In Other News

Interceptor Project Detours

The DPW has posted that construction crews will now be advancing further onto Old West Central St. and traffic will be detoured to Tri-County Drive beginning Monday January 22nd. Residential traffic only on Pond St., Rolling Ridge Rd., Hilltop Rd. and part of Old West Central St. The detour will be in place Monday thru Friday from 7:30am until 3:30pm. During this construction phase, the adjacent medical building remains accessible, though Starbucks will be accessible via 140 only. Access to this area may look different as work continues. Visit the interactive construction map for details

Ben Book Week Wrapped on a High Note

Yesterday, the final event of Ben Franklin Book Week occurred at Franklin Historical Meeting, namely a showing of parts of the PBS Ben Franklin documentary, with optional discussion. And Saturday night, some 45 people, including many from out of town, braved the frigid temperature to enjoy and intimate and often surprisingly funny presentation of music on Franklin’s Glass Harmonica at the Franklin Public Library. Performer Vera Meyer even let attendees take turns making music on the delicate instruments. That same day, in the morning, John Berg explained and demonstrated Franklin’s fundamental insights into electricity that took the world on a great leap forward. He also discussed some of Franklin’s other insights. The planning has begun for the 2025 event. Watch the website in coming months.

Winter Fire Safety.

“Home heating equipment is the second-leading cause of residential fires and the main source of carbon monoxide at home,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “Working smoke and CO alarms are your first line of defense against these hazards. With furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters working overtime this weekend, be sure they’re installed on every floor of your home and test them to be sure you and your family are protected. Everyone in the home should know what to do when the alarm sounds: get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.”

Town Administrator Now VP of Mass. Muni Assn

Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen was selected and elected by municipal colleagues as the 2024 annual meeting to serve as Vice President while Waltham Councilor John McLaughlin was elected to serve as president.

Agway For Sale

On Facebook, Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen and husband Neal have announced that they are selling their Agway store and are both currently pursuing new jobs. The couple own the property and it is not clear if the site is actually for sale, too. Their business acquired the property itself in 2016. True Value acquired the Agway Trademark in 2022.

Norwood Hospital Headwinds

Norwood Hospital, long a care destination for Franklin residents, has been struggling to reopen after a devastating flood a few years ago. Now, according to the Boston Globe, the parent company, Steward, may be considering closing all its Mass. locations, potentially creating an extreme shortage of beds.

Police Logs Jan 2-8

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