Boston Globe All Scholastics for Fall 2021 - FHS well represented!

Catching up to share the Fall season 2021 Boston Globe All-Scholastics for Franklin High School - here we go! #bgfall2021 => High Schools - The Boston Globe  https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/all-scholastics/

Football

• Jared Arone - FHS | SENIOR - The 6'2" senior quarterbacked the best offensive season in program history with more than 2K passing yards and 28 TDs with just 2 interceptions. The Hockomock All-Star tossed 4 TD passes in state semifinals against Springfield Central. #BGFall2021
• Mack Gulla - FHS | SENIOR - The Hockomock MVP rushed for more than 1,700 yds with 16 TDs, leading Franklin to a 10-1 season and league title while snapping doubledigit losing streaks to Mansfield and King Philip. Gulla finished his career with 33 touchdowns #BGFall2021
• Coach of Year -> Eian Bain - DIVISION 1: FHS - his Panthers were perhaps the best public school football team in the state, winning the Hock’s Kelley-Rex Division, reaching the state semifinals and finishing 10-1, including a Thanksgiving W over D2 state finalist KP #BGFall2021

Field Hockey

• Kaitlyn Carney - FHS | JUNIOR - Despite being the focus of many defenders, the junior found ways to break through, scoring 37 goals with 18 assists, leading all Hockomock scorers. 5 of those goals came in the Panthers’ postseason journey to the state semifinal #BGFall2021

Girls Soccer

• Anya Zub - FHS | SOPH - After scoring 3 goals and 4 assists as a freshman, the soph’s impressive season (20 goals and 6 assists) was the catalyst of the Panthers’ Hockomock championship. Zub’s scoring touch netted her league all-star and First Team EMass selections #BGFall2021

Volleyball

• Athlete of Year - Cailyn Mackintosh - D1: FHS | SENIOR - The Hockomock MVP was the focal point for the Panthers, who earned the top seed in the D1 tournament. Mackintosh registered 535 assists and 70 aces and finished her career with 1,387 assists in 3 varsity seasons #BGFall2021

For the full listing of awards for the Fall 2021 season

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/all-scholastics/

The Twitter thread for this listing of FHS representatives

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11wg8gLVRV841q0fNRUdc1saHH6CL6I1b/view?usp=sharing

Boston Globe All Scholastics for Fall 2021

Horace Mann MS: Announces favorite author Ruta Sepetys returns Feb 2

Ms. O'Leary had an exciting announcement this morning: SURPRISE!🥳One of our favorite people is returning to HMMS! 

Sign up for the Feb. 2 presentation using the Google Form. 

Excited to introduce @RutaSepetys to our wonderful readers. https://t.co/p4UP9aRuvr

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/nJpIRXht5L

Horace Mann MS: Announces favorite author Ruta Sepetys returns Feb 2

Franklin Fire Dept announces receipt of $24,990 grant for fire safety equipment

The Franklin Fire Department was awarded $24,990 as part of a grant through the Department of Fire Services.  This grant will be used to purchase safety equipment.  Thank you to @MAFireMarshal @MassDFS for the support.

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1481631162258837505

Full press release from Governor's Office

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-5-m-in-grant-awards-for-fire-departments

Document with the listing of all the department awards, including Franklin's

https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy22-firefighter-safety-equipment-grant-award-list/download

Franklin Fire Dept announces receipt of $24,990 grant for fire safety equipment

CommonWealth Magazine: "State budget writers forecast continued growth in tax revenues"

"Budget officials on Friday revised upward their revenue forecast for the current fiscal year by $1.5 billion and then projected the state’s tax take would rise 2.7 percent in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. 

The “consensus revenue” figure of $26.915 billion for fiscal 2023 agreed on by Secretary of Administration and Finance Michael Heffernan, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz was toward the middle of the range forecasted by the state Department of Revenue at a hearing last month. 

