Keeping Creative Corner in our Community/Time is Running Out – Support Creative Corner Capital Campaign - Deadline April 20th

Dear Creative Corner Families and Friends,

I'm reaching out today because I need your help to secure Creative Art Corner's future here in Franklin. My vision has always been to provide a safe and inspiring space where children and young adults can express their emotions through art, promoting healing, growth, and creativity — all while having fun.

I'm thrilled to share that we've already raised $2000, which is 29% of our $7,000 goal. Every dollar gets us closer, and I'm asking you to consider making a donation today. Creative Corner needs a permanent home to continue offering our beloved after-school programs, summer camps, and community events. If we don't meet our goal by April 24th, all funds will be returned to donors, and we won't be able to move forward.

To put it simply — if 60 people give $100 or more, we'll reach our goal! I know firsthand how tight finances can be, especially as a single mom and small business owner. But I truly believe in the importance of art as a form of self-expression and therapy, and I'm committed to keeping that opportunity alive for our community's children.

Support Creative Corner Capital Campaign - Deadline April 20th

Here's the exciting part: Dean College has offered us an incredible five-year deal to move into a new, larger space at 21 E Central Street, right next to Birchwood Bakery. With more natural light, outdoor space, and room to grow, we'll be able to expand our programs, host local youth art exhibits, and collaborate with Dean College students on special events. Your support will also help us purchase a new kiln, hire staff for workshops and exhibitions, and ensure we have the materials needed to keep our young artists creating.

With recent cuts to arts programs in Franklin public schools, Creative Art Corner's role is more essential than ever. By contributing to our Kickstarter campaign, you're not just helping us move — you're ensuring that the arts remain accessible and vibrant in our community.

Please consider donating at http://kck.st/4i45m99. Every contribution matters, and sharing our campaign with friends, family, and neighbors can make an even greater impact.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. Together, we can keep the arts alive in Franklin.

Hugs and Happiness,

Amy

Amy M. Galose, MEd - Owner 

https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com

facebook - CreativeCornerArtStudio

Creative Corner is expanding its business! Help us reach our fundraising goal by May 31, 2025. Checkout our KickStart here!

"You can't use up CREATIVITY the more you use the more you have" Maya Angelou"

Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1375 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1375 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, February 6, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night (Feb 5) with a focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• Fire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

• PUBLIC HEARINGS

• a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

• b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye

• Legislation for action

• Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

• Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

• Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

• Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan

• Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

• Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map

• Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map

• Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4

• Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405)

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting held this week. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1375-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-25/

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Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161 

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546 

Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId= 

My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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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"

 

Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)

Town Council passes final vote on 2 sign bylaws, approved restaurant alcohol license for Mirchi, and capital spending (video

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday Feb 5, 2025 at 7 PM as scheduled. 7 members were present in Council Chambers 2 were absent.

Franklin TV video is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?si=JcxjxebgojG3FKTS&t=160

The meeting agenda and supportiing materials ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

My full set of notes in one PDF   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link

Fire dept personnel presenting on ambulance call volume and proposed fee change

Capital Budget Subcmte reviews the capital budget proposal & recommends to Town Council (audio)

FM #1367 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1367 in the series. 

This session shares the Capital Budget Subcmte Meeting held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in the Council Chambers. All four members participated. 

 

1. FY25 Capital Plan & Subcommittee recommendations 

a. Town Administrator Memo  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4098/2025-01-29-CBSC-Agenda---1a-FY25-Capital 

b. FY25 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4117/1b---Capital---Dept-Requests-and-5-Year-Plans 

c. Quotes  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4116/1c-Quotes 

The votes to approve all recommendations were 4-0

The agenda doc https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01292025-1526

The recording runs about 3 hours , so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1367-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-01-29-25/

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My full set of notes in one PDF ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GNNvCsoWOmoEZ8ReL0iqH6B9MO9Moj96/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/capital-budget-subcmte-reviews-capital.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

The "free cash" allocation overview for the capital budget proposal 

Capital Budget Subcommittee

Capital Budget Subcmte reviews the capital budget proposal & recommends to Town Council (video)

The Capital Budget Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Jan 29 at 7 PM. All four members were present in Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU2Z065FX-g

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01292025-1526

Quick recap

• Comments by the committee members opening the meeting, acknowledging the work of the Finance Committee, seemed like this could be a short session. 3 hours later, the meeting adjourned. All the budget items as presented were approved by 4-0 votes
• The Town Council will now take these up at one of their February meetings

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GNNvCsoWOmoEZ8ReL0iqH6B9MO9Moj96/view?usp=drive_link

The capital budget proposal on the agenda for the Capital Budget Subcommittee Wednesday

Capital Budget Subcommittee

Capital Budget Subcommmittee to review the FY 2026 capital budget - Jan 29 - 7 PM

The Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Town Council gets to review and vote on the capital budget at their session Wednesday night.

The Finance Committee reviewed this capital budget among the items on its agenda at their Jan 15 meeting. The recap, audio and video links are available here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/finance-committee-approves-recommended_0799398139.html

FY25 Capital Plan & Subcommittee recommendations 

a. Town Administrator Memo  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4098/2025-01-29-CBSC-Agenda---1a-FY25-Capital

b. FY25 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4117/1b---Capital---Dept-Requests-and-5-Year-Plans

c. Quotes  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4116/1c-Quotes

The capital budget proposal on the agenda for the Capital Budget Subcommittee Wednesday

The Capital Budget Subcommittee agenda ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01292025-1526

The meeting will be broadcast to Comcast & Verizon subscriber as well as to Zoom and to YouTube  https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall