Dean Neighborhood Alliance formation meeting - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2022 - 6 PM

Please join Dean College Chancellor Edward M Augustus, Jr and other college representatives as we look to establish a partnership between the neighborhood and the college community. Together we will share information and develop mutually beneficial opportunities that improve our neighborhood and the town of Franklin as a whole.

Meeting location:  Campanella Boardroom - Dr Rooney Student Center (opposite the dining hall)

Dean Neighborhood Alliance formation meeting - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2022 - 6 PM

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3276540622615941/

 

"a village is going to help them stay in their homes"

"For many older Americans and their families, the devastating COVID-19 outbreak — which caused more than 200,000 deaths in nursing homes nationally — was a persuasive argument for living at home as long as possible.

Now, as the pandemic grinds into its third year, a loose-knit band of tech gurus, gerontology researchers, and volunteer-powered elder support groups, called “villages,” is seeking to overcome the obstacles to aging in place. Among the toughest: a worsening shortage of home care workers, who can assist the oldest residents with walking, dressing, or showering.

Coronavirus sped up the deployment of “age-tech,” technology that helps older people age in place, by seven to 10 years, said Joe Coughlin, director of MIT AgeLab in Cambridge. "

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/04/18/metro/pandemics-lesson-many-older-folks-stay-your-home-long-you-can/ 

Dale Orzalli, a Seaglass Village volunteer, arrived at Maureen Neumann's front door to take her to a doctors appointment at Lahey Medical Center in Peabody.MATTHEW J LEE/GLOBE STAFF

Economic Development Subcommittee: Agenda - Apr 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

3rd Floor training room & Zoom option

Agenda:
1. Downtown traffic and parking improvements

a. West Street neighborhood follow-up

i. Town Administrator Memo

ii. Town Bylaw Parking Fines

b. Downtown Main Corridor Parking

i. Map Amendment proposal

Full agenda and associated documents including remote connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf 

West Street neighborhood parking follow-up

Shamrock Walk for Refugees raises over $7,000 on a foggy morning (photo essay)

Lead by members of the Franklin Neighborhood Support Team, about 100 people gathered to walk (and run) around the Franklin High School track Saturday morning.

Shamrock Walk for Refugees

registration for the non-competitive walk, conversations were encouraged

sponsor listing for the Shamrock Walk for Refugees

The Shamrock Walk for Refugees raised over $7,000 to help support the Afghan family now living in Franklin. Multiple vendors provided gifts for the raffle.

Adam Calvert thanked those participating and the sponsors

group photo before starting the walk/run

Donations are still accepted through the website https://walkforrefugees.org/

at the start of the walk

Listen to the recording of my conversation with Jerika Lowry and Adam Calvert about the organization creation and support being provided by the Neighborhood Support Team for the local Afghan family
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/inside-shamrock-walk-for-refugees.html

Additional photos can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UKJiv7iwZiPzngwd9

"traditional mixed use walkable neighborhoods dramatically outperform car centric suburbia"

Jonathan Berk (@berkie1) tweeted  Sat, Mar 12, 2022:

Suburbia is Subsidized: Here's the Math

"In every case, in every region @UrbanThree has analyzed, traditional mixed use walkable neighborhoods dramatically outperform car centric suburbia."

🎥 @notjustbikes
https://t.co/zrM27tEcGB

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/WCYVMDTl1w

If you haven't completed the survey on Franklin For All, please do so ->    https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

Inside the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for Mar 19, 2022 (audio)

FM #739 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 739 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jerika Lowry and Adam Calvert. They came together as part of the Franklin Neighborhood Support Team to provide support for an Afghan family now living here. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Feb 22, 2022.  

We talk about the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for March 19, 2022 on the Franklin High School track, the organization of the Neighborhood Support Team and their fundraising effort.

The recording runs about 17 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jerika and Adam. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-739-shamrock-walk-for-refugees-02-22-22

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Register or donate to the Shamrock Walk For Refugees -> https://walkforrefugees.org/ 

For more about Acentria, the New England based non-profit providing some of the infrastructure for the Neighborhood Support Teams ->  https://www.ascentria.org/ 

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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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Inside the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for Mar 19, 2022 (audio)

Massachusetts Housing Partnership: Compliance timeline for MBTA communities

"Heads up town officials: In support of MA efforts to provide info on zoning requirement near transit, we've posted compliance timeline for MBTA communities. 

