Friday, February 23, 2024

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Feb 23, 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   


Thursday, February 22, 2024

Schools reduce capital budget request, Capital Budget Subcmte approves all votes (but one) by 4-0 (audio)

FM #1146 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 978 in the series. 


This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, Brian Chandler. 


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, along with almost all of the Town Department leaders (at least those with capital budget requests).


This meeting covered the first round of capital budgeting. As noted during the session, there is about $1.5M remains of “Free Cash” to be allocated during round 2.


You can follow along with the agenda as each department section was covered and line item by line item, votes were conducted (with a few exceptions) on each line item. Only one vote did NOT finish 4-0. That being the vote to fund the town/school website upgrade which passed 3-1 (Cormier-Leger cast the “no” vote). 


As noted when I shared the agenda, while this proposal was reviewed by the Finance Committee on Feb 7, it has been modified since then. It was also adjusted further during the meeting with School Supt Lucas Giguere reducing their school capital request from $1.2 M to $900+K. The capital budget as adjusted now moves forward to the full Town Council for their meeting on February 28.


The recording runs about just over 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to this capital budget discussion. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1146-town-council-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-02-21-24



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Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-_feb_21_2024.pdf 


My notes via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3lpxnItRZ54gVEfc06Gu4F5FIGydByY/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV video for the Finance Committee meeting of Feb 7 -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ULrmiu9zaew?si=tdKlf5BEx86wnl55


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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"


Capital Budget Subcmte to adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM
Capital Budget Subcmte to review adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM

Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

Franklin Residents,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Summer Street residents regarding the proposed senior living development that Bruce Hunchard of 496 Summer Street, Franklin is applying to build.

Seven years ago, the Summer Street Residents fought hard to prevent Bruce Hunchard from re-zoning his 11.85 acres so he could build cluster homes just like the ones built on the Franklin Country Club driving range.    He lost due to an overwhelming objection of the residents on his street, not to mention a gentleman from town standing up and addressing the members that he thinks re-zoning parcels is a great idea, because I have 5 acres next to you, you and you and I think I will  re-zone all of these parcels. Well, what do you know, this project immediately failed.

Now, seven years later he wants to build a senior development which I believe due to a certain by-law amendment (01-461) adopted by the town this could be possible without the rezoning.

Hunchard is calling this a senior development.  Condominiums that will be 2- and 3-bedroom condo's, with a full basement and a garage that will sell for $850,000 -$900,000 dollars quoted to me by the builder.  REALLY!!!!  This sounds like a proposed development for anyone 55 and older that has this kind of money.  In other words, cluster homes for the wealthy seniors, not seniors that are in need of affordable senior living.   The project could net close to $45 million dollars or more. I find it interesting that a few of the town council members told me that there is a high demand for senior living because they can no longer afford to live in their single-family homes. Well, how on earth will they be able to afford these new homes.  They won't!!!  This is preposterous.  Not to mention Bruce Hunchard is the chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals committee.  This is a total conflict of interest.

To make matters worse, this proposed development abuts many, many acres of Franklin Town Forest.  This entire development is located on a slope that goes down into Uncas Brook, which feeds Uncas Pond. The Summer Street Residents, as well as the Rod and Gun Club and Armenian Camp are extremely concerned that the Uncas Brook Watershed which contributes water to the wells and the pump house will be compromised after a majority of trees are removed, as well as this parcel of land having to be completely re-graded.  This will make huge and unfavorable changes to the basic hydrology and siltation regardless of any measures that will be taken to prevent this from happening.

This land is zoned Rural Residential, it is NOT zoned for cluster homes.  It is out of control when town starts choosing rural residential locations for these types of homes.  They need to stick with the properly zoned locations for this type of building.

We invite you to attend the Monday night, February 26th Planning Board meeting at 7 PM.  There will be a strong showing of many people in opposition of this project.

Thank you.

Sally French Winters and the Summer Street Residents of Franklin, MA.



Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA
Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

One Franklin: Community Coffee Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today

"Beginning Feb 22, then continuing every other Thursday 7-9 PM. One or more members of One Franklin will be at Franklin’s Birchwood Bakery to connect, discuss the latest developments around an override proposal and to just have good conversations at a great spot in town.

All are welcome to come by and say hi ultimately we are all working together for the same outcome… One Franklin, where everyone benefits from our united effort to nurture and value our community."


