FM #575 - Talk Franklin - 06/25/21 (audio)

FM #575 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 575 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

Maple Hill status

Staffing changes; committee/board re-appointments

Re-opening continues, more meetings in person allowed

Farmers Market, 4th of July; concerts on the common – Cultural Festival

 

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie.

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/5f5bfaa1-b85f-46ea-ba17-8c72c732f308

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Franklin Community Profile  =>   https://mecc.memberclicks.net/assets/2021CommunityProfiles/FRANKLIN.pdf

 

Pop Shop Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development/pages/pop-shop-franklin 

 

Town Council 06/23/21 Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda

 

Town Council 06/23/21 Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes from the Town Council 06/23/21 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-town-council-meeting-deserved.html

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #575 - Talk Franklin - 06/25/21 (audio)

FHS baseball falls short In D1 South final To Xaverian - 5-4

 

"The Franklin baseball team came up just short in the D1 South Sectional Final against Xaverian, but it sure wasn’t for a lack of effort.

The Panthers rallied to get within one run twice and had the tying run in scoring position in the bottom of the seventh but couldn’t get over the hump, falling 5-4 to the visiting Hawks.

Franklin had a hit in five of the seven innings, putting a runner in scoring position in four of those frames. The Panthers pushed across three runs in the bottom of the fourth and made it a one-run game again with a run in the sixth, but Franklin also left the bases loaded in two innings and left a runner in scoring position in two other frames.

“It was a great game, both teams competed hard and both teams had opportunities…they just made a few more plays than we did today,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “We certainly applied pressure and had our chances, even right there to the end. But unfortunately, some walks, some miscues…and they had two big blows. I’m just really proud of this team, especially the seniors."

Continue reading the game recap by Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-baseball-falls-short-in-south-final-to-xaverian/

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Spring-2021/Franklin-Xaverian-Baseball-06-28-21/

Franklin junior reliever James Kuczmiec threw two perfect innings of relief for the Panthers. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Flower Alley has its first mural

"One mural done, and more to come! The FDP continues to coordinate the installations of murals on Flower Alley off East Central St. Stop by to see this amazing mural by artist Peg Munson."

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/243620642485745/posts/1787627298085064/

For more about the Franklin Downtown Partnership, visit their page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Flower Alley has its first mural

"human behavior is far more important in shaping the course of the pandemic than any variant"

"News headlines and health experts on social media are sounding the alarm over another variant of the coronavirus, this time Delta, claiming it is much more contagious and perhaps more lethal than any other variant seen so far. It’s easy to understand why: New variants of the virus continue to emerge, and cases are rising in many countries. But whether new variants pose a unique or substantial risk is still unknown, and as virologists, we are concerned that misunderstanding variants and the risk they pose can cause confusion and panic.

As the coronavirus spread globally, its genome changed — mutated — as expected for any virus. These mutations may affect the virus’s “fitness,” its ability to reproduce and spread. Some mutations weaken a virus, some have no measurable effect, and some make it stronger.

As a virus becomes more fit, it will outcompete less fit viruses — and Delta is not the first variant that has beat its predecessors and competitors in certain areas. There’s the Alpha variant that first became dominant in Britain, and the Gamma variant that first became dominant in Brazil. Such changes are not unique to the coronavirus. Increased viral fitness happens during every flu season and is why some flu variants may circulate more widely than others.

Just because a variant displaces another does not necessarily mean it is more infectious or more deadly to the people who become infected with it. As has been true for the past year and a half, human behavior is far more important in shaping the course of the pandemic than any variant."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/27/opinion/covid-vaccine-variants.html

Peter van Agtmael/Magnum Photos

Get your "Lions Club Donut" at the Franklin Honey Dew locations

For the month of July as we kick off the new "Lion Year",  you can buy a "Lions Club Donut" at the Franklin Honey Dew locations. All proceeds will benefit the local charities of the Franklin Lions Club.

PURPLE: stands for loyalty to friends and to one's self, and for integrity of mind and heart. GOLD: symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purpose toward humanity.

Visit the Franklin Lions on the internet at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/

Get your "Lions Club Donut" at the Franklin Honey Dew locations

"members simply could not reach a consensus on an issue that became incredibly controversial"

"AFTER 16 MONTHS of work, members of a commission tasked with updating the state’s laws for reporting child abuse have failed to reach an agreement and will not make any recommendations to the Legislature.  

The report of the mandated reporter commission is scheduled to be released Wednesday. At a meeting Monday, commission members decided to include in that report a summary of their deliberations and of feedback obtained in a public comment period – but not to vote on any legislative recommendations.  

“There’s no recommendations,” confirmed the state’s child advocate, Maria Mossaides, who chairs the commission, after the meeting.  

Asked why the commission decided not to make any recommendations, Mossaides said she was “unwilling to speak for the commission on that matter,” and she would let the document speak for itself when it is released. "

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/commission-on-child-abuse-reporting-fails-to-reach-consensus/

"Architecture can be a powerful tool for justice"

Franklin's current zoning doesn't allow for triple-deckers. Might this be one option for consideration? 

"At the turn of the 20th century, working-class Boston residents faced a lack of affordable housing and, as a result, the diverse working class struggled to live close to where they worked and faced low rates of homeownership. One of Boston’s most iconic architectural styles, the triple-decker, was a solution to these challenges, not unlike many of the challenges Boston faces today. 

Between 1880 and 1930, Boston responded to the needs of the working class by constructing an estimated 15,000 triple-deckers. This type of housing was popular with immigrants and Black Bostonians as Boston experienced different migration patterns. It also offered an affordable path to homeownership, since a family could live in one unit and rent out the other two, often to relatives. Triple-deckers became a popular and economically viable example of multigenerational housing throughout the region. 

But triple-deckers, with their diverse working-class residents, soon became a lightning rod for racist and anti-immigrant sentiment that fueled policy and building code changes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/28/opinion/triple-deckers-were-once-an-affordable-solution-bostons-housing-crunch-can-be-again/

I'll admit to some bias for triple-deckers having grown up in one in Pawtucket, RI

A triple-decker renovation-in-progress in Dorchester. The finished project was featured on “This Old House” in May. KEVIN O'CONNOR

350 Mass Takes Climate Action In Franklin

350 Mass Takes Climate Action In Franklin

On Saturday, June 26, members of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node and other local residents conducted informational picketing in front of the Bank of America in Franklin at 43 Main Street. Bank of America is one of several financial institutions that continue to invest and insure in fossil fuel, oil and gas projects that destroy our climate and environment.

The current fight concerns the dangerous Enbridge Line 3 oil sands pipeline now being constructed through the state of Minnesota. Line 3 would accelerate the climate crisis, threatens water supply in the middle of a national drought and natural resources including the Mississippi River, and violates tribal treaties in the path of the project.

Our action is one of many similar events taking place in an ongoing national campaign directed at JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, TD Bank, and other financial institutions.

Carolyn Barthel, co-coordinator of the Greater Franklin Node, said the response from the public was overwhelmingly positive. We distributed flyers that explain Bank of America's and other financial institutions' role in supporting this tar sands oil pipeline. Carolyn said, as part of an international campaign, we will continue these types of actions in Franklin and surrounding towns until we can convince these financial institutions to divest from Line 3.

Learn more: 
1) The national Stop the Money Pipeline campaign (  https://stopthemoneypipeline.com/ ).   
2) Stop the Line 3 Pipeline (  https://stopthemoneypipeline.com/line3/ ) 
3) A statement by 350 Mass on the need to call out the big banks (  https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/greenwashing_the_climate_crisis )

350 Mass Takes Climate Action In Franklin

FM #574 - Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 06/24/21 (audio)

FM #574 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 574 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

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS  

a. Police Department Recognition: Patrol Officer David Mellor

b. Fire & Police Department Recognition: Winter Street Incident

 

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  

· S&J Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 648 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

· Proof Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Proof, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 862 West Central Street, 2nd Floor, Franklin, MA 02038. 

