Invisible People TV: "Veteran Homelessness: The War is Far from Over"

"Midterm election season has come to a close. Would-be leaders have engaged in heated debates. Maps of the United States have been posted online, stenciled, and colored in patriotic hues, the country taking on its patchwork of differing political opinions by presenting it to the public as a digital, color-coded pictogram.

Still, this is only part of the story.

As political ads fade back into the background and newly elected leaders take their posts, many of the diplomatic talking points that drove those campaigns will also dissipate, lost in the sea of social justice hashtags.

One of the biggest debates to take center stage in major metropolitan areas was homelessness. The discussion has captivated public interest in the wake of skyrocketing rents, astronomical housing prices, and unprecedented inflation levels. While the subjects of shelter beds, sweeps, and supportive housing fueled fiery discord across party lines, whether any of those words will give way to action remains a lingering hope yet to be seen."

Continue reading the article online at Invisible People TV ->

https://invisiblepeople.tv/veteran-homelessness-the-war-is-far-from-over/

Credit Image: © Kenneth Martin/ZUMA Wire

Town Council recognizes Carloni, appoints Wallace, approves license for La Cantina, hears from the Recreation Dept, and more at their Wednesday meeting (audio)

FM #883 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 883 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 16, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Frongillo) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.

Quick summary of meeting:

• The meeting opened with recognition of Becki Carloni of the Franklin Fire Department for her off duty life saving effort at a sporting event.

• The appointment of Alison Wallace to the Library Board of Directors was approved.

• The Special License to allow sale of wine at 2022-2023 Franklin Winter Farmers’ Market by La Cantina Winery Company was approved. The first market is this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

• Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation provided an update on the operation of the Recreation Department including near term plans and future plans.

• There was also a discussion on the approach to determine the reuse of Davis Thayer. Consensus was to set up a Reuse Committee of town folks interested in this building and location to make a proposal to the Council for approval. Details on the volunteer application process will be forthcoming and the process will kick off sometime in 2023.

• Legislation to approve of an increase to the minimum wage for both the senior citizen and veterans tax work off programs was approved.

• Legislation to adjust the budget with some transfers and final numbers of state aid, etc. was approved. This had been previewed by the Finance Committee in their meeting last week and unanimously recommended. This adjustment step was needed before the tax rate is set. The hearing for the tax rate is scheduled for the Nov 30 Town Council meeting.

• The Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Kickoff Process has begun. The Conservation Commission will lead this effort to update the plan.

The recording runs just about 2 hours and 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on October 16, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-883-town-council-mtg-11-16-22

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

The agenda and documents released for this session can be found  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_16_town_council_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video replay of the meeting is available on YouTube https://youtu.be/v_88xT1K7mU

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kcsiah2iONeLXjpPRlc9dOSEKNKpx8AQ/view?usp=share_link

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

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"

firefighter/paramedic Becki Carloni Listens to Councilor Pellegri read the proclamation

Economic Development Subcmte recommends next lot line changes; the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal, will pick up again at Nov 30 meeting (audeo)

FM #882 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 847 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022 in the Council Chambers.  

“Franklin For All” Steering Committee (or EDC Plus)

Chair Melanie Hamblen, Glenn Jones, Cobi Frongillo, Pat Sheridan

Greg Rondeau, Beth Wierling, and Bruce Hunchard

 

First - purely an economic development item - the next set of lot line zoning map adjustments. A continuing project and this is the next set of changes. The item after discussion was recommended to the Council for review and consideration.

 

Second - for the Plus side of the committee as it attempted to cover two zooning bylaw proposals that are an outcome of the Franklin For All study as well as part of the MBTA Community planning required. The committee got into a good discussion on one of the two changes proposed, did not get into the second and will pick up the discussion at their Nov 30 meeting.

The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-882-economic-development-subcmte-plus-mtg-11-16-22

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

The EDC Agenda and released documents ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/11-16-22_edc_agenda.pdf

 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are found in one threaded PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bi19ZIVetLhT2xN0aeJcbltU72XRlZe0/view?usp=share_link

 

Franklin TV's video replay of this session is available ->

https://youtu.be/ZntsmoNK7ss

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

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"

 

the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building - closing at Noon 11/23/22 & All Schools Closed 11/23/22

1 - Town of Franklin

The Franklin Municipal Building will CLOSE EARLY on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM and remain closed through Friday, November 25, 2022 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. 

We will reopen on Monday, November 28, 2022

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-closure-november-23rd-2022-1200pm 

Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - November 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM

2 - Franklin Public Schools

All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED Wednesday, November 23 - November 25 in observance of the holiday. We will reopen on Monday, November 28th, 2022. 

Shared from ->   https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1594774651691057152

All Schools Closed 11/23/22

 

Mass Legislature Passes Bill to Prevent Student Loan-related License Revocation

Bill will prevent individuals with outstanding student loan debt from having their  

professional licenses revoked 

 

On Monday, November 21, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to prevent individuals who default on their student loans from having their license or professional certification revoked as a result. As of Fall 2022, approximately one million Massachusetts residents hold a combined total of nearly $31 billion dollars in federal student loan debt, with an average debt of $34,146 per borrower. 

  

"Student loan debt disproportionately affects young, low-income individuals who are making the kinds of investments in their future that we should be encouraging," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Revoking professional licenses that they obtained with a student loan does nothing to solve the problem of loan defaults, and it actively makes the problem worse by preventing new professionals from having the means to pay off their loans. I want to thank Senator Eldridge for his attention and determination in seeing this common-sense bill over the finish line." 

  

"I am proud to announce that the Senate has passed the license revocation ban bill, known as an act prohibiting license revocation for student loan default. Nearly one million Massachusetts residents are struggling because of student loans. As the federal moratorium approaches its end, we must recognize Covid-19's continuous impact on employment and borrowers' financial situations," said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. "The bill will ensure that borrowers, who are heavily burdened by student loans, can still continue their career and work towards repayments of their educational loans. Thank you to Representative Higgins for her leadership on filing and fighting for this legislation. Congratulations to the hard-working advocates, and staff." 

 

Under current Massachusetts law, residents can have their licenses or professional certification revoked, denied, or refused for renewal as a result of defaulting on their student loan debt. Massachusetts is one of only 14 states with such a law. The bill does away with the law and blocks any state agency or board of registration from denying or revoking any license or professional or occupational certificate or registration based on an individual's default on an educational loan. 

 

The bill does not change the state's ability to use traditional loan collection tools. 

 

Having previously passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill goes to the Governor for his consideration. 

Mass Legislature Passes Bill to Prevent Student Loan-related License Revocation

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Nov 22, 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 Second Sunday Speaker Series: Ted Reinstein

9:00 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

10:00 am Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

11:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

11:30 am Senior Connection: Maggie Gundersen

12:10 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:40 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education

4:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 2

4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Roberto Morbioli

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Electronic Medical Records

6:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Festivals & Community Celebrations

7:30 pm Joe Landry: Downtown Franklin

9:00 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2021

9:00 am Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021

11:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

12:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Ethan Dimarino

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Barnstable 11-12-22

5:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v St. John's Shrewsbury 11-13-22

7:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 2

8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Wellesley 11-10-22

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

8:00 am School Committee: 11-08-22

12:00 pm Finance Committee: 11-09-22

2:00 pm School Committee: 11-08-22

7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 834 7439 4485 Code; 969901

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)

Chancellor Augustus shares his 'short story' and elaborates on the "Dean Difference" (audio)

FM #881 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 881 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Dean College Chancellor Edward M Augustus Jr. We met in the wfpr.fm radio studio to record on Thursday, Nov 10, 2022. 

Our topic list included

• Chancellor Augustus background and his road to Dean 

• The Dean organizational structure and role he plays co-leading Dean with President Ken Elmore

• The challenges facing Dean and how to leverage the “Dean Difference”

• Listening as a skill 

The recording runs about thirty seven minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Chancellor Augustus.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-881-dean-college-chancellor-ed-augustus-11-10-22

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

Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus page and contact info ->

https://www.dean.edu/about-dean/leadership/office-of-the-chancellor/ 

Dean Leadership Institute -> https://www.dean.edu/academics/dean-leadership-institute-2/

Darryl Purpose was the folk singer who’s name had escaped me during my conversation with the Chancellor. The song line that stuck is found in his performance ->  https://darrylpurpose.bandcamp.com/track/a-crooked-line 

And how about the coincidence (?) (or maybe not?) that part of the song is about the creation of a baseball stadium?

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

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"

Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

Christmas Trivia Night scheduled for St Mary's, Tuesday, Dec 6 - Bring your "sense of humor and holiday spirit"

Take a break from your holiday bustle and hustle yourself over to the Sacred Heart Hall in Saint Mary’s Church on Tuesday, December 6th at 7 PM for a Christmas trivia program. This program is free and open to the public. The program will be hosted by the internationally acclaimed Krissy E (Ed Padden) with the help of the Quiz Belles of St. Mary’s (Nancy Rappa and Beth Mucciarone) and the pert and perky Princess of PowerPoint (Mary Padden). The program will begin with a brief series of hopefully humorous Christmas cartoons and pictures. There will follow a group of written and oral quizzes with full audience participation. All quizzes will pertain to Christmas subjects, including vocabulary, television, movies, music, literature, history, tradition, and more. Pens and buzzers and answer sheets will be provided, but attendees are asked to supply their own sense of humor and holiday spirit. The highlight of the evening will be the final fifty-question ultimate Christmas test – the Krissy Krismas Kriz. Be prepared for a fast-moving, informal, and unusual and entertaining night of Christmas fun.

Christmas Trivia Night scheduled for St Mary's, Tuesday, Dec 6 

Sign up now for a great start to Thanksgiving morning as the Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Tradition continues for its 11th Year!

11th Annual Family Fun Run Benefits Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce that the annual Franklin Turkey Trot is back for its 11^th year! The race will take place on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2022, at 8:00 AM and for the first time post-COVID, breakfast will be provided for all participants! 

In addition, all registered runners will be automatically entered in the Turkey Trot Raffle for a chance to win terrific prizes from local businesses! The 5K starts at 91 Jordan Road, Franklin, MA and follows a lollipop route in the neighborhood.  

 

The $25 registration fee goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need. Participants can register online here.  The Pantry will not be able to accept food donations instead of the fee.  Runners can also purchase a t-shirt directly from the registration page to commemorate their experience. 

Julia DiMarino

"The Turkey Trot is such a wonderful tradition in our community, and we are incredibly grateful that through this event, we can continue to meet our neighbor's needs for food, services and programs. As we navigate a post-COVID world, we will extend our hybrid distribution model, offering both in-person and curbside distribution. We are also expanding our home delivery and mobile pantries to reach those who cannot come to us," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. 

"Last year we raised an incredible $35,000! With food prices increasing nationally by 13.1% and locally by 10.9% this year, it's more expensive than ever to serve our neighbors in need. Funds from events like the Turkey Trot are critical to our mission to provide hunger relief and vital services to our community."  

 

"I'd also like to thank our Turkey Trot Chair, Erin Campbell. We are fortunate to have an incredibly hard-working group of dedicated volunteers, led by Erin, to bring this event to life," said Powderly. "Erin also works tirelessly to secure local businesses to cover the associated costs. The Turkey Trot is an amazing amount of work, and we could not hold this incredible community tradition without Erin's leadership." 

 

"This event has been a tradition in my community for many years and I'm really excited to be a part of making it happen this year! I'm thrilled that breakfast is back and I'm so happy to be able to thank our runners with a free raffle! I'm looking forward to a terrific day and raising funds that will truly help our neighbors in need," said Erin Campbell, Turkey Trot Chair. 

 

2021 Turkey Trot Runners

About the Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,100 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. 

Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.  

Franklin Newcomers & Friends annual Yankee Swap scheduled for Dec 14, 2022

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party.  Join us at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street, Franklin on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00. 

Franklin Newcomers
and Friends Club

 To participate in the swap, bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) and get one in return during the swap - you never know what you'll get!  Light refreshments will be served.

No need to be a newcomer to the area.  Come make connections in your community.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization, offering a wide range of activities, and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.   Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us.

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.

• https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends
• https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub