What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, February 15, 2025 ???

Saturday, February 15

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Nerf Out (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:30am Weekend Wiggles (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (books by the bag) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm John Higby: Yo-Yo Guy (Franklin Public Library)

3:30pm Franklin Q&A (with remote option) (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Ricky Robidoux (solo) (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

7:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (AvaLena's Bar + Grill)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

**  NO   Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin Cultural District: Volunteer Fair, Farmers Market, Library Book & Bag Sale, & more

Wednesday, September 13

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm - Volunteer Fair (free to stop by) (THE BLACK BOX)

Thursday, September 14

2:30pm - Free Child Car Seat Check (SAFE Coalition)

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Friday, September 15

12:00pm - Essential Needs Drive (SAFE Coalition)

1:00pm - Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Thrift Threads thrift shop (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm - Jamie Barrett (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Alec and his Band (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, September 16

9:00am - Book sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

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

1:00pm - Bag sale (books at $5/bag) (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm - Mexican Independence Day (tickets req'd) (La Cantina Winery)

5:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (Birchwood Bakery)

Sunday, September 17

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

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

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

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!

Library book sale - Fri Jan 14 & Sat Jan 15

Monthly library book sale comes up this weekend. 

Book Sale Hours 

• Friday from 1 - 5 PM
• Saturday 9 to noon

Bag Sale

• Saturday 1 to 4 PM

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/book-sale-january-2022

Library book sale - Fri Jan 14 & Sat  Jan 15

Library Book sale - 9 AM to noon; bag sale 1 to 4 PM today

The Franklin Public Library book sale has changed to a monthly format. Friday's from 1 - 5 PM, Saturday's from 9 - noon, and then the bag sale from 1 - 4 PM also on Saturday.

Visit the Franklin Public Library virtually for additional info
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Library Book sale - 9 AM to noon; bag sale 1 to 4 PM today

Library Book Sale today, bag sale returns from 5-6:00 PM

The Bag Sale is back on Fridays June 11th & 25th, 5:00-6:00 PM. 

Fill a bag of books for five dollars! Bags will be provided. 

The Franklin Public Library Book Sale is every Friday 1:00-4:00 p.m. All books are one dollar each.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/bag-sale-back 

Library Book Sale today, bag sale returns from 5-6:00 PM

“a step in the right direction”

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

"Falling into step with many other area communities, Franklin this year will become yet another place unfriendly to thin-film, single-use plastic bags.

Town councilors on Wednesday voted to eliminate use of the ubiquitous plastic bags at checkout by all retailers, taking official action following an initial and extensive discussion of the topic last month during the first of two required readings of the bylaw.

According to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the ban will take effect on July 1, though local businesses will have an option to seek a three-month compliance extension if needed to use up existing stock.

The ordinance, he said is “very similar to others. It’s very close to the Medfield bylaw, which has been approved by the attorney general.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200214/franklin-adopts-plastic-bags-ban/1

The FHS students who persisted in advancing the plastic bag reduction were recognized with a proclamation for their efforts

From October 2016
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/we-dont-need-to-put-each-piece-of.html
 
From Nov 2017
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/nearly-60-massachusetts-municipalities.html

And more recently from 2019

• Economic Development Meeting 12/4/19

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyrcVWxX

• Economic Development Meeting 10/23/19

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gfBHQX

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Agenda - January 8, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 4, 2019  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3a._12-4-19_web.pdf

b. December 11, 2019   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3b._12-11-19_web.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM
a. Franklin Brewing Company, LLC d/b/a 67 Degrees, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Brewery, located at 158 Grove Street

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town Council 2020-2021 Legislative Session Goals
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-847_plastic_bag_web.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._snow_ice_web.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-20

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-01: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $2,675 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-01 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-02: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Council on Aging, $1,500 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-02 - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-8-town-council-agenda

The full agenda and documents released can be found in one PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/1-8-20_tc_full_agenda_final_final.pdf

Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading

Live reporting: Plastic Bag Waste Reduction

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Plastic Bag Waste Reduction
Ethan leading a group of approx 14 students lined up to present each section of the plastic waste reduction plan

year long transition period to allow for work out of existing stock
can also apply for an additional 3 month waiver if necessary (just once)
state bill imposes a mandatory 10 cent fee, this does not
the State bill was passed by the Senate, and not by the House, no way to know for sure if it will pass
other communities are passing similar legislation around us
26 of 29 businesses talked with approve
347 signatures on petition
multiple meetings to prepare for this

Mercer - thank you, we applaud your efforts in bringing this forward

Hamblen - this group has been before the EDC four times
What if the State passed and overturned this?

