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Friday, July 2, 2021
Franklin Food Pantry: Introducing our Annual Report
Recycling center closed Sunday
The Beaver St recycling center is scheduled to be closed Sunday for the 4th of July.
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| Recycling center closed Sunday |
Shared from Facebook
Thursday, July 1, 2021
4th of July Celebration - Thursday, July 1 schedule
Franklin 4th of July Celebration
Thursday, July 1
6-10 pm: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 6-10 PM)
6-7 pm: Attleboro School of Rock (building musical proficiency through innovation)
7:30-10 pm: Victory Shot (classic rock with a combination of creativity, skills and energy)
Check July 4th Coalition Facebook page for schedule updates
Visit the July 4th Coalition page to donate and for other information
Franklin July 4th Coalition
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| space to sit & eat under the tent on the Town Common |
Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Town Administrator
The Town Administration works with the Town Council together to improve the quality of life of our residents. We are diligent in balancing the budget and keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its assets.
Accomplishments in FY20 include:
We continue to update our Town Budget webpage with helpful resources such as how the budget process works, operating and capital budgets, and fiscal forecasts. https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget
A balanced operating budget was submitted to the Town Council and was approved. We have received five year Capital plans from all departments including the Water And Sewer Enterprise fund. Having long term Capital plans prevents more expensive costs down the road.
As part of our expansion of customer service we have expanded our Viewpoint Online Permitting System to the Health Department and will continue adding new applications throughout the year to make for a more convenient process.
We continue to update the Town’s website to make information easily accessible for the public. All Agendas and Minutes of all boards and committees are web-based and continuously updated. These can be found on the boards and committees’ pages on our website. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for News and Announcement as well as visiting our website at www.franklinma.gov.
Personnel
The Town Administration staff has worked diligently with the Board of Health to ensure the Town, our employees and residents stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to serve the Town and its residents while staying safe and following the guidelines and requirements set forth by the Governor of Massachusetts, DPH and the CDC.
To continue our efforts in keeping the Town informed of updates and alerts related to COVID-19 our Marketing and Communications Specialist, Anne Marie Tracey has created a user friendly Coronavirus Portal on our website and sends out important information frequently through our subscriber lists and social media.
The Town Administrative Assistant, Alecia Alleyne who has been here just a little over a year has worked with our Finance team to make sure we receive FEMA and Cares Act assistance during this pandemic. Alecia has applied for and received over $1 million of assistance for the town and anticipates another million in additional funds by year end.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic all Town Buildings closed in mid March. However, due to our fantastic Technology staff we were able to quickly get most if not all of our staff up and running remotely. Working remote has had its challenges but we continue our efforts to improve the way we will be doing business for the unforeseeable future.
The Town Administration staff, Technology staff and Franklin TV worked together to make sure Town Council Meetings could continue and comply with Open Meeting Laws. These meetings currently are being recorded, streamed live through the website, Zoom and Cable TV.
Other
Assistant to the Town Administrator, Chrissy Whelton and Human Resources Director, Karen Bratt worked with the towns Safety Committee, representatives from each department and MIIA representatives and earned over $50,000 in insurance premium savings and was recognized by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) as a leader in preventing risk in the workplace through employee training programs.
Franklin “Bends the Trend” by working with the Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC) to keep insurance rate increases for employees to a minimum, The Town continues to offer a Qualified High Deductible Health Care Plan.
Franklin signed agreements with three Solar Companies for a PILOT program. Kearsarge Upper Union LLC agreed to make payments in lieu of taxes for a period of twenty consecutive fiscal years totaling $124,495.00 . Maple Street Solar 1, LLC has agreed to make payments in lieu of taxes at an annual rate of $52,800 for 20 years. Spring Street Renewables, LLC ℅ Neexamp, Inc. agreed to make payments in lieu of taxes for 20 years totaling at $1,220,302.
The Town of Franklin also worked with Nexamp to ensure that a portion of their farm be reserved for Franklin residents. On a first-come, first-served basis residents were eligible to subscribe to receive credit on their Electric bill at a special rate of 15%. Due to a high interest from Franklin residents the farm is now filled however Nexamp is still offering their standard discount rate of 12.5%.
The Town has signed five (5) Host Community Agreements with proposed marijuana establishments. A total of $300,000 in revenue generated from these establishments will be earmarked for the SAFE Coalition ($25,000) and $275,000 will be used by the public school system to address mental health and substance abuse issues amongst our students. Revenue generated by these establishments will also help to offset certain tax burdens on residents.
Town Administration, Human Resources and all Municipal Unions successfully completed collective bargaining and settled through 2022.
The Town hired a new Fire Chief, James McLaughlin in July of 2019. The Chief was a former Fire Chief from Rhode Island. We have seen some major positive changes in the department since the hire. The Town also gained a new Conservation Agent, Jennifer Delmore in May of 2019 and has seen much progress in the department over the past year.
Long time Senior Center Director Karen Alves retired in September 2020 and Assistant Director Erin Rogers was promoted to Director and will continue with offering the highest quality of services to Franklin Seniors.
Our goal is to deliver high quality customer service while keeping costs under control. There will be difficult challenges to our budget in the coming year; but you can be assured that the Town Administration and Town Council will work together to solve budgetary issues.
It is my pleasure to submit an annual report of the Town Administrator for your review, and please feel free to write, email, or stop by with any questions, concerns, or comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Hellen,
Town Administrator
The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020
Prior Annual Reports can be found online
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| Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Town Administrator |
SAFE Radio: The SAFE Coalition (audio)
Anne Bergen and Jim Derick are joined by Jen Knight to shine a light on substance use disorder and talk about what The SAFE Coalition is doing to make a difference.
Listen to SAFE Radio at 102.9 or wfpr.fm on Tuesdays at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM
Subscribe for other episodes via Google Podcast (or your favorite app)
FM #577 - Inside Wright Old School Chocolate - 06/22/21 (audio)
FM #577 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 577 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Peter Carlson. Peter is exploring his interest in chocolates and looking to bring that old school taste to the market.
We talk about his Franklin story. How his interest in chocolates has led to crafting some ‘bean to bar’ chocolate bars for Wright Old School Chocolate. His bars generally use only two ingredients; the nibs (minus the husk) and unrefined sugar. We discuss how the taste variations can be more than ‘subtle’. The taste honors the bean and not what you get from the standard ‘big bar’ chocolates.
The recording runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Peter outdoors on the Town Common.
*** Audio link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0736e120-7a7c-404d-9e4d-0794e33ba342
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Wright Old School Chocolate https://wrightoldschoolchocolate.com/
The book by Dandelion Chocolates mentioned https://www.dandelionchocolate.com/making-chocolate/
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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"
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| FM #577 - Inside Wright Old School Chocolate - 06/22/21 (audio) |
Franklin, MA: The Joseph G. Ray Swimming Pool (video)
This video highlights the Joseph G. Ray Swimming Pool, better known as "the town pool".
Video link = https://youtu.be/HCKADURmr44
The Town of Franklin is now offering eBill and no fee for ACH!
Now Offering eBill & No Fee for ACH
Just a reminder that we offer our residents the convenience of online payments through UniPay. Take advantage of some great features including scheduling payments, saving payment information, viewing payment history and setting payment reminders. Best of all, you can now receive your bill, completely paperless!
To pay your taxes, have your bill and checkbook or credit card in hand, and then…
- Go to: https://www.franklinma.gov/
- Click on: "Payments and Permits"
- Select the bill you would like to pay.
- Complete each screen to process your payment.
For the residents' convenience, the Town is waiving the ACH fee when paying by electronic check.
UniBank, our banking partner, will charge a nominal processing fee for credit card payments. A fee schedule is located on the welcome page for your convenience.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-now-offering-ebill-and-no-fee-ach
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| The Town of Franklin is now offering eBill and no fee for ACH |
Senator Rausch: Beacon Hill Summer Update
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Wednesday, June 30, 2021
4th of July Celebration - Weds schedule
Franklin 4th of July Celebration
Wednesday, June 30
6-10 pm: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 6-10PM)
6-7 pm: Matt Zajac (solo acoustic)
8-10 pm: Mo Bounce (Funk, Soul, R&B party band)
Check July 4th Coalition Facebook page for schedule updates
Visit the July 4th Coalition page to donate and for other information
Franklin July 4th Coalition
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| carnival rides being set up for the 4th of July Celebration |
Franklin library: July 2021 Library News & Events
July 2021 Library News & Events
Library News
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day. The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Items on the hold shelves will not be checked out, so please check them out using the self-check stations or through the Minuteman Library app.
Book Sale
The Franklin Public Library is now having a Book Sale every Friday 1:00-4:00 p.m. All books are one dollar each. The Bag Sale will be Fridays July 9 & 23, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Fill a brown paper bag with books for five dollars!
New Free Online Resource for Franklin Residents
The Franklin Public Library is now offering O'Reilly for Public Libraries. O'Reilly for Public Libraries includes more than 43,000 books and 30,000 hours of video in areas such as information technology and software; business; digital media; professional and personal development; and desktop and web applications. Serving the needs of patrons who are working to advance their careers, tune into business and technology trends, or explore new software, this collection—created and curated by O'Reilly—serves the business and technology needs of a wide range of users. Included are hundreds of books and videos for makers, gamers and tinkerers; more than 100 hobbyist titles including STEAM Lab for Kids and The Lego Build-It Book, Volumes 1 & 2; more than 900 books from the "For Dummies" series; and more than 150 titles on job-seeking and career development. To access this database, please visit the Free Online Databases page on the Library's website https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/free-online-databases .
Programs for Children and Teens
Weekly Events for Families!
PLEASE NOTE: Weekly and Special events are currently scheduled to be in-person, outdoor programs at the library unless otherwise noted!
Animal Guess Who! Monday-Friday
Join us all summer long for a fun guessing game of name that animal! Clues will be posted daily Monday-Friday, and at the end of each week all the correct guesses will be entered into a raffle!
Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!
Dungeons & Dragons! Mondays @ 3:30PM on Discord/Roll20
Kids ages 7-15! Join us each week for virtual D&D on Roll20.net! Then join a community of gamers for fun on FPL's own Discord Server! "Chairs" are open for New Players and Dungeon Masters are always in demand! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!
Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM
Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.
Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:15AM *starting July 1st*
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!
Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!
Happy Feet! *SOME* Fridays @ 10:30AM
Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.
Summer Secret Coders *SOME* Fridays @11:00AM
Make projects, cool crafts, and play games based on The Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang
Farmers Market Fun! Fridays @ 3:30PM
Join us in a special collaboration with the Franklin Farmer's market! Enjoy special themed events each week, from story times, to scavenger hunts, to craft projects and beyond!
Special Events for Kids & Families in July!
DIY Pet Toys! Thursday, July 1st @ 1:00PM
Join us as we make our own toys for all our beloved furry friends! Don't have a pet at home? No problem! We'll be donating any additional toys to local animal shelters!
Toe Jam Puppet Band! Friday July 2nd @ 1:00PM
Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along!
July StoryWalk at DelCarte Park!
Starting Saturday, July 3rd, the Franklin Recreation Department and the Franklin Public Library are teaming up again for a summer series of StoryWalks on the trail! The StoryWalk will be up until August, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the story, while social distancing!
Take & Make: Terracotta Wind Chimes!
Starting Monday, July 5th stop by the library to pick up your very own terracotta wind chime kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own wind chimes! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Habitat Helpers! STEAM Challenge! Wednesday, July 7th @ 10:30AM
An Arctic themed STEAM activity to learn about this special habitat and the animals that live there! Ideal for grades K+.
FPL Host The Tech Tigers Python Challenge! Saturday, July 10th @ 1:00PM
Join the Tech Tigers First LEGO League Team for a fun introduction to Python! Learn the basics and participate in fun challenges! Ideal for kids Grade 4 & up. For more information and to register for this Zoom event email Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net.
Henry the Juggler! Wednesday, July 14th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a show that is known to cause spontaneous outbursts of laughter! You will be left completely amazed as you watch henry the juggler juggle his CLUBS, RINGS, TORCHES and MORE!
Mr. Vinny's Bubbles! Saturday, July 17th @ 10:30AM
Mr. Vinny, using giant bubble wands designed and constructed by the Bubble Guy himself, will gather kids for an hour long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles!
Dino Adventures! Wednesday, July 21st @ 1:30PM
Join us as we welcome Animal Adventures: Family Zoo & Rescue Center to the library! Featuring fossils, dinosaur skulls, velociraptor claws, dinosaur skin and more, this show is sure to impress the entire family! Plus...there may be a visit or two from some REAL, living dinosaur descendants!!
Dino Seek-N-Find! Saturday, July 24th @ 10:00AM
Where in Franklin is Miss Caleigh and her Prehistoric friend? Join the fun for a Social Distancing Seek-N-Find! Follow the clues posted in the Facebook event and come say hello!
Make with Miss Mitzi: Paper Clay Pencil Tops! Saturday, July 24th @ 1:00PM
Calling all Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! Sign up & Tune in as we MAKE our way through the year! To register email Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net
Jungle Jim! Wednesday, July 28th @ 1:00PM
Jungle Jim brings his fabulous engaging entertainment style to the Franklin Public Library! Join us for what is sure to be an awesome time!
Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show! Saturday, July 31st @ 10:30AM
Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that is guaranteed to leave the whole family impressed!
Weekly / monthly Events for Teens
PLEASE NOTE: Weekly and Special events are currently scheduled to be in-person, outdoor programs at the library unless otherwise noted!
Dungeons & Dragons! Mondays @ 3:30PM on Discord/Roll20
Kids ages 7-15! Join us each week for virtual D&D on Roll20.net! Then join a community of gamers for fun on FPL's own Discord Server! "Chairs" are open for New Players and Dungeon Masters are always in demand! Email mgousie@minlib.net to get involved!
Teen Al Fresco Book Bites! Wednesdays @ 4:30PM
Teens! Bring along a picnic meal and a blanket, and join us outside on the grass outside the library for a casual chat about what we're all reading!
Teen Advisory Board! 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM
Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!
VolunTeens! 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month @6:30PM
Calling all Tweens and Teens! Are you looking to build your resume? Have you ever been interested in volunteering at the library? Well now's your chance. Join us Thursday nights twice a month for volunteer projects! This program is intended for students looking to volunteer on a long-term, regular basis. Attendance to at least one meeting a month is required. For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.
Summer Secret Coders *SOME* Fridays @11:00 AM
As Senior Agents, make projects, cool crafts, and play games based on The Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang. For more information email mgousie@minlib.net
Special Events for Teens in July!
Teen Book Swap Brunch! Friday, July 2nd @ 11:00AM
The perfect (free) way to freshen up your bookshelf! Bring along a book (or two!) to swap in an outdoors book swap for teens, complete with brunch food! *Please bring your own food. Per COVID guidelines, we are not able to provide/share food. Thank you!*
Take & Make: Rock Photo Holders!
Starting Monday, July 5th stop by the library to pick up your very own rock photo holder kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own photo keepsake! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
FPL Host The Tech Tigers Python Challenge! Saturday, July 10th @ 1:00PM
Join the Tech Tigers First LEGO League Team for a fun introduction to Python! Learn the basics and participate in fun challenges! Ideal for kids Grade 4 & up. For more information and to register for this Zoom event email Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net.
Take & Make: Color-Me Mugs!
Starting Monday, July 19th stop by the library to pick up your very own color-me mug kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own self-decorated mug! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!
Teen Regency Garden Party! Wednesday, July 21st @ 5:30PM
Teens! Dress in your finest regency era clothes and join us for a night of dancing and revelry that Jane Austen herself would approve of!
Make with Miss Mitzi: Paper Clay Pencil Tops! Saturday, July 24th @ 1:00PM
Calling all Makers! Miss Mitzi is on a mission to make a new crazy craft project every month! Sign up & Tune in as we MAKE our way through the year! To register email Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net
Events for Adults
Take and Make Craft for Adults: Miniature House
In a collaboration with the Franklin Mill Store, the Franklin Public Library is now offering Take-And-Make craft kits for adults! This month, explore the art of miniature homes! Each kit comes with all the materials and instructions needed to create a magical miniature structure. Kits are available to the first 20 Franklin residents to sign up. To register, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at 508-520-4941, or email kshipala@minlib.net . Kits will be available for pickup at the Circulation Desk starting July 1st.
"Dyeing to Wear It" Scarf Dyeing, Monday, July 19, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Be an artist for a day and create your own wearable art! Experience the design process with the art of pure color. All dyes are natural and extracted without the use of harmful chemicals. Pure, vivid color you can feel and wear anytime of the year. The workshop will be led by Artist Rhonda Fazio. The class is filled with fun, laughter and interesting history. C'mon, you know you're "Dyeing to Wear It"! The class is limited to fifteen Franklin residents. Please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net or 508-520-4941 to register. This program is funded by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council. For more information, please visit https://www.dyermakerstudio.com/ .
Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, July 27, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is A Family of Strangers, by Emilie Richards.
All her life, Ryan Gracey watched her perfect older sister from afar. Knowing she could never top Wendy's achievements, she didn't even try. Instead Ryan forged her own path while her family barely seemed to notice. Now Wendy shares two little girls with her perfect husband, while Ryan mourns the man she lost after a nearly fatal mistake in judgment. The sisters' choices have taken them in different directions, which is why Ryan is stunned when Wendy calls, begging for her help. There's been a murder--and Wendy believes she'll be wrongfully accused. While Wendy lies low, Ryan moves back to their hometown to care for the nieces she hardly knows. The sleuthing skills she's refined as a true-crime podcaster quickly rise to the surface as she digs for answers with the help of an unexpected ally. Yet the trail of clues Wendy's left behind leads to nothing but questions. Blood may be thicker than water, but what does Ryan owe a sister who becomes more and more a stranger with every revelation? Is Wendy, who always seemed so perfect, just a perfect liar--or worse?"--Publisher's description.
To reserve a copy of the book or for more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsf-yrrDIuGNZUG2MU5BiraLtGa3d... .
Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Shared from the Franklin Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/july-2021-library-news-events
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| Franklin library: July 2021 Library News & Events |
FM #576 - Erin Rogers, Senior Center Special Events Outlook for Jul/Aug - 06/23/21 (audio)
FM #576 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 576 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Rogers. Erin is currently the Executive Director for the Franklin Senior Center. She replaced Karen Alves when Karen retired last year.
We talk about her transition to Executive Director in the middle of COVID-19. We talk about the variety of special events and activities scheduled for July and August. The regular event calendar with specific dates and time details can be found on the Senior Center page..
The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin.
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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
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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"
 |
| Erin Rogers, Senior Center Special Events Outlook for Jul/Aug |
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