Franklin Matters

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Economic Development Subcmte reviews multiple bylaw adjustments & recommend referral to Town Council (audio)

FM #1316 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1316 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in the Council Chambers.

Three members of the subcommittee participated; 2 in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo). Chandler was absent.

Quick recap:

Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session
Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ... Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.
Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates.

Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year,
We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025.
Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call.
Separately voted on definition and use table

On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential.

Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council
Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin.
Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this.
Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call
Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call

Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time

Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6
Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design
Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call

The recording of the meeting runs just over 1 hour. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1316-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-11-13-24/

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link

Additional info on the branding process can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations

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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
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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Option A left, Option B right

Can you help this Wind Phone project with a donation? (audio)

Via Amy Adams:

Project Healing with HeART Is underway. We are building a Wind Phone and need your HELP!

Images provided are from a Wind Phone in Japan. They exist all over the world as a way to connect with a lost loved one allowing you to have a phone call that the wind may carry a message along for you.
Wind Phone in Japan

The call is symbolic and can be used to process grief. Each phone will include an artistic element as well as a list of the nearest resources for support. This project requires a collaboration of these organizations as well as encourage community involvement. Loss is something that impacts us all, we should not shy away when we need the support or can be there for others.

Please share, read more about this cause and how you can help. https://gofund.me/1f8d33b2

You can also listen to Amy and I talk about this project as one of many we cover in our discussion about art -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-art-with-amy-adams-audio.html

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1GrTR6W3rg/

Franklin TV - Franklin Public Radio: Take a Listen

Soooooo Much Music

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/16/2024

A long time ago in a land far away – called ‘My Past’ there was a revolution in digital music – the CD – a Compact Disk. Listening to music was a digitally perfect experience. The music that poured forth had a pristine clarity often lost in today’s streaming services through significant MP3 audio compression.

Franklin Public Radio: Take a Listen

It’s not the same. Soooooo, when wfpr signed on, we opted to pull our music library together from the original CD’s and not downloads of MP3 files. It’s work, but it’s worth it. We’re in the midst of updating and expanding our library –

3000 new tunes – so far, and still going. Many CD’s to add to our music vault

Comedian George Carlin once did a take-off on Time-Life’s music compilations – “It’s our Ultimate Music Library, Now you can own Every Recording Ever Made – Take a 10-year sabbatical and listen to these fine recordings.”

Or – just tune in to wfpr.fm 102.9 – whenever you like. (Sooooooo many CD’s)

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Harry's Collectable Show at The Franklin Elks! today, Nov 17

Harry's Collectable Show

Join us this Sunday for our November 17th Harry's Collectable Show at The Franklin Elks!

It's the start of the Holiday shopping season and you can find something cool for everyone! Comic Books! Toys! Collectibles! Statues! Magazines! Posters! Video Games!

Sports and Non Sports Cards! Trade Paperbacks! Hardcovers! Graphic Novels! And so much more!

Mark your calendars and tell ALL your friends!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/17SeSC1WLq/

What I am listening to? Adam Grant & Vivek Murthy's conversation is a worthy one (audio)

One of many "take-away" moments from the conversation between Adam Grant & Vivek Murthy:

Vivek Murthy: "When we serve other people, we not only feel connected to them in the moment, but we actually remind ourselves that we have value to bring to the world.

And that is something that we lose. When we struggle with chronic loneliness. We start to believe over time that we're lonely because we deserve it. 'cause we're not likable. We're not lovable. And that can be a downward spiral for people. 'cause the more you feel that, the harder it is to reach out. To other people and service can help break that cycle."

From the transcript -> https://www.ted.com/podcasts/www.ted.com/podcasts/overcoming-loneliness-transcript

The Spotify link is -> https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nddfDJTk8QPHLcAOwCA0s

If you listen via other apps, check this page -> https://link.chtbl.com/hoLIpTh4

What I am listening to? Adam Grant & Vivek Murthy's conversation is a worthy one (audio)

Looking for where to get 67 Degrees beers to go? Aha, there are some options

Not just because I need to get a refresh on my 67 Degrees Brewery supply... :-)

Looking for where to get 67 Degrees beers to go?
Can’t make it to Wrentham? Check out one of these local spots for your 67 fix 👇🏾

🍻 Wholefoods (Dedham, MA)
🍻 Wholefoods (Wellesley, MA)
🍻 Shaws (Franklin, MA)
🍻 Village Mall Liquors (Franklin, MA)
🍻 Big Y (Franklin, MA)
🍻 Ernie’s Liquors (Bellingham, MA)

Happy hunting!

#metrowestma #franklinma #wrenthamma #macraftbeer #beerstagram

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DCT_wlwCUG3/

Maha Juice Bar | Order your favorite Maha Juice fruit smoothies, bowls, fresh squeezed juices and delicious eats!

Maha Juice Bar

Noticed that a "Maha Juice Bar" is working on the building where Rhapsody's was.

The sign says they are expected to open in Fall 2024.

Check out the menu -> https://mahajuice.com/

Saturday, November 16, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 16, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 16

7:00am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am DINOvember Party (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Diwali Celebration (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm My Favorite Year (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm StickMan Blue debut in concert (Franklin United Methodist Church)

7:30pm CANCELED David Francy (live music) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

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

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

8:00pm 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

Mary C. Olsson - November 12, 2024

Mary C (Morrissey) Olsson passed away Tuesday, November 12 peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Kai Olsson of 29 years, daughter Sophie and sons Francis and Toby.

Mary C. Olsson

She was raised in the family home in Franklin Ma where she attended St Mary’s Catholic School before leaving for college in Florida, and then spending time living in Atlanta Ga. She served many hospitality and coordination roles, most recently for the TJX corporation.

Always a lover of history, she spent her free time tracing family trees and researching Franklin’s history for the Historical Commission and the Cemetery Commission. She organized the speaker series, events and displays for the Franklin Museum, spending years as the Chair of the Historic Commission.

As the mother of 3 school age children at the time, she was a member of the Davis Thayer PCC, running school auctions to support the DT community. Seeing a need to be met, Mary founded “Harmony From The Heart,” an annual fundraiser which supported TTP research at UMass and Children’s Hospital. This research has resulted in life saving treatments.

Mary was a consummate collector; PEZ dispensers, tea pots, salt shakers for every occasion (or just because they were cute), and possibly most importantly to her, friends.

Making connections anywhere she went, Mary had friends in all parts of the world. Able to start a conversation with anyone, she made each person she met feel welcome. She would dive into their interests, connect them with others in her massive network with similar focuses. Beyond just connecting them, she loved to host her friends, porch parties, vacations, meals out, she delighted in playing the social conduit for us all.

This obituary is written by her three children, and there is no better example for how someone should live than our mom. She is a shining example of kindness, drive, and humility. She set us up for success and cared more deeply than anyone about our success, health and happiness. We will always miss her and never stop loving her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Monday Nov. 18th at 9:00 AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10:00 AM.

Burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Calling hours are Sunday Nov. 17th from 2:00 - 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to help cover the costs associated with Mary’s end of life care and funeral services. This will allow the Olssons, and rest of family to grieve without the added burden of financial stress.

gofund.me/8183eb65

Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com

Update: The Historical Museum will be closed on Sunday, Nov 17 to honor Mary

As severe fire weather persists, Franklin MA extends Outdoor Fire Restrictions

With outdoor fuel sources extremely dry and no meaningful precipitation expected, Franklin Fire Chief James Mclaughlin and municipal leaders are extending restrictions on any outdoor fires at least until Friday, November 22.

"This has been an unprecedented fall fire season in Massachusetts," said Chief McLaughlin. "The current and expected weather conditions mean that any outdoor fire is likely to spread quickly and become difficult to control. ln Franklin, those fires could easily spread to homes and other properties."

Outdoor Fire Restrictions

Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through January 15 and year-round in some communities under 310 CMR 7.07, the Open Burning regulation. The local fire restriction additionally restricts the outdoor use of tire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/heating equipment, and other ignition sources wider Section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The Code grants fire officials 1he au1hority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought. About 200 Massachusetts municipalities have imposed these prohibitions.

Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding, and other activity will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts. including Franklin, is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season. While the stale averages 15 to 20 fires a month in October and November each year. Local fire departments have reported more than 500 fires since October 1, 2024. These fires have burned more than 1,500 acres - rivaling average statewide totals for an entire year. Many or these fires have damaged homes and other properties, and they are taxing local and regional firefighting resources.

According to Chief McLaughlin, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Bureau of Forest Fire Control & Forestry, almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power equipment, and other ignition sources.

Chief McLaughlin recommended the following fire prevention strategies during this period of severe fire risk:

• Follow local and state guidance on outdoor ignition sources. Remember that burning yard waste is prohibit statewide through January and in many communities year-round. Many cities and towns have implemented temporary restric1ions on any outdoor fires until conditions improve.
• Refrain from outdoor cooking and heating. Sparks and embers from chimineas, fire pits, and grills can easily ignite dry vegetation, debris, and overha1,ging branches.
• Use caution, with lawnmowers, leaf blowers, all-terrain vehicles, and other power equipment. Hot engines, sparks, and spilled gasoline can ignite dry leaves and grass.
• Dispose of ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves in all metal can, douse them with water, and cover them with a tight fitting lid. These ashes can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles long after the fire goes out: never dump them outdoors or in the trash.
• Extinguish smoking materials in a sturdy ashtray with water or sand. Never toss cigarette buns, matches, or other smoking materials over the edge of a balcony, stub them out on stairs or railings, or toss them in dry vegetation or debris.

"The faster we hear about a fire. the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it." said Chief McLaughlin, "If you see smoke or flames, please call 9ll right away so we can protect you, your neighbors, and our community."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19VmW48oh1/

Master Plan committee member to join the Q&A sessions next week (video)

I shared the following to those who are on the mailing list for the Franklin Q&A sessions held monthly. With the Master Plan 'final draft' out for review now & feedback due by Dec 2, it is also important to bring this to your attention.

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On the "watch list" , you'll recall that we have been following the progress of the Master Plan Update Committee's work. They revealed the goals and objectives a couple of months ago but those were all "motherhood & apple pie" respectfully. The key things to look for would be the action items.

Master Plan process overview, we are at the last steps of review

The action items were just revealed in the final draft. Feedback is due by Dec 2. In addition to the quick review of what has happened in the past month, we'll have a member of the Master Plan Committee for each session to help spend some time on this important planning doc.

Melanie Hamblen is scheduled to join us Monday
Eric Steltzer is scheduled to join us Wednesday

As we have discussed, the Master Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the Town to take over the next 10 years. With the actions spelled out, we can see if we agree, or disagree, or if there is something NOT in there, propose to add it. For example, are the housing action items what we want & need?

Master Plan page with education action items

To help with your prep for this opportunity, the link to the "final doc" is provided, as well as the video link to the feedback session held Thursday, Nov 14

'Final draft' summary presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/final_master_plan_draft_presentation_11.14.24.pdf
'Final draft' doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_draft_report-nov2024.pdf
Franklin TV video replay of Nov 14 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqcphVHN84

The Franklin Q&A sessions are scheduled for

When: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

When: Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link to participate remotely, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me (shersteve at gmail.com): https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9

Your Voice Matters: Shape the Future of Franklin Public Schools

Dear FPS Community,

As we continue to develop our school budget, we are providing an opportunity for you to provide feedback on the Franklin Public Schools budget planning development. We are excited to launch our Stakeholder Budget Survey to gather your insights through a more inclusive budget development process.

Your feedback is important in several ways:

1. It helps us understand what matters to you as a stakeholder invested in the system. By gaining insight into your perspective, we can continually refine our approach to better
Your Voice Matters
support our students, teachers, and families.

2. It informs our budgeting strategy for district programming as we seek to meet the needs of our students effectively.

Participating in the survey is easy and will take only about 10 minutes. However, your feedback could have a lasting impact for years to come. Simply click here to get started.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting the Franklin Public Schools!

This survey will close on Thursday, Nov 21, 2024

Take the survey here -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEZ8Fy_1dGl649hmkbd2uYI37eOZBlshQkQP71Bge82E4qVg/viewform

Shared from -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11mxUcxuu40qWp-kFi9Z8iNWrAgN9dJsh/view