"Every winter, de-icing salts — sodium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride — battle icy roads nationwide. The effort is epic in scope: Hundreds of millions of gallons of salty substances are sprayed on roads and billions of pounds of rock salt are spread on their surfaces each year. That may lead to safer roads, but it has a real effect on the planet. In a review in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, a group of environmental scientists looked at the hazards of salts that make driving safer.De-icing salts end up in bodies of fresh water, contaminating lakes and streams and building up in wetlands. The Environmental Protection Agency’s thresholds are not high enough to protect life in freshwater, the scientists write, and “there is also an urgent need to understand how freshwater organisms respond to novel chemical cocktails generated from road salt salinization.”Then there’s drinking water."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
In our triadic water world, which will we choose
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022
- wfpr.fm = Tuesday
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Monday, January 3, 2022
Doglio Coffee gets to brewing in 2022
"2021 - What a wild ride!
From thousands of bottles of cold brew and cups of coffee to countless homes that start their day with Doglio, you’ve blown our minds the past 10 months and empowered us to do bigger and better things in 2022.Our Doglio tribe has expanded tenfold with the pop-up opportunity granted to us by @townoffranklinma. The Franklin community showed up and welcomed us in a way we couldn’t have imagined. Although we won’t be taking the brick and mortar step next we are working on some pretty awesome things that will give everyone more ways to enjoy Doglio.And remember, you can always order Doglio for local delivery or ship some to a friend.Now, time for us to get brewing!"
Town of Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Jan 4, 2022
The Community Preservation Committee will be holding a public hearing on January 4th, 2022 at 7:00pm regarding the use of Community Preservation Act funds as it pertains to our community needs.
Please find the agenda and links for the meeting here: https://t.co/RpxOIrPkRY
Shared from Twitter here -> https://t.co/3tla8m1SAo
Town of Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Jan 4, 2022 |
FHS boys hockey drop match to Belmont 1-4
Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. Belmont, 4 – Final
- The non League tilt vs @BelmontHSHockey is underway! Let’s GOOO Franklin!!
- Domenic Lampasona ties it up w/ 12:26 to go in the 1st 1-1
- After 1 period @Belmonthshockey 2 Franklin 1
- After 2 periods @Belmonthshockey 2 Franklin 1
- 10:10 to go in the 3rd Franklin chasing 1
- Franklin goes on a 2 man advantage w 6:29 to go chasing 2
- That’s a wrap @Belmonthshockey 4 Franklin 1
https://twitter.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1477797709100769282
FHS Panthers |
FHS Newsletter for Jan 3, 2022
Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam
Register O’Donnell stated, “For the past several years, a California company has been preying on unsuspecting homeowners by sending a direct mail solicitation asking them to send a check for $95.00 in order to receive a copy of their deed. If a consumer knew that they could print a non-certified copy of their deed for free from our website www.norfolkdeeds.org
“These solicitations,” noted O’Donnell, “are labeled Recorded Deed Notice and request that the homeowner forward a check in the amount of $95.00 for a copy of their deed. The Registry has been contacted by multiple individuals who have received this solicitation. Please do not fall for this scam.”
Register O’Donnell concluded, “While the deed direct mail solicitation may be legal, it is unconscionable as it takes needless advantage of individuals. Clearly, this is a scam being perpetrated against hard working Norfolk County residents, many of whom are first-time homeowners or elderly. Consumers are interpreting these notices as a bill, since they are affixed with a due date. I once again urge in the strongest terms that Norfolk County citizens not let themselves fall victim to these types of misleading deed scam advertisements.”
If you receive such a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry’s Customer Service Center immediately at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@
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@
Introducing the MCOA Savvy Seeker Series
The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is pleased to announce a new series of informational sessions for job seekers: The Savvy Seeker Series.
The Savvy Seeker Series is a new series of informational sessions to help 50+ job seekers become more savvy about programs, resources and additional topics, while seeking employment.
Here are the first two upcoming free informational sessions:
Thurs, Jan 13th, 11 am – 12 pm: What is SCSEP?
Savvy Seeker Series with Dave Bassett!
Dave Bassett is the Director of the SCSEP at Operation ABLE
If you are a job seeker 55 years old and up...and looking for employment, this program may be for you. Dave will introduce you to the Senior Community Service Employment Program, known as SCSEP.
Please Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqc-6rpzMoGteLQdWjZBl2aFOdYMNJDFkY
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Thurs, Jan 27th, 11 am - 12 pm: Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment, Part I
Savvy Seeker Series with David Guydan!
David Guydan is Director of Discovery Centers for Civic Engagement, which supports volunteerism through Councils on Aging throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Combining purposeful volunteering as part of a job search can increase the chances of landing a paid position. Explore the possibilities in this one-hour virtual seminar, grounded in research on the benefits of volunteerism. Learn about the "new retirement" and an expanded set of options available today for encore careers, whether paid or unpaid. Seminar attendees will leave with new information on how volunteering leads to paid jobs and a roadmap of how to use meaningful volunteer activities as a pathway to employment.
Please Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIudu6rqj4iHdNmENiKT5G8hlg_UtslVC56
This seminar is the first part of a two-part series on volunteerism. Part 2, on February 24th from 10:30 am - 12 pm, will feature a panel discussion by experts in the fields of civic engagement, volunteerism, and employment.
Want to know more? Have any questions?
Please contact: Denise Magnet at: 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com OR, Karen Sowsy at karen.50plusjobseekers@gmail.com
Introducing the MCOA Savvy Seeker Series |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Jan 3, 2022
- wfpr.fm = Monday
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Sunday, January 2, 2022
Urgent - Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Jan 3, 2022
2 Hour Delay 1/3/2022
Dear FPS Community,
There will be a 2-hour delayed opening for students on Monday, January 3, 2022. Faculty and staff report on time. Please see the Superintendent's email from January 1 for additional details.
Franklin Public Schools
Superintendent's letter -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/franklin-public-schools-email-on.html
Franklin Public Schools: Urgent - 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Jan 3, 2022 |
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022
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.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) Certification of Announcement.
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
b. December 1, 2021
a. Franklin Library Association
a. Town Council Goals Session 2022-2023
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_and_2_ta_memo_2022-2023_goals.pdf
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 22-01: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($65,500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-01 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._1_2_3_memo_and_resolution_franklin_library_association_-_65500.pdf
b. Resolution 22-02: Gift Acceptances - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,450.00), Senior Center ($300) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-02 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._12_memo_and_resolution_22-02_gift_acceptance_vets_sc.pdf
c. Resolution 22-03: Appropriation to Pay Prior Years Bills (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-03 - 2/3 Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._1_and_2_memo_resolution_22-03_appropriation_of_prior_years_bills_1.pdf
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 Board.
i. Schmidt’s Farm, Prospect Street
15. ADJOURN
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022 |
Franklin TV: Putter Day 2022!
Putter Day 2022 |
This year? Putter Day lands on a Saturday. Many of us putter on Saturdays. This can minimize the festive ‘can-do’ spirit of Putter Day. To make the most of the moment you can begin puttering on Putter Day Eve and then continue right through Sunday. You can also treat yourself to some nice hand tools at Home Depot. (Putterers never have enough hand tools.)
Finally, there are some who think that Putter Day has something to do with golf. Not so. Putter is a verb. It’s not a golf club. I checked the ultimate authority on the English language – my OED, The Oxford English Dictionary. In sum, through four very detailed reference columns, OED describes puttering as the pleasurable doing of simple tasks. Putter Day – a holiday of purpose and progress.
May 2022 smile warmly, kindly upon us all.
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 and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022
1. EDC + Steering Committee: Franklin For All
a. Presentation and Discussion from MAPC about the “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Downtown Commercial zoning district and C-1 zoning district (Franklin Crossing).
Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-5-22_edc_agenda.pdf
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 5, 2022 |
Franklin Public Schools - email on returning to school Monday, Jan 3, 2022
FPS email regarding the return to school Monday, January 3rd - Please read
Dear Franklin Families,I imagine that there is a lot of nervousness as we return from break and a lot of questions. I will attempt to address as many of these as possible in this communication.I’d like to take a moment to reassure everyone of how much we have collectively learned as a community in managing COVID for these past 22 months. With a collective effort, care and consideration for each other, and good communication, we will weather yet another series of adjustments and spike of cases.As we return from break, we recommit to our health and safety measures, there are some updates to the testing and quarantine protocols, and it is a good time to remind everyone of our layered mitigation measures and our health and safety practices.Although some districts have canceled, I do not feel that the data warrants this level of disruption to our routines. However, in order to adequately prepare for students’ arrival on Monday morning, given some additional safety measures being put into place, we will have a two-hour delayed start for students on Monday, January 3.When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:
- ECDC morning session (9:15-11:45) will be canceled
- ECDC full day and extended sessions (9:15-3:15 and 9:15-1:15) will delay opening as indicated (for example, if there is a 2-hour delay, the school will open for students at 11:15 and dismiss at the regularly scheduled time).
- The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session (12:45-3:15)
As with a spike in cases last winter, we remain committed to having our school buildings open and doing so as long as we can safely supervise students. We will be continually assessing staffing and coverage. If you know of anyone interested in serving as a substitute, please direct them to the employment section of our website.Additional Safety Measures Being ImplementedMask wearingMasks and face coverings are still required by all individuals in all of our schools, unless an exemption has been granted.KN-95 masks are being provided to faculty and staff, courtesy of DESE, and will be distributed to staff on Monday morning.Parents/guardians are reminded to please provide your child with a mask for school. We have supplies to provide them as an extra in the event that one is forgotten or that one breaks, but we do not have an unlimited supply to provide all children with masks each day. We also encourage you to consider upgrading your child’s mask .COVID-19 TestingWe will continue with Test and Stay of school-based, non-exempt close contacts and with testing of symptomatic individuals.We are exploring the possibility of initiating pool testing with our testing vendor.You may still sign up for testing: https://www.cic-health.com/consent/maDESE is providing faculty and staff with rapid antigen tests. Faculty and staff will be able to pick these up on Sunday or Monday to use prior to return to school. Testing is not required but is an encouraged optional service.Unfortunately, there are no antigen tests being provided for students. Tests can be difficult to obtain, but families may want to consider testing their child at home prior to coming to school on Monday. Testing of students will not be required.DistancingAlthough there is no distancing requirement in place, we will recommit to distancing as possible, especially when students are eating.VentilationAll classrooms and workspaces have been outfitted with portable HEPA filtration units. They will be turned on each morning in classrooms and workspaces. All filters were recently changed this fall.Windows will be opened, as tolerated, to promote fresh air circulating.Hand HygieneWe will continue to implement good hand hygiene practices.Students will wash their hands regularly throughout the day (using hand sanitizer, if needed)Custodians are being asked to double-check hand sanitizer units and restock, if needed.Faculty and staff will check sanitization supplies in classrooms and offices and we will be sure that they are stocked for student arrival on Monday.MeetingsWe are moving meetings to a remote environment, wherever possible, until February vacation.VaccinationFamilies are encouraged to vaccinate their children as a means of protection against severe illness and infection.Families are also encouraged to have their child receive a booster shot, if eligible.Families are also encouraged to have their child vaccinated against the flu.Updates to Testing and Quarantine ProtocolsThe CDC adjusted its protocol recommendations over winter break. DESE and DPH issued an update on December 30, 2021, which went into effect immediately. Their guidance is linked above and will be updated on our website on Monday. Two of the main changes in this document include (but are not limited to):The isolation time for COVID-19 positive individuals is reduced to be as low as 5 days after symptom onset or after positive PCR or antigen test, if asymptomatic. Individuals may return to school on Day 6 if they have been without a fever for 24 hours, and experienced improvement in other symptoms.Non-exempt school-based close contacts participating in “Test and Stay” will do so for 5 days (previously 7 days).Reminder about Additional Layered Mitigation Strategies
- We have UVGI installed throughout FHS and in common spaces of our smaller schools
- FPS Cleaning Protocols
- Individuals monitor for symptoms and stay home when sick, and test if appropriate.
I know that this is a time of high concern. Our mitigation strategies are intentionally layered and no one measure is perfect but, taken together, they have been supporting a safe school environment.We appreciate your understanding of taking some time Monday morning to effectively shore up these additional mitigation efforts to promote a healthy environment.Sincerely,Sara AhernSuperintendent of Schools
email on returning to school Monday, Jan 3, 2022 p1 |
email on returning to school Monday, Jan 3, 2022 p2 |
Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - Jan 5, 2022
The use of existing septic tanks in repair or upgrade situations regulation.
- 27 Winter Street meeting with new owners
- Metacomet Shared Service grant regional inspector report
- Metacomet Shared Service grant Public health nurse update
- Metacomet Shared Service grant Epidemiologist hiring update
- 69 Cleveland Ave local upgrade
- COVID testing kits