Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: construction updates for Week of Nov 18 - Nov 22

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: construction updates for Week of Nov 18 - Nov 22

  

BSI Construction Update for the Week of November 18th!

Monday (11/18) - Friday (11/22): The construction crew will be on Grove Street in the area of 25 Grove Street (near Forge Hill Rd.) working on the Grove Street sewer siphon. All work will occur on the side of the road with little to no traffic impacts.

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 (BSI) Project: construction updates for Week of Nov 18 - Nov 22

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

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Lifelong Community Learning: Upcoming Workshops!

Sound Bath and Holiday Ornaments

Choose from 2 upcoming workshops: (1) Sound Bath Meditation Workshop (2) Adult Craft: Holiday Ornaments For information and to register, visit: Community Learning Workshops and Special Events

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

MassBudget: 25% of the entire MA state budget is paid for with Federal dollars

MassBudget (@MassBudget) posted  Fri, Nov 15, 2024:

💸In case you didn't know: a quarter of the entire MA state budget is paid for with Federal dollars. 

While taxes make up most of the revenue, it's important to remember the budget's multiple funding sources, and how that context can affect the decisions the state makes. #mapoli

Shared from -> https://t.co/A9QaDOLlL0

Visit MassBudget for additional info -> https://massbudget.org/state-budget/

MassBudget: 25% of the entire MA state budget is paid for with Federal dollars

Helping kids navigate the online world: welcome to Youville

Helping kids navigate the online world: welcome to Youville By Jim Kreidler If the young people in your life spend lots of time online — watching videos, playing games and texting friends — do they have the skills to question and evaluate what they find there?  The FTC's new educational materials and classroom-based tools could help. Whether you're an educator, parent, or youth group leader, head over to Youville and start exploring. Read more ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/11/helping-kids-navigate-online-world-welcome-youville? Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfAGecNijS8 Check out Youville at: https://www.ftc.gov/youville

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, November 15, 2024 ???

Friday, November 15

• Dean College baseball fundraiser at Panera (all day)
• FHS Theatre Co Skating Party (Fri - night; Pirelli Arena) (fund raising)

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Illustrator Workshop for Kids (Franklin Public Library)

2pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

7:30pm FPAC: Proof (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm My Favorite Year (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

9pm Alex Fradkin (live music) (3 Restaurant)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

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/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

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade is closing down its operation

Dear Franklin Community,

We are sharing a difficult, but necessary message regarding Neighbor Brigade.

You probably do not know, but our organization has faced challenging headwinds for the past few years. Tough economic times have made fundraising increasingly harder, while new solutions empowered by technology, such as convenient and affordable meal delivery, ride-sharing, and telemedicine, have reduced the overall demand for our services. 

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade is closing down

Consequently, after more than 14 years of dedicated service to thousands of neighbors, families, and communities in sudden crisis across New England and beyond, Neighbor Brigade will be winding down its services by the end of the year.

Franklin has been privileged as a chapter in doing this special and meaningful work over the past 12 years by the chapter volunteers. People who once were strangers became our neighbors. Often we do not know when a neighbor is going through a challenge, and we have been happy to serve 12 years, caring and loving individuals and families get to the other side of their crisis. 

The holidays are coming ever so quickly and we can assure you, there are many people who live around you that are in need of a little help from the one who lives next door. We know it as we close out 2024 supporting and directing many needs. Our volunteers in the Franklin Neighbor Brigade can attest to feeling like they received more in helping than they ever could have imagined.

May it live on with the seed that has been planted, and the footsteps made, of help being next door for all❤️

With gratitude, 

Linda Gagnon and Cheryl Ferri, 

Franklin Neighbor Brigade chapter leaders 

Franklinma@neighborbrigade.org

Franklin VFW To Reactivate Post Auxiliary

Franklin VFW Post 3402 is working towards reactivating the Post Auxiliary and is seeking at least 15 qualified individuals to join.

Our original auxiliary closed in 2021 as a result of COVID.

In order to bring the auxiliary back, we’ll need to submit an application to the State VFW Auxiliary along with the names of 15 new members and supporting documentation establishing each potential member’s eligibility.

