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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Medicare.gov: "We saved money on our premium. Comparing plans pays."
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda - Dec 7, 2021
1. Approval of Minutes for October 5, 2021.
a. 2022 Schedule
i. Sample CPA Plansii. Sample CPA Applications
Full agenda (including remote connection info) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-12-07_cpc_packet.pdf
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the CPC toured the Red Brick School and Historical Museum on Sep 29, 2021 |
Monday, April 5, 2021
Community Preservation Committee - Agenda - Apr 6, 2021 - 7:00 PM
1. Approval of Minutes
2. Approval of Committee Meeting Schedule
3. FY22 Budget Approval
4. Open Space Presentation & Discussion
1. Open Space & Recreation Plan (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf)
Saturday, January 2, 2021
MAEnergy Environment: 2050 Roadmap Report & 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan
"Building on @MassGovernor's ambitious commitment to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050, @MassEEA today (12/30/20) released its 2050 Roadmap Report & 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan to equitably & cost-effectively meet MA's #climate goals."
Road map link: https://t.co/8R90L1AaiA
2050 Roadmap Report & 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan |
Monday, August 10, 2020
FM #325 Superintendent Sara Ahern Reopening Update - 8/06/20 (audio)
FM #325 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 325 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Superintendent Sara Ahern regarding the school fall re-opening status. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Sara and I picked up from where we left off last time, which was before the preliminary plan was submitted to DESE, to talk about the remote learning first plans. A focus on the high needs learners would bring them into the school environment safely when the protocols are ready. One key difference from the remote learning done at the beginning of the pandemic, schools were closed then, schools will be open in September. Teachers will be expected to teach from school classrooms, however exceptions may be made if appropriate for remote teaching.
The show notes contain links to the Re-opening page, family webinar and presentation docs. The agenda for the School Committee meeting scheduled for Aug 11 will be shared as soon as it is available.
Our conversation runs about 19 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara on the preliminary plan and process.
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc5Z2hzK
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Reopening Presentation https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-presentation
Reopening Comprehensive Plan https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-reopening-plan
Proposed Revised Calendar for 2020-2021 School Year https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-revised-calendar
Franklin Public Schools - Re-opening page https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home?authuser=0
Re-opening Plan presentation doc https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-presentation-updated
Re-opening Webinar for Families https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-public-schools-family.html
Webinar Presentation copy: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1u0AEgJeeT2_MJxB5D-NLI1rcrxgB73ymGd6KWaGIR-g/edit?usp=drivesdk
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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/
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"
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan - available for public comment
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that the Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan is now available for public comment. You can review the plan and provide feedback by clicking the link below.
2018 Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan
To realize the potential for everyday biking in Massachusetts and underscore MassDOT’s commitment to safety, MassDOT is releasing a new Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan to make biking in Massachusetts a safe, comfortable, and convenient option for everyday travel.
As part of the Bike Plan, MassDOT developed the Municipal Resource Guide for Bikeability in recognition of the important role the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts will play. Created for municipal staff, elected officials, community members, and anyone interested in biking, the Resource Guide introduces core concepts to enhance community bikeability and directs readers to additional resources for more detailed information.
The public comment period for the draft Bicycle Plan is open until January 31, 2019.https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/10/31/18_08_31_MRGBiking.pdf
This was shared from the Mass.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bicycle-plan
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The bike lane markings painted as part of the Downtown Improvement project that returned Main St to 2-way travel |
Friday, June 9, 2017
BJAT LLC superfund Site (300 Fisher Street) Community Involvement Plan.- Comments due today
The Community Involvement Plan is a dynamic document that can be updated, when necessary, throughout the cleanup process. Attached, please find a draft copy of the plan. Please review and send me any comments you have by Friday, June 9, 2017. Comments we receive will be carefully considered prior to the plan being made publicly available.
Marilyn St. Fleur, MPH
Public Affairs Specialist
Community Involvement Coordinator
Office of the Regional Administrator
US EPA, Region 1
5 Post Office Sq. Suite 100
Mail Code ORA01-3
Boston, MA 02109-3912
Telephone: 617-918-1617
Fax: 617-918-0617
Email: stfleur.marilyn@epa.gov
Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/126593
More information on the BJAT Superfund Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/bjat
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http://twitter.com/ |
Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/
Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/
Connect with EPA New England on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/
Related links from the Franklin Matters archives
- Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
- DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
- Map showing property location within Franklin
Sunday, May 28, 2017
EPA "Community Involvement Plan" draft copy for 300 Fisher St is open for review and comment
"The Community Involvement Plan is a dynamic document that can be updated, when necessary, throughout the cleanup process. Attached, please find a draft copy of the plan.
Please review and send me any comments you have by Friday, June 9, 2017. Comments we receive will be carefully considered prior to the plan being made publicly available."
Mail Code ORA01-3
Boston, MA 02109-3912
More information on the BJAT Superfund Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/bjat
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http://twitter.com/ |
Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/
Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/
Connect with EPA New England on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/
Related links from the Franklin Matters archives
- Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014
- DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014
- Map showing property location within Franklin
Thursday, January 12, 2017
In the News: School Committee faces budget issues, meadowlands goals set
"Members of the School Committee this week urged State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, to review the way schools are funded in Massachusetts.
Roy, a former member of the committee, attended the group's Tuesday night meeting to provide a summary of his priorities for the coming legislative session.
Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley noted that the effort to reform the formula by which a district's foundation budget - or the minimum that it can spend - is determined began in the early 1990s, and asked Roy why there had not been more progress since then.
"Everything is now changing, and not to the inexpensive side," O'Malley said. "How do we get the urgency of our voice to the state house?"
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170111/franklin-schools-seek-budget-help
site of the Horace Mann statue to be unveiled on May 7 |
"A local volunteer group is seeking help from several towns in its efforts to help protect and promote the Charles River Meadowlands.
The group decided at a meeting this week to adopt a plan that includes goals for the land, which is spread out over several pieces of property owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The meadowlands - located in, among other towns, Bellingham, Franklin and Medway - were purchased as a buffer to absorb river flooding.
Alan Earls, who is leading the local effort, said the plan was developed over the course of many meetings.
"It's based on feedback we got from people, including town committees, town planners, the people who attended our meetings and abutters," he said. "We want to see the land preserved, managed and made more accessible."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170111/franklin-group-creates-plan-for-charles-river-land
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan - DCAP
Friday, July 3, 2009
Celebrating Franklin
Did you read them the first time they were published?
Maybe not.
Did you read them now?
Hopefully.
As we get into the 4th of July weekend, "celebrating Franklin", let's look around us and see what is we really are celebrating.
Let's also take some time to think about how we want to continue to live here.
- What services will we dig into our pockets to pay for?
- What services can we afford to live without?
Other services around Town are supported by other similar organizational efforts of people passionate enough to continue a "tradition". These organizations raise money in a variety of methods but ultimately, we, the citizens of Franklin do contribute. The Town can raise money via taxes and other fees, or the organizations can raise money from our contributions. We ares still supporting what happens here.
The long range plan produced by the Financial Planning Committee is available on the Town website in two versions: the Executive summary is here (PDF) and the full report is here (PDF).
Please take time during this wonderful weekend to review the reports.
Please make time in the coming months to make you participation in Town Council, School Committee and other important meetings more of the "contact" sport that Jeff mentioned. Show up.
Put in an appearance (or two).
Become informed.
There will be an election later this year to select Town Council and School Committee. There will likely be a special election in 2010 to consider an override to provide additional funds to support the day-today operations of Franklin that we are celebrating this weekend.
Do not let a day go by without becoming more informed.
Your vote will count.
Friday, August 8, 2008
"most people just don't get it "
The Financial Planning Committee last night outlined its mission, putting public education and communication in budgetary matters as top priorities, along with creating a three-year fiscal forecast.
The group was created by Town Council in response to citizens' calls for a long-term financial plan as frustration grew over repeated Proposition 2 1/2 tax override requests. The group was meant to serve as a proactive solution to the recurring fiscal deficits.
"I think education and communication are 95 percent of what our task is," said Councilor Stephen Whalen, a committee member.
"It's a reasonable goal to have a really strong educational component," Whalen said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here