Zucchini Races return to the Farmers Market - Sep 10, 2021

Here are details on the Zucchini Races, sponsored by Franklin Ag Comm Happening Sept 10th!

There is no age limit to who can submit an entry and no motors. Entries will be weighed at check in and split into three weight classes.

Fans can vote for their favorite racer in four different categories.

• Best decorated
• Best use of vegetables
• Funniest name
• Your favorite

We will race in heats, winner of heat moves on. 

When: Friday, Sep 10 at the Farmers Market!

2:30-3:30 - Check in

3:30- 4:00 - Fan Voting

4:00 - Racing begins!

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/100000184976091/posts/4831067650242686/

Info updated 8/25/21

Zucchini races return to the Farmers Market - Sep 10, 2021

Zucchini races return on September 10

Here are details on the Zucchini Races, sponsored by Franklin Agricultural Commission, scheduled for September 10, 2021 at the Farmers Market. 

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/533086900084632/posts/4462922503767699/

Zucchini races return on September 10

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

"National Farmers Market Week kicked off on Aug. 1. It’s an annual celebration launched in 1999 by the US Department of Agriculture to call attention to the benefits of farmers’ markets and their contribution to the community. 

From sweet corn to tomatoes and raspberries picked that day, the markets offer us a host of seasonal, local foods and generate revenue for family farmers by selling directly to shoppers. Food producers — cheese and pasta makers, bakers, condiment creators, and others — benefit, too, by the direct sales. 

“Farmers’ markets bring us access not only to nutritional foods, but also preserves farmland and puts money in the local economy,” says Hal Shubin, who helps run the Belmont Farmers’ Market. Customers may grumble that the foods are costlier than at supermarkets, and some are, although plenty are competitively priced. Everything is fresher, which contributes to a longer shelf life. 

And the markets are a place where you see your friends and neighbors. The celebratory week brings special events, music, games for kids, giveaways, lectures, and more. To find a farmers’ market near you, visit massfarmersmarkets.org/markets."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/30/lifestyle/national-farmers-market-week-kicks-off-sunday/

For the events scheduled for the Franklin Farmers Market this Friday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/come-celebrate-national-farmers-market.html

Farmer Nick will have his tractor on the Town Common Friday

More from the US Dept. of Agriculture on National Farmers Market Week

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2021/08/02/celebrating-national-farmers-market-week

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Franklin Agricultural Commission

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FRANKLIN AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION

The Franklin Agricultural Commission was officially established in 2018 after a group of residents who were interested in promoting local agriculture organized a steering committee to find most effective way to promote and sustain our local agriculture and farms. Working with the Town Administration and Town Council the AgCom was formed with the mission to preserve, revitalize, and sustain the Franklin agricultural industry and its lands: encourage the pursuit of agriculture, promote agricultural- based economic opportunities, and protect farmland. The Agricultural Commission is a 5-person appointed commission with 2 associate members. In 2020 we welcomed new Associate Member CJ Koshivas from Fairmount Fruit Farm.

Although the Covid 19 Pandemic greatly curtailed our efforts in 2020, the AgCom has maintained an active presense in the community. We have kept our AgCom page on the Town of Franklin website up to date with information about our local farms and other initiatives. Our Facebook Page is also active in keeping the public aware of what is going on in our Franklin Farm Community.   On the Facebook page we feature videos and pictures of local farms and other agricultural events and keep the public aware of what is happening and how they can support our local agricultural community.

Early in the Pandemic we reached out to local farms to see if there was any way that we could offer them assistance. Our farm community banded together to support each other and the citizens of Franklin working to make healthy and local food easily available. Fairmount Fruit Farm brought in new local vendors and worked hard with a curbside pick up and delivery program. Local citizens were key in supporting these farms and we hope that these partnerships and local interest in farms will continue to grow stronger in the future.

