Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

The purpose of the Design Review Commission (DRC) is to promote safe, functional, and attractive development of business and commercial areas to unify commercial properties, both visually and physically, with surrounding land uses and to protect and preserve the unique and cultural features within the Town. The Commission uses the Town codes and bylaws to ensure new developments and sign installations enhance the New England character of the Town’s commercial centers and thoroughfares. The DRC has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to exterior design, colors, and materials.

The DRC is comprised of 5 regular members and 2 associate members. Currently there are vacancies on the Commission: one full time regular member and two associate members. All members are resident volunteers who are appointed by the Town Council. Current Commission members are Mark Fitzgerald, Chair, Chris Baryluk, Vice Chair, Samuel Williams, and James Bartro.

During FY20 the DRC reviewed and addressed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and exterior Building Plans as to elevations, design, colors, and materials. Reviews included projects such as the apartments at Dean Avenue Downtown. In addition, sign applications were received, hearings held, and decisions issued for over 50 signs during the past fiscal year.

Due to concerns regarding the Covid-19 virus, Design Review Commission Meetings are held remotely via Zoom. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting may do so by clicking on the Zoom link or by calling the phone number provided.

Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on two Tuesdays a month. Meeting times, dates, and agendas are posted on the Town’s website:  https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Fitzgerald, Chair 

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

Hey Franklin, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for Aug 25

COVID-19 vaccine clinic is scheduled for Aug 25, 2021 at Davis Thayer...

https://t.co/hgjnBleZTv

 

Schedule at this link ->  https://tinyurl.com/FranklinVAX

 

Schedule at this link ->  https://tinyurl.com/FranklinVAX

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1423320422423142407?s=03

Hey Franklin, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for Aug 25

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 019 - Public Health

"In this episode, Frank and the group discuss public health, what's a right and what needs to be enforced, and why the government needs to play a part in protecting the public."

Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c538de8f-70e4-4cc7-8682-14d75a0f6f1e

More Perfect Union - 019 - Public Health

COVID-19 Response Reporting for Franklin. | Mass.gov

The link should bring you to the data released on Thursday August 5, 2021.

Franklin doubled it's case count since last week's report. Jumping from 16 to 32

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-interactive-data-dashboard-

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

"National Farmers Market Week kicked off on Aug. 1. It’s an annual celebration launched in 1999 by the US Department of Agriculture to call attention to the benefits of farmers’ markets and their contribution to the community. 

From sweet corn to tomatoes and raspberries picked that day, the markets offer us a host of seasonal, local foods and generate revenue for family farmers by selling directly to shoppers. Food producers — cheese and pasta makers, bakers, condiment creators, and others — benefit, too, by the direct sales. 

“Farmers’ markets bring us access not only to nutritional foods, but also preserves farmland and puts money in the local economy,” says Hal Shubin, who helps run the Belmont Farmers’ Market. Customers may grumble that the foods are costlier than at supermarkets, and some are, although plenty are competitively priced. Everything is fresher, which contributes to a longer shelf life. 

And the markets are a place where you see your friends and neighbors. The celebratory week brings special events, music, games for kids, giveaways, lectures, and more. To find a farmers’ market near you, visit massfarmersmarkets.org/markets."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/30/lifestyle/national-farmers-market-week-kicks-off-sunday/

For the events scheduled for the Franklin Farmers Market this Friday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/come-celebrate-national-farmers-market.html

Farmer Nick will have his tractor on the Town Common Friday

More from the US Dept. of Agriculture on National Farmers Market Week

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2021/08/02/celebrating-national-farmers-market-week

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Planning Board do?

 From the Town of Franklin Planning Board webpage we can share:

"The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a four year term and one appointed associate member.

The Planning Board’s primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town. State and local laws and regulations governing procedures for these approvals are MGL Chapter 40A (the Zoning Act); MGL Chapter 41, Sections 81K - 81GG (the Subdivision Control Law); Chapter 300 of the Franklin Town Code Subdivision Regulations; and the Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaws Chapter 185.

