"Let's continue to put love out there"

jamele adams, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Scituate School District, was the target of an incident at Museum Beach in Scituate. The Patriot Ledger story provides an overview of this unacceptable act.

jamele is a Franklin resident. 

https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2023/07/26/scituate-ma-public-school-jamele-adams-william-burkhead-police-diversity-equity-inclusion-mock-grave/70457147007/

jamele adams

Limited Openings Available at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for Grade Eight

July 26, 2022
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has a limited number of openings for students to join the Grade 8 class for the 2023-2024 school year. BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight.  Founded in 1995, BFCCPS is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts. 

If the number of applications exceeds the number of spaces available, a lottery will be held on August 25th.  As a regional public charter school there is no tuition to be paid if your applicant receives an offer of enrollment. Please note that applications for other grades are not available at this time, but will open on November 1st for the 2024-2025 school year. 

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education. The school's integrated character education, community service, and strong parent partnerships, have led to local, state and national recognition. BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools. 

Please visit the school's website  for enrollment details, including applications.   

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

 

Limited Openings Available at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for Grade Eight

Town Clerk Nancy Danello announces that the Nomination Papers are NOW Available

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: 

Nomination Papers NOW Available August 1st, 2023

The Biennial Town Election is November 7th, 2023. Which means it's almost time to pull nomination papers! Nomination papers will be available Thursday, July 27 August 1st, 2023 and must be returned by September 6th, 2023 no later than 5PM to the Town Clerk's Office of the. The following is a complete list of available seats.

Board/ Committee/ Position	# of Open Seats	Current Official	Term of Office
Board of Assessors	2		4 Year 2019 - 2023
Board of Health	2		4 Year 2019 - 2023
Constables	3		4 Year 2019 - 2023
Planning Board	3		4 Year 2021 - 2023
School Committee	7		2 Year 2021 - 2023
Town Council	9		2 Year 2021 - 2023

Questions? Contact the Office of the Town Clerk at 508-520-4900 or email ndanello@franklinma.gov

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/nomination-papers-are-ready-now-call-clerks-office-or-just-stop-file

Franklin Election Collection - 2023

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for the past 2 weeks in review (7/26/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Opposing the NDAA: I voted against the House version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). While considering this year's NDAA, I was willing to change my past opposition and support measures that increased Pentagon spending so long as those additional funds were directed to Ukraine. I was also committed to protecting service members' reproductive freedom. This NDAA did the opposite. This NDAA repeats the same mistakes from years prior by encouraging the Pentagon to spend more, instead of forcing it to spend smarter. Further, it misses the mark on America's most urgent national security imperative: providing Ukraine the material necessary to defeat Russia. Our support for Ukraine has the highest return on investment of any national security funding of the 21st century. Congress can't ask Ukraine to do more with less while the Pentagon does less with more. House Republicans should have used this NDAA to stand up to autocrats – in Russia and in China. By failing to fully fund Ukraine, they are not standing up to Vladimir Putin and they are sending the message that they will not stand up to Xi Jinping. Additionally, I opposed an amendment to the NDAA that would restrict women's access to abortion. Our service members deserve reliable access to healthcare, regardless of where they are stationed. The U.S.-Israel Relationship: Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Israeli President's address to a joint session of Congress. President Herzog spoke movingly of his deep personal attachment to the US-Israel relationship and of his commitment to our common democratic future. I share President Herzog's commitment to the U.S.-Israel partnership. I also share his concern that it continues based upon shared values. A strong and independent judiciary is foundational to Israel's democracy, which for 75 years has been an inspiration to people the world over. As Americans well know through our constitutional amendment process, there are times when change may be necessary. Big change, though, requires deep consensus. I am disappointed that the coalition government did not seek consensus before passing the "reasonableness" component of its platform yesterday. I have expressed my concerns to the Israeli Embassy regarding the process and the importance of an independent judiciary. I will continue to use my voice and vote to help realize a strong and healthy relationship between the United States and Israel, refreshed by tough conversations and grounded in shared democratic values. Reducing Airport Delays: I also joined my colleagues in passing a bipartisan reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I helped shape this legislation to ensure it reduces airport delays for travelers, promotes cleaner travel by modernizing our airline infrastructure, and shores up aviation safety. Specifically, the reauthorization works to improve air travel for passengers by boosting the hiring of air traffic controllers to reduce delays. It also requires airlines to plan for reimbursements for hotel and meal costs when there are mass cancellations. Further, the legislation works to allow young families to sit together at no extra cost. I am committed to supporting legislation that makes air travel easier and more fair for the flying public. Outcompeting China: During hearings of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party, I spoke about how the United States can outcompete China and own the economic future. While Xi Jinping inserts the Chinese Communist Party into ever-more elements of the economy, which struggles with high youth unemployment and massive debt, the United States should focus on the basics: rule of law, education, science, infrastructure, and a more fair and dynamic economy. We should also seek to strengthen trade relationships outside of China, which is why I argued for reauthorizing the Generalized System of Preferences, which would reduce the tariff burden (and thereby consumer prices) on imports from non-Chinese developing nations that wish to partner with the United States. I also made it clear that Republicans' proposed cuts to federal science and education funding will hamstring our nation's competitiveness in STEM-led research and innovation. I strongly support, and will continue to advocate for, a doubling of our national R&D intensity, because science and education are critical drivers of social and economic progress. Make your voice heard → Should Congress continue to provide funding to Ukraine in their fight against Russia? Do you support Congress providing aid to Ukraine? Around the Fourth Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club: Recently, I visited the Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club with State Representative Soter and State Senator Fattman. The visit highlighted the importance of this organization in our community, and I remain as committed as ever to ensuring it has financial support for decades to come. The Club serves hundreds of children in the region by providing activities like fishing, swimming, games, and more. Most impressively, the Club does it all while using a 150+ year old facility that, put simply, isn't up to par. Because of this, I am working to secure the funding it needs by including it as one of my FY24 Community Project Funding requests. Southwick's Zoo: Teddy and I had a fantastic time visiting Southwick's Zoo, a landmark of our district. (Teddy's favorite animals were the monkeys). Beyond seeing all of the animals, we enjoyed hearing about the zoo's history as a family business, its conservation efforts, and owner Betsey Brewer's vision for future educational programming and community engagement. Sharon Meet and Greet: I hosted a meet and greet in Sharon to hear from constituents about their priorities and how I can best represent them in Congress. It was a great conversation covering everything from unfair tactics by drug-pricing middlemen to the current government-funding debates in Congress. I look forward to more events like this in the future. Keep an eye out for upcoming meet and greets throughout the district later this summer. Everwood Day Camp: On Friday, I also visited Everwood Day Camp in Sharon. I met with Jaime Pickles and her team, who have built a wonderful community of campers and counselors for hundreds of families throughout the district. St. Mary of Carmen Festival: I also spoke at the St. Mary of Carmen Society's 88th annual festival. I had a wonderful time enjoying the rich culture and community that Nonantum brings to the Fourth District and Massachusetts as a whole. Thank you to Frank Battista, Carl Pasquarosa, Chuck Proia, and countless others for their tireless work to bring this great event to us each year. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Master Plan Update Committee meeting 07/26/23 - video replay available

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 26 in the 3rd floor training room. 

The agenda doc can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_july_26th_2023.pdf

Franklin TV video replay -> https://youtu.be/fkUlJ1BAHGg

Master Plan Committee on the Town of Franklin page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Next Master Plan Update Committee meeting scheduled for Aug 23, 2023 at 6:30 PM.

Franklin, MA:  Master Plan Update Committee - Agenda for July 26, 2023 at 6:30 PM

La Cantina schedules Charcuterie Workshop on Aug 16 at 6 PM

shaar·koo·tr·ee 

If you can’t say it, you can learn the techniques to make it @lacantinawinery. Check out this exciting event we have planned for August 16th with @red.apron.charcuterie. 

Purchase tickets at https://lacantinawinery.square.site

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CvJGKLIR3cq/

La Cantina schedules Charcuterie workshop on  Aug 16 at 6 PM

Maplegate Solar South - Site Plan - Planning Board - Aug 21 at 7:05 PM

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall (and can also be attended remotely) on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 7:05 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Site Plan application titled “Proposed Site Plan Documents” prepared by Bohler Engineering, Southborough, MA., and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on July 21, 2023, by Maple Street Solar, LLC, Boston, MA.

The property is located in the Industrial Zoning District and includes the southern lots on the Assessors Map 239, Lot 10. Map 254 Lot 009 and Map 255 Lot 001 with access through Bellingham. The applicant is proposing to construct a solar array.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board’s website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, 

Chairman

Shared from ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/public_hearing_notice_-maplegate_solar_south.pdf

Maplegate Solar South - Site Plan - Planning Board - Aug 21 at 7:05 PM

The Guardian: "We can’t afford to be climate doomers"

"Stanford engineering professor and renewable energy expert Mark Z Jacobson tweeted the other day, “Given that scientists who study 100% renewable energy systems are unanimous that it can be done why do we hear daily on twitter and everywhere else by those who don’t study such systems that it can’t be done?” 

A significant percentage of the general public speaks of climate change with a strange combination of confidence and defeatism: confidence in positions often based on inaccurate or outdated or maybe no information; defeatism about what we can do to make a livable future. 

Maybe they just get their facts from other doom evangelists, who flourish on the internet, no matter how much reputable scientists demonstrate their errors."

Continue reading the article in The Guardian (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/26/we-cant-afford-to-be-climate-doomers

‘They’re surrendering in advance and inspiring others to do the same.’ Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Sopa Images/Shutterstock

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 27, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

8:00 am Veterans' Call: John Milot

9:00 am     Commonwealth Heroines

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: New Facility

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

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

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

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 Joe Landry: Restaurants & Bars

4:30 pm     Frank Presents: James Ginley

5:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Catherine Kennedy

6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

7:00 pm     Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 3 - Hipnotics

8:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Mary Olsson

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

7:00 am     Public School Event: FHS Jazz Cafe 2023

8:30 am     FHS Chamber Music 2023

10:30 am Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

1:00 pm     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

3:00 pm Tri County Community Meeting 06-15-23

7:00 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Guertin 05-23-23

9:00 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 07-13-23

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 07-13-23

7:00 pm     Conservation Commission:  LIVE, Chambers  831 9042 3408

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

Franklin Cultural District: Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common are together Friday, will the weather cooperate?

Wednesday, July 26

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (recording session) (Franklin TV Studio)

5:30pm - Childhood 2.0 Movie Screening (for parents) (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, July 27

5:30pm - Comic Workshop with Maris Wicks (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewery)

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

Franklin Farmers Market

Friday, July 28

1:00pm - Talewise: Science Heroes  (Franklin Public Library)

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

3:00pm - Vai's Thai (food truck) (Franklin Town Common)

3:30pm - It's a "J" Thing (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:30pm - Sons of Sam Pizza (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Matt Zajack (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

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

6:00pm - FSPA & Electric Youth (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

Saturday, July 29

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

1:00pm - JoeDs Wings (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

4:00pm - The Fourtet (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

4:00pm - The Gilligans (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen

Sunday, July 30

10:00am - FUSF Service "Prayer as a Portal" (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

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

Monday, July 31

1:00pm - Harry Potter Party (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Movie Monday “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (Franklin Public Library)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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 Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

All About the Town of Franklin Sewer Services - Part 2 of 3 (audio)

FM #1027 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1027 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent . 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 - approx. 25 minutes

• PFAS - the EPA is looking to update their regulation

• Mitigation of PFAS for Well 7 is costly and starting later this year

• If the proposed regulations go through, it will be more costly as "60% of our water sources are currently above that (proposed) threshold"

• Likely water rate increase coming in a future year (TBD)

• New diagram shows lines of responsibility for water (and sewer) between Town and property owners

• What to flush or not flush (3 ps - poop, pee & (toilet) paper)

Part 1 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer.html

Part 2 - approx. 42 minutes

• We get into the core of the sewer system, historical design (or lack thereof)

• Beaver St interceptor, construction overview and project plan

• System capacity (both water & sewer), annual conservation measures

• Oct 14 - Touch a Truck, hydrant painting, snow plow naming contest, and reveal of communication plan for the Beaver St construction project

Part 3 - approx. 27 minutes

• We get to the sewer budget and rate increases approved for FY 2024, FY 2025, FY 2026

• Review of the projects being completed or being worked, and planned for near term

• Sahlin circle (final touches)

• Monterrey Dr off Pleasant St (Jan/Feb - awaiting pump delivery)

• Phase 7 lining - this summer

• next level of I&I study

• asset mgt grant

• easement clearing & mapping

• Good things about the community cooperation

• Last but not least mention of the lead service connections (not supposed to be many)

The final section includes a budget recap which summaries as the following:

• $500K for expenses, 

• approx. $1M for personnel

• $3.4M for Charles River flow and assessment

• $1M for project debt and interest payments

Part 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s sewer services. Audio Part 2 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1027-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-2-of-3

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Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program

Leak or Blockage diagram of lines of responsibility between Town and property owners for water and sewer service  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/have-leak-or-blockage

Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive   = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

Charles River Pollution Control https://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control   and https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/ 

Charles River Update to Town Council begins at 57:50 in the Franklin TV meeting video for May 3, 2023  ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

Beaver St interceptor update to Town Council begins at 1:36:30  in the same meeting video https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

The most recent PFAS update to Town Council begins at 1:52:56 in the same meeting video https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og

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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"

Construction of the Beaver Street Interceptor. The houses in background are West Central Street, Panther Way area.