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Friday, August 9, 2024
Summer Nights at White Barn Farm August 29th: Gather to meet and greet with the Metacomet Land Trust
Governor Maura Healey Signs Historic HERO Act, Ushering in New Era for Veterans in Massachusetts
"Governor Maura Healey signed off Thursday on a new veterans’ benefits law that she touted as “a big deal,” while Veterans’ Services Secretary Jon Santiago told a packed town hall that the Holyoke Veterans Home had been awarded licensure by the Department of Public Health.The state-run facility in Holyoke was plagued by scandal in 2020 after a deadly COVID-19 outbreak killed more than 70 veterans living there. Reform of the system was spurred on by a 2022 law, which mandated that both the Holyoke and Chelsea veterans homes achieve DPH licensure.“It’s hot off the press that both of those homes are now licensed by the Department of Public Health, something that people thought was unimaginable, impossible after COVID-19,” Santiago told attendees at the bill-signing ceremony."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/08/metro/mass-governor-signs-big-deal-veterans-bill/
Gov Healey press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-maura-healey-signs-historic-hero-act-ushering-in-new-era-for-veterans-in-massachusetts
Direct link to the HERO Act legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4976
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| Governor Maura Healey Signs Historic HERO Act, Ushering in New Era for Veterans in Massachusetts |
CommonWealth Beacon: "Mass. takes major step toward child care reform"
"MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN at the forefront of many historic milestones. It established the first public school, led the way on health care reform, and was the first to enshrine the right to marriage equality. Now, Massachusetts is poised to take the lead when it comes to child care reform.Last week, Gov. Maura Healey signed the final fiscal year 2025 state budget, which makes a $1.5 billion investment in the child care sector. It does a lot more, as well. Flying under the radar are the landmark policy changes that the budget’s outside sections codify into permanent statute.The budget draws on policy provisions proposed in recent bills, including the Early Ed Act, to set forth the most significant updates to the Massachusetts early education statute, Chapter 15D, since the creation of the Department of Early Education and Care in 2005 — updates that are a long time coming."
Continue reading the article at the CommonWealth Beacon -> https://commonwealthbeacon.org/education/mass-takes-major-step-toward-child-care-reform/
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| CommonWealth Beacon: "Mass. takes major step toward child care reform" |
DNC Gathers Veterans in Congress and PACT Act Advocates to Highlight Threat Trump-Vance Ticket Poses to Veterans
Today (08/08/24), the DNC hosted a press call with Reps. Jason Crow, Jake Auchincloss, and Mikie Sherrill, as well as veterans and members of Common Defense, Naveed Shah and Moises Montalvo, a PACT Act recipient, to mark the anniversary of the PACT Act and lay out the threat that Donald Trump, JD Vance, and their extreme Project 2025 agenda pose to veterans. In stark contrast, President Biden and Vice President Harris secured the PACT Act, delivering benefits for more than 888,000 veterans and survivors across the country. Vice President Harris’ running mate, Governor Tim Walz, is a veteran himself who has a strong record of delivering for veterans and their families across the state of Minnesota and nationwide. Together, they will fight for those who served our country, and strengthen the democracy that millions have fought and died to protect.
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| Rep Jason Crow |
“We’re gathering to honor and celebrate the second year anniversary of one of the largest expansions of veterans’ benefits in American history. This is not an academic exercise. We see and feel in our districts and our communities the real impact already of this expansion. People are getting access, and now, are eligible for benefits that they weren’t able to receive before,” said Rep. Jason Crow. “This is lifesaving stuff, and I want to thank the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, the partnership between Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and actually helping push through and work with Congress to make this expansion happen. Because without that collaboration, without that leadership, it just wouldn’t have happened, and now we have over one million veterans nationwide that have the access to these benefits, and that’s true leadership. This week we were also introduced to Vice President Harris’ running mate: Tim Walz from Minnesota. You have on this ticket a leadership team that represents America.”
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| Rep Jake Auchincloss |
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| Rep Mikie Sherrill |
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| Moises Montalvo |
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| Naveed Shah |
Press release shared from -> https://democrats.org/news/dnc-gathers-veterans-in-congress-and-pact-act-advocates-to-highlight-threat-trump-vance-ticket-poses-to-veterans/
67 Degrees Brewery announces entertainment schedule for Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
via 67 Degrees Brewery:
"The Wrentham Entertainment Schedule is here!We will be jamming from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM "
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| 67 Degrees Brewery announces entertainment schedule for Wrentham Outlet |
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C-VuNorClO0/
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Aug 9, 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: Wedding Gowns
8:30 am Frank Presents: Bill O'Donnell
10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender
11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese
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 Panther Pride: Todd Kiley
4:00 pm Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022
5:30 pm Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 2
8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Alex Edwards
9:30 pm 4th of July 2024: Smoke 'n' Whiskey
- 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 Menthal Health: Donna Grady
9:30 am Tri County Graduation 2024
11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball v Foxboro 04-08-24
1:30 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
3:00 pm Franklin Cultural District: Brent Selby
4:00 pm Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18
6:00 pm FHS Graduation 2024
9:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY
8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 05-23-24
12:00 pm Economic Development 07-17-24
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
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Thursday, August 8, 2024
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 8, 2024?
Thursday, August 8
10:00am Bryson Lang Comedy Juggling Show (Franklin Public Library)
10:30am Family Yoga! (toddler & kids) (Franklin Public Library)
5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)
9:00pm Steven Fritzsche (Two for the Rode) (live music) (3 Restaurant)
** Town Meetings today **
- Conservation Commission Meeting (virtual only)
Event Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 7:00pm
- Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting (hybrid meeting)
Event Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024 - 7:00pm
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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 Police share alert on multiple check thefts from Franklin Post Office
Via Franklin Police Department:
"The Franklin Police Department Detectives and the Postal Inspection Service are currently investigating multiple check thefts from outside blue mail drop boxes including the outside drop box at the Main Street Post Office.
A Postal Employee was robbed of a key to these boxes. As a result, several residents have placed checks to be mailed in these boxes. The suspects in this case have been opening the boxes, taking all of their contents, finding checks, and washing them. This means they are changing the checks in value and who they are deposited to. They then deposit these checks resulting in people being out thousands of dollars via this check scam.
Residents and people using the Main Street Post Office are advised to use caution if using the outside drop box.
If you can, use the box inside the Post Office or consider sending checks and other important mail a different way.
If you see suspicious activity around the post office you’re encouraged to call 508-528-1212 or if you believe it’s an emergency 911."
Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/PvHhC6RX4FnitiPW/
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| Franklin Police share alert on multiple check thefts from Franklin Post Office |
Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Announces 2024-25 Season
The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce its 2024-25 season of musicals and plays in their home venue THE BLACK BOX. The exciting lineup will include School of Rock, Proof, To Tell a Story About the Earth, The Producers, and Little Women.
FPAC will open its season with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – The Musical October 18-27 at THE BLACK BOX. Based on the hit movie, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? With its sensational live kids’ rock band, School of Rock - The Musical is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music. Directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with choreography by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Matilda, Newsies), and music direction by Hallie Wetzell.
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| Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Announces 2024-25 Season |
The season continues with David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof November 15-17 at THE BLACK BOX. Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, Robert. When he dies she has more than grief to deal with: there's her estranged sister, Claire, and Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that Robert left behind. And a further problem: how much of her father's madness - or genius - will Catherine inherit? Directed by Nick Paone. Patrons are advised: Proof deals heavily with themes of grief, death, and dying and contains strong language and some mature themes.
FPAC Holiday Productions will mount their annual production of The Nutcracker with live orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers December 7-8 at the FHS Auditorium. December 20-21, the holidays are jolly and bright as 'Tis the Season! returns to entertain audiences with great merriment, fanfare, and fun. An original large cast musical first presented by FPAC Holiday Productions in 1995, 'Tis is an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to Rock, Pop, and Broadway.
After the holidays, FPAC will present To Tell a Story About the Earth, a new play by Miranda Rose Hall in development by LubDub Theatre Co January 10-12 at THE BLACK BOX. After a disastrous first production, a fledgling theater company has decided to call it quits. But when the local librarian requests a new performance for Earth Day, the young artists have a decision to make, and questions abound: what's the deal with this weird fish? Who built the room we're standing in? Isn't there supposed to be a storm tonight? Part scripted play, part guided introduction to devising methods, part environmental investigation, and part fill in the blank, To Tell a Story About the Earth prompts ensembles everywhere to create and share an original show about the natural world close to home. Directed by Caitlin Nasema Cassidy and Geoff Kanick.
The 2024-25 season will continue with Mel Brooks’ The Producers March 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX. The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit. The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show, hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners. Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, with choreography by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Matilda, Newsies), and music direction by Hallie Wetzell. The Producers is a Mel Brooks comedy full of adult humor and innuendo. Audience discretion is advised.
FPAC’s season will conclude with the musical adaptation of Little Women June 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice. Directed by Ali Funkhouser with music direction by Hallie Wetzell.
FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts. Tickets for the 2024-25 season will be on sale soon. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming.
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
"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!
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| 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
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| 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.
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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/
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| Free, all ages Fan Appreciation show Jennifer Tefft & The Strange - Aug 10 |
Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy scheduled for La Cantina Winery Sep 13
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| 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 13Time: 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/ticketTicket 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
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| Town of Franklin: Request for Qualifications ~ Designer Services for New Police Station |
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