ALARM Robotics recognized with prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at 2025 Awards - NE District URI Event

We are happy to share that ALARM Robotics has won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award again this year at the recent robotics competition at University of Rhode Island. View the complete listing of awards -> https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/RIKIN/awards

ALARM Robotics is a Franklin based, community robotics team that calls Red Brick School House its home.

ALARM Robotics

This is what the competition announced about us:

"The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award.

2079 is giving the competition a wake up call. Despite working with a limited budget, they proved their innovation isn't about resources, it's about determination. Through inclusive STEM workshops and mentorship, they've inspired future engineers across all ages, showing that anyone can build, create, and dream. Their impact reaches far beyond competition, proving that true engineering comes from resilience and passion for sharing knowledge."

We have recently published a video on our outreach work ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o6lguBKp1k

4H Alarm Robotics: Stem Newsletter for February 2025

Issue 12: February 4th 2025

Dear readers,

We are excited to share these STEM activities and updates with you!

ALARM Stop Motion Animation Workshop | Hanson Public Library

ALARM Robotics will be hosting a LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop for Grades 3-8 on Friday, February 21 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at the Hanson Public Library. Participants will learn the basics of stop motion animation, which include storyboarding, setting up the frame, frame rate, and focus. LEGOs, minifigs, backdrops, and art supplies will be provided to help participants create their animations. Participants will need a phone with the Stop Motion Studio app installed to participate.

Pong Programming: 3 Day STEM Camp Tickets | Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

The Pong Programming STEM camp will be held from Wednesday, February 19th to Friday, February 21st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Attleboro Industrial Museum. Students aged 14 and older will develop early coding skills by learning to program the arcade game Pong. Attendance for all three days is mandatory, and a $15 deposit is required for registration due to limited space.

Women in STEM: Block Coding Tickets | Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

Celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day by recognizing Countess Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, on Tue, Feb 11, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Attleboro Industrial Museum. During this workshop, participants aged 12 and up will work with Scratch to create their own calculation machine using block code, learning the basics of computer programming. A Scratch account is required, and space is limited; registration and a $5 deposit are necessary.

Free Robotics Workshop Foxborough MA

Moonpreneur invites you and your child to a free in-person robotics workshop on Saturday, February 22nd at 11:00 AM EST in Foxborough, MA. This workshop is designed for children aged 7-14 to engage in hands-on robotics and coding activities. Multiple time slots are available based on age groups, and participants need to bring a laptop for the workshop. Registration is required due to limited space.

Design a Garden City with Amy Chiu at the Boston Public Market

On Friday, February 21 at 10:30am, Amy Chiu, a Harvard x UC Berkeley Learning Designer, will be leading a workshop to build your own Garden City out of cardboard & recycled materials at the Boston Public Market. The event focuses on exploring community design and creating more "greenery for good." Participants will transform overlooked spaces into thriving plant havens, understand the impact of flora & fauna on our world, and come up with innovative garden ideas. The workshop includes creating prototypes of Garden Cities using cardboard & recycled materials

Introduction to Engineering Plastic Filters with the YES Team

This webinar will guide students in understanding the environmental impact of plastics on marine ecosystems and local communities, while empowering them to engineer practical filters to reduce plastic waste. The webinar will be on Thursday, February 13, 7 - 8pm.

Mad Science Presents | Bridgewater Public Library

Come join this Mad Science show that promises thrilling demonstrations with a BOOMing finale! "Don't Try This at Home" features experiments that aren't suitable for kids to replicate at home, which make for an exciting display to watch!

Buildwave - STEM Workshop for Kids | Morrill Memorial Library Norwood

Experience a high-energy, hands-on building program with Buildwave® that feels like a video game! Kids and parents will create projects with materials like Lego® and PlusPlus®, guided by dynamic animations and music. This immersive workshop encourages creativity and collaboration, making it perfect for family bonding. Note: Caregivers must participate alongside their kids. The workshop is February 22nd, 11am to 12pm.

