What vendors and activities are at the next to last Farmer's Market for this season - October 18 ???

"We have a great market coming to you this week. 

Check out this week's lineup."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DBNFDiLvAw4/

What vendors and activities are at the next to last Farmer's Market for this season - October 18 ???

Roy - Bailey: 10th Norfolk District Debate continues online

The Franklin Observer has an online debate in text being posted one question a week for 7 weeks between the 10th Norfolk District candidates; incumbent State Representative Jeff Roy and Republican challenger Charles Bailey.

Worthy of note are two items:

1 - the disclosure (finally) by the Observer editor

2 - to avoid changes to his response Rep Roy is posting his full answer on his web page which the Observer links to

Question 1 - “What do you think needs to be done to reform the Massachusetts State Police? Or, what would you try to do as a legislator to reform the State Police?” -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/273764/debate-print-between-charles-bailey-and-jeff-roy-1

Question 2 - "Can you provide an overview of your approach to policymaking and legislative negotiations? In other words, is there a general perspective you bring to this or would bring and how do you or how would you negotiate to get support. Relatedly, what experience do they have in navigating these types of negotiations, including their successes." -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/274383/debate-print-between-charles-bailey-and-jeff-roy-2

Question 3 - "Regarding, shelter for migrants, many attracted to Massachusetts by an extremely generous ‘right to housing’ law and/or brought to the state with the help of NGOs. What can or should be done to keep this from becoming a real crisis, to protect the state budget, and to protect local towns from the many disruptions this has caused?" -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/275026/debate-print-between-charles-bailey-and-jeff-roy-3

Question 4 - "What can be done or should be done to extend SNETT to downtown Franklin? How and when?" -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/275714/debate-print-between-charles-bailey-and-jeff-roy-4

Question 5 - 

Question 6 - 

Question 7 - 

10th Norfolk District candidates; incumbent State Representative Jeff Roy and Republican challenger Charles Bailey (Franklin Observer image)

10th Norfolk District Debate - 10/08/24 between State Rep Jeff Roy & Charles Bailey (audio)

FM #1286 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1286 in the series. 

State Representative Jeff Roy met his challenger Charles Bailey in a debate on Tuesday October 8, 2024 at the Medway Middle School. The debate was arranged and hosted jointly by the Republican and Democratic Town Committees of both Medway and Franklin.

The debate was live streamed by Medway to their cable subscribers as well as to Facebook. Franklin likewise broadcast to their cable subscribers and to YouTube.

After a brief delay to allow for a technical issue to be resolved as well as the Medway Fire Chief to allow additional participants, as the room capacity (50) had been met, the debate began and lasted just about an hour.

The recording runs about 60 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1286-10th-norfolk-district-debate-10-08-24/

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

The video replay can be found here -> https://www.youtube.com/live/Mw0u4rgg1rI?si=_qvFcdvOovhPHRIH&t=1105 

My notes taken during the debate and capture din one PDF thread via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtwlvEhZsEQzWDT0kARiMZ6EfbEg3ILl/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"

10th Norfolk District Debate - 10/08/24 between State Rep Jeff Roy & Charles Bailey (audio)

Franklin TV has the 10th Norfolk Candidate Debate - Oct 8 video for replay (video)

State Representative Jeff Roy met his challenger Charles Bailey in a debate on Tuesday October 8, 2024 at the Medway Middle School. The debate was arranged and hosted jointly by the Republican and Democratic Town Committee of both Medway and Franklin.

The debate was live streamed by Medway to their cable subscribers as well as to Facebook. Franklin likewise broadcast to their cable subscribers and to YouTube.

After a brief delay to allow for a technical issue to be resolved as well as the Medway Fire Chief to allow additional participants, as the room capacity had been met, the debate began and lasted just over an hour.

The video replay can be found here -> https://www.youtube.com/live/Mw0u4rgg1rI?si=_qvFcdvOovhPHRIH&t=1105

My notes taken during the debate and capture din one PDF thread via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtwlvEhZsEQzWDT0kARiMZ6EfbEg3ILl/view?usp=drive_link 

Frank Falvey interviews State Rep Jeff Roy (video)

Frank Falvey sits to talk with State Representative Jeff Roy

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al58MRVU5xY

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7eBKXEGJmbSJCpXt/

Lt. Gov Driscoll joins State Rep. Roy to Kick off 2024 Re-Election Campaign

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) kicked off his 2024 re-election campaign at La Cantina Winery in Franklin with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll as one of his featured speakers. She was joined by House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Town Councilor Robert Dellorco, SAFE Coalition CEO Jen Levine, and Campaign Chair Mike Doherty, who each offered remarks in support of Rep. Roy. Over 150 people attended the event, including 22 legislative colleagues who came from all parts of Massachusetts to support their colleague.

(L-R) Roy, Driscoll, Michlewitz

Roy is seeking re-election for a seventh term in the 10th Norfolk District which includes all of Franklin and precincts 2, 3 and 4 in Medway.

Roy currently serves as Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and is the House’s lead negotiator on climate and energy legislation. He previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education and as Acting Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. He also serves as House Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. The caucus will be hosting its annual manufacturing award ceremony at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, September 25.  

"I have enjoyed serving the residents of Franklin and Medway and would be honored to serve another term," noted Roy.  "We have made great progress in the areas of education, climate, economic development, health care and veterans affairs, and I want to build on that success. In addition, we have addressed the challenges of substance use disorder, the social equity, and criminal justice, and I look forward to continuing the work in these areas. I am humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from my friends and colleagues and have enjoyed the opportunity to be the voice of Franklin and Medway on Beacon Hill. If re-elected, I will continue to be a fierce advocate for our communities.”  

Re-Election Campaign Kick-off for 2024

In this recently released video (https://youtu.be/KwM1vJjcvjA), Rep. Roy makes the case for re-election and talks about what it takes to be an effective legislator. He also talks about his contributions to the community, legislation he has championed, and the role of an elected official in state government.

Roy is the father three children, all of whom were educated in the Franklin Public Schools. He is a 1986 cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He received his undergraduate degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1983, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Bates Student newspaper. He is also a 22-year rider in the annual Pan Mass Challenge event which raises money for the Jimmy Fund.

For more information on Roy and the campaign, please visit www.jeffreyroy.com

State Rep Jeff Roy reminds of his campaign launch party at La Cantina Winery - Sep 10

Hello Franklin,

I wanted to remind you that we are launching our 2024 campaign on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 on the heels of our wonderful primary election results. It will take place at the enchanting La Cantina Winery on Tuesday, September 10, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event has always been an extraordinary opportunity for us to come together, celebrate, and further strengthen the ties that bind our community.

I am also pleased to report that Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will be there to offer remarks along with House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz.

And, after the event, we will be hosting a Presidential debate watch for those who want to stay and watch it in the company of friends.

State Rep Jeff Roy campaign info

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting - Thursday, Sept 5 at 7 PM

Greetings all!

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting is this Thursday (September 5th) evening at 7 PM! 

It will be HYBRID, in person and by Zoom from 7:00-9:00pm!

We will be discussing how we'll be approaching Rep. Jeff Roy regarding what we want in the climate bill, emphasizing the importance of coupling phasing out gas with siting and permitting infrastructure. 

Come learn what you can do!  

For more news about ongoing and upcoming events, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on the 350 Mass website.

With gratitude,

Node Co-coordinators 

Carolyn Barthel and Steve Derdiarian

Thursday, September 5th at 7-9 PM

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting - Thursday, Sept 5 at 7 PM

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (audio)

As school returns in earnest, we're going to the archives to bring forward a number of key items to share to help folks who are now newly engaged in the budget discussion to help understand the overall town government process.

This "Town of Franklin Government 101" event was held on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

The program featured

• Dr. Robert Krim, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Framingham State University
• Franklin State Rep. Jeff Roy has previously held positions on the Franklin School Committee and Town Council
• a conversation and question & answer period with Town Council representative Tom Mercer and School Committee member Denise Schultz, moderated by Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters

The recording runs just about 2 hours. I did remove the portion when we took a break for coffee and refreshments. Without further ado, here is the recording link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-138-town-government-101/

Rep Jeff Roy making his presentation before the discussion/Q&A
with Tom Mercer and Denise Schultz that I moderated

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/

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

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

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

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 )

State budget allocates $50,000 to support enhanced client programs provided by the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance, was granted $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget. State Representative Jeffrey Roy spearheaded the funding, which will support enhanced client programs including in person shopping, the Franklin Public Schools Weekend Backpack program, food delivery for homebound clients, and The Pantry’s building upkeep and maintenance. This is the fourth consecutive year that Representative Roy, a champion in ending hunger, has secured funding for The Pantry from the state. 

(L-R) Marsha Tait, Development Director, State Rep Jeff Roy, Tina Powderly, Executive Director (Photo Credit: Paul Vicario)

"Individuals and families in our community are experiencing hunger,” says Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “In the past year, The Pantry has welcomed lifelong residents and families who for a variety of reasons or circumstances seek food assistance. Because of the support from our leaders and lawmakers including State Representative Jeffrey Roy, we’re able to help those in need and provide access to healthy, nutritious food.” 

Upon moving to 341 W. Central St. in Franklin in June of 2023, The Pantry saw an immediate increase in demand of about 40 percent over last year—and that increase remained constant through Fiscal Year 2024. Pantry staff attributes the increase to greater visibility on route 140, as well as the high cost of food, housing, and other expenses.

“The Franklin Food Pantry is essential to our community in providing supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals each year,” said State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D) 10th Norfolk. “I am happy to have secured $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget as so many residents in the Commonwealth are struggling with food insecurity and these funds will help with finishing the building project and enhancing programs in the new facility. I am grateful to The Pantry for its continued commitment and dedication to our community.”

To learn more about how you can support the Franklin Food Pantry, and help end food insecurity in the community, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

 

Note: By way of disclosure, I am supporting the Food Pantry by volunteering on two of their committees and happy to give my time freely for this important effort. 

This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)

FM #1260 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1260 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning August 15, to recap and condense the 3 and 40 minute session to about 30 minutes. 

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

• 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

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

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

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

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

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

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1260-town-council-quarterbacking-08-15-24/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?si=guHDipisHqH_Q9hn&t=73 

Agenda and docs released for this session  -> 

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

My full set of notes as captured during the meeting via Twitter/X ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10kZggKLArBB2AbSMxRKHWb8b2iUFIhZH/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

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"

This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)