Explore the Town Administrator's Recommended FY 2024 Budget!

The Town Administrator's Recommended FY24 Budget materials are now available online.

You may access it here: https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials

Explore the Town Administrator's Recommended FY 2024 Budget!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials

In preparation for the Finance Committee budget hearings 

• May 8 - general government
• May 10 - schools
• May 11 - public safety (police, fire & dispatch), DPW and enterprise accounts (water, sewer solid waste & stormwater)

We'll be spending some time on a series of posts to get into some of the details and issues raised. For one quick example, the School Committee asked for more than the Superintendent's Recommended budget, which was asking for approx. $3.4M more than last year. The Town allocation is only about $1M more than last year which would force the schools to cut $2.4M from what the School Committee approved. 

A problem we all need to solve not just for this year, it will likely be worse next year.

FHS baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, & girls tennis teams all post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, April 14, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Baseball = Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final 

– Buoyed by a big second inning offensively and another stellar pitching performance, Franklin secured an 8-0 win over Sharon. Matt Miller allowed just one hit in three shutout innings, striking out a pair for the win. Zach Ramaswamy (1IP), Jake Shaughnessy (2IP, 5K), and Dillon Cashin (1IP, 1K) didn’t allow a hit in relief for the Panthers. Ryan Gerety scored in the first inning and then smacked a two-run double to highlight Franklin’s six-run second inning. Jase Lyons, Eisig Chin, Mike Davide, Ryan Carlucci, and Luke Sidwell also had an RBI in the win.

Softball = Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 12 – Final (5 Inn.) 

– Franklin broke the game open in the fourth inning to earn the five-inning win. For Sharon, Manasa Josyula struck out two over three innings, while Ally Foulsham struck out two in the fourth.

Boys lacrosse = Franklin, 13 @ Acton-Boxboro, 11 – Final

– On the road, against one of the top teams in the state, Franklin rallied in the fourth quarter to pull out an impressive win. Trailing 10-8 after three, the Panthers outscored A-B 5-1, including a run in the final two minutes, to secure the win. Luke Davis scored five goals and dished out an assist to lead Franklin’s attack. Jayden Consigli had a hat trick of goals and a hat trick of assists and Tyler Sacchetti had three scores and a helper. Drew Hansen scored twice for the Panthers. Justin Alexander dominated face offs, winning 22-of-25 and Michael Galvin made six saves.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 10 vs. Westwood, 14 – Final 

– In a battle of two of the top teams in the state, Franklin and Westwood were tied 6-6 at halftime, but the visiting Wolverines went on a late run to pull out a back-and-forth game. Lindsay Atkinson sparked Franklin’s attack with four goals and Katie Peterson added a hat trick. Jamie Tanner secured five draw controls and Julia Flynn put in a strong overall performance on both ends of the field.

Boys Tennis = Sharon, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final

– Sharon swept Franklin to stay level with Mansfield atop the Davenport division standings. The Eagles were especially impressive in doubles, as the teams of Sava Kassev and Rithvik Neti and Kevin Li and Joel Zwicker dropped only one game combined. Jacob Slavsky (6-2, 6-1), Matthew Lally (6-2, 6-4), and Alex Budovalcev (6-1, 7-6 (4)) also won in straight sets.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 1 @ Sharon, 4 – Final 

– Sharon swept singles and got a point at second doubles to earn the crossover win against Franklin. Judy Song won 6-2, 6-1 at first singles, Navya Shukla won 6-1, 6-2 at second singles, and Ale Aguilar won 6-2, 6-3 at third singles to earn the Eagles the points that they needed. Olivia Landstein and Jenny Sand secured a fourth point with a 6-1, 6-4 win. The first doubles team of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen made sure the Panthers avoided the sweep by winning 6-3, 7-6.

For other results around the league

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-04-14-23/

FHS Panthers

THE BLACK BOX lines up the remainder of the season performances

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s own professional theater and music venue, has an exciting lineup of plays, musicals, concerts and more this spring. 

Led Zeppelin tribute band Confounded Bridge

Led Zeppelin tribute band Confounded Bridge will take THE BLACK BOX stage on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30pm. Confounded Bridge is a band put together by A-List Musicians to re-create The Led Zeppelin Experience. Big vocals, guitars, and drums will have THE BLACK BOX on its feet all night long screaming for more. They will appear with opening acts Stevie J and Pride and Joy.  

Kenny Hadley Big Band

The Kenny Hadley Big Band returns for a Big Band Brunch on Sunday, April 23 at 12:00pm. BLACK BOX Jazz presents the critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley. The band boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. Brunch begins at 11:45 am, with music beginning at noon. Brunch includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ, and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.   

Electric Youth

Electric Youth and the Boston Show Band return to THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, April 29th at 7:30 pm - with special guests Future Shock. Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages and backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

musical Violet

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will close its season with the musical Violet, June 9-11. As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward ax blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she's traveling across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. On the way, she meets a young soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical "imperfections."

For tickets and more information, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. 

Dean College: "When the Boston Celtics Played at Pieri: The Forgotten Story of How Dean Influenced the Start of a Dynasty"

Via Dean College:

"As the @celtics kick off their quest for their 18th championship, we retell the forgotten story of when the team brought eight basketball Hall of Famers to campus and kicked off a streak of eight consecutive world championships."

Learn more: https://t.co/LL5QDNTUkB

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/DeanCollege/status/1646875857649123330

 

"The photo showed two basketball giants: Bill Russell, a civil rights pioneer and the man who set the standard for winning in professional sports, and John Havlicek, like Russell a basketball Hall of Famer and the Celtics' all-time leading scorer.

Between Russell and Havlicek stood Red Auerbach, the Celtics coach and considered one of the best ever; former Dean President William Garner; Louis Pieri, class of 1916, Celtics co-owner and namesake of the College’s gym; and Joseph Martin, a former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives."

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

This is part two of our series on Medicare benefits. Did you miss the first blog? Please check it out here.

"Did you know you can save money on Medicare costs this year? The Inflation Reduction Act which President Biden signed into law in August 2022, will help you save money on Medicare prescription drug costs and recommended adult vaccines starting in 2023.

Let’s explore a few of the ways that this new law will lower your Medicare prescription drug costs."

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-for-you-what-you-need-to-know-part-2/

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

Night Owl Farm: Fun Fact Friday - the visible difference of compost

Night Owl Farm ✨Farm Fact Friday✨ The Power of Compost I took this picture a few days ago when we planted our first field crops (Kohlrabi, Scallions, Lettuce, & Escarole). I was blown away at the stark difference between beds that were right next to each other! The bed on the right received a healthy amount of compost last year, while the bed on the left did not. I don't know why it didn't, I just know that it didn't. Did I just not want to haul another wheelbarrow up the hill? Probably 😂 Both of these were left to their own devices all winter, and when we got started this spring, this is what we had to work with! (In the photo, the bed on the right had already been broadforked, where the one on the left had not.) We couldn't BELIEVE the difference! The bed on the right was softer, smelled good, and was much easier to work with, while the bed on the left was harder, cracked, and dried out really quickly after prepping. The only difference between the two beds is that one received compost, and the other didn't. They received the same amendments, same watering, and were on the same weed schedule. It's important to note that compost and amendments (fertilizer) are both important, and you shouldn't pick one or the other for your growing space. Compost adds organic matter to the soil which helps add life, improves your soil structure, increases the ability to "catch and release" nutrients so that the plants get what they need, and helps with retaining water. Amendments add the minerals and nutrients that your plants need to thrive, compost helps them work better! There is so much useful information out there on the importance of compost in your gardens. I highly recommend doing a deep dive to learn more, as this is just a quick intro to it. Night Owl Farm 49 Prospect Street, Franklin, MA, 02038 Square Buyer Features Privacy Policy Want a Free CSA? was sent to you on 2023-04-14 11:57:50 UTC by Night Owl Farm

                                                           

Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

The Town of Franklin seeks written quotes for the purchase, demolition, and removal of existing partition system, and the installation of one 15' x 80' fold-up  Gym Divider curtain system, per the specifications listed in the written request for written quotes.  

Pre-quote meeting will be held at Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 020387 at 3:00 PM on April 25, 2023.

Additional Information:  Request for Written Quotes, Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider  Curtain System

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-purchase-and-installation-gym-divider

Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - Donate Life Month - sign up to be an organ donor

It's Donate Life Month. You truly can be a lifesaver! 

Register as an organ donor and make sure your family knows. 

Learn about organ donation: organdonor.gov

How does organ donation work? -> https://youtu.be/K4bS7YZjqhY

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

April 24, 2023 - 3:30 - 5:30PM

ESP/LPN 

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

The meeting opens and enters executive session for negotiations

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/esp_negotiations_agenda_-_4_24_23.pdf

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 14, 2023 to Apr 20, 2023

A sample weekend might be: Take in a choice of music Friday night at the local brewery or winery, explore the Ladybug Trail walk around downtown on Saturday, stopping for a break with a Silent Movie, and then get an 'all you can eat breakfast' on Sunday morning, and then close the weekend with a classical music concert at LiveARTS. #artshappenhere

Friday, April 14

5:00pm - Papalias Brick oven pizza (food truck)

5:00pm - TBD The Band (live music)

5:30pm - Gay Perkoski (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, April 15

8:00am - Ladybug Trail Walk - anytime during the day

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

11:00am - Silent Saturday (free silent movie showing) (Franklin Historical Museum)

Sunday, April 16 

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

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

3:00pm - LiveARTS: soprano Louise Toppin (LiveARTS - FUSF - Chestnut St)

Monday, April 17 

Marathon Monday 

Tuesday, April 18 - Tax Day

6:00pm - Dean Neighborhood Alliance (Dean College)

Wednesday, April 19

11:00am - Franklin Q&A

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)

Thursday, April 20

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space

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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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 7, 2023 to Apr 13, 2023

School Committee votes to increase the Superintendent's Recommended budget, to "ask for what they need" (audio)

FM #971 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 971 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.

Quick recap:

• Recognized swimmers from the FHS girls swim team

• Heard from an update Jefferson on their "Wellness Wednesday's"

• Heard a proposal for a middle school trip during Spring break 2024 to National Parks (Grand Canyon, Bryce, & Zion). Coming back for a discussion and vote at the next meeting

• Voted to add to the Superintendent's budget proposal the $480K originally marked as 'left out'. The amendment to add this passed by 6-1 after a lengthy discussion. The overall budget passed 7-0. Next step will be the Finance Committee budget hearings on May 10. Followed by the Town Council budget hearing May 24

• During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points

• Entered executive session to hear an MOU for the FEA to which they returned to open meeting and approved by 7-0 before closing the meeting after 10 PM without extending their session per their recently changed protocol

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting April 11, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-971-fps-school-committee-mtg-04-11-23

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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-11-23.pdf

Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (some will be posted AFTER the meeting - per School Committee policy)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-11-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Middle School Trip proposal slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uii2XTG7rrrHJmmi7

District Improvement Plan update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z2mHSCxxgU4Zut1q9

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Dggz5jO854jCpN33uFlNuL29hEOEJuD/view?usp=share_link 

Note the reference to the listing of reductions over the years as compiled by the District for a School Committee budget workshop. I converted the PDF to text to share with red text highlights. 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/what-programs-positions-were-cut-school.html

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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"

During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points

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 -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/mass-house-approves-unaltered-tax-plan/ 

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

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

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

Video link -> https://youtu.be/iLXz6gcYQVM

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

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