"four recommendations critical to rebuilding a state park system that meets our collective, essential needs"

"On October 14, Massachusetts Conservation Voters convened a state virtual parks summit attended by more than 20 environmental organizations from across the Commonwealth. This open letter, signed by more than 50 organizations, is the result.

MASSACHUSETTS STATE PARKS are in crisis. More than a decade of funding and staffing cuts have eviscerated the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) ability to meet its mission “to protect, promote, and enhance our Commonwealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all,” while digging a $1 billion deferred maintenance hole.

The December 2021 Legislative Special Commission report on DCR (page 51) found that Massachusetts, one of the wealthiest states in the nation,  ranks last in per capita spending on state and municipal parks.

State park visitors rarely encounter rangers, and too often find shuttered facilities, crumbling infrastructure, and dirty bathrooms. Park rules enforcement to ensure visitor safety and resource protection is virtually non-existent. Also compromised is our parkland’s ability to support our physical and mental well-being, promote environmental justice, mitigate flooding and urban heat islands, foster climate resilience, and harbor significant natural resources and biodiversity."

Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/getting-our-state-parks-back-on-track/ 

Download a copy of the report reference to read the full story

https://www.mass.gov/doc/umdi-dcr-special-commission-report/download

A pond at DCR-run Nickerson State Park in Brewster

Franklin Health Department: Healthy Skin Month

"November is Healthy Skin Month. 

Wear at least SPF 30 all year long. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate skin in any kind of weather. 

Learn more: www.americanskin.org"

American Skin Association

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Nov 25, 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

7:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Ted Reinstein

9:00 am Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

11:00 am Senior Connection: Maggie Gundersen

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Electronic Medical Records

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 2

4:00 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

5:00 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2022

7:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safe Prescribing

8:30 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Ethan Dimarino

9:30 am Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium

11:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Barnstable 11-12-22

1:30 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

3:00 pm Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

5:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 2

5:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Wachusett 11-11-22

8:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v St. John's Shrewsbury 11-13-22

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 11-03-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 11-03-22

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)

Watch "How Thanksgiving Became A National Holiday" on YouTube

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

"Thanksgiving is a relatively new national holiday in America. Who made it what it is today? 

Learn about Sarah Josepha Hale: https://t.co/FvyOWTa7Ep"

Portrait of Sarah Josepha Hale, circa 1831, by James Reid Lambdin  Richard's Free Library, Newport, New Hampshire

"A reading of Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation by WGBH News staff members." video link -> https://youtu.be/vAsmiMi1cRQ

Instead of Black Friday, let's focus on Small Business Saturday & #GivingTuesday

Yes, the commercials started a while ago. Black Friday deals available online and Before Black Friday. It is hard to avoid them they are so pervasive.

(1) Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to really spend our money wisely and locally. Consider the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card and the shops where it can be used. Check out the listing of shops here ->  https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

Don't have a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card? You can buy one online or at Dean Bank. www.franklingiftcard.com

Did you catch the series on local Franklin businesses we are running? The first 2 are available and more are coming. Thanks to contributor Lyn MacLean!

• Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/the-shop-local-for-holidays-series.html
• Pretty Is Pink -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/shop-local-at-pretty-is-pink-boutique.html 

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

(2) There are over 100 nonprofits based in Franklin and a number of others who service this community while based elsewhere. #GivingTuesday was developed in response to the popularity of Black Friday and an attempt to focus on supporting the nonprofits. 

You should be seeing nonprofits advertising or emailing to prompt a donation for their cause on #givingtuesday. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is just one of the many we can support! The Food Pantry, SAFE Coalition, HMEA, the Hockomock YMCA... the list goes on...  If you can't think of a nonprofit to support there is a listing of them based in Franklin here -> https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html

You can support the Franklin Downtown Partnership

DRINKING WATER NOTICE - November 23, 2022

Attention Water Customers - Please see the public notice below: 

This is NOT a boil water notice.  During routine sampling, the sample from our Well 2 Raw (UNTREATED) water contained E.coli.  The treated (disinfected) water from Well 2 and all other samples collected through the distribution system did not have E. Coli.  The well has been offline since November 18, 2022 for maintenance and will remain offline. 

