On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)

FM #878 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 878 in the series. 

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

Topics for this session

• FinCom recap; Minor adjustments $542k on $128m is only .004

• Budget cycle

• SNETT work completed by MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation  

• Town Council teasers

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/On-the-Horizon---Budget--SNETT-Upgrades-and-Town-Council-Teasers-e1qoo24/a-a8s5r8o

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Finance Committee notes and links ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/finance-committee-gets-update-on-fy.html 

Nov 16, 2022 agenda -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-nov-16.html

Economic Development Subcommittee ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/economic-development-subcommittee.html 

121 Grove St info ->

• Application => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_application.pdf

• Site plan => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_schematic_plan_set.pdf 

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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"

On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)

Join the Fall Foliage Hike scheduled for the SNETT on Saturday, Oct 15

 Saturday, October 15th, at 11:00am, Grove St. Trailhead 

Hello fellow SNETT lovers!   We're gearing up for a great fall hike this year--right in the middle of peak foliage!  Come join us on Saturday, October 15th, at 11:00am (Grove St. Trailhead) as we set off for a leisurely hike down towards Bellingham and back.  Strollers and pets are most welcome!  You may want to have a jacket, and you'll definitely want to have a camera to catch all the fall colors.  🍂  And 67 Degrees Brewery will be open by the time we're back--not a bad start to the season!  😉 From your friendly, neighborhood Rail Trail Committee MEMBERSHIP! VOLUNTEER! Copyright © 2022 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

FYI - SNETT Trail work underway on Bellingham section

"You may have noticed a construction trailer at Center St parking area and signs at Fox Run Rd and near Harpin St. Exciting things are happening!

The DCR has hired a contractor to improve the section of the SNETT between the Fox Run Rd and Rt. 126. The clearing will start soon. We will post more details as they become available.:

Shared from the SNETT Instagram account - > https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc6hfYJrcxw/

FYI - SNETT Trail work underway on Bellingham section

Reminder: Rail Trail Road Race 5K - May 7, 2022 - Help this SNETT fund raising effort!

The biggest fundraiser of the year for the the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC). We hope you will join us and the Tri-Valley Front Runners in support of the local SNETT rail trail.

Date: May 7, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Shared from the Rail Trail page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race/

Registration is open now!
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race-2022 

Rail Trail Roadrace 5K - May 7, 2022

FBRTC fund raising: Rail Trail Road Race 5K - May 7, 2022

The biggest fundraiser of the year for the the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC). We hope you will join us and the Tri-Valley Front Runners in support of the local SNETT rail trail.

Date: May 7, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Shared from the Rail Trail page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race/

Registration is open now!
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race-2022 

Rail Trail Roadrace 5K - May 7, 2022

 

SNETT Fund raising: Rail Trail Road Race 5K - May 7, 2022

The biggest fundraiser of the year for the the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC). We hope you will join us and the Tri-Valley Front Runners in support of the local SNETT rail trail.

Date: May 7, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Shared from the Rail Trail page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race/

Registration is open now!
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race-2022 

Rail Trail Roadrace 5K - May 7, 2022

Take a Group walk on the SNETT Friday - Mar 18 at 9 AM

Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT.  This month we will be walking on Friday, March  18 at 9 AM starting at the Center St trailhead in Bellingham. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Meet in the parking lot, wear good boots, we may encounter some muddy spots.

Please watch this post and our social media for further announcements should the date, time or location change due to weather or trail conditions.

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

Rail trail web page -> https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/march-group-walk-on-the-snett/

Take a Group walk on the SNETT Friday - Mar 18 at 9 AM

Walk the SNETT Monday morning - Feb 21 - 9 AM

Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT. This month we will be walking on Monday, February 21 at 9 AM starting at the Center St trailhead in Bellingham. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Meet in the parking lot, wear good boots (ice grips are sometimes handy depending on the weather at this time of the year).

Please watch this post and our social media for further announcements should the date, time or location change due to weather or trail conditions.

Shared from the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail page ->
https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/february-2022-group-walk-on-snett/
 

Walk the SNETT Monday morning - Feb 21 - 9 AM

Rail Trail Road Race 5K - May 7, 2022

This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we hope you will join the FBRTC and the Tri-Valley Front Runners in support of the local SNETT rail trail. 

Date: May 7

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Registration is open now!
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race-2022 

Rail Trail Roadrace 5K - May 7, 2022

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - Annual Report for 2021

"Another year with COVID-19 behind us. Benefits of outdoor recreation during these unprecedented times are bringing many people to the SNETT rail trail. 

We have seen many different uses of the trail throughout the year, such as walking, running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog walking, strolling with strollers, younger kids riding their scooters or tricycles, nature watching and nature photography. 

We love to see everyone enjoying the trail! "

Read the annual report of the Rail Trail Committee
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2TKKaUvAchsuoX-Wluarx8mTVGpVXcO/view 

For more about the Rail Trail visit their page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - Annual Report for 2021

Upcoming FBRTC Group Walk - Jan 19, 2022

Walk off the holiday cookies on December 26th!

View this email in your browser FBRTC Monthly Group Walk Wednesday January 19th, 10am Grove Street Trail Head, Franklin Join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT in Franklin. The trail can be icy this time of year, so make sure to wear some appropriate footwear! Visit our website for more information. We hope to see you on the trail!   More Info Copyright © 2022 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

FBRTC: Group walk - Jan 19, 2022 - 10 AM

"Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT. This month we will be walking on Wednesday, January 19th at 10am starting at the Grove St trailhead. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Meet in the parking lot, wear good boots (ice grips are sometimes handy depending on the weather at this time of the year).

