Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the past 2 weeks (as of 2/23/24)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Supporting our allies: Alongside my Democratic national security colleagues, I called on Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately take up the Senate's aid package that includes funding for our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid for Gaza.  Ukraine has the willpower to win, but it needs the firepower. The bipartisan bill to support our ally passed the Senate and has the votes to pass the House. One man stands in the way: Speaker Johnson, who refuses to let the People's House work its will.  Reagan Republicans in the House must help Democrats force this legislation to the floor. Congressional Ukraine Caucus: I joined my colleagues to introduce a resolution commemorating the two year anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and recognizing the heroic sacrifices of the Ukrainian people. It is unacceptable that the Speaker sent Congress home without a vote on supporting Ukraine. While House Republicans fundraised in Florida, the Russians captured Avdiivka. How many more cities must fall before Speaker Johnson cuts short the vacation?  The bipartisan Ukraine Caucus stands with our ally in their fight for freedom. Championing the debate for Ukraine: There are too many speeches in Congress, and not enough debate. Representative Warren Davidson and I debated on A Starting Point about Ukraine. Appeasement does not work; Russia must be defeated. You can watch the whole debate here. T&I goes off the rails: The Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing on the state of American aviation, but my Republican colleagues spent the morning berating the Federal Aviation Administrator about the migrant crisis. If they want answers, they should ask the Speaker why he torpedoed a bipartisan immigration deal to secure the border and address the migrant crisis. Happy 100th birthday to Matthew Jefferson: I gave a floor speech to recognize Matthew Jefferson in honor of his 100th birthday. Matt Jefferson and his late wife, Lillie, worked to eliminate racial, educational and economic barriers in Newton. As Black residents in an overwhelmingly white city, they devoted themselves to their religious community, the Myrtle Baptist Church; their neighborhood known as the "Village" in West Newton built around Myrtle; and the civil rights of people of color. Matt and Lillie helped found the Newton Interracial Fellowship to bring racial equity to Newton and helped form Newton's Fair Housing Committee, established to eliminate racial bias in housing.  In 1968, Matt was appointed to the Board of Aldermen, becoming Newton's first Black Alderman. The Board instituted the Fair Housing requirement that at least 10% of any large housing development filing for a special permit be "affordable." Furthermore, he served on many boards and committees including the Newton Wellesley Hospital, Andover Newton Theological School, Middlesex Community College, Newton Housing Authority, and President of the South Middlesex Branch of the NAACP, among others. Above all else, Matt is known for his kindness and generosity. He is a mentor, leader, family man and a fierce advocate for social justice, and I am proud to recognize Mr. Jefferson's accomplishments this Black History Month. Happy 100th birthday Mr. Jefferson!  It's been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Do you think the U.S. still needs to stand up to Russia and defend Ukraine? Around the Fourth China Select Committee visits MA: The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party recently conducted field hearings in Massachusetts to study biotech competition between China and the United States. Bio-manufacturing in places like Fall River, Norton, and Plainville in our district complement Greater Boston's outsize contribution to R&D, driving the bioeconomy forward. The bio-economy is a big prize; the life sciences provide jobs, cures, and new applications in fields like agriculture and materials. I got to preview the trip with WPRI 12. You can watch it here.  The Committee wants to study how the U.S. should respond to China's major investments in biotech. In my op-ed for the Boston Globe, I explain that Massachusetts shows us how: by supporting talented people; by passing policy that promotes makers, not takers; and by providing biotech infrastructure. Two steps in the right direction would be to fully appropriate the basic research provisions of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which would unlock more public money for science, and reverse the Trump-era amortization penalty on research and experimental expenditures, which would unlock more private money for science and which just passed the House, with my support. The broader economic and technological competition between the U.S. and China has two core elements: getting tougher on trade with China while increasing U.S. investments at home and U.S. engagement with the Global South – countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Brazil. In a recent interview with Inside U.S. Trade, I argue that the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party must convince Congress of both elements. Milford Senior Center town hall: I visited with seniors at the Milford Senior Center, where we discussed border security and immigration reform, Ukraine aid, and health care in a Q&A session hosted by the senior center.  I also highlighted that, beginning this year, Medicare Part D beneficiaries, particularly those suffering from cancer, will start seeing lower out-of-pocket costs for their prescription drugs. Starting next year, there will be a hard cap of $2,000 for annual out-of-pocket costs in Part D, benefitting thousands of seniors in our district. These reductions are part of the 2022 legislation that empowered Medicare to negotiate drug prices; I am now working to lower this cap further through my own legislation. Building opportunities with Consigli: I visited family-owned Consigli Construction, which has an impressive portfolio of Eds & Meds construction projects here in Massachusetts. I met with their leadership to share notes on healthcare and life sciences economic trends and to discuss political dynamics in Washington. Employers are seeking stability and competence in governance, so that they can make their own long-term decisions. As your Representative, I am committed to working across the aisle to pass needed legislation on healthcare, taxes, and foreign policy. Honoring Black History Month with the Attleboro Council on Human Rights: I spoke at the Attleboro Arts Museum, where the Museum and the Attleboro Council on Human Rights teamed up for Black History Month to invite Black artists to reimagine Civil War artifacts through their own artwork. I was inspired by art that emphasized "our common humanity", even in times of division and strife, in the words of one of the artists. I also particularly enjoyed Reverend Cheryl Harris's speech on the role of song in Black history. 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

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Feb 26, 2024

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong hold a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

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

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

9:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

1:00 pm Comfort Food: Comfort Food

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

4:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety

5:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Road to Tsongas Center

6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 5 - Matt Stubbs Antiguas

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: More About Israel

7:30 pm Frank's Musings: Pride Flag

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

10:00 am FHS Jazz Cafe 2024

11:30 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

2:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

4:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v North Attleboro 02-08-24

6:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Road to Tsongas Center

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v New Bedford 02-19-24

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

8:00 am Planning Board 02-05-24

12:00 pm Town Administrator Evaluation 02-14-24

2:00 pm Planning Board 02-05-24

7:00 pm Planning Board  LIVE, Chambers  938 1217 4235

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

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Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 28, 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. January 31, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map

i. Legislation for Action #9a.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 255 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-901 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-04: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-04 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-08: Town Council’s Support of Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act” (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-08 - Majority Vote) 

e. Resolution 24-09: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to approve Resolution 24-09 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-10: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-10 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-11: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-11 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-12: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-12 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 24-13: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-13 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

b. Capital Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

d. Budget Subcommittee

e. Master Plan Committee

f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

g. Police Station Building Committee

h. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

Franklin TV: A Not So Quiet Week?

Last week was a quiet week. This one? Not so much. 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 02/25/2024

I think I’ll describe this week as a ‘push’ week. A push to get ahead technically while preparing for big upcoming projects. Thus, a busier week.

Sunday: Same, same. Like every other Sunday morning. Gather and file all radio station program, transmitter and ‘Emergency Alert’ test logs for the previous week. Verify that the transmitter is in good order.

Monday: A holiday? Srsly? An opportunity to catch up on more paperwork. 

Tuesday: This one was a big push. We’ve been revamping our larger studio with six 85-inch background displays. When you line ‘em up, they create an impressive amount of visual real estate to fill with graphics and camera images. We have plans for upcoming larger musical projects in our large studio. Now that the displays are mounted and movable, time for some signals wiring. We also re-mounted and tuned up the five 65-inch displays in small studio.

Wednesday: Review/submit timesheets to payroll. Purchase memory cards at Micro Center. for our 4 edit systems. Record a pre-show interview segment with Meredith Perri and Bob Baldwyn for the Saturday MIAA bracket reveal programs. Radio production studio is dead. Power distro failed again. Replace UPS and rewire power distro. Reset the audio console and test all CPU systems. Reset Off-Air signal monitor and transmitter controls interface.

Meet with MIAA for last prepro discussions regarding Saturday broadcasts. Prepare bracket graphics in Excel and format for HDTV for bracket reveals.

Thursday: Begin updating edit systems with more memory. Begin preparing the small studio signal management for Saturday’s broadcasts. Work on rehearsal and prepro for a new cooking series that starts production in a week or so.

Friday: Get commissary and cleaning items at Stop&Shop. Clean up the kitchen (dishes/pots/pans) after the cooking show rehearsal. Check the restrooms. Take out trash. Meet with Jim Derick, and our newest FM volunteers to acquaint them with our radio studio and editing systems. Finalize the signal flows for Saturday’s live programs and run and troubleshoot technical rehearsals with Chris Flynn. Prep our weekly online TV schedules.

Saturday: 7:30 AM call time. Prepare to go live – statewide – with our first MIAA bracket reveal programs.  Several other PEG studios will carry our programs live.

It’s around this time each week I ask myself the same unanswerable question: “Where does the time go?”

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   

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Franklin Public Library: News & Events for Children scheduled for March 2024

**LIBRARY EVENTS**

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Get Ready for Kindergarten! Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and a special craft will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten. Since a big part of getting ready for Kindergarten is practicing independence, parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room. No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required!

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!

Story and Craft! Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
Stories, activities, and a special craft for children ages 3-5 who are able to attend on their own!  Parents are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room! This program lasts around 30-minutes. No registration is required.

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events!
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own masterpiece!
This month's projects are:

Mar 7 - Carousel Horses Part 1

Mar 14 - Carousel Horses Part 2

Mar 21 - Stick Puppets

Mar 28 - Zoo Animals à la Warhol

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for 30-minutes of creative movement and dancing fun! No registration required!

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let's play some music and dance! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/march-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for Children scheduled for March 2024

FHS Indoor Results from the MIAA Meet of Champions - Feb 24, 2024

Feb 24, 2024 MIAA Meet of Champions -> https://lasttimeout.anet.live/meets/30513 

The performance list (seeded entries) for this meet -> https://miaa.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-MOC-Final.pdf

Franklin High School results

Girls 55m Hurdles - Prelims

3 Sarah Dumas H3 • Age: 16 • Yr: 12 8.46Q

12 Ella Chandaria     H2 • Age: 14 • Yr: 11 8.85

Boys 55m Hurdles - Prelims

12 Quinten Hardt H3 • Yr: 12 7.90 7.899

Girls 55m Hurdles

3 Sarah Dumas PR • H1 • Age: 16 • Yr: 12 8.35

Girls High Jump

7 Sarah Dumas F1 • Age: 16 • Yr: 12 5-02.00 1.57m

Boys Long Jump

17 Aidan Thorne F1 • Yr: 11 20-01.00 6.12m

Girls Shot Put

2 Lily DeForge PR • F2 • Age: 15 • Yr: 12 40-06.50 12.36m

5 Elizabeth Hopkins PR • F2 • Yr: 12 38-00.00 11.58m

Girls Weight Throw

5 Lily DeForge PR • F1 • Age: 15 • Yr: 12 41-05.00 12.62m

6 Girls 4x200 Meter Relay 1:47.26 'A' • H5 • O. Costa, E. Chandaria, A. Cliff, J. Camp

2 Boys 4x200 Meter Relay 1:31.57 'A' • H5 • Q. Hardt, S. Reed Jr, B. Dragsbaek, T. Yetman

14 Girls 4x400 Meter Relay 4:13.75 'A' • H2 • O. Costa, G. Holland, A. Cliff, J. Camp

15 Girls 4x800 Meter Relay 10:05.45 SB • 'A' • H1 • M. Griffith, C. Joyce, L. Costa, S. Cuneo

FHS Indoor Results from the MIAA Meet of Champions - Feb 24, 2024

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center (video)

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center is a collaboration of the MIAA, MassLive, and broadcast by Franklin TV.

The YouTube recording of the live broadcast conducted on Saturday with the release of the high school Basketball brackets. There is a separate show covering the hockey brackets.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/lBbJxr0MHbQ?si=oZLtdyacoG6iYMym

MA D1 boys bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7008

MA D1 girls bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7019

Full set of MIAA brackets ->  here

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center  (video)