St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - May 1

St Mary's Women's Faith Formation is pleased to announce that Fr. Flavio from La Salette Shrine will be speaking at our May meeting about "Making Mary Part of Our Lives". 

Our meeting will  be held Saturday morning, May 1, starting at 9:30 AM on Zoom. There will be time for discussion.  This meeting is open to all women. 

If interested in attending this 45 minute meeting, please email Deacon Guy (deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org) for Zoom link contact information.  

This will be our last session until we restart again in the fall.  

St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group - May 1

 

Recap: School Committee approved FY 2022 budget, Parmenter shares highlights, District Improvement Plan status updates

Quick Recap:

• School Committee approved their FY 2022 budget after receiving word on the amount the Town would fund (which was not discussed in the Joint Budget meeting on Monday)
• Parmenter Elementary presented their highlights using staff, students and children integrated in the presentation
• Re-opening fully in person underway, 700+ students remain remote in virtual academy, items being worked here and there; pool testing now Tue/Thu and will continue through end of school year
• Updates to the District improvement plan #2 ad #3 provided including
  "Marking the moment" of a microaggression as a teachable moment, either on the spot or to return to and address

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0413
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0413&src=typeahead_click

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter c be found in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/XowahZLSvMbYnTA58

• Real time reporting about to begin for the #schcom0413 meeting
• Meeting opens with Chair Bergen reading the standard protocol message, #schcom0413  Executive session to follow public portion. Tim and Jen not yet present for this session via roll call
• Agenda doc and connection info can be found #schcom0413 https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-13-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

FHS student updates 

• FHS student updates; return to school went well, issues with lunch being worked, also with hallway and spacing, National Honor Society doing drive for Food Pantry #schcom0413 today's lunch better than Monday. Track tournament this week, theater beginning new production

Superintendent's report  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_april_13_2021.pdf

• Superintendent report, box at municipal bldg for food pantry also. Thanks to staff across district for reopening. #schcom0413 grant received for tilt skillet at FHS kitchen $18k, spring sports sign up underway. April vacation next week, stay safe.

Parmenter presentation

• Parmenter school presentation next #schcom0413 https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/parmenter  slides to follow along with
• Slides #schcom0413
• Approx 46+ via Zoom, additional via live stream, still others via Comcast/Verizon cable. Google transcripts working on the audio feed provides a nice accessible feature. #schcom0413
• Love the Maya Angelou quote shared: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."  #schcom0413
• Multiple short videos with student presentation and voices highlighting the work being done #schcom0413
• Poetry unit in 4th grade, civics in 5th grade,  examples of work being done #schcom0413
• Over 100 new titles added to the school library, good to see some of the titles shared #schcom0413 at school council level a key Ibram X Kendi text was used
• #schcom0413 looking for high school or college age mentors for student program, contact the principal if you know of one or more
• "if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change" Wayne Dyer - another timely quote  #schcom0413
• BTW as Committee gets into feedback and questions on the Parmenter presentation Keenan and D'Angelo are present #schcom0413
• Tiered support common across district albeit named or delivered slightly differently. Also working to align the tiering for content and the tiering for SEL #schcom0413

District improvement plan

• Moving on the district improvement plan items #2 and #3  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_dip_2_and_3_updates_4_13_21.pdf #schcom0413
• Mixing metaphors talking of the compass rose as an anchor #schcom0413
• "Marking the moment" of a microaggression as a teachable moment, either on the spot or to return to and address #schcom0413
• #schcom0413 year 1 of 2 year plan  for new social studies framework implementation
• 8th grade tackling civics this year (interview with soc studies teachers on this shared earlier this school year)
• Homework monitoring leading into grading revisions. #schcom0413
• Request for presentation on civics action projects for future meeting "Envisions" not meeting needs, may shift to "Illustrative Math". all programs need supplements, no one program is perfect.
• Using benchmarks to compare the programs based upon the content taught, also will use MCAS as available. #schcom0413 Next update #3
• #schcom0413 remote IEP meetings became a reality due to the pandemic. Leveraged every thing that could be used
• After the Parmenter presentation, dropped down to 26+ via Zoom No questions after the #3 round. #schcom0413  Moving to discussion action and the budget

Discussion action items - FY 2022 budget

• Did get a 2.2m or 3.4% increase from Town since last time so the previous view of the budget can be reduced to meet the town amount by $700k  #schcom0413 Based upon Gov Baker's numbers, not the House/Senate agreement to provide more than the Governor provided
• Revised budget pages https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_changes.pdf
• #schcom0413  How can we prepay from this year? Favorable amounts in budget this year; subs in particular. There are fewer positions in the budget already
• #schcom0413 the gap has been covered in part by COVID funds helping to offset some expense amount. Chair Bergen providing historical background on budget over the years. Two key reasons: 2.5% restriction placed 40+ years ago things cost more each year than that
• #schcom0413 1) apples to oranges comparison to compare schools to police/fire. We can only spend what we collect. 2) Special ed is too much. We need to provide for them until they are 22. 3) we are competing for teachers and not overpaying.
• Ready to vote on the recommendation; motion and second, vote via roll call passes 6-1 (Pfeiffer no) #schcom0413
• Motion and second on policy adoption https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-b-policy … #schcom0413 vote via roll call 7-0

Reopening update

• Reopening update  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_april_9_2020-2021.pdf
• 738 virtual only across district per family choice, metrics in packet, pool testing Tues/Thur with students back #schcom0413 follow guidelines please, others schools have gone remote temp due to exposure  Will continue pool testing thru end of year, monitoring activity closely
• #schcom0413 keeping in mind recruiting; nurses, substitutes, etc. Appreciate flexibility in the community and staff, not all staff is vaccinated yet. 3rd round of stimulus expected in May
• #schcom0413 if some purifiers are extra can they be used elsewhere? Any parent concerns, should be addressed to the schools directly. No Community comments, questions.
• Joint budget subcomm yesterday. Community relations meeting Apr 28  Policy - mtg 4/29; SWAC update in newsletter this week, last meeting in May. Summer workshop on goals, evaluation anyone for an ad-hoc Committee for that
• #schcom0413 Calendar for next meeting, diversity awareness, Remington, draft SchCom calendar for next year

Consent Agenda

• Consent agenda - recommend approval, motion and second, passes  7-0 via roll call #schcom0413
• Motion to enter executive session and not to return to public, motion and second, passes via roll call 7-0
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

Recap: School Committee approved FY 2022 budget, Parmenter shares highlights, District Improvement Plan status updates

Drive Up Window Schedule at the Municipal Building - Apr 20

Drive Up Window Schedule at the Municipal Building

On Tuesday, April 20, the Drive-Up window at the Town Hall will be closed due to work on the bricks and glass, as part of the building window project. 

The Treasurer's office will be open and residents are welcome to come into the lobby for any in-person transactions. 

Thank you. 

Drive Up Window Schedule at the Municipal Building - Apr 20

Photography – Reflecting Through Lens and Pen (video)

Marjorie Sardella of Beaux Regards Photographic Art recently gave Zoom presentation to the Franklin Art Association titled "Reflecting Through Lens and Pen."

If you missed the presentation on Zoom, you can view it on YouTube!
https://t.co/5LRLnjc5Uu  or here https://youtu.be/e10hYd1yP00
#fdp
#photography

Please help us include non-english speaking residents on this project!

Dear Friend,

We want to thank you for your involvement in the Charles River Watershed Association's project: Building Resilience in the Charles River Watershed. After hosting our initial webinar and several smaller community meetings we are happy to announce that we have some multilingual materials available! Please help us share this survey with any groups that may not have been able to participate due to language barriers.

Building Resilience in the Charles River Watershed

The Charles River Watershed Association has created a flood monitoring tool that will show flooding scenarios in the Charles River Watershed depending on different time periods, rainfall increases, and potential green infrastructure solutions. Members of the Watershed area can use the tool to predict and implement the best ways to respond to flooding due to our changing climate. 

If you would like to learn more about the project, watch the video linked below, Or refer to the attached informational flyer. Please take time to fill out this survey and share it with fellow watershed residents. Data that will be used to determine what flooding scenarios and nature-based solutions will be tested with the tool.

 Closed captioning on the video, the attached document, and the survey can be found in LANGUAGES.

Feedback Survey 

• Learn more about the project by watching this video (https://youtu.be/VlaV2256bKg)

• CC available in multiple languages

Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW)or CREW, is a 501c3 non-profit devoted to building up grassroots resilience in communities by engaging networks of local leaders through education, service, and planning. We have teamed up with the Charles River Watershed Association to help spread the word about this important project.

Thanks so much for your time,

Hola,

Me llamo Anna, y soy una pasante por CREW (Communities Responding to Extreme Weather). Estamos trabajando con CRWA (Charles River Watershed Association) en un proyecto para monitor la inundación en la Cuenca de Río Charles. 

Para el proyecto, queremos respuestas e información de los residentes de la cuenca del Río Charles. Favor de tomar unos minutos para completar ESTA ENCUESTA. También, pedimos que comparta la encuesta y el volante de información con su comunidad. Su voz y opinión son muy importantes! 

Gracias por su tiempo,

Anna

Encuesta

Volante de Información

Olá,

Esperamos que este e-mail encontre você bem. Por favor, desculpe o google tradutor. Comunidades que respondem a condições climáticas extremas ou EQUIPE. está trabalhando com a CRWA (Charles River Watershed Association) em um projeto de monitoramento de enchentes na Bacia do Rio Charles.

Para o projeto, queremos respostas e informações dos moradores da bacia do rio Charles. Reserve alguns minutos para concluir ESTA PESQUISA. Além disso, pedimos que você compartilhe a pesquisa e o folheto informativo com sua comunidade. Sua voz e opinião são muito importantes!

Obrigado pelo seu tempo,

Inquérito português

 

Folheto Informativo

你好，

我们希望这封电子邮件对您有帮助。请原谅Google翻译。响应极端天气或CREW的社区。正在与查尔斯河流域协会（CRWA）一起在查尔斯河流域进行洪水监控项目。

对于该项目，我们需要查尔斯河流域居民的答案和信息。请花几分钟完成此调查。另外，我们要求您与社区共享调查和信息单张。您的声音和意见非常重要！

中文调查

 

信息传单

 

谢谢你的时间，

--

Ethan Parker McDonough

He/Him/His

Special Project Coordinator at C.R.E.W

University of New Hampshire

ethan@climatecrew.org

(207)475-2428

Video link = https://youtu.be/VlaV2256bKg

"lawmakers are taking a “cautiously optimistic approach” to Massachusetts’s fiscal picture"

"HAPPY DAYS are here again. That may not be the case for most Massachusetts residents, still in the grip of the COVID pandemic, but it appears to be the case for state budget writers – at least for now.

The House Ways and Means Committee budget proposal released Wednesday would spend $47.649 billion in fiscal 2022 – or $1.8 billion more than what Gov. Charlie Baker proposed, and a 2.6 percent increase over this year’s budget.

The House budget includes no new revenue initiatives and no significant spending cuts – and doesn’t rely on the enormous influx of federal dollars that are expected to flow into Massachusetts from the American Rescue Plan, which President Biden signed in March. "

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/house-budget-boosts-spending-keeps-fed-funds-in-reserve/

 

The House Ways and Means budget  https://malegislature.gov/Budget/HouseWaysMeansBudget

House Ways and Means Committee budget

James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 23

THE BLACK BOX will welcome back The James Montgomery Band on April 23rd at 7:30 pm as part of THE BLACK BOX Spring Arts Awakening for an outdoor, socially distanced evening of live music.  Tickets are available for the live show Under the Tent at the BLACK BOX and also to watch the live-stream from home. Masks and social distancing are required. 

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable harmonica playing combined with his incredibly energetic live shows led to the band's quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, The James Montgomery band was among the hottest acts in Boston along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.

Since that time, James has recorded six albums. His first, "First Time Out" has been remastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Other include "James Montgomery Band" on Island Records which was number nine on Billboard's national playlist, "Duck Fever" with members of the David Letterman Band, "Live Trax," with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones' horn section), and his release on Tone-Cool, "The Oven Is On."

