Next Newcomers & Friends meeting features Hellen & Giguere - April 3 - Not just for Newcomers . . .

Join us at our next bi-monthly gathering on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

Please join us as we host Franklin’s Town Administrator Jamie Helen, and Franklin’s School District Superintendent Lucas Giguere. They’ll be updating us on what’s going on in our town and in our schools. Take advantage of this great opportunity to get answers firsthand … bring your questions!

We’re meeting a week earlier than usual to accommodate our speakers. This is one of our favorite events of the year … join us to learn new things, meet new friends and have fun in our community.

We meet at Escape Into Fiction from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The bookstore is in downtown Franklin, 12 Main Street. Arrive early to take advantage of their wonderful selection of books, puzzles, games and gifts for all ages. Light refreshments will be served.

Next Newcomers & Friends meeting features Hellen & Giguere - April 3  - Not just for Newcomers . . .

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

Look for us on social media for more information: https://www.meetup.com/franklin-newcomers-friends/ https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Sense and Sound Robotics team, based in Franklin, won the MA FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship

Sense and Sound Robotics, a community-based FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, won the Massachusetts State Championship on March 9 and is advancing to the World Championship in Houston next month to represent the Commonwealth.

The team is made up of 8th through 12th graders from surrounding communities who compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge, a robotics competition where students learn to think like engineers. Teams design, build, and code robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Robots are built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and can be coded using Java. 

Sense and Sound Robotics group

A new challenge is presented annually, requiring a new robot build and hours of testing and problem solving. Team members build 2-3 times per week in a lab in Franklin, MA, where they are mentored by local engineers. The students are responsible for all aspects of the robot build and coding, including tracking their efforts in an engineering design notebook. Older students also mentor younger students in physics, math, computer programming, and engineering to create a successful design. 

robot with the 1st place trophy

Each match is three minutes in length and includes a 30 second autonomous period where the robot must be preprogrammed to complete certain tasks, followed by a two and half minute driver-controlled period. 

In this year’s challenge, robots had to pick up and stack different colored multi-sided pixels in various patterns on a backboard. During the last 30 seconds of the match, the robot had to launch a paper airplane into a landing zone and then suspend themselves from rigging on the playing field.

As a community-based team, the Sense and Sound Robotics does not receive any funding from the school or town, and so they have launched a fundraising campaign to raise the $33,000 necessary to compete at Worlds. Expenses include team registration, travel for the team, transport for the robot and supplies, and additional robot parts needed to compete. Both corporate sponsorship and individual donations are welcome. 

Sense and Sound Robotics is a 501c3 organization. You can donate to the team or learn more about sponsorship at www.senseandsoundrobotics.org. You can read more about FIRST Tech Challenge at www.firstinspires.org.

What's this about a possible override for Franklin? (collection)

The unofficial results of the override (No by 236 votes) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/unofficial-results-franklin-ma-special.html

The official results of the override https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/official-certified-results-franklin-ma.html

The first pass of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) budget as presented to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting last week shows the Town of Franklin facing a $10.1 million deficit. The numbers will continue to be worked. As discussed during the meeting, breaking news that afternoon showed a reduction in the projected cost increase for health care that had just been received. That will be adjusted for future budget discussions.

The timeline for the budget development is as follows:

• School Committee budget public hearing - March 19

• School Committee votes on school budget recommendation - April 9

• Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget scheduled for release - April 12

• Joint Town Council & School Committee Mtg - Apr 24

• Town Council meeting May 1 (determine yes or no for override, if yes, sets date & amount)

• Finance Committee budget hearings - May 6, May 8, May 15 (vote)

• Town Council budget hearings - May 22, May 23 (vote)

• Override date - June 11 for $6.8M

If there were to be an override, the decision on “When?” is as critical as “How much”? Election requirements call for 35 days notification of a vote on a ballot question. Hence, a vote scheduled for June would have to be decided no later than early May

Town override page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy25-override-information

 

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

School budget page -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget

Recent meetings/interviews/documents (most recent on top, scroll down for prior)

06/07/24 - Chalkboard Chat with SchCmte Chair Dave Callaghan ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps-current.html

06/06/24 - Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/this-town-council-quarterbacking_01806946359.html

06/05/24 - Town Clerk Nancy Danello - Special Election update -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello.html

6/05/24 - Franklin Senior Center - Override Q&A  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/many-override-questions-answered-at.html

5/28/24 - School Cmte Budget Subcommittee - preview of fees, etc. ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/schools-budget-subcmte-gets-preview-of.html

