Thursday, November 28, 2019

FHS football plays at KP today at 10:00 AM

  • Football = Franklin @ King Philip, 10:00AM

Other games around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-28-19/

 
FHS football plays at KP today at 10:00 AM
FHS football plays at KP today at 10:00 AM

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Yankee Swap - Dec 11

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:30. To participate in the swap, bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) and get one in return during the swap - you never know what you'll get! No need to RSVP, just join us!

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Yankee Swap - Dec 11
Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Yankee Swap - Dec 11


FTC Consumer Alert: Scams telling you to pay with Bitcoin on the rise




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Cristina Miranda, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

At first, scammers tried to get you to wire them money. Then, they demanded payment with gift cards. Now, scammers are luring people into paying them with Bitcoin – a type of digital money or cryptocurrency. 

Read on to learn how to spot and avoid some of the top ways scammers are trying to get you to pay with Bitcoin.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/11/scams-telling-you-pay-bitcoin-rise?utm_source=govdelivery 

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.



Happy Thanksgiving....from Enbridge and FERC

Dear Greater Franklin node friends,
We've received some unfortunate news from our hard-fighting ally, the Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS) in Weymouth.  They have been stalwartly fighting this battle against an Enbridge compressor station for five years as of next month.  They are not giving up and neither can we.  

The compressor station would emit greenhouse gases equivalent to half the vehicles driven in Massachusetts and make it nearly impossible to reach carbon emission reduction goals in the state.  And that's saying nothing about spewed toxic chemicals that would poison residents, leading to even higher rates of cancer, respiratory and heart disease in the community--already among the highest in the state.

While there some actions only they can take (e.g., lawsuits), we can support them as an ally by filling out the pledge form below to help in various ways, including spreading the word to and engaging neighbors and friends, making calls and other actions, and donating to their legal fund (this working community has already spent $1.75 million in legal costs).  Please see the linked form and sign up to do what you can!

Please hold your family and friends close this holiday season as we all need to help each other.

In solidarity,

Carolyn Barthel
Greater Franklin Node Coordinator
508-473-3305 H



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Dear Friend of FRRACS,

It's the beginning of the Holiday Season for most of us, and as per usual, Enbridge and FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) have been busy preparing presents for all of us!  

On Monday, Enbridge filed the Final Release Abatement Measure along with some very unsatisfactory answers to all of our comments. This Final RAM allows them to start digging in the arsenic and oil laden soil.  The DEP did not even make them answer to the questions of asbestos in the soil due to the decomposing furnace bricks.  Enbridge filed a notice with the Conservation Commission of the Town of Weymouth to begin digging this coming Tuesday, December 3!  You can read the RAM here--all 1692 pages of it. 

This morning, FERC granted Enbridge the Notice to Proceed (NTP) construction on the compressor station.  While this was not unexpected, it comes over the objections of all of us, our Federal delegation, our state legislators, the Town of Weymouth, our allies, and pretty much everyone you can think of except for Gov. Baker. 

While the contracts for the gas dry up, FERC is abdicating its role as overseeing "necessity" for gas and gas infrastructure.  They are an agency that has always been in the pocket of the fossil fuel industry, but now they are just allowing the gas companies to do whatever they want without proving need for the gas.  And, guess what?  We will all pay for the folly of Enbridge and FERC through our utility bills.  National Grid and Eversource say they don't need more gas and they don't need the Weymouth compressor station.  NG New England (Canadian company) is trying to sell their contracts back to National Grid.  Irving (Canadian as well) has entered into new agreements to get the gas they were to receive from this pipeline from Canadian sources.  No need for the gas.  No need for the compressor.  But Enbridge wants it, so FERC provides...with your money.

We really did not want to ruin your Thanksgiving, but we want you to know that we are still in the fight.  With your help--your time, your treasure, and your talent--we are not giving up this fight.  We will work to stop this by all means available.  And we need you to stay focused, stay strong, and stay with us as a community.  

How are we fighting?  We are:
  • Fighting in court on the Air Quality permit and the Waterways permit. We are also looking for appellate relief on the Coastal Zone Management determination.
  • Working with our local governments and our state delegation to keep the heat on FERC and Enbridge for this unnecessary compressor in our Environmental Justice neighborhoods.
  • Working with our federal delegation to change FERC and their mandate to push fossil fuel.
  • Working with our allies to organize actions on the ground.
  • Working with all of you to keep you informed, organized, and strong.
Will you join us?  If you have not signed the pledge yet, please go here to sign up to help on the ground wherever you can.  https://www.nocompressor.com/

To the Trolls who are likely on this email site, know that we are not going to give up or give in.  Those who seek to destroy our coastal home and our planet will ultimately lose this war.  Let's hope that it is sooner than later, as every day we get closer to planetary destruction.  All because the few refuse to join the many to save us all.  We wish you a change of heart and attitude over this season. We invite you to join our side.

Just one more thing--FRRACS is committed to non-violence in our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.  We will continue non-violent civil disobedience trainings throughout this battle.  If you have not attended a training, please check our Facebook page or the website for upcoming times.  

We were reminded this morning by Dr. Curt Nordgaard of a poem by Maya Angelou. "You may trod me in the very dirt. But still, like dust, I'll rise."  

We wil rise.  

In Peace and Solidarity,
The FRRACS Team 

https://www.nocompressor.com/
Visit NoCompressor.com

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Winterbloom - Dec 7 at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse





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Winterbloom - Dec 7 at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
WINTERBLOOM
(Antje Duvekot, Anne Heaton, Meg Hutchinson, & Natalia Zukerman)
December 7th 8PM $25
Add some joy to the holiday season with the wonderful music of Winterbloom.  This female supergroup performs at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse Holiday Show on Saturday, December 7, at 8 PM.  Winter is a time for gathering – and sometimes it's even more fun to gather with friends than family!  It's in this spirit that a new holiday tradition has emerged – a tradition of friendship and music.  Every few years four successful, internationally touring singer-songwriters Antje Duvekot, Anne Heaton, Meg Hutchinson and Natalia Zukerman will tour as "Winterbloom" with diverse reflections and experiences to share for the holidays.

It started with one magical show in December 2008 that led these four women to record and tour together as "Winterbloom".  Since then they reunite in the dark days of winter to bring the gift of gorgeous melody to us all.  This holiday season Winterbloom returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse for their only northeast concert. Join Winterbloom this holiday season for an evening of warmth, friendship, sarcasm and surprises.
The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
Upcoming Shows
Jan 4         Cheryl Wheeler with special guest Samantha Tracy
Feb 8         Small Potatoes
Feb 29       Pesky J Nixon presents Tribal Mischief
Mar 14       The Squeezebox Stompers
Apr 4          Tom Rush
Apr 18        Matt Nakoa
May 9         Red Molly
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA                                         

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Franklin Public Library - December 2019 - News & Events for adults

Franklin Public Library - December 2019 News & Events

Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will close at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 24th, and will be closed Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas Day. The Library will be closing at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31st, and will be closed on Wednesday, January 1st. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Patriots Hall of Fame Pass Now Available
The Patriots Hall of Fame pass is once again available to be reserved. This pass gives free admission to two people. For more information, please visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/links/museum-passes-0 .

Al Testa Renaissance V Brass Quintet Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 1, 2:00 p.m.

Get in the holiday spirit with Al Testa's Renaissance V Brass Quintet! They will play a selection of holiday favorites for all to enjoy. This performance is free and open to the public.

The Importance of LinkedIn, Tuesday, December 3, 6:30 p.m.
 Did you know that there are over 340 million LinkedIn users worldwide? Two people join every second of every day.  We will review best practices as they relate to online profile creation and managing one's account.  We will also discuss the many additional usages of LinkedIn including the importance of joining groups and getting others to offer testimonials.
Presenter: Gary Gekow.  Mr. Gekow has over 20 years of employment consulting and recruiting experience in the Boston marketplace.  He also works with individuals throughout New England assisting them with job search strategies. This program is free and open to the public.

Snowman Paint-Along Class for Adults, Saturday, December 7, 2:00 p.m.
Paint along with artist Denise Palmieri, and create an adorable snowman! This class is for adults, and is limited to twenty participants. Please register with Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net or by calling 508-520-4941.

Krissy E Christmas Trivia Night, Monday, December 9, 6:30 p.m.
It's time for Christmas Trivia at the Franklin Public Library hosted by Krissy E! Test your knowledge of all things Christmas – television, movies, music, literature, history, tradition, and more. This program is free and open to the public.

Foreign Film Night, Tuesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.
Black Orpheus. Portuguese (1959)
Winner of both the Academy Award for best foreign-language film and the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or, Marcel Camus' Black Orpheus brings the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice to the twentieth-century madness of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
With its eye-popping photography and ravishing, epochal soundtrack, Black Orpheus was an international cultural event, and it kicked off the bossa nova craze that set hi-fis across America spinning. This showing is free and open to the public.

Julian Gerstin Sextet, Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 p.m.
The Julian Gerstin Sextet reimagines Caribbean musical traditions for a border-crossing world. Rhythmic drive from a battery of unusual percussion instruments combines with lyrical melodies and jazz sophistication. To see videos of the group, please visitwww.juliangerstin.com/music.
Now in its fifth year, the Sextet has performed throughout New England. We have released two CDs, described as "uproarious and jubilant … sweet and strong like sugarcane" (DeeDee McNeil, musicalmemoirs.com) and "dynamic and lively" (Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews). Our 2018 CD release, The Old City, received extensive radio airplay in Latin America and on US college radio (Top 100, 2018).

Julian Gerstin (PhD, MFA) is an ethnomusicologist, percussionist and composer. He has performed Caribbean music for over forty years, conducted research in Martinique and Cuba, published numerous academic articles, and taught at Wesleyan, Clark, and San José State Universities. He is President of the Board of Directors of the Vermont Jazz Center.
The Sextet's other members live in southeastern Vermont and Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley, and include Anna Patton, clarinet; Don Anderson, trumpet; Eugene Uman, piano; Wes Brown, bass; and Ben James, drum set. Between them they have worked with a stellar array of musicians: Bo Diddley, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Sheila Jordan, Olatunji, Bobby Sanabria, Wadada Leo Smith, Anthony Davis, Marilyn Crispell, Ed Blackwell, Sonny Fortune, and many others.
The Julian Gerstin Sextet is a member of Creative Ground, New England Foundation for the Arts' select list of regional touring performance groups, and Julian is registered with NEFA as a teacher and workshop leader.

Technology Help, Saturday, December 15, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Staff from Nerds To Go Computer Service will be available to assist patrons with common technology issues such as email access, password reset/recovery, cell phone feature usage, getting onto public Wi-Fi, and accessing information on line. This service is free and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is Becoming, by Michelle Obama. A limited number of copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .

Library Tech Help, Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Need help downloading ebooks to your Kindle? Trouble downloading the Libby or Minuteman apps? Curious about hoopla, Kanopy, or the many databases available to Franklin residents? Stop by or make an appointment during Tech Time now available on Thursdays 2:00-3:00 p.m. Can't make that time? Don't worry, technology assistance is always available at the Reference Desk. Please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala or Reference Librarian Vicki Earls for more information.

Proctoring Services
The Franklin Public Library will now be offering proctoring services to its patrons. Proctoring will be free of charge, and by appointment only. See Library Director Felicia Oti or Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala for more information. 

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, December 13, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, December 14, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, December 14, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!


Franklin Public Library - December 2019 - News & Events for adults
Franklin Public Library - December 2019 - News & Events for adults

“It is our future, so it has to be a priority”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Massachusetts will invest an additional $1.5 billion in K-12 public education over the next seven years after Gov. Charlie Baker signed a funding reform bill, touted by supporters as a generational change, into law Tuesday.

The legislation directs the bulk of new funding toward districts weighed down by cost drivers, aiming to close opportunity gaps that for years have led to disparate educational outcomes across the state.

“We want all of our children to have the same opportunities to achieve,” Senate President Karen Spilka said in an interview later Tuesday during a visit to the Daily News, noting a “persistent” achievement gap in many school districts. “The talent is the same across the state. The opportunities, unfortunately, have not been the same.”

The law comes four years after a commission warned that Massachusetts was underestimating the actual cost of education by $1 billion annually and more than a year after the last attempt to update the system fell short. Now the focus shifts to a different challenge: following through on the commitment to ramp up funding for schools starting next year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191126/baker-signs-15b-ed-funding-bill

Recent posting on Student Opportunity Act
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/massachusetts-legislature-votes-to.html

Governor Baker's press release can be found
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-signs-education-funding-bill-providing-investments-in-public-schools-across-the

The text of the legislation S 2412 can be found
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2412

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Holiday Happenings!



There are lots of fun events happening in Franklin this holiday season. The Franklin Downtown Partnership has put together this list of our members' events during the holidays.

Anglican Church of the Redeemer, 31 Hayward Street, Franklin
  • Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Music of the Promise - evening of fellowship, music, and message reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. Dessert reception at 5:30 p.m. precedes the program at 6:30 p.m. Free admission.
  • Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
Bernon Family Branch - Franklin YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Rd, Franklin
  • Dec. 7, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Breakfast with Santa - Cost is $6 for family-type memberships and $8 for all others per person. Children under 1-free. Register at the YMCA Member Service Desk or at www.hockymca.org.
This was shortened for publication here, to review the full listing

Media Release, Tri County RVTHS

"On Monday November 25, 2019 at approximately 7:40 AM the Franklin Police School Resource Officer assigned to the Tri Country Regional Vocational Technical High School on Pond Street was notified of a threatening message which had been discovered in one of the girl’s bathrooms. 

School administrators and the SRO immediately began an investigation. School staff interviewed students, and reviewed CCTV video of the area. It was quickly determined that no credible threat to the school existed, and the school day was not disrupted. 

School administrators sent a message to families of all students advising them of the incident. At this time there are no pending criminal charges against any person, and the school staff is continuing to look into the source of the message. 

The Franklin Police will continue to monitor the investigation, and provide assistance to school administrators as requested. "


This was shared from the Franklin Police Dept.
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-tri-county-rvths

Media Release, Tri County RVTHS
Media Release, Tri County RVTHS

Franklin Schools take Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving Break

Reminder: There is no school on Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving break. 

All Schools and District offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. We hope you enjoy a happy and safe holiday! 

Franklin Schools take Thanksgiving Break
Franklin Schools take Thanksgiving Break

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton

Now that the Chateau Restaurant is open, folks have noticed construction in the lot next to them. What is it going to be? Another hotel. 

construction underway at 725 Union St
construction underway at 725 Union St


This one per the site plans (see links below) a "Home 2" suite style hotel by Hilton.   https://www.hilton.com/en/home2/

original plan
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-site-plans
 
revised plan (1/14/19)
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-revised-11419

application
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-application
 
color rendering
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-color-rendering
 

All links from the Planning Board page for Approved Projects
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton
725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton
 

Walk Off That Turkey - SNETT Group Walk - Nov 29

Join us to walk off that turkey dinner on Friday, November 29 at 10 AM. We will meet at the Grove Street trailhead parking lot at 10 AM. Dogs on a leash are always welcome.

Friday, Nov 29  at 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Hosted by Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

trail head for the SNETT on Grove St
trail head for the SNETT on Grove St

License Modification (Change in Location) - Avocado, Inc. d/b/a Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant - Dec 18


The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Avocado,Inc. d/b/a Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant, located at 371 Union Street, Franklin, MA for a license modification - change in location

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 7:10 PM in the Council Chambers, second floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin,MA.

Information on this application may be obtained in the Town Administrator's Office.

What was the Union Grille will become Acapulcos
What was the Union Grille will become Acapulcos

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/acapulcos_legal_ad_-_abutters_2.docx_2.pdf


In the News: distracted driving legislation effective February; additional electric vehicle charging stations being installed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Massachusetts drivers will soon face fines for virtually all cellphone usage behind the wheel after Gov. Charlie Baker signed an anti-distracted driving bill into law Monday. 
Starting in three months, motorists will be prohibited from using a handheld electronic device while driving except for a single touch or tap to activate hands-free mode. Voice commands will still be allowed, as will viewing a map on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or console, but all other uses are banned. 
State law has forbidden texting while driving since 2010, but because other actions such as dialing a phone number were not covered, police have found it difficult to enforce and distracted driving has proliferated. 
“When a driver on an electronic device hits something or someone, that’s not an accident,” Baker said during a crowded signing ceremony in the Statehouse Library, joined by advocates and families of victims killed in collisions. “It’s a crash that was avoidable, so this is a very proud day for Massachusetts where we join the other states in New England and do more to help prevent further injuries and horrible tragedies.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191125/hands-free-law-begins-in-february


"New electric vehicle charging stations will soon be installed at the Framingham Logan Express and the Franklin Village Shopping Center. 
The Baker-Polito administration, using $2 million in state funds received as settlement money in connection with the 2015 Volkswagen emission scandal, has awarded MassEVIP grants to 49 entities for the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations. 
The DEP made the announcement in a press release last week. 
“By putting the infrastructure in place to ensure the reliability of electric vehicles and encourage electric vehicle adoption, we can lower transportation costs for families and businesses, enhance the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness and improve the environment,” said Gov. Charlie Baker said in the release."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191125/vehicle-charging-stations-coming-to-framingham-franklin

Franklin’s first marijuana dispensary expected to open soon

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The town’s first recreational marijuana dispensary has been given the green light to begin operations, although it’s unclear when its doors will open. 
Proponents of the retail establishment at 1256 West Central St. - GTE Franklin, LLC - had their proposal approved for the project by the Planning Board on Sept. 23, said Town Planner Amy Love. The shop will be located within an industrial site in the town’s Marijuana Overlay District, next door to a Milford Regional Medical Center office. 
Other shops with signs on-site include Franklin Yoga & Wellness, William Raveis Real Estate and Forge Auto Works."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191124/franklins-first-marijuana-dispensary-expected-to-open-soon

The Planning Board site plan documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/1256-west-central-st-marijuana

The community meeting held in September by GTE Franklin, LLC and facilitated by the SAFE Coalition presentation document and audio recording is available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/the-audio-and-presentation-copy-for-gte.html