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Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking for a Communications Coordinator |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Reminder: Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking for a Communications Coordinator
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking for a Communications Coordinator
Communications Coordinator Job Opening |
The Franklin Downtown Partnership has a job opening for a communications coordinator, approximately 25 hours per month. The communications coordinator is responsible for all written communications, including media releases, social media, website updates, and electronic newsletters. Please email the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) executive director for more information or to apply. Small social media or PR agencies are also welcome to send proposals. Visit the Downtown Partnership page here -> https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ |
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Franklin Public Schools: Community Communication Guidelines
Have a question or concern and you're not sure who to reach out to?
Our Central Office has put together a helpful cheat sheet on Community Communication Guidelines (ex. reach out to teacher for abc, reach out to principal for xyz).
https://t.co/c6l4mKrV8c or -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/families/pages/community-communication-guidelines
Shared from Twitter ->
https://t.co/GO25OuL4kn
Franklin Public Schools: Community Communication Guidelines |
Friday, November 4, 2022
Community Relations Subcommittee starts planning for Legislative Forum & discusses other communication efforts (audio)
FM #871 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 871 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. No remote participation was enabled for this session per their agenda.
Chair Denise Spencer opened the meeting. School Committee members Al Charles and Camile Bernstein, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and Marketing Communications Specialist Lily Rivera were also present with me recording the session.
The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.
The recording runs about 63 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of Nov 1, 2022.
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Subcommittee agenda
My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ux6z6Z1tM9LZxSbULqzurSMSZXPLPHvd/view?usp=share_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!
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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"
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Agenda - Nov 1 - 6:00 PM
"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."
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Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Agenda - Nov 1 - 6:00 PM |
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 1 - 6:00 PM
"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."
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Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 1 - 6:00 PM |
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
"Nearly 1 in 4 people in Massachusetts speaks a language other than English at home"
"The stakes can be very high when the Department of Children & Families intercedes between a parent and their child. Now imagine if the parent doesn’t speak English.
That’s what happened to Juan Abad, a Dominican immigrant who’s been a Lynn resident for roughly a decade. Abad didn’t know he had fathered twins until one of them died from severe physical abuse inflicted by the mother’s boyfriend. The state’s Office of the Child Advocate reviewed the horrific case and found that DCF failed to protect the three-month-old baby. The mother, who along with her boyfriend was charged in connection with the baby’s death, called Abad to tell him he was the babies’ father and that the surviving twin, Anthony, had been put in foster care.
And so began Abad’s five-year ordeal to get custody of Anthony, in a case that was hampered by DCF’s language-access shortcomings. The case exemplifies the inconsistent and more than often substandard language access practices across state government agencies. Even though it is required by federal law to provide timely and culturally competent oral language services to individuals with limited English proficiency, the law is rarely enforced."
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"Nearly 1 in 4 people in Massachusetts speaks a language other than English at home" |
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Meeting agenda - Feb 17 - 6:00 PM
Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting
Municipal Building - Training Room (Virtual Link in Agenda)
A G E N D A
- Call to Order
- Review Community Relations Subcommittee goals
- Legislative Forum - Date, Questions
- Coffee Chat
- Confirm schedule for upcoming meetings
Community Relations Subcommittee - Meeting agenda - Feb 17 - 6:00 PM |
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
First Universalist Society in Franklin is hiring for their "Church Operations and Communications Manager" position
The Church Operations and Communications Manager supports the mission and goals of FUSF, a Vibrant, Energetic, and liberal congregation, by providing leadership and professional expertise to a broad variety of functions necessary for the effective planning and day-to-day operation of the church. The incumbent has broad responsibilities across the entire operation. Reporting to the Minister, the Church Operations and Communications Manager works with other staff, church officers, boards, committees/teams, and volunteer leaders in all facets of this process from visioning to implementation.
The Church Operations and Communication Manager’s primary roles encompass:
● Internal Communications including
o handling email, phone and in person inquiries,o manage and update communication tools and serve as the primary resource for congregants using these tools including Google G-Suite, fusf.org email addresses, Breeze database and Mailchimp,o Coordinate, edit, update, create, and deliver the: Google calendar, and E-Newsletter,o supporting the internal congregation and operations structure and being the initial entrance point into the church.
● External Communications responsible for our Website, and social media campaign execution and administration.● Church Office Management including Clerical Support● Bookkeeping including account updating and reconciliation via QuickBooks● Support Building and Facilities Management, including custodial supervision.
Must possess excellent interpersonal, listening, verbal and written communication skills; be technically proficient with many office and communication tools, be independent, self-motivated, and reliable, be well organized, detail oriented and able to multitask all with a friendly smile.
The position has a competitive salary, generous benefits, and 4 weeks of paid vacation during the summer.
To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to: Bo.Kinney@fusf.org
screen grab of FUSF.org webpage |
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Community Relations Subcommittee - meeting 2/01/22 (audio)
FM #715 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 715 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the subcommittee members were in the 3rd floor training room, at least one other member the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Denise Spencer, Al Charles, Camille Bernstein, Superintendent Sara Ahern, Communications/Marketing Specialist Lily Rivera
The recording of the public meeting runs just 55 minutes
The link to the meeting agenda is included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.
Let’s listen to the Community Relations subcommittee meeting of Feb 1, 2022
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-715-school-cmte-community-relations-subcom-mtg-02-01-22--------------
My notes captured during the meeting (via ThreadReader)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mrr40dEwuavAiGdmLea1BHLwsKz-9tnl/view?usp=sharing
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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"
Monday, January 31, 2022
School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Feb 1, 2022 - 6 PM
Community Relations Sub Committee
Municipal Building - Training Room (Virtual Link in Agenda)
"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● Review Community Relations Subcommittee goals● Legislative Forum - Date, Questions● How do we maximize the reach and impact of our communications? Which activities should we continue, stop, start? What are the more effective communication channels?● Confirm schedule for upcoming meetings
Community Relations Subcommittee - Feb 1, 2022 - 6 PM |
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM
Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM |
Saturday, January 8, 2022
"Franklin For All" Community Engagement Plan ready for your reading and review
"MAPC has developed a Community Engagement Plan to clearly delineate the approach for community engagement throughout the process. The purpose of community engagement for this project is to:
1. Inform residents and business stakeholders (business owners, landlords, developers) about how zoning can be a tool for equitable land use to meet housing demands, develop vibrant neighborhoods, and support economic revitalization.2. Solicit feedback on stakeholders’ visions for Franklin Center and develop a plan for rezoning the area to best achieve the overall vision.3. Engage and educate members of relevant boards/commissions who will be tasked with approving and implementing the rezoning strategy.
The Community Engagement Plan provides a stakeholder analysis that identifies populations or groups that may be underrepresented or hard to reach when the Town is engaging stakeholders through typical community engagement techniques. The plan includes an engagement strategy chart detailing specific approaches for each of the groups who have been identified for more proactive engagement with the aim of ensuring diverse participation.
Project outreach will be town-wide with a special effort to reach groups who may be most impacted by zoning changes as it relates to housing affordability. It is assumed that populations and groups that are already active and engaged in Franklin will be reached through more typical engagement techniques and that additional efforts or techniques are not required to actively engage them in this planning process. In order to get in touch with historically less-engaged groups, the project team will coordinate with local conveners and/or local media as two potential outreach sources.
In addition, the Community Engagement Plan outlines the specific tools that will be used throughout this process to conduct outreach and engagement, including print, digital, and 'on the ground ' engagement tools like focus groups and forums along with how they will be used."
"Franklin For All" Community Engagement Plan |
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Sep 28, 2021
School Committee Meeting
Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report
A. Introduce Lily Rivera, Town & School Marketing/Communications Specialist
B. Digital Learning Plan – Alison Finley, Kate Merten, Chris Penza, Marianne Zogby and John Leighton
A. Franklin TV Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board of Directors.
B. MASC Delegate
I recommend the Committee appoint Denise Spencer to serve as the Committee's delegate to the annual MASC Annual Meeting of Delegates as discussed.
C. Policy - Waiving 1st reading
I recommend waiving the First Reading of Policy EBCFA Face Coverings as discussed.
D. Policy Adoption
I recommend adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.
B. ESSER III Funding Plan
C. Back to School Status Update – September 24, 2021
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)
A. To discuss any future agenda items
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the September 14, 2021 School Committee minutes as detailed.
B. New FHS Club Approval
I recommend approval of the new FHS Clubs: Book Club, Hiking Club and Board and Games Club as detailed.
IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer
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Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Sep 28, 2021 |
Monday, May 17, 2021
Franklin (1) in the news for the UVGA lamps, (2) could we consider Amherst's example to help with engagement?
From the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) we find to share:
1 - "Franklin installs ultraviolet lamps to destroy coronaviruses"
"Using technology both visible and hidden, the town of Franklin has improved the air quality in its municipal and school buildings and reduced the chances of people catching COVID-19."
"The town of Amherst has developed a new prong in its online engagement strategy with the launch of a new interactive platform, Engage Amherst.The March launch comes a year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced cities and towns across the state to pivot from in-person meetings and hearings to remote, online engagement with residents."
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Town Council Mtg 05/05/21 - in 3 parts FM #537, 538, 539 (audio)
This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the almost 3 hour minute meeting into three logical segments:
- First - covers the opening recognition of DPW Director Cantoreggi, public hearing on stormwater bylaw wording, license transaction for LaCantina (~43 mins)
- Second - covers the Melanson & HEath audit report and the presentation by Franklin TV (~40 minutes)
- Third - covers the Town Communications update by Anne Marie Tracey through to the end of the meeting (~70 minutes)
Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of May 5, 2021
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Agenda document folder
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-town-council-meeting-050521.html
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
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"
Town Council Mtg 05/05/21 - in 3 parts FM #537, 538, 539 (audio)