Sunday brunch returns to Teddy Gallagher's Pub - Feb 25

Back by popular demand 

Come by this Sunday for brunch 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM and enjoy live music from Dallas Corbin

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C3qhmyVRlRr/

Sunday brunch returns to Teddy Gallagher's Pub - Feb 25

Fallen Hero: Corporal David Laughlan III, U. S. Marine Corps - Feb 24, 2024

Memorial event today (2/24/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor  Corporal David Laughlan III, U. S. Marine Corps

"Corporal David Laughlan III, U.S. Marine Corps, was born on March 20, 1923 son of David and Elsie Laughlan. David lived with his parents, a sister and a brother at 55 North Park Street. David attended the Franklin Public Schools and graduated from Franklin High School, Class of 1941. David joined the Marine Corps two months before Pearl Harbor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III saw a great deal of action as a member of a rifle company fighting against the enemy on Saipan, the Marianas Islands on June 30 and again on July 1, 1944. CPL Laughlan volunteered to lead patrols into enemy territory obtaining valuable information of great value to his company commander. The information was used by his commander in planning the company’s many subsequent successful attacks against the enemy. Corporal David Laughlan III was injured on Saipan and was awarded the Bronze Star for his performance of valor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III later returned to action for the torrid battle on Iowa Jima and lost his life there on February 24, 1945. 

Corporal David Laughlan III was 21 years old when he became a battle casualty while in combat during WWII."

Fallen Hero: Corporal Laughlan

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Originally posted -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-corporal-david-laughlan-iii.html

The 7th Annual Black Excellence Showcase at Dean College - Saturday at 7, Sunday at 1:30

The 7th Annual Black Excellence Showcase is a night of art, celebration, joy that highlights BIPOC students of Dean College. It is a collaboration between My Black Speaks and Black Student Union. Students showcase poetry, singing, acting, spoken word, dance, and more.

Doors open 6:30 PM on Saturday, February 24 and 1:30 PM on Sunday, February 25. There will be a pre-show cocktail hour for guests 21+, and after show reception for the Saturday performance. 

With this year's theme of Black Love, we are excited to embody and showcase love through different lenses! Please join us as we celebrate our talented students!

Tickets available online -> https://www.dean.edu/events/details/black-excellence-showcase-2/2024-02-24/

The 7th Annual Black Excellence Showcase at Dean College - Saturday at 7, Sunday at 1:30

Invitation to bid: On-Call HVAC/KMS Controls for Town/School Buildings

On-Call HVAC/KMS Controls for Town/School Buildings

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

Additional Information:  On-Call Maintenance for HVAC/KMS Controls for the Town and School Building

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/call-hvackms-controls-townschool-buildings

Invitation to bid: On-Call HVAC/KMS Controls for Town/School Buildings

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep By Ari Lazarus People hate filing taxes, but they love getting something for free. So, when H&R Block advertises that people can use its online tax product for free, people listen. The problem, according to the FTC? It often isn't free. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/02/ftc-says-hr-block-pressures-people-overpaying-tax-prep FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

Franklin's Event Outlook: February 23, 2023 to February 29, 2024

Friday, February 23

7:00pm Good Thomas (live music)

Saturday, February 24

9:00am Fallen Hero Recognition: David Laughlan III - WWII (Veterans Memorial Walkway - Town Common)

10:00am Girl Scout cookies (Stop & Shop)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

6:00pm Cinema 80: "The Freshman"  (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) 

Sunday, February 25

8:00am Girl Scout cookies (Dunkin, King St)

11:00am Girl Scout cookies (Learning Express)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, February 26

9:00am Fallen Hero Recognition: Richard L. Desper - Vietnam (Veterans Memorial Walkway - Town Common)

Tuesday, February 27

2:30pm Rainbow Café (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Trivia Night (Railery Public House)

Wednesday, February 28

7:30pm She Loves Me (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Thursday, February 29

7:30pm She Loves Me (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Why have multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar. The Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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's Event Outlook: February 23, 2023 to February 29, 2024

Get your tickets to the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery

The Franklin Food Pantry and partners Ray Auger of MyFM 101.3 and William James of The Pub Kings will host Party for The Pantry; a night of celebration, and community, on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 7 PM, at GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin, Massachusetts. 

Dance the night away with sensational performances from local bands and take part in silent auctions and raffles. All proceeds from the event will support the Franklin Food Pantry, which offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to individuals and families throughout the Franklin community. 

Tickets to this 21+ event are $40 each and can be purchased at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $350 and include a listing on the event banner, mention on MyFM 101.3, social media posts on MyFM 101.3 and Franklin Food Pantry, and two tickets to the event.  

For more information, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events.

Get your tickets to the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery

Disclosure: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this Party for the Pantry event.

MIAA (@MIAA033) announces new bracket release show on Franklin TV with MassLive

MIAA (@MIAA033) posted Thu, Feb 22, 2024:

"Big News from the MIAA, MassLive, and Franklin TV as the first Bracket Release Analysis Show will be this Saturday.  

Hockey will be on about 10:15, Basketball at 1:15.  

Coaches, media, student-athletes are going to be live as they talk about the tournament.  Link to follow."

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1760730427344736696

The show can be found on the Franklin Pride TV  channel ->   https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/streams

MIAA (@MIAA033) announces new bracket release show on Franklin TV with MassLive

Kayak rental at Beaver Pond coming soon

Coming to Beaver Pond soon will be a self service kayak station with 4 kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Families can rent kayaks for $25 for 2 hours/$15 for each additional hour, sun up to sun down.  

Plans for a small dock and kayak launch will follow. 

mock up of Kayak rental

Kayak launch video https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lO6ZcnjjnWw 

More about Beaver Pond's Chilson Beach -> https://www.franklinma.gov/.../beaver-pond-chilson-beach

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/48DwtzpN4pvEnuUV/

New flashing signs at Rail Trail crossing on Grove St

"New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are now installed at the Grove Street trailhead. These signs are similar to what were installed at the Center Street trailhead, and should increase pedestrian safety. 

The FBRTC is also working to get similar RRFBs installed at the Lake Street trailhead."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C3fidN4sWAF/

New flashing signs at Rail Trail crossing on Grove St

Escape into Fiction introduces Silent Book Club - Feb 28

"Coming up!!

Don't forget to email the store mail@escapeintofiction.com if you'd like to come to the Silent Book Club before 2/28!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C3lCa_uu3bI/

Escape into Fiction introduces Silent Book Club - Feb 28

Invitation to Bid: Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

In accordance with MGL c.30B, it is the intention of the Town to enter a contract for the 2024-2025 school year, with two (2) one-year Town options to renew, with a supplier and distributor of milk products for the Franklin Public Schools. 

Additional Information:  Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/purchase-milk-franklin-public-schools

Invitation to Bid: Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

via Social Security Administration:

"Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website.

There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu. But since scammers often use QR codes to carry out their schemes, it’s important for you to learn how to spot a fake!

Scammers create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information."

Continue reading the article online to get those tips 

https://blog.ssa.gov/protecting-yourself-from-qr-code-fraud/

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

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   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

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 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 26^th 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.

• The Autumn Hill plans as submitted can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/autumn-hill-senior-village-488-and-496-summer-street-02022024
• The 5 post series on the original proposal for the Residential 7 zoning change referred to can be found http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

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."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/5MciuUTumq8sx5dU/?mibextid=Nif5oz

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