FYI - SNETT Trail work underway on Bellingham section

"You may have noticed a construction trailer at Center St parking area and signs at Fox Run Rd and near Harpin St. Exciting things are happening!

The DCR has hired a contractor to improve the section of the SNETT between the Fox Run Rd and Rt. 126. The clearing will start soon. We will post more details as they become available.:

Shared from the SNETT Instagram account - > https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc6hfYJrcxw/

FYI - SNETT Trail work underway on Bellingham section

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality -> Franklin slated for $681K in ARPA grants

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality Executive Office for Administration and Finance Last week, Governor Baker filed House bill 4720, An Act investing in Future Opportunities for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revitalized Downtowns (FORWARD). The legislation includes $2.3 billion in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and over $1.256 billion in capital bond authorizations to strengthen state infrastructure, create jobs, and invest in municipalities across the Commonwealth.   The FORWARD bill will make investments in all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Please click here to find a detailed list of the statewide and local projects included in the FORWARD legislation, organized by municipality.   It includes hundreds of projects identified by communities or stakeholders, usually through existing popular programs like MassWorks, that are deliverable within the tight timeframe required by federal ARPA regulations. ARPA funding must be authorized by 2024 and fully expended by 2026.    NOTE: If your community has a project listed from the last round of the Community One Stop for Growth and that project remains a priority for your city or town, please proceed with submitting a One Stop application for this project in the current FY23 One Stop round. Until the legislation is passed, funding for these projects is not guaranteed and submitting a One Stop application would ensure that the project is reviewed and considered for funding through the normal, competitive application process.                For a detailed overview of all the programmatic authorizations in the bill, please click here.

You are receiving this message through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services DLS Alerts system. These periodic notices include our City & Town e-newsletter, IGRs, Bulletins, Cherry Sheets and other municipal finance-related information. To unsubscribe to DLS Alerts and the City & Town e-newsletter, please email dls_alerts@dor.state.ma.us.

The Franklin section as an image is shown below as copied from https://www.mass.gov/doc/arpa-investments-by-community-v20/download 

The $220K MassWorks grant was confirmed previously. I don't recall hearing the other two grants as confirmed.

Franklin slated for $681K in ARPA grants

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality

FPS COVID-19 Dashboard, Town of Franklin portal, ToF vs. State via Flourish

Franklin Public School COVID-19 Dashboard ->   https://buff.ly/3pQh91e

https://buff.ly/3pQh91e

Health Dept COVID-19 reporting 

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal

Nathan Ahlgen Flourish reports (with state data by community)

https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/

Nathan Ahlgen Flourish reports (with state data by community)

Franklin's Event Outlook: Apr 29, 2022 to May 5, 2022

The busiest calendar we have had in a long time. While the weather is springish there should be some good options to get out and about to enjoy all that Franklin offers. #ArtsHappenHere

Friday, April 29
5:30pm - Night of Arts Around the World
7:00pm - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
7:30pm - Electric Youth & Future Shock

Saturday, April 30

Independent Bookstore Day
9:00am - SAFE 5K

9:00 - Escape Into Fiction - celebrate book store day with indoor market

10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
3:00pm - Letters from Red Farm: The Untold Story of the Friendship between Helen Keller and Journalist Joseph Edgar Chamberlin
7:00pm - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
7:30pm - Claflin Hill Symphony presents Springtime Pops

Sunday, May 1
First Day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
1:00pm  - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
3:00pm - Broadway in Franklin

Wednesday, May 4
Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day
7:00pm - Franklin Art Association

Thursday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo
7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

School Committee hears of awesome science fair projects - 04/26/22 (audio)

FM #785 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 785 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the regular School Committee meeting held Tuesday, April 26, 2022. 

Quick Recap:

• Given the new agenda format, and that the Superintendent deliberation discussion had been conducted in the special meeting held prior to the regular session, the meeting was short and to the point

• Superintendent Ahern provided multiple updates (superintendent’s report not yet posted to packet folder as this is published)

• Recognition of FHS students for project placements at regional science fair. A future consideration would be to conduct a science fair at FHS (which apparently has not been done before). The two projects showcased were awesome. One project motorized a wheelchair, the other determined that an older encryption method is actually more secure than current methods

• The School Committee entered executive session to continue work on their contract negotiations 

The meeting opened at 7 PM and ran approx. 43 minutes.

Audi file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-785-school-committee-mtg-04-26-22

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Agenda doc (includes remote connection info)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_4-26-22.pdf

Science fair presentation -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_presentation.pdf 

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-26-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xGSGx5CcwdxJ69doB39DUXtnGWmUXEth/view?usp=sharing 

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS students presenting on their science fair projects

the motorized wheel chair

Franklin Public Library News & Events scheduled for May 2022

May 2022 Franklin Public Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Sunday, May 29th and Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Exciting Library News

Inspired by the Ken Burns's four-hour documentary on Benjamin Franklin, two-time award winning broadcast journalist, Pamela Watts will host a program on Rhode Island PBS Weekly about Benjamin Franklin's book donation to the Franklin Public Library.

This program will air on Sunday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. with an encore on Wednesday, May 11th.  After that, it will be on PBS website at ripbs.org/weekly .

From the Friends of the Franklin Library

Friends of the Franklin Library Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00pm

Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library's collections and programs. Want to learn more about becoming a Friend? Join us on May 4th in the FoFL Community Room to learn more about our group and ways to get involved. If you can't attend our Annual Meeting, drop us a line at FoFL02038@gmail.com for more information on the Friends.

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 13th ,  1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, May 14th  , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 14th  , from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Homework Help Program

The Franklin Public Library is now offering its free Homework Help program for grades 1-8. The program takes place Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Students will be assisted by either retired teachers or high school students. Application forms for both participants and volunteers are available at the Circulation Desk and on the Library's website https://www.franklinma.gov/children-teen-services/pages/homework-assista... .

Featured eResource

Libby, by OverDrive

Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive. You can even send and read your borrowed ebooks to your Kindle ereader ! It's free and easy to get started for new users and a streamlined experience for current OverDrive app users. Learn more at overdrive.com/apps/libby 

For the full listing of events in May at the Library please visit this newsletter online
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/may-2022-franklin-public-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library News & Events scheduled for May 2022

FHS baseball, softball, and both boys & girls tennis teams post wins on Thursday

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

Baseball = Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 11 – Final (6 Inn.) 

– Franklin pushed across four runs in the bottom of the third to increase its lead to 5-0, and then ended the game with a six-run fifth inning to knock off Milford. Jase Lyons continued to rake at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBI and one run scored to pace the Panthers’ offense. Chris Goode added two hits and two RBI, Eisig Chin also drove in two runs, and Henry DiGiorgio had a pair of hits and three runs scored. Junior Alfred Mucciarone had a strong outing on the bump, allowing one run on six hits and no walks, striking out five in five innings.

Battle till the end Execution, effort, attitude! Wp

@_Mason_Smith34

S

@bauciello11

2ip 1h 0R 4K

@benjamin_yuknis

2-2 3r

@BellanBen

3-4 2r 2RBI huge squeeze to tie and take lead

@rexc24

2-3 3r 2RBI

@ecournoyer23

another huge squeeze #CantBeatCompete #BuntsWonThisGame #21Outs https://twitter.com/fhs_coach/status/1519852982283776000

Softball = Franklin, 18 @ Milford, 8 – Final 

– Franklin’s bats exploded for 18 runs on 18 hits, scoring in five straight innings between the second and sixth inning during a victory over Milford. Sophomore Carly Johnson-Pellegri had a huge day at the dish, going 4-for-5 while driving in eight runs to pace the Panthers’ offense, scoring three times herself. Kiera Kotwicki added three hits, three runs, and RBI in the win while Aislinn Lavery (two RBI), Georgia Harvey, Katy Liberman and Hailey Fales each added two hits in the win. Milford’s Cae Pellegrini had two hits, including her second home run in as many days, and sophomore Grace Bonina chipped in with two hits and two RBI in the win.

