Franklin Matters

Friday, May 3, 2024

School Committee listens to a lot of "we need more time" comments (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1188-89 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1188-89 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting of Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in 2 parts. All 7 school committee members took part in Council Chambers. They broke briefly at 5 minutes for an Executive Session and returned about 10 minutes later. That portion of the audience audio was excluded to simplify the recording.

Part 1

Covers the first two and one half hours of the meeting

Student pledge
FHS Student updates
Executive Session & return
Presentation on Comprehensive School Facilities Plan (redistricting)
Questions and discussion from the School Committee

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1188-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-04-30-24-part-1-of-2

Part 2

Covers the remaining 2 hours of the meeting

Entire citizen comments and question period
5 minute break to allow crowd to leave before resuming meeting agenda
Interim Business Administrator Appointment (voted to approve appointment)
Override Memorandum of Understanding (discussed but not acted upon as it needs collaborative work)
Discussion Only Items - ACCEPT 3rd Quarter Report
Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

Consent Agenda (passed unanimously)
New Business & closure of session

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1189-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-04-30-24-part-2-of-2

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The Franklin TV broadcast of the almost 5 hour session is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWz6ewelhGo

Presentation doc for April 30 meeting -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/comp_school_facilities_recommendation_presentation-_april_30_2024.pdf

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_25_24.pdf

Meeting packet folder - the location of all docs released for this meeting (note some posted after the session) ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-30-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1buTL7pQsslK3bG2emGvAR3tHvoVsQ4vV/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZogkwQrk91uVQxNm9

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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"

Supt Giguere, Dr Fran Locker, Ms Kate Jessup

Book Talk and Presentation by Miriam Ornstein, Sunday, May 5 - 2 PM at Franklin Public Library

The Temple Etz Chaim Sisterhood (in partnership with the Franklin Public Library) is hosting a Book Event in observance of Yom HaShoah on Sunday, May 5 at 2 PM at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.

Miriam Ornstein will share stories from the book My Mother's Eyes - Holocaust Memories of a Young Girl, written by her mother, Anna Ornstein.

Anna Ornstein is a psychoanalyst and Hungarian Jewish survivor of the Holocaust. The book event is free and open to the public.

Those who would like to - may obtain a copy of the book at the event by making a $25 donation via the Temple Etz Chaim website. https://temple-etzchaim.org

The event is free and open to the public.

Friends and community are welcome.

Please join us.

My Mother's Eyes - Holocaust Memories of a Young Girl

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FpKlAAsGrUvjFl9HxVrSqRuuwl9PxHDw/view?usp=drive_link

Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel! Saturday, May 4 at 1:00 PM

Join us in partnership with the Franklin Public Middle Schools as we welcome writer, illustrator, and graphic novelist Jarrett J. Krosoczka to Franklin!

Hear all about his creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions.

Photo ops and book signings too!

Event made possible by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel! Saturday, May 4 at 1:00 PM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/pen-picture-graphic-novelist-panel

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Announces 4th Annual Fishing4Vets - June 9

Fishing4Vets: Reeling in Support for Our Nation's Heroes Through the Power of Friendly Competition and Camaraderie

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF) is excited to announce the fourth annual Fishing4Vets event, a charity fishing tournament designed to bring veterans and the community together for a day of camaraderie, competition, and Cape Cod's finest fishing. Taking place on June 9, 2024, this fun-filled event will raise essential funds to support our Food4Vets program, addressing the food insecurity needs of our nation's heroes.

Fishing4Vets: Casting a Line for a Cause

4th Annual Fishing4Vets

The Fishing4Vets tournament offers a unique opportunity for veterans to bond with fellow service members and the wider community over a shared love of fishing, while competing for bragging rights and valuable prizes. All proceeds from the event will be directed to the Food4Vets program, which aims to assist veterans and military families who may be faced with food security issues and may lack access to affordable healthy meals.

This annual event has grown in popularity since its inception, attracting veterans, fishing enthusiasts, and community members who come together to support a worthy cause. Fishing4Vets aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans, and to create a supportive environment for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.

Uniting Veterans, Community, and Nature

The Fishing4Vets tournament encourages participation from veterans, their families, and the local community, fostering connections and understanding between those who have served our nation and those who support their efforts. The event has received praise from veterans for its ability to create a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere where they can share their experiences and build lasting friendships.

"I look forward to the Fishing4Vets tournament every year," says Joe Martinez, a local veteran and tournament participant. "It's not just about the thrill of competition or the incredible fishing. It's about coming together with my fellow veterans and the community to support each other and share our stories."

About Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential support to veterans and active-duty military personnel in need. MMSF offers a range of services, including housing assistance, food programs, and counseling services, to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served our nation. For more information, visit www.mmsfi.org.

For media inquiries about Fishing4Vets or to schedule an interview, please contact our Media Relations department at (617) 378-2974 or media.relations@mmsfi.org. To learn more about this event, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, visit www.mmsfi.org/fishing4vets.

massDOT Work Zone: "Winners in Work Zone Awareness Billboard Design Contest"

"Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 #MassDOTWork Zone Safety Awareness Billboard Design Contest!

Look out for these winning designs on Highway billboards across Massachusetts."

The 2024 winners are:

1st Place: Emma Greenblatt, Endicott College, class of 2027

2nd Place: Erik Vandergrift, Clark University, class of 2025

3rd Place: Samantha VanZandt, University of Massachusetts Amherst, class of 2025

Read the full press release online -> https://www.mass.gov/news/massdot-announces-winners-in-work-zone-awareness-billboard-design-contest

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ecywZxQ5c/

"Winners in Work Zone Awareness Billboard Design Contest"

Town of Franklin: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness.

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, use these resources to find help for yourself, a friend, or a family member: https://go.nih.gov/cka2JoU

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, May 3, 2024

wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

8:30 am Frank's Musings: Return to Israel

9:00 am Frank Presents: Dom DeBaggis

10:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones

11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Parmesan

1:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2022

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

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

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

6:30 pm Joe Landry: Funeral Homes

8:00 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 2

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Brother Sun

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

8:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady

9:30 am Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship

11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball v Attleboro 04-26-24

1:30 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

3:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

6:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

10:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 04-10-24

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24

5:00 pm Town Council/School Committee 04-24-24

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

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Franklin Disability Commission Disability Expo - May 4, 2024 from 11 AM to 2 PM

Come on down to the Franklin Disability Commission Disability Expo!

Stop by the Franklin Senior Center on May 4, 2024 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM for a variety of disability related resources, activities, and support!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-disability-commission-disability-expo-may-4-2024

Franklin Disability Commission Disability Expo - May 4, 2024

9th Annual Empty Bowls Tickets on Sale for the Dinner scheduled for May 23

Get your tickets for the 9th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner! The event will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Franklin High School cafeteria from 6 to 8 pm.

The Empty Bowls Club students have been hard at work making hundreds of bowls for this upcoming community event. There will be a simple dinner of soup and bread, music from FHS students, a ceramic bowl for each attendee, and silent auction including a special work made by Rep. Jeff Roy, and more! The Pantry will also unveil preliminary findings from our current strategic planning process at the event.

All proceeds support the Franklin Food Pantry.

Online tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for students/children 18 years old and younger.

Ticket prices increase to $25/$15 at the door on the day of the event.

Cash or check only, please.

9th Annual Empty Bowls Tickets on Sale for the Dinner scheduled for May 23

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on May 1, 2024 in Council Chamber. All 9 Councilors were present along with a packed room. Participants were also on Zoom and YouTube.

Brief recap:

Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV
Introduction of new mental health clinician Caroline Ferris
Approved appointment of Nicole Chiaramonte
Presentation on the FY 2023 Financial Audit by Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP. Another clean audit result, all processes are good no issues identified, no management letter or actions.
presentation on the possible override and pledge statement results in passage of three resolutions

vote of acceptance by Council of pledge (9-0)
sets date for override of June 11 (8-1, Pellegri no)
sets amount of override for $6.8 million (9-0)

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nkmKHkrxA

Agenda and supporting documents ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fixed_tc_agenda_v4.pdf

Photo album of the presentation screen grab along with screens from the meeting

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDxgDMFrcXDaNqR78

Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV

FHS baseball, and girls & boys tennis teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports .com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Baseball = Franklin, 7 @ Milford, 6 – Final

Franklin 7, Milford 6. WP-Matt Miller (4.2inn, 4H, 1ER & 2Ks) S-Meuse (2.1inn, H, R). Offensively, Phillip (2-3, R,RBI,BB) Yuknis (1-1, GW RBI) Kryzak (1-3,2RBI,BB) Cinelli (1-3,2R,RBI,2BB) Shaughnessy (1-3,R) Caccavelli (1-1,3BB,2R). Next up:Mon. 5/6 Franklin @ Stoughton at 5pm.

Softball = Milford, 11 @ Franklin, 6 – Final

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 11 vs. Acton-Boxboro, 16 – Final

Final = Franklin: 11, AB: 16

⭐️ Langevin 7🍎
⭐️⭐️ McEvoy 5 🚨
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Corvi 24 saves
https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1785834234680103250

Boys Tennis = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

– Franklin won all five matches in straight sets to end a three-match losing streak and get back in the win column. Jay Gorgas (6-1, 6-0), Ahan Shetty (6-4, 6-0), and Danny Reis (6-4, 6-4) each won their singles matches. The doubles teams of Andrew Amante and Aaron Ramaswamy (6-2, 6-1) and Gabe Terry and AJ Trull (6-4, 6-2) likewise avoided dropping a set.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final

Panthers beat Milford 5-0 to stay unbeaten!!
Chloe Essam, Brooke Taylor & Isabelle Simino were winners in singles.
Brooke Daniels & Sydney Tolonen
Avalon Thomes & Mia Dewsnap both won their doubles matches.
Panthers are now 9-0 on the season.
https://twitter.com/fhs_gvtennis/status/1785785058999087615

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-01-24/

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

Board of Health meeting: key advice, please don't drink raw milk (audio)

FM #1186 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1186 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) Board of Health Meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. The meeting was held at the Municipal Bldg and conducted in a hybrid manner. Chair Bridgit Sweet was remote. Members Jeff Harris and Kim Mu-Chow were in the room with the Health Department personnel.

My notes:

Dual recording sessions underway; in board of health meeting, recording in progress for the school's comprehensive school facility subcommittee down the hall.

Meeting in hybrid, Chair Sweet remote, members Harris & Mu-chow present with health staff

Housing task force update, work on abandoned property in conjunction with Attorney General, 21 Country Club Blvd owner passed, going to court to get a receiver assigned so outstanding actions can be taken care of.

Avian flu update, flu now infecting cows,raw milk can spread the flu. Highly discourage consumption of raw milk. FDA, CDC advising PPE for dairy workers to help prevent spread

Inspector report
Nurse update
Epidemiology update

Cassia changing role to shared coordinator next month

Regroup text weekly sent out,

Updated homeless resource tab for statewide resources

309 individuals, 89 families

Health fair next month, June 5, 2 to 5 PM at Library

Meeting adjourn with 3-0 vote

The meeting runs about 25 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1186-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-05-01-24

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Board of Health page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Meeting agenda ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/boh_agenda_5.1.24_-_google_docs.pdf

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

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 www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin, MA: Board of Health meeting scheduled for May 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Rausch Report: Springtime on Beacon Hill (April 2024)

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Dear Neighbor,

Earth Month is a beautiful time of year on Beacon Hill! If you've never been to the State House, or even if you have droves of times, I encourage you to come for a visit and check out everything the people's house offers, inside and out.

Last week I welcomed 10 talented high schoolers hailing from across our district to the State House for our Spring Youth Summit. This annual event gives young adults direct access to the workings of our democracy. The Summit featured an intro session with me and my team, a State House tour, a pizza and policy lunch, and deep discussions on a range of issues including homelessness, AI and social media, youth mental health, and health care access and coverage. With guidance from my staff, students developed and debated ideas, insights, and proposals, culminating with policy pitches to me and my Legislative Director. Take it from me: there is promise in our future leadership.

Youth Summit participants pose on the Senate rostrum with Senator Rausch (left) and present their policy pitches (right).

Bringing students together to analyze the issues that matter to them is a great hands-on civics workshop, but that's not the only reason these events are so important. Hearing the concerns of our youth is a key component of representing all of my constituents' needs and interests. During a virtual youth town hall session I convened in 2021, young people spoke courageously about mental health challenges and the need for better and different supports. Working with Samaritans, Inc., within a few weeks I secured funding for a youth mental health text line called Hey Sam. This confidential, peer-to-peer resource has been a tremendous success, connecting thousands of young people to the help they need. Hey Sam is your tax dollars at work, saving lives and helping our youth, both those who text in and those who volunteer.

Read on in this month's Rausch Report for more info about Samaritans' 50th Anniversary celebration, legislative updates, a roundup of upcoming May events and activities in our district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch