Town of Franklin - December 2022 E-Newsletter

Support Small Business, Franklin Train Exhibit, FY23 Tax Rate, Events and more!

Subscribe for News December 2022 Edition Shop Local this Holiday Season! Think Franklin First When it's the thought that counts, be sure to Think Franklin First! With a Think Franklin First gift card you can give your favorite "'Franklinite" the flexibility of redeeming their card at over 40+ participating businesses, whilst shopping local! You can email, ship or pick up a card in person at Dean Bank to bundle with another gift! Buy a Think Franklin First Gift Card today in person at Dean Bank in Franklin or online here. Support Small Businesses! There are plenty of small businesses all around town! You're bound to find one that has the perfect gift. If you've already finished your holiday shopping, here are some ways you can still support local businesses... 1. Leave a Google or Yelp review for small businesses. 2. Follow and engage with their social media accounts. 3. Tell a friend about your favorite small business. Downtown Gift Guide The Franklin Downtown Partnership has created a fabulous Holiday Gift Guide to help shoppers find what they need! Franklin Police  Toy Drive The Holiday Toy Drive is back! The Franklin Police Department is collecting unopened and unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Toys can be dropped off in the bin in the lobby of the police station. Last year the FPD was able to donate toys to over 100 Franklin families and the Franklin Santa Foundation. Any donations are greatly appreciated! Lock your Cars! Franklin and other towns in the area have experienced an increase in thefts from motor vehicles. The majority of these thefts occur when cars are left outside and unlocked. We're asking all Franklin residents to secure their belongings and lock their cars every night to help prevent these crimes. Franklin Police Receive Accreditation Accreditation is a self-initiated process by which police agencies voluntarily strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession by the profession. The Mission of the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is to ensure that the delivery of police services within the Commonwealth is at the highest level of professionalism and integrity. Resident Radar - News You Should Know DPW Reminder: Protect Your Pipes! The Winter Season is upon us, so please be prepared! If your house has a history of frozen pipes please let the water drip. Even if you've never had trouble in the past, you may want to consider it. Get tips and tricks for keeping your pipes from freezing here. Fate of the Tax Rate for FY2023 During the November 30th, 2022 Town Council meeting, the Council voted to approve the FY2023 tax rate at $12.58 per thousand of taxable value. This is a substantial decrease of $1.49 from FY2022 rate of $14.07 per thousand of taxable value. Reminder: Fall curbside yard waste collection will now run the week of December 5, 2022. Franklin Public Library Event Highlights! December 2,9,16 - Hot Cocoa and Coloring Join us from 2:30-4:30pm every Friday in December for a cozy and creative afternoon! December 7 - Library-wide Scavenger Hunt Assemble your team and take on the ultimate scavenger hunt in the library! Bring your family, or grab your friends, and meet us at 2pm to see how many items on our epic list your can find before time runs out! December 8 - "She's on the Case" An Evening with Mystery Writers Don't miss your chance to chat with critically acclaimed authors Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk about some of their intriguing mysteries. This virtual event starts at 7pm, register here today. December 17 - Holiday Concert from NoteAble Blend Ready to get festive and maybe even sing along with a dynamic Women's Barbershop Chorus? Swing by at 3pm to experience NoteAble Blend; an energetic women's a cappella barbershop chorus that shares a passion for singing, a support of friendship, a love for teaching and promoting the art of barbershop music, and a desire to contribute to the local artistic community through musical expression. Library Hours The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am-8pm., Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1:30pm - 5pm.The library will be closing at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 23, and Saturday, December 24 for Christmas Eve. The library will also be closing at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 31 for New Year's Eve. The library will be closed on Sunday, December 25 and Monday, December 26 for Christmas (observed). Library Calendar of Events - December 2022 Veterans' Services Veterans' Services December 7 – Veterans Monthly Coffee Social – 10am at the Senior Center featuring a holiday musical performance by the Franklin Silvertones! December 7 – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 8 – Veterans' Resume Writing Workshop – will be held from 11am-1pm. The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30pm at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required! Contact the Veterans' Services Office at 508-613-1315 or access their department page to learn more. Now Boarding: The 'Train Town Franklin' Exhibit Beginning December 18, 2022 the Franklin Historical Museum will exhibit the first in a series of annual dioramas entitled, "Train Town Franklin"- which will feature a Historical Exact replica of the area around the train depot, circa 1932, a time when the rhythm of the daily trains set the pace for a small New England Town - and news from 'down at the depot' was the news everyone wanted to hear! Young and old will be captivated by this miniature look at "the way we used to be". The structures in this exhibit are built to exact scale from photographs and films taken from that period. Franklin native, and former Town Council Chair, Scott Mason utilizes his historical knowledge and model building skills to bring this exhibit to life! The exhibit will run through February 5, 2023 and will be open to the public every Saturday 10am- 1pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm with the exception of holidays. Town of Franklin Calendar Keep up with meetings, departments & committees. The schedule and links can be found on our website calendar. Keep up with all things culture in Franklin! Arts, theater, dining, live music & more! Find out what's happening in town! Visit our website! Talk Franklin: Podcast from the TA's Office Subscribe to our Town podcast and listen to bi-weekly episodes detailing town news and updates. Town of Franklin 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 520-4949   Visit our Website

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Franklin Health Department: Weekly Wellness Update - Alzheimer's Awareness

Alzheimer's Awareness Month. " Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Together, we can make it happen."

The prevalence of Alzheimers in increasing, learn about ways to keep your mind healthy: https://www.alz.org/

A recent episode of The Topic featured a discussion on Alzheimer's and dementia with Health Director Cathleen Liberty and Tammy Pozerycki

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/the-topic-005-caring-for-dementia.html

Franklin Health Department: Weekly Wellness Update - Alzheimer's Awareness

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 2, 2022 to Dec 8, 2022

You can dance, or watch dancers, or ballet, or enjoy a beverage and some music, or visit the farmers market, or the Christmas Fair, or the local artesian market, or one of the other options... there is so much to do. Very grateful for the #artshappeninghere in Franklin!

Friday, December 2

5:00pm - Cousins Maine Lobster (food Truck) (La Cantina Winery)

5:30pm - Joshua David (live music) (67 Degrees Brewing)

7:30pm - New Dancer Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, December 3

9:00am - Christmas Fair (St John’s Episcopal Church)

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Market)

10:00am - Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements (Franklin Garden Club at Daddario Hardware Store)

10:00am - AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market (AcuPUNKture)

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

11:00am - Bollywood Dancing (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (FPAC Holiday Productions at Franklin High School)

2:00pm - New Dancer Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College)

3:00pm - Orchard Sl"Hay" Rides (rescheduled -see description 4 details) (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

7:00pm - The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (FPAC Holiday Productions at Franklin High School)

7:30pm - New Thespian Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Sunday, December 4

7:00am - “Finding the Light” (free art scavenger hunt, find clues on Facebook @PaintingVenus)

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

2:00pm - The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (FPAC Holiday Productions at Franklin High School)

Tuesday, December 6

6:30pm - Popcorn & Pride (LGBTQ Pride event at 99 Restaurant)

7:00pm - Christmas Trivia Night (St Mary’s Parish)

7:00pm - FHS Chorus and Orchestra Concert (Franklin High School) 

Wednesday, December 7 6:00pm - HMMS Concert (Horace Mann Middle School) 7:00pm - Franklin Art Association (Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, December 8 7:00pm - An Evening with Mystery Writers: Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk (virtual discussion) Franklin Public Library

7:00pm - Pour Richard's Wine and Chocolate Pairing (Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits)

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

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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

Economic Development lacks consensus on approach to inclusionary zoning proposal (audio)

FM #889 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 889 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in the Council Chambers with one member (Hunchard) participating virtually (hence roll call vote).  One member absent (Wierling)

Present: Chair M Hamblen, G Jones, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Rondeau (Plng Brd), B Hunchard (ZBA)

Quick recap:

• The discussion centered on the inclusionary zoning proposal carried over from the prior meeting. While the group had more time to review the matter, they still could not reach consensus on a recommendation and yet did move the item for discussion by the full Council. 

• In my view, this group, which in principle approves of the concept, and yet can't recommend an approach, likely sets the full Council discussion up for failure. Stay tuned, this is an important discussion, and no matter the next vote, Franklin needs to address this properly.