The pandemic has paused the expansion of our Pollinator Pasture project, but we are ready to go when it is safe to work in groups again! With the wide and often discriminate use of pesticides in our society, bee populations have been declining. Pollinators are vital to our food supply and our Pollinator Pastures are a no spray, no mow area planted with native bee friendly plants where pollinators can feed without worry. The project has been very well received and we are excited to expand to additional sites, work with our schools on adding Pollinator Pastures to some of the school grounds, and to add a certification for private Pollinator Pastures so residents can help the bees at their homes too.

In an effort to educate the public and reduce the use of pesticides in the community we have also worked with the DPW to create an opt out list of sidewalk glyphosate spraying. We were excited to add additional properties to our original list of 180 properties that opted out of DPW glyphosate spraying. We will continue to work with the Town and DPW to find healthier and more environmentally friendly ways to keep the Town of Franklin looking nice in the coming year.
 
Saving our remaining Farmland and Open Space are important to the AgCom. We continue to work with the Town Administrator, members of the Town Council, SNETT, Metacomet Land Trust, and concerned citizens to find ways to conserve and preserve the open lands in Franklin. We are hopeful that the passing of the CPA will assist in this endeavor and look forward to working with the CPC committee to improve the Town of Franklin.

Members of the AgCom have been active in advocating for Agriculture both in town and statewide. We are a member of the Massachusetts Association of Agricultural Commissions (MAAC) and have attended MAAC annual meeting and Boot Camps on a variety of agriculture related issues. We have quarterly meetings with AgComs from surrounding towns and work with them to support and promote our agricultural industry regionally.

Although the Covid 19 Pandemic has made it more challenging to meet some of our goals, the Agricultural Commission is excited for the future. We have created some great programs that we will continue to build upon and grow and are grateful to have increased interest and awareness of our local farms. We have big plans and invite the citizens of Franklin to join us on our mission to keep our families and our environment healthy and to increase the visibility and viability of our local Franklin Farms and help us introduce farming to the next generation.

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Agricultural Commission 

FM #531 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #4 - 05/04/21 (audio)

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this budget hearing on the three school budgets Franklin K-12, Tri-County, and Norfolk Aggie

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7caf826b-e92e-401c-923b-d6e3391c7961

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

• May 4 Agenda  = Schools

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

 

FM #531 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #4 - 05/04/21 (audio) 

Recap: Finance Committee approves FY 2022 budget as proposed

Quick Recap:

• Last of the 4 budget hearings scheduled for Finance Committee to preview the FY 2022 budget before the Town Council gets it later this month. Generally good questions asked, answers received, not always telling complete story that should be told
  
• What should you know? Schools get almost 50% of their budget from State Chap 70 funding which is about $11M more than we should under the revised Student Opportunity Act. The Town participation in school funding is expected to increase over the next several years (at least until the excess 11M is reduced). "This dynamic is the future decade for Franklin."
• So forget about OPEB (there is a plan to resolve it) The largest issues on the town front on the school budget and stormwater funding. If we don't fix the stormwater funding (first), the school issue will become more severe (and nevermind how they determine to redistrict, the issue is here - redistricting is not going to save that much money)
• Funny how all the parents upset about possible school budget cuts have disappeared from meeting participation. They should be paying attention now. 
• Only one vote by FinCom to approve the whole general fund and enterprise accounts to pass along to the Town Council who are scheduled to do their cursory review on May 26-27.
  

----

 

