Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House”

September 23, 2022

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator

Re: Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street
________________________________________________________________

The action before the Council is to allow the Town Administration to release a Request for Proposals on the South Franklin Meeting House, which will include a provision for both a permanent affordable housing restriction and a historic preservation restriction.

At the July 20th Town Council meeting there was a discussion regarding the disposition of the Town-owned land that contains the South Franklin Meeting House, and Council decided to accept the recommendation from the EDC to move forward with affordable housing.

As a reminder, an Expression of Interest went out for a two month period in the Spring to see if there were any interested parties willing to take on this preservation project. The Town received two formal, non-binding written proposals. At the May EDC meeting, the committee weighed both proposals, in addition to other qualitative information from the two open houses, and had a detailed discussion. They voted 3-1 (Yes: Hamblen, Jones and Frongillo; No: Sheridan) to recommend to the full Town Council to instruct the staff to put an RFP out for parties to bid on affordable housing projects only.

The Expressions of Interest we received are attached, as is the Solicitation Document that was posted on the Town website.

Please see below for links to related materials:
● Old South Church document website   https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Please let us know if you have any questions.


Note: This is one of the key items on the Town Council agenda for Sep 28, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Manufacturing Caucus Hosts 7th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony at Polar Park

TE Connectivity of Medway, Massachusetts received the Manufacturer of the Year Award at the 7th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony held in the DCU Club at Polar Park in Worcester. 

TE Connectivity was nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.  “TE Connectivity was one of 55 manufacturers and honorees from across the state who are truly ‘making it’ in Massachusetts, exemplifying how government and industry can work together to have a meaningful impact on society,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), who nominated TE Connectivity. “For more than 75 years, TE Connectivity has helped to solve tomorrow's toughest challenges with advanced connectivity and sensor solutions. Their solutions power electric vehicles, aircraft, digital factories, and smart homes as well as enabling life-saving medical care, sustainable communities, efficient utility networks, and the global communications infrastructure. These represent great contributions to the Massachusetts economy and ecosystem and I was delighted that we could honor TE Connectivity’s work.”

Left to Right  -    State Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus, TE Quality Manager Sid Jayaraman and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus
Left to Right  -    State Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus, TE Quality Manager Sid Jayaraman and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus

The Legislature, under the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka, has spearheaded several major economic development packages which focus on improving the renaissance of manufacturing, with the goal of making Massachusetts the best place to build things. 

Rep. Roy noted during his opening remarks that Massachusetts is an ideal ecosystem for manufacturing. “Our world class universities, highly skilled workforce, availability of venture capital, and strong government support all come together to create a pro-business atmosphere that fosters a system that encourages manufacturing,” he said.

The event was the state’s 7th Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony hosted by the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.  Sponsored by MassMEP and MassTech Collaborative, this was the second time the event was held in the DCU Club at Polar Park. 

Group photo of the awardees and legislators at Polar Park, Worcester
Group photo of the awardees and legislators at Polar Park, Worcester

Christine Nolan, Director for the Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Kathie Mahoney Killam, President and CEO of MassMEP offered remarks at the ceremony.  In addition, House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka and Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Michael Kennealy addressed the audience via pre-recorded video.  

After the successful event Rep. Roy added, “Manufacturing output here is at its highest level in history and accounts for about 11 percent of the state’s economy. It is the sixth largest employment sector here and $26 billion in manufactured goods are exported from the Commonwealth each year.  We celebrated some truly great companies who make our economy roar and contribute to those statistics. We offer heartfelt congratulations to all the outstanding Manufacturers who were honored for excellence.”

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.

Visit TE Connectivity online to find out more about what they do ->     https://www.te.com/usa-en/home.html

Conversation with Town of Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty (audio)

FM #848 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 848 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town of Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty on September 22, 2022. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-848-town-of-franklin-health-director-cathleen-liberty-09-22-22



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


Metacomet Health page -> https://www.metacometpha.org/


Health Fair as mentioned is Wednesday, Oct 19 from 3 to 6 PM at the Public Library


Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department


Health Dept - COVID reporting dashboard -> 

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


Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department


Sign up for Health alerts via Regroup -> https://franklintown.regroup.com/signup 


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


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!

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


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


Health Fair as mentioned is Wednesday, Oct 19 from 3 to 6 PM at the Public Library
The Health Fair as mentioned is Wednesday, Oct 19 from 3 to 6 PM at the Public Library

Hear about the Veterans' Bonuses available on the new "Veterans' Call" (video)

Hello all,

Please watch my recent interview with Steven Croteau, state Veterans' Bonus Manager, on Franklin TV's YouTube Channel!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWo7SlM47A

We've also posted the link to the video on our website under News and Announcements.  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services

Please spread the word and share this info with other veterans.  If you want to apply for a bonus, just give our office a call!

Sincerely, Shannon
--
Shannon Nisbett
Veterans' Services Officer
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
T: 508.613.1315

veterans memorial son the Franklin Town Common at night
veterans memorial son the Franklin Town Common at night



Franklin LGBTQ Alliance schedules monthly meeting - Oct 4

You're Invited to our Upcoming Meeting
 
When: Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 PM
Where: In-person and Virtual
  • In-person: Timeless CrossFit & Fitness
    • 90 Hayward St, Franklin 
    • Behind Patti Eisenhauer Dance Studio
  • Virtual: Join Zoom Meeting
Who: LGBTQIA+ community and allies who are interested in getting more involved
What: Our group's vision, some potential leadership changes, greet new and thank all volunteers, go over future volunteer opportunities, and brainstorm what's next.


Franklin LGBTQ Alliance schedules monthly meeting - Oct 4
Franklin LGBTQ Alliance schedules monthly meeting - Oct 4

Did you get an email saying your personal info is for sale on the dark web?


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission


By Seena Gressin

People are telling us they've gotten emails warning that their sensitive personal information is being sold in the shadowy marketplaces of the dark web. 

Some emails list the stolen information, like all or part of the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number. If you've gotten one of these emails, take steps to help protect yourself against financial loss from identity theft.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/09/did-you-get-email-saying-your-personal-info-sale-dark-web


Did you get an email saying your personal info is for sale on the dark web?
Did you get an email saying your personal info is for sale on the dark web?

Franklin YMCA Gymnasium Renovation Scheduled to being Oct 10, Check for Alternatives

An incredible facility project is coming soon for our Franklin Y – a new, renovated Lee Robbins Memorial Gymnasium!

This renovation is the first in a series of renovation projects in our branches to enhance the members experience, as part of our 50th Anniversary.

Renovations will include:
  • New hardwood floor installation
  • New safety padding
  • New court lines for basketball & pickleball play
  • Fresh coat of paint including the 2nd floor track area
  • Four New Backboards
  • Enhanced storage
Please note the following closure information as part of the renovation:
  • The indoor track will be closed for painting Monday, October 3 and will re-open Monday, October 10. All members are welcome to use the Foxboro Y indoor track during this time.
  • The gymnasium will close on Monday, October 10th for the renovations to begin. It will reopen in November. An exact re-open date will be shared soon, as the project begins.
All members are welcome to use our gymnasiums in North Attleboro and Foxboro (indoor track too) during this closure & renovation. Visit those branch pages for real-time schedules for open basketball times including pickleball and other gym activities.


We are excited for these renovations to begin and will be a great enhancement for our youth and adult basketball & pickleball programs and for group exercise classes taking place in the gymnasium.

You can expect a fresh, modern, welcoming space for our members who play basketball, for our gymnasts, and for family members to enjoy activities during open gymnasium times. Similar to a project completed at the North Attleboro Y in 2019, our gymnasium will have a new maple hardwood floor, new safety padding, enhanced storage, new court lines for basketball and pickleball play, and a fresh coat of paint including the entire second floor track area.

Thank you for your understanding as we make improvements and enhancements to our facilities. We are excited about our new Gymnasium and look forward to sharing it with our members and the community. See you on the court!

Shared from the Hockomock Y page -> https://www.hockymca.org/franklin-gymnasium-renovation/

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

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

7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty
9:00 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland
10:00 am Frank Presents: Dashe Videira
11:00 am Senior Connection: COVID Updates
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5
3:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education
4:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Youth Sports
4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X
5:30 pm Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury
6:00 pm September 11th Remembrance
7:30 pm Joe Landry: The Railroad of Franklin
8:30 pm The Drummer's Studio: 12th Anniversary

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19
9:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
12:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Chorus & Orchestra
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland
6:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Taunton 09-19-22
8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v North Attleboro 09-23-22
10:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v North Attleboro 09-22-22

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

8:00 am School Committee: 09-13-22
2:00 pm School Committee: 09-13-22
7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 812 0310 5124 Code: 930351


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)

Monday, September 26, 2022

LiveARTS Musical Magic Concert - Oct 2


Presents

Musical Magic!
Join us for the first concert of the LiveARTS season!
LiveARTS Musical Magic Concert - Oct 2
 A live concert featuring:

LiveARTS String Quartet plus
Victor Rosenbaum, piano
Nathan Krishnaswami, tenor
Ann Sears, piano

Music of Britten, Barber, Brahms, Mozart, and
Vaughan Williams.
What makes this concert MAGICAL?
 
