Thursday, March 10, 2022

“This history of racist planning is so deeply ingrained in American cities"

"Urban neighborhoods that were redlined by federal officials in the 1930s tended to have higher levels of harmful air pollution eight decades later, a new study has found, adding to a body of evidence that reveals how racist policies in the past have contributed to inequalities across the United States today.

In the wake of the Great Depression, when the federal government graded neighborhoods in hundreds of cities for real estate investment, Black and immigrant areas were typically outlined in red on maps to denote risky places to lend. Racial discrimination in housing was outlawed in 1968. But the redlining maps entrenched discriminatory practices whose effects reverberate nearly a century later.

To this day, historically redlined neighborhoods are more likely to have high populations of Black, Latino and Asian residents than areas that were favorably assessed at the time."
Continue reading the editorial online (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/09/climate/redlining-racism-air-pollution.html

“This history of racist planning is so deeply ingrained in American cities"
“This history of racist planning is so deeply ingrained in American cities"

FTC Consumer Alerts: Servicemembers - Reporting for duty


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Carol Kando-Pineda, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC
National Consumer Protection Week is a time to shed light on how scammers will try to rip off anyone, including the military. 

The FTC's military dashboard compiles five years' worth of reports from servicemembers, veterans, and military families. From January 2017 through September 2021, military consumers told the FTC about more than 961,000 reports related to fraud, identity theft, or other consumer issues.


Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Mar 10, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = 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 Comfort Food: Comfort Food 
8:00 am Veterans' Call: Veterans' Treatment
9:00 am ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Unequal Treatment: Disparities in Health Care
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4
3:00 pm The Only Cure Is Education
3:30 pm Comfort Food: Comfort Food
4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Ray Block
4:30 pm Frank Presents: State House Pt. 3
5:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 7
6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 4 - Dicenso Clark

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday
7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
8:30 am U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
11:00 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 0-12-22
1:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Durfee 03-04-22
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Wellesley 03-05-22
5:00 pm Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021
6:30 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18
8:00 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 03-03-22
11:00 am Finance Committee: 02-09-22
2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 03-03-22

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.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Request for Expressions of Interest for the purchase or lease and redevelopment of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House of 762 Washington Street.

Request for Expressions of Interest (REI)
for the purchase, or lease and redevelopment 
of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House 
of 762 Washington Street

In an effort to ensure productive reuse of the building and remaining land, the Town of Franklin has released a Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) for the purchase, or lease and redevelopment of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House of 762 Washington Street. 

Expressions of Interest are due to the Town Administrator's Office by April 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM.

Open House/Site Tours - The Town offers you the opportunity to learn more about the site through participation in one of two Open House and Site Tours scheduled for the following dates/times:

  • Monday, March 14, 2022 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
  • Monday, April 11, 2022 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Those interested in submitting a proposal can access the full REI here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/2022_request_for_eoi_-_762_washington_street_-_03072022.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/request-expressions-interest-purchase-or-lease-and-redevelopment-south-franklin

Heard about the Franklin For All Forum? the audio and transcript are now available

FM #748 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 748 in the series. 


This shares the Franklin For All Forum that was held on Monday, March 7, 2022.


The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. It was hosted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) via Zoom and broadcast via Franklin TV as well as live streamed. 


This recording runs about 2 hours and 25 minutes.  Let’s listen to the Franklin For All Forum held Mar 7, 2022.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-748-franklin-for-all-forum-03-07-22


NEW: A transcript of the recording is available. The transcript is part of a pilot by Franklin Matters using the transcription service provided by Otter.ai https://otter.ai/  (Note: if there should be a more accurate spelling of your name, please let me know and I can update the online copy. For those whose name could not be determined via the recording, please let me know.)


Transcript =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WEsjmEFESie06Bx4bAOSxhMbhpY45gsL/view?usp=sharing


Links to the meeting information and my notes captured during the Forum are in the show notes. 



-----------


**** Visioning Survey ****  The survey is open for your input ->       https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bDBzodBPnt8a5Ce 


Franklin For All project page -> https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/  


My notes captured via Twitter and shared in summary form

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iojwdwbOUUfrvfnwuy_xn59P8yVws5Jq/view?usp=sharing 


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

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 www.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"


QR code takes you to the Franklin For All page
QR code takes you to the Franklin For All page

QR code takes you to the Franklin For All visioning survey
QR code takes you to the Franklin For All visioning survey

FHS girls basketball win to advance in playoffs, boys hockey and boys basketball teams end their playoff run

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Tuesday:
 
** Girls Basketball - Division 1 = #11 Lincoln-Sudbury, 23 @ #6 Franklin, 60 – Final 

** Boys Hockey - Division 1 - #19 Franklin, 1 @ #3 Hingham, 4 – Final

** Boys Basketball - Division 1 - #12 Catholic Memorial, 81 @ #5 Franklin, 78 – Final (OT) 
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"Halfway through Tuesday night’s contest between Franklin and Catholic Memorial, things weren’t looking very good for the host Panthers. 
At the end of the fourth quarter, Franklin nearly walked off with a crazy comeback win.

After all was said and done, Catholic Memorial emerged with an 81-78 win in overtime, withstanding a gutsy comeback effort from Franklin to advance to the Division 1 Round of 8.

Franklin trailed by as much as 19 points overall, and even trailed by a dozen with six minutes to go but was able to rally to force overtime."



For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-03-08-22/

Franklin senior Sean Vinson goes up for a shot in the first half against Catholic Memorial. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior Sean Vinson goes up for a shot in the first half against Catholic Memorial. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Recap: School Committee hears of budget and asks good questions

Quick recap:
  • Sara Ahern and Miriam Goodman presented the Superintendent's recommended budget to the School Committee on Tuesday. An increase of approx. $2.4M over prior year, also the lowest amount recommended due to use of revolving funds and prepaying some expenses
  • Multiple rounds of questions were asked by the committee and answered for most part right then (some answers to be provided in the next meeting)
  • Community gets to participate in the budget hearing scheduled for next meeting March 22
  • Budget documents and presentation copies found in agenda packet and in Budget tab on Schools page
Review all my notes taken during the meeting in one document


Budget tab (with this proposed budget and prior budgets) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget

Audio recording of meeting to be available Thursday. Pilot of meeting transcript scheduled for same posting.

1 slide from the presentation depicts enrollment declining, teachers declining and class size as stable
1 slide from the presentation depicts enrollment declining, teachers declining and class size as stable 


Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1

Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched

Survey closes Friday, April 1, 2022

On March 7th, 2022, the Town of Franklin held a public forum to formally introduce the Franklin for All project, answer questions and engage with the community.

To ensure every Franklin stakeholder has an opportunity to provide feedback, we have launched a visioning survey that will be open till April 1, 2022. The data collected in this survey will be used by our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create zoning recommendations that would serve our collective vision for our downtown. The survey is anonymous and all questions are optional. 

To learn more about Franklin For All, visit our project webpage: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Access the survey here: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

The slideshow presented at the public forum on March 7, 2022 ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHYDFaj-ZMlMF2ChexFaUy7qAfykLjvW/view?usp=sharing

There will be additional public engagement opportunities to comment on the draft zoning recommendations in the upcoming months. Want to stay informed on additional opportunities to provide feedback? Sign up for our email list and follow along with us on social media for all the latest Franklin For All updates!

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-visioning-survey-launched


Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1
Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1

Electronics Recycling Event - April 2, 2022

Electronics Recycling Event
Accepting Any And All
Electronics, Bikes & Appliances!


Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 

St. Mary’s Church
Benjamin Franklin School Parking Lot
201 Main Street, Franklin MA

Cost to You:
• $5 each for Computers, DVD Players, Printers, Laptops, Small Electronics
• $10 each for Microwaves, Small Household Appliances
• $15 each for Computer Monitors, Dehumidifiers, Large Printers, Range-Top
Microwaves,
• $20 each for TVs up to 24,” Dorm Sized Refrigerators, Air Conditioners
• $25 each for TVs between 25” and 31,” Washing Machines, Dryers, Stoves,
Large Appliances, Grills, Exercise Equipment, Large Yard Equipment
• $30 each for TVs between 32” and 35,” Large Refrigerators
• $35 each TVs over 36”
• $40 each for Projection TVs
NO CHARGE: Cell Phones, Bicycles in any condition, Wires, Car Batteries, Household Batteries, Keyboards, Tablets.

Download the flyer as a reminder


Electronics Recycling Event - April 1, 2022
Electronics Recycling Event - April 1, 2022

FPAC presents The Drowsy Chaperone starring Broadway’s Ben Cameron and Emily Koch

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Franklin’s own professional theater company, will present The Drowsy Chaperone starring Ben Cameron and Emily Koch March 12-20 at THE BLACK BOX.   

