Public Hearing Notice: Upper Unions St Solar Project - Sep 11

Franklin Planning Board 

Public Hearing Notice

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, September 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Scenic Road application for the tearing down or destruction of stone walls off of Upper Union Street, prepared by VS Union Solar Smart, LLC, Dana Point CA.

The proposed road improvements will include the removal of 30 feet of a stone wall and the construction of an access drive to a ground mounted solar facility for vehicles and interconnection purposes.

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_-upper_union_street_solar-scenic_road_0.pdf

Possible resemblance to the stone walls in question (these are on Dacey Field)

Do you use payment apps like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle? Read this !!

Do you use payment apps like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle? Read this By Amy Hebert Ever send money through an app like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle? They make it easy to send money fast to friends or family. But what happens when it's a scammer on the other end? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/do-you-use-payment-apps-venmo-cashapp-or-zelle-read

 

Do you use payment apps like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle? Read this !!

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

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

7:00 am     FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

8:30 am     Physician Focus: Alzheimer's

9:00 am     It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce

10:00 am Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

11:00 am Senior Connection: Council on Aging

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

1:00 pm     Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish

1:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Pauline Spender

5:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: James Johnston

8:00 pm 4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

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

7:00 am         Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

9:00 am         Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

1:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: D'Angela Alberty

3:00 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

5:30 pm     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

7:00 pm     U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

9:30 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Medfield 04-18-23

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

8:00 am School Committee: 08-08-23

11:00 am Joint Budget Subcommittee 08-02-23

2:00 pm School Committee: 08-08-23

7:00 pm     Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee: LIVE, Chambers  871 0855 5543

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

2023-24 Franklin Performing Arts Company Season Announced

Announcing the 2023-24 Franklin Performing Arts Company Season! 

Go under the sea at THE BLACK BOX with Disney’s The Little Mermaid presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company October 13-22! Directed and choreographed by Broadway’s Christopher Rice-Thomson (Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman) with music direction by Hallie Wetzell! 

FPAC presents the hilarious comedy Buyer & Cellar starring Paul Rescigno November 17-19!  Directed by Nick Paone.  

The season continues with the musical Bright Star January 5-7. Featuring a Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, directed by Raye Lynn Mercer. Music Direction by Hallie Wetzell.

FPAC 2023 - 2024 season

FPAC is thrilled to present a reimagined immersive production of Tarzan the Broadway musical starring Broadway’s original Tarzan Josh Strickland March 8-17! THE BLACK BOX will be transformed into a multi-stage rock concert centering the iconic Phil Collins music, while telling the classic story by blending Broadway and concert experience. Conceptualized and directed by Raye Lynn Mercer and Ali Funkhouser with choreography by Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Newsies, Matilda). Music Direction by Hallie Wetzell.

The season will close with Tracy Letts’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play August: Osage County June 7-9.  Directed by Nick Paone.

FPAC Holiday Productions, staged at the FHS Auditorium, will present The Nutcracker, under the direction of Cheryl Madeux (ABT, Joffrey Ballet) December 2 and 3 and Humbug! A Christmas Carol Musical with a twist written by and starring Nick Paone December 16 and 17.

Don’t miss this exciting season with FPAC! Season Ticket Packages available.

FPAC holiday season

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid04B18Bc1ivzDJX9qQPj7Vuk3d6nz45jyWf7PotTELUYVJndLBWNCg9urKNhC9tQcQl&id=100063555191437&mibextid=Nif5oz

Reminder: Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - August 15, 2023 - 7 PM

The draft facility conditions report is interesting reading even though it is incomplete. An entire section (Section 2) covers various code compliance requirements. 

Section 3 covers the building conditions (page 18 of 55) which opens with the following text:

STRUCTURAL OBSERVATIONS

On February 24, 2023, in the company of Mr. Mike D’Angelo, the Facilities Director for the Franklin Public Schools, I visited the former Devis Thayer Elementary School at 137 West Central Street in Franklin, MA for the purpose of conducting a preliminary evaluation of the current physical condition of the building based solely on my visual observations. It is our understanding that the city is very interested in the historic preservation of this building and its potential reuse for some other type of occupancy rather than educational. The former school building has been vacant for some time, but well maintained, heated, and secured. 

