Tuesday, March 10, 2020

"Six Rounds of Vengeance" returns to FHS March 13

"Six Rounds of Vengeance returns to FHS on 3/13, at 730pm. Tickets are $10 for all patrons. Come support the FHSTC and their semi-final round submission for the METG Drama Festival.
This show contains strong language, and stage violence and may not be suitable for young audiences."

Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinHSDrama/status/1237006967320821760

Six Rounds of Vengeance returns to FHS on 3/13
Six Rounds of Vengeance returns to FHS on 3/13

Town Council recap - MArch 4, 2020

Walter Zinchuck, the oldest Franklin resident, 102 years young, received the Boston Post Cane

The resolution on Civil Discourse passed after much discussion.

Municipal aggregation was confirmed as happening in November 2020. You can opt out of it. Why? If you already ahve a long term electrical contract or already have solar panels... For the rest of us, we get to see a savings with green energy (wind power) and a rate of 10.5 cents/KWH for three years. More to come on this as the Sep/Oct time frame when mailings to all the residential customers will be sent. In the meantime, more info can be found on the Colonial Power page for Franklin  https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/

The first look at the budget for Fiscal Year 2021 was presented showing a deficit of $3.5M which will need to be resolved before passing a balanced budget by June 30,2020.

From the meeting I created two audio files to listen to meeting segments:

  • Audio segment on Civil Discourse
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-218-town-council-citizen-comments.html

  • Audio segment on FY 2021
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-220-town-council-fy-2021-budget.html


Actions Taken
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/files/tc-actions-taken-3420


My notes reported live during the meeting
  • Live reporting: Town Administrators Report to Closing
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-town-administrators.html
  • Live reporting: Legislation for action
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
  • Live reporting: Civil Discourse Discussion
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-civil-discourse.html
  • Live reporting: FY 2021 Budget Update
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-fy-2021-budget-update.html
  • Live reporting: Municipal Aggregation
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-municipal-aggregation.html
  • Live reporting: Town Council - March 4, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-town-council-march-4-2020.html

Walter Zinchuck, the oldest Franklin resident, 102 years young, received the Boston Post Cane
Walter Zinchuck, the oldest Franklin resident, 102 years young, received the Boston Post Cane

OCC Coffeehouse: Tom Paxton & The Don Juans - March 20

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and folk icon, Tom Paxton, teams up with the Grammy winning singer/songwriter duo The Don Juans - Don Henry & Jon Vezner. Collectively, their songs have been covered by: Harry Belafonte, John Mellencamp, Miranda Lambert, Neil Diamond, Ray Charles, Nancy Griffith, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Janis Ian, Kathy Mattea, John Denver, Faith Hill, B.J. Thomas, Blake Shelton, Peter, Paul & Mary and Bob Dylan… just to name a few! Within days of writing and playing together, they knew they were onto something. Now they’re taking it on the road!

Tom Paxton has become a voice of his generation, addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture and celebrating the tenderest bonds of family, friends, and community. Among his many songs that have become standards are The Last Thing on My Mind, Ramblin' Boy, Bottle of Wine, Whose Garden Was This?, Goin' to the Zoo, and The Marvelous Toy.

OCC Coffeehouse: TOM PAXTON  & THE DON JUANS - March 20
OCC Coffeehouse: TOM PAXTON  & THE DON JUANS - March 20
At Don Henry's shows, you'll easily spot those who have yet to hear his songs. Upon first experiencing them, the listener is often moved to laughter or tests, sometimes both at the same time! And everyone leaves humming, because Don Henry songs songs stay with you.

Mary-Chapin Carpenter said "Jon Venzer writes about the details of our hearts and feelings. His gift is in speaking to these ordinary things which connect us to one another And in recognizing their simple beauty, he transforms them into something extraordinary."

Tickets for the concert are $20, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street. For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE NEXT FOUR CONCERTS

We have noticed that occasionally people like to gather their friends or fellow group members to attend one of our concerts as a group. As a way to encourage that, we will give you 2 free tickets for every 10 tickets you purchase. For instance, if you buy 10 tickets, you will get 12. Buying 20 tickets gets you a total of 24. Give it a try! More people to share the fun with!

OTHER SHOWS IN THE 2019-2020 SEASON

AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE: Tickets are now available for all shows on the website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.

** Saturday, April 25, 2020, Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Rex Fowler, Dodie Pettit & Friends. Now that Neal Shulman has retired, Rex continues on, recapturing the sound of the duo's original studio recordings.

** Sunday, May 24, 2020, Ted Vigil, John Denver Tribute. Ted is an award-winning singer, songwriter and tribute artist. He performs internationally, and wows the crowd, selling out theatres everywhere. A typical comment is "I can't believe how much he looks and sounds like John Denver."

You ask - we answer: tax our driveways?

Q - Is it true that the town is going to tax our driveways? Sounds pretty ridiculous to me but I heard it from a trusted friend?

A - Yes and no. There is a stormwater utility fee coming that could be viewed as a tax that will apply to all landowners and the impervious coverage they have. "Impervious" simply is coverage that wouldn't allow for penetration of water into the ground. So roofs, driveways, pools, tennis courts, etc. would all count toward the impervious amount of square feet on an individual property. 

While there will be a fee charged, the rate remains to be determined. There will also be credits for mitigation of stormwater. These details and others remain to be worked out. 

As an example: while my driveway needs to be replaced, if I were to get it covered with some paving blocks rather than blacktop, I would likely qualify for some credit for mitigating my impervious coverage. The exact details for paving block to be used and amount of credit are among those details to be worked out.

The Town has created a stormwater page which will capture the Frequently Asked Questions, presentation documents, and other information:  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

In the first session held, March 6, it was revealed there would be more sessions as the stormwater utility fee proposal moved forward. Stay tuned to find out. We'll share as soon as we hear.


The current information sessions scheduled:

  • March 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Franklin TV Studios
  • March 21 from 11 AM - 1 PM at Franklin Public Library

The schedule was posted on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/storm_water_8.5_x_11_in_0.pdf

The Franklin Police dog, Ben Franklin, made an appearance at the stormwater information session
The Franklin Police dog, Ben Franklin, made an appearance at the stormwater information session

Submit your question here

9th annual Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX - Apr 3

Join us at THE BLACK BOX when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous food, wine and entertainment!

The 9th annual Culinary Cabaret spotlights this region's outstanding culinary talent, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, flavorful dishes and delectable desserts!

Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth!

When: April 3, 2020 - 7:00 to 10:00 PM

Where: THE BLACK BOX,  15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA

Your all-inclusive ticket delivers a delicious, entertaining evening!
Check out our website for more information and updates.
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1353

Only until March 1st - save $20 on a pair of tickets, so get your tickets today!

 
9th annual Culinary Cabaret - April 3
9th annual Culinary Cabaret - April 3

You ask - we answer: Dean Ave apartment complex?

Q - What is the name of the apartment complex being built on Dean Ave lumber yard site?

A - "Fairfield At Dean Avenue" per the planning documents is the approved project for 257 units; 127 x 1 bedroom, 116 x 2 bedroom and 14 x 3 bedroom apartments.

The Planning Board project page has the site plan map and the site plan application with additional details
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/dean-ave-fairfield-residents

Photo taken on walk by Feb 18
Photo taken on walk by Feb 18

Submit your question here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html


"Staffing is the biggest expense for nursing homes" ... "There were years in which my staff got no raises"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Christopher House of Worcester is in relatively good shape for a nursing home. Residents — some who have lived there for years — receive attentive care and take part in activities such as the ice cream social several were enjoying on Wednesday. The 24-year-old building is in comfortable condition.

“Nobody wants to go to a nursing home, but sometimes people really thrive here,” said Sandra Mahoney, administrator of the nonprofit Christopher House.

Mahoney said it’s a constant frustration finding money to adequately pay direct care staff to maintain high quality care and to invest in the physical plant.

That’s because Medicaid, the state-administered program that pays for long-term care for people with low income, effectively limits nursing homes’ revenue through payment based on costs that are several years old. About two-thirds of nursing home residents, nearly 30,000 frail elders statewide, rely on Medicaid to pay for their care."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200309/residential-care-at-crossroads

Sandra Mahoney, MHA, FACHCA Administrator with resident (Christopher House photo
Sandra Mahoney, MHA, FACHCA Administrator with resident (Christopher House photo