Franklin Matters

Thursday, January 6, 2022

"Private businesses often get caught in the crosshairs"

"WITH COVID CASES surging in Massachusetts and tests hard to come by, deciding what feels safe to do can be a moving target. But for one group at least, the decision is a lot easier. Those who are unvaccinated largely feel safe eating in restaurants, attending public places and events, and are hesitant to introduce more restrictions. Meanwhile, those who have been vaccinated or boosted are cautious to partake in many public activities and are calling for more strident stances on COVID-related mandates.
That’s according to the latest poll from the MassINC Polling Group, which surveyed 1,026 registered voters in Massachusetts in late December. The results highlight the irony that those who are the least protected against the virus are the least concerned, while those who have taken more precautions by getting vaccinated continue to be more cautious.
Even in a state with one of the highest vaccination rates, the battle against COVID-19 is as much one of public attitudes as it is of public health infrastructure. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/poll-shows-sharp-divide-in-attitudes-depending-on-vaccination-status/

Review the poll directly -> https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb9fa2f8ac4df11937f6a49/t/61d61b5f814eea43d2f83022/1641421664656/Topline+2021+12+Voter+Poll+Statewide.pdf

Poll results -> https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb9fa2f8ac4df11937f6a49/t/61d61b7fe8c5f17dc68ec8c8/1641421698144/Crosstabs+2021+12+Voter+Poll+Statewide.pdf

"Private businesses often get caught in the crosshairs"

Franklin Library: Dark Journeys & Urban Legends with Jeff Belanger - Jan 6 - 6:30 PM

Have you ever heard a story you didn't think was true, but then thought… what if? Bloody Mary in the mirror? The Hook by Lover's Lane? White Lady ghosts? Stolen body parts? Why do similar stories pop up all over the world? Are they more than just stories?

Come take an entertaining and enlightening virtual journey through the graveyard at midnight with author and folklorist Jeff Belanger. For over 20 years, Jeff has been exploring the unexplained. He seeks out history, folklore, ghosts, monsters, and legends all over the world and in your backyard.

JEFF BELANGER is a storyteller, adventurer, journalist, and one of the most visible explorers of the unexplained today. The author of over a dozen books published in six languages, he is also the Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the PBS and Amazon Prime series New England Legends and the weekly New England Legends podcast. He's the writer and research for the Ghost Adventures series, and he's been a guest on hundreds of television and radio networks and programs, including History, Travel Channel, Biography Channel, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, BBC, and Coast to Coast AM.

To learn more about Jeff, please visit https://jeffbelanger.com/ .

This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Franklin Library: Dark Journeys & Urban Legends with Jeff Belanger - Jan 6 - 6:30 PM

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Jan 6, 2022

wfpr.fm =Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples
8:00 am Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 1
9:00 am The Black Box: Newsies
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
11:30:00 am SAFE Coalition: PSA
12:00:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Oral Health
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm ArtWeek: Games
3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples
4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Ray Block
4:30 pm Frank Presents: Greg Dowd
5:30 pm Arts Advocacy: Impact
6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X

Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021
8:30 am ArtWeek: FHS Jazz & Kenny Hadley Band
11:00 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 12-22-21
1:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Attleboro 12-17-21
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v St. John's Shrewsbury 12-20-21
5:00 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
6:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Mansfield 12-16-21

Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 12-16-21
2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 12-16-21
7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers

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)

Franklin Public Schools: Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures

Dear Franklin Community,

You have likely seen the news reports that some schools in our local area had to close today due to high COVID-19 cases among faculty/staff or cases that affect their families. We are also hearing about daycare closures due to COVID.

Like other districts, Franklin Public Schools is seeing a large volume of students and staff testing positive. I don’t mean to alarm you, however we publish weekly case counts and I think it is important to give you both a preview and an honest snapshot of what we are experiencing. Yesterday’s COVID informational letter identified 20 individuals within the school setting who tested positive. (Today’s letter indicated 30). The total number of individuals testing positive yesterday alone was 68 when individuals who were isolating at home are included. These numbers are straining our ability to adequately staff our schools.

We are not experiencing evidence of school-based spread. I wish to reassure you that our schools have significantly more mitigation measures in place than public and private settings, generally.

We are doing our best to collaborate across the district and deploy substitutes in order to provide adequate coverage to keep students safe in the learning environment. Our efforts also include coverage by building and central office administrators.

I share this information with you to:

emphasize the hard work the team is doing in an aim to keep schools open and to keep everyone safe
and ask you to prepare for the possibility that on any given day, we may need to close a school if we feel that we can not safely operate the school based on the number of adults we have to supervise.

As with our snow notifications, a decision to close will be made as early as possible for your planning purposes. It may be the night prior to school but it may also be in the morning. We will aim to make the decision and initiate notifications by cell, text, and email by 5:30 AM and no later than 6:00 AM.

Days missed will need to be made up at the end of the year as all students are required to have 180 days of instruction. Moving to remote instruction is not an option.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, patience, and cooperation,

Sara Ahern

Superintendent of Schools

Shared via SchCom Chair Denise Spencer's Facebook post:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3072054019731270/

Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Jan 6 Vigil at Franklin Town Common Bandstand Among More than 175 Events Across the Country

WHAT: January 6, 2022 marks one year since a faction of elected officials incited armed right-wing militants to attack the U.S. Capitol. One year later, the same faction is working to restrict the freedom to vote, attacking fair voting districts, and quietly preparing future attempts to sabotage free and fair elections.

On Thursday, January 6, 2022, Americans across race, place, party, and background are holding candlelight vigils to say: In America, the voters decide the outcome of elections. To prevent this kind of attack from happening again, advocates are demanding that elected leaders pass urgent legislation including the Freedom to Vote Act, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and DC Statehood.

This event in Franklin is one of more than 175 events that will take place across the country, including at the U.S. Capitol.

WHO: The Committee to Protect Our Democracy

WHERE: Franklin Town Common Bandstand

WHEN: 5:00 -6:00 PM

VISUALS: Speakers include Representative Jeffrey Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and a member of Congressman Jake Auchincloss’ staff with a message from the congressman

LINK to event signup: https://www.mobilize.us/democracyvigils/event/434622/

Vigil at Franklin Town Common Bandstand Among More than 175 Events Across the Country

Franklin Newcomers & Friends - meeting Jan 19 - a game night!

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers & Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 19th at 7:30 for Game Night! Following the club updates, we will play some fun, social games to kick off the new year!

We will also be collecting personal care items and cleaning supplies for the Franklin Food Pantry. Please bring one or more items from the following list: shampoo (8 oz-24 oz), conditioner (8 oz-24 oz), disposable razors, hand and body lotion (8 oz-24 oz), liquid hand soap (6 oz-24 oz), Scott’s toilet paper (single WRAPPED roll 1000 sheets), cleaning wipes, all purpose cleaner spray (32 oz), ajax or comet cleansers.

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.

No need to be a newcomer to the area…residents of Franklin (or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club) are welcome to join us. We run our meetings September through May on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers) upstairs in a private room at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin.

Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends

Franklin Newcomers & Friends - meeting Jan 19 - a game night!

Electric Youth 2022 schedule debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 8, 2022

Electric Youth 2022 will debut at THE BLACK BOX on January 8 with two shows at 4:00 and 8:00 pm!

The 2022 group of talented young singers and dancers includes Hayley Driscoll, Tatiana McAlpine, Sami Goldman, Abby Settle, Audrey Miningham, Devin DeAngelis, Finley Doherty, John Fitzhenry, Madigan Wirkus, Abby Trombert, Anya Fox, Ashley Peppin, Erin Belger, and Tzintli Cerda. Electric Youth is scheduled to tour again this summer bringing timeless hits and non-stop entertainment to venues across Europe.

Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

The group has toured Europe performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.

Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. Last year, EY recorded and released their a cappella single “Always Remember Us This Way” arranged and edited by Jim Hogan of a cappella sensation T.3 (available on all streaming platforms).

Collectively, the members of Electric Youth 2022 have performed with Broadway stars, sung the National Anthem for Boston sports teams, been selected to perform at “Broadway Sessions” in NYC, worked with choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance, and more.

Alumni of Electric Youth have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national and international tours, television, regional theater, feature film, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and more

Tickets online at -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1532

Shared from Facebook ->

https://facebook.com/events/s/electric-youth-2022-debut/1388154101616705/

Electric Youth 2022 schedule debut at THE BLACK BOX

FHS girls hockey drop match to Canton on Tuesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Tuesday:

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Canton, 3 – Final

Slow start for Panthers, Canton 2-0 after one. Big period coming! https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1478517351310102528
3-0 loss to a tough and talented Canton team. Back at It Saturday at the Vet 6:30 v. Dedham. @FHSSports @HockomockSports https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1478543636572872705

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-04-22/

FHS Panthers

Attention Residents: Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works - January 4, 2022

Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works

January 4th, 2022

Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works:

The Franklin DPW has been working with Waste Management throughout the pandemic to minimize disruption to the solid waste/single stream recycling curbside program. However, Waste Management's collection team has been impacted by a severe increase in COVID related absences. At this time, it is anticipated that Franklin's curbside trash & recycling collection will encounter occasional delays over the next several weeks. Routes that are not completed on their scheduled day will continue to be collected the following day.