Franklin VFW To Reactivate Post Auxiliary

WHAT DOES THE AUXILIARY DO?

The Auxiliary and the Post work together to serve veterans and our community. The nice thing about joining a new auxiliary is it’s a blank slate and the new membership can make it what they want it to be. They’ll elect a slate of approximately 9 officers including a president, a Secretary/treasurer, and 3 trustees.

The Post (Jointly with the Franklin American Legion) currently does the following activities that we envision the Auxiliary helping us with. Of course, it’s up to the Auxiliary whether or not to participate and they’re also free to do their own projects.

1. Holiday dinner on Thanksgiving and Christmas for veterans and widows/widowers of veterans with no local family

2. Holiday gift drive for veterans and their families that receive services from the Franklin Veteran’s Service Office

3. Back to School drive to get backpacks and school supplies for kids of veterans served by the Franklin Veteran’s Service Office

The Post also conducts the following activities that we envision doing with the Auxiliary

1. Volunteer at the VFWMA District 5 Cookout for the patients and staff of the West Roxbury VA Hospital (typically held each June)

2. Volunteer at the VFWMA Annual Christmas Party for the kids at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital in Canton (the second Monday in December)

3. Participate in the VFW Day of Service (first Saturday each May)

4. Conduct the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contests for students in grades 6-12 (essays are due each October 31st)

We’re always looking for additional activities to get involved in and welcome suggestions from our post members and future auxiliary members!

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE AUXILIARY?

The auxiliary is made up of certain male and female relatives of VFW eligible veterans who are at least 16 years old.

Eligible relatives include:

1. Grandparents

2. Parents

3. Spouse

4. Siblings

5. Children

6. Grandchildren

Steps and adopted count for eligibility. Unfortunately in-laws do not count.

The eligible veteran does not have to be a VFW member (but we’d love it if they were). They don’t need to be living either. As long as you can provide proof they qualified (DD-214 or similar) then you’re good. VFW Eligibility details can be found here https://www.vfw.org/join/eligibility

Eligible service for VFW Membership includes service in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, Inherent Resolve (ISIS), certain submarine duty, receipt of hostile fire/imminent danger pay, or service in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Please reach out to Franklin VFW Post Commander Ernest Carruthers via e-mail at post3402@vfwma.org or send a Facebook message to the Franklin VFW. You can also leave a message at the post at 508-533-2377.

You can visit the VFW National Auxiliary website here https://vfwauxiliary.org/

You can visit the VFW Massachusetts Auxiliary website here https://vfwauxma.org 

You can visit the Franklin VFW website here https://post3402.org/

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)

FM #1315 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1315 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, November 14, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms

• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting

• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under an MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority

The recording runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1315-town-council-quarterbacking-11-14-24/

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

Town Council agenda Nov 13, 2024 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149 

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

• 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!

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

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

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)

Town Council conducts business in shortest meeting of this year, to allow for executive session (video)

The Town Council conducted its shortest meeting of this calendar year. The agenda was brief to accommodate a joint executive session to discuss contract negotiation strategy in conjunction with the School Committee.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149

The Town Council full agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf

Quick recap:

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms
• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting
• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under and MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority Vote)  

My set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/view?usp=drive_link

Police Station Building Cmte selects KBA for architectural services on new police station (video)

The Police Station Building Committee met on Thursday evening for a long session to interview 3 firms and chose one to be the architect for the project.

The three firms had been pre-selected from a number of response to the RFQ. Each would have time (est. 30 mins) to present their team and reasons to be selected and answer questions for another 15 mins.

There would be approx. 15 minutes between each of the three firms. There was also time at the end of the three presentations for the Committee to compare notes and select KBA as the firm for the architectural services for the new police station.

Franklin TV video of the session -> https://www.youtube.com/live/z6BCi2B6NAs?si=GsT8HY6d4kNPi0vb&t=517

Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-11-14_police_station_building_committee_agenda.pdf

The three firms presented in order per the agenda doc

• 6:15 - 7:15: Interview #1: Kaestle Boos Associates  https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee/files/kaestle-boos-associates-designer-proposal

• 7:15 - 8:15: Interview #2: Tecton Architects https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee/files/tecton-architects-designer-proposal

• 8:15 - 9:15: Interview #3: Context Architecture https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee/files/context-architecture

My notes for the portion of the meeting attended ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b0LKNBS5u3mAjTPJ7a5LWB_4CweL04Yx/view?usp=drive_link

Context Architecture presenting in hybrid

Heading Home Welcomes Heather Martin as its New Chief Operating Officer

Heading Home, the Boston area's largest provider of services for homeless families with children, has announced the appointment of Heather Martin as its new Chief Operating Officer. Heather Martin brings over 20 years of extensive experience in nonprofit management, strategy, and operations to her role. She has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and financial stewardship within mission-driven organizations.

 

Heading Home

"Through her experience managing both local and national nonprofits, Heather has demonstrated the importance of balancing growth strategy with cost efficiency, which is essential for navigating the next stage of mission delivery for our organization," said Danielle Ferrier, CEO of Heading Home. "She has already stepped seamlessly into her role managing a staff here that has grown to more than 200 people, and that served more than 8,000 people last year."

 

Prior to joining Heading Home, Heather served as Vice President of Operations at March of Dimes, where she led enterprise operations, including financial planning, budgeting, facilities management, and event logistics. 

She also spent 18 years as Chief Finance and Operations Officer at 18Doors/InterfaithFamily.com, Inc. There, she spearheaded strategic planning initiatives, led digital transformation efforts, and navigated organizational leadership transitions. Heather oversaw HR, IT, finance, and administrative functions while driving sustainable growth through effective resource allocation and financial management.

 

Heather holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, where she honed her expertise in organizational leadership and operational strategy. She is deeply committed to leveraging her skills to support Heading Home's mission of ending homelessness through innovative, community-focused solutions.

 

ABOUT HEADING HOME 

Heading Home is a leading provider of housing and support services in the Boston area for homeless and formerly homeless families and individuals. Heading Home supported more than 8,000 people in the past year across more than 30 communities across the Greater Boston area, including the City of Boston. Now in its 50th year, and one of the few area shelter providers serving both populations, the nonprofit organization offers emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, along with supportive services around economic mobility & workforce development that include life-skills development; career coaching; financial education; agency-matched savings opportunities and assistance in obtaining basic benefits, child care and transportation. 

 

To learn more about its mission to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing a supported pathway to self-sufficiency, visit HeadingHomeInc.org. 

What's behind that rail fence at DelCarte? a new turtle habitat !!!

via Breeka Li Goodlander: 

"It’s not very often I have 13 lbs. of native seeds in my hands to throw. I enjoyed every second of it. 

The DelCarte turtle habitat and biodiversity area 1 are finally seeded and ready for a winter sleep. 

Curious as to what we are doing? 

Check out our storymap here:   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/fbc95d3dacc547ba9b20ab9f169f30c1

What's behind that rail fence at DelCarte? a new turtle habitat !!!

Shared from -> https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bgoodlander_its-not-very-often-i-have-13-lbs-of-native-activity-7260003392314306562-x4Qe

FHS Theatre Company schedules a Skating party at Pirelli Arena Nov 15

FHS Theatre Company 

"Looking for something fun to do tomorrow (Friday, Nov 15) night? Come to the Pirelli Veteran’s Arena to help support the theatre company!

Our FHSTC boosters are doing a concessions takeover, so all profits from the concession stand will go directly back to supporting FHSTC and our future endeavors.

Make your way out from 8-10 and skate, get some hot chocolate, and have some fun! We hope to see you there!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DCW7pAwupPg/

67 Degrees is looking for a place to open a taproom

"When are we opening our new taproom?! 

That’s a great question!

67 Degrees is looking for a place to open a taproom

We are in search of the PERFECT location to reopen a local taproom for all of our amazing patrons.

The problem?

We need to find the right place first!

That’s where YOU come in!

Are you local to MetroWest MA? Send us all the (dog friendly!) listings you can find and help us make our 2025 goal a reality!

Know someone that can help us find the perfect place?

Tag them in the comments or share this video with them - we will love you forever! 

Love the 67 Brew Crew!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCRjw_3unlB/