What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 21, 2024 ???

Saturday, December 21

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Fresh Floral Holiday Arrangements 4 Sale (via Instagram) 
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

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

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

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

1:00pm Fairytale Fun (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm 'Tis the Season (Franklin High School)

5:00pm Holiday Charcuterie Workshop (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

7:00pm The Fourtet (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm 'Tis the Season (Franklin High School)

8:00pm Country Christmas Band (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

**   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

DPW reminder on overnight parking ban during snow storms

via Franklin Dept of Public Works (DPW)

These types of winter storms are some of the most difficult to plan and manage. Yesterday we were told by our weather service provider, that Franklin would get a coating to 1 inch of snow. We got 4 inches. Another difficult part is going forward over the next several days, the weather pattern is going from a warm period to a cold (very cold) period, so the roads will freeze up. The salt we used today is treated with Magnesium Chloride which melts ice down to 5 degrees. Unlike un-treated salt that only melts ice to 19 degrees, of course treated salt does cost more.

overnight parking ban during snow storms

Tomorrow will be overcast and the shortest day of the year, so we really can't count on radiational warming from the sun to help melt and dry the roadways. We were able to do a lite scaping of all the sideroads to open them up and push the slush to the side. This was done with our own Public Works employees, we did not call in contractors. With that said we did not fully clear all cul-da-sacs. Also all or our assigned sidewalks were plowed. Please reach out to us to let us know of any areas of concern. Remember to slow down there might be some icy spots out there.....

Being the first snow removal of the year, we would like to remind folks that during snow events between the hours of 1AM and 5AM it is against Town by-laws (Article 170) to park vehicles on the public right of way. Parking on the public right of way makes our job much more difficult during the snow removal, and also leaves snow in the road that can become a hazard and safety issue to your fellow residents.

Below more information about the by-law:

Article 170 Winter Storm and Overnight Parking Ban

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.

Activation of parking ban.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

 

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on MBTA Community status and Nu-Style brownfield (audio)

FM #1343 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1343 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).

Quick recap

• The Nu-Style project history is laid out in the presentation doc, progress is being made but complicated by the split of ownership of the properties involved. Especially as the building on the Town property that needs to come down is adjoining to the neighboring property building which has structural issues. Grant money is primarily being used for remediation work, additional grants are being sought to complete the work required.

• After all the zoning bylaw changes made for the Franklin For All project and specifically to meet the MBTA Community requirements,  we may finally be there. The last paperwork was submitted to the State and an answer is expected hopefully to confirm we do meet (actually exceed) the requirements. The timeline on the changes including the critical zoning changes is included in the presentation doc (shared below)

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 

The recording of the meeting runs about 55 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1343-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-12-18-24/

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Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/AcTwbyEEB9s?&t=91

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-12-18_edc_agenda.pdf 

Presentation doc ->   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JJz3RhlTZXN7gA8Ux2O8wSqFxhUDFYnC/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DqhtXZdJneqbD0nDshW3iqBbgB9R1PRX/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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Nu-Style property photo

MBTA Community status summary

Community Preservation Cmte gets update on project status, funding status, sets next meeting for Feb 5 (audio)

FM #1342 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1342 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the 3rd floor training room on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

 

Quick Recap -> 

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen providing an update, introduces Evan Lacasse as Deputy Financial Officer and budget analyst who will be picking up the details of CPA as things go forward

• Updates on current CPA funded projects:

• Cupola out for bid, should start next year some time

• Franklin Ridge about half financed at this point, starting infrastructure work in 2025

• Rod & Gun club didn't get funding, apparently did get their own funding

• Q on Davis Thayer, (old high school), Police Station Building Cmte hired architect, open house planned for current station, architect hired. Middle of 2025 should get to site selection. There are some issues with Parmenter, and with DT, so it will an interesting decision. DT page has the reports and expression of interests proposal, zoning would also be needed for most other uses (https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee). W Batchelor not liking the police station at Parmenter (not yet a decision). "no one can convince me otherwise"

• CPA funds could be used for historical preservation of Davis Thayer

• Review of the CPA fund status provided in the agenda doc

• Walking thru the 2nd page which shows the balances by category, expenses, encumbered amounts, etc. So we have at least $2M available

• Discussion on next meeting, Feb 5, 5 PM target for public hearing

• Money is one thing but town bandwidth is an issue

• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1342-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-12-18-24/

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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMyHAV9qzy8 

Agenda doc and CPA fund report status for FY 2025 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_dec_18_2024.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1__-03pwdXow-qWVpqpwiXBBCKncQNmeD/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM

FHS girls & boys basketball teams top King Philip on Friday; swim meets postponed (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, December 20, 2024 

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 61 @ King Philip, 35 – Final

– Franklin senior Caden Sullivan scored 12 of his game-high 22 points in the second quarter as the Panthers ballooned a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter into a commanding 31-15 halftime advantage. KP senior Tommy Kilroy scored six of his eight points in the opening eight minutes to keep the Warriors within one (8-7) but Sullivan got going in the second, Joseph Conlan (career-high 13 points) added a key triple and Zach Allen scored all of his career-high nine points in the first half to give Franklin a comfortable lead at the break. Conlan added two more threes in the fourth quarter and Wyatt Herndon chipped in with one as the Panthers ran away with the big win. Senior Jack Assini scored a team-high 11 points for KP.

Girls Basketball = King Philip, 52 @ Franklin, 55 – Final 

– Franklin nearly allowed a double-digit lead to slip for the second time in three days, but this time the Panthers were able to hold on and secure their first win of the season. KP got off to a great start as sophomore Tatum Morgan closed out an impressive debut week on varsity with eight points in the first quarter to put the Warriors up 13-6. Franklin’s offense clicked into gear over the next two quarters, combining for 44 points between the second and the third, to take a 50-35 lead into the fourth. Chloe Fales scored 17 of her game-high 20 points between the second and the third and the Panthers knocked down nine threes as a team. Foxboro scored 26 in the fourth to beat Franklin on Wednesday and the Warriors had a similar rally on Friday, outscoring Franklin 17-6. Morgan scored seven in the final frame and Katie Steirer and Cheyenne Murray scored four apiece. Senior Ella Bonacci went 4-of-4 at the line to help the Panthers hold on. Bonacci finished with 12 points and Mallory Santos chipped in with seven for the Panthers. Morgan scored under 20 for the first time in her career, but still finished with 16. Stierer added a career-high 12, Erin Berthiaume had 10, and Murray added seven points.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/Pc7aBN-SCsA?si=S_8DOqU3VyHn5PAd&t=1321

Wrestling = Lowell Tournament (Milford, Taunton, Canton, Franklin)

"After day 1 of the Lowell holiday tournament 5 guys will be moving on to day 2. John Woodall and Riley Carlucci went 3-0 today moving to the quarterfinals and Caccevelli, Sauer and Rosenburger went 2-1 today putting them in the consolation of 16!!good luck to these wrestlers tmr!"

https://x.com/FHSWrestle/status/1870285053768429971

Boys Swimming = Franklin @ King Philip – Postponed to TBD.

Girls Swimming = Franklin @ King Philip – Postponed to TBD.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-20-24/

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

Children's Museum of Franklin adds Corporate Sponsors

via the Children's Museum of Franklin: 

"Joyfully announcing our newest corporate partners: @cesar.barbershop, a true Franklin destination , and @bostonnetworks, opening its newest location in Franklin next month!  

Thank you for your support and commitment to this community!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B5jCPNpzf/

You can add your contribution too! https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/donate

Children's Museum of Franklin adds Corporate Sponsors

Franklin United Methodist Church - Christmas Eve service

Christmas Eve service

Via Franklin United Methodist Church: 

"Find joy in presence this Christmas!  

Join us on Christmas Eve at 7 PM as we recall the story of Jesus' birth, pray, sing, light candles, and rediscover the joy of being together."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinMaUMC/posts/pfbid02LdLg2RkjadPzq2yDDSwNec2cgB6AwHcdDo3ZpxEybkVjmvQcZipEkdqGBH1EcV7pl

Boston Globe: "The MBTA is plotting a revamp of the commuter rail. How will they do it?"

"State officials have been talking about offering far more frequent commuter rail service, powered by electricity, for years.

Now, with the MBTA’s current commuter rail contract approaching an end, it’s time to solve this riddle — to go from talk to action.

Mike Muller, the T’s commuter rail chief, made a presentation Thursday to the MBTA board about what it will take to revamp the entire system, and how the transportation industry has responded so far to requests for feedback that Muller’s team sent out earlier this year. The big question: to bundle or not to bundle? In other words, should the T hand over a long-term contract to one lead contractor, in charge of both running the trains and rebuilding the system, or break the contracts up?"

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/19/business/mbta-commuter-rail-contract-keolis/

Boston Globe: "The MBTA is plotting a revamp of the commuter rail. How will they do it?"