Friday, March 29, 2024

Franklin's Event Outlook: March 29, 2023 to April 4, 2024


Friday, March 29

1:00pm Mike Bent‘s AbraKIDabra Show

7:00pm Party for the Pantry (sold out)


Saturday, March 30

9:00am Fallen Hero: W. Franklin Lynch

10:00am Winter Farmers Market

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Egg Hunt on the Library Lawn


Sunday, March 31 - Easter Sunday


Tuesday, April 2

6:00pm Franklin Garden Club - meeting

7:00pm Trivia Night

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International


Wednesday, April 3

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social

6:30pm Franklin Art Association

7:00pm Newcomers & Friends Meeting


Thursday, April 4

6:00pm Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

7:00pm Community Coffee Conversations: One Franklin


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Why have multiple calendars?
There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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 

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)

Franklin's Event Outlook: March 29, 2023 to April  4, 2024
Franklin's Event Outlook: March 29, 2023 to April  4, 2024

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

Board Members Needed! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. We have several Board Members stepping down in June and would like to invite interested community members to become Friends and to join our Board of Directors. 

Please join us on Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00pm in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room to learn more about becoming a Board Member. 

If you cannot make this meeting, please email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information.

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members
Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members


Town of Franklin, MA: Recycling Center last March weekend hours and Tuesday hours returns April 2, 2024

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Wed, Mar 27, 2024:

BEAVER ST: RECYCLING CENTER UPDATES

Open Regular Hours This Weekend 
  • FRI, MARCH 29 -- 8 AM TO 3 PM 
  • SAT, MARCH 30 -- 8 AM TO 3 PM 
  • SUN, MARCH 31 -- 9 AM TO 1 PM

Beginning April 1 regulars will be
  • TUE, Noon to 3 PM
  • FRI, 8 AM to 3 PM
  • SAT, 8 AM to PM
  • SUN, 9 AM to 1 PM

Visit our website for a list of items you can bring to the center: https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste


Town of Franklin, MA: Recycling Center last March weekend hours and Tuesday hours returns April 2, 2024
Town of Franklin, MA: Recycling Center last March weekend hours and Tuesday hours returns April 2, 2024


Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Tina Powderly for Women's History Month

Via Senator Becca Rausch

"Today’s local leader shout-out goes to Tina Powderly of !  
Tina is a proven food equity and nutrition champion. She serves as Executive Director of the , managing a team of nearly 300 active volunteers and staff.  
Thank you, Tina!" 
Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Tina Powderly for Women's History Month
Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Tina Powderly for Women's History Month
#mapoli #WHM2024

Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese (video)

Nan Rafter, Danielle Hopkins and Chef Ann of the Franklin Senior Center prepare Spaghetti Bolognese in this episode


Veterans Memorial Walkway Brick Orders for installation Memorial Day 2024 due by April 12, 2024

The next engraved brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway is scheduled for May to coincide with Memorial Day. Engraved bricks make great gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day and birthdays for U.S. Veterans or current Military Service Members. 

The deadline for ordering bricks is April 12. Order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies as well as on the Veterans' Services page on the Town website ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

Thank you to all who have supported the Walkway project. 

Veterans Memorial Walkway Brick Orders for installation Memorial Day 2024 due by April 12, 2024
Veterans Memorial Walkway Brick Orders for installation Memorial Day 2024 due by April 12, 2024

Reminder: Rotary Club of Franklin MA - 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser, Saturday, April 20, 2024

“3 Comedian’s Walk into a bar… 
well, not a bar, 
but the Franklin Elks Lodge…” 

If you want to know how this joke ends, and you’re looking for some great laughs, delicious dinner, while supporting a local non-profit... Franklin Rotary has the just the ticket!

Come join us for our 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin, MA 02038, on April 20.  Doors open at 5:30 PM where you will enjoy buffet dinner, cash bar, FREE door prize chance, raffles and the comedic stylings of 3 comic headliners; Jody Sloane, Harrison Stebbins, and the return of Mark Scalia.

Rotary Club of Franklin MA 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser
Rotary Club of Franklin MA 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser

“We filled the room last year, and we are looking forward to an even better show this year!” said Joe Collins, incoming President Elect (24-25).  He continued, “We work tirelessly to give back to our community and it’s fundraisers like this, which help to make it all possible.”

Reserve your table of 8 today! Tickets are only $50/pp and may be purchased by calling 508-284-9598, or online (+ $2 processing fee that covers dinner and the show) are available at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35936/production/1190666

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

Invitation for Bids (IFB) - Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program

Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program

In accordance with MGL c.30B, it is the intention of the Town to enter a contract for the 2024-2025 school year with a supplier and distributor of paper products for the school nutrition program for the Franklin Public Schools. 

Additional Information:  Paper Products for School Nutrition Program

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-paper-products-school-nutrition-program


Invitation for Bids (IFB) - Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program
Invitation for Bids (IFB) - Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program

Franklin Health Dept: Celebrates Whole Grain Day

Today is Whole Grain Day! Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Whole-grain foods help control of cholesterol levels, weight and blood pressure. These foods also help lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.
Franklin Health Dept: Celebrates Whole Grain Day
Franklin Health Dept: Celebrates Whole Grain Day

Make some simple swaps to better your health: 

  • White Bread to Whole Grain Bread
  • White Rice to Brown Rice 
  • White Pasta to Whole Wheat Pasta
  • White Flour to Whole Grain Flours such as Wholemeal Flour
  • White Bread Roll to a Multigrain Bread Roll

For more information click here



Invitation for Bids (IFB) - Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility

IFB - Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility

The Town of Franklin, Massachusetts requests bids for construction of the Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility project.

Sealed Bids for the General Contract for construction of the Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, Municipal Building, Room 206, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts until 10:00AM, Wednesday May, 8, 2024 and at that time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Sealed Bids for the filed SubContracts designated herein will be received at the office of the Chief
Procurement Officer, Municipal Building, Room 206, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts until 10:00 AM, Wednesday April 10, 2024 and at that time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Additional Information:  Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-well-77a-pfas-treatment-facility

Invitation for Bids (IFB)  - Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility
Invitation for Bids (IFB)  - Well 7/7A PFAS Treatment Facility

Request for Expressions of Interest in the former Davis Thayer School Building (100 years old !)

Request for Expressions of Interest for the Purchase/Lease and Redevelopment of the Former Davis Thayer Elementary School Located at 137 West Central St. in Franklin.

The Town of Franklin is pleased to present this Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) in an effort to generate ideas for reuse of the former Davis Thayer Elementary School building and land, located at 137 West Central St.

Deadline:  Expressions of Interest must be submitted to the Purchasing Office by May 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

Information Sessions and Site Tours:  The Town offers you the opportunity to learn more about the site through participation in an Information Session and Site Tour scheduled for April 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and May 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Those interested in submitting a proposal can access the full REI -> 

Request for Expressions of Interest in the former Davis Thayer School Building (100 years old !)
Request for Expressions of Interest in the former Davis Thayer School Building (100 years old !)

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Mar 29, 2024

  • 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

8:30 am Frank Presents: Corey Shea
10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy
11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies
12:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Valentine Cards
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Oral Health
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
5:00 pm Jim Johnston: Ben Franklin and Martin Luther King, Jr.
6:30 pm Joe Landry: Hurricane of 1938
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

7:00 am Lifelong Music: Band
8:30 am Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti
10:00 am Rec Basketball: 6th - 8th Grade Girls Championship
12:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Flowers for Algernon
1:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
3:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella
6:30 pm Hockomock League Swimming Championship 2024 Day 2

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-14-24
2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-14-24

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

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Ergonomic Gardening

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Ergonomic Gardening” on Tuesday, April 2, at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Mary Panda, an experienced physical therapist. The program is open to the public at no charge. 
 
Panda has been a practicing physical therapist for 45 years and a certified hand therapist for 32 years. She is an an avid gardener and belongs to the Ashland Community Garden and Mass Horticulture Society. Her talk will provide tips on taking care of your body and preventing injuries while enjoying all the benefits of gardening. 

The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015. 

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Ergonomic Gardening
Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Ergonomic Gardening

Franklin Residents: Hydrant Flushing Begins April 1, 2024 (a coincidence, not an April Fools joke!)

Hydrant Flushing Begins April 1, 2024

Hydrant flushing begins the week of April 1, 2024.

Hydrant flushing is conducted annually to improve Franklin's water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed in the evening hours on weekdays and in the morning on weekends, while others will be completed during the day.  Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures. 

Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.

For daily updates on which areas are being worked on, click here.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/hydrant-flushing

Franklin Residents: Hydrant Flushing Begins April 1, 2024
Franklin Residents: Hydrant Flushing Begins April 1, 2024

School Committee gets an update on the Comprehensive School Facilities Planning underway in Special Meeting Tuesday (audio)

FM #1163 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1163 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin MA School Committee Special Meeting conducted March 26 to provide committee members and the community with an update on the Comprehensive School Facilities Planning underway. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. All seven of the School Committee members were present.


Quick recap:

  • Supt Giguere set up for Dr Fran Locker to provide her insights and findings as part of the workshops, she has facilitated

  • Capturing the slides with photos (as they were shared), the presentation copy should be posted to the School page in the next day or so. When I find it, I’ll add the link here


The meeting runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Let’s listen to the School Committee Special Meeting held on March 26, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1163-franklin-ma-special-school-committee-mtg-03-26-24



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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 


Meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_3_26_24.pdf 


Supt Giguere overview -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/csfc_march_2024_update.pdf 


Photo album of the meeting & those slides Dr Locker shared -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/GasFSL4EuKTwduid9 


My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ahFGCJkEf71dEhqzWJgV6e01tP1Hx70z/view?usp=drive_link 


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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"


Dr Fran Locker presenting to the School Committee
Dr Fran Locker presenting to the School Committee

Comprehensive School Facilities Community Forum - April 8 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee
School Committee Special Meeting
Comprehensive Facilities Planning Community Forum


When: April 8, 2024 - 6:00 PM
Where:  FHS Cafeteria


Agenda
  • Comprehensive Facilities Planning Community Forum


Agenda doc (no remote participation for this workshop)

Comprehensive School Facilities Community Forum - April 8 at 6 PM
Comprehensive School Facilities Community Forum - April 8 at 6 PM