 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 

Open Meeting Law (OML) Complaint from Patrick Higgins: Failure to approve Town Council meeting minutes in a timely manner. 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-33: Expenditure - Recreation Department Expenses, Fletcher Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-33 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-34: Appropriation - Franklin Downtown Zoning and Marketing Capital Account (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-34 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-35: FY21 Appropriation Transfers (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-35 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-37: Termination of the Veteran’s Services Agreement (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-37 Majority Vote)

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to CH. 185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 21-874 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/156236b0-6ad8-4480-8d90-7071777e55ef

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

Franklin Community Profile  =>   https://mecc.memberclicks.net/assets/2021CommunityProfiles/FRANKLIN.pdf

 

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

My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-town-council-meeting-deserved.html

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 06/24/21

FHS boys lacrosse playoff runs comes to a close

Read the game recap by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com

"In the semifinal win over Hingham, Franklin (18-1) struggled with uncharacteristic turnovers early in the game, but once the Panthers found the back of the net and grabbed the lead they established a rhythm on offense and never looked back. 

In Sunday night’s Div. 1 South final against defending champ BC High, Franklin had another slow start but this time never looked comfortable on either end of the field. The Eagles clinched a fourth sectional title in the last five seasons, handing the Panthers a 14-9 loss in their first final appearance. It was Franklin’s only loss this season. 

“It was a great year,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi. “We ran into a better team, at least tonight they were better. Hats off to them, they were bigger, faster, stronger, and in so many different areas they played great. Our kids battled.” 

He added, “We didn’t handle the pressure real well. They pressed out on us and I don’t think we handled it as well as we could have, but I have nothing but good things to say about this group. They were unbelievable.”

Continue reading the game recap

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-lacrosse-has-playoff-run-come-to-close-in-south-final/ 

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Spring-2021/Franklin-BC-High-Boys-Lacrosse-06-27-21/

Franklin senior Matt Lazzaro’s shot from the ground is turned aside by BC High goalie Jamie Horton in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

FHS baseball scheduled for D1 South final today

2021 MIAA Baseball South Division 1
Date/Time: 6/28/2021 - 7 PM
Location: Franklin HS

#1 - Franklin  vs #3 - Xaverian

the road to the 2021 MIAA Baseball South Division 1 final

The MIAA Baseball South Division 1 bracket

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5665

Light Up Franklin for this 4th of July

Final week to order. Please help support the Franklin Lions. 

To order https://forms.gle/28J8pqr6ffudN5i39

"The Franklin Lions would like to celebrate this 4th of July. Our goal is to Light Up the town on July 4th with paper lanterns.  

We are selling the Lanterns in sets of 3 for $15. Lanterns come with LED light and string. Some assembly is required and pattern may vary.  

Once you place your lantern on display we would love for you to send a picture of your lanterns all lit up. We will be posting a video of the lanterns on July 4th to our Facebook page.  

To purchase your lantern please complete below. We will be in contact by email to confirm your order, delivery, and payment. "

Visit the Lions web page -> https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/ 

For additional info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/lions-looking-to-light-up-franklin-for.html

Light Up Franklin for this 4th of July

Good Deeds: The Country Opens Up

By: William P. O’Donnell, Register of Deeds

"It is not lost upon folks that America is opening up from various COVID-19 orders and restrictions as we celebrate the birth of the United States of America on July 4th.  There have been four (4) Presidents of the United States of America born in Norfolk County which was established by law in 1793.  This fact has led to the designation of Norfolk County as the “County of Presidents”.  John Adams the second (2nd) President of the United States, who hailed from Norfolk County, once said about celebrating the birth of this great nation, “It will be celebrated… with pomp and parade… bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”
 
It always amazed me when reading the above quotation that President Adams had the presence of mind and insight to essentially predict how the United States of America celebrates its birth as a nation all these years later.  The celebration of our freedoms will take on a new meaning this July 4th holiday as we return to pre Coronavirus activities.  All the “little things” denied due to the Coronavirus pandemic will hopefully be savored and appreciated.  Some of these “little things” may be running a road race, a cook out with family and friends, watching fireworks displayed in our local communities or enjoying the marching bands and floats of a July 4th parade. 
 
