Showing posts with label Rep Roy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rep Roy. Show all posts

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Mental Health: State Rep Jeff Roy (video)

"Welcome to Mental Health, the crisis of our time. 
My name is Ann Bergen. I am the host of this series of programs brought to you by Franklin TV whose mission is really to bring important topics relevant to the community out so we can inform the residents aware of issues that are very very important. 
The issue we have to address is mental health."

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgP4W-N2SRA

State Representative Jeff Roy - state page ->   https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1

Personal page -> https://jeffreyroy.com/



Mental Health: State Rep Jeff Roy (video)
Mental Health: State Rep Jeff Roy (video)

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM

Save the date!!!      March 6 at 10 AM

State Rep Jeff Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and Secretary of Veterans Service, Jon Santiago

Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM
Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM

Friday, February 9, 2024

Veterans Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center

Save the date!!!

March 6 at 10 AM.

State Rep Jeff Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and Secretary of Veterans Service, Jon Santiago



Shared from -> 

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

"The state’s outlier status on punishing revenge porn ought to be a source of embarrassment for Senate lawmakers"

"The sharing of intimate photographs by consenting adults has by many accounts become commonplace. And it has come with a host of unfortunate consequences — including the potential for betrayal of what was once a trusting relationship.

Revenge porn — the nonconsensual sharing or publishing of those intimate images — has swept up celebrities and the once-happy couple next door alike.

Look no further than the recently reported case of Aiden Kearney, the controversial blogger known as Turtleboy, who now stands accused by a former girlfriend of threatening to release nude photos of her after she broke up with him in December — and started talking to police about his other activities. Kearney had recently been charged with witness intimidation in connection with his interest in a Canton murder case. Now he faces charges of domestic assault and witness intimidation in the case involving his ex-girlfriend."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

The legislation recently passed by the MA House was shared here recently

Massachusetts and South Carolina are the only states where revenge porn is not criminalized.CHRIS RATCLIFFE/PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS RATCLIFFE/BL
Massachusetts and South Carolina are the only states where revenge porn is not criminalized. CHRIS RATCLIFFE/PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS RATCLIFFE/BL


Friday, January 12, 2024

Massachusetts House unanimously passes bill to prevent abuse and exploitation, enhance protections for survivors (video)

The Massachusetts House of Representatives today (Wednesday, January 10, 2024) passed legislation that combines several separate legislative initiatives into one bill that will help to prevent abuse and exploitation, while also enhancing protections for survivors. The legislation addresses teen sexting and image-based sexual assault, commonly referred to as “revenge porn;” expands the definition of abuse to include coercive control for the purposes of obtaining a restraining order; and extends the statute of limitations for certain domestic violence offenses from six years to 15 years.

“This legislation modernizes our criminal laws by ensuring that those who share explicit images of others without their consent face punishment, while also educating minors on the dangers of sharing explicit images of themselves rather than imposing some of the criminal justice system’s most severe consequences,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m also incredibly proud of this legislation’s bolstered protections for survivors, including the added consideration of nonphysical forms of abuse for those seeking restraining orders from their abusers. I want to thank Chairman Day and the Judiciary Committee, along with each bill sponsor and all my colleagues in the House for prioritizing this vital legislation.” 

“The House has heard the urgent call of survivors to enhance protections and ensure that our laws keep up with technology. But the House doesn’t just listen, we act,” said Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. “It’s critical that these reforms pass into law quickly so that victims of coercive control, adolescent sexting and revenge porn aren’t left without relief.”

Currently, minors who possess, purchase, or share explicit photos of themselves or other minors are charged with violating Massachusetts child pornography laws and are required to register as sex offenders. The legislation passed today instead authorizes commitment to the Department of Youth Services (DYS), but also allows minors to be diverted to an educational program in lieu of criminal punishment. A district attorney, however, is allowed to petition the court to bring criminal charges in extreme cases. 

The educational diversion program, to be created by the Attorney General in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), DYS, and the District Attorneys Association, would provide teenagers with information about the legal and nonlegal consequences of sexting, which would be made available to school districts. DESE should also encourage districts to implement media literacy programs in their schools as a prevention measure.  

“This legislation represents a coordinated effort and a holistic approach to address an increasingly prevalent behavior and provides mechanisms to protect individuals victimized by those who threaten, intimidate, and harass the subjects of these images,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), a lead sponsor of the bill. “The sexting provisions provide law enforcement officers with a middle ground that will allow them to educate kids about the consequences of their actions without ruining their lives. It will have a tremendous impact on people who have become entangled in the web and transmittal of images that can cause traumatic and lifetime harm through a diversion program that will educate them about the legal and personal consequences of this behavior.”

In addition to teen sexting, the bill addresses the nonconsensual distribution of explicit images by adults by establishing a penalty in the existing criminal harassment statute, including up to two and a half years of prison time and/or a monetary fine of up to $10,000. The bill increases the upper limit of the fine for criminal harassment from $1,000 to $5,000. Under this bill, a victim may also petition the court for a harassment prevention order against a person who has violated this statute. 

The bill passed today also adds coercive control to the definition of abuse. Coercive control is a nonphysical form of abuse which includes a pattern of behavior, or a single act intended to threaten, intimated, harass, isolate, control, coerce or compel compliance of a family or household member that causes the family or household member to fear physical harm or to have a reduced sense of physical safety or autonomy. Examples of coercive control include threating to share explicit images, regulating or monitoring a family or household member’s communications and access to services, and isolating a family or household member from friends or relatives.

"Protecting victims is the driving force behind these efforts and I am pleased we are giving prosecutors more tools to deal with these disturbing and dangerous situations. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Day, and the advocacy groups who recognize how important it is that we further protect victims by updating our criminal laws," said Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn), a lead sponsor of the bill. "By defining coercive control as abuse and closing revenge porn consent loopholes, this law protects against the severe emotional harm too often inflicted through non-physical tactics, sending a clear message that revenge porn, coercive control, and criminal harassment have no place in Massachusetts.” 

“Far too often, our legal system has failed victims of domestic violence who are subjected to the unseen tortures of psychological and emotional abuse,” Representative Meghan Kilcoyne (D-Clinton), a lead sponsor of the bill. “I am so grateful that with this piece of legislation, we will be giving our law enforcement and judiciary the necessary tools to ensure those subjected to both physical and emotional abuse are protected. I am thankful to the Speaker and Chairman Day for their leadership. “With this bill, we can make sure victims of coercive abuse will no longer suffer in silence.” 

The legislation passed today also extends the statute of limitations for assault and battery on a family or household member or against someone with an active protective order from six years to 15 years. This change brings the Massachusetts statute of limitations for these domestic violence offenses in line with the statute of limitations for rape, assault with intent to commit rape and sex trafficking. 

“Massachusetts can and should be granting restraining orders for coercive control, but we know that for so many survivors, their emotional and psychological trauma is not given the same seriousness as physical violence. And the reality of that barrier can be deadly,” said Representative Natalie M. Higgins (D-Leominster), a lead sponsor of the bill. “I am incredibly grateful to the Speaker and my House colleagues for taking a critical step forward in protecting our neighbors by codifying coercive control in the Mass General Laws and extending the statute of limitations so that survivors of domestic violence can build more safety and supports to come forward and report domestic abuse to law enforcement.”

“Domestic violence is not always physical violence, sometimes it’s much more insidious. During my time as a legal services attorney, I represented many survivors who suffered emotional trauma and financial devastation through fear and manipulation. Survivors and the courts need our help to update our laws to make it clear that coercive control is a type of domestic abuse that will not be tolerated,” said Representative Tram Nguyen (D-Andover), a lead sponsor of the bill. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, and Chair Day for advancing this transformative and bipartisan legislation. I am also grateful for the partnership of Rep. Higgins, who co-filed this legislation with me, and the survivors and coalition advocates who spoke up for the thousands of women, men, and children in our Commonwealth who would be better able to take back control of their future if this bill is signed into law.”

“An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation” (H.4241) passed the House of Representatives 151-0. It now goes to the Senate for their consideration. 


