Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Dean College’s President Inducted Into The Martin Luther King, Jr. Collegium Of Scholars At Morehouse College

Dean College is proud to announce that our president, Kenneth Elmore, J.D., has been inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College

The collegium is part of Morehouse’s College of Ministers & Laity and is named for Dr. King, who graduated from the school in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Collegium inductees are individuals who have “demonstrated and are evolving toward great achievement in their chosen vocation; have a profound commitment to their community and society, the planet and the cosmos; and are living their lives according to a high standard of cosmopolitan ethical principles.”  

“My life’s work has been focused on breaking the barriers of divisiveness by pushing communities to discover their shared humanity and to foster meaningful, authentic friendships,” said President Elmore. “That is why being inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College is so very meaningful to me. Dr. King was the epitome of a remarkable leader and selfless servant, and I pledge to continue his legacy as a member of the MLK Collegium of Scholars.” 

Kenneth Elmore, J.D.
Kenneth Elmore, J.D.
The induction ceremony took place on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel. This year’s ceremony theme was “Saving Democracy While Thriving in the Wake of Cosmic Trauma.” The collegium recognized Elmore as an academic and scholar who is “committed to research, writing, teaching and mentoring a wide variety of disciplines and contexts that promote and give support to the work of peace through moral cosmopolitan social responsibility.”

Elmore was nominated for this honor by Dr. Keith Magee who said, “The reason I nominated President Elmore is due to his commitment to social justice and what it has represented throughout his professional career. His leadership in higher education has been impeccable and he has used his business acumen, training, and understanding of family and community to represent the best of all of us. He has certainly upheld the legacy of Dr. King who understood the value of us not being judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character. And equally important, President Elmore embraces Dr. King's words that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and has used his platform in higher education to ensure quality access to education for all."

Elmore is the 14th president of Dean College. He has more than three decades of higher education experience as an accomplished leader, connector and community builder. Throughout his career, Elmore has been an institutional catalyst dedicated to making and keeping the common ground compelling. He is committed to public engagement and the pluralistic ideal. 

Elmore has co-led efforts to facilitate free speech and expression climates – to expose, debate and wrestle with ideas, understand our bias and encourage critical engagement. Early in his career as a dean of students, Elmore pioneered a long-standing discussion series – Coffee and Conversation – to foster an inclusive atmosphere through listening and idea exchange.

Throughout his career, Elmore has cultivated an institutional mindset that ensures traditional non-academic departments understand that the student experience is multi-dimensional and not solely about social integration and skill-based experiences “outside the classroom” to achieve better student outcomes.

Elmore has received several honors and professional distinctions, including being named a Pillar of the Profession by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and a Diamond Honoree by the American College Personnel Association – College Student Educators International (ACPA) for outstanding work in student affairs and services, and in higher education. In 2019, Elmore was selected by the Mayor of Boston to deliver the annual, historic Fourth of July oration at Faneuil Hall.

President Elmore is a lifelong advocate, teacher and learner who believes in the potential of students and the value of education to change lives. He is a graduate of Brown University, Boston University, and New England Law | Boston.

Franklin to Celebrate 2nd Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk on April 20

Come to Downtown Franklin on Saturday, April 20th when the town kicks off its 2nd Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk. The town will also celebrate 50 years of the ladybug as the State’s official insect.
Ladybug Trail Spring Walk
Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

Walk the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail any time throughout the day. Search for the ladybugs and enjoy downtown’s shops. Rain date is Sun. April 21st. Best place to start: 9 a.m. at Franklin Historical Museum at 80 West Central Street (Route 140) to get your free trail map. While you’re at the museum, and before you walk, stay for the ladybug presentation and activities. 

At 11 AM State Rep. Jeff Roy will speak about ladybugs and lawmaking. 

From 11:30 - 1 PM will be a reunion of the 1974 “Ladybug Kids,” the second-graders who went to Boston and successfully lobbied the legislature. Ladybug keychains and bookmarks will be sold at the museum. Other activities include a short slide show detailing the ladybug story, and live native ladybugs will be released around 3 PM into the garden of the Methodist Church, next door.

Why celebrate the 7-spotted ladybug? 

This year marks the 50th anniversary since the ladybug was adopted as the official insect of Massachusetts. And, the town of Franklin is where it started. 

How did this happen? In 1974, a group of second-grade students and their teacher, Palma Johnson, at Franklin’s Kennedy School, petitioned a bill to name the ladybug the state’s official insect. The students learned about the law-making process in class and at the State House. In April 1974 then-governor Francis Sargent signed the bill making the ladybug the official state insect of Mass. 

The town celebrated this special designation with its Ladybug project on the 40th anniversary of the accomplishment. The Franklin Cultural Council and the Rotary Club initiated the public art project to honor Mrs. Johnson, her students, and the ladybug. The project invited artists and businesses to create and paint 2-foot tall fiberglass ladybugs.

By 2022 the ladybug sculptures were installed throughout downtown Franklin’s Cultural District – when it officially became known as the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail.

The trail uses the ladybug sculptures to tie together approximately 25 historical, cultural and business sites in downtown. Plus, the walk is an opportunity to view more than 10 art murals painted by members of the Franklin Art Association located in the alleys and the daffodils that pop up along the trail. 

"The fact that this year is the 50th anniversary of a Franklin educator and her students making history with their ladybug legislation makes this year's Ladbybug Trail Spring Walk extra special. We are happy to be the starting point for the walk, and for families picking up a map," said Alan Earls, chair of the Franklin Historical Commission. "We are keeping longer hours, too, from 9 to 3, and hope families and individuals will stop in," he added. For more details, visit the Historical Museum website at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

Enjoy the shops along the trail

People can walk the Ladybug Trail any time during the day. “The Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is the chance to celebrate spring and walk around downtown Franklin in search of the ladybugs tucked among the storefronts. We invite walkers and visitors to stop at one of the many restaurants along the trail for lunch or dinner,” said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Executive Director. There is plenty of shopping too.

The free trail map is also available at Escape Into Fiction where kids can get a ladybug surprise. Escape Into Fiction is an independent bookstore at 12 Main Street. They are open Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday 12 to 4 PM. The regular hours include Tuesdays through Fridays 10:30 AM to 5 PM The Historical Museum regular hours are Saturdays 10 AM to 1 PM and Sundays 1 PM to 4 PM.

For more details about the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, visit:

The Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail committee includes: Pandora Carlucci, Jane Curran, Claire Griffin, Melanie Hamblen, Eileen Mason, Mary Olsson, Lisa Piana, Beth Simon, and Roberta Trahan.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

FHS boys lacrosse tops Wakefield on Tuesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Apr 16, 2024.


Softball = Franklin, 0 @ Walpole, 10 – Final

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 18 vs. Wakefield, 1 – Final 
– Franklin senior Dylan McEvoy had a big game with seven points to help the Panthers roll past visiting Wakefield. McEvoy scored five goals and had two assists for the Panthers, who staked an 11-0 lead at halftime. CJ Perro added four goals and one helper while Ben Paterson notched a hat trick along with one assist in the win.


For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-16-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Hey Franklinites: Yard Waste drop off is open at Beaver St

How to handle your Spring cleanup Yard Waste

Getting your yard ready for summer?! 

Reminder that yard waste can be brought to the Beaver St. Recycling Center (Hours: Tuesdays, Noon-3PM; Fridays & Saturdays, 8AM to 3PM; Sundays, 9AM to 1PM)--a recycling center permit is required.

To view Waste Management's full pick-up schedule including special collection days, please visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2023-2024.pdf

Hey Franklinites: Yard Waste drop off is open at Beaver St
Hey Franklinites: Yard Waste drop off is open at Beaver St

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/yard-waste-pick


Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

Franklin Planning Board
Public Hearing Notice

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, notice is hereby given that the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM and the Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street (also available to be attended remotely) to consider amending Chapter 185, Section 5 of the Code of the Town of Franklin.

ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT 24-905 
Zoning Map Amendment 24-905 (formerly 24-901) would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing parcels 313-061-000 and 313-062-000 parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, Chairman 
Franklin Planning Board 

Tom Mercer, Chairman
Franklin Town Council



Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business
Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

2024 election: What misinformation trends to watch out for

"The voice in the robocall sounded a lot like President Joe Biden. Days before the New Hampshire primary in January, the message told voters their “vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday.”

It wasn’t Biden. The call was created by a magician in New Orleans, who reportedly said he used an artificial intelligence program on behalf of an operative working for a rival Democratic candidate.

Misinformation, having played a major role in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, now threatens to erupt more than ever this cycle, as the rise of generative AI and the erosion of social media controls add fuel to campaigns’ distortions. At stake is the outcome of elections up and down the ballot this November as Biden once again faces off against Republican candidate, former president Donald Trump.

“On the one hand, it feels the same,” said Claire Wardle, cofounder of the Information Futures Lab at Brown University’s School of Public Health in Rhode Island, of this election. “But actually, I think the world looks quite different four years later.”
Continue reading the article online at the Globe (subscription maybe required)

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina - May 4, from 12 PM to 11 PM

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina - May 4, from 12 PM to 11 PM

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at La Cantina

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

In accordance with MGL c. 149, the Town of Franklin seeks written quotes from a qualified contractor(s) to demolish four modular classrooms, located at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School, and to remove and dispose of debris.  Hauling and disposal of debris must be in line with requirements set forth by the EPA and Massachusetts State Law.  Work on this project will commence on July 1, 2024 and must be completed no later than July 31, 2024.  

Optional site walk for interested contractors on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM.  Meet by the front door at JFK Elementary School, 551 Pond Street, Franklin, MA.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-demolition-modular-classrooms-removal-and-disposal-debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris
Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris


‘A roof over our people’s heads’: the Indigenous US tribe building hempcrete homes | US news | The Guardian

"When Earl Pendleton first heard about building houses out of hemp more than a decade ago, it seemed like a far-fetched idea.

To start, it was still illegal to grow hemp – the non-psychoactive strain of Cannabis sativa – in the US. Importing it from overseas was prohibitively expensive. But Pendleton, a member of the Lower Sioux Indian Community, was intrigued by early research that showed hemp could be transformed into non-toxic construction materials that allow for faster build times and result in low-carbon, energy-efficient houses.

Which was exactly what he saw his tribe needed at the time. Roughly half of the tribal nation’s enrolled members – about 1,120 people – are currently in need of housing. With his encouragement, the community started experimenting with hemp as a housing construction material – also known as hempcrete – back in 2016, even before it was decriminalized in the US. This month, the tribal nation is set to open the first vertically integrated hempcrete facility in the nation, complete with its own growing operation."
Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required) 
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/16/hempcrete-indigenous-tribe-minnesota

Hempcrete, not concrete -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hempcrete

The Lower Sioux construction crew placing a prefabricated hempcrete wall panel, which weighs approximately 700lb. Photograph: Lower Sioux Industrial Hemp Project
The Lower Sioux construction crew placing a prefabricated hempcrete wall panel, which weighs approximately 700lb. Photograph: Lower Sioux Industrial Hemp Project

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, April 17, 2024

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.
11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner
8:30 am FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022
10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: "Marry Me" Chicken
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4
5:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension
6:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

8:30 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force
1:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
2:30 pm Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Foxboro 04-08-24
8:00 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 04-10-24
12:30 pm Town Council Subcommittee for Arts and Culture 04-03-24
2:00 pm Town Council 04-10-24
6:30 pm    Master Plan Committee  LIVE Floor 3  845 0113 4237  or YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/streams
7:00 pm  Finance Committee  LIVE Chambers  864 1147 1126  or YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/@franklintownhalltv8887/streams


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Silent Saturdays: Early Animation Short Films - April 20 at 6 PM

Silent Saturdays start at 6 PM on four Saturdays of the month: Chris Leverone, a videographer and graphics artist from Franklin, has directed promotional and fundraising videos, and is currently a producer at Franklin TV. He developed this program of films in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center.
  • April 20 – Early Animation Shorts,  including Steamboat Willie, The Dinosaur and The Missing Link, and other gems.

    Early Animation Shorts
    Early Animation Shorts
The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1 PM - 4 PM. 


When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Check their current needs listing here ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/


Visit the Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

"Where's The Toast?!" Memory Cafe at the Senior Center, Wednesday April 17 at 1 PM

"Where's The Toast?!" Memory Cafe
"Where's The Toast?!" Memory Cafe
Hello Friends,

Please join us on Wednesday April 17 at 1 PM for our monthly "Where's The Toast" Memory Cafe.  It is free to attend but please RSVP to the Franklin Senior Center to let us know how many will be attending.    

Please share with anyone who may be interested in attending.

We look forward to seeing you there,

Ariel



--
Ariel Doggett

Programming / Volunteer Coordinator


    

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Audio for the April 10, 2024 Town Council meeting in 2 parts: P1 for opening & closing sections; P2 for the friendly 40b discussion (audio)

FM #1173 & 1174 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1173 & 1174 in the series. 


This session shares the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in 2 parts. All 9 councilors took part, 8 in Chambers and 1 was remote for all but the last few minutes (Frongillo).


Part 1 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1173-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-10-24-p1-of-2


This part covers the first hour of the meeting

  • Citizen Comments

  • Approval of Minutes - March 13, 2024

  • Appointment to Design Review Commission - Priya Natarjan

  • 2 ABCC license transactions

And then skips past the 40b section to include the last 30+ minutes of the meeting

  • Legislation for Action

  • Town Administrator’s Report

  • Subcommittee reports

  • Future Agenda Items

  • Council Comment

  • Enter Executive Session (not to return to open session)



Part 2 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1174-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-10-24-p2-of-2


This part includes the entire section around the proposed “friendly 40b” development of the Stobbarts Nursery (approx. 2.5 hours)



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


The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4WPC4cB_S4 


Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 


My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1labnvYVykW4HGk01mHIQDk7d725ikuLn/view?usp=drive_link 


Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WC1n843rA3AQwjTg7 


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

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"


Audio for the April 10, 2024 Town Council meeting in 2 parts: P1 for opening & closing sections; P2 for the friendly 40b discussion (audio)
Audio for the April 10, 2024 Town Council meeting in 2 parts: P1 for opening & closing sections; P2 for the friendly 40b discussion (audio)

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 064 - Red Squirrel Court Case, April Showers, Love Poems and more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about a red squirrel court case, Ms. April Showers, poems of love, Alice's new book getting published and much more...



Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 064 - Red Squirrel Court Case, April Showers, Love Poems and more (audio)
Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 064 - Red Squirrel Court Case, April Showers, Love Poems and more (audio)

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group
Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 
Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->   https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

MCOA Practice Interviewing - Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM

50+ Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups presents...

Mon, April 22nd, 10 – 11:30 AM
Interview Practice with Melody L. Beach - H.R. Consultant
!

For good or bad, first impressions matter. When interviewing you need to put your best foot forward, and that takes practice!

Do you have an interview coming up?

Do you know how to respond to behavioral questions?

Do you need suggestions on how to address gaps in employment?

Please join us for answers to your questions and learn how to respond to a variety of questions that may be presented to you during an interview!
hashtagjobseekers hashtagnetworking hashtaginterview

To view our site:  https://lnkd.in/etC8QMS5

To attend this event, please register/login:  https://lnkd.in/eXW4TvMx


--

Ed Lawrence
CPRW; NCOPE
Certified Interview Coach
Authorized DISC Administrator
Member, CPRW Certification Committee

MCOA Practice Interviewing - Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM
MCOA Practice Interviewing - Monday, April 22, 2024 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM