"all of us are worthy of welcome" (video)

As we get ready for the Listening Sessions which begin next week, this TEDX Talk has some worthy advice. Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUV5DJb6KGs

Karen Faith shares her advice from experince as a focus group facilitator.

Listening Sessions starting January 30

Listenting session schedule:

• Jan 30, Franklin Elks 7:00 PM
• Feb 12, Remington-Jefferson Cafetorium, 628 Washington St. 7:00 PM
• Feb 19, Franklin Senior Center, Common Grounds Cafe, 10 Daniel McCahill, 7:00 PM
• Mar 4, Franklin Senior Center, Common Grounds Cafe, 10 Daniel McCahill, 9:30 AM (coffee and light refreshments provided)
• Mar 8, Franklin Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 355 East Central, 10:00 AM (Virtual and in-person participation options)
• Mar 12, Franklin High School Auditorium, 7:00 PM

The budget deficit is upon us to figure out. We won't get help from the State. It is only us that can determine how to fund our future services and what services we do choose.

Note: only 1 of these sessions is enabled for remote participation. All will be broadcast to cable subscribbers & to YouTube but except for the session in Council Chambers March 8. If you want to say something, ask a question, share a comment, you need to be there.

Tom Mercer condenses the Jan 22, 2025 Town Council meeting in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1360 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1360 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, January 23, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night with a focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• APPOINTMENTS - Police Station Building Committee - Andrew Woodward

• PUBLIC HEARING - rescheduled to Feb 5; New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION on Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director

• 2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Signs, first reading and approved to move to second reading

• 2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for their second reading, and receiving unanimous final approval

• Grant of Underground Gas Distribution System Easement for work by Eversource at the Pump Station near the Recreation Dept.

• Approval of a donation for the Senior Center

• TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

• Emergency housing potentially ended by year end (if not sooner)

• New website, agenda issue for Jamie, kins to be worked out

• Senior Center heating issue, funding planned for ‘permanent’ fix

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting held this week. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1360-town-council-quarterbacking-01-23-25/

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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/whUEjE1HPjY?&t=149 

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_town_council_agenda_1.pdf 

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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"

FHS girls indoor track team tops Attleboro on Thursday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, January 23, 2025

Boys Indoor Track = Attleboro, 56 vs. Franklin, 44 – Final 

– In a showdown for the Kelley-Rex division title, a sweep in the long jump and a 1-2 finish in the 300M helped Attleboro secure the dual and the division crown over Franklin, who won it a year ago. The Bombardiers picked up a massive nine points when Jayshawn Crosby (19-07.75) – who set a new PR and landed the top jump in the league on the night — Jaylen Outland, and Matteo Bulato not only went 1-2-3 in the dual but for the entire league. Remarkably, Franklin’s Ethan Thorne, Riley Marshall, and Aidan Thorne had the next best three jumps in the entire league as this dual made up for the top six jumps on the night. Aaron Martin and Outland went 1-2 in the 300M to add eight more points for the Bombardiers. Attleboro also secured wins from Noah Williams (shot put – league-best, 48-08.75), Sam Blaisdell (2 Mile), and Jonathan Tracey (600M). Franklin’s Peter Gubka earned 15 points on his own, taking first in the high jump, the 55M hurdles, and the 55M dash, Jack Halter added a win in the 1000M, and Kyle Twomey had a league-best time of 4:38.17 to win the 1 Mile.

Girls Indoor Track = Attleboro, 44 vs. Franklin, 56 – Final 

– The teams were separated by just two points with only the relays left but Franklin made sure its lead held up as the Panthers won both the 4×200 and 4×400 relays to beat Attleboro. The team of Ella Chandaria, Grace Marinella, Jossie Camp, and Callie Joyce clocked in at 1:49.19 (second best in the league) to win the 4×200 while the team of Madison Bruno, Savannah Copeland, Lainey Costa, and Phoebe Cuneo won the 4×400 relay in 4:17.19 (second best in the league) for the Panthers. Chandaria added two individual wins in the shot put and the 55M hurdles, Annabelle Santiago won the 2 Mile, Marinella crossed first in the 55M dash, Bruno won the 1000M, and Copeland secured a first place finish in the 1 Mile. Attleboro’s S’Staarr Parham continued to dominate with wins in both the high jump and long jump while Emilia Smith (600M) and Kennedy Samuel (300M) also had individual wins for the Bombardiers.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-23-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Tri-County opportunity: Instructors wanted

Tri-County opportunity: Instructors wanted

"Hi, Franklin!  

Exciting things ahead! We're updating our fall schedule and want YOU to be a part of it.  

Share your talents and help us offer more programs to the community."

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

Winter Farmers Market shares vendors scheduled for Saturday, January 25 - 10 AM to 2 PM

vendors scheduled for Saturday, January 25

 

Here is the vendor list for the market this Saturday (1/25/25):

Barbara Sherman will be there with Boston Sword and Tuna

Angel Hair Alpaca Farm(MA) will be coming with their super warm alpaca goods (and maybe alpacas!)

Boundless Bakery is back with their vegan cookies and muffins

C&C Ice Cream will be offering cotton candy

See you there!

 

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/14wRbX6fLy/ 

Reminder to complete All Night Party Survey today

Dear FHS Families, and Class of 2025 Students, 

We are writing today to let you know that as of this time, there will NOT be an All Night Party (ANP) for the Senior Class after their Graduation on June 6th. Unfortunately, the long-time chairperson of this event needed to step down and there is not an existing committee or volunteer base to take over. 

