Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Franklin Almanac - Episode 12 (video)

Catching up to post the Franklin Almanac - Episode 12 (video). Polikseni has moved on to a regular weekend position with a TV station in Vermont.


Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable last year, you can catch up to Episode 12 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

Introduction- 00:00-00:39
Susan Rosen- 00:40-08:33
FSPA- 08:34-14:20
Massachusetts Green Communities- 14:21-22:50
Berry Insurance Halloween Costume Drive- 22:51-27:40
Final Thoughts- 27:41-29:05



https://youtu.be/lLDnNegiQ3Q



Visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including the FSPA catalog, summer brochure, and fall class schedule.


Franklin School For The Performing Arts
Franklin School For The Performing Arts

Remember when: Aug 7, 2013

Wednesday, August 7, 2013


Master Plan: Zoning

"The draft Master Plan 2013 for Franklin is chock full of great information. Zoning plans an important role in how Franklin operates and grows. Look around town, there are commercial zones and residential areas. These are all by design. The design can be changed via the zoning process and the overall guidelines to the design come from the Master Plan. The full plan document runs over 90 pages but should be required summer reading for each Franklin resident and voter.

You can participate in the Public Hearing on this draft on Saturday at the Library at 10:00 AM"

- - - 
Continue reading about the Master Plan as the review of the draft occurred during August 2013. The plan was accepted and approved by the Town Council and still provides guidance today.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-zoning.html

The 1997 and the current (as published in 2013) Master Plan documents can be found on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

development of the SNETT Trail is an action item in the Master Plan
development of the SNETT Trail is an action item in the Master Plan

Summer Workshops at Developing Artists in Franklin

Session 5 - August 14th - 23rd 2018

A 2 Hr. Art Class (8 max) with individualized instruction, to help improve the artistic ability of anyone 8 yrs - adult. All art levels are welcome and encouraged. Free consult is available for all new students. The student can select the media: watercolor, acrylic, oil, colored pencil, pen or markers as well as the subject matter. I have photos for students to choose the one best suited to their personality. Classes are held in a home environment with air conditioning to keep everyone comfortable on those hot days. 

Calendar and Contracts are available on my website https://lisagbailey.com/developingartistsfranklin/ 

Sign the no obligation and no registration fee contract, then register for classes by email to info@lisagbailey.com

Include dates and times. Each class is $32 and does not include supplies. Only classes with 4 – 8 students will run. Pay only for classes that run. For more information call me at 508-553-9119.

Developing Artists Open Registration Begins

Drawing and painting classes

Art classes for students 8 yrs - adult of all abilities (8 max per group). New students get a free consultation to plan their personal needs and wants. Classes meet weekly thru the school year in a home setting. Students select from several mediums: colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, oil and pen. Individualized instruction by Nationally awarded professional artist Lisa G Bailey. 

Classes are 1 and  1/2 hrs long and cost $24 per student. Supplies are not included. For more information call me at 508-553-9119 or visit my website https://lisagbailey.com/developingartistsfranklin

Labyrinth, my colorweave watercolor that won the first place ribbon
Labyrinth, my colorweave watercolor that won the first place ribbon

Monday, August 6, 2018

45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair - Nov 10

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Saturday, November 10th is the date of the 45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair. It will be held at Tri-County High School in Franklin from 9 AM to 3 PM.

We are still accepting vendor applications. Email us at franklincraftfair@gmail.com to request an application.

Proceeds benefit local charities in Franklin and the surrounding area.

45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair - Nov 10
45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair - Nov 10


Franklin Almanac - Episode 11 (video)

Catching up to post the Franklin Almanac - Episode 11 (video). Polikseni has moved on to a regular weekend position with a TV station in Vermont.


Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 11 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

Introduction- 00:00-00:40
St.Rocco's Festival- 00:41-6:25
#2069 Opioid crisis- 6:26-16:35
Thomas Angelo, Athletic Director- 16:36-25:13
Final Thoughts- 25:14-26:37

https://youtu.be/sQWmK4VklCs



Just what is #2069?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/just-what-is-2069.html

The SAFE Coalition provides support for individuals and family and friends of those suffering from substance abuse.  http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Franklin Almanac - Episode 11 (video)
Franklin Almanac - Episode 11 (video) 

Remember when: August 6, 2012

Monday, August 6, 2012


Uncas Pond

Having heard of Uncas Pond here and here, I decided a needed to go exploring to find it. Sunday was humid. I needed a little extra incentive to run in the heat. I decided that since Uncas Pond was off Summer St, I'd go find it. Finding it would give me an excuse to stop for pictures (and rest as well).

Uncas Pond

Uncas Pond

Continue reading in the archives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/uncas-pond.html

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy as election season heats up

With election season just around the corner, environmental advocates and local leaders gathered at Franklin’s town common to share ideas for accelerating Massachusetts’ transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

The 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, developed by the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, includes more than 30 policies that the winner of this fall’s gubernatorial election can implement to reduce energy consumption and rapidly repower all sectors of the economy with clean energy.

“For decades, the Commonwealth has led the nation in preserving the environment, protecting public health, and reducing global warming pollution,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for the Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center. “Now more than ever, Massachusetts must lead the way. With support from our state’s top leaders, we can power our homes, our businesses, and our transportation system with clean, renewable energy.”

Advocates described how Massachusetts’ solar and wind resources, combined with emerging technologies like electric vehicles, air source heat pumps, and battery storage, will enable us to meet our energy needs with clean, renewable power at all times of the day and night.

After discussing the recommendations in the 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, local leaders discussed the ways that clean energy is supported at the local level, and what more needs to be done.

“Franklin has done a lot to ensure that our town exemplifies what a Green Community should be,” said former city councilor, and renewable energy advocate, Brett Feldman. “Our electricity load for our municipal and school buildings is 95 percent covered by our town solar farm on the Mount St. Mary’s Abbey. On top of that, we have upgraded all of our buildings to maximum efficiency, and by the end of the year will convert of our town lights to LED. We are doing all we can, and we want the state to be able to say the same.”

Speakers also pointed to the urgent need for action before the end of the legislative session.

In June, the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill that would eliminate caps on solar net metering and increase renewable energy to 50 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity consumption by 2030 and 100 percent by 2047. The House has passed a bill for 35 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Legislators must reach an agreement before July 31, or start from scratch next year.

A report by the Applied Economics Clinic found that increasing the renewable portfolio standard by 3 percent per year, along with other clean energy policies, would result in 600,000 fewer metric tons of greenhouse gases per year by 2030 (equivalent to taking 128,000 cars off the road) at little to no additional cost to the public.

Since 2007, Massachusetts has seen a 246-fold increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun. Wind energy generation in Massachusetts is set to increase dramatically in the coming years, with a commitment to install 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.

Massachusetts’ offshore wind potential is equivalent to more than 19 times the state’s annual electricity consumption. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, rooftop solar installations alone could provide 47 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity.

“Even beyond rooftop solar, community solar projects, like the one we installed in Holliston, expand the possibility of who can benefit from the solar boom,” said Jeff Lord, senior Vice President of Project Development at the Clean Energy Collective. “ There are dozens of community solar projects in the Commonwealth, including one in nearby Holliston, but many more are needed if we’re to truly provide equal access to the benefits of renewable energy to all of our states homes, businesses, towns, and organizations.”

Last week, 16 academics, researchers, and clean energy industry leaders sent a letter to state officials affirming that “there are no insurmountable technological or economic barriers to achieving 100 percent renewable energy.”

“Now is the time for us to go big on clean energy,” said Hellerstein. “Come January, we’re ready to work with whoever occupies the corner office on Beacon Hill to help Massachusetts go 100 percent renewable.”

###

The Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center is dedicated to protecting Massachusetts’ air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help Bay Staters make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives.

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy
Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy

In the News: competition for Senator Ross' seat; PMC rides through Franklin; A resident against bag ban in Natick

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Sept. 4 primary for the state Senate race is fast approaching, and three Democrats are vying for the chance to challenge incumbent Republican Richard Ross of Wrentham for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District Senate seat. 
The district covers parts of Wellesley and Needham, as well as sections of Franklin, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, Attleboro, North Attleborough, Natick, Sherborn and Wayland."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180805/three-democrats-aim-to-unseat-senator-richard-ross


"Before hundreds of cyclists rolled into the Jefferson Elementary School, Kevin Lydon held back tears. 
Lydon was a volunteer at Saturday’s water stop for cyclists participating in the annual Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer treatment and research. 
Lydon, a Mansfield resident, choked up when he said his cancer returned last month. He had been in remission before a surgical oncologist told him his lymphoma is back. The diagnosis has not been confirmed, although test results are expected this week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180805/pmc-ride-makes-stop-in-franklin-outpouring-of-love-for-those-lost-to-cancer


"A resident is on a crusade to repeal the town’s plastic bag regulation, and he’s meeting with town officials to state his case. 
Brent Longtin called it “a disaster,” and he wants officials to encourage residents to focus on re-usable bags. 
Natick’s policy allows plastic bags with a minimum thickness of 2 millimeters. Retailers can also provide bags made of recycled paper or reusable bags made of cloth or other washable fabric."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180805/resident-calls-naticks-plastic-bag-regulation-disaster



Sunday, August 5, 2018

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 8, 2018

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 8, 2018

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/august_8_2018_town_council_agenda_complete.pdf


Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of August 8, 2018 - 7:00PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorder by Franklin TV and shows on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not angage 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
July 11, 2018
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Swearing in of Firefighters
5. APPOINTMENTS
Community Garden Committee- Crystle Chase
6. HEARINGS
6a. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-815: Changes to Section 185, Attachement 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements.
6b. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-816: Changes to Section 185, Use Regulations Schedule Oarts I and VII, Attachment 2 and 8.
6c. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-818: Maximum Building Height Dimensional Regulations.
6d. HEARINGS
Bylaw Amendment 18-819: Chapter 170 Vehicles and Traffic
7a. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Franklin BBC, LLC d/b/a British Beer Company- Change of Manager
7b. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Table and Vine, Inc. - Change of Manger
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
8a. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Facilities Department
8b. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Open Space Committee Discussion
8c. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Fourth of July Coalition
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 18-45: Participation in Opioid and Engagement of Legal Counsel for that Purpose ( Motion to Approve Resolution 18-45 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-803R: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial, or Industrial & Single Family Residential IV, or Industrial & Rural Residential I, to Single Family Residential IV, or Industrial, or Rural Residential I, an Area On Or Near Fisher, Hayward and McCarthy Streets - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-803R -  ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-805: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-805 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote(6))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-810: Definitions. Small, Medium, Large Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems, Accessory Use, and Accessory Building or Structure - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-810 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-811: Changes to §185-19. Accessory Building and Structures - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-811 -  ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning bylaw Amendment 18-812: Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-812 -  ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-815: Changes to Section 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-815 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-816: Changes to Section 185, Use Regulations Schedule Parts I and VII, Attachments 2 and 8 - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-818: Maximum Building Height Dimensional Regulations - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-818 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 18-817: Amendment to Water System Map - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-817- Majority Vote (5))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 18-819: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic -1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-819 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled
14. ADJOURN

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 8, 2018
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 8, 2018

Electronics Recycling Event - August 18


SATURDAY, August 18th - 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
St. Mary’s Church, 201 Main St, Franklin MA

Accepting:
Any and all electronics and appliances, including TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, microwaves, AC’s, washers, dryers, lawn mowers and any item that has a plug.

Our Costs:
● $5 each — Computers, DVD players, Laptops, Misc. Electronics, etc.
● $10 each — Microwaves & Small Appliances, Exercise Equipment, Grills, Lawn Mowers & Snow Blowers (gas removed)
● $15 each — TV’s under 19," Computer Monitors, AC’s, Dehumidifiers
● $20 each — Washing machines, Dryers, Stoves, Large appliances, TV’s between 19” and 26"
● $25 each — TV’s between 27” and 31,” Large Refrigerators
● $30 each — TV’s between 32" and 35”
● $35 each — TV’s over 36”
● $40 each — Projection TV’s
● NO CHARGE: Cell Phones, Tablets, Bikes, Car or Truck Batteries

RAIN OR SHINE, CASH OR CHECK, ZERO LANDFILL

Questions? 
Contact Jim Wood J.wood36@Yahoo.com

Electronics Recycling Event - August 18
Electronics Recycling Event - August 18

Download the flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb085QVNCaDQxVmFDcVFSNS14dEJIUUE3THFV/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Almanac - Episode 10 (video) - from the archives

Re-posting the Franklin Almanac - Episode 10 (video) from the archives in August 2017. Polikseni has moved on to a regular weekend position with a TV station in Vermont.


Franklin Almanac Episode 10 with Host Polikseni Manxhari was originally broadcast on Aug 14, 2017.
  • Introduction- 00:00-00:36
  • Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools- 00:37-09:52
  • Franklin Cultural Festival-09:53-15:17
  • Operation Chill-15:18-21:00
  • DARE Program-21:01-27:05
  • Final Thoughts-27:06-28:30
Note: you might recognize someone as he talks about letting "magic happen" at the end of the Franklin Cultural Festival segment

https://youtu.be/7sDrKRgzaNw




Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd
Electric Youth and Future Shock pleased the crowd at the Town Common
on the opening night of the 3rd Annual Cultural Festival

Remember when - August 5, 2011

Friday, August 5, 2011

British Beer Company - ribbon cutting

The United Chamber of Commerce welcomed the British Beer Company (BBC) with a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. The British Beer Company opened in January in the former Applebee's location at the Franklin Village Mall. It is a very popular place with waits up to 90 minutes on Friday's nights.

British Beer Company - ribbon cutting
British Beer Company - ribbon cutting
Continue reading in the archives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/british-beer-company-ribbon-cutting.html