Franklin, MA: The Joseph G. Ray Swimming Pool (video)

This video highlights the Joseph G. Ray Swimming Pool, better known as "the town pool". 

Video link = https://youtu.be/HCKADURmr44

Watch "Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are: Episode 4" on YouTube

Marjorie Turner Hollman asked me to join her in exploring the Franklin Sculpture Park and our walk was recorded. You can join us for the about 30 minute conversation while leisurely walking around the Sculpture Park.

Her blog post about our walk and the video

https://marjorieturner.com/2020/11/15/franklin-sculpture-park-visit-with-cable-tv/

Video link = https://youtu.be/IBYcPoNICv0

The Boston Globe featured her in a recent article

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/easy-walks-are-for-anyone-who-for.html

In September, we shared a conversation with Marjorie that you can listen to here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/fm-342-easy-walks-with-marjorie-turner.html

Other videos in the Easy Walks series can be found   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRF7rPOnQu8LcznPFbScrPA

 

A photo of the Dean College dance group performing in 2015

The Sculpture Park decorated for Halloween in 2019

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157711578274067/with/48989727533/

Photos from 2014 when the Sculpture Park opened

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157646895588736

FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

FM #191

This internet radio show or podcast is number 191 in the series for Franklin Matters now collaborating with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This recording shares the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting held on Monday, January 13, 2020 in room 205 at 9:00 AM at the Municipal Building.

Agenda:

• Jon Juhl of JNJUHL & Associates will give an update on Franklin Ridge Senior Housing
• Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development, to discuss the Housing Production Plan

The link to the proposal document for Franklin Ridge Senior Housing to follow along
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fEIDh_9lPWMMLpmE_vilz9E0YMODrwf-/view?usp=sharing

After the presentation, the folks in the room do a round of introductions as this was the first time meeting in awhile. I had stepped out of the room to arrange for a copy of the presentation so did not participate in the round.

The current Housing Production Plan referred to can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ahs.pdf

Additional info on the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust can be found on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust

The meeting runs about 75 minutes, so without further ado here is the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting of Jan 13, 2020.


Audio link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXFgV7SX


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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!

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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"

FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

New work added to the Sculpture Park

Before or after the Parade, plan a visit to the Sculpture Park on Panther Way. There is parking next to the Police Station and off Edwards St.

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life"

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life" 2

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life"

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life" 4

colored PVC piping was added to the Sculpture Park "trees of life" 5

view across the old swimming hole to the 'rainbow'

two faces with a view of the rainbow

“When you leave here, it’s a good feeling and you don’t have to pay for it”

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

"Anyone who frequents the walking path at the Sculpture Park in the morning is sure to see ducks enjoying breakfast. And Marty Kenzerski is usually in the midst of the flock. 

Much like Cesar Millan, the acclaimed “Dog Whisperer,” Kenzerski can expect the ducks to gather around his car as he pulls into the Franklin Police Department lot, where he typically parks in the morning. 

The ducks then usually keep a close eye on the Franklin resident, but oftentimes end up walking down the path behind him to the area where they know they’ll be fed the typical meal of dry oats."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181021/franklin-man-attracts-following-at-sculpture-park

one of two new sculptures added to the Sculpture Park recently

the second of two new sculptures added to the Sculpture Park recently

Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 28

The Franklin Police Department and Franklin Recreation Department are offering a free Halloween celebration on October 28, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at 911 Panther Way. 

The Police Department will turn the station into the Hall of Justice with superheroes and villains. They will have a spooky trail, bounce house, obstacle course, face painting and games. 

The Franklin Recreation Department will also be hosting a carved pumpkin contest. Please drop off finished, already carved pumpkins to the Sculpture Park on Panther Way between 5:00-7:00 PM. 

We will provide tea light candles. Contest starts right at 7:00 PM. 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Ages: Pre-school- 5th grade.

Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 28

Shared from the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/281559379347664/

Franklin Police Internet Exchange Zone - 911 Panther Way

Do you use Internet exchange sites like Craigslist, Facebook, or other online social media sites to buy and sell goods? Having a safe place to meet and exchange these goods is always a good idea. 

The Franklin Police Department encourages residents to use our Internet Exchange Spot located in the front lot of the Police Station. This area is well lighted, and monitored by a 24hr. high definition recording system.

"Often times scammers are less likely to want to meet at a police station. Buyers and sellers should be wary of anyone who wants to avoid a public meeting place and insists on coming to your home." said Chief of Police Thomas Lynch.

The Internet Exchange Spot is available 24hrs. a day, however it is always best to meet during daylight hours. If you need any assistance you can contact the Franklin Police at (508) 528-1212.

Franklin Police Internet Exchange Zone - 911 Panther Way

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-internet-exchange-zone

Ice Skating in MA - Franklin's Pirelli Veterans Arena

The MA Gov blog recently had a post touting the ice skating opportunities around the state. Franklin is fortunate to have one of the many ice skating rinks in MA within our own boundaries. The Pirelli Veterans Arena is located on Panther Way. 

The public skating schedule can be found here

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or skating for the first time, friends and family can embrace the start of fun winter activities at a Massachusetts DCR ice skating facility. 

Where are the Ice Skating Rinks?There are a number of skating options that can make winter fun for everyone. They include:

• DCR ice skating rinks located across Massachusetts;

• 17 accessible ice skating rinks sponsored by the DCR Universal Access Program; and

• Ice skating sleds at select accessible rinks provided for persons with disabilities (these can be operated by either the rider or another skater).

screen grab of post on skating in MA

You can find out more information about the Pirelli Veterans Arena online here

http://fmcicesports.com/rink/franklin-veterans-skating-arena/

Sculpture Park - Official Opening

The Sculpture Park was officially opened on Wednesday with a gathering of Town officials, key sponsors and about 50 people on a sunny day.

The individual art pieces now have name plates depicting the title of the piece and the artist. This was good to find. I now know that 'the bear' has a name: Ursus.

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting welcomed everyone and gave thanks to Adrianna Kelly who had the original vision for the park. Linda and Ian Kabat of the Franklin Art Center who took over leadership of the project when Adrianna left Franklin. The DPW who did the work. The Franklin Cultural Council who provides some funding. Rep Jeff Roy who obtained some state money for lighting in the park. And to all the artists and volunteers who helped to make this happen.

Town Council Chairperson Bob Vallee

Rep Jeff Roy

Linda and Ian Kabat, Franklin Art Center

butterfly made of a clothes pin and plastic

Lollipop field created by students at Franklin Art Center

landscaping was completed

after the brief remarks, many of the group walked around the park

The brochure handed out to participants of the opening can be found here:




As there may be some who don't know where the Sculpture Park is located. It is on Panther Way next to the Police Station. For those long time Franklinites, it was the location of the old town pool.


View Larger Map

more art at the Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park is getting ready to open officially in August. A new piece was installed this week with two more pieces scheduled to be installed before the opening. Separate but related construction is underway to put in the sidewalk along Panther Way. The sidewalk is being funded as part of the new high school but will also help those looking to visit the Sculpture Park.

The Sculpture Park sign also appeared this week

new Sculpture Park sign

There was a Police alert on Wednesday:

"The Franklin Police Department has an artist amongst the ranks! 

Lieutenant Mark Manocchio recently completed this painted steel sculpture, which has been installed in the new Franklin Sculpture Park, off of Edward’s Street. (Panther Way) 

Mrs. Rea’s third grade students, at the Keller-Sullivan School, helped out and painted each flower."

Mandy's Flower Garden

sidewalk construction on Panther Way

a rain garden to help with drainage

a 'pull out' section along Panther Way at the Sculpture Park

For those who bought a brick to help raise money for the Sculpture Park, the bricks are now laid out on the walkway to the park.

some of the bricks

some more of the bricks

Related posts on the development of the Sculpture Park

Sep 2013 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/sculpture-park-update.html

Nov 2013 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/sculpture-park-november-update-video.html

Mar 2014 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/sculpture-park-in-snow.html

Sculpture Park in the snow

I extended my walk on Saturday to pay a visit to the Sculpture Park. The morning sun and the white snow would provide a nice setting for some good photos. The paths have not been cleared but the snow was hard enough to walk on top of so getting about was okay. The setting was really nice and the photos, well - you can tell me if they are good.

Split personality or two faced liar?

face side view

This is quite colorful in the snow

I know why he is raging. He wants to get out of the snow!

The bear's rage can be heard by the face!

footsteps on the bridge

delicate wrought iron

delicate wrought iron casting shadows

Oh, yes I can. Can you?

Where is the sculpture park?
On Panther Way just before you get to the Police Station and the Pirelli Ice Rink

Sculpture Park - November Update (video)

I got out to the Sculpture Park this past weekend to check out the new piece that has been installed. Come along with me for about a 6 minute walk in the park.



Where is the Sculpture Park?
On Panther Way, next to the Franklin Police Station.

Sculpture Park (update)

Hey, there are sculptures in the new Sculpture Park on Panther Way! When I stopped by the Franklin Art Center during the harvest Festival on Sunday, I had heard there were two in place with two more scheduled. I managed to stop by to grab these photos after work on Tuesday.

landscaping is finished, grass is being seeded

the first piece (picture does not do it justice)

landscaping along the path

landscaping along the 'main area'

sculpture #2

Stop by to see these pieces for yourself and check out the park.

Using the pool to clean storm water

Franklin was awarded a grant to treat storm water and clean it before it gets to the Charles. What does storm water treatment look like? These two views are found along Panther Way on the site of the old Town pool next to the Police Station.

 

The article in the Milford Daily News announcing the grant to fund this work was posted in July here and on the Wicked Local Franklin site here.

 

The catch basins are projected to handle about 86,000 gallons of water per storm, or about 1.6 inches of rain.