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

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 

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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!

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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"

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

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!

The Petting Zoo is by registration.  RSVP HERE: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/05/24_Spring_Health_Fair

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEKt7sJjUDdK76sTeJYipGXLDqnkyOE5/view?usp=share_link

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 ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/ff-paramedic-posting_05-01-23.docx.pdf

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

Alexander: 1A, 16-22 faceoffs     https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1653882546365538309

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

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-03-23/

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

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 

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)

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Newsletter - announces meeting May 4 at Library & much more

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents please visit ->  https://clt1481579.benchmarkurl.com/c/v?e=1631088&c=169B6B&t=0&l=8D3B5715&email=EzLHeeT1tDJtr809keNR6jEpo6Rh3jZAc8ZIo9ZXAK0%3D

Join us for our monthly meeting AND book club discussion!

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance In this newsletter we include an invitation to our next meeting and community events, including our second book club discussion, and include opportunities to get more involved. You're Invited to our Upcoming Meeting   When: Thursday, May 4th at 6:30 pm Where: In-person and Virtual In-person: Franklin Public Library 118 Main St, Franklin  Virtual: Please email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com if you would like to attend via Zoom.    After the business portion will decorate cupcakes with  Dawn Ruggio, FLA Member and local pastry chef!       Celebrate With Pride - Get Involved! We are having a booth at the Franklin Farmers' Market in June! Sign up to work the table with us Friday afternoons by clicking here  CALL FOR CELEBRATE WITH PRIDE VOLUNTEERS!  Fill out the survey if you are interested in volunteering 6/25 or helping us plan the event! SURVEY Are you a vendor or organization that wants to a booth at CwP? Local businesses can sign up here! Non-profits and school groups can sign up here! We are also looking for entertainment! Please email franklinlgbtqalliance@gmail.com If you are not on our email list, sign up to receive future emails with this form.  View this email in your browser    franklinlgbtqalliance.gmail.com@email.benchmarkapps.com 90 Hayward Street Franklin, MA 02038

Town Council approves inclusionary zoning & first reading on sewer rate increase among items on a full meeting agenda (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 for their regular meeting and covered a number of items. One of the major achievements was the passage of the inclusionary zoning bylaw. This was one of the action items from the Franklin For All project and a significant accomplishment.

Among the other news worthy items on the agenda were

• All alcohol license approved for Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza
• Corporate record license changes for both Longhorn Restaurant and the 99 Restaurant were approved
• Financial Audit report for FY 2022reveals a clean report, no actions, no management letter, the Town maintains their AAA rating status
• Presentation from the Charles River Pollution Control District
• Update on the long awaited Beaver St interceptor, bids came in below expectations, sewer rates will rise and remain to pay for the 20 year borrowing costs of this major infrastructure project
• PFAS regulation increases proposed by EPA can cost us significantly. Well 7 is currently offline, more wells may be in jeopardy of shutdown due to increased monitoring. Yet, PFAS is still being made, is a forever chemical and is major concern for future water supply quality and cost thereof

The full agenda and documents associated with it can be found online ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for-may.html

Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og?feature=share

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF. My full recap and the meeting audio will be ready in a couple of days ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gWiBSq_Q8vMNIUKv32jeLQtMypvF8fTb/view?usp=share_link

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for the May 3, 2023 Meeting

Economic Development Subcommittee reviews and sets priorities for remainder of year (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee of the Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday evening beginning their session at 5:30 PM (before the full Council meeting at 7).

Franklin TV broadcast the meeting and the video is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/IEFqlGhx-ho?feature=share

The meeting agenda can be found here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2023-05-03_edc_agenda__0.pdf

My notes will be available later. I arrived late (approx. 5:50) having been recording the Board of Health meeting in the training room which began at 5 PM.

Economic Development Subcommittee - May 3, 2023 - Agenda