Jones reading part(?) of the proposed bylaw for "clarification sake"

Earls - statement on recycling, questioning the single stream due to other recycling issues
"bag ban problematic in several ways" 
study from Australian professor questions the textbook case of the CA example

Bissanti - I don't want to see them leave here, let's give them the chance
let's get this done in Franklin

Dellorco -my concern was for the small businesses, you have answered that with this proposal and the implementation plan

Hamblen - they have encouraged people to try different materials
plastic with wood fibers so it will dissolve, another from a root, some of the smaller packets being made from sea weed; it is a statement to get people thinking

Kelly - thanks for changing from a ban to reduction, it plays better

really three options:

1. send a resolution
2. start a bylaw
3. wait for the state

looking for a sense of where we are for which direction

bylaw
resolution (Earls)
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
bylaw
(Mercer did not publicly declare)

hence bylaw is to be drafted, written then announced for two public hearings, and then voted on

it is possible that the State could get their act together and take it out of our hands

two minute recess

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-18-19_full_agenda_web_1.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA

December 4, 2019

6:00 PM

Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video


Discussion:
1 - Plastic Bag Ban Proposal



The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/events/234913


Prior EDC meetings

• October 23, 2019 meeting (audio recording and notes)
• Quick Summary Aug 14 (audio recording)
• June 12, 2019 meeting (audio recording)

 
 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019

In the News: Medway votes to approve bag ban; new exit numbers coming to i495/MassPike

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

"Medway voted to ban carry-out plastic bags at its Fall Town Meeting Tuesday night in an effort to reduce litter and promote environmental sustainability. 

By a show of hands, Article 5 was approved by a little over half of residents present, amending the town’s general bylaws by adding a new article called “Article XXXII Plastic Bag Reduction.” The ban targets plastic check-out bags sold or provided to customers at any town establishment, but the following are still acceptable:

• Thin plastic bags used to protect delivered newspapers
• Laundry or dry-cleaning bags
• Thin film bags, typically without handles, used to contain produce, meat or fish
• Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard waste
• Product bags (bag integrated into packaging of a product)
• Town Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/medway-bans-plastic-check-out-bags

"Exit numbers on Massachusetts highways will be changing over the next two years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

The state currently utilizes a sequential exit numbering method and will change to a mileage-based exit system in order to comply with a federal mandate, which was laid out in 2009. 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only three states that do not comply with the federal mandate at this time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/mass-pike-and-495-are-among-massachusetts-highways-that-are-getting-new-exit-numbers

In the News: legislation on plastic bag ban and distracted driving maybe on Governor's desk this week

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

"The Massachusetts Senate is now scheduled to vote on not one, but two consumer product bans on Wednesday in its final formal session of the year.

The chamber teed up legislation Monday that would forbid retail businesses from providing customers with single-use plastic bags, placing it on an agenda that already includes a House-approved bill banning flavored tobacco products and imposing a 75 percent tax on e-cigarettes.

Under the bill (S 459), stores in most cases could only offer recyclable paper bags or reusable bags for a fee of at least 10 cents at the point of sale. Retail establishments would be required to remit 5 cents for each paper bag sold to the state, which would in turn be directed to communities to fund bag ban enforcement, recycling promotion, waste reduction and other local environmental efforts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/senate-vote-could-take-single-use-plastic-bag-ban-closer-to-reality

"Nine years after the state implemented a difficult-to-enforce ban on texting while driving, five months after legislative negotiators began the latest attempt to take phones out of drivers’ hands, and three and a half months after their original agreement collapsed, lawmakers Monday queued up a compromise bill that could reach the governor’s desk as soon as this week.

The legislation, filed with support from all six members of a conference committee tasked with resolving differences between the original House and Senate versions, would forbid the use of all handheld electronic devices behind the wheel, except for those in hands-free mode. Drivers could view electronic maps on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or center console, but they could not use their hands to interact with any electronic beyond a single touch or tap to active hands-free mode.

Motorists who violate the new regulation would face fines between $100 and $500, and third and subsequent offenses would be surchargeable for insurance purposes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/drivers-will-only-be-allow-hands-free-use-of-all-electronic-devices-if-bill-passes

In the News: seat belt law changes proposed, again; Millis to vote on bag ban

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

"For at least the seventh consecutive legislative session, lawmakers and driving safety advocates on Tuesday morning asked legislators to give police the ability to pull over and ticket drivers if anyone in the car is not wearing a seat belt, citing the state’s 46th-in-the-nation ranking for seat belt usage and the promise of saving lives.

For years, plans to stiffen penalties under the state’s seat belt law have buckled in the face of racial profiling and privacy considerations. Under the current law, police officers in Massachusetts can only issue a ticket for a violation of the seat belt law if they pull the driver over for another offense.

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and state Sen. Paul Feeney, D-Foxborough, filed legislation that would increase the fines for seat-belt violations and would make the violation a primary offense, for which police can stop drivers.

The bill, which has nine co-sponsors, would see drivers and passengers over age 16 fined $50 for not wearing seat belts. The driver would be charged an additional $50 for each passenger between the ages of 12 and 16 who were not wearing belts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191022/franklin-rep-roy-behind-legislation-to-increase-fines-for-seat-belt-violations

"The Millis Select Board moved the plastic bag ban initiative forward as an article for voting at the next town meeting Nov. 4.

The bylaw will eliminate single-use plastic bags in Millis, similar to the 122 other towns that have passed carry-out bag ban legislation.

Newspaper bags, dry cleaner bags, vegetable bags without handles, bags used for packaging meat and fish and brown paper bags will not be affected."

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191021/millis-plastic-bag-ban-to-be-voted-on-nov-4

Economic Development Subcommittee = Oct 23, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building - 355 East Central Street, 

3rd Floor Training Room, Franklin, MA

October 23, 2019 = 6:00 PM

Announcements:

This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.


Discussion:
1. Plastic Bag Ban Proposal



This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-agenda-16

Prior EDC meeting notes and audio recordings can be found

• Quick Summary Aug 14 (audio recording)
• June 12, 2019 meeting (audio recording)

From the back of the room at the EDC meeting, Aug 14, 2019

Franklin Library Book Sale & Bag Sale: Oct 18-19

Book Sale - All books are just one dollar!

• Friday, October 18, 1:00-5:00 PM
• Saturday, October 19, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag

• Saturday, October 19, from 1:00-4:00 PM

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library Book Sale & Bag Sale: Oct 18-19

"Statewide plastic bag ban now before House committee"

From the Mass Municipal Association we find:

"Legislation that would ban the distribution of single-use plastic bags at all retail and food establishments is now before the House Committee on Ways and Means.

In July, the bill (H. 3945) was reported out of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, which made changes to a bill that was filed early this year.

The MMA testified in support of a statewide ban at the first hearing on the original bill in April, citing the precedent of more than 100 cities and towns that have already passed local bylaws or ordinances intended to curb the use of plastic bags. The MMA testimony noted that plastic bags get caught in machinery at recycling processing facilities, leading to breakdowns, delays and increased costs that are passed along to municipalities."

Continue reading the article online 
https://www.mma.org/statewide-plastic-bag-ban-now-before-house-committee/

The H.3945 bill can be found on the MA.gov site
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3945

The FHS student proposal was before the Economic Development Subcommittee in August and as of that meeting was announced to be brought back for the Oct 23 EDC meeting. The Oct 23 meeting is not yet on the official Town of Franklin calendar.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/fm-169-economic-development.html

A single-use plastic bag is caught on tall grasses in a field.

FM #169 - Economic Development Subcommittee - Aug 14, 2019 (audio)

FM #169

This internet radio show or podcast is number 169 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on August 14, 2019.

The notes from the meeting along with the agenda and reference documents are linked in these show notes.

A large (approx 25) group was gathered for this meeting. The first portion covered the continuation of the discussion with the Franklin High School students bringing the proposal to ban plastic bags back to the process and other community members on both sides.

The second portion of the meeting was a review and discussion of the revised proposal for the former Keigan auto dealer location. Folks may recall, there was an approved project for the combined Keigan and Ficco’s land. The approved project ran into delays and then stopped. The former Ficco’s property was separated from the deal and sold off to become the future home of New England Chapel.

The revised proposal would combine retail and residential in a mixed use development. Approx 100+ apartments are proposed. Entrance to the development would be via the existing Big Y entrance using the traffic signal already in place.

Joseph Halligan, the property owner/developer was looking for an endorsement of the project. The EDC is not in a position to do that.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 1 hour and 18 minutes).




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

Additional Reference Links:

The agenda document for this session
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/reminder-economic-development.html

The 122 communities with plastic bag bans (as of the time of the meeting)
http://www.massgreen.org/plastic-bag-legislation.html

Plastic bags can be recycled (but not via the single stream process Franklin uses)  https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/

MA Chapter of Sierra Club
https://www.sierraclub.org/massachusetts/plastic-bags-0

National Conference of State Legislatures
http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/plastic-bag-legislation.aspx

-----

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

“The idea is to cut back on all single-use bags”

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As more and more cities across the state and country prohibit plastic shopping bags, a statewide ban came closer to reality last month. There’s just one major problem: Some of the most adamant supporters of efforts to enact a ban say they can’t support the bill. 

At the heart of the issue is an ideological battle over how well plastic bag ban policies actually work, and whether such legislation creates unintended environmental consequences. 

A coalition of environmental, retail, and municipal groups had worked with lawmakers to draft legislation with two key components: banning single-use plastic bags statewide and requiring a fee on all paper bags used during checkout. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Representative Lori Ehrlich and Senator Jamie Eldridge, and endorsed by nearly 100 legislators and 200 constituent groups."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/08/19/massachusetts-plastic-bag-ban-now-tied-beacon-hill/Yc6mWZY5SyDgRz4Csnm5LJ/story.html

Reusable bags at the Big Y. (JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF)

The plastic bag ban is under discussion by the Economic Development Committee and part of the June 12 and Aug 14 meetings

Aug 14
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/fm-169-economic-development.html

Jun 12
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-165-economic-development.html