Have you tried the "Year in Review" Quiz on the News in the Town of Franklin for 2023?

Let's try something a little different as we approach the close out of 2023. 

How closely did you pay attention to the news during the year?

A Town of Franklin "Year in Review" news quiz. 

10 questions, and a bonus question. All worth 10 points each.

Submit a valid email at the beginning of the quiz, and at the end of the quiz, you can select to receive how you did on the quiz sent to that email.

We'll keep the quiz open until January 7 and share the overall results.

Take the quiz in the embedded form below or follow this link ->
https://forms.gle/RABScYHFy2mKLgiX7

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Finance, Facilities & Public Works - get your application submitted

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Munis Administrator - Finance Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works 

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 12/22/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Finance, Facilities & Public Works - get your application submitted

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Wed, Dec 20, 2023:

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1737503449565089869

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for custodians, heavy equipment operator, and a Director of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy - Office of the Town Administrator 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 11/29/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for custodians, heavy equipment operator, and a Director of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy

Invitation for Bids: On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities for Town of Franklin (MA)

On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities

In accordance with MGL c 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of an electrical firm to provide on-call electrical services at water and sewer buildings, treatment facilities, and various other locations within the water and sewer system within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  On-Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/call-electrical-services-water-and-sewer-facilities

Invitation for Bids: On Call Electrical Services for Water and Sewer Facilities for Town of Franklin (MA)

Town of Franklin Biennial Election Unofficial Results - Nov 7, 2023 (audio)

The Town of Franklin Biennial Election Unofficial Results as read off by Town Clerk Nancy Danello in the Franklin High School gym on Tuesday, Nov 7, 2023. A group of 40 or so candidates and their supporters were present to listen to the results.

• In the Town Council race, the 9 incumbents held off the one challenger. 
• The Tri-County debt exclusion passed
• Only 6200 3100 voters cast ballots, a disappointing turnout 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1094-town-of-franklin-biennial-election-unofficial-results-11-07-23

Download a PDF of the unofficial results -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_S0pqXRnVNvSGrJWWnqz6HV8M1B3tsl/view?usp=drive_link

The “Election Collection” for 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/franklin-election-collection-2023.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 Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

Town of Franklin: UNOFFICIAL Biennial Election Results - Nov 7, 2023

Town of Franklin: UNOFFICIAL Biennial Election Results - Nov 7, 2023

Via Town Clerk Nancy Danello, the unofficial results are available.

• In the Town Council race, the 9 incumbents held off the one challenger. 
• The Tri-County debt exclusion passed
• Only 6200 3100 voters cast ballots, a disappointing turnout 

Download a PDF of the unofficial results ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_S0pqXRnVNvSGrJWWnqz6HV8M1B3tsl/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin: UNOFFICIAL Biennial Election Results - Nov 7, 2023

Franklin Cultural District: Art Assoc & Downtown Partnership meetings, Arts Mosaic at Dean, Election Day Tuesday

Wednesday, November 1

10:00am  - Veterans Coffee Social (Senior Center)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) NO Session Today, See you Nov 8)

6:30pm - Franklin Art Association (Senior Center)

Thursday, November 2

8:30am - Franklin Downtown Partnership General Mtg (Dean College - Student Center)

6:00pm - Ken Barney (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting (Franklin Public Library)

Friday, November 3

6:00pm - Piano Steve (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - Arts Mosaic (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, November 4 

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

4:00pm - Tyler Zajac (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Annual FPAC Gala (in person and virtual event) (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm - Arts Mosaic  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Sunday, November 5

Daylight Saving Time ends (clocks fall back 1 hour)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Tuesday, November 7 = Election Day

6:00am - Town of Franklin Election (Franklin High School)

6:00pm - Franklin Garden Club - meeting (Franklin Public Library) 

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:   https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Town of Franklin: Board of Health Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 5 PM 

The Board of Health will be conducting the Board of Health meeting at 355 East Central St, Conference Room, 3rd floor at 5:00 PM. The Public has the option of attending the meeting live at the Town Hall or dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required).

