Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 3, 2023 to Feb 9, 2023

Stay warm, check in on your neighbors... this will pass quickly according to the forecast.

Friday, February 3

4:30pm - Joey D's Wingz N Thingz (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, February 4

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

10:00am - Train Town exhibit (HO scale replica of Depot Station) (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm - Hogwash BBQ  (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Northeast Groove (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - James Montgomery with The Daybreakers (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, February 5

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

1:00pm - Train Town exhibit (HO scale replica of Depot Station) (Franklin Historical Museum)

Tuesday, February 7

6:30pm - Franklin Garden Club (monthly meeting) (Franklin Senior Center)

Wednesday, February 8

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - Ladies Night: Empowerment Workshop (Virtual, registration required) (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (virtual meeting) (St Mary's )

Thursday, February 9

7:00pm - Wine Barre 02038 (21+ event) (Intermission Cafe)

7:00pm - Q&A with author Kate Clayborn! (Virtual, registration required) (Franklin Public Library)

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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

Board of Health hears of tobacco compliance check failures, and possible update to Franklin's code - 02/01/23 (audio)

FM #932 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. All three board members participated, 2 in room, 1 remote (hence roll call votes). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Tobacco holder checks mostly resulted in violations mostly regarding paperwork and signage required, most have been abated by now. Possible modification of the Town regulations to bring inline with the current State level, copy under review by department, hearing to be scheduled for the next mtg

• Inspector’s report, Nurse’s report, Epidemiologist report all touting volume and some issues but nothing major

• Health Care resources map & info added to Health Dept page -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258 

The meeting runs about 23 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-932-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-02-01-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/agenda_2-1-23.pdf 

Reflexology regulations as proposed

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/regulation_governing_the_practice_of_bodywork_draft_11-2-22.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uy9M0NJkAz_AWJ6buUInl9G6P5vQHsXK/view?usp=share_link 

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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!

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

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

Health Care resources map & info added to Health Dept page

Lorriane (Nasuti) Spencer recognized as Franklin's eldest with Boston Post Cane

Written by Alan Earls

It's a New England tradition, dating back to 1909, begun as an expensive publicity stunt by the publisher of The Boston Post Newspaper. The paper awarded gold-headed canes to each municipality in the region, with instructions to award it to their eldest resident.

With occasional hiccups, Franklin has maintained the tradition, as have many other New England towns.

Thursday afternoon, it was the turn of Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer, in a ceremony conducted at the Lydia Taft House, a rehabilitation and nursing center, located in Uxbridge, where she resides temporarily. The reception brought out about 20 family members and was presided over by Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello. 

Danello, reading from a prepared statement, noted that Mrs. Spencer is Franklin's  oldest resident,  born May 11 1921. 

"She'll be 102 in May.  Mrs. Spencer was born here in Franklin on her family homestead on North Park Street, the youngest of 10 children. She has many fond memories of growing up here in Franklin during the Depression, including time spent at her family store, attending Franklin public schools and the many activities throughout the town that she was involved in. Mrs. Spencer graduated from Franklin High School in 1939. After graduating she worked for many years  in Walpole and aided in the war effort by making airplane parts. 

"In 1954, Lorraine married Matthew Spencer, and together they raised seven children most still residing  in Franklin. Sadly, Matthew passed away in 1972. Lorraine then began working at Dean Junior College, retiring in 1986. Mrs. Spencer has 16 grandchildren an seven great grandchildren who continue to share her love of cooking and follow her delicious Italian recipes, though never making it quite as good as she did."

Mrs. Spencer held the cane proudly and relinquished after photos were taken, for safekeeping by the town.

State Rep. Jeff Roy also greeted Mrs. Spencer and offered souvenir greetings from the State House and his best wishes for  her upcoming 102nd birthday, a remark that drew a look of incredulity from Mrs. Spencer.

Mrs. Spencer was attentive throughout the event but seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention and glad to settle in with family when the formalities were past.

Representative Roy told her he expected to be there for her 105th birthday. "A hundred and five," she exclaimed?

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello, State Rep Jeff Roy and Lorriane (Nasuti) Spencer with the Post Cane

The official Town Proclamation

The Boston Post Cane

State Representative Jeff Roy with Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer

Lorraine (Nasuti) Spencer poses with members of her family

Panther TV: Panther News for Friday, February 3, 2023 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Thu, Feb 02, 2023:

Panther News: Friday, February 3, 2023
@FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters
https://t.co/Vx70pNjJgX via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1621222233380196353

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares schedule of major events for 2023

Mark your calendar for the following Franklin Downtown Partnership activities...

• Strawberry Stroll - Friday, June 9, rain date Saturday, June 10
• Harvest Festival - Saturday, Sep 30, rain date Sunday, Oct 1
• FDP Partnership General Meetings - April 6, June 1, Sep 7 and Nov 2
• Spring/Summer Beautification Day -  Saturday, May 20
• Autumn/Winter Beautification Day - Saturday, Nov 18

Residents can become members of the Downtown Partnership for only $25/yr, students & seniors for only $15/yr. Business members pay on a scale according to the size of their business. Check out the membership details ->

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/membership-info.html

Disclosure: I have been an individual member since 2010.

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares schedule of major events for 2023

"Pours for The Pantry" - Fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry at Pour Richard's - Feb 16

Join us at Pour Richard's in Franklin for a great night out tasting wine, socializing with friends, and supporting the Franklin Food Pantry! This fundraiser will directly support expanded programs and services in our new home at 341 West Central St. 

Tickets are $25 each and includes the wine tasting and light appetizers. Our co-host, Pour Richard's, will generously donate 5% of all purchases made during the event to the Franklin Food Pantry!

Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/3RpHDnw

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1333222577456133/

"Pours for The Pantry" - Fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry at Pour Richard's  - Feb 16 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Advocates file federal civil rights complaint over vocational school admission policies"

"MORE THAN FIVE YEARS after sounding the alarm over admission policies at the state’s vocational high schools that they say are locking out students who would benefit most from hands-on education, advocates are taking their case to the US Department of Education, filing a federal civil rights complaint aimed at forcing the state to revamp the admissions system at the schools. 

In a filing Thursday with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, lawyers say the state is allowing the use of selective admission criteria to award seats at vocational schools that “disproportionately and unjustifiably exclude students from vulnerable populations” who are “protected from discrimination under federal law.” The complaint calls for the withholding of federal funds to Massachusetts vocational schools until they come into compliance with civil rights laws."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/advocates-file-federal-civil-rights-complaint-over-vocational-school-admission-policies/

Given the Tri-County building proposal presented Wednesday evening to the Town Council, this will be an item to watch. One aspect of the building is the size is being proposed to remain at a 1000 student capacity. 

Students at New Bedford's high-performing regional vocational technical high school. (Photograph by Mark Ostow)

Happy World Wetlands Day, Franklin!

Happy World Wetlands Day, Franklin!

We admit that every day is World Wetlands Day over here at Franklin Conservation. It's all we talk about! And why wouldn't we? Wetlands provide us humans with a myriad of benefits including, but definitely not limited to:

• Dissipating stream energy for flood control
• Producing wetland products (e.g., cranberries)
• Sequestering sediment, contaminants, and nutrients (e.g., pollution)
• Providing habitat to support biodiversity
• Providing aesthetic services and recreational opportunities
• Replenishing groundwater
• Providing long-term carbon and water storage (important for climate change resilience!)

Franklin Conservation wishes you a very happy World Wetlands Day and encourages you to go outside - at some point, perhaps not today - and visit one our many waterbodies. We have plenty - just look at the map below!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/happy-world-wetlands-day-franklin

non-MBTA team assigned to examine the production issues in Springfield

"GOV. MAURA HEALEY said on Thursday that she is putting together a team of non-MBTA technical and legal experts to review the troubling situation at the Chinese-owned Springfield assembly plant for new Red and Orange Line trains.

Healey said she learned about the problems in Springfield a couple weeks ago, apparently at roughly the same time the public learned about them in detail from a presentation by acting General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville to the MBTA board of directors.

