Our calendar has been updated. Check out all the events planned. Group hike and community table at the @franklinfarmersmarketma are just a few.Stay tuned for more info on a new story walk too. Link to event page ->https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/events/
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| Franklin Bellingham SNETT announces a group walk - Oct 16 |
VETERANS COFFEE SOCIAL
Wednesday ▪ October 6 ▪ 10:00 A.M.
FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER CAFÉ
WELCOME OUR NEW VETERANS' SERVICES OFFICER
ARMY VETERAN - SHANNON NISBETT
AND
FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH DIRECTOR CATHLEEN LIBERTY
WILL PROVIDE COVID-19 UPDATES
ALL VETS ARE INVITED!
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY OUR FRIENDS AT STARBUCKS!
Per Town policy, please bring proof of vaccination to the Social
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| Veterans Coffee Social - Oct 6 |
Ben Gardner's Boat - noon to 2:15
The Driftwoods - 2:45 to 5
Jamie Barrett - 2:30 to 3:30
Before 2:30 & after 3:30, performances by FPAC and FSPA students.
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| Franklin Downtown Partnership shares music performance schedule for Harvest Festival - Oct 2 |
COVID Testing Site to open at Ashland Commuter Rail Station
Following an increase in demand for COVID-19 testing in Massachusetts, an additional testing site will begin operations in Ashland, Massachusetts at the town's Commuter Rail Station. The new testing site, a priority of Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka and State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis, will offer Massachusetts residents an additional option for testing at no cost to recipients.
The new site will be funded by the Commonwealth and will be operated by Fallon Health in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and local health officials. It will add to the Commonwealth's network of hundreds of COVID-19 testing sites across Massachusetts. Residents can find a testing site near them online at www.mass.gov/gettested.
"To support communities' sustained recovery from the pandemic, we need to ensure that residents have continued access to the tools at the center of our pandemic strategy– among them, testing and vaccines," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka. "I want to extend my deep thanks to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and MBTA workers for allowing us to use their space to promote public health."
While other COVID-19 testing sites are currently available in the MetroWest region, the new Ashland site will be the first to offer drive-through testing in the region.
"After hearing from numerous residents of Ashland and Framingham about the lack of accessible drive-thru testing in our region, I reached out to Senate President Karen Spilka and the Department of Public Health in order to partner together in developing a new testing location," said Representative Jack Patrick Lewis. "I am grateful to Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert, Ashland Sargeant Ed Burman, and the team at the MBTA for their quick and creative efforts to make this possible."
"Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in COVID-19 testing, which will continue to be a critical tool to keeping the virus in check even as we lead the nation in vaccinations," said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. "We are pleased to work with local partners to launch this new site, which will provide residents with another free and easy option to get tested."
""We are happy to partner with our state agencies and delegation to bring this important testing site to the region, and we hope the new location provides a convenient testing alternative for those who rely on public transportation"," said Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert.
Fallon Health, the site's operator, has previously partnered with the state of Massachusetts to provide testing and other health services.
FM #614 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 614 in the series.
This shares my conversation with candidate for Planning Board Jennifer Williams.
This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote. Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.
We cover the candidate questions as previously developed with the community and shared with the candidates. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the Planning Board.
Our conversation runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Jennifer Williams. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c7452164-ff42-4192-908c-bd6ad1fd2b44
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Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html
Candidate page -> https://sites.google.com/view/jenniferwilliamsforfranklin
Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/JenniferWilliamsforFranklin
Election Collection 2021 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html
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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"
 |
| Planning Board Candidate Jennifer Williams |
The museum is happy to once again be participating in the annual Harvest Festival, Saturday, October 2. The museum will have a display of photographs depicting farms, farm life, animals, gardens and harvesting. The series of photographs from early 20th century Franklin, is from the private collection of Franklin photographer Nathan Wales’ images. The museum is also happy to be host vintage cars from the local car club, the Red Devils. We will serve apple cider and cookies on the porch. The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum will have a table out front selling Christmas Ornaments from the gift shop. We look forward to you stopping by!
We’re very excited to have author Stephen Puleo return for our Second Sunday Speaker Series on October 10. Steve’s recently released book, Voyage of Mercy will be the topic of his presentation. Thousands of ships left Ireland during the potato famine in the late 1840s, transporting the starving and destitute away from their homeland. The first to sail in the other direction was the USS Jamestown, a converted warship stripped of its guns and committed to the peaceful delivery of food, clothing, and supplies. The USS Jamestown, the Irish famine, and the remarkable story of America’s first humanitarian mission. Join us for this compelling presentation. Doors open at 1:00PM. Presentation to start by 1:15PM. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.
The museum is open Thursday evenings 5 PM - 7 PM; Saturdays 10 AM - 1 PM and Sundays 1 PM - 4 PM. Visit our giftshop for fun and unique Franklin gift items. We are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.
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| October events at the Franklin Historical Museum |
Via @HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Sep 28, 2021
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| FHS girls soccer tie 1-1 with Foxboro on Tuesday |
09/28/21
Dear Franklin High School Community,
I am deeply saddened to inform you that last week, graffiti saying “I Hate Gay People” and additional insensitive images were found scrawled into an exterior door on the East side of our building. The graffiti was promptly removed and an investigation was immediately initiated. Throughout the week we followed leads. Through an exhaustive search, we were able to identify these individuals who are being held accountable. I believe it is important to note that this was not done by an FHS student. We will take appropriate steps to remedy the negative impact of these acts on the school community and restore a sense of safety and support for all.
The fact that this graffiti was found at Franklin High School is far beyond disappointing. It is extremely troubling and highly inconsistent with the inclusive culture we are committed to creating at Franklin High School. Franklin High School is no place for hate. I pledge to you continued vigilance in promoting and supporting a positive, hate-free, and safe school environment. Last week, I presented the Franklin High School school improvement goals at the FPS school committee meeting and shared our plans to thoughtfully incorporate areas of diversity and inclusion into our daily lesson plans and long term unit designs.
In response to this incident, we have reached out to SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Awareness Club), the Diversity Awareness Club, and the World of Difference Peer Leaders, to offer support and invite them to join us in raising awareness and provide opportunities for critical conversations and healing among students. Counselors are available to talk to any individual student wishing for support in the current moment.
Lastly, I’d like to thank the reporters who brought this to our attention. It takes courage to call out acts of hate and it is a critical part of our growth as a truly safe and inclusive community. As we move forward from this incident, please know that we are deeply committed to the goals that all students are safe and that all students develop empathy and respect for others.
Respectfully,
Joshua Hanna
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| FHS PCC - Letter from Mr. Hanna - FHS Response To Hate Speech Graffiti |
New October Arts & Crafts Class
4 Week Session Runs October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd from 6-8pm
Drop off your kids and have a date night! We will be doing Halloween themed activities and provide dinner. This is suitable for ages 6-12 and you must Register in advance online. Cost is $250 which includes all materials and dinner.
Wednesday Night Creative Arts Class for Adults
Come express your creativity through the arts. Local artists Dana Matthews and Jane Orella will alternate evenings to create autumn themed projects using different mediums.
Runs October 6th - November 17th from 7-9, 7 week session
Cost is $225 which includes all materials. Must register in advance online
Pumpkin Flower Arranging Adult Workshop
Saturdays 10/16 and 11/20 1-3pm
Express your inner floral designer with professional local floral designer Kathy Montesanti
Have you ever used a pumpkin for a vase? She will show you how in this fun, no stress workshop. Learn the basics of mechanics for stability and to hold flowers in place. The guesswork of where to place flowers and greens will be revealed. You'll be proud to take home the beautiful design you've created or give it as a gift.
Cost: $50 includes all materials. Must register in advance online.
Halloween Tween/Teen Costume Party
Friday, October 29th, 7-9 pm
Calling all kids ages 10-15, join us for a fun costume party with a face painter, music, and a haunted house. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: $20 Must register in advance online
Sewing Sundays Brunch Bunch
For All ages young or old. Come join our amazing seamstress Allison Strout to create some fun sewing projects. Runs for 4 weeks from 11am-1pm beginning October 3rd.
Cost: $225 includes materials. Must register in advance online.
Sessions for Franklin No School and Early Release Days.
We offer drop off station based programs on these days. Must register in advance online.
For more information and to register visit our website at www.expressions-enrichment.com.
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| New Fall Offerings at Expressions Enrichment |
The wfpr.fm Franklin Matters Radio schedule for this week Sep 29 and Oct 2, 2021:
On Saturday both shows replay
And if you can't listen to the radio schedule, the podcast (on-demand) version is available.
Individual candidate audio files
"Talk Franklin" = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/town-administrator-jamie-hellen-with.html
You can also find all episodes at https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/fm-podcasts.html or within your favorite podcast player
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| Franklin Matters Radio show schedule for Sep 29 & Oct 2, 2021 |
FM #615 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 615 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Planning Board meeting held on Monday, September 27, 2021. The recording was captured via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Quick Recap:
Public hearing on 40 Alpine Row discusses multiple updates and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 38 seconds)
Public hearing on 5 Fisher St discusses multiple items and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 21 minutes)
Public hearing on Housing Production Plan (HPP), after clarifications on the "plan" as being Town based/Town controlled (not State), still requiring much work to make happen, and that the Planning Board would still "get a bite at the apple", the HPP is approved 5-0 roll call vote (in recording at approx. 46 minutes)
Site plan modification request to split 2 plots into 3 approved by 5-0 vote via roll call (in recording at approx. 1 hour 11 minutes)
Citizen comment on complete streets (begin approx. 1 hour 19 minutes)
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 1 hour and 36 minutes, so let’s listen to the Planning Board meeting of Sep 27. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/048d7b83-9e78-43fc-bfae-c5ebf1650595
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Planning Board agenda:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_27_2021_agenda.pdf
Planning board meeting documents:
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/331296
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/planning-board-recap-92721-housing.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"
 |
| FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting |
FM #613 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 613 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 via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
Community Preservation Committee
215 Prospect St Chap 61 process
Complete Streets
Cultural Festival
Harvest Festival
Housing Production Plan – Planning Board – 9/27
Oct 6 – Town Council joint session with School Committee
Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily.
** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c717bcfd-8bb7-4040-b371-518b49230af0--------------
Community Preservation Committee
Agenda - 9/29 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-09-29_cpc_agenda_3.pdf
Agenda - 10/4 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-10-01_cpc_agenda_1.pdf
Harvest Festival scheduled for October https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2021/04/harvest-festival-scheduled-for-october.html
Housing Production Plan (revised draft)
--------------
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"
 |
| Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with another "Talk Franklin" episode - 09/24/21(audio) |
