Night Owl Farm: ✨Farm Fact Friday✨

View this email in your browser ✨Farm Fact Friday✨ This week we're talking chickens diets and clever (misleading) marketing 🐔 I've had some people ask me questions recently about what chickens eat, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to write about it! Chicken's Natural Diet Chickens are naturally omnivores (meaning they eat meat and plants), which may come as a surprise to many! Many egg cartons in the stores proudly promote their hens as being "vegetarian fed." Commercially raised chickens used to be fed animal by-products along with their grains, but around the time of mad-cow disease in the 90s, one farmer took advantage of a marketing opportunity, and it stuck. This is extremely common in the food world where marketing will create a variety of misconceptions. Another example of this is the phrase "cage free." I could go into this one for hours, but in short, instead of being in cages, the hens are packed in a giant warehouse, often leading to hens being trampled. Technically cage-free though! Even "free-range" doesn't mean what it used to. Happy to talk about that one for hours too 😉 In reality, chickens are supposed to be out in the dirt and plant life, digging for worms, eating leaves and seeds, finding bugs, and even eating small mice and snakes. This is what their diet is supposed to look like. If left to their own devices, they would even pick at any dead carcasses they might find. What We Feed Our Hens We don't go around throwing rotting carcasses to our chickens, nor do we feed chicken to our chickens. (Although they *can* eat chicken without the same repercussions as mad cow…. I cringe at the idea) We do, however, support their natural biology. Our hens are not vegetarian fed. They are able to roam outside, dig for worms and eat lots of bugs, even catch a few mice here and there. Our chickens also receive quite a bit of our food waste, which may include bones with scraps of meat on them, tomato sauce with ground meat in it, or similar items. This is good for them to have as it gives them the proper protein they need in order to provide us with stunningly healthy eggs! These lucky ladies also receive LOTS of organic produce right from the farm 😊 The vegetarian feed birds are given often include soy as a protein source. This is not a natural food source for chickens, and they would not seek it out if they were dropped in a field of soy. It's taxing on their digestive systems, and has negative long term effects on the overall health of the chicken. (Think of someone who eats Cheetos as their main food source… not great) However, it's a cheap protein source, so it's often used in feeds to save money. It's the same idea as feeding cows corn. It gives you the desired end result (fatty meat and lots of eggs) but it doesn't provide the quality of life the animals deserve. This is why we feed what we feed - we want our animals to have best, healthiest life they can. Our feed doesn't contain any soy, so our birds need a different source of protein, which is why we allow them to forage and be the way nature intended them to be. Or feed is certified organic from a family farm in Vermont (Green Mountain Feeds) and we are proud to support them. So next time you see "vegetarian fed" on a carton, you'll know the truth behind the marketing! Copyright (C) 2023 Night Owl Farm, LLC. All rights reserved.

Night Owl Farm · 49 Prospect Street · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 31, 2023 to Apr 7, 2023

Friday, March 31

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

7:30pm - Choreographers' Concert (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, April 1

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

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

3:00pm - Joey D's Wingz & Thingz (Food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Sudden Odd Behavior (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Ballet Franklin presents "Spectrum" (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - Choreographers' Concert (ticketed event) (Dean College)

8:00pm - SheGrooves (free ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Sunday, April 2

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

2:00pm - Ballet Franklin presents "Spectrum" (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Tuesday, April 4

6:00pm - A Screening and Discussion of the film, “CURED” (email, free registration) (Dean College)

7:00pm - Franklin Garden Club (Franklin Senior Center)

Wednesday, April 5

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

7:00pm - Franklin Art Association (monthly meeting & demo) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - Franklin Newcomers & Friends (monthly meeting) (Escape into Fiction)

7:00pm - Franklin SEPAC Board and Community Meeting (virtual)

Thursday, April 6

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space (Escape Into Fiction)

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting (Franklin Public Library)

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

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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 24, 2023 to Mar 31, 2023

Ballet Franklin to perform "Spectrum" April 1 & 2

Ballet Franklin, the ballet conservatory at Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), presents "Spectrum" April 1 at 7 PM and April 2 at 2 PM! 

Under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, the students represent Gerald Arpino's Viva Vivaldi, Western Revelries, Class Concert, and Contemporary works.

Ticket available online -> https://ci.ovationtix.com/36234

Image shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CqZAjz9L823/

Ballet Franklin to perform "Spectrum" April 1 & 2

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for April 2023

April 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Sunday, April 9 for Easter and Monday, April 17 for Patriots Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Library News – Get more eContent from Libby

Did you know that Libby app allows Minuteman users to borrow eBooks & audiobooks from other public library networks in Massachusetts? By adding these libraries to your Libby account, you can search, browse, and check out items from their digital collections. These networks include: Boston Public Library, SAILS Library network, CLAMS, NOBLE, CW MARS, OCLN, and the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. To add libraries, open your Libby app, tap on the settings menu in the bottom center of the screen-select "add a library" - Search for one of the following:  Boston Public Library, CLAMS, CW MARS, Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, NOBLE, or OCLN (you will have to add them one at a time) - When asked to add a library card, choose "I'm visiting from Another Library."  Choose "Minuteman Library Network." Enter your MLN card number and PIN. You can now search and check out materials from a partner library just as you do from Minuteman!

Featured Databases - Reference Solutions

Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA) is the premier source of business and residential information for reference and research.  Used by entrepreneurs, businesses, students, job-seekers or anyone wanting access to information on tens of millions of businesses and hundreds of millions of consumers in an easy to search format. Access to this database is limited to Franklin residents.

Museum Passes

April vacation is coming, so now is a great time to reserve passes to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and attractions! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, April 17, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, April 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, April 18, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of events for April, please visit the Library page here ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/april-2023-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for April 2023

FHS girls lacrosse Varsity and JV teams open season with wins on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, March 30, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 20 vs. Leominster, 8 – Final

Season opening W over a tough Leominster team! 20-8 Final 

Kaitlyn Carney 5G, 3A, 7DC

Katie Peterson 5G, 1A

Lindsay Atkinson 4G, 1A

Jamie Tanner 3G, 4DC 

Liza Kudish with her first varsity goal! 

Ella Mahoney strong in net with 6 saves   https://twitter.com/Fhsglax/status/1641577420628332544

FHS girls JV

12-1 win over Leominster. Good way to kick off the season. Maise great job in goal!  @julianaowen34  big time effort on both sides of the all. Maeve R dominated the draw. @morgan_lovell7 set the tone with her hustle and Raena C lit up the net. Come ready to work hard tmw!   https://twitter.com/fhsgjvlax/status/1641588015830302721

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-03-30-23/

FHS Panthers

SEPAC Workshop: MA Anti-Bullying Law - IEP and Schoolwide Strategies to Prevent Bullying of Students - May 11, 2023

This workshop will address the significant changes in special education practice that are a result of the state’s anti- bullying prevention law, focusing on both school-wide efforts to create safe and supportive school environments for students with disabilities and statutory provisions that require IEP Teams to address bullying of students with disabilities.

Date :  Thursday, May 11th

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Virtual (on Zoom)

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/r6DfvvFEetLQBM6C9

More about Franklin SEPAC visit their page -> http://www.franklinsepac.org/ 

SEPAC Workshop: MA Anti-Bullying Law - IEP and Schoolwide Strategies to Prevent Bullying of Students - May 11, 2023

Yes, there were glass insulators along telegraph lines

"Long before the modern era of computers, cellphones, smartphones, fiber-optic cables and the internet, long distance electric/electronic communication consisted primarily of the telegraph and telephone.   The electric telegraph (in the United States) was developed by Samuel Morse in 1837, and the first message was sent by Morse in 1838. The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876.

As time went on, networks of “open wire” telegraph lines, and later, telephone lines, were developed and built throughout the country, and these lines required the installation of insulators.  Insulators were necessary by serving as a medium for attaching the wires to the poles, but much more importantly, they were required to help prevent electric current loss during transmission. The material, glass, is itself an insulator (not a “conductor” or “transformer” as insulators are often incorrectly labeled in antique malls and flea markets).

Both glass and porcelain insulators have been used since the early days of the telegraph, but glass insulators were generally less expensive than porcelain, and were normally used for lower-voltage applications. The oldest glass insulators date from about 1846.'

Read more about the glass insulators -> https://glassbottlemarks.com/general-overview-glass-insulators/

Found somewhere along the SNETT trail

Yes, there were glass insulators along telegraph lines

Governor Healey signs "temporary provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2025"

Open Meeting Law: Guidance Update – March 30, 2023

On March 29, 2023, Governor Healey signed into law a supplemental budget bill which, among other things, extends the temporary provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2025. Specifically, this further extension allows public bodies to continue holding meetings remotely without a quorum of the public body physically present at a meeting location, and to provide "adequate, alternative" access to remote meetings. The language does not make any substantive changes to the Open Meeting Law other than extending the expiration date of the temporary provisions regarding remote meetings from March 31, 2023 to March 31, 2025.

Shared from the Attorney General's page https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law

Governor Healey signs "temporary provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2025"

MASS Senate Passes Legislation Authorizing Chapter 90 Funding

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday (3/30/23) passed a bill that includes $350 million in bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including $200 million for the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs.

“This legislation will maintain and improve our state’s infrastructure, ensure that residents have safe and reliable transportation options, and support sustainable, regionally equitable economic development in communities across the Commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’d like to thank Senator Crighton for his work in crafting this legislation, Senator Kennedy for his help in advancing it, and all of my Senate colleagues for working collaboratively to ensure the transportation needs of our cities and towns are addressed in a regionally equitable manner.”

"Our transportation system is the backbone of our Commonwealth, connecting us to our jobs, families, and communities," said Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn), Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation. "This investment is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of our Commonwealth, enabling our cities and towns to make the necessary improvements to promote efficient and safe travel for all."

“I’m pleased to see this crucial investment in the Commonwealth’s roads and bridges move towards fruition,” said Senator Edward J. Kennedy (D-Lowell), Chair of the Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “The cities and towns of Massachusetts depend on this necessary funding to maintain their transportation infrastructure.”

This legislation also authorizes $150 million in programs that will assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $25 million for each of the following:

• the municipal small bridge program;
• the complete streets program;
• a bus transit infrastructure program;
• grants to increase access to mass transit and commuter rail stations;
• grants for municipalities and regional transit authorities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them;
• and new funding dedicated to additional transportation support based on road milage, which is particularly helpful for rural communities.

“By dedicating a $25 million fund to rural communities for road and culvert work, the Senate has once again demonstrated a commitment to regional equity,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “Rural towns do not have large municipal budgets like some Commonwealth cities, yet with much smaller municipal budgets, they have been expected to maintain many hundreds more miles of roads than their urban counterparts. They have culverts in need of repair and a significant number of gravel and dirt roads. This rural program recognizes and begins to address these pressing, inequitable realities for rural communities and I'm deeply grateful.”

“Today's bill includes $25 million that is intended to help our most rural communities that are consistently struggling to keep afloat financially,” said Senator Paul W. Mark (D-Becket). “In a district of 57 cities and towns, 54 of which have populations of fewer than 10,000 people, and in some cases communities as small as 120 residents, we live firsthand every day how difficult it can be to undertake road repairs, invest in new equipment, or have our voice heard in Boston.  I am grateful to the Senate President, the Chair of Ways and Means, and the Chair of Transportation for the time they have taken to visit rural communities in my district, work collaboratively with me and our rural caucus members, and deliver for our small towns in a way that will produce tangible benefits and results this calendar year.”

A different version having previously been passed in the House of Representatives, the two chambers will now reconcile differences before sending the bill to the Governor’s desk.

MASS Senate Passes Legislation Authorizing Chapter 90 Funding

Frank's Ramblings: 051 - George Santos (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey discusses the controversy surrounding George Santos past few months, lying about his background, college degrees, real estate and much more - what this means for republicans, congress in general and the future of politics.

Audio file -> https://frank-falvey.captivate.fm/episode/051-franks-ramblings-george-santos

Frank Falvey - WFPR & Franklin TV

Frank Falvey dives into current events, hot button topics and invites guests give their insights

Frank Falvey examines everything from Franklin to U.S. politics; from current events to the local community, giving his personal thoughts and considerations. Frank is also joined by local guests to talk the Franklin community and dissect current events

Subscribe via your favorite podcast app or find all episodes in one place -> 

https://frank-falvey.captivate.fm/episodes 

Frank Presents : 049 - Nick Remissong (audio)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Mar 31, 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

9:00 am     Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

11:00 am Senior Connection: Other Activities

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons

1:00 pm     Drink Responsibly: La Cantina Winery

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes

3:30 pm     Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

7:00 pm     Matt York: Highway Men

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig

11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Leominster 02-07-23

1:30 pm     All-Town Showcase: Band

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Milford 01-27-23

5:00 pm School Committee Redistricting Analysis

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: 03-02-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 03-02-23

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)

Franklin Senior Center: April Senior Connection Newsletter 2023

Franklin Senior Center: April Senior Connection Newsletter 2023

Happy April! 

Check out all the fun programs and services this April at the Franklin Senior Center

Click Here for the Franklin Senior Center's April Senior Connection Newsletter 2023!

Call and Sign up now 508-520-4945!

Franklin Senior Center: April Senior Connection Newsletter 2023

Redistricting Listening Session - April 1 from 10 AM to Noon at the Library

School Committee members Camille Bernstein & Dave Callaghan would like to hear your thoughts on the proposed public school redistricting plans.

When: Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10 AM to Noon

Where: Franklin Public Library

Redistricting Listening Session - April 1 from 10 AM to Noon at the Library

Holy Week and Easter service schedule for St John's Episcopal & Grace Church announced

You are invited to join in Worship and fun with us at St John’s Episcopal Church in Franklin and Grace Episcopal Church in North Attleboro:

• Palm Sunday – April 2 at 10am at St John’s & livestreamed to Grace
• Maundy Thursday with footwashing – April 6 at 4pm at Grace
• Stations of the Cross – Fri, April 7 at 12 Noon at Grace
• Good Friday Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross – April 7 at 7pm at St John’s
• Easter Egg Hunt – Sat, April 8 at 10am on the lawn at St John’s
• The Great Vigil of Easter – Sat, April 8 at 7pm at St John’s (begins outside)
• Easter Day – April 9 at 10am at Grace

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

Grace Episcopal Church, 104 N Washington Street, North Attleboro

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org    

St John's Episcopal Church

FPL Community Conversations March 30, at 6 PM - This month’s topic: Food Insecurity!

Community Conversations! Thursday, March 30 @6:00PM

Folks of all ages are welcome to join us each month as we unpack, discuss, and engage with topics relevant both within our community and beyond. Come with an open mind, leave with plenty of food for thought! 

This month’s topic: Food Insecurity!

FPL Community Conversations March 30, at 6 PM - This month’s topic: Food Insecurity!

FPS Digital Learning Newsletter for March 2023

Check out the FPS March Digital Learning Newsletter
https://t.co/6IKGYMLNfm

Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1641053827276185600

FPS Digital Learning Newsletter for March 2023

Franklin High School Cheerleaders recognized at School Committee meeting - 03/28/23

FHS Cheerleaders recognized at SchCmte meeting

It was very sweet to be recognized tonight (3/28/23) by the school committee!! Thank you so much for the support @TOFranklinMA https://t.co/tlo3RNpPpk

https://twitter.com/FHScheer_/status/1640874553848000515

Franklin Recreation: Summer Brochure 2023

275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. 02038 • (508) 613-1666 • http://franklinma.myrec.com/ Good Morning Franklin, We are excited to share our 2023 Summer Brochure with all of you. You can now access the brochure by clicking the link below. Please note registration for all Summer Programs open on Monday, April 3rd at 8:30 AM. Please note that the Franklin Recreation staff is at a conference until Thursday. If you have any questions about any programs in the summer brochure please email franklinrecreation@franklinma.gov and we will get back to you asap. We can't wait to see you this summer!! Summer Brochure 2023