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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Town of Franklin - December 2022 E-Newsletter
Franklin Health Department: Weekly Wellness Update - Alzheimer's Awareness
Alzheimer's Awareness Month. " Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Together, we can make it happen."
The prevalence of Alzheimers in increasing, learn about ways to keep your mind healthy: https://www.alz.org/
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Franklin Health Department: Weekly Wellness Update - Alzheimer's Awareness |
Friday, December 2, 2022
Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 2, 2022 to Dec 8, 2022
Friday, December 2
5:00pm - Cousins Maine Lobster (food Truck) (La Cantina Winery)
5:30pm - Joshua David (live music) (67 Degrees Brewing)
7:30pm - New Dancer Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College)
Saturday, December 3
9:00am - Christmas Fair (St John’s Episcopal Church)
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Market)
10:00am - Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements (Franklin Garden Club at Daddario Hardware Store)
10:00am - AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market (AcuPUNKture)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
11:00am - Bollywood Dancing (Franklin Public Library)
2:00pm - The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (FPAC Holiday Productions at Franklin High School)
2:00pm - New Dancer Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College)
3:00pm - Orchard Sl"Hay" Rides (rescheduled -see description 4 details) (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
7:00pm - The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (FPAC Holiday Productions at Franklin High School)
7:30pm - New Thespian Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College)
Sunday, December 4
7:00am - “Finding the Light” (free art scavenger hunt, find clues on Facebook @PaintingVenus)
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (FPAC Holiday Productions at Franklin High School)
Tuesday, December 6
6:30pm - Popcorn & Pride (LGBTQ Pride event at 99 Restaurant)
7:00pm - Christmas Trivia Night (St Mary’s Parish)
7:00pm - FHS Chorus and Orchestra Concert (Franklin High School)
Wednesday, December 7
6:00pm - HMMS Concert (Horace Mann Middle School)
7:00pm - Franklin Art Association (Franklin Senior Center)
Thursday, December 8 7:00pm - An Evening with Mystery Writers: Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk (virtual discussion) Franklin Public Library
7:00pm - Pour Richard's Wine and Chocolate Pairing (Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits)
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
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Community Calendar |
Economic Development lacks consensus on approach to inclusionary zoning proposal (audio)
FM #889 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 889 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in the Council Chambers with one member (Hunchard) participating virtually (hence roll call vote). One member absent (Wierling)
Quick recap:
The discussion centered on the inclusionary zoning proposal carried over from the prior meeting. While the group had more time to review the matter, they still could not reach consensus on a recommendation and yet did move the item for discussion by the full Council.
In my view, this group, which in principle approves of the concept, and yet can't recommend an approach, likely sets the full Council discussion up for failure. Stay tuned, this is an important discussion, and no matter the next vote, Franklin needs to address this properly.
My Twitter thread:
Ready for Iive reporting on back to back meetings; first up, economic development subcommittee and inclusionary zoning #edc1130 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf
Planning Director Bryan Taberner provides an overview of the proposed changes to introduce this measure. #edc1130 map being shown on the screen of the zoning areas
Clarification on 4 vs. 5 in some of the prior drafts, should be 5 in all places. #edc1130 consideration of getting affordable units after 30% of development (so if something happens, and they were planned for the end and didn't happen, the Town would be left short)
Also consideration for the affordable units #edc1130 that are permitted in another area. Back to the 5vs4 question, from 5 units to 14, only 1 required as affordable to meet 10% requirements; Planning Board would need to approve the alternative site
Question on 15 units vs 20 units gives the Planning Board ability to regulate - this is part of the density piece not part of inclusionary #edc1130 Frongillo, Q on how did we get to 10%, Hellen explains cap by state rule at 10%
10% also aligns with the 10% 40b units, it is a middle road. Rondeau clarification questions answered. Halligan (from audience) comments great example of a walkthrough to say we should be working on setbacks, etc. To make the building feasible #edc1130
Hellen asks Q, what is the percent that would make it work? If not 35%, then 50, 70, 100? #edc1130 Frongillo still to the point this won't get us anything (maybe up to 15-20 units be4 requiring affordable) would like to work with developers to find the #s that work
Hamblen Qs is what is the starting point, 5, 8, 10 (vs Frongillo at 20-25 or so). #edc1130 motion to send to full council for recommendation to planning board, 6-0 via roll call
Motion to adjourn, 6-0 via roll call
The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-889-economic-development-plus-cmte-11-30-22
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The agenda and doc released for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf
Franklin TV YouTube video -> https://youtu.be/sUk0eqtUzXE
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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"
Space Needs Subcommittee Meeting - virtual only - Dec 8, 2022 at 5:30 PM
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
Fairmount Fruit Farm: Sl "hay" ride rescheduled for this weekend - these are your options
"UPDATE for Saturday Dec 3rd Sl ”hay” Ride:
Due to the impending rain that is projected for the afternoon on Saturday, we are going to have to reschedule our Sl "hay" Ride for the night. We are so sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause, our tractor and trailer can simply not go out in the rain.