Montgomery has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller, and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax."

Over the years, Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians. Members of his band have included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore (Bo Diddley), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith's Tom Gambel, and many others.

In-person and virtual tickets are available at  www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow THE BLACK BOX on social media to stay updated on the venue’s offerings. 

 

James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX Outdoors Under the Tent - Apr 23

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Franklin for veterans - April 17

VA Boston will be conducting COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics to Veterans, spouses, caregivers, CHAMPVA recipients and Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA Healthcare System this Saturday, April 17^th, at the Franklin Senior Center.

Please help us spread the word.  

Pre-register at bit.ly/vaccineva

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Franklin for veterans - April 17

Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - April 2021 newsletter

From State Representative Jeff Roy's newsletter:

The Next Generation Climate Roadmap bill, which overhauls the state’s climate laws, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, advances the clean energy industry, and prioritizes and protects environmental justice communities was signed into law on March 26, 2021.

You can learn more about this landmark legislation by clicking here. You can view Rep. Roy’s floor remarks on the bill by clicking on the video below.

YouTube video link = https://youtu.be/ATUwnGlO-Sw

State Rep Roy's legislature page:  https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1

 

For the full newsletter content follow this link:

https://mailchi.mp/5ef524677216/march-2021-newsletter-4934330?e=6ead984465

Board of Health, Economic Development Subcommittee meetings scheduled before the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Apr 14

Another busy Town of Franklin meeting night.

 
The Board of Health normally scheduled monthly meeting was canceled last week and is scheduled for today at 5:00 PM

• The agenda doc and connection info can be found here

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-4-14-21.pdf

The Economic Development Subcommittee met last week and ran out of time to cover its full agenda, the remaining items are scheduled for tonight at 5:45 PM

• The agenda doc and connection info can be found here

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-4-14_edc_agenda_.pdf

The Town Council met last week and will meet for the second time in their normal monthly pattern tonight to avoid the school break week next week when they would have met.

• The agenda doc and connection info can be found here

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

Board of Health, Economic Development Subcommittee meetings scheduled before the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Apr 14

Greater Franklin Node of 350 Massachusetts - meeting Apr 15

The Greater Franklin Node of 350 Massachusetts will meet this week, Thursday, April 15, at 7:00 PM.  

Here is the Zoom link:  Join on Zoom

https://zoom.us/j/544734092?pwd=N3hwYzZBazRYZG9ycHRsbmliVkMxZz09
Meeting ID: 544 734 092
Password: 350ma
Audio by phone: +1 646 876 9923 

Residents of Franklin and nearby cities and towns are welcome to attend.

Meeting Agenda: While we are seeing positive developments at both the State House and the White House, we need to keep up the pressure on our legislators to sponsor and support key bills; we'll discuss related 350 Mass efforts. We are also planning statewide and local activities to implement our 2021/2022 campaigns to achieve the Green New Deal in housing and construction, transportation, and green energy (particularly solar). We want to collaborate with groups and individuals from the region who share the same concerns, so all our cities and towns can benefit. Please join us to learn and contribute.   

350 Massachusetts for a Better Future (https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/) is building a powerful statewide social movement to confront the climate crisis, hold our politicians accountable and undermine the destructive influence of the fossil fuel industry. Our name comes from 350 parts per million, the safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 

350 Mass is made up of several local volunteer-led chapters we call “nodes” around the state that carry out both municipal-level and statewide campaigns, coordinated by a Statewide Steering Team (SST). The Greater Franklin Node includes Franklin and close to twenty nearby communities. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, at 7:00 pm.

For questions and information, contact the node co-coordinators, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.net.
 
Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)
339-203-5017 (c) 

Meeting Notice, 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node - Apr 15 = 7:00 PM

Recap - Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - Apr 12, 2021

Quick Recap:

• This meeting was asked for as a result of the Town Council budget subcommittee (Mar 17, 2021) seeing a preview of the School Committee budget and yet not having anyone to ask questions about it. So this meeting is scheduled and a couple of 'little' questions are asked but they don’t ask the 'real' questions.
• The Schools do not include Davis Thayer in their budget; students will leave in June, items will be moved from it to Keller (and potentially elsewhere in the district) as it gets emptied and cleaned prior to getting declared surplus. Superintendent Ahern is hesitant to declare a date that may be premature as much work on the transition to Keller remains to be done. The School Committee is planned to vote to declare the building surplus during the transition process.
• Minimal maintenance amounts for the Davis Thayer building are in the town side of the budget and the Town would be happy if the School District took care of the other remaining materials in the school to handle that final disposition (or surplus for desk, books, etc.) before the Town takes over.
• We do find out that the Town budget will be released on Friday, April 16 with plenty of supporting material. It will reflect a slight increase in new growth revenue and in local receipts over the amounts previewed at the aforementioned budget meeting. There is no use of the debt stabilization funds to balance. There is a possibility of a proposed fiscal policy to set aside a percent of free cash for debt stabilization to help avoid future budget issues.

 
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Unlike most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes when listening to the audio recording of the meeting that I missed. 

• Chair Matt Kelly opens meeting, reads protocol statement
• FY 2022 budget discussion opens with TA Hellen providing an overview
• An outcome from the previous TC budget subcommittee meeting to ensure all three groups are aligned
• town administrator’s recommended budget being released on Friday April1 16, historical and supporting data being released with it to provide something to read over the school break
• Participating: Supt Sara Ahern, School Comm Chair Anne Bergen, Vice Chair Denise Spencer, also Tim Keenan, Jen D’Angelo school committee members
• Participating in Chambers: FinCom George Conley, Councilors Mercer and Pellegri.
• Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen on remote, FinCom member Nicole Corbosiero and Susan Dewsnap on remote
•  Q  - FinCom member George Conley - from the American Rescue Plan as released by the MMA site, has that been allocated and included in this budget?
• A - Hellen - no, guidance coming from Treasury in May, the funds themselves possibly will be available in a similar time frame. Apparently, we’ll have 3 years to spend then but there has not yet been a discussion on how and where we would. The money  can be used for infrastructure and broadband, water, sewer, roads, etc. It can not be used to set aside for a rainy day, or to fund pension obligations. There will be an appendix in the budget to show and account for the CARES Act funds received during the pandemic last year.
• Q - councilor Melanie Hamblen - some folks complain about the training provided. Could we have a list of how many, what kind of training provided.
• Kelly - good idea
• Q - FinCom Susan Dewsnap - since we saw your preview of the budget has there been any significant changes on the revenue forecast?
• A - Jamie Hellen - yes, a couple - one we did use the 10 year average as a guide for new growth which will come in at about $1.1M (which is up over the preview) and we also added about $200K to the expected local receipts (over the preview). The Governor’s revenue number is still in the budget, while the House and Senate did agree to an increase in local aid last week, we don't yet know how that will play out. So that potential increase is not in our budget being released this week.
• Q - FinCom Susan Dewsnap - we did have a small amount of budget stabilization funds, does the budget include any of that?
• A - Jamie Hellen - no, it does not.
• Q - Council Chair Tom Mercer - how are you carrying Davis Thayer in your budget? While you have indicated closing it, you java not yet declared it surplus so something must be keeping it active.
• A - Supt Sara Ahern - yes, the school committee did vote to close Dave Thayer, there is a transition plan underway to account for the transition of the students to Keller. Most of the budget is for personnel and we have realized a savings of about $770K which is being reinvested within the district. As the school is still being used right now, she has not yet asked the School Committee to vote on it being declared surplus but anticipates that would be as part of the transition process.
• A - Jamie adds, the town facilities budget will show minimal amounts for water and utilities in anticipation of it not being used. Also several of the buildings, Senior Center, Library, etc. which had been closed or mostly so will also reflect an increase in the facilities budget as those building return to use under the reopening process.
• Q - Councilor Pellegri - why would we wait until the end of the year?
• A - Supt Ahern - I don’t want to put out too premature a date when the facility is still being used. Once school is out the materials etc. will need to be moved to Keller or elsewhere within the district. We’ll also have some clean up to do as not everything will be going. We will move as quickly as we can, so it may be sooner than the end of the year.
• Q - Councilor Pellegri - Jamie, any idea of the cost from June through the end of the year?
• A - Jamie - specifically in the detail Mike D’Angelo has in the budget, don’t have that at finger tips but can share. It is accounted for in the budget. He would like for Miriam to handle most of the school furniture surplus process as she is more familiar with those items than the Town would. Kids get out June 22. It will take some weeks or months to move and clean out.  
• Motion to adjourn

note, others may have participated but were either not acknowledged during the audio or spoke during the audio recording and hence missed in these notes.

