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Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Get your tickets for the Howie Day Concert on the Glen Pharma Patio - August 14
MassDOT Unveils Final Plan for Beyond Mobility, the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan (video)
Ahead of its upcoming 15-year anniversary, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is pleased to announce that the final Beyond Mobility plan document, executive summary, and appendices have been posted to the Beyond Mobility website at the following link: www.mass.gov/beyond-mobility.
“We are excited to share the final version of the Beyond Mobility plan, which is responsive to the extensive public feedback we heard throughout this multiyear process,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This plan will go on to restructure several recurring planning processes and shape new planning efforts at MassDOT to ensure that all of our work is reflective of the transportation needs of all our residents, today and for many years into the future.”
Considered the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan, Beyond Mobility serves as a blueprint for guiding transportation decision making and investments in Massachusetts in a way that advances MassDOT’s goals and maximizes the equity and resiliency of the transportation system. The project team, considering what the world will be like in 2050, has analyzed previous plans, public engagement responses, and results from a needs assessment and has identified six key priority areas of Massachusetts to focus on over the long term. These are: safety, destination connectivity, travel experience, reliability, supporting clean transportation, and resiliency. Within the Plan, vision statements, values, problem statements, and over 100 action items have been developed and are organized by these six priority areas.
“Our roads and bridges are crucial lifelines for our communities. It is essential that we leverage every available tool to ensure safety, reliability, and resilience in our transportation infrastructure,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Implementing initiatives such as Beyond Mobility is vital to anticipate and address future challenges effectively. The decisions and investments we make now will shape our lives in 2050.”
Beyond Mobility - Final Report video from MassDOT on Vimeo.
“Our passenger and freight rail system and regional transit networks are essential in keeping our state’s economy competitive,” said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger said. “Rail and transit’s role in enhancing our quality of life across Massachusetts will only continue to grow. Beyond Mobility lays out a comprehensive plan for expanding and funding these services where they are most needed, and for continuing to make the zero-emission bus fleet transition so we can support our state’s climate goals.”
“Breakthroughs in Advanced Air Mobility, such as electric crewed and uncrewed aircraft, are empowering aviation to move people and goods in a way that’s greener, cleaner, quieter, and more versatile while collecting aerial data that can help optimize the maintenance and safety of transportation infrastructure,” said Aeronautics Administrator Jeff DeCarlo. “Through the Beyond Mobility Plan, we look forward to leveraging these innovative technologies across all domains to help build a cleaner, more efficient multimodal transportation network.”
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| MassDOT Unveils Final Plan for Beyond Mobility, the Massachusetts 2050 Transportation Plan |
“The Beyond Mobility Plan provides excellent guidance for the next 25 years, so we can continue to identify our opportunities to the benefit of everyone who travels in the state,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “The Plan will help us take steps accordingly so we can optimize our operations and customer service tools.”
The 60-day public comment period for Beyond Mobility began on April 1, 2024 and closed on May 31, 2024. During the public comment period, more than 500 individual comments were received and analyzed by the project team for potential incorporation into the final plan document. Comments were categorized into individual themes, and MassDOT will provide responses to each theme. The full list of comments and MassDOT responses has been posted to the plan website as Appendix E.
“It is obvious that a substantial amount of effort has been expended by MassDOT staff to prepare a document that accurately captures the current conditions, needs and desires of residents,” said Thomas Matuszko, Executive Director of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. “This plan has great potential as a transportation policy document, as it establishes a strategic framework with priorities to improve the Commonwealth’s transportation system over the next 25 years.”
“The Beyond Mobility plan is a significant step forward in integrating transportation infrastructure with cultural and environmental preservation,” said Melissa (Harding) Ferretti, Chairwoman of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe. “By considering ferry services and culturally significant pathways, MassDOT has shown a commitment to respecting and incorporating the needs and values of our community. We are excited about the potential for future collaborations that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.”
UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen said, “In Lowell, we see an incredible opportunity for enhanced collaboration and coordination between the city, university, MBTA, Regional Transit Authorities serving the region, and the private sector, as demonstrated by the Lowell INC project. We are confident that Lowell can serve as a replicable and scalable model for other communities to follow as we look to collectively implement the goals of Beyond Mobility.”
Kimberly Robinson, Executive Director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, said, “The Beyond Mobility document does an excellent job defining the Commonwealth’s vision for advancement and improvement of the transportation system.”
Jason Palitsch, Executive Director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, said, “The reliability, or lack thereof, of the transportation network across the Commonwealth and in the 495/MetroWest region acts as a deterrent for the use of public transportation options beyond single-occupancy vehicle commuting. The Beyond Mobility Plan reinforces this sentiment by stating that Massachusetts travelers of any mode experience congestion, resulting in low confidence about the conditions they will encounter and diminished access to everyday needs. The Partnership greatly appreciates the effort of MassDOT to prioritize locations within the roadway network that are prone to bottlenecks and delays.”
Caitlin Allen-Connelly, Senior Advisor on Transportation at A Better City, said, “Our region cannot survive let alone thrive without a safe, reliable, equitable, and sustainable transportation system. The Beyond Mobility priority areas—safety, reliability, support of clean transportation, destination connectivity, resiliency, and travel experience—reflect this and support an urgent need to move beyond the status quo. We applaud the Commonwealth for embracing new approaches to address the ongoing challenges that threaten our shared vision of a more equitable, affordable, and competitive region, and we encourage the use of strong metrics to hold us accountable.”
The launch of Beyond Mobility’s public comment period earlier this year was part of a coordinated effort by MassDOT titled “MassDOT@15,” to both commemorate the 15th anniversary of MassDOT on November 1, 2024, and look to the future of transportation in Massachusetts. Beyond Mobility is the blueprint for transportation decision making and prioritization and is one of three major policy and strategy efforts associated with MassDOT@15. The other two are the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Transportation Funding Task Force and the MassDOT Strategic Business Plan. These three strategy components – Beyond Mobility, the Transportation Funding Task Force, and the Strategic Business Plan – will outline who we are, what we do, and how we pay for it and will be aligned to the mission, values, and goals of MassDOT.
Download the full plan -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-beyond-mobility-full-plan/download
Major Democratic Leaders Endorse Register of Deeds O'Donnell for Reelection
Four major Democratic leaders today endorsed William P. O'Donnell for reelection as Norfolk County Register of Deeds, including Congressman Jim McGovern, Congressman Steve Lynch, former Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, III and former Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti.
"Through modernization and innovation, Bill has made the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds the role model for all Registries in Massachusetts," noted Congressman McGovern. Echoing McGovern's remarks Congressman Lynch stated "Bill has been an effective and trusted administrator." Former Congressman and current Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joseph Kennedy praised Register O'Donnell":...for brining Registry of Deeds programs to the communities it serves."
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| Major Democratic Leaders Endorse Register of Deeds O'Donnell for Reelection |
Register O'Donnell responded to their endorsements noting. "1 am both humbled and honored to receive their backing. They represent the best of public service."
Register O'Donnell who is a graduate of Boston College Law School and former Assistant District Attorney in Norfolk County, was praised by former Attorney General Frank Bellotti, "Bill's legal knowledge and experience are an asset in his work to protect land records from scams and fraud."
Bill O'Donnell is the Register of Deeds for Norfolk County and serves as an Assistant Recorder of the Massachusetts Land Court. Register O'Donnell has substantially improved the Registry's operations by making it easier through technology for the public to access more than 13 million land related records by bringing the Registry to local communities through office hours and by protecting landowner ' documents through enhanced cyber security measures and anti-fraud programming.
O'Donnell's modernization efforts and management skills have been widely recognized. An effective administrator, O'Donnell kept the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds operational every day during the COVID-19 crisis and under this leadership the Registry staff won an award for their outstanding service during the pandemic.
The Norfolk Registry of Deeds was the first in the state to allow for electronic filings of real estate documents in Land Court, thanks to legislation O'Donnell spearheaded into law. He was also the first Register.in New England to transcribe the Registry's land documents recorded between 1793 to 1900 into a clearly readable format, thereby wining praise from two-time Pulitzer Prize author and historian David McCullough who stated, "...you are making an important contribution and I send my warmest congratulations."
The Democratic Primary is September 3, 2024, the day after Labor Day. If you would like to know more about Register O'Donnell or his reelection campaign, please go to www.billodonnell.org.
“When are you free for coffee?” Long lost friend or a scammer trying to get you to respond?
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| “When are you free for coffee?” Long lost friend or a scammer trying to get you to respond? |
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Aug 6, 2024
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday
9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen
Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:30 am Joe Landry: Hurricane of 1938
9:00 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady
10:00 am Frank Presents: Bill O'Donnell
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage
1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
1:30 pm Fallen Heroes Pt 5
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender
4:30 pm Panther Pride: Todd Kiley
5:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
6:00 pm Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese
7:00 pm Matt York: Highway Men
8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Alex Edwards
9:30 pm PorchFest Pt 2
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
7:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
9:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
10:30 am Panther Pride: Todd Kiley
11:30 am Tri County Graduation 2024
2:00 pm Menthal Health: Donna Grady
3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Longmeadow 05-18-24
5:30 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v Bishop Feehan 05-17-24
9:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
8:00 am School Committee 07-09-24
12:00 pm Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 07-17-24
2:00 pm School Committee 07-09-24
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Monday, August 5, 2024
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, August 5, 2024?
Monday, August 5
4:00pm Cruise Night in Franklin (Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza)
9:00pm The Great American Recipe - Franklin's Marcella DiChiara (PBS Channels)
** NO Town Meetings today **
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| What's happening today in Franklin? |
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Why are there multiple calendars?
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:
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://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
Franklin Historical Museum: Beyond Just Hollywood OR Bollywood - Aug 17 & Aug 18
A look at the shared elements and differences between two great democratic nations
In recent decades, Massachusetts, and Franklin in particular, have seen a significant influx of residents with roots in India. Yet despite numerous shared values and aspirations many non-Indian people are only vaguely aware of Indian history and culture – and something similar is often true for immigrant Indians with regard to many aspects of America (and Franklin!).
On Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18, the Franklin Historical Museum will share programming that builds on history, honors India’s Independence Day, (celebrated officially every August 15), and will provide a chance for visitors to learn about what unites India and the USA with plenty of opportunities to learn about India and the Indian-American community in the area.
This program is different from many of our museum offerings and offers a chance to celebrate history while building community connections for today. Details will be posted on the museum Website as they become available. FREE (Donations encouraged)
Coming in September, a return of `Cinema 80’ ‘Silent Saturday’ films and a new musical performance series will also debut. Chris Leverone, a videographer and graphics artist from Franklin, has developed a new program of silent films in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center.
Also, a newly rebuilt, Franklin-made Trowbridge Piano will be at center stage as we explore music with a historic touch.
The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM.
When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.
Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com
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| Franklin Historical Museum: Beyond Just Hollywood OR Bollywood |
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 269 - Non Alcoholic Wine (audio)
Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!
We discuss the rising trend of non-alcoholic wines.
Exploring the challenges of producing quality non-alcoholic wines.
Mention the legal labeling terms for such wines.
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| Episode 269 - Non Alcoholic Wine (audio) |
How Non-Alcoholic Wine Is Made:
- Methods include vacuum distillation, spinning cone columns, and reverse osmosis
Environmental Impact:
- Discuss the environmental implications of producing non-alcoholic wines.
The good and bad of quality and taste:
- Explore whether non-alcoholic wines can match the quality and flavor of traditional wines.
Health Aspects:
- Highlight any potential health benefits or drawbacks.
Review of Current Products:
- Briefly review popular non-alcoholic wine brands available in the market.
Remember, non-alcoholic wines are gaining popularity, but opinions vary. Overall, it's an exciting topic with room for growth and innovation!
Cheers
Kim and Mark
#wine #franklinma #wineeducation #thewonderfulworldofwine #nonalcoholic
Chess tournament for K-12 players scheduled for Oct 5 at Bellingham HS
"Got a kid who loves chess? Join us for the 2nd Bellingham Scholastic Chess Tournament!!
Run by SENECA, hosted by BPSD, sponsored by Bellingham Scholastic Chess Clubs - Learn. Play. Teach."
Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eJLXa8ARUyuw46fP/
Register via the QR Code or this link -> https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/78judbw/lp/ea809db5-00b0-49e5-abb3-40c2970c3e2f
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| Chess tournament for K-12 players scheduled for Oct 5 at Bellingham HS |
Time to order rain barrels at a discount from Town of Franklin
Our Fall 2024 program is open! Deadline for ordering is September 8th and pickup will be at the DPW Admin Building (257 Fisher St) on September 18th from 4-6 pm.
For more information, please visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/pages/rain-barrels or go direct to the the Great American site to order https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/
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| Time to order rain barrels at a discount from Town of Franklin |
Pour Richard's Appeals for an overturn of license transfer denial
Via Pour Richard's
Pour Richard's appeals for an overturn of denial "Franklin, today we’re asking for a favor:As many of you know, Pour Richard’s and I are both transitioning to our next chapters. So…If you’d like to welcome a Wine & Provisions Shop to Franklin.If you believe that the denial of these licenses on June 26 was arbitrary and capricious, and counter to MA law.Then contact the members below, and ask them to put this issue back on the Town Council agenda for August 14. And this time, vote in keeping with the law.Feel free to share. Thank you!
Shared from -> Pour Richard's posting
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Aug 5, 2024
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM - Frank’s Music – with Frank Falvey
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
8:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Strumdawgs
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm Panther Pride: Todd Kiley
4:30 pm PorchFest Pt 2
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Bill O'Donnell
8:00 pm Endless Konnections: Alex Edwards
9:00 pm 4th of July 2024: Smoke 'n' Whiskey
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Longmeadow 05-18-24
10:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
11:15 am Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18
1:00 pm Panther Pride: Todd Kiley
2:30 pm Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v North Attleboro 04-23-24
7:00 pm FHS Graduation 2024
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
8:00 am Planning Board 07-22-24
2:00 pm Planning Board 07-22-24
6:00 pm Master Plan Committee 07-24-24
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Sunday, August 4, 2024
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, August 4, 2024?
Sunday, August 4
10:00am Embracing Differences and Commonalities (First Universalist Society of Franklin)
1:00pm Bridal Gown Exhibit, Something Old and Something New (Franklin Historical Museum)
Note: Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub is closed on Sunday's for August
** NO Town Meetings today **
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| What's happening today in Franklin? |
---------------
Why are there multiple calendars?
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:
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://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
Olympic Recognition: Kristi Kirshe, Tuesday, August 20 at 6 PM on the Town Common
Via Ryan Jette, Franklin Recreation Director:
Wanted to give you ... a heads up as you've always been a huge supporter of recreation and youth sports. Tuesday, August 20 at 6:00 PM, we are putting on a huge welcome home celebration for Kristi Kirshe on the Town Common.Working out all the detail with the family now. But we'll invite the whole community and her family is so happy. Flowers and hopefully a proclamation from the Council and a Q&A for the young athletes to ask her about her experience.Should be a fun night. Please spread the word.
Thanks again"
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| Olympic Gold Recognition: Kristi Kirshe, Tuesday, August 20 at 6 PM on the Town Common |
Franklin TV: Town Hall Overhaul
New Trimmings and New Tech
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/04/2023
It’s been twenty years-ish since Franklin government moved into the Municipal Building, and time for a refresh. For us it meant uninstalling and removing our 19 microphones, 7 cameras, and 5 displays – everything – from Chambers. Then the main dais and desks could be removed for painting and carpeting.
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| Franklin TV: Town Hall Overhaul |
It means that in the ordering of tasks we are ‘first out – last in’. No one can do their thing until we remove all of our wiring, and we can’t reinstall our gear until all the work is done. There’s an axiom about audio and video systems. It takes only a few hours to remove everything. Done. But it takes days to reinstall and test to ensure that everything works as before. That said, as of Friday evening, we’re ready.
Along the way we also installed new tech. Over the years our Chambers system has had many adds and upgrades. Zoom systems – new control systems, and so on were installed in limited ways to avoid disrupting scheduled meetings. The renovation enabled us to reroute and upgrade signal cables through floor, ceiling and walls and add flexibility to enable future changes.
Thanks to Kevin Harn and Mike D’Angelo for their excellent, timely project management. Now – it’s back to business as usual.
And – as always –Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.And, thank you for watching.
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
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