The thirty-fifth (35th) President of the United States of America John F. Kennedy was born in the Norfolk County community of Brookline.  President Kennedy spoke at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 1962 stating, “For 186 years this doctrine of national independence has shaken the globe - and it remains the most powerful force anywhere in the world today.  There are those struggling to eke out a bare existence in a barren land who have never heard of free enterprise, but who cherish the idea of independence.  There are those who are grappling with over powering problems of illiteracy and ill-health and who are ill-equipped to hold free elections.  But they are determined to hold fast to their national independence.”
 
The notion of independence was certainly challenged during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Yet throughout this trying period as one who is tasked with leading the Registry of Deeds I saw Registry employees rise above difficulties and obstacles while demonstrating a commitment to excellence.  Under trying circumstances with restrictions to one’s notion of independence and freedoms the employees of the Registry of Deeds came to work throughout the pandemic to keep the real estate sector of our local economy viable.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds employees kept the Registry open and operational every work day during the COVID-19 pandemic since current Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker, who grew up in the Norfolk County town of Needham, declared a State of Emergency back on March 10, 2020.  Do you think the very first Governor of Massachusetts John Hancock who signed into law legislation establishing Norfolk County and the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds on June 20 1793 would have thought citizens would be facing such a deadly and impactful health crisis due to Coronavirus?
 
John Hancock is also another notable citizen born in Norfolk County who was one of Boston’s leader’s during the crisis that led to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.  John Hancock served more than two years in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.  He was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in his position as President of the Continental Congress.  Famous for his rather prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence John Hancock was quoted as saying during the signing ceremony, “There his Majesty King George can now read my name without glasses.  And he can double the reward on my head.”
 
The bravery of those that came before us in creating, developing and preserving this great nation of ours should never be forgotten.  We may celebrate the Fourth of July with hamburgers and hotdogs.  Let us never forget the meaning of the words written in the Declaration of Independence as we hopefully put the Coronavirus pandemic in the rear view mirror.  The forty-first (41st) President of the United States of America George Herbert Walker Bush was born in the Norfolk County community of Milton.  President Bush stated in 1989 “After 213 years, Americans can say that the experiment is a resounding success.  The Fourth of July is a time to rejoice in this success, which has inspired all who seek to break the shackles of totalitarian rule and breathe in the life-giving air of liberty.”
 
Enjoy your liberties and have a Happy and Healthy July 4th.    
 
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. "

Good Deeds: The Country Opens Up

MBTA restores weekend service on Franklin line

The new Summer Commuter Rail schedule goes into effect on Monday, June 28th to restore weekend train service on all lines. Paper schedules available at North, South, and Back Bay Stations. 

There are no changes to the weekday schedule.   MBTA.com/cr

The updated schedule  https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-summer/2021-06-28-summer-franklin-accessible.pdf 

MBTA restores weekend service on Franklin line

"the job market in Greater Boston is seething with activity"

 

"After a dozen long years at Google, David Smydra had been thinking about moving on. But when the pandemic hit, all he could do was “shelter in place ... hold on, do my best to weather the storm.” 

But working from home in West Roxbury only increased the feeling of burnout that had been building before COVID-19. So as the virus loosened its grip on the region, his urge for a reset returned, even stronger. 

“The effects of the pandemic gave me clarity to see my situation without the blinders of the daily hustle,” he said. 

In April, the 42-year-old Smydra left his job at Google overseeing news content strategy and joined another big tech company — Twitter — to work on news curation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/27/business/giant-game-musical-chairs-waves-workers-are-changing-jobs-pandemic-wanes/