St Mary's restoration status update 1/10/25

Via St Mary's posting to Facebook:

St Mary's restoration status update 1/10/25

"Here’s a look at the restoration work of our primary worship space upstairs.

The damage caused by the smoke was extensive.

Here is a list of some of the work which has been accomplished:

The walls and ceiling have been cleaned.

The walls and ceiling have been sanitized.

The walls and ceiling have been painted.

Here are a few tasks which are being worked on:

New electrical wiring is being installed.

New sound equipment is being installed.

New floors will be installed soon.

It is taking time but soon (no date yet) we will celebrate Mass together in this beautiful space!"

Additional photos can be found with the posting -> 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15vrnexPPK/

Meta ending third-party fact-checking partnership with US partners, including PolitiFact

"Meta will get rid of factcheckers, “dramatically reduce the amount of censorship” and recommend more political content on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Threads, founder Mark Zuckerberg has announced.

In a video message, Zuckerberg vowed to prioritise free speech after the return of Donald Trump to the White House and said that, starting in the US, he would “get rid of factcheckers and replace them with community notes similar to X”.

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, relies on other users to add caveats and context to contentious posts.

Zuckerberg said Meta’s “factcheckers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they’ve created”."

Shared from -> https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/07/meta-facebook-instagram-threads-mark-zuckerberg-remove-fact-checkers-recommend-political-content

And from PolitiFact, a part of the Poynter Institute and a winner of a Pulitzer Prize

"By now you may have seen the news that Meta is ending its partnership with fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact in the United States so, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg put it, Facebook can get “back to our roots around free expression.”

Instead of relying on a group of 10 independent and independently operated journalism organizations, Zuckerberg said that Facebook would be launching a community notes program like the one that currently exists on X.

We hope that program succeeds.

But it didn’t need to be an either or. It could have been both.

Back in 2016, when we were among the first group of journalism organizations to partner with Facebook to add fact-checks to online posts, we did so because we thought adding more speech, more voices and more information to what social media users saw online would help the information ecosystem.

Facebook’s approach at the time was novel. Information from a set of independent journalists would be paired with posts online, and users would be able to see a fuller picture of the stories and news of the day.

More speech.

More information."

Read more -> https://www.politifact.com/article/2025/jan/07/meta-ending-third-party-fact-checking-partnership/

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Holiday Arrangements beginning Dec 17

Garden Club to Sell Holiday Arrangements

The Franklin Garden Club will sell holiday fresh floral arrangements on Instagram and Facebook beginning December 17. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities.  Payment for all purchases can be made with cash, check, or credit card. Pricing for all items will range from $25 - $40.

Club Co-Presidents Pat Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to make arrangements or need a festive gift for someone else, while also assisting the Club. 

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

10th Norfolk District Candidate Debate - TV broadcast Information for Medway & Franklin residents

The 10th Norfolk District Candidate Debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM. 

The debate will be broadcast live on Medway Cable and Franklin TV, as well as Medway Facebook and Franklin YouTube, both with captions. All four platforms will have replays available after the live event.

Medway Cable Access live stream -> vimeo.com/event/4629402

Medway Cable Access website -> www.medwaycable.com

also on www.facebook.com/medwaycable

Broadcast to cable subscribers on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 36

Franklin TV YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535/streams

Franklin TV will broadcast to cable subscribers on Comcast Channel 6 and Verizon Channel 26  (Note: All Access as the Town Hall Channel is carrying the School Committee meeting in similar time period)

This event is jointly sponsored by the

• Medway Republican Town Committee
• Medway Democratic Town Committee
• Franklin Republican Town Committee
• Franklin Democratic Town Committee

Download a copy of the flyer to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-j_p8NKYu3k9tEdulafdaVv7NlHheB2p/view?usp=drive_link

10th Norfolk District Candidate Debate - TV broadcast Information for Medway & Franklin residents

10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway) Candidate Debate - Oct 8, 2024 at 7 PM

The 10th Norfolk District Candidate Debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM. 

The candidates:

• Jeffrey Roy, Democratic Candidate
• Charles Bailey, Republican Candidate

DATE = OCTOBER 8, 2024

TIME = 7:00PM (DOORS OPEN 6:45)

LOCATION = Medway Middle School, Presentation Room, Door 7

The debate will be broadcast live on Medway Cable and Franklin TV, as well as Medway Facebook and Franklin YouTube, both with captions. All four platforms will have replays available.

The event is jointly sponsored by the

• Medway Republican Town Committee
• Medway Democratic Town Committee
• Franklin Republican Town Committee
• Franklin Democratic Town Committee

Download a copy of the flyer to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-j_p8NKYu3k9tEdulafdaVv7NlHheB2p/view?usp=drive_link

10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway) Candidate Debate  - Oct 8, 2024 at 7 PM

Don't trust Facebook, subscribe for one email a day

Sharing what I posted to Facebook this weekend when they notified me that one of the posts on the override was taken down. Really? Yup.

The post take down notification

"So Facebook, stop and think about some of your automations. As a representative of the Local News organization (Franklin TV & Franklin Public Radio) we abide by our FCC charter in broadcasting TV and radio, and by extension, we observe those guidelines when we use digital news outlets (like yours) to share what we are doing on the TV and Radio channels.

We are also responsive to our audience. If they ask a simple question, we are in a position to provide an accurate and timely response. Such as the current news item which has been brewing in Franklin, MA for some time to increase the size of our revenue pie or bucket, or yes, bottom line, raise our taxes to pay for the services we provide.

As a news organization, we don't take a side (yea, or nay). We see our role to share the accurate and timely info, meeting videos, meeting audio, meeting notes, etc. so that the electorate can make an informed vote when they go to the polls.

Taking down our post to answer the voter & resident questions about the override is NOT helping the situation. Our post shared the collected info for the voters & residents to find the info and make their own decision.

Sorry but as good as AI maybe for specific circumstances, we do need your AI to help with a Franklin, MA question.

So Facebook, stop and think about some of your automations. Consider adding a step in the automation response to challenge a post removal with a text box to allow the individual (me, this case) to provide something more than a check box answer to your automations"

So, the best way to stay informed is to use the original social media tool - Email. Subscribe for one email a day with all the info that is worthy of sharing ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Summary of what is shared in the one email ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/watch-listen-read-for-all-news-that.html

Don't trust Facebook, subscribe for one email a day

Yes, we're back on Facebook

Franklin Matters has returned to Facebook as part of the Franklin.News page. The page will share all the goodness of Franklin.TV, Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm or 102.9) and the digital news from Franklin Matters.

Feel free to follow us there and share with your Franklin friends and neighbors.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550645254683

The best way to stay informed is to subscribe for the Franklin Matters email. One email a day gets you everything shared in one place. There is NO guarantee you will see everything we share on Facebook due to the black magic algorithm in use there.

Franklin Matters has returned to Facebook as part of the Franklin.News page

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Via Stephanie Izzi's post to Facebook Monday morning:

"Our family is waking up this morning, feeling so loved and grateful for our amazing community that showed up to support Sofia and Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation! 

please…

The Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for Sofia raised a total of $2,500.00 that will be matched by my husbands company totaling $5,000.00!!!!! All because of this incredible community that showed up for our family yesterday! Not only did we get donations yesterday, but those who weren’t able to attend donated online... bringing our online donations to $750! Which means a total of $5,750 is going to straight to research!!!!

First and foremost, I want to thank Meg, and her amazing son’s JD and Ben.. thank you so much for choosing Sofia’s charity for your 2023 Lemonade Stand! 

You touched our family in a way I could never explain. It’s been so incredible working together, and I’m so excited for year 2! 

A huge thank you to:

- The incredible Franklin Community for showing up to support Sofia 

- Friends and Family who donated baskets, and gift cards! 

- Town of Franklin for allowing us to use the Common

- The Helen Keller 2nd Graders and their families for helping to run the event! Watching these kids work, asking what they could do next, and proudly being apart of the day was everything 

- Fiori and Fern

- Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen

- Santa Fe Burrito Grill

- Girl Scout Troop 64036

- Memorable moments by Meg for donating and setting up the gorgeous balloon arch 

- Penny Jones for donating the friendship bracelet supplies

- G5 football team- (Julie and Scotty)

- Stevi Briggs for making the incredible Sofia’s Squad cups that went in less than 1 hour! (Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for pre-order options on the cups if you missed out on grabbing yours!) 

- Michelle for bringing her camera and snapping memories that will last a life time 

Thank you all for one of the best days ever!!! We love you all! "

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Shared from -> (follow link for additional photos and comments) 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02fupC8c26C19kkq2tSmSFKpTbfRYbpKEGWMHDK9mrB6BE3tQaTU6ME2o4wxK3JRaNl&id=1235970206&mibextid=Nif5oz

DPW updates on the sewer lining work underway around town (video)

"Exciting stuff, if you like Sewer work! The sewer main lining that happened in September is complete and now a crew is in Town Grouting the services and ends. 

If you see these guys around town, they are the grouting crew that is the final step to keep the ground water out of the sewer. For a virtual representation of what is being done check out this video - " 

Sewer line sealing -> https://youtu.be/F2oqgS0W9ew

 

Shared from DPW Facebook account ->

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/pfbid02oENiJgHhcjjdhD7h3oG3SYzKZLGTh6xQnXFvSUZPwEotjSytZR8hdHoSmtzxC76Fl

DPW updates on the sewer lining work underway around town 2

DPW updates on the sewer lining work underway around town 1

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained

"Because you asked! Installing a new watermain in the "Country Club" neighborhood.  For the most part, the work is going smoothly, however material shortages is slowing the job down. The new water is made of Ductile Iron pipe and it is very short supply due to COVID, which caused the foundry to shut down for a period of time. There is also an increased demand for pipe nationwide because of increased Federal Funding for Public Works projects. 

Two years ago there was no waiting for pipe, now there is wait time of 26 to 40 weeks till the pipe is available.  For example the pipe below was ordered in February,  made in New Jersey on 9/10, delivered to Franklin on 9/16 and started going into the ground on 9/19!

This project was scheduled for next year, as part of the Town's on going "watermain replacement / new roads" program but we were able to use ARPA funding for this work during the current construction season. The old pipe being replaced is made out of asbestos concrete.  

If you would like to know more about water pipe, check out this article:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ductile_iron_pipe

https://www.exponent.com/services/practices/engineering/buildings--structures/capabilities/asbestoscement-transite-pipe-in-water-distributi__/?serviceId=962f01e0-65f2-41ec-b20e-940340a4ab50&loadAllByPageSize=true&knowledgePageSize=7&knowledgePageNum=0&newseventPageSize=7&newseventPageNum=0&professionalsPageNum=1...

Have a great Public Works Day!"

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 1

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 2

Shared from DPW Facebook page ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/pfbid02z88GotHyJkTTXXQdJQn65WEPig14jARdPvXRZtruxUiGVZjve351vG1LeZBqXLgCl

Stop and think about it Before you share it

"A Facebook post on the Franklin MA Virtual Yard Sale group has been brought to our attention alleging a potential child abduction yesterday. The Facebook post states the child ran away from the attempted abduction and the incident was reported to the police. This post had over 75 shares. After looking into the matter we can confidently say this post is a SCAM. No incident similar to this was reported to the FPD. The poster, Nobuhle Magutshwa, posted the same post on various Facebook groups all around the country. Other activity on her Facebook page is consistent with other social media scams. In the future, any urgent public safety matters like will be shared immediately by the FPD social media accounts."

Shared from Town of Franklin Police Dept Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid0F7JUTp2qvp8phQNVEQuCPopFjGuFfWJLzaS5dFDVXyBBVc5GovHHhGTsCi8qyN3yl

Coincidentally, this type of post was covered in the recent session on "How to Spot Misinformation"

Misinformation & Fact checking resources

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/misinformation-fact-checking-resources.html

If you missed the session, you can take the MediaWise course on your own

https://www.poynter.org/shop/fact-checking/how-to-spot-misinformation-online-july-2021/

 

How to Spot Misinformation Online

Info on the clothing drive scheduled for Saturday was left off the mailer; as you drive to recycle Saturday don't forget the clothing!

In addition to the items mentioned Monday for the Recycling and Energy Drive scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach - Clothing is also being collected. 

DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi has this message to provide the update on Project Just Because (https://www.projectjustbecause.org/)

Shared from Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158756305096313&id=730296312&sfnsn=mo

Or view the embedded Facebook post here ->

In case you missed the mailer (via US Postal Service) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/get-ready-for-saturday-may-21-recycling.html

as you drive to recycle Saturday don't forget the clothing!

Walpole Police and Franklin Police declared 2021 Gingerbread contest Co-Champions

Who won the contest? It finished with co-champions declared

"What a fantastic contest we had this year!  31 departments entered their gingerbread creations!  We had some very close matches and it all came down to the last 2!  I’d like to congratulate Walpole Police Department and Franklin Police Department on being the 2021 Gingerbread contest Co-Champions!  

We had to get a little bit creative this year with the winners.  It was so close, right down to the last hours when both Walpole and Franklin had some votes come in that were not actual individual votes, but seemed to be some sort of fake votes (no fault of either department at all). So, to keep the purpose and spirit of the competition alive, both departments are this year’s champs!!!  We can’t allow a little something like this ruin the fun we’ve had and the hard work put in from all participating departments and all of the folks that followed and supported their departments throughout the competition! 

We were able to raise $1,500 toward a cause to be chosen on Saturday, January 1st!  Along with the additional awards decided by me!  Have a happy and safe New Year everyone and thank you so much for participating and for your generosity!"

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/shelovespolice/posts/936223143702036 

Original post -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/tri-county-culinary-shop-created.html

gingerbread Franklin Police Station

Franklin Matters Leaving Facebook collection (not going away, just leaving Facebook)

The collection of posts alerting to the removal of the Franklin Matters Facebook page effective Nov 30, 2021. 

We're not going away, just leaving Facebook and its corrupt business environment behind. 

Nov 3, 2021
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-matters-is-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 5, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-matters-is-leaving-facebook_091766810.html

seven tweets atwitter

six ways to remain in the know

five meetings reported on

four info sessions scheduled

three more reminders

two Talk Franklin sessions a month

one daily newsletter

Nov 23, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-seventh-day-before-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 24, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-sixth-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Nov 25, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-fifth-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Nov 26, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-fourth-day-before-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 27, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-third-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Nov 28, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-second-day-before-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 29, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-last-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Franklin Matters Leaving Facebook collection (not going away, just leaving Facebook)

On the last day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the last day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

A daily newsletter via email"

Yes, only one email and a good one each day with everything that matters!

The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the last day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the second day before leaving Facebook 
My true love sent to me
Two Talk Franklin sessions a month"

The two "Talk Franklin" session can be considered a bonus that you receive by subscribing (for free). These sessions with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen get you insights on what's going on that are not available elsewhere.

And because you acted promptly, we’ll include the Town Council Quarterbacking sessions with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. In about 20-30 minutes we provide a condensed view of what happened at the recent Town Council meeting.

These interviews are among those regularly scheduled and available to Franklin Matters subscribers. The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

On the third day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the third day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Three more reminders'

Very true; there are only three more reminders to sign up for the once per day newsletter before the info stops going to Facebook.

There are other ways to remain in the know (besides the daily newsletter). For info on those check out ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-sixth-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

The audio acknowledging the anniversary this November,

and the leaving of Facebook. There was life before Facebook

and there will be life after. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the third day before leaving Facebook my true love sent to me

On the fourth day before leaving Facebook my true love sent to me

"On the fourth day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Four seasons a year"

Yes, this is a stretch but it does fit the scheme. The information shared here does cover all the season throughout the year including all the high school sports seasons (via HockomockSports.com).

The audio acknowledging the anniversary this November,

and the leaving of Facebook. There was life before Facebook

and there will be life after. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the fourth day before leaving Facebook my true love sent to me