Friday, February 23, 2024

Get your tickets to the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery

The Franklin Food Pantry and partners Ray Auger of MyFM 101.3 and William James of The Pub Kings will host Party for The Pantry; a night of celebration, and community, on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 7 PM, at GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin, Massachusetts. 

Dance the night away with sensational performances from local bands and take part in silent auctions and raffles. All proceeds from the event will support the Franklin Food Pantry, which offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to individuals and families throughout the Franklin community. 

Tickets to this 21+ event are $40 each and can be purchased at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $350 and include a listing on the event banner, mention on MyFM 101.3, social media posts on MyFM 101.3 and Franklin Food Pantry, and two tickets to the event.  

Get your tickets to the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery
Get your tickets to the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery

Disclosure: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this Party for the Pantry event.

MIAA (@MIAA033) announces new bracket release show on Franklin TV with MassLive

MIAA (@MIAA033) posted Thu, Feb 22, 2024:
"Big News from the MIAA, MassLive, and Franklin TV as the first Bracket Release Analysis Show will be this Saturday.  
Hockey will be on about 10:15, Basketball at 1:15.  
Coaches, media, student-athletes are going to be live as they talk about the tournament.  Link to follow."

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1760730427344736696

The show can be found on the Franklin Pride TV  channel ->   https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/streams

MIAA (@MIAA033) announces new bracket release show on Franklin TV with MassLive
MIAA (@MIAA033) announces new bracket release show on Franklin TV with MassLive

Kayak rental at Beaver Pond coming soon

Coming to Beaver Pond soon will be a self service kayak station with 4 kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Families can rent kayaks for $25 for 2 hours/$15 for each additional hour, sun up to sun down.  
Plans for a small dock and kayak launch will follow. 
mock up of Kayak rental
mock up of Kayak rental



More about Beaver Pond's Chilson Beach -> https://www.franklinma.gov/.../beaver-pond-chilson-beach



New flashing signs at Rail Trail crossing on Grove St

"New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are now installed at the Grove Street trailhead. These signs are similar to what were installed at the Center Street trailhead, and should increase pedestrian safety. 
The FBRTC is also working to get similar RRFBs installed at the Lake Street trailhead."

New flashing signs at Rail Trail crossing on Grove St
New flashing signs at Rail Trail crossing on Grove St

Escape into Fiction introduces Silent Book Club - Feb 28

"Coming up!!

Don't forget to email the store mail@escapeintofiction.com if you'd like to come to the Silent Book Club before 2/28!"

Escape into Fiction introduces Silent Book Club - Feb 28
Escape into Fiction introduces Silent Book Club - Feb 28


Invitation to Bid: Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

In accordance with MGL c.30B, it is the intention of the Town to enter a contract for the 2024-2025 school year, with two (2) one-year Town options to renew, with a supplier and distributor of milk products for the Franklin Public Schools. 

Additional Information:  Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/purchase-milk-franklin-public-schools


Invitation to Bid: Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools
Invitation to Bid: Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

via Social Security Administration:

"Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website.

There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu. But since scammers often use QR codes to carry out their schemes, it’s important for you to learn how to spot a fake!

Scammers create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information."
Continue reading the article online to get those tips 

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud
Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Feb 23, 2024

  • 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY


  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY


  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY


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


Thursday, February 22, 2024

Schools reduce capital budget request, Capital Budget Subcmte approves all votes (but one) by 4-0 (audio)

FM #1146 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 978 in the series. 


This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, Brian Chandler. 


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, along with almost all of the Town Department leaders (at least those with capital budget requests).


This meeting covered the first round of capital budgeting. As noted during the session, there is about $1.5M remains of “Free Cash” to be allocated during round 2.


You can follow along with the agenda as each department section was covered and line item by line item, votes were conducted (with a few exceptions) on each line item. Only one vote did NOT finish 4-0. That being the vote to fund the town/school website upgrade which passed 3-1 (Cormier-Leger cast the “no” vote). 


As noted when I shared the agenda, while this proposal was reviewed by the Finance Committee on Feb 7, it has been modified since then. It was also adjusted further during the meeting with School Supt Lucas Giguere reducing their school capital request from $1.2 M to $900+K. The capital budget as adjusted now moves forward to the full Town Council for their meeting on February 28.


The recording runs about just over 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to this capital budget discussion. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1146-town-council-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-02-21-24



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Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-_feb_21_2024.pdf 


My notes via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3lpxnItRZ54gVEfc06Gu4F5FIGydByY/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV video for the Finance Committee meeting of Feb 7 -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ULrmiu9zaew?si=tdKlf5BEx86wnl55


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

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"


Capital Budget Subcmte to adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM
Capital Budget Subcmte to review adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM

Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

Franklin Residents,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Summer Street residents regarding the proposed senior living development that Bruce Hunchard of 496 Summer Street, Franklin is applying to build.

Seven years ago, the Summer Street Residents fought hard to prevent Bruce Hunchard from re-zoning his 11.85 acres so he could build cluster homes just like the ones built on the Franklin Country Club driving range.    He lost due to an overwhelming objection of the residents on his street, not to mention a gentleman from town standing up and addressing the members that he thinks re-zoning parcels is a great idea, because I have 5 acres next to you, you and you and I think I will  re-zone all of these parcels. Well, what do you know, this project immediately failed.

Now, seven years later he wants to build a senior development which I believe due to a certain by-law amendment (01-461) adopted by the town this could be possible without the rezoning.

Hunchard is calling this a senior development.  Condominiums that will be 2- and 3-bedroom condo's, with a full basement and a garage that will sell for $850,000 -$900,000 dollars quoted to me by the builder.  REALLY!!!!  This sounds like a proposed development for anyone 55 and older that has this kind of money.  In other words, cluster homes for the wealthy seniors, not seniors that are in need of affordable senior living.   The project could net close to $45 million dollars or more. I find it interesting that a few of the town council members told me that there is a high demand for senior living because they can no longer afford to live in their single-family homes. Well, how on earth will they be able to afford these new homes.  They won't!!!  This is preposterous.  Not to mention Bruce Hunchard is the chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals committee.  This is a total conflict of interest.

To make matters worse, this proposed development abuts many, many acres of Franklin Town Forest.  This entire development is located on a slope that goes down into Uncas Brook, which feeds Uncas Pond. The Summer Street Residents, as well as the Rod and Gun Club and Armenian Camp are extremely concerned that the Uncas Brook Watershed which contributes water to the wells and the pump house will be compromised after a majority of trees are removed, as well as this parcel of land having to be completely re-graded.  This will make huge and unfavorable changes to the basic hydrology and siltation regardless of any measures that will be taken to prevent this from happening.

This land is zoned Rural Residential, it is NOT zoned for cluster homes.  It is out of control when town starts choosing rural residential locations for these types of homes.  They need to stick with the properly zoned locations for this type of building.

We invite you to attend the Monday night, February 26th Planning Board meeting at 7 PM.  There will be a strong showing of many people in opposition of this project.

Thank you.

Sally French Winters and the Summer Street Residents of Franklin, MA.



Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA
Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

One Franklin: Community Coffee Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today

"Beginning Feb 22, then continuing every other Thursday 7-9 PM. One or more members of One Franklin will be at Franklin’s Birchwood Bakery to connect, discuss the latest developments around an override proposal and to just have good conversations at a great spot in town.

All are welcome to come by and say hi ultimately we are all working together for the same outcome… One Franklin, where everyone benefits from our united effort to nurture and value our community."


One Franklin: Community Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today
One Franklin: Community Coffee Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today


FHS girls basketball, boys hockey fall in games on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024.


Girls Basketball = Franklin, 40 @ Wachusett, 57 – Final

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. St. John’s Prep, 3 – Final
At John’s Prep 3 Franklin 1.  A game that had 3 short handed goals and 1 ENG.  Paterson - goal ; Lampasona - assist.  Wagner with 27 saves.  https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1760457834326569157

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)


FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

Presidential Primary Updates:
Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders
Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

For additional info visit the Town of Franklin page ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a918db0bdde342c6bad06bde09a3862a


Franklin Cultural District extends deadline for the 2024 Artsy Box applications to Feb 28

It’s that time of year again! The Franklin Cultural District is searching for new artists to paint our Artsy Boxes.

We’ve been so tied up preparing that we will be adding on one more week to the due date, so we have more time to share. Hope to see your submission!

Please review the link below to submit!

Please disregard where you may see the earlier date. The new due date is 
by midnight February 28.



Franklin Cultural District extends deadline for the 2024 Artsy Box applications to Feb 28
Franklin Cultural District extends deadline for the 2024 Artsy Box applications to Feb 28

"SHE LOVES ME" scheduled for performance by Dean Feb 28 through March 3

SHE LOVES ME

Book by Joe Masteroff.   Music by Jerry Bock.   Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick


An intimate and touching show perfect for the Dean College Main Stage! SHE LOVES ME was nominated for five Tony Awards in 1964. The 1993 Broadway revival won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical and the 1994 Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, SHE LOVES ME is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. The Mikos Lazlos play Parfuemerie, on which it is based, has inspired many adaptations, including the beloved film You've Got Mail starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

The New York Times wrote, "This musical is remarkably generous to all its performers: a half-dozen supporting characters are given show stoppers, too." A heart-warming show that is marvelous for February in Franklin.

Please note: Dean College welcomes children and families to all of our performances. However, infants and children under 2 years of age are not allowed in the theatre, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All patrons must have their own ticketed seats; lap sitting is not permitted. Only ADA-certified service animals are allowed in the theatre.


"SHE LOVES ME" scheduled for performance by Dean
"SHE LOVES ME" scheduled for performance by Dean