Saturday, November 20, 2021

SAFE Coalition announces receipt of funding from Town of Franklin

SAFE Coalition today (11/18/21) announced the passing of Resolution 21 – 70, Appropriation of Cannabis Fees with a unanimous vote through the Franklin Town Council to appropriate $175,000 to the SAFE Coalition for FY22. These funds have been secured through the Town of Franklin by the Social Host Agreement set forth by the Cannabis Control Commission. These funds will provide vital education and prevention opportunities for citizens, vast substance use training for professionals, and increased programming already established within the community. 

“The passing of resolution 21 – 70 is monumental for community-based substance use care in Franklin.  To work within a community where leaders are leaning IN and recognizing the impact early intervention, training, and supportive services can have on their community members, means that the health and wellness of their citizens is a top priority. I am so thankful for the listening ear of the council members, the collaborative work with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and the various community partnerships we have developed over the last 6 years. Now, let’s get it work!” Jennifer Levine

Features and benefits include
• Training for academic, medical, and paraprofessionals related to substance use
• Education specific to substance use, recovery, de-stigmatization, and 
• Prevention work related to social-emotional wellness
• Continuation of 6 supportive programs hosting Franklin residents

About SAFE Coalition: SAFE is a judgement free community organization relentlessly committed to educating and supporting those affected by substance use disorder and mental health concerns across southeastern Massachusetts. Staffed by trusted, trained professionals and peer support volunteers, SAFE compassionately empowers individuals and their loved ones by breaking down barriers to treatment and emotional support in a way that inspires success on the journey to recovery.

 

Town of Franklin Resolution 21 - 70
Town of Franklin Resolution 21 - 70


Shared from Facebook -> 
SAFE Coalition announces receipt of funding from Town of Franklin

HockomockSports.com: "Franklin’s Adams Closes Out Career at Northeastern"

"It was a college career that almost didn’t happen. In the first game of her junior season at Franklin, Megan Adams, who had helped the Panthers reach back-to-back South finals the previous two years, suffered a concussion. As many other high school athletes would, she tried to play through it, unaware of the severity of the injury.

Adams would feel the effects of the concussion for the next three years, not only in keeping her off the pitch, missing the final two years of her high school career and her freshman season at Northeastern, but also in her everyday life at home and in the classroom.

Not many athletes would make it through that challenge, but there she was in August of her sophomore season putting on the goalie shirt for her first collegiate appearance, recording a save against Long Beach State. Two days later, she made three saves in her first start at Loyola Marymount.

Looking back as a fifth-year senior, with only a couple games left in her final season with the Huskies, Adams, who says she has no lasting symptoms from the concussion, was able to reflect on all that she managed to overcome."

Continue reading the story by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com

Meg Adams battled back from a concussion in high school that kept her out for three seasons to become the goalie at Northeastern University. (Northeastern Athletics)
Meg Adams battled back from a concussion in high school that kept her out for three seasons to become the goalie at Northeastern University. (Northeastern Athletics)


Franklin Public Library: Student Assistance Program

Student Assistance Center

Goal: To partner with the schools, parents and caregivers to help young people experience success in school.

Objective: Provide a supervised and supportive environment where children can benefit from free home­ work assistance.

Free homework help in Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Language Arts and Study Skills (Reading program will include high interest books to get kids excited about reading.)

What is it:
The Student Assistance Center at the Franklin·' Public Library has been created to provide aca­ demic and community support for students in safe, welcoming learning environment.


Eligibility Requirements
  • Students must be in grades 1-8
  • Parents/guardians need to pre-register students, and sign a release
  • Volunteers can be teachers, retired teachers or professionals or high school students
  • Volunteers must fill out an application form, agree to a CORI check and sign a release
  • Volunteers must commit to 1 or two days a week and 1 or 2 hours a day.
  • Volunteers and students must sign in
Franklin Public Library: Student Assistance Program
Franklin Public Library: Student Assistance Program

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - 11/17/21 - (two part audio)

FM #662-663 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 662-663 in the series. 


This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hour and ten minutes (2:10 total elapsed time) into two (2) logical segments:

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Nov 17, 2021

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

Agenda document ->  

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_nov_17_2021.pdf

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-town-council-hears-about-waiting.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 www.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"

Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbett and members of the Elks Riders
Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbett and members of the Elks Riders

Mental Health Care Reform, Our 'Back to Better' Agenda, Veteran's Day


Updates from Beacon Hill & MetroWest
The Senate is working hard for you this fall.
This fall has been a busy time, and the Massachusetts State Senate has been working very hard on its top priorities. We acted to comprehensively broaden access to mental and behavioral healthcare. We acted to build an inclusive and equitable recovery for all residents of the Commonwealth by investing funds from the American Rescue Plan in sectors and groups hardest by COVID-19. We ensured that everyone's voice will continue to be heard in the State House through a transparent and open redistricting process. And we have acted to make voting in our elections easier for all who are legally allowed to vote.
I will continue to press ahead with further legislation to address the needs of our MetroWest and Massachusetts communities, as well as by advocating for the above priorities to be finally signed into law.
As always, my office is available if you need assistance or wish to share your opinion. You can email me at karen.spilka@masenate.gov or call 617-722-1500. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warm regards,
The Mental Health ABC Act 2.0
This week, the Massachusetts Senate passed one of my top priorities, the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0: Addressing Barriers to Care, comprehensive legislation to continue the process of reforming the way mental health care is delivered in Massachusetts, with the goal of ensuring that people get the mental health care they need when they need it.

This legislation comes at a time when the Massachusetts State Senate is making landmark investments in mental and behavioral health, including $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to transform the behavioral health sector, with $122 million dedicated to recruiting and retaining nearly 2,000 behavioral professionals.
The Mental Health ABC Act 2.0 is driven by the recognition that mental health is as important as physical health for every residents of the Commonwealth and should be treated as such. The bill proposes a wide variety of reforms, including an annual mental wellness exam. Ultimately, the bill seeks to ensure equitable access to mental health care while removing barriers to care by supporting the behavioral health workforce.
You can learn more about the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0 here.

I was proud to join my colleague Julian Cyr, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, to speak with Sera Congi of WCVB about this important bill. You can watch here.

Read a Boston Globe editorial on the bill here.

Read a Newsweek piece on the legislation here.
Going 'Back to Better' with the American Rescue Plan
Recently, the Senate unanimously passed a $3.82 billion spending package that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to assist the Commonwealth's ongoing recovery, with a particular focus on making equitable investments and ensuring that communities disproportionately impact by the COVID-19 pandemic are prioritized.

The Senate plan addresses immediate and critical needs in mental health care access, food security, the struggles of small businesses, and access to housing. It also builds up and supports our public health system, including by investing in our local boards of health. You can learn more here.

The Senate continues to work with the House in earnest to craft a final bill that we can send to the Governor's desk soon that takes advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity before us to ensure those hit the hardest by COVID-19—families, essential workers and small businesses—are being helped the most.

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. There is not yet an archive of newsletters to link to. In the meantime, you can check the updates page for other noted articles  https://karenspilka.com/updates

"COVID-19 cases are rising sharply in Mass. ahead of the holidays"

"With COVID-19 cases spiking in Massachusetts as Thanksgiving and other holidays approach, experts are urging people to stay vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and others, including measures such as rapid testing, masking, and limiting who can attend gatherings.

“I think we have to be very cautious. We have to be very mindful. We can’t go into the holidays pretending that COVID is behind us. Unfortunately, it’s still very much with us,” said Dr. Philip Landrigan, director of the Global Public Health Program at Boston College.

“We should be aware and cautious,” said Dr. Shira Doron, an infectious disease physician who is the hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center. “You should know there is more risk out there. You should know you need to be stepping up your game in terms of taking the precautions that are important to you.”
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

Boston Globe: "The long, slow return of the Mass. job market"

"The state’s economic recovery from the COVID shock of 2020 is nearly complete, with one important exception: the job market.

The Massachusetts economy — the value of goods and services produced — is bigger now than it was before the pandemic. Personal incomes are higher and so are retail sales.

Most key measures of employment, however, have not returned to their February 2020 marks, and the gains since the bottom of the recession have lagged behind the national average.

But data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers some encouragement. Employment growth is continuing to rebound, albeit at a modest pace, from the summer setback caused by the Delta variant. More people are joining the workforce. The worker shortage persists but is easing."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/19/business/states-tight-labor-market-continues-ease-hiring-speeds-up/

Massachusetts employers are finding it easier to hire workers.JENNY KORNREICH
Massachusetts employers are finding it easier to hire workers.JENNY KORNREICH


Your Input Needed: A Brief Survey from the Greater Franklin Node of 350 Mass


Happy Holiday Season from the Greater Franklin Node of 350 Mass.

We are asking you and everyone on our email distribution list to complete a brief survey to indicate your interest in participating in our meetings and activities, regardless of your past engagement.

The Greater Franklin Node includes residents of close to 20 communities, from Sharon and Walpole, through Foxboro and Franklin, south to Attleboro, and west to Blackstone and Millville.  We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month (currently via Zoom). We engage in local and statewide activities to promote positive and effective responses to the climate crisis and to transform our energy system from fossil fuels to renewable sources. Our strategies align with the statewide member-led 350 Mass organization; campaigns address legislation, education, consumer choices and community programs, and protests against institutions and corporations that enable the status quo to continue.

In these critical times, all of us are called upon to raise our voices. Whether you are a veteran or a newcomer to political action, you can make a contribution. Your responses to this brief (5-minute) survey will help our Node serve as an effective force to secure the best possible future for all of us. We will also use your information to update our contact list and improve future communications. 

Please try to complete this survey by Wednesday, November 23rd. Thank you.
Here is the link to the survey.

If you have questions or comments, please reply to this email.

To learn more about 350 Mass, visit the website.
To follow activities of our Node, join the Facebook Group.

Thank you.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)
339-203-5017 (c)


Friday, November 19, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 19 - Nov 25, 2021

Indoor events mostly now for the autumn season. Book sale/bag sale at the Library this weekend. Rising Stars Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX Friday night. Help decorate downtown Saturday morning and then get to the Winter Farmers Market Saturday.

Close out the weekend with the Thanksgiving Service put on by the Franklin Interfaith Council either in person at St Mary's or via virtual option via live streaming.


Friday, November 19
1:00pm - Book Sale
7:30pm - Rising Stars Cabaret

Saturday, November 20
9:00am - Book Sale
9:00am - Decorating Downtown (volunteers needed)
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Bag Sale

Sunday, November 21
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - Interfaith Thanksgiving Service


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

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Genocide Education Act Passes House of Representatives

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the Genocide Education Act by a vote of 157-2. The bill will require public schools to teach the history of genocides and create a fund to help support the new curriculum. When signed into law, Massachusetts will become the 20th state to have adopted mandatory Holocaust and genocide education.

This bill would require each school district to file lesson plans and program descriptions related to genocide education every year with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  The bill’s Genocide Education Trust Fund will help schools and districts develop curriculum and host training or professional development courses for educators.

This legislation demonstrates the legislature’s commitment to providing schools across the Commonwealth with access to resources to implement genocide education programs. It provides the resources students need to recognize and  stand  up to  injustice before it  takes  root and to recognize and fight hate in their communities.

“Massachusetts has always been at the forefront of human rights issues, and today, with the passage of this bill, we can do it again. We can arm our students with the knowledge they will need to recognize the warning signs and feel empowered to prevent genocides in the future,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin).  “Making genocide education a mandatory topic for teaching in our schools is a reaffirmation of the commitment of free peoples from all nations to never again permit the occurrence of another genocide, and to deter indifference to crimes against humanity and human suffering wherever they occur.”

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) first filed a genocide education bill in 2013, which called for genocide to be included in social sciences and history frameworks.  It was successful in changing frameworks and it lead to the inclusion of genocide education in social science and history frameworks.  Unfortunately, over the past few years with memories of prior atrocities fading, there has a rising tide of hatred and anti-Semitic incidents requiring a legislative solution.

A recent survey found 22 percent of American millennials have never heard of the Holocaust and 66 percent of youth 18-34 didn't recognize the word Auschwitz. In Massachusetts, 35 percent of young adults didn't know what Auschwitz was and half didn't know that 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. 

The bill, which had over 100 cosponsors, was supported by ADL New England, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, the Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts - ANC of EM, Facing History and Ourselves, the Committee for Holodomor Genocide Awareness (https://ukrainegenocide.com), the Genocide Education Project, and over 60 coalition members. 

You can find a link to Rep. Roy’s floor remarks at: https://youtu.be/fOQLJ5NiDz8 

The text of the Legislation can be found -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2557




Rep. Roy’s floor remarks
Rep. Roy’s floor remarks


Franklin awarded Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grant of $25K

Mass. Municipal Assn (@massmunicipal) tweeted  Thu, Nov 18, 2021:
Administration awards $3.1M through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program to 268 municipalities to help them maximize recycling, composting & waste reduction programs. @MassGovernor @MassLtGov @MassEEA @MassDEP https://t.co/6GTlN0fFgr 

 

"To mark America Recycles Day, the Baker-Polito administration on Monday announced $3.1 million in grant funding to 268 municipalities and regional solid waste districts to help them maximize recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.

The grants are made available through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, which was created by the Green Communities Act of 2008 and has provided more than $46 million to recycling programs since 2010.

At the announcement, Gov. Charlie Baker said the new round of grant funding will aid municipal efforts “to implement innovative programs and policies” to maximize the reuse of materials, boost recycling, and reduce waste. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said the program helps municipalities and solid waste districts expand recycling and composting, while targeting new materials to remove from the waste stream."

Franklin is on the list as the recipient of $25,200.

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/massmunicipal/status/1461335652105076737

Franklin awarded Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grant of $25K
Franklin awarded Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grant of $25K


Panther TV: Thanksgiving Pre-Show (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted  Thu, Nov 18, 2021:
Check out our Panther TV Thanksgiving Pre-Show! @FranklinPSNews @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS @GraceTucceri @FHSSports @FranklinHSDrama @DiversityFHS  https://t.co/xk99OLCGFy via @YouTube
Shared via Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1461380716017692674



Coaches Corner: Playoff Win vs. Methuen, next up D1 Final Four game Saturday

Kevin papa (@kevinjpapa) tweeted  Wed, Nov 17, 2021:
Coaches Corner PLAYOFF WIN vs Methuen MA STATE D1 FINAL 4 
Video link ->  https://t.co/y8r3aN8FXp




Franklin High School: News, Important Information, and Dates

School News: Important Information and Dates

November - December 2021

  • Can't access your Aspen account? First, try using the Forgot my Password link on the Aspen log in page. An email will be sent to you with a link to get back into your account. If that does not resolve your issue, use THIS FORM to request a password reset.
  • FPS District Inclement Weather Policies and Information > Click HERE
Upcoming events:  
>> Winter Sports Registration information letter and registration links << click to view  (last day to register on Family ID is November 22nd)
 
Nov 24,25,26  No School-Thanksgiving Break  
Nov 29       School Photo retakes day (if you were absent on the original photo day, you can have your photo taken today as well)
Nov 30       Art Show -more details to come
Dec 7         FHS Chorus and Orchestra Concert 7 PM @ FHS Auditorium (snow date 12/10)
Dec 9         FHS Band Concert 7PM @ FHS Auditorium (snow date 12/21)
Dec 10       Half day of School PD Day
Dec 24-Jan 2 Winter Holiday Break
 
  • New Student Registration-click HERE
  • Moved? Complete a Change of Address form HERE
  • Getting a driver's license or permit? Click HERE for information on obtaining the necessary documents from FHS
  • Need a work permit for a new job? Click HERE for information on obtaining one
MCAS TEST DATES 2022
  • ELA Grade 10 - March 22-23
  • Math Grade 10 - May 17-18
  • Biology Grade 9 - June 7-8

Franklin High School: News, Important Information, and Dates
Franklin High School: News, Important Information, and Dates