League of Women Voters: Rausch vs Dooley debate forum video

A recording of the State Senate Candidate Forum held by the League of Women Voters - Needham on October 18, 2022 is available for viewing on YouTube.

Video link ->  https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/O7e6JrKKSJ3H_TX3VgEvpbSSL7Dbnrk2/media/752145?fullscreen=false&showtabssearch=true&autostart=false

Shared from the League of Women Voters page -> 

https://lwv-needham.org/state-senate-candidate-forum-2022/

League of Women Voters: Rausch vs Dooley debate forum video

Rausch vs. Dooley: A conversation with the candidates

Join the Charles River Regional Chamber of Commerce for a conversation with incumbent Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch (D) and challenger Rep. Shawn Dooley (R), the two candidates running for State Senate seat representing Needham and ten other communities that are part of the Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex district.

The discussion will focus on business and economic development but other issues will be discussed as well. Charles River Regional Chamber President Greg Reibman will moderate. 

Conducted via Zoom - registration required ->

https://nnchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/11855

Additional details -> https://members.charlesriverchamber.com/events/details/rausch-vs-dooley-a-conversation-with-the-candidates-11855

Rausch vs. Dooley: A conversation with the candidates

Talking schools with Superintendent Sara Ahern - 03/22/22 (audio)

FM #759 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 759 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

• FY 2023 budget overall/timeline

• Multiple central office and district positions open, hiring in process

• Equity audit - report due approx. May 2022

• Critical conversations - March 24 (will update to include the link to recording when available)

• DECA, cheerleaders, winter sports performance overall, spring starting practices

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-759-fps-superintendent-sara-ahern-03-22-22

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DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career ready

School budget info FY 2023 (and prior available)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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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"

Superintendent Sara Ahern

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media - March 24

The Franklin Substance Abuse Task Force (SAFT) will host their second installment of their Critical Conversations series on Thursday, March 24, from 6 PM – 8 PM at the Franklin High School auditorium, via Zoom and on Franklin.TV. The night will focus on the impact of social media on the social emotional wellbeing of youth. 

As the keynote speaker, Georgia Wells, tech journalist for the Wall Street Journal, will kick off the event speaking on how the tech companies behind social media and the effects on young people. The Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Karyn Polito will provide additional remarks addressing state level initiatives regarding social media usage. 

The event will be supplemented by a panel of local school guidance counselors, Representative Jeff Roy, SAFE Coalition Director Jen Knight-Levine, an FHS student and the Franklin marketing and communications specialist. The panel was curated to offer various perspectives on the topic of social media and will be followed by an audience question and answer session.

The context from this event will pair well with film-based education program LIKE, which is being viewed this week in wellness 9 and 10 classes, as well as in the high school health and physical education electives. With the fiscal support from the SAFE Coalition, Franklin Public Schools is able to offer free district-wide access to the film for families to view in the comfort of their homes. The film was made available to stream on Monday, March 20 at 5 PM and is open until Sunday, March 27 at 11:45 PM.

The goal of these cumulative efforts is to empower families to feel confident utilizing the knowledge and resources provided from the LIKE screening and Critical Conversations event to work towards establishing a healthy relationship with social media.

FPS sent out communications internally to its constituents regarding how to access the film LIKE. All viewers will need to enter their email address and create a password to access the film. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email, access to the film, resources and post-viewing survey.

Interested in our Critical Conversations panel?
Check out our Facebook event page or our district event page.

You can learn more about LIKE here:  https://www.thelikemovie.com/

About the Franklin Substance Abuse Task Force

The SATF is proudly represented by students, parents, administration, faculty, counselors, athletics, SAFE Coalition, medical professionals, SROs, school committee members, and elected officials. The mission of the SAFT is to promote community awareness and education surrounding the issue of substance abuse in Franklin as well as develop substance abuse prevention and intervention strategies in supporting working with students & families, as well as school based and community based prevention strategies.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/news/critical-conversations-impact-social-media-viewing

Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media - March 24 

For Zoom info check out the event page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/85546

2 Critical Conversations: School Budget Hearing Tuesday; Social Media Thursday

There are two critical conversations scheduled for this week. 

• Tuesday night at 7 PM the School Committee holds a public hearing on the FY 2023 school budget.
• Thursday night at 6 PM at the high school auditorium Critical Conversation on The Impact of Social Media.

2 Critical Conversations: School Budget Hearing Tuesday; Social Media Thursday

1 - Tuesday School Budget Hearing

Details on the proposed budget can be found here

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy-2023-budget

Details on how to participate either in person, via cable or live stream or Zoom

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-22-22.pdf

2 - Thursday The Impact of Social Media

Details on the keynote speaker and panelists

https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/85546

Download the flyer as a reminder

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/cc_initial_release_standard_digital_flyer.pdf

FY 2023 School Budget One page overview:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YsDgIaL9sDyHIkMlSvvtHgKKC0wcL4Rf/view?usp=sharing

Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

We are excited to host our next installment of our Critical Conversations series. 

Join us March 24, 2022 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the FHS Auditorium or via Zoom as we discuss the impact of social media on social emotional wellbeing. 

Social media plays a significant role in our students’ lives, it's designed to. Identifying strategies to establish a healthy relationship with social media that maximizes the benefits and mitigates the negatives is nothing short of a critical conversation.

We invite you to join us for an evening of listening, learning, and engaging with esteemed tech journalist, Georgia Wells from the Wall Street Journal as she quarterbacks a conversation on the state of social media. Our local panelists will consist of key community stakeholders and individuals well versed in the various stages of raising children.

The evening will include: 

• Welcome and Opening remarks
• Keynote Facilitated Conversation
• Panelist Discussion 
• Audience Q&A
• So Now What? Session will provide strategies for parents of elementary, middle and high school students to foster mindful social media habits.
• Breakout sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight facilitated by our Substance Abuse Task Force (SATF) Student Representatives

Learn more here: https://buff.ly/3qpFWub

Shared from Twitter ->    https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1503411142819033090

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XkC0eEKZGj80rpKf2i_qajE12CCOISx4/view?usp=sharing

Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

Critical Conversations - The Impact of Social Media - March 24 - 6 PM

Social media plays a significant role in our students’ lives, it's designed to. Identifying strategies to establish a healthy relationship with social media that maximizes the benefits and mitigates the negatives is nothing short of a critical conversation.

We invite you to join us for an evening of listening, learning, and engaging with esteemed tech journalist, Georgia Wells from the Wall Street Journal and Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, as they quarterback a conversation on the state of social media. Our local panelists will consist of key community stakeholders and individuals well versed in the various stages of raising children.

Additional information coming soon!

Event Date:  Thursday, March 24, 2022 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where:  Franklin High School, Auditorium

Critical Conversations - The Impact of Social Media - March 24 - 6 PM

“What do you think is the strongest argument for the other side?”

"In recent years, the number of nonprofits and initiatives that could be categorized under a concept called “bridging” has expanded in the U.S.: Millions of Conversations, The People’s Supper and Good Conflict are just a few. Some efforts build on conflict resolution practices at a large scale (think social psychology) or individual (think marriage counseling), and all aim to create strong conditions for talking and working together across various fault lines.

Looking at this expanding list, it’s easy to wonder what journalists — who are faced with their own challenges in reaching people with shared conversation and facts — might learn from them. But why, amid all other pressures on their work and livelihood, might they want to?"

Continue reading the article online

https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/publications/articles/journalism-bridging-monica-guzman/

https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/publications/articles/journalism-bridging-monica-guzman/

MÓNICA GUZMÁN - BRIDGE BUILDER | AUTHOR | JOURNALIST

Critical Conversations - Mental Health & Substance Use 11/18/21 (video)

Catching up to sharing the video and presentation document from the Critical Conversations event held on Nov 18, 2021.

“The Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Task Force teamed up with the SAFE Coalition to host the Critical Conversations Panel. This event was held online and in person at Franklin High School on November 18th, 2021. The panel featured 7 speakers with various perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience. The conversation focused on identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community.”

-------

As with most meetings/events in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the FHS auditorium. 

The Twitter hashtag #CC1118 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1461472874309603335 

Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ikqcTq222N2mftt88

• Critical conversations info on speakers, agenda, and remote link info  https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/83206 #cc1118
• The THC available today is FAR more potent than that used in the 90's - like 60 times more potent! #cc1118 this is being used in vap cartridges
• Dr Bergen introduces the panel for this discussion #cc1118
• Dan, recovering alcoholic, wanted communication in his earlier days to have helped his turn to substance use as the aid; punishment, and increasing punishments, didn't help #cc1118
• Jim, parent of a son with trouble, urges other parents to get involved, don't think it will just 'get better' #cc1118 ask for help, you are not alone.
• Sgt Colecchi provides some staggering stats on current calls for mental health and substance abuse, a good number of them are youth under 18 #cc1118
• Principal Hanna seeing behavior unlike anything seen during 25+ years teaching in a high school. The combination of the pandemic and substance use are driving the change in behavior #cc1118
• Per Hanna, they are organizing to respond to this issue. it had not part of their charter. #cc1118
• SAFE seeing students buying vaps via dealers more so now than before. Increase also seen in parental supply of alcohol and vaps. #cc1118
• Rep Roy touts mental health legislation that the MA Senate just passed and sent to the House for their review/action. #cc1118
• Resources from the FPS page for parents -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/pages/resources-parents #cc1118 simply sitting next to your youth rather than facing them to have the conversation is a help #cc1118
• Do some homework on what the vapes look like, they do come via mail, it can be a quick trip to someone at the car in the driveway to get a supply  #cc1118
• If near someone overdosing, call 911, do not drive to the hospital. The drugs are so fast acting, you'll be too late. 911 is the best way, paramedics should have narcan handy #cc1118
• Shifting to the audience Q&A segment of the evening #cc1118
• Late to this but shifted to the break out portion of the evening; checked out the "hidden in plain sight" display and product table. Fascinating info! #cc1118 that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

The event video is now available via YouTube  https://youtu.be/4z7humqI2Wo 

 

Critical Conversations: Mental Health & Substance Use - 11/18/21 from Franklin Matters

part of the "Hidden in Plain Sight" display

Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted Wed, Nov 10, 2021:

"Some conversations are better to have sooner rather than later.

Start and continue the talk on Mental Health and Substance Use during our Critical Conversations panel on 11/18 at 6 PM. 

Learn more here: https://t.co/yhf1nlYD3s"

 

Critical Conversations: Identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community. Is a collaboration between the SAFE Coalition and Franklin Public Schools. This event will be held in the FHS auditorium and live via Zoom.

Mental Health and Substance Use are two critical issues that have a wide range of impacts among our families and within our community. We invite the Franklin community to join us for an evening of learning, listening, and engaging with local panelists of diverse perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience.  
 
The evening will include: 

• Opening remarks from Jen Knight, Executive Director of the SAFE Coalition
• Panelist Discussion 
• Audience General Questions
• Breakout Sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight display facilitated by our SATF Student Representatives

Panelists

• Detective Mike Colecchi, SAFE Coalition Board Member, Franklin Police Dept.
• Dr. Wendy Cohen, SAFE Medical Director and family practitioner
• Dan Lagarce, Person in Recovery
• Jeff Roy, State Representative
• Jim Derick, SAFE Board of Director President, co-founder and Parent
• Jen Knight-Levine, SAFE Executive Director, co-founder
• Josh Hanna, Franklin High School Principal

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/ypItJfHT3s

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOWZWc1Buc2RLZ2QxWTktaDZUWWxTbTB1YkRZ/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-5jDLyEjZLaSKlr1sJrVZfQ

Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

FM #580 - Community Conversation on Housing & Race - 07/14/21 (audio)

FM #580 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 580 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Conversation virtual meeting on Housing and Race coordinated by the Franklin Area Against Racism group (FAAR) and held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo moderated the discussion with featured guests 

• Jim Johnston (longtime Franklin resident and historian) 

• Bryan Taberner (Franklin’s Director of Planning and Community Development)

• Jesse Kanson-Benanav (Executive Director of Abundant Housing MA) 

The discussion focused on how Franklin's housing policies and practices have fostered socio-economic inequities and worked to reduce diversity in the community over the years.

Franklin TV recorded and will be making available the video of this virtual meeting. When available, I’ll include the links here as well.

The audio recording runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Conversation on Housing and Race.

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0d0955ed-45fa-43e9-9d5e-1885531a109a

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Link to Director Taberner’s Housing presentation doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ahoL5YJElfGd4Qv4w4o9le_py9vCIX-l/view?usp=sharing 

Or at Slideshare ->

https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-housing-production-plan-presentation-20210714 

Link to the announcement of this Community Conversation

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/reminder-community-conversations.html 

Visit the Development and Community Planning page for additional info on the Master Plan, the Housing Production Plan, etc.  https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development 

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

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"

 

FM #580 - Community Conversation on Housing & Race - 07/14/21 (audio)

Reminder: Community Conversations - Housing and Race - July 14 - 7 PM (via Zoom)

Housing and Race - July 14 - 7 PM

The Franklin Area Against Racism group (FAAR) is holding the second segment of its Community Conversations series, this time on Housing and Race next Wednesday, July 14th at 7:00PM. 

We invited Jim Johnston (longtime Franklin resident and historian), Bryan Taberner (Franklin Director of Planning and Community Development), and Jesse Kanson-Benanav (Executive Director of Abundant Housing MA) to discuss how how Franklin's housing policies and practices have fostered socio-economic inequities and worked to reduce diversity in the community.

Zoom info contained in the image

Background on Jesse Kanson-Benanav

https://abundanthousingma.org/2021/03/29/ahma-announces-executive-director/ 

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 9 - July 15, 2021

Rain today and the Farmers Market has Canceled. Two concerts this weekend at THE BLACK BOX and a dog event at the Dog Park to consider on this summer weekend. Important Community Conversation on housing and race is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:00 via Zoom.

Friday, July 9
 "Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services (likely at Library instead of Farmers Market)
7:30pm - Radio Daze featuring Paul Souza

Saturday, July 10
 "Hedgehog Needs a Hug" (story walk)
10:00am - Franklin Dog Park event
7:30pm - Confounded Bridge - The Music of Led Zeppelin

Sunday, July 11

Monday, July 12

Tuesday, July 13
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey

Wednesday, July 14
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:00pm - Community Conversations - Housing and Race
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, July 15
8:30am - Town Council Office Hours
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm -wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd

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

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 meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

Community Conversations - Housing and Race - July 14

 Housing and Race

The Franklin Area Against Racism group (FAAR) is holding the second segment of its Community Conversations series, this time on Housing and Race next Wednesday, July 14th at 7:00PM. 

We invited Jim Johnston (longtime Franklin resident and historian), Bryan Taberner (Franklin Director of Planning and Community Development), and Jesse Kanson-Benanav (Executive Director of Abundant Housing MA) to discuss how how Franklin's housing policies and practices have fostered socio-economic inequities and worked to reduce diversity in the community.

Zoom info contained in the image

Background on Jesse Kanson-Benanav

https://abundanthousingma.org/2021/03/29/ahma-announces-executive-director/