Franklin Dept of Health: #GreatAmericanSpitOut

The #GreatAmericanSpitOut occurs every February. Smokeless tobacco, like chew and dip, has over 28 cancer causing substances that can typically lead to cancer of the mouth, esophagus, & pancreas. 

For more information on the effects of smokeless tobacco and how to quit today, visit: www.cdc.gov/tobacco 

Town of Franklin: On-Call Roofing Services for Town and School Buildings

On-Call Roofing Services for Town and School Buildings

In accordance with MGL c. 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a roofing firm for a multi-year contract, subject to annual appropriation, providing on-call roofing services at various town and school buildings within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  On-Call Roofing Services for Town and School Buildings

Read more

Town of Franklin: On-Call Electrician - Maintenance and Repair Services at Town and School Buildings

On-Call Electrician - Maintenance and Repair Services at Town and School Buildings

In accordance with MGL c. 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of an electrical firm for a multi-year contract, subject to annual appropriation, providing on-call electrical services at various town and school buildings within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  On-Call Electrician Services for Town and School Buildings

Read more

Autumn Hill development proposed for Summer St

With the scheduled public hearing before the Planning Board for the proposed 44 unit senior and inclusionary housing condominium on Summer St, it is good to go deep in the archives to be aware of the prior development for the same property.

A special report collected the history of the Residential VII zoning proposed for rezoning the property at the time which failed to gain approval.

The new proposal comes forward without a zoning change required only a couple of special permits (per public hearing notice  https://www.franklinma.gov/legal-notices/agenda/488-496-summer-street-autumn-hill-senior-village-planning-board)

The 5 post series can be found 

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

The Autum Hill plans as submitted can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/autumn-hill-senior-village-488-and-496-summer-street-02022024

Autumn Hill development proposed for Summer St

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Feb 16, 2024

• 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

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

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

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

Applications for the Artsy Box Project 2024 are open & due Feb 21, 2024

The Franklin Cultural District invites you to participate in the Artsy Box Project 2024, funded by the Mass Cultural Council and the Town of Franklin.

The Artsy Box Project launched last year in 2023, with a new and exciting vibrant arrangement of colors to share throughout our cultural district. This year we have identified 6 new boxes and need your help to bring a fresh take on celebrating nature and community. 

Box locations are as follows:

• Union St. (Town Common)
• Town Common (by Gazebo)
• East Central St. (near Chestnut)
• West Central St. (Near Lot)
• West Central St. (near West St) 
• Main St. Parking Lot (Across Library)

We encourage artists of all backgrounds, established or emerging, to submit. Each artist can submit up to 2 designs on the provided template. Please be sure to submit descriptions for each submission. Selected artists receive a stipend between $250-$750, to cover paint, time, transportation, artistic development and labor. Boxes will be primed prior to starting.

Artwork and assignments will be evaluated by the Franklin Cultural District Committee and Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) for the Town of Franklin. 

Submissions are due by February 21st 2024 @3pm. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED

Artists will be notified of selections by March 15th, 2024.

Please select FCD to review checklist and submit. Please select BOX for Artsy Box Template.

Applications for the Artsy Box Project 2024 are open & due Feb 21, 2024

Annual Report Of The Cultural District Committee: FY 2023 Report

Franklin Cultural District Committee (CDC) is a volunteer committee appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. The Committee is comprised of up to seven members, all of whom are town residents. The CDC meets as a full group once a month and subcommittees comprised of board members and partners meet as needed. In addition, the CDC holds quarterly Partners meetings; these meetings usually rotate among weeknights and locations in Town to provide flexibility in attendance, as work schedules vary throughout the community.

Since the start of the COVID Pandemic all CDC meetings have taken place using the Zoom platform. The meetings are publicized through social media, as well as print media. Meeting times, dates and agendas are posted on the Town's website. All meetings are open to the public.

Annual Report Of The Cultural District Committee: FY 2023 Report

During the 2023 fiscal year (FY23) the committee was co-chaired by Roberta Trahan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci, replacing the recently resigned chair, Nancy Schoen. The CDC would like to thank Roberta and Pandora for their hard work running the CDC team. During the year, CDC lost two members, Pat Timmons who moved out of Franklin, and Jamie Barrett whose term expired.

Franklin Cultural District History

The Town of Franklin's 2013 Master Plan had listed as Goal 2: Provide quality arts and cultural resources as a vital part of the creativity and growth of our community. Delivering on this goal, in early 2014 a small group of residents gathered to begin the quest to become a designated Cultural District. Using the criteria established by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a footprint of the Franklin Cultural District was identified by the working group. Over the next few years, the committee organized festivals and events in the defined cultural district until the Town decided to officially gain designation as a cultural district. A new resident committee was formed and its task was to apply for state designation. MCC conducted a site visit in September 2018 eventually leading to Franklin Cultural District's approval of state Cultural District Status. The Franklin Cultural District Dedication Celebration was held on May 10, 2019.

Mission Statement

The CDC's mission is to enrich and inspire our residents and visitors by fostering local cultural, artistic, culinary, and historical development aligned with local partners in a defined walkable area, the Franklin Cultural District (FCD), which is easily accessible and serves as the center of economic activity.

Cultural District Committee Goals

The mission is realized through the CDC's goals. Each year the CDC's goals are reviewed, edited, and voted on by the entire Committee. CDC goals for FY23 are as follows:

• Goal 1: Coordinate resources to assist FCD Partners, local businesses, local artists and arts and cultural organizations to recover from the negative impacts of the Pandemic.
• Goal 2: Work to increase economic activity and attract new businesses, including artists and cultural enterprises, to the Franklin Cultural District.
• Goal 3: Continue to strengthen the Franklin Cultural District Partnership including the ongoing collaborations with the Franklin Cultural Council. Goal 4: Broaden the ethnic diversity of the arts and culture in Franklin.
• Goal 5: Continue to broaden the FCD social media presence to help the committee become more accessible and better able to engage, connect with and expand its audience.
• Goal 6: Work with Town Administration on the Wayfinding Signage Project when the pending timeline is finalized by the town.

Franklin Cultural District Partners

Since the Franklin Cultural District was designated in 2019, the Committee met monthly and quarterly with the Cultural District Partners. All meetings are open to the public and we invite all Franklin residents to attend and join the meetings.

This year, the Committee decided to step away from the formal quarterly Partners Meetings and include this messaging in our regular monthly meetings. This new process allows regular access for the partners with the committee allow a more inclusive cultural district committee. To encourage greater attendance of partners, the meeting agenda is emailed to the Partners each month. The meeting dates are also included in the Cultural Newsletter with information about location of the agenda. This change in meeting format has been well received.

The full Cultural District report can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s-kD8K86btiJNun1k_RAtrLGr8v1A6Pb/view?usp=sharing

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Annual Report Of The Cultural District Committee: FY 2023 Report

Enjoy the fund raising for the Children’s Museum of Franklin Benefit Gala on April 11

The Night at the Museum Gala is coming up Thursday, April 11!

View this email in your browser Children's Museum of Franklin is a community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Franklin, MA and the surrounding region. We believe that play is integral to learning and development. With that at heart, we're building an interactive and imaginative space where children and families can come together to discover, imagine, and grow. Children's Museum of Franklin strives to inspire the next generation and to build a community of intentional connection through play and exploration. Over the last several weeks, Children's Museum of Franklin hosted its first two Mobile Museum pop-up events. We had nearly 1,000 people attend. We are overwhelmed (in a great way!) by the joy and community enthusiasm. This show of support has only enhanced our excitement as we move forward with the development of The Museum. Children's Museum of Franklin is hosting its first major community awareness and fundraising event, Night at the Museum Gala, on Thursday, April 11. Join us for an evening of friends, exhibit play, live entertainment, food, and conversation. Have fun with friends: forward this invite on to your community! We hope to see you on April 11. Cheers! Meg & Erin When: Thursday, April 11 from 7:00–10:00 p.m. Where: THE BLACK BOX This is a 21+ event. Get your tickets here! Copyright (C) 2024 Children's Museum of Franklin. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend, Saturday, Feb 17

Where will the cookies be in Franklin?

• Post Office 8:30 am - 12 pm
• Learning Express 11 am - 3 pm

Check out the Facebook page for updates on specific locations

https://www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsofFranklinMA

Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Feb 15, 2024

• 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

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

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

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: Want to know what's happening? Check out the calendars!

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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!

Annual Report Of Franklin Housing Authority: FY 2023 Report

Board Members

The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on April 20, 2023.

George A. Danello, Chairman 

Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson 

Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer

Andrew M. Kepple, Assistant Treasurer 

Christopher Lennon, Tenant Board Member

FHA Staff

Lisa Audette, Executive Director 

Candice Day, Administrative Assistant 

Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant 

Sean Pope, Director of Facilities

Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer 

James Brunelli, Groundskeeper/Laborer 

Michael Doherty, Groundskeeper/Custodian

Samantha Czernicki, Supportive Housing Coordinator 

Erin Ferguson, Resident Service Coordinator

The Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) name change

The Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) has changed its' name to The Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) based on Governor Healy and Lt. Governor Driscoll filing Article 8 legislation earlier this year to establish a stand-alone secretariat focused on housing. We welcome new Secretary Ed Augustus.

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties

A Contract for Financial Assistance from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities for the purpose of repairing components of the aging agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 was awarded to the FHA. In addition, ARPA funds and EOHLC Sustainability Funds were awarded to our agency. Several projects are in the works using this very timely and important funding including roof replacement, water pipe upgrades and a fire pump.

FHA Property

The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low-income Family Housing and two, 8-unit Group Homes. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four-bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms.

Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited additional support.

Franklin Housing Authority also owns three single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and allow these families the opportunity to live in a residential neighborhood for an affordable rent.

The Franklin Housing Authority acquired the 'long time vacant' property located at 813 Summer Street. The beautiful three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and will remain in the Town's inventory of affordable housing stock through perpetuity. We have completely renovated the home and it will soon be available for lease.

The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates. The unwavering assistance of all of our supporters was monumental in the success of the acquisition.

Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT's Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.

Also, we are grateful for the support of Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT's Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Spears. MTL transferred the property this home sits on to the Housing Authority. We and the families we house will forever be thankful to all who helped to make this acquisition possible.

Managing Agent for Norfolk Housing Authority

Franklin Housing Authority has been contracted to manage the Norfolk Housing Authority. By taking on this agreement, we increase the FHA/NHA housing stock by an additional 84 units of public housing.

Norfolk is very close logistically and the housing authority has a senior development very similar to one of Franklin's and a quaint family development located in a lovely pine grove. We see this merge as a benefit to our Norfolk residents and financially beneficial to both agencies. We enjoy working at the Norfolk Housing Authority and with the NHA Board Members to maintain the beautiful, safe and affordable public housing in the Town of Norfolk.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation Franklin Rotarians are a welcome friend to our residents. The Rotarians thoughtfully plan, cook and serve our residents at least twice annually. This year a healthy and delicious Valentine's breakfast was a welcome interruption to the winter's cold. Then in June, the Rotarians served their Italian pasta specialty to residents with all the fixings and dessert. Seniors from all over Franklin were welcome and, as always, it was a smash hit! Much thanks to the Franklin Rotarians for their continued support.

Special Thanks

The Chairman George Danello and the Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:

• The Clergy, for continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.

• Chairman Tom Mercer and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and their staff for their continued support and assistance.

• Chairman Christopher Vericker and all Franklin's Municipal Affordable Housing Trust members for having a similar goal as FHA in providing affordable housing to people of lower income.

• Council on Aging, Veterans Agent and SHINE Program for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.

• Franklin Police Department, Police Chief Lynch and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.

• Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief James McLaughlin, Deputy Chief James Klich, Deputy Chief Joseph Barbieri and EMS Battalion Chief William Blanchard and their Department. They are our Fire Safety Guardian Angel's. They are always professional and respectful when assisting our residents during a medical time of need.

• Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy for their relentless support of the Public Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our town and residents at heart.

• Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll for their support of Massachusetts public housing and for the support of new construction of public housing.

• Norfolk County Sherriff's Department and Sherriff Patrick McDermott for including FHA in their inmate community service program, their professionalism during evictions and their support of the Franklin Housing Authority.

• Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbet and her staff for assisting our Veteran residents and veteran applicants with information and support.

• Franklin Council on Aging, Senior Center Director Danielle Hopkins and her staff for all you do to keep our population healthy, nourished and informed.

• Franklin Food Pantry and Executive Director Tina Powderly for the support of the residents of Franklin Housing Authority. Also, much appreciation for placing food pickups in the most convenient places for our residents to manage.

• Saint Mary's Church, Friends of Franklin and Saint Vincent de Paul for supporting our residents during exceptional times of need.

Through the years, the Franklin community and the housing authority find ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors, disabled persons and low- income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community, the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a wonderful, safe and affordable community housing opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa M. Audette, 

Executive Director, PHM, MCPPO 

franklinhousing.org

The full Housing Authority report can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sfJ1b51UH_mHmQXbQCBYIlzmjDao3-wX/view?usp=drive_link

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Annual Report Of Franklin Housing Authority: FY 2023 Report

Beaver Street Interceptor Update: construction slowed by rock, detours continue in place

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

Construction has been slow going on Old West Central due to rock, so the existing detour through Tri-County Drive is expected to stay in place until 2/23/24. Residential traffic only on Pond St., Rolling Ridge Rd., Hilltop Rd. and part of Old West Central St. The detour will be in place Monday thru Friday from 7:30am until 3:30pm.

During this construction phase, the adjacent medical building remains accessible, though Starbucks will be accessible via 140 only. Access to this area may look different as work continues. We are working with school staff to ensure safety.

Please visit our interactive construction map for details 
https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae 
We will update and communicate regularly via social media,
our dedicated email list, and the construction map.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

 

 

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure,
originally constructed in 1914

 

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).

Rise Up THIS Saturday, Feb 17 at 10 AM

Hi friend!

I feel sooooo excited to see you for our next Rise Up social hour, this Saturday, February 17, at 10 AM.

Location:

Franklin United Methodist Church (it's to the right of the Museum)

82 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Parking and entrance (with a ramp) are both on the left side of the building.

There is a handicap accessible restroom inside.

If you're wondering anything else about the location, feel free to ask!

See you Saturday 😄

This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->   https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Feb 14, 2024

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

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 points.

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)

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

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

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

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