Saturday, February 8, 2025

Tri-County preschool open house date change to Feb 28

DATE CHANGE: Preschool Open House will be held on FRIDAY, February 28th!!!!
 
Tri-County Preschool Registration! Registration and Open House for the Tri-County Children’s Center preschool program for 2025– 2026 will begin on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. 
 
Applications can be found on the preschool’s website, TCChildrensCenter.com. Appointments to view the preschool will be available by preregistration: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45A8A92CA3FFCF8-54312083-open#/
 
Open House will be held on FRIDAY, February 28th from 9:15-9:45 or from 10:15-10:45 a.m. at the Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin at 147 Pond Street. Parents will be able to view the laboratory preschool while children engage in developmentally appropriate activities. Attendees must preregister and bring a valid picture ID to enter our building. 
 
Tri-County preschool open house date change to Feb 28
Tri-County preschool open house date change to Feb 28

For more information, please visit TCChildrensCenter.com. Placement is limited to residents of the 11 towns within the Tri-County District, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. 
 
Admission is decided through a lottery system. Registration will be made open to other towns if spaces are not filled by residents within the district. The random drawing to determine which of the children registered will be enrolled will take place on Tuesday, March 6, 2025. 
 
The number of children registered has traditionally far exceeded the number of spaces available so the random drawing was established. Those names not selected in the drawing are placed on a waiting list. 
 
Birth certificates for children being registered must accompany all registration forms. Registration is limited to those children who are at least age 3 years by September 15, 2025 for the three-day program. A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at registration time.
 
Enrollment is limited to two years or part of two years for the preschool program, as long as the child is age eligible. 
 
Preschool sessions are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:20 to 11:20 a.m. for the three-day program. Tuition is $45* per week.. Class size is limited to 24 children.
 
 

SAVE THE DATE for the 3rd annual SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving

SAVE THE DATE for the 3rd annual SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving
 3rd annual SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving

 

SAVE THE DATE for the 3rd annual SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving!

5:30 PM • Thursday, May 8 • Lakeview Pavilion - Foxborough, MA


Learn more: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safegala/
 
 
 

Norfolk County Sheriff's Youth Leadership Academy is returning to Medway this summer

Exciting News!

Sheriff's Youth Leadership Academy is returning to Medway this summer!



Medway Camp Dates: July 7th – August 1st, 2025


Location: Medway High School, 88 Summer Street, Medway


Registration for the Medway Youth Leadership Academy is officially OPEN!


You can sign up now by clicking the registration link Norfolk County Sheriff's Office | Youth Leadership Academy in MEDWAY


Please Note: Registration for our Braintree Youth Leadership Academy will be open from Monday, March 17th to Friday, March 21st, so don't forget to mark your calendars!


Norfolk County Sheriff's Office | 200 West St | Dedham, MA 02027 US


Constant Contact

Friday, February 7, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, February 7, 2025 ???

Friday, February 7

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
6:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Bog Iron Brewing, Norton)
7:00pm Friday night West Coast Swing Lesson (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)
8:00pm Friday night West Coast Swing Dance (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)
9:00pm Gilmartin Bros (live music) (3 Restaurant)


**   NO  Town Meetings today   **


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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

State Rep Jeff Roy looks back on 2024 and ahead to 2025 (audio)

FM #1373 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1373 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeff Roy. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, February 3, 2025. 


We cover 

  • The recent Legislative session #193 of the General Court

  • Legislation filed for #194

  • Entertainment fee to offset cable cord cutting for local PEG channels 

  • Transparency and the Globe articles 

  • Changes at the Federal level can have impact to us


The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1373-state-rep-jeff-roy-02-03-25/



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Jeff’s Representative profile page at MA Legislature =  https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1  


Jeff Roy’s Twitter =  https://twitter.com/jeffroy  


Representative Roy’s Facebook page =  https://www.facebook.com/RepJeffRoy/  


Subscribe to Jeff’s newsletter -> https://jeffreyroy.com/newsletter/


BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker -> "Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind"

https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/ 



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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 approves capital budget, new victualier license, gives final approval to sign bylaw changes & water/sewer connections for Franklin Ridge (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025. Seven members were participating in Council Chambers and 2 absent.

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546


Quick recap:
  • Fire Department - Promotions, i.Captain Matthew Kelly & ii.Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward
  • Hearings Opened and Closed with passage of the applicable legislation by same 7-0-2 (2 absent) votes
    • Public hearing: 1 - Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements
    • Public hearing: 2 - 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, Located at 14 East Central Street
    • Presentation on the ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye
  • Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin
  • The next legislative items were all approved by the same 7-0-2 (2 absent)
    • Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan
    • Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation
    • 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.) - Second Reading
    • 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.) - Second Reading
    • Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map - Second Reading (for Franklin Ridge)
    • Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map - Second Reading (for Franklin Ridge)
Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates



Master Plan Update Cmte meets for their final time to approve outstanding minutes (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met for the final time on Wedesday, Feb 5, 2025. The key item on the agenda was to approve some minutes from prior meetings.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/eCmkY0Hl6ow?&t=559


My notes for this short meeting canbe found in one PDF ->



MA Housing Plan has set a giant goal to achieve by 2035

MA Housing Plan has set a giant goal to achieve by 2035
historical view on annual permits for housing

 

"Massachusetts new Housing Plan has set a housing production goal of 222,000 units by 2035. A 22,000 unit average would require us to build at a pace not seen since the 1980s, with annual permits likely needing to exceed 22,000.  
Mass issued 11,600 permits in all of 2023."



Download the full plan to read and/or share -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/a-home-for-everyone/download




New term to know: "Muzzle velocity" (video)

New term to know: "Muzzle velocity" (video)
New term to know: "Muzzle velocity" (video)

 

"Look closely at the first two weeks of Donald Trump’s second term and you’ll see something very different than what he wants you to see"

The takeaway message is "Don't believe him"



The Sun Chronicle covers the Children's Museum

"Unknowingly, for the past several years, Erin Gallagher and Meg Hagen, shared a dream — to bring a children’s museum to town.

The Sun Chronicle covers the Children's Museum
The Sun Chronicle covers the Children's Museum
“Erin and I had separately had the idea to open a museum but hadn’t discussed it even though we speak on a regular basis,” Hagan said. “This was until June 2023 when we happened to be at a mutual friend’s house for lunch and both hinted at the idea.”

Today, they are currently in the process of making this dream a reality by building the Children’s Museum of Franklin at 157 Cottage St. To do so, they have partnered with Brad Chaffee at Camford Property Group.

The museum is scheduled to open in April depending on plans continuing to move forward as scheduled and the need for more fundraising."

Continue reading the Sun Chronicle online -> (Subscription may be required)

You can also listen to my conversation with Erin & Meg recorded this week.

New Town logo (not replacing the seal)

via AJ Ribecci, the designer of the new Town of Franklin logo. (And no, it does not replace the town seal with Ben)
New Town logo (not replacing the seal)
New Town logo (not replacing the seal)
"After months of work, I’m thrilled to share the refreshed visual identity for the Town of Franklin. 
Inspired by the heritage brands of both New England and the Low Country, our goal was to create a design that honors the town’s 200-year history while looking ahead to the next 200. 
Bridging tradition and progress, the new identity is responsive, adaptable, and extendable across the Town’s 30 departments. 
This was a true labor of love, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Excited to see it come to life throughout Franklin!"
For those with Instagram accounts, be sure to click through to view the videos



Some things to know this Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period


Some things to know this Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

By BCP Staff

Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan you're not sure is right for you? Here are some things to keep in mind if you're reviewing and comparing your coverage options.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/some-things-know-medicare-advantage-open-enrollment-period?





Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Feb 7, 2025

  • 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 Vera Meyer: Glass Harmonica
8:30 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker
11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission
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 Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Fall 2024 Pt 1
7:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
8:30 pm Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
9:30 pm Martin Luther King, Jr Convocation

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am     Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022
8:30 am     Mental Health: Joanne Spillane
9:30 am     Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25
11:00 am     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Medfield 01-25-25
1:00 pm     Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee
2:00 pm     Hockomock League Swim Championship: Day 1
5:30 pm     FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
8:30 pm     FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 01-30-25

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 01-30-25

6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee 01-30-25


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