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Wednesday, September 28, 2022
CommonWealth Magazine: Here are some ways to lower your electric bill
If you are in Franklin and not already with a contract for service, or with a solar system, you should be part of the municipal aggregation plan with National Grid.
The plan began in Nov 2020 and the current contract extends through Nov 2023. The plan should remain in effective after that time, the contract renewal rate will be determined next year.
How can you tell if you are part of municipal aggregation? Looks at your most recent NationalGrid invoice/statement. There are two sections, one for delivery and one for supply. The suppler for municipal aggregation is Dynegy (Franklin Agg) and the rate should show as 0.10725 cents/kwh.
A copy of my redacted September invoice is shared with the delivery and supply sections circled. https://drive.google.com/file/d/102IZ-zrPhP0L_FmmJxBGbpBCCThSwGYW/view?usp=sharing
Here are some ways to lower your electric bill as shared by CommonWealth Magazine
"MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS HAVE some options to avoid – or at least sidestep for awhile — the sky-high electricity rates coming this winter.
National Grid provided a glimpse of what’s coming last week, when it announced its basic service rate would jump to a record 39 cents a kilowatt hour starting November 1. That’s nearly four times the current 11.5-cent rate and close to three times last winter’s 14.8-cent rate. The new winter rate, if approved by state regulators, will increase the typical customer’s utility bill by $114 a month, or 64 percent., for the next six months.
Continue reading the article online
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| CommonWealth Magazine: Here are some ways to lower your electric bill |
For more about Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program, visit the town page
Insights on Ballot Question 3 from MASSter List
"Go to www.foodstoresma.org. You won't find anything. Neither will you if you check the bank account of Food Stores for Consumer Choice, the ballot committee formed to oppose Question 3.
That's because after losing a Supreme Judicial Court case where companies, including Cumberland Farms, sought to have Question 3 disqualified from the ballot, the stores are not fighting passage of the question that will remake the rules around alcohol sales and licensing in Massachusetts.
Question 3 proposes to increase the combined number of licenses a retailer can hold for the sale of all alcoholic beverages and beer and wine from nine to 18 by 2031, but will reduce the cap on licenses for the sale of all-alcoholic-beverage from nine to seven. It will also prohibit self check-out of alcoholic beverages, make out-of-state licenses an acceptable form of ID for alcohol purchasing, and change the formula under which fines for selling to minors are calculated (something food stores opposed).
The question was proposed and is backed by independent package stores. It was pitched as a compromise with the food stores to avoid a fight over simply lifting the cap on licenses altogether.
While Cumberland Farms and other chains didn't necessarily see it that way, Louis Rizoli - former counsel to the House and the chair and attorney for the Food Stores for Consumer Choice - said there will be no last minute infusion of corporate cash to fight the measure.
"There's no coordinated opposition to this ballot question," Rizoli said. "Some food stores like certain provisions of question three and oppose others."
A statement of opposition was printed in the "Information for Voters" guide mailed to homes, but Rizoli said food stores like Cumberland Farms and Stop & Shop are "more interested in obtaining a separate license," which was proposed in a bill (H 318) this session and will be refiled next year.
In 2020, Cumberland Farms pursued a ballot question that proposed to create a new food store license for the sale of alcohol and eventually lift all license caps, but it ultimately dropped its campaign amidst the pandemic and chose to fight for a legislative solution this cycle instead.
That bill did not gain traction with lawmakers as an alternative to the ballot question, but depending on what happens in November a new bill cycle begins in January.
Meanwhile, the 21st Century Alcohol Retail Reform Committee has raised $823,450 over the past two years in support of its ballot measure, mostly from the Massachusetts Package Store Association, and spent $723,565 to make its case to voters. In its Sept. 20 report to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, it reported having $99,884 left in the bank.
Probably more than enough when no one's spending to fight you on the other side. "
Shared from the MASSter List of Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022
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| Insights on Ballot Question 3 from MASSter List |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022
- 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 my conversation with Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/conversation-with-town-of-franklin-ma.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 points
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 hour features our most recent Talk Franklin episode with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & Marketing Communications Specialist Lily Rivera https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/october-events-and-town-council-agenda.html
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
7:30 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland
8:30 am September 11th Remembrance
10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Sweet Corn Risotto
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: FireSense
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Steve Crouteau
4:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wolfgang Bauer
7:00 pm 4th of July 2022: Matt Zajac
9:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Ken DoRosario
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
8:30 am Cultural District: Brent Selby
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness
11:00 am All-Town Showcase: Chorus & Orchestra
1:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v North Attleboro 09-23-22
3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Youth Sports
6:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18
7:30 pm Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19
9:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Sharon 09-20-22
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY
8:00 am Town Council 09-07-22
2:00 pm Town Council 09-07-22
6:00 pm Finance Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 819 0024 5664
7:00 pm Town Council: LIVE, Chambers, 843 3081 5267
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Escape into Fiction hosts People's Poetry - Sep 28 at 6 PM; Library hosts Teen Poets Society at 6:30
1 - People's poetry
An open mic event at the Escape Into Fiction book store facilitated by jamil adams.
I was planning on being there myself until the Town Council meeting moved from last week to this. And then I found the Finance Committee meeting scheduled for 6 PM. Yes, the same start time.
Oh well. I'll do the meetings, you can do the poetry, we'll meet later and compare notes.
Or as Rumi said:
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoingand rightdoing there is a field.I'll meet you there."
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| Escape into Fictions hosts People's Poetry - Sep 28 at 6 PM |
Shared from Escape Into Fiction's Instagram ->
You can visit Escape Into Fiction online -> https://www.escapeintofiction.com/
or on Main St
2 - Teen Poets Society
Teens! Join us for our very own version of the Dead Poets Society! Come share your favorite poems, prose, or lyrics, or just come to listen!
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| Library hosts Teen Poets Society at 6:30 |
Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House”
September 23, 2022
To: Town Council
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator
Re: Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street
________________________________________________________________
The action before the Council is to allow the Town Administration to release a Request for Proposals on the South Franklin Meeting House, which will include a provision for both a permanent affordable housing restriction and a historic preservation restriction.
At the July 20th Town Council meeting there was a discussion regarding the disposition of the Town-owned land that contains the South Franklin Meeting House, and Council decided to accept the recommendation from the EDC to move forward with affordable housing.
As a reminder, an Expression of Interest went out for a two month period in the Spring to see if there were any interested parties willing to take on this preservation project. The Town received two formal, non-binding written proposals. At the May EDC meeting, the committee weighed both proposals, in addition to other qualitative information from the two open houses, and had a detailed discussion. They voted 3-1 (Yes: Hamblen, Jones and Frongillo; No: Sheridan) to recommend to the full Town Council to instruct the staff to put an RFP out for parties to bid on affordable housing projects only.
The Expressions of Interest we received are attached, as is the Solicitation Document that was posted on the Town website.
Please see below for links to related materials:
● 2020 Old South Church Existing Conditions report https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf
● 2015 Old South Church Existing Conditions report https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf
● Old South Church document website https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Note: This is one of the key items on the Town Council agenda for Sep 28, 2022 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf
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| Old South Meeting House, Washington St |
Manufacturing Caucus Hosts 7th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony at Polar Park
TE Connectivity of Medway, Massachusetts received the Manufacturer of the Year Award at the 7th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony held in the DCU Club at Polar Park in Worcester.
TE Connectivity was nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. “TE Connectivity was one of 55 manufacturers and honorees from across the state who are truly ‘making it’ in Massachusetts, exemplifying how government and industry can work together to have a meaningful impact on society,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), who nominated TE Connectivity. “For more than 75 years, TE Connectivity has helped to solve tomorrow's toughest challenges with advanced connectivity and sensor solutions. Their solutions power electric vehicles, aircraft, digital factories, and smart homes as well as enabling life-saving medical care, sustainable communities, efficient utility networks, and the global communications infrastructure. These represent great contributions to the Massachusetts economy and ecosystem and I was delighted that we could honor TE Connectivity’s work.”
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| Left to Right - State Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus, TE Quality Manager Sid Jayaraman and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus |
The Legislature, under the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka, has spearheaded several major economic development packages which focus on improving the renaissance of manufacturing, with the goal of making Massachusetts the best place to build things.
Rep. Roy noted during his opening remarks that Massachusetts is an ideal ecosystem for manufacturing. “Our world class universities, highly skilled workforce, availability of venture capital, and strong government support all come together to create a pro-business atmosphere that fosters a system that encourages manufacturing,” he said.
The event was the state’s 7th Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony hosted by the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. Sponsored by MassMEP and MassTech Collaborative, this was the second time the event was held in the DCU Club at Polar Park.
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| Group photo of the awardees and legislators at Polar Park, Worcester |
Christine Nolan, Director for the Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Kathie Mahoney Killam, President and CEO of MassMEP offered remarks at the ceremony. In addition, House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka and Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Michael Kennealy addressed the audience via pre-recorded video.
After the successful event Rep. Roy added, “Manufacturing output here is at its highest level in history and accounts for about 11 percent of the state’s economy. It is the sixth largest employment sector here and $26 billion in manufactured goods are exported from the Commonwealth each year. We celebrated some truly great companies who make our economy roar and contribute to those statistics. We offer heartfelt congratulations to all the outstanding Manufacturers who were honored for excellence.”
Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.
Visit TE Connectivity online to find out more about what they do -> https://www.te.com/usa-en/home.html
Conversation with Town of Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty (audio)
FM #848 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 848 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town of Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty on September 22, 2022. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-848-town-of-franklin-health-director-cathleen-liberty-09-22-22
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Metacomet Health page -> https://www.metacometpha.org/
Health Fair as mentioned is Wednesday, Oct 19 from 3 to 6 PM at the Public Library
Health Dept page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
Health Dept - COVID reporting dashboard ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal
Board of Health page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
Sign up for Health alerts via Regroup -> https://franklintown.regroup.com/signup
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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 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"
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| The Health Fair as mentioned is Wednesday, Oct 19 from 3 to 6 PM at the Public Library |
Hear about the Veterans' Bonuses available on the new "Veterans' Call" (video)
Hello all,
Please watch my recent interview with Steven Croteau, state Veterans' Bonus Manager, on Franklin TV's YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWo7SlM47A
We've also posted the link to the video on our website under News and Announcements. https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services
Please spread the word and share this info with other veterans. If you want to apply for a bonus, just give our office a call!
Sincerely, Shannon
-- Shannon Nisbett
Veterans' Services Officer
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| veterans memorial son the Franklin Town Common at night |
Franklin LGBTQ Alliance schedules monthly meeting - Oct 4
You're Invited to our Upcoming Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 PM
Where: In-person and Virtual
- In-person: Timeless CrossFit & Fitness
- 90 Hayward St, Franklin
- Behind Patti Eisenhauer Dance Studio
- Virtual: Join Zoom Meeting
Who: LGBTQIA+ community and allies who are interested in getting more involved
What: Our group's vision, some potential leadership changes, greet new and thank all volunteers, go over future volunteer opportunities, and brainstorm what's next.
Contact us at FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com
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| Franklin LGBTQ Alliance schedules monthly meeting - Oct 4 |
Did you get an email saying your personal info is for sale on the dark web?
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| Did you get an email saying your personal info is for sale on the dark web? |
Franklin YMCA Gymnasium Renovation Scheduled to being Oct 10, Check for Alternatives
An incredible facility project is coming soon for our Franklin Y – a new, renovated Lee Robbins Memorial Gymnasium!
This renovation is the first in a series of renovation projects in our branches to enhance the members experience, as part of our 50th Anniversary.
Renovations will include:
- New hardwood floor installation
- New safety padding
- New court lines for basketball & pickleball play
- Fresh coat of paint including the 2nd floor track area
- Four New Backboards
- Enhanced storage
Please note the following closure information as part of the renovation:
- The indoor track will be closed for painting Monday, October 3 and will re-open Monday, October 10. All members are welcome to use the Foxboro Y indoor track during this time.
- The gymnasium will close on Monday, October 10th for the renovations to begin. It will reopen in November. An exact re-open date will be shared soon, as the project begins.
All members are welcome to use our gymnasiums in North Attleboro and Foxboro (indoor track too) during this closure & renovation. Visit those branch pages for real-time schedules for open basketball times including pickleball and other gym activities.
We are excited for these renovations to begin and will be a great enhancement for our youth and adult basketball & pickleball programs and for group exercise classes taking place in the gymnasium.
You can expect a fresh, modern, welcoming space for our members who play basketball, for our gymnasts, and for family members to enjoy activities during open gymnasium times. Similar to a project completed at the North Attleboro Y in 2019, our gymnasium will have a new maple hardwood floor, new safety padding, enhanced storage, new court lines for basketball and pickleball play, and a fresh coat of paint including the entire second floor track area.
Thank you for your understanding as we make improvements and enhancements to our facilities. We are excited about our new Gymnasium and look forward to sharing it with our members and the community. See you on the court!
Shared from the Hockomock Y page -> https://www.hockymca.org/franklin-gymnasium-renovation/
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday
9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty
9:00 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland
10:00 am Frank Presents: Dashe Videira
11:00 am Senior Connection: COVID Updates
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5
3:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education
4:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Youth Sports
4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X
5:30 pm Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury
6:00 pm September 11th Remembrance
7:30 pm Joe Landry: The Railroad of Franklin
8:30 pm The Drummer's Studio: 12th Anniversary
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19
9:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
12:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Chorus & Orchestra
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland
6:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Taunton 09-19-22
8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v North Attleboro 09-23-22
10:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v North Attleboro 09-22-22
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
8:00 am School Committee: 09-13-22
2:00 pm School Committee: 09-13-22
7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 812 0310 5124 Code: 930351
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)
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