Below please find your 3 options that you may choose from, if you bought your Dec 3rd ticket! Emails have been sent out to ALL December 3rd ticket holders.
We hope to still see you either tomorrow night or Sunday night! Make sure to still stop by for our INDOOR winter farmers market on Saturday from 10 - 2 PM!
Oh and we forgot to mention that our second batch of trees is here. Come and snag the best looking one!"
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Fairmount Fruit Farm: Sl "hay" ride rescheduled for this weekend - these are your options |
Franklin Police Dept's No Shave November fund raising helps Cops For Kids With Cancer program
HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week - Luke Davis, Franklin Football
Via HockomockSports.com, we share the "Player of the Week" selection
"Franklin senior Luke Davis has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Nov. 20 through Nov. 26. Davis is the 12h player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2022-23 school year.Davis came through in his final high school football game, scoring three touchdowns and catching the game-winning two-point conversion to help Franklin rally for a win at King Philip on Thanksgiving. It was not only the second straight win for the Panthers against the Warriors, but also clinched a share of a second straight Kelley-Rex division title (shared with first-time league champ Milford). This is the first time that Franklin has won back-to-back league titles since completing a three-peat in 1971.“Luke Davis has always answered the call,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain. “We lost a lot of fire power from the 2021 group. He helped replace a lot of production on the season. On Thanksgiving, we tried just about everything to get him in opportune spots to shine and he didn’t disappoint. He showed why he is one of the best receivers in the state and in our program’s history."
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HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week - Luke Davis, Franklin Football |
67 Degrees Brewing: Holiday Wreath Workshop - Dec 15
"Join us at Franklin’s 67 Degrees Brewing and start your holiday season off right with fresh evergreen wreath making, while sipping on some delicious hops!
Grab your fun, festive friends and create a custom wreath, perfect for bringing some holiday cheer to your home all season long! At the end of the event, take home your freshly decorated wreath and new wreath crafting tips. "
Buy your tickets for the Flowergirl Traci Shop here ->https://www.flowergirltraci.shop/take-a-class
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67 Degrees Brewing: Holiday Wreath Workshop - Dec 15 |
Take some Action for Happiness this month, we could all use a little more happiness!
"Do Good December - Day 1:
Spread kindness and share the December calendar with others https://t.co/1aRuRjeNLt
#DoGoodDecember https://t.co/3ZFpchS62D"
Take some Action for Happiness this month, we could all use a little more happiness! |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Dec 2, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY
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Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Fur And Feather Families Take Note! Vet Med Pet Supplies has been helping Franklin area pets for almost 40 years
Written by Lyn MacLean
"Train Town Franklin" scheduled to arrive at the Historical Museum - Dec 18
Beginning December 18th, the Franklin Historical Museum will exhibit the first in a series of annual dioramas entitled, “Train Town Franklin" -- a Historical Exact replica of the area around the train depot, circa 1932, a time when the rhythm of the daily trains set the pace for a small New England Town -- and news from `down at the depot' was the news everyone wanted to hear!
The first diorama in this series will focus on the downtown Franklin area centered on the historic Franklin train station, the Franklin Furniture Warehouse, the W.K. Gilmore Coal Company, and the Railroad Express Agency as well as the bridge over Main/East Central Street. Over time, additional nearby areas will be modeled to make a complete recreation of the heart of old Franklin.
The creativity behind this project comes from Franklin native, and former Town Council Chair, Scott Mason who, throughout his life, has honed his historical knowledge and model building skills.
Young and old will be captivated by this miniature look at "the way we used to be."
The structures in this exhibit are built to exact scale from photographs and films taken from that period. Information about these buildings will also be on display.
Historical items related to the railroad in Franklin at that time, including the actual “Franklin” sign that hung from the station and other artifacts will be on display.
The exhibit is set to run through 2/5/2023.
The Historical Museum is open to the public every Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM.
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"Train Town Franklin" scheduled to arrive at the Historical Museum - Dec 18 |
Encore Music Academy: 5 Students awarded Regional Gold Medals of Excellence
- Samyuktha Chaganti, Franklin, student of Lisa Ostrow, Level 7 voice
- Ava Piercy, Franklin, student of Carl Scheinman, Level 2 clarinet
- Timothy Reda, Millis, student of Lisa Ostrow, Level 5 voice
- Chloe Regan, Franklin, student of Rebecca Abalutzk, Level 1 voice
- AJ Trull, Franklin, student of Rebecca Abalutzk, Level 3 voice
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Encore Music Academy: 5 Students awarded Regional Gold Medals of Excellence |