Friday, May 5, 2023

PantherNews for May 5, 2023 (VIDEO)

"On this week's Panther News: we've got a great interview with about their upcoming fundraiser, along with info on Spirit Week!"

Video link -> https://youtu.be/_rcGA5XvP3Y



Fundraiser for Nick Gaspar Day, May 10 at George's Pizza

"Take out at George's Pizza Franklin Wednesday May 10 and % of proceeds will be donated to the Gaspar family!"

Fundraiser for Nick Gaspar Day, May 10 at George's Pizza
Fundraiser for Nick Gaspar Day, May 10 at George's Pizza 


Economic Development Subcmte reviews and sets priorities for remainder of year (audio)

FM #989 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 989 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in the Council Chambers with all 4 members participating in the Council Chambers.


Quick recap:

  • Healthy discussion on the next steps for each of the outstanding remaining goals on the list:

    • 40r was the #1 priority for MAPC, within which the specified design standards and dimensional standards (lot coverage, stories, setbacks, etc.) really need to be addressed whether we do 40r or not

    • Shared parking policy (maybe some incentives to entice coordination for private space)

    • Review sidewalk snow removal bylaw (review map put together by Brutus)

    • Research changes to the home occupation business bylaw (interested in but will take time to do properly)

    • Review the marijuana overlay district (some adjustments needed, Kenwood Circle, Amgeo on Washington St, etc.)

    • Review the cell phone tower overlay district and consider a 5G local permitting bylaw (maybe just research required)


Resulting priorities

  1. GR 5 impervious coverage

  2. Cannabis overlay district

  3. Design stuff - Barrette contract product output

  4. Snow removal on sidewalks (Brutus’ map)


The recording of the meeting runs just under 1 hour.   

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-989-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-03-23


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The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2023-05-03_edc_agenda__0.pdf 


Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/IEFqlGhx-ho 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ROvOLHRTDdYrqJ49AYdRk6S7naue3Ylb/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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Economic Development Subcommittee - May 3, 2023 - Agenda
Economic Development Subcommittee - May 3, 2023 - Agenda

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office needs volunteers to pack meals.  We also have volunteer delivery driver positions available.  

Volunteer drivers receive $0.56 per mile.  We provide a hot lunch to homebound seniors in Franklin, Medway, Bellingham & Blackstone.  

If you have a couple of hours to chip in and help out, please call Jeanne at 508.520.1422 for further information.

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?
The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 5, 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: Chris Woolf
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes
1:00 pm     Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Fall 2018 Show 1
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
5:30 pm     The Black Box: Electric Youth 2023
7:00 pm     The Black Box: A Magical Night of Disney Classics
8:30 pm School Committee Legislative Forum 2023

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

7:00 am     FHS Jazz Cafe 2023
8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Dementia
11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Hopkinton 05-20-22
1:30 pm     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Longmeadow 04-28-23
5:00 pm ArtWeek: Art + Music
8:30 pm School Committee Legislative Forum 2023

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 04-13-23
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 04-13-23

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, May 4, 2023

The Empty Bowls Club talks about awareness of food insecurity and how the ceramic bowls help (audio)

FM #984 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 984 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club. Brenna Johnson, FHS ceramics teacher, and club advisor. The Empty Bowls students introduce themselves as we around:  Katie Sawyer (President of the Club), Caroline Bruso (Vice-President), Hannah Tory, Samantha Taylor, Annabel Perez-Kocis, and Julia Spanek.


L-R Sherlock, Tory, Johnson, Bruso, & Sawyer
L-R Sherlock, Tory, Johnson, Bruso, & Sawyer

We had our conversation in the ceramics studio where the Empty Bowls are created. Three of the students actively took part in the conversation, three others were busy working on various projects. It is crunch time to get it all done for May 18. We talk about the nature of this event, creating awareness for food insecurity, and making bowls to help remind folks. 


Let’s listen to this conversation about Empty Bowls and raising awareness of food insecurity here in Franklin. 


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-986-empty-bowls-2023-04-27-23


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Get your tickets for Empty Bowls ->   bit.ly/EmptyBowls2023 


The Empty Bowls dinner benefits from a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council & Mass Cultural Council


Food Pantry page-> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 


The poem for the FHS Empty Bowls Club as mentioned

https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/03/please-should-not-be-needed.html 


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


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 


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"


Disclosure: I am a proud sponsor of the Empty Bowls event and a long time supporter of the Franklin Food Pantry.


A set of avocado inspired vases will be for sale at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction, Thurs. May 18th, 6-8pm in the FHS cafeteria
A set of avocado inspired vases will be for sale at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction, Thurs. May 18th, 6-8pm in the FHS cafeteria


Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM

Spring Health Fair, May 24, 3:00 PM 
Join us for Local Vendors • Petting Zoo • Farm Stand • Refreshments • Health Services • Face Painting • Raffles & Give-a-ways • Kids Zone • Activities • Education for all ages • and More!

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share with friends and neighbors


Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM
Spring Health Fair at the Franklin Public Library - May 24 from 3 to 6 PM

Franklin (MA) Fire Department looking to hire Firefighter /Paramedic - Apply Now (before May 31, 2023)

POSITION: Firefighter /Paramedic
DEPARTMENT: Franklin Fire Department
SALARY RANGE:  $63,074.18 to $74,370.40 annually, plus 6% Paramedic Stipend (Rates effective FY24 - July 1, 2023)

POSTED:  May 1, 2023

Preferred deadline: May 31, 2023
 
The Franklin Fire Department is currently accepting applications for several vacant Firefighter/Paramedic positions.

Franklin is a vibrant town along Route 495 in Eastern Massachusetts, 28 miles south of Boston and 26 miles north of Providence. We have a population of approximately 35,000 spread across 27 square miles. The Franklin Fire Department is made up of a Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 4 Battalion Chiefs, 1 EMS Chief, 4 shift Captains, 4 Lieutenants and 40 Firefighters.

The Franklin Fire Department provides a full range of fire-rescue services including fire suppression, paramedic level emergency medical services, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response. We also provide a full range of prevention services including code compliance, plans review, and public education and outreach.

The Department operates out of two stations - Headquarters and Station #2 - and staffs two engines, a tower ladder truck, two ambulances, and two brush trucks.

We respond to over 5,000 calls per year. A majority of our calls are for emergency medical services. Franklin Firefighter/Paramedics work 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 120 hours off over an eight-week rotation (average of 42 hours per week).

Selected candidates will be required to complete the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program upon hire.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have certification as a Paramedic. If the candidate is certified as a nationally registered paramedic, they must receive licensure in Massachusetts
  • Must be a High school graduate or equivalent
  • Must obtain an Associate's Degree within 5 years from first date of hire Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment
  • Must currently reside or be willing to relocate within thirty {30) miles of the Town of Franklin within 9 months of appointment
  • Must have and maintain a valid Driver's License
  • Must not smoke any tobacco products (MGL 41-101A)
Must be able to perform the essential functions of a firefighter, including being willing and available to perform said functions on weekends, holidays, and on an overtime basis or when staffing requires

Franklin residents, U.S Veterans, and candidates who are currently on the Civil Service list are strongly encouraged to apply.

SELECTED CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE HIRE:
  • Thorough background check, including driving record check and CORI background check 
  • Physical Examination including a drug screen
  • Psychological Exam
  • Successful completion of the Physical Ability Test (PAT) offered through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
If  you are still in Paramedic School, please indicate in your resume or cover letter what requirements you have left and when you expect to be certified.

Interested candidates shall email a resume and cover letter in Microsoft Word or PDF format to apply@franklinma.gov by May 31, 2023.

More info about the Fire Dept is available on the Town of Franklin page ->


Franklin (MA) Fire Department looking to hire Firefighter /Paramedic - Apply Now (before May 31, 2023)
Franklin (MA) Fire Department looking to hire Firefighter /Paramedic - Apply Now (before May 31, 2023)


FHS girls and boys lacrosse teams top Mansfield, baseball rescheduled (again) on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.