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom0504

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0504&src=typeahead_click

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/7aWLKfP4xhrHqSbG9

The agenda for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

• Last of the 4 #FinCom0504 budget hearings coming up at 6:30 PM - this one features, the three school budgets; Franklin K-12, Tri-County, and Norfolk Aggie. Then the FinCom gets down to voting to approve/adjust as they see fit. What will it be? Follow and find out
• The agenda for the #fincom0504 meeting, includes connection info (via Zoom) - meeting also available via Verizon/Comcast cable and live stream from http://Franklin.TV   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf
• Meeting opens #fincom0504
• Starting with coverage of the tri-county and Norfolk Aggie budgets with line item coverage, an assessment beaded up Franklin student enrollment in those institutions. #fincom0504. Follow along with https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/a1-town-administrator-recommended-budget-voting-document-budget-book and next link ->
• Schools budget doc to follow along https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/b1-school-department-executive-summary-fy22 #fincom0504 Schools did adjust budget by $700k+ to meet town allocation by prepaying some accounts
• Trend of lower enrollment due to COVID not like other communities, less here, more there. Still on downward trend in elementary overall. Watching carefully for fall #fincom0504 graduation 400+ incoming class size more 300 odd
• Q the out of district tuition? How flat if an increase expected? Some students aging out which reduces but the rate is increase so there is an offset. Prepay will eventually create a "cliff" but not there yet, MA laws allow for prepay in private placements #fincom0504
• Students supported by law through age up to 22. If we can provide enough service in district, then we need to go out. About 80-85 students in out of district. #fincom0504 internet upgrade to support remote learning, most of increase is for 10G line as well as split ->
• Of cyber security share with town side, as previously discussed. Anticipating that the state will not allow full remote learning come fall so no increase anticipated there #fincom0504
• Q on additional staff at central office, one person spot adding in replacement of Dr Edwards, her slot will support both as well, offset of some of the stipends previously used #fincom0504 curriculum development focus, reporting to Lucas Giguere
• Redistricting study is a continuation of the facilities plan, how should we use space in the district. The prior studies were done pre-pandemic. To develop a road map of what to do and when. #fincom0504 do you have any reserves aside from revolving funds?
• Do not have stabilization fund! Do use the revolving funds as necessary but the policy is usually for a year on hand. This avoids the check in, check out process. Lifelong learning is one key area visible and impacted by revolving funds. #fincom0504
• They do adjust yearly. These are all meant to be self supporting programs. Buses, sports, lifelong learning, etc. Q how has declined ridership affect busing expense? #fincom0504 adjusted contract with vendor to run fewer buses riders down about 1/3, usually about 3000 students
• Saw savings in contract but lost revenue more than the savings #fincom0504 did end up with revolving funds worth more than the one year policy requirements. FTE is calculated at working the 35 hours. Teachers don't get paid hourly, they're paid over the 180 days
• Q refresh on circuit breaker? State sets a threshold, and if we pay more than the state can reimburse the excess portion at about 75% #fincom0504 student opportunity act is not beneficial to use compared to others, we are a minimum aid Community
• We receive $11m excess (2nd only to Boston) and until that 11 decreases we won't get much more. We do anticipate get help with circuit breaker and transportation but not from per pupil (only $30/year). Town contribution will increase from 71% over next several years
• No major increase in chap 70, generally flat. State funding for schools is approx 50% of what they have. #fincom0504 "this dynamic is the future decade for Franklin".
• One vote on all general and enterprise fund budgets motion made, seconded passes 9-0 #fincom0504 Adjournment, seconded approved 9-0 And in case you missed it, there was no allowance for any Community comments during the discussions
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time - Three meetings back to back on Weds 5/5/21, Board of Health, capital budget Subcommittee, and Town Council. Agendas posted on Town and http://www.franklin.news pages #fincom0504

 

Recap: Finance Committee approves FY 2022 budget as proposed

Applications for 61A and 61B status to be filed by Oct 1, 2019

The Franklin Agricultural Commission would like to remind all Franklin landowners of parcels of 5 acres or more that their applications for 61A (agricultural tax status) or 61B (recreational land tax status) must be filed with the Town Assessors office by October 1, 2019.

The application form is available at the Town of Franklin Assessors Office at 355 East Central Street (phone number: (508) 520-4920. 

A link to the document online can be found at:
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/tl/cl1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3ftUtj_z--FsqSuHz4lSSW69Yi92D57KKR4yK-B9NJO3hAo5hRQbAvVlM

General Law Chapters 61A and 61B allow for a reduced property tax on land that is primarily used for agriculture and/or recreational uses, including wildlife habitat and open space. The property tax is reduced to reflect the benefit to the community that such land provides. 

