Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (audio)

FM #1244 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1244 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Master Plan Update Committee Public Hearing held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. 10 members participated, 9 in chambers, 1 remote (for a portion of session, she did join in person - Williams), 3 were absent (Gallagher, Hagen, Halligan).

Quick recap:

• Overview presentation coordinate by Chair Jones, and each subcommittee chair, before getting into the public portion

• Presentation doc was not included with the agenda very few (outside of the committee) likely had time to preview the goals before the session

• Good input from the multiple commenters both in person and participating remotely

• Next meeting for the committee scheduled for July 24 to incorporate the feedback from this session, and then begin work on the objectives (which have not yet been revealed) to assign them to responsible Town departments, etc.

The recording runs about 77 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1244-master-plan-update-cmte-public-hearing-07-10-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK0miWgTjaU 

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_july_10_2024.docx.pdf    

Presentation doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/files/draft-goals-presentation 

My notes in one PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nF1FzxJfke50IOjftj5Xqum8QFtSDozP/view?usp=drive_link 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (audio)

Fire Dept dive drill conducted at Chilson Beach Thursday, July 11

Via the Franklin Fire Dept Twitter account: 

"The Franklin Fire Department conducted a dive drill today (7/11/24) at Chilson Beach - Beaver Pond with the Bristol North Dive Team. We have three members assigned to this team."

Fire Dept dive drill conducted at Chilson Beach Thursday, July 11

You can view additional photos -> https://x.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1811438721386119527

Master Plan Testimony Outline by Max Morrongiello

Below is a copy of an outline of my testimony from last night.

Best,

Maxwell Morrongiello

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

"My Name Is Maxwell Morrongiello. I live at 127 Central Park Terrace

Imagine a not too distant future, where you are in an area with bustling storefronts, a vibrant local economy, and transit oriented housing near a commuter rail and easy access to the highway. 

This, in fact, is not Franklin's downtown, but a revitalized and completely reimagined Forge Park 2 Miles to the west. This Master Plan Committee can lay the groundwork to make this future a reality.

Forge Park should be reimagined to have the following features:

·      Transit Oriented Mixed Use Development with easy access to 495 and the commuter rail

o  Think Assembly Row in Somerville

o  Limited traffic disruption to the rest of town

·      Connection to the Rail Trail

·      The Town should explore private and public bus options including

o  Implementing a Logan Express Bus Service

o  Direct Bus service to Worcester

o  Direct Bus Service to Providence

o  A joint agreement with RIPTA and MASSDOT to provide connection to RIPTA in exchange for increased commuter rail service

o  GATRA Fixed Route service

·      Zipcar and other car rental options

o  Would be utilized by reverse commuters from Boston,

o   Utilized by Franklin residents who don't often need a vehicle

During the Master Plan process Franklin Downtown has received a bulk of the attention. Don't neglect implementing a bright and bold vision for Forge Park!"

The Franklin TV link should bring you directly to Max's comments -> https://www.youtube.com/live/qK0miWgTjaU?si=SdA9QWEeoy3VD3U-&t=2547

Watch "How the US Is Destroying Young People’s Future | Scott Galloway | TED" on YouTube

Via TED Talks  

"In a scorching talk, marketing professor and podcaster Scott Galloway dissects the data showing that, by many measures, young people in the US are worse off financially than ever before. He unpacks the root causes and effects of this "great intergenerational theft," asking why we let it continue and showing how we could make it end. (Note: This talk contains mature language.)"

Video link -> https://youtu.be/qEJ4hkpQW8E?si=2jV_uweZKbYrNctM

For a more in depth version (albeit five years ago), Scott covers many of the same topics in this 30 minute version.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brp9DpJsEi4

For more about Scott, visit his TED profile page -> 

https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_galloway_how_the_us_is_destroying_young_people_s_future

Note: given the timed delivery nature of TED Talks, it is better to watch them multiple times, or stop after a point is made and think about it. Time is needed to digest the impact of the ideas presented.

Bonus link (a 14 minute talk Followed by a Q&A with TED Curator Chris Anderson) ->   https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_galloway_how_amazon_apple_facebook_and_google_manipulate_our_emotions?subtitle=en

The next Veterans Council Meeting is August 15, 2024

There will be no Veterans Council Meeting in July.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Senior Center.

Any Franklin resident interested in Veterans' activities is welcome to join us. Veterans Council meets the third Thursday of every month unless otherwise noted.

The next Veterans Council Meeting is August 15, 2024

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/no-july-2024-veterans-council-meeting

Town of Franklin: Invitation For Bid on Tree Trimming and Removal

IFB - Tree Trimming and Removal

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a tree removal, stump grinding and tree trimming firm. 

Additional Information:  Tree Trimming and Removal

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-tree-trimming-and-removal

Town of Franklin: Invitation For Bid on Tree Trimming and Removal

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, July 12, 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 Second Sunday Speaker Series: Twisted Sisters

8:30 am 4th of July Festivities

10:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese

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

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage

1:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2024

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

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

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:00 pm Chef Showdown

5:30 pm Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 1

8:30 pm Endless Konnections Kitchen: Poached Pears

9:30 pm 4th of July 2023: Duppy Conquerors

• 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 Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

9:30 am Tri County Graduation 2024

11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball v St. Paul Diocesan 06-01-24

1:30 pm Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

3:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

4:00 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 2

6:00 pm FHS Graduation 2024

9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 05-23-24

12:00 pm  Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 06-25-24

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 05-23-24

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, July 11, 2024?

Thursday, July 11

10:30am Learn to Play Ukulele (Franklin Public Library)

4:30pm Pizza & Movie Night: Ordinary Angels (ticketed event) (Franklin Senior Center)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

9:00pm Joshua David (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  Town Meetings today

• Conservation Commission Meeting

Event Date:  Thursday, July 11, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/07-11_conservation_agenda.docx.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Summer Sunday Worship Series: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024.  

Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity,  Interdependence, 

Justice, Pluralism and Love.

Summer Sunday Worship Series: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

All services start at 10:00 AM

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Generosity: The Artist Within - July 14, 2024

Lay Leader: Sue Sheridan 

Creativity is an inherent quality in every person. The natural inclination to create 

and innovate is a fundamental part of human nature.  Sue Sheridan, an accomplished artist, and Lay Leader at FUSF, will explore how the visual arts, and painting in particular, can provide a pathway to creativity; and perhaps even lead to a sense of communion with something greater than ourselves. By viewing paintings and describing the creative process involved, Sue will explore how to access the artist within. As one of our UU values states, Generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality. By sharing our gifts of creativity with one another, we are cultivating a spirit of gratitude and hope.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org. 

 

Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (video)

The Franklin Master Plan Update Committee conducted a public hearing on Wednesday, July 10. While they only shared the high level goals, the objectives that drive the goals were teased but not revealed, there were a number of worthy comments to add to the items under consideration.

The Franklin TV video can be found here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK0miWgTjaU

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_july_10_2024.docx.pdf

The presentation doc (note the doc differs slightly from that shared via the broadcast) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/files/draft-goals-presentation

My full set of notes captured during the meeting ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nF1FzxJfke50IOjftj5Xqum8QFtSDozP/view?usp=drive_link

Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (video)

La Cantina fRUNdraiser to Support Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team - July 19

Support the Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team by attending a fRUNdraiser at La Cantina Winery 230 Cottage St. in Franklin on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.  Tickets are $30 and include live music, door prizes, choice of beverage, and small bites. 

All proceeds benefit The Pantry. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at: https://bit.ly/45XZ7OZ

 

The 52nd running of the Falmouth Road Race takes place on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Volunteer and Board Member Amber Baur leads The Pantry’s team of six runners as they take on the iconic 7-mile seaside course and raise money to fight food insecurity in our community.

 

For more information, visit The Pantry’s website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org/falmouthroadrace

La Cantina fRUNdraiser to Support Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team - July 19

Possible questions for November's state ballot

Via the Boston Globe:

"Millions of Massachusetts voters will hit the polls in November to cast a presidential ballot. They also could rewrite state laws in ways unseen in decades.

Possible ballot questions

Unions, advocates, and out-of-state groups are pushing to put five ballot questions before voters this fall, creating what would be the largest single slate in 24 years. The breadth of the lineup appears likely to spur one of the most expensive ballot question campaigns in Massachusetts history, with groups collectively having spent millions of dollars before the ballot has even been finalized.

For voters, that not only could mean enduring an onslaught of political advertising, but also wrestling with weighty policy decisions. Should the state scrap MCAS exams as a graduation requirement, reversing years of educational standards? Should it legalize psychedelic mushrooms? Should ride-share drivers be allowed to unionize?"

Continue reading the article at the Globe -> (Subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/10/metro/massachusetts-five-ballot-questions-november-election/

Later this year, the "red book" of information on the ballot questions will be made available by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

Creative practice database opens for artists and creatives to share info

Dept. of Arts, Culture and the Creative economy has launched the Franklin Creative Database to centralize artist and creative information for our community.

Fill out our quick survey (linked in our profile) to share what creative practices you’re involved in and what opportunities you’re looking for! And we’ll make the magic happen 🪩💕

Have questions? Reach out to Cory Shea (cshea@franklinma.gov)

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C9NuMcdRbrK/

Direct link to creative database survey ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQKbL7Hh8gb7mb702novUekdB0P5_ksPf4_v88hNXxySA6ig/viewform

Creative practice database opens for artists and creatives to share info

School Committee gets updates on FY 25 budget, redistricting, new website in only July meeting (audio)

FM #1243 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1234 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. 6 members participated, 5 in chambers, one remote (Gallagher), one was absent (Sompally).

Quick recap:

• FY 2025 budget update - provided status on the hiring process, 29 open positions, multiple moving parts, jobs posted, recruiting active, some already hired (# not specified). 

• Awaiting word on possible move of the Town Council to add another $1M at their meeting July 17. These funds, if approved, would be used for non-personnel restoration of programs, supplies, etc.

• Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. Date likely to be available later this summer. The info would go to the School Committee for review.

• New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified.

The recording runs about 70 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1243-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-07-09-24

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

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_5.pdf     

Meeting packet folder -> (other docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2023---24-meeting-packets/june-18%2C-2024/653629 

My notes in one PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MyqmefrU9Uc0hDTPGUs1Jm8sulLGFybI/view?usp=drive_link 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/   or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

new website as of July 1, mobile version available

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, July 11, 2024

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p Turntable – with Dave Butler and Paul Guarino
Our 2-hour deep dive into the great albums

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations

 

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

7:00 am Fallen Heroes Pt 4

7:30 am Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 1

9:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Twisted Sisters

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

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

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage

1:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2024

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

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

3:00 pm Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:00 pm Chef Showdown

6:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 9 - Coronas

8:00 pm 4th of July Festivities

9:00 pm Endless Konnections Kitchen: Poached Pears

10:00 pm PorchFest Pt 1

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

7:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band

8:30 am Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

11:00 am FHS Graduation 2024

1:30 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball v St. Paul Diocesan 06-01-24

8:30 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 06-13-24

12:00 pm Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 06-25-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 06-13-24

7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  945 2425 0062

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