Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 9, 2022 to Dec 15, 2022

The monthly library book & bag sale, events for kids and adults as the holiday season is spread around this weekend and into next week. Food truck, music, concert performances, movie night... seems like something for everyone!

Friday, December 9

12:00pm - Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm - Joey D's Wingz & Thingz (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Heath Nisbett (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Polar Express Movie Night (family fun, ticketed event) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:30pm - Dean Faculty Dance Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College, Main Stage) 

Saturday, December 10

9:00am - Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - Papalias (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm -  Library Bag Sale (books by the bag)  (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm -  Mike Malone  (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Faculty Dance Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College, Main Stage)

7:30pm - The Rescignos: Franklincense (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)  

Sunday, December 11

10:00am - Toy Drive & Photos with Santa (Franklin Police Dept) 

12:00pm - Kid's Christmas Party (family fun) (Teddy Gallagher's) 

1:00pm -  Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1’:15pm - NoteAble Blend (women’s barbershop quartet) (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm - Mrs Claus (reads & poses for photos) (Franklin Historical Museum)

3;00pm - 8th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas (St Mary's Parish) 

Tuesday, December 13

7:00pm -  FBRTC Meeting (monthly meeting) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm -  Yankee Quilters (monthly meeting) (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard)

Wednesday, December 14

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (virtual meeting( (St Marys' Parish)

Thursday, December 15

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (monthly Q&A session) (Senior Center)

6:30pm - Holiday Wreath Workshop (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - An Introduction to Hanukkah (virtual event) (Franklin Public Library)

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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 

Community Calendar

Finance Committee gets some financial good and bad news before taking a deep dive into the Schools budget (audio)

FM #895 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 895 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022. 

Seven members of the Finance Committee participated (2 absent); 6 present in the Council Chambers, 1 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Assistant Administrator Alecia Alleyne, Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. 

Quick recap:

• Out to bid for the bond for the Schmidt’s Farm resulted in maintaining the Triple AAA rating, receiving 7 bids, and yielded a 3.44% rate (good)

• Stabilization funds review shows the market impact as many of the totals declined vs. the prior year and there were no authorized withdrawals. These are called unrealized losses (not so good)

• The electric rate contract for the Town results in an increase of $200K impact for this fiscal year. DPW snow and ice presentation scheduled for the 12/14/22 Town Council meeting. Some facility projects and repairs being held due to the increases being seen to avoid a significant financial impact. Do use a utility consultant on the electricity contract, spent about a month watching rates before settling on this deal. Storm water fee implementation in July 2023 will also have an effect on the Town budget (not so good)

• School budget “deep dive” - Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business administrator Miriam Goodman, School Committee Chair Denise Spencer and School Committee member and Budget subcommittee Chair David McNeill presented. Asst Superintendent Paula Marano and School Committee members Elise Stokes and Dave Callaghan were also in the audience for support.

• Chair Conley opened with the major question with declining enrollment and rising budget how is that explained? The remainder of the presentation and discussion attempted to answer the question from multiple points of view. I can not do justice and simplify it. The discussion is too complex. The audio and video of the meeting is available for you to listen and follow along

• I can say that the School Committee and Central office can do better in helping to explain the cost drivers. They do cover a bunch of the details in their main meetings and subcommittee meetings but have not been successful in articulating the story, hence the questions remain 

The meeting recording runs 2 hours and 35 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Dec 7, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-895-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-12-07-22

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Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-07-2022_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gVLpYnd6sOfNA7Phl0p176OhHViQsL7e/view?usp=share_link 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

YouTube recording =>   https://youtu.be/o4vY1ekbk10

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/q6YyoS5wPbe7m86j6

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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"

L-R: Budget subcommittee Chair David McNeill, School Committee Chair Denise Spencer,  Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business administrator Miriam Goodman

Pantherbook: "2022 Winter Sports Preview -> FHS Boys Basketball" (audio)

"This past Tuesday, Pantherbook’s Ryan Martin sat down with the two senior captains for Franklin High School’s Varsity Boys Basketball team, Ben Harvey and Justin Allen, to preview the team’s upcoming season with Pantherbook Podcasts! 

Check it out now:"

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/MNM8L-vsjaA

Shared from Pantherbook:  https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2022/12/07/2022-winter-sports-preview-fhs-boys-basketball/

Pantherbook: "2022 Winter Sports Preview -> FHS Boys Basketball" (audio)

ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year

Franklin ECDC (@FranklinECDC) tweeted  Thu, Dec 08, 2022:

"ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year! 

We are also hosting an OPEN HOUSE on January 13th here at ECDC! https://t.co/7hRNK88Bmc  

@FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters @TOFranklinMA"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1600963899352051712

Or find the application online ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WharWMYiwWmLlSXCxOOFMFkqBokQiG5t/view

Visit the ECDC page -> https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year

The Charles River Watershed Association would like your input to this survey

Charles River Watershed Association (@charlesriver) tweeted Thu, Dec 08, 2022:

Have 5 minutes?? Take our quick survey to help create a climate-resilient Charles River! 

Survey link ->  https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dcHNwEN99ETEGHQ 

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/charlesriver/status/1600855016377503744

The Charles River Watershed Association would like your input to this survey

Holiday Paint Night, December 16 @ 67 Degrees Brewery

Local artist Ted Cormier-Leger is the instructor for this Grinch-themed Holiday Paint night at 67 Degrees Brewery. 

Your $45 ticket pays for the canvas and one flight of beer. Sign up now!  bit.ly/67DegreesBrewery

Holiday Paint Night, December 16 @ 67 Degrees Brewery

MassCEC Seeking Applicants for Triple Decker Retrofit Pilot

I don't know how many triple deckers we have in Franklin. I believe the current building code is such that we couldn't build one. That I think is an issue. This type of housing could be a worthy addition to our housing stock in Franklin.

 

Apply by Dec. 21st!

View this email in your browser The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is now accepting applications for the market rate track of the Triple Decker Retrofit Pilot. This pilot builds on the lessons learned from our Triple Decker Design Challenge and will offer selected triple decker owners: Technical support to implement a high-efficiency, all-electric retrofit Financial incentives: Up to $70,000 for a standard triple decker retrofit Up to $125,000 for triple deckers adding a new unit as part of the project Performance monitoring  This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your triple decker into the 21st century! Please share this opportunity with your network! If you might be interested, please reach out with any and all questions to buildings@masscec.com.   Learn More & Apply Copyright © 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 294 Washington St. Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02108

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - National Influenza Vaccination Week

It is National Influenza Vaccination Week. 

With flu cases on the rise stay protected and get vaccinated! 

To learn more visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Visit this topic here: https://franklintown.regroup.com/networks/franklintown/groups/health-department/topics/weekly-wellness-update-2022120708294

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Sign up for notifications from the Health Dept ->   https://franklintown.regroup.com/network/franklintown/preferences/profile

If you already have an account, go to "Groups" and add "Health Dept"

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - National Influenza Vaccination Week

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Dec 9, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:30 am New England Irish Harp Orchestra 12-10-17

9:00 am Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

11:00 am Senior Connection: Council on Aging

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Banana Bread

12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Straight Talk on Pain Medication

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History: Pt. 3

4:00 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

5:00 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2022

7:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads

8:30 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

8:30 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

9:30 am Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium

11:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Oliver Ames 09-07-22

1:30 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

3:00 pm FHS PCC: Vaping Forum

5:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History: Pt. 3

5:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Concord-Carlisle 10-06-22

8:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Leominster 11-10-22

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 12-01-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 12-01-22

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)

Board of Health to move to risk based inspections, schedule public hearing on reflexology regulations (audio)

FM #894 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 894 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. All three board members participated, 2 in room, 1 remote (hence roll call votes). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room except for the inspector. 

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on proposed reflexology regulations being scheduled for Jan 4, 2023 meeting

• Admin assistant position being posted in January to extend search to external candidates

• Move from 2 times per year inspection for all food license holders to a risk based approach to begin in January. Higher risk food handling establishments would have more frequent inspections, lower risk establishments would have less. The risk ranking scale is part of what will be communicated with the establishments before January

• Capture of food waste pilot program a success at Keller-Sullivan, Channel 10 had a crew in to do a story on it, will be expanded to other schools and to Senior Center. Suggested to include Tri-County

The meeting runs about 30  minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Dec 7, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-894-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-12-07-22

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The agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/agenda_12-7-2022.pdf

   

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JgMe8eN2kcrDnr0N0Hgrcb45pqzVv-RT/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"

Board of Health to move to risk based inspections, schedule public hearing on reflexology regulations (audio)