Franklin Bellingham RailTrail Committee will be at the Bellingham Business Expo Apr 5

Bellingham Business Expo Apr 5

 

"We will be at the Bellingham Business Expo on April 5!  

Stop by and say hello!"

Shared from ->   https://x.com/FBRTC/status/1903907407354294706?

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

For more info about the Business Expo ->   https://www.bellinghambusinessassociation.org/news

Dean College to Host Women in Business Conference March 28, 2025

Women in Business Conference March 28

Dean College's student-run Women in Business Club will be hosting its second annual Women in Business Conference on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The theme for this year's conference is Finding Your Voice: Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence.

This motivating conference is open to the public, as well as the Dean community, and will be held in The Guidrey Center located within the College's Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center at 99 Main St. in Franklin, MA. Registration is free and can be found at the following link: Women In Business Conference - Registration Form.

"We are so excited to have the opportunity to welcome inspiring guest speakers, entertaining student performances, and a forum for networking through our upcoming conference," said Women in Business Club co-president and Dean College junior, Nora Rodas.

Guest speakers will include Jennifer Moylan, the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of AAM 15 Management, LLC, an independent private equity investment and management company that strives to provide investors with a stable stream of distributable cash returns while maximizing capital appreciation; and Ilona Znakharchuk the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Solodko, a Boston-based catering business specializing in Ukrainian dessert and cakes.

Complimentary breakfast items and beverages will be available throughout the morning. There will also be a variety of student performances and ample time for networking.

"Our club strives to build a community on campus where women can come together to inspire each other, and this year's conference has been designed to do just that," said Katelyn Davis, a Dean College junior and co-president of the Women in Business Club.

Dean College Announces New Academic Programs

Dean College is excited to announce the addition of more than a dozen academic programs to its catalog. These new majors, tracks and minors are available in Dean's Schools of Performing Arts, the School of Liberal Arts, and the Dean R. Sanders '47 School of Business.

"Dean College is dedicated to providing our students with dynamic and forward-thinking academic programs that align with today's evolving career landscape," said Scott Sibley, Vice President of Academic Affairs. "Whether in the performing arts, health sciences, liberal arts or business, our students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to lead and make a lasting impact in their fields."

Dean College Announces New Academic Programs

Within the Schools of Performing Arts, Dean has transformed its Arts and Entertainment major into the newly minted Arts Leadership major, more accurately reflecting the dynamic skill set being cultivated. Beyond effective management strategies, students will gain expertise in marketing, production, and organizational leadership, preparing them for a leadership role within the performing arts industry. 

In addition, a Dance Science track has been added to the Dance (BA) major, allowing students to explore the intersection of dance and health sciences. A unique advantage of this new track is the access to Dean's Athletic Training Clinic for the Performing Arts, providing an on-campus clinical setting focused on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization for dancers and performing artists.

"The introduction of the Arts Leadership major and the Dance Science track reflects our dedication to preparing students to thrive as knowledgeable leaders in the industry," said James Beauregard, interim Dean for the Schools of Performing Arts. "These innovations ensure that our graduates are not only creative and passionate but also strategic, adaptable, and well-equipped to shape the future of the performing arts."

Recognizing the need for an expanded health science curriculum, Dean has added Neuroscience and Public Health majors to the School of Liberal Arts. A career in neuroscience is becoming increasingly popular, driven by advancements in brain research, mental health awareness, and the growing demand for neuroscience applications in medicine, technology, and artificial intelligence. Similarly, strong job growth is projected in public health-related fields, such as epidemiology, health education, biostatistics, and environmental health. Dean has also added a new track, Applied Behavior Analysis, to the Psychology major, allowing students to pursue a career that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or learning differences. New minors in Applied Behavior Analysis, Biology, Education Studies, and Family and Childhood Studies have also been added to the catalog.

"The addition of these new academic programs within the School of Liberal Arts will allow us to prepare students for impactful careers in healthcare, research, education and human services," said Brad Hastings, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts. "The ultimate goal is to empower our students to lead, innovate, and create positive change in their communities and beyond."

Dean's School of Business will now offer three new tracks within its Business/Business Management major, including Accounting, Finance and Data Science. By specializing in one of these three new tracks—or the already existing tracks within the major—Dean students are able to gain the expertise needed to launch their successful careers in business. The School of Business has also added four new minors from which to choose, including Accounting, Data Science, Hospitality Management, and Project Management.

"In order to excel in today's competitive and rapidly changing global economy, specialized knowledge and practical skills are imperative," said William Ingram, Dean of the School of Business. "With the addition of these new tracks, as well as expanded minor options, our students have plentiful choices to tailor their education for their own specific career goals."

For additional information on the newly added academic programs, as well as Dean's existing offerings, please visit www.dean.edu/academics.    

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

Joint Statement: School District Budget Challenges

Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) 

Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) 

Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO)

(M.A.S.S.) (MASC) (MASBO)

February 28, 2025

A disturbing trend has emerged in school districts throughout Massachusetts. As School Committees, Superintendents, and School Business Officials grapple with budget proposals for the 2025-26 school year, more and more districts are projecting significant budget deficits. The simple reality is that in many communities, expenses are increasing at much higher rates than the revenue available to support them.

At budget hearings and community meetings across the Commonwealth, residents are presented with proposed strategies to close the fiscal gaps, none of which is ideal, including staff layoffs, reduction or elimination of programs and services, and even school closures. District leaders try to reassure their constituents that they have proposed these solutions only after exhausting all other options. Many have advocated with municipal leaders for additional revenue, but cities and towns themselves are often facing economic challenges to deliver critical services.

Some communities will pursue a Proposition 2½ override to avoid cuts through increased taxes, but voters are not always willing to pay higher tax bills, particularly if their own household budgets are already strained. Even a successful override is often a temporary solution that does not address the long-term structural deficits facing school districts.

Although the financial situation in each school district is unique, we see a consistent pattern of fiscal pressures across a broad range of communities – whether large or small, urban, suburban, or rural. Several major expenses are increasing dramatically year after year, including out-of-district special education tuition, transportation, health insurance, utilities, and other significant line items. 

At the same time, the revenue available to most school districts remains relatively flat. State funding has increased overall in recent years, but not enough to offset the rapidly rising expenses. Local communities – especially those without a sizable commercial sector – rely heavily on residential taxes, which cannot increase by more than 2.5% without an override. These shortfalls are compounded by the loss of federal funding that supported pandemic recovery investments, forcing districts to choose between eliminating those interventions or redirecting other revenue to sustain them.

When faced with painful consequences – especially the loss of talented employees or vital programs for students and families – it is understandable for residents to express their anger, frustration, and fear, and to demand answers about the causes of this predicament. We urge the people of Massachusetts to know the facts and understand the statewide context before placing blame on the individuals who lead our school districts. 

School Committees, Superintendents, and School Business Officials have a tremendous responsibility to manage public funds with the utmost care and with the best interest of students at the forefront. However, they are ultimately constrained by the resources available to them, particularly as the needs and costs to operate school districts continue to escalate well beyond the means of our communities.

Shared from -> https://www.massupt.org/2025/02/28/joint_statement_budgets_2-28-25/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 266 - Interview with Neil Rogers (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Exploring All Things Wine With You!

In this episode, Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone talk with special guest Neil Rogers. Neil, author of BarTips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales, I Learned Behind the Bar, shares insights from his book.

Interview Highlights:

- Customer Hospitality: Neil emphasizes the importance of a warm greeting and excellent customer service. Whether you're behind the bar or selling wine, creating a welcoming atmosphere is key.

- Changing Role of Salespeople: We explore how the role of salespeople has evolved over time. From traditional techniques to modern approaches, Neil provides valuable perspectives.

- Hospitality Happiness: Neil's passion for hospitality shines through as he shares stories and tips for creating memorable experiences.

- Old School Sales Techniques: Discover timeless sales strategies that still apply today, even in the ever-changing landscape.

Connect with Neil:

Visit Neil's website at http://www.positiveactivity.com to explore more of his insights and resources.

Remember, wine is more than just a beverage—it's a journey! Tune in to this episode for a delightful exploration of all things wine. 

Cheers! 

Mark and Kim

#franklinma #wine #wineeducation #bartips 

Episode 266-Bar Tips, Neil Rogers Interview by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-266-bar-tips-neil-rogers-interview

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 266 - Interview with Neil Rogers

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 266-Bar Tips, Neil Rogers Interview

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

FM #1229 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1229 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the first of their 2 normal meetings for June.  Our schedules coordinated to talk on Thursday morning to recap the long 4 hour session the night before..

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• 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 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1230-town-council-quarterbacking-06-06-24

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

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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

Mix and Mingle scheduled for May 10 for small business & professionals at Franklin Carpet One

Mix and Mingle scheduled for May 10 

"Save The Date!!

We can’t wait to meet you all and chat!

RSVP to Sandy 😊  Sandy@franklintilecarpetone.com"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/C6b7XqBxwmx/?igsh=cmQ2aHBmemh1a2xz

Special School Committee meeting enables interview of candidate for business administrator position (audio)

FM #1182 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1182 in the series. 

This session shares the Special School Committee meeting of Thursday, April 25, 2024. Chair Dave Callaghan, Al Charles, Dr Paul Griffith, Ruthann O’Sullivan, KP Sompally, Vice-Chair David McNeill were present; Erin Gallagher was absent. 

Candidate for the interview is the current assistant to the business administrator, as an interim position appointment. Janaina Vasconcelos-Melotti is here to present her background and answer questions.

The meeting recording runs about 60 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1182-special-school-cmte-mtg-04-25-24

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Agenda for this session ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_25_24.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lPQG_l9gieATruY5JDCh1u4QEkXZhNMX/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV Video was recorded but it is not yet available (not sure why).

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

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.

And if you have interesting in reporting or TV or radio operations, feel free to reach out. A conversation can lead somewhere.

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"

Special School Committee meeting enables interview of candidate for business administrator position (audio)

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting - April 25 at 6:30 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

School Committee Special Meeting

April 25, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 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

● Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator Interview

● Deliberation on Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator

● Adjourn

 

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_25_24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting - April 25 at 6:30 PM

Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

Franklin Planning Board

Public Hearing Notice

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, notice is hereby given that the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM and the Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 5 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street (also available to be attended remotely) to consider amending Chapter 185, Section 5 of the Code of the Town of Franklin.

ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT 24-905 

Zoning Map Amendment 24-905 (formerly 24-901) would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing parcels 313-061-000 and 313-062-000 parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, Chairman 

Franklin Planning Board 

Tom Mercer, Chairman

Franklin Town Council

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/public_hearing_notice_24-905.pdf

Public Hearings scheduled by Planning Board & Town Council for King St parcel zoning change from residential to business

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 

Most of the first 2 hours was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use was proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?), the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

Quick recap:

• Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge

• The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved

• The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

• FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

• associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved

• The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”

• The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved

• Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

• Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)

• Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas

• Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

• Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1

The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 

Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

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

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.

If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.

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"

Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge