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 *
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Get your Soul, Blues, & R&B fix with Diane Blue this Saturday, Jan 28 (8 PM) at THE BLACK BOX
Historical Museum Fights Inflation with Silent Saturdays - Feb 18 & 25, 2023
- Showing on Saturday, Feb. 18, Safety Last!, (73 minutes) a 1923 American silent romantic-comedy film starring Harold Lloyd. It includes one of the most famous images from the silent-film era: Lloyd clutching the hands of a large clock as he dangles from the outside of a skyscraper above moving traffic.
- Showing Saturday, Feb. 25, The Freshman, (76 minutes) a 1925 American silent comedy film that tells the story of a college freshman trying to become popular by joining the school football team. It stars Harold Lloyd, Jobyna Ralston, Brooks Benedict, and James Anderson. It remains one of Lloyd's most successful and enduring films.
"Train Town Franklin" scheduled to run through Feb 5, 2023 at the Franklin Historical Museum
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"Train Town Franklin" scheduled to run through Feb 5, 2023 at the Franklin Historical Museum |
You can view the photos of the exhibit that I have taken in my visits
A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister: 027 - Defining Faith, The Importance of Having It & Kathy's Departure (audio)
Bringing More Faith Into Your Day Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.
https://priest-rabbi-minister.captivate.fm/episodes
Franklin School Committee reviews FHS program of studies & approved Westboro for membership to the Accept Collaborative (audio)
FM #924 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 924 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with six members present and one member (M Whitmore) remote. Hence all votes were via roll call.
School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM.
Key items on the agenda
Update from Supt Giguere on the Inclement Weather Policy, now that we have had some weather to deal with, a reminder on the process, how it is coordinated with DPW, Police and Fire. Additional details posted on FPS page (see link below)
FHS Program of Studies - Principal Josh Hanna presented an update on the program highlighting some changes to add courses, and answered questions from the School Committee. He acknowledged as he began that this was the results of a whole team of effort, many of whom were out and about tonight with student activities. The PDF of my notes captures screen presentation pages. The presentation doc should get posted soon to the meeting folder so you can find additional details
Accept Collaborative presentation - E Stokes recused herself from this portion of the meeting to avoid a conflict of interest. The presentation provided an overview of the services and work among the collaborative to support the needs of the students in the district. This was all in advance of a discussion and vote by the Committee to approve the application of Westborough into the Collaborative (each member needs to do so, it was mentioned this is the first of a few). The Committee voted unanimously (6-0-1; 6 for, 0 no, 1 - recuse)
Proposed school committee meeting calendar and Accept Collaborative report were among the items for discussion only
The Committee did enter Executive Session not to return to open meeting
The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting.
The recording runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on January 24, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-924-town-of-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-24-23
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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
Inclement weather page -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/weather_2022_2.pdf
Video link -> https://youtu.be/6f53S5iyXpU
The agenda doc contains info on remote participation -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-24-23.pdf
All the documents released for this meeting (some after the meeting) can be found in one folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/january-24-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
My Twitter notes are here in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWMoZmkmt2nkhBczlP0QYMBbBVPrew5d/view?usp=share_link
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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/
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"
Inclusionary zoning moved to Town Council by unanimous Economic Development Steering Cmte vote (video)
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All seven members of the committee were present in the Council Chambers |
"Major investments to shift away from US car dependency would have benefits"
"We got so sick of hearing about all the lithium we need to carpet the roads w electric cars. So we did the 1st study to quantify alternatives. Leading w mass transit, ebikes, and urban density cuts lithium demand by up to 90%, while slashing carbon & giving us mobility & freedom. https://t.co/g77RwmXtIi"
The Guardian article highlights the study
"The US’s transition to electric vehicles could require three times as much lithium as is currently produced for the entire global market, causing needless water shortages, Indigenous land grabs, and ecosystem destruction inside and outside its borders, new research finds.It warns that unless the US’s dependence on cars in towns and cities falls drastically, the transition to lithium battery-powered electric vehicles by 2050 will deepen global environmental and social inequalities linked to mining – and may even jeopardize the 1.5C global heating target.But ambitious policies investing in mass transit, walkable towns and cities, and robust battery recycling in the US would slash the amount of extra lithium required in 2050 by more than 90%.In fact, this first-of-its-kind modeling shows it is possible to have more transport options for Americans that are safer, healthier and less segregated, and less harmful mining while making rapid progress to zero emissions."
the lithium we need to carpet the roads w electric cars |
1st study to quantify alternatives |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Jan 26, 2023
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday
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Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Franklin Cultural District: #artshappenhere as January winds down
Wednesday, January 25
1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (recording session at Franklin TV studio)
6:00pm - HeartStopper Book Club (Middle-High School) (Escape into Fiction bookstore)Friday, January 27
5:30pm - Blue Jazz Trio (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)
Saturday, January 28
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am - Train Town exhibit (HO scale replica of Depot Station) (Franklin Historical Museum)
10:30am - Lunar New Year Celebration (Franklin Public Library)
12:00pm - Cousins Maine Lobster (food truck) (La Cantina Winery)
3:30pm - Best Buddies Students vs Staff Basketball Game (fund raiser) (Franklin High School)
5:30pm - Backyard Swagger (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)
8:00pm - Diane Blue (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)
Sunday, January 29
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Train Town exhibit (HO scale replica of Depot Station) (Franklin Historical Museum)
3:00pm - Women In Business Meeting (Escape Into Fiction bookstore)
Tuesday, January 31
2:30pm - Rainbow Café (LGBTQ+ community) (Franklin Senior Center)
6:00pm - Poetry for the People - January (Escape Into Fiction bookstore)
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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 Cultural District: Arts are happening here! |
The Friends of Franklin Library Announce Scholarship Award to Gwenne Balcius
Balcius was selected as the contest winner based on her essay about someone who inspired her. Rather than identify a lone individual, Balcius wrote about the many librarians she encountered during her military family's moves from California to Virginia to Massachusetts.
"I ask you to consider the collective influence of every librarian I crossed paths with over the course of my life … the librarians with their subtle encouragement as I checked out mountains of books in Carlsbad, the librarian who became one of my first friends in Chesapeake, and the librarians who helped me feel at home in a place I knew I wouldn't stay long," Balcius wrote in her winning essay.
Now in her first year at Clark University in Worcester, Balcius is studying education with plans to pursue an advanced degree in library science. Her goal is to one day become a librarian as inspiring as the ones who influenced her along her own journey.
"In 2022, we received over 30 applications to review and essays to read," said Lisa Rein, president of FoFL's board. "The prompt we chose this past year reflects the continuing challenges from a pandemic and the heroes who help us navigate difficult situations. Gwenne's essay was so heartfelt and aligned well with her affection for libraries and the librarians who work there."
The Friends of Franklin Library, an independent, non-profit organization committed to supporting the Franklin Public Library, established its scholarship program in 2014. The annual scholarship is part of several efforts undertaken to honor the late Wilma Winters, a longtime Franklin resident and library supporter. Winters, who had a long career in higher education, worked for many years as a librarian, including at Boston University Medical School and Harvard's School of Public Health. She spent her retirement years volunteering at the Franklin Public Library.
The scholarship program has assisted college-bound Franklin students in each of the past eight years. It will be awarded again this year to a member of the Class of 2023. Essay entries will be coordinated through the school's guidance department.
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Members of the Friends of Franklin Library's board recently presented Gwenne Blacius, left, with a check for winning the Friends' annual essay contest |
2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included) - Thursday Jan 26
2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included)
- Thursday Jan 26 - 6 PM
The Conservation Commission will hold its second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, January 26 at 6 PM.
In case you'll miss the meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, January 27 between 10 and 11 AM in the third floor training room at Town Hall.
Bring your ideas and see you there!
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-municipal-recreation-facilities-and-parks-ada
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Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan |
FHS girls basketball team tops Mansfield on Tuesday
Even though Franklin and Mansfield are now competing in separate divisions, the rivalry remains between the two programs and the expectations remain for a tough, physical matchup. It may not be the prettiest game, but it’s guaranteed to be competitive.On Tuesday night in Franklin, the two teams met for the only time this winter. The game was back-and-forth from the opening whistle, with eight ties and 15 lead changes. Through the first three quarters no team managed to lead by more than five points. Franklin went on an 8-0 run in the final minute of the game, extending the lead to double digits, and that was enough to hold off the Hornets for a 63-55 win.“We tried to get them out of their sets,” Franklin coach John Leighton explained. “Obviously, they still scored a lot of points, but I think they had to grind a little bit more for them. That was the kind of game we wanted.”Asked about the importance of being challenged like the Panthers were on Tuesday, Leighton replied, “It’s huge. This what playoff basketball feels like. We want to play way better than this when we get there, but this gets you ready for it.”
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Sophomore Chloe Fales drives baseline in the second half of Franklin’s win over Mansfield. Fales scored 11 of her 14 points in the second half of the 63-55 win. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
Franklin and Mansfield are no longer competing for the same division title in the Hockomock League but that hasn’t changed anything in this rivalry.
The Hornets got off to a strong start offensively, locked in defensively all night long, and junior Trevor Foley had a big second half en route to a 56-46 win over the Panthers in the lone meeting of the season.Mansfield hit five of its nine three-pointers inside the first eight minutes and forced Franklin into 12 of its 16 turnovers in the first half, limiting the visitors to just four points in the second quarter.Foley had a quiet first half with just one make but roared to life in the second half, scoring 15 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the floor while hauling in eight rebounds. His one-handed slam gave Mansfield its largest lead (38-26) with three minutes to go in the third quarter, capping a 10-point quarter for the junior.
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FHS Panthers |
FHS Gymnastics catches up with the details on recent Senior Night
"SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs. So proud of this team!! " https://t.co/jc5Pj9uRAt
SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs |
Consensus on the MA revenue forecast remains to be set but 2 hours of hearing updates gets it started
"TOP BUDGET OFFICIALS from the Legislature say they intend to abide by the will of the voters and make sure all revenue from the new millionaire tax goes to “new initiatives” in transportation and education.Exactly what would qualify as a “new initiative” hasn’t been decided yet (is a new bus or subway car a new initiative?), nor has any decision been made on whether the money would be evenly split between education and transportation.“That’s all to be discussed,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues, the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee."
"STATE REVENUES are expected to rise slightly in the coming fiscal year, but top budget officials from the Legislature and Healey administration say it’s still unclear whether there is enough money to enact permanent tax cuts.At the end of last year’s legislative session, former governor Charles Baker and Senate leaders wanted to press ahead with $500 million in permanent tax cuts in addition to nearly $3 billion in one-time refunds from the state’s tax cap law."
"State revenue officials said Tuesday they could collect at least $1.4 billion — and perhaps up to $1.7 billion — next fiscal year from Massachusetts’ newly enshrined tax on its wealthiest earners, kick-starting months of debate over how to steer the new injection of tax money.The projection, offered Tuesday in a legislative hearing, marked the first official estimate state officials have provided on what they think the so-called “millionaires tax” will contribute to coffers in its first year since taking effect Jan. 1. Narrowly passed by voters on the November ballot, the measure increases the state’s 5 percent income tax rate to 9 percent on annual income exceeding $1 million."