On Monday, Healey seemed shaky on details of the situation in Springfield. On Thursday, she seemed much more up to speed.

“The project is way behind schedule. Some alarming details have emerged about the quality of the production process,” Healey said."

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/healey-appointing-non-mbta-team-to-review-crrc-situation/ 

Boston Globe coverage of this topic ->    https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/02/metro/new-consultants-hired-expedite-red-orange-car-delivery-crrc-healey-says/

From left, Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca, Gov. Maura Healey, Transportation Undersecretary Monica Tipbits-Nutt, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and acting MBTA General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

Grove-Washington Street Shared Use Path - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Town of Franklin - Conservation Commission

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Elyse Tripp, of BETA Group, Inc. on behalf of the Franklin Department of Public Works. The project proposes roadway improvements along Grove Street as part of the second phase of a two-phase project to improve use by motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists, including upgrades to stormwater management infrastructure, with work taking place within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) and the 200-foot Buffer Zone to Perennial Streams.

The Project is located along Grove Street from its intersection with Tobacco Road to its intersection with Kenwood Circle, in the Rural Residential 1 and Industrial Zones. The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher

Chairman 

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/grove_street_dpw_noi_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Grove-Washington Street Shared Use Path - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Feb 3, 2023

• 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 Madalene Village Environmental Review

9:00 am Frank Presents: Nick Remissong

10:00 am Frank's Musings: George Santos

11:00 am Senior Connection: Public Health

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Hearing Loss: Causes, Prevention, Remedies

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8

7:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

8:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland

9:30 am Franklin Rec Basketball: 3x3 Tournament Game 6

11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v King Philip 01-26-23

1:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

3:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Critical Conversations

5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Milford 01-27-23

9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Catholic Memorial 01-27-23

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-19-23

12:00 pm Finance Committee: 01-11-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 01-19-23

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)

Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you!

Town Volunteer Opportunities

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee, Master Plan, Police Station and more!

Have you ever desired to volunteer for a town board or committee to enhance the great quality of life in Franklin? Below is a list of open vacancies on town boards and committees, including three new committees that have recently been established on major community-defining projects in town.  

Board/ Committee	# of Vacancies
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee (NEW) The Davis-Thayer Citizens committee will explore options for reuse of the former school.	5
Master Plan Update Committee (NEW)  Applicants should expect a 12-18 month process to develop a ten-year vision for the community, including town facilities, arts and cultural development, housing, infrastructure, open space and economic development and much more.  Read the current town-wide Master Plan.	6
Police Station Building Committee (NEW) Applicants must have a background in engineering or in construction management.  The committee will evaluate and plan a Police Station.	2
Cultural District Committee The Committee promotes arts and cultural development in the district as part of the Town's  certification with the Commonwealth.	3
Design Review Commission (DRC) The DRC recommends sign design and style to the Planning Board.	1 (Associate)
Franklin Cultural Council The Cultural Council awards grants to local arts organizations every year and assists in sponsoring major events like the Cultural Festival And Annual Arts Symposium.	2

To apply, submit a Volunteer Application Form.  Deadline to apply is March 3, 2023. 

Paper copy forms and prospective applicants may also visit in person or call the Town Administrator's Office at 508-520-4949 and speak with Executive Assistant, Julie McCann. The staff are willing to assist anyone submitting an application by not using the online application portal. 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities

Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you!

Talking about the importance of art with Amy Saltamacchia - 01/26/23 (audio)

FM #931 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 931 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation at the Creative Corner Art Studio with owner Amy Saltamacchia. We talk about the role of art in daily life and in particular in this post pandemic time as we all find a new normal.

The audio recording runs 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Amy

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-931-creative-corner-art-studio-01-26-23

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Creative Corner Art Studio web page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/ 

Registration page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/elementaryclasses 

Find Create Corner on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087442720678 

Follow them on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/creativecornerartstudio/ 

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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!

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

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

Talking about the importance of art with Amy Saltamacchia - 01/26/23 (audio)