Thursday, February 6, 2025

Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health (audio)

FM #1372 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1372 the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 


Quick Recap:

  • Discussion on designation of Mass Health Office Association (MHOA) as the tobacco control agent for the town. Motion approved by 2-0 vote via roll call

  • Discussion on the new MEtacomet Advisory Board oversight board and need to appoint an alternate contact in addition to Director Liberty. Motion made to appoint Kerry McKay as advisory board alternate board member and approved 2-0

  • Healthy brains program for 2025. Kick off with a podcast to be scheduled. Increase awareness, provide resources, in advance of the onset of dementia and other brain afflictions. Focus initially at the Senior Center, Housing Authority, & Library. SAFE Coalition is close to getting their ‘mega brain’ display which can be walked through. Simulation dementia experience via hospital. Training possible for wait staff to assist with making that restaurant ordering process a less stressful experience 

  • Health agent report, monthly training completed 

  • COVID tests still available via the Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 80% of the cases occurred during January (folks actually getting tested, so still likely an undercount)

  • Steve chimed in that he had a contact for the brain program will send info to Cathleen. Also the agenda doc link for the meeting was not clickable, it could be copied but wasn’t clickable


Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)


The meeting runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 5, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1372-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-02-05-25/



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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1543  


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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"


Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health  (audio)
Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health  (audio)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, February 6, 2025 ???

Thursday, February 6


2:30pm FHS Theatre Company clothing drive - drop off (Franklin High School) (likely to be rescheduled due to SNOW Day)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)
6:30pm Ethics of Chocolate: a Talk & Tasting (Franklin Public Library) 
7:00pm Karaoke (La Cantina Winery)
7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)


**   Town Meetings today   **


Conservation Commission Meeting

February 6, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/257?fileID=3158



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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
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/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Franklin Public Schools: School is canceled Thursday, Feb 6 due to weather forecast

February 6, 2025

Franklin Public Schools: School is canceled Thursday, Feb 6 due to weather forecast
School is canceled Thu, Feb 6


Dear Franklin Public Schools Staff and Families,

After consulting with the Franklin DPW and reviewing the timing of icy road conditions predicted during our school dismissal window, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, February 6, 2025. 

All afternoon and evening activities are canceled.

Respectfully,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Senior Center closed Feb 6 due to snow

via messages from the Senior Center  

"Franklin Senior Center is closed today, Thursday February 6th due to the impending snow storm. This includes all activities and rides for the day."
Franklin Senior Center closed Feb 6 due to snow
Franklin Senior Center closed Feb 6 due to snow


Town of Franklin Seeks Input From All Residents (aged 18 and older)

The Town of Franklin has launched The National Community Survey to gather resident input for strategic planning initiatives and to align goals around the community’s top priorities.

In January 2025, the Town of Franklin released Phase 1 of the National Community Survey (NCS), which was developed by National Research Center at Polco, in an effort to gather resident feedback on a wide array of topics including economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, natural environment, inclusivity, engagement, and other elements of Franklin's overall livability. In Phase 1, five-thousand randomly selected households received mailed invitations to complete the NCS.

Town of Franklin Seeks Input From All Residents via Survey
Seeks Input From All Residents
Phase 2 of the NCS begins on February 5, 2025, and is the Open Participation Survey, which is open to all Franklin residents aged 18 and older. 

To participate, residents will need to visit polco.us/Franklin2025 and complete the survey. The survey results will show Franklin’s strengths and areas in need of improvement, highlight what matters most to residents, and provide the Town with valuable data to incorporate into future policy discussions and strategic planning. 

“I encourage all residents to complete the National Community Survey.” stated Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. “This is a great opportunity for residents to help shape the future of Franklin. By providing Town staff and local officials like myself with critical insight into how residents feel about life in Franklin today, we can work together to make Franklin an even better community in the future.”  

To participate, residents may visit polco.us/Franklin2025 or scan the QR code to complete the survey.  The random selection survey and community-wide open participation survey will both close on February 19, 2025.
For more information, contact Project Manager Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS at (508) 553-5534 or visit our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey.

About Polco: Polco brings people and data together to help build stronger, healthier communities. With award-winning community engagement tools and services, Polco allows leaders to engage residents around their most important topics, align goals, and strengthen public trust. Polco is committed to a strict privacy policy, designed to keep participants’ responses confidential and protect personal data. Learn more at info.polco.us.

Erin & Meg share their excitement as the opening the Children's Museum of Franklin gets closer (audio)

FM #1371 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1371 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher. 


Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, started as a mobile museum to help build interest and prove the concept would work. They are getting closer to opening their physical space on Cottage St (former Agway building). 


  • You hear the excitement mounting as the building nears completion 

  • Fundraising is still important, there are many ways to provide financial support 

  • There is a free mobile museum scheduled for Patriot Place on Feb 23 from 10 AM to 5 PM

  • Opportunities to volunteer will open in a few weeks

 

The show notes contain links to their web page where you can view the architectural renderings of what the museum will look like as well as to contribute.


The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Erin & Meg. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1371-update-on-the-childrens-museum-of-franklin-02-04-25/


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Franklin Children’s Museum -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ 


Events -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events 


Prior recording (Jan 2024) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/the-childrens-museum-of-franklin-to.html



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


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"


Town Council passes final vote on 2 sign bylaws, approved restaurant alcohol license for Mirchi, and capital spending (video

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday Feb 5, 2025 at 7 PM as scheduled. 7 members were present in Council Chambers 2 were absent.

Franklin TV video is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?si=JcxjxebgojG3FKTS&t=160

The meeting agenda and supportiing materials ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

My full set of notes in one PDF   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link

Fire dept personnel presenting on ambulance call volume and proposed fee change
Fire dept personnel presenting on ambulance call volume and proposed fee change

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

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, February 5, 2025


Boys Hockey = Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 10 – Final 
– Colin Houlker, Rhys Greenwood, and Pete Masci each scored their first career goals as Franklin rolled to a big win at home.
Franklin 10 Attleboro 1. Balducci 🚨🚨, Quinn 🚨🚨, Wernig 🚨, McAlpine 🚨,  Lewandoski 🚨, Houlker, Greenwood and Masci with first Varsity 🚨. POG to Houlker.
Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 



Girls Hockey = Canton, 5 @ Franklin, 4 – Final
– Franklin senior Julia Flynn scored twice and had an assist but visiting Canton broke the stalemate with six minutes left to get the win. Haley Wernig (Hannah Auerr) and Maddie O’Brien (Flynn) also scored for the Panthers.

Wrestling = Franklin, 45 @ Brockton, 30 – Final
Good win for Franklin against Brockton tonight on their senior night, Franklin 45 Brockton 30. Pins from Woodall, Caccevelli, Carlucci, Sauer, Rosenberger, and Davey

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-05-25/

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

Car seat inspection scheduled at Franklin Fire Feb 13

Car seat inspection scheduled at Franklin Fire Feb 13
Car seat inspection scheduled at Franklin Fire Feb 13

 via Franklin Police:

"Join us for a car seat check up event at the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters, 40 West Central Street, Franklin on February 13th from 3 PM - 5 PM"



Franklin Polar Plunge scheduled for March 8, 2025 at 11 AM

Franklin Polar Plunge scheduled for March 8, 2025  at 11 AM
Franklin Polar Plunge March 8, 2025  at 11 AM
Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted Tue, Feb 04, 2025:

"Join us Saturday, March 8th for the 2025 Franklin Polar Plunge! 
Scan the QR code below to register now!"

 

Mark the date for the return of the Franklin Porchfest on June 7, 2025

Mark the date for the return of the Franklin Porchfest on June 7, 2025
Franklin Porchfest  June 7, 2025
"We are excited to announce that Franklin PorchFest will be back in the Franklin Cultural District for 2025. 
June 7, 2025, from 12:00-6:00 PM 
Rain date will be 6/8/25. Regsitration will be held on our website: https://franklin.porchfest.info/ by March 1st for bands and porch hosts. 
Registration will end on May 1
Check back for more details. Can't wait to see all the bands this year!



You can wear your support of the Santa Foundation with branded clothing now available!

You can wear your support of the Santa Foundation with branded clothing now available!
branded clothing now available
"EXCITING NEWS!
THE SANTA FOUNDATION NOW HAS SWAG!!
WELCOME TO THE SANTA FOUNDATION ONLINE SWAG STORE.
We've got you covered with sweatshirts, tee's, hats and blankets!
Welcome to the Santa Foundations online Swag Store! All purchases will generate a donation to the Foundation for our mission! Wearing this gear makes you part of our community - Providing support to our neighbors in need. 



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds food drive makes delivery to Franklin Food Pantry

(L - R): Register O'Donnell and Marsha Tait, Development Director, Franklin Food Pantry
(L - R): Register O'Donnell and Marsha Tait, Development Director, Franklin Food Pantry

via Franklin Food Pantry:


"Now this is what we call a good deed - Register O'Donnell of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds organized a food drive, raised awareness of hunger, and delivered donations to The Pantry! Local leaders are essential partners in fighting food insecurity in our community and we are grateful for the support! "

 

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



Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Feb 6, 2025

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

9:00am, 12:00pm, 6:00pm - 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)"  
  • Show 2 - This show features Elton John's classic album “Madman Across The Water” together with the  Elton John Vibe Playlist featuring live and studio recordings.  The album includes from "Levon", "Tiny Dancer", and "Madman Across the Water". 
  • Playlist ->   https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists
11:00am, 2:00pm, 8:00pm  - Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations
 
  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
10:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 1
3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Fall 2024 Pt 1
5:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer
6:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
9:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19
8:30 am     Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee
10:00 am     Hockomock League Swimming Championship Day 2 2025
1:30 pm     FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
2:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
4:00 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Taunton 01-11-25
6:30 pm     FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher
9:00 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Medfield 01-25-25

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 01-23-25

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 01-15-25

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 01-23-25

7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  927 5487 6703


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