This is not an emergency, you do NOT need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time, but we are required to notify you. Please see the notice below for more information. 

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

DRINKING WATER NOTICE To all users of the Franklin Water Department  Located in Franklin, Massachusetts.  This is an important notice – please translate it for anyone who does not understand English.  

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to ensure the safety of the water supply. On November 21, 2022 our water system was notified that a water sample collected on November 15, 2022 from Well #2 tested positive for E.coli, which is a fecal indicator. Fecal indicators are used to detect ground water sources that may be susceptible to fecal contamination which may contain harmful viruses or bacteria. This well was taken off-line for maintenance on November 18, 2022.

The water delivered to your taps through the distribution system is disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli. It is important to note that samples collected on November 15, 2022 in the distribution system did NOT detect any fecal contaminants.

This source is one of thirteen active wells that supplies drinking water to our system. In accordance with the federal Ground Water Rule (GWR) requirements, we are notifying you of the situation and conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary.

What should you do? What does this mean?

This is NOT an emergency, you do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time.

• The USEPA requires us to provide you with this notice and the following information on fecal indicators: "Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems." These symptoms can also be caused by issues unrelated to drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, or, if you have specific health concerns, you may want to discuss such concerns with your doctor. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline
• Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and Businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

What is being done?

The well will remain offline for further evaluation. Our system is undergoing repeat testing and evaluation to determine if the current level of treatment is adequate or if additional corrective actions are necessary to reduce the risk of potential fecal contamination in our drinking water supply. We are in contact with MassDEP during this process who will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken and determine if any further action is required. If necessary, you will be notified again if you need to take any corrective actions. This notice does not affect persons using private drinking water wells.

where all the wells are located in Franklin

For more information and further updates, please contact Douglas Martin, Water & Sewer Superintendent, at 508-520-4910.

PWSID#:2101000 Date Distributed: November 23, 2022

Read more

Where is Well 2?  The map as part of the Consumer Confidence Report for Fiscal Year 2021 shows where all the wells are located. ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2022_web_final_052722_0.pdf

Listen to the 3-part podcast series on the water cycle, hear how it is processed from the well to your faucet.   -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley

639 finishes helped the Franklin Food Pantry at the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Thanksgiving morning, Nov 24, 2022

The official results show 639 finishers of the Turkey Trot 5K run/walk on Thanksgiving morning. The lollipop loop course began and ended at the Church of Later Day Saints on Jordan Road. The fund raising benefits the programs of the Franklin Food Pantry.

The official results can be found at this link ->  https://www.secondwindtiming.com/result-page/?id=226360#1_7AAEAD

Age group results -> 

https://www.secondwindtiming.com/result-page/?id=226360#1_FB507F

Download the overall results as a PDF ->

https://my1.raceresult.com/226360/RRPublish/data/pdf?name=Result%20Lists%7COverall%20Results&contest=1&lang=en

Disclosure: Franklin Matters is a sponsor of the event and a long time supporter of the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Turkey Trot 5K

Join up with Santa for a story walk at DelCarte Friday at 10:30 AM

The Franklin Recreation Department and the Franklin Public Library are teaming up again for a cozy winter walk with our favorite Man in Red! 

Bundle up and meet us at DelCarte Park for a special story walk, followed by cookies and cocoa!

 

Join up with Santa for a story walk at DelCarte Friday at 10:30 AM

Nutcracker Storytime at Escape Into Fiction - Saturday, Nov 26 at 10:30 AM

Save the Date for a very special costume #storytime on a very special day!!

The Nutcracker Storytime with cast of @franklin.performing.arts.co and @escape_into_fiction reading #thenutcracker by @janbrett1 a Massachusetts author!

Saturday Nov 26th at 10:30

Come celebrate a holiday tradition with 2 local businesses and show your support on #smallbusinesssaturday

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/ClRjkfAvtcG/

Nutcracker Storytime at Escape Into Fiction - Saturday, Nov 26 at 10:30 AM

"Best by", "Sell by", "Use by" – Oh my!

"On average, the U.S. wastes an estimated 125 to 160 billion pounds of food each year . And where does it all end up? In a landfill, where it’s buried under mounds of toxic trash and eventually breaks down and emits methane . We bury so much organic waste that landfills are now the third-largest source  of climate-damaging methane emissions in the U.S.

But the environmental impacts of food waste don’t end there. By wasting food, we deplete precious resources, like water. In fact, agriculture in the U.S. accounts for about 80% to 90% of the nation’s water consumption . On top of that, when bad market conditions lead farmers to toss edible food aside or when sold foods go uneaten, all the resources that went into producing those crops are squandered. There’s also a massive economic downside to throwing away uneaten food, adding up to approximately $218 billion a year  in the U.S.

So, how did we start throwing out so much food? Well, several factors play into our increasing wastefulness. Here, we break down the components leading us to toss our food and offer solutions that can help solve our food waste problem."

Continue reading the article online -> https://www.clf.org/blog/why-we-waste-food/

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/CLF/status/1594767748000845833

Several factors play into our increasing wastefulness, but we have solutions to each of these problems. Photo: Shutterstock via CGstrein.

2 MA House of Representative races appear headed for recounts; difference only 10 votes in each race

"CANDIDATES IN TWO Massachusetts House races, each apparently decided by only 10 votes, want elections officials to take another look at the thousands of ballots cast.

Kristin Kassner of Hamilton, who challenged a sitting North Shore incumbent, and Andrew Shepherd of Townsend, who bid for an open Nashoba Valley seat, submitted petitions asking for district-wide recounts in their contests, according to a spokesperson for Secretary of State William Galvin.

The recounts — and, as a result, a final decision in both districts — might not wrap up for several weeks. Galvin spokesperson Deb O’Malley said the secretary cannot order the recounts until after the Governor’s Council, which is scheduled to meet next on Nov. 30, certifies election results.

In both cases, the candidate seeking a recount appears to have fallen less than a dozen votes short. With nearly 20,000 votes counted in the First Middlesex District and more than 23,000 in the Second Essex District, the microscopic margins would both be well below the threshold — one half of one percentage point of all votes — required for a recount."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/two-house-races-appear-headed-for-recounts/ 

The process for a recount is defined by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and can be found ->  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/Election-Recounts.pdf

Other MA election and voting information can be found online ->   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/

2 MA House of Representative races appear headed for recounts

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 31 to Nov 18

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 18 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. First — Happy Thanksgiving! On the Hill The New Republic: Recently, I joined the New Republic for the Run-Up Live, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Congress. In regards to their question about Republican control of the House, I said that with the gavel comes the initiative: if the GOP wants to focus on lower costs and clean energy, then Democrats will engage and debate in good faith. But if it's going to be political theater designed only to weaken the president, then House Democrats will hit back hard. You can watch the full discussion here. Speaker Pelosi: Last week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she would not seek re-election as the House Democratic Leader. I am thankful for her fearless leadership, especially during the Trump administration. I agree with her sentiment that "we must move boldly into the future, grounded by the principles that have propelled us this far and open to fresh possibility for the future." You can watch my comments about the next wave of Democratic leadership here. Make your voice heard → A recent controversial discussion at COP27 — the climate conference hosted by the United Nations — revolved around "loss and damage." A loss and damage fund will send monies from developed nations to mitigate climate harm suffered by poorer nations. One big question is, what about China? It's simultaneously the world's biggest carbon emitter (much bigger than the USA) but also, still, a developing nation. Do you support wealthier countries, like the U.S., providing loss and damage payments to poorer countries? Let me know below if you support this proposal. Do you support a Loss and Damage system in response to extreme weather events? Around the Fourth Lakeville Fire Department: Recently, I visited the Lakeville Fire Department to learn about their new equipment. Local, state, and federal officials came together to better equip the Lakeville Fire Department to fight both structural and forest fires. Better gear doesn't just make for better firefighters — it means longer careers and healthier retirements. Veterans Day: I celebrated Veterans Day at the Veterans Day Parade in Seekonk. I spoke at the parade to honor fellow veterans who have sacrificed for our country. The call for a nationwide moment of silence in President Biden's Veterans Day Proclamation is an important marker of respect. I was proud to further the efforts of Former Representatives Barney Frank and Joe Kennedy, and current Representative Steve Lynch, to recognize this moment of silence in all future Veterans Day presidential proclamations. I encourage all Americans to participate in the coming years. Climate and Housing Conferences: Two weeks ago, I hosted conferences on affordable housing and clean energy. The affordable housing conference highlighted that the cost of housing is the single biggest challenge facing the Commonwealth. We were joined by Juana Matias, the HUD regional administrator, and spoke with housing officials and developers across the district about the programs and funding available for affordable housing development. I also reiterated my commitment to policies, from zoning reform to Low Income Housing Tax Credit expansion, that surge production of affordable housing units. You can watch my floor speech highlighting the affordable housing conference here. At the climate and clean energy summit, we covered policy, clean tech, and international affairs. I left this event optimistic because of the growing political will, abundant talent and innovation, and increasing global cooperation around the imperative of a clean energy transition. We are going to achieve a future of clean air, clean water, and clean energy that is too cheap to meter. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Nov 24, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

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

7:30 am The Only Cure Is Education

8:00 am Veterans' Call: PACT Act

9:00 am Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2022

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Electronic Medical Records

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6

3:00 pm Joe Landry: Downtown Franklin

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

5:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 2

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Roberto Morbioli

8:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Festivals & Community Celebrations

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2021

8:30 am Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

10:00am FHS vs. KP at King Philip Football game    https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/featured

12:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium

2:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Band

3:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 2

4:00 pm Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

5:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

6:30 pm FHS Varsity Football: v Methuen 11-11-22

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 11-10-22

12:00 pm Economic Development: 11-16-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 11-10-22

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 Cultural District: music, outdoor exercise, spiced with magic & art, and then Santa arrives

A quieter schedule with the Thanksgiving holiday taking precedence so we can spend some quality time with family and friends. 

Music at THE BLACK BOX tonight, the Turkey Trot fund raising run/walk for the Franklin Food Pantry Thanksgiving morning, story walk at DelCarte Friday morning, and the weekend closes with Santa's arrival on the Town Common Sunday at 4 PM, among the key items on the listing as #arthappenshere in Franklin!

Wednesday, November 23

8:00pm - The Zajac Brothers Band (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)

Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving Day

8:00am - Turkey Trot - 5K walk/run (Church of Latter Day Saints - Jordan Road)

Friday, November 25 

10:30am -Santa Storywalk - (DelCarte Recreation)

6:00pm - Laura May Duo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - FSPA Homecoming (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, November 26

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Nutcracker Storytime (cast of FPAC’s performance) (Escape Into Fiction)

1:00pm - Magic with Scott Martell (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Open House (free) (Creative Corner Art Studio - 15 Main Unit 6a)

4:00pm - Dom DeBaggis (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

5:30pm - John & Tyler (live music) (67 Degrees Brewing)

Sunday, November 27

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

4:00pm - Santa arrives - Concerts on the Common (Franklin Town Common)

Tuesday, November 29

6:00pm - Book Club (bring your own book) (Escape Into Fiction)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event 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 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!