Friday, April 14, 2023

CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"

"THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to pass its $1.1 billion tax relief bill exactly as pitched earlier this week. A provision that would adjust an obscure tax giveback law dominated most of the tax plan debate but ultimately made it through to the final bill unchanged.

The mid-afternoon vote, which approved the package, 150-3, advances a measure that top House Democrats say will bolster the state’s competitiveness and affordability and bring tax rates in line with those in other states. Its top-line features are cuts in the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent and raising the estate tax exemption from $1 million to $2 million, along with tax deductions targeting parents, caregivers, seniors, and lower income renters. 

“Let’s hope it makes us more competitive and people will hesitate before moving,” House Speaker Ron Mariano said earlier in the week about the tax package. “We don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay here.”

The tax debate will now move to the Senate."
Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine -> 

The legislation text can be found online ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3770

CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"
CommonWealth Magazine: "Mass. House approves unaltered tax plan"

Empty Bowls getting glazed and finished, do you have your tickets yet?

"Last night, a wonderful group of folks worked together glazing bowls for the Empty Bowl fundraiser on Thurs. May 18th at FHS. 
Link for tickets is my bio. Let's do this Franklin!!  
@FranklinFoodPan @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS #emptybowls #fhs #ceramics #franklinhighschool https://t.co/GxUCzfviEz
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1646655217709064194

a wonderful group of folks worked together glazing bowls for the Empty Bowl fundraiser on Thurs. May 18
a wonderful group of folks worked together glazing bowls for the Empty Bowl fundraiser on Thurs. May 18

Additional photos of the glazing night can be found on the link shared above.

Purchase tickets for the Empty Bowls event here: bit.ly/EmptyBowls2023

Disclosure: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this event.

Panther News: April 14, 2023 (video)

Panther News for April 14, 2023



2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

The second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) public hearing is Tuesday, April 25, from 6-8p in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel McCahill Street). Residents are encouraged to attend to hear a presentation of the 2023 OSRP goals and objectives based on resident input from the first public hearing and other outreach mechanisms. 

An Agenda for the public hearing can be found here.  

Due to the concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, this Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Hearing is available to be attended in person and via the ZOOM platform. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). 

Please click/copy and paste the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87216848860 or call on your phone at 929-205-6099, meeting number is 872 1684 8860. If you are having trouble accessing through the link, please call on your phone and use *6 to toggle between mute/unmute and *9 to raise your hand. The public hearing can also be accessed remotely on Franklin TV All-Access channel (Channel 8 Comcast/Channel 26 Verizon). 

For residents that do not have cable, the public hearings can be accessed live on the Franklin TV All-Access YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535.

Can't wait to see you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tuesday-april-25

2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25
2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities

Dedicated Secretariat designed to assist the administration in prioritizing housing for all residents

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday (4/13/23) passed a reorganization plan to create a state Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, a cabinet-level position which will assist the Commonwealth with meeting its long-term goals in addressing the housing crisis and expanding safe, accessible, and affordable housing for residents.

"As a state, we must work towards a creating a sustainable and inclusive future, where no one is prevented from calling Massachusetts home simply because of the cost of housing," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I am grateful that Governor Healey has brought this legislation before us, and we in the Legislature look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to support housing that is affordable and livable, vibrant communities. I'd also like to thank Senator Collins and Senator Edwards for their attention and hard work to ensure that the Senate could reach consensus on this issue in a timely fashion."

In Massachusetts, housing-related issues are currently addressed by the administration through the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The reorganization plan passed in the Senate today would elevate housing issues to a separate executive agency tasked with supporting housing availability and assessing the Commonwealth's progress in this area.

"I want to thank Senate President Spilka for prioritizing this legislation's passage in the Senate today," said Senator Nick Collins (D-Boston), Chair of the Senate Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. "The creation of a new Secretariat will bring a cabinet-level focus to the Commonwealth's housing crisis.  I would like to congratulate Governor Healey as well, who will now be able put her vision for housing and livable communities into action."

In response to ongoing concerns over housing availability, last session, the Massachusetts Legislature allocated over $1 billion in direct appropriations to support affordable housing in Massachusetts. This followed a session that saw the long-awaited 'housing choice' legislation become law with important housing production incentives, including requiring multi-family zoning near transit.

"I am excited about Governor Healey's newly established Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, which offers Massachusetts a clear steward in the mission to ensure dignified housing for all residents," said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston), Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing. "We need a dedicated think tank for housing justice, generational wealth, and eradicating discrimination."

The reorganization plan is also in the House of Representatives for consideration.


MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities
MASS Senate Passes Legislation creating Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities

Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023

Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023

In observance of Patriots Day

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, April 17, 2023 in observance of Patriots Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-closure-april-17th-2023


Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023
Franklin Municipal Building CLOSURE - April 17, 2023


Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380B, located at 400 King Street, Franklin, MA for a transfer to it of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License presently held by TM1 Solutions, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven Store Number 37380A to be exercised at the same location. 

This hearing will be held on April 26, 2023 at 7:00 PM and will provide an open forum for discussion. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after April 21, 2023
for updated meeting information. 

For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,
Julie McCann


Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License
Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License

Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day


Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day

Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day
Franklin Public Library Closed for Patriots Day

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, April 17th for Patriots Day.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-closed-patriots-day


Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Apr 14, 2023

  • 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

9:00 am     Frank Presents: Nick Remissong
11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes
1:00 pm     Home $weet Home Ep 1
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:30 pm     Jake Auchincloss Town Hall 04-01-23
7:00 pm     The Black Box: Newsies
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019
8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Hopkinton 05-20-22
1:30 pm     All-Town Showcase 2023: Band
6:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Framingham 06-06-22
8:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
9:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Oliver Ames 04-03-23

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 03-30-23
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 03-30-23


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.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Thursday, April 13, 2023

2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023

The 2023 Disability Expo is scheduled for individuals with disability, support persons, community partners, and more. It will be held at the Franklin Senior Center on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Representatives are scheduled to be on site to share a variety of resources regarding disability services that are available.

Questions? call Disability Chairperson Mary O'Neill at 508-440-1265

Download the flyer to share or as your reminder

2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023
2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023


Town of Franklin, MA extends deadline for responses to the Open Space & Recreation Plan survey to April 30. Don't wait, respond now!

Haven't submitted your feedback for the Open Space and Recreation Plan yet? You're in luck! 
The deadline for the citizen has been extended until April 30th! 
Access the survey here: https://t.co/mSmjlHfRgG

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/5p3D6gIKCH

Town of Franklin, MA extends deadline for responses to the Open Space & Recreation Plan survey to April 30. Don't wait, respond now!
Town of Franklin, MA extends deadline for responses to the Open Space & Recreation Plan survey to April 30. Don't wait, respond now!

FSPA Students to Perform at Walt Disney World

Students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will travel to Walt Disney World during the April school break to perform for Disney audiences and participate in master classes with Disney performers, choreographers, and directors. FSPA musical theater troupes Broadway Light, Broadway Ladies, and Broadway Bound, as well as the senior dance ensemble, CenterStage, will entertain at Disney Springs’ Waterside Stage. FSPA’s students are regularly selected for unique experiences like meeting the Finding Nemo and Beauty and the Beast casts or having a Q & A with Disney's Mary Poppins on Broadway, Ashley Brown.

FSPA Students to Perform at Walt Disney World
FSPA Students to Perform at Walt Disney World
FSPA performing troupe and dance company members are selected at the beginning of each academic year by audition. The ensembles offer outstanding training and performing opportunities throughout the year. 

The Disney-bound students recently presented their 25 minute sets at the annual Disney Showcase at THE BLACK BOX.  Audiences enjoyed Broadway Light, Broadway Ladies, Broadway Bound, and CenterStage, along with the younger Lite Brites, BLT2 and Next Step ensembles. These groups will all perform in FSPA’s annual Spring Concert on May 20 and 21. Auditions for these groups will be held in September for the 23-24 School Year. 

For more information on FSPA performing ensembles, visit www.FSPAonline.com or call 508-528-8668. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Prospective students are invited to take advantage of an FSPA All Access Pass for a tour of the school, complimentary trial class, and free tickets to a Spring Concert performance. 



FHS baseball, girls and boys lacrosse, and boys tennis teams all post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Baseball = Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 2 – Final 
– In a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s state championship game, Franklin edged out Taunton by a run in the first meeting between the two teams. Junior Austin Campbell had another stellar start as he allowed just two runs on six hits and no walks, striking out nine to earn the win. The Panthers plated all three of their runs between the first two innings, taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them. Back-to-back two-out singles from Henry Digiorgio and Jase Lyons resulted in the first run of the game as Eisig Chin (who reached on a fielder’s choice) crossed home plate. In the second, Ethan DePaolo singled and Luke Sidwell reached on an error, and two batters later, both came home to score on a single from Lyons. Taunton got two back in the bottom of the fifth as Ryan MacDougall smacked a one-out, two run triple to score both Dwayne Burgo (double) and Brayden Cali (single). Shawn Cali pitched well in the loss with three unearned runs allowed on nine hits and no walks, striking out one in a complete game.

Softball = Franklin, 0 @ Taunton, 12 – Final (5 inn.) 
– After two scoreless innings, Taunton’s offense roared to life with 11 runs between the third and fourth innings while Sam Lincoln had another dominant performance in the circle for the Tigers in a win over Franklin. Taunton was limited to just one hit in the first two innings but Mia Fernandes launched a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the third and the Tigers rolled from there. Ava Venturelli and Kaysie DeMoura had back-to-back two-run doubles to push Taunton’s lead to 5-0 after three innings. After Lincoln struck out the side in the top of the fourth, Mia Torres had an RBI single, Kyleah Plumb drove in a pair with a single, and Hayley Krockta smacked a one-out, two-run single to extend the lead to 11-0. An RBI double from Abby Doherty in the bottom of the fifth ended the game. Lincoln allowed just one hit — a single in the first inning — while striking out nine with no walks allowed.

Boys Lacrosse = Sharon, 7 @ Franklin, 22 – Final 
– Franklin’s Jake Davis and Tyler Sacchetti each scored five goals and had three assists as the Panthers rolled to another league win, this time over visiting Sharon. Franklin jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first quarter as, Davis, Sacchetti, Jayden Consigli (four goals, one assist) and Ryan Grasso each scored once. The Panthers then rattled off 11 unanswered goals in the second quarter to take a commanding 15-1 lead by halftime. Justin Alexander went 21-for-23 on face offs and had an assist in the win.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 20 @ Sharon, 1 – Final 
– Franklin went on the road and came back home with another league win, rolling to a 20-1 decision at Sharon. Katie Ryan had a strong game with three goals and two assists, Payten Crandall added two goals, and Norah MacCallum had a strong game defensively for the Panthers.

Franklin, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – Final 
– All three singles matches went three sets and first doubles was a back-and-forth battle but it was Franklin that came out on top in all five matches in a win at Taunton. Jay Gorgas prevailed with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win at first singles, Tyler Fitzpatrick added a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win at second singles, and Will Forrest rallied from a one-set deficit to secure a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win at third singles. The team of Ahan Shetty and Eric Tomaino picked up a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5 win at first doubles while Andrew Amante and Aaron Ramaswamy had an impressive 6-0, 6-3 second doubles victory.

Taunton, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 
– Taunton picked up two wins from singles matches and one more in doubles to prevail over Franklin. Junior Morgan Smith battled to a key three-set win at third singles (6-4, 4-6, 6-4) while the all-junior second doubles pairing of Courtney Martin and Caroline Pietnik emerged victorious in three sets (6-3, 6-7 (3), 7-5). Taunton junior Ava Alves added a win at second singles, splitting the first two sets before getting the win when her opponent retired. Franklin’s Chloe Essam picked up a 7-6 (1), 6-0 victory at first singles and the Panthers’ first doubles team of Brooke Daniels and Ava Davies won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.

For other results around the league

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Town Council moves inclusionary zoning to 2nd reading, refers accessory dwelling zoning to Planning Board (video)

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday accomplished some key measures. The Franklin TV recording is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/mDW9w-tVEQs?feature=share

Quick recap:
  • License ownership changes for the alcohol license at The Curry House were approved
  • Health Director Cathleen Liberty provides insights on the Metacomet Health Alliance and the benefits to Franklin
  • The inclusionary zoning proposal back from the Planning Board review was moved to a second reading, one step closer to approval.
  • The 3-part package of zoning changes for accessory dwelling units was moved forward from the EDC Plus recommendation with a modification to refer to the Planning Board for their review. It will come back to the Town Council for their review and potential approval vote sometime in the near future
  • FY 2024 budget should be ready for review by Friday, with the Finance Committee and Town Council hears set for May

The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_12_2023.pdf

My full set of notes and the audio recording will be available in a couple of days.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting

First Annual Spring Ladybug Trail Walk Saturday





Franklin Downtown Partnership 

9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
(774) 571-3109 • downtown.franklin@yahoo.com


Ladybug Trail Spring Walk

The FDP's 1st Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is schedule for Sat., April 15 (rain date April 16). Celebrate spring by coming to downtown Franklin and walking the Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail. Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum or Escape Into Fiction for a Ladybug trail map and ladybug merchandise. The museum and bookstore will have free ladybug give aways as well as unique ladybug merchandise for sale.


Please drop off items to be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry at the Museum or Escape Into Fiction. Personal care items especially needed are:

  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Shampoo (8oz – 24oz)
  • Conditioner (8oz – 24oz)
  • Disposable Razors - Individual (no blades please)
  • Body and Hand Lotion (8oz – 24oz)
  • Liquid Hand Soap (6oz – 24oz)
  • Scott brand WRAPPED ROLL 1000 Sheets per roll

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 774-571-3109

downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

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View the Ladybug Trail video ->