Franklin Cultural District: open mic, thrift shop, Concerts on the Common, Farmers Market, movie night & more...

La Cantina Winery

Wednesday, August 23

10:00am - FSPA Open House (38 Main St - Franklin School for Performing Arts)

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

6:00pm - Zach Willdee (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Thursday, August 24

6:00pm - Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Charlie Rock (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Franklin Farmers Market

Friday, August 25

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Kymberlee O'Brien (live music)  (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Thrift Threads thrift shop (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm - Dom DeBaggis (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Saturday, August 26

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

1:00pm - Pub Crawl fundraiser (ticketed event) (start/finish La Cantina Winery)

4:00pm - Bigelow Station (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - SOB (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Sunday, August 27

10:00am - FUSF Service "Everyday Spiritual Practices"  (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

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

Monday, August 28

6:00pm - The Super Mario Bros. Movie (movie night) (Franklin Public Library)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event 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 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin Housing Authority preparing to offer to lease 813 Summer as an "Affordable" unit

The Franklin Housing Authority has acquired the ‘long-time vacant’ property located at 813 Summer Street, Franklin. The beautiful three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and the property will remain in the Town’s affordable housing stock through perpetuity. As we approach completion of the home renovations and prepare to enter the leasing process, we wanted to announce our intentions locally as many neighbors have stopped to inquire.

The entirely renovated home has 3 bedrooms, 1 & ½ bathrooms, kitchen with new cabinets and granite counters, dining room and a large living room. We have replaced and updated the flooring, heating system, electrical system and landscaping. 

We will lease this property based on 80% of the current area Fair Market Rents and income will be limited to the current area Low-Income Limits as published by HUD. For a family of between 3 to 6 persons, the income limits are currently $106,650 to $137,450 respectively. This means that the household income must be below the limit to qualify. The rent will be listed at $2550 monthly excluding utilities. Interested persons may email office@franklinhousing.org to obtain an application.

The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates. The unwavering assistance of all of our supporters was monumental in the success of the acquisition.

Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT’s Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Spears, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT’s Trust Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.

Franklin Housing Authority preparing to offer to lease 813 Summer as an "Affordable" unit

Franklin Public Schools: Letter to Community regarding Meals at no cost to students

Dear Parents/Guardians and Caregivers,

As the start of the school year approaches, we are excited to share updates regarding school meals. Earlier this month, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts voted to make universal free school meals for all students permanent. This means that breakfast and lunch will continue to be served at no cost to all students through the 2023 - 2024 school year!

Please note that even though meals will be free for all, it is important for families to still complete the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2023-2024 school year if you believe you might qualify.

You can view and complete the application here: {https://linqconnect.com/}.

We strongly encourage families to submit this form as it allows us to establish eligibility for P-EBT benefits, waive transportation fees and other district fees for those who qualify, and serve families most effectively.

In addition, please consider applying for SNAP, the federal nutrition program that provides eligible residents with monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries. More SNAP information can be found at gettingsnap.org or by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

Finally, while breakfast and lunch are served at no cost to students, any second meal, milk, water, or a la carte items are subject to charges. Only the first reimbursable meal for breakfast and lunch are at no cost for students.

● Breakfast would include a main entrée, usually a grain, with fruit and milk. For lunch, a student must take three out of the five components (grain, meat/meat alternate, fruit, vegetable, milk), with one being a fruit or vegetable.

● Second meals, additional milk, water, and a la carte items must be purchased with prepaid funds from the student's Titan account or with cash as long as the account is in good standing. Students are not allowed to charge these items.

We thank you for your patience. As always, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide nourishing and healthy meals to all Franklin students, so please reach out to us at 508-613-1477 with any questions or concerns.

Best,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent of Schools

Shared from the original copy posted here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/16bmRRzpYHWwpSlGd--A7U2LmAaVrgPjf/view

Franklin Public Schools: Letter to Community regarding Meals at no cost to students

In this Making Sense of Climate we find bits of hope amid the doom scrolling (audio)

FM #1044 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1044 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, August 21, 2023.  

In this episode we have another wide running conversation with a starting point on the headlines, and how to avoid doom scrolling.  Links to the articles we talk of are collected in one PDF linked to below.  

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 46 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as we help ‘make sense of climate.’ Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1044-making-sense-of-climate-31-08-21-23

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Links to articles referenced:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KdmIkPGFpCYIrbHXakDQZ0vJpcq6keY8/view?usp=drive_link 

** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.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"

In this Making Sense of Climate we find bits of hope amid the doom scrolling (audio)

Kymberlee O'Brien trio scheduled to perform at Farmers Market on Friday

"We have the talented Kymberlee O'Brien trio joining us this Friday with their smooth music!

Make sure to come on down and enjoy another gorgeous summer day."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CwOP1HctQS2/

Kymberlee O'Brien trio scheduled to perform at Farmers Market on Friday

Franklin's finest "Touch a Truck" event scheduled for Saturday, Oct 14 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works vehicles on display

Sand box, food, information booths and more...

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid02rqLonHEhfLU6VQtPGdxgJaosgk6khfUSq3GmwKPcametaQkN5UE1g9erTcCFqmNel/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Franklin's finest "Touch a Truck" event scheduled for Saturday, Oct 14

Chapters - WFPR: "22 Mohawks" and Helping Our Veterans with Dave Campisano and Stacey Coyne (audio)

In this episode we speak with Dave Campisano and Stacey Coyne about 22 Mohawks; it's mission to help get veterans the physical, mental or financial support they need after returning home, Dave and Stacey's backgrounds with the military and military families, the struggles veterans often face and much more.

Links:

22 Mohawks Website -> www.22mohawks.com

Safe Coalition Website -> www.safecoalitionma.org

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fed0d97a-a3d0-4e7f-a760-3fed42a1425c

Chapters - WFPR: Chapters with Jim Derick

Chapters - WFPR: Chapters with Jim Derick

In Chapters, Jim Derick sits down with guests and community member to share their exciting and emotional stories of hope, resilience and giving back.

Auditions Scheduled for FPAC Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid - Aug 26 & 27

AUDITION NOTICE: Seeking actors of all races, ethnicities, ages, gender identities, abilities/exceptionalities, and body types for THE LITTLE MERMAID! 

Franklin, MA Non-Equity/Local/Student Apprentice Auditions for The Little Mermaid will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 at THE BLACK BOX! 

Stay tuned for NYC/Equity Audition Info!

Student Apprentice Auditions 8.26.23:

• 10am Student Apprentices ages 8-13
• 11am Student Apprentices 14-18
• Please prepare a 16-32 bar cut of a song in the style of the show. There will also be a brief dance/movement combination 

Non-Equity/Local Adult Auditions 8.26.23:

• Sign in begins at 12:30pm
• Auditions begin at 1pm
• Please prepare a 16-32 bar cut of a song in the style of the show. 

An Invited Dance Call and Call Backs will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100063555191437/posts/pfbid0MA5cFqvN2Eh7Tq4uCtZy5v6UeeQyMmYDprw9UhLsUXxgRVrM36QeKzBxUVx2ncmsl/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Auditions Scheduled for FPAC Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid - Aug 26 & 27

Public Comment looked for on the State Economic Development Plan

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is continuing its work developing the Commonwealth’s economic development plan. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that more than 1,300 residents have engaged in this process so far. The administration is encouraging the public to continue providing them with feedback, ideas, and suggestions for the state's economic development plan through their online feedback form.  

https://edpcregionalplanning.formstack.com/forms/healey_driscoll_administration_economic_development_plan_submissions

More information on the Economic Development Planning Process can be found on the EOED Webpage.  https://www.mass.gov/economic-development-planning-process

Public Comment looked for on the State Economic Development Plan

Tropical Storm Franklin, 1 of 4 being tracked

The current status for Tropical Storm Franklin:

"...FRANKLIN NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.. ...HEAVY RAINFALL AND POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING LIKELY OVER HISPANIOLA...
As of 5:00 AM EDT Wed Aug 23
the center of Franklin was located near 17.4, -71.3
with movement N at 10 mph.
The minimum central pressure was 1000 mb
with maximum sustained winds of about 50 mph."

Per NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT3+shtml/230857.shtml

Details on the 4 disturbances currently active can be found online ->

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc

Tropical Storm Franklin, 1 of 4 being tracked

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN - as of 8/23/23 - 8 AM Eastern

Boston Globe: "Cold virus season is nearly upon us. Here’s what to know about new RSV, COVID, and flu shots"

"It’s almost time for seasonal viruses to return to the forefront of everyone’s minds. But, this year, there is good news: People will have more ways to protect themselves, thanks to new vaccines and injections for RSV, influenza, and COVID.

Here is what you need to know about the multiple shots doctors recommend this season."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/22/metro/covid-rsv-boosters-fall-2023/

A health care worker prepared to administer a vaccine. NATHALIA ANGARITA/BLOOMBERG CREATIVE

Little Music School open house - Weds, Aug 23, 2023

Join us Wednesday for FSPA’s Little Music School OPEN HOUSE!

Individual appointments available for a complimentary introduction to this unique children’s music program.

Ages 18 months to 5 years, Call FSPA 508-528-8668 to schedule a time for you and your child!

Director: Kim Rezendes  email at -> krezendes@fspaonline.com

“This program helped my daughter learn to follow directions, interact with her peers, and have FUN – all while learning music!”

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CwNxzqIxBjL/

Little Music School open house - Weds, Aug 23, 2023

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Aug 23, 2023

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features another in a series of conversations with folks at the Franklin Food Pantry as the new building campaign is now inviting community participation  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi  talk about Wine Scores ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/wonderful-world-of-wine-wfprfm-episode.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features the new Town Council Quarterbacking episode with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-town-council-quarterbacking.html

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

7:30 am     It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce

8:30 am     Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer

10:00 am ArtWeek: John Christoforo

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2

4:00 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act

5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Bus-14

7:30 pm     4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

8:30 am     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 04-18-23

2:30 pm     FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

5:30 pm     FHS Varsity Baseball: v Methuen 06-13-23

9:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

10:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Oliver Ames 09-07-22

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

8:00 am Town Council: 08-16-23

12:30 pm Economic Development: 08-16-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 08-16-23

5:30 pm      Economic Development: LIVE Chambers 844 7365 9696 - YouTube channel - Town Hall ->   https://www.youtube.com/@franklintownhalltv8887/streams

6:00 pm     Police Station Bldg Committee: LIVE Chambers  860 7987 6553 - YouTube channel - Town Hall ->   https://www.youtube.com/@franklintownhalltv8887/streams

6:30 pm     Master Plan Committee: LIVE Room 326A Fl3  810 8720 0199 - YouTube channel - education/Pride TV ->   https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/streams

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

2023-2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! for Lifelong Music Academy

LIFELONG MUSIC ACADEMY

2023-2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Lifelong Music Academy's after-school music classes are now available for registration!  Please click a program name for more information, calendars, and how to register.

• The Band School of Franklin:  For students in grades 4 through 9.  Tuesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting September 26, 2023.

• The String School of Franklin:  For students in grades 3 through 12.  Wednesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting September 27, 2023.

• Elementary Glee:  For students in grades 3, 4 and 5.  Thursday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting September 28, 2023.  

• Private Music Lessons:  For all ages.  Monday through Thursday at Franklin High School from September 2023 through May 2024.  Schedule varies by instrument.  Enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year.  Instruction is offered in the following instruments: Bass (acoustic/string bass or electric bass guitar), Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar (Acoustic, Electric), Low Brass (baritone, euphonium, trombone, tuba), Saxophone, Trumpet, Ukulele, Violin, and Viola. 

2023-2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! for Lifelong Music Academy

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM.

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023

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The text of the memo in the agenda:

"As you know the Town has been asked to consider rezoning to Business two residentially zoned parcels of land adjacent to the Fire Station on King Street. The Department of Planning & Community Development has developed Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 for the Town Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee’s consideration.

If approved by Town Council, Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing the following parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district. 

This small zoning map change would allow development of the two parcels for a variety of commercial uses. Uses allowed by right include: nursery, greenhouse or garden center; restaurant; other retail sales and services; office uses including banks/credit unions, medical/dental, and other professional or administrative uses; business incubator or co-working space; artisanal and craft maker space; art gallery.

Uses that may be allowed by Planning Board special permit include: motor vehicle, boat, farm implement sales (without repair service); filling or service station; vehicular service establishment; function hall or catering; hotel or motel; brewery, distillery, or winery production with tasting room.

Uses that may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals special permit include: animal hospital, kennel, day care, training, or grooming.

Attachments 2 through 8 (Use Regulations Schedules Parts I through 7) of the Town's Zoning Bylaw (Chapter 185 of Franklin Town Code) contain a complete list of uses that are allowed by right or may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board special permit in the Business Zoning District.

Attached are the following:

• Bylaw Zoning Amendment 23-901; and
• A diagram with two maps: one showing the current zoning in the area, and one showing
• proposed Zoning Map changes.

If the Economic Development Subcommittee supports the proposed zoning map amendment, the issue should be scheduled for a Town Council meeting in the near future for further consideration. Please let me know if you have questions or require additional information."

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM