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Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival - Saturday, Jul 31, 2021
Now Announcing: The Gathering Makeover Series!
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Drawing Democracy: "communities of interest"
Drawing Democracy (@DrawingDemMA) tweeted on Tue, Jul 20, 2021:
(https://twitter.com/DrawingDemMA/status/1417562703640637440?s=03)
Throughout the redistricting process, we hear a lot about identifying "communities of interest," but what does that actually mean? We break it down for you here ⤵️ #Redistricting101 #FairMapsMA https://t.co/cuC3qwEqWs
(https://twitter.com/DrawingDemMA/status/1417562703640637440?s=03)
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| Drawing Democracy: "communities of interest" |
Bracing for the 2021 Hurricane Season
| Above-normal activity predicted for this hurricane season. Learn more in this America Counts story. |
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Tuesday, July 20, 2021
A Message from the Franklin Fire Department - PFAS & Foam
A Message from the Franklin Fire Department - PFAS & Foam
July 19, 2021
To: Franklin Residents
From: Chief McLaughlin, Franklin Fire Department
Re: PFAS and Foam
Recently, the Franklin DPW published the 2020 Drinking Water Report, in which the topic of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was explained. As stated, one of the possible sources of groundwater contamination may come from the use of “legacy” firefighting foams, which routinely contained 2% - 5% PFAS by volume; specifically, Class B AFFF, which is used to extinguish burning hydrocarbons or flammable liquids.
As your fire department, we just wanted to make you aware that this topic has not been ignored by the Franklin Fire Department, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS), or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). In 2018, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, MassDEP chose to implement a foam “take-back” program to assist fire departments in removing these foams from current stockpiles and ensuring they are properly disposed of, rather than used during trainings or firefighting and subsequently released into the environment.
MassDEP’s program targeted foams manufactured before 2003, as manufacturers stopped production of suspect foams in 2002. Recognizing the challenges proper disposal would present to the budgets of most municipalities, MassDEP decided to fund the disposal of these legacy foams through its Massachusetts Chapter 21E / Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup (BWSC) capital funding, consistent with programmatic goals of “pollution prevention” and elimination of “threats of release” of hazardous materials. Under the “take-back program,” MassDEP offered to pay for foam removal and disposal; the local fire departments were responsible for replacing the foam with safer foam alternatives. As part of this take-back program, Franklin Fire was able to dispose of approximately fifty (50) gallons of outdated foam, at no expense to the townspeople.
As the take-back program progressed, many fire departments requested confirmation that current Class B AFFF foam was safe. While these foams often contain some amount of PFAS, it is at lower levels than legacy foam and includes PFAS that are more stable (so-called “short chain”) and expected to have less of an impact on the environment. New “Fluorine Free Foam,” aka “F3” foam, is just now entering the main-stream market. Currently, the majority of Franklin Fire apparatus, that carry foam, carry these newer F3 foams.
Shared from the Town of Franklin page
The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) referenced in the letter above
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| A Message from the Franklin Fire Department - PFAS & Foam |
Climate Action Held in Franklin, July 17
The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node held a protest Saturday, July 17, in front of the Bank of America branch in Franklin. The intent was to educate the public and demand that the bank stop funding Line 3, the tars sands pipeline being constructed in MN through tribal lands and hundreds of waterways including the Mississippi River headwaters. 350 Mass is demanding that the banks financing this project must defund Line 3, or face pressure from activists and consumers to defund these banks! (The Burma Shave signs can be read in either direction to accommodate the traffic direction.)
As Franklin resident and longtime 350 Mass member Ray Milici pointed out, "Line 3 does not just affect Minnesota, but the entire world. Even in Franklin, Mass. If we continue to invest in projects that burn fossil fuels, we will continue to destroy our planet and experience a worsening climate crisis. If there is no money, there is no pipeline. It's that simple. If the banks don't stop their funding, 350 Mass will continue to encourage bank customers and investors to withdraw their accounts and investments from the supporting banks."
Line 3 is a proposed pipeline expansion to bring nearly a million barrels of tar sands oil per day from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin. It was proposed in 2014 by Enbridge, a Canadian pipeline company responsible for the largest inland oil spill in the US. Enbridge seeks to build a new pipeline corridor through untouched wetlands and the treaty territory of Anishinaabe peoples, through the Mississippi River headwaters to the shore of Lake Superior.
Carolyn Barthel, Co-coordinator for the Greater Franklin node, highlighted, "All pipelines spill. Line 3 isn't about safe transportation of a necessary product, it's about expansion of a dying tar sands industry." Line 3 would contribute more to climate change than Minnesota's entire economy. Minnesota's own Department of Commerce found their local fuel market does not need Line 3 oil. Climate organizations are demanding the old Line 3 be decommissioned to help in the transition to a renewable, sustainable economy. Barthel further explains, "Line 3 would violate the treaty rights of Anishinaabe peoples and nations in its path — wild rice is a critical part of Anishinaabe culture, it grows in numerous watersheds Line 3 seeks to cross. It's well past time to end the legacy of theft from and destruction of indigenous peoples and territories."
350 Mass, a statewide grassroots climate organization, engages members in many ways on multiple levels--municipal, state and national. Ralph Halpern, Node Co-coordinator, explained regarding the focus on Line 3, "We will keep organizing, educating, and advocating to stop Line 3 and build the future we want. Legal and grassroots efforts have kept Enbridge's Line 3 destruction at bay--it was supposed to be completed in 2017." He goes on to say, "Our advocacy and outreach activities include holding events in community centers, churches, and schools. We present webinars, meet and talk to our politicians, speak up at hearings, march in protests, and help towns take local actions to become more sustainable. We teach and learn from each other. Wherever you are and whatever your skill set, there is a place for you in the movement."
Line 3 is a proposed pipeline expansion to bring nearly a million barrels of tar sands oil per day from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin. It was proposed in 2014 by Enbridge, a Canadian pipeline company responsible for the largest inland oil spill in the US. Enbridge seeks to build a new pipeline corridor through untouched wetlands and the treaty territory of Anishinaabe peoples, through the Mississippi River headwaters to the shore of Lake Superior.
Carolyn Barthel, Co-coordinator for the Greater Franklin node, highlighted, "All pipelines spill. Line 3 isn't about safe transportation of a necessary product, it's about expansion of a dying tar sands industry." Line 3 would contribute more to climate change than Minnesota's entire economy. Minnesota's own Department of Commerce found their local fuel market does not need Line 3 oil. Climate organizations are demanding the old Line 3 be decommissioned to help in the transition to a renewable, sustainable economy. Barthel further explains, "Line 3 would violate the treaty rights of Anishinaabe peoples and nations in its path — wild rice is a critical part of Anishinaabe culture, it grows in numerous watersheds Line 3 seeks to cross. It's well past time to end the legacy of theft from and destruction of indigenous peoples and territories."
350 Mass, a statewide grassroots climate organization, engages members in many ways on multiple levels--municipal, state and national. Ralph Halpern, Node Co-coordinator, explained regarding the focus on Line 3, "We will keep organizing, educating, and advocating to stop Line 3 and build the future we want. Legal and grassroots efforts have kept Enbridge's Line 3 destruction at bay--it was supposed to be completed in 2017." He goes on to say, "Our advocacy and outreach activities include holding events in community centers, churches, and schools. We present webinars, meet and talk to our politicians, speak up at hearings, march in protests, and help towns take local actions to become more sustainable. We teach and learn from each other. Wherever you are and whatever your skill set, there is a place for you in the movement."
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| Climate Action Held in Franklin, July 17 |
FM #581 - Dean College Alcohol License Discussion & Vote - 05/06/20 (audio)
FM #581 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 581 in the series.
We step back into the audio archives. This session shares the segment from the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 that covers the discussion and vote to deny the all alcohol license requested by Dean College.
The meeting was conducted in a remote format: all of the Town Council, Town Administration personnel, meeting guests, and the public participated remotely via the Zoom conference bridge, during this pandemic period.
The recording shares only the license discussion and vote from this meeting and runs about 56 minutes:
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for the 2020 meeting as well as for the July 21, 2021 meeting where the license is back before the Council.
Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of May 6, 2020
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July 21, 2021 Agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda
Specific item for Dean College
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-6-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/7a._dean_college_license_application_web.pdf
My notes from the meeting May 6, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/town-council-denies-dean-college-liquor.html
My notes from the meeting April 15, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/town-council-twitter-notes-recap-april.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 www.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"
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| FM #581 - Dean College Alcohol License Discussion & Vote - 05/06/20 (audio) |
Franklin United Methodist Church -> FREE Community Cookout - July 24, 2021
Join the Franklin United Methodist Church for a FREE Community Cookout on July 24 from 5:30 -7 PM. Burgers, hotdogs, chips, and a drink will be provided. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit in the garden and grassy lot behind the church and enjoy the company of your neighbors.
In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. All cancellation announcements will be posted to the church website (franklinumc.org) and to social media.
Mark your calendars for upcoming cookouts on August 28 & September 25 from 5:30-7pm!
If you would like to help with or donate to these events, please contact Pastor Jacob (508-528-1092). This cookout is being funded through the church’s Mission Fund.
82 W Central St, Franklin, MA 02038-2103, United States
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
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| FREE Community Cookout - July 24, 2021 |
Invisible Stories - #7 - "Suitcase Joe Captures the Humanity of Skid Row"
"It needs to be done, and it needs to be done right"
Invisible Stories is a mini-doc series that goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages understand and can't ignore.
Link to the 7th of the series: https://youtu.be/7YG8KMFGA4c
More photos of the life on Skid Row by Suitcase Joe https://suitcasejoephotography.tumblr.com/
Link to the series: https://t.co/Y0NRNIujar
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/hardlynormal/status/1414284287034155020Note: I met Mark at a social media conference many years ago and have been following his work. This series is very well done. Yes, the series is set in LA but homelessness is an issue all around us whether visible or not.
"Exploring Nantucket" rescheduled to August
Hello All,
Due to unforeseen circumstances and a medical emergency "Exploring Nantucket" has been cancelled. My Dad, Ranger Allen, is on the mend and we are hoping to be able to bring both programs to you in August.
Stay safe out there,
Ariel
Ariel Doggett
Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator
Supportive Day Coordinator
"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small
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| "Exploring Nantucket" rescheduled to August |
Massachusetts RMV: "Beware of text phishing scams!"
Massachusetts RMV (@MassRMV) tweeted on Mon, Jul 19, 2021:
Shared from Twiter: https://twitter.com/MassRMV/status/1417212841837436929
Beware of text phishing scams! https://t.co/msV0DtdGhA
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| Massachusetts RMV: "Beware of text phishing scams!" |
Monday, July 19, 2021
BFCCPS celebrate retirement of Madame Malouf
More than 100 Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) alumni and parents celebrated the retirement of their French teacher, Madame Mireille Malouf.
After 13 years teaching the French language Madame Malouf retired. On Friday evening July 8, 2021, the Franklin community of past BFCCPS students celebrated the retirement of their French teacher.
"Education starts at home" says Madame Malouf. In 2017, she was recognized as a Chevalier (Knight) in the Order of the French Academic Palms for her outstanding service and active expansion of French education and culture.
“Madame Malouf has inspired me” was a sentiment expressed by all the students. They took the time to show their gratitude for the gift of French language that Madame Malouf shared with them. Madame Malouf and her husband Dale were touched to meet and hear from all the wonderful students she taught. Madame Malouf signed off saying "I am honored to have taught those young men and women."
The event was organized by KP Sompally, Town Council candidate in 2020.
For more about BFCCPS visit http://bfccps.org/
More about the 2017 recognition can be found
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| BFCCPS celebrate retirement of Madame Malouf |
Artisan vendors sought for Franklin Cultural Festival
"The Franklin Cultural Council is looking for artisan vendors of all types. We reeeeeallllly want to support small, independent artists and businesses who were affected by the pandemic.
The word "ARTISAN" in this case is very broad. We will certainly have visual artists, but we will also have jewelry makers, artisan clothing, artisan foods, and so on.
This is a "juried" craft show which is to the vendor's advantage (we won't have 30 vendors all competing to sell jewelry, etc...)
We are expecting potentially 5,000 visitors. Booth fees for this month only are $75. "
Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1450276438659512
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| Artisan vendors sought for Franklin Cultural Festival |
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