The Friends of Franklin Library Announce Scholarship Award to Gwenne Balcius

Gwenne Balcius has won The Friends of Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters. Balcius, a 2022 Franklin High School graduate, received $1,000 toward the cost of her college education.

Balcius was selected as the contest winner based on her essay about someone who inspired her. Rather than identify a lone individual, Balcius wrote about the many librarians she encountered during her military family's moves from California to Virginia to Massachusetts. 

"I ask you to consider the collective influence of every librarian I crossed paths with over the course of my life … the librarians with their subtle encouragement as I checked out mountains of books in Carlsbad, the librarian who became one of my first friends in Chesapeake, and the librarians who helped me feel at home in a place I knew I wouldn't stay long," Balcius wrote in her winning essay.

Now in her first year at Clark University in Worcester, Balcius is studying education with plans to pursue an advanced degree in library science. Her goal is to one day become a librarian as inspiring as the ones who influenced her along her own journey.

"In 2022, we received over 30 applications to review and essays to read," said Lisa Rein, president of FoFL's board. "The prompt we chose this past year reflects the continuing challenges from a pandemic and the heroes who help us navigate difficult situations. Gwenne's essay was so heartfelt and aligned well with her affection for libraries and the librarians who work there."

The Friends of Franklin Library, an independent, non-profit organization committed to supporting the Franklin Public Library, established its scholarship program in 2014. The annual scholarship is part of several efforts undertaken to honor the late Wilma Winters, a longtime Franklin resident and library supporter. Winters, who had a long career in higher education, worked for many years as a librarian, including at Boston University Medical School and Harvard's School of Public Health. She spent her retirement years volunteering at the Franklin Public Library.

The scholarship program has assisted college-bound Franklin students in each of the past eight years. It will be awarded again this year to a member of the Class of 2023. Essay entries will be coordinated through the school's guidance department.

Members of the Friends of Franklin Library's board recently presented Gwenne Blacius, left, with a check for winning the Friends' annual essay contest

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included) - Thursday Jan 26

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included) 

- Thursday Jan 26 - 6 PM

The Conservation Commission will hold its second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, January 26 at 6 PM. 

In case you'll miss the meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, January 27 between 10 and 11 AM in the third floor training room at Town Hall. 

Bring your ideas and see you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-municipal-recreation-facilities-and-parks-ada

Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan

FHS girls basketball team tops Mansfield on Tuesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Girls Basketball = Mansfield, 55 @ Franklin, 63 – Final 

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

Even though Franklin and Mansfield are now competing in separate divisions, the rivalry remains between the two programs and the expectations remain for a tough, physical matchup. It may not be the prettiest game, but it’s guaranteed to be competitive.

On Tuesday night in Franklin, the two teams met for the only time this winter. The game was back-and-forth from the opening whistle, with eight ties and 15 lead changes. Through the first three quarters no team managed to lead by more than five points. Franklin went on an 8-0 run in the final minute of the game, extending the lead to double digits, and that was enough to hold off the Hornets for a 63-55 win.

“We tried to get them out of their sets,” Franklin coach John Leighton explained. “Obviously, they still scored a lot of points, but I think they had to grind a little bit more for them. That was the kind of game we wanted.”

Asked about the importance of being challenged like the Panthers were on Tuesday, Leighton replied, “It’s huge. This what playoff basketball feels like. We want to play way better than this when we get there, but this gets you ready for it.”

Continue reading the recap ->

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-grinds-out-tough-win-over-mansfield/

For a photo gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Winter-2022-2023/Franklin-Mansfield-Girls-Basketball-01-24-23/

Sophomore Chloe Fales drives baseline in the second half of Franklin’s win over Mansfield. Fales scored 11 of her 14 points in the second half of the 63-55 win. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 46 @ Mansfield, 56 – Final 

Ryan Lanigan,  founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

Franklin and Mansfield are no longer competing for the same division title in the Hockomock League but that hasn’t changed anything in this rivalry. 

The Hornets got off to a strong start offensively, locked in defensively all night long, and junior Trevor Foley had a big second half en route to a 56-46 win over the Panthers in the lone meeting of the season.

Mansfield hit five of its nine three-pointers inside the first eight minutes and forced Franklin into 12 of its 16 turnovers in the first half, limiting the visitors to just four points in the second quarter.

Foley had a quiet first half with just one make but roared to life in the second half, scoring 15 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the floor while hauling in eight rebounds. His one-handed slam gave Mansfield its largest lead (38-26) with three minutes to go in the third quarter, capping a 10-point quarter for the junior.

Continue reading the recap -> 

https://hockomocksports.com/strong-defense-helps-mansfield-boys-basketball-knock-off-rival-franklin/

For a photo gallery from this game -> 

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Winter-2022-2023/Mansfield-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-01-24-23/

FHS Panthers

FHS Gymnastics catches up with the details on recent Senior Night

FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) tweeted on Tue, Jan 24, 2023:

"SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs. So proud of this team!! "  https://t.co/jc5Pj9uRAt

"Such a fun night celebrating our seniors!! The energy competing against Canton is always our teams favorite. Great coach, great team spirit! Congratulations to the Canton Seniors as well. Lots to talk about! 

Top 4 - Vault - Molly Chandler 8.1, Senior Captain Emma Nelson 8.0, Abby Scotland 7.7, Molly D'Amato 7.6. 

Bars - Senior Captain Emma 8.55, Abby Robillard 7.6, Ciara O'Brien 7.6 season high, Senior Captain Maia Keohane 7.5. Shout out to Senior Katie Valutkevich for her season high of 7.35. 

Beam - SENIORS DOMINATED- Senior Captain Olivia Reagan 8.55, Senior Captain Maia 8.5, Senior Captain Emma 8.4, Senior Katie Valutkevich 8.1. 

Floor -Drum Roll season high and Career high from Senior Captain Maia 9.3 that routine was SPECTACULAR, Followed up by Senior Captain putting down her second meet in a row of a season high of 8.8, Ryann Chandler 8.4, and Senior Katie with her 3rd season high of 8.3, way to be consistent!!. 

So proud of these girls love coaching them and watching them bond, grow and work hard! 

Home meet Friday vs a tough Attleboro at All Around Gymnastics Academy 8:30 PM be there!"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1617892300558069763

SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs

Consensus on the MA revenue forecast remains to be set but 2 hours of hearing updates gets it started

"TOP BUDGET OFFICIALS from the Legislature say they intend to abide by the will of the voters and make sure all revenue from the new millionaire tax goes to “new initiatives” in transportation and education.

Exactly what would qualify as a “new initiative” hasn’t been decided yet (is a new bus or subway car a new initiative?), nor has any decision been made on whether the money would be evenly split between education and transportation.

“That’s all to be discussed,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues, the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/special-treatment-considered-for-revenue-from-millionaire-tax/

"STATE REVENUES are expected to rise slightly in the coming fiscal year, but top budget officials from the Legislature and Healey administration say it’s still unclear whether there is enough money to enact permanent tax cuts.

At the end of last year’s legislative session, former governor Charles Baker and Senate leaders wanted to press ahead with $500 million in permanent tax cuts in addition to nearly $3 billion in one-time refunds from the state’s tax cap law."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/top-budget-officials-still-undecided-on-tax-cuts/

"State revenue officials said Tuesday they could collect at least $1.4 billion — and perhaps up to $1.7 billion — next fiscal year from Massachusetts’ newly enshrined tax on its wealthiest earners, kick-starting months of debate over how to steer the new injection of tax money.

The projection, offered Tuesday in a legislative hearing, marked the first official estimate state officials have provided on what they think the so-called “millionaires tax” will contribute to coffers in its first year since taking effect Jan. 1. Narrowly passed by voters on the November ballot, the measure increases the state’s 5 percent income tax rate to 9 percent on annual income exceeding $1 million."

Continue reading the article in the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/24/metro/new-millionaires-tax-could-generate-least-14-billion-next-year-state-officials-project/

The 2 hour hearing that generated these articles is available for video replay on your schedule  https://malegislature.gov/Events/SpecialEvents/Detail/403/Video1

The Big 3 on budget issues: From left, Matthew Gorzkowicz, Gov. Maura Healey's secretary of administration and finance; Sen. Michael Rodrigues, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee; and Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

FHS Best Buddies Students vs. Teachers game Saturday (1/28/23), a fund raiser for their prom

FHS Best Buddies (@BestFHSBuddies) tweeted Mon, Jan 23, 2023:

"Show out this Saturday, the 28th, for our students vs. staff basketball game‼️ 

$5 per ticket: you can pay either at the door or on unibank! 

Proceeds go towards funding Best Buddies Prom. Teachers interested in playing can click the link in our bio to sign up!!" 

 https://t.co/JgoKAcbnjc

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/BestFHSBuddies/status/1617701594832994306

FHS Best Buddies Students vs. Teachers game Saturday (1/28/23), a fund raiser for their prom

School Committee meeting Jan 25, 2023 video replay available (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan 25, 2023. They reviewed the FHS program of studies, approved a new community into the Accept Collaborative, and entered executive session to close the session. 

The Franklin TV video of the meeting is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/6f53S5iyXpU

The meeting audio recording will be available in a day or so. My notes from the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWMoZmkmt2nkhBczlP0QYMBbBVPrew5d/view?usp=share_link

FHS Principal Josh Hanna

Debunking some appliance use myths, some practical info on energy savings

"When I was a kid, my dad followed behind me, shutting off the incandescent lights I left burning around the house. “You’re wasting energy,” he’d scold as I tried to slip out of the room. He was right, of course. In the 1980s, 5 to 10 percent of an average household’s electricity bill went to keeping the lights on. So when my own son was born last June, my dad joked he was waiting for the day when his grandson would exact his revenge on my utility bill.

Luckily for me, this day will never come. I’ve been rescued by LED lights, now the primary lighting source for about half of U.S. homes. LEDs are wafers of semiconducting material that emit as much light as incandescent bulbs while using about 10 percent of the electricity. Later this year, incandescent bulbs will disappear from store shelves for good as new federal efficiency standards take effect. If it isn’t already, your home lighting will soon be a rounding error on your energy budget.

Yet many people still sound like my dad. When you ask Americans how they save energy at home, “turn off the lights” has been at the top of the list since the 1980s. But when it comes to actual savings, it doesn’t even crack the top 10. Like most conventional wisdom about how to reduce household energy and emissions, much of what we believe about our homes and appliances is wrong."

Continue reading about some home appliance myths that linger (subscription maybe required) ->  https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/01/24/home-appliance-myths-energy-saving-tips/ 

Don’t pre-rinse. Run your dishwasher.

Tickets are Going Fast: HMEA Presents Studio Two | A Tribute to The Beatles at THE BLACK BOX - Feb 25

Don't Miss your Chance to Dance!

Everyone is invited for a night of live music at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA on Saturday, February 25, 2023! HMEA is pleased to present: Studio Two: A Tribute to the Early Years of The Beatles! All tickets include event entry, door prize drawing entry, access to the cash bar, raffle area, and complimentary dessert bar. Reserved tables with premium seating now available! Door Prize valued at $500 Raffle Prize packages valued at $250 and up Don't miss your chance to dance the night away - and win BIG! Purchase Tickets Prizes include: Apple AirPods Pro + Apple Gift Card | Stainless Steel Patio Heater + Craft Cocktail Set | SoloStove Stainless Firepit + Yeti Tumblers | Charcoal Smoker + BBQ Tools Set | & More! Share On Facebook Share on LinkedIn Benefits include free event tickets, bonus raffle and door prize tickets, and an exclusive opportunity to meet the band! With sponsor levels starting at just $100, there's something to meet every budget! View Sponsor Opportunities Set up for the event, greet guests, sell raffle tickets, take photos, and help with other important volunteer roles. Volunteers receive free event admission, 10 free raffle tickets, a door prize drawing entry, access to the dessert bar, and as much time on the dance floor as they'd like! Must be at least 15 years of age to volunteer. Volunteer shifts can be flexible, depending on ability and availability. Questions about volunteering? Contact Sam Shepherd sshepherd@hmea.org Sign Up to Volunteer All proceeds benefit the programs of HMEA, supporting more than 5,000 children, adults, and families throughout MA and RI. HMEA's mission is to teach, support, and empower people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to live meaningful lives of their choice. Thanks for your support!

HMEA | 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by hmea@hmea.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Charles River Drive and Echo Bridge Road Micro-Surfacing Pavement Treatment Project Bids open 1/24/23

Charles River Drive and Echo Bridge Road Micro-Surfacing Pavement Treatment Project

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of furnishing and applying a Micro-Surfacing Pavement Treatment on Charles River Drive and Echo Bridge Road in the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Charles River Dr. and Echo Bridge Rd. Micro-Surfacing Pavement Treatment Project

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/bids

Town of Franklin

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Jan 25, 2023

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features the Downtown Zoning discussion with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/downtown-zoning-discussion-with-derrico.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This hour features the recent Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer as we condense the 1/18/23 meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/town-council-quarterbacking-session.html

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

7:30 am    It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce

8:30 am    Madalene Village Environmental Review

10:00 am    Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

11:30 am    Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm    Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm    Sandya: Pasta

1:00 pm    Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Vaping Education

1:30 pm    Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm    New England Candlepins: Show 3

3:00 pm    Candlepin New Generation: Show 12

3:30 pm    Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion

4:45 pm    Veterans' Call: VA Pension

6:00 pm    Concerts on the Common: Heather Deary & Carolyn Rae

9:00 pm    The Black Box: Wicked

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

7:00 am    Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

8:30 am    Franklin Rec Basketball: 3x3 Tournament Game 5

10:00 am    SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

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

12:30 pm    FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v N. Attleboro 01-13-23

2:30 pm    FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Medway 01-13-23

5:00 pm    Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

6:30 pm    FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v King Philip 01-21-23

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

8:00 am    Town Council: 01-18-23

11:30 am    Finance Committee: 01-11-23

2:00 pm    Town Council: 01-18-23

6:00 pm    Economic Development Committee:  LIVE, Chambers 824 7438 3439

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)

Not just for Newcomers . . . acupuncture insights on Feb 8, 2023 at Escape Into Fiction

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club February Meeting. Club member Gloria Lee, a licensed acupuncturist, is going to share information about her field. She’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about acupuncture.

Join us at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street, Franklin on Wednesday, February 8th at 7:00. Light refreshments will be served. Come early and browse/shop the store or grab a bite beforehand nearby. 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.

We are so thankful for the generosity and kindness that April Rock, Owner, Escape Into Fiction, has bestowed on us this year. She’s more than humble so it might not be known to you how generous she is to our community. Teachers especially should know that she keeps a Teacher Wish List at the register. All Teachers are welcome to sign up. If you are a teacher, April is an amazing resource for you and your classroom.

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

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

Not just for Newcomers . . . acupuncture insights on Feb 8, 2023 at Escape Into Fiction

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - Annual Hearing - Feb 7. 2023

The Franklin Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 7 at 7:00 PM. This informational hearing will involve a discussion of Franklin’s needs, possibilities and resources regarding community preservation and the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address these issues, as permitted by the CPA.

This meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street and remotely via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

If you have any questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-01-24_cpc_legal_ad_for_website.pdf

This was originally scheduled for Jan 17, 2023 and canceled.

https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/agenda/january-17-cpc-agenda-canceled

Updated meeting schedule for 2023 ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2023_cpc_meeting_schedule.pdf

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - Annual Hearing - Feb 7. 2023

Franklin Recreation: Spring Brochure for 2023

275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. 02038 • (508) 613-1666 • http://franklinma.myrec.com/ Good Afternoon, We are excited to release our 2023 Spring Brochure! Registration for all Spring Programs will open on February 6th at 8:30 AM. Registration for our Summer Camp will open March 1st. We hope to see you this Spring! 2023 Spring Brochure Spring Brochure 2023.pdf

Get some fudge for Valentine's Day and help the Friends of the Franklin Library; orders due Feb 3, 2023

The Friends of the Franklin Library has partnered with The Fudge Lady of Uxbridge for a fudge sale. You will be able to choose from 14 delicious specialty fudge flavors. With Valentine's Day coming up, this is the perfect gift for that special someone, your friends, family, co-workers or yourself. (Treat yourself!) 

 

All proceeds will help the Friends of the Franklin Library continue to support and fund a variety of library-run programs, services, and initiatives at our beloved Franklin Public Library. 

 

OK - are you ready to order your tasty treats? Great, here's how: 

1.     Click here for the order form https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/friends_fudge_fundraiser_order_form.pdf

2.     Print the form and choose which types of fudge you'd like (hard choices!) 

3.     Mail your form and check to the below address: 

Friends of the Franklin Library 

PO Box 147 

Franklin, MA 02038

4.     Pick up your delectable fudge during one of the pick-up times

5.     Share (or don't - we won't tell!) 

All orders are due by Friday, February 3 and will be ready for pick up ahead of Valentine's Day. 

 

We thank you for your continued support! 

 

Best, 

Friends of the Franklin Library 

Get some fudge for Valentine's Day and help the Friends of the Franklin Library