2023 Agricultural Expo on May 20 at Norfolk County Agricultural High School

The Norfolk County Agricultural High School will host the 2023 Agricultural Expo on May 20th, 2023 from 11 AM - 3 PM. 

There will be a touch a truck, a petting zoo, raffles games and more!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CsMSPo7vI3I/

2023 Agricultural Expo on May 20 at Norfolk County Agricultural High School

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, May 18

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Thursday, May 18, 7:00-9:00 pm. 

This meeting will be held on Zoom only. We will not meet in person this week.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

 

As always, we will discuss 350 Mass' campaigns for 2023-24, and review local and statewide developments and opportunities in climate and energy advocacy. 

 

Here are a few additional items and actions for your attention. These petition drives are still active. 

·        350 Mass Campaigns:  We are now focusing on two priority campaigns: Make Polluters Pay and Emissions Free Buildings. Learn more here.

·        Read about other upcoming events in the 350 Mass Event Calendar, and in the Climate Weekly email (sign up for it here). 

·        Petition Drive and Social Media Campaign—Gas is the Past: Our new Governor, Maura Healey, wants to address climate change as one of her main goals. Mass Power Forward is asking her to declare that there's no future for gas in Massachusetts. To get her attention, we need 10k petition signatures! Sign the petition here and share widely. See our social media toolbox full of tips and instructions to get you started. How do we want to contribute to this effort?

·        MBTA petition: Organized by Transit Matters.  Petition: MBTA's FY 2024-2028 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) fails to make meaningful progress on key projects like  Regional Rail, Red-Blue Connector, and bus electrification. Tell the T to go back to the drawing board and deliver a better CIP.  Petition here. 

·        Campaign: Hold Big Banks Accountable. Organized by Union of Concerned Scientists.  Letter to state treasurer to hold big banks accountable. Sign here. 

·        Campaign: Protect the Fair Share Amendment!  Last November, Massachusetts voters passed the Fair Share Amendment for a fairer tax system that will raise more than a billion dollars for transportation and education.  Sign the letter from Mass Fair Share to state senators.  

 

Please try to join us on Thursday. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or

ralph.halpern@comcast.net. We will send a reminder on Thursday.

 

Make a note: Our regular meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month.  

Thanks. 

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

 

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Open Space Accessibility, Trails, Bike Paths, Town Connectivity - Thursday May 18

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Open Space Accessibility, Trails, Bike Paths, Town Connectivity - Thursday May 18

The Conservation Commission will hold its Seventh Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, May 18 from 6-7p in Town Hall Council Chambers. 

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. 

In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, May 19 between 10 and 11am in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-open-space-accessibility-trails-bike-paths-town

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Open Space Accessibility, Trails, Bike Paths, Town Connectivity - Thursday May 18

Do you have a Dehumidifier (working) to get rid of? Saturday, May 20 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Do you have an old dehumidifier in your basement collecting dust while you procrastinate getting rid of it? This weekend, stop putting off the task and recycle it at a dehumidifier turn-in event in Franklin hosted by the Sponsors of Mass Save. You can receive $30!

 

Here’s what you need to know:

• What: Dehumidifier Turn-In Event
• Where: Chilson Beach | 450 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA 02038
• When: Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Why: Most towns charge residents to recycle appliances. This is a great opportunity to recycle your dehumidifier* for FREE and receive a $30 rebate from the Sponsors of Mass Save!

*Must be a working dehumidifier

Do you have a Dehumidifier (working) to get rid of?

 

Join Franklin resident and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, who will be in attendance, and others in helping the environment by cleaning out some storage.

 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

For more details on upcoming events like this one, please visit https://www.masssave.com/residential/shop-products/recycling/dehumidifier.

Franklin Police: Weekly Recap from May 7 - May 13

Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) tweeted  on Mon, May 15, 2023:

WEEKLY RECAP

The attached google drive link has the Weekly Recap from May 7 - May 13, 

This recap provides some greater detail about the calls we responded to: https://t.co/TqgexwYwJm

 Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1658273388907880449

Franklin Police: Weekly Recap from May 7 - May 13

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, May 17, 2023

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

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

• This slot features my recent conversation members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club in preparation for their fund raising dinner May 18 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/the-empty-bowls-club-talks-about.html

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.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore Cheez-It’s and wine pairing -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-237-cheez-its-and-wine-pairing

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)

• This hour features the combination of my conversations with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen as we Talk Franklin (25 mins) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/the-budget-season-franklins-quality-of.html and my conversation with Ali Rheaume as we talk about the Disability Expo (25 mins) on May 20 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/talking-with-ali-rheaume-on-disability.html

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am     It Takes A Village: Chris Nayler

8:30 am     OSRP: Public Hearing 04-25-23

10:00 am The Black Box: Newsies

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Sandhya: Homemade Cheez-Its

1:00 pm     Eat Around The World: Peru

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

6:00 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act

6:30 pm     Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

9:00 pm MIAA: Girls and Women in Sports

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am     FHS Jazz Cafe 2023

8:30 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Mansfield 05-03-23

2:30 pm     FHS Varsity Softball: v Taunton 05-12-23

5:30 pm     FHS Track & Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

9:00 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep

10:00 pm Rec Basketball 3x3 Tournament Game 1 02-18-21

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 05-03-23

12:30 pm Economic Development: 05-03-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 05-03-23

6:00 pm Finance Committee: 05-10-23

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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

the budget season, Franklin's quality of life, and more are discussed in this episode of Talk Franklin (audio)

FM #997 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 997 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via Zoom on Thursday, May 11, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Budget season  FY 2024

Finance Committee budget hearings held May 8, 10, & 11

Town Council hearings scheduled for May 24 & 25

Quality of life

Town role vs community role for “O” (override) word

The recording runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Thursday, May 11, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-997-talk-franklin-05-11-23

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

Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

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

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"

the budget season, Franklin's quality of life, and more are discussed in this episode of Talk Franklin (audio)

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Name Edward M. Augustus as Housing Secretary

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today announced that they are naming former Worcester City Manager Edward (Ed) M. Augustus to serve as the state’s first Housing Secretary in more than 30 years. Augustus, who helped to create thousands of new housing units at all income levels during his tenure in Worcester, will lead Governor Healey’s new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities beginning June 1. 

“Ed Augustus is the leader Massachusetts needs to take the helm of our new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and drive an ambitious, collaborative strategy to increase housing production and lower costs across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He left Worcester a stronger city than it was a decade ago, with booming economic development in the downtown and thousands of new housing units. Importantly, he is intimately familiar with local government and knows what it takes to collaborate with municipalities to move our state forward on our housing goals.”  

“The establishment of a cabinet-level secretariat dedicated solely to housing will have a major impact on Massachusetts’ ability to address this crisis and lower costs across the state. Ed Augustus has the right experience, vision and drive to lead this important work,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “His motto is ‘How do we get to yes?’ which is an approach our entire administration is embracing. We’re committed to partnering with cities and towns to ensure they have the resources and support they need to give a hearty “Yes!” to housing development in their communities.” 

“I’m honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have placed their faith in me to lead the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Massachusetts' housing crisis impacts every single community in our state, but we know what the solution is – build more housing,” said Augustus. “This administration recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy to achieving this and that we must work closely with communities to deploy a diverse toolbox of options to meet their unique needs. That’s what this new secretariat will be committed to doing.” 

Augustus served as City Manager of Worcester, functioning as the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the Gateway City of more than 200,000 people, from 2014-2022. During his tenure, he oversaw the commitment or distribution of $25.3 million in Community Development Block Group, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Worcester Lead Abatement and Healthy Homes Program funds to develop or preserve more than 2,000 affordable housing units throughout the City. Worcester is the city with the third largest subsidized housing inventory in the state. Augustus also dedicated $30 million of the ARPA funds coming into the city to housing, including $15 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. 

As City Manager, Augustus managed a $750 million budget, as well as the $90 million, 20-year Urban Revitalization Plan. Notably, he spearheaded the $240 million landmark redevelopment of Worcester’s Canal District, including leading the complex negotiation to relocate the Boston Red Sox AAA-affiliate (now the WooSox) to the city and construction of the multi-use Polar Park stadium, hotel, and housing development, as well as the Kelley Square intersection redesign.  

Prior to joining the City of Worcester, Augustus served as Director of Government & Community Relations for the College of Holy Cross, State Senator for the 2nd Worcester District, Chief of Staff for Congressman Jim McGovern, and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs at the U.S. Department of Education under President Clinton’s Administration. He most recently served as Chancellor of Dean College. 

Governor Healey filed Article 87 legislation to create the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities on March 1. The legislation moves the Department of Housing and Community Development out of the current Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development into the new secretariat and broadens its scope of work to also include housing production. 

This new cabinet-level secretariat will be solely dedicated to housing and driving solutions to create more homes and lower costs. It will focus on the urgent need to build places to live that are affordable and closer to public transit – giving residents access to jobs, medical care, groceries, and other essential services. The Housing Secretary will work collaboratively with stakeholders – public housing authorities, cities and towns, the federal government, non-profits, developers, landlords, renters and advocates – to develop a comprehensive housing development and stabilization strategy. The secretariat will also administer financial assistance and programs focused on housing production, rehabilitation, preservation, affordability, stability and security, while centering fairness and equity with every opportunity. 

Shared from the Governor's press release ->

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-and-lieutenant-governor-driscoll-name-edward-m-augustus-as-housing-secretary

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Name Edward M. Augustus as Housing Secretary

FHS girls & boys lacrosse and girls tennis teams post wins on Monday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, May 15, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 20 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final 

– Drew Hansen, Eddie O’Brien, and Luke Davis each scored a hat trick to lead Franklin to a win on the road over Oliver Ames. Hansen also had two assists, Davis had one helper, and both Tyler Sacchetti and Jayden Consigli had three points (two goals, one assist). Shaun Teehan scored for OA while Noah Isleib made 17 saves in the cage.

Girls Lacrosse = Oliver Ames, 4 @ Franklin, 22 – Final

– The Panthers had 12 players find the back of the net and senior Lindsay Atkinson recorded her 100th career point in a win over Oliver Ames. Ella Mahoney and Maise Streeseman both played well in net.

Boys Tennis = Mansfield, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

– Mansfield took three wins from singles and one more from doubles to return home from Franklin with a 4-1 verdict over the Panthers. Sophomore Neema Khosravani notched a 6-2, 6-2 win at first singles, junior Nikhil Nain added a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win at second singles, and junior Iniyan Karruppusami dropped just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 win at third singles. The team of junior Jacob Weiner and sophomore Josh Weiner emerged from first doubles with a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) comeback win. Franklin’s Andrew Amante and Aaron Ramaswamy recorded a 7-6 (4), 6-4 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final 

– The Panthers won all five matches in straight sets to stay tied with North Attleboro at the top of the Kelley-Rex. Izzy Trull (6-1, 6-1), Brooke Taylor (6-1, 6-0), and Chloe Essam (7-5, 6-2) won their singles matches for Franklin. The doubles teams of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen (6-4, 6-1) and Allison Bagley and Ava Davies (6-1, 6-1) made it a clean sweep for the visitors.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-05-15-23/

FHS Panthers

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 237 - Cheez-Its And Wine Pairing (audio)

Exploring all things wine with you!

In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore Cheez-It’s and wine pairing. In 2020 Cheez-It’s and House wine partnered to create the perfect snack food pairings. We cover food paring basics and then taste test with our wine selections. Do the pairings work?  Listen and find out.

Cheers

Kim And Mark

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-237-cheez-its-and-wine-pairing

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 237 - Cheez-Its And Wine Pairing (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 237-Cheez-Its And Wine Pairing