All you need to know about the stormwater utility fee & what to do before July 1, 2023 (video)

All you need to know about the stormwater fee commencing July 1,2023. We get into the development of this fee since 2008, the EPA unfunded mandate, the increasing costs that Town is absorbing, how the utility fee structure will make management of these costs more equitable and fair going forward.

We talk about the  GIS information you can use to confirm your impervious coverage, and the steps you can take to apply for credits or abatements.

My thanks to Derek Adams, Stormwater & Environmental Affairs Superintendent; Kate Sjoberg, Director of GIS, Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen, and last but not least, Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, DPW director for their help in preparing this video overview. Thanks also go to Chris Flynn and Chris Leverone of Franklin TV for their work recording and editing this video.

Video overview link -> https://youtu.be/klrXLBQJmoE 

Credit manual (draft) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdf 

Impervious Area Map  ->  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5 

Video archive 

DPW Stormwater Management 05/22/2019 link -> https://youtu.be/N5k353qtAig

DPW Stormwater Management 03/06/20  link -> https://youtu.be/oNQVHT-Xl48 

DPW Stormwater Management 03/11/20   link -> https://youtu.be/SIiXKBcnDeY 

DPW Stormwater Management 09/09/20  link ->  https://youtu.be/nc-CkfeD4M8

DPW Stormwater Management 05/22/19

   

 DPW Stormwater Management 03/06/20

   

 DPW Stormwater Management 03/11/20 

   

 DPW Stormwater Management 09/09/20 

All you need to know about the stormwater utility fee & what to do before July 1, 2023 (video)

FHS boys lacrosse fall to St John's Prep on Saturday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 8 @ St. John’s Prep, 16 – Final 

– Franklin stayed close with the top team in the state through three quarters before Prep put the game away late. Luke Davis continued his strong start to the season with two goals and two helpers, while Jayden Consigli had a hat trick and Tyler Sacchetti added a pair of goals. Justin Alexander had his toughest test of the season but won 15-of-28 face-offs. Michael Galvin made five stops in goal and Matt Corvi added three saves.

For other results around the League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-22-23/

FHS Panthers

Empty bowls tickets on sale - May 18

Empty Bowls is 4 weeks away (Thursday, May 18 from 6 to 8 PM)

We will have a meal of bread and soup and every attendee gets a beautiful handmade bowl created by the FHS Empty Bowls Club to remind them that somewhere, someone's bowl is empty 

This is a family friendly event and we hope to see you there!

Click here to purchase tickets 

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/emptybowlsdinner2023

Empty bowls tickets on sale - May 18 

Shared from Facebook -> 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02eMKW7w7VL1GP1z2pdBRMLpC6REJB3Cr1SaFbbU7TT1iDv3kj1sUYD6x2y5RGBNLel&id=105762322791724&mibextid=wIhsxK

   

Pew Research Center: "Podcasts as a Source of News and Information"

"Key takeaways

• Podcasts are popular: About half of Americans have listened to a podcast in the past year, and one-in-five of those listeners say they listen to a podcast nearly every day
• Listeners turn to podcasts for entertainment, learning, and simply to have something to listen to while doing something else
• Comedy, entertainment, and politics are at the top of the list of topics that podcast listeners say they regularly listen to
• Most podcast listeners say they hear news discussed on podcasts – however, just one-in-five listeners say they listen to a podcast that’s connected to a news organization"

 

Poynter: Podcasts as a Source of News and Information

Continue reading the study results -> 

https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2023/04/18/podcasts-as-a-source-of-news-and-information/pj_2023-04-18_podcasts_0-01/

 

Critical Conversations - Perspectives on Student Wellbeing - Apr 26 at 7 PM

Join us on 4/26/2023 @ 7 PM in the @FranklinHS Auditorium for our Critical Conversations event. 

Engage with our Keynote Nicole Clermont and our panel of community members as they reflect and offer various perspectives on managing stressors. 

Event details -> https://t.co/9KZMd6mrIL   or https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/93856

Shared from -> https://t.co/0D1Et4ldDV

Critical Conversations - Perspectives on Student Wellbeing

Critical Conversations - Perspectives on Student Wellbeing - Apr 26  at 7 PM

Senator Rausch Celebrates Earth Month With Legislation To Drive Climate Action And Environmental Justice

This Earth Month, Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) joins community leaders, activists, and experts to raise awareness about environmental protection work targeted at achieving our Commonwealth’s climate action goals. Earlier this term, Senator Rausch, who serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources, filed several bills to decrease carbon emissions, improve air quality, reduce plastic pollution, and build a more sustainable future for all.

Senator Becca Rausch

“Climate change is among the greatest challenges of our time, and we must address it immediately and comprehensively,” said Senator Rausch. “The robust climate action we need must enhance our recently enacted legislation by further reducing dangerous carbon emissions, curbing single-use plastics that pollute our environment, restoring air quality, and enhancing environmental justice.”

Single-use plastics such as bags, bottles, and utensils are produced using fossil fuels and have detrimental effects on the environment, marine life, and public health. Moreover, less than 10 percent of existing plastics are recycled. While nearly half the municipalities in the Commonwealth have adopted single-use plastic bag rules, it is estimated that Massachusetts residents use more than 2 billion plastic bags per year and statewide plastic reduction legislation has yet to pass.

An Act to reduce plastics (S.570), filed by Senator Rausch, seeks to reduce single-use plastics in the Commonwealth by enacting a uniform plastic bag ban, disposable food service ware limits, and a permanent statewide car seat recycling program. The Plastic Reduction Act would also create an Environmental Protection Trust Fund to support environmental justice populations and small businesses in their transition to environmentally friendly products.

As the Plastic Reduction Act expands on the successes of municipalities, this session’s updated Better Buildings Act (S.2178) builds upon prior successes at the state level secured by Senator Rausch and a broad coalition of environmental experts and activists. With large building energy reporting requirements already enacted into law, this bill would create statewide energy efficiency standards for existing large buildings, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting our ongoing climate action efforts.

Greenhouse gas emissions damage the planet’s ozone layer, leading to negative impacts for human and environmental health. Just last week, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert across eastern and northeastern counties in the Commonwealth, asking people with heart or lung disease to reduce prolonged exposure outdoors as they are at greater risk of health complications from increases in ozone levels. Air pollution remains a silent killer in Massachusetts, responsible for an estimated 2,780 deaths in 2019. “Large buildings account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts. We must use every tool in our toolbox to address the serious

 

harms of air pollution on residents of the Commonwealth. The Better Buildings Act is necessary climate action legislation to improve energy efficiency, replacing fossil fuel heating with cleaner alternatives,” said Senator Rausch.

Senator Rausch also filed legislation to improve air quality through converting school buses from diesel fuel to electric (S.2288), and address equity in water quality and access through comprehensive data collection and analysis about water shut offs, tax liens, and unaffordability (S.2177). Each of these bills address existing issues that disproportionately impact environmental justice communities.

Senator Rausch’s climate legislation takes a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change through an equitable, data-driven lens. These bills now await hearings before their respective legislative committees. For more information on Senator Rausch’s legislative portfolio, visit https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RLR0.

First elected in 2018, Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex District, comprised of Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, and Wrentham.

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for their meeting scheduled for April 25, 2023 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

April 25, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Remington Middle School Highlights

B. Redistricting Analysis Report

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. MS Grand Canyon Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Greg Rakovik and Nick Goldman to take 8th graders to the Grand Canyon from 4/15-20/2024 as presented at the last meeting.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. None

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your April 11, 2023 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. Oak Street Recurring Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson for 2nd graders to travel to Providence, RI to Roger Williams Zoo on May 26, 2023 as detailed.

D. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,154.00 from music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

E. Jefferson Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $14,609.95 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the ESP/LPN, unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc with remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-25-23.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/april-25-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

FHS baseball tops Framingham 8-0 on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, April 21, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Baseball = Franklin, 8 @ Framingham, 0 – Final

Franklin 8, Framingham 0. WP-Campbell (4inn,H,0R&6Ks). Campbell, Shaughnessy (2inn,4Ks) & Cashin (inn) combine for the shutout. Offensively, Chin (3-4,R,2B,2RBI) T.Bellan (3-4,2B,2RBI) Bonetti (PH 2B,2RBI) Sidwell (3-4,2R). Next up: Mon. (4/24) Franklin @ North Attleboro at 3:45pm https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1649470977011511296

Softball = Franklin, 4 @ Needham, 6 – Final

For other results around the League

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-04-21-23/

FHS Panthers

"Aftersun" film opens the 3 film pilot at THE BLACK BOX, Apr 25 at 7 PM

Since the 2005 closure of the beloved Zeotrope Theatre, there has been an absence of steady programming for our local cinephiles.

With a generous Mass Cultural Council grant from the Franklin Cultural District, Town Councilor Cobi Frongilllo, in collaboration with THE BLACK BOX, is piloting a 3-film monthly series to assess the local appetite for more regular independent, arthouse, foreign, and classic film screenings! The films will show at 7 PM on the last Tuesday of April, May, and June; all three will be screened at THE BLACK BOX (15 W Central St, Franklin, MA 02038).

Our first film, Aftersun (2022), will be screened on Tuesday, April 25th. The moving coming-of-age drama from debut director Charlotte Wells explores the protagonist's memories of a childhood vacation with her father. It was named the best film of the year by The Guardian, IndieWire, and Sight & Sound, and earned Paul Mescal an Oscar nomination for Best Lead Actor.

Popcorn and other refreshments will be available for purchase. This is a pilot program, so we request some patience as we build out and improve the cinematic experience. 

Tickets will be sold at the door for a suggested $5 donation. All are welcome!

More about Aftersun can be found ->  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aftersun

"Aftersun" film opens the 3 film pilot at THE BLACK BOX, Apr 25 at 7 PM

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Newsletter - April 21, 2023

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, please visit this link

Join us for our monthly meeting AND book club discussion!

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance In this newsletter we include an invitation to our next meeting and community events, including our second book club discussion, and include opportunities to get more involved. You're Invited to our Upcoming Meeting   When: Thursday, May 4th at 6:30 pm Where: In-person and Virtual In-person: Franklin Public Library 118 Main St, Franklin  Virtual: Please email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com if you would like to attend via Zoom.    After the business portion will decorate cupcakes with  Dawn Ruggio, FLA Member and local pastry chef!       Celebrate With Pride - Get Involved! CALL FOR CELEBRATE WITH PRIDE VOLUNTEERS!  Fill out the survey if you are interested in volunteering 6/25 or helping us plan the event! SURVEY Are you a vendor or organization that wants to a booth at CwP? Local businesses can sign up here! Non-profits and school groups can sign up here! We are also looking for entertainment! Please email franklinlgbtqalliance@gmail.com If you are not on our email list, sign up to receive future emails with this form.  View this email in your browser This message was sent by franklinlgbtqalliance.gmail.com@email.benchmarkapps.com 90 Hayward Street Franklin, MA 02038

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 21, 2023 to Apr 27, 2023

The Library book and bag sale is not affected by the potential for rain which had claimed the Sunday Earth event at DelCarte. It will be rescheduled for another date TBD. There is also a film show pilot commencing Tuesday night at THE BLACK BOX recently added to the full line up of events around town as #arthappenshere.

Friday, April 21

8:00am - Networking breakfast - Downtown Partnership (Dean College)

1:00pm - Book sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Mobile Mini Golf  (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm - David Penza (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, April 22

9:00am - Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am - Earth Day Clean up (Beaver Pond)

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

10:30am - Music at the Blissful Concert  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am - Silent Saturday (free silent movie showing)

1:00pm - Bag Sale ($5/bag) (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Elastic Five (Live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Rotary Comedy Night  (fundraiser, ticketed event)  (Franklin Elks)

7:30pm - Confounded Bridge (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, April 23

9:00am - Earth Day Celebration CANCELED - new date not yet available

12:00pm - The Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)

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

Tuesday, April 25

7:00pm - “Aftersun” film (tickets at the door) (THE BLACK BOX)

Wednesday, April 26

1:00pm- Senior Scribblers (writing group)

7:00pm - Executive Function Strategies Workshop (Virtual)

Thursday, April 27

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space

5:00pm - FHS Softball Boosters Fund Raiser

6:00pm - Open Mic Night

 

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

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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 21, 2023 to Apr 27, 2023

Lace Up and Join the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K Run and Walk on May 13

Get ready for a fun-filled morning of fitness, community, and celebration at the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K! Scheduled for 9:00 AM on May 13th, this exciting event promises to be a memorable experience for all participants. All proceeds will benefit the SNETT trail maintenance and expansion. Parking will be available at 210 Waters Corporation, making it convenient and accessible for everyone to join in the festivities.

The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K is a unique race that starts and finishes at the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) Grove St Trailhead, and  takes participants on a picturesque journey along the scenic rail trail, showcasing the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're an experienced runner or a walker, this event welcomes all fitness levels and ages, making it a perfect opportunity for families, friends, and community members to come together in a healthy and enjoyable way.

But the fun doesn't stop at the finish line! After the race, all participants are invited to a post-race party at 67 Degrees Brewing, located conveniently near the finish line. Here, you can celebrate your accomplishment with fellow runners, indulge in delicious food and beverages, and join in an exciting raffle for a chance to win some amazing prizes.

As a special memento, with a limited quantity, each participant will also receive a race beer glass and a coaster as a token of appreciation for their participation in the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K. This unique keepsake will serve as a cherished reminder of your accomplishment and a fun addition to your collection.

"We're thrilled to host the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K and bring our community together for a morning of fitness and fun," said the race organizers. "It's a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the rail trail, connect with fellow runners, and celebrate our shared love for an active lifestyle. We look forward to seeing everyone at the start line!"

Registration for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this exciting event. To register and learn more about the race, please visit the event website at  https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/12th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race-2023

Join us on May 13 at 9:00 AM for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Lace Up and Join the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K Run and Walk on May 13

Celebrate Earth Day This Saturday (note to due weather forecast, event on Sunday has been rescheduled)

Celebrate Earth Day This Weekend!

Join the Franklin Recreation Department for their 2023 Earth Day Clean up event on Saturday, April 22nd from 9 AM - 12 PM at Beaver Pond Turf Complex Parking Lot (450 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA).

Attendees can bring their own gloves if they have them, disposable gloves will be provided for those who need them. Town staff will provide garbage bags and direct folks to the designated clean up areas. You can register for the event online or the day of the event. Register here: https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29880

Please note, the Earth Day celebration at DelCarte for Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 has been postponed due to rain, rain date is forthcoming.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/celebrate-earth-day-weekend

Celebrate Earth Day This Saturday (note to due weather forecast, event on Sunday has been rescheduled)