"elimination of commuter rail service on the weekend drew the most opposition"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"A MAJORITY of Massachusetts residents believe that if the MBTA sharply cuts back on services to balance its budget next year those commuting options will not return after the state’s economy fully reopens, according to a new MassINC poll.

The MBTA has proposed a variety of service cuts as part of a plan to deal with a $579 million shortfall in a budget decimated by the decline in ridership during the pandemic. The Fiscal and Management Control Board plans to vote on the package soon, and has faced blowback from riders, legislators, and transit advocates.

The online survey of 1,340 Massachusetts residents found that 64 percent somewhat or strongly oppose the cuts in service proposed by the MBTA, including less frequent subway and commuter trains, the elimination of 25 bus routes, and the cancellation of ferry service."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/polls-shows-little-support-for-mbta-service-cuts/

 

Related article on the proposed MBTA service cuts

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/you-can-and-should-provide-feedback-to.html

 

 

You can (and should) provide feedback to the MBTA if you use the Franklin Line

I-90 Exit Number Conversion Advisory

Dear Customer,

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is in the process of converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements. Currently, interstates and freeways in Massachusetts utilize a sequential exit numbering method. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.

This notice is to inform you that exit numbering conversion will begin on Interstate 90 on December 13, 2020. Construction details are as follows:

•       Corridor: Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
•       Location: Boston to West Stockbridge
•       Approximate start date: Dec. 13
•       Approximate construction duration: 4 weeks
•       Hours of operation: 8:00 PM - 5:00 AM

Please note that all work is weather dependent and construction dates may be adjusted accordingly. This work will not impact the tolls on this roadway.

For more information on the project and construction status, to leave a comment or sign up for project updates, please visit: https://www.newmassexits.com/

 

 

From the Franklin Matters archives  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/goodbye-exit-16-ext-17-hello-exit-41.html

Video overview https://youtu.be/7gG9-Pl-fUA

 

 

Goodbye exit 16, ext 17; hello exit 41, exit 43

Via Franklin Police a timely reminder

Via the Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) comes this timely reminder:

PACKAGE THIEVES, BE ALERT!

This time of year we tend to see an increase in thefts, here are some tips on how to keep your belongings safe:
• Check the tracking information to see when the delivery is scheduled
• Request delivery days and times when someone is going to be home  

• Coordinate with a neighbor to take package in 

• Doorbell camera or motion activated camera around house 

 

Please report any suspicious behavior when it is occurring (508) 528-1212. If you see any cars or trucks, please be sure to give the dispatcher that information.

 

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1334148737871081474  and  https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1334148738852511747

Via Franklin Police a timely reminder

Holiday Cookie Generator

In the realm of fun holiday cookies, this one is good... Thanks @JDinRI for spotting to share:

"Cookie friends (too many to tag individually), have you seen this amazing thing?" https://t.co/dMbvbiH7Ha

An interactive holiday cookie generator

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/food/holiday-cookies/

An interactive holiday cookie generator

Broadway Star Michael James Scott to Perform Album Release Concert in Franklin

THE BLACK BOX will present Broadway’s Michael James Scott - A Fierce Christmas Album Release Concert on Saturday, December 5th at 7:30 PM - Virtual Livestream.

 The Aladdin star is releasing his first studio album, “A Fierce Christmas,” on December 1 with a special release concert at THE BLACK BOX on December 5. “A Fierce Christmas” is giving new life to classic holiday tunes by showing off Scott's gospel and Broadway roots. Scott's debut album will be released by Scratch Seventeen and available on all music platforms.

For Scott, there was more to A Fierce Christmas than just making an album; he's making a statement. "This whole process I've been thinking about how my protest is joy," he said. "Broadway is shut down, my very close friends are out of work, and the country is in a racial awakening. This is Michael James Scott's protest; a gay, Black man out and proud from the Broadway community putting joy into the world. “That's where this album really came from. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but what's amazing is that everyone celebrates the holidays and this beautiful time of gathering. I think it's important for people to know that it's OK to put out joy. It's OK to put out love. It's OK to put out light and laughter. What better way to put it out there than at the holidays? We need some light."

 Tickets for the Livestream available for $25 and include the EP download.  For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.
 

Broadway Star Michael James Scott to Perform Album Release Concert in Franklin

 

Voices of Franklin: Paul DeBaggis - Thoughts on the current election

While I love the give and take of Franklin politics, the current special town council election seems headed toward creating a thorny precedent. Can the town uphold its reputation as having a “nice, small-town atmosphere?”  Will an average gal or guy have the money needed to run for office, or to contribute to a candidate?  To me, these questions are as essential to our local character as our views on housing, water supply, or education.

The Cobi Frongillo campaign website advertises, that along with lesser amounts, it encourages donations of $250 and $500 or more. This seems to contradict that candidate’s talking points of service, caring, community, and vision. Communities shifting to big-time politics generally create an era in which party politics rather than individual merit become dominant. I, for one, frown on this.

Where is the caring or the service when a local election becomes a case of “to he or she with the most money goes the victory”? How does the average voter preserve an equal standing with the one who can easily drop a $500 check into a particular campaign coffer?

Next year, at the Franklin regular town election, will multiple candidates seek large, disproportionate campaign contributions? If so, big money campaigns and less recognition of the individual voter will inevitably follow. This election may set that stage. Elections for the privileged—that’s no future Franklin Dream.

Paul DeBaggis
100 Milliken Avenue 

 

 

Franklin Police Awarded Technology Grant

Franklin Police Awarded Technology Grant

Chief of Police Thomas J. Lynch is pleased to announce that the Franklin Police Department is the recipient of funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant managed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Office of Grants and Research (OGR).

The monetary award of $37,500 will be used to purchase technology to help officers investigate and bring to justice offenders who undermine the safety and security of our community.

Some of this technology includes equipment that will allow for officers to have access to the Franklin Police Records Management System remotely, access to criminal offender history and Registry of Motor Vehicle information.

About Officer Byrne:

Edward R. Byrne was destined for a life in law enforcement, having a father who was an officer with the New York City Police Department. Born on February 21, 1966, Eddie-as he was known by family and friends-was an outgoing and friendly person who had a strong calling to public service and wanted to make his city, New York City, a safer place. In 1986, Eddie became a New York City Transit Police Officer, to help ensure the safety of New York City's subway commuters. In 1987, Officer Byrne joined the New York City Police Department's finest, assigned to the 103rd Precinct. Well liked by his brothers and sisters in blue, Eddie was passionate about his job and loved the opportunities it offered him to interact with the people he had sworn to protect. 

In the early morning hours of February 26, 1988, Officer Byrne was on detail protecting a witness who had agreed to testify in court against local drug dealers. Officer Byrne was in his patrol car outside the witness' home around 3:30 a.m. when two armed gunmen crept up to his car from both sides. One of the men knocked on the passenger-side window to distract Officer Byrne just as a second perpetrator ran up to the driver's side window and, without uttering a sound, opened fire. Officer Byrne was shot five times in the head. Both gunmen, along with two other perpetrators who served as lookouts, fled the scene. Officer Byrne was rushed to Mary Immaculate Hospital where he died of his wounds. He was only 22 years old. 

The four assailants were captured six days after the murder and were eventually sentenced to 25 years to life. They were members of a gang who had been instructed by a jailed drug kingpin to kill a police officer. 

NYPD lost one of its finest that day, and Eddie's family lost a loved and cherished son and brother. Leaving behind his parents and three brothers, Eddie's brothers have continued the family tradition of law enforcement and justice by dedicating their careers to the field. 

In honor of Police Officer Byrne, a major U.S. Department of Justice initiative was titled the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. The Department's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers this program, which allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the justice system. It has been nearly 20 years since state and local law enforcement first began applying for the program named after this young fallen hero. BJA is honored to administer "Byrne" funding to communities nationwide in memory of Officer Byrne.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-awarded-technology-grant

Franklin Police Awarded Technology Grant

December 2020 E-Newsletter News & Updates!

Find out the latest news in your town! Stay connected & informed!

Subscribe for News   ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌ The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal is available on our homepage and is updated frequently to provide residents and business owners with the latest information and resources. Find Franklin specific data under the "Town of Franklin News" tab. COVID-19 Information Portal Town Election - December 5th The Town is holding a special election on Saturday, December 5th to fill a vacant Town Council seat. Voting will be held at Franklin High School from 7:00am - 8:00pm. The last day to request an absentee ballot is December 1st. Mail in ballots can be returned in the official mailbox at the Municipal Building or via USPS. Mail in ballots must be received by 8:00pm on December 5th, 2020. Please find all information related to this election on our Town Clerk's website. Town Election Information Franklin Police Department The Franklin Police Department is still collecting toys until December 15th at the police station. We had a very successful "Fill The Cruiser" drive over the weekend, but we still need help. Gift cards for older children also are very helpful, as they are harder to provide for. Gifts can be dropped off at the front desk. Also please remember to have a 9pm routine where you make sure your valuables are out of your car, and you lock it up. Don't be an easy target for a thief by leaving your car open. Too many of these types of losses are preventable if people just get into a routine of securing, and locking up in the evening. Franklin Public School District The School Committee recently adopted the skills, descriptors and the graphical representation of the District's Portrait of a Graduate. The Portrait of a Graduate represents the community's consensus of five essential skills each student practices and develops, individually and collaboratively through teamwork throughout all grades in Franklin Public Schools. Understanding that the development of these skills is a lifelong process, FPS looks to provide a foundation for graduates' future learning, growth, fulfillment, and success. Confident & Self-Aware Individual Empathetic & Productive Citizen Reflective & Innovative Problem-Solver Curious & Creative Thinker Effective Communicator & Collaborator Additional language that describes the skills in more detail can be found HERE. Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Podcast Superintendent Sara Ahern and DT Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Chair Elise Stokes recently shared information related to the Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis with Franklin Matters via podcast. To learn more about the process and current findings, please listen to the podcast found here. Think Franklin First Gift Cards! In partnership with Dean Bank and the Random Smile Project, we are excited to share our new economic development initiative - Franklin Gift Cards! The perfect shop local gift this holiday season! Learn more about where to purchase and redeem at www.franklingiftcard.com Are you a local business owner looking for information? Email Anne Marie Tracey at traceya@franklinps.net Franklin Senior Center December News & Events! DRIVE- IN MOVIE The Franklin Senior Center is hosting its first-ever Drive-in Movie! We will show the classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story on Friday, December 11th at 4:30 PM. Drive thru the Curbside Café to pick up your complimentary pizza, popcorn and soda, then park in the parking lot where sound will be broadcast directly to your car radio. Curbside Café opens at 4:00 PM and bathrooms will be made available. Space is limited; call to sign up for this fun event!   GATRA Go United will be starting December 2020.  This public transit service is an accessible curb to curb service that can be booked by an app similar to Uber or Lyft. If you do not have the app, you can also book by calling 800-698-7676 to book a ride. More information about the service can be found at www.gatra.org/gatra-go. This on-demand service is open to all residents of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham. The vehicle will come to your pick up location and drop you off anywhere within the town boundaries of Foxborough, Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham, Monday-Friday between 7:00 AM-6:00 PM and Saturday between 9:00AM-6:00 PM.   This service replaces the existing Franklin Area Bus and Tri-Town Connector fixed route bus services in the area. It will not replace the long distance dial-a-ride for medical trips. This service, called Miles for Health, will still be available for trips to medical facilities in Boston, Worcester, and other locations with essential medical destinations. More information about which locations will be available on each weekday will be available on the GATRA website. The Senior Center's calendar is full of events and activities! Find details in their December Newsletter! The Connection Newsletter - December Edition Franklin Historical Museum Reopening The Museum is excited to announce that our new exhibit, the Clara J. Foss Johnston Memorial Federal Parlor at the Oliver Pond House, which was generously donated by James C. Johnston, Jr. is now open and ready for visitors! Come by on Sundays from 1-4pm to see it. Franklin Public Library Curbside Pick up continues at the Library! Find out more on their website and make note of the upcoming holiday hours: We will be closing at 2:00 p.m. on December 24th & December 31st. The Library will be closed and Curbside Pickup will not be available on December 25-27, 2020 and January 1-3, 2021. The library is continuing to put out a calendar FULL of fun events for all ages such as story times, family events, crafts, cooking, book club and more. Some examples of upcoming programming include: A Winter Storywalk at Delcarte Zoom Holiday Cooking Classes Teen Noon New Year's Eve Mystery Party Kitchen Table Art Workshop and more! Visit their website and sign up for the Library Newsletter to stay in the loop! Franklin Fire Department Newly hired Firefighter/ Paramedic Michael McConaghy and Dylan Voss graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy on November 6, 2020 after 10 weeks of extensive training. Congratulations to both! The Department received an Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) FOR $8,500 from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The funds will be used to upgrade the A/V equipment in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Fire Headquarters. Our 1949 antique Franklin aerial truck was been "placed in service" to support the Town lighting events on November 21 (Downtown) and November 29 (Common). It also participated in the Medway Annual Christmas parade on Saturday November 28th. The Franklin Fire Department wishes everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday season! Veterans Services Dec. 2 - 10:00 hours - VIRTUAL Coffee Social held via Zoom. Call our office for details and log-in info. All Vets are welcome to join the conversation! Dec. 7 - National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dec. 13 - U.S. National Guard's 384th Birthday Please contact our office if you (or a family member residing in Franklin) are a Purple Heart recipient so we can add you to the Franklin Purple Heart Registry. Thank you to the Franklin DPW for installing our beautiful new Purple Heart Community signs at the entrances to our town as well as an Active Military or Veteran designated parking space sign near the front entrance to the Town Hall. If any veteran, veteran's spouse, widow or dependent needs assistance or just someone to talk to, please call the Veterans' Services Office. We are here for you!