Town of Franklin: E-Newsletter for August 2023

Hydrant Painting, Vendor Calls, Downtown Parking, Election Info and more!

Subscribe for News August 2023 Edition Biennial Town Election The Biennial Town Election is set for Nov. 7, 2023 at Franklin High School from 6am - 8pm. Nomination papers are available now, they must be returned to the Office of the Town Clerk by Sept. 6 no later than 5PM. Questions? Contact the Office of the Town Clerk at 508-520-4900 or email ndanello@franklinma.gov. Please note that Oct. 28 is the last day to register to vote. You may check or update your information via the State's Online Voter Registration tool. For additional Election information, please visit the Town Clerk's webpage. Changes to Downtown Parking Check Signage The public is reminded to check all parking signs and street signs throughout the summer as downtown parking changes are implemented. To ensure quick and easy payment processing within our municipal lots, parkers are encouraged to download Flowbird, our mobile park and pay application. Learn more about Flowbird via our online parking portal. Depot St. & Ferrara's Municipal Parking Lot Rate Structure Sunday - Thursday 5AM to 12PM - $3.00 flat rate all day  12PM to 6PM - $2.00 flat rate all day  6PM to 12AM is Free! Friday & Saturday 5AM to 2AM - Free Please note there is no overnight parking allowed. Police take notice and violators will be susceptible to a $50.00 fine, per violation. As announced in the July 1st Downtown Parking Changes Memo, changes to the parking bylaw were pending Town Council approval. Town Administration and Town Council have since refined the parking bylaw as of July 19, 2023. The following changes are in effect as of Aug. 1, 2023. Parking lots are operational 7 days a week at 5AM for the first commuter train. Curfew is 5AM to 12AM Sunday - Thursday (Existing flat rate structure) Curfew is 5AM to 2AM Friday - Saturday (Free) Visit the Town of Franklin's Online Parking Portal for more information. Department of Public Works Hydrant Painting Applications Due Flex your creative skills during the 2nd Fire Hydrant Painting Event hosted by the Town of Franklin Department of Public Works! Registration is open until Aug. 11, 2023. Proposed designs must be submitted for approval along with a completed application. Applicants will be notified by Aug. 25, 2023. All approved and completed painted hydrants will be reviewed.  Judging will take place between Oct. 2 - Oct. 12, 2023. Winners will be announced at the DPW Touch a Truck event on Oct. 14, 2023. Highest vote winner in the following categories: Under the age of 12; 12 to 17; 18 & over; judges' choice. Learn more and access the application here. Road Work Updates The Town has a variety of road work projects in progress. Below is a status update from our Engineering Department. Union Street: Union St. road work is underway. The DPW's contractor has milled the asphalt surface from School St. to Washington St. and will be preparing the surface for paving a new top coat of asphalt in the next couple of weeks.  Arlington Street Neighborhood: The Arlington St. neighborhood road work project is also moving right along as the contractor has reclaimed the old pavement, paved the first course of asphalt and has been installing new curb with sidewalks to follow. The final top course of pavement is expected to be complete sometime in Sept. Grove Street: The second phase of the Grove St. improvements is also expected to start up this month. The work will include extending the multi-use path from where we left off in Phase 1 at Tobacco Road to the trailhead of the SNETT. Road work will include improvements and paving from Tobacco Road to Kenwood Circle. The work will continue through this fall and into next summer. Town of Franklin 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 520-4949   Visit our Website

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by communications@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today! The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents please visit -> https://conta.cc/44ToEHM

Register now for Dean’s 26th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament

Register now for Dean’s 26th Annual President’s Cup Golf Tournament Monday, September 18, 2023 Franklin Country Club  9:00 AM shotgun start Lunch, Awards, & Networking Opportunities   Please join us for a day of golf and networking while supporting scholarships for Dean students at the 26th Annual President's Cup Golf Tournament at the Franklin Country Club. Sponsorship Opportunities: If you are interested in either an individual or corporate sponsorship opportunity, please click here for more information. Golf with Dean! Register individually, as a foursome, or as Friend of Dean College supporter. Click here to be a part of the President's Cup experience. Register to play or Sponsor the 26th Annual President's Golf Tournament! For more information regarding the President's Cup registration, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, or lunch tickets, please contact Alyssa Norton at 508-541-1676 or by email at anorton@dean.ed​u Dean College | 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038 | 508-541-1676 Golf Tournament Website | Email Dean College 99 Main Street Franklin, MA 02038

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares date night suggestions for August - #ThinkFranklinFirst (photo essay)

Via the Franklin Downtown partnership: 

"Looking for some fun date night ideas for the month of August? We’ve got you covered!!  

Check out these great local spots and events coming to you this month!  

Summer is a great time to explore all that Franklin has to offer!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvc_VYpxh-P/

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares date night suggestions for August

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - Birchwood Bakery

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - La Cantina Winery

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - The Rome Restaurant

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - Franklin Nutrition

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - THE BLACK BOX

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - Teddie Gallagher's Pub

Shared from the FDP Instagram post -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvc_VYpxh-P/?img_index=1

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Aug 4, 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     ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

9:00 am     Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

11:00 am Senior Connection: Council on Aging

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

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Alzheimer's

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

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

3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

4:30 pm     The Black Box: Electric Youth 2023

8:30 pm 4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce

10:00 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Oliver Ames 04-04-23

12:30 pm Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

1:30 pm     Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v St. John's 05-11-23

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 Food Pantry Announces Launch of Final Phase of Campaign

The Franklin Food Pantry announced today that it has reached more than 56% of its campaign goal of $3.5 million and is inviting the public to participate in the final phase of the campaign.

Ten years ago, the Pantry’s Board of Directors, anticipating that demand for its programs and services would continue to grow in the future, decided to purchase a building that would offer larger and more efficient space. The Pantry spent the next decade evaluating space options and preparing for the purchase of its first permanent home, including beginning the silent phase of its campaign in earnest in 2022. In December of 2023, The Pantry purchased the iconic former Edwin’s building at 341 W. Central St. Renovations were completed in May and The Pantry commenced offering services at its new location in June.

Having raised more than 56% of its campaign goal, The Pantry is now inviting the public to participate in the campaign.

Tina Powderly, Executive Director said, “Our new building is truly a dream come true for our community! So many people have supported us and helped us to design a truly warm, welcoming, and dignified space for our neighbors who need a little bit of support and love. We have said from the beginning, ‘It’s not about the building, it’s about what we will DO in the building that matters!’ 

“In recent months we have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our programs and services. In June of 2022, we served 298 households; this June, we served 367. Since moving into the new building, we have enrolled more than 45 new clients. While our new space increased refrigerator and freezer capacity by almost 200% (from 418 CF to 1192 CF), we need to fill those shelves with food to meet the staggering demand. We need the community’s help now more than ever.”

Suzanne Gendreau, Campaign Chair, said: “This campaign has always been about three things: the purchase and renovation of a building that would support serving more people in our community with the healthy food and other household goods they need; enhancing our programs and services; and securing funds to pay for future building expenses. We are grateful for the support we’ve received so far, and now we are asking everyone to pitch in to the best of their abilities to help our neighbors in need. This isn’t about doing good for someone else; it is about doing good for all of us!”

The Pantry is inviting the public in for scheduled guided tours beginning this month. To sign up, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4b7myjnj 

To make a campaign contribution, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/6cx926ef 

About the Franklin Food Pantry  

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. 

We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. 

The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information. 

 

Franklin Food Pantry Announces Launch of Final Phase of Campaign

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Final Phase of Fund Raising Campaign (audio)

FM #1031 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1031 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home, finally. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for many years, their needs had outgrown the space. 

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I have committed to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tina.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1031-franklin-food-pantry-launches-building-campaign

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The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit franklinfoodpantry.org to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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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 www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

Sunday's service at FUSF: Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness - Aug 6

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Sue Savoy and Ann Willever

Experience mindfulness practices based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Master.  Come into the present moment and share in the joys of being together as a sangha, a community of friends growing in awareness.  All are welcome to share in walking, sitting, and singing, regardless of experience with meditation.

Sunday's service at FUSF: Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness - Aug 6

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 6 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 13: Respect for all living things

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit  

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

Franklin School Committee Member Dave McNeill Running for Reelection

Today, August 2nd, Franklin School Committee Member Dave McNeill pulled papers to seek reelection for the 2023-2025 term. Dave will be completing his first term on the school committee and has served as the chair of the Budget Subcommittee for the past two years.

"It has been a privilege to serve my home town, as a school committee member, and I would like to continue the work that my fellow members and I have been doing, these past two years," said Dave. "As a school district and town, we will be facing some significant challenges ahead, and I hope to apply my experience from this past term towards helping Franklin move forward in the best way possible."

Franklin School Committee Member Dave McNeill Running for Reelection