Reminder: Franklin Cultural District Partnership Meeting - Feb 1

Dear Cultural District Partners, 

Tonight the Franklin Cultural District Partners will be meeting at 7:00 PM to discuss the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural District "Recovery and Rebuilding Grant". Below you will find the Zoom link for this meeting. Attached you will find the agenda for the meeting.

We hope to see you all this evening.

Regards,

Nancy Schoen

Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee

nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com

The Cultural District Committee is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Cultural District Partners Meeting - February 1, 2021 7:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82286340536

Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536

One tap mobile  +19292056099,,82286340536# US (New York)

Dial by your location          +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcM9DGAxS

Agenda doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zKrvYNyAw3jVVt7QjO8zGMigCmrUgfP6/view?usp=sharing

Reminder: Franklin Cultural District Partnership Meeting - Feb 1

5 Ways SSA.gov Saves You Time

"Our online tools and services save you time and make your life easier. Often, there’s no need to contact us. Here are five of our webpages that can make your life easier:

1. With your own personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain benefit verification letters."

Continue reading to find the other 4 ways SSA,gov can help

https://blog.ssa.gov/5-ways-ssa-gov-saves-you-time/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)

January 31, 2021

Dear Franklin community,

The weather forecast is calling for a significant snowstorm to move into our area through the day tomorrow and developing into heavy snow in the afternoon hours, and lingering into Tuesday where mixed precipitation and big wind gusts are possible. 

Therefore, we will hold school (both in-person/hybrid and remote) tomorrow, Monday, February 1, on a half-day schedule. Schools will be dismissed as follows:

• ECDC: 12:15 PM
• Elementary Schools: 11:45 AM
• Middle Schools:10:45 AM (10:50 AM at HMMS)
• High School: 10:55 AM

Although the actual impact of the storm could change, at this time, we are anticipating that the weather event will impact Tuesday. We are planning for the possibility that Tuesday, February 2, will be a traditional snow day. 

There were many strong feelings conveyed from members of the community with the call to have a remote learning day back in December and we had communicated in November that we would monitor our approach and make adjustments, as necessary. We also know that there are strong feelings among community members who feel that a remote learning day would be better for continuity in instruction. Planning for a remote day due to snow is more involved and complicated than the typical remote Wednesday, which is something we learned from December. As school will be abbreviated tomorrow, planning for a remote day on Tuesday will be more difficult. Additionally, having a snow day will result in the school day needing to be made up at the end of the year. This could yield a day with better quality instruction should health metrics related to the virus continue to improve this spring.

Snow day decisions never please everyone, but I hope that sharing this rationale provides you with a better understanding of our approach.

I will continue to keep the community apprised of a final decision for Tuesday, as winter weather can be unpredictable and the storm may not be as bad as forecasted.  For now, we will have a half-day of school on Monday and the next update will come by Monday evening. Updates will come in the form of e-mails, text messages, phone calls, posts on our Websites, posts to news outlets (TV and radio), and our Twitter and Facebook social media pages.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools 

shared from FPS page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/bulletins/winter-storm-information

Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 3, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 16, 2020
b. January 6, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Bill Murphy

5. APPOINTMENTS
None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Finance Department: Borrowing & Debt Update 
b. Department of Public Works: Stormwater   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._storm_water_presentation.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
d. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-869: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Section 82-6 Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection F. Fire - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-869 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._21-869_als_bls_rate_changes.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. COVID-19 Updates
b. FY22 Budget Calendar

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

The agenda folder on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-3-town-council-agenda

The PDF doc with the agenda and docs released  (35 pages)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-3-2021_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

new rain garden at the end of Griffin Road

FM #448 School Comm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Mtg - 01/28/21 (audio)

FM #448 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 448 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Jan 28, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a remote format; all the subcommittee, Central Office personnel and the public participants were remote via conference bridge, to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. 

The recording runs just about 1 hour and 40 minutes

Let’s listen to this segment of the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis meeting of Jan 28, 2021.   Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-448-schcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg-01-28-21

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

Quick Recap:

• Review of the 5 options as discussed at the meeting last week. Committee should have had time since then to review and prepare, final questions, clarifications asked of each option as they went through each one
• The three members got to outline their background and approach to decision and what the factors were for them; Superintendent and Business Administrator also asked for their views
• Consensus across the group for recommending to close in September, acting now to start planning for a good transition. Recognizing not an easy decision to close, or even in the pandemic period, but it is the best for the students across the district
• Next meeting to work on the proposal and outline of decision factors for the full committee to decide at a future meeting (time TBD, could be as early as the Feb 9 meeting - stay tuned.)

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/71thcyJaDWXNoWqC7

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_1.28.21.docx.pdf

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

Davis Thayer Closing Options memo
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/davis_thayer_closing_options.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html 

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

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/ 

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"

 

FM #448 School Comm - Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Mtg - 01/28/21 (audio)

Encore Music Education Foundation: 2021 Senior Scholarship Application Open

The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc.'s 2021 Senior Scholarship Application is now OPEN! 

 

* Applications are due before March 31, 2021 

 

*To be an eligible applicant you must be a graduating high school senior or high school graduate studying a musical instrument or voice, with the intention to pursue an undergraduate degree in music performance, music education, sound recording and engineering, music business administration, or musical theatre at a two or four-year accredited institution of higher learning. 

 

* To learn more, and to download and print it out, click here: https://www.wesupportmusic.org/scholarship-opportunities/

 

Encore Music Education Foundation: 2021 Senior Scholarship Application Open

 

FPS: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 2

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Budget Subcommittee

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 = 4:30 PM

 

 - FY22 Budget Development

Please find the agenda and connection information posted here  https://t.co/XnfgX8ygiE  

Shared from Twitter  https://t.co/OChbxOdVXf

FPS: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 2

Both FHS gymnastics and boys hockey teams top Mansfield on Saturday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 6 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final 

– Franklin scored three unanswered goals in the second period to pull away from the Hornets for a season sweep. The Panthers built a 2-1 lead after a period, getting a pair of goals from Justin Magazu (with Dylan Marchand assisting on both). In the second, Conor O’Neill (from Sean Connelly and Declan Lovett) made it 3-1 and Ryan Sicchio scored back-to-back goals for a 5-1 edge. In the third, Lovett found the back of the net with O’Neill and Connelly earning assists. Gary Mandia made 15 saves in net for the win.

Gymnastics = Attleboro, 134.5 @ Franklin, 141.5 – Final 

– Franklin added another win to its total this season after the results were examined from their virtual meet against Attleboro. The Panthers competed last week while the Bombardiers were in action on Friday night. Emma White took first in three of four events (vault, bars, floor) while Kate Heun had the top score on the beam (8.95) for the Panthers.

For other results around the Hockomock League 

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-30-21/

Franklin defeats Attleboro 141.5 to 134.5

FHS gymnastics team poses for photo

Franklin defeats Attleboro 141.5 to 134.5. #undefeated @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @BGlobeSports @HockomockSports @MyFM1013 @KatCornetta @FHSTrainingRoom @fhsgymboosters pic.twitter.com/tnloNDIRzI

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 31, 2021

Hard hat to Justin Magazu   https://twitter.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1355693531688480773

Game puck to Ryan Sicchio  https://twitter.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1355694022598291460 

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Agenda - Feb 3, 2021

Town Administrator Evaluation 

Ad Hoc Subcommittee 

Agenda - Feb 3, 2021 - 5:00 PM

 

1. Call to Order

2. Town Administrator Evaluation Discussion

3. Adjourn

Agenda doc and connection information  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/_2020-02-03_ta_evaluation_agenda_cont._1.pdf

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at a recent meeting

50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events

We are excited to offer a wide range of programming including interactive workshops [3 options offered], follow-up networking sessions, 1-1 speed coaching, exciting guest speakers and panel events.   February is packed with programming! Mark your calendar! Be sure to visit our website 50plusjobseekers.org for additional details.   Interactive Workshop Series: Learn new Job Search Skills and Strategies Session #2-Create your STARS: Mon, Feb 1st: 630-830pm:  Session #3-Use your STARS: Tues Feb 9th: 10-12N Session #3-Use your STARS: Fri Feb 12th: 1-3pm Session #3-Use your STARS: Mon Feb 15th: 630-830pm Session #4-Creating your Resume-Part I: Tues Feb 23rd:10-12N   G2G Networking Sessions: Session Recap-Homework-Networking-Open Forum Q&A Networking Session #2: Tues Feb 2nd: 10-1130am  Networking Session #3: Tues Feb 16th 10-1130am   Special Events Series: Guest Speakers and Panel Events 50+ Job Seekers Community Forum: Fri Feb 5th: 10-11am [In Collaboration w/EOEA**] Finding Resiliency and Resources: Thu Feb 11th: 10-12N [In collaboration with EBN **] Age-Friendly Employer Forum - Panel Event Wed Feb 24th[In collaboration with EBN **] GUEST SPEAKER-Nancy Collamer: Hot Small Business and Gig Ideas: Thu Feb 25th::10-1130am   If you are registered with the 50+ program, you will receive a URL to join the events. Not registered?  Register at our website 50plusjobseekers.org Thanks, Ed Lawrence * 50+ Program - Group Leader * Resume-writer for the Framingham Public Library * Principal coach - www.getstart-ed.com   50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events

Two FHS Art award announcements and one FHS Honor Society announcement

Via Brenna Johnson:

"I am excited to share that Morgan Towne, a student in Ceramics II has won a Gold Key from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Program for this amazing teapot. Congratulations Morgan! I am so proud of you! @artandwriting   @FranklinHS  @FHSPantherbook


And FHS has three Honorable Mentions from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards including Emily Cesa, ceramic teapot; Elizabeth Tang, acrylic painting; and Elaine Pu, mix media self-portrait.  WOW. Congratulations! #artmatters @artandwriting   @FHSPantherbook   @FranklinHS


Finally, the National Art Honors Society painted the library windows on Thursday to spread love, friendship, diversity, inclusion, and NOT germs for the month of February. Just Amazing! What a GREAT week for FHS ART! @HonorsArt   @AmyEdson  @FHSPantherbook   @FranklinHS   #artmatters  "

 

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1355340865372385286

https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1355337240222855169

https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1355333886503477251

 

Two FHS Art award announcements and one FHS Honor Society announcement

 

Franklin Art Association: Christine Toubeau featured at Feb 3, 2021 meeting

Join us at the next monthly Franklin Art Association meeting.   Yes, our regular monthly get-together will take place this coming Wednesday, February 3 at 6:30 PM, as usual, via Zoom.  The Zoom link is below.

Following an informal virtual social gathering from 6:30-7:00, we have an exciting program to share, a viewing of a Franklin TV Cable retrospective on the work of painter Christine Toubeau.   

"Toubeau, a member of the FAA, is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art, earning her MFA from U Mass, Amherst in 2004. She has worked as a fashion illustrator, free-lance graphic illustrator, art teacher at both Tri-County’s Graphic Arts Shop and Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls.  She has had her own wall mural painting business here in Franklin for several years.

Toubeau’s original, acrylic, paintings deal with the theme of the interaction of humans with futuristic technology. She currently has an exhibit of her acrylic paintings on view at the First Universalist Society Church in Franklin. Franklin TV cameraman Chris Flynn, in collaboration with Toubeau, combined footage of that exhibit with additional images taken from her larger body of work, including paintings featured in a 2010 solo art show at UMass entitled “The Robot Next Door” to produce the film to be shown at the FAA meeting. During the show, she will also illustrate her approach to working with large, four foot canvases as well as a painting with acrylics demonstration from her home studio."

Franklin Art Association is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: FAA Monthly Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82181910922?pwd=ME9aTGtvRVJFVlg2aDBlMllVT1ZZdz09

Meeting ID: 821 8191 0922
Passcode: 229622 

Franklin Art Association:  Christine Toubeau featured at Feb 3, 2021 meeting

February 2021 VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - Feb 3

February 2021 VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social

We hope you will join us!

Hello Veterans!

We hope you are staying healthy and managing to keep active during this cold weather spell. The good news is…the days are getting longer (sunset is at 4:51 pm today!) so SPRING must be right around the corner!

February has crept up on us so it's time for our monthly VIRTUAL Coffee Social. Please join us on Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 hours for conversation and updates. As always, all veterans are welcome so feel free to pass this invitation along to others who may not be on our email list.

If you have not participated in a Zoom call yet, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your device before joining us.

Here is the log-in information for the February 3, 2021 meeting only:

• Join Zoom via URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87924233395
• Call in number: 1-929-205-6099
• Enter Meeting ID: 879 2423 3395

For more information, contact the Veterans' Services Office at: (508) 613-1315.

We look forward to seeing you at the February VIRTUAL Coffee Social!

 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/february-2021-virtual-coffee-social

 

February 2021 VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - Feb 3

 

FTC Marks Identity Theft Awareness Week with Events to Help Consumers Identify Risks of Identity Theft During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Federal Trade Commission is launching Identity Theft Awareness Week, February 1-5, 2021, with a series of events to highlight steps consumers can take to help reduce their risk of identity theft and recover if identity theft occurs.

Identity theft happens when someone steals personal information about you such as your Social Security number or credit card information, and uses it to commit fraud. Reports about any type of identity theft topped the list of consumer complaints(link is external) submitted to the FTC through the third quarter of 2020.

As part of Identity Theft Awareness Week, the FTC will participate in webinars and other events to highlight what you can do to protect your personal information, red-flag warning signs of possible identity theft, and steps to take if identity theft happens to you. 

Events include a webinar on Monday, February 1, with Identity Theft Resource Center and FTC experts discussing identity theft during the pandemic, and a Facebook Live discussion on Thursday, February 4, hosted by the AARP Fraud Watch Network, focused on COVID-19-related identity theft, current trends, and ways to protect yourself.

You can find the full list of events at ftc.gov/IDtheftweek, along with details on how to participate and tips on how to reduce the risk of identity theft.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

Like the FTC on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission), follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/FTC), get consumer alerts, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

 

FTC Marks Identity Theft Awareness Week

"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio)

From January 20, 1961 wise words show the work still needs to be done:

"So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens . . . (and) let the oppressed go free."

And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."

President John F Kennedy's first Inaugural Address can be found (text and audio)

https://www.jfklibrary.org/archives/other-resources/john-f-kennedy-speeches/inaugural-address-19610120

The last episode in the "It Was Said" podcast gets into the context for this inaugural address. Well worth the 34 minutes to listen to:

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vaXQtd2FzLXNhaWQ&ep=14&episode=MWM1NTcxZGEtZTdlMS0xMWVhLTk1ZDYtZDNkZDQ1ZTFjNGEw

 

"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio)

Franklin Historical Museum: new exhibit "Women in Franklin"

"We are excited to announce that our new exhibit, Women in Franklin, is now on display! Come visit the Museum on Sundays from 1-4 PM and learn about some of the amazing women who have devoted their lives to the Town!"

 

Shared from Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/CKoh7djhGK4/?igshid=150cw4plisusq

Franklin Historical Museum:  new exhibit "Women in Franklin"

Town of Franklin: Vaccination Information and COVID-19 Data

Vaccination Information and COVID-19 Data

Go direct to the Portal

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/tof_covid_19_portal_final_tiles.pdf

 

Town of Franklin: Vaccination Information and COVID-19 Data

 

Rep Jeff Roy: COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Rep Jeff Roy writes:

"Just finished a meeting with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and here is the latest info on the vaccine rollout:

Beginning February 1st, residents age 75 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. Appointments became available yesterday for online booking at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. Right now and until more vaccines are readily available, there is a very high demand for a limited number of appointments through the online platform.

Early next week the website will be revised and simplified and they will also offer a telephone number to schedule appointments. And they will continue to add sites and expect to increase capacity to 305,000 doses each week by mid-February. The current allocation from the federal government is 86,000 doses per week, so we are hoping for a larger allocation to match our capacity."

Continue reading the update online

https://jeffreyroy.com/2021/01/28/latest-updates-on-vaccination-rollout/

 

Rep Jeff Roy: COVID-19 Vaccine Update