Saturday, February 12, 2022

Franklin Police: Media Release for Pleasant St Situation - The incident has resolved. Another release will be available shortly.

This morning, on February 12, 2022, at approximately 10:52 am, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) received a 911 call for a report of a male making suicidal statements at a residence on Pleasant Street in Franklin. Officers determined the male made suicidal statements to his family and threatened to harm himself with a firearm. The man did have access to firearms. There were no threats made to the man’s family. 

The man’s family was evacuated from the residence and officers established a perimeter outside the residence and attempted to contact the man. Alongside the Franklin Police Department, the Franklin Fire Department, and assets from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (MetroLEC), quickly responded to assist the incident. Assets from MetroLec include the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and MetroSwat. MetroLec units established their perimeter and continue to try and contact the man. This is an isolated and contained incident and there is no threat to the public at this time. Please continue to avoid the area. Further information will be released when available. 

Update: The situation was peacefully resolved with no force used. The male involved was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. He did not have any apparent injuries.

Franklin Police: Media Release for Pleasant St Situation
Franklin Police: Media Release for Pleasant St Situation


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Special Meeting - Feb 16, 2022 - 5 PM

Franklin School Committee
February 16, 2022 - 5:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Special School Committee Meeting

Agenda


Call to Order Mrs. Spencer

I. Discussion Only
A. Response to Open Meeting Law complaint against public officers, namely the
members of the School Committee, filed with the Committee by Kyle Thompson
and dated February 3, 2022.

II. Discussion/Action/Possible Vote
A. Policy EBCFA – Face Coverings  

Adjournment 


Policy EBCFA – Face Coverings  -> (Revised Aug 2021)

Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin
Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin

Finance Committee approves FY22 Capital Plan and revisions to ToF fiscal policy - 02/09/22 (audio)

FM #729 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 729 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. 


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 7 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. (1 member was absent to complete the accounting of the 9 member committee)


  • Chair Bill Dowd opens the Finance Committee, 8 members participating (1 absent; 1 remote, hence roll call votes req'd)

  • They heard the proposed revisions to fiscal policy doc, as marked up, minor change suggested to include the enterprise accounts specifically under the heading, rather than listed separately; approved to send to Town Council

  • They heard the proposal for the FY 22 capital plan, clarification questions asked along the way before approving $2+M to send to Town Council

  • Joint budget subcommittee scheduled to meet March 10, next meeting of FinCom scheduled for March 9, canceling the April meeting as they will be meeting over four nights in May for the budget hearings


The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Feb 9, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-729-finance-cmte-mtg-02-09-22



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


Meeting agenda =>   

https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-20 


Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 


My notes for the meeting =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-finance-committee-gets-walk.html 



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


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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Finance Committee approves FY22 Capital Plan and revisions to ToF fiscal policy - 02/09/22 (audio)
Finance Committee approves FY22 Capital Plan and revisions to ToF fiscal policy - 02/09/22 (audio)

FHS girls basketball team continues to win with 5th game in 6 days

Via Boston Globe and HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Friday:

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 65 @ Mansfield, 34 – Final
Trevor Hass, Globe Correspondent, provides the game recap:
"Many of the players on the current Franklin girls’ basketball roster were in middle school in 2019 when the Panthers last dropped a game. 
This year’s team, which moved to 15-0 Friday night following a 65-34 Hockomock League road triumph over Mansfield, is a part of history but chooses to collectively not focus on what has now ballooned into a 51-game winning streak. 
“We try not to talk about it a lot,” said Franklin junior Katie Peterson, who led all scorers with 17 points. “We don’t want it in the back of our minds, or to think, ‘What if we lose?’ because we don’t want to play safe.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/11/sports/franklin-girls-basketball-stays-zeroed-task-hand-wins-continue-mount/

Boys Basketball = Mansfield, 56 @ Franklin, 55 – Final 
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"One of the best rivalries in the state added a new chapter on Friday night, and it was one of the best games in series history. 
Up-and-down, back-and-forth the Panthers and the Hornets went, matching shot for shot and stop for stop over the course of four quarters — and it took every second of the 32 minutes to decide this one. 
Mansfield senior Matty Hyland sank both of his one-and-one free throws with 13.4 seconds left and the Hornets held on as Franklin’s last-second turnaround jumper at the elbow hit off the iron and stayed out, securing a 56-55 victory in a thriller."


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-02-11-22/

Mansfield senior Matt Hyland goes up for a shot against Franklin’s Sean Vinson (right) and Sean O’Leary (25) in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Mansfield senior Matt Hyland goes up for a shot against Franklin’s Sean Vinson (right) and Sean O’Leary (25) in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

MIAA follows DESE allowing mask guidelines to expire Feb 28, 2022;


"An update on #MIAA Mask Guidelines #OneTeamOneMIAA #patience #theendisnear "  https://t.co/kDHsqSnYjv
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1492210011082309638

MIAA follows DESE in mask guidelines allowing them to expire Feb 28, 2022
MIAA follows DESE in mask guidelines allowing them to expire Feb 28, 2022


Escape Into Fiction reminds us that the Downtown parking map is available

 

"#Franklin may look like all the parking is full, but did you know there are THREE lots, places in downtown that you can park for free? Need a better image? Just go to the Town of Franklins official website and you can see the entire map.

Don’t let the thought of no parking keep you from checking out some great new and well established businesses."


Franklin Downtown Parking map (PDF) prepared by the Cultural District 

You can also interact with the Downtown parking GIS map here

Escape Into Fiction reminds us of that the Downtown parking map  is available
Escape Into Fiction reminds us of that the Downtown parking map  is available


Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - Annual Report for 2021

"Another year with COVID-19 behind us. Benefits of outdoor recreation during these unprecedented times are bringing many people to the SNETT rail trail. 
We have seen many different uses of the trail throughout the year, such as walking, running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog walking, strolling with strollers, younger kids riding their scooters or tricycles, nature watching and nature photography. 
We love to see everyone enjoying the trail! "
Read the annual report of the Rail Trail Committee
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2TKKaUvAchsuoX-Wluarx8mTVGpVXcO/view 

For more about the Rail Trail visit their page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - Annual Report for 2021
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - Annual Report for 2021

Bernheart family thank Franklin Police/Franklin Fire for emergency response

"On 12/31/2021 around 10 pm, Officer Kal Koblick, Officer Jon Giron, and Sergeant Mike Colecchi responded to a residential address for an unresponsive man who was not breathing. The man was David Bernheart. While responding to the call, dispatchers from the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center provided CPR instructions via the phone to David’s family.

Once on scene, Sergeant Colecchi began chest compressions while Officer Koblick set up the AED. David was administered a successful shock with the AED and the team of Sgt. Colecchi, Officer Koblick, and Officer Giron continued chest compressions and rescue breaths. The Franklin Fire Department arrived and began their advanced life-saving skills and transported David to the hospital. Later at the hospital, David began breathing on his own and made a recovery weeks later. He was able to return home to his family.

Yesterday, the Bernheart family met with each of the officers from that night and expressed their gratitude. Medical calls like this involve a great deal of privacy and are not often publicized but the Bernhearts were insistent on sharing their story and the amazing life-saving work done by the FPD and the FFD. This is just one example of the GREAT work performed by the FPD and the FFD. Great work that is performed 24/7 365.

Pictured below are Officer Kal Koblick, the Bernheart family, Officer Jon Giron, and Sgt. Mike Colecchi. Great job guys and thank you to the Bernheart family for letting us share their story."

Officer Kal Koblick, the Bernheart family, Officer Jon Giron, and Sgt. Mike Colecchi
Officer Kal Koblick, the Bernheart family, Officer Jon Giron, and Sgt. Mike Colecchi


Franklin, MA: Youth Baseball - Spring 2022 Registration Now Open!

There's still time to register for the FYBO Spring Season! Just 18 days left until registration closes, sign up now: https://t.co/eHovD2Fu61 
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/C7APzH5sIy

Franklin MA Baseball - Spring 2022 Registration Now Open!
Franklin MA Baseball - Spring 2022 Registration Now Open!

Friday, February 11, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 11, 2022 to Feb 17, 2022

The Winter Farmers Market happens this weekend along with student performances of CATS and Kittens by FSPA. Sunday get to the Historical Museum to hear from our State Rep Jeff Roy's tour of the Presidential Libraries.

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6


Friday, February 11
7:30pm - FPSA performs "CATS"

Saturday, February 12
9:30am - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - FSPA performs "Kittens"
4:00pm - FSPA performs "Kittens"
7:30pm - FPSA performs "CATS"

Sunday, February 13
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker: Love Letters to the Presidents

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Franklin, MA School Committee meeting - 02/08/22 - audio in 3 parts

FM #726-727-728 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 726-727-728 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, some members the public and school personnel participated via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


I’ve split the three hour meeting into three (3) logical segments:


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Feb 8, 2022

 

Part 1 -



Part 2 -


Part 3 -


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


Agenda doc can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-2-8-22 


School Committee Meeting packet folder ->  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-8-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion presentation doc ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf


My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/school-committee-hears-of-diversity.html 



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


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"

 

slide from the update on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts around the district
slide from the update on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts around the district

Panther TV: Panther News -> Friday, February 11, 2022 (video)

On this week's show, a conversation with @DiversityFHS about stereotypes, along with lots of school announcements and a Valentine's Day display from @HonorsArt 
@FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS @FranklinPSNews 
https://t.co/AbWVwlSYZ6 via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1491822413050429444



Recap: Finance Committee approves Capital Plan for FY 22 and revisions to fiscal policy

Quick Recap:
  • Finance Committee, 8 members participating (1 absent; 1 remote, hence roll call votes req'd)
  • heard proposed revisions to fiscal policy doc, as marked up, minor change suggested to include the enterprise accounts specifically under the heading, rather than listed separately; approved to send to Town Council
  • Heard proposal for capital plan, clarification questions asked along the way before approving $2+M to send to Town Council
  • Joint budget subcommittee scheduled to meet March 10, next meeting of FinCom scheduled for March 9, canceling the April meeting as they will be meeting over four nights in May for the budget hearings
The Twitter thread for my notes missed the first two but the others can be found in one PDF  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZDbo-UYyinDJtMyjX8GAHd7EK9EFZ8Ay/view?usp=sharing

You can also find the Twitter thread looking for the hashtag -> #fincom0209

Audio recording should be available in couple of days

  • live reporting about to commence for the #FinCom0209 meeting, one member remote, one absent so a total of 8 participating tonight
  • Agenda doc can be found -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-09_fincom_agenda.pdf  #fincom0209
  • policy review (policy on page 2) proposing to remove the open space accounts as CPA is available. Req to adjust the enterprise accounts indented under the Enterprise account header (water, sewer, trash) #fincom0209
  • Q on host community agreement - what it is and how long it lasts, $300K / year (not to exceed 3% of gross sales) - currently set at 5 years for Franklin #fincom0209 this completes the review of the policy, motion to approve, via roll call 8-0
  • FY 22 capital plan (see agenda doc) total free cash $4.4M a high amount, maybe a record, won't likely be repeated. proceeding section by section or the separate capital plan doc here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZGJ1f4Z8FiEpvZTVFUbRRZgkujzwxD/view?usp=sharing #fincom0209
  • with $4.4M as starting point, set aside for snow/ice, and to debt stabilization, leaves us with $2+M for the capital plan, first pass now, after snow/ice confirmed, to come back for a second pass #fincom0209
  • Dept level: School Department, School Technology, School Facilities - $701,000 multiple items covered in the details in agenda doc #fincom0209 Q - to clarify on text books, yes it is both materials and Chromebook licenses
  • one of the Senior Center requests is for a pavilion outside to provide some shade. If you have ever seen it, it is exposed, the bocci court is covered (at either end) but the chairs/tables are totally exposed. #FINCOM0209 hopefully to have Tri-County students build
  • fire alarm system upgrade, the vehicles were in the plan for several years and have risen to the top this year; grant to assist for the clothing request #fincom0209
  • 5 replacement vehicles for police, vehicles were hybrid but not available so they would go gas; NationalGrid doing a fleet analysis to help determine the economics would take approx. a year #fincom0209
  • on to enterprise accounts: water treatment plant analysis; tank replacement analysis for the hill behind Dean. #fincom0209 sewer enterprise, general improvements to whole system; Federal ARPA fund guidance being changed, may now qualify for ARPA, want to get it done either way
  • did apply for SRF funding for the Beaver St connector, set to bid in late August and then 2 year construction; loan will be paid out of sewer enterprise fund; can tell how much it could be now, too early. #fincom0209 will need to get the bids, SRF gets a 0% loan
  • check out the listing of all the other items that are on the wish list for future consideration #fincom0209 approve what has been submitted for, via roll call 8-0
  • approval of Jan 12 minutes, motion, second, passes 8-0 via roll call #fincom0209
  • stabilization account update, listed at the end of the capital and capital memo #fincom0209
  • future agenda items, DPW deep dive, next month (March 9); may cancel the April meeting - they will be meeting multiple times in May 2022 (budget hearing)
  • Joint Budget subcommittee meeting March 10, approx. 6:30 or 6 #fincom0209 motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0 via roll call
Finance Committee Meeting - Feb 9, 2022 - agenda to review the FY 2022 Capital Plan
Finance Committee Meeting - Feb 9, 2022 - agenda to review the FY 2022 Capital Plan

67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris

"67 Degrees Brewing is pleased to welcome our new Resident Artist 
Dobritte Norris @wesley_the_minifrenchie 
Mrs Norris is a local to Franklin and her work is displayed in our taproom. 
She specializes in canvas pours and her work is delightful and vibrant.
Link to her page -> https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlowbyDobritte  
An Art Reception is planned for the first week of March. Please stay tuned for details."

Visit 67 Degrees online at https://67degreesbrewing.com/  or in person on Grove St

67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris
67 Degrees welcomes new resident artist Dobritte Norris


Franklin based Thermo Fisher Scientific announces test for indoor air sampling to detect COVID-19

"Thermo Fisher Scientific, today announced the launch of a new rapid environmental test to help in the fight against COVID-19. The Thermo Scientific Renvo Rapid PCR Test is the latest solution in the company’s in-air pathogen surveillance product portfolio. The Renvo Rapid PCR Test is performed on air samples collected using the company’s Thermo Scientific AerosolSense Sampler.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220207005115/en/

The Renvo Rapid PCR Test is designed for environmental surveillance only, rather than diagnostic purposes, in communal locations such as schools, businesses, healthcare facilities, government buildings and other public areas. This easy-to-use solution provides fast, highly accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 pathogens through indoor air sampling, enabling users to perform SARS-CoV-2 testing of air samples on-site, without the need for specialized training or sending samples to a lab for analysis."


Thermo Fisher is based in Franklin. For more information, visit www.thermofisher.com/renvo
 
Franklin based Thermo Fisher Scientific announces test for indoor air sampling to detect COVID-19
Franklin based Thermo Fisher Scientific announces test for indoor air sampling to detect COVID-19

February Veterans' Council Meeting - Feb 17

February Veterans' Council Meeting

All members of the community are invited!

The next Veterans' Council meeting will be held

Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.

All members of the community who are interested in veterans' activities are invited!

Our guest speaker will be Dave Campisano, Founder and President of 22Mohawks, a non-profit based in Westwood, MA that brings awareness to veteran suicide.

To learn more about 22Mohawks, go to: https://22mohawks.com

Per Town policy, please bring proof of full COVID vaccination or wear a mask to the meeting.

Please call the Veterans' Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 for more information.

Shared from the Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/february-veterans-council-meeting

February Veterans' Council Meeting - Feb 17
February Veterans' Council Meeting - Feb 17

Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? webinar just for you!

"Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? Join @MA_NonprofitNet and the MA Community Foundation Partnership for a webinar on March 9.  
Learn more and register: https://t.co/f7Q5kn0zuM"  or here ->

  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwudeuppzwrH9dl11ryF4fDMpU3rYtWM8vw 

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/dz9jE59VZj


MA Nonprofit Network -> http://massnonprofitnet.org/

Boston Foundation ->  https://www.tbf.org/

Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? webinar just for you!
Hey #MANonprofits - Struggling to find and keep workers? webinar just for you!


Did you get your tickets yet?


Did you get your tickets yet?
Did you get your ticket yet? Don't miss out on a night of giggles for a good cause! Our hilarious, family-friendly comedians will have you laughing out loud!
February 26, 2022
7:00 - 8:30 PM
8:00 PM Raffle Winners Announced
(You do not need to be present to win)

CLICK HERE to invite your friends and family through our Facebook event.
Made possible thanks to our generous presenting sponsor
Want to join Cardi's as a Giggles for Good sponsor? CLICK HERE
HMEA | 8 Forge Park East, Franklin, MA 02038

Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.