Teddy Gallagher's closed on Sundays for August 2024, reopening Sundays, Sep 8, 2024

Via Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub 

"Teddy’s will be Closed on Sundays for the rest of the Summer. We will re-open Sundays on 9/8. 

More exciting details to follow…"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GPyLUxswI/

Teddy Gallagher's closed on Sundays for August 2024, reopening Sundays, Sep 8, 2024

Let's applaud for Applause as they reopen April 4

If you have been craving gelato, then the wait is almost over. We hear from the folks at Applause that they are reopening this week.

"We are BACK beginning Thursday, April 4th! 

Swipe through for our opening week hours and beyond. 

We can’t wait to have you all back for artisan gelato, one of a kind gifts, and so much more…

#applause #gelato #applausegelato #franklin #downtownfranklin #franklinmassachusetts #massachusetts"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5HJTh6xNZa/

Visit Applause on the web at https://www.applausefranklin.com/

or in person (especially for gelato) on Main St!

Let's applaud for Applause as they reopen April 4

Franklin Senior Center: Senior Center back to "normal" as of March 20 (audio)

Hello Everyone

It's been wonderful talking with you all weekly on Fridays - but alas- the time must come to an end. As of this upcoming Monday March 20th the Franklin Senior Center will be back to "normal" and fully open. 

The Ben's Bounty Gift Shop is planning to open Wednesday, March 22nd. The Senior Center library and area around the fireplace are still going to be temporarily blocked off, but we have set up a faux library down in the computer lab for your reading pleasure.

Again, as of this upcoming Monday, we are back open and back to following the March Senior Connection Newsletter schedule! Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time, and looking forward to seeing everyone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day and have a great weekend

- Danielle, 
Franklin Senior Center Director

Franklin Senior Center: Senior Center back to "normal" as of March 20 (audio) 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/franklin-senior-center-senior-center-back-to-normal-as-of-march-20

The Franklin High School Newsletter has your back to school info

Check out the latest Franklin High School Newsletter for all the back-to-school information you will need:

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHS_PCC/status/1563268778204753920 

The Franklin High School Newsletter has your back to school info

The Senior Center's Common Grounds Café is Reopening On Monday, April 11, 2022

COMMON GROUNDS CAFE REOPENING ON MONDAY, APRIL 11!

We Are Excited To Announce The Reopening Of The Common Grounds Café On Monday, April 11,2022 For Breakfast And Lunch Daily. 

Breakfast 8:30-10:30 AM And Lunch 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

We Would Also Like To Introduce You To Our New Chef! Chef Anne Scungio Comes To Us With Many Years Of Experience Working In Commercial Kitchens, Supervising Staff, And Coming Up With Creative Ideas For Fun Recipes!

• We Are Doing A Small Meet And Greet The New Chef DIY Pizza Making Opportunity On Tuesday, April 6 At 10 AM. 
• Call To Register If Interested 508-520-4945.

We Are Excited To See Everyone!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/news/common-grounds-cafe-reopening-monday-april-11th

The Senior Center's Common Grounds Café is Reopening On Monday, April 11, 2022

Escape into Fiction update on reopening status

"Just want to post here that we have delayed the opening of Escape Into Fiction a few days. Now scheduled for 2/5 Saturday at 10 AM. This will be a soft opening (waiting for Grand Opening until 3/5/2022.).

Sorry for the delay!! We had a lot of painting and counter work to do.

We WILL have drip coffee from Doglio Coffee but likely not on opening day. We will also have pop-up space for local venders to come in and have a market day, but not in the first few weeks.

We can’t wait to see everyone again!!"

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CZPzKoNl6B8/

Escape into Fiction update on reopening status

Franklin, MA School Committee - Agenda - Sep 14, 2021

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
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 - none
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Administrator Introductions
B. 2021-2022 District and School improvement Plans   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/copy_of_dip_sip_initiatives_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf   and  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip-2021-22.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. 2021-2022 District and School Improvement Plans Approval
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 District and School Improvement plans as detailed.
B. Franklin TV Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Dr. Anne Bergen and Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board of Directors.
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation
The chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Evaluation as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update 9-10-21   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_september_10_2021_0.pdf

V. Information Matters
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)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 24, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Non-Union Personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Remote connection info in agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-14-21.pdf

Franklin, MA School Committee - Agenda - Sep 14, 2021

FM #591 & 592 - School Committee Meeting - 08/24/21 - audio recording in 2 parts

FM #591 & 592 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 591 & 592 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about an hour and forty eight minutes (1 hour 48 minutes), so I split the meeting into two segments:

• First - covers the opening, the handbook updates, and re-opening status (~56 mins)

• Second - covers the citizens comments on the masking policy from DESE, the consent agenda, through to the closing of the meeting (~53 mins)

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Aug 24, 2021

 

Part 1 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5f222fa5-c28e-4fea-990e-c82a38fadb91

Part 2 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/78bb69ef-d83c-49e9-9562-dd85585b60af

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

School Committee Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-8-24-21

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-24-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/recap-school-committee-meeting-82421.html 

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

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 #591 & 592 - School Committee Meeting - 08/24/21 - audio recording in 2 parts

Recap: School Committee meeting - 8/24/21

Quick Recap:

• The School Committee voted to adjust the agenda removing the mask policy from discussion for now as the DESE decision on masks was made earlier during the day and takes precedence. Comment time was provided and extended to accommodate the antivaccine folks
• In regular business, the handbooks modified for this school year were approved unanimously. Health and Safety was split into a separate section to acknowledge the COVID-19 protocols, With the approval, the handbooks will be distributed to the families in advance of school opening this year.
• Chair Bergen took a couple of minutes to thank those who have taken out papers to run for School Committee, letting them know this is an apolitical position, separate from the Town in many ways, there is an 8 hour course required to provide insights on how to operate successfully and legally within the guidelines. A good thing to make folks aware of. At least one successful candidate last time was even aware of the two meeting a month commitment until after they were elected. It is better to be prepared.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0824 

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0824&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-8-24-21

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-24-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Live reporting underway the School Committee meeting tonight. #schcom0824
• Agenda item on masking for students taken off agenda given DESE action earlier today. #schcom0824
• Citizen comment on the poor audio internal in the Chambers last week for the Policy subcommittee meeting was held #schcom0824
• Superintendent's report, doc shared the day after the meeting; new faculty orientation this week, approx. 35 participating. Q prior on surplus text where to go? Places/orgs defined. #schcom0824
• Thanks to the custodial and facility staff for their work to prep for opening, DPW for work on the grounds, Technology for their work preparing equipment for this year Motion and second to remove the policy items from agenda, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Accept collaborative update, superintendent represents the district req to create a fund for capital accounts, students go out of district, about 10 students participate in accept training; Pfeffer has a host of questions; Q's answered motion passes 6-0-1 (stokes recuses)
• Handbook updates provided by Giguere in coordination with the school vice principals (and legal review), health and safety in a separate section of handbooks, free lunch for all students this year. #schcom0824
• Health and safety section: https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-info-memo. And presentation doc https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-pres  #schcom0824
• Highlights in the presentation cover changes from last year to this #schcom0824 Info from DESE expected on masks and social distancing - no minimum standard to go for this year. Lunch will be hard, K-8 easier than FHS
• Testing options proposed #schcom0824 sub coverage for staff is a potential worry (as it was last year)
• Visitors will be allowed this year and monitored carefully #schcom0824 clarification on a few points around the presentation and discussion Chair Bergen provides insights on background before the comment section (20 mins)
• Parent comment on dissatisfaction with #schcom0824; parent of student with IEP and issues with mask and speech; parent says there is no room for mandate; parent upset with mask as incentive for vaccine and 80% as the requirement; parent (via zoom) (with poor connection)
• #schcom0824 parent wants to get the info out on the testing are they authorized tests? Or emergency authorized?; Parent commending SchComm for their work; parent respectfully disagrees with other speakers who claimed they included her; difference between tests/ timing of exposure
• Bridget Sweet, Board of Health Chair, acknowledges working with the School district to work with the guidelines from DESE. Asking to take heart that the BoH is doing what is best for everyone #schcom0824
• Parent asking for school work for those who are out under quarantine; #schcom0824 parent says no evidence for folks with masks and learning effects, need real metrics for when it will end; Superintendent responds on 3 points, goal the same, measures may differ ...
• 1 things are fluid, there will be updates, 2 binex now (?) is an antigen test and a nasal swab. The committee vote on the handbook as discussed, moved and second, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Back to school report https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-8-20-21 #schcom0824 Hockomock League still working on the sports protocol Still active in hiring, job fair had 15 candidates appeared last night, getting close to closing in on staff for this year
• Info matters - Jumped back to new hiring list, clarification how and why, can they be supported by the budget! Yes, they are backfills for existing roles Policy to set meeting, with DESE guidance to be reviewed #schcom0824 thanks to those setting up to run for SchComm
• 8 hour course required for SchComm, apolitical role, separate from town, #schcom0824 Next meeting, district improvement plan, etc. Motion on 8/10 minutes, second, passes 6-0-1 (Jen abstains) Consent agenda, motion to accept, seconded, passes 7-0
• Motion to adjourn , passes 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #schcom0824

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Superintendent Ahern updating the SchComm without her mask at the request of one member who couldn't hear her with the mask

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2021

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

I. Routine Business

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

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Summer Curriculum Projects and Summer Learning Programs

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/summer_programs_and_teacher_summer_curriculum_work_2021.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. FY 21 Annual Report - DRAFT

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy21_annual_report.pdf

B. Back to School Status Update

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_august_5_2021.pdf

C. School Committee Meeting Tentative Presentation Schedule 2021-2022

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_presentation_schedules_-_2021-2022.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, 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, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 27, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Declare Surplus

I recommend declaring the attached lists of materials as surplus.

C. Athletics Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $325.50 from Campus Box Media for Supplemental supplies for the athletics department as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-10-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc and connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-10-21.docx.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2021

Reminder: Franklin Historical Museum schedules re-opening celebration - July 15

The Franklin Historical Museum is excited to announce the re-opening of the museum to its regular pre-pandemic operating schedule, Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons now that all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the state.

The museum will host a re-opening celebration on Thursday afternoon, July 15 at 5:00 PM. With a ribbon cutting, new exhibits and refreshments.

Full announcement of July news can be found:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/franklin-historical-museum-announces-re.html

Franklin Historical Museum announces re-opening celebration - July 15

FM #576 - Erin Rogers, Senior Center Special Events Outlook for Jul/Aug - 06/23/21 (audio)

FM #576 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 576 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Rogers. Erin is currently the Executive Director for the Franklin Senior Center.  She replaced Karen Alves when Karen retired last year.

We talk about her transition to Executive Director in the middle of COVID-19. We talk about the variety of special events and activities scheduled for July and August. The regular event calendar with specific dates and time details can be found on the Senior Center page..

The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin.

*** Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1cadc538-2a63-4c09-bdca-5f1fa091979f

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

Franklin Senior Center https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Senior Center Connections newsletter  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

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

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"

 

Erin Rogers, Senior Center Special Events Outlook for Jul/Aug