The Board conducts meetings and public hearings in compliance with Town of Franklin General Laws to review and consider preliminary and definitive subdivision plans, Site plans and Special Permits, Approval Not Required (Form A) plans, and Certificate of completion applications.

The Planning Board also considers and prepares amendments to the Town of Franklin Zoning By-laws and the Town of Franklin Subdivision Regulations. The Board conducts public hearings on amendments created by the Board and on zoning amendments that are submitted to the Board by way of citizen petition or by landowners or other town boards through the proper procedures for submitting to Town Council.

All material received by the Planning Board in connection with applications is considered public information and can be seen during posted office hours."

Two positions are up for election this year. The positions current held by Anthony D Padula and Joseph F Halligan, Jr. ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_the_biennial_town_election_seats_available.docx.pdf

The Planning Board Project project page on the Town of Franklin site lists the approved projects and the projects currently in the approval process.
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 2, 2021 in the "election collection"  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html
 

Franklin Election 2021: What does the Planning Board do?

MA News: vaccine required for nursing home workers; contact tracing extended; ballot question proposals filed

 COVID-19 vaccine requirements

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER announced Wednesday that the state will require all nursing home and long-term care facility staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by October 10.  

The decision marks an evolution for the Republican governor, who has resisted imposing vaccine mandates on public employees. The decision is intended to protect the population most vulnerable to COVID-19 — the elderly. Some major area hospitals have issued similar mandates to protect vulnerable patients."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/baker-order-requires-nursing-home-staff-to-be-vaccinated/ 

Contact tracing extended to 2021 year end

"THE STATE’S CONTACT tracing effort is ramping up again in the midst of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. 

The program was scheduled to shut down in September but instead the contract with the operator, the nonprofit Cambridge-based Partners in Health, is being extended through the end of the year. The number of contract tracers, currently at 130, is also being increased by as much as 300."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/contact-tracing-ramping-up-yet-again/ 

Ballot question proposals filed

"PROPONENTS FILED 30 ballot questions with the attorney general’s office on Wednesday in an attempt to circumvent Beacon Hill and win approval directly from voters in 2022 for laws dealing with the gig economy, voting, hospital operations, newborn babies, the Transportation Climate Initiative, smoking, the sale of alcohol, and assorted other matters.

Most of the proposals are unlikely to make it on to the ballot because, even if they pass muster on constitutional grounds with Attorney General Maura Healey’s office, they would still require the gathering of more than 93,000 voter signatures, a time-consuming and expensive process. Several of the proposals were filed in multiple forms in an effort to increase their chances of gaining approval from Healey’s office."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/from-gig-economy-to-tci-30-ballot-questions-filed/

MA News

St. Vincent de Paul Announces Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25, 2021

Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church walks to bring awareness to the Franklin Community of the struggles some residents experience that impact their daily lives. For thirty years, SVdP has been helping people in need in regardless of race, religious beliefs or ethnic background.  The SVdP members work closely with many charitable and government organizations in Franklin.

The SVdP members are all volunteers. Members assist people in a number of ways to help them retain their dignity and to help them to become self-sustaining. Some ways in which the SVdP society assists those in need include:

• Guide them to other resources, both state and charitable
• Provide clothing and furniture through our SVDP Thrift Stores
• Supply non-perishable food and paper products from our pantry to supplement other food resources
• Assist financially during an unexpected crisis helping to pay rent, medical, car repairs etc.  

Last year we helped Franklin Families 345 times for $59,319.00

This year walk participants will follow a route around the town common. Participants may walk between one and three miles. One time around the common is a third of a mile.  Registration opens at 8 AM. The walk begins at 9 AM.

If you would like to support our mission of helping residents of Franklin in need, you may make a financial donation in one of two ways.

1. Send a check to: SVDP 1 Church Square Franklin, MA 02038 Or   
2. Online to the SVDP team at: https://www.fopwalk.org/event/2617

If you have any questions, please call SVDP 508-918-2291. All donations stay in Franklin and all information is kept confidential.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JkMmLv0oDBGLMbPE0G4s1l-akAU-yehn/view?usp=sharing

Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Cultural District Committee

The Cultural District Committee is an appointed volunteer board formed to provide oversight and management of the Town’s Franklin Cultural District. The Cultural District Committee (CDC) is comprised of up to seven members, all of whom are Franklin residents.

