Thursday, December 19, 2024

2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)

FM #1339 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1339 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.  


Our discussion was essentially a review of the 2024 calendar year. While the failed override was significant, Jamie & Amy wanted to highlight some of the other key accomplishments.


Key topics

  • Franklin Crisis Action Team (FCAT)

  • Community survey

  • Community engagement & civil discourse

  • Many of the accomplishments are also listed in the mid year summary doc in the Council agenda for 12/18/24


The recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation closing out 2024 Audio link -> https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---December-17--2024-e2sg36l/a-abmi7dh



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Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 


Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 


Mid-year review (adoption of 2025 goals) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._resolution_24-78_tc_goals.pdf 


Homeless resources page -> https://sites.google.com/view/homeless-resources-services/home 


Healthcare & Resources link -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258


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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?

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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"


2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)
2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)

FHS girls hockey & boys basketball teams post wins on Wednesday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 48 @ Foxboro, 37 – Final
– An 11-0 run to end the third quarter propelled Franklin to a hard-fought win on the road at Foxboro. Foxboro’s Ryan Kelley drilled a three and Colin Trimble had a layup to put the Warriors up 24-21 with just under three minutes to play in the third quarter but from that point on, it was all Panthers. Junior Colin O’Leary sparked the run with a three, Caden Sullivan scored five points in the stretch, and Joseph Conlan sank another triple as Franklin — which had only scored three points in the first five minutes of the second half — surged ahead 32-24 going into the fourth. Sullivan finished with a game-high 25 points, including 14 in the second half. Junior Henry Griffin scored a team-high 10 points for Foxboro.


Girls Basketball = Foxboro, 54 @ Franklin, 51 – Final
– Franklin came as close to any team over the last two years to end Foxboro’s long Hock winning streak. The Panthers held Foxboro to just 28 points through the first three quarters and led by double digits, but the Warriors came storming back with a 26-11 fourth quarter to extend the unbeaten run to 36 games. Kailey Sullivan knocked down a pair of threes and scored 14 of her game-high 22 points in the fourth and Adrianna Porazzo added nine of her 17 in the closing quarter to lead the Foxboro comeback. Ava Hill grabbed 11 rebounds and Kylie Sampson came off the bench to give the Warriors great defense. Senior Lauryn DiGiorgio, who has battled injuries the past two seasons, scored a career-high 17 for the Panthers (11 in the first half). Chloe Fales added 10 points and Elle Bonacci had seven.

Franklin TV video replay of the game -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEX-8mfdiKA


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Catholic Memorial, 3 – Final
CM 3 Franklin 0. Lots of positives to build on, Jack O’Connor was solid in net allowing 2gaa. https://x.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1869521492238831807

Girls Hockey = Stoughton/Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final
– Franklin jumped out to an early two-goal lead and tacked on a late empty net goal to start the season with a win, handing new head coach Brendan LaMarre his first victory. Julia Flynn opened the scoring with an unassisted tally and then Maddie O’Brien finished off a pass from Madison Reardon to double the Panthers’ advantage. Flynn and Kate Cataldo assisted on a goal from eighth grader Cade Taccini, and Flynn (from Hannah Auerr) scored a shorthanded empty net goal. Freshman Raegan Costello scored the Black Knights with an assist from junior Casey Groppi.


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Community Preservation Cmte gets update on project status, funding status, sets next meeting for Feb 5 (video)

The Community Preservation Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Dec 18 at 5:00 PM in the 3rd floor training room.

All members of the committee present for this session. Franklin tv broadcasting to Comcast and Verizon subscribers as well as to Zoom and YouTube

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMyHAV9qzy8


Quick Recap -> 
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen providing an update, introduces Evan Lacasse as Deputy Financial Officer and budget analyst who will be picking up the details of CPA as things go forward
  • Updates on current CPA funded projects:
    • Cupola out for bid, should start next year some time
    • Franklin Ridge about half financed at this point, starting infrastructure work in 2025
    • Rod & Gun club didn't get funding, apparently did get their own funding
  • Q on Davis Thayer, (old high school), Police Station Building Cmte hired architect, open house planned for current station, architect hired. Middle of 2025 should get to site selection. There are some issues with Parmenter, and with DT, so it will an interesting decision. DT page has the reports and expression of interests proposal, zoning would also be needed for most other uses (https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee). W Batchelor not liking the police station at Parmenter (not yet a decision). "no one can convince me otherwise"
  • CPA funds could be used for historical preservation of Davis Thayer
  • Review of the CPA fund status provided in the agenda doc
    • Walking thru the 2nd page which shows the balances by category, expenses, encumbered amounts, etc. So we have at least $2M available
  • Discussion on next meeting, Feb 5, 5 PM target for public hearing
  • Money is one thing but town bandwidth is an issue
  • Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0
Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM
Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM


First came the "Purple people feeder" and now there is "GRACE"

via Franklin Food Pantry

"Our newly painted storage container, designed by the talented Amy Adams, deserved a new name.  
Thanks to Renata Gilarova we have one! Meet GRACE— an acronym for the words Giving, Respect, Alleviate, Community, and Empowerment.  
The container serves a practical purpose and adds a touch of beauty and artistic expression to our community. Come see Amy's work of art at the back of The Pantry, and feel free to place a nonperishable donation in The Pantry's purple bin on the loading dock!  
Thank you to everyone who submitted name suggestions."

