FHS girls lacrosse tops Chelmsford 11-9 to head for State Final on Thursday

"As the clock ran down under six minutes to play, Franklin held a three-goal lead in Tuesday night’s Div. 1 state semifinal at Pisini Stadium and the Panthers held possession. Before they could advance up the field, the officials stopped the game. Lightning in the distance caused a delay that stretched to nearly an hour.

When play resumed, 5:25 was all that stood between Franklin and a spot in its first ever state title game. After the Panthers ran a minute off the clock, Chelmsford forced a turnover and converted it into a goal on the other end. Now it was only a two-goal game. Another chance a minute later went inches wide of the post and Stella Regan chased it down behind the cage to win possession.

Franklin had the ball and 3:33 on the clock. The Panthers showed great patience and vision to keep the ball moving in the attacking half of the field, running down the clock despite Chelmsford pressuring every pass. Franklin held on for the 11-9 win, handing Chelmsford its only loss of the season and ending a long wait to play for a state title.

“It’s awesome,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “I think it’s been a long time coming. I think this group has worked extremely hard and they deserve it. They’re all in, so we’re really excited for Thursday.”

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

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-lacrosse-beats-chelmsford-heads-to-first-state-final/

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Spring-2021/Franklin-Chelmsford-Girls-Lacrosse-06-29-21/

Franklin’s Kate O’Rourke scores a goal on a low shot in the final minute of the third quarter to restore a two-goal lead. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

MA map showing distribution of COVID Relief Funds

Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) tweeted on Tue, Jun 29, 2021:

#ICYMI ➡️ We launched an online, interactive tool that displays the breakdown by municipality of the $3.4 billion in direct federal aid awarded to local governments throughout the Commonwealth to support #COVID19MA relief and recovery.

Search the map 🔎 https://t.co/OexAt1jh6M 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/GmNcc6lfNV

MA map showing distribution of COVID Relief Funds

SNETT tunnel closed July 1-July 2

"Trail Closure Alert!

The trail between Spring St (Franklin) and Lake St (Bellingham) will be closed on Thursday (and possibly Friday) for drainage repair at the tunnel. No thru traffic. 

Please plan accordingly. Thank you!

#SNETT #railtrail #FBRTC #FranklinMA #BellinghamMA"

Shared from Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/185258844899495/posts/4128023973956276/

SNETT tunnel closed July 1-July 2

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, July 1, 7:00 PM

Hello to all from the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node. Please mark your calendars for this week's Node meeting, Thursday, July 1, 7:00 pm.  (As a reminder, we meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.)

 

Here are the the Zoom details, and a preview of the meeting.

 

Zoom link for the meeting, July 1, 7:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09

Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755

Password: 350ma 

Audio by phone: +1 646 876 9923  

 

Meeting Agenda: 

• We will discuss developments nationally, statewide, and locally; and update one another about 350 Mass' campaigns, "Bringing the Green New Deal Home."  
• We will continue our conversation about engaging our region in climate activism: working with residents and like-minded organizations, and advocating for actions and programs by our municipalities. We will consider challenges and opportunities, and ways we can communicate with officials and neighbors in our towns.
• 350 Mass members are adding our voices to calls to Stop the Money Pipeline and Defund Line 3.  Read this account of our Node's action in Franklin this past Saturday, June 26th. We intend to join the national campaign during the week of July 12th, when activists around the country will organize art actions & protests at the branches, offices and headquarters of the banks funding Line 3. 

We want to collaborate with groups and individuals from the region who share the same concerns, so all our cities and towns can benefit. Please join us to learn and contribute.   

 

If you cannot participate in the Node meeting on Thursday but have some information to share, e.g., notice about a community meeting or a recommended webinar, you can send it to ralph.halpern@comcast.net.

 

We'll send a reminder on Thursday. 

 

Please take a few moments and visit the new and improved 350 Mass website. 

 

Thanks for your participation and support.

