Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Pre-registration is recommended for the Children's Museum Franklin pop up on Sunday, Jan 21 at the Elks

Visit childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register to streamline check-in to Mobile Museum events!  
First pop-up coming this Sunday, Jan 21!


If you missed the listening to the Erin & Meg of the Children's Museum, you can catch up on what their plans are here ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/the-childrens-museum-of-franklin-to.html


Pre-registration is recommended
 Pre-registration is recommended

LEGAL NOTICE FRANKLIN, MA: Ambulance Fees - 2nd reading to approve increase

The Franklin Town Council will hold a second reading and final vote on the adoption of Town Code Bylaw Amendment 24-904: A Bylaw to Amend The Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, §82-6 Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection F. Fire, which will increase ambulance fees as follows: 
● ALS Base Rate 1 from $2,420.00 to $2,464.00 
● BLS Rate from $1,619.00 to $1,694.00 
● Mileage from $38.00 to $39.00 

The second reading and final vote on adoption of this bylaw amendment will take place during the Town Council Public Meeting beginning at 7:00 pm on January 31, 2024; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. 

Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin, and also via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda including full text of proposed bylaw amendment, and for up to date meeting information, on and after January 26, 2024. 

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information. 

Submitted by, 
Julie McCann 

Note: ALS = assisted life support, BLS = basic life support


LEGAL NOTICE FRANKLIN, MA: Ambulance Fees - 2nd reading to approve increase
LEGAL NOTICE FRANKLIN, MA: Ambulance Fees - 2nd reading to approve increase

Important Rise Up Information for Gathering Saturday, Jan 20 at 10 AM

Hi friend!

Our next Rise Up social hour is next Saturday, January 20, at 10 AM.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The location for January has CHANGED and we will meet at the Franklin Public Library instead. We'll be in the community room, which is the room with the glass "wall" next to the kids section (and at the best entrance for handicap accessibility).

EXCITING news as well: The EMS Caption William Blanchard from the Franklin Fire  Department will be joining us with a colleague as well. He will share some safety preparation information with us, be able to answer questions, and also hear from us if there is anything we need.

We are looking forward to seeing you then!

Ali Rheaume
Ali Rheaume











This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:
  • individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
  • community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
  • support persons to meet other support persons
For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Join Today: Eclipse Soundscapes Project (video)

The Eclipse Soundscapes Project is a NASA Citizen Science project funded by NASA Science Activation that is studying how eclipses affect life on Earth during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. Eclipse Soundscapes will revisit an eclipse study from almost 100 years ago that showed that animals and insects are affected by solar eclipses! Like this study from 100 years ago, Eclipse Soundscapes has asked for the public's help. Eclipse Soundscapes will use modern technology to continue to study how solar eclipses affect life on Earth! (Say "Eclipse Soundscapes" five times fast!)

So, how can you help Eclipse Soundscapes? Eclipse Soundscapes will be collecting your multi-sensory observations and recorded sound data (through an audiomoth - free with application!) from the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. The observations and sound data collected will help Eclipse Soundscapes understand the impact of the 2024 solar eclipses on various U.S. ecosystems.

How you can participate in the Eclipse Soundscapes Project:

Eclipse Soundscapes
Eclipse Soundscapes
There are many different ways you can participate in the Eclipse Soundscapes Project and support its scientific mission. You can choose just one role or several of the roles linked below. 

Eclipse Soundscapes recommends that ALL participants complete the Apprentice role first, which is free and online. After that, you can choose to engage in any of the other roles. All are very important to the success of the Eclipse Soundscapes Project!

To learn more about Eclipse Soundscapes Project and how you can participate visit here: https://eclipsesoundscapes.org/roles/


Need a spot to observe or want to organize a group to complete Project? Reach out to Breeka Li Goodlander with the Conservation Department and be sure to check out any of our Conservation Areas or Lands throughout Town. You'll be sure to see or hear something. 

Best Fishes and Worm Regards,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Scientist

Eclipse Soundscapes is an enterprise of ARISA Lab, LLC and is supported by NASA award No. 80NSSC21M0008.


Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Jan 17, 2023

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.
11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady
8:30 am Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022
10:00 am Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Appetizers
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education
1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Steve Crouteau
4:30 pm Ben Gardner's Boat
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

8:30 am MICCA Festival 2019
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force
11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Dedham 01-10-24
2:30 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 05-29-21
4:00 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023
8:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Foxboro 01-09-24

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 01-03-24
12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 01-10-24
2:00 pm Town Council: 01-03-24
7:00 pm Town Council: LIVE. Chambers  895 0335 6472

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

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Maura Healey invites you to the State of the Commonwealth - Jan 17 at 7 PM

Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) posted Fri, Jan 12, 2024:

I'm excited to deliver my first State of the Commonwealth on January 17th!

2023 was all about making Massachusetts more affordable. In 2024, we're going to keep after it.

We've got some awesome things in store for this year that I can't wait to share with you. Tune in at… https://t.co/or5Nitu74T
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1745830190708646149

State of the Commonwealth page -> https://www.mass.gov/2024-state-of-the-commonwealth


Maura Healey invites you to the State of the Commonwealth - Jan 17 at 7 PM
Maura Healey invites you to the State of the Commonwealth - Jan 17 at 7 PM

2023 Year In Review Quiz Results or "Survey says ..."

Thanks to the 40+ folks who participated in the 2023 Year In Review Quiz. The results showed a great range and hence there is plenty of opportunity to do better next time around.

At the end of the results presentation, there is an opportunity to answer: 
What question(s) should have been asked?




or PDF here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q_aOsoXrwTcyVfIHrBfJxZuXjzq5Ew9-/view?usp=drive_link

One key way to do better next time is to make sure you subscribe to the daily newsletter. Only one email a day keep you informed on what is happening in Franklin.  Subscribe -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

2023 Year In Review Quiz Results or "Survey says ..."
2023 Year In Review Quiz Results or "Survey says ..."


350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, January 18, 2024 - hybrid session

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will hold our next meeting this Thursday, January 18, 7:00-9:00 PM. Franklin residents, come to this meeting!  

This will be a HYBRID meeting: you can attend in person, or join on Zoom.  

Those of us who have been meeting in Franklin have enjoyed the chance to come together. Join us! 

 

  • In-person meetingFirst Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin
  •  OPTION:   

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

 

ATTENTION Franklin residents! In addition to our regular agenda, we will hear about and discuss sustainability plans for the Town of Franklin. We will be joined in-person by Gino Carlucci, chair of the Sustainability Subcommittee of the Franklin Master Plan Update Committee, from 7:15-7:35. It will be primarily an introductory discussion to one or more public meetings scheduled over the next 2-3 months, at which everyone interested will have the opportunity to provide input to the master plan in general as well as the sustainability elements in particular. We look forward to our discussion with Gino.

 

The remainder of the Node meeting will focus on the two major 350 Mass campaigns: Emissions Free Buildings and Make Polluters Pay. Read about them here.


The Emissions Free Buildings (EFB) campaign works at municipal and statewide levels to replace building systems with proven renewable energy technologies to make our buildings and homes emissions free, in alignment with the Commonwealth's emission goals.     

 

Along with statewide legislation, the 350 Mass EFB campaign promotes local action to accelerate the transition with five Local Projects that can be undertaken by single communities. We'll discuss the choices for towns within the node:

  • Better buildings: Achieving energy efficiency and electrification of buildings and homes; A project to implement Clean Green Schools; and New Building Codes to promote use of renewable energy.
  • Municipal aggregation (aka Community Choice Aggregation) where a town or city purchases electricity in bulk for its residents.
  • Opposition to proposed new gas pipelines.

Here is your opportunity to promote climate action in your town and get guidance to make that happen! The Greater Franklin Node encompasses 20 towns. We want to identify potential Local Projects for towns. Which projects make sense for your town? Who are the key players? How to engage local citizens? This is your chance to make a difference in 2024 and take on the challenges that we face in climate and energy. Join us!

 

Please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. 

Check out upcoming events on our website

 

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. We will maintain our schedule of meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. 

 

Note: We typically will hold a hybrid meeting on the 1st Thursday and a Zoom-only meeting on the 3rd Thursday, but this week's meeting is a hybrid event so we can welcome Gino Carlucci and residents of Franklin for an in-person discussion.  

 

If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.net. We will send a reminder on Thursday.  

 

Thank you.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   


FHS girls and boys basketball teams top Canton on Monday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, Jan 15, 2024. 


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 59 @ Canton, 54 – Final

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 59 @ Canton, 54 – Final
Boys Basketball = Franklin, 59 @ Canton, 54 – Final

Girls Basketball = Canton, 24 @ Franklin, 56 – Final

Girls Basketball = Canton, 24 @ Franklin, 56 – Final
Girls Basketball = Canton, 24 @ Franklin, 56 – Final

At Franklin High for a crossover girls basketball game, Panthers (3-5) hosting Canton (4-5) in a game moved up from tomorrow night, Bulldogs looking to pull the upset and get back to .500, Franklin looking to move over .500 in the league #hockomock

End of 1Q: Franklin 16, Canton 4, Panthers locking down defensively and only gave up two made FG, Chloe Fales with 5 and Sasha Tracey with four points to lead the hosts #hockomock

Halftime: Franklin 30, Canton 11, Tracey up to nine points and Fales has seven, Kyra McSweeney adding six for the Panthers, Fatima Sidibay leads Canton with five (all in the 2Q) #hockomock

End of 3Q: Franklin 46, Canton 20, Tracey up to 16, Fales with nine, and McSweeney with eight, Sidibay has 12 for the Bulldogs #hockomock

Final: Franklin 56, Canton 24, Sasha Tracey scores a game-high 16, Chloe Fales and Kaylee Fernandes each added nine for the Panthers, Fatima Sidibay led the Bulldogs with 13 points #hockomock

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

PAINT, SIP & SPIRITS $50 - Feb 15, 2024

PAINT, SIP & SPIRITS $50 

At the Creative Corner Art Studio February 15 from 7 - 9 PM

PAINTING ON CANVAS WITH A psychic reading with Maria Saganis 

Creative Corner Art Studio
13 Main Street Depot Plaza - Franklin
Located in Franklin Center!

ADVANCE SIGN UP AND PAYMENT REQUIRED @ www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com


PAINT, SIP & SPIRITS $50 - Feb 15, 2024
PAINT, SIP & SPIRITS $50 - Feb 15, 2024

TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT: Beaver St Interceptor construction on Old West Central St

TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT:

Starting Tuesday January 16th, construction crews will be advancing further onto Old West Central St. and traffic will be detoured to Tri-County Drive. Access to this area may look different as work continues. We are working with school staff to ensure safety and local businesses remain open.
Please visit our interactive construction map for details beginning 1/16
https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/.../sid.../index.html... will update and communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map. #onefranklin #franklinmassachusetts #FranklinBSI #keepfranklinflowing


TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT: Beaver St Interceptor construction on Old West Central St
TRAFFIC DETOUR ALERT: Beaver St Interceptor construction on Old West Central St


"The state’s outlier status on punishing revenge porn ought to be a source of embarrassment for Senate lawmakers"

"The sharing of intimate photographs by consenting adults has by many accounts become commonplace. And it has come with a host of unfortunate consequences — including the potential for betrayal of what was once a trusting relationship.

Revenge porn — the nonconsensual sharing or publishing of those intimate images — has swept up celebrities and the once-happy couple next door alike.

Look no further than the recently reported case of Aiden Kearney, the controversial blogger known as Turtleboy, who now stands accused by a former girlfriend of threatening to release nude photos of her after she broke up with him in December — and started talking to police about his other activities. Kearney had recently been charged with witness intimidation in connection with his interest in a Canton murder case. Now he faces charges of domestic assault and witness intimidation in the case involving his ex-girlfriend."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

The legislation recently passed by the MA House was shared here recently

Massachusetts and South Carolina are the only states where revenge porn is not criminalized.CHRIS RATCLIFFE/PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS RATCLIFFE/BL
Massachusetts and South Carolina are the only states where revenge porn is not criminalized. CHRIS RATCLIFFE/PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS RATCLIFFE/BL


Tax Preparation Help with VITA Registration Day January 20 - from 10 AM to 4 PM

Come to the library January 20th and get your appointment for Tax preparation help. This is a walk in event where volunteers will help you assess your needs, double check paperwork, and get you an appointment to file your taxes in February, March, or April.

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
  • People who generally make $60,000 or less
  • Persons with disabilities; and
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers
Tax Preparation Help with VITA Registration Day January 20 -  from 10 AM to  4 PM
Tax Preparation Help with VITA Registration Day January 20 -  from 10 AM to  4 PM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/tax-preparation-help-vita-registration-day

"Migrants want to work. And employers want to hire them"

"In the midst of the migrant crisis, there is opportunity: thousands of new arrivals eager to find jobs that employers around the state are desperate to fill.

And these mutual needs are starting to be met. Migrants living in at-capacity emergency shelters are trickling into the workforce: packaging cooking oil in Ayer; caring for patients with developmental disabilities in Waltham; gearing up to clean hospital rooms in Salem.

But getting to that point has required a massive undertaking. After holding clinics to speed up the work authorization process, the state launched a job skills training program that allows migrants living in shelters to start learning — and earning a stipend — while they wait for the US government to issue them work permits, and just announced two new hires dedicated to connecting migrants with jobs. Workers from MassHire Career Centers are going into shelters to connect migrants with English classes and help them find jobs. And employers are opening their doors to shelter residents — donating space for training sessions and even hiring translators to assist new hires.

Salem Hospital has offered housekeeping jobs to six Haitian migrants living at a shelter nearby on the campus of Salem State University, and filling them would be a major milestone."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success" Program Donates to Boston's St. Francis House

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell donated a carload of smart casual clothing, business attire, and wool coats totaling more than 100 articles of clothing to St. Francis House in Boston through the "Suits for Success" program.

The often-taken-for-granted suit or dress clothes hidden away in the back closet and only occasionally seeing the light of day may seem to some like an unfortunate necessity. However, for those looking to regain self-sufficiency, quality clothing can be that extra push they need and help them on the path to success. 

"These clothes will be put to good use and appreciated by the thousands who come to St. Francis House each year for a fresh pair of clothes in times of need," said Keri Thomas, St. Francis House Vice President of Programs and Services. "It is so valuable and necessary in getting individuals ready for the next step and help them to become more independent."

St. Francis House's mission is to rebuild lives by providing refuge and pathways to stability for adults experiencing homelessness and poverty. They aim to transform lives using a holistic approach to understanding and addressing behavioral health, housing, and employment needs.

Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success"
Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success"

 

Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success"
Register O'Donnell's "Suits for Success"


Register O'Donnell remarked, "It is my great pleasure to deliver these clothing donations to Boston's St. Francis House on behalf of the residents of Norfolk County. I thank all those who donated to our 'Suits for Success' program, and I hope other local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation to their local nonprofit organization. Organizations like the St. Francis House are truly needed and are a great resource for the community."

St. Francis House has been aiding the community since 1984. They provide a range of services, including clinical care, behavioral health services, and job counseling. They also offer food, clothing, and affordable and low-threshold housing to those in need.

"Donations like this help ensure the physical and emotional safety of our guests and assist in the process of changing the trajectory of their lives and moving beyond homelessness," said Thomas. "It offers choices to people who have had total control of their lives taken away, and this is the final touch that can help individuals land a job and help them on their path to becoming self-sufficient.  

Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has distributed more than 11,200 articles of clothing to local charitable organizations.

The "Suits for Success" program, developed by Register O'Donnell, partners with groups like Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & MainSpring of Quincy, the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program, Circle of Hope in Needham, United Parish's Thrifty Threads, St. Vincent de Paul in Plainville, St. Francis House in Boston, Suits and Smiles in Jamaica Plain, InnerCity Weightlifting and New Life Furniture Bank of Massachusetts in Walpole to assist those who are in need of clothing as well as household items. The mission of "Suits for Success" is to collect donations of suitable clothing to be distributed to individuals who may need appropriate attire for employment interviews.

"During the past decade, we have learned that programs like 'Suits for Success' work," said O'Donnell. "This program has given many people a valuable resource to help them on the path to success and may ultimately help them achieve self-sufficiency. It is rewarding just to help others in our community who may be looking to take that next step in a search for a job or just have a suit to go to a wedding or other event."

If you would like to stay up-to-date on upcoming Registry of Deeds events, programs, and real estate information, you can sign up for our Registry email updates at www.norfolkdeeds.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024

  • 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 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am The Black Box: Tappy Christmas 2019
9:00 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady
10:00 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education
1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10
4:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Thomas J. Lynch
5:30 pm Physician Focus: Electronic Medical Records
6:00 pm Senior Connection: Joe Landry
7:00 pm Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022
9:00 pm The Black Box: Disney Stars of Broadway

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19
9:00 am MICCA Festival 2019
11:30 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 05-29-21
1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
2:00 pm Menthal Health: Donna Grady
3:00 pm Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 1 01-28-19
4:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Wachusett 01-10-24
8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Foxboro 01-09-24

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 01-09-24
11:00 am Finance Committee 01-10-24
2:00 pm School Committee 01-09-24


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


Monday, January 15, 2024

"if America is to be a great nation (Yes), this must become true" (video)

Take a few minutes to listen to, or read, the "I have a dream" speech given by Martin Luther King in August of 1963.
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. (My Lord, No, no, no, no) [applause] We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline."

The full text of the speech can be found here: https://freedomsring.stanford.edu/?view=Speech