Franklin Matters

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

"The town, using Community Preservation Act money, bought the lot"

Via the Community Preservation Coalition:

"Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity wants to build a cluster of up to 20 homes on a sliver of town-owned land off Route 41 in Housatonic.

The project would create the town’s first homes designated as affordable — nearly half of the units would be reserved for households making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income.

The town acquired the 7.5-acre parcel, known as the Alden property, last year for $175,000, and entrusted its development to the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Habitat proposal was the only one submitted for the site.

The formal vetting of the plan got underway Friday, when the board heard details about the plan via Zoom. Habitat is proposing 14 to 20 homes at varying costs, to be built in phases, said Carolyn Valli, Habitat’s CEO. It would begin with seven homes, and more would be added gradually, in collaboration with Construct Inc. and the community."

Continue reading the article at the Berkshire Eagle: https://t.co/LHiuyNR0YQ

Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean

"Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean, even when you aren't near a sink. Have hand sanitizer with you!

#BenKnows #DoYourPartFranklin #CleanPaws #ItMatters" @franklinpolice

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/R3Oh8v7WgW

Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Via Denise Spencer:

"In June, School Committees across Massachusetts found themselves debating the anti-racism resolution outlined by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). Among the many statements in the resolution are efforts to recruit a diverse workforce, examine policies for systemic racism, and incorporate works of diverse authors into the curriculum, as well as the history of racial oppression.

Following these discussions, and approval of the Anti-Racism Resolution, in July I was happy to hear Dr. Ahern discuss her upcoming plans to form a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Last week over 50 community stakeholders (students, faculty and staff, central office and school committee) met and began working together, taking a look at who we are and what we can do better as a school community to make sure our staff, students and families feel welcome.

Franklin Public Schools will be conducting an equity audit in the coming year. MASC members are asked to ensure that diversity and inclusion are made part of the everyday culture of schools. I am looking forward to the results of this audit and learning which areas we need to improve on."

Please click on the below link to find more information regarding the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1byeie6g7-MG9-FwvFiOhI8Pbme4cEz/view?fbclid=IwAR1RplopkcOgi6m4XzVXBIdB5BvLoGjAt1KWdn1UuyWAWnLd4T_IYnc4-PY

Shared from Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=469766124409443&id=113623673357025

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

"employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women"

"WOMEN ENDED 2020 with 5.4 million fewer jobs than they had in February 2020, prior to the start of the pandemic. December unemployment figures showed that employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women. The “shecession” of 2020 has thrown into stark relief the barriers that keep the gender/racial wage gap alive for working women. The data tells a story but what paints the picture is the decades-long reality for working women laid bare for all to see in the last year.

The overwhelming inequities that make upward mobility at work such an uneven climb for women – harassment, lack of childcare and paid leave, unequal expectations compared to their male co-workers – are not new. This time, however, they are hard to ignore. Working from home on Zoom means that women are not privately managing this tightrope act anymore. And for those whose jobs don’t allow for remote work, it has meant leaving the workforce altogether, possibly setting back improvements in the wage and racial gap for years."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/shecession-means-the-jig-is-up/

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Trash / Recycling Update

Curbside trash/recycling will continue to be picked up. Waste Management has caught up from all delays caused by the snow storm and the remainder of the week will proceed as scheduled. Thank you for your patience!

Shared from: https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/trash-recycling-update

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

February 2, 2021

Dear Franklin Community,

Due to the lingering effects from the snow storm, Franklin Public Schools will be closed on February 2, 2021 for a snow day. The day will be made up at the end of the school year.

School offices will be closed. FPS Central Office will open on a delayed schedule at 10 AM.

Thank you and stay safe and warm.

Franklin Public Schools

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Due to the continued snow cleanup this morning, the Franklin Municipal Building and town offices will have a delayed start time. All offices will open at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/municipal-building-open-10am

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show - Feb 12

What is Giggles for Good? We'll let Doug MacPherson of HMEA explain:

"Who out there hasn’t been affected in some way by Covid 19? Here at HMEA we have had to restructure, renew and realign many things to continue providing services and program.
To help us do this we have reached out to everyone in the communities where we live and work. And one of the best ways to cope with all that is going on is to provide fundraising events and there’s a great one coming up on Friday February 12th at 7 PM.
Who doesn’t like a good laugh right?
Well here’s your chance to enjoy a good solid hour of comedy right from your own home – hey the parking is free – the commute is really short and the lines for food and the facilities are completely controlled by YOU. In addition, you are supporting a very worthy cause allowing HMEA to meet its mission.
We have two nationally acclaimed stand up clean comedians.
Cyrus Steele from Atlanta Georgia is a master impressionist, imitating everyone from Seinfeld and Arnold Schwarzenegger to Elvis and many more.
Cyrus most recently has performed on FOX and NBC's "America's Got Talent".
He's an in demand performer at corporate events and comedy clubs nationwide.
We also have Jason Love. Who is One of today’s hardest-working comedians, he has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, and America’s Got Talent. His crafty punch lines and guitar bits make him a real favorite corporate comedian for companies like Chevron, Google, and Pepsi.
Funny. Clean. Relevant. Jason performs at clubs around the country, from the Laugh Factory in Hollywood to Caroline's on Broadway. He performs overseas for the troops and on the seas for cruise lines. His clips are played daily on SiriusXM."

For more information including how to purchase tickets (and or donate to HMEA) visit https://www.hmea.org/giggles/

Follow the Facebook event HMEA's Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show | Facebook

Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show - Feb 12, 2021

Rotary Club of Franklin MA - "Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction!

WE ARE LIVE! This means that people can now login to bid.marlinart.com and register and receive their bid numbers.

The first 100 guests to register will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Because this is a virtual event, people from all over the U.S./Globe can join in.

The event is FREE and all purchased items will be shipped to the winning bidders home FREE OF CHARGE within the U.S.!

I am also excited to announce that we have a LIMITED amount of locally sourced Valentine Goodie Baskets. We have sold a few but if you are interested in order, please do so early so that you do not miss out! (order by Feb 5)

It is easy to order and pay and a really great deal for only $50!

What to get: Red, White or Bubbles from Pour Richards, (2) chocolate bombs from Mama Barba’s Bake Shop, (1) 2.5 oz. honey from Franklin Honey Co, cheese and crackers and a personalized Valentine Card. Possibly a few other surprises too!

To place an order simply click:

1. https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689

2. PLEASE ORDER/PAY HERE (https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689/Event/say-it-with-art)

"Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Order an engraved brick for Memorial Day 2021!

Honor your special veteran with an engraved brick this Memorial Day! The next brick installation is scheduled for May 2021. Bricks may be purchased to pay tribute to anyone who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military.

The deadline for the May installation is April 1, 2021. Thanks to all who have honored our veterans by supporting this project!

Brick order forms are available at: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cid_e86af66...

Please contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 for more information.

Shared from Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-memorial-walkway-update-2

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Fall 2 Sports Modifications from MIAA

Fall 2 Guidelines

Winter Track

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Indoor_Track_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Cheerleading

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Cheer_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Football

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Football_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Unified Basketball

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Unified_Basketball_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Volleyball

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Volleyball_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Fall 2 Sports Modifications from MIAA

FPS: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, Feb 3 - 5:30 PM

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

Approval of past minutes (1/28/21)
Discussion action items:

Review pros/cons of option #2
Decide how to respond to emails going forward
Review, edit, and finalize subcommittee summary memo
Approve subcommittee summary memo to present to school committee

Full agenda doc and connection information https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_2.3.21.pdf

FPS: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3

Too many meeting choices for Wednesday evening Feb 3, 2021

Some meetings nights are quiet, some can be quite challenging. Which meetings shall I report on for Wednesday, Feb 3?

At this point, I'll cover the Board of Health meeting. Franklin TV has the TA meeting (or at least the Town is recording it).

I will need to make a choice between the Davis Thayer Facility (DTFA) meeting and the Economic Development (EDC) meeting. Leaning towards the EDC as the topic is revisiting a prior divisive conversation. The DTFA has already reached consensus on what their recommendation would be. This meeting would start and work the draft. The final discussion and decision is still to be determined when the School Committee takes it up (TBD). I can arrange for a copy of the DTFA recording so I can listen to later and then share.

The Town Council meeting will then be the priority for however long that goes.

And until the 'clone option' works for me, the Historical Commission is left out of the coverage. If you know some one who would want to cover it, let me know.

5:00pm = Board of Health Meeting

5:00pm = Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting

5:30pm = Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting (2 - second choice)

5:45pm = Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting (1 - leaning towards)

6:30pm = Historical Commission Meeting

7:00pm = Town Council Meeting

School calendar is https://www.franklinps.net/node/260/events/day/2021-02-03

Town calendar is https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar/day/2021-02-03