One Franklin: Community Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today
One Franklin: Community Coffee Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today


FHS girls basketball, boys hockey fall in games 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, Feb 21, 2024.


Girls Basketball = Franklin, 40 @ Wachusett, 57 – Final

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. St. John’s Prep, 3 – Final
At John’s Prep 3 Franklin 1.  A game that had 3 short handed goals and 1 ENG.  Paterson - goal ; Lampasona - assist.  Wagner with 27 saves.  https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1760457834326569157

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)


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

Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

Presidential Primary Updates:
Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders
Franklin Town Clerk shares these Presidential Primary Reminders

For additional info visit the Town of Franklin page ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a918db0bdde342c6bad06bde09a3862a


Franklin Cultural District extends deadline for the 2024 Artsy Box applications to Feb 28

It’s that time of year again! The Franklin Cultural District is searching for new artists to paint our Artsy Boxes.

We’ve been so tied up preparing that we will be adding on one more week to the due date, so we have more time to share. Hope to see your submission!

Please review the link below to submit!

Please disregard where you may see the earlier date. The new due date is 
by midnight February 28.



Franklin Cultural District extends deadline for the 2024 Artsy Box applications to Feb 28
Franklin Cultural District extends deadline for the 2024 Artsy Box applications to Feb 28

"SHE LOVES ME" scheduled for performance by Dean Feb 28 through March 3

SHE LOVES ME

Book by Joe Masteroff.   Music by Jerry Bock.   Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick


An intimate and touching show perfect for the Dean College Main Stage! SHE LOVES ME was nominated for five Tony Awards in 1964. The 1993 Broadway revival won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical and the 1994 Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, SHE LOVES ME is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. The Mikos Lazlos play Parfuemerie, on which it is based, has inspired many adaptations, including the beloved film You've Got Mail starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

The New York Times wrote, "This musical is remarkably generous to all its performers: a half-dozen supporting characters are given show stoppers, too." A heart-warming show that is marvelous for February in Franklin.

Please note: Dean College welcomes children and families to all of our performances. However, infants and children under 2 years of age are not allowed in the theatre, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All patrons must have their own ticketed seats; lap sitting is not permitted. Only ADA-certified service animals are allowed in the theatre.


"SHE LOVES ME" scheduled for performance by Dean
"SHE LOVES ME" scheduled for performance by Dean

Are you going to the family "barn dance"?

Put on your dancing shoes and come on down to the First Universalist Society in Franklin on March 2 for a festive evening! New England Country Dance is a fun, accessible "barn dance" that is suitable for people of all ages, from 4 to 88. Families, college students, teens, and the young at heart are most welcome!

The dancing does not require any previous experience. The dance caller walks everyone on the floor through simple steps, helps the group put them together, and then the music starts. Perfection is not expected -- cooperation and laughter among the dancers make sure that everyone stays mostly on track and has a wonderful time together. 
New England Country Dance
New England Country Dance

Doors open at 7:00 pm. There will be two sets with a brief intermission in between. Water and comfortable seating will be available should you want to sit out a specific dance. Treats will be available for purchase.

It is highly recommended that tickets be bought in advance since this is anticipated to be a popular evening and only a certain number of dancers can be accommodated. Tickets can be purchased at FUSF.org/Upcoming Events. Admission is $5 for students 13-18, $10 for individuals. Children under 12 are free. Checks or cash will be accepted at the door in addition to electronic payment.        

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. If you have questions about this event or FUSF please email info@fusf.org or call 508- 528-5348. FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation. 

Raillery Public House Entertainment schedule for Feb 22, 23, & 24

Entertainment is on tap at the Raillery Public House this week

Raillery Public House Entertainment schedule for Feb 22, 23, & 24
Raillery Public House Entertainment schedule for Feb 22, 23, & 24





Library school vacation schedule for Thursday, Feb 22

Mr. Vinny’s Shadow Puppet Show!
Thursday February 22 @ 10:30AM  at the Franklin Public Library
Mr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Mr. Vinny specializes in storytelling with unique puppets! Get ready for lots of jokes and audience participation, and a few fun surprises!
Mr. Vinny’s Shadow Puppet Show!
Mr. Vinny’s Shadow Puppet Show!

Solar Science Family Craft
February 22 6:30 PM at Franklin Public Library
No Registration Required. (Best for Ages 7+)
April 8th is a near total eclipse of the sun! Grab a pair of eclipse glasses, and learn a little solar science with crafts!
Solar Science Family Craft
Solar Science Family Craft







Notice of Intent - Beaver Pond Hydro-Raking - Conservation - Mar 7

Town of Franklin
Conservation Commission

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (Wetlands Protection Act), the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 7:11 PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Brooke Morganelli, Assistant Town Engineer, of the Town of Franklin Department of Public Works on behalf of the Franklin Recreation Department. The project proposes to conduct hydro-raking of a portion of Beaver Pond to remove nuisance vegetation and is filed as an Ecological Restoration Limited Project. The proposed work would
impact approximately 26,722 square feet (sf) of Land Under Water Bodies and Waterways.

The Project is located at Chilson Park on Beaver Street, Map 288 Lot 002, in the Rural Residential I Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Meghann Hagen
Conservation Chair

Notice of Intent - Beaver Pond Hydro-Raking - Conservation - Mar 7
Notice of Intent - Beaver Pond Hydro-Raking - Conservation - Mar 7

Notice of Intent - South Street Miscoe Brook Culvert - Conservation - Mar 7

Town of Franklin
Conservation Commission

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (Wetlands Protection Act),  the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 7:09 PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Jared Duval of TEC, Inc., Worcester, MA on behalf of Michael Maglio for the Town of Franklin Department of Public Works. The project proposes the replacement and construction of a box culvert located within Miscoe Brook, a Perennial Stream.

Proposed work includes dewatering and water diversion during culvert construction. Total impacts include approximately 275 square feet (sf) within Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) (245 sf temporary impacts, 30 sf permanent impacts); 120 linear feet (lf) of Bank; 355 sf of Land Under Water and Waterways; 3,000 sf to Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF); and 6,595 sf within the first one hundred feet of 200-foot Riverfront Area to Miscoe Brook.

The Project is located at the South Street Culvert over Miscoe Brook, in the Rural Residential I Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Meghann Hagen
Conservation Chair

Notice of Intent - South Street Miscoe Brook Culvert - Conservation - Mar 7
Notice of Intent - South Street Miscoe Brook Culvert - Conservation - Mar 7

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Feb 22, 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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Franklin Cultural District: what are Franklin based arts & culture groups doing? Check the calendar!

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!
Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Updates to the emergency info you should keep on the refrigerator

I just received info from our dispatch center regarding the emergency health profile and new 988 number. The flyers are attached. Please feel free to share this with the community.


Regards,

Laurie A. Kaye, EMS Captain/Paramedic

Infection Control Officer
Franklin Fire Department


The updated info can be found here


988 info graphic



These are updates to the info shared previously

Early Voting at FHS starts Feb 24 and runs through March 1

Per Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, the schedule for the Presidential Primary is as follows:

IN PERSON EARLY VOTING
Franklin High School Gymnasium, 218 Oak St
  • February 24 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • February 26 (Monday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • February 27 (Tuesday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • February 28 (Wed.) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • February 29 (Thursday) 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • March 1 (Friday) 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Early Voting also held in the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours
Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8AM to 4PM Wednesday 8AM to 6PM and Fri 8AM to 1PM


PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION DAY 
TUESDAY, MARCH 5 
6:00 AM TO 8:00 PM


Town of Franklin: 2024 Presidential Primary Election Schedule
Town of Franklin: 2024 Presidential Primary Election Schedule

FHS boys basketball capture inaugural Nick Gaspar Invitational on Tuesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Feb 20, 2024.


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 56 vs. Natick, 35 – Final 
– Franklin’s dominant defense was on full display in the championship game of the Nick Gaspar Invitational as the Panthers held the visiting Redhawks to single digit scoring in the first and third quarters. Franklin quickly established a lead with an 18-7 first quarter and then took a 32-18 lead into halftime. The advantage grew in the third with Andrew O’Neill leading the way on the defensive end, holding Natick star player Pat Mulholland to just four points on a pair of first half field goals. Franklin won the third quarter and carried a 48-22 edge into the fourth. Senior Hansy Jacques and junior Caden Sullivan tied for a team-high 11 points, senior Bradley Herndon added nine points, and O’Neill chipped in with eight points.


For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

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