For more information, please contact the Franklin Agricultural Commission (email us at Franklinmaagcom@gmail.com) or the Franklin Tax Assessors office.

Public Service Announcement from the Franklin Agricultural Commission
 https://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission

 

Franklin Story map on the Agriculture Commission page

Glyphosate Opt Out - sign up by July 1, 2019

"Fill out your Name, contact information and address every year to get on the list of areas not to be sprayed by the town's contractor. 

You must be the owner of the property or have written consent from the owner. Deadline Is July 1st 2019"

The form is found at the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission/links/glyphosate-opt-out-form


Or go to the Town of Franklin Ag Comm page: https://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission then click on "Glyphosate Opt Out Form"


What is Glyphosate?
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/glyphogen.html

if your street has curbing and sidewalks like show, it might be on the spray listing and you can opt out.

The listing of Franklin roads where spraying is currently scheduled.

 

If you are on one of these roads, you can opt out

“It’s like the foundation of a building. If you remove the foundation, the whole building is going to fall down”

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

"It’s estimated there are about 200,000 species throughout the world that are considered pollinators - animals that transfer pollen grains from one flower to another. Pollination leads to the production of fruits that people eat, and seeds that will create more plants. 

From the plump bumblebee to the chirpy hummingbird, the delicate monarch butterfly to the wide-eyed fruit bat, pollinators of all kinds play an important role in helping maintain the Earth’s biodiversity and agricultural systems. 

It’s estimated there are about 200,000 species throughout the world that are considered pollinators - creatures that transfer pollen grains from one flower to another. Pollination leads to the production of fruits that people eat, and seeds that will create more plants."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190615/pollinator-week-in-massachusetts-time-to-celebrate---and-protect---animals-and-plants-that-fuel-biodiversity

The Franklin Agricultural Commission has recently created a "pollinator pasture" at Dacey Fields:




Pollination Tips to help Horace
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/pollinator_pastures_with_horace_-_untitled_page.pdf

a "pollinator pasture" at Dacey Fields

Get your copy of "Our Family Farms"

The Franklin Agricultural Commission has created a nice one page listing of the farms along with a map of their location in Franklin. 

You can stop by the Agricultural Commission booth at the Strawberry Stroll to pick up a copy.

You can view and download a copy here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b6dnRFJmDRiy55ZC2rIuoXNsiLIcpkra/view?usp=sharing

Get your copy of "Our Family Farms" at the Strawberry Stroll

Town Council recap: Ag Commission, Fire Captain sworn in, robot enters the Chamber, Electric Youth perform

The Town Council meeting Wednesday was one of the most varied and entertaining meetings in a long time.

FSPA's Electric Youth sang a song as part of their annual visit before heading to their annual tour in Europe.

FSPA's Electric Youth sang a song as part of their annual visit

Fire Captain Darrell Griffin was sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

Fire Captain Darrell Griffin was sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

The Agriculture Commission presented an update on what they have done since they were formally approved last year.

Franklin Agricultural Commission Update from Franklin Matters

The 4H Alarm Robotics Club presented an overview of their operation and educational mission. They will lease the Red Brick School as their base of operations in Franklin. They had been located in the old Thompson Printing building (until it was torn down) and recently in another location in Bellingham but wanting to return to Franklin.

After the Council approved of the lease arrangement, their robot entered the Chamber to deliver the pen for the signing ceremony. With some technical difficulty they did demonstrate the robots movements and capabilities along with how the team operated under pressure and recovered from problems.

My notes from the meeting can be found in the links here:

• Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report to Clo...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-town-administrators.html
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
• Live reporting: Presentation - Red Brick Schoolhou...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-presentation-red-brick.html
• Live Reporting: Presentation - Ag Commission
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-presentation-ag.html
• Live Reporting: Swearing in - Public Hearing on 19...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-swearing-in-public.html
• Live reporting: Town Council - June 5, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-town-council-june-5-2019.html

Live Reporting: Presentation - Ag Commission

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a. Agricultural Commission

officially formed in 2018
5 person commission with 2 associates
diverse group; horses, eggs, vegetables, Farmers Market

screen grab of presentation copy (to be added later)

Ag Comm brochure
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/agcom_brochure.pdf

women farmers are 38% of the farmers in MA
MA leading country in farm to table movement

moving to smaller farms, hydroponics, etc.

working with local ag comms and other agencies and organizations in this arena

looking to help with MGL understanding to help the farmers and the community
farming is a little different

Franklin farms story map
https://townoffranklin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=89e4b7b4fae645cca1fc6c5645d9b0b6

Facebook page with current posts on events and info
newsletters on local farms

not much open space left, if you want it get it now
mapped chapter 61 land
http://townoffranklin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=cf4e63e0a95a49d0af7ea02525d34772

pollinator pastures to be piloted at Remington-Jefferson and Dacey Fields

looking to partner with the schools

re-look at the Community Preservation Act, maybe better late than never

Establish an Open Farm Day

20,000 to 80,000 in a hive and currently about 50 hives
1 1/2 to 2 hives per acres for a cranberry bog

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: November Meeting - Nov 14

Not just for Newcomers . . . the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club invite you to our November gathering. On Wednesday, November 14 please join us at "3" Restaurant at 7:30 PM. Join us upstairs for complimentary appetizers and beverages.

Our speaker will be Carly Fisher, Chair of the Franklin Agricultural Commission. Carly will update us on the role of the commission and discuss the types of local agriculture and what residents can do to help promote and support them. Carly owns Clarion Farm in Franklin; a riding school, training and breeding facility located on Lincoln Street.

Join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to hear them!

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: November Meeting - Nov 14

Franklin Ag Comm Newsletters

In case you missed the Franklin Agricultural Committee Newsletters (I know I did) here is one place to find them all!

"Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read my newsletters this summer about Franklin farming. In case you missed any of them, here are the links below. Please check them out. I hope you learned something new about the agriculture here in town and get out and support our local farmers! 

Thanks!
Jennifer"

-Franklin Farming:
https://www.smore.com/y8ka3

-Franklin Agricultural Commission:
https://www.smore.com/8d2p5

-Grateful Farm:
https://www.smore.com/cragb

-Franklin Farmers' Market:
https://www.smore.com/br8zg

-Franklin Agway:
https://www.smore.com/spbc4

-Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries:
https://www.smore.com/v7sdp

-Franklin Honey Company:
https://www.smore.com/16myv

-Hoffmann Farm:
https://www.smore.com/5x2kv

https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa

Town Council Recap: Agricultural Commission confirmed; DPW presents; Concession Stand proposal heard

Only three votes were recorded on Wednesday, Dec 20 at the Town Council meeting. (1) The vote to approve the prior meeting minutes passed 9-0. (2) The vote to approve a change in hours for DeVita's Market passed 8-0-1. None voted against, Councilor Padula abstained. (3) The third and final vote was to adjourn the last meeting of 2017. Before the Council adjourned for the year, they did hear updates on the following topics:


Representative Jeff Roy announced that the Agricultural Commission had been formally signed by Governor Baker. He presented a copy of the official parchment along with the pen used to sign the legislation to Councilor Melanie Hamblen who was instrumental in getting the Agricultural Commission started.

Representative Jeff Roy and Councilor Melanie Hamblen

A presentation on the proposed new concession stand for the high school (Pisini Field) was reviewed and discussed. It has been conditionally approved by the School Committee (pending funding progress) and did not need a vote from the Town Council. The presentation was for community awareness. You can view the presentation copy in the links below or on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/concession_stand_proposal.pdf

Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, DPW Director along with Chris White, Solid Waste Coordinator and Scott Haynes, Arcadas Engineering presented an update on the Sewer system as well as the solid waste processing. The document used in the presentation can be found in the links below as well as on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/council_update_nov_17_sewer_and_trash_1.pdf

Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, DPW Director along with Scott Haynes, Arcadas Engineering
and Chris White, Solid Waste Coordinator

The official "Actions Taken" document can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_december_20_2017.pdf

• Live reporting: to Closing
• Live reporting: DPW presentation
• Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 20, 2017
• 
  

The New Franklin Agricultural Commission is now accepting member volunteer applications!

The Town of Franklin recently established a new committee called the Franklin Agricultural Commission. The Town encourages all residents who are interested in volunteering for the Agricultural Commission to apply now for the first round of committee appointments.

The Franklin Agricultural Commission has been created to promote, develop and foster agricultural resources in the Town of Franklin. The Committee will consist on 5 Members with 3-Year terms after the initial staggering of the appointments. 

To create staggered terms for the initial (first) appointments will be as follows:

• 2 members will be appointed for a 3-year term;
• 2 member will be appointed for a 2-year term (at annual re-appointments member can renew for a 3 year term); and
• 1 member will be appointed for a 1-year term (at annual re-appointments member can renew for a 3 year term).

To apply please visit the Town’s website and fill out the online volunteer form at:
http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php


The Application period will begin on Friday, December 22nd and the deadline for applying will be Friday, February 2nd by the close of business at 1:00 PM.


Any interested party may also apply in person in the Town Administrator’s Office in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street.


For more information or questions about a Board or Committee, please visit the Committee Website at: http://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission
or contact the Town Administrator’s Office, at 508-520-4949

Shared from http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017-12-21agriculturalcommissionvolunteer_0.pdf

at the Town Council meeting Weds Dec 20, Rep Jeff Roy presented Councilor Melanie Hamblen copies of the legislation signed by Governor Baker creating the Franklin Agricultural Commission

”(Butterflies are) such an important part of the ecosystem"

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

"The converted carport behind Holliston’s Prentice Road golf course contains a riot of color and movement. 

Blooms in shades of pink, purple, and yellow soar up from islands of loam on the gravel floor, pour from boxes along the walls, and hang from baskets in the ceiling. Black and orange butterflies flit from flower to flower, and a few head for the netted walls and arched ceiling, where visitors can hear the rapid drumming of their wings against the barrier. A mural of the colorful insects takes up a back wall. 

This is the Holliston Butterfly Aviary, which opened for its third season this past weekend, behind the town-owned Pinecrest Golf Course. 

Watch where you step: some butterflies nestle into the gravel at visitors’ feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170718/hollistons-butterfly-aviary-is-open

From the Holliston Agricultural Commission webpage:



The Agricultural Commission in Holliston established the butterfly aviary as part of their regular programs including a community garden, farms day in September and a Spring event in April. Franklin is in the process of getting an Agricultural Committee together to help foster the farm environment. Hmm, what will Franklin do?

"Butterfly Aviary Rules

• Aviary is open 7 days a week 8am-7pm (During "open" season)
• Please no children should be inside the aviary without adult supervision
• Please no touching or trying to catch the butterflies
• Watch your step as butterflies are often on the gravel and you could step on them
• No running, bug repellants, picking up the butterflies or the plants, dogs, food or drinks allowed inside
• Please do not place hands on the netting
• Before you leave, please check yourself to make sure you don't have any butterflies on you"

From the Holliston Agricultural Commission webpage
http://www.hollistonagcom.org/butterfly_aviary.html

From the Holliston Agricultural Commission webpage

"commercial urban agriculture is a newer trend"

With an Agricultural Commission underway, a thriving Community Gardens, and several farms in the area Franklin is maintaining a link to farming. And apparently, we are not alone!

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

"Long the domain of rural areas, commercial farming operations are now starting to take root in urban neighborhoods. 

“Demand has been really strong for this,” said Rose Arruda, urban agriculture coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, which has awarded approximately $1.5 million in urban farming grants over the past five years. 

Perched up on rooftops, packed into greenhouses or spread across vacant lots, urban farmers grow a variety of crops to sell to customers in their communities."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170623/farming-takes-root-in-city

Franklin's Community Gardens is located at the King St Memorial Fields