Franklin Matters

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

2023-2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! for Lifelong Music Academy

2023-2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Lifelong Music Academy's after-school music classes are now available for registration! Please click a program name for more information, calendars, and how to register.

The Band School of Franklin: For students in grades 4 through 9. Tuesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting September 26, 2023.
The String School of Franklin: For students in grades 3 through 12. Wednesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting September 27, 2023.
Elementary Glee: For students in grades 3, 4 and 5. Thursday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School starting September 28, 2023.
Private Music Lessons: For all ages. Monday through Thursday at Franklin High School from September 2023 through May 2024. Schedule varies by instrument. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year. Instruction is offered in the following instruments: Bass (acoustic/string bass or electric bass guitar), Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar (Acoustic, Electric), Low Brass (baritone, euphonium, trombone, tuba), Saxophone, Trumpet, Ukulele, Violin, and Viola.

2023-2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! for Lifelong Music Academy

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM.

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023

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The text of the memo in the agenda:

"As you know the Town has been asked to consider rezoning to Business two residentially zoned parcels of land adjacent to the Fire Station on King Street. The Department of Planning & Community Development has developed Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 for the Town Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee’s consideration.

If approved by Town Council, Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing the following parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district.

This small zoning map change would allow development of the two parcels for a variety of commercial uses. Uses allowed by right include: nursery, greenhouse or garden center; restaurant; other retail sales and services; office uses including banks/credit unions, medical/dental, and other professional or administrative uses; business incubator or co-working space; artisanal and craft maker space; art gallery.

Uses that may be allowed by Planning Board special permit include: motor vehicle, boat, farm implement sales (without repair service); filling or service station; vehicular service establishment; function hall or catering; hotel or motel; brewery, distillery, or winery production with tasting room.

Uses that may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals special permit include: animal hospital, kennel, day care, training, or grooming.

Attachments 2 through 8 (Use Regulations Schedules Parts I through 7) of the Town's Zoning Bylaw (Chapter 185 of Franklin Town Code) contain a complete list of uses that are allowed by right or may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board special permit in the Business Zoning District.

Attached are the following:

Bylaw Zoning Amendment 23-901; and
A diagram with two maps: one showing the current zoning in the area, and one showing
proposed Zoning Map changes.

If the Economic Development Subcommittee supports the proposed zoning map amendment, the issue should be scheduled for a Town Council meeting in the near future for further consideration. Please let me know if you have questions or require additional information."

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Via Stephanie Izzi's post to Facebook Monday morning:

"Our family is waking up this morning, feeling so loved and grateful for our amazing community that showed up to support Sofia and Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation!

please…

The Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for Sofia raised a total of $2,500.00 that will be matched by my husbands company totaling $5,000.00!!!!! All because of this incredible community that showed up for our family yesterday! Not only did we get donations yesterday, but those who weren’t able to attend donated online... bringing our online donations to $750! Which means a total of $5,750 is going to straight to research!!!!

First and foremost, I want to thank Meg, and her amazing son’s JD and Ben.. thank you so much for choosing Sofia’s charity for your 2023 Lemonade Stand!

You touched our family in a way I could never explain. It’s been so incredible working together, and I’m so excited for year 2!

A huge thank you to:

- The incredible Franklin Community for showing up to support Sofia

- Friends and Family who donated baskets, and gift cards!

- Town of Franklin for allowing us to use the Common

- The Helen Keller 2nd Graders and their families for helping to run the event! Watching these kids work, asking what they could do next, and proudly being apart of the day was everything

- Fiori and Fern

- Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen

- Santa Fe Burrito Grill

- Girl Scout Troop 64036

- Memorable moments by Meg for donating and setting up the gorgeous balloon arch

- Penny Jones for donating the friendship bracelet supplies

- G5 football team- (Julie and Scotty)

- Stevi Briggs for making the incredible Sofia’s Squad cups that went in less than 1 hour! (Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for pre-order options on the cups if you missed out on grabbing yours!)

- Michelle for bringing her camera and snapping memories that will last a life time

Thank you all for one of the best days ever!!! We love you all! "

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Shared from -> (follow link for additional photos and comments)

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02fupC8c26C19kkq2tSmSFKpTbfRYbpKEGWMHDK9mrB6BE3tQaTU6ME2o4wxK3JRaNl&id=1235970206&mibextid=Nif5oz

Parent Fun Night scheduled for Friday, Aug 25 at La Cantina Winery fundraiser for Panther Youth Football & Cheer

Parent Fun Night Celebrate The Kickoff To The 2023 Season!

Friday, Aug 25 From 5-9 PM at La Cantina Winery, 357 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Tickets are $35 In Advance, $40 At The Door. Cash and Venno Accepted. Venno -@FranklinPanthersYouth

Price Includes: 1 Drink Ticket. Food From Santa Fe Burrito and Grill And The Meat Bar And A Donation To Franklin Panthers Youth Football Cheer Program

Raffle Tickets Sold At Door

Sports Themed Items and Memorabilia

Parent Fun Night scheduled for Friday, Aug 25 at La Cantina Winery fundraiser for Panther Youth Football & Cheer

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CwK5Ly3LU7n/

Disability: visible, or invisible, or in-between

"Disabilities are usually categorized as visible or invisible — but what about the in-between? I was born with a congenital foot deformity that affects the muscles, bones, and tendons. But thanks to early surgeries and years of casting, I look pretty normal to the average person. The only catch? Chronic pain, limited mobility and a “special occasions” wheelchair that my friends and family have never seen."

Continue reading the visual article online (a gift article from my subscription)

https://wapo.st/3YG47V0

"I’ve been disabled my entire life. But only strangers can tell."

DPW layouts the multi-year infrastructure project costs to the Town Council (audio)

FM #1043 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1043 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers; Jones was absent, Hamblen covered as clerk for the meeting.

Quick recap:

One appointment to the Agricultural Commission was approved. Daniel Morse moved from an associate role to a full seat. Likely a future appointment coming for a new associate.

Two PUBLIC HEARINGS were conducted. These previously were reviewed by the Economic Development Subcommittee and forwarded with unanimous approval. Both measures passed by 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 absent)

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map

Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

The presentation doc can be found here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/pages/councl_update_aug_23.pdf

i. Current Project Updates

ii. Pavement Management Program & Sidewalk Plan

iii. Water Tank Master Plan

Discussion: Proposition 2 ½ Operating Override. As noted during the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting, Jamie provided an overview on the Prop 2 ½ process. Attorney Cerel provided an overview of the more pertinent nuances of what could be done, and importantly what can’t be done.

i. Process - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

ii. Campaign & Political Finance and Ethics Laws - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney

The recording runs 3 hours and 8 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on July 19, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1043-town-council-mtg-08-16-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->

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

My notes in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17mCqfZ5ZEaL6jBcpFEFFOrqh8NrW6noP/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-town-council-quarterbacking.html

Franklin TV meeting video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/vlYIlCbc4hs

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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"

DPW team presenting to the Town Council 08/16/23

DPW layouts the multi-year infrastructure project costs to the Town Council

Is the US Headed Towards Another Civil War? | Barbara F. Walter | TED (video)

"Based on her work for a CIA task force aimed at predicting civil wars, political scientist Barbara F. Walter examines the rise in extremism and threats to democracies around the globe -- and paints an unsettling picture of the increasing likelihood of a second civil war in the United States. If you love watching TED Talks like this one, become a TED Member to support our mission of spreading ideas: https://ted.com/membership"

Video link -> https://t.co/sxLSSAfEmk

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17

The Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts will be presenting its 17th Annual Cactus and Succulent Festival on Norfolk Town Common and also in the Norfolk Library over the weekend of September 16th and 17th.

The Festival is open on Saturday from 9 AM until 4 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM until 2 PM. Admission is Free. The First 50 attendees on each day will receive a free cactus or succulent plant! While the Show is on both Saturday and Sunday, the Sale is only on Saturday.

On display will be hundreds of striking cacti and succulents. Often referred to as living sculptures, cacti and succulents are truly exotic plants. From as small as a pebble to as big as a house, these plants have devised many ways to deal with blazing hot deserts, freezing mountains, and impenetrable jungles.

The Festival will also feature more than 25 Horticultural Vendors and a Farmer’s Market. So attendees can treat themselves to fresh produce and exotic plants all in one beautiful location – Norfolk, Mass.

For more information, check out the Massachusetts Cactus and Succulent Society website at CSSMA.ORG or on Facebook.

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JDDvcFQS29WnOCXObsF7dfqSjEoKUz6L/view?usp=drive_link

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

By Cristina Miranda

Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That's a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back.