The following report is based upon our general impressions, and not on any detailed structural analysis, which could be performed, if necessary, under a later study. This report will outline any obvious structural deficiencies or limitations that would affect the continued use of the building. 

The building was constructed in 1924, as can be seen on the buildings cast stone inscription. There are no original building plans available for this review which would indicate the framing sizes and direction of framing for the various building areas. However, the existing drawings for the renovations performed in 1972 are available for reference. The footprint of the present building appears to be identical to the original construction. The portable classrooms and rear fire escape were demolished some time ago.

Continue reading the draft report in preparation for the 2nd meeting of the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee on Tuesday, Aug 15 at 7 PM.

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

The Existing Conditions Report (2023) from Kaestle Boos. can be found here.

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - August 15, 2023 - 7 PM

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14 - 18, 2023

"Time to break out and head to the Franklin Senior Center for some FUN! You don’t want to miss out this week on all the activities we have going on! 

No matter what you like to do we have something for you!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cv4zwOOAaHA/

Check the Franklin Senior Center page for additional info on these events

https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14 - 18, 2023

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 15

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 16

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 17

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 18

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 056 - Senior Singles Prepare To Mingle, Macho is Childish, Romance (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about how being macho is childish, kindness, "Senior Singles Prepare to Mingle", light verse poetry and more.

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for August 2023. 

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-056-senior-singles-prepare-to-mingle-macho-is-childish-romance

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts the Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. If you'd like to join in person or remotely (via Zoom), contact the Franklin Senior Center to get on the mailing list.

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 15. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

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

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Cereal is a top current need for the Franklin Food Pantry!!

"We are very low on cereal (all kinds) and appreciate your help! 

Please leave donations in the Big Purple Bin during normal business hours Monday through Friday. 

Thank you for helping our neighbors in need!"

You can check the current needs listing anytime at ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuuBc5LUo-/ 

Cereal is a top current need for the Franklin Food Pantry!!

FREE community cookout at the Franklin United Methodist Church - Aug 26, 5:30 PM

FREE community cookout

All are invited to a FREE community cookout at the Franklin United Methodist Church (82 W. Central Street) on Saturday, August 26. 

Food will be served from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. This event is outside in the grassy lot at the end of our parking area.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. Notices will be posted to the church's website and Facebook page.

Shared from ->  https://facebook.com/events/s/community-cookout/824227349300758/

FREE community cookout at the Franklin United Methodist Church - Aug 26, 5:30 PM

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5

"Be a part of our Franklin Senior Center football community! Call for more info and sign up now to compete in our Fantasy Football League.  

Live Draft on 9/5 at Noon"

Shared from the Senior Center profile ->

https://www.facebook.com/100055668205744/posts/pfbid079E8sDEJyFKyZCbPVqTFYC7tFxjVNxxVXAXuxspP7gNqKBVNo9S3CCtQ6SPuA4Wil/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5 - page 2

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5 - page 3

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Aug 14, 2023

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong hold a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

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

9:00 am     SAFE Coalition: New Facility

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm     Veterans' Call: PACT Act

4:30 pm     Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads

5:00 pm Physician Focus: Alzheimer's

5:30 pm     Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

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

8:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 1 - Tweed funk

9:00 pm 4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 04-18-23

10:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Oliver Ames 09-07-22

11:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Medfield 04-18-23

2:00 pm Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

3:30 pm     U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

6:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

7:00 pm     FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

9:30 pm     Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 08-07-23

11:00 am Joint Budget Subcommittee 08-02-23

2:00 pm Planning Board: 08-07-23

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

2nd Grade Keller Kids Schedule Lemonade Stand Fundraiser on Town Common - Sunday, Aug 20

Sunday, Aug 20 

2nd graders from Keller are coming together next Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 11 AM to 1 PM to host a lemonade stand to benefit the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation in honor of their amazing classmate, Sofia Izzi. 

