What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, Monday, November 18, 2024 ???

Monday, November 18

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

4:00pm Petite Picassos (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin Q&A (Franklin Public Library)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date:  Monday, November 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_18_2024_0.pdf

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

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Nov 24, at 7 PM

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service  - Nov 24, at 7 PM

The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be on Sunday, November 24, beginning at 7 PM at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF) (262 Chestnut Street, Franklin). 

All are welcome.

Have you planned a wreath to tell your "Story of the Season" ??

tell your "Story of the Season"

Local artists, schools, and community members are invited to decorate wreaths in their interpretation of our inaugural theme, "Stories of the Season". Our cultural volunteers will pair community wreaths to be displayed at local businesses throughout the downtown area (December through January).

Deadline for community wreath sign up is November 22nd. Click here ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/wreath-franklin

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Sip Shop Stroll & Roll on December 7th in Downtown Franklin, 12-7pm. Snow Date December 14th.

The "Sip, Shop, Stroll, and Roll" event is the exciting celebration of the 'A-Wreath-of-Franklin' community wreath program, designed to bring people downtown to enjoy the festive atmosphere and vote for their favorite community-made wreaths.

This festive day invites the Franklin community to experience the creativity of Franklin with live music, specialty cocktails, raffle prizes, and the chance to shop pop-up artisan goods in local storefronts.

It's a day that combines holiday spirit with community pride, offering something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of downtown Franklin!

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

FM #1317  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1317 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024.  8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was remote. 

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) 

• Entered Executive Session for contract negotiation strategy not to return to public meeting

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs over an hour.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1317-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-11-13-24/

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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

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

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

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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Announces 2024 Toys for Tots Drive

Believing that the true spirit of the holidays lies in giving rather than receiving, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell is sponsoring the Registry’s 17th annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive.

“The Registry of Deeds is proud to partner with the United States Marine Corps Reserve to help deliver a happy Christmas to children this holiday season,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “This act of kindness can help spread joy and make a positive impact on those in need. Those engaging in this selfless act can know that they are part of what makes this time of year so special and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”

2024 Toys for Tots Drive

Donations of new toys and games can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building, located at 649 High St. in Dedham, starting Monday, November 18th, to Tuesday, December 10th, at 10 a.m. A marked donation bin will be set up in the lobby, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

“The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve plays a vital role in ensuring that donated toys reach children in need during the holiday season. Their dedication and commitment to the goal of making sure no child goes without a present on Christmas is truly commendable,” said Register O'Donnell. “We thank the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and all our Military personnel for their dedication and service to our country.”

This year marks the 77th anniversary of Toys for Tots. The program was established in 1947 when the wife of a Marine major wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll for Christmas but couldn’t find an organization to accept it. Since then, the national program has delivered over 677 million toys.

“Every holiday season, the Registry witnesses firsthand the many acts of kindness and Christmas spirit as numerous people drop off gifts for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive,” noted Register O'Donnell. “It's truly wonderful to see so many people dropping off gifts, from Registry employees to title examiners to attorneys and members of the general public, because no family should have to struggle to enjoy their holiday season.”

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to help less fortunate children experience the joy and happiness associated with Christmas. The program operates in more than 800 cities and towns throughout all 50 states.

“It means everything, any time the local community can come out and help support Toys for Tots,” said Cpl. Christopher Todd, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. “By doing an event like this, you get to witness the best side of people and know that these donations are going towards giving someone a happy Christmas.”

Since 2007, the Registry of Deeds has collected over 1,700 toy donations for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Register O’Donnell concluded, “We all have the power to make a child’s Christmas something special. Not only does donating to Toys for Tots bring joy to children in need, but it also reminds us of the true spirit of the holiday season. It's a chance for us to come together as a community and make a difference, and therefore, giving to the Toys for Tots drive just might make it the best Christmas present you can give yourself this holiday season.”

If you would like to stay up-to-date on upcoming Registry of Deeds events, programs, and real estate information, you can sign up for our Registry email updates at www.norfolkdeeds.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Franklin Fire Department issues alert on Local Brush Fires

Via Franklin Fire Dept:

alert on Local Brush Fires

"Brush fires continue to burn across the Commonwealth, so please expect to experience the odor of smoke, and possibly a general haze, when outdoors.  While it is not necessary to call 911 to report these conditions, we do ask that should you directly see any new sources of smoke or fire, please call 911 immediately and provide us with the most specific location that you can.  

Please refrain from any unnecessary use of open flames outdoors, such as fire pits, and be cautious when using charcoal or gas grills.  

Lastly, remember that open burning of brush is prohibited until January 15, 2025.  

Thank you."

 For more about the Franklin Fire Dept, visit their page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department

FHS Newsletter for week of Nov 18, 2024

FHS Newsletter for week of Nov 18, 2024

 

Here is the latest FHS newsletter:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGVhm0lXzc/DVXMrGgdMOxNTNnAAbgshw/view

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19efEJ5pSy/

Senior Center event highlights for week of Nov 18 - Nov 22

 

Senior Center event highlights

"Are you excited for What’s Happening this week at the #franklinseniorcenter ?! 

You should be! Neuroscience, comedy, karaoke, Authors, scam prevention a disco party and more!! 

Stop in and join in the fun!!"

 

And don't forget about Franklin Q&A on Wednesday at 11 AM

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCeS9C9RGPI/

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at -> https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Nov 18, 2024

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM - Frank’s Music – with Frank Falvey

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

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am Historical Museum: Randy LaRosa and Krishna Swain

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Stuffing

1:10 pm      Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

5:30 pm The Circuit Breakers

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

8:00 pm Endless Konnections: Kevin Barthelemy

9:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Ted Reinstein

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Bishop Feehan 11-09-24

10:30 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

12:00 pm MSAA Open Meeting 10-17-24

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

2:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Task Force

6:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Belmont 11-06-24

8:30 pm FHS Varsity Football v Natick 11-14-24

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

8:00 am Planning Board 11-04-24

11:30 am Master Plan Committee 11-14-24

2:00 pm Planning Board 11-04-24

7:00 pm Planning Board  CHAMBERS  947 9818 1595

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, November 17, 2024 ???

Sunday, November 17

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

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

10:00am Harry's Collectables Show (Franklin Elks)

10:30am Mobile Museum (Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, Needham) 

1:00pm CLOSED Today - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm FPAC: Proof (THE BLACK BOX)

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

2:00pm Weekend Watercolor  (Franklin Public Library)

** 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< MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 20 - tax rate hearing, CSX land purchase proposal, meeting calendar for 2025

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 20, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 30, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a

ii. Legislation for Action Item 9b

iii. Legislation for Action Item 9c

iv. Legislation for Action Item 9d

v. Legislation for Action Item 9e

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #9n

ii. Legislation for Action #9o

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-67: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-67 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-68: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-68 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-69: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-69 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-70: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-70 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 24-71: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-71 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-72: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-72 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-73: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C As Amended By Chapter 184, Section 51 Of The Acts of 2002

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-73 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-74: Authorization of Purchase of Land from CSX for Rail Trail Extension and Appropriation of Funding (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-74 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Definitions, Accessory Dwelling Units. (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917 to the Planning Board)

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185 Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part CVII: Accessory Uses (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918 to the Planning Board)

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

l. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

m. Resolution 24-75 2025 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-75 - Majority Vote)

n. Resolution 24-76: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-76 - Majority Vote)

o. Resolution 24-77: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,125), Senior Center ($164)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-77 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee/Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

f. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024.pdf

Franklin< MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 20 - tax rate hearing, CSX land purchase proposal, meeting calendar for 2025