The Franklin Democrats intend to demonstrate on Saturday, January 25, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at 150 Emmons Street (Emmons and Route 140) in support of a free and fair trial that includes all relevant witnesses. (The rain day is Sunday, Jan. 26.)
Participants can make signs or use ours.
We plan another demonstration at the same place just before the Senate votes. That date is still to be determined.
Colin Cass
for the Franklin Democratic Town Committee
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Monday, January 20, 2020
Franklin Police: Media Release, Missing Person Update - 1/20/20 PM
Media Release, Missing Person Update
January 20, 2020
4:05 PM
Franklin, Massachusetts: The investigation into the missing person Kayla QUAGAN's well being remains active at this time. Franklin Police detectives are following up on information being received from public contacts, and other law enforcement agencies. At this time the investigation indicates that QUAGAN remains in the area, and has been seen on video.
The Franklin Police remain committed to ensuring QUAGAN's well being, however at this time there is no indication that she remains out of contact other than by her own choice.
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| Franklin Police: Media Release, Missing Person Update - 1/20/20 PM |
Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-missing-person-update
FM #193 - Franklin Senior Center Director Karen Alves talks about February 2020 Event Highlights (audio)
FM #193
This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 193 in the series and now collaborating with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This recording shares my conversation with Karen Alves, Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We took a few minutes to talk through what is coming up in February at the Senior Center. For example, we covered
Yes, we covered a goodly list of topics. I think that is the complete listing. If we missed one, let me know (via email) and we’ll find a good and worthy prize.
On the Franklin Senior Center page, the top left corner shares the link with the current newsletter. To subscribe please use the link from the Town of Franklin home page to “Connect” https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe there are a variety of options to set up email subscriptions with the Town and the news they provide.
Our conversation runs approx 35 minutes, so without further ado here the Senior Center outlook for February 2020 with Director Karen Alves.
Podcast link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1bpnjWX
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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.
How can you help?
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 193 in the series and now collaborating with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This recording shares my conversation with Karen Alves, Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We took a few minutes to talk through what is coming up in February at the Senior Center. For example, we covered
- Emergency Preparedness in coordination with the Norfolk County District Attorney's office
- Skipped to March to talk about the St Patrick’s lunch
- Fall prevention
- Valentine’s Brunch
- Senior Players start again playing for a performance in May
- Dental health
- Historian Gary Hylander (Stonehill/Bridgewater St)
- Dementia Friendly
- Memory cafe
- Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
- Heart month
- Other regularly scheduled daily programs
Yes, we covered a goodly list of topics. I think that is the complete listing. If we missed one, let me know (via email) and we’ll find a good and worthy prize.
On the Franklin Senior Center page, the top left corner shares the link with the current newsletter. To subscribe please use the link from the Town of Franklin home page to “Connect” https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe there are a variety of options to set up email subscriptions with the Town and the news they provide.
Our conversation runs approx 35 minutes, so without further ado here the Senior Center outlook for February 2020 with Director Karen Alves.
Podcast link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1bpnjWX
-------------
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| Franklin Senior Center February 2020 Event Highlights (audio) |
"When they receive paperwork at the hospital, they really look at it"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Four years after the pilot program launched in the city, state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg visited Worcester earlier this month to promote the rollout of the now-statewide BabySteps college savings program.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
The new initiative, which began on Jan. 1, provides a $50 contribution to a college savings plan for every new child born or adopted in the state. Parents just have to check a box on a form provided shortly after the baby’s birth or adoption.
The thinking behind the program is that starting out with a funded account will motivate families to keep putting in their own money as their child grows.
“The world is so complicated,” Goldberg said, while touring the maternity ward at UMass Memorial Medical Center on Belmont Street. There are plenty of financial pressures on parents today, she added, but “you don’t have to save that much for them to not go into debt” funding their child’s college education."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200118/after-starting-in-worcester-babysteps-college-savings-program-launches-statewide
From the BabySteps Savings Plan page
"The BabySteps Savings Plan is the first universal educational savings program of its kind in Massachusetts. Launched in January of 2020, any child born or adopted in Massachusetts will be eligible for a free $50 deposit to their college savings account. Children will be able to receive their deposit until their first birthday, or one year from a child’s adoption. Any parent or guardian may begin this process as soon as a child is born.Find out more about the Program https://www.mass.gov/babysteps-savings-plan
The Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General believes that common access to post-high school education and training is vital to economic mobility and stability in Massachusetts. Research shows that children with college savings accounts are three times more likely to attain higher education. With the 2020 expansion, BabySteps can reach every family in Massachusetts and encourage forward-thinking investments and savings."
BabySteps brochure https://www.mass.gov/doc/babysteps-brochure/download
BabySteps Info Booklet https://www.mass.gov/doc/babysteps-information-booklet/download
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| BabySteps Savings Plan is the first universal educational savings program of its kind in MA |
Franklin Police: Media Release, Missing Person
Media Release, Missing Person
January 19, 2020
23:20 hrs
Franklin, Massachusetts: The Franklin Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating female party reported missing on 1/18/2020. Kayla QUAGAN, age 35 of Franklin was last seen on January 17th, 2020 in the morning hours. QUAGAN's vehicle is a 2009 gray Honda bearing Massachusetts registration 8CJ415. QUAGAN also was last seen with her small dog, named Jimmy.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of QUAGAN is asked to call the Franklin Police Department at (508) 528-1212. At this time this is just a check for well being.
QUAGAN has been entered into the national missing person's database. Any agency with contact with her, or with the vehicle, is asked to contact Franklin Police.
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| Franklin Police: Media Release, Missing Person |
Franklin will receive $1,001,103 in Chapter 90 funding for FY 2020
"The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has released its list of additional local road funding for each city and town resulting from the fiscal 2019 supplemental budget bill signed into law on Dec. 13.
The final budget, Chapter 142 of the Acts of 2019, includes $20 million for grants to cities and towns for local road and bridge projects as a supplement to the Chapter 90 program.
The funding brings total funding for fiscal 2020 awarded through the Chapter 90 formula to $220 million."
Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/massdot-provides-list-of-additional-road-and-bridge-funding-by-city-town/
Franklin will receive a total of $1,001,103 in Chapter 90 funding for FY 2020. For the full listing of Chapter 90 funding.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MQKyVdXyd4BxODXonJsHz4LfhK6pc4JY/view?usp=sharing
For more about Chapter 90 program visit MA.gov https://www.mass.gov/chapter-90-program
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| road work underway on Dean Ave in Nov 2019 |
No delay in the trash and recycling schedule this week
There is no delay in the trash and recycling schedule this week. Yes, today is Martin Luther King Day and a holiday with Town offices and the Library closed.
This is NOT one of the holidays that brings a delay in the schedule. If your trash is scheduled for Monday, today is the day.
Additional info on the trash and recycling schedule can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste
This is NOT one of the holidays that brings a delay in the schedule. If your trash is scheduled for Monday, today is the day.
Additional info on the trash and recycling schedule can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste
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| Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - no delay this week |
Dr Martin Luther King, Jr "I have a Dream"
On this day, we can take some time to review the famous words of Martin Luther King Jr. from his "I have a dream" speech.
For more about Dr Martin Luther King https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day
From the National Archives, a PDF with the text https://www.archives.gov/files/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf
The wikipedia entry on the "I have a Dream" speech https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_a_Dream
For more about Dr Martin Luther King https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day
From the National Archives, a PDF with the text https://www.archives.gov/files/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf
The wikipedia entry on the "I have a Dream" speech https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_a_Dream
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2020
Agenda
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
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 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. December 18, 2019
b. January 8, 2020
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Cultural Council: Theodore D. Cormier-Leger
6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates-Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-08: 2020 - 2021 Town Council Goals (Motion to approve Resolution 20-08 - Majority Vote)
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining
I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.
15.RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED
15a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-06: Request for Legislation- Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Laws (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-06 - Majority Vote)
15b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82 Municipal Service Fees- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-852 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
15c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-07: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2637 Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-07 - Majority Vote)
ADJOURN
Note:
Two - Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda
The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda
The documents released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-01-22_agenda_web.pdf
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
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 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. December 18, 2019
b. January 8, 2020
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Cultural Council: Theodore D. Cormier-Leger
6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates-Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-08: 2020 - 2021 Town Council Goals (Motion to approve Resolution 20-08 - Majority Vote)
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining
I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.
15.RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED
15a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-06: Request for Legislation- Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Laws (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-06 - Majority Vote)
15b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82 Municipal Service Fees- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-852 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
15c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-07: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2637 Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-07 - Majority Vote)
ADJOURN
Note:
Two - Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda
The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda
The documents released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-01-22_agenda_web.pdf
 |
| Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2020 |
"it’s definitely been quite a ride here"
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides an update on the collegiate career of FHS grad, Ryan Spillane:
Continue reading about Ryan:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklins-ryan-spillane-skates-into-final-shift-at-st-as/
"Looking forward to his junior season at St. Anselm, Ryan Spillane was expecting to see a larger role for the Hawks. The former Franklin High standout had played in 23 games as a sophomore, scoring a pair of goals and recording three assists, and he had high hopes of even more ice time and even more production as a junior.
Unfortunately, a hamstring injury in September would cost Spillane the entire year. He has worked hard to not only get back on the ice but to become a regular contributor for a team with its sights set on bringing home the NE-10 title.
“By the beginning of the summer I was ready to get back on the ice and get in shape,” Spillane explained. “By the time the season came, I felt like I was ready to go, back in game shape like I was two years ago. It’s nice to be back on the ice.”
It is always hard for an athlete to sit and watch his team play, but Spillane praised his coaches, teammates, and the training staff at St. Anselm for keeping him involved and for getting him back on the ice for this season."
Continue reading about Ryan:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklins-ryan-spillane-skates-into-final-shift-at-st-as/
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| Former Franklin standout Ryan Spillane has battled back from an injury to have a strong senior season at St. Anselm. (St. Anselm Athletics) |
FHS wrestling team wins 3 matches at Algonquin Quad
Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Saturday.
Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Medway, 3 – Final
Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin 3-0), wins over Framingham, Westford Academy, and Algonquin
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-18-20/
And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports
Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Medway, 3 – Final
Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin 3-0), wins over Framingham, Westford Academy, and Algonquin
Nice 45-24 win over Framingham. Pins by Fracasa, Jacoby, Walker, Leofanti. @FHSSports— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 18, 2020
39-34 win over Westford Academy. Pins by Sauer, Sackley, Nawn, and Leofanti. @FHSSports— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 18, 2020
Nice 58-13 win over Algonquin. Pins by Leaman, DiFilippo, Brambson, Jawando, Sauer, Sackley, Nawn, Walker, and Leofanti. Great work by the team today. @FHSSports— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 18, 2020
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-18-20/
And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports
 |
| FHS wrestling team wins 3 matches at Algonquin Quad |
Attention Franklin Residents: Stormwater Survey
Stormwater Survey
Fill out the survey below (it only takes 5 minutes!) and you'll be entered to win a rain barrel from The Great American Rain Barrel Company!
The Town of Franklin is interested in gauging public knowledge in stormwater to help develop outreach and educational programs. With your participation, we can more accurately inform residents of the struggles we face regarding pollution and stormwater prevention. Thank you for your help!
https://forms.gle/RMmuDsYxgpmfJg7e6
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| Attention Franklin Residents: Stormwater Survey |
If you haven't heard about storm water, you are about to hear more this year. It is on the "watch list" for 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html
Franklin Downtown Partnership: General Meeting - Feb 6
The next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 8:30 AM at the Dean College Campus Center.
What’s Next for the Former Clark-Cutler-McDermott Property?
One of the topics for the next general meeting (February 6) will be an update on the future of the Former Clark-Cutler-McDermott (CCMcD) Property. Rick Kaplan, president of RE/MAX Executive Realty’s Commercial Division, will provide a short presentation on preliminary plans for the property.
We look forward to seeing you!
For other info on the Franklin Downtown Partnership visit their page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/
What’s Next for the Former Clark-Cutler-McDermott Property?
One of the topics for the next general meeting (February 6) will be an update on the future of the Former Clark-Cutler-McDermott (CCMcD) Property. Rick Kaplan, president of RE/MAX Executive Realty’s Commercial Division, will provide a short presentation on preliminary plans for the property.
We look forward to seeing you!
For other info on the Franklin Downtown Partnership visit their page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/
 |
| The scale booth at the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott (CCMcD) property |
Attention Franklin: Job Opportunities within DPW, Facilities, Fire Dept
Job Opportunities
To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.
To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe
- Motor Equipment Repair Person (Mechanic) - Department of Public Works
- Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works
- ON CALL SNOW SHOVELERS - Come work on an on call basis for the DPW and help us keep school and town sidewalks clean!
- Part-Time and Substitute Custodian positions - Facilities Department
- Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system.
- If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.
- Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.
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| Attention Franklin: Job Opportunities within DPW, Facilities, Fire Dept |
Franklin Veterans Council: Thank you Starbucks!
Thank you Starbucks for supporting
Franklin veterans!
John Hefele (pictured far right) of the Franklin Veterans Council recently presented Starbucks, Route 140 in Franklin, with a certificate of appreciation for their support of the Franklin veterans monthly coffee socials.
 |
| Pictured left to right are Starbucks team members Liam Palacious, Helen Donovan, Courtney Clark and John Hefele |
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/thank-you-starbucks
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