What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 8, 2024?

Saturday, June 8
10:00am  Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:30am  Grown-Ups and Donuts! (Jamie Barrett!) (Franklin Public Library)
12:00pm  Shavuot Celebration (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm  As You Wish! (Franklin Public Library)
7:00pm  Distinguished Young Women Showcase (Dean College)

7:30pm  Bigelow Station (live music)
7:30pm  August: Osage County! (THE BLACK BOX)
8:00pm  Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

 

** No Town Meetings today

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there 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://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

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

Franklin Public Schools FY 2025 Budget Summary

Dear FPS Staff and Community,

As you know, on April 9th, the Franklin School Committee approved a budget representing what we have termed "Level Service Plus." A Level Service Plus Budget allows us to maintain current staffing levels and provide additional staff to maintain optimal class sizes and caseloads. On May 22nd, the Franklin Town Council approved an appropriation less than the School Committee's recommended budget.  This means there is not enough funding to support the requested budget for current services and staffing in the next year (FY25). Staff, resources, and programming reductions are required to meet this budget appropriation in case of a failed override on June 11th. 

The reductions outlined reflect the necessary adjustments to address the financial realities and constraints in the event of a final budget that is less than the requested amount required for Level Service Plus, as outlined in budget documents found on our website. 

With a less-than-level service budget, 37 positions will be eliminated, including teachers, educational support personnel, administration, and non-union staff, necessitating the district to prioritize educational needs.  Over the past two weeks, we have identified and detailed the specific reductions required below, along with associated impacts. This will lead to significant changes in various educational areas. 

The following ten budget impact areas will explain how these budget decisions will affect our schools, staff, and students.

1. Elementary and Middle School — Reducing elementary classroom teachers will result in increased class sizes, with multiple sections at or over recommended guidelines and sections at or above 24 students. Reductions in curriculum specialists will impact elementary tier 2 support for math and literacy, curriculum and assessment development, and classroom support. Middle school tier 2 reading support will be reduced.  Reducing library support will result in limited access to elementary and middle school libraries, with school libraries being closed on certain days of the week.
2. High School Offerings — Reducing high school teachers will increase class sizes with sections at or above 26 students. Courses that are graduation requirements will be prioritized over elective offerings in all subject areas, resulting in elective offerings being reduced or eliminated. These elective reductions and eliminations include, but are not limited to, courses such as Creative Writing, Computer Science, Astronomy, Robotics, Botany, Forensics, Early Childhood Education, Kinesiology, and AP offerings in all subject areas. Juniors and seniors will have priority in AP course selections, displacing and potentially eliminating sophomore AP experiences. 

Fewer elective options will result in more students being placed in classes they did not select to fill their schedule or directed studies. The number of lab experiences in lab science courses will be reduced. 

1. Support Services — Reductions in counselors and social worker support services affect student caseloads, leading to reduced counseling staff intervention, prioritizing those with the most needs, and impacting our ability to support students and families proactively.
2. World Language Programs — Reductions in World Language programming at the middle school will reduce students' early exposure to Spanish, consequently impacting students' opportunities to take higher-level Spanish classes in high school. Latin one and AP Latin will be eliminated, leading to the eventual elimination of Latin as a language option in future years.
3. Music and Arts Programs — Reductions in music and arts programs will eliminate orchestra and chorus in middle schools. The middle school band will be significantly reduced, limiting the number of students accessing the program. Participation in competitions and festivals will be significantly reduced and may be eliminated altogether. High school theater courses will be eliminated. There is a possibility of offering theater after school, but this will limit the opportunity for students to participate in festivals. Art electives at the high school will also be reduced.
4. Wellness and Physical Education Programs — Reductions in physical education programs will increase class sizes in wellness and physical education. Freshmen and sophomores will be restricted from taking wellness/PE electives, and athlete access to PE electives will be limited. 
5. Extracurricular Activities — In addition to the previously cut middle school extracurricular activities, many high school extracurricular activities will also be eliminated or reduced.  
6. Administrators and non-union staff — Reducing two administrators, redistributing responsibilities of current administrators among schools, and reductions to central office non-union staff.
7. Operational Adjustments — Increasing all fee and tuition-based programs, self-funding athletics, and reducing all school supply budgets by 25%, reducing the Office of Teaching and Learning budget to reduce professional learning opportunities for educators, curriculum resources for students, and curriculum committees, educational software, and stipends. Reducing activity monitors and educational Interventionists decreases time supporting students.  
8. Staff Transfers — Staff transfers due to eliminated positions can create a cascading effect on less senior staff members at various grade levels based on seniority.  

We will continue to navigate these challenges while remaining committed to providing the best possible education for our community with the resources we have. However, these reductions will significantly impact our students, staff, and the overall quality of education. 

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools FY 2025 Budget Summary

Unofficial "Strawberry poll" results are in - Strawberry Stroll a rousing success on Friday!

Yes, it was a natural twist on the famous straw poll that was one part of the activities at the Strawberry Stroll on Friday, June 7, 2024 in downtown Franklin.

The Franklin Democrat Town Committee booth invited approximately 150 visitors to participate in the "strawberry poll". The choices were nonpartisan and tough. 

The unofficial results for the best use of a strawberry (only 2 choices per voter) and what are Franklin's finest (top four from each voter)?:

Unofficial "Strawberry poll" results are in

graphical view of results on the Unofficial "Strawberry poll"

State Representative Jeff Roy and Senator Becca Rausch cast their votes:

State Representative Jeff Roy and Senator Becca Rausch cast their votes

Unofficial results for the vote on Franklin's Finest. Note that the write-ins are still being processed.

Unofficial results for the vote on Franklin's Finest

Photos and unofficial results courtesy of the Franklin Democrat Town Committee.

Franklin (MA) Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides a Special Election Update (06/05/24) (audio)

FM #1231 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1231 in the series. 

This session shares the Special Election update provided by Town Clerk Nancy Danello to the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. She covers the current status (3800+ ballots received) and how the early and absentee votes will be processed on Election Day, June 11, 2024. 

Quick summary:

* Daily process for early and absentee votes

Entry into State voting record system for individual as received

Count of ballots received by precinct, ballots remain unopened, are sealed and locked in vault

* Election day process for early and absentee votes

Ballots transported by Franklin police from Town Clerk vault to FHS

Entry into State voting record system for individual as voted

Ballots opened by precinct and processed into the tabulator (voting machine) assisted by Franklin Police

If you have questions on the election process, please reach out to Nancy. Don't ask folks on 'social media'. She will provide the correct answer.

The special election update takes about 7 minutes, so let’s listen to Town Clerk Nancy Danello. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1231-franklin-town-clerk-special-election-update-06-05-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1PnsDuPwE 

Agenda and supporting documents -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_5_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes for this meeting  captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/190oyby8h5rC5ivDqN4lKAOV5PBP2UCM4/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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin (MA) Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides a Special Election Update (06/05/24) (audio)

Second Sunday Speaker provides insights on the Parachute Dress at the Historical Museum

The Second Sunday Speaker Series at the museum continues on June 9, 2024 with a focus on our famous Parachute Dress – a wedding dress made from a World War II parachute with a spectacular 15-foot train.  

 

Historical Commission Chair Alan Earls will talk about the social history and wartime pressures that brought tens of thousands of parachutes into service for the military, some of which eventually found their way back into the civilian economy. 

 

Doors open at 1:00 PM and the presentation begins at 1:15 at Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. FREE

 

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.

 

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St

 

Town Council tackles multiple zoning items in a long session (audio)

FM #1230 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1230 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 5, 2024.  It was a long (almost 4 hours) session.