Boys tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final 

– Franklin won all five matches in straights to stay undefeated on the season, moving to 7-0. Senior Drew Mahoney earned a 6-1, 6-1 win at first singles, sophomore Ahan Shetty secured a 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles, and junior Ryan Essam prevailed from third singles with a 6-4, 6-4 verdict. The team of seniors Tim O’Keefe and Aidan Karlowicz earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at first doubles, and the team of freshman Dan Reis and junior Tyler Fitzpatrick were victorious, 6-1, 6-0, at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– Taking all five matches in straight sets, Franklin defended home court against visiting Milford. Izzy Trull took a 6-2, 6-0 win at first singles, Vedika Vinayak earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at second singles, and Sarah Schiavo completed the singles sweep with a 6-0, 6-3 victory at third singles. The team of Allison Bagley and Amulya Jayam earned a 6-1, 6-1 win at at first doubles while the tandem of Ashmita Boopathy and Brooke Daniels emerged with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at second doubles.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-28-22/

FHS Panthers

Reminder: Rail Trail Road Race 5K - May 7, 2022 - Help this SNETT fund raising effort!

The biggest fundraiser of the year for the the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC). We hope you will join us and the Tri-Valley Front Runners in support of the local SNETT rail trail.

Date: May 7, 2022

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Shared from the Rail Trail page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race/

Registration is open now!
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/11th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race-2022 

Rail Trail Roadrace 5K - May 7, 2022

Volunteers needed for Beautification Day - May 21

Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on the morning of Saturday, May 21.

Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant red, white and blue flowers on the downtown bridges and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up trays of flowers at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin. Community service hours are available to students needing volunteer opportunities.

If you can volunteer, please email Beautification Chair Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com.

We appreciate the support of these sponsors who make the beautification efforts in the downtown Franklin possible. Platinum sponsors are Chaffee Property Group, Inc., Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C., RI Motorsports and Detail, and Eileen Mason of ReMax Real Estate. Gold sponsors are D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Dean Bank, and Encore Music Academy And Recording Studios. The silver sponsor is Safford Insurance.

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2022/04/beautification-day-may-21.html

Volunteers needed for Beautification Day - May 21

Veterans Coffee Social - May 2022 - All Vets Are Welcome!

May 2022 Coffee Social - All Vets Are Welcome!

Join Us May 4 at 10:00 AM at the Senior Center!

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/may-2022-coffee-social-all-vets-are-welcome

Veterans Coffee Social - May 2022  - All Vets Are Welcome!

MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4

"MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is only ONE week away! Schools: “Gear” up for this event on Wednesday, May 4th (which also happens to be Star Wars Day) by registering here https://tinyurl.com/3m7xm75w" 

@MassDOT

MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Apr 29, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:00 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Repeat Offenders

7:30 am Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

9:00 am Frank Presents: Alberto Correia

10:00 am Physician Focus: Straight Talk on Pain Medication

10:30:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

11:00:00 am Senior Connection: Mental Illness

11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Repeat Offenders

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8

7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

8:00 pm Senior Connection: Mental Illness

8:30 pm The Black Box: Wicked

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland

9:30 am FHS Boys Varsity Tennis: v Mansfield 04-15-22

11:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Mansfield 04-22-22

2:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Band

7:00 pm Lifelong Music: Band & Chorus

8:30 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 1

9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Foxboro 05-06-21

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 04-21-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 04-21-22

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)

"You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - This Weekend at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Please join us as the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School brings to life Charles Schulz's beloved comic and Clark Gesner's classic musical, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The whole gang's here: bossy Lucy is hopelessly in love with piano prodigy Schroeder who doesn't give her the time of day, perfectionist Sally is still mocking blanket-toting Linus, Snoopy is in the doghouse, and "blockhead," himself, Charlie Brown, is in rare form. Brief vignettes span the months from Valentine's Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair.

The script features songs, particularly funny dialogue, and new, catchy orchestrations. Whether you're keen to fly with the Red Baron, moon over the Moonlight Sonata, or just do your best to find "Happiness," You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a crowd-pleasing classic.

Ticket Pricing:
General Admission: $17
Student: $13
Senior Citizen: $13

Show Times:
Friday, April 29 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 30 - 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 30 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 1 - 2:00 PM

Performances take place this weekend at BFCCPS located at 500
Financial Park. 

Tickets can be pre-purchased on FamilyID or will be
sold at the door:
https://www.familyid.com/programs/bfccps-presents-you-re-a-good-man-charlie-brown?fbclid=IwAR2PtgGQ7EbjE0n6ByTBvAaqGnbL9PzltAFyT9t9DFzlnxFrc2nietgICEA

"You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown"