Country Gazette will cease printing, go full digital only

"The Country Gazette will cease publishing a print newspaper and will instead exclusively offer news online at www.wickedlocal.com/countrygazette, on social media, via digital newsletters and other platforms. The final print edition of The Country Gazette will be May 6, 2022. "

Continue reading the article online
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2022/03/16/country-gazette-focuses-digital-only-suspends-print-publication/7066280001/

Country Gazette will cease printing, go full digital only

Wicked Local: "On World Read Aloud Day, locals share their favorite stories"

Franklin area folks like Library Director Felicia Oti, State Rep Jeff Roy, Superintendent Sara Ahern, Cultural Council member Pushpa Jangareddi, Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, and yours truly provided some stories that were their favorite read-aloud for this article put together by Heather McCarron:

"Often they begin with "Once Upon a Time," but there are other beginnings, too, like "Once there was a tree," and "All children, except one, grow up." 

No two are exactly alike, but they all have something in common: A way of creating memories of childhood and family traditions. 

Most people have special memories of being read aloud to -- moments spent in havens of love and comfort, immersed in  myriad stories where bears can talk, boys can fly, and frogs can turn into princes with a kiss. 

Today it's World Read Aloud Day, a world-wide effort started by the non-profit LitWorld 13 years ago as part of its mission "to strengthen kids and communities through the power of stories." Sponsored by Scholastic, World Read Aloud Day calls attention to "the importance of sharing stories by challenging participants to grab a book, find an audience, and read aloud," according to scholastic.com."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2022/02/02/its-world-read-aloud-day-do-you-have-favorite-story/9304861002/ 

among the favorites: book one

among the favorites: book two

2021 Franklin Biennial Election Information Survey

To help prepare for the next local or biennial election, let's capture what you think about the information available for this one while it is still 'fresh' at hand. The original sources of information covered via this survey are the following:

• Franklin Voters Guide
• Milford Daily News/Wicked Local
• Frank Falvey's interviews for Franklin TV
• the candidate question series by Franklin Matters
• the two candidate nights (11/14/21 & 11/21/21)

If the survey form is not visible, please use this link

https://forms.gle/N3rkQhuHHrU6KUkQ6

2021 Franklin Biennial Election Information Survey

Milford Daily News - School Committee & Planning Board candidate summaries

• The Milford Daily News recently published an article on all 12 candidates for Franklin School Committee. Please see the link below and don't forget to get out and vote!  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/10/25/12-candidates-vie-seven-seats-franklin-school-committee/6116633001/
• The Planning Board candidate summaries can be found online  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/10/25/meet-candidates-franklin-planning-board/6132869001/

Shared from Twitter:   https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1452624287593078784?t=8SJmiNP255C73XUJ-OkIEA&s=03

Milford Daily News - School Committee candidate summaries

Wicked Local: "Franklin ballot filling up. Dozens of candidates eye town offices"

"In the handful of weeks since the town's election season was opened, a flood of potential candidates has flowed through the municipal building taking out and returning nomination papers.

As of Aug. 30, a total of 35 residents have taken out papers for positions on five boards and for town clerk. Twenty of those have already returned their papers.

.... 

NOTE: In cooperation with Franklin Matters (www.franklinmatters.org), we invite residents to submit questions they'd like to have asked of the candidates as the election proceeds. To submit a question, visit: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/you-can-help-determine-questions-asked.html"

 

Shared from Wicked Local -> https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/09/01/keen-interest-town-office-filling-franklins-november-ballot/5667100001/

Wicked Local: "Franklin ballot filling up. Dozens of candidates eye town offices"

Wicked Local: "Here's why 16-year-old twins got the COVID vaccine today in Franklin"

"When you have a twin, it goes without saying that you will be doing a lot of things in tandem.

And for Franklin's Gerety twins — 16-year-olds Brendan and Shawn — on Wednesday this included rolling up their sleeves together and getting their first vaccination shot against COVID-19.

The two teens were among those who elected to take advantage of a state Department of Public Health mobile vaccination clinic that the town's Health Department hosted outside the Davis Thayer School.

