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Saturday, November 5, 2022
Friendly Reminder: LiveARTS Piano Recital Sunday, Nov 6 at 3 PM
Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) 2022-23 Winter Heating Season Begins November 1, 2022
LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30.
The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), which pays a portion of heating cost for eligible households, is now accepting applications. LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30.
The LIHEAP program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development in partnership with a network of 20 agencies across the state.
No matter what type of heating source you have, LIHEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.
Eligible Massachusetts households, can apply online at www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP
or find their local agency at hedfuel.azurewebsites.net (enter Franklin)
Note: when I followed both links, they agreed in determining that Self Help, Inc is the service provider for Franklin. You can apply online directly at -> https://www.toapply.org/SHI
67 Degrees Cornhole Tournament has two time slots open for Sunday, Nov 6
November 6th is the new date for our Cornhole Tournament!
The weather is looking like a warm fall day, so tap the link in our bio to grab your tickets ASAP!!
Two time slots available 12 noon to 2:30 PM or 3:00 to 5:30 PM (scroll down past the beer) https://commerce.arryved.com/location/BEPyvnP6/modality/pickup/
Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CkbJDgANeto/
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| 67 Degrees Cornhole Tournament has two time slots open for Sunday, Nov 6 |
Tried to cancel a service but couldn’t? Learn steps to take
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Share your feedback on the MA Climate Change Assessment by Nov 16
Live in Massachusetts?
We need your feedback on #ClimateChange impacts in the state.
Review the draft #MAClimateAssessment Report and share your feedback by November 16!
Link to report page -> https://t.co/pLQnkcx7Ip Report sections available in multiple languages
Executive summary -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-7/download
State Report -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-available-in-english/download
Regional Summary -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-8/download
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/XndXVamRaa
What does it say for the Central Region (where Franklin is categorized)?
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| What does it say for the Central Region (where Franklin is categorized)? |
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| Share your feedback on the MA Climate Change Assessment by Nov 16 |
Friday, November 4, 2022
Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 4, 2022 to Nov 10, 2022
On the civic duty front, the last in person voting happens today at the Town Clerk's office. The last of the early opening of mail ballots also happens today in the 3rd floor training room at the Municipal building. On Saturday. the ballots thus processed will be 'early deposited' into the voting machines. 'Early deposit' reads the ballots into the voting machines but doesn't run the tape of the results until Tuesday, Election day
Dean students have three sessions scheduled for their Ats Mosaic Friday/Saturday. Celebrate Diwali at the Library Saturday or check out the Newcomers Craft Fair which returns for the first time since COVID. Want to have a say in future events the Library is planning, stop by or join virtually on Saturday for a brief session.
Close out the day by viewing (or participating) in the Gala and Telethon for the benefit of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). Broadcast available via YouTube on either the FPAC channel or the Franklin TV channel.
Sunday you can chose cornhole tournament or classical piano concert among the #artshappeninghere in Franklin.
Friday, November 4
8:00am - Early Voting (Town Clerk Offices) 9:00am - Advanced Removal Of Early Voted Ballots From Envelopes (3rd floor Training room, Municipal Building)
5:30pm - JP Royer (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - David Rak (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
7:30pm - Arts Mosaic (Dean College)
Saturday, November 5
9:00am - Newcomers & Friends Craft Fair (Tri-County RVTHS)
9:00am - Advanced Depositing Of Early Voted Ballots (Franklin High School)
10:00am - Tri-County RVTHS Open House (targeted for middle school students)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Diwali Celebration (Franklin Library)
2:00pm - Arts Mosaic (Dean College)
4:00pm - 2023 Library Events Round Table (Franklin Library)
7:30pm - Arts Mosaic (Dean College)
Sunday, November 6 - Daylight Saving Time ends
12:00pm - Cornhole Tournament (67 Degrees Brewery)
12:00pm - Thee Taco Dude (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)
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
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
3:00pm - LiveARTS: Artists of the Year, Victor Rosenbaum (FUSF, 262 Chestnut St)
Tuesday, November 8
6:00am - State Election at Franklin High School (all precincts)
7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (Emma’s Quilt & Cupboard)
7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)
Wednesday, November 9
7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group
Thursday, November 10
6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
7:00pm - Opening Reception - Franklin Art Association (Escape Into Fiction)
This is a static summary of the calendar. Visit the 'live' calendar for any updates.
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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)
Find the full Community event calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html
The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar
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
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| Community Calendar |
Board Of Health hears from Curry House representatives among the normal monthly Health Dept activities (audio)
FM #872 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 872 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. All three board members were present. All Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room.
Representatives from Curry House were present at the start of the meeting and left when their portion of the discussion was completed.
The meeting runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Nov 2, 2022.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-872-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-11-02-22
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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/11-2-22_2.pdf
My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1smRk0DIgOilk62lbiyZzHYVY9faPWjE-/view?usp=share_link
Some background on the reflexology discussion provided by the Franklin Observer -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/129652/making-sure-its-just-right-touch-and-nothing-more
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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"
Tune in to the 2022 FPAC GALA AND TELETHON - Saturday, Nov 5
The 2022 FPAC GALA AND TELETHON is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 5, 2022.
Hosted by Ben Cameron! Red Carpet hosted by Christopher Rice-Thomson!
And, of course, enjoy top-notch FPAC GALA ENTERTAINMENT featuring Ben Cameron, Emily Koch, Nick Rehberger, Christopher Rice-Thomson, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, and Robbie Resigno! With a 9-piece band music directed by Hallie Wetzell!
New this year! The Telethon will be televised live and free thanks to Franklin TV! Tune in on the FPAC YouTube channel to watch live!
7:30pm Red Carpet
8:00pm Gala & Telethon
FPAC YOUTUBE -> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIQaPpreP8oF9ISrV6pOZg
FRANKLIN.TV -> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahhxS6rENnYA3iH0pgf0jA
FPAC Gala Auction Items (open for online bidding) -> https://event.auctria.com/e550951d-6f07-4fc2-b3dc-a92cc2a2e1f0/a780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5
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| Tune in to the 2022 FPAC GALA AND TELETHON - Saturday, Nov 5 |
Diwali Celebration at the Franklin Library, Saturday, Nov 5 at 1:00 PM
Diwali Celebration!
Saturday November 5, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us for a special Diwali celebration for the whole family, including dancing, crafts, music performances, food, henna, and more!
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| Diwali Celebration at the Franklin Library, Saturday, Nov 5 at 1:00 PM |
MA Legislature Enacts Sweeping Economic Development Bill
The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed a wide-ranging $3.76 billion relief package to provide targeted energy assistance, support ongoing transportation needs, and invest in the state’s small businesses, caregivers, health care system, affordable housing, and efforts to fight climate change.
“This compromise legislation makes critical investments to ease the financial burden facing individuals and families, puts money back in taxpayers’ pockets and helps prepare our economic landscape for new challenges,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am proud of the significant investments made to assist residents with rising utility costs, boost affordable housing production, support our health care system, keep our climate goals on track and stabilize the early education and childcare sectors. We also take meaningful steps to ensure a record $3 billion in tax relief payments for taxpayers, the most ever in state history, is paid for. I am grateful to House Speaker Mariano, Chairs Rodrigues, Michlewitz, Lesser and Cusack, their staffs and my colleagues in Senate and House for their work on this legislation. I look forward to seeing it quickly signed into law.”
“As Massachusetts continues to experience rising prices and financial uncertainty, I’m proud of the action taken by the Legislature today that will help to ease the financial hardship plaguing the Commonwealth’s economy,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “From vital investments that will provide relief for rising energy costs and boost housing production, to critical support for hospitals and the MBTA, this package allocates significant funding where it is needed most, while promoting economic growth through support for our small businesses and investments in our communities. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and members of the conference committee, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate for the hard work required to get this done.”
“The agreement reached by the Senate and House conferees and passed by the Legislature today is a comprehensive relief package that supports our state’s long-term economic health and responsibly closes the books on fiscal year 2022, while positioning us to meet new challenges facing our Commonwealth’s economy,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership and support, Senators Lesser and O’Connor for their contributions as my fellow conferees, Chair Michlewitz and the House conferees for their partnership, and to my colleagues in the Senate for their input that helped us to finally getting this bill across the finish line. Because of the advocacy of each Senator, this conference committee report reflects our commitment to provide much-needed breathing room for families and individuals facing rising costs and facing the pinch of inflation, while making targeted investments to stimulate sectors of our economy during this uncertain time.”
“This well-rounded spending package makes significant, targeted investments into major sectors of the Commonwealth’s economy. Whether it is supporting our distressed hospitals, boosting housing production across the state, providing immediate fiscal relief to the MBTA, or offering much needed fuel assistance to those who need it most, this legislation will help a wide variety of residents and industries across the Commonwealth and make us more competitive with other states” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for their hard work and dedication to getting the final version of this legislation over the finish line.”
“Today we put forward a final economic development and tax relief package that will address many of the pressing concerns families face in Massachusetts and empower the modern worker,” said Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “With each passing year, it is getting harder and harder to plant down roots in our state with skyrocketing housing costs, rising inflation, and an economy that is increasingly dependent on innovation and new technology. This legislation helps us meet that moment and empower the worker of the future with significant investments in housing, job training, downtown revitalization, and climate resiliency. I am grateful to my colleagues for working together to craft a final bill that will alleviate those stresses for residents and encourage our Commonwealth to think big about our future.
“The Economic Development legislation will provide needed resources in a myriad of policy areas across the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Mark J. Cusack, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Revenue. “These are much-needed funds and investments that will keep Massachusetts with a solid economic foundation. We know people and businesses are still hurting from the pandemic and we take seriously our obligation to improve our collective quality of life, particularly right now.”
In addition to $3.76 billion in direct investments, this compromise legislation ensures that the Commonwealth responsibly pays for the historic $3 billion one-time tax relief that will be returned to an estimated three million taxpayers over the coming weeks. Combined, this $6.76 billion in tax relief and direct investments will provide much-needed breathing room for families, small businesses and individuals feeling the pinch of inflation. Notably, the bill closes the books on Fiscal Year 2022 and dedicates $500 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), leaving a balance of $1.74 billion in federal resources for future use.
Appropriations
Over $1.4 billion invested to support health and human services programs, including:
• $350 million for hospitals that have become fiscally strained during the pandemic
• $225 million for rate increases for human service workers and providers
• $200 million for COVID-19 response efforts
• $195 million for nursing facilities and rest homes
• $80 million for Community Health Centers
• $20 million to reduce gun violence and related trauma throughout the Commonwealth, including:
• $3 million for a grant program to support school safety infrastructure improvements
• $2 million to provide behavioral health-related supports and resources in schools to reduce instances of gun violence
• $20 million to bridge impending federal cuts to Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) programs and maintain critical victim service programs
• $17.5 million for reproductive and family planning services
• $14 million for facilities that treat individuals with an alcohol or substance use disorder in the Commonwealth
• $5 million to support harm reduction efforts and services to address substance use disorder in the Commonwealth
• $2.5 million for grants to support the nursing workforce talent pipeline
$540 million invested to support clean energy and climate resiliency initiatives, including:
• $250 million to accelerate and support clean energy initiatives, including:
• $100 million to promote and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, through the MOR- EV program as well as supports for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• $100 million for ports and port infrastructure to support the clean energy economy
• $50 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to accelerate the transition to and expansion of renewable energy
$175 million for the conservation and improvement of publicly owned lands and investments in green spaces, with an emphasis on investments in environmental justice communities
• $115 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, including:
• $15 million for planning and implementing water pollution abatement project in watersheds designated as nitrogen sensitive areas
$409.5 million invested to support affordable housing, including:
• $304.5 million to support and boost housing production, including:
• $100 million for the Commonwealth Builder Program to support the production of for-sale, below market housing to expand homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers and socially disadvantaged individuals in communities disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic
• $100 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund established to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing
• $100 million to support the production of workforce housing
• $50 million for the Equitable Developers Financing Program to support the development of new housing in certain underserved communities
• $25 million for regional low-threshold housing to support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability and who struggle with substance use disorder
• $20 million for housing options and additional support services and resources to address the needs of immigrants and refugees
• $10 million for public housing redevelopment
Over $500 million invested to support early education, economic development, workforce development and community support initiatives, including:
• $153 million for small businesses grant relief, including $45M for minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.
• $150 million for early education and care providers through the continuation of the Commonwealth Cares for our Children (C3) stabilization grant program, including $60 million for subsidized providers.
• $112 million to support the MBTA’s ongoing efforts to address the Federal Transportation Administration’s staffing and safety directives
• $100 million for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund to offset estimated overpayments made during the course of the pandemic
• $75 million for investments in broadband infrastructure and access across the commonwealth
• $57 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ensuring relief to families facing rising energy costs.
• $50 million to promote the attainment of debt-free higher education for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries, such as health care, education, and cybersecurity
• $25 million for food security infrastructure grants
• $12 million to support the agricultural and blue economy sectors
• $2.5 million for computer science teacher development
The bill now goes to the Governor for further consideration.
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| MA Legislature Enacts Sweeping Economic Development Bill |
Boston Globe coverage of the legislation -> (subscription maybe required) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/03/metro/legislature-sends-38-billion-spending-bill-baker-heres-what-is-isnt-included/
Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5 - registration required
We are excited to announce our Annual Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022.
The Tri-County Open House is an excellent time for middle school students to get hands-on experience in our career programs. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions of current students and work on an interactive project.
Middle School students and their families are invited to tour both academic and vocational classrooms while visiting the campus. Learn about our award-winning academics, sports, extra-curriculars, and what makes Tri-County unique.
We’ll be serving some delicious refreshments, and you’ll have a chance to win cool prizes!
Registration Required -> https://tri-county.us/openhouse/
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| Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5 |
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