"The cracks started appearing a few years after Massachusetts voters in 2016 approved a ballot initiative that effectively mandated that all eggs sold in the state come from cage-free hens.The law, backed by nearly 8 of 10 voters, was pushed by top animal welfare groups in order to create what they argued were more humane standards for animals.Now, warning of an “Egg-mageddon” — a severe egg shortage that would send prices spiking — lawmakers are moving to change the measure before it goes into effect in 2022. The proposal would reduce the floor space requirements for hens housed in facilities where they are able to move vertically, a change supporters argue would bring Massachusetts in line with a standard developed over the last five years. The effort has the support of both the egg industry, which largely opposed the 2016 reforms, and animal welfare groups that spent millions to pass them, including the Humane Society of the United States."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Boston Globe: "Warning of a coming ‘Egg-mageddon,’ Mass. lawmakers move to alter animal welfare ballot measure passed in 2016"
Milford Daily News: Franklin Police left Civil Service, part of a trend
"When Thomas Lynch took over as Franklin police chief in 2016, the department had no female officers.Since then, Lynch has hired six of them, which he said offers a much-needed diversity to the police department.
He was able to do it easier because Franklin does not use Civil Service, a method that he said limits candidates available to a department to two or three candidates instead of a wide pool.“I wanted experienced female officers,” said Lynch. “We can gear our tests to what we want in Franklin.”
Friday, June 25, 2021
Update From Waste Management ~ Friday, June 25
Update From Waste Management ~ Friday, June 25
Update from Waste Management for Friday, June 25:
Recycling: All of yesterday's and today's pick-ups will be complete by the end of today.
Trash: Thursday's route and at least 50% of Friday's route will be completed today. If your trash is not picked up today, please leave your barrel out, Waste Management is planning to pick it up tomorrow (Saturday). Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Shared from the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/update-waste-management-friday-june-25
Update From Waste Management ~ Friday, June 25 |
Franklin's Event Outlook: Jun 25 - July 1, 2021
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
9:00am - Be the Match for Gigi
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
8:00pm - Studio Two (fund raiser for HMEA)
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
Monday, June 28
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
Wednesday, June 30
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
6:00pm - 4th July: carnival rides
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
6:00pm - 4th July: Matt Zajac (solo acustic)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
8:00pm - 4th July: Mo Bounce (funk, soul, R&B party)
"Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
6:00pm - 4th July: carnival rides
6:00pm - 4th July: Attleboro School of Rock
7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
7:30pm - 4th July: Victory Shot (classic rock)
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
Community Calendar |
Franklin's 4th of July schedule
Franklin July 4th Coalition
Franklin's 4th of July schedule |
FM #570 - Ariel Doggett - This was a blast - 06/17/21 (audio)
FM #570 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 570 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett. Ariel is currently the virtual programs coordinator for the Franklin Senior Center.
We talk about her transition to virtual program coordinator as COVID-19 hit during 2020. We also talk about how Ariel evolved the programming during the pandemic and now the migration of the Respite and Supportive Day programs back to in person is underway and targeted for September.
The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ariel on Thursday, June 17.
Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/18d26989-1f4c-4b0f-a2b7-067c62bd7a91
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Franklin Senior Center https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
Senior Center Connections newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter
Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to get on her “Email Blast”
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
FM #570 - Ariel Doggett - This was a blast - 06/17/21 (audio) |
Recap: Town Council meeting - deserved recognitions made; 2 restaurant alcohol licenses approved; open meeting law complaint received and addressed
- Two sets of recognitions: one for officer Mellor leaving to go to law school; second, for the multiple police and fire personnel from Franklin and Norfolk who responded to the Winter St fire
- Two restaurant all alcohol licenses issued, one for Sierra Brick Over Pizza, the other for Proof to operate the second floor as a separate restaurant in the same building as Glen Pharma
- Open meeting complaint received and acknowledged for not approving meeting minutes in the timely manner as required by law; changes being made to adjust process
- Two transactions to help close out the FY 2021 finances, both about 200K in total and considering these are the adjustments on a over $100+ budget during a pandemic year, the Town did (and does) well managing their budget
- Veterans Officer Dale Kurtz to retire, replacement to be hired
- parking bylaw change referred to Planning Board for their review and decision before it comes back to the Council for 2 readings before final vote
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/guZrk1xe1hnUSs5C6
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom0608
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0608&src=typeahead_click
Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda
Agenda doc (including connection info) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf
- Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found. #tc0623 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/a
- Dial in info for the session can be found in the image #tc0623
- Frongillo participating remotely, Dellorco not present in the ViceChair spot. Steve Gilmore talking of the Be The Match for Gigi, link and info shared earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2021/06/be-match-for-gigi-june-26-video.html?m=1. #tc0623
- Match entries on Saturday will be entered into a drawing for tickets to a Patriots game when #12 visits this season #tc0623 Citizen commenting on the condition of the Brick School. Unipay payments fee will be waived beginning in July (hurrah!) For bank transfer
- Paperless payments coming to more payments, fee waivers at 35 cents vs. postage at 55 cents #tc0623 per Kerri Bertone the Treasurer/Collector
- Officer Mellor leaving Police Dept to go to law school. #tc0623
- Plaque presented #tc0623
- Chair Mercer lists the fire and police personnel from Franklin and elsewhere who were involved in the Winter St fire #tc0623 2 min recess to allow for in person recognitions
- Clerk Jones reads the listing of annual appointments to boards and committees #tc0623
- Motion to approve appointments, second, passes (Kelly also not present during break) (although both are expected some time for the meeting) #tc0623 vote via roll call 7-0-2
- License approval for https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._sierras.pdf sierra brick oven pizza #tc0623 Attny Doherty speaks for the applicant who is present via zoom; ABCC licenses for restaurants capacity of 40; unlimited qty for us; motion and seconded, passes 7-0-2 2 absent
- Another license for Proof https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7b._proof.pdf #tc0623 motion and second, proof to open on 2nd floor of the space at Glen Pharma vote on motion via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
- Interesting stat from the 495/MetroWest partnership showed that the largest sector of employment in Franklin was restaurants #tc0623 a copy of the stat can be found in this doc
- Next up, open meeting complaint about Town Council meetings not approved timely. #tc0623 well handled with response by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
- "This is petty, of all the things we do, and this is the worse thing to happen?" #tc0623 "I hope Mr Higgins isn't reading my thought bubbles" "A rule is a rule, a law is a law, and we must comply." Attny Cereal recommends an authorized response (vote by council) vote ->
- Motion and second, via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent) EDC met last Weds, two discussions, HPP and home based business;
- Legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-33_fletcher.pdf #tc0623 motion and second for Fletcher Foundation funding for recreation via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
- Downtown zoning and marketing capital account https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._21-34_dt_zoning_marketing_commerical.pdf #tc0623 motion and second; last time study like this was done in 2003; civic engagement targeted for Sep/Oct/Nov vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
- Appropriation transfers https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._21-35_fy21_aprop._transfers.pdf #tc0623 motion and second, only a $70+K transfer on a over $100M budget is a good thing, especially during the pandemic vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
- franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-36_pd_gift_100.pdf gift acceptance, motion and second, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
- Termination of veterans services Agreement, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-37_term._vets._agrmnt.pdf Dale Kurtz to retire in Sep 2021 motion and second, vote 7-0-2 (2 absent) kudos for Dale from all the Councilors and TA Jamie Hellen
- Acceptance of gift https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-26_historical_donation.pdf #tc0623 Motion and second, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
- Zoning bylaw amendment referral to planning board, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g._21-875_dt_parking.pdf #tc0623 motion to refer to Planning Board, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
- TA report, will look at the red brick school house, was scheduled for historical tour for CPC #tc0623 job posting to replace Anne Marie Tracey was made, interviews hopefully in July. Looking to fill before Sep. Chrissy will be leaving and part of transition; Alysia ->
- Will replace Chrissy, backfilling for Chrissy, job posted In council comments, cool story on the 2nd performance of Bright Stars during the storm Sat night. #tc0623 Chair Mercer recognizes that the police and fire personnel come out in good numbers in recognition of some ->
- That the public may not always be aware of or see,
Note: I did not wait for their return. Per conversation with Chair Mercer the morning after, one of the two items for the session were in fact brought to a vote, the other was held due to the 2 absent councilors (Dellorco, Kelly)
Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
The Winter St heroes, Franklin police and fire along with some Norfolk personnel |
FHS Teams in 3 (yes, three!) D1 sectional finals today
Busy weekend shaping up Panthers!
Friday - Girls Lax hosts C-C at 4:30 PM in the East Sect Final. Boys Lax hosts Hingham at 7 PM & Baseball hosts BC High at 7 PM - both South Div 1 Semifinal games.
Saturday - Track heads to Norwell for the D1 State Meet #LETSGO
Franklin Odd Fellows: Trivia Extravaganza - Aug 1
On August 1, 2021, the public is invited to join the Franklin Odd Fellows for an afternoon of Trivia, fun and good cheer from 2 to 4:30 PM at the Bellingham Sportsman Club at 360 Lake St., Bellingham, MA 02019.
The event will consist of teams of up to ten players with a registration cost of just $10 per person and $15 at the door. Team pre-registration and pre-payment is strongly encouraged.
After a long and difficult year in 2020 where four Odd Fellows fundraising events were canceled due to Covid-19, William F. Ray Lodge #71 has remained active and continues with the renovation process of the building and with indoor meetings and cookout gatherings in their quaint pine grove back yard.
This will be our first social event for this year that will help us to continue the longstanding tradition of giving back to our local community - and have a good time while doing it! The Bellingham Sportsman Club has worked closely with the Bellingham Board of Health and is now following restaurant guidelines for holding public events.
Get your team of trivia masters together and register today. Entries at the door will be integrated into whatever teams have space remaining at their tables. There will be a cash bar available during the event.
Register and prepay: http://www.franklinmassoddfellows.org/trivia2021/
Download the flyer as a reminder -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/133QIpuopY5ohYYMvs3X5TXV-jyrOQUcM/view?usp=sharing
Franklin Odd Fellows: Trivia Extravaganza - Aug 1 |
Senate Passes $261.6 Million FY 2021 Supplemental Budget
Today (06/24/21), the Massachusetts State Senate passed a $261.6 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) to primarily address time-sensitive deficiencies, cover costs related to implementation of the 2020 landmark police reform law and make investments to support the Commonwealth's continued recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the Senate continues to pave the way to an equitable recovery, the supplemental budget passed today includes $131 million to provide support and stability for our early educator workforce, $27.9 million for one-time economic relief payments to families on transitional assistance, and $12.5 million for costs associated with the implementation of last session's landmark police reform bill.
"As we carefully emerge into a post-pandemic world, we must continue to keep a close eye on areas which are critical to our Commonwealth's wellbeing," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This supplemental budget provides us additional tools to ensure such areas as early education, public health, veteran and family services and transportation remain resilient as we get back to better. I want to thank Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Friedman, the team at Senate Ways and Means and my colleagues for their work and collaboration on this proposal."
"As we continue on the path toward our new normal, the supplemental budget passed today by the Senate allows us to pay our bills to address time sensitive needs, while meeting the immediate challenges facing our Commonwealth by investing in our early educator workforce, helping vulnerable families and fulfilling our funding obligations to ensure timely implementation of the police reform law. Additionally, in response to the tragic passing of Worcester Police Officer Familia, this budget includes an amendment we adopted unanimously to close an existing loophole in line of duty death benefits so the families of fallen police officers can get what they are owed," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means (D-Westport). "Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steady leadership and continued support and to all of my colleagues in the Senate for their advocacy on behalf of their communities as we continue to recover from the lasting impacts of this pandemic."
"This spending bill maintains funding for critical services throughout the Commonwealth," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "It was particularly important that we made investments in our early education and care system, and that we reformed the representation of the MBTA's governance and management board to better reflect the population it serves."
To maintain the Senate's strong support for early educators who have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic, the supplemental budget invests $131 million of federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funding into the Early Education and Care (EEC) COVID-19 Stabilization and Workforce reserve. This funding will provide early educator stabilization grants, workforce supports and system-wide technology upgrades.
In addition to supporting early educators, the Senate's supplemental budget takes meaningful action to combat the lingering effects of the economic crises the Commonwealth has faced over the last 15 months and ensure families receive the economic supports they need to live, work and provide stability for their children. To that end, the budget passed today invests $27.9 million to provide for one-time payments to families that receive Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) benefits, totaling $525 to $580 per child.
Additionally, the supplemental budget provides $12.5 million to cover costs related to the implementation of last session's landmark police reform bill. These funds will be used to support bridge academies for reserve officers and special state police officers previously not subject to the same training requirements as the general law enforcement population, support the first diverse state police cadet class, and to meet municipal police training requirements on mandatory training on de-escalation, use of force, and school resource officers.
With the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 's (MBTA) Fiscal Management and Control Board set to expire on June 30, 2021, the supplemental budget passed by the Senate today establishes a new seven-member MBTA Board of Directors effective July 1, 2021 and contains a number of changes on the overall governance and oversight of the MBTA. The changes include:
· Establishing the composition of the MBTA Board of Directors. It will comprise seven members and consist of the Secretary of Transportation, serving ex officio; five members appointed by the Governor; and one member appointed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Advisory Board.
· Requiring that one member of the MBTA Board of Directors appointed by the Governor be a rider that uses the services of the Authority and is a resident of an environmental justice population.
· Requiring that one member of the MBTA Board of Directors appointed by the Governor be selected from a list of three persons recommended by the president of the AFL-CIO.
· Requiring subcommittees on safety, health and environment, planning and workforce development, and audit and finance.
In addition, the Senate voted unanimously to allow the pension of a police officer who dies while performing their duties in certain emergencies to be paid to their surviving spouse. This change, which closes a loophole, was made to honor the service of Officer Manny Familia, a Worcester police officer who died in June while heroically attempting to save a 14-year-old boy from drowning. If the Senate's language is passed, this supplemental budget would ensure that Officer Familia's family receives the pension he earned.
Other notable highlights of the FY 2021 supplemental budget include:
- $31.9 million for the Medical Assistance Trust Fund;
- $13 million for National Guard activations, including pandemic-related work;
- $11 million for the Department of State Police for pandemic related costs;
- $9 million for increased COVID-19 costs at the Department of Public Health
- $7.8 million for home health aide rate increases;
- $5.4 million for the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers' Homes for pandemic-related costs.
- $5 million for the Police Officer Standards & Training (POST) Commission;
$1 million for the Supplier Diversity Office.
Coverage from CommonWealth Magazine can be found: https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/lawmakers-cool-to-baker-spending-plans