John F. Keenan (@SenJohnFKeenan) posted on Thu, Jan 11, 2024:
The Revenge Porn bill has passed the House! Now what? Well, the Senate has to vote, then @MassGovernor @maura_healey will need to sign it into law. Thank you to Rep. @jeffroy for all your hard work! #MAPoli https://t.co/BV4WV0UEQV  (Follow link to view video)
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/SenJohnFKeenan/status/1745543605391909036

SenJohnFKeenan & Rep.  @jeffroy
SenJohnFKeenan & Rep.  @jeffroy


Saturday, January 6, 2024

Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy Visit Tri-County Campus

On Friday, Jan 5, 2024 Congressman Jake Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy paid a visit to Tri-County RVTHS to meet with school administrators, School Committee members and tour the facility.  It was the first time Congressman Auchincloss was on campus while Representative Roy, a long-time friend, has paid many visits to 147 Pond Street.

Dr. Karen Maguire, Rep Roy, Congressman Auchincloss
Dr. Karen Maguire, Rep Roy, Congressman Auchincloss

Following a gathering with members of TC's Upper Administration, the duo toured the school with Superintendent Dr. Karen Maguire and School Committee member, past chair and TC alum Mr. Brian Mushnick.

"It gave our entire school community the utmost pride to host Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy," Dr. Maguire said. "It is one thing to have conversations and exchange correspondence but to have these two men on campus and see with their own eyes all the great things going on within these walls, is a special moment for all of us."

Tri-County_Congressman Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy Visit Tri-County RVTHS
Congressman Auchincloss and State Representative Jeff Roy Visit Tri-County RVTHS

On the tour Congressman Auchincloss and Representative Roy were afforded the opportunity to interact with instructors and students while witnessing first-hand the plethora of benefits inherent in Career Technical Education (CTE). A productive dialogue took place in the hallways and stairwells between shops as Dr. Maguire enthusiastically discussed Tri-County's future which includes a new facility.

Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County's Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

"Range Anxieties" shares the experiences of Representative Roy's electric vehicle

Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) posted on Wed, Dec 13, 2023:
Fighting climate change with electric cars isn't working like we hoped. https://t.co/GOV1rbcVAQ via @BostonGlobe

 

This is a topic of keen interest to Representative Jeff Roy. He also has a new blog "Range Anxieties" where he shares his experience with his electric vehicle including the lack of charging stations (in MA especially along the major roadways.)  

What is Range Anxiety?
"Range anxiety is the fear of driving an electric car and running out of power without being able to find a charging point on time to replenish the battery. Thus you fear being left stranded. You worry about where you can charge on long trips, how long charging takes, whether the charger will be available when you get there, whether the charger is working, whether it is producing enough kilowatts, and how much will it slow you down on these cross-country trips. Indeed, range anxiety is considered to be one of the major psychological barriers to large-scale public adoption of electric cars."
You can find Range Anxieties here -> https://rangeanxieties.com/


The Boston Globe link was shared from Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1734901853601603615

https://t.co/GOV1rbcVAQ via @BostonGlobe
https://t.co/GOV1rbcVAQ via @BostonGlobe

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Harriet DiMartino receives Franklin's Boston Post Cane as it's oldest resident

Town Clerk Nancy Danello presented the cane to Harriet DiMartino on Thursday, December 7. 2023. State Rep Jeff Roy also presented a Citation from the MA House of Representatives. Harriet was in the company of several members of her family.

Harriet's story as contained in the Proclamation from the Town of Franklin to mark the occasion: 
Harriet was born on April 18, 1922, in Lancaster NH to Cora Congdon (Nurse) and Frederick Congdon (Clerk of Probate Coos County).  She attended Lancaster schools and graduated from Lancaster High School where she was an excellent student and a basketball star. 
Harriet attended the University of New Hampshire where she met the love of her life, Dominic DiMartino. They both loved ballroom dancing.  After their first dance together, there was only one name that filled Harriet’s dance cards. 
Dom, a civil engineering graduate of UNH, was drafted into the Army and was assigned to the China Burma India Theater assisting with the building of airport runways with the Army Corps of Engineers. She received a degree in accounting from UNH.  During the war, Harriet taught school in Berlin NH and The Catskills NY.   
Dom & Harriet were married on June 1, 1946, shortly after Dom returned home from India.  They moved to Franklin in 1950 where they built their home on Lincoln Street.  Along with being a mother to five children, Harriet was co-owner, Vice President and bookkeeper for the D DiMartino Construction Company which was established in 1962. 
Harriet was a devout Episcopalian and converted to Catholicism to attend church with her husband and family.   She was an active member of the Franklin Catholic Women Club for many years. 
Every summer, the day after school ended, she loaded up the children and family dog in the beach wagon and headed to West Falmouth where the family spent most summers at the cottage built by Dom in 1954. 
She was a fabulous baker of pies and cookies, until aging affected her ability to mix the dough.  Her cookie jars were always filled with homemade treats for those who visit and there was usually an apple or rhubarb pie on the kitchen counter.
Upon retiring she and Dom spent 6 months of the year in their condo in Hollywood, Florida, where Harriet served as the association treasurer of the condo association.  Summers were spent at their “new” home in West Falmouth, built in 1986 adjacent to the cottage.  Annually, there were two brief returns to 2 Meetinghouse Lane in Franklin for the transition from Florida Snowbird to Cape Codder and back.  They were married for 64 years until Dom’s passing in 2011.  Harriet continued the annual north to south migration until 2018. 
Harriet continues to be a die-hard Patriots and Red Sox fan.  She and Dom were 25-year Patriots season tickets holders (before the Pat’s became a historic team.)    Admittedly, Harriet was the bigger sports fan than Dom. 
Since 2018, Harriet has resided in her home in Franklin full time.  She enjoys crossword puzzles on the TV via an app, watching the Red Sox, MASH DVDs, and weekly Sunday Mass broadcast from Notre Dame University.  She is a devoted and loving mother to five children, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of eight great- grandchildren. 
State Rep Jeff Roy, Harriet DiMartino, Town Clerk Nancy Danello
State Rep Jeff Roy, Harriet DiMartino, Town Clerk Nancy Danello

State Rep Jeff Roy, Harriet DiMartino, Town Clerk Nancy Danello, accompanied by Harriet's children
State Rep Jeff Roy, Harriet DiMartino, Town Clerk Nancy Danello, accompanied by Harriet's children

 
Other photos from the brief ceremony at the DiMartino residence

Sunday, November 5, 2023

MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress

Our State Representative Jeff Roy made the news this week with one of his hearings this week. He had the utilities (NationalGrid, Eversource, etc.) in for a hearing and he raised some questions on the MassSave program. NewsCenter 5 had been running a series on rebate issues with MassSave so it was timely and got some action. There is still more to be done, so if you have MassSave issue, let Jeff know.

"Massachusetts state lawmakers are now demanding answers from the state's utility companies after NewsCenter 5's reporting about ongoing problems at Mass Save.

That's the energy efficiency program the utilities are required by state law to run, paying homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient.

Mass Save is critical to Massachusetts meeting its climate goals, but over the past two years the program has been plagued by long delays in issuing rebates, difficult-to-reach customer service and even bounced checks. Dozens of consumers from across the state have told NewsCenter 5 they can't get adequate explanations about what's slowing their rebates from Mass Save.

The program is funded by billions of dollars paid by utility customers across the state through a surcharge on monthly utility bills. The current three-year Mass Save program is funded at $4 billion."
Continue reading on the NewsCenter 5 page with the video clip ->   https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-lawmakers-demand-answers-utilities-mass-save-delays/45738082

MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress
MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Manufacturing Caucus Hosts 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony at Polar Park

Xpression Prints, Inc. of Franklin, Massachusetts received the Manufacturer of the Year Award for the 10th Norfolk District at the 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony held in the DCU Club at Polar Park in Worcester. 
Xpression Prints, Inc. of Franklin, MA
Xpression Prints, Inc. of Franklin, MA

Xpression Prints, Inc. was nominated by
State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.  Xpression Prints, Inc. was built from the ground up by dedicated and enthusiastic professionals and is driven to offer customers access to any type of custom printed items they need. And the company delivers these products quickly, efficiently and at a fair price. 

The Legislature, under the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka, has spearheaded several major economic development packages which focus on improving the renaissance of manufacturing, with the goal of making Massachusetts the best place to build things. 

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy

During his open remarks Representative Roy observed that “manufacturing provides high-paying jobs, contributes significantly to the state’s economy, and plays a vital role in driving innovation and technological advancements.  The state’s manufacturing industry is also known for its focus on innovation and sustainability, with many companies investing in research and development to create new products and processes that reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve energy efficiency.”  

The event was the state’s 8th Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony hosted by the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.  Sponsored by MassMEP and MassTech Collaborative, this was the third time the event was held in the DCU Club at Polar Park. 

Christine Nolan, Director for the Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Kathie Mahoney, President and CEO of MassMEP offered remarks at the ceremony along with Brooke Thomson, President of AIM. Senate President Karen E. Spilka and Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Yvonne Hao addressed the audience via pre-recorded video. 

After the successful event Representative Roy added, “Manufacturing output here is at its highest level in history and accounts for about 10 percent of the state’s economy and employs about 7% of the workforce with $56 billion in manufactured goods exported from the Commonwealth each year.  During the 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony, we celebrated 68 manufacturing awardees from across the state of Massachusetts. These are truly great companies who make our economy soar and contribute to these statistics. These manufacturers are examples of what is means to Make it in Massachusetts.”

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes 71 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.

Monday, September 25, 2023

St Rep Jeff Roy joins Ted & I in this Making Sense of Climate episode talking about Ireland, wind power, & more (audio)

FM #1067 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1067 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  

In this episode we are joined by our MA State Representative Jeffrey Roy,. Jeff provides insights from 

  • his trip to Ireland 

  • his visit to the offshore wind turbine construction underway

  • his efforts with legislation underway 

Along the way we find out about the Northern Ireland Parliament not having met in 3 years and the origin of Robert's Rules of Order in New Bedford.

Links to the articles we talk of are collected below.   

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted and Jeff as we help ‘make sense of climate.’ Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1067-making-sense-of-climate-32-09-19-23



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Links to articles referenced:

Drone footage of turbine leaving New Bedford harbor  https://youtu.be/4locoph2dMg 

CommonWealth Magazine article on wind power quoting Jeff https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/governors-including-healey-raise-concerns-about-offshore-wind-pricing/ 

New Bedford - Robert’s Rules of Order -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/new-bedford-leads-in-value-of-fish.html 

Solar power technical potential map from State of MA  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/technical-potential-of-solar-study#report-and-storymap- 

** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 


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"


Wednesday, August 30, 2023

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Secures $50,000 for Franklin Food Pantry’s Capital Campaign

Massachusetts Legislature Allocates Funds to Address Food Insecurity in the Commonwealth

The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance in Franklin, Massachusetts, and the surrounding community, was allocated $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget. State Representative Jeffery Roy assisted in securing the much-needed funding for The Pantry’s capital campaign, which will support enhanced client programs and services, and subsidize the purchase, renovation, and maintenance of a new building located at 341 W Central Street in Franklin.

Since moving to its new location, The Pantry has seen a sharp increase in client visits. This past July, average weekly visits to The Pantry increased by 35 percent compared to the same month last year. Pantry staff attributes the increased client need to the continued high cost of food, housing, utilities, clothing, and other expenses.
Executive Director Tina Powderly with State Rep Jeff Roy at the Ribbon Cutting in June 2023
Executive Director Tina Powderly with State Rep Jeff Roy at the Ribbon Cutting in June 2023

“The Franklin Food Pantry is essential to Franklin and surrounding towns, providing supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals each year,” said State Representative Jeffery Roy (D-Franklin). “The Pantry’s new building offers access to nutritious food in a dignified, modernized, larger space and I am pleased to advocate for such a worthy community partner.”

The state budget also designated funding for no-cost school meals for Massachusetts public school children in grades K-12, including the nearly 5,000 children enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools.
 
“The Franklin Food Pantry is committed to addressing child-level food insecurity, and we are extremely proud of our advocacy work with Project Bread and the Greater Boston Food Bank to ensure students are well nourished,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “We are grateful to Rep. Jeff Roy, Sen. Becca Rausch, Governor Maura Healey, and the entire Massachusetts Legislature for making universal school meals free for all and investing in our children and their future.”

The Franklin Food Pantry also partners with the Franklin Public Schools to provide meals and snacks to children over the weekend. As with all services at The Pantry, the Weekend Backpack Program is free to clients and depends on support and donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. To support the Franklin Food Pantry’s programs and daily operations, or to provide support for the new building campaign please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.



About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. 
Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Saturday, July 22, 2023

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)

FM #1024 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1024 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 


Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of July 19, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics


APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf


Legislative Delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy


Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  


Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  


c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading


d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  


Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  


Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 


Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 


Our conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded July 20, 2023.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1024-town-council-quarterbacking-07-20-23



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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf


My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link


Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI


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


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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)
This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)