Franklin For All Forum #2 reveals 11 recommendations - 05/16/22 (audio)

FM #799 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 799 in the series. 

This shares the second Franklin For All Forum that was held on Monday, May 16, 2022.

The meeting was held at THE BLACK BOX. It was hosted by MAPC via Zoom and broadcast via Franklin TV as well as live streamed. The video will also be available on YouTube.

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

This recording runs about 70 minutes.  Let’s listen to the Franklin For All Forum held May 16, 2022.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-799-franklin-for-all-forum-2-05-16-22

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

The presentation document to share the 11 recommendations
https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter and shared in summary form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LM5r6VLuDw4yE2JPFEtw3ABaE4AbDADi/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 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!

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word cloud create from the survey results gathered by MAPC

Topsoil moisture measure among worst in USA, hence water conservation measures start

In regards to the Drought Level 1 status announced by the Commonwealth last week, which has in turn started our water conservation measures some background info on the reason we are in the early stages of drought. Meteorologist shares this via his @growingwisdom Twitter account: 

"Here's a map for those who might think I am making a bigger deal about the soil moisture than need be. Most of southern New England's topsoil is in the lowest percentile compared to the average in the country. " 

Most of southern New England's topsoil is in the lowest percentile compared to the average in the country

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/growingwisdom/status/1526895964182700033 

More drought information can be found at https://www.drought.gov/current-conditions 

On the conservation measures just implemented for Franklin, this is not a water ban, although if the drought conditions continue to worsen, that could come.

Reminder: Silent Auction Fundraiser for Ukraine & Sunflower of Peace ends May 21

Elena Rebrina, a staff member at BFCCPS, has created two mixed media paintings and is hosting a silent auction.  As part of the Grade 7 & 8 Fundraiser to support relief in Ukraine, the silent auction will benefit the Sunflower of Peace with 100% of the proceeds.

You can visit the silent auction at https://www.32auctions.com/Sunflowers-Paintings 

The Silent Auction ends on May 21. 

DON'T miss your chance to own one of these inspiring paintings (by artist E.Rebrina) AND help innocent people of Ukraine at the same time! 100% of the proceeds will benefit Sunflower Of Peace (www.sunflowerofpeace.com)

To see detailed photos and videos of the paintings, go to Instagram: e.rebrina.art 

Sunflowers symbolize endurance, hope and unity

Applying for jobs? Be on the lookout for scams

Applying for jobs? Be on the lookout for scams By Lauren Prather You might have just graduated from college, but there's still more to learn when you're on the job hunt. Not every posting or job recruiter is legit.  Learn how to spot the scams. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/applying-jobs-be-lookout-scams

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/applying-jobs-be-lookout-scams

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, May 19, 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 Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

8:00 am Veterans' Call: SHINE

9:00 am Cultural District: Brent Selby

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

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

12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Oral Health

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 1

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: Preserving the Fleet

3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Morse Block

4:30 pm Frank's Musings: Return to Ukraine

7:00 pm Franklin Downtown Partnership: Strawberry Stroll 2019

7:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Chamber Music 11-07-19

9:00 am ArtWeek: FHS Jazz & Kenny Hadley Band

11:00 am FHS Boys Varsity Tennis: v Sharon 05-05-22

1:00 pm Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion

2:00 pm Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Taunton 05-11-22

9:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v King Philip 05-10-22

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 05-12-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 05-12-22

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: LIVE, Remote, 811 1522 5333

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 Cultural District - Arts happening Here (through May 25)

Highlights for the Franklin Cultural District events today through May 25, 2022. #ArtsHappenHere

Wednesday, May 18

Memory Café

11:00am - Franklin Matters Q&A (Senior Center & virtual option)

1:00pm - “Where’s the toast?” Memory Café at the Senior Center

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/memory-cafe-wednesday-may-18-features.html 

Thursday, May 19

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (at the Senior Center)

Empty Bowls simple supper

6:00pm - Empty Bowls (at the FHS cafeteria) ticket at Food Pantry page or at the door

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/empty-bowls-2022/ 

6:00pm - FHS Film Fest (at the FHS auditorium)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/get-ready-for-fhs-film-festival-2022.html 

7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node (virtual meeting)

Friday, May 20

Fair, Yates, Betschart & McCrossan at THE BLACK BOX

7:30pm - Fair, Yates, Betschart & McCrossan (at THE BLACK BOX)

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1556&month=05&year=2022 

Saturday, May 21

9:00am - Earth Day DelCarte Celebration 2022 (DelCarte playground parking lot)

https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/earth-day-2022-delcarte-cleanup-event  

10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am - Recycling & Energy Event (Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach)

Recycling & Energy Event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/get-ready-for-saturday-may-21-recycling.html 

4:00pm - FAA Art Show Reception (at 67 Degrees) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/7-faa-members-show-their-art-at-67.html 

4:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022 (at Medway High School)

https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1559 

7:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022 (at Medway High School)

https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1559 

Sunday, May 22

1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

FSPA Spring Concert 2022

1:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022 (at Medway High School)

https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1559

4:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022 (at Medway High School)

https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1559 

 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

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

Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating

Amid pandemic restabilization, Town achieves major peak 

For the first time in the town’s history, Franklin was awarded a AAA (Triple-A) bond rating by Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings. Progressing from the Town’s previous AA+, the new rating is indicative of exceptionally high creditworthiness in the eyes of municipal bond issuers.

“Achieving a AAA Bond Rating is the ultimate team accomplishment in local government” said Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen. “The rating reflects the unity and collaboration of everyone involved, past and present, including the Town Council, Finance Committee, boards and committees, department heads, staff, and the residents of the community. It’s like winning the Super Bowl. Everyone had to do their job to get this victory.”

Despite economic and social uncertainty posed by the pandemic, Franklin’s stable financial portfolio, performance and management has positioned the town’s reserves to its highest levels ever. The behavior and actions of the Town have resulted in the community being in the strongest position to continue to perform should fiscal stressors arise.

A ratings report published by S&P Global Ratings outlines the following as the primary contributing factors in achieving Franklin’s AAA rating:

●  Four consecutive operating surpluses, increasing reserves to its strongest levels ever with management projecting ongoing maintenance at these levels, as Franklin continues to work through their capital improvement plan

●  Prudent budgetary modifications amid the pandemic supported by great financial policies to position the town well as fiscal year 2023 approaches

●  Franklin’s employment and tax base saw little deterioration amid the pandemic which indicated a resilient and affluent local economy

●  Ongoing economic development projects and a strong real estate environment resulting in substantial tax base growth which keeps tax rates low and affordable

●  Maintenance of a favorable debt profile

●  Manageable pension and other postemployment benefits (OPEB) costs

“The Town Council, Finance Committee and all of our town staff have established strong financial policies and have remained committed to them,” said Hellen. “The support from the Town’s elected officials is without question a signature factor in the bond rating for their continued support of the staff’s professional expertise. But, the foundation for this achievement is having a great finance team that helps to see beyond the data, providing intelligent information for strategic short and long-term decision-making. I can’t say enough about the work of Finance Director Sandini, Treasurer-Collector Bertone and all of the employees who work in the finance offices. We’ve been zoned in on this goal for years and I am very happy for the entire team to achieve it.”

“The pandemic has only made the Town of Franklin more resilient and productive than ever before,” Hellen said. “With a AAA bond rating, ISO-1 Fire Department, a soon to be fully accredited Police Department and reducing liabilities, such as OPEB and Stormwater, with modest, common sense, slow-but-steady policies, the Town is as prepared as we have been to meet future challenges.”

This press release on the Town of Franklin’s AAA Bond rating was shared from here:  https://www.franklinma.gov/comptroller/pages/aaa-bond-rating

The Standard & Poor's rating letter can be found online: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/ratingsdirect_summaryfranklinmassachusettsgeneralobligation_51616013_may-13-2022.pdf

Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating

Info on the clothing drive scheduled for Saturday was left off the mailer; as you drive to recycle Saturday don't forget the clothing!

In addition to the items mentioned Monday for the Recycling and Energy Drive scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach - Clothing is also being collected. 

DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi has this message to provide the update on Project Just Because (https://www.projectjustbecause.org/)

Shared from Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158756305096313&id=730296312&sfnsn=mo

Or view the embedded Facebook post here ->

In case you missed the mailer (via US Postal Service) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/get-ready-for-saturday-may-21-recycling.html

as you drive to recycle Saturday don't forget the clothing!

Is there a film festival at FHS? Yes, this Thursday evening!

"Do you want to attend a real film festival held right here at FHS? Well, you’re in luck! On Thursday May 19th, the annual festival makes a return. It will be held in the auditorium and starts at 6:00 PM. Even better, admission is completely free! That’s right… FHS students and teachers can go to the movies for FREE! 

The feature presentation is the world premiere of Solar, a 25 minute short film produced by Mr. Bailey’s film production class. The story plays homage to Alien, Ridley Scott’s 1979 blockbuster. Students wrote, edited, filmed, and even acted on screen. Check out the exclusive clip shown above!" (clip actually below in this sharing)

Continue reading Grace Tucceri's article online

https://franklinpanthers.us/clubs-activities/2022/05/16/a-film-festival-at-fhs/

 

Video clip ->  https://youtu.be/fDw_Y1Qw8fU

Reminder: 7 FAA members show their art at 67 Degrees beginning May 21

Seven Franklin Art Association members are having an art show at 67 Degrees starting May 21 through the end of June. 

There is a reception planned for May 21 from 4-6 PM. 67 Degrees plans to have a food truck on site that evening for those wanting to have something to eat.

The participating artists are Dick Fotland, Tina Guarino, Peg Munson, Kai Olsson, Lisa Piana, Sue Sheridan, and Christine Toubeau.

We are excited for the opportunity to share some of our art at this venue. Please join us and help us celebrate our art.  

• 67 Degrees is located at 158 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038   https://67degreesbrewing.com/

7 FAA members show their art at 67 Degrees beginning May 21

Summer Classes Are Here! Register now for badminton, men's basketball, or Vinyasa yoga

Register Today. Don't Miss Out!

Lifelong Community Learning Summer Classes 2022 Register Today Badminton Badminton is a racquet sport. The ideal sport for those who like to be kept on their toes. 7 Wednesdays beginning 7/6 $84/person Basketball for Men Tuesdays & Thursdays Looking for a night of fun and exercise? Join us for a great workout and some friendly competition. Basketball is a great way to de-stress and add variety to your routine. 7 Tuesdays and/or Thursdays beginning 7/5 $84 person Vinyasa Yoga Yoga, which has been around since the 15th century, helps to quiet the mind & improve health, for all levels - whether you are a beginner or experienced. Join us for a great way to spend the summer. 5 Wednesdays beginning 7/6 $55/person

Lifelong Community Learning - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin For All - recommendation presentation for you to read and think about

The Franklin For All project got an update from MAPC on the proposed recommendation Monday, May 16 in a hybrid forum at THE BLACK BOX. 

While the presentation should have been made available before hand to create an informed discussion that night, it is now available for us all to read, review and think about.

What should downtown Franklin be in the future? What do we need to consider doing to get there?

You can find the presentation on the Franklin For All site  https://www.mapc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Public-Forum-2-Presentation_updated-5-16.pdf

Or read the embedded copy here

A photo album capturing most of the presentation pages as well as the other items displayed on easels around the room can be found online

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QPQmKKYSr9JncuB76 

word cloud create from the survey results gathered by MAPC

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, May 18, 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)

• This slot features  the recent Making Sense of Climate episode #8  

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)

• This hour features the recent "Talk Franklin" episode with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

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

7:29 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

7:30 am It Takes A Village

8:30 am Memorial Day Breakfast 2019

10:00 am Memorial Day 2021

11:30 am Whole Health Visions: Cheryl Bagangan

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

12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: The New Opioid Dangers

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7

6:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

6:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Pub Kings & Padula Band

9:30 pm The Black Box: Broadway in Franklin 2022

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Elementary Music Pt. 1 06-04-18

8:30 am All-Town Showcase: Chorus and Orchestra

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Taunton 05-11-22

1:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v King Philip 05-09-22

3:00 pm Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion

9:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Taunton 05-11-22

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

8:00 am Town Council: 05-04-22

2:00 pm Town Council: 05-04-22

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)