Restaurant Expo scheduled for Sep 27 at the Franklin Library

Join us on September 27, 2023 from 2 PM - 5 PM at the Franklin Public Library for the Franklin Restaurant Expo. 

The Franklin Restaurant Expo allows for food service/restaurant and hospitality industry professionals to connect with a variety of vendors in the region.

Exhibitors: have the opportunity to showcase their products. service, connect with potential customers, and expand their business reach all under one roof!

Attendees: Restaurant owners, chefs, managers and other change makers in the culinary and hospitality industry won't want to miss out on this FREE opportunity to unlock innovative solutions and top-quality ingredients, products, or services to optimize, improve or diversify their offerings.

There is no cost to vendors, however, exhibit space is limited. Vendors interested in participating may contact Cassia Monteiro via email at cmonteiro@metacometpha.org or by calling 508-613-1341 to reserve a table.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/events/436466

Restaurant Expo scheduled for Sep 27 at the Franklin Library

Milford Local Eatery Week Starts Monday, July 24

EATERY WEEK SCHEDULED FOR LAST WEEK OF JULY IN MILFORD, MA

 

Milford is working up an appetite for its second annual Local Eatery Week scheduled for Monday, July 24, 2023 through Friday, July 30, 2023.  A celebration of local community and cuisine.

 

 "Unlike other "restaurant weeks", ours is open to all businesses that serve edible treats. The only catch is that all eateries must be locally owned and operated.  We want to spotlight those who live in, and give back to, our communities", said Ray Auger, event organizer and President of Local Social Marketing.

 

During the week-long event participating eateries will be offering special deals to promote their business during a traditionally slow time of the year.  Special offers include half price appetizers, dinners offered at a special price, BOGOs and more. Diners who care to take advantage of the special offers are asked to download the coupons found on the Local Social Facebook page (www.facebook.com/localsocialmetrowest) on their mobile device and show the coupon to the server from your phone to enjoy the savings.

 

Current participating locations for this year include: Pepperoncini's Pizzeria and Grill, Central Tavern, Prezo Grill and Bar, Legend and The Oasis Patio at the DoubleTree, Red Heat Tavern, PiNZ, Milford Nutrition and Pizza Palace with more to come.

 

Local Social offers affordable and local social media management and branding for small businesses in the Greater Milford and MetroWest areas. Specializing in developing one on one relationships with small businesses with the intent to build a solid local customer base while staying "top of mind" with current clientele in fun, creative ways with a guerilla marketing approach.

Milford Local Eatery Week Starts Monday, July 24

phantom gourmet visits the Raillery in Franklin (video)

"The appetizers at The Raillery are no joke, with options like the Firecracker Shrimp glazed in a housemade sweet chili sauce, an eye-popping Charcuterie Pretzel, and overloaded skillet nachos."

Video link -> https://youtu.be/VFU-xFfKF7I 

Check out the Raillery in person at the Franklin Village Mall or online ->   https://raillerypub.com/

Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11

Fun for the whole family this Sunday Noon - 5!

• Irish Step Dancers at 1 PM
• Pix with Santa from 2-4 PM

• Ice cream soda station for the kids
• Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for the adults

 

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl168lLvbO8/

Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11

Board of Health hears about chicken coop encroachment issue; no new housing inspections, 1 COVID death in May (audio)

FM #811 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 811 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. One board member was in the 3rd floor training room along with Health Dept staff. The other two members participated remotely. All votes were via roll call.

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 1, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-811-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-06-01-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_06012022_3.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yMfZYjMA6weyYUsAn_0ExswMcKcDhM19/view?usp=sharing 

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal

Alumni Restaurant not to reopen

Sad news on the small and local business front, the Alumni Restaurant will not be reopening and is being put up for sale. The owner's note to the patrons shared here.

On the other hand, there is an opportunity for someone who would like to operate a restaurant!

Shared from Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/204307558091/posts/10160476432138092/

Alumni Restaurant not to reopen

This "Talk Franklin" episode: Jamie Hellen covers ISO Class 1, licenses, storm water fee, ARPA, and more (audio)

FM #771 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 771 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Conversation around the following topics: 

ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

 

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - 3 Restaurant

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika Matunin as the Manager - Birchwood Bakery

More restaurants operating now than pre-pandemic, so fortunate

 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

·   Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

 

Legislation

·   Storm water fee – final approval

·   Passport photo fee

Community Needs Discussion Forums (Franklin Senior Center) Tuesday April 12th at 6pm

