Saturday, June 1, 2024

School Committee approves Pledge agreement to focus on getting override passed (audio)

FM #1222 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1222 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers


Quick recap:

  • Multiple Parmenter students led the pledge of allegiance

  • FHS "Seal of Biliteracy" students were recognized

  • School retirees were recognized for their years of service

  • The Franklin Education Foundation is going to close out as an organization and turn over their remaining funds to a new "revolving account" for the School District to continue the grant program. Details remain to be worked out on the final amount of the contribution and within the District on how the grant process will work

  • District Improvement Plan updated 

  • Superintendent evaluation data provided to the Committee in preparation for their formal review scheduled for June 18

  • Discussion and vote on the override pledge document. Questions remain on exactly how much the schools will get in years 2 and beyond as the pledge doc is inconsistent in providing the info. As the successful override is the primary matter of focus, the Committee did vote to approve the pledge (5 for, 1 no, 1 abstain). The funding for FY 2026 and future can be addressed after the override is determined

  • Preview of the proposed fee schedule to be implemented if the override fails. Staffing cuts were also provided in a summary format, as there are multiple scenarios where a position cut could trigger a chain reaction where the person fulfilling that position ends up bumping someone else to remain employed per seniority and certification as set within the contracts

  • Committee entered executive session not to return to open meeting just before 11 PM


The recording runs about 3 hours & 46 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1222-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-28-24



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/eDKY6IjM1GU?si=j7JVUIWwZf1f6sXn&t=218 


Agenda doc  ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-28-24.pdf 


Meeting packet folder -> (other docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting) 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-28-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 


My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cLsuju5KNR_O8vnKbIvZ_Sbm-l9gAbZ3/view?usp=drive_link 


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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!

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


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


Seal of Biliteracy achievers
Seal of Biliteracy achievers

School district retirees recognized for years of service
School district retirees recognized for years of service

FEF's Carlucci & Trahan pose with School Cmte
FEF's Carlucci & Trahan pose with School Cmte

(L-r) Asst Supt. Dr Rogers, Supt Giguere, Asst Supt. P Marano
(L-r) Asst Supt. Dr Rogers, Supt Giguere, Asst Supt. P Marano


Senior Center is looking for volunteers

"We are looking for volunteers at the Franklin Senior Center! Come join our team, make new friends and give back to the community!

Contact Ariel Doggett adoggett@franklinma.gov"
 
Senior Center is looking for volunteers
Senior Center is looking for volunteers

 



Fallen Hero Recognition: Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps - June 1, 2024

Memorial event today (6/01/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.
 
Fallen Hero: Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps

    Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps, was born in Franklin on April 1, 1915, son of James R. and Mary Hosford. William lived with his parents and three brothers and three sisters at 22 Queen Street. William graduated from Franklin High School class of 1933 and later attended Michigan State University.

    William completed his flying course of instruction at Craig Field, Alabama and received his wings and commission on December 12, 1941. Second Lieutenant Hosford was assigned to the 35th Air Pursuit Squadron, 8th Pursuit Group, Port Moresby, New Guinae. On June 1, 1942 he was shot down by Japanese machine gun fire while in aerial combat flying a Bell P-39F.

    Second Lieutenant William Hosford had written in letters to family and friends of his eagerness to serve his country even to the point of giving up his life, should it be necessary. When 2nd LT Hosford was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice, those nearest to him knew that he made it willingly.

    Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford was 27 years old at the time of his death and now eternally rests in the Honolulu Memorial Site on Honolulu, Hawaii.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-second-lieutenant-william-g.html

FH_Hosford
Fallen Hero: 2nd L William Hosford

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

Protect your SNAP benefits from illegal card skimmers


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Ari Lazarus

With SNAP benefits, you use an EBT card to buy food at the store. But we're hearing about scammers using illegal skimmers to steal card information, then grabbing your benefits for themselves. 
 



Protect your SNAP benefits from illegal card skimmers
Protect your SNAP benefits from illegal card skimmers

Holding place for Bo's Pennies from Heaven recap

Friday, May 31, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, May 31, 2024?

Friday, May 31
8:00am Early voting for Special Election (Town Clerk's Office during business hours)
10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
5:00pm FHS Class of 2024 Graduation (Franklin High School)
9:00pm Tom Abbott (live music) (3 Restaurant)
11:00pm All Night Party - Class of 2024 (Horace Mann Middle School)
 
 
** No Town Meetings today


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
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Why are there multiple calendars?
There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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

FHS Graduation for the Class of 2024 - Live streamed at 6:30 PM

The Live Stream of the Class of 2024 graduation for Franklin High School is scheduled for Friday night at 6:30 PM.  
 
Franklin's Comcast 8, Verizon 28 subscribers can watch on their respective channels. All others can turn to YouTube and the Franklin TV Education Channel ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/ynK9K_GMTjM
 
Other Class of 2024 graduation info can be found on the FHS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/franklin-high-school/students-families/pages/graduation-commencement 
 

Franklin's Strawberry Stroll a great start to summer, June 7 from 4 to 8 PM

The 20th Annual Strawberry Stroll is ready to go. This town favorite is set for Friday, June 7 from 4 to 8 PM. The rain date is Saturday, June 8, from 4 to 8 PM. The stroll is held on Main Street which will be closed to traffic so visitors can easily and safely walk. Come to downtown Franklin to start your summer!

Dean Bank’s staff will be serving the signature strawberry shortcakes under tents in front of the bank. Fresh strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will top hundreds of shortcakes and be completed with whipped cream. Proceeds from strawberry shortcake sales are allocated to the Downtown Partnership to help fund the event.

Franklin's Strawberry Stroll
Franklin's Strawberry Stroll
Here’s what else you can expect:
Booths will have fun activities for children, a variety of giveaways, delicious food, information about organizations and businesses, and fabulous strawberry shortcake.

Musical entertainment by Heath Nisbett playing acoustic guitar, 4 pm to 6 pm; Dom DeBaggis playing acoustic guitar, 6 pm to 8 pm; Feet in Motion Dance Studio offering two performances during the afternoon/evening. Radio station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast from 4 PM to 8 PM. Franklin Fire Department will have Touch A Truck, Sparky, and fire safety information; and Franklin Historical Museum will be open.

“Year after year this event attracts more visitors and vendors. It's always an exciting day to see so many people enjoying themselves and some strawberry cake,” said Kevin Johnson, Strawberry Stroll Chairman.  “What better way to kick off the summer than joining others and listening to live music on Main Street.”

Event organizer Franklin Downtown Partnership is grateful for the financial support from community businesses. This year’s stroll is made possible by the support of the following sponsors. Platinum Sponsor:  Dean College. Gold Sponsors: Camford Property Group, Inc., Dean Bank, The Enclave of Franklin Senior Living, Glen Meadows Apartments, Middlesex Savings Bank. Silver Sponsor: Notturno Home Services. Bronze Sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Chestnut Dental, DCU, Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Fenton Financial Group, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Peel Microspa.

Follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership on:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and 
https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents are welcome to join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Library events for June feature Spring Health Fair, Shavuot, Summer Reading, Juneteenth, & more (audio)

FM #1221 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1221 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

 

We talk about 

  • Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday times

    • Switching to summer hours, meaning they are closed on Sundays (until Sept)

    • Closed on Wednesday, June 19 for Juneteenth

    • Book sale weekend June 14 & June 15

    • Community read The Humans by Matt Haig  http://www.matthaig.com/books/thehumans/ 

  • Library events for June 2024

    • Special events

    • Kiddos, or “littles”

    • Family

    • Adults


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended..


The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1221-fpl-june-2024-event-highlights-05-22-24




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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 


Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library 

 

Library Calendar of Events ->  http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm 


Correction, “June is busting out all over” is from Carousel not Oklahoma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khL3AVmPj24 


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

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!

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


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


Library events for June feature Spring Health Fair, Shavuot, Summer Reading, Juneteenth, & more (audio)
Library events for June feature Spring Health Fair, Shavuot, Summer Reading, Juneteenth, & more (audio)

FHS girls & boys tennis playoff matches rescheduled to 6/2 & 6/1

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, May 30, 2024

Boys Tennis = Division 1
#27 Franklin @ #6 Brookline – Postponed to Saturday, 6/1 at 2:30.

Girls Tennis = Division 1

#24 Franklin @ #9 Belmont – Postponed to Sunday, 6/2 at 3:00.
 
For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 


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

Frank Presents: Heath Nisbett (video)

Frank Falvey talks with Heath Nisbett about his performance at Franklin's PorchFest on Saturday, June 1.

14 Orchard Street
4:00 - 5:00      Heath Nisbett
5:15 - 6:00      Rayna Nisbett





Frank Presents: Heath Nisbett (video)
Frank Presents: Heath Nisbett (video)

Franklin Public Schools Appoints Todd Kiley as New Head Varsity Football Coach

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are pleased to share that Todd Kiley has been appointed as Franklin Public School's new head varsity football coach.

Kiley comes to Franklin from Holliston Public Schools where he served as head football coach for Holliston High School and currently serves as a physical education teacher for Sam Placentino Elementary School and Miller Elementary School in Holliston.

Kiley has served as head coach of the Holliston High School football team for the past 21 seasons, during which time he led teams to state championships in 2010, 2014 and 2015.

Additional coaching roles for Kiley included junior varsity basketball coach for Natick Public Schools, junior varsity baseball coach for Holliston Public Schools, and head coach of Holliston Youth Football.

He has been recognized with various Coach of the Year honors by the MIAA, the NFHS, the Metrowest Daily News, the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald. 

Kiley holds a bachelor's degree in movement science from Westfield State College and a Master's of Education from Cambridge College. 

"Coach Kiley brings a wealth of football experience and knowledge to Franklin," said Athletic Director Ellis. "We are excited to welcome him to the district and see him work alongside our staff and students as he coaches our team this upcoming season."

Franklin Public Schools Appoints Todd Kiley as New Head Varsity Football Coach
Franklin Public Schools Appoints Todd Kiley as New Head Varsity Football Coach