Showing posts with label recognition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recognition. Show all posts

Monday, February 26, 2024

Fallen Hero Recognition: Richard L. Desper - Vietnam - Feb 26, 2024

Memorial event today (2/26/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Richard L. Desper - Vietnam

"Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper was born on February 12, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desper. Richard lived at 45 Coutu St. with his parents, four brothers, and 13 sisters. 
According to the war Department's official telegram Corporal Desper died five miles north of An Hoa in Quong Nan province of fragmentation wounds inflicted by mortar fire while on a search-and-clear mission with the Marine Corps in Vietnam on February 26, 1969. This was Corporal Desper's second tour of duty in the war zone having previously served in Vietnam with the Navy."

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper
Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper was 22 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

desper sign 1
Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Grace Tucceri recognized for MA Scholastic Press 2024 All-State High School Journalism

Pantherbook (@FHSPantherbook) posted Sat, Feb 24, 2024
Congratulations to @FranklinHS own @GraceTucceri for being selected to the Massachusetts Scholastic Press 2024 All-State High School Journalism Staff.  
Grace is one of only 12 student in MA to receive this honor. https://t.co/g1Q3cRuFmb
Grace Tucceri recognized for MA Scholastic Press 2024 All-State High School Journalism
Grace Tucceri recognized



Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (audio)

 FM #1118 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1118 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Quick recap:

  • Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

  • 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion

  • Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

    • Police Dept - $559,000

    • Sewer projects - $500,000

    • Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

    • SAFE Coalition - $100,000

    • YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

  • ARPA Direct funds announced for

    • $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

    • $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

  • Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)

  • Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

  • Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 

  • Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

  • Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete

  • Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you

  • Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit


The recording runs 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Dec 20, 2023.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1118-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-20-23



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0   


Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.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/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"



Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman
Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman


Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy
Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

Sunday, December 24, 2023

"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)

FM #1117 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1117 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares a special year end episode combining "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti and “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, December 21, 2023.  


Topics for this session

  • Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

  • 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion

  • Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

    • Police Dept - $559,000

    • Sewer projects - $500,000

    • Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

    • SAFE Coalition - $100,000

    • YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

  • ARPA Direct funds announced for

    • $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

    • $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

  • Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)

  • Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

  • 2023 year in review, January 3, hit the ground working on 2024



The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & Tom on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1117-talk-franklin-special-year-end-episode-12-21-23



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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator


Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 


Town Council agenda for Dec 20, 2023 meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf 


Recap & video for Town Council session 12/20/23 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/town-council-closes-out-calendar-year.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"


"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)
"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)


Monday, October 9, 2023

Celebratory Luncheon Hosted for Franklin Food Pantry Volunteers

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance, information, and referral to Franklin residents and beyond, held its annual volunteer luncheon to recognize and celebrate the more than 140 pantry volunteers who gave over 7,000 hours of time and talent in 2022 to help address food insecurity. 

The event was held at Mount Street Farm in Franklin and attended by special guests Representative Jeff Roy (D), Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Franklin Town Council Member Cobi Frongillo, and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. Shaw’s Supermarket, East Central Starbucks, The Big Apple, and 3 Restaurant provided refreshments and food for the luncheon. 
Some of the group in conversation during the event
Some of the group in conversation during the event

During the celebration, Rep. Roy presented the 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 18 volunteers whose service positively impacts the Franklin Community and inspires others to act. The Gold Award, for 500+ volunteer hours in a calendar year, was presented to Community Gardens and Diane Daddario. The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was presented to Suzanne Gendreau, Chris Kilburn and Maureen Kilburn. The Bronze Award, for 100 to 174 volunteer hours, was presented to Amber Baur, Mary Anne Dean, Vicki Coates, David Custer, Rachel Flum, Donna Hines, Carol Malachowski, Donna O’Neill, Kym Pruitt, Jim Roche, Maureen Sobolewski, Nancy Schoen, and Roberta Trahan

“As a non-profit with limited resources and staff, we rely on committed volunteers to keep our warehouse full, our shelves stocked, and our daily operations running,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Our volunteers are the very heart of The Pantry and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and service to our community.” 

