Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday

There are multiple meetings this week. The Town calendar provides all the details. I will be reporting on the following:

• School Committee meets Tuesday (7 PM)
• A School Committee budget workshop before their Tuesday meeting (6 PM)
• Town Council meets Wednesday (7 PM)
• A Town Council subcommittee looking at reviewing their procedures manual also before their meeting Wednesday (6 PM)

The monthly Franklin Matters Q&A scheduled for Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM. The meeting is hybrid. I'll be in the Senior Center and also allow for participation virtually via Zoom. Send me an email for the Zoom info. 

The Town Officials and State Rep Jeff Roy will hold their monthly coffee hour at the Senior Center Thursday morning at 8:30 AM. Also a good chance to get some details on any questions you may have.

Town Calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday

Cultural District Committee - meeting agenda - Dec 13, 2021

Cultural District Committee

Monday, December 13, 2021

7:00 PM - Virtual Meeting 

Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes

November 16, 2021 Franklin Cultural District Meeting Minutes

Franklin Cultural District Committee Membership Update

Cultural District Committee Structure

Grant Updates:

 Franklin Cultural Council Grant Update

 MCC Cultural District Grant Discussion

o Grant Submission Deadline December 15, 2021

Committee Member Roundtable

Next Cultural District and Cultural District Partners Meeting Date

Cultural District Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Cultural District Partners’ Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2022 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn

Agenda doc and connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cultural_district_committee_meeting_-_december_13_2021.pdf

Cultural District Committee - meeting agenda - Dec 13, 2021

MetroWest Daily News: "High school gymnasts to watch in the Daily News area for upcoming season"

"With the snow comes high school gymnastics season. Of course, this sport is a year-round endeavor for many of its participants, but these months are their time to shine for their respective schools.

Many a talented gymnast is back this year, including those from returning state powers Algonquin and Franklin. With that, as we start December and build toward 2022, here is a look at the top returning Daily News All-Stars from last year and those to watch in the coming 2021-22 campaign, including last year’s league all-stars. All are ready to make even more of an impact this coming winter season."

Among those listed are Kate Rudolph, Emma White, and Caroline Woelfel from Franklin.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/sports/high-school/gymnastics/2021/12/11/high-school-gymnasts-watch-daily-news-area/6450495001/?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot

FHS Panthers

"School funding is both enormously important and extremely complicated"

It is timely that the Franklin School Committee has a workshop scheduled to help the new members understand the Franklin school budget. While much has been written around the impact of the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) and how it will help MA better fund schools, this Shanker Report looks at state to state funding comparisons and finds MA lacking.

This helps position the Franklin budget in the overall bigger picture of school funding across the nation. 

"This year's Shanker Institute report on the adequacy and fairness of school funding, which uses 2019 data, gives a stark picture of where we have been in Massachusetts. 

2019, of course, is when, in November, we FINALLY got a revision to the state formula, one-sixth (mostly) of which was FINALLY implemented this current fiscal year.

The work of Bruce D. Baker of Rutgers University), Matthew Di Carlo and Kayla Reist of the Shanker Institute, and Mark Weber, also at Rutgers University, the report looks at effort, progressivity, and adequacy; that is: how much are states actually trying in using the fiscal resources they have for schools, and do they make sure poor kids are getting more resources, and are districts getting enough money to get to outcomes needed.

And we don't look so hot, Massachusetts. "

Continue reading the article online

https://who-cester.blogspot.com/2021/12/how-much-has-massachusetts-really-been.html

You can go directly to the Shanker Report ->

https://www.schoolfinancedata.org/the-adequacy-and-fairness-of-state-school-finance-systems-2022/

The MA profile can be found here ->

https://www.schoolfinancedata.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/profiles19_MA.pdf

our effort level ranks #43 in the nation (out of 49)

Good Deeds: Christmas Movie Trivia

GOOD DEEDS: CHRISTMAS MOVIE TRIVIA

By William P. O'Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

The Holidays are upon us and it is time for an article from the Registry of Deeds that builds upon the joys of our holiday season.  It is about time a writing that is light and not so serious is written in these "Good Deeds" articles.  There can always be more of that in our day to day lives.

One go to article theme readers of "Good Deeds" may have noticed over the years has been trivia.  There have been trivia questions about historical figures of Norfolk County such as the four Presidents of the United States born here in Norfolk County.  There have been trivia challenges involving naming one of the 28 communities making up Norfolk County as the answer to some notable person who hailed from that community.  

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has seen its share of Hollywood filming which has taken place in and around the beautiful Registry of Deeds Building.  There was an old television show "The Practice" starring actors Dylan McDermott and Michael Spada.  Four episodes of this show were filmed in and around Dedham.  "Ironman" Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall made use of the Norfolk Superior Court and the Registry of Deeds Building front pillars and steps in the film "The Judge".  Recently Rosamund Pike and Eiza Gonzalez used the books and beauty of the renovated Registry of Deeds Record Hall to film "I Care A Lot".  Rosamund Pike won a Golden Globe for her performance in this movie which can be seen on Netflix.

So I thought I would combine the Christmas Season, trivia and this link to movies to challenge the reader to some Christmas Movie Trivia.

 

Trivia Questions (answers located below)

#1 In Home Alone 2, what city does Kevin mistakenly get lost in?

 

#2 What was the real name of the character Tim Allen plays in The Santa Clause?

 

#3 Where does the Polar Express take the children?

 

#4 Finish this iconic line from It's a Wonderful Life: "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his                                   ___."

 

#5 Buddy the elf sticks to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and ____.

 

#6 Who was the bad guy Rudolph tried to avoid?

 

#7 Finish this line from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  "It came without packages, boxes or ____"

 

#8 What did the other reindeer not let Rudolph do because of his shiny red nose?

 

#9 In the story of a Christmas Carol, what is Scrooge's first name?

 

#10 What Christmas carol does the Peanuts gang sing at the end of "A Charlie Brown Christmas"?

 

#11 "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is ____."-Elf

 

May all the songs and spirit of the Christmas Season bring you happiness and health.  There is no great prize being given out if you did well answering these trivia questions.  However, I certainly hope Santa Claus is good to you.  To everyone a joyful and happy holiday season.

 

 

Good News: Christmas Movie Trivia

Answers:
 
#1 New York City
 
#2 Scott Calvin (SC)
 
#3 North Pole
 
#4 Wings
 
#5 Syrup
 
#6 The Abominable Snowman
 
#7 Bags
 
#8 Join in any reindeer games
 
#9 Ebenezer
 
#10 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
 
#11 Sing loud for all to hear

 

#ThinkFranklinFirst: VFJ Renovations is now taking orders for planters, raised garden beds

"Give the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season!

VFJ Renovations is now taking orders for planters, raised garden beds, and Empower with Gardening signs! Read all about what we do and why we do it at www.vfjrenovations.com. A limited quantity of signs are available now, and all planters and garden beds will be built in the spring.

As in the past, all profits will be donated to a non-profit organization."

Order your holiday git here ->  https://www.vfjrenovations.com/empower-with-gardening-initiative

Shared from Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CXZFoLplYJX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 

Listen to the audio recording from Apr 2021 as they prepared for the seasonal build

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-529-vfj-renovations-empowering-with.html

my garden bed from the Fanuele's early in the growing season 2020

FHS Girls Basketball Preview via HockomockSports for 2021-2022 Season

HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the Girls Basketball teams for the Hockomock League. The Franklin portion of the article is shared here along with the link to read the full article covering the remainder of the league. 

FRANKLIN
2020-2021 Record: 10-0
Coach: John Leighton

"Franklin returns eight players, including six seniors, from last year’s team, which extended the Panthers’ win streak to 35 games and clinched a third straight Kelley-Rex division title. The Panthers will be leaning on that experience as they seek to continue their reign at the top of the league and defend the Div. 1 state title that they won in 2019-20. 

Senior forward Olivia Quinn will be the focal point of the Franklin offense this year after leading the team in scoring last winter and emerging as one of the top players in the Hock over the past two years. The reigning Kelley-Rex MVP will have plenty of help, particularly in the paint. While Franklin doesn’t have someone with Ali Brigham’s size, the Panthers have seven players on their roster that are listed at 5-foot-9 or taller. Senior Brigid Earley was the team’s leading rebounder last year and junior Katie Peterson is an athletic forward with a versatile game. Senior Emma Sousa is another experienced forward that gives depth in the post. 

On the perimeter, Franklin has graduated a lot of its ball-handlers and shooters but senior Stefany Padula, a Springfield College-commit, is back and will help stretch the floor. Junior Bridget Leo is coming off a strong soccer season and could step in at point guard along with seniors Julia White and Jessica Pingeton, who saw some time last year. Sophomore guard Sasha Tracey is the lone underclassman on the roster this season. 

“I am very excited to get back on the court with this team,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “There is a lot of work ahead of us but there has also been many glimpses of what we could develop into. We have a very strong senior class who has set the bar high for the team. We hope to develop into a close-knit, supportive team that can win in different ways and also play defense that will limit our opponents’ options.”

For other preseason views for girls basketball
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-2022-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

 

FHS Panthers

FHS' Marchand - one of the Hockomock League boys hockey "Players to Watch"

HockomockSports.com has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League boys hockey teams. The Franklin High School representative is shared here. Follow the link below to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League. 

DYLAN MARCHAND, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"A dynamic forward, Marchand is one of the fastest skaters in the league and one of those rare players that seems to be going just as fast with the puck as he is without it. Franklin’s leading scorer from a year ago, he finished with eight goals and nine assists in 13 games. He has a strong, accurate shot even on the move and is a threat to score from anywhere inside the blue line. Marchand brings a lot of energy to the ice and is always driving towards the goal, putting pressure on the defensemen who are trying to stay in front of him. Never shying away from contact, he also starts the forecheck for Franklin and can provide defense from the front. With a schedule loaded with the top teams in Div. 1, the Panthers will be preparing themselves for a postseason run and Marchand’s scoring could be the key for Franklin extending its season well into March."

For other Hockomock League "Players to Watch"
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-hockey-ten-players-to-watch-in-2021-2022/

FHS Panthers

MetroWest Nonprofit Network: Upcoming Policymaker Roundtable with Congressman Jim McGovern

Register for an upcoming session with Congressman McGovern on December 14th

Join us for MNN's virtual Policymaker Roundtable with Congressman Jim McGovern to discuss ongoing pandemic recovery for nonprofits and key government relief programs. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 14th. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the issues facing our Commonwealth, and have a candid conversation about the impacts of these issues on nonprofits and the people they serve. Please note, this program is free to MNN members and $20 for all non-members. To learn more about MNN membership and its benefits, please visit this page on our website or email membership@massnonprofitnet.org. Click the button below to register and learn more. REGISTER

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network | 2 Atlantic Avenue, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02110 Sent by events@massnonprofitnet.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Santa's Magical Mailbox - highlights the goodness of our Franklin community

"Santa's Magical mailbox 

I would like to give credit where credit is due. Ann Marie Donovan was trying to raise money for the Food pantry asking kids to drop a letter to Santa and a small donation for the food pantry at her personal mailbox last year. I contacted her and asked if she would like to have a mailbox at my light show because I get a decent amount of traffic and figured we could raise more money that way. She thought is was a good idea and so that's how it all began. 

Ann is in charge of writing letters along with some really great elves. Thankfully we also have some generous people donating stamps because less than 20% of the letters we get come with a donation and each letter returned to the kids cost us around $1. We understand that not everyone can afford a donation and all kids will get a return letter no matter what. 

The mailbox is taken in and out every night to keep it in as good shape as possible. It should be out by 5:30 every day. We have received letters from many towns in MA including some that are not very close. The elves are working hard and hopefully the first batch of letters will go out soon. 

I named it Santa's Magical Mailbox because I feel like it was magical how members of the community help donate their time, material and skills to make it come to fruition. Scott Firestine made the mailbox and donated it which was absolutely amazing. After just a day or two the paint got ruined so Power Painting Plus ( Rick and John Power) came and picked up the mailbox, repainted it at no cost, then took it to "Signs by Cam" where they redid all of the lettering, which was also at no cost. 

This mailbox belongs to Franklin. I just store it and try my best to keep it in good shape. I hope to pass it on to someone else in Franklin one day. 

Thank you everyone for your support. We hope its a great year for the Franklin Food Pantry and that your kids enjoy their letters from Santa. "

Laura McCarthy

To send a donation, please find the info on the Facebook post 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3052436671693005/

Santa's Magical Mailbox - highlights the goodness of our Franklin community