Franklin Senior Center: Building Update for Feb 27 - Mar 3 -> Café & Multipurpose Room to reopen (audio)

Hello Everyone!

We have some great news- the Senior Center's Common Grounds Café and attached multipurpose room will be open and fully functional starting Monday, February 27! Although the rest of the building will be inaccessible, we will be able to have breakfast and lunch daily, as well as varied programming throughout the week! 

Everyone will need to enter through the multi purpose room doors (to the left of the main entrance), as entrance into the lobby will be prohibited while construction is happening. 

The programming schedule will be posted on our website and social media, or you can give us a call at 508-520-4945 to see what programs are available to you if you do not have computer access.

We can't wait to see all of your shining faces back at the Senior Center next week!

Thanks for your understanding and patience!

- Danielle Hopkins, 
Franklin Senior Center Director

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/franklin-ma-senior-center-building-status-update-02-24-23

programming schedule

Franklin Senior Center: Building Update for Feb 27 - Mar 3 

Rainbow Café - Tuesday, February 28 at 2:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center

Hello All,

Please join us at our Rainbow Café Tuesday February 28 at 2:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.  Our building is under construction so please enter through the doors to the left under the gazebo/patio area. We will be meeting on the stage in the café.  

Rainbow Café

Our Rainbow Café is multigenerational and is open to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.  Join us in conversation and friendship.  Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested in joining us.  

Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.

Ariel

--

Ariel Doggett

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

updated Monday, 2/27/23 with the correct time of 2:30 not 2 as previously published

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the past 2 weeks (2/25/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Marking the one year anniversary of Vladimir Putin's barbaric invasion of Ukraine, I stand more committed than ever to supporting the brave Ukrainians fighting on the front lines of the free world. For as long as it takes, with whatever it takes, all the way to Crimea. On the Hill All Politics is Personal: I was delighted to speak with Valerie Biden Owens - the chair of the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware - about my public service, from  the Marines to City Hall to Congress. I encouraged young people interested in politics to spend time knocking doors instead of using social media. Trip to Taiwan: This week, I traveled to Taiwan to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other leaders in business and government. I was joined by Representatives Ro Khanna of California, Tony Gonzales of Texas, and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois. We discussed the partnership between the United States and Taiwan in semiconductor manufacturing, cross-strait security, upholding democracy, and more. In the coming weeks, I will be working on deliverables from the trip to deepen our ties in trade, military training, and disinformation prevention. On the Record: I joined Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti on On the Record to discuss the debt ceiling. I spoke about the need for bipartisan governance right now to ensure fiscal responsibility. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and the rest of the GOP claim to be serious about balanced budgets; however, the first bill that they passed this Congress was projected to increase the deficit by 100 billion dollars while allowing the wealthy and well-connected to evade taxes. Despite raising the debt ceiling multiple times under former President Donald Trump, the GOP is now holding hostage the full faith and credit of the United States without putting forward a coherent counter-offer. I am ready to support a deal that protects Social Security and Medicare and avoids defaulting on our debt, which would be a disaster for the economy and America's international standing. Make your voice heard → Do you think Congress should raise the debt ceiling? Do you support raising the debt ceiling? Around the Fourth New England Boat Show: Last Thursday I took my son Teddy to the New England Boat show. The recreational boating industry plays an important role in our regional economy, and I believe that marine science and technology is the most important growth edge for Southeastern Massachusetts. I'm committed to promoting jobs and businesses in this sector, and having some fun with the kids along the way. Parents for Peace: I met with Parents for Peace about the need for a public health approach to hate and extremism. Parents for Peace works to protect people from extremism, including by offering a toll-free helpline to assist with the deradicalization of a loved one from any form of extremism. They are currently working on developing an evidence-based Massachusetts Violence Prevention Model. Parents for Peace is making a difference with their critical advocacy and clinical work on one of the defining challenges of our era. MassChallenge: I recently joined MassChallenge for a panel discussion on the future of healthcare innovation. MassChallenge works to connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. On the panel, we discussed policy opportunities to accelerate health tech innovation as well as action Congress has already taken in this space. After hearing from entrepreneurs and experts at MassChallenge, it's clear that public payers need to better partner with innovators. In healthcare, the federal government must be the ultimate impact investor. 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

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 050 - Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day, Presidents Day more (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about February holidays; Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, love, and more.

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for February 2023.

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-050-valentines-day-groundhog-day-presidents-day-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

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

25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation

25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Town of Franklin  Conservation Commission

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Brian Jones, of Allen & Major Associates, Inc., Manchester, NH on behalf of Matthew Clark, TMC Holdings & Development 2 LLC, Bellingham, MA. The project proposes to construct a 16,000 square foot building addition, 17 additional parking spaces, and a paved contractor yard within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW).

The Project is located at 25 Forge Parkway, Map 275 Lot 14, in the Industrial Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher 

Chairman

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/25_forge_parkway_noi_public_hearing_notice.pdf

25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Town of Franklin - Invitation for Bids (IFB): Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repair

Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repair

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a company for the purposes of upgrades at an existing sewer ejector station in the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repairs

Read more

Town of Franklin - Invitation for Bids (IFB): Monterey Drive Sewer Station Repair

From CommonWealth Magazine - climate points of view: waterfront resilience & decarbonization roadmap gaps

"Waterfront resilience is ground zero in climate fight

Nature-based solutions lend themselves to resiliency strategies" 

"GOV. MAURA HEALEY’S recent appointment of the Commonwealth’s first cabinet level climate chief –Melissa Hoffer, joining from the Environmental Protection Agency – reflects the new administration’s belief that resiliency is a priority issue that spans public health, equity, the economy, and environmental sustainability.

With key federal, state, and local players committed to rapidly advancing our efforts to address climate change, Massachusetts has both the scientific prowess and innovative spirit to be a global leader in addressing this critical issue.  We also have an influx of new federal dollars, including funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  and the Inflation Reduction Act, available to municipalities, states, and community-based organizations to fund resiliency efforts."

Vikki Spruill is President and CEO of the New England Aquarium.

Continue reading the article online ->   https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/waterfront-resilience-my-be-overwhelming-but-not-unmanageable/

"Decarbonization road map has some gaping holes

Power reliability and cost need to be addressed"

"GOV. MAURA HEALEY has gotten off to a good running start on implementing the Commonwealth’s plans to combat climate change by establishing an Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience within the governor’s office and appointing a climate chief. The state’s long range climate change plans are embodied in the “Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Road Map,” which aims to reduce Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent of the 1990 baseline by 2050 and  achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, through a near-total reliance on renewable energy sources and battery storage for electricity.

If implemented, the plan will require a huge transformation of the electricity generation sector, shifting away from reliance on natural gas and other fossil fuels to generate electricity and instead relying on solar and wind sources.  It would also require 100 percent electrification of building space and water heating and a massive increase in the number of electric vehicles, among other initiatives."

Arnold R. Wallenstein is an attorney who represents independent power producers in Massachusetts and other states. He is on the board of advisers of a solar photovoltaic company and is the principal member of the EnergyLawGroup.org in Boston.

Continue reading the article online ->    https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/decarbonization-road-map-has-some-gaping-holes/

From CommonWealth Magazine - climate points of view: waterfront resilience & decarbonization roadmap gaps

the Winter Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 has been cancelled

Fairmount Fruit Farm announces: 

"We are sad to announce that our 2.25 winter market has been cancelled. 

We will however be stocked up and loaded with goodies from @sanobesuperfoods @b._food @boundless.bakery @woodlandfarmsma

Stay tuned for more posts and updates!"

the Winter Farmers Market scheduled for Saturday, Feb 25, 2023 has been cancelled

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CpA9ZYvOsX8/

Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 24, 2023 to Mar 2, 2023

The Library continues with events during the school vacation. Winter Farmers Market continues on Saturday. Circle of Friends Coffeehouse returns with a live concert on Saturday. Dean students perform 4 times this weekend.

Friday, February 24

5:30pm - KJ's Con (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, February 25

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

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Winter Beach Party  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am - Silent Saturday: The Freshman (free silent movie)  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

2:00pm - Highwaymen Concert with Matt York  (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)

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

7:30pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)

8:00pm - Tracy Grammer (with Jim Henry) Concert (ticketed event) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Sunday, February 26

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Tuesday, February 28

6:00pm - Poetry for the People (open to all) (Escape Into Fiction)

7:00pm - Book Club - Kindred (open discussion) (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, March 1 - First Day of Women's History Month

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)  (Franklin Senior Center - cafeteria)

7:00pm - Franklin Art Association (Franklin Senior Center - cafeteria)

Thursday, March 2

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting  (Franklin Public Library)

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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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 24, 2023 to Mar  2, 2023

Town Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)

FM #950 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 950 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 

We talk about the annual census, dog registrations due by April 1, and the election calendar for 2023 including the possible Tri-County school building special election.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-950-franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello-02-14-23

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 

Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

Passport processing (by appointment) https://www.franklinma.gov/passport/pages/passport-acceptance-facility-office

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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 Clerk Nancy Danello looks at the year ahead; local census, dog registrations, possible Tri-County vote & local election in Nov (audio)