Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Shade Sail installed at Community Garden

Good Afternoon,
I'm happy to announce that our shade sail project has been completed and is now installed at the Community Garden.  The area will be used for gardeners to enjoy lunch, read a book or just relax after tending to the garden.  
We are lucky to have some incredible volunteers from the New England Chapel that worked for two days to install this structure.  If you would like to send an email of appreciation to Dena Gauthier (dena@nechapel.org), and/or Robert Heriot (bheriot09@gmail.com), I'm sure they would appreciate it.

The shade structure will typically be put up around Memorial Day in May and taken down around Veterans Day in November.  
Thank you,

Ryan Jette
Director of Recreation
Franklin Recreation Department

275 Beaver Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Office: (508) 613-1667
Mobile:(508) 400-4099
Email:  rjette@franklinma.gov
"just for the fun of it"

Shade Sail at Community Garden 1
Shade Sail at Community Garden 1

Shade Sail at Community Garden 2
Shade Sail at Community Garden 2



Boston Globe: "Caring for new moms shouldn’t depend on who pays the bill"

"Hollywood celebrities brought the issue of postpartum depression out of the shadows, but that does little to help the moms in poverty who are trying to cope with an infant and feelings of overwhelming sadness at the same time.

Their struggle is a far lonelier one, made more difficult by federal Medicaid rules that limit the medical treatment covered by that insurance to 60 days past the birth of the child — despite a strong body of evidence that for many women the symptoms may not appear for months and can last for a year or more.

There are efforts in Washington to change the rule, and Massachusetts is among several states that have applied for a federal waiver that would allow its MassHealth program to offer coverage for a full 12 months past a birth. But there’s been no action on either so far."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 
From left: State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, and Senator Julian Cyr unveil the Mental Health ABC Act on Jan. 6, 2020.PAT GREENHOUSE/GLOBE STAFF/BOSTON GLOBE
From left: State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, and Senator Julian Cyr unveil the Mental Health ABC Act on Jan. 6, 2020.PAT GREENHOUSE/GLOBE STAFF/BOSTON GLOBE


Monday, September 20, 2021

FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

FM #604 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 604 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 of September 15, 2021: 


  • 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:

i.          Sergeant Lee Drake - Retirement

ii.         Sergeant Louis Marguerite - Promotion

 

5.        APPOINTMENTS

a.        Janice Prentice - Associate member, Historical Commission   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_prentice.pdf 

b.        Chuna Keophannga - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5b._appointment_-_keophannga.pdf 

c.         Tyrel Hansen - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_hansen.pdf 

 

7.        LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a.        Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a Franklin Shed, New Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcoholic Beverages, and approval of manager, located at 340 East Central Street, Franklin, MA.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._web_franklin_shed.pdf 

 

8.        PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a.        SAFE Coalition, Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director

b.        Delcarte Conservation Area Weed Remediation, Jennifer Delmore, Conservation Agent  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._delcarte_weeds_pres.pdf

 

10.      LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.        Resolution 21-53: Gift Acceptance, Franklin Public Library $5,890, Veterans’ Service Department $300, Fire Department $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-53 - Majority Vote)

b.        Bylaw Amendment 21-875: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Second Reading

(Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-875 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-875_trash.pdf 


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


Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9ff2fbfe-abca-4e0b-893e-e69b66a08c5c



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Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 


Volunteer form -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

The report tab is configured for two reports, one on vacancies -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php 

And one on expiring terms -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/et.php  



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

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#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)
FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

Franklin TV: Wine & Blues - Because, hey! Wine & Blues

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director   09/19/2021

So, what say we start with a little wine?

Our amazing wine experts Mark Lenzi of franklinliquors.com and Kim Simone of vinitaswineworks.com have been talking wine for almost 4 years now. Every single episode of The Wonderful World of Wine is a ‘spirited’ adventure  (rimshot).
This year their podcast is nominated as a national finalist for a People’s Choice Podcast Award  (Fingers crossed).

You can listen to Mark & Kim on wfpr●fm 102.9 – Wednesdays at 10:00 AM / 1:00 PM / 7:00 PM.

Franklin TV: Wine & Blues - Because, hey! Wine & Blues
Franklin TV: Wine & Blues - Because, hey! Wine & Blues


This week Jim Derick and Todd Monjar get even more serious Talkin’ bout the Blues.  They will be expanding their authoritative blues program to two hours. I’m down with that. Check it out – Mondays at 9:00 AM / 12:00 noon / 6:00 PM.

So, pour a glass, turn up the earbuds – and chill. Because, hey! – Wine & Blues.
And – as always –  
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.  
And, thank you for watching Franklin TV


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes 


Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) Meeting Agenda - Monday, Sep 20, 2021 – 7:00 PM

Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN)

FANN Meeting Agenda 

Monday, September 20, 2021 – 7:00 PM


1. 700 PM - Call to order, review agenda and any housekeeping Steve Sherlock


2.    Introductions

        715 PM     open

        720 PM open

        725 PM open

        730 PM open 

              

3. 7:35 PM (or 7:10ish) Review and approval of Mission, Vision and Core Values https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/2021/08/fann-steering-committee-has-two-updates.html


4. 7:45 PM (or 7:20ish) Round table on outlook for each group; what items are you working on to add to the community calendar of events?


Link to meeting day of week preference ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/quick-survey-results-wednesday-evening.html


Action: To submit a community or cultural event, please use this form:

https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6


5. 8:00 PM (or 7:35ish) Steering Committee, Actions, Next Month agenda, Wrap Up Bo Kinney/Steve Sherlock


4. 820 PM (0r 7:45ish) Adjourn


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

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88526616859?pwd=cGJ6QXlMaG5OdjhzVXJsZ3hySmJpZz09


Meeting ID: 885 2661 6859

Passcode: wfpr1029


One tap mobile

+16465588656,,88526616859#,,,,*02277432# US (New York)

+13017158592,,88526616859#,,,,*02277432# US (Washington DC)



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The Franklin Area Nonprofit Network page is now live and functioning. 

https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/

Check out the listing of nonprofits   https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html

Use the form to make updates, changes, or additions

https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/directory-addchange.html


Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) Meeting Agenda - Monday, Sep 20, 2021 – 7:00 PM
Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) Meeting Agenda - Monday, Sep 20, 2021 – 7:00 PM

Register O’Donnell Highlights Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reminds consumers if they have a Registry question, the answer is just a phone call away by dialing the Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

“The Customer Service Center is a one-stop shop for Norfolk County homeowners and institutional users who have land related document questions,” said O’Donnell. “These questions can vary such as confirming the current ownership of a particular property, or verifying if a discharge of a property’s mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. We are glad to help with any inquiry, whether you come through our doors or call us by phone.”

Register O’Donnell further noted, “The department can also inform customers about the various cost for filing and receiving land documents. Upon a customer’s request -whether it’s by visiting us here at the Registry or by a direct mail request - we can provide copies of documents to you for a fee of $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 per document to cover the cost of postage.”

The Registry only accepts cash or check payments. In addition, the Customer Service Center staff is happy to answer questions about the Homestead Act, a law which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

O’Donnell went on to say, “For many, trying to ascertain information about land documents can be a very frustrating and intimidating experience. Please know our trained customer service staff is well-versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system, which is also available via www.norfolkdeeds.org, people can get answers to their property questions.”

Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. “All staff members are notary publics. We are more than glad to notarize any land document provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver’s license or passport,” said O’Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry’s mission to serve the public. We strive to ensure our customers have a positive experience when interacting with us. The bottom line is: We are glad to be of service to you.”

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

 

Register O’Donnell Highlights Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center
Register O’Donnell Highlights Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center

Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021

An update on the Recycling event held Saturday, Sep 18, 2021 via State Representative Jeff Roy, one of the co-sponsor: 

"We had a very successful Franklin Recycling and Energy Event at Chilson Beach Parking Lot on Beaver Street today. Over 300 cars were served and over 100 dehumidifiers were delivered in exchange for $30 and a rebate on a new purchase. 
The program typically brings in 1,600 dehumidifiers annually across the state, and we did 100 in just one day in Franklin. We also collected four truckloads of furniture for Habitat for Humanity and two truckloads of electronics for recycling. We had folks from Eversource and Mass Save to sign up customers for energy savings repairs in their homes. It was a great way to help fight climate change and reduce energy costs. 
Much thanks to Fred Frederick Cullen at Green Team Junk Removal, Marcie Rappa, National Grid, MassSave, Habitat for Humanity, and the Town of Franklin for helping put it all together and make it a success. And thank you to the residents for helping save the planet by showing up and turning in your unused goods and recycling them."

The notification of this event including the listing of sponsors

Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021
Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021




CommonWealth Magazine: "Listen to what food insecure people say they need"

"NEARLY 20 PERCENT of Massachusetts households struggle to access food — a number that has more than doubled during the pandemic. It’s a serious and growing issue, and there’s no shortage of proposed solutions. But to address this problem, we must first properly diagnose it, and there’s one group of people who know better than anyone how to improve food support systems: people who are themselves food insecure. So we asked them. And the results were clear and consistent.

In a survey of over 500 food insecure people across Massachusetts, two common themes emerged: proximity and choice. Across all demographics, those struggling to provide fresh, healthy food for themselves and their families pointed to these same two areas when asked how they could better be served by our food aid systems. By trusting people, bringing food directly to those who need it, and by giving them the freedom and agency to select food they will actually eat, we can build a more effective model for addressing food insecurity."

Continue reading the article online

Direct link to MassInc Survey results
 
Editors Note: This report reinforces the approach the Franklin Food Pantry has taken in addressing our local needs. Yes, there was a change in their plans for the new building but it shows the courage that the Food Pantry had in acknowledging the change in circumstances. Their plans for the 138 West Central building were underway pre-pandemic, and the pandemic affected the delivery model the Food Pantry used, hence the building would not have meet the future needs of the Pantry clients. As a former Board member and regular financial backer of the Food Pantry, I wholeheartedly endorse their approach.

MassInc Survey results
MassInc Survey results


Sunday, September 19, 2021

Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Sep 21, 2021

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
September 21, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd Floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes for 6/17/21.
2. Historical Tours Dates Discussion
a. September 29th from 4-6PM at the Franklin Historical Museum and Red Brick Schoolhouse.
b. October 1st from 9-11 AM at the same venues.
3. Chapter 61A Update - 215 Prospect Street change of use.
4. Affordable Housing Update - Town Administration and Community Development and Planning Offices
a. Draft 2021 Housing Production Plan  (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/preliminary_final_housing_production_plan_-_august_2021.pdf)
b. Affordable Housing Update   (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/maht_december_14_2020.pdf)
c. 2020 Town Master Plan Update   (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf)

 


Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Sep 23, 2021
Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Sep 23, 2021

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX Online! Featuring The Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck!  

Lineup: 
1:30 - Berkshire Valley Boys 
2:30 - The DayBreakers 
3:30 - The Inflatables
4:30 - InTransition  
General Admission: $10

Berkshire Valley Boys  - After 21 years together, the Berkshire Valley Boys  still enjoy the party! Their shows blur the line between band and guests as they encourage interactive experience.  Songs from  six decades along with originals enhance the fun.  

DayBreakers  - Steadily climbing the ranks of New England's roots rock and roll scene, the DayBreakers reached new peaks in 2021. This summer featured a nomination for Blues Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards, supporting sets in some of the regions most respected rooms (Jonathan's in Ogunquit, Maine, Chan's in Woonsocket, RI, and Black Box in Franklin, Mass.), and a continuation of their weekly residency at the Gavel Public House in Wrentham, Mass. Over the last three years, the band released an Americana Music Association (AMA) Top 200 charting record and opened for James Montgomery, Entrain, The High Divers, Reverend Peyton, and more. 

The Inflatables, featuring long time recording artist Agona Hardison bring a full-size band sound with a unique jam style experience to 60-80s rock songs that you may not hear out in other venues.  Band Members: Dean Najarian, David Porter, John Cangiano, Agona Hardison, Jeff Smith, Ted Abely and Ron D'Attilio
 
The InTransition Band (aka InTransition) is a local Wrentham Band that plays an Eclectic Range of Classic and Contemporary  Blues,  Country,  Rock,  R&B and Irish Music.  Featuring Becca Zitomer on Vocals and Flute with Bill Zitomer on Lead Guitar, Fred Holmes on Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Tom Black  , Drums and Vocals and Dennis McHale, Bass and Vocals. InTransition has been playing in the MA Metro West Area for over 12 years. 


Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX
Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX


Franklin Garden Club to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market - Sep 24

The Franklin Garden Club will sell real and artificial fall arrangements at the Friday, September 24, Franklin Farmers Market from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. 

Small succulents will also be sold in painted pots.  The arrangements, made by Garden Club members, will be in containers reflecting traditional fall colors of bronze, gold, orange and black and will be reasonably priced from $5 - $10.  

It is a great opportunity to purchase flowers for yourself or to give as gifts to others.  Proceeds from the sale will benefit Garden Club activities that include planting and caring for the Town Common Garden and urns at the Franklin Library, as well as sponsoring the pine tree sapling program and an annual scholarship. 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market - Sep 24
Franklin Garden Club to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market - Sep 24


"Opioid epidemic grinds on in Mass. at elevated rates"

"AS THE COVID-19 pandemic continues to fill headlines, the opioid epidemic grinds on with few signs of improvement. In this research brief we analyze recent data on opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts, including data from the COVID time period, to help us keep sight of a crisis that continues wreaking havoc on lives to this day.

At the peak of the opioid epidemic in 2016, Massachusetts reached 29.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, more than two times the national rate (for further detail on the causes of this increase, please see our 2018 report Opioid Addiction Is a National Crisis. And It’s Twice as Bad in Massachusetts). While this rate has stopped climbing quite so dramatically, as of 2016 it has held steady at historically high rates, remaining in the high 20s per 100,000 and spiking back up to 30 per 100,000 during the peak of the COVID pandemic in 2020.

Fortunately, there are signs that opioid-related overdose deaths may yet decrease in 2021. During a Public Health Council meeting in August, MassDPH presented preliminary data showing that the first six months of 2021 saw an estimated 5 percent decrease in total deaths from the same period in 2020, which would roughly bring Massachusetts back to 2019 levels. "



"Opioid epidemic grinds on in Mass. at elevated rates"
"Opioid epidemic grinds on in Mass. at elevated rates"