"JANUARY TAX COLLECTIONS obliterated the Baker administration’s expectations, coming in almost a half-billion dollars above the Department of Revenue’s already-upgraded monthly benchmark and helping to brighten the state’s financial picture heading into a fresh round of budget deliberations.
DOR collected $3.347 billion from taxpayers last month, which is $392 million, or 13.3 percent, greater than what the state collected in January 2020 and $429 million, or 14.7 percent, above DOR’s benchmark for the month, which had already been boosted by $180 million from an earlier estimate.
“January revenue included increases in withholding, income estimated payments, regular sales tax, and ‘all other tax,’ as well as a decrease in meals tax,” Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said. “The increase in withholding is likely related to unemployment insurance benefits and bonus related payments, and income estimated payments were strong likely because of 2020 investment-related income gains. The increase in ‘all other tax’ is primarily attributable to estate taxes, a category that tends to fluctuate.”
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, February 4, 2021
CommonWealth Magazine: "State tax collections continue to surprise"
Public Hearing: MADD Deli, Inc d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli - New Wine & Malt Retail Store License
Public Hearing: MADD Deli, Inc d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli - New Wine & Malt Retail Store License
The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by MADD Deli,Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli, located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA for a New Wine & Malt Retail Package Store License. This hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 7:10 PM.
This hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be held remotely via the “ZOOM” platform. 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.
If you have any questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.
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Public Hearing: MADD Deli, Inc d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli |
“Look, I’m not happy with where we are”
"Disappointed with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination drive so far, Governor Charlie Baker on Wednesday said officials are redirecting large quantities of unused doses now sitting in freezers to doctors and pharmacies, including many in communities hardest hit by the coronavirus.
They’re also designating specific days for local residents, especially people of color, to get shots at the new mass vaccination site at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury, following reports that many who booked initial appointments there were white people from surrounding communities.
The steps come as the Baker administration moves into a new phase of its vaccine rollout in which many more people will qualify for shots, starting with about 450,000 residents age 75 and over. But complaints have been mounting about the difficulty booking appointments and the relatively small percentage of people of color who have been vaccinated."
Legal Notice: Bylaw Amendment 21-866, Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Articles I, II, and III
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Board of Health Meeting Agenda - Feb 3, 2021 - 5:00 PM
1) Reading and Acceptance of January 6, 2021 meeting minutes
2) OLD BUSINESS
3) NEW BUSINESS
• COVID 19 vaccine update
Chairman opens the floor for any other new business
(4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY
(5) ADJOURNMENT
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Board of Health Meeting Agenda - Feb 3, 2021 - 5:00 PM |
Scout Troop 126 - bottle/can drive - Feb 13 and Feb 20
"On Saturday, February 13, and Saturday, February 20, 2021, Scouts BSA Troop 126 will be having a bottle and can drive, to raise money for new dining shelters and exciting trips like skiing. Our troop is in Franklin, which means your contributions will directly benefit the youth of your community.If you wish to donate bottles or cans, please drop them off at the Elks parking lot, 1077 Pond Street, on February 13 or 20, between 10 A.M. and 12 P.M."
FM #450 - The 'Radio Gang' recaps 2020, and looks out to 2021 (audio)
This session of the radio show shares the conversation that the “Radio Gang” had during the winter break. We took the time to look back at 2020 and ahead to 2021. We did have our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The “Radio Gang” as you’ll hear in order of appearance,
- Pete Fasciano (Executive Director of Franklin TV)
- Jay Horrigan, sports announcer extraordinaire
- Jim Derick, host of Chapters, co-host of “Talking the Blues” (with Todd Monjour) and along for the ride with Franklin Falvey on “Frank’s Music” and “Music to lift the Spirit”
- Dr. Anne Bergen, host of “It Takes a Village”
- Pandora Carlucci co-facilitator with Jay Horrigan on “A Priest, a Minister and a Rabbi”
Note: A slightly shorter version of this will be aired on wfpr.fm
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
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!
------------------
You
can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or
your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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FM #450 Radio Gang Recap Outlook 2020-2021 (audio) |
FHS girls basketball extend undefeated run with win over Attleboro
From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:
"In most games, it was a run that normally wouldn’t make headlines.
But in Tuesday night’s contest between Attleboro and Franklin, with points more valuable than GameStop’s stock, an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter from the hosts made all the difference.
Attleboro senior Alec Eaton hit back-to-back three-pointers and junior Evan Houle added a jumper as the Bombardiers turned a four-point deficit into a four-point lead in the fourth quarter, an advantage they never relinquished — though it was close — in a 42-40 win over Franklin.
Franklin made it a one-point game, 39-38, with just under a minute to go before Attleboro senior Justin Daniels (10 points, four rebounds) hit a pair of free throws. The Bombardiers’ edge grew by one, 42-38, after Daniels sank another from the line following a Franklin turnover. "
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Attleboro junior Evan Houle (1) looks to dribble past Franklin senior Zach Harvey. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) |
"Even with some of its regular starters on the bench cheering on, Franklin started Tuesday night’s game with Attleboro locked in defensively and crashing the glass. The Panthers held Attleboro scoreless in the first and to just six points in the second quarter, allowing their offense time to click into gear.Continue reading the game recap by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com
Once Franklin got going on that end of the floor, knocking down 10-of-12 threes as a team in the second half, there was no way back for the Bombardiers. Franklin rolled to a 64-27 win, extending its win streak to nine games this season and 34 games overall and clinching a third straight Kelley-Rex division title.
“We have something to win,” Franklin coach John Leighton said of his team’s focus. “Beyond Thursday, there’s nothing out there. It’s the abyss. So, this was one tangible thing that they could do and they’ve been very fired up about it.
He added, “It’s a great league. It’s a great league when we play 20 games and a great league when we play 10. There’s great balance in the league, so I’m very proud of the girls for closing that out.”
For a photo gallery from this game https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Winter-2020-2021/Franklin-Attleboro-Girls-Basketball-2-2-21/
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Franklin junior Olivia Quinn (23) drives into the lane for two of her game-high 15 points in the title-clinching win against Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 12
"Welcome to Franklin High School's first virtual Jazz Concert. With band instruments prohibited indoors until recently, this performance was a challenge to put together, to say the least. We are so happy that things are slowly coming back and that we were able to provide this performance for you this evening. Our hopes are to have live performances in the spring, outdoors. We will look forward to sharing our music with you once again!"
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FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 5 |
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday February 4, 7:00 PM
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755
Passcode: 350ma
Audio by phone: +1 646 876 9923
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State legislative action on climate: In January the state Senate and House of Representatives passed the Next Generation Roadmap Climate Bill, only to see it vetoed by Governor Baker. The legislature proceeded to vote again and pass the same bill. It is now up to the Governor to take action by Sunday, February 7. We call on everyone to contact the Governor and urge him to sign the bill. SEE THIS TOOLKIT FOR ACTION.
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350 Mass 2021-22 Campaign: The organization is on the verge of selecting priority projects for this year and next, to address the escalating climate crisis by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and moving to a 100% clean, sustainable, and just energy future. We will discuss likely projects and roles for our Node within this region of the state.
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State Legislature Transparency Campaign: 350 Mass, Act on Mass, and other organizations have advocated for rules reform in the House of Representatives to improve and make public the House's decision-making. The new Speaker of the House Ron Mariano has postponed the vote on this session's rules for several months. We will share updates and strategies.
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350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting |
Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten Registration Open for 2021-2022
"Kindergarten Registration for the Class of 2034 is now available! Franklin Public Schools are now enrolling K students for the 2021-2022 school year.Visit our website at https://franklinps.net/district/prek-grade-12-student-registrationchange-address-online-form/pages/kindergarten… for details. Questions? Please reach out to Central Office at 508- 553-4819"
Franklin Cultural District & Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant Application
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Franklin Cultural District & Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant Application |
"The town, using Community Preservation Act money, bought the lot"
"Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity wants to build a cluster of up to 20 homes on a sliver of town-owned land off Route 41 in Housatonic.Continue reading the article at the Berkshire Eagle: https://t.co/LHiuyNR0YQ
The project would create the town’s first homes designated as affordable — nearly half of the units would be reserved for households making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income.
The town acquired the 7.5-acre parcel, known as the Alden property, last year for $175,000, and entrusted its development to the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Habitat proposal was the only one submitted for the site.
The formal vetting of the plan got underway Friday, when the board heard details about the plan via Zoom. Habitat is proposing 14 to 20 homes at varying costs, to be built in phases, said Carolyn Valli, Habitat’s CEO. It would begin with seven homes, and more would be added gradually, in collaboration with Construct Inc. and the community."
Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean
"Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean, even when you aren't near a sink. Have hand sanitizer with you!
#BenKnows #DoYourPartFranklin #CleanPaws #ItMatters" @franklinpolice
Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean |
Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
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Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee |
"employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women"
"WOMEN ENDED 2020 with 5.4 million fewer jobs than they had in February 2020, prior to the start of the pandemic. December unemployment figures showed that employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women. The “shecession” of 2020 has thrown into stark relief the barriers that keep the gender/racial wage gap alive for working women. The data tells a story but what paints the picture is the decades-long reality for working women laid bare for all to see in the last year.
The overwhelming inequities that make upward mobility at work such an uneven climb for women – harassment, lack of childcare and paid leave, unequal expectations compared to their male co-workers – are not new. This time, however, they are hard to ignore. Working from home on Zoom means that women are not privately managing this tightrope act anymore. And for those whose jobs don’t allow for remote work, it has meant leaving the workforce altogether, possibly setting back improvements in the wage and racial gap for years."
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update
Trash / Recycling Update
Curbside trash/recycling will continue to be picked up. Waste Management has caught up from all delays caused by the snow storm and the remainder of the week will proceed as scheduled. Thank you for your patience!
Shared from: https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/trash-recycling-update
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Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update |
Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.
Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.
February 2, 2021
Dear Franklin Community,
Due to the lingering effects from the snow storm, Franklin Public Schools will be closed on February 2, 2021 for a snow day. The day will be made up at the end of the school year.
School offices will be closed. FPS Central Office will open on a delayed schedule at 10 AM.
Thank you and stay safe and warm.
Franklin Public Schools
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Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed |