Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to be on Wednesday, Dec 13

If you really want to know Franklin, then Wednesday night at 7 PM, the Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to watch, listen to (or catch on replay), or read about after.

With all due respect to the Master Plan Update Committee meeting also about the same time (they start at 6:30), they are early in their process so the more important of the two (in my view) is the Finance Committee "Bill Dowd deep dive" on Facilities.

The agenda doc provides plenty of information about the facilities department and about the recent history of how grants have been able to augment the Town and School budgets with about 2M each per year. (Yes, the data does show an increase since 2020 but most of that is the Federal ARPA, ESSAR funding, and not likely to continue at that rate).

For your reading pleasure in advance of the meeting:

5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department”

i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budget  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy24_public_property_buildings_budget.pdf

ii. List of Town Owned Buildings  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/list_of_town_owned_buildings_0.pdf

iii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditions  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf

iv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysis 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

v. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommittee  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/subcommittees-and-liaisons

vi. 10-year Capital Facilities Plan  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._vi_-_facilities_capital_improvement_plan_fy23.12.07.23.xlsx_-_10_year_plan.pdf

b. Grants discussion

i. Ten-year municipal grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._i_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_town.pdf

ii. Ten-year school grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._ii_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_school.pdf

The agenda doc includes supporting materials and covers 38 pages (also includes remote participation info)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dec_13_2023_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

2023-2024 Hockomock Girls Basketball Preview -> Franklin High School

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the girls basketball outlook for the Hockomock League featuring Franklin High School

FRANKLIN

2022-2023 Record: 18-5

2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen

Coach: John Leighton

Franklin has won five straight Kelley-Rex division titles and, even after graduating four starters from last year’s team including top scorer Katie Peterson, the Panthers remain the team to beat for the league title. Things may look a little different this season, as Franklin won’t have the same amount of length in the lineup (only one player listed above 5-foot-9), but they still have plenty of athleticism and depth.

Junior guard Chloe Fales will be the key returning player from last year, after averaging nearly 11 points per game in her debut varsity season. A talented scorer at all three levels and a solid defender, Fales will be the team’s top threat this winter. Several other players are ready to step into bigger roles this year, including senior Sasha Tracey who is an agile defender and three-point shooter. Junior point guard Elle Bonacci is a strong ball-handler and shooter, while senior Norah MacCallum has great size on the wing and is another versatile defender who can guard multiple positions.

Typically, Franklin tends to reload rather than rebuild and there are several new faces who are going to step in and will be expected to contribute right away. Junior forward Olena Malymina gives the Panthers a little bit of size at 5-foot-10 and freshman guard Kaylee Fernandes will bring fresh energy and skill in the backcourt.

“Every season presents its own challenges and opportunities,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “I am excited to work with this group of girls as they gel into a strong, smart, and selfless team.”  

For other girls basketball previews for the Hockomock League (subscription required)   https://hockomocksports.com/2023-2024-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Boys Basketball: Ten Players to Watch in 2023-2024 -> FHS' O'Leary

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the Boys Basketball: Ten Players to Watch in 2023-2024. 

SEAN O’LEARY, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

Senior Sean O’Leary, the reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, returns after leading the Panthers to a Kelley-Rex division title and to the Round of 16 in the Division 1 tournament. O’Leary’s presence alongside a strong core of other returners means expectations are high for Franklin. He’s coming off a season in which he averaged 20.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, leading the Panthers in scoring 15 times, with a career-high 35 points on the road at Taunton, and he recently committed to play collegiately at Bates. The combination of size and athleticism gives him a true advantage down low and he has an old-school approach to his post game. But he also steps out and connects from deep, making him a tough player to guard.

For other boys basketball players to watch around the Hockomock League (subscription required)  https://hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2023-2024/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Hockomock.Sports.com: "Hockomock Wrestling Preview: Milford Aiming For Three-Peat"

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the wrestling preview for the Hockomock League featuring Franklin High School.

"Meanwhile, Franklin looks to continue to build back to the top of the league. Junior Riley Carlucci and sophomore Jack Sauer were both sectional finalists last year and are key pieces back for legendary coach Carmine Colace. Weyland O’Connell (175) and Roman Caccavelli (126) both had strong starts to the season at the Ashland Invitational."

For the full preview of wrestling in the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-wrestling-preview-milford-aiming-for-three-peat/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS girls hockey team drops opener to Algonquin on Monday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, Dec 11, 2023. 

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Algonquin, 5 - Final

Maddie O’Brien gets Franklin on the board  Assist to Julia Flynn. 

Franklin trailing by 2. 