The kids will be selling lemonade in reusable cups and friendship bracelets that they will be making, in addition to raffle tickets for some fabulous prizes donated by:

• Fiori & Fern
• Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen
• Santa Fe Burrito Grill
• Girl Scout Troop 64036

All donations will go directly to the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation.

Economic Development & Town Council Meetings - Weds, August 16

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 16, 2023 - 5:45 PM

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-16_edc_agenda_.pdf

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 16, 2023 - 7 PM

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for August 16, 2023 Meeting

Franklin TV: Changing Comcast Channels

A new P/E/G channel lineup for Comcast viewers.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/13/2023

On August 29th Comcast will change our P/E/G channels lineup. Only Comcast customers will be affected. Verizon and YouTube streams are not affected.

This is a technical change that Comcast is making. They are moving two of our program services to lower channels that are being vacated by other services.

P/E/G is a shorthand acronym for our three local cable TV channels:

Our Public Access channel offers full production support for local cable TV programs produced by your Franklin neighbors and friends ( or perhaps you).

Our Educational channel covers as many school sports and student events as we can fit into our busy production schedule. Many are carried live.

Our Government channel covers several evening Council, Committee and Board meetings each week from our two TV control facilities in the Municipal Building.

While Comcast’s final channel assignments are still under consideration, we anticipate that our local P/E/G programming which appears on Comcast channels 8, 96, 11 will move to Comcast 6, 8, and 9, starting on August 29th.

Again, Verizon and our YouTube streams are not affected.

While there may be a bit of confusion through September, ultimately the channel reassignment do place all our local channels squarely within the Boston area TV station lineup. These changes will likely prove to be slightly beneficial for Comcast customers (and for us) over the long run.

More details about the 8/29 channel changes to come as they are made available. Stay tuned.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching

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 Faith Forum - WFPR: 033 - Rituals Around Death

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to talk about the different rituals around death, how they are conducted, how the different faiths carry these out, who for and when they are offered and much more.

If you would like to reach out with any questions, concerns or future discussion topics you can contact franklinfaithforum@gmail.com

You can keep up to date with the Franklin Interfaith Council here:   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinInterfaithCouncil

Audio file ->  https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/episode/033-rituals-around-death

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Bringing More Faith Into Your Day

Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton, and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Find all the episodes -> https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Nick Gaspar's profile at Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF)

"Nick was a typical teenage boy completing middle school and getting ready to begin high school. He played basketball and lacrosse year round and was an overall excellent student. In May of 2021 at 14 years old, Nick was diagnosed with a NGGCT (Non-Germinomatous Germ Cell Tumor) in his brain. He began chemotherapy right away in hopes that his tumor would shrink. He was in the hospital for about one month before going to a rehabilitation center, where he was learning to walk again and strengthen his body.

In July, his scans showed that his tumor was growing and he would need surgery to remove it. In September, Nick underwent a 12 hour craniotomy. With some of the best surgeons in the world, they were able to remove the entire tumor. This was a true miracle! Nick continued his chemotherapy and then six weeks of radiation along with lots of PT and OT. On the day that he rang the bell, he celebrated with family at a Celtics game. During this time, Nick was able to keep up with school with a tutor and attend school when he could. Nick was finally getting back to life."

Continue reading Nick's profile online -> https://t.co/0FWiS8BdK6

Nick Gaspar's profile at Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF)

FHS Strength & Conditioning Program recognizes their "Athletes of the Summer"

We heard during the recent School Committee meeting update on summer programs that the Strength & Conditioning sessions were popular with almost 400 students participating. 

The Instagram account for the program shared a 2 part "Athletes of the Summer" series of photos to recognize some of the student for taking part and doing well.

The first photo of each of the 2 part series is share here. You can click through to each art to view the remaining photos.

Part 1 ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0U_07OqY3/

Part 2 -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0VB0Wu3Gi/

"Athletes of the Summer" Part 1

"Athletes of the Summer" Part 2