Outlook for Council agenda

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie as we “Talk Franklin”. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Fire-Department-Accolades--Restaurant-Revitalization-and-New-Legislation-e1h31v3/a-a7o97t4

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Town of Franklin meeting calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar 

ARPA accounted for -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/pandemic-related-stimulus-funds 

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

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

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"

Storm water fee comes back to Council among items in this "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen (audio)

Town Council hears of ISO Class 1 for Fire Dept, approves storm water fee, passport fee, and ARPA funding allocation (audio)

FM #769 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 769 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April  6, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick recap:

• Fire department achieves ISO Class 1 rating, only one of 9 in MA and one of 15 in New England to do so. Contact your insurance company. Whether a business or residence, there could be a savings with this higher rating on insurance policies. Doc on Fire Department web page to send to company to support the potential savings.

• 2 new hires for Fire Dept sworn in. These are experienced firefighters coming from other areas to backfill open positions with the Fire Dept.

• Three alcohol license approvals were voted on. One to approve the move of Pour Richards, one to approve the permanent set up of outdoor dining at 3 Restaurant, and one to approve a license for the Birchwood Bakery & Café downtown. As a sign of how well Franklin has survived the pandemic, we now have more restaurant liquor licenses post pandemic than we did pre-pandemic.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update on ARPA funds and how they would be allocated. Council approved the allocation which will now be submitted to the County for disbursement of the funds. Some of the $10M allocated to Franklin (approx. $2M) comes directly to the Town, some (approx. $6M) comes through the County.

• The second approval for the storm water utility fee was approved. The fee will first appear in July 2023 (FY 2024). There is time to confirm your impervious coverage area (see the town storm water page) and order a rain barrel to help with mitigation of storm water and save on the potential fee.

• Passport photo fee was approved so the Town when processing your passport application can now provide a ‘one-stop’ shop service. The photo fee is $10 per photo. The fee for the passport is set at the Federal level.

The recording runs under two hours (1:58). The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of April 6, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-769-town-council-meeting-04-06-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/april_6_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KnmcHPUOPMAUQ7TgXS8YMvDbUHTxTGa/view?usp=sharing 

Photos from the meeting can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zr6wAJwNbr61Yhob6

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

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 www.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"

 

Firefighter Michael Eaton getting pinned by his daughter

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - 02/02/22 (audio)

FM #716 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 716 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health (BoH) meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room with 1 BoH member remote and at least one public attendee participating remotely virtually via the Zoom conference bridge.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting of Feb 2, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-716-board-of-health-mtg-02-02-22

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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_02022022_1.pdf 

My notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-board-of-health-conducts-regular.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/ 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"

 

Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Billy's Brews: GlenPharmer Distillery (video)

"A huge thank you to Billy Costa & @DiningPlaybook for coming to Franklin to highlight @glenpharmer distillery, the incredible vision of the Downing family and this one-of-kind local business."

Billy's Brews: GlenPharmer Distillery https://t.co/HkKQVZ3vzw

Billy's Brews: GlenPharmer Distillery 

Billy Costa checks out Franklin, MA to GlenPharmer Distillery! A beautiful family-owned distillery. This time it’s not a Billy’s Brews, its a Billy’s BOOZE.

Direct YouTube link -> https://youtu.be/bhRvMssLgPA

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1461830564156256260

Talk Franklin: Strong Towns, FY 2022 budget adjustments, Critical Conversations and restaurant alcohol licenses (audio)

FM #660 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 660 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communication Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation in person in Jamie’s office in the Franklin Municipal Building.

We talk about: 

The Strong Towns event at THE BLACK BOX

Finance Committee

• Budget adjustments

• Overall budget cycle, tax rate hearing coming to close, but capital budget for FY 2023 underway

Town Council

• Swearing in, re-org

• Open meeting law, Ethics, records review

• Meeting conduct reminders

Critical Conversations – Nov 18

• Substance abuse and mental health panel and breakout sessions

Links to the key references are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily.

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/96623c72-eadb-4095-b468-70bd35dab55e

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Finance Committee meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-11-10_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

My meeting notes & meeting audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/fm-655-finance-committee-mtg-111021.html 

Town Council Agenda (98 page PDF agenda and docs released for this meeting)    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_nov_17_2021.pdf

The Worcester Regional Research Bureau restaurant license report referenced during our conversation ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/191cph8dOCd8DJnmB8xQg1rpwkfwRhqz8/view?usp=sharing 

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

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

 

Talk Franklin:  Strong Towns, FY 2022 budget adjustments, Critical Conversations and restaurant alcohol licenses (audio)