WHY we (Sue Cass) are voting YES for FRANKLIN! (video)

The next in the series of "WHY we are voting YES for FRANKLIN!" features Sue Cass. She urges all to vote Yes 4 Franklin -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWlr58QQT38

More information can be found on the One Franklin page -> https://onefranklinma.com/

"we are encouraged to think that we will have identified a real interest"

From Wicked Local Franklin, an article of interest:

With a big town election looming, local civically minded residents are gearing up to host a program aimed at giving people an insider’s look at town government.

The “How Your Town Government Works” program is set for Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7-8:30 p.m., at THE BLACK BOX, 15. W. Central St., Franklin.

While sponsored by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee (FDTC), the organizers are quick to point out the program is completely non-partisan and non-political; rather, they describe it as a public service program.

Members of the committee include Chairman Karen Landers, Herb and Paula Gross, and Colin and Sue Cass.

“We were one of several subcommittees set up by the FDTC to plan activities for the year. The idea for this forum came from Paula, who has lived in Franklin for a few years and realized that she knew very little about Franklin’s government,” said committee member Sue Cass. “We agreed that this lack of information was probably shared by many residents and, since this is an election year, we thought an educational forum about the government would be timely.”

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190911/franklin-forum-to-explore-how-town-government-works


Reservations for the town government forum are recommended.
Sign up at https://FranklinGovt.eventbrite.com

 

“How Your Town Government Works” program is set for Weds, Sep. 25

Sue and Anne talk about the yarn project that will dress the Ben Franklin statute (audio)

FM #1269 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1269 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Sue Cass and Anne Frye. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Sue & Anne are members of the Knitting group that meets at the Franklin Public Library on Fridays from 10 AM to noon, the group sits to knit or crochet and have a conversation. 

We talk about the yarn installation coming at the end of September. The yarn will be used to dress up the bronze statue of Ben Franklin at the Library. There will be other yarn creations in the immediate vicinity and these will remain until mid-December.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1269-knitting-group-project-08-20-24/

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The Knitting Group meets each Friday at the Library from 10 AM to noon. Anyone wishing to knit or crochet is welcome to join. 

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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

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"

Sue and Anne talk about the yarn project that will dress the Ben Franklin statute (audio)

Voices of Franklin: Six Combine Voices for Markey

Voting in the Massachusetts Primary Election closes at 8:00 p.m. on September 1.  A few Franklin residents explain why they support Ed Markey as U.S. Senator in this primary.

These respondents are impressed by Sen. Markey’s record as a legislator.  Karen Landers notes  that he has long been known for his leadership and productivity.  He entered national politics in 1974.  In the succeeding 46 years he has been re-elected more than 20 times, first to the House (1974-2013) and subsequently to the Senate (2013 to present).  Clearly the Democrats in Massachusetts have recognized him as an effective congressman.  

These Franklin voters also admire Markey’s character.  They see in him a strong and visionary leader, and author of the Green New Deal, which may be the most important legislation before the Congress in our time.  Yet they also like his unpretentious, blue-collar origins and his personal modesty.  Karen Landers and Mara Downie found themselves standing beside Markey in the crowd at the Youth Climate Strike in Boston last year.  They noticed that he came to support the young strikers, not to grab the limelight.  

Markey’s causes resonate with these voters.  As Sue Cass puts it, Markey “has been indefatigable, participating on diverse committees and authoring or sponsoring hundreds of bills on diverse subjects, always focusing on improving American circumstances.”  More particularly, these voters applaud the senator’s support of racial justice, net neutrality, gun control, health care for all, women’s rights, the COVID-19 Relief Bill, and especially the Green New Deal with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.  This bill addresses the twin crises of climate change and economic inequality.

There are also strategic reasons to support Markey.  Jayson Joyce admires him because, in drafting the COVID-19 Relief Bill with Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders, Markey brought both wings of the Democratic party to the table.  Likewise, the senator commands inter-generational support from both ends of the age spectrum, from young Gen Z voters to aging Baby Boomers.  According to Joyce, Markey is a visionary leader who constantly challenges the status quo.  Or as Chorr-yi Chin puts it, Markey legislates with compassion for all, including future generations.  Colin Cass thinks it’s naive to trust what politicians say.  He judges them by what they actually do.  He believes that Markey “is committed to action on the most pressing issues of our time.”

Finally, there is the uniqueness of this moment.  As Joyce says, during this pandemic when many people have lost their jobs and their health insurance; when economic depression threatens and many are facing evictions, foreclosures, and heavy debts, the moment calls for strong leadership and moral authority.  Or as Chin puts it, “The demands of today require somebody who understands the hardships we face.”   

Ed Markey has spent his life as a prolific, principled, and successful legislator.  This man has earned his place as our senator, and the voters of Massachusetts should keep him in office.

Ben is now dressed for success!

Ben is now dressed for success!

"Sassy Ben Franklin showing off his new leg warmers outside of the heart of Franklin @franklinpubliclibrary!

This is part of a new public art piece knitted together by the Friday knitters group that meets weekly at the library.

Click our link in our profile to read more about the yarn installation and listen to a podcast by @franklinmatters.ma sharing the inside scoop of this project featuring knitter and Cultural District Committee member, Sue Cass" along with Anne Frye.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DAbUstqR4OT/

Interview audio can be found -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/sue-and-anne-talk-about-yarn-project.html

Voices of Franklin: Cass's offer "kudos and thanks to the councilors for a job well done"

We have made it our habit to attend the Town Council meetings for several years.  In doing so, we learned much about what it takes to govern a town.  

Last night we were reminded how fortunate the residents of Franklin have been to be governed by such a thoughtful, diligent, caring group of volunteers who gave countless hours in their mutual effort to provide steady leadership for us all.  In their final meeting, the councilors individually took the opportunity to reflect on the Council’s accomplishments over their two year term. The list was truly impressive.

We offer our kudos and thanks to the councilors for a job well done.  As Councilor Hamblen summarized in a quotation taken from scouting, the list made it clear that they were indeed “leaving [the town] better than when they arrived.”

Sue and Colin Cass

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Cass's offer "kudos and thanks to the councilors for a job well done"

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 19, 2023 -  7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. May 25, 2023

b. June 7, 2023

c. June 21, 2023

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee

i. Sue Cass

ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission

i. Amy Adams

ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee

i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Carol Fletcher

ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., d/b/a Shaw’s, Located at 255 East Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Legislative Delegation: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading   (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-900R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-45 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-46 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-47 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

e. Master Plan Committee

f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

 

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda document contains remote participation info along with the documents released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM

Talking Franklin Arts, Culture, & Economic Development (audio)

FM #1301 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1301 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  

Jamie and I were joined in the roundtable discussion by (in order of appearance):

• Cory Shea, Town of Franklin Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy

• John Ristaino: Franklin Cultural Council Chair

• Sue Cass: Franklin Cultural District Committee member

• Lauren Kloos & Roger Trahan: Franklin Farmers Market

• Raye Lynn Mercer: Artistic & Executive Director at Franklin Performing Arts Company

• Kayla Nisbet: Franklin Artist; graphic designer, muralist & new Franklin Cultural Council Member

The recording runs about 62 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation on the new & exciting cultural happenings in Franklin. Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---October-24--2024-e2qcr9o/a-abjusse

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Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 

Cultural District page  https://www.franklinculture.org/ 

Cultural Council page  https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council 

Franklin Farmers Market page  https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/ 

Franklin Performing Arts Company page   https://fpaconline.com/ 

A Wreath of Franklin sign up page  https://form.jotform.com/242634718318056 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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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

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"

Talking Franklin Arts, Culture, & Economic Development (audio)

"we allow our signs to share our message"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As the 2020 presidential election year nears, Democrats in Franklin and those who share their views are continuing to mount demonstrations in protest of the Trump administration. And they’re not the only ones, as like-minded people in neighboring Medway have begun to speak up, too.

Members of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee began occasionally holding peaceful protests earlier this year, and are planning their next gathering on Nov. 16. The effort has now been taken up by the Medway Democratic Town Committee, which held its first demonstration on Oct. 6 and is organizing a second from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday on the sidewalk in front of the Medway Place shopping plaza.

“It looks as if our protest efforts are becoming contagious,” said Sue Cass, a member of the Franklin Democrats who has been a lead organizer of the Franklin efforts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191101/franklin-medway-democrats-speaking-out-in-protest-of-trump-administration

In the News: Demonstration returns Saturday; Supreme Court rules on Census question

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As campaign activity ahead of the 2020 presidential election begins to build, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee is ramping up efforts to express dissatisfaction with the current administration and to make a plea for change.

The committee is mounting a demonstration on Saturday “against the behavior of the Trump administration” from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Franklin on the sidewalk in front of the Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central St.

It will be the group’s second protest held this month. The first was held June 15 and drew participants from Franklin and many neighboring towns, organizers said.

“We are part of a great effort across the country with several activist organizations, including moveon.org and indivisible.org,” said Sue Cass, a member of the Democratic Town Committee."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190627/franklin-democrats-plan-demonstration-make-plea-for-change/1

demonstration on Saturday, June 15 (courtesy photo)

"The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling halting the inclusion of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census was cheered Thursday by state officials and advocates who said such a question could jeopardize an accurate count in Massachusetts.

In a 5-4 opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Commerce from asking Census respondents about their citizenship status, finding “a significant mismatch between” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ decision to add the question “and the rationale he provided.”

The court sent the matter back to the Commerce Department, seeking a new explanation.

Secretary of State William Galvin, who oversees the Census count in Massachusetts, and Attorney General Maura Healey, one of 18 attorneys general who sued the Commerce Department over the question, both urged the department to accept the court’s decision and prepare for a Census that does not ask about citizenship status."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190627/citizenship-question-foes-cheer-court-ruling

Learn more about the 2020 Census
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census.html

learn more about the 2020 Census

Town Council approves Accessory Dwelling bylaws, hears from State legislative delegation (audio)

FM #1025 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1025 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino     iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on July 19, 2023. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1025-town-council-mtg-07-19-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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

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

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"

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch