Senator Becca Rausch and I had a wide ranging conversation on education, health care, elections & voting, and more (audio)

FM #857 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 857 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Senator Becca Rausch. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this post pandemic period.

We have a wide ranging conversation on education, health care, elections & voting, and of course climate. Links to the Senator’s pages as mentioned during our conversation are provided in the show notes.  

Our recording runs about 41 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Becca Rausch.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-857-state-senator-becca-rausch-10-03-22

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Senator Becca Rausch home page:   https://www.beccarauschma.com/ 

Her issues page:  https://www.beccarausch.com/issues    

Constituent engagement opportunities

• Youth advisory council  https://www.beccarauschma.com/youth-advisory-council 

• Small business advisory council  https://www.beccarauschma.com/small-business-council 

• Virtual office hours   https://www.beccarauschma.com/office-hours 

Newsletter archive  https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=09452b4d597ce95fe20563af4&id=c427233b9b  

Hey Sam - support line -> https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/24-7-helpline/ 

From the audio archives: 

The conversation recorded in March 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/fm-492-senator-becca-rausch-031121-audio.html 

The conversation recorded in August 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-331-senator-becca-rausch-81420-audio.html 

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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"

 

what is your voting plan?

Lifelong Music Academy: 2022-2023 Registration Opens Monday, August 22

Our 2022-2023 after-school music classes will accept enrollments starting Monday August 22nd at 8:00 AM! Please click a program name for more information, calendars, and how to register.

• The Band School of Franklin: For students in grades 4 through 9. Tuesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School from October 4, 2022 through May 2, 2023.  => https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/music_academy/after_school_band_program/index.php

• Elementary Glee: For students in grades 3, 4 and 5. Thursday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School from October 6, 2022 through May 4, 2023.  => https://cms5.revize.com/revize/franklinlifelong/music_academy/after_school_honors_chorus/index.php

• The String School of Franklin: For students in grades 3 through 12. Monday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School from October 3, 2022 through May 1, 2023.  =>  https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/music_academy/the_string_school/index.php

• Private Music Lessons: For all ages. Monday through Thursday at Franklin High School from September 2022 through May 2023. Schedule varies by instrument. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year. Instruction is offered in the following instruments: Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar (acoustic, electric), Low Brass (baritone, euphonium, trombone, tuba), Saxophone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin.  => https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/music_academy/private_music_lesson_program/index.php

NOTE: Piano and Voice will hopefully be added soon; percussion is no longer offered.

On Monday 8/22 at 8:00 AM, click the SIGN UP button to be taken directly to our registration system!  =>   Register here

 

Lifelong Music Academy: 2022-2023 Registration Opens Monday, August 22

St Mary Parish: Religious Education Registration Information 2022/2023

It is so hard to believe that it is already time to register for Religious Education again. Despite the pandemic, the year did go by fast. We sure hope that all of you are continuing to stay safe and healthy. 

We have decided to follow a "hybrid" model again for the year 2022/2023. This model is based on the Religious Education model called "Domestic Church". We help and support you as parents as you directly help your children grow in our faith. Hopefully, by your teaching, daily actions and example, and by your participation at Sunday Mass, your children learn "The Ways of Our Faith" which you promised as parents at your children's Baptism so many years ago.

The plan is actually straight forward and easy to follow. Students will complete the book assignments at home and submit them periodically as they did this past year. In addition, we will rotate each grade level into the building for enrichment and review classes and the ability for the kids to all be together with us. We are able to offer more in-person classes this year. 

Registration will begin today (July 13) and end on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at midnight. As in the past, you are able to register 24/7 using the link and you can make your payment online as well. As always, if you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact me.

I am also hoping that some of you would be willing to join the Religious Education Team this year. This will be an exciting and creative year to join. You will be part of a Team which will be provided more than enough materials etc. We have lots and lots of great kids here and you would enjoy it more than you think. 

Sharing your faith is a very special and wonderful commitment. If this is something that you are interested in doing, please contact me and we can chat.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me. Thanks and enjoy your summer.

Karen Ackles 

508-528-1450

Specific information regarding classes and scheduling   https://stmarysfranklin.org/religious-ed

Register ->  https://stmarysfranklin.org/re-registration

St Mary Parish: Religious Education Registration Information 2022/2023

You can help "Give kids the arts" - a win win!

"Kids today are closed in, lacking human interaction, and riddled with anxieties.
Research shows a global surge in the number of young people reporting symptoms of clinical depression. Our schools are strained, canceling art programs when they need them most. We’re on a mission to change that.

Only 12% of public high schools offered one of the four arts disciplines, and only 17% offered all four. It has been proven that students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance.

Transparency is one of our core values, so along with using every penny you donate to supply children with the art supplies they need, we also prove images of each handout on our Gallery page or Social Media accounts.

Donate today to keep kids learning and growing. "

Visit their webpage to donate to the cause -> 

givekidsthearts.org

The 501(c)3 is the inspiration of Ian & Linda Kabat, Franklin residents who also brought the Sculpture Park to Franklin.

Visit the Wrentham Artisan Market and talk with them on July 24:

"Come visit us July 24 from 10-2 Our first fair thanks to Wrentham Artisan Market. " http://southernnewenglandevents.com 

shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/l_kabat/status/1547179350512082945 

 

You can help "Give kids the arts" - a win win!

Fair Share Amendment web page ready to provide info on Ballot Question 1

"The Fair Share Amendment, or Question 1, would create a 4% tax on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million and dedicate the funds raised to transportation and public education. 

The amendment, featured on the November ballot, will allow Massachusetts to improve our transportation and public education systems by making the very rich pay their fair share. 

Only people who earn more than $1 million annually will pay this additional income tax; 99% of us won’t pay a penny more. And we’ll all benefit from better schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation. 

On November 8, vote YES on 1."

Learn more about the proposed amendment (Ballot Question 1) https://www.fairsharema.com/why-fair-share 

Fair Share Amendment web page ready to provide info on Ballot Question 1

This is the first of a series to help prepare for the November election. All the posts will be collected in one page to make it easy to bookmark and find.

“As citizens we have many rights, but we also have obligations"

Via the NY Times: 

The tiny New Hampshire town of Croydon fits the New England of the imagination, with its cozy general store, one-room schoolhouse and local museum open by appointment. The only thing missing is supposed to be missing: a stoplight.

But it’s not just the Rockwellian setting that makes this community of 800 seem quintessentially American. People here have just experienced a fractious come-to-Jefferson moment that has left many with a renewed appreciation for something they had taken for granted: democracy.

“Showing up. That’s the big lesson,” said Chris Prost, 37, a Croydon resident who runs a small brewery from a barn at the back of his house. “And not just showing up, but also knowing what’s going on.”

Hope Damon, 65, a dietitian who is pursuing a new career as a result of her town’s recent crisis, agreed. What happened here, she said, “could happen most anywhere.” 

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/10/us/croydon-free-state-politics.html

 

A Croydon town meeting in March that began as fairly routine. It didn’t end that way. Credit...James M. Patterson/Valley News

FHS theatre arts have something to offer for students (video)

"Come see what FHS has to offer for theatre arts! We hope you consider participating in our 2022-2023 season! 

Don’t know how to get involved? Contact Mr. Grossman (grossmans@franklinps.net) or your guidance counselor to get involved with theatre classes!"

Check out the video on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ce4NNxWjtQF/ 

FHS theatre arts have something to offer for students

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FHS Theatre Company (@fhstc)

BFCCPS Is Now Hiring for the 2022-2023 School Year

May 26, 2022

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), is excited to share employment opportunities for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.  

BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight located in Franklin, Massachusetts.  Founded in 1995, BFCCPS is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts. 

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education. The school's integrated character education, community service, and strong parent partnerships, have led to local, state and national recognition.  In the fall of 2019 BFCCPS moved to a brand new 72,000 square foot facility located at 500 Financial Park in Franklin and added a gymnasium to the building in the spring of 2022.  

BFCCPS Is Now Hiring for the 2022-2023 School Year

Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year will be 867 students who will be supported by 175 members of faculty and staff.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School provides competitive salaries, a positive work environment and a substantial benefits package for full-time and part-time employees, including health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off and tuition reimbursement.

At the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunity and will not unlawfully discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, marital status or veteran's status. We conduct a criminal background check prior to employment.

Current openings include Elementary & Middle School Classroom Teachers, Classroom Assistants, Inclusion Teachers & Assistants, Math Interventionist, School Counselor, Physical Education/Health Teacher and Music Teacher.  Additional opportunities may become available in the months ahead.  We encourage interested candidates to learn more about the school on its website or Facebook Page.  

Employment applications are accepted exclusively via SchoolSpring, and are listed on the school's website at http://bfccps.org/about/employment Please contact the school's Human Resources Director Kathy Lacana with any questions at klacana@bfccps.org  

 

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

BFCCPS Is Now Hiring for the 2022-2023 School Year

Franklin.TV: We’re Live! Yes, we are

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/22/2022

A program note:
(Actually, three of ‘em.)

This week on Thursday evening we will be originating LIVE from three venues. It’s a technical challenge in our new normal, but we’re up for it.

There is an extended (double-header) Town Council meeting on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM. It’s a continuation of the usual meeting on Wednesday evening. You can watch this meeting on Town Hall TV, Comcast 11, Verizon 29 – as usual.

For those who wish to see the Conservation Commission’s meeting, again Thursday at 7:00 PM, it will be on our All-Access channel, Comcast 8, Verizon 26.

We are also originating Senior Awards Night, live from the FHS Auditorium, also at 7:00 PM on our Franklin Pride EDU channel, Comcast 96, Verizon 28.

So, if you want to take it all in as it happens, you’re gonna need three TV sets.

However, we also stream all of our channels live from our website’s home page.

SO, –

You could watch the FHS Senior Awards Night, live on cable TV – while streaming the Town Council meeting on your laptop or tablet, and then you could also watch the Conservation Commission stream on your phone – all at the same time.

You could.

Of course, replays will be available on demand from our YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/FranklinMATV).

We’re doing everything we can on our end to bring you lots of live local TV. The rest is up to you.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Finance Committee: Budget Hearing #3 - Education & Budget Vote - May 12, 2022 - 6:30 PM

 Finance Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Thursday, May 12, 2022  - 6:30 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

4. FY23 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing continued...
FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-23-budget-materials

a. Education:

i. 300 Franklin Public School District

ii. 390 Tri-County Regional Vocational School District

iii. 395 Norfolk County Agricultural School

5. FY23 Town Administrator Operating & Enterprise Budget Final Recommendation.

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

The agenda document includes remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-05-12_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

Franklin Education Foundation celebrates birthday with 25 days of giving

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) this month marks 25 years of supporting Franklin schools. To commemorate the milestone, the FEF is looking back at the numerous programs its efforts have helped make possible – from the first Empty Bowls project at Franklin High to the purchase of ukuleles for fifth-grade music students. Birthday festivities include a special fundraising campaign to propel the organization into its next quarter-century. 

Since its founding in 1997, the FEF has awarded grants to educators seeking to innovate in ways that fall out outside of traditional school budgeting processes. FEF volunteers screen applications and work with district administrators to select projects deemed most worthwhile in that particular grant-review cycle. To date, the FEF has provided in excess of $350,000 for such projects.

“The Franklin Education Foundation was established to provide district-wide fundraising of benefit to all schools under the leadership of the Franklin School Committee,” said Pandora Carlucci, one of the organization's co-founders. “Grant proposals selected for funding covered the costs of creative, innovative, educational programs that were not included in the traditional school budget.”

Left to Right: Roberta Trahan, Mary Kroon, Lisa Brady, Dave McNeill, Phil Sweeney, Pandora Carlucci, Rick Lacroix, and Krishna Shetty

To fund the grants, the FEF has relied on donors large and small. Generous individuals and businesses have enabled the foundation to fund projects in each of the town’s schools. Examples include an ecology project in which students conducted field research on the well-being of aquatic and terrestrial habitats surrounding Franklin High School, assistance to seventh-graders at Annie Sullivan Middle School with astronomy studies, books for Remington Middle School students to study ancient Greek myths, and math boxes so that students at Kennedy Elementary School could practice math concepts at home with their parents.

To continue its efforts in support of these sorts of programs, the FEF is asking for the community’s financial support this month. In the spirit of the Day of Giving tradition, the organization is conducting a campaign lasting 25 days as part of its 25th birthday celebration. Franklin residents are asked to make a gift via the foundation’s website at franklined.org/get-involved/donate This 25 days of giving fundraising campaign kicks off May 4, which is the birthday of Horace Mann, the Franklin native who championed quality public education for all.

With the support of the community, the FEF can build on its achievements and help educators and students continue to thrive.  

Franklin Education Foundation celebrates birthday with 25 days of giving

Insights on the House Ways & Means budget vs. Gov Baker's H2 budget starting point

For those closely following the State budget process (it does have significance to the local budget process) Tracy Novick's analysis of the House Ways & Means budget released last week vs. the Governor's budget H2 released in January is a must read.

"The House Ways and Means budget was released Wednesday, April 13. The account by account detail can be found in sections 2 & 3, at the end of which you can find town by town and district by district allocations for local aid, including Chapter 70. The Department of Revenue Division of Local Services have likewise updated their preliminary cherry sheets; the municipal cherry sheets are here; the regional cherry sheets are here. 

I have now updated my FY23 account by account spreadsheet, as well. 

Let me start by highlighting a couple of things that are different than the budget proposed by Governor Baker in January, and then I'll run through the accounts."

Continue reading Tracy's analysis here ->

http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2022/04/fy23-https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/reports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=CherrySheets.CSbyProgMunis.RegSchBudgEsthouse-ways-and-means-budget.html

Links in Tracy's article

• House Ways & Means budget -> https://malegislature.gov/Budget/HouseWaysMeansBudget
• Sec 2 & 3 account detail ->   https://malegislature.gov/Reports/13111/FY23%20Sections%202%20and%203.pdf
• municipal Cherry sheet info -> https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/reports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=CherrySheets.CSbyProgMunis.MuniBudgEst
• regional Cherry sheet info ->  https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/reports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=CherrySheets.CSbyProgMunis.RegSchBudgEst
• Tracy's FY 23 account by account ->   https://www.dropbox.com/s/15lknvv3lgbf3po/FY23%20account%20by%20account%20updated.xlsx?dl=0

Budgets are moral documents, what we fund is what we value

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) newsletter

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) newsletter is shared here for your reading pleasure.   https://drive.google.com/file/d/10xF8dIlKw2-rHVjNws_HL7DxC-Xq3hNT/view?usp=sharing

Visit FEF on the web to donate and find out where your donation goes ->   https://www.franklined.org/

 

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF)

Registration is open for Summer 2022 Music Programs with Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Music Academy

Summer 2022 Music Programs

July 25 - August 5, 2022

8:30 am – 12:30 pm

 

Summer Music is back!  Sign up your student for 40 hours of musical instruction over two weeks.  The two week program includes ensemble rehearsals, recreational time, and a concert on the last day. Location varies based on program. Click the link for complete details. 

 

• CONCERT BAND – For students entering grades 5-6 with 1 or 2 years of experience.

• SYMPHONIC BAND – For students entering grades 7-9 with 1 or more years of experience.

• ROCK BAND JR. – For students entering grades 4-6, no experience is necessary.

• CONCERT STRINGS – For students entering grades 4-5 with 1 or 2 years of experience.

• SYMPHONIC STRINGS – For students entering grades 6-9 with 1 or more years of experience.

• SUMMER ELEMENTARY GLEE – For students entering grades 3-5, no experience necessary.

• SUMMER MIDDLE SCHOOL GLEE – For students entering grades 6-9, no experience necessary.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

QUESTIONS?  Email MusicAcademy@franklinps.net.

Registration open for Summer 2022 Music Programs with Lifelong Learning