MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Beginning September 1st, 2023, normal fares will resume throughout the MBTA system. Passengers will no longer be able to display CharlieCards for travel to/from select stations on the Commuter Rail.

Affected lines:

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Middleborough/Lakeville Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 24 2023 02:32 PM

Shared from -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Tropical Storm Franklin moving slowly

The latest weather forecast from NOAA's Hurricane Center show the following:

Tropical Storm Franklin Discussion Number  19
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL082023
500 AM AST Fri Aug 25 2023

Franklin has generally changed little during the past several hours. 

The storm remains strongly sheared with the low-level center 
partially exposed near the western edge of the main area of deep 
convection.  Cloud tops are quite cold on the system's east side, 
but the storm continues to lack convective symmetry.  The initial 
intensity remains 50 kt based on the earlier Air Force 
reconnaissance data, which is a little above the current satellite 
intensity estimates.

The storm is moving slowly to the east-northeast at about 5 kt in 
weak steering currents near the base of a broad mid- to upper-level 
trough.  A north to north-northwest motion is expected to commence 
tonight or early Saturday as ridging builds to the east of Franklin 
over the central Atlantic.  This motion should bring the core of the 
system to the west of Bermuda on Monday and Tuesday.  The storm is 
likely to turn northeastward and accelerate by the middle of next 
week when it should move in the faster flow between the ridge and a 
mid- to upper-level trough over eastern Canada and the northeast 
U.S.  In general, the models have shifted westward this cycle, and 
the NHC track forecast has been nudged in that direction.

Continued moderate to strong westerly vertical wind shear should 
limit strengthening during the next 12 to 24 hours.  However, more 
significant strengthening seems likely in a day or two when the 
shear decreases while Franklin remains over warm water and in a 
relatively moist environment.  Franklin is expected to become a 
hurricane over the weekend and should reach a peak intensity near 
major hurricane strength early next week.  The strengthening trend 
should end around day 4, at which time the storm is forecast to 
begin moving over cooler waters and into an environment of stronger 
shear. The intensity models are in fairly good agreement, and this 
forecast is quite similar to the previous one. 

 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT3+shtml/250841.shtml?

Tropical Storm Franklin moving slowly

Shared from -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at3+shtml/084425.shtml?cone

Mindfulness for kids program scheduled by Hockomock YMCA North Attleboro

"Sign up today for our 6-week program, Mindfulness for Kids! Class will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at our Hurley Family Branch. (North Attleboro) 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Brynne Kirwan at brynnek@hockymca.org"

https://bit.ly/YMindfulness

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

Mindfulness for kids program scheduled by Hockomock YMCA North Attleboro

Worth catching your attention to, this is important!

Help design new MA state seal: Survey seeks input.

A governor-appointed commission (including a designee from @masscultural) is gathering public feedback on a new seal and motto for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Please share your thoughts by completing their survey by Sept. 27, 2023.

bit.ly/StateSealSurvey

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CwS0opGO09V/

Worth catching your attention to, this is important!

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Aug 25, 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     ArtWeek: John Christoforo

9:00 am     Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

11:00 am Senior Connection: Council on Aging

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

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

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

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

3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Pauline Spender

4:30 pm     Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer

8:30 pm 4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

8:30 am     It Takes A Village: D'Angela Alberty

10:00 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:30 pm     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Medfield 04-18-23

8:30 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-20-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-20-23

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

Franklin Food Pantry serves record number of our neighbors in a single day

Via the Franklin Food Pantry 

"Yesterday (Tuesday, 8/22/23) we served a RECORD NUMBER of 112 neighbors between client appointments, emergency bags, and curbside distribution. None of this would have been possible without our new, larger space where we can accommodate more clients and have the capacity to store more food. 

We are asking you to join us in our efforts! 

We have reached 56% of our $3.5 million campaign goal to raise funds for the purchase and renovation of our building, enhance our client programs and services, and create a rainy-day fund for future building expenses. 

We are deeply grateful for your support, and cannot help our neighbors in need without you!"

Find the Instagram reel here -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwS20MFrGfy/

Follow the link to donate and sign up for a tour of the new building ->  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/

Recent podcasts about the Franklin Food Pantry. Their work servicing our neighbors is enhanced by the new facility. 

• Executive Director Tina Powderly   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html 
• Anne McGillis & Yianna Zicherman    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 
• Suzanne Gendreau & Donna O'Neill    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html

Franklin Food Pantry serves record number of our neighbors in a single day

Jamie Barrett scheduled to perform at the Historical Museum during the Harvest Festival - Sept 30

Looking forward to the annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival, Saturday, September 30th, we’re pleased to announce Franklin Music Educator, Jamie Barrett will be providing our musical entertainment on the museum’s front porch. 

Jamie Barrett

Check our website and Facebook page for exact times as we get closer to the event. Families can spread their blanket on the front lawn and enjoy Mr. Barrett’s music. Freshly popped pop corn is free to all visitors (outdoors only please). But do come inside and try your hand at our Scavenger Hunt and learn a little of our town’s history!

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Come in and find your history!

Sunday's service at FUSF: "Everyday Spiritual Practices" – Aug 27

The description for this coming Sunday's service "Everyday Spiritual Practices"  at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF). The service will be led by Rev. Bev Waring.

Plato said, “The life which is unexamined is not worth living.”  An extreme position that Rev. Scott Alexander addresses in the introduction to a book he edited, “Everyday Spiritual Practices; Simple Pathways For Enriching Your Life.” He writes: “many people get caught in a rut, meandering through their days, doing only what comes easily…” 

Join us for this last summer service as Rev. Bev Waring offers some options for how you can spiritually examine and shape your life; options that engage the mind, the body, the heart, the will and the soul will be discussed in this quick review of everyday spiritual practices.

