Rausch Report: FY24 Budget Update and Fall Town Halls (August 2023)

Your monthly Beacon Hill update from Senator Becca Rausch. 

View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, I hope you are having a restful and fun August. This month's Rausch Report provides a quick update on the FY24 Budget and our upcoming community town halls happening throughout our district this Fall, plus an opportunity to help inform the design of our next state seal and motto.   Earlier this month, Governor Healey signed into law much of the FY24 budget, which contained several historic investments in environmental protection and preservation, housing, health care, and more, as well as designated funding for our district. Check out just some of the supports for our communities:  FY24 Budget Update Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed significant funding for critical programs and services, ranging from education and childcare to the workforce and mental health care. I was particularly disappointed to see the complete elimination of funding for Hey Sam, a 100%-successful youth mental health support text line, and the slashing of more than 60% of the funding for nonprofit security grants. Starting in September, my team and I will be hosting Fall Town Halls throughout the district to discuss the budget and other legislative updates, and chat in person about your questions, comments, and ideas. Wherever you live in the district, you're invited to attend whichever town hall is most convenient for you. We'll be joined by our partners in the House of Representatives and local government. More details on where we are headed are below. I hope to see you there! One of the things about which I've heard from many of you is the Commonwealth's seal and motto. My colleagues and I enacted a law to change them, and a Special Commission was created to determine the redesign. Now, the Commission wants your input! Please share your thoughts here. The survey is available in multiple languages and should talk only 5-10 minutes to complete. Submit your responses by September 27 for consideration.  Wishing all my fellow parents out there a smooth transition back to school.  Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch

This newsletter is shortened for publication here. To read the full set of content, follow this link -> https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-17070021

DPW Reminds us that Labor Day holiday delays the trash/recycling pick up schedule by one day

Reminder for next week!  

One day delay for the entire week (Friday, Sept. 8th pick ups will be on Saturday, Sept. 9th).

Shared from DPW Facebook page -> https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid033sySXxBsYtfNq8JedeS9Hnykdq3be9YdPh9nR6UHEHhDnj7aEMHd9yJtYkp1zpC4l&id=100064487150311&mibextid=2JQ9oc

DPW Reminds us that Labor Day holiday delays the trash/recycling pick up schedule by one day

Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - September 4, 2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, September 4th, 2023 in observance of Labor Day. 

We will reopen on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-closure-september-4th-2023

Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - September 4, 2023

Veterans Coffee Social for September 6, 2023 at the Senior Center

September 2023 Coffee Social

All veterans are invited for coffee and conversation!

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!

 

Veterans Coffee Social for September 6, 2023

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/september-2023-coffee-social

Bricks Are Still Available for Order to install for this November on the Veterans Memorial Walkway!

Bricks Are Still Available on the Veterans Memorial Walkway!

Order by September 15, 2023 for November Installation

An engraved brick on the Veterans Memorial Walkway, on our beautiful Town Common, makes the perfect birthday, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day or holiday gift for your special Veteran or current military service member.

Bricks are installed in May and November to coincide with Memorial Day and Veterans' Day.

Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies, on the Veterans' Services webpage and in the Veterans' Services Office.

After the brick is installed, a frameable certificate is sent to the brick purchaser. A brick locator link can be found on the Veterans' Services webpage so purchasers can easily find their brick on the Walkway.

To date, we have installed 1,849 engraved bricks in honor of U.S. service members. We will continue to sell bricks until all blank bricks have been personalized. 

Thank you to all who have supported the Veterans Memorial Walkway project!

Brick order form ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

Bricks Are Still Available for Order to install for this November on the Veterans Memorial Walkway!

Reminder: What is the ONE question would you ask of each candidate for the Town of Franklin 2023 Election?

The candidates are in their final days to gather signatures for the November 7, 2023 Biennial Town of Franklin Election. The nomination papers are due to the Town Clerk by September 6. 

It is now time for us (together) to prepare the set of interview questions. 

• Which one question would you ask of a Town Council candidate? School Committee candidate? etc...

Submit one question per elected position via the form below. 

Your email is required to avoid nefarious folks from interfering with this process. Your email will only be used (1) to verify the question if not completely understood, and (2) to ensure you get a copy of the final set of questions. 

Note: the question set would likely be similar to prior years. We would have 3-4 questions that would generally apply to all candidates and at least 1 (maybe 2) for specific positions. I want the question set short so we (the candidates and interviewers) can proceed efficiently, and concise to provide answers so Franklin voters can make an informed choice for each elected position.

Based upon feedback obtained after the last election, every effort will be made to provide interviews in all three formats (video, audio, and text transcript). The video interview would be recorded, audio extracted, and audio transcribed. This will require the coordination and willingness of the candidates to be available for this interview to be scheduled in time to turn it all around.

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

The current listing of candidates as of Thursday, August 24 can be found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/nom_in_out_november_7_2023_11.pdf

The question set used for the candidates in 2021 -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkFh21gYukaMheQL-P4C0T_EEaItvcAu/view

Submit your Question via this form ->     https://forms.gle/UiNS5sqmz9RV1MUF8

Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Franklin Election Collection - 2023

September 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

September 2023 Newsletter

Library Hours

The Library's 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. Sunday hours will resume on September 10^th, 1:30 – 5:00.