Quick recap:

• Electric Youth high point of session

• Verizon cable contract renewal

• Farmers Market licenses for La Cantina, Blisspoint Meadery

• Public Hearing on King St business zoning proposal

• Moved to second reading by 5-4 vote

• Final approval requires 6 Yes votes

• Friendly 40b approved by 5-4 vote

• Still needs to work through the permit process, etc.

• Zoning bylaws referral to Planning Board

• 3 measures regarding MBTA compliance

• Mixed use zoning definition

• EDC recommendation changed on parking minimums

• Still to come back to Council for discussion & vote

• TA Emergency shelter update

• No town funds spent for anything

• Schools reimbursed from State for their additional support costs

The recording runs about 4 hours, so let’s listen to Town Council meeting of June 5, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1230-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-05-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1PnsDuPwE 

Agenda and supporting documents -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_5_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes for this meeting  captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/190oyby8h5rC5ivDqN4lKAOV5PBP2UCM4/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

FPSA's Electric Youth make their annual appearance

June Veterans Council Meeting scheduled for June 20

June Veterans Council Meeting

 

June 20 - 7:00 pm - All Franklin Residents are Welcome!

The June Veterans Council meeting will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

The Veterans Council meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

All Franklin residents interested in veterans' events and activities are welcome.

For more information, contact Shannon Nisbett, Director of Veterans' Services, at (508) 613-1315.

 

June Veterans Council Meeting scheduled for June 20

Community Closet @FranklinUMC - Update for June, 2024

Via Franklin United Methodist:

 Update for June, 2024

Below is the updated flyer for June. Please post print, email, and distribute the flyer below to let people know about the Community Closet @FranklinUMC.

Please note that in addition to the shopping days posted on the flyer, there will be two sorting ONLY days in June on the 11th and 25th. You can signup to volunteer by going to franklinumc.org/volunteer.

And, if you’d like to make an appointment to shop privately, please contact the Franklin UMC office to make an appointment at office@franklinumc.org or by calling 508-528-1092.

The flyer can be found here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/13MrUA9gFJFTBoYoNvRavimW6aLRmMMbD/view?usp=drive_link

Shared from -> https://franklinumc.org/2024/05/31/community-closet-franklinumc-june2024-update/

WHY we (Sue Cass) are voting YES for FRANKLIN! (video)

The next in the series of "WHY we are voting YES for FRANKLIN!" features Sue Cass. She urges all to vote Yes 4 Franklin -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWlr58QQT38

More information can be found on the One Franklin page -> https://onefranklinma.com/

The Town of Franklin is hiring for positions with DPW, Human Resources, Facilities, Senior Center, Library & Fire Dept

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Administrative Assistant - Department of Public Works

Mechanic - Department of Public Works 

Benefits Coordinator - Human Resources

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Senior Center Director - Franklin Senior Center

Deputy Library Director - Franklin Public Library

Summer Custodians - Facilities Department

Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 06/07/2024

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

The Town of Franklin is hiring for positions with DPW, Human Resources, Facilities, Senior Center, Library & Fire Dept

Beaver Street Interceptor: construction update for the week of June 10

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI)

 

Beaver Street Interceptor

BSI Construction Update for the Week of June 10th!

Monday (6/10) - Friday (6/14) the construction crew will be back on Old West Central from Pond Street to Tri County Drive (behind Starbucks) to complete the sewer installation and conduct the final trench pavement.  A detour through Tri-County Drive will be in place on Tuesday (6/11) thru Friday (6/14) from 7:30am until 5:00pm. Residential traffic only on Pond St., Rolling Ridge Rd., Hilltop Rd.
and part of Old West Central St.

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. We are working with school staff to ensure safety.

Also during the week minor work will continue on the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing. Those residents should continue to follow the posted signs for directions on exiting and entering.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue this week. There is a new way in and out of the Recreation Center, please follow the posted signage. During times of drop off and pickup backup onto Beaver Street may occur.

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor: construction update for the week of June 10

 
We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

 

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure,
originally constructed in 1914.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor