Franklin Matters

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Sign up for 1 (or both) of the 2 Workshops next week!

Explore working with your hands and your own creativity with the Hand Built Pottery class.

One session of Sound Bath Meditation can help you clear your mind, melt tension, and open your heart.

For information and to register, visit:

Workshops and Special Events

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038

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Electronic recycling in the St Mary's parking lot Saturday, May 18

"SAVE THE DATE for our upcoming annual electronics recycling event on Saturday, May 18th. All electronics, appliances, items with a plug and/or batteries, as well as bicycles in any condition will be accepted and recycled for a small cost (see event page).

Bring all your unwanted items to the parking lot to support our green initiative.

Let your friends and neighbors know!"

Electronic recycling

Don't toss your old electronics! Bring them to our upcoming recycling event. We're accepting a wide range of electronics, including TVs, computers, and more. Help reduce e-waste and learn about sustainable practices.

St. Mary's Parish is hosting an Electronics Recycling Event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday May 18. The collection event will be held in the Benjamin Franklin School parking lot across the street from the church, at 1 Church Square.

All electronics, appliances, items with a plug and/or batteries, as well as bicycles in any condition will be accepted and recycled for a small cost as follows:

Cost to You:

• $5 each for Computers, Laptops, Video Game Consoles, DVD Players, VCR’s, Small Printers, Radios, Alarm Clocks, Speakers, Table Lamps, Fans, Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Projectors, Power Tools, Drills, Cameras, Clocks, Trophies, Frying Pans and Cookware, Holiday Lights, Other Small Electronics.

• $10 each for Small Household Appliances, Vacuum Cleaners/Roomba, Toaster Ovens, Ceiling Fans, Floor Lamps, Air Fryers, Electric Grills, Hot Plates, Small Radiators, Keyboard Pianos, Coffee Makers, Ice Makers.

• $20 each for Flat Screen Computer Monitors, Microwaves, Dorm Sized Refrigerators, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners, Artificial Christmas Trees, Water Coolers, Large Printers/Copiers, Leaf Blowers, Chainsaws, Heat Lamps, Heaters, Fire Extinguishers, Propane Tanks (Empty).

• $25 each for TVs up to 26,” CRT Monitors, Washing Machines, Dryers, Stoves, Dishwashers, Large Appliances, Outdoor Grills, Treadmills, Exercise Equipment, Snow Blowers, Lawn Mowers, Rototillers, Power Washers, Large Yard Equipment, Water Tanks.

• $30 each for TVs between 26” and 35,” Large Refrigerators, Ride-On Lawn Mowers.

• $35 each for TVs over 36”

• $40 each for Projection TVs

• NO CHARGE: Cell Phones, Bicycles in any condition, Video Game Media and Accessories, Wires, Cables, Chargers, Car Batteries, Household Batteries, VHS/DVD’s, Keyboards, Tablets.

When you arrive, please follow the cones and directions from the workers. Bring your vehicle as close to the truck or dumpster as possible. Feel free to remain in your vehicle, our workers will unload your items for you.

Residents from all towns and communities are welcome to recycle. The event will be rain or shine. Computer hard drives will be destroyed during the recycling process, but can be removed on-site at the event for an additional charge.

Cash payment is preferred, but checks will be an acceptable form of payments over $30.

For more information or if you have additional questions, email GreenDayRecyclingMA@Gmail.com

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/events/336433062163224/

Senior Connection: Nan interviews Danielle (video)

Nan Rafter and Danielle Hopkins turn the tables as co-hosts and interview each other to share what is going on at the Franklin Senior Center.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/Ywjd4JquEbM

Community tips for calling 911

Via the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC)

Community tips for calling 911

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HWwrbbE1umJgoHds/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Mar 27, 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 National Art Honor Society episode -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/talking-about-create-art-around-world.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 Kathy McCabe-PBS Dream of Italy -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.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 the outlook of Library programs for April -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/listen-in-as-mitzi-and-i-preview.html

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

7:30 am Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

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 Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Valentine Cards

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: L. E. A. P.

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

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

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke

4:30 pm The Millis Berfield Band

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

8:30 am Lifelong Music: Band

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

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

2:30 pm Rec Basketball: 6th - 8th Grade Girls Championship

5:00 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 03-13-24

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

2:00 pm Town Council 03-13-24

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

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

FHS Senior Lola R. Richardson Selected as Finalist, 13 Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Joshua Hanna are pleased to announce that senior Lola R. Richardson has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, with an additional 13 seniors named Commended Students.

