Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements - Dec 4

 (in person) The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths on Saturday, December 4 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

(online) In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram from December 6 – 20. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma (https://www.instagram.com/franklingardenclubma/). The sales will benefit several different club activities.

The real wreaths will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens.  They will be reasonably priced from $25 - $35.  The floral arrangements, created with fresh flowers and greens, will feature either holiday or winter themes and will be priced from $15 - $25.

Payment for the wreaths and centerpieces may be made through credit card, check, cash, or Venmo.

Club Co-Presidents Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club. All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.   https://www.gcfm.org/franklin-garden-club

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements 

On the last day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the last day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

A daily newsletter via email"

Yes, only one email and a good one each day with everything that matters!

The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the last day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

Franklin, MA: FY 2022 Tax Rate Information (Franklin Matters view)

The Town Administration and Board of Assessors prepared the following to present the FY 2022 tax rate info for the public hearing at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 1, 2021. 

My version shares the information with some chart views that I think help tell the story better (my 2 cents). 

The official data and presentation copy ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6._tax_classification.pdf

My view ->   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13BJB50G7qg3nU2_cS74HGxAFkgJMwJ8Syi_znlkcgSc/edit?usp=sharing

tax rate chart vs. net change in property valuations 1988-2022

Franklin, MA FY 2022 Tax Rate Information from Franklin Matters

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 1, 2021

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 1, 2021 - 7:00 PM 

 
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Items: 10a., 10b., 10c., 10d., 10e. 

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6._tax_classification.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a. Snow Removal: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_-_snow_brutus.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee 

 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 21-74: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 21-75: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 21-75 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 21-76: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 21-76 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 21-77: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 21-77 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 21-78: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 21-78 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 21-79: Town Council 2022 Meeting Calendar

(Motion to Approve Resolution 21-79 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 21-80: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-80 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 21-81: Gift Acceptances - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,215) and Agricultural Commission ($200) (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-81 - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 5 

Full agenda doc and items released for this agenda including connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda.pdf

The average tax bill over the years 1988 to 2022 shows the rate rate can go up or down, but the average tab bill goes only in one direction

Franklin TV: Franklin v King Phillip – a Win!

Booyahh for our Panthers.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/28/2021 

The start? Déjà vu – all over again. Ugh!

King Philip forced a quick Panthers three-and-out. Then KP’s Gately sailed up the middle for 64 yards. Three plays later, senior QB Charlie Grant shot straight to Drew Danson deep in the end zone for first blood in under four minutes.

Then more bad news.  The Panthers fumbled on first carry (oops) and KP glommed the ball in Franklin territory. Four plays put the Warriors on the 1 yard line. Two more, and Grant smuggled it in for a 14-0 lead with 6 minutes remaining in Q1.

Then, that first ray of hope.

Panthers pulled a perfect flea flicker to Gulla and back to Jared Arone, then  to Shane Kindred for a huge 85-yard touchdown with a minute and change remaining in Q1. The Warriors blocked the point, but Franklin was on the board – and in the game, 14-6. That’s how the tide begins to turn. (Yesss.  We can do this.)

Panthers brought focused football, pulling to 19 – a point under a tough Warrior team over the next 2 quarters. More touchdowns both ways in Q3. The last, with a 2-point conversion put Panthers up 27-20 going into Q4. With 2 minutes remaining, Franklin senior Jack Marino denied King Philip’s 4th and 1 try, locking up the Panthers 27-20 win over the Warriors in their 61st traditional Turkey Day tussle.

With this win, Franklin clinches its first-ever Hockomock League Kelley-Rex division title and first league crown since 2009. (Congrats!)  It also snaps a 10-game Thanksgiving skid and an 18-game overall streak to the Warriors.

Yes, we’ll have another round of stuffing, thank you very much.

Big congrats to the Panthers for a great day of winning football.

And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching. 

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

Franklin TV: Franklin v King Phillip – a Win!

Boston Globe: "A bill heading to Governor Charlie Baker’s desk would require Mass. school districts to teach about genocides"

Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) tweeted Sat, Nov 27, 2021:

"Bill requires teaching students about the history of genocide and human rights issues and sets up a Genocide Education Trust Fund to help build the new curricula. "

https://t.co/GyUUOwAxu9 via @BostonGlobe

"A bill that could be just days from becoming law in Massachusetts would require school districts to teach middle and high school students about the history of genocide and human rights issues and set up a Genocide Education Trust Fund to help build the new curricula.

The bill was passed by the state Legislature on Wednesday and sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his signature.

Massachusetts does not currently require schools to teach students about the Holocaust or other genocides, but the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers optional curriculum frameworks. Districts get to choose which materials and teaching approaches to use.

“It’s quite obvious that killing millions of people is wrong, but if that’s so clear-cut, why do people continue to do it? If it’s self-evident, why do so many people continue to commit genocides?” said State Representative Jeff Roy, lead sponsor of the House bill. “At a bottom line, we have to give and arm our students with the knowledge that they need to recognize the warning signs and feel empowered to prevent genocides in the future.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/26/metro/bill-heading-governor-charlie-bakers-desk-would-require-mass-school-districts-teach-about-genocides/

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1464574932537561093

Massachusetts does not currently require schools to teach students about the Holocaust or other genocides.CRAIG F. WALKER/GLOBE STAFF/THE BOSTON GLOBE

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party - Dec 15

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party.  Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, December 15 at 7:30.  To participate in the swap, bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) and get one in return during the swap - you never know what you'll get!  Complimentary appetizers and beverages are served and a cash bar is available.

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP.  Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community.  We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie.  We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 3rd Wednesday of the month.  Occasionally, special circumstances may cause us to switch Wednesdays.  We run our meetings September through May.  We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected.  We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room.  
 
So come join us on the 3rd Wednesday at “3”!

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.   
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends 
https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Yankee Swap - Dec 15

A mother's song (essay, video)

Via  Dan Rather, Elliot Kirschner, and Steady Team:

"‘Tis the season to gather with family.

The notion of family is a complicated one. We are born into families, but we also make them and choose them. We join new families through our life partners. And families can grow, with new births, and as siblings, children, and other relatives bring in their own partners and have their own children. Families also shrink and fracture, with death and through trauma and miscommunication.

But at the most elemental level, family is often created and centered around one of the strongest bonds of nature, that between mother and child."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://steady.substack.com/p/a-mothers-song

Direct link to YouTube video => https://youtu.be/JLNr95zE5yA

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the second day before leaving Facebook 
My true love sent to me
Two Talk Franklin sessions a month"

The two "Talk Franklin" session can be considered a bonus that you receive by subscribing (for free). These sessions with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen get you insights on what's going on that are not available elsewhere.

And because you acted promptly, we’ll include the Town Council Quarterbacking sessions with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. In about 20-30 minutes we provide a condensed view of what happened at the recent Town Council meeting.

These interviews are among those regularly scheduled and available to Franklin Matters subscribers. The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases - Nov 27, 2021

This Flourish view of COVID-19 data for the CommonWealth of MA is interactive so you can select and compare one or more communities to the State or each other. I set up a comparison of Franklin to the State level shown in the photo capture shown here.

This is not a good turn to the data. Let's be careful...

Thanks to Nathan Ahlgren for this tool -> https://app.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/?s=03

Updated in response to some questions via Facebook

A chart with the age group distribution for each week's reports since Sep 2021 (.jpg shown, PDF linked)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ay5ir3TKkCgT0F8B5fBqGnuaQOo3nNYu/view?usp=sharing

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases