Friday, March 3, 2023

Newcomers & Friends schedule a game night for Weds, March 8 at Escape Into Fiction

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club March Meeting. This month we’re having a game night …come have fun, socialize and get to know new friends.

Join us at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street, Franklin on Wednesday, March 8 at 7:00. Light refreshments will be served. Come early and browse/shop the store or grab a bite beforehand nearby. No need to be a newcomer to the area, come make connections in your community.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization, offering a wide range of activities, and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us.

We are so thankful for the generosity and kindness that April Rock, Owner, Escape Into Fiction, has bestowed on us this year. She’s more than humble so it might not be known to you how generous she is to our community. Teachers especially should know that she keeps a Teacher Wish List at the register. All Teachers are welcome to sign up. If you are a teacher, April is an amazing resource for you and your classroom.

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Newcomers & Friends schedule a game night for Weds, March 8 at Escape Into Fiction

School Budget Subcommittee hears revolving funds maxed out, not likely to get all asked for (audio)

FM #953 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 953 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 1, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Remote participation was enabled for this session.

Chair Dave McNeill opened the meeting. School Committee member Dave Callaghan was present, member M Whitmore was absent. Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman, Asst Supt Paula Morano and Asst Supt Dr. Tina Rogers (remote) also participated.

Quick recap

After opening comments by Supt Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman lead the way beginning with Chap 70, touching on ARPA and ESSER funds which expire soon and are pretty much fully encumbered at this point
Asking for an increase of $2.8M over last year which given an expected increase in Town revenue of approx. $3.2, they would not likely get all of the 2.8. How to cover for that difference remains to be seen as the use of revolving fund is maxed out
As Gov Healey released her first budget earlier in the day, what they may contain is not yet reflected in this view
The Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Mar 8 should provide some insights on what the Franklin allocation may be. The full school budget is expected to be presented for discussion at the March 14 School Committee meeting. Budget would be finalized in a vote in April, reviewed by Finance Committee in their May hearings and the Town Council later in May

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs about 47 minutes, so let’s listen to the Budget SubCommittee meeting of Mar 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-953-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-mtg-03-01-23

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Budget SubCommittee agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/agenda-bsc_3-1-23.pdf

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fHynW4nxXCrfQ9tKa0dqbYwvFQjBcHk_/view?usp=share_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!

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School Budget Subcommittee hears revolving funds maxed out, not likely to get all asked for (audio)

FHS girls and boys basketball teams win to advance in playoffs on Thursday

Via HockomockSports .com and Twitter, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, March 2, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Basketball = Division 1 = #3 Franklin, 62 vs. #30 Weymouth, 49 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com provides the game recap:

"As Franklin prepared all week to go against Weymouth’s aggressive zone defense, the Panthers knew they’d have some looks from outside.

Senior Justin Allen certainly took advantage of that opportunity.

Allen was nearly flawless as poured in a career-high 25 points on 8-for-9 shooting from three-point land, leading the third-seeded Panthers to a hard-fought 61-49 win over #30 Weymouth in a Division 1 Round of 32 game.

“I just hit the open shots, my teammates found me and once I see a couple go in, that basket just gets bigger,” Allen said. “With them in a zone, it just opens things up for us and we have great creators like Ben Harvey and Bradley [Herndon], and everyone else too. They were finding me and I was just knocking down shots."

Continue reading the game recap ->

https://hockomocksports.com/justin-allen-ignites-franklin-boys-basketball-playoff-win-weymouth/

Franklin senior Justin Allen sinks one of his eight three-pointers on his way to a career-high 25 points in a win over Weymouth. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Girls Basketball = Division 1 = #15 Franklin, 62 vs. #18 Newton South, 50 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com provides the game recap:

"Franklin battled against foul trouble throughout the first half and couldn’t quite shake the 18th-seeded Lions of Newton South.

But with its full complement of players back in the mix in the second half, the 15th-seeded Panthers proved to have too many weapons.

Franklin had four players score in double figures and had a big second half offensively to land a 62-50 win over the Lions, advancing to the Round of 16.

“I thought we got in bad foul trouble early in the game and didn’t rebound great,” said Franklin head coach John Leighton. “When we got Lizzy [Newman] back we were able to use our height advantage a little more and got them to spread out [defensively] and then we could score in multiple ways. Mainly I thought it was our defense that improved and that was the difference.”

Continue reading the game recap ->

https://hockomocksports.com/balanced-attack-pushes-franklin-girls-basketball-past-newton-south/

FHS student Ryan Martin provides a write up for the Boston Globe -> (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/03/02/sports/no-15-franklin-leans-liz-newman-post-an-miaa-division-1-first-round-victory-over-no-18-newton-south/

Franklin sophomore Chloe Fales goes up for a layup in the second half against Newton South. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Girls Hockey - Division 2 - #14 Pembroke, 2 vs. #19 Franklin, 1 – Final (OT)

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-03-02-23/

FHS Panthers

Sarah Dumas took 2nd place overall & the FHS girls took 3rd place in the Indoor Track pentathlon

"Congrats to Sarah Dumas, Cailyn Bruno, & Ella Chandaria for their success at today's (3/2/23) indoor pentathlon.

The girls finished 3rd as a team and Sarah captured 2nd overall." https://t.co/dKrE6TlWWf

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1631475699256111107

Sarah Dumas took 2nd place overall & the FHS girls took 3rd place in the Indoor Track pentathlon

Reminder: St Mary's Franklin Women's Faith Formation - Mar 8, 2023 - Virtual meeting

The St Mary's Franklin Women's Faith Formation group is pleased to announce that we will be viewing the Symbolon series: "The Catholic Faith Explained" by Dr. Edward Sri.

This series from the Augustine Institute consists of ten videos on a variety of topics. We will view one 1/2 hour video each session and allow time for discussion and sharing.

Our meetings will be via Zoom and are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 7 - 8 PM.

Our next meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2023. Please visit our web page (https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/womens-faith-formation) for further information and to access the Zoom link.

All women are welcome to attend!

St Mary's Faith Formation Announcement - Mar 8, 2023

Registration for Peter Cottontails Eggcellent Adventure is open - Apr 7

"Don't forget to register for our annual Peter Cottontails Eggcellent Adventure.

Registration is available online at Franklinma.myrec.com"

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

Registration for Peter Cottontails Eggcellent Adventure is open - Apr 7

Town of Franklin: March 2023 E-Newsletter

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March 2023 Edition

Open Space and Recreation Plan

The Town of Franklin has begun the process for the 2024-2031 update of the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).

Let the town know what you want to see outlined as a priority for the OSRP update by accessing our citizen survey here.

Be sure to join us at our upcoming public forum on April 25 from 6pm - 8pm at the Franklin Senior Center in the multi-purpose room.

Julie Jacobson joins the Town of Franklin!

Julie will serve as the part-time Special Assistant to the Town Administrator temporarily whilst we recruit and onboard a Deputy Town Administrator.

Julie most recently served as the Town Manager for the Town of Auburn for 12 years. Prior to her position in Auburn, Julie worked for the City of Worcester as the Economic Development Director and Assistant City Manager. We're excited to have her on board! Learn more about Julie's highlights in public service here.

On the Menu: Arts and Culture

Join us for our 2023 MetroWest Arts and Culture Symposium on March 30, 2023. This year's theme is "Uplifting the Arts: the Intersection of Culture and Economy".

Our featured speaker will be the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Michael Bobbitt.

Doors open at 6pm, the program will begin at 6:30pm and conclude at 9pm.

This program is held in partnership the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District, Mass Cultural Council and the Town of Franklin.

The Franklin Town Council has established an Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Arts and Cultural Initiatives. The Ad Hoc Subcommittee will host 3 sessions as part of their listening tour. The purpose of these tours is to gather community input to help inform the direction of arts and culture for the next 10 - 15 years as part of the town's Master Plan Update process.

Join us at one of our sessions...

March 7 from 5pm - 8pm at Dean College
April 28 from 9am - 11pm at the Franklin Public Library
May 19 from 10am - 12pm at Escape Into Fiction

Access event details here.

Department of Public Works

Rock Your Rain Barrel

The Spring Residential Rain Barrel Program is currently open! Residents can order directly from The Great American Rain Barrel Company. The deadline to order is May 7 and pick up will be at the DPW Admin office (257 Fisher St) on May 17 from 4 - 6pm.

Order your rain barrel today!

Water Smart

Want to learn more about your water usage? Sign up for WaterSmart - A tool designed that allows the Department of Public Works to notify you of unusual usage or rebate opportunities. Saving you money, one drop at a time!

Franklin Public Library

Event Highlights!

March 6 – March Madness: Battle of the Books

It's year 6 of our annual contest and we're switching it up! What is Franklin's favorite book? Be sure to check back each week through April 1 to cast your vote! Which book will be our 2023 winner? Only YOU can decide!

March 11 – Irish in America

A musical journey celebrating the 'Irish in America', for all ages! Irish immigrants captured the heart of the nation with their mix of Irish jigs, ballads, folk songs, storytelling and humor. Get your green on, warm up your voices and enjoy the warmth, spirit and hilarity of the 'Irish in America'. Event starts at 3pm.

March 17 – Get It Girls! A Women's History Celebration!

Join us at 3:30pm for an afternoon of caterpillar craziness! We'll have games, crafts, and more! Fun for all ages!

March 24 – The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day!

Our afternoon of caterpillar craziness begins at 2:30pm! Enjoy games, crafts, and more!

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am-8pm., Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1:30pm - 5pm.

Library Calendar of Events - March 2023

Veterans' Services

Veterans' Services

March 3 – Navy Reserve's 108th Birthday

March 5 – Seabee's 79th Birthday

March 15 – American Legion's 104th Birthday

March 16 – Veterans' Council Meeting – 7pm at the Senior Center. All members of the community

interested in veterans' activities are invited.

March 29 – National Vietnam War Veterans' Day honors Vietnam veterans and their families for their

service and sacrifice.

Veterans Memorial Walkway

The next engraved brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway is scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day. An engraved brick makes a great birthday or Mother's or Father's Day gift for your special veteran or current military service member. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies as well as on the Town website.

The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30pm at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required!

Contact Veterans' Services at 508-613-1315 or access their webpage to learn more.

Passport Acceptance Facility

FYI

Remember - you must apply in person for your first passport, or if you were younger than 16 when you got your last passport.

Visit: DS-11 Application

Questions? Visit the Passport Acceptance Facility website here or call us at 508-553-4890.

Ready for Vacation?

Save money, avoid stress and delays by applying six months ahead of your travel date. Processing times are currently 8 -11 weeks* for routine service and expedited service 5-7 weeks (add an extra $60)*.

The clock begins the day the U.S. Department of State receives your application, not the day you put it in the mail (adult renewal) or you sit with an acceptance agent to apply.

The Town of Franklin offers passport services (by appointment only) for new passports or passports for a minor. We offer onsite passport photos (by appointment only). Appointments are scheduled on the following days and times: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:30am – 11:45am and Wednesday 8:30am – 4:45pm.

Adult passport renewal visit: Renew my Passport

*Mailing times may add several weeks on to the door-to-door time it takes to receive your passport.

Franklin Public Schools

Redistricting Analysis Public Forums

The Franklin Public School District invites Franklin residents to provide input on proposed options as part of the redistricting analysis process that was pioneered by the Franklin School Committee during the 2021- 2022 academic year. The district will host public forums on March 7 at Franklin High School Media Center from 6pm - 8pm and on March 13 virtually via Zoom from 6pm - 8pm. Both forums will present the same information.

Options proposed have been workshopped by district staff, the redistricting analysis consultant Applied Geographics (AppGeo) and the Redistricting Advisory Committee, which is composed of parents/ guardians, educators, district and building based administrators as well as school committee members. All options will be presented by the district and redistricting analysis consultant, a supplementary input survey will be distributed to collect additional comments.

The feedback provided during our upcoming public forums and input survey will inform the district's recommendation to the School Committee for a vote in the Spring of 2023. The decision to implement any recommendations, including potential changes to current boundaries, is a School Committee decision. You can learn more about the redistricting analysis process here.