Tuesday, April 13, 2021

FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)

FM #511 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 511 in the series.
 
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 
Grants received
        Housing, Fire dept, Popup marketing
 
Community Preservation Committee got an update on open space 
 
Economic Development SubComm
Business guide released
Ladybug trail by Franklin Downtown Partnership
 
Town Council meeting
long list of legislation items
Capital budget, street acceptances, food truck permit fee
 
Joint Budget SubComm – Apr 12
School Committee budget – Apr 13
Town Council outlook for Apr 14
 
Storm water art contest
 
ArtWalk by Cultural District
Hybrid events at THE BLACK BOX

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e4623420-f835-4f4b-baa9-692308c55b0f

--------------

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 
Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/
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"
FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)
FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)

MRN Diagnostics offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing

MRN Diagnostics is now offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing to anyone in our community with any types of respiratory symptoms over the last 7 days.  This includes employees of all businesses, town offices and others in Franklin and the surrounding towns.  This is only for people with current Respiratory Symptoms.

We will interview the individual for basic information about their symptoms and onset (5 min) and then collect 2 swabs for our FDA studies and their free test.  These are simple swabs in the front of the nose and antigen results will be provided within an hour of testing and confirmatory PCR testing within 48 hours. 

This sample collection is Investigational Review Board Approved for safety and patient consent will also be required at the time of collection. To schedule a free test please contact Janet at 508 384-0033 and she will book your reservation.

MRN Diagnostics is a Franklin based company located in at 101 Constitution Blvd. For more info about MRN, you can visit them on the internet at https://mrndx.com/


MRN Diagnostics offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing
MRN Diagnostics offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing


FHS volleyball post win over North Attleboro to advance in Hockomock Cup

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:  

** Volleyball - Hockomock Cup
D4 North Attleboro, 0 @ KR1 Franklin, 3 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS is scheduled to play Mansfield on Wednesday per the bracket shown here


FHS volleyball post win over North Attleboro to advance in Hockomock Cup
FHS volleyball post win over North Attleboro to advance in Hockomock Cup


Return to in person school highlights

1 - 

"Thank you @HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters on our first day of school (again)". @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters https://t.co/pMYQ247KD3

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDonahue48/status/1381608000813686791

@HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters
@HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters


2 - 

"Case High principal welcomes students back to buildings with 'Hamilton' parody" https://t.co/w93YCQS18a



Franklin TV: When? (Oh, I do hope it’s soon.)

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/11/2021

When?

Members of our writer’s group were popping into our Zoom meeting, and that was the first question – right after the HiHowarya.

In the pecking order of that whowhatwhenwherewhy key info, ‘when’ tends to float somewhere in the middle of the pack. But, as the word came down that the Senior Center was starting to set plans in place to reopen, that was the first question on everyone’s lips. When?

Now ‘When’ is the kind of question that can telegraph the questioner’s state of mind. 

State ‘A’:  Enthusiastic anticipation. (I can’t wait!)
State ‘B’:  Nervous apprehension.  (uhh…  I can wait.)

Clearly, they were all about state ‘A’. When?  How soon?  Now?  (Oh, please let it be so.)

Well – we don’t quite know yet.  But, soon. (Fingers crossed.)

It speaks to the notion that getting together – socially engaging IRL (in real life) or ITF (in the flesh) is something that we all deeply dearly miss.

The Senior Center’s reopening raised another question for me. How do we help those who can’t physically attend? I believe that Zoom meetings are not just a service, but a societal game-changer – a social phenomenon wrought by technology.

I foresee Zoom engagement as part of many Senior Center gatherings ongoing, and we at Franklin●TV are researching how best to assist and achieve that end. We have been investigating the best video systems and tools to make this possible and ensure that Senior Center gatherings and events are more easily accessible to all.

Our Senior Center Writer’s Group convenes every week on Wednesdays at 1pm. If you  would  like  to  participate  in  our weekly  gatherings  and scribblings  (and  we would be thrilled to have you), just let us know at: info@franklin.tv

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.


Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2jbEfpjV14TvwC_mqdMQlcASaCn2fcu/view?usp=sharing
 
Franklin TV: When? (Oh, I do hope it’s soon.)
Franklin TV: When? (Oh, I do hope it’s soon.)


Memory Cafe - Tuesday, April 13 at 2 PM

Hopkinton's  Our Time Memory Cafe' invites you to join their virtual event.

The event features Jim Perry with voice on keyboard and John Moriconi with voice on horn. Join us for toe-tapping music and a sing-along to many of your favorite and familiar selections.

Time: Apr 13, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 863 4894 7165
Passcode: 516863

--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Memory Cafe - Tuesday, April 13 at 2 PM
Memory Cafe - Tuesday, April 13 at 2 PM


Monday, April 12, 2021

Disney Stars to Perform Under the Tent at THE BLACK BOX - April 16, 2021

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premiere concert, theater, and event venue, will present three Disney Stars of Broadway: Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” Ashley Brown, current “Genie” Michael James Scott, and original “Tarzan” Josh Strickland on April 16 to kick off Spring Arts Awakening- nine weeks of entertainment, outdoors under a tent in the venue’s parking lot. The trio will perform an evening of Disney favorites. There will be limited seating for this special evening out in Franklin as well as virtual live-stream tickets available. 

Ashley Brown originated the title role in Mary Poppins on Broadway, for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League, and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress.  Ms. Brown’s other Broadway credits include star turns as Belle in Beauty and The Beast, The Sound Of Music, and Disney's On The Record. Ms. Brown has also performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America, including the Boston Pops, the New York Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at Disney Hall, The Pittsburgh Symphony, the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, and more. Ms. Brown’s PBS special called “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible” received a PBS Telly Award. Ms. Brown is the voice of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebrations, singing the newly-penned Richard Sherman song, “A Kiss Goodnight.” Both Ms. Brown’s album of Broadway and American Songbook standards “Speak Low” and her newly recorded Christmas EP “The Secret of Christmas” are available on Ghostlight/Warner Brothers. 

Michael James Scott has played the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin internationally including Broadway, London, the North American Tour and originating the role in the Australian Production for which he won the prestigious Helpmann Award. He’s also known for originating the role of the Minstrel on Broadway in Something Rotten and originating Dr. Gotswana (aka The Maggots Guy) in the Tony winning phenomenon The Book of Mormon. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia, Tarzan, All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Elf and Hair. On the West End he was the associate choreographer and performed in the Broadway revival transfer of Hair. Scott was the standby for the legendary Ben Vereen in the Int. tour of Fosse, taking over the role in Paris, France at the Théâtre du Châtelet. 

In 2006, Josh Strickland created the leading role of Tarzan in Disney’s musical Tarzan on Broadway. In 2009, he made his starring Las Vegas debut in Peepshow at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort while concurrently co-starring in the hit E! reality show Holly's World. Strickland debuted his first single "Report to the Floor," which skyrocketed to the top-five on the iTunes Dance Charts the first week of its release, followed by “Last Dance.” In 2013, Strickland joined the cast of Vegas! The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort in Las Vegas in a starring role. Strickland has also appeared internationally with the all-star cast of Disney’s Broadway Hits, including the Emmy®-winning concert at Royal Albert Hall in London, England. He most recently reprised his role as Tarzan in Disney’s Tarzan in Oberhausen, Germany at the Stage Metronom Theatre.

According to director of THE BLACK BOX Raye Lynn Mercer, “The Disney Stars of Broadway show is a fantastic way to kick off our Spring Arts Awakening and we look forward to welcoming audiences back to the theater.” The Spring Arts Awakening celebrates a comeback for arts and entertainment and offers an opportunity to support THE BLACK BOX in its recovery from the pandemic. To purchase tickets for this special concert, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Disney Stars to Perform Under the Tent at THE BLACK BOX - April 16, 2021
Disney Stars to Perform Under the Tent at THE BLACK BOX - April 16, 2021


FM #508-509-510 - Town Council Mtg - 04/07/21 - (3 part audio)

FM #508-509-510 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 508-509-510 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Apr 7, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost three hour minute meeting into three logical segments:

  • First - covers the opening through the public hearing on the street acceptances (49 minutes)
  • Second - covers the DPW presentation and subsequent discussion with the Council members  (37 mins)
  • Third - covers the long list of Legislation for Action through the close of the meeting (1 hour 20 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Apr 7, 2021  

Part 1 audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3176f458-c2e0-4abd-b83b-a49daf4e9be8


Part 2 audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dff0bf8b-d306-4edf-83c9-7c93444af52d


Part 3 audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3176f458-c2e0-4abd-b83b-a49daf4e9be8


--------------

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda 


--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/
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"

FM #508-509-510 - Town Council Mtg - 04/07/21 - (3 part audio)
FM #508-509-510 - Town Council Mtg - 04/07/21 - (3 part audio)


Pantherbook: Student profiles - Ndoye, Rudolph

 

"In 2018, Ndoumbe Ndoye and several other students created the Diversity Awareness Club to address the negative experiences they had as students of color in Franklin.

Since then, the club has become a prominent one at FHS, meeting on Tuesdays from 3-4 and welcoming all students to become educated on racial issues in the community.

When asked why she felt the need to start the club, Ndoumbe explained, “I experienced many microaggressions and implicit biases growing up, to the point I was never comfortable in my skin and had such low esteem. When the club had started, I could not bare seeing others feel that way about themselves like I did.”

Continue reading the article online

"Kate Rudolph, a junior gymnast at Franklin High School, was recently named a Hockomock League All-Star for a second consecutive year. This season, Kate earned top scores of 9.1 on bars, 9.4 on vault, 9.4 on floor, and 9.6 on beam, giving her a high All-Around score of 37.2. One could say she is a huge asset to the high school’s gymnastics team, helping them achieve a 9-0 winning record this year.

Kate began participating in gymnastics when she was just 18 months old after her older sister’s gym opened a Mommy & Me class.  Once she started, she reflects, “I never went back [to my life before gymnastics].”
Continue reading the article online

Register O’Donnell Reports Continued Increases in Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the increases seen in real estate activity in Norfolk County is continuing.  The month of March in 2021 saw increases in a number of real estate indicators over the same time period in 2020.

Register O’Donnell stated, “The Norfolk County real estate market continues to be vibrant.  There were 19,892 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds which is a 58% increase over last year’s March document volume.  There were 1,672 deeds recorded out of this document volume, representing a 24% increase over March of last year.  Average sale price, again including both residential and commercial sales, increased 27% over 2020 to $914,601.61.  Last year’s March real estate numbers were at the beginning of the onset of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 emergency declarations so it is pleasing to see that the real estate market has rebounded from that unforeseen emergency.”

In addition to real estate sales, the Norfolk County lending market has been very busy in March.  There were 5,423 mortgages recorded during the month which is a 69% increase over 2020.  Total amount of money borrowed for mortgages county wide was over 2.2 billon, a 28% increase compared to March 2020.  “While some of the mortgages are due to purchases and sales of real estate, there are a large number of individuals and families taking advantage off historically low interest rates by refinancing existing mortgages.  Individuals have different motivations to refinance.  Some refinance to reduce their monthly payments, others to take some years off their debt while still others are using the money to pay for home improvements and other capital expenditures” said Register O’Donnell. 

Register O’Donnell went on to state, “There has been a strong demand for housing, single family housing particular, coupled with a limited supply of available housing stock and historically low interest rates which could be motivating buyers to do what is necessary to secure housing.  Lending activity was up.  The growth in numbers seen in 2020 continues into 2021. 

A moratorium on foreclosures in place during the pandemic in 2020 was lifted on October 17, 2020.  This moratorium was in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market.  O’Donnell stated, “During March of 2021 there were 4 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County.  Additionally, there were 16 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County.  A foreclosure recording is very impactful on those being foreclosed on.  These numbers are extremely low especially when you consider in March of 2020 just as COVID was coming into play there were 51 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages and 10 foreclosure Deeds.  This month’s foreclosure numbers are higher than the previous few months.  It is something to watch as the year progresses.”

“The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has also been working in close cooperation with Attorney General Maura Healey’s office to ensure there are no abuses being perpetrated against homeowners while the COVID-19 state of emergency is ongoing,” noted O’Donnell.

Additionally, for the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums continue to increase this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in March.    There was a 23% increase in homestead recordings in March 2021 compared to March 2020.  “A Homestead,” noted O’Donnell, “provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection.”

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “Many small businesses and specific sectors of our economy, such as restaurant and hospitality, have been negatively impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One sector that has continued to thrive during the pandemic is the real estate market, particularly the residential market. There have been many factors that have kept the Norfolk County real estate market viable. Motivated buyers and sellers, low interest rates, and the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds remaining open for the recording of land documents. While the Registry of Deeds building in Dedham remains closed to the general public, we at the Registry remain open operationally to serve our customers, the residents of Norfolk County and real estate professionals alike. By listening to public health officials, practicing social distancing, making sure all staff are wearing masks and taking any and all other steps necessary, the Registry of Deeds has remained open for business. Land documents are being recorded electronically for many of our institutional users. We are also receiving documents via regular mail, Federal Express and from those placed in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA. As your Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I want to thank all of you for the cooperation, patience and understanding you have shown myself and the Registry staff while this pandemic has been ongoing. Be healthy. Be safe.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register O’Donnell Reports Continued Increases in Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County
Register O’Donnell Reports Continued Increases in Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County


Franklin Food Pantry: New Building update page

"Recently, we have fielded many questions regarding the progress of our new building and we wanted to give the community an update. "

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/oMxdxubXQ2



Franklin Food Pantry: Building Update page
Franklin Food Pantry: Building Update page

50+ Group 1st session for Using LinkedIn for the Jobsearch

Interactive Workshop Series: Session #7

Using LinkedIn as Job Search Tool

Offered: Fri Apr 9th 1-3pm; Tue Apr 13th 10 am  – Noon and Mon Apr 19th 6:30-8:30pm

Virtual Doors open 10 minutes before session begins.

Workshops begin promptly at the listed start time.

Facilitators: Melody Beach and Ed Lawrence

 

During the 7th session in our 12-part Interactive Workshop Series, we discuss LinkedIn, specifically using it to research companies, connect with people, and land a position.

 

Join us as we discuss using LinkedIn to not just network, but to use it as a powerful job search tool. Having an attractive LI profile is not enough; it's expected. What are you going to do with it?

 

This session is the 2nd of two sessions that focus on using LinkedIn effectively during your job-search.

 

This session isn't just a one-way presentation; it's interactive; poses questions; presents real-time exercises; and challenges your mindset. In addition, it provides time for you to network with other 50+ Job Seekers.

--------------------------------------------------

 

Are you willing to do what it takes to land a job during uncertain, challenging times? If so, we invite you to join the 50+ Job Seekers program. These twelve workshops build a foundation for one purpose---landing you a job.



Download a copy of the flyer here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y90_3GrGrqBLw4OaYyBL6mLBjwpJkYSb/view?usp=sharing


"they need to get their own minds out of crisis mode"

"They’re calling it a “lost year.”

On and offline, parents are trading stories — poignant and painful — about all of the ways that they fear their middle schoolers are losing ground.

“It’s really hard to put my finger on what happened exactly,” said Jorge Gallegos, whose son, Eyan, is in the seventh grade in Washington, D.C.

When Eyan was in fifth grade, he had a lot of friends, Mr. Gallegos said. He was home schooled for sixth grade, and he seemed to thrive.

But spending this year at home because of the pandemic has just been too much."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)



Sunday, April 11, 2021

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

 
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
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. 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely


2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
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
- None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Diane Daddario, MD

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s, Change of Manager, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott
b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman
c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director
d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
 - None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The meeting packet for the Council meeting

The one PDF with all released docs and connection info

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021


FM #507 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/08/21 (audio)

FM #507 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 507 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 
  • ok, what just happened? 
  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
  • Public hearing on street acceptances
  • DPW presentation
  • Capital budget items
  • Complete streets policy
  • Two bylaws for First readings
  • One bylaw for Adoption
The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.  Audio file = 
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e50da152-baa8-4100-b299-6747442ab4fb


--------------

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda


My notes from the Town Council meeting

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

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"

FM #507 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/08/21 (audio)
FM #507 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/08/21 (audio) 


Tri-County RVTHS Honor Roll

The Franklin students on the honor roll for Tri-County RVTHS

Download a copy of the listing here:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UwhQdfEcvFwRLqTHrH_yDzr5T0m52n9b/view?usp=sharing


Tri-County RVTHS Honor Roll
Tri-County RVTHS Honor Roll


FHS football tops Oliver Ames 41-3 on Saturday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:  

Football = Oliver Ames, 3 @ Franklin, 41 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS football tops Oliver Ames 41-3 on Saturday
FHS football tops Oliver Ames 41-3 on Saturday

Who painted the murals at the Ray Memorial Library?

"Ever wondered about the artist responsible for the murals at the Ray Memorial Library? Join local Franklin historian and author, Alan Earls as he enlightens us on the history of this remarkable Artist.
Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend this zoom event on Wednesday April 14th at 1 PM."
Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2876383245965016/

Who painted the murals at the Ray Memorial Library?
Who painted the murals at the Ray Memorial Library?


Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

To answer a frequently asked question: YES! Think Franklin First Gift Cards are reloadable! Bring your card to our amazing partner, Dean Bank, and add funds anytime! (Cash only!) 

Keep one ready to use in your wallet at all times as a reminder to #ThinkFranklinFirst!  

Status update: we have sold over $47,000 worth of gift cards! Thank you for the support!

Do you have one to spend? Visit www.franklingiftcard.com for a current list of participating businesses!  




Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable
Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

Time Out Virtual Memory Café - April 12 - 2 PM

Virtual
Time Out 
Café

For Caregivers & their Loved Ones Living with Memory Loss
Monday,  April 12th at 2 pm
Time Out Virtual Memory Café - April 12 - 2 PM
Time Out Virtual Memory Café - April 12 - 2 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84293214891?pwd=dlYwOWpnUkJRNllIVzIvWitNTmo3QT09

Meeting ID: 842 9321 4891       Passcode: 762124

 
Sponsored By
Marlborough Senior Center
Better Day Adult Social Day Program is a non-profit social day program designed to support, connect and provide meaningful engagement for adults living with cognitive impairment. We are uniquely situated in a residential home, located at 195 Reservoir Street in Marlborough, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit us at www.betterdayprogram.org  and be sure to follow us on Facebook




New York Times: "Making Music Visible: Singing in Sign"

"On a recent afternoon in a brightly lit studio in Brooklyn, Mervin Primeaux-O’Bryant and Brandon Kazen-Maddox were filming a music video. They were recording a cover version of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” but the voices that filled the room were those of Gladys Knight and the Pips, who made the song a hit in the 1970s. And yet the two men in the studio were also singing — with their hands.

Primeaux-O’Bryant is a deaf actor and dancer; Kazen-Maddox is a hearing dancer and choreographer who is, thanks to seven deaf family members, a native speaker of American Sign Language. Their version of “Midnight Train to Georgia” is part of a 10-song series of American Sign Language covers of seminal works by Black female artists that Kazen-Maddox is producing for Broadstream, an arts streaming platform."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/09/arts/music/asl-music-deaf-culture.html

Both men spoke of the impact ballet training had on their signing.Credit...Justin Kaneps for The New York Times
Credit...Justin Kaneps for The New York Times


MAEnergy Environment: Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region (yes, includes Franklin, MA!)

"With precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater below normal as the state enters the spring season, today @EEASecretary Theoharides declared drought conditions in most regions, including a Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region."

For more info: https://t.co/BvdLCSCxYl 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/3A72wsX8PP


MAEnergy Environment: Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region (yes, includes Franklin, MA!)
MAEnergy Environment: Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region (yes, includes Franklin, MA!)