Franklin's Event Outlook: July 28, 2023 to August 3, 2023

The weather canceled movie night last week and it is now scheduled for Friday night. Let's see if the weather holds so folks can watch "Finding Nemo". Birchwood Bakery adds music on their outdoor patio (also weather permitting) on some Saturdays starting this week with Patrick Durkin scheduled to perform.

Friday, July 28

1:00pm - Talewise: Science Heroes  (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm - Vai's Thai (food truck) (Franklin Town Common)

3:30pm - It's a "J" Thing (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:30pm - Sons of Sam Pizza (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Matt Zajack (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Jamie Barrett (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - FSPA & Electric Youth (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

8:00pm - Movie night - "Finding Nemo" (Franklin Town Common)

Saturday, July 29

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

1:00pm - JoeDs Wings (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

4:00pm - The Fourtet (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

4:00pm - The Gilligans (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

Sunday, July 30

10:00am - FUSF Service "Prayer as a Portal" (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

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

Monday, July 31

1:00pm - Harry Potter Party (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Movie Monday “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, August 2

10:00am - Veteran’s Coffee Social (monthly event)  (Franklin Senior Center)

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

Thursday, August 3

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting (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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 28, 2023 to August 3, 2023

Sunday's service at FUSF: Prayer as a Portal - July 30

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Prayer as a Portal" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Prayer as a Portal - July 30

Duncan Sings-Alone and Cilla Cogan

"What is prayer if not a question to the universe? What is a portal if not a doorway to an answer?

Duncan and Cilla take a different and brief look at the experience of prayer and how it impacts the individual and the sense of community. A portal entails a direction both inner and outer."

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 30 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

August 6: Sangha and Mindfulness 

August 13: Respect for all living things

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit  

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

School Committee approves "Comprehensive School Facility Planning" effort (audio)

The School Committee met on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 as scheduled and completed business without student updates (school vacation) or any presentations (summer time) with a brief Executive Session and the total was within an hour. A rare but worthy accomplishment.

• Getting ready to report on the School Committee meeting at 7 PM follow along with the agenda #schcom0726  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-25-23.pdf
• Chair Spencer opens meeting, gets right to the Supt Giguere report on the activity this summer. Administrator pretreat the day after school ended to close and reflect on the past school year. #schcom0725 retreat next week, 3 days, asst and principals together
• Planning and strategic planning key topic, to be held at Dean College; MSAA executive institute for Lucas, Paula & Tina at the Cape recently, how to move from striving to thriving, budget development also a key topic #schcom0725
• Elementary literacy materials arrived, being distributed to the schools, 30 openings currently but a moving # as candidates are in process, HS experience, new teacher orientation, professional development before schools starts, report and dates coming in writing
• Clarification q, 2 asst principals open at this time. No presentations, now discussion action items
• Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee - I recommend that the School Committee dissolve the Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee as detailed motion to approve, second, passes 7-0
• School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee - I recommend that the School Committee establish a School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee as detailed motion to approve, second, Amended to be Comprehensive School Facility Planning Subcmte, passes 7-0; Second vote to pass formation of committee as amended, passes 7-0
• Off-site/retreat working on an overall calendar for meetings and subcommittee meetings to make them as predictable as possible, likely ready in a couple of weeks #schcom0725
• Consent agenda recommended to be approved, moved, second, passes 7-0
• Order for Committee comments, Callaghan advises participating in Joint Budget Subcmte meeting Aug 2
• Motion to executive session, to return to open meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call We will hang out for this one, not supposed to be a long session. Stay tuned!
• Ok, about to return to open session
• Called back to order, motion to adjourn, via roll call passes 7-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!
  

My notes captured via Twitter can also be downloaded in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B6e2erfStEAvBxEN7GfhZHU7gIxni4t6/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C-AM9cmYqSU

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1029-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-07-25-23

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - July 25, 2023 at 7 PM

Playing Dead scheduled to perform at THE BLACK BOX - Aug 11

Playing Dead is a Grateful Dead tribute featuring former members of Dark Star Orchestra, Slipknot!, and Uncle John's Band. Their marathon sets feature music and jams from the entire Grateful Dead catalog. 

Playing Dead faithfully recreates the experience of a live Grateful Dead concert. The music of The Grateful Dead is a complex stew of different styles of music including rock, blues, jazz, folk, bluegrass and more. Their improvisational style and large repertoire guaranteed that every musical performance would be unique. 

Every Playing Dead show is equally unique featuring different set lists each night and exciting improvisational jams. Playing Dead has been entertaining audiences in New England for over 20 years!

Band Members

Vic DeRobertis – Lead Guitar & Vocals

Jim Harris – Rhythm Guitar & Vocals

Mark Munzer – Keyboards & Vocals

Dave Olson – Bass & Vocals

Brian Epstein – Drums

Tickets available online or by calling the box office ->   https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1691

Playing Dead scheduled to perform at THE BLACK BOX - Aug 11

Veterans' Council Meeting for August 2023 - Aug 17 at 7 PM

August 2023 Veterans' Council Meeting

All Franklin residents are invited!

The Franklin Veterans' Council will meet on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center.

All Franklin residents (Vets and non-Vets) who are interested in Veterans' events and activities are invited.

Council meetings held from January through May also include the Memorial Day Parade Committee. Volunteers for this committee are always needed and welcome!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/august-2023-veterans-council-meeting

on a hot day, trying to think cool thoughts

SSA: The ADA Benefits All People, Not Just “Americans with Disabilities”

"July 26, 2023, marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This landmark civil rights law protects millions of people with disabilities across the country.

The Access Board is celebrating accessible design features encountered in everyday life that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Read on to learn more!"

Continue reading how the Americans with Disabilities Act benefits all of us

https://blog.ssa.gov/the-ada-benefits-all-people-not-just-americans-with-disabilities/ 

SSA: The ADA Benefits All People, Not Just “Americans with Disabilities”

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

July is Group B Strep Awareness Month. 

Group B Strep can be transmitted during birth. Babies may have long-term problems, such as deafness and developmental disabilities, due to having GBS disease. 

Get tested & take preventive measures. Learn more: cdc.gov/groupbstrep

Franklin Health Dept: Wellness Update on Group B Strep

 

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, July 28, 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     Commonwealth Heroines

9:00 am         Frank Presents: James Ginley

11:00 am Senior Connection: Public Health

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

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Oral Health

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Catherine Kennedy

4:30 pm     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Mary Olsson

8:30 pm 4th of July 2023: Backyard Swagger

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Community College

10:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v North Attleboro 04-24-23

12:30 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep

1:30 pm     FHS Chamber Music 2023

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Longmeadow 04-28-23

8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-20-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-20-23

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin Police ask residents to respond to the "Community Survey on Public Safety & Law Enforcement"

The Franklin, MA Police Department (FPD) invites you to take this "Community Survey on Public Safety & Law Enforcement." It will take approximately five minutes of your time and is completely confidential.

Survey link: https://t.co/EXVsseXInW

Your participation will help the police department improve its services, processes, and reputation.

The survey is designed for a law enforcement agency to gather opinions and experiences from members of its community. The survey assesses five key components that involve the FPD

• Community involvement
• Safety
• Procedural Justice
• Performance
• Contact and satisfaction

You may come into contact with multiple law enforcement agencies, but please answer the questions thinking only about the Franklin, Massachusetts Police Department.

Please indicate your response to each item by selecting the appropriate answer based on your feelings, opinions, and experiences. You may skip any survey items you do not feel comfortable responding to or know how to answer, but we encourage you to respond to as many items.

Shared from Twitter -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q-0rNJf2s7DgNd1nG7bmQ_oUTF4K8o4L/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Police open "Community Survey on Public Safety & Law Enforcement"

All about the Town of Franklin Sewer Services - part 3 of 3 (audio)

FM #1028 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1028 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 - approx. 25 minutes

• PFAS - the EPA is looking to update their regulation

• Mitigation of PFAS for Well 7 is costly and starting later this year

• If the proposed regulations go through, it will be more costly as "60% of our water sources are currently above that (proposed) threshold"

• Likely water rate increase coming in a future year (TBD)

• New diagram shows lines of responsibility for water (and sewer) between Town and property owners

• What to flush or not flush (3 p's - poop, pee & (toilet) paper)

Part 1 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer.html

Part 2 - approx. 42 minutes

• We get into the core of the sewer system, historical design (or lack thereof)

• Beaver St interceptor, construction overview and project plan

• System capacity (both water & sewer), annual conservation measures

• Oct 14 - Touch a Truck, hydrant painting, snow plow naming contest, and reveal of communication plan for the Beaver St construction project

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html

Part 3 - approx. 27 minutes

• We get to the sewer budget and rate increases approved for FY 2024, FY 2025, FY 2026

• Review of the projects being completed or being worked, and planned for near term

• Sahlin circle (final touches)

• Monterrey Dr off Pleasant St (Jan/Feb - awaiting pump delivery)

• Phase 7 lining - this summer

• next level of I&I study

• asset mgt grant

• easement clearing & mapping

• Good things about the community cooperation

• Last but not least mention of the lead service connections (not supposed to be many)

The final section includes a budget recap which summaries as the following:

• $500K for expenses, 

• approx. $1M for personnel

• $3.4M for Charles River flow and assessment

• $1M for project debt and interest payments

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s sewer services. Audio Part 3 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1027-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-2-of-3

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Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program

Leak or Blockage diagram of lines of responsibility between Town and property owners for water and sewer service  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/have-leak-or-blockage

Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive   = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

Charles River Pollution Control https://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control   and https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/ 

Charles River Update to Town Council begins at 57:50 in the Franklin TV meeting video for May 3, 2023  ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

Beaver St interceptor update to Town Council begins at 1:36:30  in the same meeting video https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

The most recent PFAS update to Town Council begins at 1:52:56 in the same meeting video https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

Construction of the Beaver Street Interceptor. The houses in background are West Central Street, Panther Way area.