Friday, May 10, 2024

Finance Committee reviews Public Safety and Public Works budgets (audio)

FM #1198 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1198 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee budget hearing, the second of 3 sessions conducted on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The 3rd session is scheduled for May 15, 2024. Then the Town Council does their budget hearing over 2 nights, May 22 & May 23. 

The departmental budgets covered were:

  • Public Safety:

    • 210 Police Department

    • 220 Fire Department

    • 225 Regional Dispatch

    • 240 Inspection Department

    • 292 Animal Control

  • b. Department of Public Works (DPW):

    • Departments: 422 Public Works

    • Enterprise Funds:

      • 450 Water

      • 440 Sewer

      • 434 Solid Waste

      • 460 Stormwater


The meeting runs about 1 and 20 minutes. Let’s listen to the second of 3 budget hearings. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1198-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-2-of-3-05-08-24




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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/kRJStUo28Q8?si=YQQ8EPTnnAz3XMJe&t=61 


The agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-05-08_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf 


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


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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?

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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!

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Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8
Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8

Dean College: Madison Frechette Chosen as the 2024 Commencement Ceremony Student Speaker

Madison Frechette has been selected to speak on behalf of the Class of 2024 at Dean College’s 158th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Franklin, MA. She graduated from North Attleboro High School in 2020.

Frechette is a double major, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. She is also earning an Associate in Arts degree in Dance.

Madison Frechette
Madison Frechette (Dean photo)Madison Frechette (Dean photo)

While at Dean, Frechette has been actively involved in several campus organizations, including the founding of the college’s new Women in Business Club in 2023. As president of this new club, Frechette has made it her mission to inspire and empower female-identifying students to make connections, get involved in their communities, and prepare for a future business career. In March, Frechette led the launch of Dean’s first Women in Business Conference, which brought in successful women leaders to speak to the college community.

Frechette has also been active in Dean’s dance companies and performances, the college’s community outreach efforts, and the on-campus Active Minds chapter. Additionally, she has served as a peer mentor and a student ambassador for Dean. 

Dean professor of marketing and faculty advisor to the Women in Business Club, Kelly Rys said, “Maddie is an exceptional student and leader. She is always eager to learn, and she consistently seeks out opportunities to be involved and make an impact on campus. It has been an honor and genuine pleasure working beside her and watching her thrive and grow during her time at Dean College. Maddie’s innate drive, leadership skills, efficient task execution, and excellent time management skills will make her an invaluable asset to any organization, and I can't wait to see what her future holds."

Set to graduate with honors, Frechette is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Honors Society of Dance Arts, the Golden Key International Honor Society, and Phi Eta Sigma. She also achieved Sophomore Honors Distinction and is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization.

“I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and one-on-one connections I have formed with my professors at Dean—they've not only guided me academically but also supported me in my professional experiences,” reflected Frechette. “I am proud to have been at a school that cultivates leadership in every classroom and planning the Women in Business Conference with Professor Rys is one of the most impactful experiences I have had at Dean. Being able to get an amazing education, foster friendships, and develop my leadership skills are what makes Dean College so special to me.”

After graduation, Frechette plans to work as a marketing associate for KLR, one of New England’s premier accounting and business advisory firms, where she has currently been interning.


Planning Board Meeting of May 6 (video)

The Planning Board met as scheduled on Monday evening. Their meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room and broadcast from there. 

The video was moved to their playlist on the regular Town Hall Channel. As the Finance Committee meeting was in the Council Chambers the Planning Board was broadcast on the Educational channel. Franklin TV has the capability of broadcasting 3 events simultaneously, and fortunately that doesn't happen all that often.

Planning board session for May 6 ->  https://youtu.be/Y4DENLcYzx4?si=FLvnFhCQ75kfY9-d

Planning Board archive of meetings (playlist) -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNyv0AkVasIQke5CNZkM7XcSzaCBW4IID

Planning Board agenda and documents for the May 6 meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/446861


Summer STAR Classes open for registration with Lifelong Learning

Grab a spot in one of these fun classes! Like and follow FPS Lifelong Learning to stay informed.  
More info at -> tinyurl.com/za68ea8m.

Summer STAR Classes open for registration with Lifelong Learning
Summer STAR Classes open for registration with Lifelong LearningSummer STAR Classes open for registration with Lifelong Learning

 


CommonWealth Beacon: "Big electricity shift coming: Are we ready?"

"THE LONG-AWAITED electrification of the New England economy is starting to happen.

From 1995 to 2005, the demand for electricity produced by the region’s power grid steadily increased, growing nearly 21 percent as the New England economy expanded and homeowners and businesses installed air conditioning units at a rapid clip.

From 2005 until 2023, however, demand for power from the grid slid 16 percent. Modest growth in electricity consumption was more than offset by growth in energy efficiency savings and solar installations, both of which reduced demand for power from the grid.

Now, according to a new study by grid operator ISO New England, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction. Demand for power from the grid is expected to grow by more than 17 percent over the next 10 years, as electrification of vehicles and home heating drives up consumption, more than offsetting growth in energy efficiency and solar installations."
Continue reading the article online -> 

Download the ISO New England report directly from here ->

CommonWealth Beacon: "Big electricity shift coming: Are we ready?"
CommonWealth Beacon: "Big electricity shift coming: Are we ready?"

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, May 10, 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

7:00 am Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
8:30 am Frank Presents: Jamie Barrett
10:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones
11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Marsala
1:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2022
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
6:30 pm Joe Landry: Funeral Homes
8:00 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 2
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Brother Sun

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021
8:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady
9:30 am Rec Basketball: 6th - 8th Grade Girls Championship
11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball v Attleboro 04-26-24
1:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
3:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
4:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media
9:00 pm MSTCA Track Meet Pt 1

  • 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
5:00 pm Town Council-School Committee_042424

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

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, May 9, 2024

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   Franklin Faith Forum

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

7:00 am Town of Franklin Fallen Heroes Pt 2
8:00 am Veterans' Call: Veterans' Treatment
9:00 am Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Fish
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Marsala
1:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2022
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
5:00 pm Franklin Cultural District: Brent Selby
6:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 6 - Swinging Steaks
8:00 pm Frank Presents: Jamie Barrett
9:00 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 2
10:00 pm Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
8:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
10:00 am FHS Varsity Baseball v Mansfield 04-29-24
1:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
6:00 pm Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021
7:30 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 05-02-24
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 05-02-24

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

Local Charm for Mom: Bird & Bear’s Gift Boxes Celebrate Community

This Mother’s Day, the Bird & Bear Collective is proud to showcase their commitment to local makers with a beautifully curated $125 gift box that celebrates and supports the talents in our communities. Located in downtown Holliston, the Collective is more than just a store; it is a dynamic hub of community, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Local Charm for Mom: Bird & Bear’s Gift Boxes Celebrate Community
Local Charm for Mom: Bird & Bear’s Gift Boxes Celebrate Community

Founded by Erin Defoyd, a Medway local, the Bird & Bear Collective began as an experiment in her backyard barn in 2019 and has since evolved into a cornerstone of community and creativity. Erin’s vision of transforming everyday interactions into opportunities for connection and creativity has resonated throughout the community.

In a special nod to Franklin, the boxes feature PT Color Market and ITZY, both owned by dedicated Franklin residents. The collective hopes that these boxes will inspire more people to shop locally and recognize the impact of their support on local businesses and the broader community. 

We encourage thoughtful gifting through our special Mama gift boxes. Highlighted by the crowd-favorite "Mama" T-shirt, the box also includes scented hand-poured candles by Hedge & Heather, decadent artisanal chocolates by Vivilicious, unique handmade leather earrings by PT Color Market, and gold vermeil necklaces by ITZY. Each box is filled with purpose and passion.

The gift boxes are available online HERE and we advise early ordering to ensure availability.


Download a flyer with this info as a reminder or to share ->

Reminder: Help the Food Pantry with the Stamp Out Hunger campaign on Saturday

The Franklin Food Pantry is partnering with Franklin letter carriers for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive taking place Saturday, May 11, 2024, Franklin residents are encouraged to leave a bag of nonperishable food items by their mailbox. Letter carriers will collect the donations and deliver the items to the Franklin Food Pantry.


For more information on Stamp Out Hunger, including The Pantry's greatest needs -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/


Did you get your brown paper bag this week?


Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 1
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 1

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 2
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 2

Finance Committee reviews Public Safety and Public Works budgets (video)

The Finance Committee held their second of three budget hearings on Wednesday, May 8 in the Council Chambers. 

The 3rd and final budget hearing is scheduled for May 15 with the school budgets covered (Franklin Public Schools, Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie.)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/kRJStUo28Q8?si=YQQ8EPTnnAz3XMJe&t=61

The departmental budgets covered were:
  • Public Safety:
    • 210 Police Department
    • 220 Fire Department
    • 225 Regional Dispatch
    • 240 Inspection Department
    • 292 Animal Control
  • b. Department of Public Works (DPW):
    • Departments: 422 Public Works
    • Enterprise Funds:
      • 450 Water
      • 440 Sewer
      • 434 Solid Waste
      • 460 Stormwater

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8
Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 of 3 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 8

FHS spring sports games & matches postponed Wednesday due to weather

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Baseball = Franklin @ King Philip – Postponed to Saturday, 5/11 at 11:00AM

Softball = King Philip @ Franklin – Postponed to Thursday, 5/9 at 3:45

Boys Tennis = King Philip @ Franklin – Postponed to Thursday, 5/9 at 3:45

Girls Tennis = Franklin @ King Philip – Postponed to Thursday, 5/9 at 3:45


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 High School Athletic Department Recognizes Winter Team Achievements

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are pleased to announce that Franklin High School’s athletic teams recently completed a successful 2023-24 winter athletics season.

“All of our winter athletes have shown grit and determination this season, putting countless hours of work into their sports every week,” Athletic Director Ellis said. “I am extremely proud of all of our teams, and wish to congratulate every athlete on a successful winter season. I’d also like to thank all the students and community members who have supported our student-athletes throughout the season.” 
FHS Winter Team Achievements 2023-24
FHS Winter Team Achievements 2023-24


Cheer
Nationals Divisional Winners and Grand Champions
Hockomock League Champions
MSAA Division 1 Regional Champions
MSAA Division 1 State Champions
Head Coach: Doni Akers

Boys Basketball
Record: 25-2
State Finalist Division 1 Boys Basketball MIAA State Tournament
Hockomock League Kelly Rex Champions
Hockomock League MVP: Sean O’Leary
Hockomock League All-Stars: Caden Sullivan, Bradley Herndon, Henry Digiorgio
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Andrew O'Neill
Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team: Sean O’Leary 
Boston Globe Division 1 Coach of the Year: Coach CJ Neely
Head Coach: CJ Neely

Girls Basketball
Record 10-11
Hockomock League All-Stars: Sasah Tracey, Choloe Fales
The team qualified for the Division 1 MIAA State Tournament
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Olena Malymina
Head Coach: John Leighton

Wrestling
Record 13-15-1
The team placed third at the MIAA Division 1 West Sectionals
The team placed third at the Hockomock League Tournament
Two team members recognized as Division 1 West Sectional Champions: Riley Carlucci and Jack Rosenberger
Hockomock All-Stars: Riley Carlucci and Jack Sauer
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Wayland O'Connell
Head Coach: Carmine Colace 

Girls Indoor Track
Hockomock League Kelley-Rex Division Champions
Hockomock League Meet Champions
Hockomock League All Stars: Sarah Dumas, Gwen Holland, Sophia Cuneo, Ella Chandaria, Liz Hopkins, Lily DeForge
Hockomock League MVP: Sarah Dumas
Hockomock League Honorable Mention: Darby Nicholson, Olivia Costa
MSTCA Division 1 Relay Champions
New Balance All-American: Sarah Dumas
MIAA Divisional Champions: Sarah Dumas (Hurdles), Lily DeForge (Shot Put)
Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team: Sarah Dumas 
Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team: Lily Deforge 
MSTCA Indoor Track Coach of the Year: Coach Paul Trovato
Head Coach: Paul Trovato

Boys Indoor Track
Record 5-0
Hockomock League Kelly Rex Champions
Hockomock League All-Stars: Quinn Hardt and Jonathan Pink 
Hardt also came in fourth in the state pentathlon and qualified for the New Balance Nationals meet for the 55m hurdles
The 4x200m relay squad and shuttle hurdle relay also qualified for the Nationals meet in Boston
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Sephon Reed, Theo Yetman, Bryce Dragsbaek
Head Coach: Nick Bailey

Girls Swim
Record 5-0
Hockomock Meet Champions
Hockomock League Kelly Rex Champions
The team placed third at the MIAA Division 1 South Sectionals
Hockomock All-Stars: Harika Birali, Christine Tang, Emma Ferreria, Sydney Bourgeois, Ashley Desroches, Caroline Clifford, Keegan Wright
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Ava Pecora
Head Coach: Jessica Pridham

Boys Swim
Record 2-3
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Oliver McCarthy
Head Coach: Jessica Pridham

Gymnastics
Record 1-7
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Molly Chandler
Head Coach: Paula Lupien 

Girls Ice Hockey
Record 7-13-0
The team qualified for the MIAA Division 1 State Tournament
Hockomock League All-Stars: Julia Flynn, Nina Iannuzzi, Lindsey Dennett
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Hannah Averr
Head Coach: Mike Lubin

Boys Ice Hockey
Record 15-9
Hockomock League Kelly Rex Co-Champions
MIAA Division 1 State Tournament Elite 8 Round
Hockomock League MVP: Ben Paterson 
Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team: Ben Paterson 
Hockomock All-Stars/MetroWest All-Stars: Anthony Lampasona, Dylan McEvoy, Logan Marchand
Hockomock All-Star Honorable Mention: Dan Dacey
Head Coach: Chris Spillane 

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities in Human Resources, Senior Center, Library. Facilities, Fire Dept, Finance, & DPW

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities in Human Resources, Senior Center, Library. Facilities, Fire Dept, Finance, & DPW
Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities in Human Resources, Senior Center, Library. Facilities, Fire Dept, Finance, & DPW

Register now for the free craft workshop at Franklin Senior Center - May 10

The Franklin Garden Club will offer a free craft workshop for senior citizens on Friday, May 10 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.  

Participants will decorate flower pots and fill with either a real plant or flowers.  All materials will be supplied.  The “fun” pots can be decorated with either a male of female theme.  

Registration can be done at the Franklin Senior Center or by calling the Senior Center at 508-520-4945.

Register now for the free craft workshop at Franklin Senior Center - May 10
Register now for the free craft workshop at Franklin Senior Center - May 10

Tri-County Cougar Community Night - May 14

"Don't miss this opportunity to talk to our staff and students about our extracurricular offerings!!!"
Tri-County Cougar Community Night - May 14
Tri-County Cougar Community Night - May 14

For more about Tri-County visit them on the web at -> https://www.tri-county.us/

Override summary in 3 parts per Al Charles

School Committee member Al Charles has 3 short slide sets to provide a summary of the Prop 2 1/2 override scheduled for June 11, 2024.


View the summary here -> https://www.alcharlesfsc.com/prop-2-12-information?
Override summary in 3 parts per Al Charles