Izzy Brown stopping lots of shots.

https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1734371776245682497

Tough loss. 5-1. Izzy stood tall with 34 shots on goal.

https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1734374297370509681

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-12-11-23/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin High School: newsletter for week of Dec 11, 2023

Franklin High School (@FranklinHS) posted  on Mon, Dec 11, 2023:

"FHS Newsletter https://t.co/6bXm9yPsTU 

@FranklinPSNews"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1734186967913415161

Franklin High School: newsletter for week of Dec 11, 2023

TED Ed: "The surprisingly long history of electric cars - Daniel Sperling and Gil Tal" (video)

"Let’s Begin… 

By the end of the 19th century, nearly 40% of American cars were electric. But these vehicles had a few major problems — early car batteries were expensive and inefficient, and the vehicles were twice the price of a gas-powered car. 

And so for the next several decades, gas-powered cars dominated the market. 

Can electric cars reclaim their place on the road? Daniel Sperling and Gil Tal investigate."

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EG6rqA2vvA 

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Dec 12, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Celebrate with Pride: Sioo

9:00 am Mental Health: Raeleen Gallivan

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1

11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

4:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 4 - Dicenso Clark

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

9:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

11:30 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Beverly 11-03-23

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

2:00 pm Menthal Health: Donna Grady

3:00 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

4:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Milford 10-26-23

6:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

9:30 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Haverhill 11-09-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am  School Committee 11-28-23: 11-28-23

12:00 pm  Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 11-28-23

2:00 pm  School Committee 11-28-23: 11-28-23

7:00 pm  School Committee: LIVE Chambers  82278111819

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 252 - Italian Holiday Food, Wine, and Traditions, with Ciro Pirone (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 252

Exploring all things wine with you!

Italian Holiday Food, Wine, and Traditions, with Ciro Pirone

In this Holiday episode hosts Kim and Mark explore the fascinating world of Italian wine and how it pairs with the rich flavors of the holiday season. Our guest today is Ciro Pirone, the director of Italian wine at Horizon Beverage.  Ciro has a wealth of knowledge about Italian wine and its pairing with food, and we're excited to have him share his insights on Italian Christmas food,  wine, and traditions.

We discussed the traditional Italian Christmas meal, also known as the "Feast of the Seven Fishes." This feature is an important part of Italian Christmas cuisine, and we'll be exploring the various dishes that make up this feast. We'll also be discussing traditional Italian pasta dishes and how they pair with wine. Ciro talks about many Italian Holiday traditions you may not know of. 

Join us as we embark on a journey through the wonderful world of Italian food, wine and traditions.  We hope you enjoy this festive episode.

For more information on Ciro follow him on Instagram @divinoboston

Happy Holidays 

Merry Christmas 

Cheers

Kim and Mark

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 252 -  Italian Holiday Food, Wine, and Traditions, with Ciro Pirone (audio)

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-252-italian-holiday-food-wine-and-traditions-with-ciro-pirone

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 252-Italian Holiday Food, Wine And Traditions With Ciro Pirone

Rail Trail Cmte: Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 7 PM

Meeting on Tuesday at 67 Degrees Brewing. We'd love to see you there

View this email in your browser Rail Trail Committee: Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 7 PM

December Monthly Meeting Hello!   On Tuesday, December 12 we have our monthly meeting at 67 Degrees Brewing, 158 Grove Street, Franklin, at 7 PM. We'd love to see you there! The minutes from last month's meeting are available here Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

2023-2024 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview -> Franklin High School

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the girls hockey preview for the Hockomock League featuring Franklin High School on Monday, Dec 11, 2023. 

FRANKLIN

2022-2023 Record: 9-9-3

2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32

Coach: Mike Lubin

The Panthers said goodbye to a small but talented group of seniors from last year’s team but that means there is plenty of opportunity for new players to step up in the 2023-2024 season.

While those new players work their way into the lineup, second-year head coach Mike Lubin will lean on his returning players to lead the way. Junior Julia Flynn had a breakout campaign as a sophomore and led the team in points. A captain this season, Flynn’s leadership both on and off the ice will be key to getting Franklin back to the state tournament. Junior Haley Wernig is looking to build off two strong seasons and will be a key piece in the offensive zone. Senior Bridget Haggerty, juniors Maddie O’Brien and Kaitlin Johnson, and sophomore Lily Santiago are all back from a year ago and look to bolster to offense.

There is some familiarity with Izzy Brown back for her third year in between the pipes. The junior has started for the past two seasons and impressed in each of them, and having an experienced netminder will give Franklin a boost. There’s also a lot of experience in front of Brown with senior captains Lindsay Dennett and Nina Iannuzzi anchoring the blue line group. With just four seniors and six juniors, the Panthers will need a couple of their nine underclassmen to step up as the season goes on.

“I like how we’ve practiced so far this year,” Lubin said. “Our focus is on maintaining a consistent effort each day and improving in all facets of the game throughout the season.”

For other girls hockey previews for the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2023-2024-hockomock-girls-hockey-preview/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Girls Basketball: Ten Players to Watch in 2023-2024 - FHS' Chloe Fales

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the Girls Basketball: Ten Players to Watch in 2023-2024 on Monday, Dec 11, 2023. 