Find this & more key info about new law at https://t.co/WrLyJINwNx " or https://www.mhp.net/community/complete-neighborhoods-initiative   

@massmunicipal @APA_Mass @MassEOHED @ChrisKluchman

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/x7Aa1gzUIj

As part of the "Franklin For All" project, the zoning around the downtown area will be addressed. Since we are an MBTA community with two commuter rail stations, what will be done around the Forge Park station remains unclear at this time.

Info about "Franklin For All" -> https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

More about the Massachusetts Housing Partnership -> https://www.mhp.net/about-us

Massachusetts Housing Partnership: Compliance timeline for MBTA communities

Volunteer's needed for "Virtual Neighbor" program

This program is open to any senior who would like to connect with a volunteer for a  friendly conversation. Volunteers will call a senior to check in on them, carry on  conversations and just spend time getting to know each other.

• If you would like to receive phone calls from a volunteers, please call Joanna Braley at 508-949-6640 ext. 3031.
• If you would like to become a Virtual Neighbor, please sign up at www.trivalleyvolunteers.org

Download a copy of the flyer

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u-eqa8lI17AenW26MZyVVCYcoULgndDw/view?usp=sharing

This program is similar to that discussed in the recent interview shared here. The Norfolk County RSVP office is offering free training for seniors to become virtual neighbors or help with literacy. If you missed the posting, the audio is available here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-439-norfolk-county-rsvp-011321-audio.html

Volunteer's needed for "Virtual Neighbor" program

Volunteer Snow Shoveler's Needed

Neighborhood volunteers are needed to help residents aged 60 and older with snow removal. Volunteers would create a path which allows the resident, emergency response personnel, Meals on Wheels delivery people, mail carriers and other visitors to get in and out of the house safely. 

The volunteer will shovel for that same resident after each snowstorm. Teenagers welcome over the age of 12 with parental waiver completed.

Volunteers needed in the following towns:

Bellingham, Blackstone, Brookfield, Charlton, Douglas, Dudley, E. Brookfield, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, N. Brookfield, Oxford, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Warren, Webster & W. Brookfield

Sign up at www.trivalleyvolunteers.org or call Joanna Braley at 508-949-6640 x-3031

Download a copy of the flyer:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZNjdl7bOGOUeuvZPNv7Wtb0oprjCZKwE/view?usp=sharing

Volunteer Snow Shoveler's Needed

In the News: Pleasant St neighborhood; Library taking shape

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

"With Dean College, the Franklin Town Common, and a train station within walking distance of the Pleasant Street neighborhood, local residents are offered a unique front row experience to things happening in town. 

“We walk down to the town green all the time for farmers markets, festivals, and carnivals,” said Elise Stokes, 38. “For those types of events, they usually shut down the main roads.” 

Stokes said she noticed a lot of her neighbors are either parents of young children in their 30s, or grandparents. She said her neighborhood is so friendly, planning play dates for her children is not difficult at all, and all of the neighbors help each other out whenever they can."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170611/neighborhood-series-franklins-pleasant-street

"The new addition to the Franklin Public Library has begun to take shape, reminding local leaders of a tree house amid the greenery of downtown Franklin. 

The Main Street building - completed in 1904 - is now well into an extensive, $10 million renovation and addition project, aimed at expanding the spaces within and upgrading its systems. 

There are evident signs of progress inside the building - new lighting has been installed, and the building’s frescoes, which were previously covered, can now be seen in their original state. The change is most striking in the new portions of the building - what had been a shell of steel beams is now enclosed, with new windows bathing the space in sunlight. 

Town Councilor Judith Pfeffer, chairwoman of the Library Building Committee, said Friday that the addition’s windows allowed for an excellent view of the trees around the library. She predicted that the west-facing windows - which will eventually have seats and tables along them - would be a popular spot on winter afternoons."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170611/franklin-library-renovation-taking-shape

windows are being installed in the new wing of the Library

Franklin DPW: [Residents] Neighborhood Meeting Change of Location

Hello,

If you received notice of a neighborhood meeting from DPW scheduled tomorrow night, please note that the meetings have been relocated to the Franklin DPW Administration building located at 257 Fisher Street due to the predicted weather conditions. 

The meeting time remains the same. Please alert your neighbors to this change. 

If you have any questions please call our office tomorrow between 8 am and 4 pm at 508-520-4910.

Thank you,
Franklin DPW

DPW headquarters on Fisher St

Note: I have not yet been able to find out anything more about the nature of the meeting. Apparently, I was not part of the neighborhood that got notified of the meeting, only part of the chain on the change in location for the meeting.