CDC’s mission is to enrich and inspire our residents and visitors by fostering local cultural, artistic, culinary and historical development aligned with local partners in a defined walkable area that is easily accessible and serves as the center of cultural economic activity. The CDC has been working to collaborate with Franklin’s cultural district partners, focusing on supporting and participating in their efforts.

The Goals of the CDC’s work include: Actively promoting the arts by attracting local artists and supporting cultural activities within the Town; Encouraging business and job development; Helping to preserve and promote the Town’s historical sites and events; Building community spirit within Franklin and encourage civic involvement; and Helping to create an appealing, attractive, and vibrant destination for tourists.

Formal status as a “Massachusetts Cultural District” was awarded on January 18, 2019, by vote of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) Board of Directors. Each year the Town is required to file a report to MCC regarding the status of the Cultural District, outline goals for the coming year, and provide a summary of how the Town utilized any MCC funding.

During FY20 MCC awarded Franklin Cultural District a $5,000 grant; the majority of funds went towards providing the Cultural District’s Partners with small grants for collaborative arts and culture events and activities.

Since the CDC was created in FY18 the CDC has enjoyed participating in a variety of annual events within the Cultural District and region. In October 2019 CDC members participated in Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Harvest Festival. On June 3, 2020 two members of the CDC participated in the MetroFest: At Home Edition! to highlight the Franklin Cultural District and its arts and culture resources.

In the spring of 2020 the CDC organized a Cultural District Photography Scavenger Hunt Contest. This was seen as a great opportunity for participants’ to learn more about the Franklin Cultural District while using their artistic talents and skills. Residents were invited to exercise creativity while maintaining a safe physical distance from others due to COVID-19. Four winners received gift cards to their chosen Franklin Cultural District Partner.

Social Media The CDC continues to work hard to market the Cultural District in a variety of ways, including the Franklin Cultural District’s new website (www.franklinculture.org), use of Constant Contact, and creation of a monthly newsletter.  In order to promote awareness of cultural activities and events throughout the Franklin community the CDC has worked to create a vibrant social media presence: 

Facebook;  www.facebook.com/franklinculturema

Twitter @franklin culture   https://twitter.com/franklinculture

Instagram @franklinculture  https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/

The CDC holds regular monthly meetings, and subcommittees comprised of Committee members and partners meet as needed. In addition, CDC hosts quarterly Cultural District Partners meetings. These meetings rotate among weeknights and locations in town in an effort to provide flexibility in attendance, as work schedules vary throughout the town. The meetings are publicized through social media, as well as print media. All meetings are open to the public. During the last three months of FY20 the CDC held its meetings remotely via the Zoom platform. The CDC and its Partners will continue to improve the Cultural District area, build upon our current strengths of performing arts and art education, strive to create opportunities for all arts and culture related organizations and individuals, and continue to support and promote the arts throughout the Franklin Community.

Franklin’s Cultural District Committee consists of the following residents:

• Nancy Schoen, Chair
• John LoPresti, Vice Chair
• Pandora Carlucci, Clerk
• James Barrett 
• Roberta Trahan 
• Evan Chelman

Respectfully submitted, 

Nancy Schoen, CDC Chair

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Cultural District Committee 

Franklin Cultural District Updates and Events for August, 2021

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full set of contents, check this link  https://www.franklinculture.org/about/pages/newsletter

August Issue

Volume 2|August 3, 2021 Franklin Fridays ...... in the Cultural District Friday, August 6 FARMERS MARKET 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Town Common  Touch a Tractor sponsored by Franklin Ag Committee 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Halley Elwell, singer/songwriter  (Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council & Mass Cultural Council)   3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Farmers Market Fun, Franklin Public Library CONCERT ON THE COMMON, Franklin Recreation Department  5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - David Penza  6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. - Backyard Swagger  MOVIE NIGHT 8:00 p.m., Franklin Recreation Department  Friday, August 13 FARMERS MARKET 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Town Common   2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Heath Nisbett, acoustic guitar   3:30-4:30 p.m. Farmers Market Fun, Franklin Public Library   4:00-6:00 p.m. Hockomock YMCA, family events and group classes CONCERT ON THE COMMON, Franklin Recreation Department   5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - Matt Zajac    6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. - Pub Kings THE BLACK BOX , 7:30 p.m. Legally Blonde, The Musical (ticket information) Friday, August 20 FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Book Sale FARMERS MARKET 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Town Common   3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Farmers Market Fun, Franklin Public Library   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kaye Kelly, vocalist, artist information CONCERT ON THE COMMON, Franklin Recreation Department 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Heather Deary Acoustic 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Carolyn Rae & the Rumors MOVIE NIGHT, 8:00 p.m., Franklin Recreation Department  Friday August 27 FARMERS MARKET 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Town Common  2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Luke DeRoy (Sponsored by Franklin Cultural Council & Mass Cultural Council)   3:30 p.m.-4:30p.m. Farmers Market Fun, Franklin Public Library   4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Hockomock YMCA , family events and group classes LA CANTINA WINERY - Ayla Brown, (ticket information here) THE BLACK BOX at 8:00 p.m. - The Zajac Brothers Band, (ticket information here) Please note: Events may be subject to change. Check the organization's website or Facebook page; links are included above. Welcome from the Chair ...  It is hard to believe that we are now halfway through the summer of 2021. Throughout the early summer we have seen life begin to return to pre-pandemic levels. Summer programs that were cancelled last year have enrolled many students, restaurants are busy and our Franklin Farmers' Market has seen record numbers of people in attendance. Our Franklin Historical Museum enjoyed a robust reopening and is now once again able to resume the popular "Second Sunday Series", on Sunday, August 8th. Throughout the month of August THE BLACK BOX will offer a variety of performances including a production of "Legally Blonde" beginning on August 11th. As we all begin to venture out more let's continue to support all of our local businesses and arts establishments right here in Franklin. Regards, Nancy Schoen, Chair

Franklin Dog Park Event for Aug 5 rescheduled for Aug 11

The event schedule for Thursday August 5 at 2:30 at the Franklin Dog Park has been canceled. 

It has been rescheduled for Wednesday August 11 at 2:30 PM.  Heather Swails-McCarron, Senior Multimedia Journalist for the Country Gazette will be there to talk to pet owners and take pictures of your pet for the Gazette.

Franklin Dog Park Event for Aug 5 rescheduled for Aug 11

50+ Jobseekers Program Final Summer Session - Aug 24, 2021

Summer Series

G2G and Jeopardy Game!

 

The answer is: "The final Give-to-Get (G2G) session for the 20-21 50+ Job Seekers Networking Program and Jeopardy party!"

The question is: What's happening Tuesday August 24^th at 10am?

Join us as we celebrate another season of helping mature job seekers and career switchers. 

We're going to separate you into teams and play classic Jeopardy!

Up to ten teams will compete, with each member of the winning team receiving a free 20-minute coaching session!

Following the Jeopardy game, you can participate in a classic G2G Networking session, during which you can:

·       Network with other job-seekers

·       Review material from previous workshops

·       Obtain help

 

G2G Networking sessions are not presentations.

You decide what to do.

Tuesday August 24^th 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Virtual Doors open 5 minutes before session begins.

Hosts: Melody Beach, Susan D. Kelly, and Ed Lawrence

 

New to the program? Registration is Required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

Already in the program? Use the same Zoom link you used to attend our spring and summer 2021 sessions.

Download the flyer as a reminder for this event:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZDEcsPIXDI5FF0uBnHPnYWMT8iIqcZKL/view?usp=sharing

50+ Jobseekers Program Final Summer Session - Aug 24, 2021

Volunteers Needed for Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival Volunteers Needed Please pass the word to friends, family and clients that we need volunteers for the October 2 Harvest Festival. We will need more than 50 volunteers to make this year's festival run smoothly.   Please email the FDP office  downtown.franklin@yahoo.com if you are able to volunteer. Thank you for your support, Harvest Festival Committee Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Try email marketing for free today!