Congressman Auchincloss provides an Update for the last 3 weeks (8/15/23)

Congressman Auchincloss provides an Update for the last 3 weeks (8/15/23) LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Congressman Auchincloss Economy: Last week, I talked about the state of the economy and the possibility of a government shutdown on NBC Boston. We're seeing real wages go up, just as last term's historic investments in infrastructure and manufacturing are unlocking hundreds of billions of dollars of public and private investment in long-term economic growth and security. Now, Speaker McCarthy is threatening the economic recovery by driving us towards a government shutdown. He has a choice to make: work with Democrats to strengthen the economy, for example through tax policy that rewards work, not wealth, or continue bowing down to MAGA extremists. I'm working to ensure we avoid a GOP-manufactured shutdown that would hurt the middle class and weaken our economy. China Committee Hearing: At the most recent hearing of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with China, I spoke about the importance of investing in basic research. In the minority during the last Congress, House Republicans argued for more funding for basic research to help the U.S. outcompete China. But now, with the gavel, their committees are slashing investments in science. This didn't used to be partisan, and the right path forward is clear: fund science! Gun Safety Reform: Recently, I spoke on the House floor about the need to pass gun safety legislation. As a Marine veteran, I know that weapons of war have no place on our streets, near our schools, or in our grocery stores. We must pass common-sense gun safety measures, like an assault weapons ban, to keep Americans safe. You can watch my full speech here. Processing Times: I also spoke on the House floor about the current delays with passport renewals and tax returns. I've heard loud and clear from my constituents that tax refund and passport processing times are too long. And I know that Republicans' proposed cuts to the IRS and State Department would only exacerbate the issue. We must instead support these agencies with increased staffing and reliable funding to improve these essential services. As always, if you need assistance with any federal agency, my office is here to help. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Have you faced delays with your passport renewals or tax returns?   Yes No Around the Fourth Meet and Greets: Last week, I hosted two events in Wrentham and Bellingham. I heard from constituents on a wide range of issues, including mental health and long-term care. Improved mental health care, from prevention to inpatient and outpatient services, must be a signature policy focus of the next decade. I also heard about the current migrant housing crisis in Massachusetts and I continue to advocate for expedited work authorizations for those who have arrived in our state and are ready to get to work.  Keep an eye out for more of these events later this summer! Manet Health Center: I recently joined the celebration of the new expansion of Manet Community Health Center in Attleboro. I applaud Manet for delivering quality healthcare services every day to my constituents in southeastern Massachusetts. I was proud to secure a $500,000 Community Project Funding grant for this top-of-the-line facility that honors their patients and practitioners at a time when deferred care and mental health are acute challenges for Bay Staters. Grifols: Last week, I toured Grifols plasma center in Fall River. When you donate plasma, you directly help those with rare diseases who have no other therapeutic options. Since its opening last year, Grifols has been welcoming new plasma donors to help create lifesaving medicines. Milford Youth Center: When I visited the Milford Youth Center, I was inspired by Jen Ward, her terrific staff, and the life-changing care they provide every day. The youth center is a powerful example of what happens when our community comes together to advocate, plan, and support children. Over more than a decade of hard work, Milford leaders – including my friend State Representative Brian Murray – turned a vision into a reality, creating a wonderful space for hundreds of children at an old armory. McAllister Towing: I also visited McAllister Towing, across the Taunton River from Brayton Point where President Biden spoke last summer to highlight good jobs and clean energy. McAllister Towing is building the infrastructure and operations to support offshore wind and maritime commerce in southeastern Massachusetts. I'm committed to continuing to work for targeted maritime investments that will accelerate economic development along the Taunton River. 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 Contact

GBFB: "The Importance of Grants: Tina Powderly and the Franklin Food Pantry"

"Food insecurity respects few if any boundaries, particularly those of geography. One in three Massachusetts residents remains in need of food assistance – no decrease since the pandemic – regardless of the fact that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially ended on May 11th. 

In Franklin, Tina Powderly, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry, reports that they’ve seen a 39 percent increase in families in need since last July – from 154 to close to 200. Ninety children receive assistance through the pantry’s Weekend Backpack Program – up from 60 just last summer. 

 When the numbers go the wrong way, the lifeblood provided by grants becomes even more important to a nonprofit. “They have been absolutely critical,” Powderly explains. “We wouldn’t be where we are now without them.” She points to the pantry’s five-year-old, grant-funded pilot, ‘Walk-In Friday’ – client-choice shopping – from which they’ve taken valuable lessons and strategies for the future. 

The program taught them that healthy produce and perishable items were key differentiators in meeting clients’ needs, prompting them to make significant investments in refrigerator and freezer space. That allowed them to carry and distribute far more frozen proteins, more milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese and produce. 

(In 2022, the Franklin Food Pantry served 1,103 people in 514 households, of which 255 of them were children, and 213 seniors.) “Those are extreme needs for our clients and quite expensive, so we’re really making a difference in their lives,” Powderly says. "

Continue reading the article online ->

https://www.gbfb.org/2023/08/02/gbfb-community-investment-grants-franklin-food-pantry/

unloading the food pantry truck at their former location

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.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, August 17

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, this Thursday, August 17, 7:00-8:30 pm. 

We will meet on Zoom. 

This week's meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

We want to remind you about the March to End Fossil Fuels, in New York City on September 17. 350 Mass is one the many partner organizations from across the country.  World leaders are gathering in NYC at the UN Climate Ambition Summit to demand that nations stop developing new oil, gas and coal projects and begin phasing out fossil fuels once and for all. In the largest climate march since the pandemic began, thousands will gather to demand President Biden declare a climate emergency and take bold action on climate. Fill out this form to RSVP and get involved with the protest. 350 Mass is organizing buses from Greater Boston to NYC; read more here, and follow the link to reserve a space. Note that you can indicate your interest in having a bus leave from Franklin. Ticket sales end September 1. For more information, visit end fossil fuels.us. 

This week we will continue to discuss the status and action plans for our priority campaigns, Make Polluters Pay and Emissions Free Buildings.  

We will also review recent actions by 350 Mass' Climate Courage working group. These actions are part of a national campaign to pressure those banks that finance the fossil fuel industry and expansion of its coal, oil and gas operations. 

Read about other upcoming events in the 350 Mass Event Calendar, including open discussions organized by the Charter Review Committee; the Committee welcomes and appreciates your input to help 350 Mass function as effectively as possible.  Also see updates in the Climate Weekly email (sign up for it here). 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinator carolyncbarthel@gmail.com. You will receive a reminder email on Thursday. 

 

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

Reminder: Shuttle busses between Franklin & Walpole on Aug 19 & Aug 20 to allow for track work

MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) posted on Tue, Aug 08, 2023:

"Franklin Line Diversion

On Saturday, August 19th & Sunday, August 20th, buses will replace regular weekend train service between Forge Park/495 and Walpole.

This diversion allows for work on the Franklin double track project. https://t.co/NiAtJ6edei"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MBTA_CR/status/1688889688516403201

Franklin line diversion Aug 19 & Aug 20 - busses between Franklin & Walpole

NASA Sun & Space: "ring of fire" eclipse - Oct 14

NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) posted on Mon, Aug 14, 2023:

"We are exactly 2 months away from the "ring of fire" solar eclipse on Oct. 14!

Whether you are traveling hours away to see the eclipse or watching it from your front porch—the most important thing to prepare for is safety.

Here's what you need to know: https://t.co/Nynk7imGMe"

Shared from -> https://t.co/PTmlTsxVr1

NASA Sun & Space: "ring of fire" eclipse - Oct 14

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Aug 16, 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 the newest Making Sense of Climate episode with Ted McIntyre as he helps me understand the climate topics   ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/in-this-making-sense-of-climate-we.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 point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi  interview interview Jeff Gillis the founder and CEO of the Wine Likes app ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

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 slot features the new Talk Franklin episode with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & Deputy TA Amy Frigulietti   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/talk-franklin-with-jamie-amy-recaps.html

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

7:30 am     It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce

8:30 am     Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer

10:00 am ArtWeek: John Christoforo

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

4:00 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act

5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Ken DoRosario

7:30 pm     4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

8:30 am     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 04-18-23

2:30 pm     FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

5:30 pm     FHS Varsity Baseball: v Methuen 06-13-23

9:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

10:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Oliver Ames 09-07-22

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

8:00 am Town Council: 07-19-23

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee: 07-26-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 07-19-23

5:45 pm     Economic Development Subcmte: LIVE, Chambers  810 3387 0118

7:00 pm     Town Council: LIVE, Chambers  856 7246 7539

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

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse adds a show to the 2023-2024 schedule

Did you see the new addition to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse schedule for the 2023-2024 season? Joe Jencks was added to Jan 13, 2024.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse adds a show to the 2023-2024 schedule

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.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0bAboiHJz43fSBsKHS1oqz8dvM5ewSzv2Q6KCvDvr7Ez8FNC5fyDsdpqSTGGh4QeFl&id=1245756033&mibextid=NOb6eG

One Franklin Outreach to All

Dear Franklin Resident,

I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits. I am reaching out to you on behalf of the One Franklin Ballot Question Committee to seek your support for our upcoming campaign to pass an operational override.

As a valued member of our community, we believe that you share our vision of creating a better future for the residents of Franklin. By supporting our fundraising efforts, you can play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our campaign and securing the necessary resources to make a positive impact.

Your generous donations will directly contribute to funding several essential aspects of our campaign, including:

1. Signs: Clear and impactful signage is key to spreading our message far and wide. .

2. Educational Mailers: To ensure that every resident understands the implications of the ballot question, we intend to distribute educational mailers. These informative materials will break down complex information into easily understandable language, empowering voters to make informed decisions.

3. Printing: The production of flyers, pamphlets, and informational materials requires significant financial resources. Your contributions will enable us to print these materials and disseminate them throughout the community, amplifying our message and improving voter awareness.

4. Postage: Mailing these materials to every household in Franklin is a crucial part of our outreach strategy. Your support will help cover the postage costs, allowing us to reach as many residents as possible and encourage their active participation in the vote.

5. Promotional Merchandise: Showcasing our cause through promotional merchandise not only helps raise awareness but also serves as a long-lasting reminder of the campaign. 

6. Educational Events: We are planning to host educational events to provide in-depth information regarding the operational override. These events will offer opportunities for residents to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and gain a deeper understanding of the benefits the override will bring to our community. Your contributions will help us organize and execute these events successfully.

By supporting our fundraising efforts, you will be directly contributing to the betterment of our community. Together, we will ensure that Franklin will not be forced to make cuts to meet the needs of our residents but instead, thrive. By providing the necessary resources to sustain our schools, police, fire, and DPW, as well as enhance other services in town, we can foster a vibrant and prosperous future for all.

To make a donation, please visit our secure online donation portal HERE  (you may also copy this link to paste into your browser to make an online donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RENS4TS6YW7BY)  

OR

Send a check payable to "One Franklin" to 175 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Every contribution counts, no matter the amount. Your support will be acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

Investing in our community's future is an investment worth making. We encourage you to share this email with your friends, family, and colleagues who may also be interested in supporting our cause.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to making a positive difference in Franklin.

If you have any questions or would like further information about our campaign, please do not hesitate to contact us at OneFranklinVolunteers@gmail.com or reach out via the numbers below. 

Together, let's create a brighter future!!

Warm regards,

Ruthann O'Sullivan

Chair

(508)397-7785

Kenneth Ojukwi

Treasurer

(917)783-2891

One Franklin Outreach to All

Want to track who's taken nomination papers for each position for election Nov 2023?

A busy day at the Town Clerk's office on Monday.

You can keep track, thanks to Town Clerk Nancy Danello. She will updated this  periodically and I'll share weekly. 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/nomination-papers-filed-8142023-town-election-1172023

The Election Collection for this year will contain all the information shared here during the run up to and just after the election on November 7, 2023. ->   bit.ly/FranklinElection2023

Want to track who's taken papers for each position? Thanks to our Town Clerk, you can

Memory Café Wed. August 16 at 1 pm

Memory Café

Hello All,

Please join us at our monthly "Where's The Toast" Memory Café on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 1 PM.  Alex Connelly will be entertaining us with her incredible and engaging voice.

Memory Cafes are for those with memory loss, their family, friends and caregivers.  The event is free but please RSVP to Ariel 508-520-4945 or email adoggett@franklinma.gov so we know how many will join us. 

Please share with anyone who may wish to attend.

Ariel

Zucchini races on Friday! Aug 18, 2023

Zucchini races on Friday! Aug 18

"This the week! Get those zucchinis ready. 

One rule: HAVE FUN!!!! Thank you Franklin Ag Comm

Can't wait to see all of the creations on Friday."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv7JmeItpCe/

Zucchini races on Friday! Aug 18, 2023

Wine Barre 02038 - Aug 24 at the Intermission Café from 7 to 9:30 PM

Join us Thursday, August 24 for the @applausefranklin Summer Trunk Show!

Wine Barre 02038 - Aug 24 at the Intermission Café from 7 to 9:30 PM

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv77vnHRtq6/

Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Aug 16 at 11 AM

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have

When: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/yaoTyeNdbs63pe7o9

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H9b-EYD1D6CpKNjTQNsl0dvWva6-Utco/view?usp=drive_link

Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Aug 16 at 11 AM

Watch "Life on Earth - So Amazing! - NYC Labor Chorus sings Hallelujah, with new words to celebrate Earth" on YouTube

Earth Movie Theater presents: Life on Earth - So Amazing! Yes, we live on a marvelous planet. These views from above align perfectly with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, with words adapted by Jeff Vogel and the NY City Labor Chorus. A glorious combination of Earth and music. ============== Earth Movie Theater – Watch Earth from space. . .and listen to joyous music. Astronauts on ISS take photos of Earth, that we convert into movies and combine with world-class music: guitar improv, Bach in Space, classical music, jazz and more. Created by Association of Space Explorers, TERC and Windows on Earth, in glorious 4K and high-quality audio, based on photos from NASA, Crew Earth Observation (CEO) and the International Space Station (ISS). These Astronaut favorite movies are great entertainment, and for Earth science and music education. Explore Earth from Space and experience the Overview Effect. See all the continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia and the edge of Antarctica. See cities at night, clouds, islands and Aurora. New movies released about weekly. Please subscribe! #EarthMovieTheater For more visit: EarthMovieTheater.org

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/VqLOBz8UIX4

Derate the Hate podcast episode - "How Looking Through An Us-vs-Them Lens Leads To More Animosity & Anger" (audio)

How Looking Through An Us-vs-Them Lens Leads To More Animosity & Anger

 So much of the work I do in the depolarization space leads me to great people of all mindsets. It's not that we have to agree, we just have to find a way to disagree in a more civil way. In today's hyper-connected world, where social media platforms amplify our differences and echo chambers abound, it has become increasingly crucial to cultivate a culture of respectful dialogue and understanding. So often, we lose focus on the shared humanity in those who have mindsets that differ from our own. Why? How do we allow this to happen? It really is not that hard to see if you know where to look.  In this episode we talk about how looking through an us-vs-them lens leads to more animosity and anger.

Who is Zachary Elwood?

Zachary Elwood is the host of the psychology podcast People Who Read People. For that podcast, he's interviewed many experts on topics related to our us-versus-them polarization and the psychology behind our divides (see the politics-related episodes).  His research into deceptive online activity has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Buzzfeed, and many more.
Zachary is a former professional poker player and the author of Reading Poker Tells, which has been translated into eight languages, and other books. 

Shared from & listen to the episode here ->   https://deratethehate.com/2023/07/19/how-looking-through-an-us-vs-them-lens-leads-to-more-animosity-anger-dth-episode-170-with-zachary-elwood/

https://deratethehate.com/2023/07/19/how-looking-through-an-us-vs-them-lens-leads-to-more-animosity-anger-dth-episode-170-with-zachary-elwood/

Public Hearing Notice: Upper Unions St Solar Project - Sep 11

Franklin Planning Board 

Public Hearing Notice

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall (and can also be attended remotely) on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Scenic Road application for the tearing down or destruction of stone walls off of Upper Union Street, prepared by VS Union Solar Smart, LLC, Dana Point CA.

The proposed road improvements will include the removal of 30 feet of a stone wall and the construction of an access drive to a ground mounted solar facility for vehicles and interconnection purposes.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board’s website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, Chairman

Shared from - >  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/public_hearing_notice_-upper_union_street_solar-scenic_road_0.pdf

Possible resemblance to the stone walls in question (these are on Dacey Field)