Rausch Report: Earth Month Recap (April 2023)

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content please visit ->   https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-17043865

Your monthly Beacon Hill update from Senator Becca Rausch. 

View this email in your browser Dear Franklin, Happy Spring! April has been an exciting month, with Earth Day, holidays, committee hearings, Town Meeting season, and so much more. Whatever you celebrated this month, I hope it was joyous and meaningful. Personally, I was thrilled to celebrate Passover with friends and family, cheer on runners at the Boston Marathon, join the Town of Sherborn for the launch of Town Meetings, help clean up our district with hundreds of fellow Earth Day volunteers in Milford, Bellingham, and Franklin (check out some of our climate policy work here!) and chair the first two hearings of the Environmental Committee.  My team and I are deep into legislative work, with committee hearings on water policy, crumbling concrete, and local matters already completed, and the Senate budget debates forthcoming in May. (The House completed its budget debates earlier this week. You can view the House base budget, all 1,566 amendments, and the final House Budget as soon as all the adopted amendments are incorporated.) Over the next few weeks, I'll file numerous amendments to the Senate Budget; youth mental health, housing, education, environmental protection and preservation, local transportation, and small business supports are among the investments I'll work to advance. Also, as a board member for the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, I'm collaborating with colleagues to advance our shared priorities through meetings with legislative leadership and Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.  Rausch Report This month's Rausch Report includes legislative updates, district visits, Earth Day highlights, town election information, an important heads up for MassHealth members, youth engagement opportunities, and details on upcoming office hours.   For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.    Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch

office hours Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here

Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) Event - Resume Feedback - May 2

Hi folks,

As part of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging 50+ Job Seeker program, I'm going to present in person next Tuesday at the Natick Community & Senior Center. The topic will be resumes.

Date: Tuesday May 2.

Time: 2 -3:30 pm

If you think you will attend, please bring your resume.

In fact, bring a laptop!

* Let's update your resume file.

* Furthermore, the center has WIFI. I can review your LinkedIn profile, as well.

If you are not already registered for the 50+ program, just walk in.

We will record your name and email address and register you for the program.

BTW, I just returned from the PARW resume writer conference in Florida, where I learned the latest theories and facts about resume writing.

If your resume is not eliciting responses from companies, you've got to attend.

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

MCOA Event - Resume Feedback - May 2

Panther TV: Panther news for April 28 (video)

"Panther News: Friday, April 28, 2023
@FHScheer_ @FranklinMatters @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinPSNews @FHSPantherbook"
https://t.co/37dXYprRyk via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1651931068017041408

Franklin Police road closure alert for Saturday (4/29/23) morning - FRANKLIN LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE

Tomorrow (Saturday) morning (weather permitting) the Franklin Youth Baseball Organization has its annual little league parade. 

Starting around 9 AM you can expect temporary road closures on West Central St by the Davis Thayer School, Cottage St, and Peck St. 

https://t.co/ZpNQXvPIzt

Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1652018313042509827

Franklin Police road closure alert for Saturday (4/29/23) morning - FRANKLIN LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 28, 2023 to May 5, 2023

Concert options with choices of Dean dance students, Electric Youth, John Gorka in addition to live music at the local brewery and local winery. Read your favorite poem on Saturday, or come to listen to what is read. There are additional events through the week leading to next Friday, Cinco de Mayo as #artshappenhere in Franklin.

Friday, April 28

9:00am - Arts & Culture Listening Tour - Session 2 (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Northeast Groove (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

Saturday, April 29

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

12:00pm - Favorite Poem Project (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

6:00pm - Corner 2 Corner (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

7:30pm - Electric Youth 2023 (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm - John Gorka (ticketed event, masks required) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Sunday, April 30

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

2:00pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

Wednesday, May 3

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

7:00pm - Franklin Art Association (monthly meeting) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - FHS Jazz Concert (Franklin High School)

Thursday, May 4

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

2:00pm - What is wrong with my Houseplants? (virtual) (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Ken Barney (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Papilia's Wood Fired Pizza (food truck) (La Cantina Winery)

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance (monthly meeting) (Franklin Public Library)

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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 21, 2023 to Apr 27, 2023

Reminder: Read your Favorite Poem at the Franklin Library, Saturday, April 29 from 12 to 3 PM

April is almost but not quite complete so there is time for the Favorite Poem Reading at the Franklin Library, Saturday, April 29 from 12 to 3 PM.

Come to the Library to read your favorite poem, or listen to others read their favorite poem. 

Favorite Poem Project™  with Steve Sherlock  and Camille Napier Bernstein

Choose a favorite published poem that you have long treasured or recently discovered. Read it for a recording celebrating National Poetry Month for later inclusion on Steve’s podcast.

Note: Poems may not be ones you or family members or friends have written.  

Limit: Five minutes reading time.

Use the form here to sign up to read your favorite poem ->   https://forms.gle/yyrpREyk4BBFXGpr8 

Download and share the flyer with your friends & neighbors

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BCI2zFmVq07pmiBHU-8wnkPtuvhGxxkQ/view?usp=share_link

From the archives: In October 2017, there was a Favorite Poem Reading at the Senior Center. The listing of poems and readers a few days in advance of that event (which I miss) can be found ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/updated-readers-for-favorite-poem.html

There were 2 events scheduled, only 1 remains - Saturday, April 29, from noon to 3 PM

Franklin's Beautification Day Set for May 20

Get ready for spring. Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin on the morning of Saturday, May 20.

Many hands are needed to help plant a variety of flowers on the bridges, barrels and boxes in front of the stores.

Volunteers with trucks will meet at 7:30 at Fairmount Fruit Farm at 887 Lincoln St. to pick up trays of flowers and deliver downtown. If you don’t have a truck, arrive by 8:30 at the municipal parking lot near the bridge in front of The Rome restaurant. Bring work gloves, rakes and garden tools, if you can.

Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is the perfect opportunity to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

Not available to plant on May 20? Volunteer to water plants for the season. There are 18 weeks of watering needed throughout the summer months, said Eileen Mason, Beautification Day Chairperson. Pick the weeks that work for you.

This season, the Garden Club and volunteers will be planting Pink Dipladenia, Sally Fun, Deep Ocean Salvia (blue), White Wave Petunias and Juncus Grass-Corkscrew Rush. They have a lush tropical look, Mason said.

 “This year’s selections are somewhat new. We try to plant for the hot dry season,” Mason explained. “They are drought-tolerant and should be quite showy throughout the summer.” She has been in charge of this ambitious effort for more than 19 years.  If you can volunteer to plant May 20th or water this summer, email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com.

Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director, Lisa Piana, values the teamwork from all who come together to make this a success. “The FDP is extremely grateful to Eileen Mason, the Garden Club, DPW and the many volunteers that come out every year to plant and water the flowers in the town’s center. We truly appreciate our many sponsors who support the beautification of our wonderful downtown.”

Franklin DPW does their part by supplying water, hoses and mulch, Mason added. They will also clean up litter and debris in certain areas. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership is grateful to the following sponsors who make the beautification effort possible. 

• Platinum sponsors: Camford Property Group, Inc., Elizabeth’s Bagels, Eileen Mason-REMAX, Maven Hair Company, Middlesex Savings Bank, R.I. Motorsports.  Gold sponsors: Dean Bank, Notturno Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., PhysicianOne Urgent Care, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate.
• Silver sponsors: Fenton Financial Group, Charles F. Oteri Funeral Home, Safford AXIA Insurance.
• Bronze sponsors: Keefe Insurance Agency, Vet Med Pet Supplies.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. 

For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Volunteers Wanted for May 20 Downtown Beautification Day (photo from 2018)

School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)

FM #979 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 979 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 25, 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 Zoom conference bridge.

Quick recap:

• Heard from an update from Remington on their “Power of Moments” approach

• Listened to and questioned the proposal for redistricting effective in Sep 2024 with an option for some affected by it to move to their ‘new’ school in Sep 2023. The Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal at their May 9 meeting

• Approved the middle school trip to the Grand Canyon and nearby national parks scheduled for April 2024

• Approved the consent agenda

• Entered executive session to continue negotiation with ESP/LPN bargaining unit and did not return to open session

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 25, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-979-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-04-25-23

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Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_4-25-23.pdf 

Remington’s presentation document

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/remington_school_committee_update.pdf 

Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 

Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/april-25-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pV6xJrcvwMGU1jMVzWjckHnVz1Abg37k/view?usp=share_link 

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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"

School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)

May 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Featured Databases

Universal Class offers free and unlimited access to over 500 online courses. Interested in continuing your education, expanding your horizons or just learning something for fun? Choose from a diverse range of subjects including  computer training, resume writing, home and garden, health and medicine, hobbies, self-help  and more. Universal Class virtual classrooms are extremely easy to use and they are available any time, anyplace with an internet connection. To get started you'll need an email address and your library card. Universal Class is also available through the Libby App!

Transparent Language Online for Libraries empowers anyone to learn 110+ languages anytime, anywhere, on any device — with unlimited simultaneous usage. Creating an account will let you save your progress and learned vocab, as well as access the mobile apps!

New Materials

Check out the latest additions to the library's collection!

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, May 19, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 20, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library's website.

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge

May: A nonfiction book on a subject new to you

Do you have a cozy reading corner you've been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

The newsletter of May events is too long for publication here. Please visit the Library page for the listing of events in May 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/may-2023-franklin-library-news-events

May 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey is CLOSING APRIL 30, please respond (if you haven't already!)

We want to hear from you! All residents are encouraged to participate in this survey (https://forms.gle/whPQQSKsE2drM2z78) to help shape the future of natural resources, open space, and recreation in Franklin. The survey may only take 10 minutes, but has the ability to stand the test of time. 

So what are you waiting for? If you haven't yet taken the survey, the time is now. 

If you have taken the survey already - we thank you! Please continue to share the survey with your friends and family. Community builds unity and now is the time to be heard. 

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey closes this Sunday, April 30.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-survey-closing-april-30

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey is CLOSING APRIL 30, please respond (if you haven't already!)

That Blooming Chocolate!

pcarlson4@gmail.com͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  That Blooming Chocolate! At Wright Old School Chocolate, I take pride in producing chocolate that not only looks great but also tastes amazing. My chocolate is well tempered, which means that it has undergone a controlled process to produce crystals that enhance its appeal to all your senses. Today, I want to talk about how to store dark chocolate to maintain its vintage structure and ensure that it retains its delicious taste. Here are some guidelines to follow: Store chocolate in a cool, dry place at around 50-75°F, away from direct sunlight and any strong odors. I personally store my chocolate in a room in the cellar with a dehumidifier. The shelf life of chocolate can vary depending on its type and quality, but generally, it can last up to a year if stored correctly. I have found that samples of my chocolate after 2 ½ years were still like new. Now, let's discuss what can happen if chocolate is stored improperly. For instance, if you store chocolate in the freezer and then place it in a humid room, condensation will likely form, which will cause it to bloom. This means that it will appear whitish or grayish, and the texture and taste will be affected. The moisture brings the sugar out of the chocolate and leaves a grainy haze on the chocolate. If you have to store chocolate in the refrigerator (a humid spot), try to minimize the humidity exposure by placing in an air tight container. Similarly, if you store chocolate above 90°F, it will melt and lose its shape and texture. This will also cause the chocolate to bloom, and it will have a chalky texture when it cools again and a less appealing taste. In this case, the bloom is from cocoa butter and called a "fat bloom". Fat blooming may also occur when the temperature is cycled between warm and cool places. If your chocolate does bloom or loses its texture and taste due to improper storage, don't worry. You may somewhat enjoy the taste if you keep the chocolate in your mouth long enough to melt everything. Additionally, you can restore it by tempering it again. This involves melting the chocolate and then cooling it to a specific temperature while stirring it. This process will restore the chocolate's structure, texture, and taste. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and incorporate it into a creation that you have a craving for, such as brownies, cookies, ganache, or whatever your whim desires. In conclusion, storing dark chocolate correctly is necessary to maintain its vintage structure and taste. Follow the guidelines I have provided, and you will be able to enjoy my well-tempered chocolate for up to a year or more. If you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to reach out to me for advice on how to restore your chocolate to its former glory. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy my chocolate.   Best regards, Peter W. Carlson, Founder  GET IN TOUCH  Wright Old School Chocolate 127 Old West Street Walpole, MA, 02081 United States Powered by Squarespace