue the work during the school year to prepare for Sep 2025
New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified. Notifications not yet turned on
Lifelong Learning Summer program update - photos of the presentation were captured during the meeting in one photo album; the Lifelong Learning program is fee based and thus self funded, the fees taken in cover the expenses incurred
Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) votes - two votes were taken to start the process of formally closing out the FEF (a 501(c3) organization) and rolling over the remaining funds they have (approx. $150K) to enable the District to continue their work with such funds; details remain to be worked out on the ‘grant application’, approval, and communication process
FY 2025 budget update - some curriculum development work accomplished during summer but less than previous years due to budget cuts, the last of the additional funds approved by the Town Council ($1M from the debt stabilization account, one time funds) was accepted by the Committee by a 5-0 vote during the meeting