05/16/24 - Franklin Issues with Jay Horrigan (3 parts) ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/jay-i-cover-franklins-current-issues-in.html

05/20.24 - Chalkboard Chat SchCmte Dave McNeill & FinCmte George Conley ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/this-chalkboard-chat-session-recaps.html

05/15/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #3 -> recap, audio&video ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-committee-hears-updates-from_19.html

05/14/24 - School Committee meeting votes on redistricting -> recap, audio & video ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-committee-moves-forward-with_0490415739.html

05/11/24 - Schools Redistricting 'Master Plan' report published ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/fps-school-facilities-and-educational.html

05/08/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #2 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-committee-reviews-public-safety_10.html

05/06/24 - Town Clerk shares Override Election schedule ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/franklin-town-clerk-provides-important.html

05/06/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #1 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-cmte-approves-pledge-doc-and.html

05/04/24 - Redistricting info page created, FAQs published ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/redistricting-faqs-published-add-your.html

5/01/24 - Town Council meeting sets date & amount -> June 1 for $6.8 Million Audio, video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/town-council-after-much-discussion_4.html

04/30/24 - Interview with FEA President Donna Grady (teacher's union) ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/talking-about-teaching-education-with.html

4/30/24 - School Committee meeting on redistricting - recap with audio & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-committee-listens-to-lot-of-we.html

4/30/24 - School Committee Budget subcmte meeting - audio & recap ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-budget-subcmte-get-preview-of.html

4/25/24 - Comprehensive School Facility Plan Subcmte meeting (redistricting draft)  (recap & audio) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/comprehensive-school-facility-plng.html

4/24/24 - Joint Town Council & School Committee mtg - recap, audio (2 parts) and video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/town-council-and-school-committee-hear_01363014460.html

04/22/24 - Special Chalkboard Chat Dave Callaghan & Dr Anne Bergen ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/dr-bergen-dave-callaghan-talk-about.html

4/12/24 - Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget released. The budget was released as "balanced" by NOT including any Town 'wish list' items, nor projecting to incur any cuts. The School Shortfall was granted approx. $3M leaving the $9.3 million the Schools voted for $6.3M short, hence all the cuts would come to the schools. Something may change during the Finance Committee and Town Council hearings (with or without an override).

Details available on the budget page in particular the budget narrative doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy_25_budget_message_narrative_updated_links_2.pdf

and the voting doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_ta_budget_book_v2.pdf

4/09/24 - School Committee approves FY 2025 budget - Recap, audio & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/school-committee-votes-to-approve-81m_0566458301.html

3/19/24 - School Committee meeting

• FY25 Budget Open Hearing  ->   (budget book) https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf
• Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1161-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-19-24
• Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXw4dnXUqk 

3/06/24 - Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting

• Joint Budget audio recap with Mercer, Conley & McNeill -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/tom-george-david-recap-joint-budget.html

• Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   

• Meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf 

• Presentation document link -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf

3/05/24 - School Committee Superintendent’s budget

• Chalkboard chat audio session recapping SchCmte meeting & Joint Budget meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps.html

• Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sEe-JcCn_k

• The agenda doc can be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-5-24.pdf

• The packet folder containing other documents released for the meeting can also be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-5-2024-school-committee-meeting
  

1/23/24 - School Committee budget subcommittee received preview of 4 scenarios for school FY 2025 budget -> (recap & audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-budget-subcommittee-gets-preview.html

Visit Vote No Franklin for the opposition view -> https://www.votenofranklin.com/

Visit One Franklin to find out more about the group and their efforts advocating for the override https://onefranklinma.com/

What's this about a possible override for Franklin? 

Franklin High School Varsity Cheerleaders take 1st Place at Nationals

Gigi Zub (@ggzub) posted Sun, Mar 17, 2024:

"Franklin High School Varsity Cheerleaders are your National 1st place and GRAND CHAMPIONS!!

Let's GO @fhsboysbball!! Bring home the State Championship tonight!!!"

@AmeriCheer87 @FHSSports  @FranklinMatters @jphref https://t.co/EvTZQfamZc

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/ggzub/status/1769441260983456209

Franklin High School Varsity Cheerleaders take 1st Place at Nationals

FHS boys basketball fall to Worcester North which remains undefeated to take D1 Title

Via Josh Perry's Twitter thread

• Another trip to the Tsongas Center, this time #3 Franklin (25-1) takes on defending champ and top seed North High (23-0) who has a 44-game win streak, Panthers looking for first title, have won all 4 playoff games by double digits #hockomock
• End of 1Q: North High 14, Franklin 11, really high level of basketball in the first with both teams aggressive defensively, Caden Sullivan hit a pair of threes and Bradley Herndon with 3 points for the Panthers, Khari Bryan and Amir Jenkins each with 5 for North #hockomock
• Halftime: Franklin 32, North High 25, Hansy Jacques with a big three off a Justice Samuels assist right before the buzzer, Sullivan up to 13, Herndon with 8 points and 4 assists and Jacques with 7, Jenkins and Teshaun Steele each 7 points for North #hockomock
• Franklin gets exactly the start to the second half it needed, Sean O’Leary drives and kicks out to Andrew O’Neill for a three and the Panthers extend the lead to 39-27 #hockomock
• End of 3Q: Franklin 44, North High 41, big spurt for the Polar Bears in the closing minutes to get back within three, Joseph Okla with 12 points and 12 boards for North, Sullivan with 18 for the Panthers #hockomock
• 57.3 left and another North tip in puts the Polar Bears up 56-51, Amir Jenkins with the tip and he has 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Panthers with just 7 as a team in the fourth #hockomock
• Final: North High 59, Franklin 53, Polar Bears complete an undefeated season and win back-to-back D1 state titles, great effort from the Panthers but were never able to match North on the glass and it proved decisive #hockomock
• Caden Sullivan led Franklin with 24 points and six rebounds, Hansy Jacques had 9 and Bradley Herndon had 8, Amir Jenkins finished with 21 points and 6 assists, Teshaun Steele had 17 and 8 boards, and Joseph Okla had 12 and 12 #hockomock

The full game recap on HockomockSports.com ->    https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-cant-match-north-second-half-pressure-falls-in-d1-final/

For a photo gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2023-2024/Winter-2023-2024/Franklin-Worcester-North-Boys-Basketball-03-17-24

Boston Globe coverage of the D1 title game ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/17/sports/miaa-division-1-boys-basketball-state-final-worcester-north-franklin/

Franklin junior Caden Sullivan is fouled going up for a layup in the first half against Worcester North in the D1 state final at the Tsongas Center. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

FHS boys basketball fall to Worcester North which remains undefeated to take D1 Title

Register O’Donnell Delivered Food Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently delivered donations of food to the Franklin Food Pantry. The contributions came from the Registry staff, title examiners, and the public, who participated in the Registry's Annual Holiday Food Drive which was held from November 14th to December 14th.

 

"On behalf of the many people who contributed to the Registry's food drive, it is my pleasure to deliver these items to the Franklin Food Pantry," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. "I am thankful that so many Norfolk County residents, including our employees and title examiners, took the opportunity to donate and to help those with hardships during the holiday season."

 

Register O’Donnell Delivered Food Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry

The Registry collected more than 280 pounds of food during the drive, including items such as boxes of spaghetti, jars of sauce, canned soups, and fruits.

"Community donations are a big help and give us a good deal of variety that we wouldn't otherwise have," said Anne McGillis, Operations Director for the Franklin Food Pantry.

Last year, the Franklin Food Pantry helped more than 1,324 individuals in more than 650 households. Of those who received food assistance, more than one in four were children, and 36% were 65 or older.

 

"The food pantries throughout Norfolk County provide a valuable and much-needed resource for residents facing both long-term and temporary hardships, including children, families, and individuals, and I am grateful to be able to help in this small way," said Register O'Donnell.

 

According to Project Bread, household food insecurity in Massachusetts has been fluctuating between 20 and 26%. Many Norfolk County food pantries have seen a significant increase in demand in the last year. ​

"It is a great feeling to be able to help the community and to know that other members of the community understand that there is a need for this," said McGillis.

Franklin residents in need of assistance can register for services, schedule shopping appointments, or schedule home delivery by contacting the Franklin Food Pantry Client Services Coordinator at 508-528-3115.

 

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Hunger does not stop after the holidays it is a persistent issue affecting many of our neighbors. I encourage residents to consider dropping off food supplies at their local pantry. Pantries are requesting canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products. Dropping off a food donation at a local pantry can make a world of difference in helping a family in need."

To see a list of Norfolk County food pantries, visit the Registry of Deeds website: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/support/FAQs/where-are-the-norfolk-county-food-pantry-locations-142. Donations are needed all year long.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Fallen Hero Recognition: Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army - March 18, 2024

Memorial event today (3/18/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army

Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom, U.S. Army, was born on November 11, 1918 to August and Hannah Ekstrom. Elton lived with his parents, four sisters and three brothers at 417 Lincoln Street. 

Elton attended the Franklin Public Schools and for a number of years lived on Lincoln Street and maintained his residence there after his marriage to the former Arlene Beals. Elton and Arlene were the parents of two sons, Paul and Elton, Jr. Paul graduated from West Point and served two tours of duty as an army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Elton, Jr. also served in the army during the Vietnam War Era. 

PFC Elton E. Ekstrom served in the 87th Infantry Division of General Patton’s Third Army during the Rhine River crossing into Germany. Details of the Rhine River crossing as provided by Barbara Strang, 87th Infantry Division Historian, are as follows: “The assault boats of the 347th Battalion crossed the Rhine after midnight on March 25th. The Germans opened up with everything they had from the steep banks on the opposite side. Numerous boats were hit resulting in many casualties. Further assaults occurred at Rhens, Boppard, and Oberlahanstein.” 

Private First Class Elton E. Ekstrom was killed by machine gun fire on March 18, 1945 at age 26 while in combat crossing the Rhine River.

 

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

Fallen Hero: PFC Elton Ekstrom

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 259 - "Dream of Italy" with Kathy McCabe (audio)

Exploring all things wine with you! In this episode Kim and Mark "Dream of Italy" with Kathy McCabe.

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW)!  We sit down with the delightful Kathy McCabe, the host of PBS's captivating show, “Dream of Italy." Kathy takes us on a journey through the enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and delectable flavors of Italy.

Here are the highlights from our conversation:

1. The Birth of "Dream of Italy”

Kathy shares the fascinating story of how her show came to life. From her love for Italy to the inspiration behind the series, we delve into the magic that birthed "Dream of Italy."

2. Season 3 Adventures

In the latest season, Kathy had the privilege of meeting some incredible personalities:

   Andrea Bocelli  The renowned tenor and his passion for music and wine.

   Marisa Tomei  An Oscar-winning actress who shares her love for Italy.

   Chef Massimo Bottura Culinary genius and master of authentic Italian dishes.

3. Brushing Shoulders with Legends

   Kathy spills the beans on her encounters with two legends:

   Francis Ford Coppola The iconic filmmaker and winemaker.

   Sting Yes, the rock legend himself, who has a deep connection to Italy and wine.

4. Travel and Wine Tips

Kathy imparts valuable advice for travelers seeking the ultimate Italian experience. From hidden gems to must-visit vineyards, she's got you covered.

5. Sneak Peek “Dream of Europe"

Get ready for Kathy's upcoming show, where she'll explore the wonders of Europe beyond Italy. It's a tantalizing glimpse into the continent's diverse cultures, landscapes, and, of course, its wines.

So grab your favorite glass of vino, tune in, and let Kathy whisk you away to the dreamy world of Italy and beyond! 

Cheers

Kim and Mark

#wine #italy #dreamofitaly #thewonderfulworldofwine #podcast #wfpr 

Episode 259-Kathy McCabe-PBS Dream of Italy Host Interview by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-259-kathy-mccabe-pbs-dream-of-italy-host-interview

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 259 - "Dream of Italy" with Kathy McCabe (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 259-Kathy McCabe-PBS Dream of Italy Host Interview

Franklin Agway: 30% off! We might close sooner than April 6, come in today!

All good things come to an end.  Thank you for being a part of the story. Sales 3/17/2024 - 4/6/2024 MOST OF STORE ON SALE  March 17-23 30% OFF MOST OF STORE ON SALE  March 24-30 40% OFF        MOST OF STORE ON SALE  March 31-April 6 50% OFF Clothing and boots (except Sloggers) 50% All pots/planters 40% We will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays going forward. We may close before April 6th so come in today! We will be closed Sunday March 31 2024. Excluding grain, livestock feeds and propane. All sales final. While supplies last.  Thank you, The Agway Crew Our mailing address is: Franklin Urban Farm Store dba Franklin Agway 157 Cottage St Franklin, MA 02038-2403

What's happening at the Senior Center this week?

Here’s what’s happening this week at the Franklin Senior Center! #franklinma #seniorcenter #whatshappening #spring

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4nfkWLrU79/

Yes, the Franklin Q&A is listed on Wednesday's schedule

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/get-your-franklin-questions-answered-in.html

The full schedule for the Senior Center can be found online at ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month

What's happening at the Senior Center this week?