Every set of twins has matching qualities, but also some differences. In this case, one Gerety was a tad nervous about getting the vaccination; the other was not."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/08/26/covid-19-shots-ice-cream-served-up-mobile-vax-clinic-franklin/5574818001/

ice cream was sponsored by Franklin TV

Franklin PMC Kids Ride shifts gears to virtual ride

"After initial plans to wheel back to an in-person event, the 15th annual PMC Franklin Kids Ride has backpedaled to being a fully virtual undertaking due to concerns about the latest COVID-19 surge.

"Sadly, due to delta (variant) and the increase in cases, PMC corporate decided to make all rides virtual and ride re-imagined," said one of the Franklin ride's organizers, Nancy Brogan, via email on Monday. "We want to keep them safe and healthy."

This event will still go off on the same day, just in a different direction."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/08/24/pmc-kids-ride-franklin-benefit-dana-farber/5569472001/

To sign up, or contribute to this fund raising effort visit -> https://kids.pmc.org/franklin

Franklin PMC Kids Ride shifts gears to virtual ride

Country Gazette: Kelly resigns from Town Council; Sponsors can help art bloom for the Cultural Festival

Country Gazette (@CountryGazette) tweeted on Thu, Aug 19, 2021:

Thank you for your service, Councilor Kelly.   https://t.co/n5m8cxU5n1 @TOFranklinMA

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CountryGazette/status/1428455044035264521?s=03

Country Gazette (@CountryGazette) tweeted on Thu, Aug 19, 2021:

Help Franklin's arts scene bloom! https://t.co/kkxhsZfgaT @TOFranklinMA

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CountryGazette/status/1428417656869294081?s=03

In case anyone wonders if Kelly's resignation triggers a special election, no it does not as we have the regular election scheduled for Nov 2, 2021 which is within the 120 days as specified in the Town Charter.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/revised_2013_1.pdf

"Section 8 Vacancy

2-8-1 Unless recalled in accordance with Article Five, Section 4 of this Charter, a vacancy in the office of Councillor at Large shall be declared by the Town Clerk following notification of the death, permanent disability to serve, resignation, and/or failure to maintain a permanent residency within the Town of Franklin. 

2-8-2 Vacancies shall be filled by special election to be called within

ninety (90) days of said vacancy unless a regular or special Town

election shall occur within one hundred twenty (120) days."

Franklin gearing up for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12, 2021

Franklin Dog Park Event for Aug 5 rescheduled for Aug 11

The event schedule for Thursday August 5 at 2:30 at the Franklin Dog Park has been canceled. 

It has been rescheduled for Wednesday August 11 at 2:30 PM.  Heather Swails-McCarron, Senior Multimedia Journalist for the Country Gazette will be there to talk to pet owners and take pictures of your pet for the Gazette.

Franklin Dog Park Event for Aug 5 rescheduled for Aug 11

“The kids are ecstatic. The kids are absolutely thrilled”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Izzy Arnold received her first COVID-19 test Saturday morning.

“It was kind of uncomfortable,” the Franklin High junior soccer player said. “But nothing I can’t handle.”

And that sentiment accurately sums up the past week for Franklin High students and administrators.

A party on Oct. 31 at a home in Franklin, where up to 50 high school students failed to practice social distancing or wear masks, forced Franklin High School to shut down until Nov. 16."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/sports/20201107/franklin-high-athletes-take-covid-19-tests-in-order-to-resume-fall-season?rssfeed=true

 

The Nov 1 letter shutting sports down with delay to hybrid until Nov 16

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/franklin-public-schools-fhs-hybrid.html

 

The Nov 5 letter with the test plan for athletes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fhs-path-to-return-to-playperform.html 

“The kids are ecstatic. The kids are absolutely thrilled”

“People see the opportunity to protect the best for our town"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Among the questions on the general election ballot is one that is all about benefiting Franklin, supporters say.

The question asks Franklin voters to support adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) for Franklin -- a step that would allow the town to raise money for open space and historic preservation, recreation, and community housing by adding a 2 percent surcharge to property taxes.

If the initiative is approved, the town will join the ranks of 177 other Massachusetts towns that have also adopted the CPA. Additionally, it would make the town eligible for a portion of funds the state collects each year from fees on home sale transactions, to be used in tandem with surcharge funds raised by the town.

