2 Dean College Events for Women’s History Month

Dean College is hosting two prominent guests in honor of Women’s History Month. These events are free and open to the public.

Femita Ayanbeku (right) Kenyatta Berry (left)

The first speaker, Femita Ayanbeku, will be giving a lecture on Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 PM in the Trophy Room. Femita is a two-time USA Paralympic sprinter, motivational speaker, spokesperson for Fitbitand Ossur, and has numerous other achievements to her name. Femita graduated from Brockton High School and until recently, lived in Boston. She has overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve her goal of competing in the Paralympics and she is looking forward to sharing her story with us!

Our second guest, Kenyatta Berry, has agreed to share her journey and insight with Dean College and the Franklin community on March 27 at 5:30 PM, also in the Trophy Room. She has co-hosted 2 television shows on PBS, hosted podcasts (https://firesidechat.com/kenyattaberry) and (https://www.audible.com/.../Conversations-with.../B08K57MK4J), authored a book and contributed to numerous research projects, including the 1619 project. Kenyatta has a professional background in the law and technology but became a full-time genealogist more than a decade ago after she had been researching genealogy for years while holding down a full-time job in another field.

As an entrepreneur, genealogist, attorney, author, podcaster, television host, lawyer and tech expert, Kenyatta has a broad scope of expertise to share.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/tZWFcSyYwitsHrqc/

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

 FM #1156 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1156 in the series. 

This session shares a recap of the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. This recap was recorded via Zoom on Thursday, March 7, 2024. 

The recap of this critical budgetary meeting was conducted with:

• Council Chair Tom Mercer who also serves as the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee
• George Conley, Chair of the Finance Committee
• David McNeill, Vice-Chair of the School Committee as well as Chair of the Budget Subcommittee for the schools

Quick recap:

• Role of the Joint Budget Committee
• Reflections on the info shared in the meeting
• Next steps including schedule of meetings to continue to work on refining the FY 2025 budget

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen to the recap of the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1156-recap-of-the-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-03-07-24

 

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   

Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf 

Presentation document link -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf

Photo album capturing the slides and meeting 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/b4HcchHohAs9vqrJA 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m42hRAFdfM-OX-brLa6epXiuEktOEeWU/view?usp=drive_link 

Additional info will be added to the FY 2025 budget page as the budget gets fined tuned over the next several weeks  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Joint Budget Subcommittee page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee 

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

FHS boys basketball rolls into D1 Final over Catholic Memorial

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports playoff competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Via Ryan Lanigan -> https://twitter.com/R_Lanigan

• A spot in the Division 1 state championship on the line inside the Rabouin Field House at Taunton High. #3 Franklin (24-1) taking on #2 Catholic Memorial (19-4). #hockomock
• End 1Q: Franklin 21, Catholic Memorial 16. Panthers cash in on some second chance points, Bradley Herndon with two hustle plays that led to a pair of buckets. #hockomock
• Half: Franklin 33, Catholic Memorial 29. Panthers had the lead up to 10 (29-19) before Knights closed strong. Henry Digiorgio with 11 pts, Sean O’Leary 9 pts 3 reb 3 ast. #hockomock
• Bradley Herndon has been incredible this quarter, playing with tremendous confidence. Now Caden Sullivan soars in for a tip in. Franklin up 53-37, 2:08 left 3Q. #hockomock
• End 3Q: Franklin 56, Catholic Memorial 42. Panthers win the third (23-13) by double digits, some massive momentum waves. O’Leary 14 pts, Herndon & Digiorgio 11 pts each, Sullivan & O’Neill 8 pts each. #hockomock
• Franklin had the lead up to 17 (59-42) but the offense has gone cold, missed a couple close ones. Knights with a 10-0 run including a bucket off a missed free throw. Franklin holding a 59-52 left with 2:15 left 4Q. #hockomock
• Final: Franklin 66, Catholic Memorial 52. The Panthers are headed to the D1 state championship game. Sean O’Leary 17 pts 6 reb 5 ast, Bradley Herndon 13 pts 7 reb 6 ast, Henry Digiorgio 11 pts 10 reb, Andrew O’Neill 11 pts (huge 4Q three), Caden Sullivan 10 pts 8 reb #hockomock

The other finalist will be determined by the outcome of their game later today. #1 Worcester North vs. Xaverian. The full MIAA bracket can be found -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7008

The full recap by Ryan Lanigan on HockomockSports.com (subscription required) ->

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-book-spot-in-final-after-beating-cm/

Photo gallery -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2023-2024/Winter-2023-2024/Franklin-Catholic-Memorial-Boys-Basketball-03-12-24

Boston Globe coverage -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/12/sports/franklin-boys-basketball-puts-its-offensive-flair-display-division-1-semifinal-win/

FHS boys basketball rolls into D1 Final over Catholic Memorial

Franklin is not alone in struggling to fund their schools & town budget

Via Boston Globe: 

"Nearly five years after Massachusetts lawmakers overhauled the state’s school funding formula, districts are struggling to balance their budgets for the upcoming school year, prompting many to consider cutting programs and staff or asking taxpayers to dig deeper. 

The chief culprit, district leaders and advocates say, is the high rate of inflation that hit the US economy in recent years, much higher than the adjustments used in the new funding formula that was revamped to reflect modern-day costs. 

The failure of the new formula to accurately capture inflation could be collectively costing districts hundreds of millions of dollars in aid, according to Colin Jones, deputy policy director at the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, a nonpartisan research institute. 

Voters in Belmont, Harvard, and Westford will be considering hefty property tax hikes at the polls this spring, which, if they fail to pass, could result in significant cuts to school and town services. In Belmont, for example, if voters reject an $8.4 million override on April 2, school leaders have said they will need to close the Mary Lee Burbank Elementary School, eliminate dozens of teaching and other positions, and make deep cuts to extracurricular activities."

Continue reading the full article online (subscription may be required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/12/metro/massachusetts-school-funding-budget-cuts/

Franklin is not alone in struggling to fund their schools & town budget

Franklin Agway announces they will Close April 6, 2024

All good things come to an end.  Thank you for being a part of the story. Sales 3/8/2024 - 4/6/2024 MOST OF STORE ON SALE  March 8-16 20% OFF (excluding seeds and *) MOST OF STORE ON SALE  March 17-23 30% OFF MOST OF STORE ON SALE  March 24-30 40% OFF MOST OF STORE ON SALE  March 31-April 6 50% OFF Clothing and boots (except Sloggers) 50% All pots/planters 40% Select specials: Weber 22" Charcoal Grill $150 Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker $250 Galvanized Stock Tank $125 We will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays going forward. We will be closed Sunday March 31, 2024. *Excluding grain, livestock feeds, shavings, hay, straw and propane. All sales final. While supplies last. Dog food and wild delight bird seed rewards programs are still on. Thank you, The Agway Crew Copyright © 2024 Franklin Urban Farm Store dba Franklin Agway, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin Urban Farm Store dba Franklin Agway 157 Cottage St Franklin, MA 02038-2403

Auchincloss Secures District Wins in Passage of Federal Minibus - Franklin Ridge gains $850K

Auchincloss Secures District Wins in Passage of Federal Minibus

"Minibus" Funding Bill Includes Auchincloss Community Project Funding Requests 

Last weekend, Congress passed a partial government funding bill that was signed by President Biden and includes key wins for the Fourth District. The bill provides funding for 15 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests sponsored by Congressman Auchincloss. 

"Clean drinking water & better bridges have been my priority for three funding cycles," said Auchincloss. "These projects take time – they're not quick & flashy – but the benefits will extend for a generation."

Auchincloss Projects Included in Passage: 

• Pleasant Street Neighborhood Stabilization Plan Streetscapes Improvement Project, Fall River Amount Received: $1,666,279 

• Danforth St. Bridge Reconstruction Project, Taunton  Amount Received: $1,000,000

• Weir Bridge Reconstruction Project, Taunton   Amount Received: $1,000,000

• Cleaning and Lining Large Water Main near Wading River Water Treatment Plan, Attleboro  Amount Received: $959,752

• Ferry Street Sewer Pump Station Rehabilitation Project, Fall River   Amount Received: $959,752

• PFAS Treatment Project, Bellingham   Amount Received: $959,752

• Walnut Street Sewer Project, Foxborough    Amount Received: $959,752

• Town Center Package Sewer Plant, Norfolk    Amount Received: $959,752

• McKeon PFAS Treatment Facility, North Attleborough   Amount Received: $959,752

• Construction of Route 6 Corridor Sewer Collection System, Swansea   Amount Received: $959,752

• Water Quality Improvements, Wrentham  Amount Received: $959,752

• Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club Stone House Renovation Project, Blackstone   Amount Received: $850,000

• Franklin Ridge Senior Affordable Housing Project, Franklin  Amount Received: $850,000

• South Main Street Bridge, Freetown   Amount Received: $500,000

• Pleasant Street Infrastructure Improvements, Medfield    Amount Received: $500,000

To learn more about Congressman Jake Auchincloss, visit https://auchincloss.house.gov or connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.   

Auchincloss Secures District Wins in Passage of Federal Minibus

"What’s Your Story?" An Evening of Storytelling - April 6

What’s Your Story? is an evening of storytelling hosted by the First Universalist Society in Franklin (262 Chestnut St.) April 6, 2024 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.

Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour, What’s Your Story? is a family friendly event with the theme “Surprises.” Join us for an evening of fun as amateur storytellers dare to share their personal stories about surprises they have experienced.

Snacks and beverages will be provided during intermission but feel to bring your own.

Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children 12-18. Can be purchased in advance at FUSF.org/upcoming events. Cash or checks are also accepted.

For more information about First Universalist Society in Franklin (fusf.org), contact Interim Minister Beverly Waring at 508-528-5348 or minister@fusf.org.

"What’s Your Story?" An Evening of Storytelling - April 6

Have you applied for the Knights of Columbus Scholarships? Application due March 28, 2024

The Knights of Columbus 1847 St Mary Parish Franklin is accepting applications for The Robert Simmler PGK, Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council Scholarships. They are offering two scholarships, one in the sum of $3000 and the second $1000 scholarship.  

The applicants must be a registered member of St Mary’s Parish in Franklin, and must be graduating from High School in Spring 2024 and progressing onto their first year of study at a 2 or 4 year college/university.  All interested applicants please submit a completed scholarship application postmarked on or before the application deadline of March 28, 2024.

The application form is available from the banner on the St Mary parish website www.stmarysfranklin.org  or on the Knights of Columbus website https://www.kofc1847.org/ .  

Please fill in ALL information accurately and clearly, and then submit the completed application to             

Knights of Columbus 

Sacred Heart Council 1847

St Mary’s Parish 

c/o Michael Swan 

38 Madison Ave 

Franklin, MA 02038

The scholarship recipients will receive payment upon completion of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof of enrollment in the 2nd semester.

If more information is needed, please contact Mike Swan: 508-404-4792 

Apply for the Knights Of Columbus Scholarship Program for 2024; deadline - March 28, 2024

Town of Franklin: Invitation for Bid on Chip Seal Work

Chip Seal

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain  the services of a construction firm for the purposes of furnishing and applying a Rubber Chip  Seal Surface Treatment on properly prepared bituminous streets within the Town of Franklin. 

Additional Information:  Chip Seal

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-chip-seal

Town of Franklin: Invitation for Bid on Chip Seal Work

Town of Franklin: Invitation for Bid on Crack Seal Work

Crack Seal

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain  the services of a construction firm for the purposes of preparing existing cracks and furnishing  and applying a crack sealant on properly prepared bituminous streets within the Town of  Franklin.

Additional Information:  Crack Seal

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-crack-seal

Town of Franklin:  Invitation to Bid on Crack Seal Work

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024

• 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)

• This slot features the recent Chalkboard Chat with Chair Dave Callaghan & member Ruthann O'Sullivan recaps the School Cmte meeting of Mar 5 , 2024   ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps.html

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.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi talk with David Glancy  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode-258.html

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)

• This slot features an update on the Master Plan with Chair Glenn Jones -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/glenn-jones-talks-about-what-master.html

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

7:30 am Mental Health: Shannon Nesbitt

8:30 am Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word

10:00 am Jim Johnston: Ben Franklin and Martin Luther King, Jr.

11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

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

12:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

4:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

8:30 am MICCA Festival 2019

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to TD Garden

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Notre Dame Academy Hingham 02-28-24

2:30 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 01-05-23

8:00 pm Hockomock League Swimming Championship 2024 Day 2

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

8:00 am Town Council 02-28-24

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 03-06-24

2:00 pm Town Council 02-28-24

5:45 pm  Economic Subcommittee  Live, Chambers  875 8205 0083

7:00 pm  Town Council  Live, Chambers  852 9645 9361

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

All Town Band, Chorus, & Orchestra Showcase Concerts -> March 12, 13, & 21

All Town MICCA* Showcase Concerts

All Town MICCA Showcase Concerts -> March 12, 13 & 21

• March 12th - All Town Chorus and Orchestra 6PM @ FHS
• March 13th - All Town Bands 6PM @ FHS
• March 21st - All Town 6th Grade Band, Chorus & Orchestra 6PM @ HMMS

MICCA is the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association  https://miccamusic.org/

Partnering with the…

Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin High School Tri M Honor Society will be collecting food donations for the  Franklin Food Pantry at all of the March concerts. 

Donation boxes will be found in the lobby before the concerts. 

Download a copy of the flyer/poster to share or as a reminder of the next concerts

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15NKbOVR95Mqlq16CdkXNzj6LkeiF52kK/view?usp=drive_link

`Cinema 80’ Feature Films Continue (Free) - "The Lodger" - March 16

Silent Saturdays start at 6 pm on each Saturday of the month (except the last): Chris Leverone, a videographer and graphics artist from Franklin, has directed promotional and fundraising videos, and is currently a producer at Franklin TV. He developed this program of films in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center.

• March 16 - "The Lodger"

In one of his first thrillers, Alfred Hitchcock paints a picture of paranoia and suspicion with clever camerawork and editing, as a killer stalks the streets of London.

`Cinema 80’ Feature Films Continue (Free) - "The Lodger" - March 16

 

Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Update Committee is doing and the Open House March 23 (audio)

FM #1155 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1155 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. Glenn is currently Chair for the Master Plan Update Committee. They have been working diligently for the past year to revise and update the “Master Plan” for Franklin. 

The Committee is preparing for the Open House event, March 23. To be held at Dean College, 60 School St from 11 AM to 3 PM. Refreshments will be provided by Dean College.

We talk through the Master Planning process and what remains ahead of them.

The audio recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and come to hear more on March 23 at Dean College. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1155-master-plan-update-with-glenn-jones-03-05-24

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Master Plan Update Committee page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Inventory Report (Updated) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_inventory_assessment-rev_03-07-2024_ia_with_maps.pdf 

Event info for March 23 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-master-plan-open-house-march-23-2024 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Update Committee is doing and the Open House March 23 (audio)