In the midst of the new year, the DPW and the Waste Management team are keenly aware of the unfortunate timing of collection delays. It is always our goal to stay on track, and to ensure collection for trash and recycling occurs as scheduled.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes to the residents of Franklin. Rest assured that we are working all the angles to ensure each route is collected on its scheduled collection day.

Stay safe,

Franklin DPW

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/message-franklin-department-public-works-january-4th-2022

Attention Residents: Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works - January 4, 2022

Legal Notice = Franklin Historical Commission - Public Hearing scheduled for Jan 12, 2022, 6:30 PM

PUBLIC HEARING 1/12/22

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin

Historical Commission

will hold a Public Hearing,

Wednesday January 12, 2022 6:30 PM

regarding a demolition

application for the property

at 230 East Central Street, Franklin MA

Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum

80 West Central Street, Franklin

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Next General Meeting - Feb. 3, 2022

General Meeting on Feb. 3, 2022

Please note that the next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 at 8:30 AM via Zoom.

We will send the Zoom link closer to the date of the meeting.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by

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Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Jan 22

Admission open house for families interested in Montessori preschool/kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year. Tour the classrooms, meet the staff and current parents, learn about Montessori

Where: 31 Hayward St., Suite J2, Franklin

When: Saturday, Jan 22, 2022 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Visit their webpage for more about their programs

http://www.mysunrisemontessori.com/

Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Jan 22

Recap: Community Preservation Committee opens first hearing how CPA funds should be used (audio)

Quick Recap:

First of two public hearings opened Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022. Residents made several suggestions for use of the CPA money to be available later this year. The second hearing is scheduled for Jan 18.
This is the first time the Town of Franklin is doing this process but it seems will be great opportunity for residents to get into the discussion on prioritization of what money goes where for which items; open space (i.e. Maple Hill - done), recreation (more pickleball courts were top item at hearing), preservation (Museum or Red Brick School previously mentioned as possible), or housing (needs for more housing and more affordable previously raised).
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen cautioned that the projects will need to layout to allow for Town personnel to handle them, they all can't be done at once. Part of the prioritization will be which project to be set, in which area of Town, and for which need to ensure some equitable distribution. An example, don't add more pickleball courts to King St as that would be the only location, spread them out around Town.

-------
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conference bridge.

The Twitter hashtag #cpc0104 can be found online. The thread begins with
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478513721886777347

Getting ready for the first of two public hearings to start development of the Community Preservation Committee project list, some of which could be funded when the CPA funds become available in 4Q 2022. #cpc0104 agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-04_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_1.pdf
First hearing begins at 7 PM tonight, second same time on Jan 18. #cpc0104 audio recording of overview of committee work with three members here https://franklinmatters.org/2021/12/conversation-on-community-preservation.html?m=0
Meeting broadcast available in multiple ways; 1- cable via local Comcast or Verizon govt channel, 2- Zoom (info in agenda doc) or 3- live stream via Franklin TV https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream… #cpc0104
Chair Feeley opens meeting; TA Hellen provides overview of meeting tonight, format and background on process as this is the first time through the CPA timeline. #cpc0104
M Ryan resident proposing additional three pickleball courts, with lights, potentially at King St where others are already today. #cpc0104 allows for play across all age levels, all you need it court, ball and paddle. Fastest growing sport in America. 16 communities used …
CPA funds for courts thus far. Can't always get a spot in Franklin, waiting list for clinics and leagues here, lights enable expansion of playing hours. Randolph spent $51K in 2019 for three courts, may be a worthy estimate. #cpc0104
B Kelso, resident wants to support pickleball court idea. A Earls advocating for the federal lands along Mine Brook, between Pond St and i495; also abuts Maplegate. R Trahan, regarding the SNETT trail and improvements needed on Franklin side.#cpc0104
TA Hellen adds that lighting at King St is possible. Question would be where at King St. #cpc0104 Rec Director R Jette adds a reservation system is available. Costs have gone up, since this was done, other things are on the capital plan.
A caution on not all can be done at once, projects would need to be laid out so the staff could do them without contention, next meeting Jan 18; motion to adjourn, seconded, passes via aye vote (not roll call with 2 members on remote - oops) #cpc0104

Listen to the meeting recording ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-689-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-01-04-22

Town of Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Jan 4, 2022

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Virtual Meeting, Thursday, January 6, 7:00 PM

Best wishes to all as we welcome the new year. At 350 Mass, we stand prepared to take on the challenges confronting us, and we invite you to participate at your own determined level of engagement. Every contribution will help the cause.

Our first Greater Franklin Node meeting of 2022 will be this Thursday, January 6, 7:00-9:00 pm. (We have a lot to discuss, but feel free to leave early if necessary.)

Our first Greater Franklin Node meeting of 2022 will be this Thursday, January 6, 7:00-9:00 pm. (As always, attendees should feel free to leave the meeting early if necessary.)

Here are the Zoom details.

Zoom link for the meeting, January 6, 7:00-9:00 pm.

Join on Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755

Password: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

During the meeting, we will address climate bills being considered by the state legislature, actions to promote national changes, and local developments. Please read the rest of this email for information and actions, whether or not you can attend the meeting. Thank you.

Energy efficiency and retrofitting homes and buildings. All of 350 Mass' nodes are working hard to promote and achieve the organization's priorities, as defined in our Campaign "Bringing the Green New Deal Home" and its three components focused on Buildings, Transportation, and Energy. At this meeting we will focus on the first component, "Building the Green New Deal," that is, requiring that new buildings be efficient and non-emitting, and retrofitting existing buildings, including insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and replacing fossil-fuel heating systems with non-polluting (electric) ones. These changes will occur via legislation, individual consumer choices, and policies and programs adopted by cities and towns. This will be an all-hands-on-deck effort. We ask you to join the Zoom meeting to learn about the campaign, share information about groups and activities in your community, and help us plan and implement this campaign. Also, we ask your help in publicizing this important meeting and inviting others. Thank you.

Next Generation Roadmap Climate Law. In January, 2021 the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Next Generation Roadmap Climate Law requiring the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. One key to success is to write new building codes and retrofit at least one million homes by 2030, as described in our Campaign (above). Priority would be given to low-income households and environmental justice neighborhoods. Regrettably, progress has been slow. It is clear that Mass Save, the agency currently responsible for these types of home improvement programs, needs to expand its scope beyond insulation and energy-efficient supplies to provide a roadmap that homeowners can use to electrify our homes with renewable energy at a cost we can afford. Add your voice to demand action. Sign the "Times Up For Fossil Fuels!" Card. Help pressure the utilities that run Mass Save to obey the law, and support the call for additional laws and programs to meet the state's climate goals.

Massachusetts legislative action. The House and Senate committees are actively reviewing the many bills proposed for the current 2021-22 session. This is a critical time to support 350 Mass' top three priority bills (click for descriptions). We are asking everyone to contact your legislators via phone or email or, preferably, with a meeting in January, to encourage them to cosponsor these bills. For constituents of Rep. Jeff Roy (Democrat, Franklin, and Chairperson, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy), the Node is working on setting up a meeting with him; if you'd like to participate, let us know by replying to this email. If you'd like to learn about all the bills that we support, you can find information sheets here.

We hope you can join us Thursday at 7:00. We'll send a reminder Thursday afternoon.

Thank you for your commitment to the struggle for a transition to a just, equitable, and clean energy economy.

Node Co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

Town of Franklin: January 2021 E-Newsletter

Subscribe for News

January 2022 Edition

Community Preservation Act Funding & Public Hearings

Applications to receive Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the 2023 fiscal year are now open. Applications are due on Monday, Feb. 28th, 2022 at 4pm. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is required by law to have one public hearing per year to hear input on how to allocate CPA funds. The Franklin CPC has decided on two public sessions. The first will be held on Jan 4th at 7pm and the second public forum will be on Jan. 18th at 4pm.

Access all Community Preservation information here.

Rezoning Franklin Downtown Franklin

Introducing Franklin For All.

A study with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council aimed at rezoning Franklin center for economic growth and diverse housing opportunities.

Mark your calendars! The first Franklin for All public forum will take place on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 7pm. We want to hear from you!

Learn more at our Franklin For All website.

Veterans' Services

Veterans' Memorial Walkway

Thank you to Richard Douglas, Bob Gardner, John Hefele, Dick Hynes, Jim Lane, Bob Markunis and Rose

Turco for helping us hang holiday wreaths on the Veterans Memorial Walkway.

Jan 11th –Tune It Out guitar classes will resume. Classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the Senior Center. This program is led by music instructor Jamie Barrett with the help of three other guitar instructors. Thank you to Jamie, Mike Allard, Charlie Brewer and Heath Nisbett for volunteering their time for this program! All vets are invited to the classes. Guitar experience is not required. Equipment is provided!