Shared from the Food Pantry Facebook post ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17jygHiZsB/

From the archives, the Purple People Feeder name was announced in Sep 2023 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/the-donation-bin-at-franklin-food.html

First came the "Purple people feeder" and now there is "GRACE"
First came the "Purple people feeder" and now there is "GRACE"

The Fourtet is back to perform at La Cantina on Saturday, Dec 21 at 7 PM

The Fourtet is back to perform at La Cantina on Saturday, Dec 21 at 7 PM
The Fourtet to perform at La Cantina 
The Fourtet is back!  
Join us this Saturday, December 21st, from 7:00 to 9:30 PM, at La Cantina Winery.

Sip on delicious wine, soak in the holiday spirit, and enjoy an evening of live music.  See you there! OPEN:12:00-10:00pm





Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Dec 19, 2024

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  
  • This week's Turntable album hour features the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's (TSO) "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" debut album released in 1996 and seen across the world in concerts every year.  TSO's founders created this unique special holiday/Christmas story with lyrics, a passionate symphonic rock style of music, and brilliant performers.  The debut is the first in a trilogy and the Turntable Playlist hour will feature songs from the 2nd and 3rd albums
  • Playlist ->   https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations
 
  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:00 am Fallen Heroes Pt 8
7:30 am Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
9:00 am Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Party Chicken
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5
3:00 pm Riffing on Main Street: Steve Sherlock
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
5:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty
6:30 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
8:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club
9:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Boston Floating Hospital
10:30 pm Winter Wonderland: Elvis Presley

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

4:30 am FHS Varsity Swimming v King Philip 01-25-24
7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18
8:30 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra 2024
1:30 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep
2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Bishop Feehan 02-07-24
6:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella
9:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Boston Latin Academy 02-14-24

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 12-12-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 12-12-24


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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 ???

Wednesday, December 18

  • Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
  • Fresh Floral Holiday Arrangements 4 Sale (via Instagram) 
  • Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center)
1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin TV Studio)
1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)
5:00pm Weekly Trivia Night (GlenPharmer Distillery)

**  Town Meetings today   **


Board of Assessors Meeting (Room 106)
Event Date:  Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 4:00pm


Community Preservation Committee Meeting (3rd Floor Trng Room)
Event Date:  Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 5:00pm


Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting (Council Chambers & Broadcast)
Event Date:  Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 5:45pm


Town Council Meeting (Council Chambers & Broadcast)
Event Date:  Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

What's happening today in Franklin?
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

Rise Up Holiday Party scheduled for Saturday, Dec 21 at 10 AM

Hello friends!

Our Rise Up Holiday Party is this Saturday, woohoo!!

Date: December 21
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Rise Up Holiday Party scheduled for Saturday, Dec 21 at 10 AM
Rise Up Holiday Party
Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin (Parking and ramp/door on the left side)

Holiday Party Details:

- Feel free to arrive dressed festive, or not - totally up to you! I'll be wearing an ugly sweater ðŸŽ‰ 
- There will be food and drinks available, which you are welcome to enjoy as you wish!
- Anyone 18+ is welcome to join us, disability or not, so invite some friends along! (If under 18, please email me to discuss.)

I'm really looking forward to celebrating the holiday season and end of the year with you all!! 

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:
  • individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
  • community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
  • support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Joint Budget gets updates, sets "listening sessions" schedule, hears from Town Dept Heads (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee met as scheduled on Tuesday evening in Council Chambers. 10 of the 11 members participated (Corbosiero was absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/Pq0-UqDkm4o?&t=54


The Town Department Head's letter to the committee ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/letter-to-joint-budget-subcommittee.html

Quick recap:
  • First item approval of prior meeting minutes
    • Mar 8, 2023; Aug 2, 2023; Oct 11, 2023; Mar 6, 2024; Oct 23, 2024
  • All minutes were moved separately for a vote, all votes unanimously approved. 10 members participating in Chambers
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on minimal changes to the developing FY 2026 budget; Norfolk County pension #s now firm  
  • Health care costs are increasing approx. 18%, company is loosing money on Franklin our claims are exceeding what we pay in premium $s, by about 12 cents more than we pay Insurance Advisory Cmte (IAC) has been working well, less competition available in the market
  • $4.5M is a large number, we are still far away from the final numbers, dept budget are due soon, collective bargaining underway, Gov budget coming out in Jan 2025; local receipts likely will get bumped up with the 2nd Quarter results, as well as the 3rd Q results for Input to the FY 2026 budget
  • Employees participate in health care costs with a 68-32 split (town pays 68, employee 32). Only 64% of the employees have coverage.
  • So what had been a $3.7M deficit is now a $4.5M deficit with those 2 factors; Norfolk County pension cost and health care costs adding to increase the deficit. Jamie holds that it will come down slightly as the rest of the numbers get firmed up but will likely still be in the 3-4M range.
  • Schedule of "listening sessions" released, to be adjusted slightly adding (or moving) one session to a Saturday. All have commitments to make this series of sessions work. Other coffees can be scheduled with some members participating
  • Letter from the Town Department Head's was handed to committee members and read jointly by Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin and Library Director Oti.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on minimal changes to the developing FY 2026 budget
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on minimal changes to the developing FY 2026 budget


FHS wrestling and boys track posts wins on Tuesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 


Wrestling = Franklin, 52 @ King Philip, 27 – Final
Franklin wrestling with a huge win against the KP warriors 52-27. Pins 📌tonight from Woodall, Caccevelli, Carlucci, Griffin, Marzullo, and Rosenburger. Congrats to Co-Head Coach Cam Kelly on his first dual meet win of his career, the first of many!!  


Girls Indoor Track (@ The TRACK at New Balance)
  • King Philip, 56 vs. Franklin, 44 – Final


Boys Indoor Track (@ The TRACK at New Balance)
  • King Philip, 18 vs. Franklin, 82 – Final


Indoor Track & Field - Live results from today's Hockomock League Indoor dual meets http://live.lancertiming.com/meets/278/events

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin High School Wraps Up Successful Fall Season, 3 Coaches Awarded

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are pleased to share that, with 460 student-athletes participating, Franklin High School wrapped up its fall sports season with every team qualified for the MIAA state tournament and a chance to win a championship title.

Some of the highlights for the fall season at Franklin High School include the following:
  • The Franklin High field hockey team finished the regular season as Hockomock Kelly-Rex Champions, advancing to the Elite 8 Round in the MIAA state tournament. 
  • The volleyball team finished second place in the league and advanced to the Round of 8 in the MIAA state tournament.
  • The Panthers cheer team went undefeated in all of its competitions, finishing the season as Hockomock League champions, MSAA South Regional champions and MSAA state champions.
  • The varsity football team qualified for the MIAA state tournament as the No. 9 seed, playing in the Round of 16.
  • The boys soccer team finished the season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex division champions, advancing to the Elite 8 Round in the MIAA state tournament.
  • The girls soccer team finished in second place in the Kelly-Rex division, advancing to the Round of 16 in the MIAA state tournament.
  • The boys cross country team finished in second place in its league for regular season meets, and the team qualified for the MIAA Division 1 Championship Meet.
  • The girls cross country team finished the season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex Champions. The team also qualified for the MIAA Division 1 Championship Meet.
  • The Unified basketball team played in the Special Olympics Jamboree held at Sharon High School to cap off the regular season. The team also hosted a special community night on Nov. 25, playing against another team composed of representatives from the Franklin Police Department, Franklin Fire Department, Franklin High School faculty and Unified alumni.
  • The Franklin High golf team finished its regular season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex co-champions, and the team qualified for the MIAA Division 1 state championship final.
Looking toward the winter, Franklin High is supporting a new sport: varsity level alpine skiing. Franklin participates in an “alpine ski co-op” with Nipmuc Regional High School. Practices and races will be held at Ward Hill in Shrewsbury. Participation in the co-op comes at no cost for Franklin High School.
FHS Sports: Fall 2024
FHS Sports: Fall 2024


“We are thrilled to be able to add a new sport and provide opportunities for our student-athletes,” said Athletic Director Karrah Ellis.

Franklin High School is also continuing to support girls ice hockey, as critically low participation rates currently challenge the program. There are currently only 15 student-athletes on the girls ice hockey team at Franklin High. However, the team is seeking additional players, including a group of eighth graders that will soon be added to alleviate the problem, as permitted through a waiver filed with the MIAA District Athletic Committee by the school.

“Unfortunately, as is the trend across the state, numbers for girls ice hockey are down significantly,” Athletic Director Ellis said. “Those numbers are critically low safety wise in Franklin, but the addition of eighth graders will alleviate that issue.” 

In addition to the regular season success of all its teams, three Franklin High School coaches were named Coach of the Year for 2023 through 2024 for their respective sports by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The Coach of the Year award recipients, who were recognized during an MIAA banquet on Dec. 11, include CJ Neely, head coach of the boys varsity basketball team, Lisa Burger, head coach of the Unified track team, and Jess Pridham, former coach of the boys and girls swim team.

Superintendent Giguere congratulated these coaches and all the student-athletes for their victories in fall 2024, while wishing Franklin High School’s winter sports athletes a safe, successful season ahead.

“Thank you to Athletic Director Karrah Ellis and all of our coaches who do so much work behind the scenes to provide opportunities for our student-athletes to succeed,” Superintendent Giguere said. “Thank you to all of the families, faculty, community members and student athletes that helped make this fall a successful season for all of our teams at Franklin High School.”

Town of Franklin, MA: FYI Pine Street Area Residents! - Road Closure, Dec 18

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Tue, Dec 17, 2024:
FYI Pine Street Area Residents! https://t.co/fWvEmcgSK9

Town of Franklin, MA: FYI Pine Street Area Residents! - Road Closure, Dec 18
Town of Franklin, MA: FYI Pine Street Area Residents! - Road Closure, Dec 18