An Agway Story: Time to move on?

JANUARY 19, 2024 - In a world where you can be anything, be kind

HEY FRIENDS,

Neal and I have had quite a few years! Between multiple deaths of loved ones, births of loved ones and the "Long time that shall not be named" when we were abused by not so appreciative customers, we have decided it is time for us to move on and to construct a different life that will allow us to see our granddaughters and offer us some time to enjoy life again.

TO THAT END we both have found new jobs that we are enjoying and we are officially announcing that we are selling the store. While we don't know what form the store will take in the future we do suspect that it will change.

Online shopping has certainly made things more challenging. We believe the store can be a viable option for someone but the new iteration of the "Franklin Agway" will not have us at the helm.

WE HAVE HAD some great times in the past eight years and met some truly wonderful people. Choosing to work and live in the same community has really given us a deeper understanding of Franklin and it's people. Doing so has allowed us to feel at home. Working to promote farmers and thoughtful stewardship of the earth in our community has really been the most rewarding for us. Our goal has always been to invest time, energy and love into the community in which we live. Between the store and the Town Council we have come to know thousands of our

neighbors! We both are glad we made Franklin our home. 

IF ANYONE HAS an interest in purchasing the business, or knows of someone who might, please reach out to us directly and please don't trouble our employees. We will be honest about the numbers and do not play games.

Peace,

Mel and Neal and the Agway Crew

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinAgway/posts/pfbid0igDjiEP6uUfUcL2XE42JThKEw1huHfbsMLbCdAGfNuEJ3GcHAWCFShShwtRJyP9Wl

An Agway Story: Time to move on?

Almost half of the FHS DECA competitors qualified for the State Competition in March

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and High School Principal Joshua Hanna are pleased to share that Franklin High School DECA members have qualified for the State Career Development Conference.

Approximately 200 Franklin High DECA members competed at the Massachusetts DECA District Two Conference, which was held on Jan. 4-5 at the Mansfield Envision Hotel. A total of 91 students are now moving on to compete at the State Career Development Conference in Boston this March. 91 students are now moving on to compete at the State Career Development Conference

Students competing at the district conference had to place in the top five in their respective categories in order to qualify for the state conference. Students were recognized for their hard work and efforts in the areas of marketing, community service, finance, hospitality and tourism.

FHS DECA students that were recognized at the district conference include:

** First Place Winners: Tanya Kumar, Jaret Schmidt, Sabrina Tierney, Adithya Balagrumoorthy, Weylan O'Connell, Ajay Gulati, Dheeraaj Prasanna, Jacob St. Amand, Brayden Trask, Shravan Dev

** Second Place Winners: Jordan Gaspar, Tyler Murphy, Seth O'Donnell, Aanya Goel, Victoria Oliveria, Georgia Pellegri, Neha Shah, Tuhina Pal, Siddharth Chandra, Jay Gorgas, Aayush Srinivas, Leena Alshawabkeh, Liana Warnakulasooriya, Ashmita Boopathy, Isabella Trull, Nathan Schlieman, Ritika Gandla, Colin O'Leary, Garrett Scagliarini, Nathan Marinelli, Benjamin Ryan, Ahmad Alkhalaf

** Third Place Winners: Brendan Collins, Braeden Loomis, Jack Yeulinkski, Madhav Menon, Brad Morin, Ahan Shetty, Keaton Cooper, Gavin Warnakulasooriya, Hannah Auerr, Samuel Shoneman, Steven Li, Jake Lorenzo, Ciaran Walshe, Meghan Archung, Abi Cheng, Jake Olmstead, Gianni Pazvakavambwa, Josie Drucker, Emma Pruitt, Connor Houghton

** Fourth Place Winners: Ava Davies, Jenna Simone, Vikram Chakrabhavi, Srinath Dadireddy, Manuel Romero, Owen Munichiello, Aodhfionn Downs, Pranava Ponvinayagan, Rex Cinelli, Ryan Wilson, Zeina Alshawabkeh, Kavya Dave, Haasini Sabbella

** Fifth Place Winners: Maya Abiramia, Samantha Eagerman, Abigail Robillard, Callie Verhaegen, Colton Flaherty, Luke Trinanes, Grace Tucceri, Grace Lacerda, Taylor Lacerda, Ella Mahoney, Richie Popovic, Joe Risi, Liam Lewandowski, Finn Mitchell, Elizabeth Mulvey, Zachary Winer, Katie Dowley, Nina Iannuzzi, Lily Depoto

"I am incredibly proud of all FHS students who have excelled in DECA, earning several awards," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their dedication and achievements reflect the high standards of our school. We wish them the best as they move onto SCDC in March." Find the photos of FHS DECA state qualifiers in this PDF file https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r3p6dpcqMJB_JZc4Jtj7lcgDpB-aEu4G/view?usp=drive_link

What We Say Matters: A Timely Conversation Exploring the Power of Words to Shape Others and a Person’s Own Behavior - Jan 28

What We Say Matters: A Timely Conversation 

Exploring the Power of Words to Shape Others 

and a Person’s Own Behavior 

Dr. Drew Bogner, President Emeritus of Molloy University, and a lay member of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, will speak about the power of words and phrases to shape the behavior of others and ourselves.   He will incorporate the research of Dr. Masuru Emoto on the impact of negative and positive words, and share conversations he has had on this topic with individuals ranging from Buddhist monks to Paul Rusesabagina of Hotel Rwanda. In the second part of the service, Drew will focus on how what we say to ourselves can influence how we experience the world. This includes how we can respond to caustic, hateful, and demeaning language that others use.  

What We Say Matters: A Timely Conversation

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. For more information, please contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.   

Sunday January 28, 2024 - 10:00 AM 
First Universalist Society in Franklin 
262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA 

FHS girls & boys basketball teams both top Attleboro on Friday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Jan 19, 2024. 

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 68 @ Attleboro, 56 – Final

Basketball = Franklin, 68 @ Attleboro, 56 – Final

Girls Basketball = Attleboro, 46 @ Franklin, 57 – Final

Girls Basketball = Attleboro, 46 @ Franklin, 57 – Final

Swimming = King Philip @ Franklin, 7:00

Gymnastics = Franklin, 123.75 @ Attleboro, 135.95 – Final 

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-19-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Town Council Quarterbacking session touts the greatness of Franklin, FISH recognized, Food Pantry update, Crisis Intervention Team at work (audio)

FM #1137 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1137 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, January 19, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

a. Resolution 24-05: Termination of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as well as Dedication of Revenues Thereto, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-05 - Majority Vote)

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: FISH of Franklin

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director 

b. Discussion: Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

The recording runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1137-town-council-quarterbacking-01-18-24

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Town Council agenda for Jan 17, 2024 meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_17_2023.pdf 

Town Council recap & video link -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/town-council-hears-about-franklin-food.html 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1srDHwwmM28LbjTIs5NDNHjVBRDW9dTv3/view?usp=drive_link 

The FISH of Franklin volunteers provide rides to Franklin neighbors for medical or social service related appointments. You can call 508-528-2121 to arrange a ride for a medical appointment or to volunteer to provide a ride.

FISH Interview in September 2023 -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/have-you-volunteered-with-fish-of.html 

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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"

Town Council Quarterbacking session touts the greatness of Franklin, FISH recognized, Food Pantry update, Crisis Intervention Team at work (audio)

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, Jan 23 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

January 23, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order     Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Jefferson Elementary School Highlight

B. Comprehensive Facilities Planning Update

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. DECA International Competition - Recurring Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA Student

to Anaheim, CA from 4/26/24-5/1/24 to participate in the DECA competition as

detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. School Committee 2024-25 Meeting Schedule - DRAFT

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 9, 2024 School

Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $560.00 from music parents for in-house

enrichment for the Music Department as detailed.

C. Jefferson Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $43.80 from Box Tops for Jefferson Field

Trips as detailed.

D. DECA State Competition - Recurring Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA Students

to Boston, MA from 3/7/24-3/9/24 to participate in the DECA competition as

detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-23-24.pdf

The meeting packet folder contains the supporting documents for this session (not all of them released before the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-23-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, Jan 23 at 7 PM

Franklin School Cmte: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 23 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools: Franklin School Committee

Budget Subcommittee

January 23, 2024 - 6:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

Agenda:

• Call to Order
• FY25 Budget Update & Discussion
• Adjournment

Full agenda doc includes remote participation info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/1-23-24_agenda-budgetsubcom.pdf

Franklin School Cmte: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 23 - 6 PM

Local taxes on meals, hotels could rise under Healey plan

"Governor Maura Healey, who this week swore off raising state taxes, unveiled sweeping legislation Friday that would allow towns and cities to raise their taxes on hotel stays, cars, and meals by as much as 33 percent to help bolster their local coffers.

The sprawling bill has the backing of municipal leaders, and if embraced by the Legislature, could generate more than $150 million in new annual tax revenue for towns and cities juggling tight budgets, state officials estimated.

Healey also is seeking a series of other major changes, including allowing local officials to set caps on the number of liquor licenses distributed in their city or town, a power long-held by the Legislature. The governor said she is proposing to make permanent a raft of pandemic-era rules, such as allowing restaurants to sell to-go cocktails.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Healey said the package of changes “empowers the local communities” and does not affect the revenue the state relies on for its budget."

Continue reading the article online (Subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/19/metro/maura-healey-legislation-local-taxes-meals-hotels/

CommonWealth Beacon provides coverage here ->

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/government/healey-pitches-new-revenue-source-for-cities-and-towns-vehicle-surcharge/

Gov. Maura Healey exits the House chamber after delivering the 2024 State of the Commonwealth address. (Photo by Sam Doran/State House News Service)

Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, Jan 20

There will be time Saturday to stock up with Girl Scout Cookies this weekend!

• Where will the cookies be in Franklin?

Just one booth this weekend 

• Saturday 1/20  11 AM - 3 PM INSIDE the DCU bank on Route 140

Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, Jan 20

Half of recent US inflation due to high corporate profits, report finds | Inflation | The Guardian

"A new report claims “resounding evidence” shows that high corporate profits are a main driver of ongoing inflation, and companies continue to keep prices high even as their inflationary costs drop.

The report, compiled by the progressive Groundwork Collaborative thinktank, found corporate profits accounted for about 53% of inflation during last year’s second and third quarters. Profits drove just 11% of price growth in the 40 years prior to the pandemic, according to the report.

Prices for consumers rose by 3.4% over the past year, but input costs for producers increased by just 1%, according to the authors’ calculations, which were based on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and National Income and Products Accounts.

“Costs have come down substantially, and while corporations were quick to pass on their increased costs to consumers, they are surprisingly less quick to pass on their savings to consumers,” Liz Pancotti, a Groundwork strategic adviser and paper co-author, said."

Continue reading the article online (contribution may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/19/us-inflation-caused-by-corporate-profits

Direct link to report referenced ->

https://groundworkcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/24.01.17-GWC-Corporate-Profits-Report.pdf

The Groundwork Collaborative thinktank found prices for consumers rose by 3.4% over the past year, but input costs for producers increased by just 1%. Illustration: The Guardian

Franklin's Event Outlook: January 19, 2023 to January 25, 2024

Friday, January 19

1:00pm Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Get to know ‘Ben’s Books’ (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale (First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF))

7:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Raillery Public House)

Saturday, January 20

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Ben Franklin, America’s First Scientist (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale (First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF))

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:30am Children’s Ben Franklin Story Time (Escape Into Fiction Bookstore)

11:00am Preschool & Kindergarten Open House (Sunrise Montessori School)

1:00pm Library "Books by the Bag Sale" (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin’s Glass Armonica (Franklin Public Library)

Sunday, January 21

7:30am All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm Ben Franklin Considered and Reconsidered (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm Children's Museum of Franklin pop up (Elks Lodge)

Tuesday, January 23

2:30pm Rainbow Café (Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, January 25

6:00pm Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewing)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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

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

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 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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: January 19, 2023 to January 25, 2024