Franklin Matters

Sunday, January 14, 2024

The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)

FM #1136 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1136 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the forthcoming Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher.

Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, starting as a pop up or mobile museum for now to help build interest and community excitement.

There are opportunities to help volunteer and contribute in other ways as well as financially. The show notes contain links to their web page with their pop up schedule and contact and contribution forms.

Let’s listen to my conversation with Meg and Erin

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1136-childrens-museum-franklin-starts-with-popups-01-10-24

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Franklin Children’s Museum -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

Events -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events

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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"

The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 17, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 20, 2023 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/december_20_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
b. January 3, 2024 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/january_3_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: FISH of Franklin

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Discussion: Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-05: Termination of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as well as Dedication of Revenues Thereto, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-05 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-05_-_termination_of_and_dedication_into_the_opioid_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Migrant Housing Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. Master Plan Committee
e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
f. Police Station Building Committee
g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_17_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting

FHS wrestling go 2-1 at Algonquin Quad meet on Saturday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports .com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, Jan 13, 2024.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 3 vs. Westwood, 7 – Final

Nifty move by Julia Flynn moving the puck out from behind the net then putting it short side for the 🚨. Panthers trail 3-1 in the second.

Dennett to Flynn through the neutral zone. Julia finds top corner far side. Panthers trail 4-2.

Julia Flynn picked up a loose puck in the D zone, took it the length of the ice and finished strong
https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1746306011130966275

Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin)

Good day of wrestling in Algonquin, Franklin goes 2-1 with a wins against Westford Academy 57-21 and Algonquin 54-27 and a loss too West Springfield 48-34.

Pins from Charlton(1), Nash(2), Caccevelli(3), Sauer(2), Carlucci (2), Griffen(1),Rosenberg (2), Lawler(2), Large (2), Pritoni (2), Francois(1). OW goes to Roman Caccevelli with 3 pins
https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1746237040411251177

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-13-24/

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

Franklin TV: PEG in a Nutshell – 10

The State of Streaming Media - 2024

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/14/2024

The On-demand Streaming Video (SVoD) industry has been around long enough to have a history. The novelty is long-faded, and maturing is afoot. There were late-comers to the party. Predictably, most of these more recent arrivals didn’t survive because there wasn’t much growth opportunity left at the buffet table. Even the players with large legacy libraries are seeing profits dwindle. Today they struggle with the same issue that legacy networks and cable carriers do. Remember, Bill Clinton’s quip? “It’s the economy, stupid.”

In this case it’s the cost of programming – quality programs that folks will seek out. No one is making any money. Their business models are being ‘tweaked’ (optimized). That translates into higher subscriber fees, tighter password sharing limits, and/or also including – commercials. Note that you can’t skip over their ads.

The two big take-aways: New TV is becoming more like old TV, and like old TV, eventually there will be fewer streaming choices due to consolidation.

In 2018 I anticipated an asymptotic point would emerge in about 5 years. Today, the U.S. Cable TV homes that don’t have streaming service is only 5 percent. That statistic clearly indicates a no-growth market – saturation – the stable asymptote.

On-demand Streaming Video (SVoD) industry

The SVoD industry average annual churn rate for streaming services is 50 percent, meaning many services are also struggling to keep their customers. Again, offering quality ‘binge-worthy’ programming – consistently – is costly. Further, binging is becoming restricted – fewer ‘full-season drops’ are giving way to ‘3 episode, teaser’ drops, then weekly drops that ‘encourage’ (force) subscribers to hang on longer.

What does all this mean for local studios like us? Cord-cutting was initially a way to save on home entertainment. However, it reduces our revenue from Comcast and Verizon. Over the next 5 years we anticipate some stabilization at a revenue reduction of about 10 percent. It means keeping our operating costs down while continuing to offer the most (and best) local programs possible.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm.
And – as always – thanks for watching.

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

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

All Franklin residents are invited!

The next monthly Veterans' Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

All Franklin residents interested in Veterans' activities and events are welcome to join us.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month.

For more information, please contact the Veterans' Services Office: (508) 613-1315.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-council-meeting-january-18-2024-700-pm

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

The Rainbow Connection: A 6-week Workshop at SAFE Coalition

Via Ted Cormier-Leger:

Parents, LGBTQ teens and Allies- here is an exciting new opportunity in Franklin thanks to my friends at the Safe Coalition.

Contact them directly for more information -> info@safecoalition.org

The Rainbow Connection: A 6-week Workshop at SAFE Coalition

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/1443010241/posts/pfbid037nL8Yesyjst5DzteZLuw3cYwhJgHkVP3LfrWQi3m2SxHC2PyxA29XHB9VmC522Scl/

Mental Health Crisis series continues with discussion on Franklin Police response

"Yesterday (1/09/24) Clinicians Kallie Montagano and Sonja Wagner joined Dr. Anne Bergen for an interview on Franklin TV.

They discussed the new Franklin Police Co-Response Program, what it’s like working alongside police officers, how they assist us on calls, trends they're seeing in our community, and how they can close the gap on those who need services."

Once the video recording is available, the schedule for Comcast/Verizon subscribers will be shared.

Once posted to YouTube, that link will also be shared.

The current playlist on YouTube contains 3 video episodes -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0xz0S1gE-frJKC3DuBz20PA

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C179H3qxfWN/

Choices: "You have power in your choices"

Choices

Peter Carlson — January 11, 2024

As we step into the promising year of 2024, we reflect on the power of choices that shape our lives. From the clothes we wear to the chocolate we savor, each decision reflects our values and beliefs. At Wright Old School Chocolate (WOSC), we believe in the importance of discernment and intentional choices.

In these moments of contemplation, the Serenity Prayer resonates deeply: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

You have power in your choices. We encourage you to consider what truly matters to you. Why do you choose the chocolate you indulge in, the stores you shop at, the clothes you wear, and even the individuals you support politically? Be intentional, informed, and let your choices be guided by science and facts. From this information, allow your passions to be expressed by your purchases and use of time.

WOSC stands apart, driven by values that prioritize your experience with chocolate over economic considerations. Our commitment extends beyond satisfying your sweet cravings; we care about our planet, our humanity, and the rich diversity of plant life that could enhance our lives if given the chance.

Choices: "You have power in your choices"

WOSC wants the chocolate to satisfy your tasting experience and give you satisfaction that you are being a good steward of the earth.

We invite you to discover WOSC in stores (go to bottom of the linked page), at markets, or conveniently order online. Experience firsthand why choosing Wright Old School Chocolate is a decision you'll be glad you made.

As we bid farewell to a fantastic 2023, we express our gratitude for your support. Here's to a sweet and fulfilling 2024! We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue serving you with delightful chocolate experiences.

Thank you for choosing Wright Old School Chocolate.

View original post

Human ‘behavioural crisis’ at root of climate breakdown, say scientists | Climate crisis | The Guardian

“We’ve socially engineered ourselves the way we geoengineered the planet,” says Joseph Merz, lead author of a new paper which proposes that climate breakdown is a symptom of ecological overshoot, which in turn is caused by the deliberate exploitation of human behaviour.

“We need to become mindful of the way we’re being manipulated,” says Merz, who is co-founder of the Merz Institute, an organisation that researches the systemic causes of the climate crisis and how to tackle them.

Merz and colleagues believe that most climate “solutions” proposed so far only tackle symptoms rather than the root cause of the crisis. This, they say, leads to increasing levels of the three “levers” of overshoot: consumption, waste and population.

They claim that unless demand for resources is reduced, many other innovations are just a sticking plaster. “We can deal with climate change and worsen overshoot,” says Merz. “The material footprint of renewable energy is dangerously underdiscussed. These energy farms have to be rebuilt every few decades – they’re not going to solve the bigger problem unless we tackle demand.”

Continue reading the article online at The Guardian (subscription may be required) -> https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/13/human-behavioural-crisis-at-root-of-climate-breakdown-say-scientists

A globe at a CES technology consumer show in Las Vegas this week. Climate experts claim ‘creativity and innovation are driving overconsumption’. Photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Saturday, January 13, 2024

In Franklin, MA, It’s All About the Benjamin!

Birthday Celebration for a Founding Father Goes BIG This Month!

Franklin, Massachusetts’ biggest claim to fame is that it is named for the great 18th century polymath and patriot, Benjamin Franklin, and that Franklin in his wisdom, repaid the compliment with a generous gift of books. The town’s people made the most of this and turned this gift into the first free public lending library in North America.

It was a good move. Franklin farm boy, Horace Mann, the ”father” of American Public education, educated himself in large part through the books donated by Ben and Oliver Dean, another local influenced by access to Ben’s books, founded Dean Academy in Franklin (now Dean College)!

Today, with the town’s growth and a renewed focus on arts, culture, and history in the town’s Cultural District, a literary and library past is being celebrated with Ben Franklin Book Week, Jan 14-21, “A Community Rediscovery of Ideas, Literature, and the Shared Gift of Language.” This new annual event that celebrates the birthday of Benjamin Franklin (Jan. 17) and his gift of books to the town AND it recognizes the town’s ongoing book- and culture friendly environment, with a growing slate of events and activities!

Book Week is cosponsored by the Franklin Historical Museum, Franklin Public Library, and Escape into Fiction book store with funding provided by Mass. Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Events include lectures, a film premiere, a live ‘readathon’ of Ben Franklin’s Autobiography, a concert with the Glass Harmonica instrument invented by Ben Franklin, a lecture and demonstration of Ben’s fundamental contribution to the understanding of electricity, and more.

More information is available at https://benfranklinbookweek.com

In Franklin, MA, It’s All About the Benjamin!

Finance Committee reviews and approves of Capital Budget for FY 2024 (video & audio)

FM #1135 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1135 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

8 Finance Committee members participated;

6 in Chambers (Chair Conley, Riley, Corbosiero, Nagel, Batchelor, Grace ),
2 participated remotely (Keophannga & Hamilton)
1 absent (Sansoucy)

Quick recap:

Discussion on the scope and intent of the deep dive series. Feb 7 next meeting, Mar 6 joint budget subcmte, then really into budget season for FY 2025 with hearings in May, June for Council.
This is the first capital budget without a holding of the 'free cash' for snow and ice removal. 4.5M is total free cash.
Consideration for a 'land acquisition fund' possibly to be established
Technology at the high school is now 10 years old, can't replace them all at once, chipping away at it to stagger the replacements over time.
Survey to address on quality of life issues, scientific generated survey randomly generated, whole variety of metrics. Often folks are happy but need to divide where there are some opportunities.
Chief Lynch providing insights on the Police requests, (forgot to add battalion chiefs for Fire had previewed the requests for Fire) Did get all their requests
DPW, Director Cantoreggi, Water/Sewer superintendent Martin Providing updates on the details of this year's request, equipment has improved over past years, folks like to use good tools, efficiency & safety
Funds for sewer, water, etc come from the enterprise funds
Facility did not get all asked for, the reasonable requests were met. We don't have any money for new sidewalks, maintenance yes but not new. $2M for a single mile of sidewalk.
Motion for approval for the capital improvements plan second, passes via roll call 8-0-1 (absent)
Motion for transfers per policy as part of the capital plan, second, via roll call 8-0-1 (absent)

The meeting recording runs about an hour & 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Jan 10, 20234 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1135-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-01-10-24

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Agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-01-10_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

Watch the Franklin TV video available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/live/dGC2rKWkWB8

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and found in 1 PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qqA7h0dGjT1Bw7f2muY7KTBc7N6OklZq/view?usp=drive_link

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee

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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

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Finance Committee reviews and approves of Capital Budget for FY 2024 (video & audio)

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Jan 17 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

Steve will also be interested to find out what you think should be on the "watch list" for 2024?

When: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 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 (https://forms.gle/yPGvpaJJbdu4Q6yu6), or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me.

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q2FcXBb3xYclaE4tW8sXoObMsAYuQ4cy/view?usp=drive_link

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Jan 17 at 11 AM

Franklin Matters

Sunday, January 14, 2024

The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting

FHS wrestling go 2-1 at Algonquin Quad meet on Saturday

Franklin TV: PEG in a Nutshell – 10

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

All Franklin residents are invited!

The Rainbow Connection: A 6-week Workshop at SAFE Coalition

Mental Health Crisis series continues with discussion on Franklin Police response

Choices: "You have power in your choices"

Choices

Human ‘behavioural crisis’ at root of climate breakdown, say scientists | Climate crisis | The Guardian

Saturday, January 13, 2024

In Franklin, MA, It’s All About the Benjamin!

Finance Committee reviews and approves of Capital Budget for FY 2024 (video & audio)

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Jan 17 at 11 AM

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