 

Node Co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel

Ralph Halpern

 

 

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node,  meeting - Thursday, July 1

Sad news from TC Scoops

Via TC Scoops 

"It is with a broken heart that I need to inform you that tomorrow, June 30th, will be our last day in operation at the Medway Shopping Plaza.  After nearly 10 years, the owner has decided suddenly, unexpectedly and, in my opinion, unnecessarily not to renew my lease after a month of attempting to come to an agreement.  Even as of last Friday it seemed like we were going to be able to come to some sort of arrangement, to no avail.

Thank you for all of your support over the years, you have all made me happy and proud to be part of the Medway community.

We will be operating out of the ice cream bus as much as possible, and will regularly post here as to where you can find it.

If you would like to tell ownership how you feel about this decision, feel free to call the home office at 617 227-0893 or email the plaza manager at jgriffin@dfi.cc.

We will end up on our feet, sometime, somewhere so until then adios!"

Shared from their Facebook post ->   https://www.facebook.com/tcscoops/posts/4460399980650218

Facebook page for TC Scoops  https://www.facebook.com/tcscoops/

Web page https://tcscoops.com/index.html

Sad news from TC Scoops

St Mary's Parish: "What to Expect this Year in Religious Education"

What to Expect this Year in Religious Education

After reading all of the survey entries (thank you to all of you who submitted the survey) and taking into consideration the amount of teachers that we need to run the program, we have decided to follow a “hybrid” model for the year 2021/2022.  This model is based on the Religious Education model called “Domestic Church”. 

We help and support you as parents as you directly help your child(ren) grow in our faith.  Hopefully, by your teaching, daily actions and example, and by your participation at Sunday Mass, your child(ren) learns “The Ways of Our Faith” which you promised as parents at your children's Baptism so many years ago.

The plan is actually straight forward and easy to follow. Students will complete the book assignments at home and submit them periodically as they did this past year. In addition, we will rotate each grade level into the building for enrichment and review classes and the ability for the kids to all be together with us. Please see below for specific information regarding classes and scheduling.

Religious Education Program

2021/2022

Grade 1 (Fall Semester):  Students will complete a binder supplied by the Religious Education Office at home with their parents. This will be done between October—December at your child’s own pace. 

                                       
Grade 1 (Spring Semester):  Students will come to class every other week and complete their book work together, along with short assignments to be done at home.  

Classes will be offered on Mondays and Tuesdays only.  You will choose which day works best for your child.

Grade 2 (Fall Semester):  Students will come to class every week and complete their book work together, along with short assignments to be done at home. 

Grade 2 (Spring Semester):  Students will come to class every other week and complete their book work together, along with short assignments to be done at home.

Classes will be offered on Mondays and Tuesdays only.  You will choose which day works best for your child.

Grades 3-8 (Fall Semester + Spring Semester):  Students will complete their book work at home as they did this year and submit the work.  Approximately every six weeks there will be an “in person” class for enrichment and review.  

Classes will be offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays--only one grade per week.  You will choose which day works best for your child.

ALL CLASSES FOR GRADES 1-8 MEET 

FROM 4:00 PM — 5:00 PM

Grades 9 + 10 (Fall Semester + Spring Semester):  Students will complete six chapters (three in the fall semester and three in spring semester) per year of the Decision Point book.  These chapters will be submitted at the end of the Fall Semester and the end of the Spring Semester. 

There will be a large group gathering at the beginning of Confirmation 1 and Confirmation 2.  These lessons will be taught by a guest speaker.

In addition the students will be responsible for community service each semester.  They will be required to do three things (each semester) for someone other than themselves and their family.  Be creative and think outside of the box.  A summary of these activities will be turned in with each semester’s work.  More information will follow.

At the beginning and end of the year, the students will all come together for a class. We will have a guest speaker at each of these classes.

For additional information visit St Mary's

https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/

 

St Mary's Parish: "What to Expect this Year in Religious Education"

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

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

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

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

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