Town of Franklin: April 2022 E-Newsletter

Lots of news, updates, links and more! Stay informed about what is happening in Franklin!

Subscribe for News April 2022 Edition Franklin for All - Stay Involved! We had incredible participation in the Franklin for All public forum. Over 600 residents contributed to the Visioning Survey. Our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council will use feedback to create the zoning recommendations. The draft recommendations will be presented to the public again some time in May - June. Franklin for All is a study with the MAPC aimed at rezoning Franklin center for economic growth and diverse housing opportunities. Sign up for the Franklin for All email list to be updated on all future engagement opportunities! April Break with the Rec Department! Looking to keep the kiddos entertained this upcoming April break? The Recreation department has you covered. Their April break programs includes street hockey, flag football, art explorations and even a Snapology Robot Extravaganza where kids can explore robotics! Register for their programs here! Department of Public Works Hydrant Flushing - April 4 This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin's water quality and fire flows. Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Please visit our website to find out where we will be working each day. We appreciate your patience during flushing! See where Hydrant Flushing is happening! Storm Water & Rain Barrels The Spring Residential Rain Barrel Program is currently open to residents - residents can order directly from The Great American Rain Barrel Company. The deadline to order is May 9th and pick up will be at the DPW on May 18 from 4-6pm. Order your rain barrel today! The rain barrel program is one of many residential and commercial credit incentives to support Storm Water Utility. Learn more about the Storm Water Utility and what it may mean for you here. Franklin Police Department Autism Awareness Month The FPD is providing Autism Awareness Seatbelt Covers at the station to anyone who may need one. These covers serve to help first responders when interacting with persons with autism. In addition, we encourage everyone to fill out the Autism Elopement Alert Form. This form is used to help first responders understands a person's typically behavior, preferred method of communication, tracking information, etc. Access the Autism Elopement Alert Form here. International Women's Day On March 8, the FPD recognized International Women's Day. Since 2016, the FPD made it a goal to diversify its hiring standards including hiring more female officers. The department currently has 6 full-time police officers; Officer Tara Lagoa, Detective Leanna Baker, Officer Amanda Ayer, Officer Andressa Rosa, Detective Laura Canavan, and Officer Victoria McVicar. Promotions & New Hire This past month we formally welcomed Officer Derek Mackey to the FPD. Officer Mackey joined the department in December 2021 after serving with the Blackstone and Pittsfield Police Departments. Officer Laura Canavan was promoted to Detective and Officer Connor Crosman was promoted to Patrol Sergeant. Congratulations and good luck to Officer Mackey, Detective Canavan, and Sgt. Crosman.  Connect with FPD Facebook & Instagram: @franklinmapolice Twitter: @franklinpolice Veterans' Services & Senior Center April 6 – Veterans' Coffee Social – 10am at the Senior Center. Please join us for a celebration of the Starbucks team this month! All veterans are welcome to join us for coffee and conversation! April 14 – Veterans' Council Meeting – 7pm at the Senior Center. All members of the community interested in veterans' activities are invited. April 14 – Air Force Reserve 74th Birthday April 23 – Army Reserve 114th Birthday The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30pm at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required. Call the Veterans' Services Office for details. Stay tuned for info about our Memorial Day Celebrations – May 27 (Breakfast), May 30 (Parade & Ceremony on the Town Common). Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or mask will be required at all Veterans' events and activities. Common Grounds Cafe at the Senior Center! The Grand Re-Opening of the Common Grounds Cafe will take place April 11. Breakfast 8:30am - 10:30am and lunch 11:00am- 1:00pm. We are excited to welcome our new Chef Anne Scungio! Stay connected with the Senior Center! Franklin Public Schools Superintendent's Recommended Budget Our FY23 Budget also continues services to support "Pandemic Recovery" utilizing both Operating Funds as well as Federal Grant funding to prioritize: social-emotional supports, academic interventions, health and safety practices, and continued support of technology integration. The budget also prioritizes and recognizes growing needs within our student body. Despite overall student enrollment going down, we are seeing more intensive needs by students receiving special education services. We are also experiencing an increase in our English learner population, with more students overall and more students with limited or interrupted formal education and/or earlier language proficiency. The budget is an iterative process. It is anticipated the School Committee will vote on a final budget on April 12. Finance and Town Council budget meetings will be in May. Learn more about the FY 23 Budget here. Franklin Public Library Library Event Highlights April 8 & 9 - Book Sale Calling all bookworms! There will be a book sale Friday from 1pm-5pm and Saturday from 9am-12pm the $5 bag of books promotion will also be on the 9th from 1pm-4pm. April 11 - I.D.E.A. Club Inclusion, Diversity and Equity are Awesome Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month at 4pm. Our story times celebrate all of the ways we are different and wonderful. Come read, sing, play and learn with us! April 16 - Baby Sensory Join us at 9:30am for a 45 minute immersive sensory experience, best for babies under 2. Got older siblings? they can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along! April 30 - Author Talk: Letters from Red Farm Join our Author Talk with Elizabeth Emerson at 3pm as she dives into the Untold Story of the Friendship between Helen Keller and Journalist Joseph Edgar Chamberlin. Library Hours The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 1:30-5pm. The Library will be closed on Sunday, April 17 and Monday, April 18 in Observance of Easter Sunday and Patriots' Day . Library Calendar of Events - April 2022 Real Estate Exemption Application Forms Franklin Residential Property Owners, certain blind, senior, veteran or widowed owners may be eligible for an exemption if they haven't already applied since July 1, 2021; these applications are due by Friday, April 1, 2022 at 1pm. The FY23 Exemption Application Forms will be available after July 4th. FY23 Business Asset Forms of List were due by March 1st; and FY23 Commercial-Industrial-Apartment (4 or more)-Mixed Use (Commercial & Residential) Income & Expense forms were due by March 11th. Late filings on the latter two (2) forms should be done immediately. Questions on Forms of List, Income & Expense Forms, or Exemption Applications should be directed to the Assessors Office, 1st Floor Municipal Building, or phone (508) 520-4920. Thanks very much to all owners & residents for your continued cooperation in our efforts to assure you of fair & equitable taxation. - Franklin Board of Assessors Town of Franklin Calendar Keep up with meetings, departments & committees. The schedule and links can be found on our website calendar. Keep up with all things culture in Franklin! Arts, theater, dining, live music & more! Find out what's happening in town! Visit our website! Talk Franklin: Podcast from the TA's Office Subscribe to our Town podcast and listen to bi-weekly episodes detailing news and updates about our town. Town of Franklin 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 520-4949 Visit our Website

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by communications@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

7th Annual Empty Bowls Event - May 19

7^h Annual Empty Bowls Event 

to Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry  

 

Annual Event Back In-Person with Traditional Soup and Bread Dinner 

 

 

The Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club will again host an Empty Bowls dinner to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry on Thursday May 19. The event will take place at Franklin High School in the cafeteria from 6 to 8 PM. The club partners with the Franklin Food Pantry to create hand-made empty bowls to give to attendees as a reminder of the many "empty bowls" that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger.  

The event will feature a traditional soup and bread dinner, ceramic bowls to take home that the students have made, an online and in-person art auction, and a giving wall.  Attendees can purchase tickets online (http://weblink.donorperfect.com/EmptyBowlsTicketSales2022) until noon on Thursday, May 19.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash or check only.  The online auction will open on May 18 at midnight and will run through 

June 1. 

 

"After two years of smaller events, we are so excited to be able to bring back Empty Bowls in its original intent," said Tina Powderly, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "It's a wonderful way to raise awareness about our neighbors in need while partnering with the community.  We could not run this event without the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and FHS Art Teacher Brenna Johnson. Brenna works tirelessly with the students to educate them about hunger in the community – awareness that they take forward in life after school - and helps them to create beautiful bowls for guests to take home."  

Johnson said, "I love Empty Bowls and it's one of the best things I have ever been a part of!  As a teacher, I'm so glad I can help students learn that they can make a difference in the lives of so many families with their art."

 

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally.

For more information about the event, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115. To sponsor the event please visit here. 

 

About the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club 

Franklin High School is participating in an international charity project called Empty Bowls, which supports hunger initiatives in local communities. The objective of the Empty Bowls Club is to teach students of all ages that they can make a difference in their local community. Club members, their families, coupled with the Franklin community spend the year making ceramic bowls by hand. Then, the Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry co-host a fundraiser at FHS. All funds raised at this event are donated directly to the Franklin Food Pantry.  

 

About the Franklin Food Pantry  

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to almost 1,100 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners.  

We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages.  

The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.   

7th Annual Empty Bowls Event - May 19

Recreation Dept provides April vacation programs -registration is open now

Our friends @FranklinRec  have plenty of great programs to keep the kiddos entertained this April Break.  

Registration is live now! https://buff.ly/3qMGzhk

Recreation Dept provides April vacation programs -registration is open now

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1509219666446671882

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)

FM #762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 762 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media event held at Franklin High School on March 24, 2022. 

The recording runs just under 2 hours, so let’s listen to the Critical Conversations event.

Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-762-critical-conversations-the-impact-of-social-media-03-24-22

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Event page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/85546 

Critical Conversations Social Media resources -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/news/critical-conversations-impact-social-media-viewing 

Substance Abuse Task Force -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education

SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

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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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media (03/24/22) (audio)

Memorial Day 2022 - Weekend event schedule - Save-the-Dates

Memorial Day 2022 - Save-the-Dates

Join us as we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country

Memorial Day 2022 - Weekend event schedule - Save-the-Dates

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/memorial-day-2022-save-dates

Veterans Coffee Social - All Vets Are Welcome! - April 6 at 10 AM

April 2022 Coffee Social - All Vets Are Welcome!

Join Us April 6 As We Celebrate 3 Years of Monthly Coffee Socials!

Veterans Coffee Social - All Vets Are Welcome! - April 6 at 10 AM

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/april-2022-coffee-social-all-vets-are-welcome

Savvy Seeker Series: Caring Transitions with Steve Harvey - Apr 7

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

Savvy Seeker Series: Caring Transitions with Steve Harvey!
Thursday, April 7, 11 am - 12 pm

Please register in advance for this event! -> https://lnkd.in/g9yt-vUP

This free program is available through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
#networking #jobseekers #jobs

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee; NCOPE

Savvy Seeker Series: Caring Transitions with Steve Harvey - Apr 7

Savers Clothing Donation Drive - Drop offs Scheduled for Multiple dates from April to June

Starts tomorrow Saturday April 2nd! Please see our email for several collection dates.

SAVERS CLOTHING DRIVE We are collecting your gently used clothing, shoes, accessories & linens. The Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children will receive cash from Savers for every pound donated. No donation is too small! So grab a bag and clean out some of your closets! We have the following collection dates scheduled: Saturday, April 2nd, 16th, 23rd - 9-11 am Saturday, May 7th and 21st - 9-11 am Sunday May 1st and15th Saturday, June 4th and Sunday June 12th - 9-11am FINAL DATE Saturday, June 18th 8-10am Contactless drop off available. Simply put your items in your trunk, drive up to the building at Door D, pop your trunk and a volunteer will empty your vehicle for you. Unfortunately, we cannot accept any small kitchen/houseware items, sport equipment, toys or books for this collection drive. Please bring your donations to us at 135 County Street, Attleboro. No drop offs directly to Savers please. We won't receive the credit. Thank you for your support!  We have many other events coming up. Click here to visit us on the web and find out  more about other upcoming events. Thank you for all you do to make our community a better place!

Attleboro Area Council For Children | 4 Hodges Street, Attleboro, MA 02703 Sent by info@councilforchildren.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin's Event Outlook: Apr 1, 2022 to Apr 7, 2022

April is upon us bringing showers today for flowers in May. There are also quite a few opportunities for performing arts this weekend. FHS Theater gives a free final dress rehearsal today before their METG competition performance on Saturday. The FSPA Ballet group provides 2 performances on Sat and Sun. 

Electronics recycling event Saturday morning provides a good window for spring cleaning. The Historical Museum is open on Sat/Sun as well.

If we missed sharing an event for this week's outlook, please use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

Friday, April 1
3:30pm - Free performance "CAVE Dreams"

Saturday, April 2
10:00am - Electronics Recycling Event
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
3:30pm - CAVE Dreams - METG Competition
4:00pm - FSPA Ballet - Alice in Wonderland
7:00pm - FSPA Ballet - Alice in Wonderland

Sunday, April 3
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - FSPA Ballet - Alice in Wonderland
4:00pm - FSPA Ballet - Alice in Wonderland

Tuesday, April 5
7:00pm - Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care

Wednesday, April 6
7:00pm - Franklin Art Association

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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

Community Calendar

SAFE Radio - Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (audio)

Anne Bergen and Jim Derick are hosts for SAFE Radio.

It is estimated that over 85 percent of all people suffering from substance misuse also suffer from a mental health challenge. The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition exists to support recovery.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/54b2a855-716b-4c31-aa3d-fc8cdbd6305a

ABOUT THE MA CLUBHOUSE COALITION

The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition is dedicated to expanding employment, housing, educational, social, and leadership opportunities available to Massachusetts citizens who have a mental illness. The MCC was organized to uphold and promote the values, principles and financial integrity of the international Clubhouse model toward the empowerment of people with mental health needs. Toward this purpose the MCC will take action, advocate, provide support, and offer opportunities to network and educate ourselves and the community while working as an organization to remove barriers to successful community integration. The Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition is committed to helping Clubhouses and individual Clubhouse members reach their full potential. 

Dedicated to assisting adults with major mental illness to live full, productive, stable lives in the community, the MCC is a non-profit organization whose membership includes more than 15,000 Massachusetts residents who have a major mental illness, and belong to at least one of the 32 community-based vocational and social rehabilitation centers, called “Clubhouses”. Membership in the MCC is awarded to Clubhouses (and their members and staff) which achieve certification from the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) ensuring the quality of services provided by these rehabilitation centers.

The MCC helps its member Clubhouses expand rehabilitative opportunities and services for employment, housing, education, health, peer support and mental health care. It also helps individual members develop the leadership skills that enable them to participate fully in life – not only at the Clubhouse, but also in the community. The MCC works to remove obstacles to gaining employment, an education and housing in the community and helps to diminish the stigma of living with a mental illness by engaging in educational endeavors. Operating as a clearinghouse of information, a provider of technical assistance, a vehicle for organizing and a coordinator of services and resources for Clubhouses across Massachusetts, the goals of the MCC are:

• Work in partnership with local employers to increase employment opportunities for Coalition members through education and system change.
• Increase local opportunities for members to gain an education.
• Utilize educational approaches to increase affordable housing opportunities for members.
• Organize and advocate for access to health care, dental care, substance abuse services for individuals with a major mental illness.
• Provide leadership development opportunities for individual members through formal training, conferences and by encouraging and developing leadership towards participation in activities that influence public policy and on-the-job learning through leadership activities within individual Clubhouses and the community.

Participation in the clubhouse is free to those who have a serious and persistent mental illness. The Clubhouses are funded with state tax dollars via the Department of Mental Health. Clubhouses are founded on the belief that rehabilitation for people who are working to recover from the effects of mental illness is greatly facilitated when individuals participate in meaningful work, including paid employment.

Visit their webpage for more information -> WWW.MASSCLUBS.ORG 

SAFE Radio - Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (audio) 

Panther News: Friday, April 1, 2022 (video)

Watch the Panther News for Friday, April 1, 2022 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/b2_CzAv9cts

Home Selling (and Buying) Seminar with Industry Experts - Apr 14

Come hear from local experts, and gain insight as well as useful tips, on how to sell your home (or buy a home) in the current market.

Enjoy a light dinner and some incredible beer, while learning about Selling (and Buying) a home in the current real estate market.

Local Experts to include:

• Ted Cormier- Leger, Realtor with Suburban Lifestyle Real Estate in Franklin, MA
• Bob Melone, Loan Officer with Radius Financial Group
• Stacy Norrell, Real Estate Attorney with Sharaf & Maloney, PC

Date and time

• Thu, April 14, 2022
• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT

Location

67 Degrees Brewing

158 Grove Street

Franklin, MA 02038

To register (free) -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/home-selling-and-buying-seminar-with-industry-experts-registration-308895563947 

Home Selling (and Buying) Seminar with Industry Experts - Apr 14