Franklin Matters

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Police Station Building Comte gets project overview from OPM Joe Sullivan (audio)

FM #1303 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1303 in the series.

This session shares the audio of the Police Station Building Committee (PSBC) meeting on Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024. All 10 members were present. This is the start of the real work on the station. The Owner Project Manager (OPM), Joseph (Joe) Sullivan is in place and leading the effort per Mass General Law for projects of this size.

Quick recap:

Committee voted to approve minutes of 3 prior meetings (1 as amended to correct attendance status of one person)
Joe provided an overview of the project steps
7 architects submitted to the RFQ from which 3 firms were selected for interviews at the next meeting Nov 14 (a long session, 30min presentations, 15 Q&A, 15 mins briefing between sessions, and then after the scoring, it will take 2-3 weeks to settle the contract. Once contracted, then evaluation begins, what today's needs are, and then layer in flexibility for future requirements
Site selection will be a key component, usually requires 4-6 acres to allow for security and proper public access, includes traffic studies to determine proper fit
Conceptual design, lay the building on the site to see how it works
Committee vote on key steps along the way, no Taj Mahal, just what you need Min of 3 cost estimates
Preliminary budget after conceptual design, let committee feel comfortable with the design and the associated costs. Design contingency is used for those next level details beyond the overall building structure costs, i.e. sprinkler, technology, outfitting the building, etc.

Additional items of the recap can be found -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/police-station-building-comte-gets.html

The recording run about 58 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1303-police-station-blg-cmte-10-30-24/

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Franklin TV video of the meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EriYvnsyTO0?si=0TSXC0OswbrnnCT6&t=195

Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-10-30_police_station_building_committee_packet.pdf

My notes in on PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ri3wYEfziwIAA31Ch4AVfCZAszny_kV7/view?usp=drive_link

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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
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And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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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Police Station Building Committee - Agenda for meeting Oct 30 at 5:30 PM

Insights on the forthcoming Train station mural

via https://www.instagram.com/kaylajeannisbet/

"Normally I share a project with you after it’s done and wrapped with a bow but since the exciting word is out thanks to the @franklinmatters.ma podcast, this time, I’m sharing backwards. Or rather starting from the beginning. In 1778 to be exact!

I’m honored to have been asked to design a mural for the Dean College/Franklin T station. The mural will celebrate the historical charm and history of our town. I promise to put my fun + simple spin on it, and always with a touch of whimsy! On this journey with me are members from the @franklin_art_association, @franklinculturalcouncil02038, Franklin Cultural District, and Franklin High School. Here are some sneak peeks as we begin the long process of applying to the MBTA for mural permissions.

A huge thank you to @beccarausch4ma for awarding Franklin an extremely generous grant for Public Art and for Cory Shea @franklinculture for asking me to lead this project. This project wouldn’t be possible without both of these amazing ladies, or without the help of Dr. Robert Lawson, Dean College History Professor and our town Archivist, Rowan Lowell who have helped me extensively research Franklin’s rich history.

So proud of what has been accomplished already and I can’t wait to paint this with the team in the Spring. Listen to the Franklin Matters podcast on the link in bio for more info!"

Podcast link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---October-24--2024-e2qcr9o/a-abjusse

Full posting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-franklin-arts-culture-economic.html

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DB1DRriREEs/

Eat at The Chateau to support the FHS Unified fund raiser Nov 5

Eat at The Chateau Nov 5

"Grab some friends for lunch or dinner on your day off!!

Head to Chateau restaurant for lunch, dinner or even takeout and be sure to mention the Unified Sports fundraiser to flag your check and Chateau will donate 20% of sales to the FHS Unified Sports program."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DBumhK0uY3b/

Project PJ is back and can use your help!

Project PJ is back
"Project PJ is back!

Donations are officially open for the 2024 holiday season! Due to the enormous success of last year and the growing need from DCF, in addition to pairs of new pajamas in all sizes, we are opening donations up for board games, puzzles, books, and other small comfort items that can be given to children and foster families to ease their transition.

Check out the link in bio for registries and ways to donate!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DB1J44Ru5tO/

Or go direct to their links -> https://linktr.ee/projectpjma?

Franklin Area Childcare Fair - Weds, Nov 6

"Reminder that this event is happening next week at the Franklin Public Library. We have 16+ childcare providers in the Franklin area that will be there to chat with you!

If you need daycare, preschool, afterschool care, or summer camp in the Franklin area, this is the event for you!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/126zF2sgLHZ/

Saturday, November 2, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 2, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 2

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

9am Advance deposit of early voted ballots (Franklin High School)

9am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

3pm Copley Cats Acapella Concert (Franklin Public Library)

6pm Cinema 80: City Lights (Franklin Historical Museum)

6:30pm Wicked Queer Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7pm Moxie (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7pm Arts Mosaic (Dean College Guidry Theater)

7:30pm FHSTC presents THE OUTSIDERS (Franklin High School)

8pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Cedar House Restaurant & Bar, Walpole)

8pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

** NO Town Meetings today **

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/upcoming

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 Community Closet has been so successful, looking for volunteers to expand offerings

looking for volunteers

via Franklin United Methodist Church

The Community Closet has been a tremendous success. We're looking for volunteers. We're looking to expand our offerings. And, because of your generosity, we're able to clothe our community for FREE. If you haven't already checked it out and picked out a few clothes for yourself, you should!

Check out the latest update (image ->) and learn how you can meet, serve, share with your neighbors and build community together!

You can find the link to the update post here, https://franklinumc.org/2024/10/30/volunteers-needed-community-closet-franklinumc/?

Download the flyer to share or as reminder for November hours -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19fpDmhZm3qU8gGlx2fqu9990Xy1Gym95/view?usp=drive_link

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is accepting applications for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has begun accepting applications for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight.

This year BFCCPS celebrates its 30th year of operation. The school was founded in 1995 and is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts.

Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from communities in the school's district will have a chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on February 24, 2025.

BFCCPS

Applicants from outside of the region (who reside within the state of Massachusetts) will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.

For the 2025-2026 school year 100 spaces will be offered for Kindergarten and students at all other grade levels will receive a waiting list number. Offers for Grades One through Eight would be contingent upon currently enrolled students electing not to return next year.

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education. In addition to our core academic and co-curricular classes, students in Grade Six through Eight participate in weekly Classical Enrichment Courses and start Latin studies in Grade Six.

Middle schoolers are also eligible to participate in our Spring Musical. Students in Grades 5-8 also have the opportunity to participate in overnight field trips each spring.

Round trip bus transportation is available with bus stops currently in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Norfolk, Mendon, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham.

BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools.

Please visit the school’s website at www.bfccps.org for enrollment details, including applications. Enrollment information sessions and building tours will be held on January 11th and February 8 from 10 AM to noon . Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 14, 2025 at 4 PM.

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

FHS volleyball wins to advance in playoffs, FHS football tops Milford in OT (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, November 1, 2024

Football = Milford, 26 @ Franklin, 28 – Final (OT)

1st Quarter: (F) Justin Bianchetto 66-yard pass to Kyle Walsh, Owen Essam XP good.

2nd Quarter: (M) Andrew Rivera 2-yard rush, XP failed; (M) Jack Buckley 38-yard pass to Sean Pierce, J. Buckley 2pt pass to S. Pierce.

3rd Quarter: (M) Joey McGee 21-yard field goal; (M) J. McGee 43-yard field goal; (F) Will Tirrell 1-yard rush, O. Essam XP good.

4th Quarter: (F) J. Bianchetto 43-yard pass to Andrew Fraulo, XP failed.

Overtime: (F) A. Fraulo 3-yard rush, A. Fraulo 2pt rush; (M) J. Buckley 17-yard pass to A. Rivera, 2pt pass failed.