As a finalist, Richardson will receive a Certificate of Merit attesting to her distinguished performance in the competition. Approximately 7,140 of the over 15,000 finalists will earn scholarships between March and June.

Lola R. Richardson

Richardson is described as a remarkable student whose teachers recognize her as an essential member of their classrooms. She has taken many Advanced Placement courses and is heavily involved in activities and programs at school. Richardson is a member of the 40% Club, works as a mentor and counselor at Franklin Summer Music Camp, plays the accordion, flute and piano, and holds a first degree black belt in Taekwondo.

"I am excited to be a finalist because I have worked very hard and put in consistent effort towards my studies throughout my life," said Richardson. "Being selected as a finalist feels like all of that hard work is being recognized, which is a rewarding feeling, regardless of whether or not I win a scholarship."

Richardson says that her most meaningful high school experience was her participation in the All-State music festival during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. Outside of school, she works as a pianist at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

Richardson was accepted into Berklee College of Music and received a full tuition scholarship. She has not finalized her decision, but is likely to attend Berklee next year.

The 13 Commended Students are recognized for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by scoring among the 50,000 highest scorers nationwide on the 2022 Preliminary/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They will receive letters of commendation from the district, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program.

Commended Students

The Commended Students include: Aayush Srinivas, Adithya Balagurumoorthy, Aditya Sharma, Andrew Van Marter, Anna David, Anton Sackley, Arnav Deshpande, Ava Reijmers, Brady Flynn, Charles Call, Christopher Bartlett, Jennifer Soohoo and Liana Warnakulasooriya.

"We are incredibly proud of Lola for becoming a finalist for the scholarship, as well as each of the Commended Students for this prestigious achievement," Superintendent Giguere said. "All of these students have worked incredibly hard to accomplish this, and they are very deserving of the recognition."

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)

Since its founding, NMSC has recognized over 3.4 million students and provided some 451,000 scholarships worth over $1.8 billion. The honors awarded by NMSC to exceptionally able students are viewed as definitive marks of excellence. Recipients of Merit Scholarship® awards, Achievement Scholarship® awards, and corporate-sponsored Special Scholarships have increased the nation's respect for intellectual accomplishments and have contributed significantly to its talent pool of future leaders.

Middle school program on Technology/Social Media at Horace Mann, Mar 26 at 6 PM

Technology/Social Media

"For parents of middle schoolers at HMMS (and I’m sure they’re happy to have all middle school parents interested).

Technology/Social Media Info Night with Officer Ayer, Tuesday 3/26 at 6pm

Officer Ayer and Principal Motte will be hosting an evening event for HMMS parents/guardians to learn more about the impacts of technology and social media on the lives of the middle school student. We will provide some information on what we are seeing in our roles as Principal and School Resource Officer, and will provide resources for parents to stay informed.

We hope this can be an opportunity to share our experiences, raise awareness, and identify ways we can work together to help our middle schoolers live healthy lives. This event will take place in the HMMS Library."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/dnxX8qFYeLEVBi74/

Notice of Intent - Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School - Conservation

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (Wetlands Protection Act), the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 7:07 PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Stephen Powers of Samiotes Consultants, Inc., Framingham, MA, on behalf of Karen Maguire, School Superintendent of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Franklin, MA. The project proposes the dismantling of an existing solar array and the construction of a new Vocational Technical High School and athletic fields, with associated parking, stormwater, drainage, and grading. Approximately 4,906 square feet of work is proposed within Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) and/or Isolated Vegetated Wetlands (IVW), with 28,865 sf of work occurring within the 25- foot “No Disturbance” zone of BVW and/or IVW, 40,767 sf of work occurring within the 25- to 50-foot Buffer Zone to BVW and/or IVW, and 137,105 sf of work occurring within the 100-foot Buffer Zone of BVW and/or IVW.

The Project is located at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond Street, Map 259, Lot 4, within the Rural Residential II Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (www.franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Jeff Livingstone

Conservation Chair

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tri-county_noi_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Notice of Intent - Tri-County

Riffin' on Main Street: Fatima Wojohat (video)

Kenneth "Ken" Elmore, the President of Dean College, has a series of video interviews called "Riffin' on Main St." In this episode, he has a wonderful conversation with Dean College student, Afghanistan native and artist Fatima Wojohat

video link -> https://youtu.be/WtyOacpvSnM?si=n6AdTJucmiWmPiwO

Holi Festival scheduled for Library lawn April 13

"Join the Franklin Public Library and Dean College for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the library lawn/Dean Grove!

Music, activities, and of course, COLOR!! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy!

