Tree map for the Town Common available

One of the information stands on the Town Common got updated recently with an info graphic and description of the trees located around the Town Common

Tree map for the Town Common available 1

Actually there are at least 2 of these, one at each end of the Common

The QR code as part of the display takes you to -> 

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/fa9f10c834634866a2c73b52755d2682

Tree map for the Town Common available 2

Curbside tree pickup scheduled for Franklin residents during week of January 6, 2025

The Franklin Dept of Public Works remind us all that the curbside tree pickup is scheduled for Franklin residents during week of January 6, 2025. Trees should be out on the normal trash/recycling pick up day.

Curbside tree pickup scheduled for Franklin residents during week of January 6, 2025

Shared from -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/curbside-christmas-tree-pick

For a copy of the curbside flyer ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2024-2025.pdf

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, December 5, 2024 ???

Thursday, December 5

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

3:00pm Wicked Themed Paint Night (Creative Corner Art Studio)

4:30pm Dean College Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dean College)

5:00pm Teddy Gallagher's Closed for Private Event

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:00pm Horace Mann MS Winter Concert (Horace Mann School)

6:15pm Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale Reception (Norfolk Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin LGBTQ Alliance monthly meeting (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

7:00pm Faculty Dance Works (Dean College)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities Meeting CANCELLED

Event Date:  Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 7:00pm

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting CANCELLED

Event Date:  Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 7:30pm

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin Senior Center: Rainbow Cafe, Tuesday, 11/26 at 2:30 PM

a Winter Wonderland tree in 2022

Hello All,

I hope that you will be able to join us at our monthly Rainbow Cafe tomorrow, Tuesday 11/26 at 2:30 PM for friendship and conversation.  We will be talking about decorating our Rainbow Tree for Winter Wonderland.

🏳️‍🌈 Ariel

--

Ariel Doggett

Programming / Volunteer Coordinator

Phone: 508-520-4945

Fax: 508-520-4917

https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

    

Lyon Landscape Nursery Christmas tree sale hours for November 2024

 sale hours for November 2024

 

"Lyon Landscape Nursery will be open again this year for farm fresh Christmas trees!  

We sell out quick so it's recommend you claim your tree early during our pre-tagging weekend. Dogs on leashes are always welcome.  

Cash and check ONLY!  

Full information shown in image. Hope to see you out there this year."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/71uEuD7aPLxazmAg/

Regional Tree Planting & Protection Plan Webinar - Oct 23

Regional Tree Planting  & Protection Plan Webinar 

Virtually on October 23 at 7 PM

Massachusetts has lost over 3.5% of its tree cover

Trees are one of our greatest climate solutions––providing cooler neighborhoods, clean air, flood mitigation, cleaner water, and mental health benefits––yet our watershed is losing tree canopy at an alarming rate. Since 2000, Massachusetts has lost over 3.5% of its tree cover. Regional planning will help maximize the benefits of existing trees, help protect mature trees from invasive species, and identify new opportunities for tree planting to build a robust, healthy tree canopy. 

Join the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Franklin Conservation Department, a Charles River Climate Compact Member, on October 23 at 7 PM to hear about the state of tree canopy across the watershed and our work with the Climate Compact that helps municipalities protect, maintain, and grow our tree canopy. 

Register here (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrd-mgqj0jGtOm5q8ZvQ6hwaL0j3V4zcc8#/registration).

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/regional-tree-planting-protection-plan-webinar

Town of Franklin: IFB - Tree Trimming and/or Tree Removal, Stump Grinding & Hanging Holiday Lights

IFB - Tree Trimming and/or Tree Removal, Stump Grinding & Hanging Holiday Lights

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain
the services of a tree removal, stump grinding and tree trimming firm.

Additional Information:  Tree Trimming and/or Removal, Stump Grinding, & Hanging Holiday Lights

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-tree-trimming-andor-tree-removal-stump-grinding-hanging-holiday-lights

IFB = Invitation for Bid

Town of Franklin: IFB - Tree Trimming and/or Tree Removal, Stump Grinding & Hanging Holiday Lights

Town of Franklin: Invitation For Bid on Tree Trimming and Removal

IFB - Tree Trimming and Removal

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a tree removal, stump grinding and tree trimming firm. 

Additional Information:  Tree Trimming and Removal

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-tree-trimming-and-removal

Town of Franklin: Invitation For Bid on Tree Trimming and Removal

Alert for Franklin residents: Tree pruning scheduled

Via the DPW:

"Important information on tree pruning taking place during the next few months"

The listing of streets included in this notification:

Abbey Ln, Adam Cir, Bunny Dr, Chris Dr, Cleveland Ave, Coutu St, Curtis Ln, Emilio Dr, Forest St, Gallison St, Grant Cir, Harrison Pl, Heaton Cir, Ivy Ln, Jackson Cir,  Jefferson Rd, Jeremy Dr, Joy St, Judy Cir, Kate Dr, Kingswood Dr, McKinley Rd, Metcalf St, Michael Rd, Peters Ln, Reagan Ave, Rizoli Cir, Rocky Rd, Rona Ln, Skipper Cir, South St, Stanford Rd, Taft Dr, Teri's Way, Vine St, Washington St, Wilson Rd, Worsted St

 

Alert for Franklin residents: Tree pruning scheduled

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1oZAVrzXstsEUUA9/

301 entries for the tree lottery; 25 winners getting an email

Via the Franklin DPW:

"WE had 301 folks enter our contest to win a Street Tree! 25 Winners are going to be notified by email so check that in-box!

