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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
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"Thank you all for attending today's (Monday, Nov 9) event "Milestone Cranberry Bogs: A discussion with Nantucket Conservation Foundation Ranger, Allen Reinhard" attached is a link to all the videos that were shown today.
Ironically I have figured out how to link them all together now.
Stay well and keep the Human connection alive during this time of social distancing,"
Ariel
Quick Recap:
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found online in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/LEPDXAqWfntkEBpX8
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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 #schcomm1109
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcomm1109?src=hashtag_click
4 design choices for the Portrait of a Graduate
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"At the same time, our Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with support from Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, sought to add a history-focused MCAS test to the current series of tests focused on science, English Language Arts, and math. The intent is admirable. In a testing and accountability-focused educational climate, many school and district leaders, particularly in communities predominantly serving lower-income students and students of color, have given limited attention to history and social studies in favor of tested subjects. Making history/social studies a tested subject might address that structural inequity.
But we think there may a better solution. Instead of more standardized testing, we propose each student complete a civics education project (which is already required of all students in accordance with the 2018 law) as a demonstration of knowledge and skill equivalent to a passing score on the MCAS.
The civics project could:
- Be long-term, conducted over the course of perhaps a term, a semester, or an entire school year. In the workplace and in college, extended individual and collaborative projects are commonplace; this is excellent preparation for real-world expectations.
- Align with the ideals of “deeper learning” articulated by scholars Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine in their book, In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School. A well-developed civics project includes a focus on literacy (particularly important given our state’s large and growing multilingual population), real-world relevance (providing motivation for students to shape their communities through civic action), and student empowerment (students gain knowledge and skills that will enable them to be informed, active citizens).
- Provide students choice, allowing them to focus on a topic of personal passion, or for a small group to pursue a shared interest collaboratively."
"The annual luncheon has been canceled this year due to the pandemic. To honor Franklin's Veterans, a celebration will be aired on Franklin Community Cable Access TV. "
The Franklin TV program guide shows the schedule as follows:
Veterans Day 2020 - Franklin TV schedule
The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold a Virtual Gala and Telethon hosted by Broadway’s Ben Cameron (original cast of Wicked) on Saturday, November 14 at 8:00 pm. The evening will include live and silent auctions, a celebrity telethon, and great performances streamed live from THE BLACK BOX by Broadway stars Emily Koch (Wicked, Waitress), Jim Hogan (Waitress, Phantom of the Opera), Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Hairspray, Finian’s Rainbow), Christopher Rice (Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman), Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda, King Kong), and other FPAC favorites.
A premium ticket for the event will include a Celebrity Dinner Delivery with food by 3 Restaurant and a Gala Swag Bag. A VIP ticket includes drive-through dinner pick up with food by 3 Restaurant. The Virtual Ticket allows guests to enjoy the amazing entertainment, telethon, and auctions from the comfort of their home.
Throughout the pandemic, FPAC has continued to provide entertainment in a safe way. From the middle of March through May, FPAC presented a nightly concert series on Facebook Live featuring performances from Broadway stars and FPAC professional performers. As soon as it was allowed, THE BLACK BOX began presenting socially-distanced entertainment outside on their parking lot stage throughout the summer and fall. FPAC recently finished the run of their first socially-distanced book musical You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.
Gala and telethon proceeds will benefit the initiatives of FPAC and THE BLACK BOX. From the beginning, FPAC has followed a mission dedicated to promoting the performing arts with an emphasis on youth development. Through FPAC, THE BLACK BOX stage is graced by Broadway stars, professional artists, local amateurs, and students of the arts. Their performances feature live orchestras and professional artists, and they often provide a first glimpse into the world of theater for local youth.
For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call 508-528-3370. Or directly at https://www.fpaconline.com/news1.php?id=1397
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FPAC to Hold Virtual Gala and Telethon Hosted by Broadway’s Ben Cameron - Nov 14 |
"Bellingham writer Marjorie Turner Hollman’s first two books, “Easy Walks in Massachusetts” and “More Easy Walks in Massachusetts,” were essentially guidebooks, providing readers with information on where to find walking routes.
But her most recent book, “Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are,” which she self-published this summer, takes a more holistic view. Instead of listing locations of walks Hollman has taken and liked, it instructs readers on how to discover favorite walking routes of their own.
Hollman initially became an expert on local walks through her column in the Bellingham Bulletin and later her website, www.MarjorieTurner.com, encouraging residents who live within the Blackstone Valley region to discover the many options for outdoor exploration.
Hollman’s particular area of interest is what she designates “easy walks.” Thirty years ago, she suffered partial paralysis as a result of surgery for a brain tumor, and walking has been a critical part of the healing process — “physically and mentally,” she said — in the decades since. But her mobility remains somewhat limited, and as she honed her skills at finding walks appropriate for her abilities, she realized they would appeal to others as well."
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Marjorie Turner Hollman |
Via HockomockSports.com, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Nov 10.
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FHS boys soccer close out season with Loss to Oliver Ames |
Franklin School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”
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Voices of Franklin: CPA for Franklin Committee says "Thank you" |
FM #386 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 386 in the series.
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Monday, Nov 9, 2020.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Quick Recap:
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and my notes.
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Quick Recap:
Photos captured during the meeting and mostly shared via Twitter can be also found online https://photos.app.goo.gl/hF8csGHAzu1j1JfD8
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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 #fincom1109
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom1109&src=typeahead_click
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George Conley, FinComm Vice Chair |
The Town of Franklin is holding a special election on December 5th to fill a vacant Town Council seat. Mail-in ballots will be sent out on or around November 16th.
Please find the information below and on our website at https://t.co/6vZoiF1KQe
https://t.co/tShIlZt5ah
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December 5, 2020 - Town Election Information |
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"When President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team announced his COVID-19 advisory board on Monday, House Speaker Robert DeLeo quickly did the math, pointing out on Twitter that more than half of the members “were educated and/or employed in Massachusetts.”
And while Boston Mayor Martin Walsh noted Sunday that Biden “can’t take everyone from Massachusetts to Washington with him,” speculation has started to swirl about which Bay State pols might find a new home in a Biden administration.
Walsh and U.S. Sen Elizabeth Warren -- who’d indicated a willingness to serve as Biden’s running mate after her own presidential bid came up short -- are frequently mentioned names among Democrats, and another one-time 2020 presidential contender, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, endorsed Biden in January after ending his own campaign.
With Biden trumpeting a message of unity, the Delaware Democrat could look to pull some members of his cabinet from across the aisle. Gov. Charlie Baker’s name has surfaced as a potential candidate, and former acting Gov. Jane Swift said she was “honored” to be among the ”#unexpected5″ blogger Patrick Riccards floated as potential education secretaries."
"We are sharing the following message from Franklin Public Schools:
As public facilities, the Franklin Public Schools is pleased to share our grounds and facilities with the community whenever possible outside of school hours. However, our priority is always our students’ health and safety, so we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in not walking, jogging, running, walking dogs on school properties during school hours, including arrival and dismissal. The only exception for dogs includes students and school visitors requiring service animals in compliance with ADA requirements and district policy.
Our school hours are as follows:
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools "
Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/message-community-fps
Franklin Public Schools: Please don't use school grounds during school hours