Empower your gardening with a new garden bed

VFJ Renovations' 3rd Annual #empowerwithgardening initiative is donating its 2022 profits to a non-profit dedicated to supporting those with mental health needs and helping to remove the stigma of mental illness.

Some mental health benefits of gardening include reducing stress, being present, developing a growth mindset, and practicing acceptance. Read about these benefits and more by visiting our website https://www.vfjrenovations.com/.../gardening-mental-health

We are offering Western Red Cedar planters and raised garden beds for purchase ($210 and $320 respectively). Both are made with 5/4” x 6” cedar decking material which has rot resistant properties! You can find more specifications about each and a link to the order form on our website.

Lastly, in order to donate more profit, we are looking for a few volunteers to help us build these planters and raised garden beds on Saturday, April 30. If interested, please contact Jessi at vfjrenovations@gmail.com.

Order Form: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc0mDBz2yiHlm.../viewform 

my garden bed from the Fanuele's early in the growing season 2020

We recorded in 2021: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-529-vfj-renovations-empowering-with.html

We recorded in 2020: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-261-vfj-renovations-empowering.html

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors meets virtually, paying it forward, focusing on networking and support

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA, Inc. (NhN) is a cost-free, grassroots, nationally and internationally recognized job search support and networking organization.

The group's culture is based on a pay it forward model with a focus on networking and support.

Meetings are designed to help anyone in career advancement and career transition including:

• unemployed
• underemployed
• recent college graduates
• veterans
• people re- entering the job market
• preparing for job change
• small business owners
• volunteer work

The meetings offer advice in job search strategies, techniques and tools, support, motivation, leadership and networking opportunities.

Developing the skills of conducting a job search campaign in today's new job market. NhN video conferenced meetings are led by community leaders/facilitators volunteers who have been trained and are practicing and developing their leadership skills while delivering the very successful NhN USA agenda led meeting model.

Founded in River Edge, NJ on January 27 2011, by John R. Fugazzie Neighbors-helping-Neighbors has fostered a "pay it forward" culture, NhN is supported by an award winning web site, LinkedIn group, and a Facebook group.

Weekly Free Meetings
Time : 7:00-7:45pm
Visit the home page and click on the Google Meeting link for the week you are looking to attend  www.nhnusa.org

For more information contact John R. Fugazzie Founder email: john@nhnusa.org

NhN is also looking to recruit volunteers to be trained to lead their weekly virtual meetings

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

I have met John Fugazzie, but I am not a member of NhN.

I am forwarding this info to help job-seekers. 

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee; NCOPE

Neighbors-helping-Neighbors meets virtually, paying it forward, focusing on networking and support

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Mar 28, 2022

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

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

7:59 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Pub Kings & Padula Band

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

3:30 pm Physician Focus: Alzheimer's

4:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8

4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 4 - Dicenso Clark

5:30 pm Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 3

6:00 pm Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson

7:30 pm Frank's Musings: Ukraine

8:30 pm ArtWeek: FHS Jazz & Kenny Hadley Band

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Strings School 05-16-16

8:30 am Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

10:30 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

1:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Task Force

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Attleboro 06-10-21

5:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Lincoln-Sudbury 06-23-21

6:30 pm Community Arts Advocation: Action & Impact

8:00 pm Track and Field: v King Philip 05-07-21

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

8:00 am Planning Board

11:00 am MPAC: Franklin For All 03-07-22

2:00 pm Planning Board

5:00 pm Economic Development: 03-02-22

7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 826 9838 6087

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)

Talking schools with Superintendent Sara Ahern - 03/22/22 (audio)

FM #759 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 759 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

• FY 2023 budget overall/timeline

• Multiple central office and district positions open, hiring in process

• Equity audit - report due approx. May 2022

• Critical conversations - March 24 (will update to include the link to recording when available)

• DECA, cheerleaders, winter sports performance overall, spring starting practices

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-759-fps-superintendent-sara-ahern-03-22-22

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DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career ready

School budget info FY 2023 (and prior available)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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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/ 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"

Superintendent Sara Ahern

Franklin.TV: Yes. It is – Complicated

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/27/2022

That was my hesitant, but honest answer. I was reluctant to admit it.

He looked at all the wires that were radiating outward in all directions from our equipment. The floor was littered with cables. These connected microphones, speakers, cameras, ethernet, computers, displays, intercom and so on. That’s what motivated a bystander’s question, ‘Is it complicated?’

I had never been asked, so I was thrown for moment. But, looking at the mess of wires, I had to admit that it was. It is. Such was my quiet epiphany.

We do what we can to minimize the complexity for our crew by customizing our equipment into configurable, flexible modules. These systems can be connected in different ways depending on need. Think ‘digital Legos’ that snap together to form whatever configuration best serves the event. Like nested Matryoshka dolls, our systems have subsystems within, and these also can have sub-subsystems. Today, our systems and simplified ‘snapping together’ (all the wires} continue to expand.

Ten years ago, it was simple. Bring camera and microphone. Record event. Leave. Lather, rinse, repeat. Simple.

What we do today? Not simple. Today, we are expected to cover civic events that are live and audience interactive via Zoom. We are expected to make engagement effortless – simple – for all participants. We are also expected to be consistently successful. These expanding expectations are reasonable enough in today’s world.

Fulfilling them? It’s complicated. 

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Franklin.TV: Yes. It is – Complicated (part of the crew producing Critical Conversations)

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

Third Annual Fundraiser Concert! for LiveARTS - Apr 30

April 10th, 3:00pm, First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St. Franklin

Join us for our ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CONCERT featuring Borromeo String Quartet's NICHOLAS KITCHEN, violin and ANN SEARS, piano In an ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM! Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 PM First Universalist Society in Franklin,  262 Chestnut St., Franklin  Tickets:   Adults- $50                   Students 18 and under- by donation Tickets available at the door Accessible Parking and Building  Visit our website  liveartsma.org  to purchase tickets on-line and for more information. Copyright © 2022 LiveARTS, Franklin, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038

FHS Theatre Company: open final dress performance for CAVE Dreams - Apr 1

Friday, 4/1 at 3:30 we will be hosting an open final dress performance for the FPS community. While admission is free, we appreciate donations to support our program. If you can't make Friday, our performance in front of the METG judges will be on Saturday, 4/2 at 3:30 ($15)

For more about the Mass Educational Theater Guild (METG) = https://www.metg.org/  and for the Regional competitions -> https://metg.org/high-school-festival/2022-regional-round.html

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSDrama/status/1507799667219783686

FHS Theatre Company: open final dress performance for CAVE Dreams - Apr 1

Senator Rausch Launches Local Small Business Advisory Council

SENATOR RAUSCH ANNOUNCES CREATION OF 

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL 

Council is comprised of local business owners to inform economic recovery policies on Beacon Hill 

 

This morning (3/25/22), Senator Rausch hosted the inaugural meeting of her Small Business Advisory Council, consisting of eleven small business from across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. Spurred by the unique challenges small businesses face during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council's mission is to create a consistent dialogue about issues facing small businesses from across the district to inform economic policy on Beacon Hill.  

 

The Massachusetts legislative session ends at the end of July, and the Senate will be debating the fiscal year 2023 budget this May. The four remaining months of the legislative session are a critical period to pass bills and allocate funding for Massachusetts communities and local projects across the state. 

 

"Small businesses have always been the backbones of our communities," said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham). "Our local business owners have faced countless challenges through this pandemic, but in my district, I have seen so much innovation and persistence from these local leaders. I am excited to give our communities' businesses a seat at the table to inform my work on Beacon Hill and meet the diverse needs of our local economy." 

 

The Senator's Small Business Advisory Council currently consists of the following 11 businesses: 

• 67 Degrees Brewing, Franklin 

• Althea's Beauty Depot, North Attleboro 

• Choc-Allure, Needham 

• Crosby's Coffeehouse, Wrentham 

• French Press, Needham 

• La Cantina, Franklin  

• Nutty Bird Granola, Sherborn 

• Quality Cleaners, Millis 

• Todos, Natick  

• An Unlikely Story, Plainville 

• Wesleaf, Needham 

 

Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature approved $75 million in grant funding for small businesses grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, which administered the largest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications for MGCC grants are due by April 4, 2022.   

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

 

Senator Rausch Launches Local Small Business Advisory Council

Boston Globe: 2 opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing

Two opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing. 

"For too long, affordable homes have been out of reach for people across the Commonwealth. But a tool exists that can help communities solve this persistent problem: a real estate transfer fee.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking the Legislature’s approval of a home rule petition for a transfer fee of up to 2 percent on real estate sales of $2 million or more in the city. The money would pay for new affordable housing and provide tax cuts for low-income seniors.

Like Boston, Somerville, Concord, Cambridge, Arlington, Brookline, Nantucket, Provincetown, and Chatham have already passed local home rule petitions calling for transfer fees. The Legislature should approve the proposals and also consider legislation giving all communities across the state the option of imposing transfer fees. "

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/one-tool-help-create-affordable-housing-real-estate-transfer-fees/ 

"What can be done? Housing activists and those in the business of building homes should get on the same page and support policies that will increase supply. Highly restrictive neighborhood zoning needs to be changed to reflect the fact that Boston needs height and density to house more of the people who want to come here or remain here when they retire.

The City of Boston’s legendarily long permitting cycle also should be revised. Permitting a new apartment building takes years when it needs approvals from Boston agencies, including Planning and Development, Zoning, Boston Civic Design Inspectional Services, Transportation, Water and Sewer, Air Pollution Control, Conservation, Public Improvement, Public Works, and others. And that doesn’t include state and federal hurdles."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/transfer-fees-arent-solution-bostons-housing-crisis/

The Parker under construction in July 2021 on Lagrange Street, will feature condos.SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

Franklin Public Schools: Weekly COVID Dashboard - 03/24/22

The weekly COVID-19 dashboard is now available to view: https://buff.ly/3pQh91e

Franklin Public Schools: Weekly COVID Dashboard - 03/24/22

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey! - Due April 1

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey!

Franklin! You have one more week to give us your feedback on the Downtown for Franklin for All before the survey closes on April 1st. The responses from the visioning survey will be used by our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create the draft zoning recommendations.

To learn more about Franklin for All, visit our project webpage: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Access the survey here: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-one-week-left-complete-visioning-survey

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey! - Due April 1