An Update from Your Congressman Jake Auchincloss - March 10, 2023

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill China Select Committee Hearing: Last week, I participated in the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party's first hearing, where we discussed the CCP's threat to America. I spoke about my belief that competing with the CCP on values starts with defending those values at home. As I said in the hearing, January 6th, 2021 was Xi Jinping's best day in office. We must heal and strengthen American democracy if we're going to advance democracy globally. You can read more about our first hearing here. Taiwan: Yesterday, I spoke about my trip to Taiwan and the need for the United States to maintain a strong partnership with the island. I met with the president, government officials of both parties, business executives, and military commanders. The trip reaffirmed that we must remain committed to standing up to the Chinese Communist Party. The United States and Taiwan should help support each other's democracies through collaboration on countering disinformation and propaganda. We should also strengthen one another's economies through increased flows of trade and investment. Specifically, we should negotiate expanded market access, common rules, and the end of double taxation on Taiwanese investment in the United States, which is especially critical as we seek to revive US semiconductor manufacturing. As the United States seeks to strengthen our position in the Indo-Pacific, let us commit to Taiwan as a long-term ally. Environmental Scorecard: I am proud to have received an "A" rating from the League of Conservation Voters for the third year in a row. As a young parent, I am focused on leaving the planet better than we found it – and my voting record in Congress reflects that. Since the start of my first term, I have been a leading proponent of offshore wind development off Massachusetts' South Coast. From supporting clean energy to expanding transit to safeguarding our water, we must protect and heal our planet. I will continue to support legislation that advances environmental stewardship and advances the clean energy transition in the 118th Congress. Make your voice heard → What do you think about offshore wind? Do you support offshore wind as a clean energy source? Around the Fourth OpusNewton Groundbreaking: Earlier this week, I attended the groundbreaking for OpusNewton, a 174-unit apartment building for middle-income older adults who don't qualify for subsidized housing, but cannot afford market-rate units. I was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, State Senator Cynthia Creem, and Mayor of Newton Ruthanne Fuller in celebrating the production of more housing. We must continue to support developments like this one as Massachusetts grapples with its biggest challenge: the cost of housing. Town Halls: I'm hosting a series of three town halls tomorrow, March 11, in Milford, Attleboro, and Fall River. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you, hear your concerns, and answer your questions about Congress. You will also have an opportunity to connect with my staff to avail yourself of casework services in our office. If you'd like to attend, please see below the details and links to RSVP for each town hall. I hope to see you there. Milford Town Hall Saturday, March 11th 10:30 AM-11:30 AM Milford Town Hall 52 Main St, Milford, MA 01757 RSVP Here Attleboro Town Hall Saturday, March 11th 12:30 PM-1:30 PM Sweet Community House 44 Peck St, Attleboro, MA 02703 RSVP Here Fall River Town Hall Saturday, March 11th 2:30 PM-3:30 PM Fall River Government Center 1 Government Center, Fall River, MA 02720 RSVP Here Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Are you a Pickleballer?! Play and help the SAFE Coalition!!

Hello SAFE Community!

Are you a Pickleballer? 

Come out and join us on March 26th to test those skills!

Beginner and Advanced Team options

No gear? No problem! We have you covered!

Raffle items, fabulous gift bags, healthy competition!

 

Your support will help continue the groundbreaking work by the SAFE Coalition which is to listen to the needs of the community and develop compassionate styles of care for anyone impacted by mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault. All our programs remain free of charge to any community member interested in care.

We look forward to seeing you!   

Sign up here -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/pickleball

Warmly,

Jen Levine

CEO, co-founder

SAFE Coalition

Our Contact Information

SAFE Coalition

31 Hayward St., Unit 2c

Franklin, MA 02038-0434

774 847 9474          http://www.safecoalitionma.org

Are you a Pickleballer?! Play and help the SAFE Coalition!!

Tri-County gets grant for a food truck, scheduled to roll out in Fall 2023

"Tri-County was awarded a Capital Skills grant for $499,999 for Culinary Arts! TC is the proud new owner of a food truck and with the rest plans to buy a great deal of new equipment. 

Tri-County will hold a competition to name the food truck! Our graphic communications students will compete to come up with the design for the truck. 

The retrofitting is planned to be completed by the fall! 

Get ready TC community here we come to feed you! "

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpns9DLyPvh/

Tri-County gets grant for a food truck, scheduled to roll out in Fall 2023

Franklin Q&A scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Due to the partial opening of the Senior Center this week, and due to the Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner with the Franklin Fire Dept on March 15 (sold out), the monthly Q&A session will be scheduled for Wednesday, March 22 and available in person as well as via Zoom.

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

• If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, email me, or comment on this post  ->  https://forms.gle/ceEcaXZTvD879HpL9

Download this flyer to share with a friend or neighbor ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ltVU33ULQO3WVQUiZtZxbmPWa_HkGMsv/view?usp=share_link

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for Human Resources, Town Administration, DPW, Facilities & more (updated)

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Benefits Coordinator - Human Resources Department

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Deputy Town Administrator - Office of Town Administrator

Staff Engineer - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 03/10/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for Human Resources, Town Administration, DPW, Facilities & more (updated) 

The Guardian: turf issue link to Phillies health?; heat pump explainer

“There is a high number of Philadelphia Phillies diagnosed with this rare cancer and it looks weird, so that should be a red flag,” said Bennett. “We don’t know what those chemicals are doing to us – what happened to exercising caution when we’re talking about human health?”

However, all brain cancer experts who have spoken with the Guardian or were quoted in previous stories on the Phillies deaths cautioned that it is impossible to prove that the ball players’ cancers were caused by PFAS from the turf.

“The bottom line is anything in the world is possible, but what’s plausible and provable are totally different things,” said Henry Friedman, a neuro-oncologist at Duke University who treated two of the players. “There is no way to now say, ‘If these chemicals are there, they are causing the tumors.’”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/10/phillies-ball-players-cancer-artifical-turf

"Few climate technologies have ever had a moment quite like the one heat pumps are currently enjoying.

While the share of electric vehicles and induction stoves sales may be growing, they still represent a sliver of all cars and stoves sold respectively. US heat pump sales, though, surpassed those of gas furnaces last year as the tech of choice to keep homes comfortable.

The sudden rise of the heat pump may have you wondering: what actually are they, how do they work, and are there incentives that can help lower the price?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/11/heat-pump-revolution-what-you-need-to-know

A heat pump can do both – warm and cool the house depending on the season. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for Veterans - March 24

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for Veterans

Friday, March 24, 6:15 PM - Vets and Spouses/Partners Invited!

Christopher Boehm, Veteran, and Certified Yoga Instructor, invites Vets and their spouses/partners to join him on Friday, March 24 at 6:15 PM for a FREE BEGINNER yoga class at Franklin Family Karate.

Interested? Email Chris at: christopher.m.boehm@gmail.com

See flier for details!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/free-beginner-veterans-yoga-class

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for  Veterans - March 24

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda for Mar 14, 2023 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

March 14, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                                              Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Parmenter Highlights

B. FY24 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Franklin School Committee Resolution Special Education Circuit Breaker Funding

I recommend support of the resolution for Special Education Circuit Breaker

funding as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_resolution-_circuit_breaker.pdf

B. Franklin School Committee Resolution Universal Free School Meals

I recommend support of the resolution for Universal Free School Meals as

discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_resolution_free_meals.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 28, 2023 School

Committee meeting as detailed.

B. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1158.60 from the JFK PCC for

supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to

collective bargaining with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and

Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on

the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so

declares.

X. Adjournment 

The agenda doc includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-14-23.pdf

The meeting packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (not all documents are released Before the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-14-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda for Mar 14, 2023 - 7 PM

Franklin Senior Center update on opening status for week of March 13 - 17, 2023

Hello Everyone!

Next week, the Franklin Senior Center will continue to be open only partially. The Senior Center's Common Grounds Café and attached multipurpose room will be open and fully functional. Although the rest of the building will still be inaccessible, we are able to have breakfast and lunch daily, as well as varied programming throughout the week! Everyone will need to enter through the multi purpose room doors (to the left of the main entrance), as entrance into the lobby will be prohibited while construction is happening. 

On Wednesday, March 15th, there will not be any programming at the Senior Center and the café will be closed due to our Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner with the Franklin Fire Dept., which is already sold out!

The programming schedule will be posted on our website and social media, or you can give us a call at 508-520-4945 to see what programs are available to you if you do not have computer access.

The hope is the rest of the building is mostly back is open as of the following Monday, March 20th.

Thanks for your understanding and patience!

-Danielle Hopkins, 
Franklin Senior Center Director

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/franklin-senior-center-update-on-opening-status-for-week-of-march-13-2023

programming schedule

Franklin Senior Center update on opening status for week of March 13 - 17,  2023

Participate in the virtual Redistricting Analysis Forum - March 13 at 6 PM; or at least provide input to the survey

Did you miss the first Redistricting Analysis forum on March 7? Join us March 13, at 6 PM, via Zoom https://buff.ly/3miXR6e 

The same information as presented on March 7 will be covered as well on March 13. Unable to participate in either session? We encourage you to review the presentation & complete the corresponding survey.

The Story Map outlines the case for redistricting and the three options: https://buff.ly/3l2fRlm The audio recording of the March 7 session is available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/less-than-20-participate-in.html

The Survey facilitates your feedback on the three options: https://buff.ly/421zoTp

Redistricting Analysis Forum - March 13 at 6 PM

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1633588658484953088

When "No" means "yes, but not now - wait a year"

Per Alan Earl's update in the recent Franklin Observer about the proposed demolition of the carriage house at 201 Main St:

"After some more comments from Kelly and questions and comments from commissioners, the chair, Mary Olsson, asked for and received a motion to close the hearing. She then asked for a motion to approve the demolition. The motion was duly made and seconded and each commissioner, including the chair then voted and all voted no.

That vote sets the clock ticking on a one year delay, after which, the Archdiocese will be free to bulldoze the site if it hasn't found another alternative to demolition in the meantime."

Per email with Mary Olsson to clarify the "No" vote, she responded

"Sadly the only power we have is to delay the demolition of a building for one year. In that time we hope that the owner would come up with some alternative to bulldozing the building. 

After the one year, they can do as they please. In the case of the carriage house, because of it's historic significance and certainly it's uniqueness, there will be some effort to save the building one way or another. 

But you are correct, it's 'no' for now, but eventually 'yes' if they so choose.

The meeting agenda (originally scheduled for Feb 22, then rescheduled at last minute to March 8)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/reminder-historical-commission.html
 

The Franklin Observer article -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/148401/demolition-carriage-house-denied-historical-commission

****

view from Queen St

view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner

view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)

view of parking lot side of building

view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building

One Day Away!! - LiveARTS Young Artists Showcase - March 12, 2023 - 3 PM

Mar. 12th at 3:00pm at the First Universalist Society in Franklin

Hear them here first! Young Artists Showcase Join us this coming Sunday, March 12.   This Sunday, come and join us for LiveARTS' very first Young Artists Showcase! This is a very special opportunity to meet and support the emerging artists of tomorrow. You won't want to miss it! Program to include Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, Donizetti's Una Furtiva Lagrima, Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso, and much more! This Sunday, March 12 - Time: 3:00 PM Location: First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin MA Presenting students from the studios of  master teachers and performers: Victor Rosenbaum Marilyn Roth (New England Conservatory) Tanya Schwartzman (Sharon Academy of Music) Sandra Evans (Chaminade Club of Attleboro) Sooyun Kim (Longy School of Music) Sheila Falls and Joanne Mouradjian (Wheaton College) 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

Spring ahead!! And lock your car(s)

"Here’s your friendly reminder to lock your cars. When you turn in for the night…lock your cars. 

When you run into a store…lock your cars. 

When your car is parked in your driveway or your neighborhood and you think, my car will never be broken into…lock your cars. 

When your car is unattended for any amount of time…lock your cars.

Communities across Massachusetts are experiencing larcenies from motor vehicles believed to be conducted by the “Felony Lane Gang.” Their MO is simple. They check for unlocked and unattended cars, IDs, purses, debit cards, and checkbooks. 

They’ll then try to cash or withdraw large amounts of money from these accounts. 

Prevent yourself from being their next victim by…locking your cars."

 

Shared from Franklin (MA) Police Dept Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/CpnbiiQOBJP/

Franklin Police Dept -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department

Spring ahead!! And lock your car(s)

Thick Paint Extravaganza Plein Air! - Workshop on June 3, 2023

The Franklin Art Association is sponsoring a plein air landscape acrylic painting workshop with acclaimed artist and instructor Lenny Moskowitz on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 10 AM to 5 PM. 

The workshop will take place at Charles River & Mine Brook riverside junction in Franklin, 11 Haverstock Road, Franklin (backyard of FAA Vice President Susan Plume).  For more information, see the attached flyer. 

The deadline for signups is May 20, 2023 and the fee is $75.  

The class size is limited to 8, so to reserve your spot (contact susan_plume@yahoo.com and mail your check for $75 payable to Franklin Art Association to:  Treasurer, Franklin Art Association, 279 East Central Street, PMB 289, Franklin MA 02038

Shared from ->   https://facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3398350553768280/

   

Thick Paint Extravaganza Plein Air! - Workshop on June 3, 2023