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● Reading and acceptance October 4, 2023 draft meeting minutes

NEW BUSINESS

● CHNA - Grant

● Status on Emergency Shelter

● Local Upgrade Approval - 20 Earls Way

● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

● Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_11.1.23_-_google_docs.pdf

Town of Franklin: Board of Health Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Town of Franklin: Security Camera Project - Invitation to Bid

Franklin Security Camera Project

In accordance with MGL c. 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a contractor to supply and install security cameras in three buildings located within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Franklin Security Camera Project

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/franklin-security-camera-project-0

Town of  Franklin: Security Camera Project - Invitation to Bid

Town of Franklin: Street Sweeping Services - Invitation to Bid

Street Sweeping Services

In accordance with MGL c. 30, §39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a contractor for the purposes of street sweeping services at various locations, all located within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Street Sweeping Services

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/street-sweeping-services-0

Town of Franklin: Street Sweeping Services - Invitation to Bid

Town of Franklin: Catch Basin Material Hauling and Disposal - Invitation to Bid

Catch Basin Material Hauling and Disposal

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a contractor to haul catch basin debris from the Town of Franklin stockyard and dispose of this debris in compliance with Mass DEP rules and regulations.   

Additional Information:  Catch Basin Material Hauling and Disposal

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/catch-basin-material-hauling-and-disposal

Town of Franklin: Catch Basin Material Hauling and Disposal - Invitation to Bid

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Administration, Senior Center, Charles River, & Facilities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Administrative Assistant - Town Administrator

Administrative Assistant - Senior Center

Wastewater Treatment Operator - Charles River Pollution Control District  

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 10/06/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Administration, Senior Center, Charles River, & Facilities

Town of Franklin's Municipal Aggregation Program Update

This is a reminder that the Town of Franklin's new 24-month contract with energy consultant Colonial Power Group and renewable electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services will commence in November.  The new fixed rate is 15 cents per kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is slated to begin with the November 2023 meter reads and end with the November 2025 meter reads. The change will be reflected in ratepayers' December 2023 bill.

Municipal Aggregation Program

Residents and business owners who are currently enrolled in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically enrolled in the program when the new contract takes effect in November, and will not need to take any action to continue to participate. Also note, anyone currently enrolled should have received a postcard from the Town of Franklin c/o Colonial Power in early October containing information about the new rate + term along with a notice regarding automatic enrollment.  A link to the postcard is also available here. 

Residents and business owners who are not currently enrolled in the program will need to Opt In if interested in participating. Opt In instructions are available on the Municipal Aggregation webpage, and also included in a Public Notice which was recently released by Colonial Power Group, and linked here.  

If you would like to confirm if you are currently enrolled, simply look at your electric bill under "Supply Services".  If Dynegy Energy Services is named as your Supplier, you are enrolled with the Town's Municipal Aggregation Program. Or, call Dynegy directly at (866) 220-5696.

All consumers are able to opt in or opt out at any time and as often as desired. There are no fees for enrollment or cancelation, however, anyone with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed to participate in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply program, and anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. 

Please refer to the following resources for more detailed information:

• August 25, 2023 dated blog on the Town website titled "Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program",
• The Town's Municipal Aggregation webpage and FAQs
• Public Notice released by Colonial Power Group
• Postcard from the Town of Franklin c/o Colonial Power

For questions regarding billing or enrollment status, residents and business owners must contact Dynegy Energy Services directly by calling (866) 220-5696 or by visiting colonialpowergroup.com/franklin.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklins-municipal-aggregation-program-update

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building CLOSURE - October 9, 2023

The Town of Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, October 9th, 2023 in observance of Columbus Day. 

We will reopen on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-closure-october-9th-2023

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building CLOSURE - October 9, 2023

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Facilities, DPW, & Charles River Pollution Control District

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Wastewater Treatment Operator - Charles River Pollution Control District  

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 09/21/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Facilities, DPW, & Charles River Pollution Control District

Townwide, curbside event - Sat 9/30 & Sun 10/1

"Got unwanted items? Not sure who's accepting donations? Simply place your gently used items on your curb & let the treasure hunting begin!

All items should be free of charge & are the responsibility of the homeowner to remove promptly after 10/1/23"

https://www.facebook.com/events/318418503913810/permalink/318418517247142/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Townwide, curbside event - Sat 9/30 & Sun 10/1

Town of Franklin September E-Newsletter

11.5 Million Saved, Flu Clinics, Touch A Truck, Restaurant Expo and more!

Subscribe for News September 2023 Edition Biennial Town Election The Biennial Town Election is set for November 7, 2023 at Franklin High School from 6am - 8pm. You can access the official candidacy list for the upcoming election here. The last day to withdraw candidacy is September 22, no later than 1pm. Questions? Contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900 or email ndanello@franklinma.gov. October 28 is the last day to register to vote. You may check or update your information via the State's Online Voter Registration tool. For additional Election information, please visit the Town Clerk's webpage. $11.5 Million Saved for Municipal Aggregation Users. Consumers enrolled in Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program have saved $11.5 Million and counting since November 2020. We're excited to announce a renewal of the program with a fixed rate of 15 cents per kWh through November 2025. Read the full announcement here! Real Estate Tax Exemptions for FY 2024 A note from the Assessors Office: As of July 1, 2023, Property Owners who are Seniors 70 or older, Surviving Spouses, Blind, or Veterans with a Purple Heart or a 10% or greater disability may be eligible for a Real Estate Tax Exemption for Fiscal Year 2024. Exemption applications have been available since July 1, were sent to those owners who were eligible in FY 2023, and are continuing to be accepted and processed by the Board of Assessors. If you think you may be qualified, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible by early Autumn; this way if granted, your exemption credit could be applied to your 3rd (January) and 4th (April) Quarter Tax Bills. Applications are available in person and online via the Assessors webpage here. Questions? Call the Assessors Office at (508) 520-4920. Department of Public Works Rain (Barrel) Drops The fall residential rain barrel program is open! Visit the Great American Rain Barrel website to purchase your rain barrel. Deadline for ordering is September 24 and pickup will be at the DPW Admin Building (257 Fisher St.) on October 4 from 4pm - 6pm. Order your rain barrel today! Touch A Truck Save the date! The Department of Public Works will host a Touch A Truck event on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10am - 2pm at 257 Fisher St. Winners of the Hydrant Painting contest will be announced at the event! There will be plenty of trucks including food trucks! Franklin Public Schools Welcome Back! Our talented FPS staff has worked hard throughout the summer to collaborate and prepare for the upcoming school year. Which led to a great first week welcoming students into our buildings. We're ready for the 2023-2024 school year! Free and Reduced Meal Application The Commonwealth of Massachusetts voted to make universal free school meals for all students permanent. This means that breakfast and lunch will continue to be served at no cost to all students through the 2023-2024 school year! Please note that even though meals will be free for all, it is important for families to still complete the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2023-2024 school year if you believe you might qualify. Senior Center Programs Cardio Fusion – Get your endurance up with our new exercise class with Judi! Every Wednesday at 4pm, $3/class. Live Drum Circle – Jam with percussionist Kimberlee O'Brian on Sept. 8 at 1pm Mobile Food Pantry – Receive a bag of stable items, choice of protein, and dairy items on Sept. 13 at 11am. This monthly mobile food pantry is offered in partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry, Hockomock YMCA and Franklin Senior Center. Pizza and Movie Night – Watch the new Indiana Jones Movie: "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" on Sept. 14 at 4:30pm. Call to Register $3/person Blues Party – Feeling BLUE that summer is over? Join our Blues party on Sept. 15 at 11am and enjoy live entertainment and a delicious ham dinner. Call to Register $6/person Eat Around the World – OUI are so excited for our taste buds to travel to France with Chef Anne's French cuisine! Join us Oct. 22. Call to Register $6/person Senior Scribblers Book Signing – Our writer's group, the Senior Scribblers, have published a book! Join us to celebrate and get your book signed on Sept. 26 at 10am. There are a lot more programs, so make sure to check out the Senior Connection Newsletter or stop by the Senior Center for more information! Questions? Visit the Senior Center website or call 508-520-4945 to learn more. Upcoming Events Flu Shot Clinics Are you looking to get your Flu Shot? The Franklin Health department will offer FREE Flu Shot clinics. There will be a clinic for adults only and another for kids only. Both will be at the Franklin Senior Center. Adult Flu Shot Clinic | Click to Register September 28, 2023 from 12pm - 3pm Kids Flu Shot Clinic | Click to Register October 11, 2023 from 3pm - 6pm Restaurant Expo The Franklin Health Department will host a Restaurant Expo at the Franklin Public Library on September 27, 2023 from 2pm - 5pm. The Franklin Restaurant Expo allows for food service/restaurant and hospitality industry professionals to connect with a variety of vendors in the region. Interested in reserving a booth or learning more? Visit our event page here. Senior Expo The Senior Expo is back! Join us October 6, 2023 from 10am - 1pm at the Senior Center for live entertainment, raffle prizes, a flu shot clinic, hearing tests and more. This event is geared towards providing resources to our Seniors in a fun way! Learn more about the Senior Expo here. Harvest Festival Get ready for fall during the Franklin Downtown Partnership's 20th annual Harvest Festival on September 30 from 12pm - 5pm on Main Street! Rain date is October 1. There will be music, food, kids' activities, balloons, and plenty of specialty products, art, crafts and more from over 160 vendors. Interested in volunteering for the festival? Email Bryan Taberner at btaberner@franklinma.gov Franklin Public Library Event Highlights! Sept. 14 – Author Talk with Talk: Emily Franklin "The Lioness of Boston" Join us at 6:30pm for readings and conversation with Lioness of Boston Author Emily Franklin! As a special treat signed book plates will be available at the event for your copy of the book! RSVP here. Sept. 16 – Robo-Racer Workshop Have a middle schooler with a passion building and tinkering? Register them today for a 90 min build challenge and engineering experience. Program starts at 10am. Participants will be grouped in teams of 3-4, Hub, motors and LEGO Technic parts will be provided. The Franklin High School robotics team will conduct the workshop. RSVP Here. Sept. 22 – Farmer's Market Fun! Join the Franklin Public Library from 2pm-4pm for a special monthly visit at the Franklin Farmer's Market! Sept. 24 – Wildlife Photography Workshop Registration Required! Zoo admission is NOT included with this program. Discounted admission is available at the Circulation Desk! Join Nature Photographer Steve McGrath on a Wildlife Photography Workshop where you will learn how to use your preferred digital camera like a pro and improve your wildlife photographic technique. This First Class will have a short presentation to discuss tips and techniques for getting great zoo photographs that look like they were taken in the wild! Then off to the Zoo to Photograph for the day, make sure you bring the longest lens you have. There will be a second class at the Library in October, where we will view our Images and Critique them for a show and tell! With an opportunity to show your best work! RSVP here. Sept. 30 – Bluey Bash Celebrate everyone's favorite canine family with an awesome morning of games, crafts, snacks, dancing and more at 10:30am. Library Hours The Library's summer hours are Monday - Thursday, 9am - 8pm. Friday & Saturday, 9am - 5pm. Sunday hours of 1:30pm - 5pm will resume after Labor Day. Library Calendar of Events - September 2023 Veterans' Services Dates to Know Sept. 15 – National POW/MIA Recognition Day - A day to remember and honor those Americans who were prisoners of war and those who served and never returned home Sept. 18 – U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard's 76th Birthday Sept. 21 – Veterans' Council Meeting - 7pm at the Senior Center. All Franklin residents interested in Veterans' events and activities are welcome. Sept. 24 – Gold Star Mothers and Families Day Veterans Memorial Walkway The next engraved brick installation will be in November to coincide with Veterans' Day the deadline for submitting a brick order form is September 15. Veterans need not be from Franklin to be honored with a brick. All members of the U.S. military are eligible. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies.  Tune It Out! The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for Veterans will will resume on September 12. Call the Veterans' Services Office for details. Contact Veterans' Services at 508-613-1315 or access their webpage to learn more. Downtown Parking Changes Town Administration and Town Council have since refined the parking bylaw as of July 19, 2023. There is now Depot St. and the Ferrara's municipal parking lot. Visit the Town of Franklin's Online Parking Portal for more information.