Library News – Browse the library's digital local history collections at the Internet Archive
Learn the history of our town in digital manuscripts! Browse the collection HERE
View town history in digital videos! Access the Stanley Chilson video collection HERE
For a clickable index to Franklin's historic newspapers, record books, documents & maps available online, click HERE

Featured Database

Kanopy

Kanopy is a video streaming service that offers more than 30,000 films, including critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award winning foreign films and more! This database includes a specially curated collection for children called "Kanopy Kids" with parental control options. "Kanopy Kids" content is unlimited, and plays don't county against Adult viewing credits. Kanopy is available to Franklin residents only, through our alphabetical list of free online databases: https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/free-online-databases

Museum Passes

Crisp, sunny days ahead! It's the perfect time to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

New Materials

Check out the latest additions to the library's collection!

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, September 15, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, September 16, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, September 16, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program

Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

From Friends of the Franklin Library

Congratulations to all who participated in the Library's 2023 summer reading programs - we hope you had the opportunity to enjoy many new books! The Friends were delighted to support this year's summer reading programs by sponsoring some of the awesome raffle prizes that program participants had the chance to win.

Will you be at the 20^th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 30^th? The Friends will be there and we hope you'll stop by our booth to say "Hello!" and pick out a FREE "new to you" book. We will be giving away children's, teen, and adult books while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you there!

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge

September: A Book by an Author with your First or Last Name

Do you have a cozy reading corner you've been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

Get the full newsletter for September -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/september-2023-franklin-library-news-events

September 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Back-to-School Safety PSA-Brookline Police Chief Jen Paster (video)

As our kids head back to school, their safety is our top priority. The is launching our first ever television commercial with a PSA. 's Police Chief Jen Paster along with her children are featured in our commercial. 

"It is important to remind everyone that it is all of our responsibility to help keep our kids safe as they head to and from school, and we are happy to be part of the effort to get that message out." 

Our Public Service Announcement will be airing on radio, television and digital in all three broadcast markets across the Commonwealth

Watch the 34 second PSA here -> https://fb.watch/mNIQzXouCZ/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

https://fb.watch/mNIQzXouCZ/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday for Labor Day

Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, September 4 for Labor Day

The library will be open on Sundays beginning September 10th

Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday for Labor Day

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-will-be-closed-monday-labor-day

Franklin's Event Outlook: September 1, 2023 to September 7, 2023

Friday, September 1

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

2:00pm - Thrift Threads thrift shop (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm - Laura May Duo (live Music) (La Cantina Winery)

Saturday, September 2

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

4:00pm - Emily & Nick (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, September 3

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

Monday, September 4 = Labor Day

Tuesday, September 5

6:00pm - Franklin Garden Club - meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

Wednesday, September 6

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

Thursday, September 7

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

7:00pm - Community Conversations (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: August 25, 2023 to August 31, 2023

Yankee Quilters begins their program year Sep 12 at Emma's Quilt Cupboard

Yankee Quilters, a local guild of dedicated quilters, will begin its program year on Tuesday, September 12th at 7:00 PM at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard in the Horace Mann Plaza. Quilters from new to experienced are welcome to join. 

Yankee volunteers work each year to create quilts which are donated to area shelters, church programs or others facing personal challenges. Anyone with basic sewing skills can help with these charity quilts throughout the year.

In addition to monthly meetings on the second Tuesday, guild members offer speaker programs, opportunities to sew together throughout the year and a four-day “getaway” sewing vacation in the spring.

This year for the first time, Yankee will have a booth at the Franklin Farmer’s Market on October 6th with a hands-on lesson in patchwork as well as hand-made items for sale to support its charitable work. Other activities include a quilting “stay-cation” at which members and non-members can sew on their own projects at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Holliston.

For more information about any of these events, please contact yankeequilters11@gmail.com or visit the Guild’s Facebook page.

Yankee Quilters Guild is a 501-c-3 charitable organization based in Franklin with members throughout the region. The Guild meets on the second Tuesday each month at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard in Franklin, Horace Mann Plaza, East Central Street, Franklin in space generously donated by the store. Donations to the Guild are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by current law.

Yankee Quilters begins their program year 2023-2024

FHS games to watch this Fall for boys soccer, volleyball & girls cross country

Reminder that HockomockSports.com changed to a subscription model in July. I have a subscription to view and share the FHS results that they provide. If you want to view all the worth Hockomock League reporting they do, subscribing is a good thing. It is quite reasonable. The subscription link is provided below.

There is a series of "games to watch" for each of the sports this coming Fall season. I have selected the Franklin games that were highlighted thus far.

FHS Boys Soccer

SEPTEMBER 30TH – FRANKLIN @ ST. JOHN’S SHREWSBURY – 4:00

Boys soccer in the Hock hasn’t historically been known for its big non-league games but the increase in talent and competition across the league has changed that. The Panthers are coming off their first Kelley-Rex title since 2014 (when they had won four in a row) and have a ton of talent back from that team looking to go back-to-back. Franklin made a good run in the state tournament last year but it ended in the D1 Round of 8 against the Pioneers. Franklin will return to Shrewsbury a couple of weeks into the season to have another go.

OCTOBER 23RD – ATTLEBORO @ FRANKLIN – 6:00

Take your pick between the first and second meeting between these two title contenders, but it feels like there could be something of value on the line when they have their rematch near the end of the season. The Panthers visit Attleboro on October 2nd, and the result of that game will surely factor into the title race but when the Bombardiers make the trip a couple of weeks later, it’s likely both of these teams will be near the top of the table with very few games left. A lot of talent is back for both teams, this should be a good one.

For the full listing of boys soccer games to watch

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-soccer-games-to-watch-in-2023/

FHS Volleyball

SEPTEMBER 7TH – FRANKLIN @ OLIVER AMES – 4:45

Any time the reigning division champs face off, it’s a game to look forward to. We won’t have to wait very long for this one though as the five-time defending Kelley-Rex championships will hit the road to visit Easton to take on the two-time defending Davenport champions Oliver Ames. Both teams are in contention for their respective division titles again this season so this will be a great way to start off the season. The Panthers and Tigers both feature some of the top hitters from last year such as Taylor Lacerda and Sarah Hilliard, so expect some big swings in this one.

OCTOBER 2ND – ATTLEBORO @ FRANKLIN – 5:15

The great thing about having two legit state contenders in the same division is that they play each other twice (at least) during the regular season. When these two squads meet at the very end of the regular season, it’s highly likely that the match will have heavy title implications but we simply can’t wait that long. Both the Bombardiers and the Panthers will have a good amount of games played under their belt by this point, setting up a highly anticipated battle between two squads that shared the Kelley-Rex title last year. This is another one that will feature some big swings from both sides.

For the full listing of volleyball games to watch

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-volleyball-games-to-watch-in-2023/

FHS Girls Cross County

SEPTEMBER 26TH – FRANKLIN @ KING PHILIP – 3:45

Franklin has been leading the pack in the Kelley-Rex division for the past two seasons and finished second overall at the Hock championship meet. While the Panthers look to win the division again this year, one team that is in a position to challenge them is rival King Philip. The Warriors only lost one dual meet last year, a very close 27-31 decision at Dacey Field against Franklin. The Panthers had eight runners finish in the top 30 at Hocks last year and only one was a senior so expectations remain high.

For the full listing of cross country matches to watch

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-cross-country-meets-to-watch-in-2023/

To subscribe to HockomockSports.com ->

https://hockomocksports.com/sign-up/#utm_source=HockomockSports&utm_medium=HomepageDesktop&utm_campaign=20232024

FHS Panthers

MBTA Commuter Rail notice - Trains on Monday will operate on a weekend schedule

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, Monday September 4.

Affected lines:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin/Foxboro Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 30 2023 07:35 AM

The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! 

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a flu clinic at the Franklin Senior Center on September 28th, 2023 from 12 PM - 3 PM. 

Sign up for your flu shot today: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=2023-franklin-senior-centerflu-clinic

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Sep 1, 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am     ArtWeek: John Christoforo

9:00 am     Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry

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

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

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

3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Ep 1

4:30 pm     Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer

8:30 pm 4th of July 2022: School of Rock

9:53 pm     4th of July 2022: Matt Zajac

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

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

8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce

10:00 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v King Philip 09-12-22

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:30 pm     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Leominster 11-10-22

8:30 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 08-17-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 08-17-23

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 - podcast series "Nourishing Neighbors, Building Community"

A continuing series of podcasts on the Franklin Food Pantry, their new building and operations supporting our community. "Nourishing Neighbors, Building Community"

August 2023 - Tina - campaign kick off

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html 

August 2023 - campaign #2 - Anne & Yianna

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

August 2023 - campaign #3 - Suzanne & Donna

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html 

August 2023 - campaign #4 - Laura & Amber

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

Franklin Garden Club - September 5th Program Open to New Members

The Franklin Garden Club will begin its 2023-2024 season on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, with a meeting at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.   

An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 PM followed by a presentation on the coming year’s programs and preparation of items to be sold at the Franklin Harvest Festival.  The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member.  All items that are made will be retained by the garden club for sale at the festival.

Club Co-Presidents Patricia Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.”

 

Franklin Garden Club - September 5th Program Open to New Members

In addition to the September 5 meeting, this year’s programming schedule includes: 

• October 3: Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, MA
• November 7: Flower Paint Night
• December 5: Using Medicinal Herbs
• February 6: To be determined
• March 5:  Fantastical Folktales of Flowers
• April 2: Ergonomic Tips for Healthier Gardening
• May 7: No Flower Thriller, Spiller and Filler Pot Arrangements
• June 4: Year End Social

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and special projects with other community organizations. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.