Sketching Science: The Basics of Nature-based Illustration - Community Libraries of Providence

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island will host a workshop featuring preserved specimens to showcase the diversity and beauty of the natural world. Participants will learn about animal features, how to capture them in art, and the value of scientific sketching over photos. This class is designed for children and youth ages 10 and up. No artistic background is needed, just an interest in wildlife and drawing. Registration is encouraged.

Grand Canyons on the Moon Were Made in a Matter of Minutes

Scientists have discovered new lunar canyons that offer insights into the moon's geological history and potential resources for future missions.

Keep building!

Alarm Robotics

alarmrobotixs2079@gmail.com

kids CAN change the world…

Authored by Vansh Mookim

August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

FM #1263-1264  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1263-1264 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2024.  All 9 members were present in Council Chambers. We split the audio into 2 parts, creating a section just of the State legislature update by Senator Becca Rausch and State Rep Jeff Roy, and leaving the opening hour, and remainder of the Council session in the first part.

Quick summary of Part 1 (#1263)

Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

Unanimous approval for the appointments/re-appointments. This should complete the slate of current board, committee, commission positions with a couple of exceptions. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updated that likely early in 2025, an effort to solicit more volunteers for the various positions would be conducted to help refill the potential candidate pool for future opportunities. Note: all the positions appointed are for staggered terms within the respective boards, etc. This is done to enable some organizational knowledge retention among the members of each org. It is easier for 1, 2, or 3 members of a committee to ‘get up to speed’ than it is for an entire group.

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

The passage of these 3 measures should bring us into compliance with the MBTA Community requirements set out by the State. We were close to begin with, and then with the changes started with the Franklin For All project, we got closer. There are still some improvements possible that could be coming as part of the Master Plan. These 3 get us into compliance with the State requirements which keeps the coffers open for grant opportunities. The 3 measures were approved unanimously.

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

This measure rezones the area along Union and Cottage near the Mill Store and sets it up for redevelopment in mixed use, both residential and commercial/retail space. You can see what the developer is doing with the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott building as an example of what can happen here. This should be good. It was approved unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

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

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

Part 2 (#1264)

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

Rep Roy and Senator Rausch provided updates on the legislative session that formally closed on July 31. They also responded to questions from the Council and community members present in the room or remotely participating in the meeting.

The recording runs 3 hours and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to Town Council meeting of August 14, 2024

Audio link - Part 1 (#1263)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1263-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-1-of-2/

Audio link - Part 2 (#1264)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1264-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-2-of-2/

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The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour 40 minute session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?t=73s 

Agenda document for this session: 

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

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

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!

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

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

August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

4H Alarm Robotics schedules LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop for Ages 10-14

LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop

 

"Alarm Robotics, a non-profit community robotics team from Franklin, is offering this free class for students ages 10-14!

Participants will use their phones (required) and the Stop Motion Animation app to produce a Lego stop motion animation.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call 508-699-0122 to register."

When: Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024
Where: Richards Memorial Library, North Attleboro 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/x5dr8NdvxqKk2jSx/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for meeting August 14, 2024

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 14, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. July 17, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for names  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a_appointments.pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

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

i. Legislation for Action #9a   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._-_bylaw_amendment_24-906.pdf

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

i. Legislation for Action #9b   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._bylaw_amendment_24-907r.pdf

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

i. Legislation for Action #9c    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._-_bylaw_amendment_24-908.pdf

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

i. Legislation for Action #9d    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d_2.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Robotics Club

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

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

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

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

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

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

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

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

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

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

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-51 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-52_-revised_2024_tc_schedule_0.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, if the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

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

franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for meeting August 14, 2024

ALARM Robotics wins the Engineering Inspiration Award 2 times in a row; goes to the World Championship!

4H ALARM Robotics won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at the New England District Championship at West Springfield in Big E and earned a spot at the World Championship at Houston, Texas. 

ALARM Robotics is a local non-profit community team which has been mentoring students in robotics since 2007 and is set up in Franklin’s very own historic Red Brick School. ALARM stands for ‘A Lot of Awesome Robot Makers’. The team participates in FRC–-FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION run by FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

ALARM Robotics with the FIRST artwork at the World Championship in Houston, Texas. 20 students and 4 mentors from ALARM participated in the World Championship. In the front row are mentors L-R Pallavi Naravane, James Minihane, Nicholas Mosher, Ajit Naravane

For a complete recap of the season -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Ar8pOBbQ9BBpvuuzHYt9A8RbdJEh8-2/view?usp=sharing

Here's a short video recap of our season:  https://youtu.be/E2KXfUeTzbc

ALARM Robotics wins 2nd place at BSU competition! (video)

4H ALARM Robotics won the 2nd place finalist award with its alliance partners while competing with 36 other FRC teams at the NE District BSU Event 2024.

ALARM Robotics is a local non-profit community team which has been mentoring students in robotics since 2007 and is set up in Franklin’s very own historic Red Brick School. ALARM stands for ‘A Lot of Awesome Robot Makers’. The team participates in FRC–-FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION run by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). We accept students from 8th to 12th grade from Franklin and neighborhood towns. 

 

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a mix of sports and engineering. It is a crossfit workout for the muscle upstairs!  Here students get to learn how to build robots, specifically machining, computer aided design and programming. Teams design a new robot every season, the theme of this season was “Crescendo”

ALARM Robotics wins 2nd place at BSU competition!

The 4H ALARM team participates in competitions in the New England area. After the game kick-off in January, the students and mentors work for over 9 weeks, sometimes putting in over 20-30 hours every week to design, build and program a robot for doing specific tasks for the challenge.

Our robot, Hydra, is a 120 lbs. robot programmed to pick up and shoot foam notes into a target area. Its name was inspired by the mythical immortal beast with immense power. At Bridgewater State University, our robot was flawless in placing the shot and rarely missed or bounced. Much like any other sport, the goal is for the robots to score maximum points throughout the 2:30 minute game. At the end of each of the 3v3 matches, the robots have to hang on a “stage” during the endgame.

Hydra, is a 120 lbs. robot

4H ALARM Robotics has been teaching robotics at the Franklin Public Library over the past few months and they presented their outreach work at the competition and also won the Team Spirit Award. This award "celebrates extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit through exceptional partnership and teamwork furthering the objectives of FIRST”.

The team's next competition will be at Worcester Polytechnic Institute from March 29,30,31st. 

4H ALARM Robotics is supported by generous sponsors- Dassault Systemes, Pratt & Whitney, TE Connectivity, Gene Haas Foundation, General Dynamics-Mission Systems, Mathworks, Natural Resources Management, Tib Family and partners 4H and the Franklin Public Library. 

Students participating in FIRST Robotics Competitions are eligible to apply for nearly $22 million in scholarships from more than 200 colleges and universities.

4H Alarm Robotics does more than keep education alive at the Brick School (audio)

FM #1131 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1131x in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with FIRST Alarm Robotics held in the Franklin TV & radio studio Jan 4, 2024. Steve Dunbar, Business Manager and Pallavi Naravane, one of the group’s mentors.

Our conversation touched on the following:

• So what is 4H Alarm Robotics 2079 all about?

• How did you get involved and what is your current role?

• How many members do you have and where are they from?

• What the team has done over the past year.

• What else can you tell us that could get folks to check out 4H Alarm Robotics?

• Where can they get more information?

The conversation runs about 30 minutes so let’s listen and find out about Alarm Robotics. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1131-4h-alarm-robotics-2079-01-04-24

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4H Alarm Robotics 2079 on the internet->

• Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/AlarmRobotics2079/ 

• Web page https://www.alarmrobotics.com/ 

Team page at FIRST Robotics -> https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/team/2079

FIRST Robotics Competitions -> https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc 

Town Council meeting in 2019 when the lease was signed

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/town-council-recap-ag-commission-fire.html

Additional photos from the 2019 Council meeting -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/EW1Uwevtc73Xx7BP6

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

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!

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

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

4H Alarm Robotics does more than keep education alive at the Brick School (audio)