Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Auchincloss scheduled for Sunday,March 30 in Attleboro

Hi neighbor, On Sunday, March 30, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Attleboro This is an opportunity for you to raise questions and hear updates on what I'm doing to represent the district's values & priorities.  Details about the Q&A are below. I hope you'll be able to join me. Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss Sunday, March 30 2:00pm – 3:00pm Attleboro, MA Doors will open at 1:00pm  Location provided upon RSVP HERE Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Street Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

CommonWealth Beacon: Codcast episode features Ed Augustus on housing (audio)

CommonWealth Beacon: Codcast episode

CommonWealth Beacon reporter Jennifer Smith sits down with Ed Augustus, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, to discuss how federal policy changes threaten state housing goals, the Commonwealth’s response, the tools it is using to meet those goals, and much more.

Listen to the Codcast ->   https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SplnsmLh9d1tictwrK45x?

Shared from -> https://commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/sec-augustus-on-housing-policy-base-hits/

Construction Update to Beaver St. Interceptor Project for week of March 24 - 28

Monday (3/24) through Friday (3/28): The construction crew will be conducting the jack and bore trenchless installation of the new sewer under Rte. 140. The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond St. and within the Franklin Village Mall area. No traffic impacts are expected.

Construction Update to Beaver St.
Interceptor Project

Monday (3/24): The contractor will be clearing trees/brush along West Central St. and Corporate Drive, one lane road will be in effect with a police detail present. No road closures or detours expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation of the launching chamber, civil work within the site, and mechanical work within the pump room.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Additional project info can be found on their page -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Bellingham RailTrail Committee will be at the Bellingham Business Expo Apr 5

Bellingham Business Expo Apr 5

 

"We will be at the Bellingham Business Expo on April 5!  

Stop by and say hello!"

Shared from ->   https://x.com/FBRTC/status/1903907407354294706?

For more about the Rail Trail Committee visit their webpage -> https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

For more info about the Business Expo ->   https://www.bellinghambusinessassociation.org/news

“The path back to trust is going to happen at the local level”

"At a time when public trust in every major institution except local public libraries is below 50%, local television news has some advantages that other forms of media lack.

That was the message from Seth Geiger, president and co-founder of SmithGeiger Group, a consulting firm that works with media organizations. Geiger spoke Friday at “Reinvent: A Video Innovation Summit” at Northeastern University.

According to survey data that Geiger presented, local television news is trusted by about 41% of the public — lower than in previous years, but far ahead of the 29% who say they trust national television news. Ironically, he added that social media is the most used platform for news even though it is the least trusted.

“The path back to trust is going to happen at the local level”

“Usually if you don’t trust something, you don’t use it. But that’s not how this functions. That may feel like a woe-the-republic moment for you,” he said, observing that social media is the top go-to for news among every age group except those between 55 and 64. (Presumably that would hold true for those older than 64 as well, but that demographic was not included in his charts.)"

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://dankennedy.net/2025/03/24/with-trust-tanking-local-tv-news-has-an-advantage-over-other-forms-of-media/?

You can find the survey presentation -> https://www.rtdna.org/news/rtdna-publishes-study-on-trust-in-local-news-elections-coverage

Teachers get a free entrée or small flatbread at Rail trail Flatbread - May 7

To show our appreciation for all the incredible educators out there, Rail Trail Flatbread is treating teachers to a free entrée or small flatbread at either of our locations! 

Stop in, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved meal—our way of saying thanks for all you do.

📅 Date: May 7th

📍 Locations: Hudson & Milford

🍕 Offer: Complimentary entrée or small flatbread for teachers

🪑 Dine-in only

Teachers get a free entrée or small flatbread at Rail trail Flatbread - May 7

Reservations are strongly encouraged, as they fill fast! Book your table now: https://www.railtrailflatbread.com/reservations

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - Franklin Public Radio

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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

7:30 am Joe Landry: Industry

9:00 am Mental Health : Amanda Ayer & David Gove

10:00 am Care For Ukraine

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Meatballs

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12

3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Tom Mercer

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

6:30 pm Franklin Art Association: Christine West

8:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

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

7:00 am Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

9:00 am Public School Concert: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2023

10:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

11:30 am Mental Health : Amanda Ayer & David Gove

12:30 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

2:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25

4:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball State Finals 2025

9:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am School Committee 03-11-25

2:00 pm School Committee 03-11-25

7:00 pm School Committee  CHAMBERS  892 7028 7034  Passcode 912821

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: Monday, March 24, 2025 ???

Monday, March 24

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->     
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

Library Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, March 24th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_03242025-1646 

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, March 24th  Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/331?fileID=4217 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin Food Pantry Offers Eight Unforgettable Vacations at Party for the Pantry Event - March 29

The Franklin Food Pantry is thrilled to be selected by the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) to offer exclusive travel packages for the silent auction at Party for The Pantry on Saturday, March 29, 2025. AmFund provides fundraising travel programs to non-profit organizations, helping raise crucial funds through unique and memorable travel experiences. 

Party for The Pantry attendees will have the opportunity to bid on eight once-in-a-lifetime vacations including Africa, Florence, Paris, Ireland, Sedona, Greece, Scotland, and Portugal.

8 Unforgettable Vacations at  Party for the Pantry Event

"We are excited to partner with AmFund to offer these incredible vacation packages," said Marsha Tait, Development Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "This is a unique opportunity for our supporters to experience the trip of a lifetime while making a meaningful difference in our community."

AmFund travel packages support the vital work of the Franklin Food Pantry and include the following:

• Trips valid for 3 years with no blackout dates

• 4 and 5-star accommodations

• Most packages include round-trip airfare for two from any major U.S. international airport

• Dedicated AmFund travel specialist to assist with every detail

• Options to upgrade, extend, and add travelers

A representative from AmFund will be present at Party for The Pantry to manage the trips auction and oversee all transactions. Individuals who are unable to attend Party for the Pantry but are still interested in participating in the vacation auction can contact Julie Manninen, AmFund Development Director, at Julie@amfund.org for details.

features local bands

Party for The Pantry will also host a traditional silent auction. Starting March 20, 2025, mobile bidding for auction items will be available on GiveButter. The online silent auction is open to Party for The Pantry attendees, as well as individuals not attending the event.  

Party for the Pantry takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7 PM at The Black Box in Franklin, Massachusetts. Tickets are required for the 21+ event which features local bands JP Royer, Matt Zajac, and The Pub Kings. 

Proceeds from the event will go directly to The Pantry to help fight food insecurity in our community. Purchase tickets online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

About the American Fundraising Foundation

Each year, the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) carefully chooses organizations to support through sponsorship of events, year-end grant distribution, virtual silent auctions, and other programs to raise much-needed unrestricted funds for the important mission of those organizations. AmFund currently partners with nearly 700 organizations in support of their funding needs. 

The national headquarters is in Florida and opens its training center to nonprofit organizations for lunch and learns and special programs. Its Educational Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)3 and provides professional training for Development Directors, Executive Directors, Board Members, and others leveraging more than two decades of fundraising experience. It offers expertise in a variety of topics for groups ranging in size from 12 to 1000. 

Since its inception in 1999, the AmFund Foundation has distributed more than $60 million for worthy causes. Its signature silent auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences are presented at organizations’ special events drawing admiration, praise and excitement as the entire process elevates the event in the eyes of patrons, board members and the community. 

AmFund annually donates unrestricted funds known as Golden Pear Grants, to select organizations. The Golden Pear, prominently part of AmFund’s logo, is deeply rooted in history as well as in its mission. Throughout history the pear has been honored as a sacred fruit signifying wisdom, prosperity, good health, longevity, and future happiness – all the things Amfund seeks for its nonprofit partners. For more information about AmFund, visit www.amfund.org. 

You can listen to a rescent radio interview about Party for The Pantry ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/talking-all-about-party-for-pantry.html

The Kennedys scheduled to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on April 5

The Kennedys April 5th,2025  7:30 PM $25  Doors open at 7:00 pm.  The Kennedys 1st CD, "River of Fallen Stars" was released in January of 1995 - 30 years ago! Since then they've released 17 albums, and for their 30th anniversary tour, they'll play songs from all 17 albums at each show, with different song selections at each show. Upcoming Shows Last show for the 2024-2025 season will feature John Gorka, May 17th

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏

Franklin area firefighters conduct specialized technical rescue drill

specialized technical rescue drill 

On Monday, your Franklin Firefighters teamed up with our peers from the Franklin Water Department, the Plainville and Millis Fire Departments to conduct a specialized technical rescue drill at the Grove Street Water treatment building. 

These drills and interagency collaborations allow us to be better prepared to protect the community through our all-hazards emergency response skillset. 

Thank you to The Franklin Water Department for hosting us! It was a very successful training drill.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdqAR6MPuf/

YMCA holding auditions for performance of "Rock of Ages"

auditions for performance of "Rock of Ages"

Calling All Rock stars! Date: Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (by appointment)  

Location: Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom St, Mansfield, MA Contact Emily at emilyh@hockymca.org for more info or Sign up Now at https://qrcodes.pro/YNaDH9.

Shared from ->   https://x.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1903752385081598312

Norfolk County Register finds First Deeds in Fall of 1793

In the spirit of exploring Norfolk County's rich history, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell has set out to discover some of its earliest deeds recorded from various communities throughout Norfolk County.

 

Norfolk County Register finds First Deeds in Fall of 1793

Land records at the Registry can shed light on some of the earliest property transactions that occurred in the early years after Norfolk County was established, offering insight into the origins of landownership in the region. It is possible to reveal the names of early settlers and prominent figures who may have played significant roles in shaping the communities they lived in.

"There is a wealth of historic information in the more than 13.1 million land records recorded in 42,297 Registry books dating back to when Norfolk County was created in 1793 and stored at The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and available online at https://www.norfolkresearch.org," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. 

"We have also made this research process even easier for you through our History Comes Alive Transcription Program where all the Registry documents written in hard-to-read cursive penmanship from 1793 to 1900 were transcribed into clearly readable print."

This second of a four-part series focuses on real estate transfers that occurred in the Fall of 1793 between November 5th and December 3rd, during the County's formative months following Governor John Hancock's signing of the legislation that established Norfolk County on June 20, 1793.

The very first document from Dover in Book 1, Page 28 was recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds on November 5, 1793, more than 43 years before the community officially became a town. The deed shows that Thomas Larrabee purchased land on Strawberry Hill from Kazia Morse. Larrabee settled in Dover on his return from the Revolutionary War in 1778 after serving under the command of George Washington during the crossing of the Delaware and at Valley Forge. He, along with his fellow veterans, built a home on the property, which stayed in the Larrabee name until 1865, when the home was willed to "the inhabitants of Dover forever for the relief, comfort, and benefit of the poor persons who have a legal settlement in Dover."

On November 11 in 1793, Jacob and Lydia Parker sold a portion of their land to their son Jacob Parker, Jr. for 60 pounds, recorded in Book 1, Page 33. In this first deed from Needham, the Parkers state that their son is allowed access to one room in the house, a third of the cellar, a third of the barn, and the privilege of baking in the oven. They also permitted him the liberty of using the well. This deed highlights the practical arrangements some families may have needed to make at the time and also provides a glimpse into the daily lives and domestic setups of early settlers in Norfolk County.

Book 1, Page 39, contains a deed from Brookline that transfers property from Ebenezer Davis to Jonas Tolman. This deed provides clues about Jonas Tolman and the property. Jonas Tolman was a shoemaker working with new leather, and the property was located on Watertown Road, which was paved and renamed Washington Street in 1840. These clues indicate that this Jonas Tolman, mentioned in the deed, is the original owner of the Tolman House on the corner of Washington and Cypress Streets. The Tolman House, still standing today, was built in 1795 and is a Brookline landmark.

Book 1 of the Norfolk County Land Records is a treasure trove of interesting land records because, in addition to the notable deeds mentioned so far, on page 43 of Book 1 is a deed from Elkanah and Mary Thayer to future President of the United States John Adams, who at the time was serving as President George Washington's Vice President. The deed, dated November 19, 1793, describes a property with portions of the land situated in both Braintree and Quincy.

In Book 1, Page 44, is a deed from Samuel Vose to Captain Isaac Tucker, recorded November 22, 1793, for property in Milton. Isaac Tucker served in the Revolutionary War and was called to muster on December 25, 1775. He eventually became the captain of a company in the 6th Regular Militia, with his commission signed and recognized by Governor John Hancock.

On December 3, 1793, Roger Braley sold property in Franklin to his son Solomon Braley for the sum of four pounds, recorded in Book 1, Page 79. Roger Braley was a prominent figure in the Quaker community, serving in Rochester town offices from the late 1740s to the late 1760s. He later moved to Franklin, where he became a staunch supporter of the town, so much so that despite being exempt from serving during the Revolutionary War, Roger Braley and his two sons, Israel and Elijah, were listed in the 1777 military census and prepared to serve if needed.

"The primary mission of the registry is always the security, accuracy, and accessibility of our communities' land records and reliable service to the residents of Norfolk County. Moreover, these legal documents, beyond their importance in establishing ownership of a property, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of early settlers and preserve the legacy of prominent figures who have shaped Norfolk County from its founding in 1793 to the present," concluded Register O'Donnell.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @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.