It is important to point out that the All Night Party is not an event affiliated with or provided by the Franklin School District or the FHS PCC - it is a community event planned and executed independently by parents, families, and community volunteers. 

We are sharing this information with you today to get everyone thinking about what the future of the ANP should/could look like and how the Class of 2025 would like to move forward. With that goal in mind, we would like to begin by gauging overall interest in the ANP from both the senior students, and all FHS families. Additionally, we need to know if there is in fact a group of parents and community members that is willing to step up immediately to begin the work. 

It is extremely important for everyone to understand that unless there are parents, and community members willing to not only volunteer a couple of hours of time, but to plan and execute the entire event, the All Night Party WILL NOT TAKE PLACE in June. 

All Night Party for Class of 2025 in jeopardy

Please complete the applicable survey by this Sunday, January 19th. Once the Class Advisors and a PCC Liaison have reviewed the responses, we will reach out again to let you know the results and to help guide any future efforts. 

SENIOR STUDENTS ONLY - Please take just a minute to complete this quick ANP Student Survey (linked below) regarding your feelings toward an All Night Party after Graduation.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdngPpus2j-Td5F_pUuP91784F2Wp7OsGZaRlf6CZkqF9ko5A/viewform

ALL FHS PARENTS/GUARDIANS and COMMUNITY MEMBERS - Please complete this short ANP Parent & Community Survey (linked below) about your wishes for the continuation of the ANP as well as your ability to volunteer. You do not have to have a senior at FHS to volunteer.  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6WfDhykupbGrT9k5MlqaV1IFx87brCQQ04eS28yL8LJezQA/viewform

 

Thank you for your time and quick response. 

Sincerely, 

The Class of 2025 Advisors and FHS PCC

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17nyW6Foo7/

State Officials Suspect HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife

PUBLIC INFORMATION

State Officials Suspect HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife

January 23, 2025

Massachusetts State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, has already affected up to five counties in Massachusetts and resulted in the deaths of geese and swans in the Plymouth area. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

(DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick.

• Reporting wild birds: The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR's Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795.
• Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer. 
• Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife.
• Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.

avian influenza update 1/23/25

The recent outbreak in Plymouth has impacted over 60 Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Smaller outbreaks of suspected HPAI impacting fewer than 15 geese at each location have been reported in recent weeks in other parts of the state.

Officials responded quickly and are collecting, testing, and safely disposing of dead birds. Prompt reporting of sick and dead birds by the public will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years.

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds such as foxes, can also become infected.

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected.

People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-flu, call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800, or visit https: www.mass.gov/info-details/avian-influenza.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18C6Xk959P/ 

Fire Dept announces grant award for FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment

FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment

"The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $24,919.10 through a Massachusetts Department of Fire Services FY25 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant.  

Thank you to the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for your continued support."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15jhnmSrb6/ 

Info on the grant application and review timelines -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/notice-of-funding-opportunity-amendment-2/download

Boston Globe: AG Campbell co-sponsors bill to ban cell phone use in Mass. public schools

"Attorney General Andrea Campbell is joining the growing nationwide push to crack down on students' cell phone use during school hours.

Campbell spoke before the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Thursday about her efforts to shield children from the harmful effects of social media, one week after she, along with several state lawmakers, filed legislation that aims to impose a “bell-to-bell” ban on personal cell phone use at all Massachusetts public schools during class time. Called the “STUDY Act,” it also would require social media companies to implement additional health and safety policies.

ban cell phone use in Mass. public schools

“By restricting cellphones during the school day and raising the bar for social media companies, we are taking bold steps to create learning environments free from distraction and a digital landscape that prioritizes the well-being of our youth,“ Campbell said in a statement last week. ”This bill is a commitment to both education and mental health for our young people, ensuring they have the tools to succeed without unnecessary harm.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/23/metro/cell-phone-ban-mass-schools/ 

The Guardian: Big oil spent $445m in last election cycle to influence Trump and Congress, report says

"Big oil spent a stunning $445m throughout the last election cycle to influence Donald Trump and Congress, a new analysis has found.

That figure includes funding from January 2023 and November 2024 for political donations, lobbying and advertising to support elected officials and specific policies. Because it does not include money funneled through dark-money groups – which do not have to reveal their donors – it is almost certainly a vast understatement, says the report from green advocacy group Climate Power, which is based on campaign finance disclosures and advertising industry data.

Fossil fuel interests poured $96m into Donald Trump’s re-election campaign and affiliated political action committees, the report found. Much of that was covered by megadonor oil billionaires, such as the fracking magnate Harold Hamm, the pipeline mogul Kelcy Warren and the drilling tycoon Jeffery Hildebrand.

Additional contributions came from lesser-known oil and gas interests, including fossil fuel-trading hedge funds, mining corporations and the producers of offshore-drilling ships and fuel tanks."

Continue reading the article (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/23/big-oil-445m-trump-congress?CMP=share_btn_url 

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Jan 24, 2024

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

9:00am, 12:00pm, 6:00pm - Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00am, 1:00pm, 7:00pm - Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00am, 2:00pm, 8:00pm - Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:00 am Jim Johnston: Ben Franklin and Martin Luther King, Jr.

8:30 am Frank Presents: KP Sompally

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Banana Bread

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

4:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Twisted Sisters

5:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tune It Out

9:00 pm Martin Luther King, Jr Convocation

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

8:30 am Mental Health: Rion James

9:30 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v King Philip 01-11-25

2:00 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25

8:30 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

9:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 01-02-25

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 01-02-25

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

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