Talking schools with Superintendent Sara Ahern - 03/22/22 (audio)

FM #759 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 759 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

• FY 2023 budget overall/timeline

• Multiple central office and district positions open, hiring in process

• Equity audit - report due approx. May 2022

• Critical conversations - March 24 (will update to include the link to recording when available)

• DECA, cheerleaders, winter sports performance overall, spring starting practices

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-759-fps-superintendent-sara-ahern-03-22-22

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DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be college and career ready

School budget info FY 2023 (and prior available)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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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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Superintendent Sara Ahern

Franklin.TV: Yes. It is – Complicated

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/27/2022

That was my hesitant, but honest answer. I was reluctant to admit it.

He looked at all the wires that were radiating outward in all directions from our equipment. The floor was littered with cables. These connected microphones, speakers, cameras, ethernet, computers, displays, intercom and so on. That’s what motivated a bystander’s question, ‘Is it complicated?’

I had never been asked, so I was thrown for moment. But, looking at the mess of wires, I had to admit that it was. It is. Such was my quiet epiphany.

We do what we can to minimize the complexity for our crew by customizing our equipment into configurable, flexible modules. These systems can be connected in different ways depending on need. Think ‘digital Legos’ that snap together to form whatever configuration best serves the event. Like nested Matryoshka dolls, our systems have subsystems within, and these also can have sub-subsystems. Today, our systems and simplified ‘snapping together’ (all the wires} continue to expand.

Ten years ago, it was simple. Bring camera and microphone. Record event. Leave. Lather, rinse, repeat. Simple.

What we do today? Not simple. Today, we are expected to cover civic events that are live and audience interactive via Zoom. We are expected to make engagement effortless – simple – for all participants. We are also expected to be consistently successful. These expanding expectations are reasonable enough in today’s world.

Fulfilling them? It’s complicated. 

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Franklin.TV: Yes. It is – Complicated (part of the crew producing Critical Conversations)

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf    

Third Annual Fundraiser Concert! for LiveARTS - Apr 30

April 10th, 3:00pm, First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St. Franklin

Join us for our ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CONCERT featuring Borromeo String Quartet's NICHOLAS KITCHEN, violin and ANN SEARS, piano In an ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM! Sunday, April 10 at 3:00 PM First Universalist Society in Franklin,  262 Chestnut St., Franklin  Tickets:   Adults- $50                   Students 18 and under- by donation Tickets available at the door Accessible Parking and Building  Visit our website  liveartsma.org  to purchase tickets on-line and for more information. Copyright © 2022 LiveARTS, Franklin, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038

FHS Theatre Company: open final dress performance for CAVE Dreams - Apr 1

Friday, 4/1 at 3:30 we will be hosting an open final dress performance for the FPS community. While admission is free, we appreciate donations to support our program. If you can't make Friday, our performance in front of the METG judges will be on Saturday, 4/2 at 3:30 ($15)

For more about the Mass Educational Theater Guild (METG) = https://www.metg.org/  and for the Regional competitions -> https://metg.org/high-school-festival/2022-regional-round.html

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSDrama/status/1507799667219783686

FHS Theatre Company: open final dress performance for CAVE Dreams - Apr 1

Senator Rausch Launches Local Small Business Advisory Council

SENATOR RAUSCH ANNOUNCES CREATION OF 

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL 

Council is comprised of local business owners to inform economic recovery policies on Beacon Hill 

 

This morning (3/25/22), Senator Rausch hosted the inaugural meeting of her Small Business Advisory Council, consisting of eleven small business from across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. Spurred by the unique challenges small businesses face during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council's mission is to create a consistent dialogue about issues facing small businesses from across the district to inform economic policy on Beacon Hill.  

 

The Massachusetts legislative session ends at the end of July, and the Senate will be debating the fiscal year 2023 budget this May. The four remaining months of the legislative session are a critical period to pass bills and allocate funding for Massachusetts communities and local projects across the state. 

 

"Small businesses have always been the backbones of our communities," said Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham). "Our local business owners have faced countless challenges through this pandemic, but in my district, I have seen so much innovation and persistence from these local leaders. I am excited to give our communities' businesses a seat at the table to inform my work on Beacon Hill and meet the diverse needs of our local economy." 

 

The Senator's Small Business Advisory Council currently consists of the following 11 businesses: 

• 67 Degrees Brewing, Franklin 

• Althea's Beauty Depot, North Attleboro 

• Choc-Allure, Needham 

• Crosby's Coffeehouse, Wrentham 

• French Press, Needham 

• La Cantina, Franklin  

• Nutty Bird Granola, Sherborn 

• Quality Cleaners, Millis 

• Todos, Natick  

• An Unlikely Story, Plainville 

• Wesleaf, Needham 

 

Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature approved $75 million in grant funding for small businesses grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, which administered the largest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications for MGCC grants are due by April 4, 2022.   

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

 

Senator Rausch Launches Local Small Business Advisory Council

Boston Globe: 2 opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing

Two opinions on transfers fees reveal details on affordable housing and incentives for building more housing. 

"For too long, affordable homes have been out of reach for people across the Commonwealth. But a tool exists that can help communities solve this persistent problem: a real estate transfer fee.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking the Legislature’s approval of a home rule petition for a transfer fee of up to 2 percent on real estate sales of $2 million or more in the city. The money would pay for new affordable housing and provide tax cuts for low-income seniors.

Like Boston, Somerville, Concord, Cambridge, Arlington, Brookline, Nantucket, Provincetown, and Chatham have already passed local home rule petitions calling for transfer fees. The Legislature should approve the proposals and also consider legislation giving all communities across the state the option of imposing transfer fees. "

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/one-tool-help-create-affordable-housing-real-estate-transfer-fees/ 

"What can be done? Housing activists and those in the business of building homes should get on the same page and support policies that will increase supply. Highly restrictive neighborhood zoning needs to be changed to reflect the fact that Boston needs height and density to house more of the people who want to come here or remain here when they retire.

The City of Boston’s legendarily long permitting cycle also should be revised. Permitting a new apartment building takes years when it needs approvals from Boston agencies, including Planning and Development, Zoning, Boston Civic Design Inspectional Services, Transportation, Water and Sewer, Air Pollution Control, Conservation, Public Improvement, Public Works, and others. And that doesn’t include state and federal hurdles."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/24/opinion/transfer-fees-arent-solution-bostons-housing-crisis/

The Parker under construction in July 2021 on Lagrange Street, will feature condos.SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

Franklin Public Schools: Weekly COVID Dashboard - 03/24/22

The weekly COVID-19 dashboard is now available to view: https://buff.ly/3pQh91e

Franklin Public Schools: Weekly COVID Dashboard - 03/24/22

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey! - Due April 1

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey!

Franklin! You have one more week to give us your feedback on the Downtown for Franklin for All before the survey closes on April 1st. The responses from the visioning survey will be used by our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create the draft zoning recommendations.

To learn more about Franklin for All, visit our project webpage: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Access the survey here: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-one-week-left-complete-visioning-survey

Franklin For All - One Week Left to Complete the Visioning Survey! - Due April 1

Senator Rausch: March 2022 - Beacon Hill Roundup

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, please visit ->   https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter?e=0c2c9810fe  

Gearing up for the budget, passing bills, and celebrating women and small businesses in our district!

View this email in your browser Senator Rausch State House Briefing    Part 2, Chapter 14 (March 24, 2022)    Spring has sprung! We finally made it through winter; days are getting longer, flowers are poking through the soil, and my colleagues and I are working hard on Beacon Hill!  Before I get into the legislative nuts and bolts, I want to take a moment to wish you a happy Women's History Month. This March (and every month), I am grateful for both the prominent and invisible work that women do – every day – to keep our world running. Without question, I stand on the shoulders of so many women trailblazers, without whom my work for our Commonwealth would not be possible, and I pledge to continue uplifting women around me in my service as your State Senator. It has been an absolute blast highlighting women leaders from our district through my weekly Local Leadership Lunches (read more below!), and I hope you'll join me for the last few Facebook Live streams as we wrap up the month. In the Legislature, my colleagues and I are gearing up for the FY '23 state budget deliberations, an opportunity to pour billions of dollars into our Commonwealth's municipal governments, schools, infrastructure, and local projects. Last year I secured more than a million dollars for initiatives and innovations that uplift our communities, including $250,000 for a youth mental health text line pilot program (that's now up and running – more below!). If you have any budget priorities, please do not hesitate to share them with me and my team.   With only four months to go before the end of session, my colleagues and I continue to advance forward-thinking bills through the legislative process. The Senate unanimously passed the I AM Bill, ensuring menstrual products – a basic human need – are provided for free in schools, prisons, and shelters across Massachusetts. We also unanimously voted YES on a sorely needed Veterans Home Bill to significantly improve oversight and management of facilities taking care of our veterans. I passed an amendment that ensures public transparency and accountability, so that veterans, their families, allies, and advocates have the information necessary to identify areas of improvement and prevent the recurrence of the tragedies that befell so many in Holyoke and Chelsea during the early days of COVID.   In this newsletter, you will find updates on my brand-new Small Business Advisory Council, Local Leadership Lunch series, grant opportunities for small business owners, a pilot youth mental health text line I secured in the FY '22 budget, and more. For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.    I wish you and your loved ones strength, health, resilience, and joy.      Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, please visit ->   https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter?e=0c2c9810fe

An Update from Your Congressman Jake Auchincloss - 3/25/22

Hello, I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. I want to share with you significant developments since I last wrote, as well as three town halls I'll be hosting this weekend around the District. Investments in Our District The annual appropriations package, which President Biden recently signed into law, included $16.2 million for ten community projects across our Congressional District. These investments will improve public health and foster economic development across the Massachusetts Fourth. From a cleaner water supply to support for domestic violence survivors, this funding makes an immediate and monumental impact on our communities. The details of the 10 projects can be found here. You can watch my floor speech about securing funding for these projects here. We are now beginning the next year's (fiscal year 2023) budget cycle, and I will have the opportunity to advocate for direct funding for 15 community projects across the district. I am engaging a diversity of stakeholders in selecting these projects to solicit a wide array of ideas. If you would like to participate in our process of selecting governmental or non-profit entities for direct funding, please complete this form by Monday, April 11, at 11:59pm. My office will review all submissions, though we cannot guarantee the inclusion of requests. I look forward to working with constituents of MA-04 to determine how I can best advocate for our district.  Supporting the Ukrainian People As Russia continues to wage its unjustified and unconscionable war, I am working with my colleagues to support the people of Ukraine. I, along with Representatives Seth Moulton, Mike Gallagher, and Peter Meijer, introduced the Yachts for Ukraine Act. This bill would allow Russian-seized assets to be repurposed to rebuild Ukraine following Russian attacks. The value of the Russian oligarchs' assets that could be seized as a result of this legislation is in the billions of dollars. The Yachts for Ukraine Act would ensure these assets are permanently reallocated to humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. With this legislation, our message is simple: if you're an oligarch, we're coming for your assets, wherever you have them hidden. If you're in Ukraine fighting on the frontlines of democracy, more help is on the way. As your Representative, I will continue to work to support our allies in Ukraine and hold the Russian aggressors to account.   Visiting Local Businesses & Non-profits Recently, I toured the Amazon Fulfillment Center. This is the largest fulfillment center in Massachusetts — employing about 1,200 people in the region. I loved meeting with the staff and seeing how our Amazon orders go from a "click" to a delivery. I also visited the Children's Museum of Greater Fall River with Representative Carole Fiola and Jo-Anne Sbrega, the museum's executive director. This museum brings joy to kids across the Fourth District, as it successfully combines educational opportunities with engaging playtime. Closing out this week I visited the Manet Community Health Center Satellite Clinic in Attleboro and the Attleboro New Hope New Domestic Violence Shelter to discuss recently secured funding and the crucial care they are providing in our district.  Town Halls This weekend, I'll be hosting a series of three in-person town halls. This is an opportunity for you to come meet me, ask about issues important to you, and get updates on what I'm doing to serve our community. Members of my team will also be on hand to connect you with casework services in our office. Details about the town halls are below, I hope you'll be able to join me. If you're able to attend, please RSVP with the relevant link below. Mansfield, Foxborough, Norton Town Hall Meeting: Saturday, March 26th at 12:00 PM Mansfield Town Hall 6 Park Row, Mansfield, 02048 RSVP Here Taunton Town Hall Meeting: Saturday, March 26th at 2:00 PM Taunton City Hall 15 Summer Street, Taunton, 02780 City Council Chambers RSVP Here   Needham Town Hall Meeting: Sunday, March 27th at 4:00 PM Needham Town Hall 1471 Highland Ave, Needham, 02492 Powers Hall RSVP Here   To stay up to date on the state of play in Congress, please make sure to like my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram.   Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss Member of Congress OFFICE LOCATIONS WASHINGTON DC OFFICE • 1524 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 255-5931 NEWTON DISTRICT OFFICE • 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 • Newton, MA 02458 • Phone : (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO DISTRICT OFFICE • 8 N. Main St. Suite 200 • Attleboro, MA 02703 • Phone : (508) 431-1110   WEBSITE  |  CONTACT Click Here to view this email in your browser

wfpr.fm: 028 - Franks Musings - Ukraine (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down to talk at length about the ongoing war in Ukraine; Putin's tyranny, negotiations for the future, nuclear weapons the call for all Ukrainian men to fight, and more.

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/de2f7206-c55b-4e83-8959-2f62d178e5fe

wfpr.fm: 028 - Franks Musings - Ukraine  (audio)