| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - May 2022
Franklin For All Forum #2 reveals 11 recommendations - 05/16/22 (audio)
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
-----------
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
--------------
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
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!
------------------
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
Reminder: Silent Auction Fundraiser for Ukraine & Sunflower of Peace ends May 21
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
|
![]() |
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
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday
![]() |
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1559
4:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022 (at Medway High School)
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
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.”