We celebrate the legacy of LiveARTS Artist of the Year, Victor Rosenbaum, piano, who joins the LiveARTS String Quartet as they play the magnificent Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor. 

On September 17 Maestro Rosenbaum celebrated his long tenure at New England Conservatory and his 80th birthday with a brilliant recital in Jordan Hall, and this is your chance to hear him in a live, intimate chamber music setting. 

BREAKING NEWS:  he will join LiveARTs again on
Nov. 6 for a solo recital before setting off on a flurry of international recitals and masterclasses in Japan, Vienna, Israel, and Taiwan.  Don't miss the opportunity to hear him TWICE this fall!
Sunday, October 2nd
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: First Universalist Society in Franklin,
262 Chestnut St., Franklin MA
Tickets  
 Adults- $25.00
               Students 18 and under- by donation
   
Tickets available at the door
 Accessible Parking and Building
Visit our website liveartsma.org to purchase tickets on-line and for more information.

Copyright © 2022 LiveARTS, Franklin, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038



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Hockomock Area YMCA Family Fun Day featuring the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K - Oct 1

On Saturday, October 1, the Hockomock Area YMCA will hold the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day at the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place. Located at 1 Bass Pro Drive behind Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough, this event includes a 5K, a free Kids Fun Run, a two-mile race for kids ages 12 and under, and free, family-friendly activities provided by dozens of YMCA community partners. All proceeds from the day’s event will benefit the Hockomock Y’s Food Access Programs.

Greg Spier, longtime YMCA board member, community leader and Foxborough resident, expressed, “My wife Kathy and I are so excited to sponsor this great event again this year, bringing families together for healthy activities while raising awareness of our Y’s ongoing food security programs.” 

Race participants enjoy each other’s company
Race participants enjoy each other’s company
Since March 2020, the Hockomock Area YMCA has provided more than 440,000 meals and more than 64,000 bags of groceries, valued at $50 each, to those in need in local communities.

“The Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K & Family Day is an important event on our YMCA calendar.  The day celebrates and reinforces our focus on healthy living and our commitment to raise funds for our Food Access initiative so that no one goes to bed hungry,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Once again we are so grateful for the tremendous support of Greg and Kathy Spier as our presenting sponsors and the collaboration with our friends and our hosts at Patriot Place.” 

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., and individuals, families and teams are welcome to run or walk. Both the 2-mile Youth Run and 0.7-mile Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., all are welcome to participate in the Spier Family Fun Day – a free family event where children can take part in activities, crafts, and more. 

“Patriot Place is proud to once again partner with the Spier Family and the Hockomock Area YMCA to host the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day this Saturday, Oct. 1,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place. “We look forward to this family-friendly event each year as it not only brings our community together for a fun-filled day, but also benefits the important Food Access initiative, supporting members of our community in need.” 

The starting line of the 2-mile Youth Run at the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K & Family Day
The starting line of the 2-mile Youth Run at the
Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K & Family Day
Online registration for the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and youth races is open now through September 29th. Interested participants can register for the 5K for $25 and for the two-mile race for $15. There is no charge for the Fun Run, but advance registration is required. Further details and registration information is available at www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to “Stuff the Truck” to assist those in need.


The first 200 registrants for the 5K and two- mile race will receive a commemorative Kindness for Kids 5K shirt. 

October 1 activities timeline: 
7:00 a.m. Race registration opens at the Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place (available now at www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day)
8:00 a.m. Family Day begins, runs until 11:00 a.m. 
8:00 a.m. 5K race begins
9:00 a.m. Two-mile Youth Run and Fun Run begin

About The Hockomock Area YMCA
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

ABOUT PATRIOT PLACE
Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 23 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, the modern gastro sports pub, CBS Sporting Club, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place and Helix eSports, the region’s largest egaming center and social hub. Patriot Place is also the home of Brigham Health and Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Centers. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee agenda for meeting scheduled Sep 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street


Agenda
1. Call to Order

2. Election of Officers: Finance Committee Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk

3. Public Comment

4. Town Administrator Fiscal Forecast

5. Discussion: CPA Project Approvals
a. CPA Master Plan  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_cpa_plan_v.2_4.pdf
i. Discussion on Red Brick Schoolhouse additional funds request of $50,000
ii. Project Updates
6. Stabilization Fund Balances - 3 Year Comparison  (see page 5 of agenda doc)

7. Future Agenda Items

8. Adjourn

Agenda doc (includes remote connection info)

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee agenda for meeting scheduled Sep 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee agenda for meeting scheduled Sep 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM