Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus. 

Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Chancellor Ed Augustus for this session to include his insights as former Town Manager of Worcester, MA and the lessons from the Worcester experience that might be considered for Franklin. 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23

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

Principles of walkability: useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. Watch the TED Talk with Jeff Speck - https://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_speck_the_walkable_city

Jane Jacobs writer and activist on urban design wrote her book in 1961  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_and_Life_of_Great_American_Cities  

Center for Living City is an organization that continues in the spirit of her work ->    https://centerforthelivingcity.org/janejacobs/#jane-and-the-center

Other podcast episodes in this series:

4th discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Brad (FM #942) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/listen-to-this-discussion-on-housing.html 

3rd discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Joel D’errico  (FM #922) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/downtown-zoning-discussion-with-derrico.html 

2nd discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December (FM #904) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 

1st discussion on Franklin For All project -> (FM # 755) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.html

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

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"

Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

Maybe you can help support the Amego School Prom April 7, 2023

Prom Night

"Once Upon A Time"   Our staff and students at Amego's School in Franklin are so excited about Prom Night on Friday, April 7th.  They chose a "Once Upon A Time" theme and we hope you can donate attire for our students.   Please consider donating gently used/new attire. Our biggest need is for men's attire including shirts, ties, and pants of all sizes. Donations can be dropped off at our School (122 Grove Street, Franklin-School Entrance) or Administrative Offices (33 Perry Avenue, Attleboro) between 8:30 AM and 4:00 AM (Monday through Friday).   All donations need to be dropped off by Friday, March 31st.  If you have any questions, please call 508-455-6245. Your support will make their night magical! Thank you! #amegoprom2023  #amegodisneythemeprom2023 #amegoschool   Amego, Inc., 33 Perry Ave, Attleboro, MA 02703, United States, 508-455-6200

Applause: Gelato and one of a kind gift shop to open next month in Franklin

Franklin residents are in for a sweet addition to their downtown Main Street this Spring.  Applause, a Gelato Shop and Unique Finds gift store is set to debut at 34 Main Street, the former location of The Spotlight Shop.

This is the first Gelateria to be offered in Franklin, and the only one within a 20-mile radius of the downtown area.  The aim is to offer a true artisan Italian-style Gelato shop in Franklin, featuring flavors that deliver unparalleled texture and taste.  In keeping with Italian tradition, Applause Gelato will offer authentic Gelato perfection in every bite with the use of the finest ingredients from around the world including Real Belgium Chocolate, Italian Nut Paste, Argentine Dulce de Leche, Alphonso Mangos from India, Sicilian Blood Oranges, Madagascar Vanilla, and more.  

The shop will offer eight flavors in rotation including vegan options.  Customers can expect to see classics like Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Cookies and Cream, and Coffee gelato, but also more complex flavor profiles, such as Bourbon Vanilla Apple Crisp, Roasted Banana Dolce de Leche, and Maple Roasted Butter Pecan.

Founder and Franklin resident Raye Lynn Mercer, who is the Director of the neighboring Franklin School for the Performing Arts, is an avid traveler with an affinity for European Culture.  Her 20+ years of annual travel to Europe with her teen sensation music ensemble, Electric Youth, was the impetus for her unique vision to offer an authentic, European dessert experience in the heart of our downtown.  “I hope Applause provides a unique experience for patrons and helps draw visitors to Main Street,” says Mercer.

Perhaps what makes this experience different from any other, is its fusion of artisan Gelato with artisan gifts within a one of kind retail space; a space which incorporates bold colors, eclectic exuberance, and European tradition with a modern flair. From copper ceiling and stools, to modern pendants and beautiful live edge counters, the shop features classic interiors that have been beautifully reimagined for today's taste, with a vibrant traditional European look.  

The concept and design of the space and management of the renovation has been under the direction of Marcie DiChiara and Kylie Bodiya of Franklin.  “It has been a thrilling opportunity to be a part of the creative design team for Applause,” DiChiara notes.  From inception to the final finishing touches, we really strived to created a particularly unique and inviting aesthetic.  I think Franklin residents will be excited to have this new addition in the heart of their downtown.”

Mercer adds, “Our goal is to marry the concept of a Gelateria with a unique, one of a kind global treasures gift shop.  The product offerings in our retail space will be made up of one off, custom curated, and hand-crafted pieces, specially selected for Applause.”  Inspired by her global adventures, her aim is to offer gifts such as jewelry, apparel, home accents and art pieces that are one of a kind, and never duplicated.  Mercer also plans to incorporate some local flair into the mix as well, drawing from local artists and creators who offer unique giftables and artisan treasures.

Applause will celebrate with a formal ribbon cutting by invitation on April 6th and will be featured at the annual Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX on April 7th.  Doors will open to the public on Saturday, April 8, noon – 4:00 p.m. 

Preliminary spring hours of operation will be Wednesday – Friday, 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.  When you are welcomed into Applause, whatever you do… don’t call it ice cream!

rendering of "Applause" the new gelato shop downtown

Lifelong Community Learning looking to hire a part-time Program Manager for Community Learning

"We’re looking for an energetic people-person to create local partnerships and plan programs and events for the Lifelong Community Learning department.  

For details, go to http://bit.ly/3JpLRaX."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FPSLearning/status/1636451999968374786

Lifelong Community Learning looking to hire a part-time Program Manager for Community Learning

Photos from the FHS Cheerleaders 1st place in New England

Thanks to the Zubs for creating the folder and sharing the album of photos of the FHS Cheerleaders team

Folder -> https://www.thezubs.photos/2023/2022-23-FHS-Cheer/2023-03-18-New-Englands-FHS-Varsity-Cheer/

Shared from Instagram (by following the links accordingly) ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/CqEoRwvKoAK/

Photos from the FHS Cheerleaders 1st place in New England

What do you want to tell the Survey about Arts & Culture in Franklin?

The survey to provide input on arts & culture in Franklin is open ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4AWODps2aVQd_tzHIGfcJBRwUdpvYB9jK3hgfxploSWc7zw/viewform

Or use the QR Code in the image to get to the survey -> 

The Arts & Culture Survey is open for your input!

You can also participate in the Listening Tour; next stop Apr 28 at the Franklin Library. Additional details on the tour stops -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/youre-invited-franklin-arts-culture-listening-tour

   

The Arts & Culture listening tour

Behind the scenes with the Dean College cast of "Pippin"

It’s opening night for the School of the Arts production of "Pippin"! 🎭 Cast members Victoria S. ’23, Heather D. ’23 and Aiden D. ’26 take us behind the scenes to show us how they've been preparing for the performance! 

Visit the link in our bio to learn more -> https://www.dean.edu/news-events/dean-college-blog/story/we-ve-got-magic-to-do-q-a-with-the-cast-of-pippin/

Behind the scenes with the Dean College cast of "Pippin"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CqGA041OUyj/

Sustainable Edible Landscaping - virtual event - March 25 - 11 AM

"Join Naturalist and Landscaper John Root to learn about the variety of beautiful and edible plants that are hardy for our region of the world. 

Begin your more sustainable, eco-friendly yard adventure here!"

Remote Option (registration required):   https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvce2hpzsvGdAYfC4LeBhclAZbJ6nQCuje

Sustainable Edible Landscaping - virtual event - March 25 - 11 AM

Shared from the Franklin Library -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/sustainable-edible-landscaping-march-25-1100-am

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Tax Assistance for Veterans

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Tax Assistance for Veterans

State Taxes Only

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/free-tax-preparation-qualified-veterans

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Tax Assistance for Veterans - State Taxes Only

Norfolk Deeds reveals Top 10 real estate sales in 2022 (video)

"Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reveals the top ten real estate sales in 2022. 

Properties from real estate sales from January 1st, 2022, to December 31st, 2022. 

Watch it on YouTube here: https://t.co/Lf9qBUA1jY
#RealEstate #housingmarket #MassHousingMarket" 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/IiyBqbhJ5o

Norfolk Deeds reveals Top 10 real estate sales in 2022 (video)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Mar 23, 2023

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

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

7:30 am     Veterans' Call: John Milot

9:00 am     Matt York: Highway Men

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: New Facility

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm     Drink Responsibly: La Cantina

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

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

3:00 pm Joe Landry: Service Stations and Car Dealerships

4:30 pm     Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes

7:00 pm     Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

8:00 pm Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing

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

7:00 am     Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021

8:30 am     Public School Event: School Committee Re-Districting Analysis

10:30 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

12:00 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep

1:00 pm     Public School Event: FHS Winter Music 2021

2:30 pm     Tri County Vaping Forum

7:00 pm     FHS Oskey 2022

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 03-09-23

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 03-09-23

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)

Franklin Cultural District: #artshappenhere Dean students perform "Pippin", last Winter Farmers Market & more

Wednesday, March 22

11:00am - Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin TV Studio)

5:00pm - Franklin Downtown Partnership Members Networking Party (Escape Into Fiction)

7:30pm - Pippin (ticketed event) (Dean College)

"Pippin"

Thursday, March 23

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space  (Escape Into Fiction)

3:00pm - Open House - SAFE Coalition

6:00pm - Open Mic Night  (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Pippin (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Rock ‘n Roll Night

Friday, March 24

5:30pm - Heather Deary (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - NAHS - Night of the Arts (Franklin High School) 

7:30pm - Pippin (ticketed event) (Dean College)

8:00pm - Rock ‘n Roll Night (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, March 25

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farms)

Winter Farmers Market

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

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

2:00pm - Pippin (ticketed event) (Dean College)

4:00pm - Raina’s Plate (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Mike and Missy Unplugged (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Pippin (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Sunday, March 26

12:30pm - One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

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

2:00pm - Pippin (ticketed event) (Dean College)

4:00pm - Resonant Reflections (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin School Committee explores details within the Superintendent's recommended budget for FY 2024 (video)

The Franklin School Committee got their look into the details of the Superintendent's Recommended Budget for the FY 2024 fiscal year at their meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. They also spent time just before the budget hearing updates from the Parmenter School which coincidentally highlighted some of the students needs some of which are planned for the budget some of which had not made the cut to get into the budget.

The formal budget hearing is scheduled for their next meeting Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

The Franklin TV video replay is available here ->   https://youtu.be/h2SITbmEoG8

(Video Link updated without licensed music)

My notes taken during the meeting are here. My full recap and the audio will be ready in a couple of days ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M6IGtXDw0VLVnIMOjr4XvMpAguwCEGWg/view?usp=share_link

Photos of the Parmenter presentation can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VmB9Gcrg5NutxX2V7

Photos of the school budget presentation can be one found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EfqFbaxjjYTgyiuf7

Franklin School Committee explores details within the Superintendent's recommended budget for FY 2024 (video)