Economic Development Subcommittee hears of grants for Nu-Style clean up, discusses GR 5 & cannabis overlap zoning modification (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (prior to the Town Council meeting) and covered three key items as follows:

Quick recap:

• Nu-Style property now has $600K to support its clean up from two sources; $100K from ARPA funds, and a new grant received for $500K. Thanks to Brian Taberner who has continued to write for grants for this brownfield project and persisted in that effort

• General residential 5 (GR 5) zoning changes initially proposed to increase the impervious coverage for the property and for the property plus parking would be increased as well as reducing the setbacks required for multi-family 

• Discussion around what percent the amounts should be, was currently, initially proposed to increase to 35, 45. 

• Amendment to change to 50, 60, second; after discussion amendment revised to be 45,55, seconded, passes 3-1 (Jones no)

• Recommendations as amended to move to the Council, passes unanimous 4-0

• Cannabis overlay district; this is literally only a house cleaning of the map itself, nothing else in the bylaw changes. As businesses changed, this allowed for other changes with restrictions removed

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/UbMxtOXP6ms?feature=share 

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_meeting_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCa5NThqjXcxviE57inxIZMM7ycfnT9B/view?usp=drive_link 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for June 7, 2023  Meeting at 5:45 PM

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

"Did you know that Medicare fraud costs Americans an estimated $60 billion per year? It also affects Medicare beneficiaries in terms of time, stress, and health.

Learn how to protect yourself and others against these scams. Join Social Security and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week from June 5-11, 2023. You can remember the start date as “6-5,” as most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old."

Continue reading about what you can do to help Medicare fraud ->

https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-fraud-prevention-week/ 

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Franklin's Event Outlook: June 9, 2023 to June 15, 2023

Strawberry Stroll has been postponed due to the forecast to Saturday, same time.

Saturday offers good choices with stage performances at FHS and THE BLACK BOX, afternoon concert at the Library, and music at both La Cantina and 67 Degrees. Get some history about the Wrentham State School at the Second Sunday Speaker Series at the Historical Museum.

Friday, June 9

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Town Common)

2:00pm - Sioo (live music) (gazebo - Town Common)

4:00pm - Strawberry Stroll (Main St - downtown Franklin)

4:30pm - Sons of Sam Pizza (food truck) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Anna Freitas Trio (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

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

7:00pm - FHSTC performs "Get SMART" (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - FPAC performs "Violet" (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, June 10

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

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

2:00pm - LiveARTS Classical Quarter Concert  (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm - Strawberry Stroll (Main St - downtown Franklin)

4:00pm - Heath Nesbitt (live music) (Strawberry Stroll stage)

4:00pm - Emily & Nick (live music)   (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Dom DeBaggis (live music) Strawberry Stroll stage)

6:00pm - The Pockets (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - FHSTC performs "Get SMART" (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - FPAC performs "Violet" (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, June 11

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

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

1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum)

Monday, June 12

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

3:00pm - SAFE Coalition Meet & Greet for Non-Profits (SAFE offices on Hayward St)

Tuesday, June 13

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

7:00pm -  FBRTC Meeting (monthly meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (monthly meeting) (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard)

Wednesday, June 14

Flag Day

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group

Thursday, June 15

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm - Kendo (Live music) (La Cantina Winery)

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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: June 2, 2023 to June 8, 2023

Jefferson Elementary Students ‘Tackle’ Public Art with New "Traveling School of Fish” Installation at the Franklin Sculpture Park.

On June 7, 2023, Jefferson students, family, staff and the greater Franklin community gathered for a rededication ceremony at the Franklin Sculpture Park. The park first opened in 2014, the installation "The School of Fish", previously donated by the (now closed) Franklin Art Center, had appeared weathered due to time. 

Seeing an opportunity to refresh the installation and involve the community, local artist and Jefferson parent, Amy Adams partnered with Franklin Public Schools Art Director, Adam Gooder, Jefferson Art Teacher Caroline Whelan, Jefferson Principal Stefani Wasik and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to re-imagine the installation.

Adams worked to clear and prepare each individual fish, Jefferson staff then worked with students to create the new art. The refreshed installation, retitled "Traveling School of Fish", will be updated yearly by new students within the district. During the dedication, Adams spoke with the students and encouraged "all of the little artists here to keep shining your lights. They are beautiful and bright."

This new initiative aims to nurture the artistic talents of our youth, while showcasing their work with the greater Franklin community through public art. FPS Art Director Gooder notes, "Any time students of any age get a chance to show their work publicly, it motivates them to do their best. Art is meant to be seen; this initiative gives students an opportunity to see how people react and how their artistic voice can make a positive impact on others." 

The "Traveling School of Fish" installation is available to the public at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin, MA next to the Franklin Police Station.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/jefferson-elementary-students-%E2%80%98tackle%E2%80%99-public-art-new-%E2%80%98traveling-school-fish%E2%80%9D

Traveling School of Fish 1

Traveling School of Fish 2

FHS boys lacrosse top Needham to advance to round of 8

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, June 8, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Lacrosse = Division 1 = #13 Needham, 6 @ #4 Franklin, 18 – Final

– Franklin dominated the two middle quarters of the game, outscoring the visiting Rockets 12-2 in that 24-minute span to pull away for a convincing win in a Round of 16 matchup with Needham. Franklin put up five goals in the first for a 5-2 lead but pitched a shutout in the second for an 11-2 halftime lead, and added six more goals in the third to carry a 17-4 lead into the fourth. Senior Jayden Consigli scored six goals and had one assist while Luke Davis scored a hat trick along with four helpers. Tyler Sachetti also had a hat trick in the win and Drew Hansen chipped in with a pair of goals. Ben Harvey, Braeden Leonard, and Drew McCarthy all played well defensively in the win.

For a photo gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Spring-2023/Franklin-Needham-Boys-Lacrosse-06-08-23/

Panthers move on to the Round of 8… Next up (#5) Hingham at HOME on Saturday @ 4pm.

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1666979219371446272

Updated MIAA bracket -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6936

Final: Franklin 18, Needham 6. Panthers dominate the middle two quarters to put this one away. Jayden Consigli (6G, 1A) & Luke Davis (3G, 4A) with 7pts apiece. Justin Alexander dominated face offs. Franklin will host #5 Hingham next. #hockomock

https://twitter.com/R_Lanigan/status/1666955283355119618

Consigli: 6G, 1A

Davis: 3G, 4A

Sacchetti: 3G, 1A

Hansen: 2G

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1666953950686334980

"With balance up top, Franklin boys’ lacrosse builds an early lead and cruises into Division 1 quarterfinals"

By Ryan Martin Globe correspondent

"Following up a convincing first-round win over Methuen, the fourth-seeded Franklin boys’ lacrosse team cruised to a 18-6 Division 1 second-round win against No. 13 Needham at home on Thursday night.

Franklin (19-1) relied heavily on senior Jayden Consigli (5 goals, 1 assist). The UMass Lowell commit netted three of the Panthers’ first four goals as they opened a 4-0 lead."

Continue reading Ryan's article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/08/sports/with-balance-up-top-franklin-boys-lacrosse-builds-an-early-lead-cruises-into-division-1-quarterfinals/

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-06-08-23/

FHS Panthers

Strawberry Stroll - rescheduled to rain date of June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will be hosting the Strawberry Stroll THIS SATURDAY, June 10, 2023 from 4 PM - 8 PM Downtown. Live music will be provided by Heath Nisbett from 4 PM - 6 PM and Dom DeBaggis from 6 PM - 8 PM. There will be over 95 booths full of fun, freebies and strawberry shortcake of course!

Be sure to swing by the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters to get a glimpse of the fire trucks, including the antique ladder truck up close! Sparky will be out and about greeting guests and handing out plastic red helmets to the children. 

At the Historical Museum, fresh popcorn will be served, and vintage wedding dresses will be displayed. 

Rain date has been activated for Saturday, June 10, 2023 4 PM - 8 PM. Learn more here: https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/06/many-activities-and-booths-set-for-june.html

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/weekend-fun-franklin-strawberry-stroll-june-9-2023

Weekend Fun in Franklin - Strawberry Stroll - June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM

Senate President Spilka Statement on Tax Relief Package

Below, please find a statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):

"As promised, the Senate's tax relief package is progressive, smart, sustainable and permanent—and it centers equity while chipping away at the headwinds that threaten our competitiveness," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Everywhere I go, the two pressing issues I hear about the most, from employers and residents alike, are workforce and housing. Our tax relief package intentionally targets housing affordability so we can not only maintain our economic competitiveness but ensure our residents can stay where they want to work, live, raise families and pursue their dreams. I'm proud this proposal—which will help seniors, renters, parents with young children, and low-income workers and many others—is fiscally responsible and squarely focused on the hardworking people of the Commonwealth."

CommonWealth Magazine has covered of the Senate tax relief package ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/senate-tax-plan-has-different-take-on-competitiveness/

Direct link to the Senate proposal -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2397

 

Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

Have you been getting scammy text messages? How to deal with them!

Have you been getting scammy text messages? By Ari Lazarus If you get tons of scam text messages, you're not alone. Lots of people have been reporting to the FTC that they're getting texts from scammers impersonating people and organizations you know and trust — like your bank or companies like Amazon.  An analysis of consumer reports reveals the top text scams from 2022. So, what are they? And how do you avoid them? Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/05/have-you-been-getting-scammy-text-messages

Have you been getting scammy text messages? How to deal with them! 

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, June 9, 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

7:30 am     DPW Stormwater Management 03-13-23

9:00 am     Frank's Musings: Debt Ceiling

11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 3

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm     Drink Responsibly: Craft Roots

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2022

4:30 pm     FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

8:30 pm Ben Gardner's Boat

• 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: Hockomock Area YMCA

10:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:30 pm     FHS Pops Night 2023

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Taunton 05-22-23

8:30 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2023

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 05-11-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 05-11-23

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)

Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Forum - June 20, 2023 at 6 PM

The last Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Forum will be held on 6/20/2023 from 6 PM - 8 PM in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. 

Town staff will present a draft of the 2023 Open Space Recreation Plan and will be seeking feedback from the community.

Learn more here: https://t.co/Z6hnh8K7Fi 

https://t.co/nS2CwhK5pJ

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update

Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Forum - June 20, 2032 at 6 PM

Board of Health hears of Shaw's/AFC sushi issue, completes review of tobacco regulations - 06/-7/23 (audio)

FM #1006 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1006 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Quick Recap:

• Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0

• Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open Thursday

• Picked up on remaining tobacco sales regulations discussions with Sarah from the State on the bridge to help work through the remaining items for discussion. Summary of regulation items to be prepared, public hearings to be scheduled, discussion offline on when those meetings would be given the summer months approaching

• Recap of the successful Spring Health Fair, over 680 participated at the library, visiting with 20 vendors, etc. Giveaways from Big Y and others made for lots of happy faces in the crowd. Work underway already to plan for the next one in the fall to keep this twice a year event happening

The meeting runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-tof-board-of-health-mtg-06-07-23

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_agenda_06.07.23.pdf 

Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_meeting_060723_agenda_and_packet.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikpMfi58S1iZTMm7eGEuEYuJvYeNuODH/view?usp=drive_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"

Town of Franklin - Board of Health - agenda for June 7, 2023 meeting at 5 PM

FHS baseball and girls lacrosse teams both post wins on Wednesday to advance in playoffs

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Baseball = Division 1 = #17 Walpole, 2 @ #1 Franklin, 5 – Final 

– A four-run fifth inning helped Franklin land a comeback win over an upset-minded Walpole team. The visitors built a two-run lead by scoring once in each the second and third innings, and kept Franklin in check for the first four innings. Eisig Chin reached on an error in the fourth inning to score Ryan Gerety (single), and Henry Digiorgio did the same to bring Jase Lyons (fielder’s choice) home to make it 2-2. An RBI single from Ben Jarosz brought Chin home for the go-ahead run and Luke Sidwell’s squeeze bunt plated Digiorgio to make it 4-2. Chin added a sac fly in the sixth to score Rex Cinelli (single) to add an insurance run for Franklin. Austin Campbell impressed in six innings of work, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out six for the win. Dillon Cashin needed just 10 pitches to retire the side in order in the seventh to get the save. #1 Franklin will host #9 Bridgewater-Raynham on Saturday at 6:00.

Softball = Division 1 = #19 Franklin, 0 @ #3 Taunton, 3 – Final 

– A three-run fourth inning proved to be plenty of offense for Taunton junior Sam Lincoln, who tossed a complete game shutout to lift the Tigers over league rival Franklin in a playoff showdown. Kaysie Demoura led off the fourth with a single and came home to score after a bunt from Hayley Krockta and an infield error. Brooke Aldrich, who was hit by a pitch, and Morgan Fitzgerald (fielder’s choice) also scored in the inning after a Franklin error. Bella Bourque and Ava Venturelli each had a pair of hits for the Tigers; Lincoln scattered three hits and didn’t issue a walk while striking out 12 batters for the win. Kiera Kotwicki, Katy Liberman, and Dana Stott each had a hit for Franklin. Kotwicki was strong in the circle, allowing two runs (one earned) one five hits and no walks; freshman Sophia Sacramone gave up just one unearned run on one hit and one walk, striking out one in three innings. #3 Taunton will host #11 Woburn on Friday night at 7:00.

Girls Lacrosse = Division 1 = #10 Concord-Carlisle, 3 @ #7 Franklin, 7 – Final

Franklin goals scored by Atkinson, K. Carney, K. Ryan (3), Peterson, Tanner. 

Assists by K. Carney (2), K. Peterson (3)

https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom/status/1666559407595876357

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-06-07-23/

FHS Panthers

Will you be at opening night for Get Smart?

COME SUPPORT OUR CAST & CREW Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this production to life. Break a leg! Get Smart Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Jun 9th 2023, 7:00 PM Jun 10th 2023, 5:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

Information on the Cast -> https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/franklin-high-school-theatre-company/64345a1fa845bc0e41eeaef3/cast 

Information on the stage crew/design team -> https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/franklin-high-school-theatre-company/64345a1fa845bc0e41eeaef3/creative