Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 22, 2023 to December 28, 2023

Friday, December 22

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

Saturday, December 23

8:00am Girls Scout Cookies 4 Sale (outside King St Dunkin Donuts)

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)  

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2  (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:30am Pancakes and Pajamas! (and Jamie Barrett) (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm Piano Steve (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, December 24  Christmas Eve

10:00am Christmas Eve Services (New England Chapel)

Monday, December 25  Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Scott Martell Magic Show (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, December 27

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Music at the Blissful! A Fun Family Concert! (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Buildwave Family Night! (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, December 28

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Interactive Puppet Storytime! (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewing)

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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: Dec 22, 2023 to December 28, 2023

Franklin Police open a YouTube Channel (video)

Franklin Police Dept. adds a YouTube channel to their communication tools. The first video shares some of the events during the storm on Monday, December 18, 2023.

"This is a short 6 minute video capturing some of the storm on December 18, 2023"

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxx0stMFD4Y

Franklin Police now open a YouTube Channel (video)

"It was a 1977 Pontiac"

The DPW shares an Elm Street Bridge update:

"Elm Street Bridge Update!!!  

So some folks wondering why bridge was closed and when it will reopen??? In layman's terms, the Elm Street bridge is a very old granite block bridge that was constructed in the late 1800s. MassDOT and Franklin Public Works keeps a keen I on it.  

When the Charles River raises to a certain level, as measured by the red and yellow marker on the side of the bridge (see photo below), we might recommend closure for safety as the velocity of the water in the river might undermine the footings of the bridge which could cause a bridge failure, i.e. the bridge could collapse!  

Before we reopen the bridge, the footings need to be inspected by the MassDOT dive team. They were out there today, even though the level of the Charles River has dropped by more then a foot, the velocity of water is still to swift for them to safely inspect. So we have to wait a little longer. 

Going out on limb here, but feeling pretty confident that the inspection will turn out positive. It is very well constructed old bridge that has seen a lot of floods over the years! As they say, they "don't build like that anymore"! 

On a side note, it was a 1977 Pontiac that made jump, not a 1978!"

"It was a 1977 Pontiac"

The update was shared from -> (click through for larger images of each photo) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3580143848922282/

And if you missed the original post to reference the Pontiac, the photo is shared here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3578933692376631/

"Unless you own a 78 Pontiac Trans AM, I would seek an alternate route"

Sign up for the Prenatal Feeding Course 101 - Jan 17, 2024

Expecting a little one? Join our feeding course where we will cover it all to help set you up with a solid foundation for your feeding journey.

New VIRTUAL Breastfeeding 101 Dates plus $20 SAVINGS ON AN INITIAL CONSULT

1.5 hour virtual group course for ONLY $85 covering important feeding information to help set up you and your family for a solid foundation on your feeding journey.

Limited space! Sign up today! Follow link, click prenatal 101 to get your spot -> https://linktr.ee/latchedatfirstsight

Insurance should reimburse and a detailed receipt will be given upon course.

Please email dd@latchedatfirstsight.com for more information

Sign up for the Prenatal Feeding Course 101 - Jan 17, 2024

Visit our website www.latchedatfirstsight.com

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 8, 2024 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Subcommittee

January 8, 2024 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd floor Training Room

Agenda

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Finalize Goals

● In Person Event Planning

● Monthly Communication Planning

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_community_relations_sub_committee_agenda.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 8, 2024 - 6 PM

Franklin Health Dept: December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month (video)

December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years. 

To learn more about the basics, prevention, treatment, and more visit: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY1qi3bf-Os

December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Dec 22, 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

8:00 am Santa On The Common 2023

8:30 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1

9:30 am Frank's Musings: Israel

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

11:00 am Senior Connection: Shannon Nesbitt

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Telemedicine

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

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

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 11 - Kemp Harris

5:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wrentham 350

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

8:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady

10:00 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 05-29-21

12:30 pm Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

1:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023

3:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

8:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23

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

Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Dec 20, 2023. This was their last meeting of the calendar year. Several key items of business were closed out, recognition was given to Ken Norman for his service on Board of Assessors and other committees, and many wishes for happy holidays, new year, etc. were extended.

The Council will begin work on January 3, 2024 with a session that includes setting goals and objectives for the next two years.

Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman

Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

Quick recap:

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.
• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion
• Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000
• Police Dept - $559,000
• Sewer projects - $500,000
• Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000
• SAFE Coalition - $100,000
• YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000
• ARPA Direct funds announced for
• $1M to reconstruct Baron Road
• $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field
• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)
• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)
• Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 
• Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
• Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete
• Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you
• Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0

Town Council agenda and supporting documents ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_link

Additional photos of the recognition ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/kRuMhZWFWMazjjfG6

TED-Ed summarizes the climate challenge better than Ted & I have done with Making Sense of Climate

TED-Ed (@TED_ED) posted  Sun, Dec 17, 2023:

"The impacts of climate change are growing, but so are the world's attempts to stop them.

This TED documentary examines the rapid revolution underway — and the real possibility of a better future for all:  https://t.co/5F9Nw03n64"

Shared from -> https://x.com/TED_ED/status/1736423522962972883

Direct link to YouTube for video -> https://youtu.be/oF7UMeVQxHk

TED-Ed  summarizes the climate challenge better than Ted & I have done with Making Sense of Climate

FHS boys basketball and girls & boys swim teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023. 

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 73 @ Foxboro, 38 – Final

Girls Basketball = Foxboro, 60 @ Franklin, 43 – Final

 Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game. (subscription required)

Boys Hockey = Canton, 4 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

Canton 4 Franklin 3.  Panthers drop a tough one to a talented Bulldog team.  Gs Anthony Lampasona 2 and Hager.  Pope Francis up next

https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1737643189287489604

Girls Hockey = Mansfield/Oliver Ames, 4 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Lady Panthers drop a tough 4-2 loss to a gritty MOA team.

https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1737663511898050860

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 46 @ Taunton, 23 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 58 @ Taunton, 34 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-20-23/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Wed, Dec 20, 2023:

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1737503449565089869

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval

****   LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission will hold a Public Hearing, Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 6:30PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 240 East Central Street, Franklin MA

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum

80 West Central Street, Franklin

****

 

HEARING DATE Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Please reach out with any questions.

Thank you,

Mary Olsson, Vice chair

Franklin Historical Commission

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update from the last two weeks (12/19/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill National Defense Authorization Act: I support a strong U.S. military, especially in this more dangerous world for democracy. I voted 'No' on the NDAA because the Pentagon, as the world's biggest bureaucracy, should do 10% more with 10% less. As I said this summer, after my previous 'No' vote, the 10% savings would be enough to fund Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Following the vote, I spoke on the House floor to call attention to Congress' failure to deliver for our democratic allies abroad before leaving Washington for the holidays. I asked that the House return to vote as soon as possible to approve the separate funding package that President Biden is requesting for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian support for Gaza. Republicans' Incoherent Impeachment Inquiry: Last week, House Republicans voted to launch a baseless impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Instead of working to lower costs and defend democracy, the House GOP is manufacturing this stunt to distract the American people from their party's inability to govern. The first year of this 118th Congress has been the least productive, in terms of laws passed, of any in recent history. Washington Bridge Closure: During the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's recent hearing with the Federal Highway Administration, I asked about the closure of the Washington Bridge in Providence and called for it to be reopened with the same sense of urgency that Americans saw in recent closures in Pennsylvania and California. The closure of the bridge on I-195 is a major disruption for Bay Staters traveling to Providence, making commutes longer and limiting access to one of the biggest cities in New England. I visited the bridge to see the state of congestion for myself and will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation to get the bridge reopened ASAP. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Have you been affected by the Washington Bridge closure? Around the Fourth Discussing Competition with China: Congressman Ro Khanna of California and I serve on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. I always benefit from intellectual sparring with him to sharpen my own thinking about trade and industrial strategy. Two weeks ago, Ro and I dug deep on where we agree – manufacturing has importance to the U.S. political economy that is greater than just its share of GDP – and where we diverge: Ro subscribes to tariffs and industrial policy to compete with China; whereas I am skeptical of Washington's wisdom in directing the economy and would prefer policy-makers focus on getting the basics right. Investing in infrastructure, science, and education and strengthening the rule of law is the best industrial strategy. One example: American 15-year-olds have slid backward on math scores since 2018, according to the most recent Program for International Student Assessment. Bipartisan commitment to excellence in math education would do more for U.S. economic dynamism in the 21st century than the sum consequence of all tariffs and subsidies. Antisemitism on College Campuses: Antisemitism is a crisis on college campuses that has worsened since October 7th. After a recent Education and Workforce Committee hearing on campus antisemitism with the leaders of Harvard and MIT, I joined Representative Seth Moulton, a fellow Harvard alum, in making the following statement: "Harvard ranks last out of 248 universities for support of free speech. But when it comes to denouncing antisemitism, suddenly the university has anxieties about the First Amendment. It rings hollow." Universities must divorce themselves from double standards and instead lay down clear commitments to free & open discourse, with consistently enforced standards to prevent harassment. The Boards of Harvard and MIT have made their decision about who can lead their universities toward this higher ground of truth-seeking and pluralism. They now own those decisions and are accountable for meaningful & urgent progress. LigerBots STEAM Expo: Teddy and Grace got a huge thrill from playing with robots at the annual LigerBots STEAM Expo at Newton North High School. And I got a kick out of speaking with student engineers from across the district, including Newton, North Attleboro, and Franklin. When we got home, Teddy insisted that we build and program his own robot. His dad did his best but I'm not winning the Eastern Mass Championships any time soon... Happy Holidays: Wishing everyone a happy holiday season! I hope you're able to spend them with your family, friends, and loved ones. 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