Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update on the last 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. Happy New Year! On the Hill First Days of the 118th Congress: I was sworn in to my second term early Saturday morning after days of dysfunction from House Republicans. Two years after the insurrection of January 6th, the House GOP is still groveling to the extreme right, rather than governing for the exhausted majority. It is unacceptable. You can watch my FOX News interview reacting to Republican chaos on the House floor here.  Unlike last Congress, Republicans now hold the gavel in the House. With that gavel comes the initiative. If they decide to build on the bipartisan progress of the last Congress in lowering costs and achieving clean energy independence, then I am ready to be a good-faith partner in legislating. I am committed to continuing to put forward ideas and avenues of cooperation.  Their first actions were a poor start, gutting the congressional ethics watchdog and passing messaging bills to make it easier for wealthy Americans to cheat on their taxes and restrict women's access to healthcare. If they continue in this manner, then I will continue to fight back. House Democrats will not yield in our commitment to democracy, women's rights, gun-safety measures, and clean energy. Anniversary of January 6th: Following the 2nd anniversary of January 6th, I remain committed to protecting our democracy and safeguarding free and fair elections. I hosted a discussion with Genevieve Nadeau, who leads Protect Democracy's nonpartisan team focused on accountability for abuses of power. She highlighted the importance of the recently passed Electoral Count Act Reform and the need to support state and local election officials as they stand up to seditionists. I will take this conversation with me as I work in Congress to defend our democracy from bad actors. Make your voice heard → Do you think ensuring our election security and protecting our democratic institutions should be a top priority in the 118th Congress? Should protecting our democratic institutions be a top priority for Congress? Around the Fourth Year in Review: Over the last year, I was able to secure funding for water and transportation infrastructure in the district, meet constituents and businesses from across the Fourth, and advance critical policy priorities like offshore wind. I secured over $34 million for 15 community projects that will ensure clean water and spur economic growth. Further, my office completed over 1,670 casework requests, hosted 10 town halls, and returned $2.2 million in taxes for constituents. I also enjoyed meeting constituents from all 34 municipalities during my series of coffee chats across the district. I look forward to another year representing the newly-drawn Fourth and hearing from and meeting more of you. It is the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of the Massachusetts 4th, where I grew up and where I'm now raising my children. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

K of C Annual Free Throw Contest - Jan 20, 2023

"The Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847, Franklin is holding its Annual Free Throw Contest on Friday, 1/20/23. 

Registration begins at 6:00 PM and the contest follows immediately after at 6:30 PM at the Hockomock YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 

The event is open for boys and girls 9-14 years old as of 1/1/23 from surrounding towns. All contestants will shoot 15 free throws and are recognized for their participation in this event. 

The champs are invited to compete in the district competition which will immediately follow this event. This round contestants will shoot 25 free throws."

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CnR2tJHLk36/

K of C Annual Free Throw Contest - Jan 20, 2023

Panther News: Friday, January 13, 2023 (video)

Panther TV News for Friday, Jan 13, 2023

Video link -> https://youtu.be/2phORVpEZ1Y

Franklin Police: Officer Michael LaCure in training

Via Franklin Police:

"Please welcome Officer Michael LaCure to the Franklin Police Department. Officer Lacure, originally from this neck of the woods comes to the FPD from the Milford NH Police Department. 

Officer LaCure has 8 years of experience and was a Sgt. with MPD. He’s currently assigned to the transfer FTO program and will join patrol after his training."

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

Franklin Police: Officer Michael LaCure in training

La Cantina Winery schedule, maybe no live music but good wine!

A quick FYI - while the entertainment activity at La Cantina has dropped off as they closed their outdoor tent and are using their small inner space for the winter, they still are open and selling good wine.

You can also find them at the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmount Fruit Farm

La Cantina Winery schedule, maybe no music but good wine!

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CnPZB4nL4Ej/

SAFE Coalition is now licensed to dispense NARCAN

Via Jennifer Knight-Levine at the SAFE Coalition: 

"NARCAN (naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray is the most dispensed naloxone brand.

NARCAN is a potentially lifesaving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. Since most opioid overdoses occur in the home and are most often witnessed, having a NARCAN rescue kit nearby can make all the difference.

If someone you know takes opioids or prescription opioids, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone for pain, be prepared for a possible life-threatening opioid overdose emergency.

Please see Indication and Important Safety Information below.

Inhalation not required

Needle-free

Designed for ease-of-use

Used by first responders

Concentrated 4 mg dose (2 per carton)

Requires no assembly or specialized training

The NARCAN brand has been around for 50 years"

View the reel on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnTkswKKwKc/

SAFE Coalition is now licensed to dispense NARCAN

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jan 13, 2023 to Jan 19, 2023

A wet start to the weekend but there are opportunities for a variety of indoor activities; Farmers Market, story time, music and brews, or music in concert. 

Tuesday's schedule shows some important meetings: 

• The next monthly session for the Dean Neighborhood alliance (open to all Franklin residents). 
• The Franklin Library Association closes out their organization by publishing their history in a book, with a reception and a panel discussion. 

Wednesday has a MA EPA meeting and community input session on the proposed  Madalene Village 40b development along the stream between Fletcher Field and Cottage St. 

Friday, January 13

5:30pm - Moxie (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, January 14

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free) (Train Town Franklin on display)

10:30am - Winter Time Story Time (for all ages) (Escape Into Fiction)

12:00pm - Raina's Plate Taproom Tailgate (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Lincoln St Groove Project (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - Viva Las Elvis Tribute Concert (live performance) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, January 15

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free) (Train Town Franklin on display)

Monday, January 16 = Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 17

6:00pm - Dean Neighborhood Alliance (Dean College)

6:00pm - Reception and book announcement (Franklin Library Assoc history) (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm - "Ben’s Donation at 245 - an Exploration of the Role of Libraries in America’s Democracy, Then, Now, and in the Future" (panel discussion) (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, January 18

11:00am - Franklin Q&A (hybrid event) (Franklin Senior Center & virtual)

6:30pm - Public Notice Of Environmental Review: Madalene Village (Mass EPA) (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm - An Evening of Jazz (student performances) (Franklin High School)

Thursday, January 19

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (coffee & discussion) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - Wine Barre 02038 (Intermission Café)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar

Electric Youth 2023 Debut scheduled with 2 performances on January 21, 2023

Electric Youth 2023 debuts at THE BLACK BOX with two shows on Saturday, January 21 at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits.

Electric Youth 2023 includes FSPA students Tatiana McAlpine, Audrey Miningham, Devin DeAngelis, Finley Doherty, John Fitzhenry, Madigan Wirkus, Abby Trombert, Anya Fox, Ashley Pepin, Erin Belger, Tzintli Cerda, Hannah Connors,  Macie Hoben, Anna Linde, and Mason Sanford. 

For tickets visit -> https://ci.ovationtix.com/36235/production/1145505

 Electric Youth 2023 Debut scheduled with 2 performances on January 21, 2023

Boston Globe: "The warm embrace of her teammates helps Franklin’s Reese Doyon cope with her rare neurological disorder"

'There have been countless nights over the past eight months in which Reese Doyon has entered her mother’s bedroom around 11 p.m. or midnight to tell her she’s feeling dizzy.

“Then, before you can even move, she’s on the floor,” said Amy Doyon, Reese’s mother.

Doyon, 17-year-old sophomore in her first year with the Franklin High girls’ basketball team, suffers from frequent, non-epileptic seizures, as a result of functional neurological disorder — a highly rare condition where the brain doesn’t properly send and receive signals. An estimated four to 12 people per 100,000 develop FND, and the condition is even less common among adolescents.

While her current outlook is bleak, one overwhelming positive is the way her teammates and the community have collectively rallied around her."

continue reading the article at the  Boston Globe

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/11/sports/girls-basketball-notebook-franklin-warm-embrace-her-teammates-helps-reese-doyon-cope-with-her-rare-neurological-disorder/

The GoFundMe has exceeded its target which again reflects the goodness inherent in the community in times of need.   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/gofundme-help-reese-fight-her-ongoing.html

Franklin High sophomore Reese Doyon (center, No. 14), who was recently diagnosed with FND (functional neurological disorder), which leads to non-epileptic seizures, has expressed her gratitude for the support she's received from the Franklin girls' basketball team, coaches and staff, all of whom have openly embraced her presence on the team.MARK STOCKWELL FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

Public Notice Of Environmental Review: Madalene Village, 40B Development Project - Jan 18 at 6:30 PM

PUBLIC NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

PROJECT: Madalene Village, 40B Development Project 

LOCATION: Cottage Street, Franklin Massachusetts 

PROPONENT: Rich Whittington of MV Cottage Development, LLC

The proponent has submitted an Expanded Environmental Notification Form ("ENF") / Environmental Impact Report ("EIR") to the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, and was published on December 231 2022 in the Environmental Monitor.

This application is pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act ("MEPA," M.G.L. c. 30, ss. 61-62L). Copies of the ENF/EIR are available at the:

Franklin Public Library, at 118 Main Street in Franklin, MA 02038 Phone: (508) 520-4941

or may be obtained from:

Goddard Consulting LLC, 291 Main St, Suite 8, Northborough, MA 01532 Phone: (508) 393-3784

An in-person public presentation will be made at 6:30 pm on January 18, 2023 at the Franklin Public Library located at 118 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038 to present the project to the public and to receive comments.

Additional virtual public presentations will be made at 6:30 pm on January 11, 2023 and January 16, 2023. 

Comments can be made orally at that time or sent to the MEPA office at Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, via email at MEPA@mass.gov, or on MEPA's online comment portal at https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/EEA/PublicComment/Landing/ (or scan QR code), or can be submitted as a letter after the presentation.

A translator can be provided with advance notice upon request in any language to the public presentation. 

Such requests should be made to Mark Arnold via email at mark@goddardconsultingllc.com, (508) 393- 3784 or via letter at 291 Main St. Suite 8, No1ihborough, MA 01532.

Remote participation info can be found in the agenda doc ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HZ-nlB7UC-vkEM3hvRNXwZrKDCZVoslN/view?usp=share_link

Spruce Pond Brook is proposed to be rerouted for the development

Finance Cmte gets briefed on 1st compensation study performed for Franklin non-union personnel, approves 1st pass of FY 23 capital budget (audio)

FM #915 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 915 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2023. 

Seven members of the Finance Committee participated (2 absent); 5 present in the Council Chambers, 2 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and any Department leader with a capital budget item. 

Quick recap:

• First item presentation and discussion on the first comprehensive salary and compensation plan for the non-union personnel. Jointly presented by the consultant, HR Director Karen Bratt and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. New salary ranges developed, implementation will be gradual due to overall funding resources available. Prioritization of those instances in the high ranges and low ranges which need addressing is underway

• Second item was the first pass of the capital plan for FY 2023. $750K is set aside to cover for snow/ice and if not used will be available for a second round later this year (Apr/May). Brief presentation on each section of the requests, clarification questions on need and or rationale. Supply chain issues are relatively rampant: Grove St traffic light due March 2022 still not here, fire ambulances ordered last year still not here, same for police cruisers ordered last year… Committee moved to approve the full request as discussed to the Town Council for their approval

FY23 Capital Plan Proposal

The meeting recording runs 1 hour and 57 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Jan 11, 2023.

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Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Draft of Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf 

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf   

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf 

 

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

 

Note: the doc used by the consultant for the compensation study is not yet available. 

 

Screenshots of the presentation were captured during the meeting and available in this photo album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WEoCSrZ2Kn3sBcxT6

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rTFyi7BjsfCuWEYm9yHPE9Sa7voXFtWE/view?usp=share_link 

YouTube recording =>   https://youtu.be/Q2Kbhwq1pdk

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

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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!

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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"

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

From the Friends of the Franklin Library - Some Sweet News!

Help support Friends of the Franklin Library with this sweet deal!

View this email in your browser   As a previous supporter of the Friends of the Franklin Library, we wanted to let you know about our fundraising initiative going on now - and it's a sweet one!    The Friends of the Franklin Library has partnered with The Fudge Lady of Uxbridge for a fudge sale. You will be able to choose from 14 delicious specialty fudge flavors. With Valentine's Day coming up, this is the perfect gift for that special someone, your friends, family, co-workers or yourself. (Treat yourself!)    All proceeds will help the Friends of the Franklin Library continue to support and fund a variety of library-run programs, services, and initiatives at our beloved Franklin Public Library.    OK - are you ready to order your tasty treats? Great, here's how:  1.     Click here for the order form  2.     Print the form and choose which types of fudge you'd like (hard choices!)  3.     Mail your form and check to the below address:                       Friends of the Franklin Library PO Box 147 Franklin, MA 02038 4.     Pick up your delectable fudge during one of the pick-up times 5.     Share (or don't - we won't tell!)  All orders are due by Friday, February 3rd and will be ready for pick up ahead of Valentine's Day.    We thank you for your continued support!    Best,   Friends of the Franklin Library   Friends of the Franklin Library Our mailing address is:                           Friends of the Franklin Library PO Box 147 Franklin, MA 02038

MA State News Roundup: MLK monument; Wu leaves Twitter; cannabis pricing plummets

(1) Today "The Embrace" is scheduled to be unveiled on the Boston Common. Good timing for the Martin Luther King Jr holiday weekend. This will be a new excuse for a day trip into Boston on a good weather day.

Boston Globe article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/12/arts/embrace-is-tribute-love-justice-unsung/

Commonwealth Magazine article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/raceracism/healey-calls-king-statue-important-given-bostons-narrative/

Artist Hank Willis Thomas, who conceived "The Embrace," is seen in his studio in Brooklyn, N.Y. JENNIFER S. ALTMAN

(2) CommonWealth Magazine runs a headline "Citing increasingly toxic climate, Michelle Wu turns away from Twitter"

A sad state of affairs for anyone using social media tools these days. You can read the full article here -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/citing-increasingly-toxic-climate-michelle-wu-turns-away-from-twitter/

(3) Common Wealth Magazine also provides some insights into the cannabis market. Why does this matter to Franklin? Given the change in the host community agreements, the Town of Franklin is still schedule to get a percentage of the revenues from cannabis sales and we have both growth facilities as well as retails facilities. With the budget cycle starting, these changes will perhaps show up in a lesser amount anticipated on the revenue sheet.

"ON A RECENT DAY, a Brockton customer looking for some marijuana could have bought one-eighth of an ounce of LA Kush Cake flower for just $20 at Commonwealth Alternative Care. Nearby, Legal Greens was advertising one-eighth of an ounce of Jet Fuel flower for $25, according to the marijuana marketing website Leafly.

The prices are way down from the $50 or $60 that a decent strain of marijuana was going for just two years ago. That’s good news for consumers tired of paying some of the highest prices for marijuana in the nation, but it’s bad news for the state’s legal marijuana industry. Just four years after cannabis shops opened, the price decline is destabilizing the industry and threatening to force companies out of business. Policy makers are being urged to consider radical action, including placing a moratorium on the granting of new cultivation licenses."

Continue reading the article ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/marijuana/plummeting-prices-destabilize-mass-marijuana-market/