"a rare opportunity—and a responsibility—to reimagine the path towards what I call “back to better”"

An excerpt from Senate President Karen Spilka's remarks to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 13, 2021: 

"I have been particularly struck by the statistics on the devastating effects COVID-19 has had on women in the workplace. Before the pandemic, women in Massachusetts were participating in the workforce at increasing rates, surpassing the national rate by 2019 – but the pandemic has brought women back to where they were after the 2009 recession. In fact, the percentage of women participating in the U.S. labor market in October 2020 was the lowest since 1988.

It is clear to me that if we wish to have a full and equitable recovery, we must take a close look at the factors that affect women’s employment, at every level and in every sector, and one clear factor that we must address is caregiving. In the same way that we learned to diversify our sectors after the last recession, we are now learning that we must support and strengthen the caregiving sector in Massachusetts so that we can support working families across the Commonwealth.

Almost exactly one year ago today, I appeared before this Chamber, in what was your first ever virtual forum, if you can believe it, and declared that childcare was as important to our infrastructure as roads and bridges in getting people back to work. The struggles of the past year have borne this out, which is why I have pushed the Legislature to begin to address the need for childcare, including providing for emergency childcare for essential workers, increasing rates for early education providers, and dedicating $40 million for a new reserve to cover parent fees for those receiving subsidized childcare. We also established the Early Education and Care Economic Review Commission to review childcare funding and make recommendations on policy changes to expand access.

With the promise of over $500 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan, we are well-poised to make more strides in making childcare more accessible and affordable, and I look forward to working with all of you to dedicate our best thinking towards tackling this problem, both in the public and private sectors.

But childcare is just one piece of what many are calling a “caregiving crisis”–a storm that has been brewing on our horizon for a few years, but which COVID-19 has turned into a full-blown tsunami. Many people, mostly women, who work in non-caregiving professions, but are sandwiched between aging parents and growing children, have dropped out of the workforce in alarming numbers to care for those who rely on them, while too many Black and brown women who work in caregiving professions have been crushed by the job losses of the economic downturn, with devastating results for their families and communities. As we all feel the squeeze of this caregiving crisis, is it any surprise that we are facing a mental health crisis as well?

But this is Massachusetts, my friends, and I know we can do better. "

Continue reading the full text of Senate President Spilka's remarks
https://karenspilka.com/updates/2021/4/13/sd2diqeu9ul39l05kvjwx6zu4lulna 

"a rare opportunity—and a responsibility—to reimagine the path towards what I call “back to better”"

Karl E. Backlund Sr. - obituary

You may recall the request last week to connect relatives of Karl Backlund with Ed Beksha. The community responded quickly to make the connection. Karl's obituary is now posted and shared here.

"It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Karl E. Backlund Sr, who left this world for his next big adventure on April third at the age of 78.

Karl E. Backlund Sr

A native of West Wrentham, Karl led a storied life with strong connections to his local community. He was many things, a member of the American Legion, a Boy scout leader, a talented woodworker, a collector, a fisherman, but most importantly a husband, father, grandfather, and good friend. After graduating from King Philip High School, he served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army before marrying his wife Sandra and raising their three kids: Karl, Kirk and Kim.
 
Karl was a wealth of knowledge and was never afraid to speak his mind. He lived his life on his own terms, always stubbornly committed to making sure things were done the "right" way. Although his approach could be intense, those who worked with him and for him gained from the experience. A generous man, Karl welcomed all who came to his door and was always willing to help both friends and strangers."

Continue reading the obituary online

https://www.rjrossfuneralhomeinc.com/obituaries/Karl-E.-Backlund-Sr.?obId=20763342#/celebrationWall

Last week's post

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/hey-franklin-you-can-help-with-this.html

MA Vehicle inspection extended again

"Massachusetts drivers with expired inspection stickers from March and April will now have until the end of May to get a new one, as the state’s inspection system remains down due to a malware attack on its software contractor.

The Tuesday announcement marks both an expansion and an extension of the grace period that officials instituted due to the ongoing technical issues, which previously allowed motorists whose annual inspections expired in March an extra month to renew. Now, drivers with expired March or April stickers will get until May 31.

The state has said it expects the system, provided by Wisconsin-based Applus Technologies, to be back online by this weekend. But the extension would still likely be a help to motorists, as there is sure to be huge backlog of vehicles in need of new stickers. Thousands of inspections happen across the state on a typical day, and the system has now been down for more than two weeks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/13/metro/rmv-extends-grace-period-inspections-through-may-due-system-outage/

JOANNE RATHE/GLOBE STAFF/FILE

Franklin, MA: School budget changes for FY 2022

The school budget changes scheduled for vote tonight at the School Committee meeting, Apr 13, 2021.

The full agenda can be found here

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-13-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

The preview of this budget can be heard here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/fm-498-school-committee-meeting-032321.html

 

FPS - School Budget Changes - 04/13/21 from Franklin Matters

FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)

FM #511 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 511 in the series.

 
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 
Grants received
        Housing, Fire dept, Popup marketing
 
Community Preservation Committee got an update on open space 
 
Economic Development SubComm
Business guide released
Ladybug trail by Franklin Downtown Partnership
 
Town Council meeting
long list of legislation items
Capital budget, street acceptances, food truck permit fee
 
Joint Budget SubComm – Apr 12
School Committee budget – Apr 13
Town Council outlook for Apr 14
 
Storm water art contest
 
ArtWalk by Cultural District
Hybrid events at THE BLACK BOX

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e4623420-f835-4f4b-baa9-692308c55b0f

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Town of Franklin COVID-19 page = https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/vaccination-and-covid-19-data 

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 
Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

Town Council agenda for Apr 14, 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

Town Council agenda for Apr 7, 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda 

DPW overview presentation doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw_town_council_presentation_4_7_2021.pdf 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)

MRN Diagnostics offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing

MRN Diagnostics is now offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing to anyone in our community with any types of respiratory symptoms over the last 7 days.  This includes employees of all businesses, town offices and others in Franklin and the surrounding towns.  This is only for people with current Respiratory Symptoms.

We will interview the individual for basic information about their symptoms and onset (5 min) and then collect 2 swabs for our FDA studies and their free test.  These are simple swabs in the front of the nose and antigen results will be provided within an hour of testing and confirmatory PCR testing within 48 hours. 

This sample collection is Investigational Review Board Approved for safety and patient consent will also be required at the time of collection. To schedule a free test please contact Janet at 508 384-0033 and she will book your reservation.

MRN Diagnostics is a Franklin based company located in at 101 Constitution Blvd. For more info about MRN, you can visit them on the internet at https://mrndx.com/

MRN Diagnostics offering free EUA approved rapid COVID antigen and PCR testing

FHS volleyball post win over North Attleboro to advance in Hockomock Cup

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:  

** Volleyball - Hockomock Cup
D4 North Attleboro, 0 @ KR1 Franklin, 3 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-04-12-21/

FHS is scheduled to play Mansfield on Wednesday per the bracket shown here

https://twitter.com/Franklin_VBall/status/1381406881827201025

FHS volleyball post win over North Attleboro to advance in Hockomock Cup

Return to in person school highlights

1 - 

"Thank you @HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters on our first day of school (again)". @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters https://t.co/pMYQ247KD3

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDonahue48/status/1381608000813686791

@HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters

2 - 

"Case High principal welcomes students back to buildings with 'Hamilton' parody" https://t.co/w93YCQS18a

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1381574963635838978

Video link = https://youtu.be/xLTOjQ_r1JA