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeyHFpG2nzM

Volleyball = Division 1 = #24 Methuen, 0 @ #9 Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin made itself right at home at Mansfield, opening the playoffs with a 3-0 sweep over Metheun. The Panthers will get to play in their home gym after all as they will host #25 Belmont, who upset Bishop Feehan, on Wednesday at 6:00.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-01-24/

FHS volleyball wins to advance in playoffs, FHS football tops Milford in OT (video)

FHS girls and boys soccer team playoff seeds & initial matchups set

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, November 1, 2024

** Soccer Playoff Seeds & Matchups

Boys Soccer = Division 1

#22 Franklin (13-4-1) will host #43 Springfield Central (9-7-1) on Sunday, Nov 3 at noon.

MIAA bracket -> https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=478996&tclass=

Girls Soccer = Division 1

#13 Franklin (12-1-5) will host #20 Wachusett (11-3-4) on Monday, Nov 4 at 6:00.

MIAA bracket -> https://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=479001&tclass=

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-soccer-playoff-seeds-matchups/

FHS volleyball & field hockey initial playoff seeds & matches set

Rausch Report for Oct 2024

Rausch Report - 10/30/24

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are enjoying the spectacular fall colors! The colors are certainly popping here on Beacon Hill, as are several bills on the move. Just last week, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass strong climate legislation that advances clean energy, modernizes the grid, and protects ratepayers.

Fall is also a special time of year for a wide variety of community events, harvest festivals, and holidays. Last week, the lights and colors of a Diwali celebration brightened the halls of the State House for the first time. This month, I and many in the Jewish community celebrated the Jewish New Year, the harvest festival of Sukkot, and other holidays. And of course, tomorrow is Halloween! I wish you and your family a very happy, safe, and slightly spooky day of candy, community, and fun.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report for more legislative updates, a snapshot of events I’ve attended, a roundup of upcoming activities in our district, a nonpartisan election toolkit, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

Continue reading the current Rausch Report online -> https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18243630

State Representative Jeff Roy rolls out 2024 endorsements

United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy in his State Representative race in the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway).

“I am proud to endorse Rep. Jeff Roy for re-election as the State Representative for Franklin and Medway. He has been a partner and champion on climate and energy issues, spearheading efforts to pass landmark climate and energy bills, as well as legislation to address substance use disorder, economic development, and civil rights. And he has consistently delivered critical local aid to Franklin and Medway. I look forward to continuing to partner with him."

United States Senator Ed Markey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy

In addition to Markey, Roy has been endorsed by Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Speaker of the House Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council, Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers & Scientists, Massachusetts Nurses Association, and 1999SEIU. He has also been endorsed by Franklin Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer; Franklin Town Council Vice-Chair Robert Dellorco; and Franklin Town Council Clerk Glenn Jones.

Governor Healey shared the following:

“Representative Roy has been a highly effective and skilled legislator for more than a decade, advancing important laws addressing education, economic development, healthcare, criminal justice, and civil rights. In his role as Chairman of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, Jeff spearheaded efforts to pass landmark climate and energy legislation to legislation strengthening protections for survivors of abuse and exploitation. His district and the Commonwealth will benefit from his continued leadership at the State House."

Attorney General Campbell noted that Jeff

“has been a partner in the work, including protecting our environment and addressing climate change. With significant local and state government experience, he is passionate about getting things done and having an impact on all of his constituents, including his seniors, students, and those often forgotten.”

In its endorsement, the Mass State Police Commissioned Officers Association President William “Duke” Donaghue remarked that MSP COA

“deeply appreciates your past support for law enforcement and your commitment to public safety in the Commonwealth. Your proven leadership and dedication aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure the safety of our communities and the well-being of our members.”

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch stated:

“The Massachusetts AFL-CIO Executive Council has officially voted to endorse your re-election. On behalf of nearly half a million members across the Commonwealth, we are proud to support candidates like you who have demonstrated a commitment to the values and principles of the Labor Movement, and create an economy that works for working people.”

"I am absolutely thrilled to receive the support and endorsement from all of these groups and individuals," noted Roy. "In my years in the Massachusetts House I have built strong and lasting relationships and have partnered with them to make Massachusetts and our communities great places to live, work, and raise a family. With their continued support, I am confident we can continue to deliver results for Massachusetts."

You can view the complete list of endorsements and testimonials at https://jeffreyroy.com/testimonials/.

Since 2013 Jeff has been part of a legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, climate change, energy, and the environment. In addition, he led efforts to:

• Draft and pass the bill accelerating a responsible, innovative and equitable clean energy transition in 2024;

• Draft and pass an act to prevent abuse and exploitation in 2024;

• Draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022;

• Finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021;

• Draft and pass the Genocide Education Act in 2021;

• Draft and pass legislation on Step Therapy and Patient Safety in 2022;

• Draft and pass legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses in 2021;

• Draft and pass legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions in 2019;

• Draft and pass legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices in 2015;

• Pass legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes in 2015; and

• Pass legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville in 2013.

He has also led efforts to bring millions of dollars in local aid for schools, roads, infrastructure, public safety, arts, recreation, substance use disorder, economic development, historical preservation, and food insecurity. He has also helped thousands of constituents with issues involving unemployment, health care, human services, and other matters with state agencies.

Roy is seeking re-election as the State Representative for the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin & Medway). He is the Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance.

He is also the Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. Previously, he served as a member of the Franklin Town Council, and the Franklin School Committee where he held the position of Chair for 9 of his 10 years. He also chaired Franklin's Master Plan Committee from 2012 to 2013.

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/

Voices of Franklin: J Garland says candidate's claim is "empty words"

Here’s an example of empty words: the Republican candidate for State Senate claims to run on “accountability” and yet failed to satisfy even the most basic of her own accountability requirements: timely reporting of her campaign finances.

Candidates for the legislature were required to file pre-election deposit reports with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance by October 28. That deadline came and went several days ago. Ms. Videira has failed to complete this basic task.

If voters want a real, proven champion of transparency and accountability, they should vote to reelect Senator Becca Rausch.

Sincerely,

Julie Garland

Wrentham, MA

Correspondence with Ms Videra returned this reply:

"I thank you for the courtesy update regarding the upcoming publication. When covering the story, please highlight that a recent loss in our family has delayed our filing compliance and we are working with OCPF directly to resolve this matter. "

Screengrabs submitted to support claim of noncompliance

OCPF page with requirement for filing within 8 days of elections

OCPF page for D Videra showing no report activity as required

You can search the OCPF site -> https://ocpf.us/Home/Index

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Beaver Street Interceptor Project Construction Update for Week of Nov 4 - 8 (Beaver St detour continues)

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

Beaver Street Interceptor Project Construction Update for Week of Nov 4 - 8 (Beaver St detour continues)

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of November 4th!

Monday (11/4) - Friday (11/8): Beaver Street from RT. 140 (West Central Street) to the Franklin Recreation Center will be closed, see interactive map for location. The road closure will be from 7am to 4pm, Monday thru Friday.

Those needing to access Beaver Street and the businesses/properties located on that section of Beaver Street will be detoured over to Grove Street. Please follow all posted detour signs and be prepared for delays. Note that all businesses on Beaver Street remain open and accessible, please follow posted signs for access.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with concrete form placement and rebar tying for the pump station foundation walls.

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor Project Construction Update for Week of Nov 4 - 8

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

Join us in celebrating Massachusetts 250 starting in 2025

As we look ahead to Franklin 250th anniversary in 2028, we invite you to join us in celebrating Massachusetts 250 starting in 2025!

MA 250 is all about celebrating America's 250 birthday! Communities around the commonwealth are curating programming to reflect and celebrate this milestone. How will your organization or community join in on the fun?

MA 250 Franklin

In preparation for this exciting milestone, we encourage local event organizers to incorporate a historic element into their annual programs, celebrating Franklin’s rich heritage and cultural history.

These events will be highlighted as part of a town-wide community marketing campaign that showcases the unique stories, traditions, and achievements of our town, building momentum towards the grand celebration in 2028. Let’s come together to honor the past and create a lasting legacy for the future!

Submit your MA 250 event here to be included in the program booklet - Deadline is December 6th, 2024.

https://www.franklinculture.org/ma-250-franklin-250