The official word on the meeting and intended audience can be found on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/neighborhood-meeting-information

In the News: The Other Talk scheduled; Alpine Place and Ruggles St

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

"The high school will host later this month a talk that will help parents address the issues of substance and alcohol abuse with their teens. 

The program, titled "The Other Talk," is set to take place on Wednesday, April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school's lecture hall. The talk was designed by the treatment center Caron's Student Assistance Program, and sponsored by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey. 

David Traub, a spokesman for the district attorney's office, said the talk, funded through the drunk driving trust fund, is intended to help parents as their children reach age 1."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/franklin-talk-to-assist-parents-on-substance-abuse

"Two streets near Franklin's downtown - Alpine Place and Ruggles Street - once served as the heart of an Italian-American neighborhood in town. 

Mary Olsson, the chairwoman of the Franklin Historical Commission, said the streets - especially Alpine Place - drew many newcomers to town, creating a vibrant community that is still remembered today." It seems all the old Franklin Italian names first came to Franklin and settled on Alpine Place," she said. 

Jeanne D'Orazio Curry said her family lived on the street, adding that it had once seemed jam-packed. "For such a small, little street, it had a gazillion people," she said, noting that big families were common years ago. "My grandparents had 11 children, and one of them died (very young)".

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/neighborhood-series-franklins-alpine-place

In the News: Superintendent search narrows to 3; another 'safest city' recognition

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

"In daytime work session Thursday, a special town committee narrowed its list of candidates for school superintendent to three. 

Making the cut following a series of meetings are Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch and Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka. The committee did not advance Wareham Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood. 

The committee - which includes the Franklin School Committee as well as Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, high school Principal Paul Peri, teachers association President Donna Grady and parent Sarah Mulcahy - will now visit the home districts of the candidates. The group also scheduled a public forum with the candidates for Feb. 1."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-superintendent-candidates-narrowed-to-three

Spruce Pond sunrise

"A website has named Franklin the fourth-safest city in America, continuing a multi-year streak in which the community's safety has been lauded. 

The site - location-based analytics search engine NeighborhoodScout - released its lists of both the top 100 safest cities and top 100 most dangerous cities on Jan. 9. A company spokeswoman said the list is based on the latest FBI crime data - in this case, from 2015 - as well as the population of each city. 

This is not the first year NeighborhoodScout's list has recognized Franklin. In 2012, the community ranked as the second safest city in the U.S., and since then has been ranked first in 2013, first in 2014 and seventh in 2015."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-named-fourth-safest-town-in-us

NeighborhoodScout screen grab

"an open door for future such developments"

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

"Despite strong opposition from neighboring residents, the Town Council gave preliminary approval to a move that would allow for a dense residential development along Summer Street. 

The council at its meeting Wednesday night held a public hearing to consider whether the 11-acre parcel at 496 Summer St. should be rezoned from rural residential to a zone that allows denser development. Councilors voted to move the matter to a second reading. 

Representatives from Medway-based developer Grandis Homes said they were hoping to put in 34 single-family townhouses there. Attorney Richard Cornetta said the parcel was about one acre from Franklin's downtown, and was near an exit for Interstate 495. He said the project would generate about $270,000 in one-time permit fees for the town, as well as about $250,000 in additional tax revenue a year. 

A number of residents, though, expressed opposition with the project, citing traffic, a loss of privacy and a change to the character of the neighborhood as concerns."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161221/franklin-rezoning-considered-in-contentious-hearing

Attorney Richard Cornetta and a representative from the developer making their case to the Town Council

For my notes recorded during the first hour
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/real-time-reporting-public-hearing-on.html

I left the broadcast of the meeting to participate in a work conference call and when I was able to return, the Town Council voted 9-0 to move the measure to a second reading. Likely for the second meeting in January (Jan 18, 2017). 

The Council needed to move the measure forward with a minimum of a 5-4 vote. For the second reading to move to a law, the measure needs to pass by a 2/3 vote (meaning 6 of the 9 need to vote for). As the vote was 9-0, this seems certain for passage despite the neighbors points of contention.

Northgate / Coronation Drive Neighborhood meeting - Thursday, June 9

I had picked up via the grapevine concerns about work to be done in the Northgate/Coronation Drive neighborhood and sent an email to the DPW which resulted in this response:

"There is a neighborhood meeting tomorrow night at 6PM at regarding the reconstruction of the Northgate area, which includes Coronation Drive. 

Yes, it is planned for roadway surface reductions for stormwater, traffic calming, and most importantly costs. Also there will be sidewalk reductions, but we are aware of the poor drop off area behind the Kennedy School so we are making improvements there."

Thanks,

Robert A. Cantoreggi
Director
Department of Public Works
Town of Franklin

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Re: Construction Notice – Neighborhood Meeting

Dear Residents:

The Franklin Department of Public Works will be working with a private contractor to reconstruct the roadways in the Northgate Neighborhood where the Town recently replaced the water mains last year. Specifically, road work will occur along Northgate Road, Coronation Drive, Parliament Drive, Regent Circle, Royal Court, Baron Road, and Brian Road. The road work will begin this summer and is expected to continue through the fall.

During construction, portions of the road may be closed or restricted to one lane of traffic, but normal two-way traffic will be resumed at the end of each work day.

We will be holding a neighborhood meeting on Thursday June 9, 2016 at 6:00pm, located under the awning at the front entrance to the Kennedy School to discuss possible roadway changes.

In accordance with the Town of Franklin By-Law Amendment 03-513, Paragraph 155-1.2 street openings will not be allowed within five years of the final paving. If you anticipate excavating in the street within the next five years, you should make arrangements prior to have the work completed as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience during construction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (508) 553-5500.

Sincerely,



Robert A. Cantoreggi,
Director of Public Works

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an image of the letter to the neighborhood which prompted the email exchange.

Yes, there is a Neighbor Brigade in Franklin

Franklin Neighbor Brigade is a resourceful group of volunteers ready to help when immediate friends and family can’t do it all. We are ready to help families in times of crisis, such as illness, serious injury or tragic events. “Help is next door” is what we look to achieve in connecting with others to help during times of temporary crisis.

How do you reach out to the Neighbor Brigade?

You can contact

Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org

In the News: neighbors, finish, holiday

Neighbors to the rescue in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News correspondent

Franklin family team takes on Finish at the 50

by Kathleen Sullivan/Special to the Daily News

Area towns to hold holiday bashes

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

You can help your neighbor

You may recall hearing of the house fire in on Hillside Road last Wednesday. The Milford Daily News story is here http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x826299284/Cat-dies-in-Franklin-fire

Fortunately, no one was hurt as the family escaped although they did lose one of their cats. The house and contents were destroyed. Neighbors have rallied to help collect food, clothing and money for the family.

Cheryl Hobbs is one of the neighbors leading this effort. Her post in the Yahoo Group for "Franklin Area Parents" summarized the situation last Wednesday:

Today has been a very terrible day for our neighbors (Lazanski/Kelly) on Hillside Road, they lost their home and all their belongings. Taryn is a senior at Franklin High. Tom graduated 2 years ago. All 4 are safe and being well taken care of. They, of course, are devastated! They did lose one cat and the other cat was revived and staying well at Tufts. I, first, want to thank my neighbors who came in in a clutch and gave clothing. Many of you have asked what you can do in lieu of clothes (because you don't have kids their size, etc.). Monetary donations are being accepted. Checks made payable to: Michelle Kelly. Please drop off your donation (or mail) to: Cheryl Hobbs - 144 Hillside Road, Franklin

Her update on Easter:

I just want to update everyone on the happenings here on Hillside. Michelle is in better spirits this morning...smiling, laughing and so thankful for all that has been given to her, her husband and kids. The cat is back home and not leaving Michelle's side. 

I am going to try and email once a week now, however, please know, I am still collecting. Again, it is overwhelming the generosity of this community. I was surprised to what I came home to last night..letter box over flowing, as well as, foyer filled with envelopes.

What can you do?
Make your check made payable to: Michelle Kelly.

Provide a gift card for Walmart, Kohls, Stop & Shop or any other retail outlet the family could use.

You can drop off your donation (or sent via mail) to: Cheryl Hobbs - 144 Hillside Road, Franklin

Finding compassion

On the train of thought around the words we use and how we use them, this talk by Krista Trippett makes some compelling points about compassion.

Krista talks at point about this remarkable observation from Matthew Sanford:

"He says that he has yet to experience someone who became more aware of their body in all its frailty and all its grace without at the same time becoming more compassionate towards all of life."

Later in the talk she shares some insights from Albert Einstein including:

"... He foresaw that as we grow more modern and technologically advanced, we need the virtues our traditions carried forward in time more, not less."

Franklin's charter was updated recently to bring some of the language to a more appropriate usage for today. I do believe we need to remember the values and virtues that Einstein remind us to use more not less.

We are members of a commonwealth. We need to help each other, together we can do more than survive. Divided we won't stand a chance.



Franklin, MA

Neighborhood sign today

Neighborhood sign today; Happy Birthday Betsy!, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Happy Birthday Betsy!