Saturday, September 7, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, September 7, 2024?

Saturday, September 7
8:00am Bottle/Can Drive (Pirelli Veterans Arena/Franklin Ice Rink) 
9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
12:00pm Open House (Creative Corner Art Studio)
5:30pm Comedy fundraiser for the Hockomock YMCA (Plainridge Park Casino)
8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)


** No  Town Meetings today   **


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

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


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024

Franklin School Committee
September 10, 2024 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers


Call to Order Mr. Callaghan
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan
C. Payroll Mr. McNeill
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Executive Session - The committee will convene in Executive Session - then return to open session.
A. To conduct collective bargaining sessions related to the grievance filed by the Franklin Education Association
B. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

III. Guests/Presentations
A. None
IV. Discussion/Action Items
A. 2024-25 District Improvement Plan Approval
I recommend approval of the 2024-25 District Improvement Plan (DIP) as discussed.

B. Franklin TV Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board for 2024-2027 as discussed.

V. Discussion Only Items
A. Staffing Report
B. Transportation Update

VI. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 27, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Backpacks/School Supply Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of backpacks and school supplies (approximate value $300.00) from America’s Best Defense for supplemental supplies district wide as detailed.
C. Recurring NY City Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take music students to see an Opera and a Broadway show from April 15-16, 2025 as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc contains remote participation info


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024

SAFE to Host Free Narcan Trainings, Yoga, and Concert in September

SAFE Coalition, based out of Franklin, will offer free Narcan training, trauma-informed yoga classes, and a concert with local band The Elastic 5 this September.
SAFE Coalition
SAFE Coalition


On Tuesday, Oct. 1, SAFE will host free Narcan training at the public libraries in Norfolk (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.), Medway (10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.), and Wrentham (11:30 a.m. to noon). Attendees will learn how to recognize overdose, practice administering Narcan, and develop confidence in responding to an overdose. 

“Hosting community Narcan trainings increases access to Narcan and decreases stigma related to the disease of addiction,” says  Jennifer Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE. “Here in Norfolk County, we still see the impact of opioids within our communities and to know we have over 5000 doses of Narcan in the hands of our citizens is incredibly powerful.”

Trainings are supported by Norfolk, Medway, and Wrentham Opioid Abatement Funds. People can also contact SAFE to request one-on-one or group Narcan training.

Starting Sept. 7, SAFE will offer trauma-informed yoga sessions led by Michelle Palladini. Palladini, Norfolk deputy chief of police and founder of the L.E.A.P. program, is active in providing knowledge and training to the community, focusing especially on trauma, empowerment, and wellness. 

trauma-informed yoga sessions
trauma-informed yoga sessions
“Physical and emotional wellness is the cornerstone of healing,” says Palladini. “I’ve found mindfulness to be incredibly helpful and enjoy sharing the practice with others. We all have something to heal from, and this is one path along the journey.”

Trauma-informed yoga focuses on mindfulness and body awareness. This practice is more sensitive to trauma triggers and teaches participants how to recognize trauma-associated spikes in one’s nervous system. 

These free sessions will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays through November and take place at the SAFE office. Registration is required: tinyurl.com/safeyogareg 

On Sept. 21, local band The Elastic 5 will perform at the SAFE office as part of the SAFE After Dark series. Based out of Boston, the Elastic 5 plays tributes to 20th century music, from the British Invasion to 80s/90s alternative, Rock & Roll to Power Pop.  The evening will begin with Open Mic from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by The Elastic 5’s performance from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

SAFE After Dark is a "Sober Coffeehouse" where artists, comedians, and musicians of all levels of age and experience are welcome to share the open mic 
“There are very few places that artists in recovery can perform that offer a safe, sober, and supportive environment,” says James Derick, director of Family Recovery and co-founder of SAFE. “We recognized this and wanted to provide an alternative.”

“Anyone is encouraged to perform,” says Derick. “Musicians, poets, comedians, spoken word—all are welcome.”

Anyone interested in performing can reserve their spot by sending an email to Derick at jderick@safecoalitionma.org

SAFE is in the Moseley Mill building at 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C, in Franklin. Contact SAFE at info@safecoalitionma.org or 508-488-8105 for more information on these events or to request Narcan training at a different date.  

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. To learn more about SAFE’s offerings or volunteer, visit the SAFE website -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Economic Development Subcmte gets update on branding project, Franklin consultant selected (video)

The Economic Development Subcmte met on Wednesday Sep 4, 2024 as scheduled. All four members participated, one (Frongillo) initial was remote and then joined in person).

Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti provided an overview of the consultant selection process which was put out to bids, the bids reviewed, consultants interviewed, and then Franklin resident A.J. Rebecchi was announced as selected.

The branding survey responses and other materials collected in this effort will be shared with AJ as work on the branding continues. 

The town seal will remain for official documents. The branding effort will better position Franklin departmental information with a consistent look & feel, better enable sharing of info via the social channels, and be utilized gradually in the planned wayfinding signs, vehicles markings, etc.

Agenda doc  -> 

The 5 vendor submissions can be found in the agenda doc. The winning selection (AJ's) is here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/aj_rebecchi_branding_proposal_1.pdf

Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sONSboI1JCM

My recap is based upon a late arrival to the meeting (Board of Health meeting ran later than normal), and a review of the video replay. I did not make a PDF of my Twitter notes as they were minimal given the shortness of this meeting (20 minutes) and nature of the information shared.


Marketing and Branding efforts
Marketing and Branding efforts

Both FHS field hockey & volleyball teams post wins over King Philip on Friday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on  Friday, September  6, 2024


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ King Philip, 0 – Final 
– Franklin secured a close win in the first set on the road and went on to take more to complete the 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-17, 25-17) at King Philip. Junior Makayla Kuykendall had a strong all-around game with 13 kills, 10 digs, a pair of blocks and a pair of aces for the Panthers while senior Brooke Daniels dished out 20 assists in the win. Olivia Alberti was strong at the net (six kills, three blocks) and the service line (three aces) while freshman Emerson Delleo played well with 10 digs, four kills, and an ace. Senior Alex Pauline anchored the Warriors’ defense with 18 digs and junior Cece Mullen registered six aces and six digs for KP.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 7 @ King Philip, 0 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap
"Franklin head coach Michelle Hess wasn’t happy with her team’s play in the opening quarter of Friday afternoon’s Kelley-Rex title showdown at Macktaz Fied. Sure, the Panthers had dominated possession, pinned King Philip in the shadow of its own goal, earned four corners to just one for the hosts, but Franklin had no shots on goal to show for it. Hess made sure to let her team know that they needed to find another gear if they wanted to earn the win.

The message was well-received.

Franklin scored twice in the second and third quarters and then put the game away with three more in the fourth, securing an impressive 7-0 victory over its rival, taking an early lead in its quest for a sixth straight league title, and extending its league unbeaten streak to 80 games (75-0-5) dating back to 2018."
Continue reading the recap (subscription required)

For a photo gallery from this game -> 
"Big WIN tonight for Franklin Field Hockey Varsity Team with their 7-0 Win vs KP!  Proud of the adjustments we made on the field… let's keep working hard to accomplish our GOALS " https://t.co/0QupyFhIkQ

Golf = Franklin, 197 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 179 – Final (5 cards) 
– Franklin ran into a very strong St. John’s team on its home course, dropping a 179-197 decision. The Pioneers had six golfers shoot under 40 on the day including a low-round of 33 from Adam Trani. Franklin’s Jack Nelson had a team-low round of 37 while Liam Lewandowski was the only other Panther sub-40 with a 38.
"Panthers lose a tough one to Saint John’s Shrewsbury 179-197 at Wachusett. #notbutter

Jack Nelson: 37 (+1)
Liam Lewandowski: 38 (+2)
Caden Sullivan: 40 (+4)
Cam/Carter/Ben: 41 (+5)  "
https://x.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1832191881674887661


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

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

Colorized film of Stanley Chilson, Franklin 1936 (video)

"I colorized , restored, and created sound design for this video of the town of Franklin, Massachusetts in 1936, we can clearly see what's happening in broad daylight, Street Scene Video Restoration Process: ✔ FPS boosted to 60 frames per second ✔ Image resolution boosted up to HD ✔ Improved video sharpness and brightness ✔ Colorized only for the ambiance (not historically accurate) ✔sound design added only for the ambiance ✔restoration:(stabilisation,denoise,cleand,deblur) Please, be aware that colorization colors are not real and fake, colorization was made only for the ambiance and do not represent real historical data. B&W Video Source: Internet Archive (Stanley Chilson)"

Colorized film of Stanley Chilson, Franklin 1936 (video)
Colorized film of Stanley Chilson, Franklin 1936 (video)


8th Annual Rotary Car Show - Saturday, Sept 14 at New England Chapel

8th Annual Rotary Car Show - Saturday, Sept 14 at New England Chapel
8th Annual Rotary Car Show - Saturday, Sept 14 

 

Family fun right here in Franklin!, September 14th, 9 AM - 1 PM!

 

Details contained in the image ->




Art Wall at FUSF - Artist Reception, Sunday, Sep 8

Artist Reception, Sunday, Sep 8 from noon to 2:30 PM. View the painting by Roon. 
Art Wall at FUSF - Artist Reception, Sunday, Sep 8
Art Wall at FUSF - Artist Reception, Sunday, Sep 8


Upcoming Recognition Ceremony Dates for Fallen Heroes for September 2024

The Killed in Action (KIA) dates for upcoming remembrance ceremonies on the Veterans Walkway for Franklin's 45 Fallen Heroes.

This brief 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. (approx. 5 minutes)

Our hope is to keep the memory of these Fallen Heroes alive. Families, friends and neighbors of the 45 have attended some of the ceremonies so the word has gotten out, thanks to you! 

September
9 - David Bullukian - WWII
18 - Levi Pieri - WWI
21- Lawrence E. Garron, Jr. - Vietnam
21 - Alfred L. Mucciarone - WWI
25 - Frank J. Smith - WWI


For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link

The Franklin TV videos of each of the ceremonies during 2024 can be fond in oe YouTube Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

Recognition Ceremony for Fallen Heroes
Recognition Ceremony for Fallen Heroes

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of Sept 9 - Sept 13, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of Sept 9 - Sept 13, 2024
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of Sept 9 - Sept 13, 2024
 
 Construction Update for the Week of September 9th!

Monday (9/9) -  Thursday (9/12): The construction crew will be working on West Central St between Rt 140 and Forge Pkwy between the hours of 7 am - 4 pm.  West Central St will be closed in both directions.  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 to get the final grade depth for the pump station foundation. 

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

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of Sept 9 - Sept 13, 2024
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Update for the Week of Sept 9 - Sept 13, 2024

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

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

Washington Post has a "Deep Read" on Norfolk and the State prison shelter situation

"Here was the town where Kevin Roche grew up: empty sidewalks, a coffee shop, a pharmacy, two pizza parlors, two ambulances, two roundabouts and no grocery store. A small, quiet town, people in Norfolk said. Pleasant. Safe. Nothing much to do, and that meant nothing much changed from one morning to the next or the next, until this morning, when Kevin woke up and knew that the town would be different by the time the day was over.

He got in his car and drove toward Main Street just before 7 a.m. Main Street ran from one end of Norfolk to the other, four miles in all, and it led to the auto repair shop where Kevin, 60, had worked since he was 12 years old, first for his father, and now alongside his own son. He passed the line of houses he saw every morning, which were the same, except for the ones that had new signs in the yard. “NORFOLK PRISON-SHELTER,” they read. “NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE.”

At the east end of Main Street, razor wire was being removed from a chain-link fence around Bay State Correctional Center, an unused low-security state prison half a mile from Kevin’s shop. At the foot of the fence, rows of thick coil lay in the grass. Security guards stood at the front gates. Cribs and diaper kits sat on the floor of the prison gym. Clean, white sheets lay on the beds."

Continue reading via a gift subscription to this article -> https://wapo.st/3B5zO23

Washington Post has a "Deep Read" on Norfolk and the State prison shelter situation
Washington Post has a "Deep Read" on Norfolk and the State prison shelter situation


Still time to register for the next FREE "Stop the Bleed" Training Course - Sep 11

The Town of Franklin Health Dept. & Fire Dept. PresentSTOP THE BLEED, a training course in how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control it.  Become empowered to make a life or death difference when a bleeding emergency happens.

Wednesday, September 11th from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)  Classroom located at Franklin Fire Headquarters, 40 West Central St.

Sign Up Here:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-50725195-stop#/

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/stop-bleed-training-course-3

Have taken the FREE "Stop the Bleed" Training Course ???
Still time to register for the next FREE "Stop the Bleed" Training Course - Sep 11

MetroWest Networkers Group: Guest Speaker - October 4

Stephen Melanson

Personal Branding: How to use 'Simplicity'
to differentiate, compete, and win

 Friday, October 4th  

 

If you're looking for your next professional role, you have to break away from the pack and be clear about your value. And if it's not simple enough, it won't work as well as you need.

Why would an employer be crazy to not hire you? Do you know?

Can you verbalize it in about 5 seconds, or describe it in a few words?

 

Join us to learn how to establish a proper networking relationship. You'll learn:

        The rules for 'Simplicity' as a business tool

        What 'Verbal Branding' is, and how to use it

        How to differentiate and not commoditize yourself

        The mindset you need for selling yourself

Why you should attend: After you attend, you'll feel more comfortable presenting yourself, promoting yourself, and differentiating yourself from the other job seekers---to land the job you want.

Stephen Melanson has been a management consultant, speaker, trainer, Verbal Branding expert, and originator of the only 'Differentiation and Business Simplicity' platform of its kind. He has worked with individuals and small through Fortune 500 firms, and is currently a Multimedia professional and Brand Ambassador for the iconic Keene Sentinel in Keene NH.


MetroWest Networkers Group

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month: 10 am - Noon

24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01701

At the offices of the First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist Church

 

Promos attached. Please forward/share them!


Ed Lawrence
CPRW; NCOPE
Certified Interview Coach
Authorized DISC Administrator
Member, CPRW Certification Committee
MetroWest Networkers Group: Guest Speaker - October 4
MetroWest Networkers Group: Guest Speaker - October 4

Friday, September 6, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, September 6, 2024?

Friday, September 6
10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
2:00pm Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)
2:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
3:00pm Food Truck -> Travelin' Pizza (Franklin Town Common)
3:00pm Alec Cohen (live music) (Franklin Town Common)
5:15pm Reminiscents (live music) (Franklin Town Common)
6:00pm Meideros - @67 Degrees (live music)
7:30pm Movie: Inside Out (Franklin Town Common)


** No  Town Meetings today   **


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

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


What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - September 6 ???

We are glad you asked.  

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

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - September 6 ???
What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - September 6 ???

Concerts on the Common end of summer schedule for Sep 6 on the Town Common

Concerts on the Common are back, and we're ending the summer with a bang! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to the Franklin Town Common this Friday, September 6, 2024, for an afternoon and evening full of fun, music, food, and entertainment! 

Franklin Farmers Market: 2-6pm – Support local vendors and grab some fresh goodies!

Concerts on the Common end of summer schedule for Sep 6 on the Town Common
Concerts on the Common
Live Music:
3-5pm: Alex Cohen (sponsored by the Mass Cultural Council and Franklin Cultural Council) 
5:15-7:15pm: The Reminisants

Movie Night: 7:30pm – Enjoy the heartwarming movie Inside Out under the stars.

Food Truck: Travelin’ Pizza will be serving up delicious eats to satisfy your cravings!

And don’t miss the FHS Mental Health and Well Being Task Force offering popcorn during the movie!

Mark your calendars, grab your blankets, and get ready for an evening of community fun and relaxation. See you there!  

#FranklinMA #ConcertsOnTheCommon #EndOfSummerFun #CommunityEvent


Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio)

Following on from the water system, we spent sometime on the sewer system. Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent and spent time on the sewer flow from flush to Charles River Treatment. Also in a 3-part series that can be found on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-regarding-franklins-sewer-services-doug

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

FM #1026 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1026 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 


We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.


Part 1 - approx. 25 minutes


  • PFAS - the EPA is looking to update their regulation

    • Mitigation of PFAS for Well 7 is costly and starting later this year

    • If the proposed regulations go through, it will be more costly as "60% of our water sources are currently above that (proposed) threshold"

    • Likely water rate increase coming in a future year (TBD)

  • New diagram shows lines of responsibility for water (and sewer) between Town and property owners

  • What to flush or not flush (3 P's - poop, pee & (toilet) paper)


Part 2 - approx. 42 minutes

  • We get into the core of the sewer system, historical design (or lack thereof)

  • Beaver St interceptor, construction overview and project plan

  • System capacity (both water & sewer), annual conservation measures

  • Oct 14 - Touch a Truck, hydrant painting, snow plow naming contest, and reveal of communication plan for the Beaver St construction project

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html


Part 3 - approx. 27 minutes

  • We get to the sewer budget and rate increases approved for FY 2024, FY 2025, FY 2026

  • Review of the projects being completed or being worked, and planned for near term

    • Sahlin circle (final touches)

    • Monterrey Dr off Pleasant St (Jan/Feb - awaiting pump delivery)

    • Phase 7 lining - this summer

    • next level of I&I study

    • asset mgt grant

    • easement clearing & mapping

  • Good things about the community cooperation

  • Last but not least mention of the lead service connections (not supposed to be many)


The final section includes a budget recap which summaries as the following:

  • $500K for expenses, 

  • approx. $1M for personnel

  • $3.4M for Charles River flow and assessment

  • $1M for project debt and interest payments


The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 


Audio Part 1 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1026-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-1-of-3


Audio Part 2 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1027-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-2-of-3


Audio Part 3 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1028-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-3-of-3/


The Beaver Street Interceptor Project will continue to run through 2026. You can get updates on the Town page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project