Please watch this post and our social media for further announcements should the date, time or location change due to weather or trail condition."

Shared from the Rail Trail page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/january-2022-group-walk-on-snett/

Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT (photo courtesy of FBRTC)

New story walk is up at the SNETT, a cool day for a walk!

"The new #storywalk is up! You can find it at Center St trailhead in Bellingham (198 Center St for your GPS). Enjoy!

#SNETT #railtrail #FBRTC #BellinghamMA #FranklinMA #massdcr
— at Southern New England Trunkline Trail."

Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/185258844899495/posts/4292760737482598/

New story walk is up at the SNETT, a cool day for a walk!

CPA funds now eligible to use for rail trails

Via Senate President Karen Spilka:

"Great for our MetroWest communities- 

Included in our budget —

CPA funds can now be used to purchase Rail Trails!!

MetroWest rail trails bring us together and encourage environmentally sustainable transportation. With the Fiscal Year 2022 budget enacted today, Community Preservation Act (CPA) communities will be able to purchase rail property in order to expand existing rail trails and create new ones."

Shared from Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/100000273510587/posts/4552914384727634/

along the SNETT in 2020

SNETT tunnel closed July 1-July 2

"Trail Closure Alert!

The trail between Spring St (Franklin) and Lake St (Bellingham) will be closed on Thursday (and possibly Friday) for drainage repair at the tunnel. No thru traffic. 

Please plan accordingly. Thank you!

#SNETT #railtrail #FBRTC #FranklinMA #BellinghamMA"

Shared from Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/185258844899495/posts/4128023973956276/

SNETT tunnel closed July 1-July 2

Still time for the 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021

Register today and support the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and the SNETT rail trail. 

Thank you to TVFR (https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/) for partnering with us this year in organizing and supporting our event!

Register here: https://www.active.com/running/distance-running-virtual-events/10th-annual-fbrtc-virtual-race-5k-run-or-walk-2021

If you or your business would like to become a sponsor, please email us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com for details. Thank you. 

When:  May 22 - May 31

 

Still time for the 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021

Sign up for the group walk on the SNETT - Jan 24, 2021

Please join us for a socially distanced group walk on the SNETT on Sunday, January 24 at 10 AM. We will start from the Center Street parking lot in Bellingham.

Masks are required for anyone 2 years old and up. Leashed dogs are always welcome. 

 

***Registration is required***
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084BAAAC28A13-january

In case the parking area at Center St is full, please proceed to Fox Run Rd for additional trail parking (marked). 

 

Questions, please email us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com. Thank you.

 

Shared from the Rail Trail Committee page

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/january-2021-guided-walk/

Follow the event on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1540318952825885/?post_id=1540318959492551&view=permalink

Sign up for the group walk on the SNETT - Jan 24, 2021

"Please make sure you take home everything you bring on the trail. That includes dog poop bags. Thank you."

 

friendly reminder

Walk Off Those Cookies! - Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - 10 AM

Please join us for a socially distanced group walk on the SNETT on Sunday, December 27 at 10 AM. We will start from the Center Street parking lot in Bellingham.

Masks are required for anyone 2 years old and up. Leashed dogs are always welcome. ***Registration is required*** 

Link =  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084baaac28a13-walk1

In case the parking area at Center St is full, please proceed to Fox Run Rd for additional trail parking (marked). Questions, please email us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com. Thank you.

Walk Off Those Cookies! - Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - 10 AM

Shared from the FBRTC page

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/walk-off-those-cookies/

FM #392 SNETT Timeline - 11/12/20 (audio)

How do the Franklin Odd Fellows and a flat tire play a part in the story of the SNETT tunnel? Listen to find out.

FM #392 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 392 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the group conversation to talk through the timeline for the SNETT trail development in particular the work to make the tunnel a reality. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Participants in the timeline discussion are

• Alan Earls
• Marc Kaplan
• Dave Labonte
• Representative Jeff Roy

While the discussion was recorded with these folks, they all acknowledged the work of a host of others who at some point played a key role along the timeline.

The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the discussion on the timeline of the SNETT trail and in particular the work to bring the tunnel to reality.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hry5JRCS

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The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee page  https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/ 

SNETT archive documents (Courtesy of Alan Earls)

• STL_1999 open space supplement sent to whole town with SNETT event  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_xs4niKYIWbHU7_JF9_E8ezrc0IExKFs/view?usp=sharing
• STL_SNETT mini poster, circa 2000  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JR1HjvfCdjgrsh1i5ElcXpji-oRzMk2I/view?usp=sharing 
• STL_2001 draft SNETT correspondence to Nat guard and response  https://drive.google.com/file/d/14n18PnFCsvRubIXfwwELl9vQXtPqVRjd/view?usp=sharing 
• STL_Invite to regional meeting for SNETT etc. probably 2001  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qvKMYuxSgRPtM6FqxkPQpRNlVs0T8ntQ/view?usp=sharing 
• STL_SNETT ADVOCATE   Volume 1  https://drive.google.com/file/d/13ba-M0K7wugmOzEDs8qEA_y63C9HF19p/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/

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"

the new tunnel under Prospect St improves the SNETT experience

#SNETTPhoto2020 photos winners announced

"We are excited to announce the winners of the first annual photo contest #SNETTPhoto2020!

We would like to thank everyone who entered and we are looking forward to your participation again next year."

 

For the winning photos, please visit the Rail Trail Committee page

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/2020/11/02/snettphoto2020-and-the-winners-are/

 

#SNETTPhoto2020 photos winners announced (just a photo of the new tunnel, not a winning photo)