Franklin Matters

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

FHS girls basketball team loses to South High on Tuesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports .com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Jan 2, 2024.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 36 vs. South High, 66 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-02-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin Public Schools Celebrates Successful Fall 2023 Athletics Season

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis congratulate Franklin High School’s student-athletes and athletic staff on a successful fall athletics season.

“I’m so proud of our hard-working, dedicated athletes,” said Director Ellis. “Receiving MIAA recognition is a testament to our student-athletes who have displayed great sportsmanship throughout the entire season.”

Hockomock League Champions Fall 2023

Franklin High School teams compete in the Hockomock League as part of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). FHS athletics finished the fall season with the most wins across all teams within the Hockomock League.

FHS sports teams recognized include: Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer, Golf, Boys’ Cross Country with Volleyball and Field Hockey placing in the Final Four for the Division 1 State Tournament.

The FHS cheer team won its 10th consecutive Hockomock League title, the Division 1 South Regional Championship, and the Division 1 State Championship with the highest score in the state.

FHS also won the Hockomock League Val Muscato All-Sports Award for fall 2023, tallying the highest average of earned points from league standings in all sports this year.

Boston Globe Dalton Award

Franklin High School athletics secured the Boston Globe Dalton Award for the fifth year in a row, winning 74.7 percent of its games for an overall record of 251-83-6.

MIAA Coach of the Year Award

The MIAA recognized three FHS head coaches as Coach of the Year including Baseball coach Zach Brown, Unified Basketball coach John Leighton and girls’ Lacrosse coach Kristin Igoe, who was also honored as the National Federation of High School Sports Section 1 Coach of the Year.

All-Scholastic Awards

Several FHS student-athletes won individual year-end accolades from Boston media:

Boston Herald All-Scholastic

Emily Carney (Field Hockey)
Raena Crandall (Field Hockey)
Rex Cinelli (Boys’ Soccer)
Anya Zub (Girls’ Soccer)

Boston Globe All-Scholastic

Rex Cinelli (Boys’ Soccer)
Raena Crandall (Field Hockey)
Emily Carney (Field Hockey)
Kelly O’Connor (Girls’ Soccer)
Taylor Lacerda (Volleyball)

“Congratulations to our Athletic Department, coaches and talented student-athletes on their many accomplishments,” said Superintendent Giguere. “I am continuously impressed by each athlete’s determination, grit and steadfast commitment to their chosen teams, always displaying the highest level of sportsmanship.”

Shared from -> https://jgpr.net/2024/01/02/franklin-public-schools-celebrates-successful-fall-2023-athletics-season/

Franklin Public Schools Celebrates Successful Fall 2023 Athletics Season

Franklin High School - the FIRST newsletter of 2024!

Franklin High School (@FranklinHS) posted Tue, Jan 02, 2024:

First FHS Newsletter of 2024! https://t.co/iEX5pe8Uk6 @FranklinPSNews

https://t.co/97cBR2BurU

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1742187152845267194

Franklin High School - the FIRST newsletter of 2024!

Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program Today

Registration Open Until February 29, 2024

The Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program is an interactive program for Franklin residents and business owners to design and create a native, biologically diverse habitat at their property. The BEE Program consists of five themed workshops and one field day giving residents and business owners the skills to:

Attract wildlife and plant life to their habitat;
Support their habitat through climate change and other ecological stressors;
Plan and design their backyard habitat with professional practitioners; and
Be considered a Backyard Ecosystem Advocate

Upon successful completion and attendance of the BEE Program, participants will be considered a "Backyard Ecosystem Advocate" and their habitats, once established, will have the opportunity to become "Certified Wildlife Habitats" through the National Wildlife Federation. Register with the QR code above or by visiting https://BIT.LY/BEEPROGRAM.

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration closes February 29, 2024. Registration is available to all residents regardless of ownership/rental status or living situation, all Franklin business owners, and up to five FPS high school students. The Conservation Department is currently collaborating with FPS - STEM to excuse up to five students for the scheduled field day, so students - please apply if you are interested!

Workshop descriptions are listed below. Questions? Email bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Workshop Title	Date, Time, and Location	Description
Wildlife	Wednesday, April 3, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn common wildlife species that they may find in their backyard habitats and/or how to attract these wildlife species to their habitats.
Plant Life	Wednesday, April 10, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn common native and wildlife friendly plants and common invasive plants they may plant and/or find in their backyard habitats.
Landscapes and Regional Context	Wednesday, April 17, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn to identify what landscape they live in, its regional context, and how to design a habitat suitable for their surroundings.
Climate and Other Ecological Stressors	Wednesday, April 24, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will learn how to plan their habitat for climate change, design their habitat considering climate resilience, and mitigate future environmental stressors and disturbance events.
Planning and Design	Wednesday, May 1, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD	Residents will be able to sit down in small groups with professional practitioners to design their own specific backyard habitat applying all lessons learned in previous workshops.
Field Day and Graduation Luncheon	Friday, May 10 10a - 2p Location TBD	Residents will be bussed around Town for a tour of raingardens, biodiversity areas, turtle nesting habitats, regenerative forests, gardens, and more. Lunch and a graduation ceremony will be provided.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/register-backyard-ecosystem-education-bee-program-today

Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program Today

Fairmont Fruit Farm shares their schedule for January 2024

There is more going on than 2 Winter Farmers Markets!!

Fairmont Fruit Farm shares their schedule for January 2024

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C1mj1JbrO6x/

Franklin Veterans come to your Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center January 3, 2024 - 10 AM

RING IN 2024 WITH US AT OUR

MONTHLY VETERANS' COFFEE SOCIAL ON

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 AT 10:00 AM AT THE SENIOR CENTER.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS AT STARBUCKS!

ALL VETERANS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US

FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION.

DROP BY FOR A WHILE OR STAY AS LONG AS YOU'D LIKE.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/january-3-2024-coffee-social

How are robocallers getting your phone number?

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

How are robocallers getting your phone number?

By Andrew Rayo

Does it ever feel like you're getting more robocalls than calls from actual humans?

Illegal robocalls aren't just annoying — they're also often scams. But you might be wondering — how did they get my number in the first place?

How are robocallers getting your phone number?

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Jan 3, 2023

wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

This slot features the Chalkboard Chat session recapping the School Committee meeting Dec 12, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/dave-dave-recap-school-committee.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi talk about New Year's Bubbly -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode-253.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

This session of the radio show shares a special episode of The Climate Minute. A conversation with Ted McIntyre, Cobi Frongillo & myself. -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/special-episode-on-ma-climate-leader.html

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

7:30 am Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

8:30 am The Black Box: Tappy Christmas 2019

10:00 am Celebrate with Pride: Second Son

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

1:00 pm Winter Wonderland 2023

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke

4:30 pm FPAC Holiday Production: The Nutcracker

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

8:30 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 12-20-23

2:30 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 05-29-21

4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Canton 12-20-23

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

8:00 am Town Council: 12-20-23

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee: 12-13-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 12-20-23

7:00 pm Town Council: LIVE, Chambers 841 1008 7557

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

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Polar Plunge 2024 at Chilson Beach

Some walked, some ran, they took the plunge to start the new year!

Additional photos of the event can be found at

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7ZynTsNBh6FT1h117

2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan (draft for review at Council Mtg 1/03/24)

December 29, 2023

Memorandum

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

Re: Resolution 24-01: Adoption of 2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan

Please see the attached DRAFT work plan for the upcoming 2024-2025 Council session. This list has been compiled by the town departments and reﬂects projects that have been ﬁnanced and/or started and that fall within the capacity of the current town staﬃng structure. As you can see, the theme of the next two years is to ﬁnish what has been started, as well as projects that are currently awaiting legal approval, such as the Master Plan and Open Space Plan.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

-----------------------

2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan

Last updated: January 3, 2024

The following are a list of proposed goals (not in any particular order) by the Town Council and Town Administrator for the 2024-2025 session.

Finance

● Review & approve biennial Town Finance Policies

● Review annual financial audit and OPEB actuarial

● Conduct a market analysis on Chapter 82 fees for service

● Authorize and manage final allotments of ARPA federal stimulus funds

● Approve annual capital budget for FY24 and FY25

● Approve annual operating budget for FY25 and FY26

● Evaluate and discuss the need for an override through the Joint Budget Subcommittee

● Commence collective bargaining prior to contract expiration (Summer 2025)

● Reevaluate and approve revised borrowing legislation for school and town facilities

Economic Development (To the EDC)

● Comply with the MBTA Communities law, including evaluating the potential of rezoning around Forge Park MBTA station

● Monitor statewide Housing Bond Bill & housing legislation relative to ADU’s

● Support and codify a grease trap bylaw with the Board of Health and Sewer Department.

● Discuss a 40R Bylaw

● Prioritize and/or implement recommendations from the Housing Production Plan and townwide Master Plan (pending approval of the Master Plan by the Planning Board)

● Execute Phase 1 of the branding & marketing analysis, including a refresh of the town and school websites

● Continue to research and discuss a home occupation business bylaw

● Research zoning relative to shared kitchen spaces

● Review and approve the Franklin Crossing Neighborhood zoning district (C-1)

● Collaborate with FPS, local, regional and statewide stakeholders to prepare for and market Franklin when the World Cup arrives in 2026 in Foxborough

Public Works

● Support and educate the community on the Beaver Street Interceptor project

● Develop a strategy to prioritize town infrastructure investments, including roads, sidewalks, stormwater, sewer, water and recycling

● Evaluate the need for a stormwater rate increase to meet the federal mandate

● Approve a new 5-year Water Main replacement plan

● Complete the state land swap and design the Recycling Center

● Implement the Water Tank Analysis Master Plan

● Apply for the next phase of Complete Streets grant funding

● Continue to fund and accept public ways

Facilities

● Support the staff in completing the backlog of funded or partially designed projects, including:

○ Municipal Building renovation
○ Hire an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) to lead the Police Station Building project
○ Restore the Cupola in the Franklin Historic Museum and hire an architect to reevaluate the Museum floor plan to create more flexible exhibit spaces
○ Replace High School visitor bleachers and sound system
○ Design and build the Senior Center Pavilion (also install sign lighting)
○ Update the design of the Remington-Jefferson renovation
○ Support the King Street Memorial Park rehabilitation

● Collaborate with the School Department on a Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

● Evaluate the reuse of the Davis-Thayer School by issuing a preliminary Expression of Interest and finalizing the property appraisal

● Work with Habitat for Humanity to execute the Purchase & Sale and Renovation of the Old South Church on Washington Street

● Apply for the next round of Green Communities grant funding

General Government

● Promote and educate on the new sidewalk snow removal bylaw

● Evaluate and discuss a Flag Policy

● Accept Municipal Disability Commission statute

● Execute Cannabis Control Commission’s unfunded mandates to comply with new permitting regulations and equity requirements for private cannabis companies

● Support School & Town Finance and HR departments’ reorganization, electronic personnel records integration, onboarding software, succession planning, MUNIS updates, and expanding LinkedIn recruiting and retention presence

● Research and evaluate a revised Family Leave policy

● Fund and lead a townwide Polco/NRC/ICMA scientific “Citizen Satisfaction Survey” to evaluate and help prioritize policy development and strategic planning goals

● Fund and Master Plan Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm parcels

● Prioritize Open Space and Recreation Plan implementation goals (once approved).

● Review and approve a Public Art Display Policy

● Establish a 250th Town Anniversary Committee

● Collaborate with Dean College to establish and build stronger relationships and support collaboration on shared initiatives

● Develop a strategy for the use of opioid settlement funds

Administrative (Presentations/Discussions)

● Establish an Ad Hoc subcommittee to review Town Council biennial Rules of Procedure

● Establish an Ad Hoc subcommittee to evaluate the Town Administrator annually

● Presentation update on the Franklin Ridge project

● Presentation on homelessness in Massachusetts

a. Discussion: 2024-2025 Town Council & Town Administration Work Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._24-01_tc_and_ta_goals.pdf

2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan (draft for review at Council Mtg 1/03/04)

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee - agenda for Jan 3, 2024 meeting

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee

January 3, 2024 - 5:00 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

1. McKibben Demographic Report

2. Vision RFP Outcomes

3. Facilities Analysis RFP Outcomes

4. Review of Timeline

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-1_3_24.pdf

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee - agenda for Jan 3, 2024 meeting

Last day to reply to the survey to help "Form Franklin's Future"?

"FORM FRANKLIN'S FUTURE" SURVEY - HELP US TO FORM FRANKLIN'S FUTURE!

Your participation in this survey is critical as we establish a vision for Franklin's future. Those who complete the survey can enter for a chance to win one of two $100 gift cards to local establishments!

Please access the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3T7jshULa1s5NJUeYLW2mzE2EZ3nNBkJKJVFzJ7fvNxRTIQ/viewform

Surveys are due by January 3, 2024