Town Clerk Nancy Danello previews the election timeline leading to Nov 2023 (audio)

FM #1023 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1023 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. 

We talk about the biennial Town of Franklin election. Nomination papers available Aug 1, timeline and details for return, certification of candidates, registration to vote. We also briefly discuss the possible Tri-County school building special election currently targeted for Oct 24 but to be confirmed during August.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1023-townclerk-ndanello-20230718

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 

Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

Tri-County Building update meeting in June, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/tri-county-building-project-update.html 

Office of Campaign and Political Finances -> https://www.ocpf.us/ 

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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"

Franklin High School Names Jodi Klein Head Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach

Franklin High School is proud to announce the appointment of Jodi Klein as the new coach for the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team. Coach Klein has been a part of the FHS athletic program since Fall of 2018. She has since served as the Freshman Coach, the Junior Varsity Coach, and one year as the interim Varsity Coach. Additionally, Coach Klein is employed as a physical therapist for Franklin Public Schools.

Jodi Klein

Coach Klein is a former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate athlete, playing four years of Women’s Soccer at Stony Brook University.  She is also a former New England Club Soccer League Head Coach, and U.S. Soccer Federation C Licensed. 

“We are excited to have Coach Klein step into this new role and lead our Girls’ Soccer Program!” said Karrah Ellis, Director of Athletics at Franklin High School.

Coach Klein is “excited and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the Franklin High School Girls' Soccer program.” thanks “Coach Geysen for his career-long commitment to this program and for building us such a strong foundation" as she looks towards leading the team in this new chapter.

Library book sale this weekend. Stock for your summer reading needs! July 21 & 22

If you like to read, it might be your Christmas in July. Per Library Director Felicia Oti, the library has more books for sale this month than usual. 

Summertime reading? Why not stop by Friday and Saturday for the book sale. $1/book. Saturday afternoon it is a real bargain with books by the bag. Yup, a whole bag (they provide it) for $5.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu7zPsHRopn/

Stock for your summer reading needs! July 21 & 22

Rausch & Roy provide updates to Town Council; Council approves accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw changes (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 for an almost 3 hour session. All nine councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

Approx. 90 minutes of the meeting was in the update from the Franklin legislative delegation: State Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy. Just before the updates and follow up questions, Senator Rausch provided Kaye Kelly with a certification to recognize her selection as a "Heroine of the Commonwealth" as announced during June.

The Access Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning bylaw changes were approved unanimously. This is a significant accomplishment for the Town to have approved inclusionary zoning AND the ADU changes. As was mentioned during the discussions, other communities stopped work unable to achieve the compromise necessary to reach an agreement. Franklin was able to compromise to take this significant step forward. As was also mentioned, this may not be all we need but it is a step in the right direction.

Other legislation:

• Several appointments were approved to board and committees. This complete the bulk of the renewals that occur annually. Aside from the Town Council and School Committee, all the other board and committee, elected or appointed have staggered terms of office to enable some continuity for the work that each group has underway. 
• The new parking regulations were tweaked to modify the overnight parking on Sunday through Thursday and separately on Friday-Saturday. The new kiosks are functional for the additional 70+ parking spots in the former commuter restricted parking at Ferrara's and on Depot St.
• Authorization of a Intermunicipal agreement with Norfolk County for them to provide weights & measures services to Franklin (and initially 3 other communities) was approved.
• Authorization for the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork required to complete the conservation restrictions on the two parcels of land that the Town kept when the Brookview condominiums were created along Pond St. The land provides access to the trail network along Mine Brook.
• Acceptance of donations to Veterans Service and Police department was approved 

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

The Franklin TV video link ->  https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch

The Solutions Extended Day program is hiring Group Leaders

The Solutions Extended Day program, a service of the Franklin Public Schools, is looking to hire Group Leaders. 

Groups leaders would work Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 PM and earn $17 to 18.50/hour. These positions are eligible for benefits and are scheduled to begin August 21, 2023.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with school age children
• Process strong leadership and organizational skills
• Computer knowledge, especially in Google Apps

Please send your letter of interest and resume to solutions@franklinps.net

The Solutions Extended Day program is hiring Group Leaders

For more about the Solutions Extended Day program visit them online at    https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/solutions_program/index.php

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

The sun is most intense at between 10am - 4pm. During this time make sure to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), cover up, avoid tanning beds, and stay in the shade. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. These three materials reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn. 

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure 

 

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, July 21, 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     Commonwealth Heroines

9:00 am     Frank Presents: James Ginley

11:00 am Senior Connection: Public Health

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Oral Health

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Catherine Kennedy

4:30 pm     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Mary Olsson

8:30 pm 4th of July 2023: Backyard Swagger

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Community College

10:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v North Attleboro 04-24-23

12:30 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep

1:30 pm     FHS Chamber Music 2023

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Longmeadow 04-28-23

8:30 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2020

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-22-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-22-23

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Finance, Building, DPW, & Facilities - maybe one of these is for you?

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Payroll Administrator - Finance Department

Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department

Updated 07/19/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Job Opportunities with Finance, Building, DPW, & Facilities

Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "The Spirituality of the Labyrinth" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Bobbi Gerlits has two spiritual practices that involve the labyrinth – walking the labyrinth herself, and facilitating labyrinth walks for others. She feels most nourished when her life includes opportunities to engage in both spiritual practices. During this service Bobbi will facilitate a walk on her indoor canvas labyrinth. She will invite those present to find their inner stillness and silence and be open to what the labyrinth has to offer. 

Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 23 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

July 30: Prayer as a Portal

August 6: Sangha and Mindfulness 

August 13: Respect for all living things

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices 

Making Sense of Climate #28: Catching up on climate news, touting action as antidote to despair (audio)

FM #1022 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1022 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Thursday, July 13, 2023.  

In this episode we cover multiple topics as we caught up on what has happened since our prior recording. Links to the articles we talk of are located below.  

Briefly

• Climate challenges are here, when will it be recognized that change is required?

• Solar, agrivoltaics, home wind turbines, nuclear

• ISO New England & grid intersections 

• Energize Franklin, action is the antidote to despair

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me ‘make sense of climate’

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1022-making-sense-of-climate-28-07-13-23

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Links to articles referenced:

Temperature records ->  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/05/tuesday-was-worlds-hottest-day-on-record-breaking-mondays-record

Solar power roof maps -> https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/07/06/solar-power-rooftop-map-technical-potential-climate-goals 

Electrical grid interconnections (ISO New England to ISO New York, etc.)

https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/07/05/electrical-transmission-power-lines-massachusetts-new-england-clean-energy-doe 

Shift in thinking about nuclear -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/shift-in-thinking-on-nuclear-power/ 

Agrivoltaics -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrivoltaics 

Home wind turbines -> https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/07/11/home-wind-turbine-renewable-energy/ 

Power cell efficiency ->

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/06/revolutionary-solar-power-cell-innovations-break-key-energy-threshold 

Turbine efficiency -> https://www.vernier.com/experiment/rev-12_turbine-efficiency/ 

** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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

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"

Making Sense of Climate #28: Catching up on climate news, touting action as antidote to despair (audio)

Roadwork Notice: Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of July 24, 2023

Roadwork Notice: Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of July 24, 2023

Notice from the Department of Public Works:

Roadwork on the Union Street Mill and Overlay project will be starting the week of July 24, 2023 by the Town's Contractor, Massachusetts Broken Stone Company, weather permitting.

The project work will take place on Union Street from before School Street to Arlington Street.  

Detours will be in place and may change daily. Please seek alternate routes. Delays should be expected.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/roadwork-notice-union-street-mill-overlay-project-starts-week-july-24th-2023

Equipment has been staged by Davis Thayer in prep for the work to begin next week.

Roadwork Notice: Union Street Mill & Overlay Project Starts Week of July 24, 2023

Franklin Recreation: Fall 2023 Brochure

Franklin Recreation: Fall 2023 Brochure 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. 02038 • (508) 613-1666 • http://franklinma.myrec.com/ Good Morning Everyone, Our Fall Brochure is officially live! Check out all the exciting programs we will be offering this Fall. Registration for all these programs will open on August 1st. If you have any questions about any programs or classes please let us know. We hope to see you this Fall! Fall Brochure 2023

Milford Local Eatery Week Starts Monday, July 24

EATERY WEEK SCHEDULED FOR LAST WEEK OF JULY IN MILFORD, MA

 

Milford is working up an appetite for its second annual Local Eatery Week scheduled for Monday, July 24, 2023 through Friday, July 30, 2023.  A celebration of local community and cuisine.

 

 "Unlike other "restaurant weeks", ours is open to all businesses that serve edible treats. The only catch is that all eateries must be locally owned and operated.  We want to spotlight those who live in, and give back to, our communities", said Ray Auger, event organizer and President of Local Social Marketing.

 

During the week-long event participating eateries will be offering special deals to promote their business during a traditionally slow time of the year.  Special offers include half price appetizers, dinners offered at a special price, BOGOs and more. Diners who care to take advantage of the special offers are asked to download the coupons found on the Local Social Facebook page (www.facebook.com/localsocialmetrowest) on their mobile device and show the coupon to the server from your phone to enjoy the savings.

 

Current participating locations for this year include: Pepperoncini's Pizzeria and Grill, Central Tavern, Prezo Grill and Bar, Legend and The Oasis Patio at the DoubleTree, Red Heat Tavern, PiNZ, Milford Nutrition and Pizza Palace with more to come.

 

Local Social offers affordable and local social media management and branding for small businesses in the Greater Milford and MetroWest areas. Specializing in developing one on one relationships with small businesses with the intent to build a solid local customer base while staying "top of mind" with current clientele in fun, creative ways with a guerilla marketing approach.

Milford Local Eatery Week Starts Monday, July 24

Boston Globe: "Massachusetts is building a green economy, but does it have the workers to do so?"

"It’s going to take 38,100 workers to help Massachusetts transition to a clean energy state.

That’s according to a report published Wednesday by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), a quasi-public agency that supports the state’s green energy industry. The paper forecasts thousands of new jobs by 2030 in order to meet the state’s decarbonization goals. And as of now, we’re not ready to fill them.

The report classifies a worker as a “clean energy worker” if they are working in renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, or other decarbonization efforts. These jobs include electricians who install electric panels, insulation workers who help maximize the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, or construction workers who help install electric vehicle charging stations.

According to the center’s analysis, Massachusetts needs its clean energy workforce to expand by 37 percent from its current size of 104,000. However, the report also reflects the current challenges of filling those positions today. For example, 88 percent of companies that responded to MassCEC surveys said they have difficulty hiring workers for clean energy jobs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/19/business/massachusetts-is-building-green-economy-does-it-have-workers-do-so/

A new report highlights the need for more electricians and other workers skilled in clean energy-related trades to fill an expected 38,000 jobs in Massachusetts by 2030.DAVID L. RYAN/GLOBE STAFF

Get your own copy of the MassCEC report here ->    https://www.masscec.com/sites/default/files/documents/Powering%20the%20Future_A%20Massachusetts%20Clean%20Energy%20Workforce%20Needs%20Assessment_Final.pdf

Running & Rosé at Pour Richard's to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry - Aug 3

We run, you rosé!

Please join us for a rosé wine tasting to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

What you give: $20

What you get: Curated wine tastings and treats!

Thank you for the early support and enthusiasm for this event! We wanted to add some more information about tickets and payments. As you know, we are running in the Falmouth Road Race in August for the Franklin Food Pantry team. Proceeds from this event will go to our Race Roster fundraising accounts. 

You can purchase your $20 tickets for this event by Venmo (@Kayla-Sines) or cash (just reach out to Kayla or Brigid) OR by placing a $20 donation directly to Race Roster at either link below:

• https://raceroster.com/events/2023/71069/the-2023-asics-falmouth-road-race/pledge/participant/18459022
• https://raceroster.com/events/2023/71069/the-2023-asics-falmouth-road-race/pledge/participant/18414643

When donating to Race Roster please note that you are purchasing a ticket(s) to Pour Richards event. While we encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance, you are of course welcome to purchase at the door. Pour Richard’s has also graciously offered to donate 5% of all sales to our fundraiser as well, so please consider making a purchase while attending!

We hope this will be a fun, relaxing summer evening full of sips and friends. We can’t wait to see you there! 

When: Thursday, Aug 3 from 6 to 8 PM

Facebook event ->  https://www.facebook.com/events/3545416839063158/

Running &  Rosé at Pour Richard's to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry