Franklin Matters: 2024-12-01

Saturday, December 7, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 7, 2024 ???

Saturday, December 7

Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

MBTA shuttle bus on Franklin Line

9:00am Christmas Fair (St John's Episcopal Church)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Women's Faith Formation (St. Mary's Parish)

10:00am Collage Workshop (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

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

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll (multiple locations downtown Franklin)

12:30pm Sour Dough Starter (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

3:00pm Celtic & Christmas Concert (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Orchard Sl'Hay Rides (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

5:00pm "So Proudly We Hail" (movie) (Franklin Historical Museum)

6:30pm Wicked Queer Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm Community Concert: Holiday Carols, Cookies & Cocoa with Jamie Barrett (Franklin United Methodist Church)

7:30pm Franklin Performing Arts Company presents The Nutcracker (Franklin High School)

7:30pm Heather Pierson Trio - Charlie Brown Christmas (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm Viva Las Elvis (live music - ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

** NO Town Meetings today **

What's happening today in Franklin?

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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:

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/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Winter Wonderland - Dec 12 from 4:30 to 7 PM at the Senior Center - Bring The Whole Family

Winter Wonderland - Dec 12

A Community Holiday Event

Come for an evening of holiday cheer! See an array of Christmas trees and holiday decor. Live entertainment with Elvis, cookies & hot cocoa, Franklin Fire Dept touch-a-truck, face painting, holiday craft-making for kids, raffle baskets, giveaways, and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Clause!

The Senior Center gift shop will be open!

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/15tfm_ItBSr5cJ5_-fzxLye7ztksml9xj/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin School Committee Agenda for meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 10 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

December 10, 2024 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

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. McNeil

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Lifelong Learning Presentation
B. Reorganization Level-Based Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Japan 2026 Field Trip Request
I recommend approval of the requests of Vickie Baima Emily Rosborough to take students to Japan from approximately February 13 - 22, 2026, as detailed.

B. Hawaii 2026 Field Trip Request
I recommend approval of the requests of Jennifer Curley, and Mary Balliro to take students to Hawaii from approximately April 16 - 22, 2026 as detailed.

C. Policy – Second Reading/Adoption
I recommend the adoption of the following policies as discussed:
● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

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 your November 26, 2024 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend the acceptance of $5,027.36 from the Parmenter PCC as follows:
$2,964.36 Supplemental Supplies
$2,063.00 Field Trips
C. JFK Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $925.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

D. FHS Scholarships
I recommend the acceptance of $2,000.00 from Roberta Trahan for two FHS Scholarships as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5082504/SCAGENDA_12-10-24.docx.pdf

Franklin School Committee Agenda for meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 10 at 7 PM

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in December

What is going on with .... ?
What happened to ....?
How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session.

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, Dec 16, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

When: Wednesday, Nov 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me: https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9

Download this flyer as a reminder -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H7UsI8zAd9SqIOPS_E2pg-SYV7uKR9Yg/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in December

Boston Globe: Mass. lawmaker, lobbyist's relationship raises ethics concerns

State Rep Jeff Roy comments on the article:

"My relationship with Jennifer Crawford started in 2023. Since then, she has not lobbied me on any issue. Looking for a path forward after the relationship started, we each independently sought the advice of outside legal counsel to properly navigate the professional/personal dynamic. We have adhered to the legal guidance received regarding this relationship and complied with all applicable rules and regulations governing lobbyists and legislators. I shared copies of the legal opinions I received and urge folks to read them to get a clear understanding of the issues involved and steps we took to adhere to the rules.

I remain passionate about and committed to the work I do and will continue to follow high ethical standards and maintain the firewall between our personal and professional lives. "

Jeff

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"When State Representative Jeff Roy was sworn in for the sixth time last winter, he posed for a photo outside the House chamber with a high-powered lobbyist.

She wasn’t any ordinary guest.

She was Jennifer Crawford, a partner in the state’s highest grossing influence firm. He is the chairman of the House energy committee, with oversight over many bills and issues of keen interest to Crawford and her firm, especially a sweeping climate bill then chugging toward passage that was sprinkled with priorities for some of Crawford’s clients.
Mass. lawmaker, lobbyist's relationship raises ethics concerns

And the two are dating. The blossoming of their relationship is evident in photos on Facebook, and was officially and very quietly acknowledged by Roy in a letter to the House clerk that revealed he and a lobbyist at Smith, Costello & Crawford were in a personal relationship.

He didn’t name Crawford; he didn’t have to. The potential for conflict of interest is blatant, but it is all permissible in a state whose broad but porous ethics law requires only this minimal disclosure."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/06/metro/massachusetts-chairman-house-committee-lobbyist-ethics/

FHS Girls Basketball Boosters schedule fund raiser at Santa Fe for Weds Dec 11

fund raiser at Santa Fe for Weds Dec 11

FHS Girls Basketball Boosters (@fhsgbbboosters) posted Thu, Dec 05, 2024:

The FHS Girls BBall Program has partnered with Santa Fe for an all day fundraiser on Dec 11th 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

Show this flyer when checking out or put "FHS Girls Basketball" in your online order.

Thank you in advance for supporting our players and a local business! https://t.co/F3pmKaWqjq

Rise Up: Announcements on wreath voting & party sign up

Rise Up wreath

Good day!!

I have two announcements to share with you today:

1. You can now vote for our Rise Up wreath for the "A Wreath of Franklin" initiative! I'm still not sure where it is hung, but if I find out before tomorrow's event, I'll share it with you. (If you know, please feel free to let me know.)

2. Reminder that our December gathering is an end of year / holiday party! We will have food and drinks available: if you are able to contribute, please sign up here to let us know and not duplicate anything. It's also okay to attend without bringing anything. Your presence is what's most important!

See you on Saturday, December 21st, 10 AM, at the Franklin United Methodist Church 😄

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit -> https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Drought Update: MA remains at "Level 3-Critical Drought"

Drought Update: MA at "Level 3-Critical Drought"

Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) (@MassEcoRestore) posted Fri, Dec 06, 2024:

Drought Update: Despite the recent rain and snow, most of Massachusetts remains in a Level 3-Critical Drought. The Cape and Islands Region have been raised to a Level 1 - Mild Drought.

Find water conservation tips here - https://t.co/cNHXAEdPFQ

Shared from -> https://t.co/Y1a9t0BqiY

Reminder: MBTA uses shuttle buses for Dec 7 & Dec 8 on the Franklin/Foxboro Line

On Saturday, December 7th & Sunday, December 8th shuttle buses will replace regular train service between Forge Park/495 and Readville to allow for work on the East Street Bridge Replacement Project.

Reminder: MBTA uses shuttle buses for Dec 7 & Dec 8 on the Franklin/Foxboro Line

This will allow for work on the East Street Bridge Replacement Project.
A diversion schedule will be in effect.

Shared from -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Friday, December 6, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, December 6, 2024 ???

Friday, December 6

Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

Mass Cultural Council Cultural District Investment Funds Applications extended to December 6

9:00am Fallen Hero: Harry R. Bean (Franklin Town Common, Veterans Walkway)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:30pm Bottle/Can Drive (FHS Class of 2025 fundraiser) (Franklin High School)

4:00pm Orchard Sl'Hay Rides (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

6:00pm Cabrini (movie) (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

7:00pm Faculty Dance Works (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Friday night West Coast Swing Lesson (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

8:00pm Friday night West Coast Swing Dance (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

8:00pm Little Lies (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)

9:00pm Good Thomas (live music) (3 Restaurant)

** NO Town Meetings today **

What's happening today in Franklin?

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

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/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

A-Wreath-of-Franklin | Stories of the Season - Saturday, Dec 7

The sidewalks and businesses in downtown Franklin are about to come alive with holiday spirit! On Saturday, December 7 from 12 PM to 7 PM. Franklin will host its newest holiday tradition: Franklin’s Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll. It will be a community event meant for everyone!

Sip: Coffee, teas, hot chocolate, soft drinks and special adult beverages will be available at our downtown cafes, markets and restaurants.

Shop: Downtown vendors will be open to do your holiday shopping and to idea shop and dream as well. Artisans will be located throughout the downtown shopping area selling their arts and crafts.

Stroll: Walk along Franklin’s downtown sidewalks now festively arrayed in holiday cheer. Stop into downtown stores, shops, businesses, restaurants and cafes and check out this year’s entries into the A-Wreath-of-Franklin Festival. Wreaths will be hung in many downtown venues. Vote for your favorites.

Roll: Bring the stroller, wheelchair or carriage. There will be music, arts, holiday cheer and an indoor skating rink (no skates needed) throughout the day and evening." - John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chair

A-Wreath-of-Franklin | Stories of the Season - Saturday, Dec 7

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12pm Ringing of the Bells & Kick off to our Festivities!

12-7pm - Popped Up all day at 12 Main Street - Arts Market! Shop for handmade goodies directly from the creators!

12-7pm - Pop Up Franklin Highschool Student Exhibition, 12 Main Street

12pm-2pm | Dean Bank, Cookies & Crafts in their lobby, 21 Main Street

12-4pm | Fiori & Fern 138 E Central St, Wreath Raffle + Live Music Featuring Heath Nisbett 12-1:30pm & Dom DeBaggis 2-3:30pm

12-7pm | The Little Shop of Olive Oils 5 Main St, Raffles and more!

12-7pm | Children’s Museum of Franklin Popped up at Franklin United Methodist Church 82 W Central St. Indoor Skating Rink, Hot Chocolate + Children Museum Swag Sale

12-7pm | Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen 17 E Central St.12-7pm Specialty Cocktails, coffees & Snacks. 12-5pm Live Music. Featuring Franklin Highschool Students Jenny’s Group, Daniel’s Group, Sarah’s Group. Ava, Kavya, Pat and Amelia. Jack & Aida.

12-7pm | Greco Design Co. 6 Main St, Raffles & more!

12-7pm | Applause 36 Main St, Grab a cup of Austrian hot chocolate from 12-7pm and visit with special elf guests from 12-4pm.

12-7pm | Franklin Historical Museum (Special hours), 80 W Central St, Screening at 5pm, " So Proudly We Hail" The story of the lives of three U.S. Army nurses who leave San Francisco for their tour of duty in Hawaii in December 1941.

12pm- 12AM | Teddy Gallagher’s 30 Main St, Specialty ‘Wreath’ Cocktails

12- 9pm | The Rome 4 E Central St, Specialty Cocktails at The Rome.

12pm-12am | Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub, 30 Main St, Specialty Cocktails, "Cinnamon Apple Wreath Martinis"

1pm | Franklin Public Library 118 Main St, Crafting for kiddos of all ages. They'll have an assortment of winter and holiday themed crafts for all to enjoy!

1-3pm | Franklin Historical Museum, Jazz-infused guitarist, Frank Saccoccio

5pm | The Dean College Vocal Ensemble Popped up by 12 Main Street

7pm | Ringing of the Bells + Voting Concludes wrapping up the evening!

7pm | Franklin United Methodist Church 82 W Central St, Jamie Barrett Performing Community Carols, Cookies & Cocoa.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinculture.org/wreath-franklin

Winter Farmers Market at Fairmount Fruit Farm, Saturday, Dec 7 - 10 AM to 2 PM

This Saturday is our second Winter Farmers Market, 10 AM - 2 PM!

Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farm

Enjoy a stroll through our heated greenhouses for fresh baked goods, holiday decor, and more.

We will have treats from Eight Elms Farm, so bring your dogs! We are a dog-friendly farm, we just ask that you pick up after them.

If you haven't heard already, Christmas trees are available!

Sl'hay' rides run from 4pm-7pm, grab tickets on our Evenbrite.

See you there!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAT9V7BmH/

Board of Health gets update on housing condemnation in process, monthly report in short session (audio)

FM #1332 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1332 the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the 2 members of the Board (1 absent, Sweet) and Health Dept members were present together.

Quick Recap:

The meeting audio quality improves considerably after the first minute
Meeting schedule for 2025, motion to approve, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)
Oakland Pkwy condemnation discussion, unsanitary conditions, hole in roof, no working bathrooms, etc. House was placarded, owner/occupants refused to leave, multiple agencies worked with them to get them elsewhere. Fire occurred on 2nd floor, insurance provided a trailer. One permit was pulled but work has not yet been started or completed. Been over a year without movement by owner, visit being scheduled, could take track with the Attorney General's office to get movement to get a resolution. Will provide additional info next time. Hard situation as there has been lack of compliance in this case. Insurance money not being used for repairs.
Moving on to Kerri, health agent covers report, (hard to hear via bridge) 6 re-inspections today.
Alecia, health nurse report, only 10 COVID cases, test kits Available at Senior Center, is flu season but only 5 confirmed cases thus far. Food recalls, cucumbers (Sunset brand), Central Park terrace food pantry monthly, clinics, classes, etc. food board illness training for Tri-County; webinar and trainings continued.
No citizen comments

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Dec 4, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1332-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-12-04-24/

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/december_4_2024_agenda.pdf

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mTuCZJasT2c3Ys4bAzwnGNiAwP-osNLS/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
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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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