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids in September, 2023

Kids Take & Makes: Apple Core Magnets! Available Friday, September 1^st

Stop by the library to pick up your very own Apple Core Magnet Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own fruity magnets! The perfect craft for a cozy fall day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

September Book Bingo! Friday, September 1^st – Saturday, September 30^th

Collect your BINGO board at the Children's Room Reference Desk and play along all month long! Complete a row in any direction and win a special coloring sheet! Complete the entire board and win a prize pack!! Deadline to pick up prizes is Monday, October 2^nd.

Rockabye Beats! Saturday September 2^nd @10:30AM

Rockabye Beats is back for another performance! Enjoy hands on learning through music, dancing, Spanish, and fun! No matter your age, this original music program is enjoyable for the whole family!

Apple-icious Scavenger Hunt! Friday, September 8^th – Sunday, September 10^th

Honeycrisp Granny Smith! McIntosh, Red Delish! It's apple picking season! Can you find the 10 apples that are ready for picking here at the library?

Kids Paint Party! Saturday September 9^th @1:00PM

For kids ages 5-11! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own puppies & pumpkins themed masterpiece! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! The same painting will be taught in Sept., Oct., and Nov. - please only register for 1 date.

Bluey Bash! Saturday September 30^th @10:30AM

Let's celebrate everyone's favorite canine family with an awesome morning of games, crafts, snacks, dancing and more!

Library Hours

The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Library will be closed Monday September 4^th for Labor Day. Sunday hours of 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM will resume after Labor Day.

Find the full September schedule of events on the Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids in September, 2023

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Aug 22, 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: Too Much Medicine?

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: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2

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 2

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

12:00 pm Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory: 08-15-23

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

7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE Chambers 875 2567 5548 Pass 575128 - YouTube Town hall channel

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE Room 326A Fl3 862 0554 1947 - YouTube Education channel

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

Monday, August 21, 2023

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Dean College has always shared a strong connection with the Universalist Church. It’s founder, Oliver Dean was instrumental in the growth of Universalism in Franklin.

Rob Lawson

Our next Second Sunday Speaker will be Dean History Professor, Rob Lawson, who will explore that connection and the relationship the Universalists had with the school. Historic documents will be on display from the First Universalist Society Franklin.

Join us Sunday September 10 for this revealing discussion on Franklin’s history. Doors open at 1:00PM and the presentation starts at 1:15.

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheel chair accessible and always FREE. The Second Sunday Speaker Series are sponsored by The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Franklin TV: Our Open Meeting – It’s History!

It Happened Yesterday (Saturday) with a Good Turnout.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/20/2023

Our Annual Open Board Meeting is now in the history books as part of our annual neighborhood block party at our 23 Hutchinson St. studios.

Franklin TV: Our Open Meeting – It’s History!

We gathered at 3 PM. Our brief open board meeting began at 4:00 PM to vote on a single agenda item to extend Pandora Carlucci’s board membership for three-years.

Our Board President, Dr. Anne Bergen opened the meeting and introduced our board members to the gathered group of friends and neighbors. Then the vote was recorded for continuing Pandora’s term.

I provided a brief update on a few other matters:

Our annual income is slowly dwindling v our expenses and the expanded work we do for schools and government.
Our recent construction of a new additional Town Hall meetings facility.
The upcoming Comcast channel reassignments, slated for August 29th. Our new Comcast channels are: Public 6, Educational 8 and Government 9. Verizon viewers are unaffected.

In sum: Another enjoyable Saturday afternoon and successful open board meeting. Thanks to our board members who contribute their time and energy to help make Franklin●TV all that a public access TV studio can be.

If you would like to become involved either as a volunteer or to create your own TV or radio programs at Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm, just send an email to: info@franklin.tvwith your contact information.

You can also call us to discuss and explore your ideas. 508-541-4118.

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

Wonderful World of Wine - wfpr.fm: Episode 244 Wine Scores (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 244

Exploring all things wine with you!

In this episode Kim and Mark discuss wine scores.

Here are some topics we cover when discussing wine scores:

Definition of Wine Scores: Explain what wine scores are and how they are assigned by wine critics and professionals.

Scoring Systems: Explore different scoring systems used by various publications and critics, such as the 100-point scale or the 20-point scale, 5 stars, and discuss their pros and cons.

We discuss our experiences with wine scores and articles that bring up issues with them.

Also covered are many tips for you to consider if scores are valuable

Cheers

Kim and Mark

#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #podcast #winetasting #wineeducation

Soundcloud link -> https://on.soundcloud.com/xCBr3