The Pantry offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, is named Best Place to Volunteer by MyFM 101.3 in 2023 and 2022, and certified as an Al!VE Service Enterprise Organization.  For more information, or to submit a volunteer application, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. 
Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

 

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Franklin Police Women Recognized on National Police Woman's Day

Today (Tuesday, Sep 12)  is National Police Woman's Day and the Franklin Police Department wants to acknowledge our female police officers for all they do for the FPD. Today only roughly 13% of the police force in the United States is made up of women. National Police Woman Day hopes to rectify that by encouraging more women to join the profession.

We wish to acknowledge:
  • Officer Tara Lagoa
  • Detective Leanne Baker
  • Officer Amanda Ayer
  • Officer Andressa Rosa
  • Detective Laura Canavan
  • Officer Victoria McVicar
  • Clinician Kallie Montagano

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Franklin Police Officer Andressa Rosa receives "Special Recognition"

"Please join us in congratulating Officer Andressa Rosa. Tonight, the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement held its Spirit of MAWLE Awards. These awards are presented to women in law enforcement who have gone above and beyond in the areas of leadership, mentoring, courage, community service, performance, and civilian achievement.

Officer Rosa received a Special Recognition Certificate at tonight's awards. In addition to her many responsibilities at 911 Panther Way, Officer Rosa goes above and beyond each year organizing our Holiday Toy Drive. We don’t know the exact number but it’s fair to say hundreds of families and children have had a special holiday with presents to open because of the volunteer efforts of Officer Rosa. Congrats Officer Rosa, very well deserved!"
Via Franklin Police Instagram account -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct0CmGkxSRq/

Franklin Police Officer Andressa Rosa receives "Special Recognition"
Franklin Police Officer Andressa Rosa receives "Special Recognition"

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Local Karate Instructor Inducted into Hall of Fame

On June 10, 2023, local karate instructor Jim O'Brien, of Jim O'Brien's Kenpo Karate, was inducted into the International Kenpo Council of Grandmasters Karate Hall of Fame

"Kyoshi" Jim, a title meaning honored instructor, was also promoted to eighth degree black belt. O'Brien was quick to thank his students for their help, stating, "I know I would not be here without all of you. Truly, thank you."

O'Brien, a former marine, has been studying martial arts since he was a child, with over 40 years of experience in the martial arts, and over 20 years of teaching.

Jim O'Brien Kenpo Karate is located in the Downtown Sports building, 240 Cottage St Franklin MA.  https://www.jimobrienskenpokarate.com/

Local Karate Instructor Inducted into Hall of Fame
Local Karate Instructor Inducted into Hall of Fame

Friday, May 12, 2023

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) announced today (May 11, 2023) that it has been recognized as a 2022-23 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of 212 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW Gateway. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.  

“When BFCCPS expanded our STEM program was a new feature of our school. Project Lead the Way has been a wonderful addition to our curriculum that has helped define the space and program, inspiring students to work creatively to solve complex challenges, and embrace the best aspects of a classical approach to education.” - Joe Perna, BFCCPS Head of School

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, BFCCPS had to meet a variety of criteria such as a certain percentage of the student body participating in PLTW Gateway, participate in two or more units during their time at school, offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level, and have strategies in place to ensure equitable access to students.
  • Have more than 50 percent of the student body participating during the 2021-22 school year
  • Have 25 percent of students advancing to high school participate in two or more units during their time at the school
  • Offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level
  • Have strategies in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, and/or gender
Research shows that the middle grades play a pivotal role in influencing high school, college, and career success. During this transitional time, it’s crucial to provide students with access to relevant, engaging, and real-world learning experiences that illuminate the range of career paths and possibilities available to them. Whether designing an automated robotics system or solving a mysterious disease outbreak, PLTW Gateway students engage in critical and creative thinking, build teamwork skills, and develop a passion for and confidence in STEM subjects.

“We are proud to recognize the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their important work empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also more generally in life and career."

Nine students in our Grade Eight program will be representing BFCCPS in a Project Lead the Way Showcase on May 19th at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. Three teams all created their own Apps on MIT App Inventor to show to industry experts. Students are now in the process of creating a tri fold board to explain their design process. This is a huge event with over 1,000 students. 

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org.   

BFCCPS Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students
BFCCPS Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students


About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public 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. For more information visit our website at www.bfccps.org 

About Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.