Present: Smith, Goldsmith, Dufur, Quinn, Roche, Dewsnap, Feldman, Aparo, Huempfner
Absent: none
Citizens Comments - none
Approval of minutes from Jan 8th, motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
Action item:
Town Clerk advertising $1,000
proposed to move from free cash
motion to approve from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
DPW Road Capital Plan
Mike Maglio, Asst Town Engineer
roadway inventory conducted and road ratings created
update the database yearly
determines the capital plan based upon the ratings
206 total miles, approx. 30 miles are unaccepted roadways
approx 23 miles are private roads, with another 18 miles that are State roads
avg rating for roads is currently 76, would like to get up to about 80. That number tends to be a good one for communities of our size
if we attempted to upgrade all the roads at once, it would cost about $48M
$1.2 M per year would keep us just holding steady
$2.0 M would get us gradually to an 80 rating by 2022
The town is doing a lot of planning that folks don't always see
The Long Range Planning Committee reported that roads were one of the major issues to be addressed.
The DPW does work with the gas company to coordinate road work
There is a bylaw passed a few years ago that once a road was re-built, it is not to be touched (unless an emergency) for five years.
Trying to narrow the width of the roads to reduce the storm water handling
What has been the average road budget?
Not sure, let me check and get back to you. I have been here year and a half and just gettign into the budget business
Can you explain the accepted road process?
Has to do with the final as-built reports and acceptance by the Town Council
Working to get some of those identified and accepted into the process
We would be plowing and doing that kind of maintenance but not physical road repair work
Most of the paving is through contracts
we'll do some of the smaller tasks but the larger roads are better done by contractors
Q - how did the sidewalks account for so much/
A - can't repair them, mostly replace. Hadn't done this particular slide so not sure exactly what the calculation was
Tabling the OPEB valuation discussion (J Nutting not here)
Susan Gagner - not much to add just yet, the Governor's budget is out and we are scheduled for more local aid, if that holds it is very open to discussion
Intending to get budget at end of March
Per Jeff Roy, there will not be a local aid cut for this fiscal year.
Tri-County assessment is up, we have more kids enrolled there
Special election cost
There will be a primary and election, whether the state picks up the cost is open
Jim Dacey
we may come back to you for an increase in the processing of the parking tickets
have written only $20K of tickets, had budgeted only $3K for the processing
will be looking to see what it will be before year end and may come back in Apr/May with a number that should be good
Excise tax bills will be going out next Monday
Annual report will be reviewed at the Town Council meeting
Management letter to be addressed regarding action items
esp. a policy for fund balances
May be a requirement to put the unfunded pension liability on the balance sheet
The county has not presented that number to us
it will be interesting to see, all net assets will go down when it is added
Clarification on the asset versus liability and the balance sheet
we are funding the liability but not booking it (pension)
we are not funding the liability (OPEB) but booking
motion to adjourn
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Franklin Historical Museum: All Aboard!
ALL ABOARD!
The Franklin Historical Museum will host a talk on the history of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, SNETT.
Guest Speaker Ron Clough of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will give a presentation and discuss the history of SNETT which was designated as part of the National Recreation Trail in 1994.
Join us for an informative look at the Southern New England Railway and trains in Franklin’s history, and learn about the ‘Ghost Train’.
Sunday February 17 @ 1:00pm, 80 West Central Street, Franklin
The Franklin Historical Museum will host a talk on the history of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, SNETT.
Guest Speaker Ron Clough of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will give a presentation and discuss the history of SNETT which was designated as part of the National Recreation Trail in 1994.
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| Franklin Station |
Join us for an informative look at the Southern New England Railway and trains in Franklin’s history, and learn about the ‘Ghost Train’.
Sunday February 17 @ 1:00pm, 80 West Central Street, Franklin
The science of NFL Football
The Library at Dean College has started publishing a blog. Their most recent post shares a series of videos produced by NBC on the "Science of NFL Football". Just because the Super Bowl has officially ended the season doesn't mean there is no more football!
Queue the videos!
You can find the series of 10 short (about 3-4 minute) videos here:
http://www.nbclearn.com/nfl
They don't provide a way to embed the video so you will need to follow the link. For school teachers to leverage this for their classes, there is a way to login via Blackboard and download the videos for free.
Links:
The Dean College Library blog: http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/
The Dean College Library post on the football videos
http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/the-science-of-nfl-football/
The Science of NFL Football series
http://www.nbclearn.com/nfl
These videos and more are also available at http://science360.gov/files/ (search for "football"). Note I did not have success in actually viewing the videos on this site. They seemed to take forever 'loading'.
Queue the videos!
You can find the series of 10 short (about 3-4 minute) videos here:
http://www.nbclearn.com/nfl
They don't provide a way to embed the video so you will need to follow the link. For school teachers to leverage this for their classes, there is a way to login via Blackboard and download the videos for free.
Links:
The Dean College Library blog: http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/
The Dean College Library post on the football videos
http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/the-science-of-nfl-football/
The Science of NFL Football series
http://www.nbclearn.com/nfl
These videos and more are also available at http://science360.gov/files/ (search for "football"). Note I did not have success in actually viewing the videos on this site. They seemed to take forever 'loading'.
Rep Jeffrey Roy - Office Hours
State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held as follows:
Medway – Tuesday Feb 5th = 8:00 AM at the Medway Municipal Building, 155 Village Street, Sanford Hall, 2nd floor, Medway, MA
Franklin – Saturday 16th = 9:00 AM at the Cake Bar, 17 East Central Street, Franklin, MA (Parking on street & in the rear)
Medway – Wednesday 27th = 6:00 PM at Starbucks, 67 Main Street, Medway, MA 02053
Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.
Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.
He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2425, stop by Room 437 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.
House rejects governor's call for local aid cut
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 2/4/13
The House today rejected Gov. Deval Patrick's request for the power to make a 1 percent local aid cut and advanced legislation aimed at snapping this year's budget back into balance.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Registry of Motor Vehicles Unveils MassRMV.com
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/4/13
MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles Division has transitioned to a new website making it the first motor vehicle administration in the nation poised to accept advertising in order to generate new revenue.With more than 16 million website visits per year, the switch to www.massrmv.com offers limited advertising opportunities, and allows the RMV to develop clearer navigation to let customers perform their transactions with renewed confidence.
"This is a great example of MassDOT's continued emphasis on making our services more user-friendly," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "MassRMV.com makes online transactions simpler for the customer and gives us additional revenue opportunities."
During 2012, Registry customers performed more than 3.4 million transactions online, up from 2.9 million transactions in 2011, ranging from license and registration renewals to citation payments to signing up to become organ donors. Advertisements will be limited to select informational pages and are not on customer transaction pages.
"MassRMV.com is now the official website of the Registry of Motor Vehicles where customers may perform 35 different transactions safely and securely," said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian. "We work hard to drive customer traffic to the web, so we recognize our obligation to make this mode of service delivery as convenient as possible."
In September, MassDOT conducted usability testing on the new website design with customers at its Chinatown Branch. Based on customer reviews, navigation bars were redesigned, terminology was changed and special alerts affecting branch operations have been pushed to the forefront at MassRMV.com.
MassRMV.com customers will initially see promotional ads for MassDOT and RMV services while a contract with the advertising vendor, Municipal Media Solutions is finalized. In its first year of operation, the advertisements are expected to generate about $65,000 in new revenue.
Online advertising supplements current advertising partnerships, including those used in RMV mailers to defray mailing and productions costs. A closed-circuit RMV TV network, MVN, targets ads to those likely to be conducting business in Registry Branches and offers PSA time for relevant RMV news and updates.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Monday, February 4, 2013
Big fund raising day for Franklin non-profits!
This Saturday, Feb 9th, will see two major fund raisers for Franklin based non-profit organizations.
1 - The Random Smile Project holds their 6th Annual Gala from 6:00 PM to midnight at the RI Convention Center, Providence RI.
Additional details and tickets can be purchased online http://www.randomsmile.org/events
2 - The Franklin Food Pantry will be conducting its 3rd Annual Phone-a-thon using the facilities at Dean College.
Additional details can be found on the Food Pantry webpage http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/02/calling-for-pantry.html
1 - The Random Smile Project holds their 6th Annual Gala from 6:00 PM to midnight at the RI Convention Center, Providence RI.
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| Random Smile 6th Annual Gala Event |
2 - The Franklin Food Pantry will be conducting its 3rd Annual Phone-a-thon using the facilities at Dean College.
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| Franklin Food Pantry - new logo |
Additional details can be found on the Food Pantry webpage http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/02/calling-for-pantry.html
New roof on King St
The fire damage from September 2012 is getting repaired. Robert Catalano's residence at 12-14 King St.
and a second view
The Sep 2012 story
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/franklin-police-officer-saves-man-in.html
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| 14 King St under repair |
and a second view
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| 14 King St under repair - 2nd view |
The Sep 2012 story
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/franklin-police-officer-saves-man-in.html
Franklin Library: Teen Advisory Board
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
“It’s a game and a history lesson all wrapped up in one”
Mark Brady, a teacher at Horace Mann Middle School, uses a board game to help with teaching history.
Read more: Franklin educator uses board game to teach historical lessons - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/education/x1433777900/Franklin-educator-uses-board-game-to-teach-historical-lessons#ixzz2JvNo4Kna
“We can’t bring them back to Mesopotamia, Egypt or Greece, but this (Catan) brings it alive,” Brady said. “One student was so frustrated because he was winning at one point, and the other kids froze him out and wouldn’t trade with him. He said flat out, ‘I now understand why people go to war."
Brady pitched the idea to administrators with help from Tricia Metrick, a science teacher. A grant from the Franklin Education Foundation, a community group that raises money for teachers, purchased the games for classes in sixth, seventh and eighth grade.
Mark the experiment as a success, says Robert Vacca, who teaches eighth-grade world history. Vacca observed one of Brady’s classes and saw immediately that Catan was connecting with students in a way that a textbook never could.
“The kids don’t even realize they’re learning,” he said. “It brings the curriculum to life and, in the process, brings their learning to a higher level. They have to analyze and interpret situations, and, really, that’s what history is all about."
Read more: Franklin educator uses board game to teach historical lessons - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/education/x1433777900/Franklin-educator-uses-board-game-to-teach-historical-lessons#ixzz2JvNo4Kna
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Jim Dacey makes the case for Treasurer-Collector as an appointed position
This internet radio show or podcast is number 102 in the series for Franklin Matters.
In this session, we synchronize the audio and presentation document on the major arguments for moving the Treasure/Collector position to an appointed rather than elected position.
You may recall that there were Home Rule charter changes on the ballot for the Nov 2010 election. The technical changes to the charter were passed by better than a 3-1 margin while the question to move the Treasurer/Collection position to an appointed one failed by almost a 2-1 margin.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/charter-question-4-yes-question-5-no.html
Now that sufficient time has passed, Jim Dacey the current Treasurer/Collector is bringing the discussion forward again. His presentation to the Town Council on Jan 23, 2013 laid out the arguments to have the next Treasure/Collector appointed by the Town Administrator and voted on the by Town Council rather than determined by the Franklin voters.
I have taken the recording of Jim's presentation and synchronized it with the presentation document so you can follow along. I also included the question and answer period that was part of the meeting.
So without further ado, here is Town Council Chair Bob Vallee introducing Jim Dacey:
The reporting from the Town Council meeting on Jan 23 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/live-reporting-treasurercollector.html
Notes of the full Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/town-council-012313.html
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
If you like this, please tell a neighbor.
If you don't like this, please let me know.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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!
In this session, we synchronize the audio and presentation document on the major arguments for moving the Treasure/Collector position to an appointed rather than elected position.
You may recall that there were Home Rule charter changes on the ballot for the Nov 2010 election. The technical changes to the charter were passed by better than a 3-1 margin while the question to move the Treasurer/Collection position to an appointed one failed by almost a 2-1 margin.
Question 4 - technical changes to the charter
Yes - 8443
No - 2596
Blanks - 1790
Question 5 - switch to appointment of Treasurer/CollectorThe full set of results from Nov 2010 can be found here
Yes - 4339
No - 7421
Blanks - 1069
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/11/charter-question-4-yes-question-5-no.html
Now that sufficient time has passed, Jim Dacey the current Treasurer/Collector is bringing the discussion forward again. His presentation to the Town Council on Jan 23, 2013 laid out the arguments to have the next Treasure/Collector appointed by the Town Administrator and voted on the by Town Council rather than determined by the Franklin voters.
I have taken the recording of Jim's presentation and synchronized it with the presentation document so you can follow along. I also included the question and answer period that was part of the meeting.
So without further ado, here is Town Council Chair Bob Vallee introducing Jim Dacey:
The reporting from the Town Council meeting on Jan 23 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/live-reporting-treasurercollector.html
Notes of the full Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/town-council-012313.html
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
If you like this, please tell a neighbor.
If you don't like this, please let me know.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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!
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 6, 2013
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 28,2013, December 19, 2013, Executive Session
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jim Dacey, Treasurer-Collector
Melanson Heath & Co., 2012 Audit
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-05: Hoffmann Farms, A Private Definitive Subdivision Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
2. Resolution 13-06: Appropriation: Town Clerk - Advertising
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review – 2nd Reading
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals - 2nd Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission - 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full set of documents released with the agenda can be found on the Franklin Town Council webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/020613.pdf
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Feb 5, 2013
The Finance Committee (FinCom) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. The meeting provides good insight into the budget and any expenditures that will come before the Town Council. With some exceptions for timing, any monetary expenses usually appear before this group for their approval before going to the Town Council.
For Tuesday, the transfer of funds to the Town Clerk's advertising budget ($1,000) is up for discussion and approval. Due to the public hearings on the proposed bylaw changes (which require published notifications in the Milford Daily News), what had been forecasted for the Clerk's budget has already been drawn down. With only $1,000 being asked for, this is not a great deal but indicates the level of attention and awareness to the budget and expenses that can be found in this meeting.
The road repair budget is also up for discussion. Road repair has been a topic of conversation for several years as Franklin does recognize that it is behind on repairing roads. What dollars are available have been used effectively to rebuild the road infrastructure (water and sewer lines) and then do the repaving at the same time. This places a great deal of prioritization on what gets done when. If the water and sewer lines are in deed of repair, then it is easier to schedule to do both at the same time. If a road is in poor condition but the water and sewer lines are good, when does the road surface get done?
The published agenda for the FinCom meeting can be seen here
The FinCom agenda is also posted to the Franklin Finance Committee webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_FinanceAgendas/Agenda%202013-2-5
For Tuesday, the transfer of funds to the Town Clerk's advertising budget ($1,000) is up for discussion and approval. Due to the public hearings on the proposed bylaw changes (which require published notifications in the Milford Daily News), what had been forecasted for the Clerk's budget has already been drawn down. With only $1,000 being asked for, this is not a great deal but indicates the level of attention and awareness to the budget and expenses that can be found in this meeting.
The road repair budget is also up for discussion. Road repair has been a topic of conversation for several years as Franklin does recognize that it is behind on repairing roads. What dollars are available have been used effectively to rebuild the road infrastructure (water and sewer lines) and then do the repaving at the same time. This places a great deal of prioritization on what gets done when. If the water and sewer lines are in deed of repair, then it is easier to schedule to do both at the same time. If a road is in poor condition but the water and sewer lines are good, when does the road surface get done?
The published agenda for the FinCom meeting can be seen here
The FinCom agenda is also posted to the Franklin Finance Committee webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_FinanceAgendas/Agenda%202013-2-5
Franklin LIbrary: Krafty Mondays
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Franklin Public Schools: School Events
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In the News: lacrosse world cup
High School Notebook: Lax star Igoe won't relax
Former Framingham All-American Kristin Igoe has been an assistant coach with the Mass Mavericks girls lacrosse club team since last year. Over the summer, she was hired as Franklin’s coach for the upcoming season. And, oh yes, she made the U.S. team for this summer’s World Cup on Tuesday.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
"the start of a good Hockomock League rivalry"
Milford joined the Hockomock League and played Franklin in basketball on Friday night.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x930794999/Milford-Franklin-meet-in-their-first-Hockomock-clash#ixzz2JjyLHVpn
Current standing for the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/standings3.html
Milford and Franklin have a long history as football rivals. Alas, no longer: Milford’s departure from the Mid-Wach League means the teams will never again stare down one another on the gridiron.
"We won’t be playing each other in football, so hopefully this rivalry can continue," said FHS Athletic Director Brad Sidwell.
Milford High Athletic Director Rich Piergustavo said a league basketball showdown between the two is "long overdue."
"They have great programs, as do we, and we look forward to competing with them in more than just football," Piergustavo said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x930794999/Milford-Franklin-meet-in-their-first-Hockomock-clash#ixzz2JjyLHVpn
Current standing for the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/standings3.html
In the News: Phone-a-thon, majority whip, Purim Carnival
Franklin Food Pantry Phone-A-Thon set for February
The Franklin Food Pantry will conduct its annual Phone-A-Thon on Saturdays, Feb. 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ashland's Spilka named majority whip of Senate
Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, Thursday named state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland as the Majority Whip of the Massachusetts Senate, according to a press release from Spilka’s office.
Temple Etz Chaim celebrates Purim
On Sunday, February 10, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Temple Etz Chaim Purim Carnival will be held in the cafeteria of Medway High School, 88 Summer St., Medway.
A Day to Give and Receive at Team Fitness Franklin
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Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038
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Friday, February 1, 2013
Calling for the Food Pantry!
Volunteers for the Franklin Food Pantry will be calling residents of Franklin, MA as part of a fundraising effort during specific time periods on Saturday, Feb 9, 2013. The volunteers will be using the phone bank at Dean College to call residents.
The volunteers will announce that this is the 3rd annual phone call fundraising effort for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is looking to raise funds to provide for the over 600 individuals it services each month.
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| Franklin Food Pantry - new logo |
Donors will be asked to make their contribution via credit card, or to make a pledge. The pledge will result in regular mail sent to their address which can be returned via the mail with a check, or the check could be dropped off at the Pantry during operating hours.
If using a credit card, donors will be asked to visit the Food Pantry website and make a secure transaction with their credit card. The website can be found at http://franklinfoodpantry.org/
Note that the volunteer calls will appear as “Dean College” for those with caller ID.
The Food Pantry thanks Dean College for the gracious access to their phone bank for this fundraiser.
Volunteers to make the phone calls are still welcome. There are several time slots to choose from. If you would like to help with this effort, please call the Food Pantry.
Saturday, Feb 9th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For additional information on the campaign, contact Bob Hamilton at the Franklin Food Pantry. Telephone Number: 508-528-3115. Bob can also be reached via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org
Note: yes, this is the new logo for the Franklin Food Pantry. You will see more of it as the Pantry continues to spread the word about the good work it does for our Franklin neighbors.
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