April Rock and I talk about local business and her lessons to share from Escape Into Fiction (audio)

FM #1056 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1056 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with April Rock, owner operator of Escape Into Fiction. We met in person at Escape on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.  (Yes, this may seem to have gotten ‘aged’ in the archives. However, the discussion was relatively green so it did age well. Fortunately, April is healthy now and approved of sharing this.)

April shares her insights into operating a bookstore downtown Franklin, collaborating with Franklin Art Association, the Cultural District, Cultural Council, and other local groups. How research and listening are her two big pieces of advice for local businesses.

Their inventory is small but they can order other books you want, as long as they are still in print. So if you don’t find something in particular, don’t be afraid to ask.

This conversation runs about 16 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with April at Escape Into Fiction. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1056-escape-into-fiction-with-april-rock-02-14-23

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Escape Into Fiction webpage  -> https://escapeintofiction.com/ 

Located at 12 Min St, Franklin contact and hours -> https://escapeintofiction.com/contact-hours 

—------------

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"

April Rock and I talk about local business and her lessons to share from Escape Into Fiction (audio)

Reminder: Redistricting Listening Session May 7 from 2 to 3 PM At the Library

 A redistricting listening session has been scheduled by two members of the School Committee: Camille Bernstein and Dave Callaghan. The session is scheduled for Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 3 PM.

Note: the School Committee is scheduled to vote on the redistricting proposal at their May 9 meeting.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cre885Juzxr/

The report to the School Committee with the redistricting proposal can be found ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf

Redistricting Listening Session May 7

Redistricting Listening Session May 7

A redistricting listening session has been scheduled by two members of the School Committee: Camille Bernstein and Dave Callaghan. The session is scheduled for Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 3 PM.

Note: the School Committee is scheduled to vote on the redistricting proposal at their May 9 meeting.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cre885Juzxr/

The report to the School Committee with the redistricting proposal can be found ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf

Redistricting Listening Session May 7

Arts & Culture Listening Tour - Apr 28 at 9 AM

Missed the first Art and Culture Listening session?

No worries! There is another one on April 28th and is from 9 AM - 11 AM in the meeting room at the Franklin Public Library.

Join the conversation about the culture in your community!

More info about the Listening Sessions schedule -> https://buff.ly/3MDdEYY

Arts & Culture Listening Tour - Apr 28 at 9 AM

Redistricting Listening Session - April 1 from 10 AM to Noon at the Library

School Committee members Camille Bernstein & Dave Callaghan would like to hear your thoughts on the proposed public school redistricting plans.

When: Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10 AM to Noon

Where: Franklin Public Library

Redistricting Listening Session - April 1 from 10 AM to Noon at the Library

What do you want to tell the Survey about Arts & Culture in Franklin?

The survey to provide input on arts & culture in Franklin is open ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4AWODps2aVQd_tzHIGfcJBRwUdpvYB9jK3hgfxploSWc7zw/viewform

Or use the QR Code in the image to get to the survey -> 

The Arts & Culture Survey is open for your input!

You can also participate in the Listening Tour; next stop Apr 28 at the Franklin Library. Additional details on the tour stops -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/youre-invited-franklin-arts-culture-listening-tour

   

The Arts & Culture listening tour

Arts & Culture Listening Tour Updated; Your feedback is needed

The Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Arts and Cultural Initiatives is seeking input from residents and community stakeholders on all things arts and culture. Take the survey today: https://buff.ly/3mEA7Kh 

Access event details here: https://buff.ly/3F9YoOv

Shared from Twitter- > https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1633603520065863680 

Arts & Culture Listening Tour Updated; Your feedback is needed

If it is Tuesday, it must be time for

• 5 PM to 7 PM -> 

The first stop of the Arts & Culture Listening Tour - at Dean College, More details on the event -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/youre-invited-to-franklin-arts-culture.html

• 6 PM to 8 PM -> 

Franklin Public Schools seeks public input on proposed options amid redistricting analysis process (also a virtual event is scheduled for March 13, same information both nights) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/franklin-public-schools-seeks-public.html

• 7 PM -> 

Community Preservation Committee review the proposed FY 2024 budget for allocation of the CPA funds for projects - Agenda and supporting materials ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/community-preservation-committee.html

• 7 PM ->

Peonies: Love of My Life presentation hosted by the Franklin Garden Club at the Franklin Public Library - additional details ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/reminder-peonies-love-of-my-life-march.html

If it is Tuesday, it must be time for

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 3, 2023 to Mar 9, 2023

New England weather apparently will show signs of winter tonight and Saturday even as we edge closer to spring. Be safe as you move out and about to take advantage of what's happening.

Friday, March 3

6:00pm - FHSTC performs "Lord of the Flies" (Franklin High School)

Saturday, March 4

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

3:00pm - Joey D's Wingz & Thingz (food truck)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - John Demers (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

Sunday, March 5

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

Monday, March 6

8:00am - Next Size Up - Kids Online Consignment Event

Tuesday, March 7

8:00am - Next Size Up - Kids Online Consignment Event

5:00pm - Arts & Culture Listening Tour - Session 1 (Dean College)

6:30pm - Franklin Garden Club - Peonies: Love of My Life (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm - YA Adult Book Club (for Adults!) (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, March 8

8:00am - Next Size Up - Kids Online Consignment Event

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

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (virtual meeting)

Thursday, March 9

8:00am - Next Size Up - Kids Online Consignment Event

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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's Event Outlook: Mar  3, 2023 to Mar 9, 2023

You're Invited to the Franklin Arts & Culture Listening Tour!

You're Invited to the Franklin Arts & Culture Listening Tour!

Help shape the future of Arts & Culture (A&C) during the town's Master Plan update process.

The Franklin Town Council has established an Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Arts and Cultural Initiatives. The Ad Hoc Subcommittee will host 3 sessions as part of their listening tour. The purpose of these tours is to gather community input to help inform the direction of arts and culture for the next 10 -15 years as part of the town's Master Plan Update process.

Your input will help define what Arts and Culture (A&C) is to Franklin and shape where we as a community want it to be. By embedding our communal vision for the arts into long range planning, we can ensure our vision for the arts is developed further and well maintained by the creative community as it continues to evolve.

You're invited to join one of the three sessions ... 

Arts & Culture Listening Tour

• A&C Listening Session 1

March 7, 2023 - 5 PM - 7 PM
Dean College, Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center 1st floor in the Campanella Boardroom. (Click here to add this event to your Google Calendar) 

You may access a map of Dean College here.

• A&C Listening Session 2

April 28, 2023 - 9 AM - 11 AM
Franklin Public Library, Meeting Room (School St. entrance). (Click here to add this event to your Google Calendar)

• A&C Listening Session 3

May 19, 2023 - 10 AM - 12 PM
Escape Into Fiction, 12 Main St. Franklin, MA (Click here to add this event to your Google Calendar)

The Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Arts and Cultural Initiatives is composed of the following Town Council members:

• Cobi Frongillo, Chair
• Ted Cormier-Ledger, Vice Chair
• Melanie Hamblen, Clerk

See the attached poster or click here to learn more!

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/events/421731

FM #436 EDC Listening Session5 - 01/13/21 (audio)

FM #436 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 436 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #5 that was held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over two hour and thirteen minutes (~2:13)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXzHpwwS

-----------

Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-business-listening-session-5-revised

Housing Summary (not yet available - view the photos captured for some of the pages)

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/edc-listening-session-jan-13-2021-recap.html

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

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/ 

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 #436 EDC Listening Session5 - 01/13/21 (audio)

EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts

Quick Recap:

• While this was the last of the 'listening sessions' the bulk of the meeting time was spent presenting an overview of housing in Franklin. The presentation was insightful and will be shared when made available.
  
• Housing is one of the the key issues Franklin faces. The discussion will include the data points of this presentation, the demographics from the School study, the Market Study done by MAPC (from which these 'listening sessions' were started), and the realities of the post-pandemic world ahead of us. Keeping civil discourse with multiple threads and trying times will be a challenge but the end goal is required. Franklin needs to determine what it's housing goals will be.
  

For the time being photos of the slides shared during the meeting are all that is available. The doc is not part of the meeting agenda, nor if it has since been posted to the Town page, I have not found it. Once I do, I will share. Photos can be found in one folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KwjXyPtwuadMHsCF8

The audio of the meeting will be shared soon.

----

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  
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0113&src=typeahead_click

• Swivel seat to do listening session starting now. #edc0113
• Chair Melanie Hamblen opens meeting, runs thru the protocol statement as normal. #edc0113 Frongillo new member to subcommittee (replacing Chandler). Jones and Bissanti complete the 4 Council membership. Jamie touts the grant process deadline Friday
• #edc0113 Economic Development legislation on Gov Baker's desk for approval. Bryan Taverner to review presentation on housing for Franklin.
• #edc0113 housing slides and population slides (can't share all, will find doc to share - eventually)
• More slides #edc0113
• Getting to discussion on the legislation, not yet signed by Gov Baker; zoning change would be simple majority for Franklin 5 not the current 6 votes required. #edc0113 tenants right to purchase would be interesting for/if Franklin if chosen
• After Council comments, question raised on how do you address the small business side and get better rents as many of them are too high. If the business can't afford, that would affect the residents affordability too. #edc0113
• Could use a 'maker' or incubator type space for start ups, does require land/building owner to be willing to participate. #edc0113 new growth not likely to happen if affordability is mandated to be part of it, takes away their profit. Could renovate existing space
• Residential complex downtown was all presold, to downsizers. Condo folks do want to walk to the restaurants downtown. Not much downtown now in pandemic. #edc0113 supply chain issues due to COVID, development in another Community shd be done now but due to supply issues
• Inclusionary zoning was introduced for cities like Boston to invent development of private residence/condos Franklin at this time and foreseeable is not a good fit for this, numbers also speak to no rush to do something as we should be good thru 2030 #edc0113
• Low income units are in shortage here and all other Communities around the state. Affordable housing is a higher market rate than low income, two separate needs, can't confuse them #edc0113 terms are important. Work force housing is another slice of affordability
• "the rent for an affordable apartment is not really affordable" #edc0113 need to keep terms separate in that 'affordable' is a state housing designation and not to be confused with what 'affordable' is when used an adjective that is relative to each individual circumstance
• Consensus is to get the housing plan done, there are many problems and that may require multiple solutions to address. Need to define the problems (or problems), agree on terms to be used, and then continue the discussion. #edc0113 motion to adjourn, via roll call 4-0
• That's all for tonight, been a long one. Time for a walk and fresh air. Catch you next time #edc0113 

EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 13, 2021

6:30 PM 

Agenda:

1. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) Sector Specific Relief Grant Program Update.
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses

2. Business Listening & Networking Session #5: Real Estate, Construction, & Housing.
The members of the EDC will host the third in a series of five Business Listening & Networking Sessions on sectors of the Town’s economy. Anyone is invited to attend and offer public comments.

Agenda doc with connection info: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-1-13_edc_listening_session_agenda_.pdf

Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5

FM #414 Talk Franklin - 12/11/20 (audio)

FM #414 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 414 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

Business listening session

• Holiday special edition
• #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards

Water ban lifted (finally – due to rain, snow…)
 
Town Council

• New councilor
• CPA comes back
• Payment for treatment facility

COVID-19 reminder on social distance, masks, etc …

We’ll record a session of Talk Franklin each week leading to Christmas and take the holiday week off to begin again in 2021. After this session, we have one more to close out 2020.

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8cb9f089-78b3-477a-9670-daa14150728c

--------------
#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards  https://franklingiftcard.com/ 

Town Council meeting 12/09/20 agenda and docs
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-16.html 

Business Listening Session - Dec 9 - recap
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/edc-business-listening-session-3-recap.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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #414 Talk Franklin - 12/11/20 (audio)

FM #413 EDC Listening Session #3 - 12/09/20 (audio)

FM #413 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 413 in the series. 

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #3 that was held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Note: during a period of technical difficulty, the Council Chambers dropped off the bridge so what if anything was said until they rejoined is not part of this recording.

Links to the meeting agenda, future schedule for the listening sessions, and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over an hour and twenty minutes (~1:20)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsLdWPTS

-----------

Meeting agenda  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/business-listening-session-3-dec-9-2020.html 

Future schedule of listening sessions
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/edc-business-listening-session-3-recap.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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

EDC Business Listening Session #3 - recap - Dec 9, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Disappointing turnout for session, only one business owner present, although business groups (Downtown Partnership and United Chamber) present along with Representative Jeff Roy
• Success of the tax increment financing (TIF) tool as an incentive to attract business to Franklin (i.e. Tegra Medical, Cold Chain)
• Updates on development work along Grove St and Kenwood Circle as infrastructure is critical for business relocation considerations
• tech difficulty disrupted the meeting as the Council Chamber was disconnected from the Zoom meeting but was able to reconnect in a few minutes
• Next session Jan 13, 2021
  

Photos captured during the remote meeting and shared with Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/iSStBT44xFa2NF737

----
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  #edc1209
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc1209&src=typeahead_click

Listening session #3 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-business-listening-session-3-0 

Listening session schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

• Shifting to the EDC business listening session that started at 6:30PM #edc1209
• Disappointed to see such a low turnout for the listening session. #dtfa1209 Franklin is ideally positioned to pick up the 'slack' as whomever leaves the urban areas. Rep Roy adds that getting the platinum rating for biotech is helpful, continue on those lines
• TIF's are a great way to attract business. Tegra Medical, Cold Chain, these are prime examples. Contollo landed a Federal contract and is scaling up to deliver that order. #edc1209 quality of school system is key to attract a company and in turn, it attract employees
• There is industrial space available, Tegra is expanding here and expecting to expand further. #edc1209 life science companies doing well. Forge Park, Constitution blvd, and Grove St are the 3 main areas here in Franklin. Looking for traffic studies to adjust light timing
• MEMA is now located here (and a ribbon cutting when safe) #edc1209 smaller grow facilities for cannabis companies. Infrastructure is a big attraction for companies. New warehouse actually put Franklin on their intro video touting out permitting process
• New businesses coming to Grove St an indication of what can happen. Didn't get state grant but based upon feedback with Roy/Spilka offices to reattempt a grant application, including road rebuild at Kenwood Circle. #edc1209 word of mouth is out there
• Jack Lank (URCC) confirms previous comments on Franklin's reputation for the permit process. #edc1209 a neighbor town with a cannabis retail operations is generating a big check for the municipal org with sales skyrocketing.
• Blank screen for council chamber does not affect the broadcast of the session the live stream is fine screen grabs shared #dtfa1209
• #dtfa1209 the short videos are being redone to update them as they are 'aged' somewhat (i.e. done before the new FHS building came online)  Franklin does have a YouTube page. https://t.co/jmFEgzdUvY?amp=1  (yes, incorrect hashtag - used prior meeting one not this one for this meeting)
• What's update on power outages affects business as well as residential. There was a Nov 18 Town Council meeting with a segment on this. The bulk of the tree removals required are private landowners. The public ways have been addressed #dtfa1209
• A new line has been installed to help address the Grove St line in the meantime. In April nationalGrid will begin another infrastructure project for the area. #dtfa1209 suggestion to do more than social media to help awareness on mask requirements (sign board, police display)
• Council chamber dropped from meeting so we lost them from the Zoom session, they eventually got another laptop to connect to rejoin the rest of us on the Zoom session #edc1209
• Next session Jan 13, 2021. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0 (Bissanti left earlier) (Hamblen, Jones, Chandler present at end) #edc1209
• That's all for tonight folks, catch you next time!

EDC Business Listening Session #3 - recap - Dec 9, 2020