Ben Cameron (Broadway’s WICKED original cast, Footloose, Aida) stars as Man in Chair alongside Emily Koch (Broadway’s WICKED, Waitress) as the title character. Featuring choreography by Clay Rice-Thomson (Broadway’s Moulin Rouge, King Kong, Newsies, Matilda). The star-studded cast will also feature Nick Rehberger (Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof, The Glass Menagerie) as Robert, Sam Seferian (Broadway’s Pretty Woman) as George, Ali Funkhouser as Janet, Nick Paone as Aldolpho, Paul Rescigno and Robbie Rescigno as The Gangsters, and Kaley Were as Kitty along with an ensemble of local talent including apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The production will be directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell. 

Ben Cameron as "Man in Chair." Photo by Paul Vicario
Ben Cameron as "Man in Chair."
Photo by Paul Vicario
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. With the house lights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

FPAC’s The Drowsy Chaperone runs March 12-20 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. Masks will be required for all patrons, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn at all times, except while actively eating or drinking. 

Tickets available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. 

Franklin Education Association (FEA) statement at School Committee meeting 3/08/22

Thank you for this opportunity to speak on behalf of the membership of the FEA to the important issue of the budget. You've just heard Dr. Ahern's presentation.

We also support an increase in the budget and wonder if it shouldn't be a bigger increase, but for different reasons.

We've heard about the Portrait of a Graduate and the strategies for district improvement - both important topics. Over the  last few pandemic years, we've seen money spent on needed upgrades in technology and facilities improvements. Both good things, things that were necessary. Things that were needed.

We're asking you now to look at how that budget money is spent. We don't need any more assessments, or new initiatives, to tell us kids have learning gaps or social trauma. We know this. This is what we do. We need bodies - people who are working with and in front of the kids, everyday, all day. We need councilors, ESPs, health care staff, teachers, guidance, team chairs, special educators, ELL educators, psychologists, etc. Let's increase that budget so we can support the students and families in Franklin the way they  deserve  -  directly,  thoughtfully, impactfully.


Thank you.
Donna Grady, FEA President

 

For more about the FEA -> https://franklin.massteacher.org/about-us/

Franklin Education Association (FEA)
Franklin Education Association (FEA)


67 Degrees adds comedy nights!

SAVE THE DATE, SAVE THE DATE!

Comedy in the taproom. See you then.

67 Degrees adds comedy nights!
67 Degrees adds comedy nights!



Tickets available online - Choose "events" in the online order process 

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, March 9, 2022

  •  wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

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

7:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
7:30:00 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
8:30 am ArtWeek: John Christoforo
10:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio
11:30 am Whole Health Visions: Mainstream Pt. 1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts
1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Veterans' Treatment
4:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
6:00 pm Comfort Food: Comfort Food
6:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Heather Deary & Carolyn Rae
9:30 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Winter Music 2021
8:30 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18
10:30 am FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Durfee 03-04-22
12:30 pm Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion
1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Andover 03-04-22
3:01 pm Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021
4:31 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 0-12-22
7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Wellesley 03-05-22

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

8:00 am Town Council: 03-02-22
12:00 pm Finance Committee: 02-09-22
2:00 pm Town Council: 03-02-22
6:30 pm Finance Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 818 4175 2688

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.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Finance Committee Meeting - March 9, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Finance Committee Meeting March 9, 2022

The Finance Committee will meet on March 9, 2022 at 6:30 PM.

Please find the agenda and links for the March 9, 2022 Finance Committee meeting posted here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/3-9-22_fin_com_meeting_agenda_0.pdf


Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/finance-committee-meeting-march-9th-2022

Finance Committee Meeting - March 9, 2022 - 6:30 PM
Finance Committee Meeting - March 9, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Indoor Seed Starting with Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens - Mar 8 at 7 PM

Indoor Seed Starting with Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens

Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 PM

Indoor Seed Starting
Indoor Seed Starting with Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens

There are so many more varieties of vegetables than what the garden centers offer!  We'll show you everything you need to know to start your own plants from seed. This program is in-person, free, and open to the public. For more information about Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, please visit https://www.blackstonevalleyveggiegardens.com/ .

Shared from Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/indoor-seed-starting-blackstone-valley-veggie-gardens-0