Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

Saturday, April 27 from 9 AM to noon

Given the prediction of a 100% chance of rain tomorrow and winds ranging from 10-15 MPH, we've made the decision to reschedule Franklin Earth Day to the following Saturday, April 27th, starting at 9 AM. 

We invite you to join us next weekend for the vital task of tidying up our parks, playgrounds, and Town-owned properties, which are in need of a thorough spring clean. We'll kick off the event with coffee and bagels during registration, and the first 100 registrants will receive complimentary tee shirts. The Department of Public Works will provide saplings for planting. 

The clean up event will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Beaver Pond at 9 AM - 12 PM with the clean up of nearly 40 areas across Town.  Meet at Beaver Pond at 9 AM and pick up your bags/gloves and maps.  

First 100 participants will receive an Earth Day t-shirt.  DPW will be giving away tree samplings, coffee, and bagels. 

• Earth Day Map 
• Earth Day clean up rule

Earth day events in Franklin POSTPONED to Saturday - Apr 27

https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/earth-day-2024

 Saturday, April 20 from 10 to 11 AM

Saturday's earth day events have been postponed due to anticipated weather - new dates/times TBD, likely next Sat but waiting for confirmation.

Rise Up will still take place, but at our regular location of the Franklin United Methodist Church, 10-11 AM

Join our community for an accessible earth day event! Seed, Stroll, & Roll along the paved pathway around the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Spreading wildflower seeds and artfully decorating a recycled canvas tote.

This event is free and open to the public.  Seed, Stroll, & Roll is weather permitting, please check our social media channels the day of for updates:

• https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/
• https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
• https://alirheaume.com/rise-up
• https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department

Brought to you by your Franklin community members: Rise up, Franklin Recreation, Conservation & "Arts, Culture the Creative Economy" Departments.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5gGFc-L96X/

 Saturday, April 27 from 10 to Noon

An event for children and families. Join the conservation Commission, Dept of Public Works, Department of Conservation, Recreation, Friends of Franklin Conservation, Agricultural Commission, Energize Franklin, and others to celebrate our shared earth.

(service hours validated for trash clean up and seeding) 

Location: DelCarte Open Space 

• Woods walk & historical talk 10:30a
• Native bee cocoon harvest demo
• Plant native seeds for turtles
• And bees
• Sign up for compost bins & rain barrels  
• Learn about wildlife, ecology, climate

Earth day events in Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/come-celebrate-earth-day-conservation-saturday-april-27-10am-12pm

Save the Date -> Annual Strawberry Stroll - June 7 from 4 to 8 PM

Save the date for the annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 7, from 4 PM to 8 PM in downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Saturday, June 8 from 4 PM to 8 PM

Annual Strawberry Stroll - June 7

The strawberry shortcakes will be supplied by Dean Bank and Dean College. Crafts and activities will be offered for kids and adults.

Sponsorship opportunities for the stroll are still open and filling up quickly. If you are interested in being a sponsor, contact the Franklin Downtown Partnership at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Get up to date info and follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/
https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/annual-strawberry-stroll-june-7th

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

In this Chalkboard Chat, Dave & Dave discuss the school budget situation with me (audio)

FM #1175 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1175 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and School Committee Vice-Chair Dave McNeill. We met to record in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  

Our conversation was a recap of the budget approved by the School Committee at their meeting of April 9, 2024 and the next steps toward what funding will be provided for their budget.

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Dave & Dave. Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1175-chalkboard-chat-04-16-24

--------------

Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net 

Contact info for Dave McNeill  mcneilld@franklinps.net  

School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

School Budget page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget 

The Franklin TV broadcast of the session is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8KxgjR7dhk

School Committee agenda ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-9-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Photos of the presentation doc shared ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/PxKxwydbV64HKmFx9

--------------

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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

In this Chalkboard Chat, Dave & Dave discuss the school budget situation with me (audio)

Please join us for a Joint Town Council & School Committee Mtg for an Operational Override Discussion April 24 at 7:00 PM

Please join us for a Joint Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee Meeting Operational Override Discussion April 24, 7:00 p.m. FHS Auditorium

The agenda was posted by the Town Council/Town Administration. This post from the School Committee/School District also adds survey form to solicit questions and/or comments in advance of the meeting.

April 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak Street

Meeting Agenda

1. Introduction from the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee

2. Presentation

a. Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and Superintendent of Schools, Lucas Giguere

3. Discussion & Public Hearing

a. To discuss the public opinion of an operational override

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote viewing info (No Zoom participation, only YouTube and cable viewing (Verizon/Comcast broadcast) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-04-24_town_council_school_committee_agenda_.pdf

Question and/or comment link ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqX7WYOkT2nuhXQbYaIEF8q_0_Lbz2PUIx9WSn8-xKd5Ynsw/viewform

Budget details

School FY 2025 -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget

Town of Franklin FY 2025 ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Agenda for the Joint Town Council and School Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 at 7 PM

Mah Jongg: Play All Day - May 4

Join us for a fun day of playing Mah Jongg!  

Come alone or with friends. All levels are welcome, but some experience is required. Bring your 2024 NMJL card and $5 in change to play with. 

$30 fee includes door prizes and lunch.  Coffee and mini muffins served if you arrive before play starts. Register by 4/24/2024. 

When: Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Where: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

To register click on "Upcoming Events" at fusf.org

Mah Jongg: Play All Day - May 4

Notice of Intent - Fisher Street Wells 2, 2A and 2B - Conservation

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, May 2, 2024 at 7:09 PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Magdalena Lofstedt of CDM Smith Inc., Boston, MA on behalf of the Town of Franklin Department of Public Works. 

The project proposes to excavate short shallow trenches for the installation of venture flowmeters at existing wells 2, 2A, and 2B. Approximately 175 square feet (sf) of work is proposed within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), of which part of the work is proposed within the 25- to 50-foot Buffer Zone to BVW. Additionally, approximately 175 sf of work is proposed within Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF). 

The Project is located at 100 Public Works Way, Map 288 Parcel 001, 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 (www.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.

Jeff Livingstone

Conservation Chair

Notice of Intent - Fisher Street Wells 2, 2A and 2B - Conservation

Franklin Health Dept: April is World Autism Month

April is World Autism Month. 

About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. 

Learn more: cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html 

Franklin Health Dept: April is World Autism Month

 

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Apr 19, 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

8:30 am Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston

11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: "Marry Me" Chicken

1:00 pm Master Plan Committee Open House

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

6:30 pm Joe Landry: Grocery Stores and Markets

8:00 pm Endless Konnections: Introduction

8:04 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 1

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

8:30 am Mental Health: Jeff Roy

9:30 am Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship

1:30 pm Jazz Cafe 2019

3:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

6:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

10:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24

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 Bellingham Rail Trail 5k Run and Walk on May 18

Lace Up and Join the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K Run and Walk on May 18th!

Get ready for a fun-filled morning of fitness, community, and celebration at the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K! Scheduled for 9:00 AM on May 18th, this exciting event promises to be a memorable experience for all participants. 

All proceeds will benefit the SNETT trail maintenance and expansion. Parking will be available at 210 Waters Corporation, making it convenient and accessible for everyone to join in the festivities.

The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K is a unique race that starts and finishes at the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) Grove St Trailhead, and takes participants on a picturesque journey along the scenic rail trail, showcasing the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're an experienced runner or a walker, this event welcomes all fitness levels and ages, making it a perfect opportunity for families, friends, and community members to come together in a healthy and enjoyable way.

But the fun doesn't stop at the finish line! After the race, all participants are invited to participate in an exciting raffle for a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5k Run and Walk on May 18

As a special memento, with a limited quantity, each participant will also receive a can cooler as a token of appreciation for their participation in the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K. This unique keepsake will serve as a cherished reminder of your accomplishment and a fun addition to your collection.

"We're thrilled to host the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K and bring our community together for a morning of fitness and fun," said the race organizers. "It's a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the rail trail, connect with fellow runners, and celebrate our shared love for an active lifestyle. We look forward to seeing everyone at the start line!"

Registration for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this exciting event. To register and learn more about the race, please visit the event website at https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/fbrtc/FBRTC5K.php

Join us on May 18th at 9:00 AM for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail 5K and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Agenda for the Joint Town Council and School Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 at 7 PM

A Joint Meeting of the

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL & FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

[A quorum of the Franklin Finance Committee will be in attendance]

April 24, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak Street

Meeting Agenda

1. Introduction from the Chairs of the Town Council and School Committee

2. Presentation

a. Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and Superintendent of Schools, Lucas Giguere

3. Discussion & Public Hearing

a. To discuss the public opinion of an operational override

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-04-24_town_council_school_committee_agenda_.pdf

Agenda for the Joint Town Council and School Committee Meeting April 24, 2024 at 7 PM

Volunteers need to help with Beautification Day set for May 18

Volunteers are needed on May 18 from 8 AM to 12 PM for the annual Beautification Day, organized by the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club. Many hands are needed to plant flowers in the downtown area.

Volunteers Wanted for May 18 Downtown Beautification Day (photo from 2018)

Volunteers with trucks: meet at 7:30 at Fairmount Fruit Farm at 887 Lincoln St. to pick up trays of flowers and deliver downtown. If you don’t have a truck, arrive by 8:00 at the municipal parking lot near The Rome restaurant and Ferrera’s Market. Bring work gloves, rakes and garden tools, if you can.

Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is the ideal opportunity to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

Volunteers are also needed this summer to water plants. There are 18 weeks of watering needed over the summer, said Eileen Mason, Beautification Day Chairperson. Pick the weeks that work for you.

"I hear from many people around the area about how beautiful our downtown looks each summer. It's exactly why we do it, to make the downtown area look inviting,” Mason said. “We couldn't do it without all of our resident volunteers, the FHS baseball team, and sponsors who make this possible each year. Thank you to all and enjoy the plantings!"

Email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to volunteer to plant on May 18th or water this summer.

“We are very grateful for Eileen Mason, the Garden Club, DPW and all who volunteer every year to plant and water the flowers. We also appreciate the sponsors who support the beautification of our downtown,” said Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

The Downtown Partnership is very grateful for the following sponsors of Beautification Day. Platinum sponsors: Camford Property Group, Inc.; Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eileen Mason, REMAX; Glen Meadow Apartments; and Middlesex Savings Bank. Gold sponsors: Dean Bank; Elizabeth’s Bagels; D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; and Notturno Home Services. Silver sponsors: Fenton Financial Group.

Stay up to date info and follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Finance Committee approves policy revisions, gets a summary of the FY 2025 budget & vents frustrations (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 as scheduled at 7:00 PM. 8 members participated, 5 in the Council Chambers, 3 remotely, 1 was absent. With the hybrid participation all votes were via roll call.

Agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_4.17.24.pdf

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgLQtP8Z1AM

Quick recap:

• Voted to approve both sets of minutes with an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll call
• After discussion and clarification questions, only one modification to remove a number and leave the percent in the policy to maintain the stabilization account was voted also by the 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll call
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen gave a set of slides to highlight the proposed FY 2025 town budget
• photos were capture of the slides shown ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/4yBm9c9BQNaG9sJZ7
• Slide deck to be posted to Town page on Thursday (link to be added when available)
• Joint School Cmte and Town Council meeting scheduled for April 24 at Franklin High School
• Town Council to vote at May 1 meeting, (a) if there is to be an override, (b) when it would be, and (c) the amount 
• Frustrations with
• lack of action by multiple parties to avoid the fiscal cliff we are now facing
• lack of action on the redistricting decision by prior parties as it could have a potential fiscal impact at least long term if not short

FHS baseball falls to Catholic Memorial 3-6 on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Apr 17, 2024.

Baseball = Franklin, 3 vs. Catholic Memorial, 6 – Final 

– Franklin jumped ahead with three runs in the bottom of the second but Catholic Memorial tied the game with three runs of its own in the top of the third and went ahead with a three-run fifth inning. Freshman Joey Guguen enjoyed a successful debut for the Panthers, going 3-for-3 while driving in a pair of runs with a two-out single in the bottom of the second that put Franklin ahead 3-0 after an RBI double from senior Matt Miller (2-for-3) made it 1-0. Austin Campbell had nine strikeouts for Franklin, surrendering four runs (just one earned) on one hit and six walks in 4.1 innings. Zach Winer (0.2IP, BB, K) and Brian Auciello (1IP, 1K) both had scoreless relief appearances.

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-17-24/

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

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, April 18

 

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will hold our next meeting this Thursday, April 18, 7:00-9:00 pm.  Please add it to your calendar.

The meeting will be on Zoom: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Whether or not you attend the meeting, we ask you to complete two easy but important tasks.

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

1. Legislative Update: Call/email your legislators to push our 350 Mass priority bills, using our BRAND NEW TOOLKIT! It's very informative, giving you everything you need to know. You will find a script for a phone call and text for an email. Please take these actions this week or next week, before May 1.  

2. It's a "No Brainer" that we tell ISO-New England to stop sending our money to fossil fuel peaker plants! Read about it and sign the statement here.

Please sign up for the Climate Weekly email if you are not yet receiving it. 

Check out upcoming events on our website. 

 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. We will maintain our schedule of meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. 

Thank you.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

Are you going to the Next Mobile Children's Museum: Sunday, April 21 at Annie Sullivan Middle School?

Join us April 21 at Annie Sullivan Middle School for end-of-vacation fun!

Our next Mobile Museum features architecture, construction & engineering.  Theme sponsored by Craft Architecture.

Register -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register?mc_cid=7d3b1d2f58&mc_eid=15db149e11

Are you going to the Next Mobile Children's Museum: Sunday, April 21 at Annie Sullivan Middle School?

Master Plan Update Committee - video replay available for 4/17/24 session

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room.

The Franklin TV video replay is available for this session ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFC0QbZaX6I

The published agenda for this session can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-april_17_2024.pdf 

Master Plan Update Committee - video replay available for 4/17/24 session