Gus Brown & I talk inspections, permits, line of sight, and the need for smart building (audio)

FM #1256 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1256 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Building Commissioner Gus Brown. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

We talk about 

• His road to the Building Commissioner role

• Inspections department scope and permits

• Key info for residents (on permits, pools, line of sight, etc.)

• Need for smart building to keep growing revenue

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1256-town-of-franklin-gus-brown-07-18-24/

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Building & Inspections page => https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department   

Permit information page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/22/files 

Online Permits page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/building-inspections-department/pages/line-permitting 

Town of Franklin business guide -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_business_guide_5_0.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?

• 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!

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

Congratulations to Empty Bowls Scholarship Winners Allie Maccalous and Giavanna Ciampolillo

via Franklin Food Pantry 

"Congratulations to Empty Bowls Scholarship Winners Allie Maccalous and Giavanna Ciampolillo! 

The scholarship recognizes the long-term commitment these students have made to the mission of the Empty Bowls Club throughout their time in high school. 

Allie will attend the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford in the fall as an undecided Art major, and Giavanna will attend Stonehill College in the fall for a double major in Business and Psychology. 

Everyone at The Pantry is grateful to Allie and Giavanna for bringing awareness to food insecurity and sharing their talents with us! 

 

Photo: Allie and Giavanna with Empty Bowls Club Advisor and FHS Art Teacher Brenna Johnson

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/gSKeHtzGPhCviUw4/

You can listen to the recording by the Empty Bowls leadership team in advance of the Empty Bowls simple supper in May 2024 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/this-episode-talks-about-working-with.html

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF): Winds of Change - August 11, 2024

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for August 4, 2024 through August 18, 2024.  Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.

All services start at 10:00 AM 

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF): Winds of Change - August 11, 2024

UU Value of Transformation:  Winds of Change - August 11, 2024

Change can be a whirlwind.  Some see transformation as an exciting new chapter in life and accept it freely like a breath of fresh air.  Others may find change frightening and difficult to embrace.  In considering the range of emotions we all experience on this topic, where would you place yourself when you reflect on transformations you’ve made throughout life?  How many times have you freely chosen change and how many times has personal change been driven by life’s circumstances?  Please join FUSF member Deb Prudhomme in the exploration, reflection, and embrace of the winds of change.

.

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.  

Free, all ages Fan Appreciation show Jennifer Tefft & The Strange - Aug 10

via Jennifer Tefft:

"Free, all ages Fan Appreciation show Jennifer Tefft & The Strange @ Start Line This Saturday 8/10 7 PM"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/xsVNRGbpF1vicHQJ/

Additional performance by Jennifer can be found on https://jennifertefft.com/

Free, all ages Fan Appreciation show Jennifer Tefft & The Strange - Aug 10

Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy scheduled for La Cantina Winery Sep 13

Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy La Cantina Winery Sep 13

 

"Ayla and Rob are back at La Cantina Winery for their intimate, acoustic "Storyteller Show." Limited tickets available. 

Date: Sept 13

Time: 8-10 PM 

Dinner will not be served during the show, but servers will be present for beer and wine sales. Seating will be communal and not assigned. 

Tickets are non-refundable.

Ticket Price: $40/ticket

Ticket Link: https://lacantinawinery.square.site/"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/V6338AeeYN74XcP9/

Town of Franklin: Request for Qualifications ~ Designer Services for New Police Station

Request for Qualifications ~ Designer Services for New Police Station

In accordance with Chapter 7C, §§ 44-57 of the Massachusetts General Laws, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a Designer to provide Designer Services for a new Police Station in the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Designer Services for New Police Station

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-qualifications-designer-services-new-police-station

Town of Franklin: Request for Qualifications ~ Designer Services for New Police Station

Mass Parks For All: DCR Stewardship Council Stakeholders Committee @ Monday, Aug 12, 2024 6:30 PM (ET)

Register for Monday's Committee meeting, and thank your elected officials for supporting our state parks

Mass Parks For All August 2024 Dear Parks Supporter,   We have two opportunities for you to support state parks!   The first is on Monday, August 12, when the Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council's Stakeholders Committee will hold its second listening session for park users, park friends groups and other stakeholders via Zoom from 6:30-8 p.m. ET.   Established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2003, the Stewardship Council is an independent body consisting of 13 members appointed by the Governor that assists and oversees DCR. The Council meets monthly to discuss issues pertaining to state parks, to hear presentations from DCR staff and outside partner organizations, and to receive public comments.   Monday's session will focus on what participants see as the greatest improvement at DCR, and what they see as the greatest operational need at DCR. The Council will use this feedback to inform its policy and other decisions as it seeks to help guide DCR as the agency rebuilds our parks.   You should register ahead of time here, and if you wish to speak during the session, please contact Matthew Perry at matthew.s.perry1@mass.gov. Matthew will organize and call upon speakers during the meeting. Please note that the meeting will be recorded.   You can view the first Stakeholders Committee listening session, held on February 26, 2024, on YouTube here.   The second opportunity is available now: click here to send a thank you message to your state legislators!   Mass Parks for All (MPA) recently reported on the FY2025 budget signed into law by the Healey-Driscoll Administration on July 29. The budget gives DCR a combined $8.4 million increase for day-to-day operations and seasonal employees, who staff DCR facilities during peak use periods. MPA feels this budget, especially in light of ongoing fluctuations in state tax revenues, will allow the agency to continue the progress it made during the last two budget cycles.   Together, we sought substantial budget increases for DCR for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and the Legislature and the Administration, recognizing our parks are essential, delivered. Over that two-year period, DCR's operations budget has increased by 29 percent, to $110.00 million, while the seasonal employee account went up by 18 percent, to $28.5 million. During the same period, the overall state budget increased by 9.7 percent, to $57.8 billion.   Please join us in thanking your elected state officials for recognizing the value DCR brings to our lives and for having the agency's back, even during fiscally unstable times.   Yours in conservation,   Doug Pizzi Executive Director Mass Parks for All (MPA) is a statewide non-partisan, non-profit 501(C)(3) organization with a 21st-century vision for protecting, renewing, expanding, and connecting our public lands. This newsletter is supported by the community that funds this work. Donate to support our work → Our mailing address is: Mass Parks For All P.O. Box 300343 Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 United States

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Aug 8, 2024

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p Turntable – with David 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 5

7:30 am Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 2

9:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wedding Gowns

10:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage

1:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender

4:00 pm Panther Pride: Todd Kiley

5:00 pm Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

6:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 1 - Tweed funk

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Bill O'Donnell

9:00 pm Endless Konnections: Alex Edwards

10:00 pm PorchFest Pt 2

• 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: Concert Hour Day 1

11:00 am FHS Graduation 2024

1:30 pm Franklin Cultural District: Brent Selby

2:30 pm Panther Pride: Todd Kiley

4:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Foxboro 04-08-24

8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 07-25-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 07-17-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 07-25-24

7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  993 4142 4387

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: Wednesday, August 7, 2024?

Wednesday, August 7

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

10:30am Rolie Polie Guacamole (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Petite Picassos  (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin Spanish Conversation Meet-up group  (Franklin Public Library)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting  (Franklin Public Library)

Event Date:  Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - 7:00pm

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

Second Sunday Speaker at Franklin Historical Museum to Talk About the (mostly) Happy Days at the Town Pool

the (mostly) Happy Days at the Town Pool

The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the museum continues on August 11, 2024 with perennially popular local historian, Joe Landry. 

Splish, Splash – A Seasonal Second Sunday Speaker Presentation on The Town Pool!

The Town Pool, now the location of the Sculpture Park off of Panther Way, was a fixture in Town Life from the 1930s to the 1980s.  Yet another gift to the town from the Ray family, its swimming program was overseen for many years by Lorraine Metcalf, scion of another “old” Franklin family. Joe will also share images and film clips from a not-so-distant past. 

Doors open at 1 and the presentation begins at 1:15 PM.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. 

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

The Music of TAYLOR SWIFT comes to THE BLACK BOX - Aug 11

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, is thrilled to bring back THE BLACK BOX Sings… Concert Series this summer. 

THE BLACK BOX Sings… TAYLOR SWIFT on August 11th at 7:00pm at THE BLACK BOX outside under the stars. A cast of Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites will pay tribute to the most-streamed artist on Spotify: Grammy Award-winner Taylor Swift! Table seating and general seating are available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside.

The Music of TAYLOR SWIFT comes to THE BLACK BOX

The talented lineup of singers includes Caitlin Beirne, Dan Callaway, Ali Funkhouser, April Lisette, DJ Ormond, Julia Ormond, Shaun Ormond, Myranda Rose Silva, Johanna Stipetic, Isis Wilson, Erin Belger, Tzintli Cerda, Anya Fox, Devin Curley, Devin DeAngelis, Ani Corkran, and Baree Frigon. They will be joined for one song by a group of students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts who will participate in a Taylor Swift-themed Musical Theater Workshop with Ali Funkhouser on the day of the concert. 

Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at 54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series this August. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites. Table seating and general seating are available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside. 

Tickets and more information are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central Street in downtown Franklin, MA.

Help Remove Invasive Plants at DelCarte - Saturday, August 17

Please join the Friends of Franklin Conservation stewardship group on Saturday, August 17 between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the DelCarte Conservation Area to remove invasive species in the turtle nesting habitat and biodiversity areas. 

Come for all of it or just a little of it, just be sure to bring some gloves and water!

Help Remove Invasive Plants at DelCarte - Saturday, August 17

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/help-remove-invasive-plants-delcarte-saturday-august-17

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Qualified Environmental Professional Services

Request for Proposals - Qualified Environmental Professional Services

The Town of Franklin wishes to retain the services of a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) to provide environmental planning, assessment, and remediation services related to the former Nu-Style Jewelry Factory Brownfield.

Additional Information:  RFP for Qualified Environmental Professional Services

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-qualified-environmental-professional-services

Town of Franklin: Request for Proposals - Qualified Environmental Professional Services

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Tue, Aug 06, 2024:

"Take note of these important steps to keep yourself safe from mosquitos this summer!"

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Shared from -> https://t.co/WNlKGrGdJr

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features  my conversation with the Library's Mitzi Gousie as we discuss the August 2024 highlights ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/get-insights-on-all-events-happening-at.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi talk about non-alcoholic wine    ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features with Sarah & Ariel as we talk about the Senior Center event highlights for August 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/sarah-ariel-reveals-whats-happening-at.html

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

7:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady

8:30 am Matt York: Highway Men

10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wedding Gowns

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage

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 Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

5:00 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act

6:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Strumdawgs

9:30 pm 4th of July 2024: Smoke 'n' Whiskey

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

8:30 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:00 am Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18

1:30 pm Tri County Graduation 2024

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Foxboro 04-08-24

5:30 pm FHS Graduation 2024

8:00 pm Panther Pride: Todd Kiley

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

8:00 am  Town Council 07-17-24

12:00 pm  Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 07-17-24

2:00 pm  Town Council 07-17-24

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