Friday, May 6, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: May 6, 2022 to May 12, 2022

May is blossoming and events are increasing, be careful as COVID is still among us. Boomer will be out at Dean as thy graduate their 156th Class. The Rail Trail 5K runs/walks on Saturday. Franklin Federated holds their silent auction and there are events at the Library and THE BLACK BOX to take in.

Friday, May 6
12:30pm - TOPS - Take off Pounds Sensibly
2:00pm - An Afternoon with Mark Twain and Stephen Foster,
8:00pm - T.3

Saturday, May 7
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am - FBRTC 11th Annual 5K
11:00am - Dean College Commencement

Sunday, May 8 = Mother's Day
11:00am - 2022 Spring Fling Silent Auction
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker

Tuesday, May 10
7:00pm - We’re Not Making This Up! Sisters in Crime New England

Wednesday, May 11
7:00pm - Physician Assisted Suicide

Thursday, May 12
6:30pm - Poor Richard’s Women: a presentation from author Nancy Rubin Stuart 

Find the full 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

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Franklin Downtown Traffic Alert -> Dean Commencement Saturday, May 7 at 11 AM

The Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony will be held in front of Dean Hall (rain or shine), along Awpie Way, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM

For more about the Commencement visit   https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/ 

Dean's mascot "Boomer" out on the lawn for major events
Dean's mascot "Boomer" out on the lawn for major events

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Leigh Schoberth, "Stone Walls of New England" - May 8

Join us at the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday, May 8 as Historic New England's Leigh Schoberth presents Stone Walls of New England.

Stone walls are an iconic landscape feature of New England. They once served a functional purpose, but today they are threads through time, defining the region's historical identity. Leigh Schoberth, Senior Preservation Services Manager at Historic New England, will trace the history of stone wall building through a preservation lens. Join us to learn how to identify types of stone walls and their unique characteristics to consider when taking on repairs.

The lecture will cover the big picture history of stone walls in the region, as well as review Protections (laws) and preservation efforts and maintenance basics for homeowners. There will be time for questions as well.

Doors open at 1:00, admission is always free. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. 

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at   http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Making Sense of Climate #8 - discussing transportation in a climate ready Franklin - 04/27/22 (audio)

FM #788 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 789 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We are also joined by Marissa B, from the 350 MA Franklin Node group. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Apr 27, 2022.  

Ted helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this helps with your understanding as well. Marissa joined Ted and I for this session.

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 recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Marissa and Ted McIntyre as he helps us “make sense of climate” regarding transportation in a climate ready Franklin.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-788-making-sense-of-climate-8-04-27-22

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Articles referenced

IPCC - Chapter 5 https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/ 

The pdf of the chapter in the 2033 mitigation report

https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg3/pdf/IPCC_AR6_WGIII_FinalDraft_Chapter05.pdf

Good2Go - pilot of electric vehicle rental in four locations within Boston

https://www.mapc.org/news/boston-kicks-off-new-electric-vehicle-car-share-program/

Complete streets via MASS DOT https://www.mass.gov/complete-streets-funding-program

Town of Franklin “Complete Streets” https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering/pages/complete-streets 

The day the trolley died - somewhere in the 1920’s  https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/57968/hometown-history-12-streetcar-named-expire 

Here is the Westervelt discussion

https://www.drilledpodcast.com/debunking-demand-ipcc-mitigation-report-part-1/

Here is a more pointed analysis

https://braveneweurope.com/timothee-parrique-degrowth-for-the-first-time-in-ipcc-report

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Historical Museum photo of trolley car from back in the day
Franklin Historical Museum photo of trolley car from back in the day

FHS baseball, softball, and girls lacrosse teams post wins on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Thursday:

Baseball = Sharon, 2 @ Franklin, 12 – Final (6 Inn.) 
– Locked in a one-run game through three innings, Franklin scored nine runs over the final three innings, punctuated by walk-off grand slam from Eisig Chin, to take a win over Sharon. The visiting Eagles took a 2-1 lead on a bases-loaded walk in the top of the third but Franklin quickly took the lead back with two in the bottom half, added two more in the fourth, one in the fifth, and six in the sixth to end the game. Chin finished 3-for-3 with five RBI and two runs scored while Chris Goode also went 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored to pace the Panthers. Jack Marino and Evan Raider also drove in a pair of runs each for Franklin. Ethan Voellmicke earned the win in relief, tossing two scoreless innings with no hits allowed, three walks, and three strikeouts. Drew Yaffe drew the bases-loaded walk for the Eagles and Will Hippler had an RBI single in the first inning to put Sharon ahead 1-0.

Softball = Franklin, 16 @ Sharon, 0 – Final (5 inn.) 
– Franklin pushed across seven runs in each the second and third innings on its way to a big win on the road over Sharon. Marley Allen led Franklin’s offense with three hits while Aislinn Lavery, Kiera Kotwicki, and Sarah Boozang each had two hits in the win. Kotwicki also drove in a team-high four runs while Katy Liberman and Julia White each drove in three runs apiece. Kotwicki pitched three scoreless innings with one hit and one walk allowed and Madison Bergeron pitched two scoreless innings in relief.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 16 @ Bishop Feehan, 4 – Final 
– In a battle of unbeatens, Franklin rolled to a big win over Bishop Feehan with a dominating performance on the road. The Panthers built an 11-3 lead by halftime and didn’t allow a second half goal until three minutes left in the game as Brigid Earley had five saves in net and Anna Grasso played well defensively. Kaitlyn Carney paced the offense with six goals and two assists, Katie Peterson (three assists) and Kate O’Rourke each had a hat trick, Kenzie Baker added two goals, and Jackie O’Neil (goal, assist), Lindsay Atkinson (goal, assist), and Stella Regan (two assists) each had two points apiece.

Boys Tennis = Sharon, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 
– In a battle of undefeated division leaders, the Davenport-leading Eagles of Sharon handed Franklin its first loss of the season. Sharon secured the victory with a pair of wins from both singles and doubles action for a 4-1 verdict. Alex Budovalcev earned a 6-3, 6-1 win at second doubles and Jacob Slavsky added a 6-0, 6-0 sweep at third singles. The team of Mitch Weiss and Ruemon Bhattacharyya overcame a one-set deficit to emerge with a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 win. The team of Sava Kassev and Hyojae Park also prevailed in three sets, taking a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win at second doubles for the Eagles. Franklin’s Vayshnav Malhotra earned a 6-2, 6-3 win at first singles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final 
– The Davenport-leading Eagles of Sharon swept all five matches, handing Kelley-Rex leading Franklin its first Hock loss of the season. Navya Shukla took a 6-1, 7-5 win at first singles, Ale Aguilar added a 6-3, 6-0 win at second singles, and freshman Judy Song prevailed 6-0, 6-0 at third singles for the Eagles. The team of juniors Abby Vilk and Sophia Oh earned a 6-4, 6-1 win at first doubles and the Eagles got another point from freshman Olivia Landstein and junior Ellie Zhao at second doubles (7-6 [5], 6-0).


For other results around the Hockomock League

congrats to our seniors that all contributed! #2, #3, #6, #7, #8, #13, #15, #16, #17, #21, #24 & #29!
congrats to our seniors that all contributed! #2, #3, #6, #7, #8, #13, #15, #16, #17, #21, #24 & #29!

For more photos from Senior Night for the baseball team -> https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1522430432876318720

Spring Fling Online Auction starts May 8, closes May 18

The Franklin Federated Church is holding a "Spring Fling Online Auction."
  • Bidding begins Sunday, May 8 at 11 AM
  • Bidding ends  Wednesday May 18 at 8 PM

Bidders can begin viewing items at https://www.32auctions.com/ffc2022  or by going to franklinfederated.org and clicking on the 32auctions link

Download a copy of the flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwGCsgfLAUW-KVT-TYGhNivobx9Mu1tW/view?usp=sharing

Spring Fling Online Auction starts May 8, closes May 18
Spring Fling Online Auction starts May 8, closes May 18

Looking for a Job? Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19

Full-time & part-time positions available at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets retailers & restaurants. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce members will also be tabling on the turf area to promote local business's hiring. Come with your resume for on the spot interviews & more.

Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 4 PM

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Looking for a Job? Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19
Looking for a Job? Wrentham Village Premium Outlets - May 19

COVID-19 weekly date updates (post vacation bump seen)

1 - 
The weekly Franklin Public Schools COVID-19 dashboard is now available to view here:  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/back-to-school-plan-21-22/weekly-covid-19-dashboard


Franklin Public Schools COVID-19 dashboard
Franklin Public Schools COVID-19 dashboard

2 - 

"Most of MA is now in the high COVID “Community Level” zone, since we have hit the (lagging indicator) hospitalization threshold. CDC guidelines say to now wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, including in schools. I expect no response or even acknowledgment. #DontLookUp"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/jonlevyBU/status/1522382474583724032

Most of MA is now in the high COVID “Community Level” zone
Most of MA is now in the high COVID “Community Level” zone

3 - 
"Reported #Worcester #COVID19 daily new case rate (2 wk avg, per 100k people) continues to increase in step with #Massachusetts state-wide trends.
Explore data for your town/city here:
While Nathan reported on Worcester, the Franklin data (shown below) tracks in similar manner albeit on a lesser level.   https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/

the Franklin data tracks in similar manner
the Franklin data tracks in similar manner

MA Senate Passes Work and Family Mobility Act

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility. The Work and Family Mobility Act would allow Massachusetts residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license, which does not include a REAL ID. The bill passed with a veto proof majority.

 

“We are a nation of immigrants, and our Commonwealth continues to be profoundly and positively shaped by immigrants from all over the world,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “They deserve to be able to safely get to work and school, care for their families and participate in the lives of their communities. I am thrilled that the Senate has moved forward with this proposal which will support families, improve public safety and be good for our economy. I’d like to thank Senators Crighton, Gomez and Lovely, as well as their staffs, for their work on this bill in the Senate. and the many members of the coalition who joined forces to make this a reality. I am grateful to the many members of the coalition for their advocacy and the immigrant community for sharing your stories with the Senate.”

 

“I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues to favorably move the Work and Family Mobility Act out of the Senate Committee on Rules today,” said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). “This legislation will improve public safety on our roadways and provide accessibility for all Massachusetts residents. Thank you, Senate President Spilka and Senators Crighton and Gomez for your leadership on this bill.”

 

"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make our roads safer and, just as importantly, make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver's license,” said State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). “In the absence of a robust regional public transportation system, it is impossible for many Massachusetts residents to get through their day without the use of a car. No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks such as getting to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery stores. It is time for Massachusetts to join the 16 other states who have passed this common-sense legislation.”

 

"The legislation passed today is one I have been proud to co-lead on since I first entered the Senate," said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). "As a proud Puerto Rican, a Boricua, and the State Senator for a district that is rich in diversity, I know that this bill will benefit generations of families across the Commonwealth. Our state is rich in culture and has a deep-rooted sense of community. Today we are voting on behalf of a part of that community that has often been overlooked or forgotten. As elected officials, we represent our communities as a whole, whether or not they are able to vote for us. Thank you to my co-lead Senator Crighton, Senate President Spilka, the Driving Families Forward Coalition, and the countless advocates and immigrants who lent their voices to this legislation so that we could reach the finish line."

 

The bill has received widespread support from members of the law enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community. It proposes strict identity documentation criteria, asking for applicants to present two valid, unexpired identity documents. It makes no change to existing law requiring that all driver’s license applicants prove that they live in the Commonwealth. The bill passed by the Senate is nearly identical to the version that previously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.

A version of this legislation having previously passed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the legislation moves back to the House for further consideration. 


MA Senate Passes Work and Family Mobility Act
MA Senate Passes Work and Family Mobility Act

Health Department: Wellness Update -> May is mental health awareness month

"May is mental health awareness month. 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth experience mental illness each year.  "


https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/


Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 6, 2022

  • 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 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Repeat Offenders
7:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Dennis Sardella
9:00 am Frank Presents: Alberto Correia
10:00 am Physician Focus: Straight Talk on Pain Medication
10:30 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
11:00 am Senior Connection: Mental Illness
11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Repeat Offenders
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes
1:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
8:00 pm Senior Connection: Mental Illness
8:30 pm The Black Box: Rising Stars Cabaret

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland
9:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Canton 04-08-22
11:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Mansfield 04-22-22
2:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Band
3:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Walpole 04-21-22
7:00 pm Lifelong Music: Band & Chorus
8:30 pm Tom McAuliffe: Tom McAuliffe

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 04-21-22
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 04-21-22


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)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Get your tickets for the Empty Bowls Dinner - May 19

The 7th Annual Empty Bowls dinner will be held in the cafeteria at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St., Franklin, on Thursday, May 19, from 6-8 p.m. It will include a soup and bread dinner, the hand-made bowls to take home, an in-person and online art auction, and a giving wall.

Tickets are $10 for children and students, $20 for adults. 

They can be purchased online until noon on May 19 at tinyurl.com/FHSEmptyBowlsTix

They can also be purchased at the door, cash or check only. 

The online auction will open on May 18 at midnight and will run through June 1 — visit tinyurl.com/FHSEmptyBowlsArt

For more info visit the Franklin Food Pantry page ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/empty-bowls-2022/


Get your tickets for the Empty Bowls Dinner - May 19
Get your tickets for the Empty Bowls Dinner - May 19

Conversation with Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo - 05/02/22 (audio)

FM #787 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 787 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo conducted in the Franklin TV/Franklin Public Radio Studio on May 2, 2022. 


We talk about Cobi’s recent conference trip and recent bike ride around Franklin. 


The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cobi as we discuss the conference takeaways, housing, transportation, zoning, and how it applies to Franklin.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-787-conversation-with-cobi-frongillo-05-02-22


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


Conference website -> https://yimby.town/ 

Session streaming links -> https://yimby.town/streaming/ 


Day 1 conference thread - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHt5Bl16d_q-ZwnBJ57VTI8dpIYIPHQP/view?usp=sharing 


Day 2 conference thread - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gson071ISyJ8NzmdYmigBeheJvDMjCRV/view?usp=sharing 


Day 3 conference thread -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lXmGwa7roYyLZ96LN33H-fycFGCgEY4I/view?usp=sharing 


Mass Housing Partnership’s “DataTown” highlights for Franklin

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12huqmolj_QI3GK1jOqQZGC4wQswTci2x/view?usp=sharing


Bike ride thread -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DG0iuZH0MmITC6GVDqL_zsZSV--9eq4s/view?usp=sharing 


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


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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

one of the data points from the Mass Housing Partnership’s “DataTown” highlights for Franklin
one of the data points from the Mass Housing Partnership’s “DataTown” highlights for Franklin

FHS girls and boys lacrosse teams both top Mansfield on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Wednesday: 

Boys Lacrosse = Mansfield, 5 @ Franklin, 19 – Final 
– Jayden Consigli scored five goals and dished out six assists while Luke Davis found the back of the net five times with two helpers to lead the Panthers to another Hockomock League win. Tyler Sacchetti added three goals and two assists while Drew Hansen recorded three assists.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 20 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final 
– The Panthers had 11 different players make their way onto the score sheet and used a dominate performance on the draw to get a win on the road. Brigid Early made five saves and Ella Mahoney made two stops to combine for the win in net while the Panthers had 16 draw controls as a team.

Boys Tennis = Franklin @ King Philip – Postponed to Thursday, May 19 at 3:45.
Girls Tennis = King Philip @ Franklin – Postponed to Thursday, May 19 at 3:45.
Baseball = King Philip @ Franklin – Postponed to Saturday, 5/7 at 7:00.
Softball = Franklin @ King Philip – Postponed to Thursday, May 26 at 3:45.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Town Council Meeting May 4, 2022 (video)

The Town Council met on Wednesday May 4, 2022. The video broadcast via YouTube is available for replay on the new Franklin TV channel as announced earlier this week.

My notes of the meeting captured via Twitter are shared in one PDF here. My summary and the audio of the meeting will be shared within a couple of days.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fMWY7GtMKVFxIC_v1UtFIWXE7iIrLK4a/view?usp=sharing

You can find the video link here -> https://youtu.be/eTzFFC_N9ds (the meeting starts at 2:50)


You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum set for Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM

You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum set for Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM

The next phase of Franklin For All is ready! Our project consultants have created draft rezoning recommendations utilizing the feedback provided by over 600 residents during the visioning survey. Join us for a hybrid public forum at 6:30pm on Monday, May 16th at The Black Box or via Zoom. Weigh in on draft zoning recommendations and learn about next steps for the rezoning effort. Doors open at 6:00pm.

Register for the forum here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0td-mrrzMrE9AK0ufr5wI3nHVYjCRISTLJ

You can learn more about this project on our project website here: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/youre-invited-franklin-all-recommendation-review-public-forum-set-monday-may-16-630pm

You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum
You're Invited! Franklin for All - Recommendation Review Public Forum