The proposed 2 percent surcharge -- minus an automatic $100,000 exemption on residential properties -- would cost about $105 per year for the average Franklin taxpayer. That is based on the town’s average home value of $460,000. Exemptions would be offered for low-income families and moderate-income seniors."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20201028/franklin-looks-to-adopt-community-preservation-act-question-is-on-ballot 

“I’ve got everything that I need. I’m ready to roll.”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

In the past, Election Day has always been the main event during election years, but this year it could very well be like the credits that scroll at the end of a long and dramatic movie -- one with an eagerly anticipated bonus reel at its conclusion.

Local town clerks are reporting that they’ve been busy sending out thousands of mail-in ballots to voters who are considering skipping the polls on Nov. 3, and starting this weekend they’ll be opening doors to voters choosing to take advantage of early in-person voting.

In Franklin, interim Town Clerk Nancy Danello said the voting booths have been ready and waiting for the influx of early voters inside the gym at Franklin High School ever since the last of the ballots were counted following the September primary, and they’ll remain until after Election Day.

Danello’s got a team that’s been working diligently on keeping up with the mail-in ballot requests -- over the course of two days alone they prepared and mailed out a whopping 10,000 mail-in ballots -- and they’re now preparing to kick it up a notch with the early in-person voting.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20201014/local-clerks-ready-for-start-of-early-in-person-voting-oct-17-30?rssfeed=true

Daily News Sports: "Franklin field hockey’s family matters: Hess and Carney clans well represented for Panthers"

Via Daily News Sports (@MetroWestSports) we share this article:

"It is a family affair these days within the Franklin field hockey program.

After six-plus months of quarantine with their mothers, Franklin senior Neilee Hess and senior Sara Carney along with her sister, sophomore Kaitlyn Carney, have kept the family time going, even while returning to the field.

Neilee’s mom, Michelle, is the Panthers’ head coach while the Carney sisters’ mom, Kim, is Michelle’s assistant and the JV head coach.

On Thursday, the Carney sisters had quite a day against Milford in a 13-0 rout. Kaitlyn had four goals while Sara added three assists. Hess had a shutout in goal with minimal work, and senior Amanda Lewandowski added four goals as well."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://t.co/TdEe1UEPdc

 

Daily News Sports: "Franklin field hockey’s family matters: Hess and Carney clans well represented for Panthers" (Daily News and Wicked Local photo/Dan Holmes)

State Rep Roy, Ted McIntyre on climate change

From the Guest Speakers section of Wicked Local

"The predictions of science are bleak based on our current approach to the problem of carbon pollution. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There is nothing inevitable about the predictions. We still have the option to construct a good future. We have the power to build a world that does more than simply avoid catastrophe. And we can create a thriving, sustainable future that our children’s children will thank us for. 

Franklin had a very warm winter. According to The Globe it is “likely to end up being among the top five or six warmest since records have been kept.” 

While it is easy to say we have been lucky, last winter’s warmth is not some fluke of good fortune. If we just keep on doing what we are doing, U.S. Government scientists say that for Massachusetts, by the year by 2100, the number of days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit will increase from the usual five to 20 days to an uncomfortable 30 to 60 days. 

Imagine summertime in Franklin with all of July and August above 90 degrees! If last summer’s heat wave was uncomfortable, summers in the future will be awful."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200721/guest-speakers-climate-change-issues-call-for-us-to-be-good-ancestors

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1286637296893272064?s=09

GoFundMe for Joyce Family

From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:

"A GoFundMe effort is underway after a Franklin home was lost to a fire on April 11.

No one was injured in the fire at 84 Populatic St., but the house was destroyed, said Fire Captain Chuck Allen.

A mother and her 6-month-old daughter were able to make it out of the house, according to the GoFundMe page set up for them by resident Cheryl Hobbs.

“Funds donated will help this family get back on their feet,” the fundraising page reads. “As of right now, they have no permanent address, but (are) staying with family.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200414/gofundme-started-to-help-franklin-family-after-home-lost-to-fire

"On April 11th, the night before Easter, a mother and her 6 month old daughter barely made it out of their home, here in Franklin, due to a fire which has destroyed their home.

Funds donated will help this family get back on their feet. As of right now, they have no permanent address, but is staying with family. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

We know it is hard to during this Covid 19 crisis, however, these donations make it easier for the family. Thank you, all in advance for any help, as it is greatly appreciated and the family is forever Grateful."

https://www.gofundme.com/f/hu23gt-the-joyce-family

GoFundMe for Joyce Family

 

"doing their best to make Franklin a place worth living"

Alan Earls writes about Tom McDermott of of the former Clark, Cutler, & McDermott company.

"Last summer, a long-time Franklin resident Tom McDermott, passed away.

Aside from an obituary posted online and in the newspaper, there was scarcely a stir. But there should have been.

For more than a century, Tom and his family – his grandfather, father and his sons – ran Clark, Cutler & McDermott in Franklin in the gritty and unglamorous non-woven (e.g. felt) textile industry. From the company’s first products back in 1911 -- horse blankets -- to the recent past when sudden business reversals led the company to seek bankruptcy protection, and when its products had become part of a global supply chain in the automotive industry, the company was innovative and feisty. It survived and prospered despite global competition, the high cost of doing business in Massachusetts, and changing markets.

Above all, though, CCMcD was all about Franklin."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200313/guest-speaker-paying-tribute-to-tom-mcdermott

"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)"

Rotary Club of Franklin to host wine tasting fundraiser @Pour Richard's

From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:

"The Rotary Club of Franklin will host its wine tasting fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at Pour Richard’s, 14 Grove St., Franklin, with a tasting comparing European and American wines. 

This year the Rotary Club of Franklin celebrates its 90th anniversary. For almost a century, this organization has been serving the Town of Franklin and the surrounding communities of Norfolk, Medway, Wrentham and Bellingham. 

Among the many contributions to these communities, Rotary has consistently provided scholarships to graduating high school seniors. These grants have helped many young people further their education and allowing them to realize their dreams."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200124/rotary-club-of-franklin-to-host-wine-tasting-fundraiser

Rotary Club of Franklin to host wine tasting fundraiser @Pour Richard's

"We had to go and essentially combine the lots"

From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:

"Three months after stalling on a negative vote of the Planning Board, a brewery and taproom proposed for downtown is back on track.

Town planners on Monday approved a special permit for As Built Brewery, doing an about-face on the proponents’ plans to transform the former landscaping property at 40 Alpine Row into a site for brewing and serving locally-made craft beer.

While they still need to secure some other approvals, “it’s a move forward,” said a pleased Jay Mello, who co-owns As Built Brewery with his friends Erik Trowbridge and Nick Erickson.

The Planning Board initially declined the special permit when voting in October. Mello said it turned out that “unbeknownst to us, the property was actually two parcels instead of one.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200107/franklin-planners-ok-downtown-brewery

The future location on Aline Row for As Built Brewery

In the News: Earls presents at Newly Elected Councillor Training

From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:

"Franklin Town Councillor Eamon McCarthy Earls was chosen to present at the recent Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association “Newly Elected Councillor Training” held at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.

The recent training boasted attendance by more than 70 newly elected councillor from across Massachusetts and is only the second of its kind.

“The newly elected councillor training is an outstanding opportunity for new public servants to learn key aspects of Massachusetts local government from setting budgets and working with municipal executives to upholding high ethical standards,” said Earls.

As the current MMCA District 4 representative, Earls helped develop the training’s format and agenda. Panels were designed to help councillors navigate their role, manage relationships, and offered guidance on working within the confines of the Open Meeting Law and help with understanding municipal budgeting and finance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200106/franklin-town-councilor-chosen-to-speak-at-mmca-training

FHS Panthers had seven individuals reach their championship wrestling match

From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:

"For the fourth consecutive year, the Natick wrestling team hosted the Redhawk Dual Tournament with several teams from the area as well as New Hampshire and Rhode Island participating. 

Mt. Hope (Bristol, R.I.) and Franklin were individual “Pool A and Pool B” champs (there were no point totals assigned, pool winners were based on dual match records) and then a new twist was added this season with individual champions crowned in each weight class. 

The Panthers had seven individuals reach the championship match of their respective weight classes and went home with three champions. 

“It was a good day for us, coach (Bob) Anniballi always does a great job and it was a nice little twist with the individual championship this year too,” said Panther coach Carmine Colace. “We got a bunch of matches, we got JV’s to wrestle today too so it’s definitely a good point in the season to see where you stand, especially against some of the out of state competition.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/sports/20200104/franklin-wrestling-wins-pool-has-three-individual-champions-at-redhawk-dual-tournament

FHS Panthers had seven individuals reach their championship wrestling match