In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 4/27"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fyPt6n23CmeRhVnN/

Holi Festival scheduled for Library lawn April 13

Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration - March 29 at 11 AM

Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Friday, March 29, 11:00 AM to Noon - VA Jamaica Plain Lobby

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/vietnam-war-50th-anniversary-commemoration

Lifelong Learning has a variety of Yoga classes for Spring

Lifelong Learning posted on Mon, Mar 25, 2024:

From beginner to more advanced, you'll find a Spring yoga class that's right for you from Community Learning.

Register at https://t.co/RgCxWb8agp.

#fpslifelong #fpslifelongcommunity https://t.co/E1gP4Jr59x

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FPSLearning/status/1772344627376312798

Lifelong Learning has a variety of Yoga classes for Spring

Massachusetts migrant shelters hardly impact community life, neighbors say

"Perry Eaton’s neighbors warned that migrants moving into Dedham would cause trouble. Last month, someone passed fliers around the neighborhood, which is nestled between a pair of hotels converted into state overflow shelters, warning that expanding services for the migrants would create “catastrophic” traffic and “inevitable” loitering, and leave the community’s security “compromised.”

But weeks later, Eaton and other neighbors said those fears haven’t materialized.

On a recent weekday morning, Eaton said traffic in and around his horseshoe-shaped neighborhood on Robinwood Road has remained consistent since the shelters opened weeks ago.

“It’s hard to tell any real difference in the day to day,” Eaton, 34, said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/23/metro/massachusetts-migrant-shelters-community/

Five year-old friends who were born in Chile to Haitian parents colored at the Valente branch of the Cambridge Public Library. JESSICA RINALDI/GLOBE STAFF

Notice of Public Hearings - (1) Modification of a Section 15 License & (2) New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages License - April 10, 2024

Notice of Public Hearing - Modification of a Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License - Table & Vine, Inc.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-04-10_-_big_y_table_vine_license_modification_-_legal_ad_-_website.pdf

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-04-10_-_daceys_new_license_transfer_-_legal_ad_-_website.pdf

Notice of Public Hearings

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Mar 26, 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

7:30 am Joe Landry: Hurricane of 1938

9:00 am Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

10:00 am Frank Presents: Corey Shea

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Valentine Cards

1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

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

3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Oral Health

6:00 pm Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese

7:00 pm Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word

8:30 pm Fallen Heroes Pt 2

9:30 pm Franklin Art Association: Dave Kaphammer

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Jazz Cafe 2023

9:00 am Lifelong Music: Band

11:30 am Rec Basketball: 6th - 8th Grade Girls Championship

2:00 pm Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Andover 02-29-24

6:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Band

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Xaverian 03-07-24

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

8:00 am School Committee 03-19-24

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 03-20-24

2:00 pm School Committee 03-19-24

7:00 pm School Committee LIVE, Chambers 832 4990 8868 Code 537009

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, March 25, 2024

Franklin Husband and Wife Teach Dance for a Good Cause

With Spring in full bloom, Kevin and Anna Balcom are teaching dance to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital. Dance4Dreams, an 8-week introductory West Coast Swing dance series, will be held on Tuesdays beginning April 16 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM through June 4 at the Franklin Elks Lodge located at 1077 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038. 100% of proceeds will benefit Boston Children’s Hospital.

Dance Instructors: Anna & Kevin Balcom, with their son Zachary.

Anna Balcom and Kevin Balcom have been dancing collectively for over 40 years. Anna, a Franklin resident, dances Classical, Contemporary Ballet, Salsa, Latin Ballroom, Modern Jive, and West Coast Swing. Kevin, a lifelong MA resident, started his dance journey in Country Line Dancing, and rapidly became exposed to many other styles, with a competitive and educational focus on West Coast Swing.

This event combines their passion for dance with their deep appreciation for Boston Children’s Hospital. For over 150 years:

“Boston Children’s Hospital has been dedicated to improving and advancing the health and well-being of children around the world through its life-changing work in clinical care, biomedical research, medical education and community engagement. Boston Children's is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

It is home to the world's largest pediatric research enterprise, and it is the leading recipient of pediatric research funding from the National Institutes of Health. It is the primary pediatric teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School. Boston Children’s treats more children with rare diseases and complex conditions than any other hospital.” -Boston Children’s Hospital.

Anna encourages all to join, “whether you are a beginner or an expert, swing on over for a good cause!”

Ages 16+ are welcome. No prior dance experience or partner required. $15/person per class. Cash preferred. No advance registration required.

For inquires or questions, contact Anna Balcom at 508-808-4675 or visit www.dance4dreams.com.