Jan. 20 – Veterans' Council Meeting – 7pm at the Senior Center. All are invited.

Jan. 27 – Vietnam Peace Day – On this day in 1973, the Paris Peace Accords arranged a ceasefire which officially ended America's involvement in the 20-year Vietnam War.

Important Notice: The Senior Center will be closed to the public from Jan. 1st - Jan.10th. Unfortunately, this means the Jan 5th monthly coffee social has been cancelled. However, next social is Feb 2nd at 10am! The Cafe will be closed until further notice. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or mask will be required at all Veterans' events and activities.

Franklin Fire Department

Open Burning Notice

The Franklin Fire Department would like to remind you that Open Burning Season runs from January 15th through May 1st. A permit is required and they will be available on our website starting January 15th. You must call the Burning Permit Hotline at 508-553-5574 in between 9am and noon each day to see if burning is allowed.

Additional information can be found here.

Franklin Public Library

Library Event Highlights

Jan 8th. - The Saturday Binge

Animation Nation is a meeting for the anime, cartoon, manga and graphic and novel obsessed. Join them for an afternoon anime watch party from 1pm-4pm.

Jan. 11th - Girls Who Code

Want to learn more about the Girls Who Code program? Come to the parent open house from 7pm-8pm to ask questions, see the curriculum and sign up early if you're interested!

Jan. 22nd - "Drive In" Movie

Families! Join us for a "Drive-In" movie (indoors of course) in our big program room at 10:30pm! First we'll decorate our "cars" (aka boxes we've been saving up for the event) then we'll relax and enjoy a movie and some popcorn in our spiffy new rides! You're welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or use one of ours!

Jan. 22nd - Author Visit with Chris Woolf

Author of Bumbling Through the Hindu Kush: A Memoir of Fear and Kindness in Afghanistan, Chris Woolf will be visiting the library at 3pm to discuss his memoir documents his personal experience of war and resilience, stuck behind rebel lines on the wrong side of the mountains, in 1991. In addition to writing, Woolf runs a voiceover company he co-founded here in Franklin in 2018, called The Voice Depot. This program is free and open to the public.

Jan. 25th - Book Club

Join the FPL Book Club as they discuss The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce at 7pm.

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Monday, Jan.17th for Martin Luther King Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 1:30-5pm.

Library Calendar of Events - January 2022

Franklin Public School District

FPS Return from Winter Break

It was delightful to have students and staff in school on Monday, January 3 as we welcomed everyone back to the district this morning following our winter break. As a result of the recent spike in COVID cases due to the Omicron variant, we distributed DESE-supplied rapid antigen tests to faculty/staff, distributed DESE-supplied KN-95 masks to faculty/staff, and have shored up our effective mitigation strategies including fully stocking PPE and creating distance, where possible, among student desks.

Managing case counts continues to be important as the health of our students and faculty/staff is paramount. Students needing to isolate or quarantine lose out on valuable, in-person learning time. Faculty and staff who need to isolate or quarantine for either themselves or as caregivers can not be in person for work limiting learning and also necessitating substitutes, which are in short supply. Having adequate staff to safely operate schools is a worry right now.

COVID-19 doesn't just impact individuals and families, it affects the entire Franklin population. We have collectively learned so much as a community in managing COVID for these past 22 months. Indeed, with a collective effort, care and consideration for each other, and good communication, we will weather this spike in cases. FPS thanks you for your support and implementation of health and safety practices in the community.

Visit our Back to School website for the Weekly COVID-19 Dashboard & Protocols

Department of Public Works

Christmas Tree Collection Notice

The Franklin Department of Public Works will commence Christmas Tree Collection Jan. 10th- Jan. 14th during normal trash collection hours.

Assessors

FY 2022 3rd Quarter Tax Bills contain new valuations based mainly on the Calendar Year 2020 real estate market. Assessments are as of Jan.1st, 2021 using each property's physical status as of June 30th, 2021. Assessment challenges are submitted by the Abatement Application process. An Assessing Office available State Form must be received in the Assessors Office by 4pm on Feb.1st. 2022.

Access the Abatement Application here.

Water Sewer Division

The Winter Season is upon us, so please be prepared! If your house has a history of frozen pipes please let the water drip! Even if you've never had trouble in the past, you may want to consider it.

Get tips and tricks for keeping your pipes from freezing here.

Franklin Historical Museum

Second Sunday Speaker Series

Jan. 9th at 1pm - Byzantine and Russian Icons: Dennis Sardella, docent at the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, MA discusses the world of Byzantine and Russian Icons. As always, admission is free!