CHLOE FALES, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Each season, Franklin seems to have someone new step into the varsity lineup and shine. Last year, it was Fales. As a sophomore, she finished with just under 10 points per game for the five-time defending league champs, while grabbing more than five rebounds and two steals per game. A sharpshooter from the perimeter, Fales fit nicely into Franklin’s drive and kick style, helping to spread the floor and open up lanes to the basket. An athletic guard with a good handle, Fales can score off the dribble or in transition and showed the ability to stay with some of the opposition’s top scorers. As Franklin’s top returning scorer, Fales will be the focal point for defenses but should see more of the ball and have more opportunities to score. The Panthers should be fighting for another league title this season and Fales will be a key contributor to make it six in a row.

For other girls basketball players to watch around the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2023-2024/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

2023-2024 Hockomock Boys Basketball Preview - Franklin High School

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the boys basketball outlook for the Hockomock League featuring Franklin High School on Monday, Dec 11, 2023. 

FRANKLIN

2022-2023 Record: 19-2 (Kelley-Rex division champions)

2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 16

Coach: CJ Neely

Coming off a season in which the Panthers only lost one league game and two games total, expectations remain high for Franklin — and for good reason.

Reigning Hockomock League MVP Sean O’Leary highlights a strong cast of returners for veteran head coach CJ Neely. While there are a lot of familiar faces back in the fold, the Panthers will have to replace the production of a small senior class that featured three regulars in Franklin’s lineup from last year. O’Leary, who also earned HockomockSports.com Player of the Year honors, averaged 20.3 points and 8 rebounds per game a year ago. He will be complemented by returners Andrew O’Neill (6.5 ppg), Bradley Herndon, and Hansy Jacques.

The biggest boost for Franklin is the return of senior guard Henry Digiorgio. As a sophomore, Digrorgio averaged over 16 points per game and was named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year. After a year off, Digiorgio could provide a massive scoring boost that the Panthers need after losing almost 25 points per game from graduated seniors Geino Scaringello, Justin Allen, and Ben Harvey. Junior Caden Sullivan, who had an injury to start last season, could be poised for a breakout year. Once again, a balanced offense will make Franklin a very hard team to guard, while the Panthers will likely be among the top defensive teams in the Hock.

“The preseason has been very competitive at practice,” Neely said. “With a lot of returning players, we were able to hit the ground running during the tryout sessions. This is a tight group of guys led by a strong senior class and some experienced underclassmen looking to make their mark. We will have consistent battles each day as guys try to earn minutes throughout the year. I have been most impressed with how committed and focused the players have been each day. It will be fun to watch them grow and compete all year.”

For other boys basketball previews for the Hockomock League (subscription required)  https://hockomocksports.com/2023-2024-hockomock-boys-basketball-preview/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Where does the food that we eat come from? New tool models that answer for us!

"What is this and why is it relevant?

This is a proof of concept digital twin of the United States food system. Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have revealed inherent gaps in the way food systems are modeled. Particularly, these events have exposed how these shocks cascade through food systems and impact food security at an individual and community level. Digital twins of food systems hold massive potential to fill the decision making under food crises, including those caused or exacerbated by climate change.

What is this tool showing?

This tool visualizes a model designed to predict where food is grown and connecting that food to where it is consumed. Each colored point moving on the map correlates to a set number of calories from that food group. In the consumer view the map shows how the food that is consumed in a county travels to that region; in the producer view it shows where food that grows in that county is consumed and how it gets to that region. It shows the roads which that food flows down from fork to fork, and how climate shocks in one region propagate through the supply chain and impact on the availability of food in consumers food baskets."

Shared from -> https://food.theplotline.org/ 

Set up for Norfolk County, MA (screengrab)

Where does the Norfolk County, MA food that we eat come from? New tool models that answer for us!

Interactive view -> https://food.theplotline.org/?s=03#viewport=-71.162%7E42.196%7E4.454%7E30%7E0&roads=false&county=%2225021%22&foodGroup=null&flowType=%22consumer%22&allLinkedCounties=true&search=false

Picked up on the radar via Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/simongerman600/status/1733623819003113513

Franklin Public Library: All that Glitters is Gold: Gustav Klimt - 7 PM

"Hybrid Program | Register Here for Virtual option

When you think of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt you may think of Art Nouveau or Symbolism, or Gold!

Join Jane Oneail of Culturally Curious for an introduction to this idiosyncratic artist while we review Klimt’s famous gold paintings and his lesser known works. This program is available live in the Library and virtually over zoom.

Brought to you by Ashland Public Library, Belmont Public Library, and Franklin Public Library"

Register for remote participation ->   https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8016757062025/WN_zXvOkATxRziOWqKNM3nmig

Franklin Public Library: All that Glitters is Gold: Gustav Klimt - 7 PM