Congressman Auchincloss: Update from the last 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill State of the Union: I attended the President's State of the Union address on Tuesday night, where he spoke of the progress we've made, from infrastructure to gun safety, and of the work still ahead. He proclaimed that our democracy, though bruised, remains unbowed and unbroken. Now, we must finish the job and deliver results for the American people. I was joined by Dr. Xiaoyan Qin, an independent pharmacist, as my guest of honor. I recently visited Union Pharmacy and spoke to Dr. Qin about being a small business owner and how rising healthcare costs affect Americans every day. She has made a name for herself with top-notch patient service in our district. We also discussed her experiences as an immigrant from China who has witnessed the opportunities America provides firsthand. As a small business owner and advocate for better drug-pricing policy, she represents how immigrants enrich our communities. China: I was honored to be appointed as a Member of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. This committee will assess the myriad military, economic, and technological challenges posed by China. As underscored by China's recent surveillance of U.S. sites, the relationship between the two greatest powers in the world is deteriorating. This Congress, and my generation, have an opportunity to rise above politics to chart a course for sound strategy. Americans' own cultivation of freedom, democracy, and science will be the hallmarks of a winning strategy. If Americans allow this heritage to wither, then no plan can save us. If we re-invigorate these strengths, then no nation can outcompete us. I am ready to chart that course. Regulating Social Media: We must bring social media companies before Congress and hold them accountable for the experiment they are running on our children for profit. As a father of two, I am deeply concerned about the impact social media has on children's mental health. It is unacceptable that these companies are targeting children as young as 8 years old. By setting a verifiable age of at least 16 for social media, Congress could empower parents as the gatekeepers of healthy online experiences for their children. I am committed to supporting legislation that will keep our children safe online. Make your voice heard → Are you concerned about the impact of social media on our children? Do you support setting an age limit for social media? Around the Fourth WinterFEST: I went to the Hyde Community Center in Newton for the second annual WinterFEST, hosted by Newton Community Pride. I enjoyed the hot soup and great company with my friends and neighbors. New Additions to the District: In the first month of the 118th Congress, I've been traveling to the towns added to the Massachusetts Fourth as part of redistricting. Recently, I had terrific conversations with officials and residents in Millville and Sherborn. I heard about issues ranging from water to housing to internet access. I am committed to advocating for these communities in Congress. Onwards, 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

Reminder: Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023

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LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission

will hold a Public Hearing, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 6:30 PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 

201 Main Street, Franklin MA (Carriage House).

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum

80 West Central Street, Franklin

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view from Queen St

view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner

view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)

view of parking lot side of building

view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building

NEW American Sign Language Class Starting Feb 27 - Register Now!!

Starting February 27. Register Now

NEW Language Class Starting In Late February Don't Miss Out REGISTER TODAY Learn the fundamentals of ASL! Log into unlimited classes any/every week at NO additional cost. Cost: $95. For additional details visit: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin Residents: The Recycling Center Will Be Open Tuesdays Beginning April 4, 2023

Recycling Center Will Be Open Tuesdays Beginning April 4th

Effective April 4, 2023, the Recycling Center hours will be:

Tuesdays: Noon-3 PM
Fridays: 8 AM-3 PM
Saturdays: 8 AM-3 PM
Sundays: 9 AM-1 PM

Reminder that a pass is required to use the Recycling Center, which can be purchased for $35 (credit cards only please) directly at the Recycling Center.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/recycling-center-will-be-open-tuesdays-beginning-april-4th

Franklin Residents: The Recycling Center Will Be Open Tuesdays Beginning April 4, 2023

Franklin TV's video replay of the School Committee meeting Feb 14, 2023 is available (video)

The School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, heard several  presentations. As the documents were not available before the meeting, photos of the slides as shown in the Council Chambers can suffice until the agenda packet is updated with the copies.

Guests/Presentations

A. JFK Highlights – Dr. Connolly, Mr. Haynes - photos album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/m8oxLk4HzAeURnMF7

B. Belize Presentation – Ms. Balliro & Ms. Quigley - photos album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FgVmgsGHmXAEA1xm9

C. Advisory Update – MS Advisors & Principals - photos album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/piXbXCXcwF72JxyQ6

D. EduSpeak Update – Supt Giguere & Dr Rogers - (effectively will be a glossary document posted to the schools page with the acronyms used frequently)

Agenda doc with remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-2-14-23

Meeting packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-14-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV video is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/pzZUAhR1_x0?feature=share

slide from the proposed STEM trip during Feb 2024 vacation

Boston Globe Editorial: "Seizing home equity over unpaid taxes is unfair to homeowners"

State Representative Jeff Roy has co-sponsored legislation to avoid this and is mentioned in the article. 

"After Deborah Foss fell behind on property taxes on her two-unit house in New Bedford, the city sold her debt to an outside company, which pursued the $30,000 the retired grandmother owed.

But rather than simply recouping the debt, according to her lawyers, Foss fell victim to an overly punitive state law that cost her the entire house, valued at $241,600 — far more than was needed to settle her debt — and left her temporarily homeless last winter.

Massachusetts is one of a dozen states that allows a practice critics refer to as “home equity theft.” If a home is foreclosed on due to unpaid property taxes, the municipality — or a company that buys the tax debt — can sell the home and keep the profit, even if the sale price is more than the taxpayer owes.

The system often disproportionately and unfairly punishes elderly homeowners. Of course, people need to pay taxes. Municipalities should be allowed to recoup the costs they incur in collecting those taxes if a homeowner is delinquent, including by seizing a home."

Continue reading the Editorial by the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/12/opinion/seizing-home-equity-over-unpaid-taxes-is-unfair-homeowners/

Read the PDF version of the editorial here -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fjTngwbzsrnpJHduQiXzMjh84N1fEYvk/view?usp=share_link

BOSTON GLOBE; BAURKA/CANDY1812/ADOBE

Calling All Veterans! Memorial Day Parade Participants Wanted - Join Us

Calling All Veterans!

Memorial Day Parade Participants Wanted - Join Us!

We're hoping to have one of the best Memorial Day Parades ever to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

We're looking for Veterans who would like to be part of this event by helping to:

• Set up the day of the parade (May 29, 2023) or
• Direct parade participants or
• Walk or ride in the parade

If you'd like to join us, please call Dick at: (508) 735-5509.

Calling All Veterans!  Memorial Day Parade Participants Wanted - Join Us

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/calling-all-veterans

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023

• 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 two Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) board members; Arielle Shearer and Patty Middelmann.   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/our-franklin-sepac-discussion-can.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  my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen as we "Talk Franklin" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/community-engagement-everywhere-you.html

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

7:30 am         It Takes A Village: D'Angela Alberty

8:30 am         Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

10:00 am Riffing with the President Ep 1

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:00 pm         Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Good Decision Making

1:30 pm         Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2

3:30 pm         Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion

4:45 pm         Veterans' Call: PACT Act

6:00 pm The Black Box: Electric Youth 2023

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

7:00 am         Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19

8:30 am     Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: New Facility

11:00 am Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v N. Attleboro 01-13-23

2:30 pm         FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Leominster 02-07-23

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Archbishop Williams 01-31-23

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

8:00 am Town Council: 02-01-23

11:30 am Finance Committee: 02-08-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 02-01-23

6:00 pm Economic Development Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 820 6335 7573

7:00 pm Town Council: LIVE, Chambers, 880 5505 1868

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)

Tracy Grammer Concert is scheduled for Feb 25 at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Thrilled that Tracy is returning to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Tracy Grammer February 25 with Hana Zara View this email in your browser Tracy Grammer with Hana Zara February 25th 8PM $25 We are thrilled that Tracy Grammer will return to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse stage on Saturday, February 25th at 8PM.  Called  "a musician and singer of dazzling versatility", Tracy Grammer is among contemporary folk music's most beloved artists. Renowned for her pure voice, deft guitar and violin work, and masterful storytelling, Grammer has recorded and performed with Joan Baez and Mary Chapin Carpenter, headlined several of the nation's top folk festivals, including Philadelphia Folk Festival and Falcon Ridge, and enjoyed 15 consecutive years as one of folk radio's 50 top-played artists, both solo and with the late Dave Carter.    http://tracygrammer.com/ "Her pure voice conveys the simple truths of these songs; her gifts as a musician are like that of a painter who is a master of chiaroscuro, offering light and shadow at every turn." - Mary Chapin Carpenter Hana Zara is a songwriter based in Shelburne Falls Massachusetts. Her songs have been featured on folk radio worldwide. She won first place in the Vermont Songwriting Competition and has toured the United States and Europe.  "I've never seen anyone silence a room the way that she does" - Zelde Grimm "Where have they been hiding her" -Conor Oberst "I don't say this lightly, she is one of the most talented singer songwriters I've ever worked with" -Dango Rose (Elephant Revival)  https://hanazaramusic.bandcamp.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Apr 1       SheGrooves Apr 29     John Gorka

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Community engagement, everywhere you turn, there's an opportunity tops this Talk Franklin discussion (audio)

FM #943 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 943 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge on Thursday, February 8, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Community Preservation Cmte – public hearing Tuesday

Finance Cmte (will be conducted after we record)

Community engagement opportunities

• Master plan

• Davis Thayer

• Police Station

Town Council outlook for the Feb 15 meeting

• inclusionary zoning

• capital plan (first pass) 

The conversation runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Police-Building--Davis-Thayer-Reuse--Master-Plan-Committee-opportunities-and-more-for-residents-e1v1ags/a-a9bepvf

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Town Council agenda for 2/15/23

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf 

Community Preservation Committee meeting (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/community-preservation-cmte-public.html 

Finance Committee meeting (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-tv-video-of-finance-committee.html 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

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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"

Community engagement, everywhere you turn, there's an opportunity tops this Talk Franklin discussion (audio)

The Story of Edward M. Brooke - February 15 at the Franklin Public Library

About Edward M. Brooke - February 15  6:30 PM

Join Alan Earls through the exploits of Senator Edward M. Brooke of Massachusetts. The first African American elected to the Senate!

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/ConO6wnpFhF/

The Story of Edward M. Brooke - February 15  at the Franklin Public Library

The School Committee and Town Council have meetings scheduled for Tue & Wed respectfully

The School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 14, at 7 PM has among the items on their agenda the following:

Guests/Presentations

A. JFK Highlights – Dr. Connolly, Mr. Haynes

B. Belize Presentation – Ms. Balliro & Ms. Quigley

C. Advisory Update – MS Advisors & Principals

D. EduSpeak Update – Tim Frazier

Agenda doc with remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-2-14-23

Meeting packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-14-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee meeting

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For Wednesday, the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that had been scheduled for 6 PM has been moved to March 1 at 5:45 PM. The agenda will review accessory dwelling units.

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday at 7 PM has among the items on its agenda the following:

Three key items regarding money: 

• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05

And two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zooning

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board 
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board 

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

HockomockSports.com selects FHS' Sarah Dumas as "Player of the Week "

"Franklin junior Sarah Dumas has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Feb. 5 through Feb. 11. Dumas is the 20th player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2022-23 school year and eighth in the winter season.

Dumas won two individual titles at the annual Hockomock League Indoor Track Championships, held last week at the TRACK at New Balance. She won the 55-meter hurdles and the high jump, helping the Panthers take first place as a team. Franklin finished with 115.50 points, which was 45 more than second-place Oliver Ames."

Continue reading the write up on Dumas' selection as Player of the Week:

https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-sarah-dumas-franklin-track/

HockomockSports.com selects FHS' Sarah Dumas as "Player of the Week "