Congressman Auchincloss: An Update of the last 3 weeks in review

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill IRA Anniversary: Last August, Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest investment in clean energy and climate action in history, which will put the United States on track to halve its 2030 emissions from its 2005 baseline while creating new jobs. It also lowered health care costs for millions by capping insulin at $35 per month and total out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 a year for our nation's seniors, in addition to lowering premiums for working families. creating tens of thousands of good jobs. Finally, the IRA is also projected to trim the deficit by hundreds of billions over the next decade by cracking down on tax evasion by the wealthiest individuals and by increasing some corporate taxes. Trip Abroad: I recently traveled to England and Ireland with a bipartisan set of colleagues from the House and Senate. Following my meetings in London and Dublin, I had three main takeaways. First, Members of Congress discussed with senior officials of both countries the importance of upholding peace and stable governance in Northern Ireland 25 years after the historic Good Friday Agreement. Second, we discussed with our counterparts our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine as it fights on the front lines of the free world. And third, we reinforced the importance of our economic and trade relationships, which drive hundreds of billions of dollars in investments and millions of jobs in both directions. Passport Awareness Month: September is Passport Awareness Month! Are you planning international travel for 2024? If so, check your passport expiration date today. Many countries require six months of passport validity to enter. Processing times for renewals are longer than usual. To avoid any issues, remember to apply for your passport 6-9 months before its expiration or your travel. Learn more here. WCVB Interview: I recently joined On The Record on WCVB and spoke about competition between the U.S. and China. As a member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, I am focused on crafting tough and thoughtful statecraft to ensure the United States sets the terms for freedom, democracy, and prosperity to thrive in the 21st century. That statecraft begins at home. The United States will not outcompete China unless Americans protect our own democracy and unless Congress invests in science and education. The GOP's budget, which cuts funding for science and research, moves us backward. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Do you support robust funding for science and education? Around the Fourth Medfield Tour: I went on a walking tour with local leaders and hosted a meet and greet in Medfield. We walked Pleasant Street so I could see firsthand how infrastructure funding will help improve safe routes to school. I bought new books for Teddy and Grace at Park Street Books & Toys, where I also discussed the changing business model of children's bookstores with the owner. I also visited Zullo Art Gallery and the Medfield Public Library before spending an hour taking questions from constituents about immigration, foreign policy, and even classical music. BioLife: I recently visited BioLife in Attleboro along with Mayor Cathleen DeSimone. I toured the site to see the operation in action. The company is scaling up its plasma facility, where local residents can earn compensation for donating lifesaving plasma to individuals with rare diseases. The Mayor and I offered our support for BioLife, which has positive health and economic development benefits. Plainville Meet and Greet: Last week, I met with local officials and residents in Plainville to hear directly about local priorities. Water infrastructure will continue to be a focus of my work with the town, building on the previous funding we've secured for drinking water. I spoke with constituents about ensuring the solvency of Social Security and Medicare, supporting Ukraine, and driving to compromise in Washington without compromising values. Berkley Tour: Berkley's new leadership invited me for a meeting with town officials and a drop-in at their senior center's "Coffee Talk Cafe." One big topic of conversation with seniors was the new annual out-of-pocket cap and monthly cap on insulin, which I helped pass last Congress. Additionally, I discussed water infrastructure priorities, education, public safety, and local finances with the Select Board, fire and police chiefs, superintendent, and town administrator. Camp Visits: The Fall River Boys & Girls Club and People Incorporated welcomed me to Camp Jack and Camp Welch to see firsthand their programming for 300+ kids (Camp Welch) and for kids with diabetes (Camp Jack). Many of these children don't have much green space near their homes, so outdoor fun on bucolic open acres in Assonet is a wonderful and enriching summer experience. Norfolk Meet and Greet: Recently, I spent the afternoon in Norfolk, first meeting with town officials and then at the farmers' market. I was able to have one-on-one conversations with constituents about healthcare, immigration, and even the need to revive the congressional Office of Technology Assessment, which used to provide lawmakers with research and recommendations for tech-heavy issues. Cardinal Health: I had an engaging discussion with executives and researchers at Cardinal Health in Mansfield. We discussed medical supplies and technology as a growth industry for Massachusetts; concerns about Chinese semiconductors as a chokepoint in medtech supply chains; and their history of R&D for better patient care. I also pressed Cardinal Health, which has market power in the distribution of drugs, to collaborate substantively with Congress and the White House on solutions for the unacceptable shortages of generic drugs, including cancer treatments. 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

Board of Health has public hearing on tobacco regulation revisions, planning restaurant & health fairs- 09/06/23 (audio)

FM #1054 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1007 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 67, 2023. Two board members participated; Harris, Cochrane (in person),  Chair Sweet (absent). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Vice Chair Tim Chochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of June, seconded, passes 2-0

• Public hearing opened for tobacco sales regulations. Brief update on the changes in this proposed revision. No public comments or questions. Hearing closed. The regulations will be brought for vote at the October meeting. (see agenda doc for copy of proposed regulations)

• Updates from the Regional Health Inspector, Nurse, & Epidemiologist. Copies of prior months reports in the meeting packet, although only the current month (August) was verbalized during the meeting. Shaw’s sushi situation is better. Planning is underway for a Restaurant Fair and a Health Fair both to be held at the library. The Restaurant Fair focused on providing info for the restaurants. The Health fair focused on providing info for the community.

• Meeting adjourned

The meeting runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Sep 6, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1054-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-09-06-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_09-06.23_-_google_docs_1.pdf 

Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/boh_agenda_and_packet_090623.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WllGgFdd4FrDPTNEujh6hOmH9RYCTcn-/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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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"

Board of Health has public hearing on tobacco regulation revisions 09/06/23 (audio)

Preliminary Subdivision - Balsam Estates - Planning Board - Sep 25

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 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East  Central Street, for a Preliminary Subdivision application titled “Balsam Estates” prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc., Franklin, MA, and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on September 5, 2023, by Joel D’Errico, Franklin, MA.

The property is located in the Rural Residential II Zoning District (Assessors Map 242 Lot 27) at the end of Kimberlee Avenue. The applicant is proposing to construct a 4-lot subdivision.

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_-_balsam_estates_subdivision.pdf

Preliminary Subdivision - Balsam Estates - Planning Board - Sep 25

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Sep 7, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

8:00 am Veterans' Call: SHINE

9:00 am     ArtWeek: John Christoforo

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: La Cantina Winery

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

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

3:00 pm Joe Landry: Restaurants & Bars

4:30 pm     Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

5:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones

6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

7:00 pm     Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

8:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

9:30 pm     4th of July 2023: School of Rock

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

7:00 am     Public School Concerts: Oak Street Music 2019

8:30 am     Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

10:30 am FHS Senior Awards Night 2020

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

2:30 pm     FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

5:00 pm Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 04-18-23

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 08-22-23

12:30 pm Economic Development: 08-16-23

1:30 pm     Economic Development: 08-23-23

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 08-22-23

7:00 pm     Conservation Commission:  LIVE, Chambers  870 2666 9579

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 Cultural District: Farmers Market, Second Sunday Speaker, music choices as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, September 6

10:00am - Veterans Coffee Social (monthly) (Franklin Senior Center)

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

Thursday, September 7

6:00pm - Ken Barney (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 

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

7:00pm - Community Conversations (Franklin Public Library)

Friday, September 8

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

Franklin Farmers Market

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

5:00pm - Freak Flag (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Ayla Brown & Ralph Bellamy (ticketed event) (La Cantina Winery) 

Saturday, September 9

10:00am - FSPA Open House (38 Main St)

Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen

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

10:00am - Rise Up (social meetup) (Sculpture Park)

4:00pm - Patrick Durking (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 

5:00pm - Michael Rivelis (live music) (Birchwood Bakery)

Sunday, September 10

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

1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum)

Tuesday, September 12

7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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 Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Newsletter (as of 09/05/23)

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. 

To view the full contents, follow this link ->   

View this email in your browser

Join us at 6pm at the Library for GAYme night!

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance In this newsletter we include an invitation to our next meeting and community events, including our next book club discussion, and include more opportunities to get involved. You're Invited to our Upcoming Meeting    When: Thursday, September 7th *Now at 6pm!*   Where: Franklin Town Common Join us for lawn games on the town common this month! Rain Location: Franklin Public Library Meeting Room (larger room across from the reading room). Drum Roll Please... We Are Proud To Announce The New FLA Board! President: Robin Baidya (he/him) Secretary: Phoebe Thaler (they/she) Treasurer: Jennifer Rossing (she/her)   Amber Wilson and Sara Allegretti will be stepping down from their positions. We want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to the organization. View this email in your browser You are receiving this email because of your relationship with the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, September 7, 2023

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Thursday, September 7, 7:00-9:00 pm. 

 

This will be a HYBRID meeting: you can attend in person, or join on Zoom.  

 Those of us who have been meeting in Franklin have enjoyed the chance to come together. We hope others will do the same. 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

 

·       Location of the in-person meeting: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

 

·       OPTION: 

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

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

 

As always, we will discuss 350 Mass' campaigns for 2023-24, and review local and statewide developments and opportunities in climate and energy advocacy. 

 

Here are a few additional items and actions for your attention:

 

The March to End Fossil Fuels is in New York on Sunday, September 17th, 2023!  It's not too late to sign up for the March, although the pace of ticket sales is picking up; if you want to go on the 350 Mass bus, please reserve your seat ASAP.  See info and links here.  

A note on accessibility: The march route is 1.3 miles long, paved and mostly flat, in a dense city environment with a fair amount of shade. Drinking water refill stations will be provided, and porta-potties will be set up at the start of the march and at the closing rally, including ADA units & hand washing stations. The rally will have ASL interpretation and space reserved near the stage to see the interpreter. The rally will also have a shaded seating area for those who need it. Everyone is welcome to join any part of the event as they are able, whether that's a part of the march, or the closing rally at 49th St and 1st Ave.

 

 

Evaluating Climate Solutions: A National Forum Series. Are the various proposed climate solutions effective, scalable, affordable, technically possible, and politically feasible? Come to a series of virtual forums by national experts to explore the options. See information and registration for all forums here.

·        Nuclear Power: Expensive Menace or Low-Carbon Solution? Thu, Sept 7, 7:30 pm. 

·        Green Banks: Financing Climate Solutions. Wed, Sep 20, 7:30 pm. 

·        Creating Sustainable Systems: Soil, Carbon, and Food. Thu, Sep 28, 7:30 pm. 

This series is sponsored by 350 Mass and Elder Climate Action Massachusetts and National in cooperation with Food Tank, 350.org, and Massachusetts Sierra Club.

 

Housing and Climate Justice Lobby Day, Tuesday Sept 26.  Join us at the Massachusetts State House to meet with our legislators and advocate on behalf of two critical initiatives: The Housing Environment and Revenue Opportunities (HERO) bill; see the fact sheet. AND The Zero Carbon Renovation Fund (ZCRF) bill; see the fact sheet. Learn more and RSVP here. Tue, Sep 26, 10 am-3 pm, Massachusetts State House, Room 428.

 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.net. We will send a reminder on Thursday.  

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

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

339-203-5017