68° and Patchy rain nearby
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Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, (above) was recognized by Senator Becca Rausch as part of Celebrating Women’s History Month, in particular for her leadership in growing the Franklin Food Pantry – and for much else besides, we might add.
Beaver Street Interceptor Update
As construction continues within the Old West Central St area, a larger detour will be in place. Anticipated to run Monday through Friday between 7:30am to 4:00pm from Monday April 1st through Friday April 12th, this primarily impacts local and school traffic.
You Missed the Italian Wedding Soup
It made a brief appearance at the new location of Hot Table in the Village Mall during March and measured up to the high local standards for this comfort food favorite. Here’s hoping it comes back again!
National Straw Hat Month
Thanks to the folks at Nationaldaycalendar.com we now know that April is Straw Hat Month. “Straw Hat Month reminds us to box up the knitted cap and felt hats for the cooler shade protection of straw hats. Straw hats are more than an accessory, they offer protection from the sun and have been worn for thousands of years.” This is particularly worth mentioning since Franklin was once noted for its major straw hat manufacturing businesses. That’s why the front of the Franklin Historical Museum is grace with the statue titled, “Hats off to Franklin,” featuring a happy lad with a straw hat in hand.
Roy Adds to Grid Enhancing Tech Story
Picking up on a recent article in the Franklin Observer on the future of 'grid enhancing' technologies, State Rep. Jeff Roy shared the Massachusetts angle, namely that Roy was a the sponsor of the bill in Massachusetts that requires the utilities to consider grid enhancing technologies. It was reported favorably from the telecommunications, utilities, and energy committee on February 7, 2024. You can see the text of the bill at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4222
MassGOP Hits Falsehoods Targeting Rep. Vaughn's Voting Record
Recently, Democratic candidate for Norfolk 9th Legislative Seat, Kevin Kalkut, sent a misleading fundraiser email regarding Representative Marcus Vaughn’s (R - 9th Norfolk) voting record. In the email, Kalkut falsely stated that Representative Vaughn has missed “about 20% of votes this term.” This, according to a party press release, "is patently false as Rep Vaughn participated in 66 of 70 roll call votes in the House of Representatives between February 1, 2023, and November 15, 2023, and has voted on all 8 roll call votes in 2024.
MassGOP Chairwoman, Amy Carnevale, commented on the misleading email stating, “In a time when trust in elected officials is at an all-time low, the MassGOP feels compelled to call out clear fabrications and falsehoods meant to sow seeds of doubt in our elected officials. It’s wholly inappropriate for a candidate to mislead voters about their opponent in an attempt to make gains in a race for elected office.”
Passing of an Educator
FHS coach William J. Rex, dedicated husband and father, an ardent proponent of public education, and a lifelong athlete and loyal sports fan passed peacefully in his sleep, on March 23, 2024. After graduating from UMass in 1954 and then serving two years in the Air Force, Boston-born Rex, coupled his life-long love of sports with his desire to be an educator and came to Franklin High School, where he taught science and coached football and baseball. After nine years as a teacher, assistant principal and coach that resulted in two championship football teams, one Hockomock League baseball championship and a Masters Degree in Education from Boston University, Bill was appointed Principal of Foxboro High.
Hydrant Flushing Begins April 1, 2024
From the DPW: 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.