Baseball = Franklin @ Mansfield – Postponed to Saturday, 5/6 at 4:00.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 19 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final
– Luke Davis continued to dominate offensively and Franklin ran away with a big win on the road at Mansfield. Davis had eight goals and three assists, all in the first three quarters, while Jayden Consigli added six goals and two helpers and Tyler Sacchetti chipped in with four goals and three assists for the Panthers, which built a double-digit (13-3) lead by halftime. Drew Hansen added two assists and Justin Alexander (one assist) went 16-for-22 at the face-off X. Ryan DeGirolamo made 20 saves in net for the host Hornets and Drew Sacco led the team offensively with three goals and an assist. Cody Gordon and Andrew DeGirolamo each added one goal, and Andrew Burnham and Nico Smith each had two assists. 
Franklin 19
Mansfield 5

Davis: 8G, 3A
Sacchetti: 4G, 3A
Consigli: 6G, 2A
Hansen: 2A

Girls Lacrosse = Mansfield, 3 @ Franklin, 18 – Final 
– Franklin senior Kaitlyn Carney hit a big milestone in the win, recording her 200th career point. Grace Nesbit added her first goal of the season for the Panthers. Brooke Butler had a goal and an assist, while Ava Adam and Lola Varricchione each scored once for the Hornets. Caitlyn Zajac made five stops in goal for the visitors.
18-3 win over Mansfield. Lots of contributors on all ends of the field. Congrats to Kaitlyn Carney on 200 career points! And to Grace Nesbit on her first goal this season!  https://twitter.com/Fhsglax/status/1653929060433633288

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Earth Day at DelCarte was RESCHEDULED for Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

RESCHEDULED Earth Day 

at DelCarte on Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

Folks may recall, Sunday, April 23 we experienced quite a bit of rain. It had been forecast so the cancelation went out on Friday, ahead of the weekend. That event has now been rescheduled for Sunday, May 7 (and apparently we will see much better weather)!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/rescheduled-earth-day-delcarte-sunday-may-7-9am-1pm

Earth Day at DelCarte was RESCHEDULED for Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM
Earth Day at DelCarte was RESCHEDULED for Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

Historical Museum offering to interview and/or record stories of Veterans' military service

In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, the Franklin Historical Museum will be open for its regular Saturday hours, May 27, 10 AM to 1 PM, and is welcoming Veterans to drop by at the museum (always free). 

Any veterans interested in sharing their stories of military service will be informally interviewed and (with their permission) recorded -- providing a chance to share their valuable recollections!  

For more information on this specific program, please email Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com) or just drop by!

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038



Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)

 FM #988 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 988 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. All three board members participated in person; Harris, Cochrane, & Chair Sweet. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 


Quick Recap:

  • Chair Bridget Sweet opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve mins of Apr, second, passes 3-0

  • Old business, tobacco sales regulations discussion on cap, currently at 32, permitted at 21 (?) Reduce, or maintain. No interest in reduction at ...

  • This time. #boh0503 3 of the 22 are adult only, could have dual caps, i.e. one for full sales, one for adult only. Desire for more info on what the neighboring communities are doing. Qs on 3,13,16,17 for checklist. consensus on unified approach for fines

  • Level of discretion at Health Dept Director action, should there be more of a graduation clause? i.e. first time one set amount, second more, third more, etc... #boh0502 re: consistency of enforcement shall does better than may

  • Currently do not have a permit for catering, may consider for future. Discussion on food truck, trailer permit for year vs. time of event #boh0502 discussion on mobile, temporary vs catering, issue with catering going to another town, other local may not want

  • Discussion on protocol for notification of fee change, hearing notification cost, combine tobacco and body works for one hearing #boh0502 health fair, 5/24 3-6 PM flyers being spread, on Weds at the Library

  • Health inspection report, 14 inspects, 14 reinspection, Council meeting 4/12 - health nurse report, numbers better around for COVID and flu, vaccine recommendation has been updated #boh0502

  • Fundraiser for Gaspar family 5/10 at George's. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0


The meeting runs about 52 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting May 3, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-988-tof-board-of-health-mtg-05-03-23



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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/boh_5.3.23_agenda_and_packet.pdf 


My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O8wbpzBkx6blhpAw3Di2eZ_eRZ5Gg_fz/view?usp=share_link 



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

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"


Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)
Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)