My Twitter thread:

• Ready for Iive reporting on back to back meetings; first up, economic development subcommittee and inclusionary zoning #edc1130 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf

• Planning Director Bryan Taberner provides an overview of the proposed changes to introduce this measure. #edc1130 map being shown on the screen of the zoning areas

• Clarification on 4 vs. 5 in some of the prior drafts, should be 5 in all places. #edc1130 consideration of getting affordable units after 30% of development (so if something happens, and they were planned for the end and didn't happen, the Town would be left short)

• Also consideration for the affordable units #edc1130 that are permitted in another area. Back to the 5vs4 question, from 5 units to 14, only 1 required as affordable to meet 10% requirements; Planning Board would need to approve the alternative site

• Question on 15 units vs 20 units gives the Planning Board ability to regulate - this is part of the density piece not part of inclusionary #edc1130 Frongillo, Q on how did we get to 10%, Hellen explains cap by state rule at 10%

• 10% also aligns with the 10% 40b units, it is a middle road. Rondeau clarification questions answered. Halligan (from audience) comments great example of a walkthrough to say we should be working on setbacks, etc. To make the building feasible #edc1130

• Hellen asks Q, what is the percent that would make it work? If not 35%, then 50, 70, 100? #edc1130 Frongillo still to the point this won't get us anything (maybe up to 15-20 units be4 requiring affordable) would like to work with developers to find the #s that work

• Hamblen Qs is what is the starting point, 5, 8, 10 (vs Frongillo at 20-25 or so). #edc1130 motion to send to full council for recommendation to planning board, 6-0 via roll call 

• Motion to adjourn, 6-0 via roll call

The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.   

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-889-economic-development-plus-cmte-11-30-22

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The agenda and doc released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://youtu.be/sUk0eqtUzXE

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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"

the zoning map shared on the screen attempted to focus the discussion

Space Needs Subcommittee Meeting - virtual only - Dec 8, 2022 at 5:30 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee

December 8, 2022 - 5:30 - 6:00 P.M. - Virtual

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Call to Order

● Recap of working sessions with AppGeo

● Dec. 20th School Redistricting Subcommittee Planning

● Adjourn

The agenda and virtual meeting connections can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-12_8_22.pdf

Note: This is the Space Needs subcommittee of the School Committee

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/subcommittees-and-liaisons

not the Redistricting Advisory Committee

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee

This is effectively the School Committee planning session for the re-districting advisory meeting scheduled for Dec 20, 2022   https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee/pages/meeting-dates

Space Needs Subcommittee Meeting - virtual only - Dec 8, 2022 at 5:30 PM

Fairmount Fruit Farm: Sl "hay" ride rescheduled for this weekend - these are your options

"UPDATE for Saturday Dec 3rd Sl ”hay” Ride:

Due to the impending rain that is projected for the afternoon on Saturday, we are going to have to reschedule our Sl "hay" Ride for the night. We are so sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause, our tractor and trailer can simply not go out in the rain.

Below please find your 3 options that you may choose from, if you bought your Dec 3rd ticket! Emails have been sent out to ALL December 3rd ticket holders.

We hope to still see you either tomorrow night or Sunday night! Make sure to still stop by for our INDOOR winter farmers market on Saturday from 10 - 2 PM! 

Oh and we forgot to mention that our second batch of trees is here. Come and snag the best looking one!"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CloVpVfrt0a/

Fairmount Fruit Farm: Sl "hay" ride rescheduled for this weekend - these are your options

Franklin Police Dept's No Shave November fund raising helps Cops For Kids With Cancer program

For the month of November, the Franklin Police Dept. has been participating in our annual No Shave fundraiser. To set aside our grooming standards, each officer made a donation for the month. Today we were able to present a check totaling $3,000 to the amazing organization, Cops For Kids With Cancer. Pictured below is Chief Helena Rafferty from the Canton Police Department. Chief Rafferty is also a board member for Cops for Kids with Cancer.

This organization has assisted several Franklin families relieve the financial burden upon them once confronted with a cancer diagnosis. Cops for Kids with Cancer will generally give the sponsored family a check for $5000.00 and ask for nothing in return. Please consider donating to this cause at

https://copsforkidswithcancer.org/

Our No Shave December funds will be donated to a family in Franklin, whose child was recently diagnosed with Cancer. If you wish to help this amazing family during these times, a check made out to Franklin Police Association can be dropped off at the station.

Chief Helena Rafferty, Canton Police Department, receiving the check from FPD

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