Saturday, February 4, 2023

Senator Rausch: State House Briefing - Part 3, Chapter 1 (January 31, 2023)

I hope 2023 is off to a wonderful start for you and your loved ones. The new legislative session is underway, and my team and I are working hard to advance the policies that matter most to our communities and our district. As we launch into our third term, I want to extend a warm welcome to the four new towns in our district: Bellingham, Dover, Medfield, and Milford.  

January is bill filing month, and over the past several weeks, I filed more than five dozen bills to support families, enhance reproductive rights and equity, provide better access to post-pregnancy mental health care and pediatric appointments, reduce plastics and greenhouse gas emissions, protect public health, improve voting access and elections infrastructure, promote governmental transparency and efficiency, and more. This is the work I was sent to Beacon Hill to do; I am both honored to do it and proud to share it with you here. 

February will bring debates about Senate, House, and Joint Rules, and once the rules are finalized, we’ll get committee assignments for the term. The clerks of each chamber will assign the bills to the various committees and our formal review of filed legislation will begin.  

In this newsletter, you’ll find a roundup of our legislative priorities for the 2023-2024 session, local event highlights and town election information, and upcoming Black History Month events happening throughout our district.  

For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617) 722-1555, email becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.   

I wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and successful new year.  

Yours in service,  

 
Senator Becca Rausch   


Office Hours

Senator Rausch

 

My team and I host in person and virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call.
    
Upcoming office hours:    

Monday, February 27, 11:30 AM - 1 PM (in person)

Monday, March 27, 5 - 6 PM (virtual)

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.    


The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, follow this link ->  https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-17019257


Friday, February 3, 2023

Urgent: Extreme Cold Temperature Forecast - February 3 - February 5, 2023: Resident Resources

Extreme Cold Temperature Forecast  

February 3 - February 5, 2023: Resident Resources

Massachusetts is predicted to experience potential record breaking cold temperatures and gusty winds Friday, February 3rd through Sunday February 5th, 2023.

Residents are reminded that the Franklin Public Library will be available as a warming center during regular business hours on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

At this time, the Town of Franklin does not anticipate opening an emergency shelter, UNLESS there are widespread power outages in town from the wind. Any updates will be communicated via the official Town of Franklin Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram social media accounts and website. Residents can dial 2-1-1 to find warming centers and emergency shelters near you. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Residents are encouraged to review emergency resources by visiting the Emergency information toolkit located here

Below are some tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for staying safe in extreme cold.

What to do during extreme cold weather:

  • Reduce outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves), and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your arms, legs, hands and feet. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
  • Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
  • Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated.
  • If you lose heating, move into a single room. At night, cover windows and external doors with extra blankets or sheets.
  • Wrap pipes in insulation or layers of newspapers covered in plastic to prevent them from freezing. Let a trickle of warm water run from a faucet to keep water moving through your pipes.
  • If your pipes freeze, open all faucets all the way, remove any insulation, and heat the frozen pipe with a hair dryer or wrap with towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.
  • In the event of a power outage, you may need to take extra precautions or go to an emergency shelter to stay warm.
  • Know the symptoms of and watch out for cold-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.
  • Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need extra help.

 

Shared from Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/extreme-cold-temperature-forecast-february-3rd-february-5th-2023-resident

Urgent: Extreme Cold Temperature Forecast - February 3 - February 5, 2023: Resident Resources
Urgent: Extreme Cold Temperature Forecast - February 3 - February 5, 2023: Resident Resources

Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 3, 2023 to Feb 9, 2023

Stay warm, check in on your neighbors... this will pass quickly according to the forecast.


Friday, February 3

4:30pm - Joey D's Wingz N Thingz (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)


Saturday, February 4

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am - Train Town exhibit (HO scale replica of Depot Station) (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm - Hogwash BBQ  (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Northeast Groove (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - James Montgomery with The Daybreakers (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)


Sunday, February 5

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - Train Town exhibit (HO scale replica of Depot Station) (Franklin Historical Museum)


Tuesday, February 7

6:30pm - Franklin Garden Club (monthly meeting) (Franklin Senior Center)


Wednesday, February 8

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - Ladies Night: Empowerment Workshop (Virtual, registration required) (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (virtual meeting) (St Mary's )


Thursday, February 9

7:00pm - Wine Barre 02038 (21+ event) (Intermission Cafe)

7:00pm - Q&A with author Kate Clayborn! (Virtual, registration required) (Franklin Public Library)


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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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
Community Calendar

Board of Health hears of tobacco compliance check failures, and possible update to Franklin's code - 02/01/23 (audio)

FM #932 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. All three board members participated, 2 in room, 1 remote (hence roll call votes). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 


Quick Recap:

  • Tobacco holder checks mostly resulted in violations mostly regarding paperwork and signage required, most have been abated by now. Possible modification of the Town regulations to bring inline with the current State level, copy under review by department, hearing to be scheduled for the next mtg

  • Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major

  • Health Care resources map & info added to Health Dept page -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258 

The meeting runs about 23 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-932-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-02-01-23



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


The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/agenda_2-1-23.pdf 


Reflexology regulations as proposed

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/regulation_governing_the_practice_of_bodywork_draft_11-2-22.pdf 


My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uy9M0NJkAz_AWJ6buUInl9G6P5vQHsXK/view?usp=share_link 


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

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"


Lorriane (Nasuti) Spencer recognized as Franklin's eldest with Boston Post Cane

Written by Alan Earls

It's a New England tradition, dating back to 1909, begun as an expensive publicity stunt by the publisher of The Boston Post Newspaper. The paper awarded gold-headed canes to each municipality in the region, with instructions to award it to their eldest resident.

With occasional hiccups, Franklin has maintained the tradition, as have many other New England towns.

Thursday afternoon, it was the turn of Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer, in a ceremony conducted at the Lydia Taft House, a rehabilitation and nursing center, located in Uxbridge, where she resides temporarily. The reception brought out about 20 family members and was presided over by Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello. 

Danello, reading from a prepared statement, noted that Mrs. Spencer is Franklin's  oldest resident,  born May 11 1921. 
"She'll be 102 in May.  Mrs. Spencer was born here in Franklin on her family homestead on North Park Street, the youngest of 10 children. She has many fond memories of growing up here in Franklin during the Depression, including time spent at her family store, attending Franklin public schools and the many activities throughout the town that she was involved in. Mrs. Spencer graduated from Franklin High School in 1939. After graduating she worked for many years  in Walpole and aided in the war effort by making airplane parts. 

"In 1954, Lorraine married Matthew Spencer, and together they raised seven children most still residing  in Franklin. Sadly, Matthew passed away in 1972. Lorraine then began working at Dean Junior College, retiring in 1986. Mrs. Spencer has 16 grandchildren an seven great grandchildren who continue to share her love of cooking and follow her delicious Italian recipes, though never making it quite as good as she did."
Mrs. Spencer held the cane proudly and relinquished after photos were taken, for safekeeping by the town.

State Rep. Jeff Roy also greeted Mrs. Spencer and offered souvenir greetings from the State House and his best wishes for  her upcoming 102nd birthday, a remark that drew a look of incredulity from Mrs. Spencer.

Mrs. Spencer was attentive throughout the event but seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention and glad to settle in with family when the formalities were past.

Representative Roy told her he expected to be there for her 105th birthday. "A hundred and five," she exclaimed?

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello, State Rep Jeff Roy and Lorriane (Nasuti) Spencer with the Post Cane
Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello, State Rep Jeff Roy and Lorriane (Nasuti) Spencer with the Post Cane

The official Town Proclamation
The official Town Proclamation

The Boston Post Cane
The Boston Post Cane

State Representative Jeff Roy with Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer
State Representative Jeff Roy with Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer

Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer poses with members of her family
Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer poses with members of her family

Panther TV: Panther News for Friday, February 3, 2023 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Thu, Feb 02, 2023:
Panther News: Friday, February 3, 2023
@FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters
https://t.co/Vx70pNjJgX via @YouTube

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares schedule of major events for 2023

Mark your calendar for the following Franklin Downtown Partnership activities...
  • Strawberry Stroll - Friday, June 9, rain date Saturday, June 10
  • Harvest Festival - Saturday, Sep 30, rain date Sunday, Oct 1
  • FDP Partnership General Meetings - April 6, June 1, Sep 7 and Nov 2
  • Spring/Summer Beautification Day -  Saturday, May 20
  • Autumn/Winter Beautification Day - Saturday, Nov 18
Residents can become members of the Downtown Partnership for only $25/yr, students & seniors for only $15/yr. Business members pay on a scale according to the size of their business. Check out the membership details ->

Disclosure: I have been an individual member since 2010.

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares schedule of major events for 2023
Franklin Downtown Partnership shares schedule of major events for 2023

"Pours for The Pantry" - Fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry at Pour Richard's - Feb 16

Join us at Pour Richard's in Franklin for a great night out tasting wine, socializing with friends, and supporting the Franklin Food Pantry! This fundraiser will directly support expanded programs and services in our new home at 341 West Central St. 

Tickets are $25 each and includes the wine tasting and light appetizers. Our co-host, Pour Richard's, will generously donate 5% of all purchases made during the event to the Franklin Food Pantry!

Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/3RpHDnw

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1333222577456133/

"Pours for The Pantry" - Fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry at Pour Richard's  - Feb 16
"Pours for The Pantry" - Fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry at Pour Richard's  - Feb 16 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Advocates file federal civil rights complaint over vocational school admission policies"

"MORE THAN FIVE YEARS after sounding the alarm over admission policies at the state’s vocational high schools that they say are locking out students who would benefit most from hands-on education, advocates are taking their case to the US Department of Education, filing a federal civil rights complaint aimed at forcing the state to revamp the admissions system at the schools. 

In a filing Thursday with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, lawyers say the state is allowing the use of selective admission criteria to award seats at vocational schools that “disproportionately and unjustifiably exclude students from vulnerable populations” who are “protected from discrimination under federal law.” The complaint calls for the withholding of federal funds to Massachusetts vocational schools until they come into compliance with civil rights laws."
Continue reading the article online ->

Given the Tri-County building proposal presented Wednesday evening to the Town Council, this will be an item to watch. One aspect of the building is the size is being proposed to remain at a 1000 student capacity. 

Students at New Bedford's high-performing regional vocational technical high school. (Photograph by Mark Ostow)
Students at New Bedford's high-performing regional vocational technical high school. (Photograph by Mark Ostow)


Happy World Wetlands Day, Franklin!

Happy World Wetlands Day, Franklin!

We admit that every day is World Wetlands Day over here at Franklin Conservation. It's all we talk about! And why wouldn't we? Wetlands provide us humans with a myriad of benefits including, but definitely not limited to:

  • Dissipating stream energy for flood control
  • Producing wetland products (e.g., cranberries)
  • Sequestering sediment, contaminants, and nutrients (e.g., pollution)
  • Providing habitat to support biodiversity
  • Providing aesthetic services and recreational opportunities
  • Replenishing groundwater
  • Providing long-term carbon and water storage (important for climate change resilience!)

Franklin Conservation wishes you a very happy World Wetlands Day and encourages you to go outside - at some point, perhaps not today - and visit one our many waterbodies. We have plenty - just look at the map below!


Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/happy-world-wetlands-day-franklin

non-MBTA team assigned to examine the production issues in Springfield

"GOV. MAURA HEALEY said on Thursday that she is putting together a team of non-MBTA technical and legal experts to review the troubling situation at the Chinese-owned Springfield assembly plant for new Red and Orange Line trains.

Healey said she learned about the problems in Springfield a couple weeks ago, apparently at roughly the same time the public learned about them in detail from a presentation by acting General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville to the MBTA board of directors.

On Monday, Healey seemed shaky on details of the situation in Springfield. On Thursday, she seemed much more up to speed.

“The project is way behind schedule. Some alarming details have emerged about the quality of the production process,” Healey said."
Continue reading the article online -> 


From left, Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca, Gov. Maura Healey, Transportation Undersecretary Monica Tipbits-Nutt, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and acting MBTA General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)
From left, Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca, Gov. Maura Healey, Transportation Undersecretary Monica Tipbits-Nutt, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and acting MBTA General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

Grove-Washington Street Shared Use Path - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Town of Franklin - Conservation Commission

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Elyse Tripp, of BETA Group, Inc. on behalf of the Franklin Department of Public Works. The project proposes roadway improvements along Grove Street as part of the second phase of a two-phase project to improve use by motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists, including upgrades to stormwater management infrastructure, with work taking place within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) and the 200-foot Buffer Zone to Perennial Streams.

The Project is located along Grove Street from its intersection with Tobacco Road to its intersection with Kenwood Circle, in the Rural Residential 1 and Industrial Zones. The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher
Chairman 



Grove-Washington Street Shared Use Path - Notice of Intent - Conservation
Grove-Washington Street Shared Use Path - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Feb 3, 2023

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

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:30 am Madalene Village Environmental Review
9:00 am Frank Presents: Nick Remissong
10:00 am Frank's Musings: George Santos
11:00 am Senior Connection: Public Health
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad
12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Hearing Loss: Causes, Prevention, Remedies
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3
3:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8
7:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
8:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland
9:30 am Franklin Rec Basketball: 3x3 Tournament Game 6
11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v King Philip 01-26-23
1:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
3:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Critical Conversations
5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Milford 01-27-23
9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Catholic Memorial 01-27-23

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-19-23
12:00 pm Finance Committee: 01-11-23
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-19-23

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

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you!

Town Volunteer Opportunities

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee, Master Plan, Police Station and more!

Have you ever desired to volunteer for a town board or committee to enhance the great quality of life in Franklin? Below is a list of open vacancies on town boards and committees, including three new committees that have recently been established on major community-defining projects in town.  

Board/ Committee# of Vacancies


The Davis-Thayer Citizens committee will explore options for reuse of the former school.

5


Applicants should expect a 12-18 month process to develop a ten-year vision for the community, including town facilities, arts and cultural development, housing, infrastructure, open space and economic development and much more. 

Read the current town-wide Master Plan.

6

Applicants must have a background in engineering or in construction management. 
The committee will evaluate and plan a Police Station.

2


The Committee promotes arts and cultural development in the district as part of the Town's  certification with the Commonwealth.

3


The DRC recommends sign design and style to the Planning Board.

1 (Associate)

The Cultural Council awards grants to local arts organizations every year and assists in sponsoring major events like the Cultural Festival And Annual Arts Symposium. 

2

To apply, submit a Volunteer Application FormDeadline to apply is March 3, 2023. 

Paper copy forms and prospective applicants may also visit in person or call the Town Administrator's Office at 508-520-4949 and speak with Executive Assistant, Julie McCann. The staff are willing to assist anyone submitting an application by not using the online application portal. 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities

Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you!
Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you!