Thursday, February 13, 2020

FHS girls hockey skates to tie Canton

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Wednesday

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ St. Mary’s, 4 – Final

Girls Hockey = Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap
"In two seasons of Hockomock League play, Canton and Franklin have established themselves as the teams to beat. The Bulldogs won the inaugural league championship and then last season Franklin took the crown for the first time. In year three, the two teams went into the final game of the regular season separated by just two points at the top of the standings.

As has become the standard when the two teams meet, Wednesday night’s game at Pirelli Veterans Arena was close, defensive, and physical and, in the end, Canton was able to hold out for a 0-0 tie that secured the outright league title.

“It means a lot,” Canton coach Dennis Aldrich said about not sharing the title. “Especially here. When I used to coach the [Canton] boys, anytime we came here or [Franklin] used to come to Ponky, they called it the ‘Dungeon of Doom’, it’s just something about it. The crowd wasn’t the same, but the emotion was.”

With 1:37 remaining and with the Panthers setting up for an offensive zone face-off, Franklin coach Margie Burke called timeout and pulled goalie Gabby Colace (19 saves). There were several surprised reactions from beyond the glass, but it underscored the importance of the title race and how little one point would impact Franklin’s likely seed in the playoffs."
Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/canton-girls-hockey-ties-franklin-to-win-outright-league-title/

For a Photo Gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Canton-Girls-Hockey-2-12-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-12-20/

Canton held on for a scoreless tie at Franklin that secured the Bulldogs the outright league title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Canton held on for a scoreless tie at Franklin that secured the Bulldogs the outright league title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

"any game isn’t just given. You have to win it"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin

"Her senior quote in the Franklin High yearbook says it all: “Stop staring at me, I know I’m tall.” 
At 6 feet, 4 inches, Ali Brigham used to feel a tad self-conscious about her height. But now, she has learned to embrace it. 
“I think that I do a good job at least holding myself tall enough,” said the 17-year-old Brigham. “I know, obviously, everyone is going to stare at me because a 6-foot-4 girl is pretty unique. 
“It’s given me a lot, so I’m grateful for it.” 
Whether she is elevating for a blocked shot, carving out space for a put-back, or creating a scoring opportunity, Brigham is one of the most physically imposing players in the state. And with skills to match, she has powered Franklin (17-0) to the No. 1 ranking in the Globe’s Top 20."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2020/02/12/ghoopnotes/6bS6MLMpYr8e6yzvtpnzsJ/story.html

By eschewing the lure of private school programs, Ali Brigham’s decision to remain at Franklin High has helped the No. 1 Panthers (17-0) emerge as a strong contender for the state title. “I would say that Ali’s been a transformative player for our program,” said Franklin coach John Leighton.JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF
By eschewing the lure of private school programs, Ali Brigham’s decision to remain at Franklin High has helped the No. 1 Panthers (17-0) emerge as a strong contender for the state title. “I would say that Ali’s been a transformative player for our program,” said Franklin coach John Leighton.JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF

In the News: homelessness topic at Town Council meeting; Wasik candidate for Natick principal

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town, like so many other communities in Massachusetts, is struggling to find homes for the poor and disabled, underscored by the local housing authority’s waiting list of 3,500.

“The numbers are crazy – there is just not enough housing in the state of Massachusetts, in the town of Franklin and in the country for the people who need it,” Authority Executive Director Lisa Audette told the Town Council on Wednesday night. “The incomes have gone up, (and) people who are born and raised in this town, they go off to college, come back to this town – they can’t live here. You can’t afford the rent, you can’t afford to buy a house. A lot of those people with college degrees would be qualified for public housing.”

Social services coordinators from the Franklin Senior Center also spoke about transitional assistance available, saying they’ve assisted 14 Franklin families in the last year, 11 of them being adults with no children. Causes of their homelessness ranged from having mental health, substance and medical problems to joblessness. Many are left without a place to live because of natural disasters like fires or personal tragedy like being the victims of domestic violence."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200212/franklin-seeks-answers-to-homelessness 

For my notes from this segment of the meeting Wednesday night
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-housing-and-transitional.html


"A Franklin elementary principal is a finalist to be the next principal of Lilja Elementary School in Natick, interim Principal Robin Welch announced Wednesday.

Stefani Wasik, principal at the Davis Thayer Elementary School, is in the running for the Natick job with two other candidates. She is in her second year as principal of Davis Thayer, after serving as its assistant principal for the previous five years. She is expected to visit Lilja Elementary on Feb. 26, spending most of her day there before going to Town Hall to meet with Superintendent of Schools Anna Nolin and other administrators.

Wasik began her career teaching second grade in Somerville, then fourth grade in Milford and Dover. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a bachelor’s of arts in elementary education and psychology from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont.

In September, the Franklin School Committee voted to hire an outside consultant to analyze whether Davis Thayer should be closed, with Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern pointing to the building’s age and the district’s declining enrollment."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200212/franklin-principal-stefani-wasik-finalist-for-top-job-at-naticks-lilja-elementary
 

March Veterans Coffee Social - March 4

Veterans Coffee Social will be held Wednesday, March 4 at 10:00 AM at the
Franklin Senior Center Café

Come And Chat With Other Vets
Coffee And Pastry Will Be Provided
All Vets Are Invited!

For More Information, Contact the Veteran Services Office At: (508) 613-1315 


March Veterans Coffee Social - March 4
March Veterans Coffee Social - March 4

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/march-coffee-social
 

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report through to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 

10.5 down from 14.7
municipal aggregation beginning in Nov 2020
opt out
13/month; 160+ per year
30 day period mailing notification coming in Sep


12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
animal control soon, maybe April
SAFE Coalition

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
condolences to Hamblen

ISO rating
Electric aggregate, finally good job
Franklin is a rising star, other community

condolences to Hamblen

pleased that Lisa came tonight to inform us
my condolences to Hamblen

thanks for coming out, proud of the high school students for persisting

SAFE Coalition opening Thursday 4-8 PM
206 Dedham St, Norfolk

condolences to Hamblen
action packed meeting for sure
almost standing room only, we need more of that


14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 8-0


Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda and docs released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-02-12_tc_agenda_web.pdf

Individual docs may be available on the Town of Franklin agenda page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-12-town-council-agenda

Live reporting: Legislation for Action

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
march 4 meeting as mentioned earlier


10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw 20-847 As Amended: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-847 As Amended: Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - Majority Roll Call Vote)

motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 8-0

FHS students introduce themselves

motion to adopt as amended, seconded, passed 7-1 (Earls voted no via roll call)


10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Majority Roll Call Vote)

motion to adopt, seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call


10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-12: Gift Acceptance Franklin Police Department - $10,000 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-12 - Majority Vote)

motion to adopt, seconded, passed 8-0

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-13: Gift Acceptance Franklin Fire Department - $10,000 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-13 - Majority Vote)

motion to adopt, seconded, passed 8-0


10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates- First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 8-0

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 8-0

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

motion to waive reading, seconded, passed 8-0

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-14: The Town of Franklin Civil Discourse Pledge (Motion to approve Resolution 20-14 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-14_franklin_web.pdf


motion to table to March 4, seconded, passed 8-0



Live reporting: Housing and Transitional Assistance


8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Housing Authority - Lisa Audette, Executive Director, Franklin Housing Authority

MA GL 121 B
regulated and partially funded by the State

elderly and disabled housing
4 units of congregate housing
2 and 3 bedroom, 33 units
2 dept of developmental services, 16 units of housing
3 other properties obtained to bring in 3 more units of affordable housing

State owns the application waiting list, local can view but State owns the listing
application time stamped once entered into system

applications available at Housing Authority or online at the State

eligibility requirements for elderly and handicapped housing

HUD low income standards change every two years
many fall below the listing due to Boston market rates

current waiting list over 3500 for Franklin
1075 for 1 bedroom, 100+ emergency status

172 on waiting listing for congregate housing

2500 (468 emergency) for family applications

there is not enough housing in Franklin, in MA or in our country

Q - can you explain more about the financing
A - surplus agency, covered by rents taken in
modernization money comes from the State
Affordable Housing Trust provided a grant to leverage other funding
to completely renovate the units at Central Park Terrace

Q - can we expand housing?
A - we are always looking for additional housing but the State has no money
encouraging comments from the Governor
can not afford to build a complex on our own

Q - can't you stay on the Franklin listing?
A - the code says no, once housed, no longer on the listing - they are better off than someone without

Q - Do they remain on the listing?
A - when housed, loose the emergency priority, they remain on the listing but not with emergency status

Q - could the St Mary's school be used?
A - we did re-purpose the Metcalf School for housing

Q - thanks for all the work you do, victims of domestic violence get a priority, that is good
A - a lot of people need help

Central Park Terrace, first built in 1960
expanded in 1965; up on the hill expanded, in 1975 with wheelchair units

Metcalf School, Winter St
Family units - 28 north, west, and east Park St opened in 1948

family development on Walnut Ave

Eaton Place not part of the Housing Authority

"Everyone needs to be reminded of the work you do"
housing is not affordable

turnover about 20/units/year

do have a service coordinator, one day/week to help residents
loophole with categorization on disability counting once reaching 60, they become a 'senior' but likely haven't lost their disability

Q - do you cover Sec 8?
A - Sec 8 wasn't accepted in Franklin when it was authorized

a quick plug that the CPA proposal can provide some help, our issue won't be solved with one project, or one check
we are over the 10% on 40B, it is not enough we do need to do more
March 4, EDC meeting will begin review of some bylaw changes to help with affordable housing


b. Transitional Assistance Discussion - Franklin Senior Center

https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/transitional-assistance



Karen Alves, Erin Rogers
14 households assisted in past year for homeless, declined somewhat

landlord issues

Dept of Transition Assistance (DTA)

each shelter takes applications directly, (no central routing/fulfillment agency)
shelters won't take folks who are taking substances, alcohol or other

3 churches are collaborating in Milford for weather related shelters
most folks don't want to go to a shelter

Section 8 is also a lengthy waiting list

Q - is there a mechanism for landlords? to take someone on a voucher, the education required
A - yes, we would like to help coordinate that

Q - where do they go for something like fuel assistance?
A - come to the Senior Center, we have the listing of what they need
often by coming in, for one, they find out what else we can do for them

St Vincent DePaul
186 families served in 2019, clothing, resources
(copy of doc handed out to be added later)

categories of 

  1. transient
  2. known homeless
  3. soon to be homeless

Lynn Calling, Exec Dir, Franklin Food Pantry
6000 visits to the pantry in 2019, an increase over 2018
no funding from town or State
March 2 tour at the Pantry, if you can't make it, call so we can set up a time

Kim, New England Chapel
services available in Milford area, "Pathway to a better life"
3 churches open on a rotating basis
open at 30 degrees, Northbridge does same thing
could do the same thing here in Franklin, could get grants for assistance
Milford Police will bring the folks to the shelter when open

not a town sanctioned group, but could not have been done without their coordination

social services stake holder meeting?
we did it a year ago, have attended interfaith council meeting





Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2020

Present: Chandler, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: Hamblen


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

Dale Kurtz, reminder for veterans to self identify for the Town Census now and the Federal Census later this year

Teresa Burr, reminder on the last day to register to vote for Presidential Primary is today through midnight online ma.gov or the Clerk's office through 8:00 PM

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- None

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Firefighter/Paramedic: Michael McConaghy

As of March 1, ISO rating increases to Class 2, an upgrade in rating
should help with insurance
less than 2,000 departments across the country in this class, only 7 in MA are Class 1


5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

2 minute recess

meeting resumes

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
Zoning Changes:
20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations and Use Regulations Schedule Updates
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-849_hearing.pdf


20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-850_hearing.pdf


20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-851_hearing.pdf

open hearings but holding discussion until later in the meeting


7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled


THE BLACK BOX to host 2nd annual FHS All Class Reunion - Feb 28

THE BLACK BOX will host their second annual Franklin High School All Class Reunion on Friday, February 28 from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Alumni from any FHS class are invited to put together a group from their class, or just join in and be surprised who they see. Spouses and friends of Franklin High are also welcome. 

There will be pizza, snacks, a cash bar, music, Joe Landry's vintage videos and photo archives, a yearbook library, Panther Pride Sports Corner, and more. Proceeds support THE BLACK BOX.

Tickets for the Franklin High School All Class Reunion can be purchased at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. 

 
THE BLACK BOX to host 2nd annual FHS All Class Reunion - Feb 28
THE BLACK BOX to host 2nd annual FHS All Class Reunion - Feb 28

FM #204 - Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about mold (audio)

FM #204

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 204 in the series, that we are now producing in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about mold, what to be concerned about, hoping to dispel some of the misunderstanding around mold and calm some fears about mold. Mold is a naturally occurring thing.

People with sensitivity to mold can have some health issues caused by it. MA does not have a ‘mold standard’. Bleach does not get rid of mold and may actually worsen it. Mold can be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. If mold is on cloth, it may not be worth keeping. Mold is a stubborn substance.

The Board of Health can only enforce prevention of the water source or remediation of the water source/leak.

Contact the Board of Health if there are questions about mold. Contact info for The Town of Franklin Health Dept is included in the show notes https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

As mentioned we also provide a link to the Centers for Disease Control page with information on mold https://www.cdc.gov/mold/

Without further ado, here is the recording of my conversation with Cathleen discussing mold, it runs approx 10 minutes

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXYRYvVX



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


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

Centers for Disease Control page with information on mold https://www.cdc.gov/mold/
Centers for Disease Control page with information on mold https://www.cdc.gov/mold/

Both FHS girls and boys basketball teams top Oliver Ames

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Tuesday

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 59 @ Oliver Ames, 52 – Final
– Franklin senior Chris Edgehill scored a team-high 16 points and in the process became the program’s all-time leading scorer. Edgehill tied Matt Palazini’s record of 1,306 with seven points in the first half and then broke the record in the third. Jack Rudolph hit four first half three-pointers, finishing with 12 points while both Steven Karayan and Brayden Sullivan chipped in 11 points for the Panthers, who totaled 10 three-pointers as a team. It was close throughout as Franklin held a five point lead after the first (17-12) and second quarters (30-25), and a four-point advantage (45-41) heading into the fourth. The Tigers cut the deficit to two (49-47) with 3:37 left but Franklin pulled away in the end for the win.

Girls Basketball = Oliver Ames, 36 @ Franklin, 70 – Final
– The Panthers swept the season series with the Tigers, clinched the outright Kelley-Rex division title, and will have the chance to run the table in league play when they host Attleboro on Thursday. Ali Brigham dominated in the middle, leading all scorers with 22 points and Olivia Quinn scored 13. Meghan O’Connell also had a big night, scoring 13 for the Panthers. OA had a tough time breaking down the Franklin defense. Jess Erlich had seven points to lead the Tigers and Hailey Bourne added five.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-11-20/






Hockomock KR Champs! Congrats!!! #PantherPride
Hockomock KR Champs! Congrats!!! #PantherPride

Franklin Residents: Stormwater Information Sessions Scheduled

Storm water Information Sessions

The Town of Franklin is holding three storm water information sessions to educate residents on the facts of storm water and the financial impact. Come meet Ben Franklin and learn more! Ben will be at all 3 events.

  • Friday, March 6, 2020 8 - 10 AM in Town Council Chambers
  • Wednesday, March 11, 6 - 8 PM at Franklin TV
  • Saturday, March 21, 11 AM - 1 PM at Franklin Library

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/storm_water_8.5_x_11_in_0.pdf

And yes, it is true that Ben will provide the ruff overview! (sorry, that was too good to pass on!)

Franklin Residents: Stormwater Information Sessions Scheduled
Franklin Residents: Stormwater Information Sessions Scheduled

Come to the in-district meeting with State Rep. Jeff Roy THURS, FEB 20!

Hey, Franklin residents!

Some 350 Mass Node members/Franklin residents have arranged a meeting with Jeff Roy on Thursday, Feb 20, and we want people to come!

The Senate in the State House has just passed some significant climate legislation and now the pressure is on the House to match it. State Rep. Jeff Roy has co-sponsored the 100% Renewable bill (thank you very much!) since the beginning of this legislative session, but the bill is still stuck in committee and we need to have it voted out favorably so it can be voted on the floor. We also want the carbon pricing bill, also stuck in committee, voted out favorably. We are meeting to ask Jeff Roy to ask the leadership to do that.

For Jeff Roy to seriously consider talking to committee leadership about these bills, we need a lot of people to show up at the meeting!

This is 2020 and we're running out of time for major climate legislation to be implemented! The state legislature needs to step up NOW so please help make that happen by coming to the hour-long meeting.

DATE: THURSDAY, FEB 20
TIME: 8:30-9:30 AM
LOCATION: FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER, 10 DANIEL MCCAHILL STREET, FRANKLIN.

Please RSVP to this email if you can come so we can anticipate the numbers. The more who come, the more he'll listen to us! Bring your neighbors!

Thanks!

Carolyn Barthel and Ralph Halpern, Coordinators
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node

Come to the in-district meeting with State Rep. Jeff Roy THURS, FEB 20!
Come to the in-district meeting with State Rep. Jeff Roy THURS, FEB 20!

Reminder: “Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

Presenter: Kevin Martin of “Nerds to Go” of Franklin

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2020. 6:30 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA

Talk Content:
At a time when our community might reap the benefits of the Internet and technology to keep in touch with grandchildren, classmates and long-time friends, they are often leery of the new electronic landscape. From computers to smart phones to smart speakers - people can get overwhelmed!

The Franklin Odd Fellows are hosting an informal presentation on “Taming Technology for Community Members”. Kevin Martin will explore how to stay safe on the Internet and enjoy some of the key components and resources.

Martin has more than two decades of experience working in technology – from advanced electronics in submarines in the U.S. Navy to IT executive positions in the private sector.

The Internet offers a boundless amount of useful and interesting information and access to the world. Unfortunately, technology is also a daunting new landscape to many people. This presentation is intended to outline both the security and scope of technology.

For more about Nerds to Go  -  www.nerdstogo.com
For more about the OddFellows  -  www.franklinmassoddfellows.org


“Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18
“Taming Technology for Community Members” - March 18

In the News: mental health care reform introduced; Cannabis Control Commission releases tracker

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Each making a deeply personal case for improving access to mental health care, Senate President Karen Spilka and Sen. Julian Cyr helped roll out a significant reform bill Thursday, Feb. 6, that seeks to improve access to care by identifying gaps in the mental health system, enforcing equity laws and requiring insurance coverage for many emergency services.

Spilka, who called the proposal “decades in the making,” shared how her own family struggled with her father’s mental health decline following his service in World War II, and Cyr described the obstacles he has had to overcome as a gay man to get treatment for depression and anxiety.

The state codified “mental health parity” into the law 20 years ago, and yet for close to two decades advocates and legislators have been frustrated by stories of people struggling to gain the same access to mental health care as they can for their physical health. Many patients can’t find providers and don’t know where to look, Cyr said, and if they do find a provider must wait for an appointment and often struggle to afford the care.

“We have laws and we have values that say mental health must be treated the same way physical health is, and yet we don’t do it,” said state Sen. Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, one of the bill’s authors."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200211/sweeping-mental-health-care-bill-unveiled


"Curious about which towns and cities have banned adult-use marijuana, or where cannabis delivery is allowed?

The Cannabis Control Commission, a five-member board tasked with nearly everything marijuana in Massachusetts, has created a new tracker on its website, in a bid for more transparency.

“By compiling the status of adult-use cannabis across Massachusetts in one central location, the Commission has furthered its commitment to implementing a regulated industry that is transparent and accessible to a wide range of stakeholders,” Commissioner Kay Doyle said, in a press release. “This resource will provide local leaders with a basis to share information around planning and zoning best practices, simplify license applicants’ search for a host municipality, and keep the public up-to-date about the progress of legalization in our state.”

The new tracker is focused on how the state’s 351 cities and towns have zoned marijuana. Visitors to the tracker can see if a community has banned the adult-use sale of the drug, put a cap on the number of licenses allowed in town, whether delivery is allowed, and if the town is one of the state’s pilots for social consumption."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200210/3-maps-how-massachusetts-communities-are-zoning-for-marijuana

Go directly to the Cannabis Commission page
https://mass-cannabis-control.com/new-municipal-zoning-tracker-increases-insight-into-local-adult-use-cannabis-developments/

Recap of School Committee meeting Jan 28, 2020

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on the Town of Franklin page
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=716


Superintendent's Report
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/superintendents-report-to-school.html

Documents released for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/january-28-2020-school-committee-packet



My notes reported live during the meeting
  • Live reporting: Information Matters to Closing/Executive Session
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-information-matters-to.html
  • Live reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html
  • Live reporting: Guests/Presentations
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-guestspresentations.html
  • Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 28, 2020
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-school-committee-jan-28.html






screen capture of a slide from the Student Service Workshop held before the School Committee meeting
screen capture of a slide from the Student Service Workshop held before the School Committee meeting

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Live reporting: Consent Agenda - Closing

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 28, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,264.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
D. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,145.00 from the Oak Street PCC for in-house enrichment as detailed.
E. MA All State Music Festival Trip (recurring)
I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take music students to the MA All State Music Festival in Boston, MA on March 5 – 7, 2020 as detailed.
F. Baseball Field Trip (recurring)
I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Peri to take FHS student athletes to Cooperstown, NY from April 19 – 20, 2020 as detailed.
G. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
H. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed.
I. Annie Sullivan Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Annie Sullivan PCC for in-house enrichment as detailed.
J. ECDC Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Franklin Cultural Council for in-house enrichment at ECDC as detailed.
K. Keller Gr. 5 RW Zoo Field Trip
I recommend approval of the recurring Keller Grade 5 field trip to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 7, 2020 as detailed.
L. 3rd Grade Music Field Trip
I recommend approval of the recurring JFK/Parmenter 3rd Grade field trip to The Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on May 19, 2020 as detailed.

motion to accept, seconded, passed 6-0


VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
motion to enter Exec Session, not to return, seconded, passed 6-0 (via roll call)


XI. Adjournment


The documents released for this meeting can be found online. Some documents will be posted after the meeting.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/february-11-2020-school-committee-packet