Have a great Public Works Day!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/842621857897378/ 

301 entries for the tree lottery; 25 winners getting an email

If you missed the story on the tree lottery -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/franklin-residents-want-to-win-tree.html

Franklin Residents: Want To Win a Tree? Enter Here!

We love trees! Do you?

Thanks to State Rep Jeff Roy, the Town of Franklin was gifted a bunch of trees and we want share them with you!

We are going to have a "Street Tree Lottery" and give away 20 of these trees to the residents of our Town!!!

Requirements:

*Tree must be planted in the front yard

*Tree must be planted 20 ft back from the pubic right-of-way

*Must be a Franklin resident

*Only one entry per household

*Winner is responsible for planting, watering, maintaining, and loving the tree!

Varieties available (but not guaranteed) include Kousa dogwood, Akebono Cherry, and Katsura.

Submissions will be accepted through Friday, May 10th.

To enter and for more information click here.

We also have some small tree saplings, Spruce, Red Buds and Dogwoods that folks can pick up at the Public Works Office at 257 Fisher St. during regular working hours.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/want-win-tree-enter-here

Franklin Residents: Want To Win a Tree? Enter Here!

Tree Planting Ceremony at Franklin’s Dacey Field Park - April 30

The Town of Franklin, in partnership with TruGreen has accepted the donation of 100 trees through their “TruNeighbor” program.  The donation of the trees, coordinated by State Representative Jeffery N. Roy (D-Franklin), will help support the Commonwealth’s and town’s initiatives in combating climate change.  The trees are part of a partnership between TruGreen and the National Arbor Day Foundation.  

Left to Right - Tony Brunetta (Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent), Amy M. Frigulietti (Deputy Town Administrator) Ted Cormier-Leger (Town Councilor), Cobi Frongillo (Town Councilor),  Carlos Rebelo (Highway & Grounds Superintendent), Jeffrey N. Roy (State Representative), David Leonhard (TruGreen Region Director) and Michael Reed, (TruGreen Market General Manager)

TruGreen has donated four types of trees consisting of Black Gum, October Morning Glory, Kousa Dogwood, and Grenspire Linden trees. 

To commemorate, a tree-planting ceremony was held at Dacey Field in Franklin, in which one of the first trees received was planted.  Dacey Field will receive 25 trees. Even before the ceremony started DPW crews were hard at work planting them in the center of the parking lot.  Held at noon on Tuesday April 30, Representative Roy was also joined by town leaders, Town Councilors, DPW officials, and representatives from TruGreen.

"On the heels of Earth Day and Arbor Day, we would like to extend our gratitude to both TruGreen Lawn Care in Franklin for their donation of 100 trees and Representative Roy for coordinating this gift to the Town", stated Amy Frigulietti, Franklin's Deputy Town Administrator. "Franklin has made significant strides in recent years towards protecting and enhancing our green infrastructure through open space acquisition, conservation efforts and sustainable practices. Over the next few weeks, the Town's DPW will work to find suitable homes for all of these trees and I look forward to seeing them enhance Franklin's landscape."  

Representative Roy stated, “From the perspective of climate change and global warming, these trees  are actually carbon-capture devices and I’m thrilled that TruGreen made them available to us.  These trees will provide monetary   savings for Franklin residents, including:

• 109,542 KW Hours of energy over 20 years or $16,373.91 in electric savings

• $4,713.82 in fuel savings

• $9,936.92 in stormwater value

• $7,889.80 in CO2 value

• $4,742 in air value

This adds up to a total of $43,614.87 in savings, along with continued help in fighting climate change.” 

Carlos Rebelo, Town of Franklin Highway and Grounds Superintendent added, “On behalf of the Town of Franklin we appreciate Representative Roy working with TrueGreen to donate 100 trees to our community. Being recognized as a ‘Tree City USA Member’ in 2022 we were very excited when Representative Roy reached out to us with this generous donation.  As a member, we take pride in planting trees around town and understand the many benefits trees provide.  When I heard about the tree donation, I knew exactly where we could benefit from some new tree plantings.  At the Dacey Community Park located on Lincoln Street we will be planting 25 trees at this park which will provide many benefits like shade, support wildlife, add curb appeal, oxygen for the environment and helping to combat global warming. The other trees will be given away through a Street Tree Lottery for residents to plant and also to other environmental justice areas like the Franklin Housing Authority.”

Town Council member Cobi Frongillo remarked that, "We are incredibly grateful to TruGreen for their donation and to Representative Roy for his assistance. The trees will help save Franklin money, beautify the Town, and reduce our carbon footprint."

Michael Reed, TruGreen’s Market General Manager said, “TruGreen has been a proud member of the Franklin business community for over 20 years.  We are excited to be able to partner with State Representative Jeff Roy and The National Arbor Day Foundation with the donation of 100 trees to our hometown of Franklin.”  

Once the speeches ended, the officials used both shovels and hands to plant the tree.  

In addition to the 25 trees, the grass in the medians at Dacey Field is being replaced with wood chips to lower maintenance, costs, and pesticide use.  The remaining 75 trees will be planted in parks and open spaces throughout the town.  The upcoming "street tree lottery" with will be advertised throughout the Town and social media.  The one condition will be that the tree has to planted along the roadside in front of their property.

Additional photos can be found in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xLJgjyfUPJ4wYc5u9

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 1, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Chris Stearns, Franklin TV 

b. Police Department - Introduction

i. Mental Health Clinician Caroline Ferris

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Conservation Commission - Nicole Chiaramonte   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/con_com_appointment_-_nicole_chiaramonte_v2.pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: FY23 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_audit_for_presentation_-_franklin_ma_fs23_-_draft_v2.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-19: Override Pledge to the Citizens of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-19 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-20: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-20 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._resolution_24-20_-_override_ballot_date.pdf

c. Resolution 24-21: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-21 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._resolution_24-21_-_override_ballot_question.pdf

d. Resolution 24-22: Adoption of Fiscal Policies

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-22 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-22_-_adoption_of_fiscal_policies_v4.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - Referral to the Planning Board  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-906_907_908_-_3_zoning_bylaws.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._bylaw_amendment_24-908.pdf

h. Resolution 24-23: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin ($300,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-23 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-23_-_gift_acceptance_-_king_st._playground_0.pdf

i. Resolution 24-24: Acceptance of Gift of Trees - Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-24 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-24_-_gift_acceptance_-_trees_trugreen_donation.pdf

j. Resolution 24-25: Acceptance of Gift - Conservation Commission ($50)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-25 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-25_-_gift_acceptance_-_conservation_commission_0.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_may_1_2024_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session

Curbside trash/recycling schedule for New Year's week

CURBSIDE TRASH/RECYCLING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

• (January 1-5, 2024) No pick-up on Monday, January 1 
• 1 day delay the rest of the week 
• Monday on Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday, etc...
• Regular Friday, January 5 pick-up will be on Saturday, January 6

When is the curbside tree collection scheduled?

On your normal pickup day during the week of Jan 8 through 12, 2024

Curbside tree collection scheduled for the week of Jan 8, 2024

And if you misplaced the Curbside Pickup schedule, you can download and print a new one ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2023-2024.pdf

Curbside tree collection scheduled for the week of Jan 8, 2024

When is the curbside tree collection scheduled?

On your normal pickup day during the week of Jan 8 through 12, 2024

Curbside tree collection scheduled for the week of Jan 8, 2024

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3584208318515835/

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Wed, Dec 20, 2023:

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1737503449565089869

Winter Wonderland was a spectacular time!

Catching up to sharing photos of the Winter Wonderland which was held at the Senior Center on Thursday, December 14, 2023. 

I go to the Senior Center regularly (breakfast or lunch is a great bargain) and the activities there are plentiful and busy. However, never quite so busy as the Winter Wonderland. It was also great to see so many little ones! 

The joy of a happy gathering was prominent. Elvis' impersonator was crooning Christmas carols. Folks were enjoying hot chocolate, cookies, or waiting anxiously for the fresh batch of popcorn!

The decorations were varied and colorful Franklin TV was there to record the festivities. I'll share as soon as it is ready. In the meantime, enjoy the photos of the different Christmas trees decorate by local Franklin groups/organizations.

Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/cfeAAY9jLPdDcuJf6

Winter Wonderland a spectacular time!

Sunday's service at FUSF: Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Aug 20

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Trees: Bridges to Spirit" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Barbara Aspland-Wolf

Let us see the forest AND the trees as we explore how they can aid us in our spiritual practice with a mind, body, and soul connection.

Sunday's service at FUSF: Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Aug 20

We will be serving lunch after the service.

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug 20 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices  

Head's Up Franklinites! National Grid is going to be doing some tree trimming

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Jul 21, 2023:

DPW Notice: North Eastern Tree will conduct preventative tree around National Grid's power lines over the next several months. 

Access a full list of streets scheduled for tree work here: https://t.co/VCVF0mOCV1 

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1682392490953850881

Following is a list of streets scheduled to be included:

• King St.
• Lockewood Dr.
• Wachusett St.
• Susan's Way
• Lawrence Dr.
• Sandy Lane
• Summer St.
• Crocker Ave
• Lewis St.
• Cook St.
• Hill AveEast Central St.
• Glen Meadow Rd.
• Squibnocket Rd.
• Shawkemo Path
• Woodchester Rd.
• Marion St.
• Florence St.
• Uncas Brook Dr.
• Uncas Pond Rd.
• Old Birch St.
• Jordan Rd.

National Grid is going to be doing some tree trimming

Franklin DPW: Christmas tree pick up is scheduled for the week of Jan 9, 2023

Christmas tree collection will run the week of January 9, 2023.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CmrWTlmN6GW/

Franklin DPW: Christmas tree pick up is scheduled for the week of Jan 9, 2023