What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, December 24, 2024 ???

Tuesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library closes at 1 PM on 12/24/24))

The Franklin Public Library will close at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24th and will be closed Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas.

Town of Franklin Senior Center & Municipal Building are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building Holiday Schedule for Dec 24, 2024 to Jan 1, 2025

Municipal Building Holiday Schedule

Franklin Municipal Building Holiday Schedule

Please see the following Holiday Hours for the Municipal Building during the Holiday Season.

Happy Holidays!

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-holiday-schedule

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)

FM #1315 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1315 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, November 14, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms

• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting

• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under an MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority

The recording runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1315-town-council-quarterbacking-11-14-24/

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Town Council agenda Nov 13, 2024 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149 

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/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!

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

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

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 ???

Tuesday, November 12

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

10:30am CANCELED - new date TBD - Ribbon Cutting for Senior Center new Van

11am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6pm Family Game Night  (Franklin Public Library) 

7pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM) 

7pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House) 

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting (virtual meeting)

Event Date:  Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 10:00am

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_12_2024_agenda.pdf

School Cmte: Policy Subcommittee agenda  (3rd floor training room)

Event Date:  Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/11_12_24_policy_subcommittee_agenda_.pdf

Design Review Meeting Agenda  (virtual meeting)

Event Date:  Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/design_review_11-12-2024.pdf

Franklin School Committee Meeting  (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date:  Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_meeting_1.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

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/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Board of Health approves new agreement, hears of coat drive, supports Norwood Hospital (audio)

FM #1309 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1309 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the Board and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• Vote on IMA for the Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant, discussion that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously used is being replaced State documentation (IMA) with an advisory board, C Liberty is asking board to approve, confident of it being good to go, Town Administrator and others have concurred in changes. So moved, pass 3-0 via roll

• Blood pressure kits being set up for Library of Things as part of American Heart Assoc program, coordinating support, including an Ask the Nurse evening monthly for folks to confirm the basics. First library in MA to do this, coordinate with Senior Ctr nurse also

• Community coat drive, homelessness advertorial for Nov. Milford has been doing a drive the past 20 years. Partnering with FUMC, drop off at Y, Church, or fire station. Coat giveaway on Dec 14th, From 10 AM to 2 PM 

• Inspector out doing one at this time so not participating in this session Nurse update: did get more COVID test kits at Senior Ctr. Only 2 flu cases this far, it hits differently every season. Central Park terrace part of regular activities. Exhibit at Senior Expo. Kids flu clinic held, left over vaccines used via house visits 

• Norwood hospital support memo discussed, to be drafted and then signed by Board members individually

Motion to adjourn, second passes via 3-0

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Nov 6, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1310-chalkboard-chat-11-04-24/

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/11-6-24.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-45Dt7pUp8ebdcsV5UUopzVxEgOTiPkk/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

Town of Franklin Board of Health meeting agenda for scheduled session Nov 6 at 5 PM (virtual)

Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA

All the in person early voting leading up to the Election, November 5, 2024 will take place in the Town Clerk's office in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central St, Franklin.

• Saturday, October 19 - 9 AM - 1 PM
• Sunday, October 20 – 9 AM – 1 PM

• 

  Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA

  Monday, October 21 - 8 AM - 4 PM
• Tuesday, October 22 - 8 AM - 4 PM
• Wednesday, October 23 - 8 AM - 6 PM
• Thursday, October 24 - 8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday, October 25 -  8 AM - 1 PM
• Saturday, October 26 - 9 AM - 1 PM
• Sunday, October 27 - 9 AM – 1 PM
• Monday, October 28 - 8 AM - 4 PM
• Tuesday, October 29 - 8 AM - 4 PM
• Wednesday, October 30 - 8 AM - 6 PM
• Thursday, October 31 -  8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday, November 1 - 8 AM - 1 PM

Note - there is no early voting on the Sat or Sun Nov 2 & 3. The in person voting will take place next at Franklin High School on Nov 5 from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/presidential_election_11-5_early_voting_hours.pdf

Franklin TV: Town Hall Overhaul

New Trimmings and New Tech

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/04/2023

It’s been twenty years-ish since Franklin government moved into the Municipal Building, and time for a refresh. For us it meant uninstalling and removing our 19 microphones, 7 cameras, and 5 displays – everything – from Chambers. Then the main dais and desks could be removed for painting and carpeting.

Franklin TV: Town Hall Overhaul

It means that in the ordering of tasks we are ‘first out – last in’. No one can do their thing until we remove all of our wiring, and we can’t reinstall our gear until all the work is done. There’s an axiom about audio and video systems. It takes only a few hours to remove everything. Done. But it takes days to reinstall and test to ensure that everything works as before. That said, as of Friday evening, we’re ready.

Along the way we also installed new tech. Over the years our Chambers system has had many adds and upgrades. Zoom systems – new control systems, and so on were installed in limited ways to avoid disrupting scheduled meetings. The renovation enabled us to reroute and upgrade signal cables through floor, ceiling and walls and add flexibility to enable future changes.

Thanks to Kevin Harn and Mike D’Angelo for their excellent, timely project management. Now – it’s back to business as usual.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Town Administrator's Office Update - Renovations Underway

Town Administrator's Office Update - Renovations

In-person access to the Town Administration office is temporarily unavailable due to renovations

We will resume in-person access on Monday, August 12th

Staff are working remotely during regular office hours and are available by phone, email or appointment (at another location).  

Town Administrator's Office Update - Renovations

MAIN OFFICE PHONE: (508) 520-4949

• JAMIE HELLEN: (508) 553-4887 / jhellen@franklinma.gov
• AMY FRIGULIETTI: (508) 553-4886 / afrigulietti@franklinma.gov
• CORY SHEA: (508) 553-5501 / cshea@franklinma.gov
• JULIE MCCANN: (508) 553-4885 / jmccann@franklinma.gov
• JARED MILLER: (508) 553-4888 / jmiller@franklinma.gov
• MARK CEREL: (508) 520-4949

HOURS OF OPERATION:

• MONDAY 8AM - 4PM
• TUESDAY 8AM - 4PM
• WEDNESDAY 8AM - 6PM
• THURSDAY 8AM - 4PM
• FRIDAY 8AM - 1PM

WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-administrators-office-update-renovations

Town offices & Senior Center Closed July 4 and July 5

Happy 4th of July weekend!

Non-emergency town offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday July 5, 2024 in honor of Independence Day.

The Senior Center will be closed on both Thursday July 4 and Friday July 5. 

Town Hall will reopen on Monday July 8, 2024 at 8:00 AM. The Senior Center will reopen at 8:30 AM.

We hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

Pride Flag rises in Franklin (photo essay)

Amber Wilson, former President of the LGBTQ Alliance, was master of ceremonies on Saturday morning (June 1) at the Municipal Building as a good crowd gathered to celebrate the beginning of Pride month. The Pride flag was raised for the first time officially in Franklin.

Amber Wilson (photo courtesy Paul Viccario)

State Rep Jeff Roy (photo courtesy Paul Viccario)

before the Pride Flag rising (photo courtesy Paul Viccario)

Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger (photo courtesy Paul Viccario)

Senator Rausch's District Director Aiden Doherty  (photo courtesy Paul Viccario)

FSPA's Electric Youth performed (photo courtesy Paul Viccario)

Almost all present posed for a group photo (photo courtesy Paul Viccario)

Additional photos courtesy of Paul Viccaro https://photos.app.goo.gl/HnT7QBUhA7qcy1sd8