The policymakers were swayed by economists’ predictions of a rise in revenue ($967 million) as society continues to recover from the pandemic. But those same economists, at December’s hearing, warned that there is also significant uncertainty. In the last couple of years, taxes have come in far higher than expected, mainly due to federal recovery efforts injecting large sums of money into the economy, and the state has revised its tax revenue numbers during the course of the year. "

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/state-budget-writers-forecast-continued-growth-in-tax-revenues/
 

Why share this item? 

As we get into the budget season, it really starts with the State budget when the Governor introduces his view of the budget on the 4th Wednesday of January. The Governor's numbers generally are used to determine the Chap 70 and local aid expected for Franklin which accounts for about 25-30% of our total revenue. 

Listen to the revenue calculation describe in the recent Finance Committee meeting and you'll hear how the revenue is calculated and then adjusted as the year progresses and the State finalized their budget (usually around Aug/Sep), and after Franklin gets peak at its own revenue and how those projects are coming through (or not) before setting the tax rate in December to 'close out' the budget cycle for a fiscal year.

Listen to the Finance Committee meeting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/finance-committee-gets-lesson-on.html

"The annual budget process begins each year when the Governor files recommendations as a bill with the House of Representatives. Under the state Constitution, the Governor must submit a proposal by the 4th Wednesday of January or, in the event of a new term, within five weeks later. This bill is called House 1 or "House 2" depending on the year."   https://malegislature.gov/Budget/GovernorsBudget

The golden dome of the State House. (Photo by Andy Metzger)

 

Military Service and Increased Social Security Benefits

"A misleading letter, from an unknown source, is circulating online that mentions a $1,200 special Social Security earnings credit for people who served in the military. We want to make sure veterans with active and inactive service have the appropriate information that they need and do not take unnecessary action. 

Under certain circumstances, special earnings can be credited to your military pay record for Social Security purposes. Since 1957, if you have earnings for active-duty military service or active-duty training, your military service earnings have been covered under Social Security. Since 1988, inactive duty service in the armed forces reserves (such as weekend drills) is also covered by Social Security. If you served in the military before 1957 and did not pay Social Security taxes, we have added special credit to your earnings record for some of your service. These extra earnings may help you qualify for Social Security benefits or increase the amount of your benefit. 

You can read more in our Military Service and Social Security fact sheet. We take your benefits seriously because we know you depend on them. Thank you for your service!"

Via Social Security Matters:  https://blog.ssa.gov/military-service-and-increased-social-security-benefits/ 

Military Service and Increased Social Security Benefits

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jan 14, 2022 to Jan 20, 2022

Fortunately, the scheduled events for this weekend are indoors. The Library book sale takes place Friday and Saturday. The Winter Farmers Market operates Saturday  and the Historical Museum is open Saturday and Sunday.

All Town offices, schools, and buildings are closed for the Martin Luther King Jr holiday on Monday. Looking ahead, take a group walk on the SNETT Wednesday morning. Town Council office hours at the Senior Center are scheduled for Thursday morning and the Cultural District partners have a meeting on Thursday evening.

Friday, January 14
1:00pm - Library Book Sale

Saturday, January 15
9:00am - Library Book Sale
10:00am -  Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Library Bag Sale

Sunday, January 16
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, January 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Wednesday, January 19
10:00am - Group Walk

Thursday, January 20
8:30am - Town Council Office Hours
7:00pm - Cultural District Partners Meeting

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Finance Committee gets lesson on revenue calculation, a "must listen" for those following the budget

 FM #700 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 700 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 5 of the Finance Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 2 members were remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. (2 members were also absent)

The recording runs about an hour and 8 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Jan 12, 2022. Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-700-finance-committee-01-12-22

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Meeting agenda =>   

https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-20 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

My notes for the meeting =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-finance-committee-gets-walk.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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"

Finance Committee gets lesson on revenue calculation

Attention Franklin Residents: Dynegy Energy Services Mailing about municipal aggregation coming

Notice: Dynegy Energy Services Mailing to Franklin Residents

Notice to Franklin Residents:

Dynegy Energy Services, the supplier selected through the municipal aggregation program, will be sending out a Basic Service mailing to residents utilizing their services. 

The consumer notification letter and opt-out card will be sent to anyone in Franklin who is on National Grid Basic Service but hasn't already been mailed to (e.g. residents who are new in town, residents who have ended a third party contract and switched back to Basic Service, etc.). The mailing informs our residents about the Town's Program, shows them the savings over Basic Service and allows them a 30-day opt-out period before being automatically enrolled.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-dynegy-energy-services-mailing-franklin-residents

More info on Municipal Aggregation ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

Official Mailing is copied here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/franklin_sweep_1.22.pdf

From the archives - Listen to Jamie Hellen talk about Municipal aggregation in this podcast episode from Feb 2020 (it seems like soo long ago!)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

The formal announcement in Sep 2020 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-announces-renewable-energy.html

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

Need a good laugh? Join with HMEA at their "Giggles for Good" comedy show - Feb 26, 2022

"Get ready to LOL with HMEA, because Giggles for Good is back! Tickets are now on sale for our virtual comedy show featuring @cyrussteele0613 and @AshGutermuth. All proceeds benefit programs at HMEA that serve people with special needs. 

Get tickets here: https://t.co/AFbDYAzPsy  or https://www.hmea.org/giggles/

"This virtual comedy show will feature two hilariously funny, family-friendly comedians Cyrus Steele and Ashley Gutermuth!"

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/zxQcl6ZTBW

Need a good laugh? Join with HMEA at their Giggles for Good comedy show - Feb 26, 2022

Panther News: Friday, January 14, 2022 (video)

Let's make FHS a "No Place for Hate" school! Panther News: Friday, January 14, 2022

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/P_8scrVmJpg

MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22

To:         MIAA Membership

From: Dr. Robert Baldwin, Executive Director

Re:         MIAA Masking Guidelines

Date: January 13, 2022

I have learned throughout my career that the only thing worse than a lack of information is a mixed message. Yesterday, the MIAA Basketball Committee voted to recommend to the Association’s Board of Directors that basketball players and officials have the option to not wear masks during play. This recommendation is well within their purview, and in this case, serves as a recommendation only to the Board of Directors.

This memo intends to provide our members with a clear message regarding Mask Wearing Guidelines and what continues to be the intent of this Association as a whole. The protocols that take place within the school day should be consistent with the behaviors that occur in co-curricular activities. That is why the MIAA has been in lockstep with DESE’s masking recommendations.

I attended a meeting yesterday where an esteemed medical doctor said that the current surge is 20 fold higher than the first surge when COVID 19 began. This is not the time to be sending a mixed message regarding masking guidelines to our membership. DESE recently extended its mask requirement for all K-12 public schools in Massachusetts through February 28, 2022, based upon the current Omicron surge. It is the intent of the MIAA to stay the course as well.

I will reiterate guidelines that were communicated on November 23, 2021, and again on December 21, 2021. Student-athletes, coaches, and officials that are indoors shall be masked. Uniform compliance collectively adhered to by local authorities for ALL student-athletes throughout the Commonwealth eliminates mixed messages and continues to be the expectation during this heightened cycle of COVID 19. Proper mask-wearing (nose and mouth fully covered) is the expectation needed for the safety of our students and school communities.

Masking guidelines for school events at off-campus venues adhere to this same guideline as well. It is important during this time that we collectively and consistently continue to enforce proper mask-wearing of coaches and student- athletes at practices and athletic contests.

In closing, I respect and honor the difficulty of local control. However, I felt the need to send a clear and consistent message to our member schools that we will continue to stay the course as we continue to navigate the current winter season.

Original message on MIAA page ->  http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/MIAA_Masking_Guidelines_11322.pdf

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1481692682208825344

MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22

Franklin Library & Lifelong Learning: Programs closed Monday, Jan 17 for Martin Luther King Jr Day

Lifelong Learning (@FPSLearning) tweeted on Wed, Jan 12, 2022:
https://t.co/5hN0lzZit8

Lifelong Learning: Programs closed Monday, Jan 17 for Martin Luther King Jr Day

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FPSLearning/status/1481332094576037896

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, January 17 for Martin Luther King Day

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, January 17 for Martin Luther King Day.

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-closed-monday-january-17-martin-luther-king-day

Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Cold Wax Painting (space for 12 in workshop)

Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Cold Wax Painting

Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Cold Wax Painting

Sunday, February 6, 2022, 4-6 PM on Zoom. Registration deadline January 26th

Cold wax painting is a sculptural painting technique that uses cold wax medium with oil paint. We will approach it as an abstract and experimental painting method, but it can be used in representational and other painting applications.

The beeswax medium thickens the paint and creates a texture, transparency, and depth that is like encaustic painting, but without the use of heat. Marks can be made with whatever strikes your fancy.

Participants will supply items that can be found around the home or at local stores (for example repositionable painters' tape, a squeegee/bowl scraper or old credit card). Everyone who signs up will receive a supply list and instructions on how best to set up their work area along with a link to the Zoom meeting. Twelve kits with materials for the workshop will be provided, with distribution priority given to the first 12 Franklin residents who sign up. Kits can be picked up at the library during the week before the workshop. Anyone that does not receive a kit can build their own with instructions on the supply list. A kit is not required to participate. For help with materials and more information about the workshop contact Jacqueline Volpe, The Creativity Curator at jbvdesignstudio by email at thecreativitycurator@gmail.com. Information and the supply list will be posted on her website https://www.thecreativitycurator.com/ . To register, please visit http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2022/... .

Shared from FPL page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/kitchen-table-art-workshop-cold-wax-painting

Offshore wind policy draws sides and maybe progress

"A LONG-BREWING fight over state energy policy moved into the spotlight on Tuesday as key players laid out their positions in what promises to be an interesting debate over the best way to propel the state’s offshore wind industry into the future. 

The starting point is a bill filed by Gov. Charlie Baker that would steer $750 million in American Rescue Plan Act money into a fund that would invest in new energy technologies, train a new energy workforce, and change the way offshore wind procurements are run in the future."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/offshore-wind-policy-fight-takes-center-stage/

"Governor Charlie Baker and secretary of energy and environmental affairs Kathleen Theoharides on Tuesday urged the Legislature to pass a plan to make the state more competitive in the offshore wind industry. 

The hourslong hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy was contentious: 90 witnesses, including many supporters and some naysayers, signed on."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/science/baker-urges-state-pass-offshore-wind-investment-help-meet-climate-goals/

"THE LEGISLATURE’S energy committee approved a bill Wednesday evening that would give the state’s Clean Energy Center a major role in the development of the offshore wind industry and tap consumer electricity and natural gas bills to pay for tax credits, grants, and investments to make it happen. 

Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, maneuvered the bill through the panel with 10 House members and one Senate member voting in support, one senator voting no, and four senators and one House member reserving their rights. Sen. Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, a Republican, was the lone no vote."

Continue reading the article online 
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/sweeping-offshore-wind-bill-headed-toward-house/ 

Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington (left) and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the chairs of Legislature's Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee.

Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday Jan 15 - 2 PM

Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday January 15th @2:00PM

"AGES 13+ Join us for an immersive murder mystery game from "Hunt a Killer" that is told over the course of six “episodes.” 

Each episode contains different clues that you'll use to solve the ongoing investigation! Examine the evidence to uncover critical clues, corroborate alibis, create timelines, and identify each suspect’s means, motive, and opportunity! 

It is not required that you attend all 6 meetings, but since the episodes build on themselves, it is highly encouraged!"

Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday Jan 15 - 2 PM

Shared from the FPL page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/crime-time-mysteries