Celebrate with Pride on the Franklin Town Common - Sunday, June 25, 2023 from noon to 4 PM

Celebrate With Pride

Sunday, June 25th

Franklin Town Common
 

The second annual Celebrate with Pride is on Sunday, June 25, noon-4pm on the Franklin Town Common.  This family-friendly event is organized by a grassroots, volunteer run non-profit, the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance.  Come enjoy performers, vendors, food trucks, LGBTQIA+ organizations, crafts, games, and vendors!!! We can truly Celebrate with Pride.  

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance relies on the generosity of our community to help fund the event. These funds are then used to pay performers, promote the event,  and purchase/rent equipment needed for the event. 

We are excited to Celebrate with Pride with you this weekend! 

Music

12-1   Second Son 

1-2    Sioo

2-3    Freedom Trail Band 

PARKING

Parking is available at one of the following locations (listed from most to least preferred):

1.  Downtown Franklin (on Main Street or Central Street); 

2.  Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street; 

3.  Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street;  

4.  Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street; or

5.  The parking lot with entrances on Pleasant Street and Main Street next to Saint Mary's School.

PUBLIC RESTROOMS

There will be no public restrooms in Franklin Town Common on the day of the event.  However, there will be public restrooms available at the following locations nearby:

1.  Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, 11 AM to 5 PM

2.  Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street, from 1:30 PM to 5 PM

Listen to the audio recording (podcast) with Amber Wilson talking about the event and development of the group -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/preparing-to-celebrate-with-pride-in.html

Town Common Layout of booths for Celebrate with Pride

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12WGrOlzcCZzLnm8ORwwkK9C52iCllXcn/view?usp=drive_link

Celebrate with Pride on the Franklin Town Common - Sunday, June 25, 2023 from noon to 4 PM

Franklin TV: Our Greatest Invention? It’s Also One of Our Oldest

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/25/2023

Beyond fire and the wheel, there is language, and there is language immortalized. Writing likely began as an effort at simple adornment. A crude representation of a memory scratched onto a cave wall. Sometime well before the caves of Lascaux, writing gradually took form around 10-15 thousand years ago. 

the caves of Lascaux

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lascaux

What do these ancient images tell us? The mind ponders and wanders. I can divine some images as a shopping list:

“Honey, on your way home pick up some bison, and if it’s still in season – a mastodon.”

What is key is that these first efforts at recorded memory reveal the experiences of early humans. As language became refined over the millennia, we could include abstractions (the future?) and convey experiences and concepts to later generations who would follow us.

Today, many of us write for our own enjoyment. Personally, I view writing as a mental full-contact sport. Our Senior Center Writers Group (aka, The Scribblers) has just completed our third book. It’s a lovely romp through seventy-seven pages of our past short works. All dressed up for the press run, our latest works will be released later this Summer.

Writings from the Senior Scribblers. Coming soon to a Senior Center near you.

Will you be in our next book? Join our group. Write on, man! Write on!

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin TV: Our Greatest Invention? It’s Also One of Our Oldest

Tri-County Regional VTHS Names Dana Walsh New Principal

Tri-County is proud to announce the appointment of Dana Walsh as the incoming principal. With the retirement of Michael Procaccini, the school needed a new leader to continue its mission and values. Walsh has been a valued member of the Tri-County family for over twelve years. When she was first hired, she brought 20 years of professional experience as a social worker and college professor to the Tri-County community.  Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in achieving her vision for the school. We are excited for the upcoming school year and the new leadership Walsh will bring to our community.  

Dana Walsh

Walsh has a proven track record in leadership and management, adolescent development, family and community engagement, and honing a positive learning environment. Through her previous position at Tri-County, Walsh collaborated with the leadership team in an effort to develop a school improvement plan that incorporated school policies that encompassed the holistic well-being of students. She was charged with leading a weekly multidisciplinary wellness team meeting that helped determine interventions needed for at-risk students. 

Through her time at Tri-County, Walsh has connected with the students and their families as well as the community we serve. Her ability to build partnerships and lead the development of programming to meet student needs in the changing landscape of education has had proven results in our community.  

For years Walsh has spearheaded initiatives to help create a welcoming environment for our students. From building partnerships with community-based agencies to expanding services available to the students to developing and providing professional development on a variety of topics to support rigor and student achievement, Walsh has a well-rounded approach that will help shape the future of Tri-County.  

Walsh enters the principal position during an exciting time, where the potential that vocational schools offer is especially evident.  “Whether Tri-County students elect to pursue their chosen vocation or further education upon graduation, they are uniquely prepared with a skill set to navigate the demands of their chosen profession or education program,” stated Walsh.

“We are excited for Mrs. Walsh to step into the principal role. Her demonstrated commitment to vocational education and specifically Tri-County will benefit her in connecting with teachers, parents, and students. We know she will continue to create a positive environment for our community, and we look forward to her leadership,” said Dr. Karen M. Maguire, Director/Superintendent.

For more about Tri-County please visit them on the internet ->  https://tri-county.us/

Town Council approves CPC appointments, closes out FY 2023, refers 2 bylaw mods to Planning Board, welcomes new Deputy Administrator (audio)

FM #1019 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1019 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. 8All 9members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers. 

Brief recap:

• The appointments to the Community Preservation Committee were approved. 6 were reappointed to a new term. One new member representing the Planning Board was made. Two existing members terms did not expire this year and will continue

• Downtown parking bylaw was adjusted for anew start time to account for a change in the MBTA schedule as well as the overnight parking restriction changed for Fri-Sat nights to allow for the late hours of Teddie Gallagher's. Modified bylaw moved to 2nd reading as amended

• 3 resolutions closed out the accounting transactions for the FY 2023 fiscal year for this time. The MECC fund which was reallocated to be part of the school adjustment effectively regained what it 'lost' as there were excess funds that needed to accounted for

• A resolution to clean up some house keeping for the land swap with the State was approved. There was not material fund impact, the funds had already been approved in prior years, the text of the measure needed to be adjusted as requested by the State to better account for their process and records

• 2 bylaws were referred to the Planning Board, both had come forward from the recent Economic Development committee meeting; one to adjust the marijuana overlay district maps, two to allow for reduce impervious coverage in general residential 5 zoning

•  new Deputy Town Administrator Amy M. Frigulietti was introduced. She starts in July

The recording runs 1 and 35 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on June 21, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1019-town-council-mtg-06-21-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_21_2023.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/157tLQi6nFbWEu9QOBPSiUBfdR_M6cyn5/view?usp=drive_link

The meeting video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/P6oDVqj_xqI 

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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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting

Franklin Police Officer Andressa Rosa receives "Special Recognition"

"Please join us in congratulating Officer Andressa Rosa. Tonight, the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement held its Spirit of MAWLE Awards. These awards are presented to women in law enforcement who have gone above and beyond in the areas of leadership, mentoring, courage, community service, performance, and civilian achievement.

Officer Rosa received a Special Recognition Certificate at tonight's awards. In addition to her many responsibilities at 911 Panther Way, Officer Rosa goes above and beyond each year organizing our Holiday Toy Drive. We don’t know the exact number but it’s fair to say hundreds of families and children have had a special holiday with presents to open because of the volunteer efforts of Officer Rosa. Congrats Officer Rosa, very well deserved!"

Via Franklin Police Instagram account -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct0CmGkxSRq/

Franklin Police Officer Andressa Rosa receives "Special Recognition"

Franklin Fire announces receipt of $301K grant from FEMA for Training

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) tweeted on Fri, Jun 23, 2023:

We are happy to announce that we were awarded $301,279 through the @fema Assistance To Firefighters Grant Program.  

These funds will be used for training. https://t.co/ZhLy47DHNc

Franklin Fire announces receipt of $301,000 grant for Training

Run on Climate welcomes Cobi Frongillo as new member of the Local Climate Policy Network

Run on Climate (@ROClimate) tweeted on Fri, Jun 23, 2023:

"Welcome to the Local Climate Policy Network, @CobiFrongillo !  

With a background in policy research and a strong commitment to environmental issues, he has advanced initiatives on sustainable development and served as a fellow with Elected Officials to Protect America. https://t.co/utCaBevzJl"

Run on Climate welcomes Cobi Frongillo

Cobi Frongillo; new member of the Local Climate Policy Network

Economic Development Subcommittee previews the branding & marketing multiyear plan - June 21, 2023 (audio)

FM #1018 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1018 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. 

Attending: Chair M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, Town Administration: J Hellen, L Rivera, J Jacobson, B Taberner, A Love

The branding and marketing plan as drafted by Julie Jacobson & Lily Rivera was previewed with the Subcommittee. Utilization of 2 grants to provide funding for consultant work to develop the brand is incorporated into this multi year effort.

Implementation costs may be minimized for office stationary as the new letterheads, etc. can get integrated upon restocking. How the branding is implemented across the signs and vehicles remains to be determined and will have a cost factor.

The recording runs 34 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on June 21, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1018-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-21-23

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/june-21-2023-edc-meeting-agenda

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QHhMhnwr3_y_TMLrqQskm2An80ytHjZ1/view?usp=drive_link 

Meeting video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/xF310S39Bw8

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

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"

Economic Development Subcommittee previews the branding & marketing multiyear plan - June 21, 2023 (audio)

Radio Daze at THE BLACK BOX - June 24 at 8 PM

Radio Daze has been a staple of local entertainment, playing rock music in New England Clubs and local bars for over 20 years. It's always extra special when singer and front-man Paul Souza is in town to lead the show!

Two 50 minute sets

Tickets: $15 presale - $20 at the door - *Processing fees may apply

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1688&month=06&year=2023

Radio Daze at THE BLACK BOX - June 24 at 8 PM

FHS ' Dumas named MVP for girls outdoor track Hockomock League All Stars

Below are the official 2023 Hockomock League Girls & Boys Outdoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league. The Franklin selections are shared here, the full listing is linked to below

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Sarah Dumas, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

Sarah Dumas, Franklin

Gwenyth Holland, Franklin

Anna Cliff, Franklin

Olivia Costa, Franklin

Madison Bruno, Franklin

Lily Deforge, Franklin

Elizabeth Hopkins, Franklin

Ella Chandaria, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Darby Nicholson, Franklin

For the complete listing of girls outdoor track all stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2023-hockomock-league-girls-outdoor-track-all-stars/

Below are the official 2023 Hockomock League Boys Outdoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Ryan Sarney, Oliver Ames

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

Trey Lovell, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Quinten Hardt, Franklin

For the complete listing of boys outdoor track all stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2023-hockomock-league-boys-outdoor-track-all-stars/

FHS ' Dumas named MVP for girls outdoor track Hockomock League All Stars

FHS' Mucciarone named MVP for 2023 Hockomock Baseball All Stars

Below are the official 2023 Hockomock League Softball & Baseball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.  The Franklin selections are shared here, the full listing is linked to below

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Kelly Colleran, North Attleboro

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

Sarah Boozang, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Avery Chalk, Franklin

For the complete listing of girls all stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2023-hockomock-league-softball-all-stars/

Below are the official 2023 Hockomock League Baseball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Alfred Mucciarone, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

Jase Lyons, Franklin

Alfred Mucciarone, Franklin

Esig Chin, Franklin

Austin Campbell, Franklin

Henry DiGiorgio, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Luke Sidwell, Franklin

For the complete listing of boys all stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2023-hockomock-league-baseball-all-stars/

FHS' Mucciarone named MVP for 2023 Hockomock Baseball All Stars 

Comment process for the draft Open Space & Recreation Plan discussed in public hearing #3 - 06/20/23 (audio)

FM #1017 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1017 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the third and final Public Hearing held to gather input on the Town of Franklin Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP).

The hearing covered some of the details around the process: 

• The draft has been issued for comment

• Comments are open through July 12

• Additional detail on the survey results are being formatted to add to the draft. This won't change the goals or objectives, just provide the additional supporting evidence for such.

The conversation runs about 70 minutes. Let’s listen to the OSRP Public Hearing #3 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1017-open-space-recreation-plan-public-hearing-3-06-20-23

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Conservation page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation 

The draft plan can be found online ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/system/files/uploads/2023_osrp_draft_for_comment_0.pdf 

Comments on the plan can be submitted ->

https://forms.gle/SJZKH43xj6JkAVPX8 

The summary of the plan -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/2023-open-space-recreation-plan-summary.html 

The goals & objectives -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan.html 

The public hearing video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/wbA8tRvhO6M 

My notes captured via Twitter and found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MYo-a8rFxsoyCa8XVnbVnfSRmwMeVSqy/view?usp=drive_link

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

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"

Open Space & Recreation Plan - Summary

CommonWealth Magazine: "2022 numbers paint bleak picture, with renewed calls for supervised injection sites"

"THE STATE WAS already swimming upstream against the opioid epidemic, but new numbers showing record high opioid-related overdose deaths brought an undercurrent of despair to Healey administration discussion of how to stem the toll.

There were 2,357 confirmed and estimated fatal opioid-related overdoses in Massachusetts last year, or 33.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to the Department of Public Health. The figure marks a 2.5 percent increase from 2021 and a 9 percent jump from 2016’s pre-pandemic peak, which itself capped a startling rise in deaths over the prior five years. Populations of color and rural areas have seen the largest jumps in opioid overdose deaths.

....

Public health officials warn that drug dealers mixing synthetic opioids like fentanyl and other substances into their offerings have created an extremely dangerous cocktail. 

“We have a toxic drug supply,” said Deirdre Calvert, director of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. “And it doesn’t matter if you’re using opiates or not. You’re at risk if you’re using drugs that are bought illicitly.”

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/drug-addiction/healey-administration-grapples-with-record-high-opioid-deaths/

CommonWealth Magazine: "2022 numbers paint bleak picture, with renewed calls for supervised injection sites"

Healey-Driscoll administration releases "$14 Billion Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028"

"The Healey-Driscoll administration announced today (06/22/23)  a new five-year, $14 billion capital investment plan that includes more than $1.5 billion in housing-related spending and a new program to incentivize the creation of more affordable housing.

The administration’s plan, covering fiscal years 2024 through 2028, includes $97 million a year for the new HousingWorks program, which aims to encourage the production of 200 to 300 units of affordable housing each year. In addition, the spending plan also includes $90 million annually for housing acquisition, development and rehabilitation, and $120 million a year to preserve the state’s more than 43,000 units of public housing.

Besides housing, the spending plan focuses on advancing climate and economic development goals, and administration officials said it will help preserve and modernize the state’s infrastructure, invest in cities and towns, and make government more effective."

Continue reading the article ->

https://www.mma.org/gov-healey-announces-capital-plan-affordable-housing-program/ 

The Governor's official press release ->

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-and-lieutenant-governor-driscoll-release-14-billion-capital-investment-plan-for-fiscal-years-2024-2028

Healey-Driscoll administration releases "$14 Billion Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028"