 

NOTE: This service is in-person only and is open to people of all ages.  We will begin the service with a blessing of the backpacks for children and youth. Following the blessing, children and youth will leave the sanctuary with our Director of Religious Education for some fun activities in the grove. 

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug 20 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. 

Sunday's service at FUSF: "Everyday Spiritual Practices" – Aug 27

Town of Franklin, MA: election candidates updated as of Aug 23, 2023

Via the Town of Franklin, MA

The Biennial Town Election is November 7, 2023. Nomination papers must be returned by September 6, 2023 no later than 5 PM to the Town Clerk's Office. 

Visit the Town Clerk's webpage for a full list of individuals who have pulled nomination papers here: https://t.co/P4Enh6Gyyn

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/NzIG6LG6VJ

Town of Franklin, MA: election candidates updated as of Aug 23, 2023

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks, sets new date for FHS graduation as May 31, 2024 (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023. 6 of the 7 members were present (Whitmore absent).

Quick recap

• Several updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas Giguere
• In the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.
• FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policy
• Principal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they looked at the calendar and how the weeks and other school events (MCAS among them) fell, it made sense to change it. The Committee approved

The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-22-23.pdf

The packet folder can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-22-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet  (Note some docs are scheduled to be updated after the meeting)

YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/OKz4ioRKmxM

My notes can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFNh0WlWJbVT4gRJwod5ULotPRs-nhbV/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks

Exercise, fun, teamwork, and friendly competition ... Register now for the Fall Adult Team Sports

Sign up for a Team Sport with us!

Lifelong Community Learning invites you to choose a sport and get involved this Fall! For information and to register, visit: Team Sports

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Police Station Building Committee starts work at first meeting (video)

The Police Station Building Committee began their work in the first meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. First step getting sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello was quickly accomplished.

Round of introductions by the members of the committee was conducted.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief overview. Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo walked through the overall process they will get into.

High level process (additional detail in memo)

• Request for a Proposal (RFP) for an Owner Project Manager (OPM)
• Select an OPM
• Work with the OPM to select an architect
• Site visits to current station (what is) and other community stations (what could be)
• Schematic design
• Design development
• Construction documents
• Bidding
• Construction

The site and site selection are important as is the funding and approval for such. While the actual building process was talk of being done in about 2 years, the entire process is more likely to run 3-5 years.

Police Station Building Committee stands for swearing in

Meeting agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-23_police_station_building_committee.pdf

Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee

Franklin TV video replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/57woRz_bSKo

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DirbGHhnp78PdFxzbiXjEx_qDqszqMK8/view?usp=drive_link

Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM. All four members were present for the brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. 

A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.

One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.

The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).

map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St

You may access the agenda and links for this 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 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Aug 24, 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: PACT Act

9:00 am     ArtWeek: John Christoforo

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: New Facility

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

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

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

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

3:00 pm Joe Landry: Restaurants & Bars

4:30 pm     Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

5:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Pauline Spender

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

7:00 pm     Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

8:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: James Johnston

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

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

8:30 am     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

10:30 am U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

1:00 pm     Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

2:30 pm     FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

7:00 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 04-18-23

9:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 08-10-23

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee: 07-26-23

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 08-10-23

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

Franklin Cultural District: open mic, thrift shop, Concerts on the Common, Farmers Market, movie night & more...

La Cantina Winery

Wednesday, August 23

10:00am - FSPA Open House (38 Main St - Franklin School for Performing Arts)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

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

Thursday, August 24

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

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

Franklin Farmers Market

Friday, August 25

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

2:00pm - Kymberlee O'Brien (live music)  (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Thrift Threads thrift shop (Franklin Federated Church)

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

Saturday, August 26

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

1:00pm - Pub Crawl fundraiser (ticketed event) (start/finish La Cantina Winery)

4:00pm - Bigelow Station (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

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

Sunday, August 27

10:00am - FUSF Service "Everyday Spiritual Practices"  (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

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

Monday, August 28

6:00pm - The Super Mario Bros. Movie (movie night) (Franklin Public Library)

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

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)

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!

Franklin Housing Authority preparing to offer to lease 813 Summer as an "Affordable" unit

The Franklin Housing Authority has acquired the ‘long-time vacant’ property located at 813 Summer Street, Franklin. The beautiful three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and the property will remain in the Town’s affordable housing stock through perpetuity. As we approach completion of the home renovations and prepare to enter the leasing process, we wanted to announce our intentions locally as many neighbors have stopped to inquire.

The entirely renovated home has 3 bedrooms, 1 & ½ bathrooms, kitchen with new cabinets and granite counters, dining room and a large living room. We have replaced and updated the flooring, heating system, electrical system and landscaping. 

We will lease this property based on 80% of the current area Fair Market Rents and income will be limited to the current area Low-Income Limits as published by HUD. For a family of between 3 to 6 persons, the income limits are currently $106,650 to $137,450 respectively. This means that the household income must be below the limit to qualify. The rent will be listed at $2550 monthly excluding utilities. Interested persons may email office@franklinhousing.org to obtain an application.

The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates. The unwavering assistance of all of our supporters was monumental in the success of the acquisition.

Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT’s Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Spears, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT’s Trust Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.

Franklin Housing Authority preparing to offer to lease 813 Summer as an "Affordable" unit