Franklin Matters

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Scout Troop 126 - bottle/can drive - Feb 13 and Feb 20

Troop 126 has another bottle and can drive coming up.

"On Saturday, February 13, and Saturday, February 20, 2021, Scouts BSA Troop 126 will be having a bottle and can drive, to raise money for new dining shelters and exciting trips like skiing. Our troop is in Franklin, which means your contributions will directly benefit the youth of your community.

If you wish to donate bottles or cans, please drop them off at the Elks parking lot, 1077 Pond Street, on February 13 or 20, between 10 A.M. and 12 P.M."

Shared from the Troop 126 page

https://troop126franklin.org/2021/02/02/bottle-and-can-drive-at-franklin-elks-2/

Scout Troop 126 - bottle/can drive - Feb 13 and Feb 20

FM #450 - The 'Radio Gang' recaps 2020, and looks out to 2021 (audio)

FM #450 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 450 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the conversation that the “Radio Gang” had during the winter break. We took the time to look back at 2020 and ahead to 2021. We did have our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The “Radio Gang” as you’ll hear in order of appearance,

Pete Fasciano (Executive Director of Franklin TV)
Jay Horrigan, sports announcer extraordinaire
Jim Derick, host of Chapters, co-host of “Talking the Blues” (with Todd Monjour) and along for the ride with Franklin Falvey on “Frank’s Music” and “Music to lift the Spirit”
Dr. Anne Bergen, host of “It Takes a Village”
Pandora Carlucci co-facilitator with Jay Horrigan on “A Priest, a Minister and a Rabbi”

The recording runs about about 1 hour and 14 minutes, so let’s listen to the “Radio Gang” Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6FlpGMS

Note: A slightly shorter version of this will be aired on wfpr.fm

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

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 #450 Radio Gang Recap Outlook 2020-2021 (audio)

FHS girls basketball extend undefeated run with win over Attleboro

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 40 @ Attleboro, 42 – Final

"In most games, it was a run that normally wouldn’t make headlines.

But in Tuesday night’s contest between Attleboro and Franklin, with points more valuable than GameStop’s stock, an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter from the hosts made all the difference.

Attleboro senior Alec Eaton hit back-to-back three-pointers and junior Evan Houle added a jumper as the Bombardiers turned a four-point deficit into a four-point lead in the fourth quarter, an advantage they never relinquished — though it was close — in a 42-40 win over Franklin.

Franklin made it a one-point game, 39-38, with just under a minute to go before Attleboro senior Justin Daniels (10 points, four rebounds) hit a pair of free throws. The Bombardiers’ edge grew by one, 42-38, after Daniels sank another from the line following a Franklin turnover. "

Continue reading the game recap by Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com https://hockomocksports.com/attleboro-boys-basketball-holds-on-for-close-win-over-franklin/

For a photo gallery from this game https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Winter-2020-2021/Attleboro-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-02-02-21/

Attleboro junior Evan Houle (1) looks to dribble past Franklin senior Zach Harvey. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Girls Basketball = Attleboro, 27 @ Franklin, 64 – Final

"Even with some of its regular starters on the bench cheering on, Franklin started Tuesday night’s game with Attleboro locked in defensively and crashing the glass. The Panthers held Attleboro scoreless in the first and to just six points in the second quarter, allowing their offense time to click into gear.

Once Franklin got going on that end of the floor, knocking down 10-of-12 threes as a team in the second half, there was no way back for the Bombardiers. Franklin rolled to a 64-27 win, extending its win streak to nine games this season and 34 games overall and clinching a third straight Kelley-Rex division title.

“We have something to win,” Franklin coach John Leighton said of his team’s focus. “Beyond Thursday, there’s nothing out there. It’s the abyss. So, this was one tangible thing that they could do and they’ve been very fired up about it.

He added, “It’s a great league. It’s a great league when we play 20 games and a great league when we play 10. There’s great balance in the league, so I’m very proud of the girls for closing that out.”

Continue reading the game recap by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-locks-down-against-attleboro-to-clinch-title/

For a photo gallery from this game https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Winter-2020-2021/Franklin-Attleboro-Girls-Basketball-2-2-21/

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-02-21/

Franklin junior Olivia Quinn (23) drives into the lane for two of her game-high 15 points in the title-clinching win against Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 12

"Welcome to Franklin High School's first virtual Jazz Concert. With band instruments prohibited indoors until recently, this performance was a challenge to put together, to say the least. We are so happy that things are slowly coming back and that we were able to provide this performance for you this evening. Our hopes are to have live performances in the spring, outdoors. We will look forward to sharing our music with you once again!"

FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 12 - 7 PM

Update from Diane Plouffe, Director of Visual and Performing Arts

Unfortunately, due to the snow cancellations this week, the teachers were not able to meet with students to finish up the concert recordings for the February 5th concert. This announcement was coming out today. They will be postponing it until next Friday, February 12th.

The link for the Concert Hour performance on February 11th is:

https://givebutter.com/yDnAHt

The link for the Jazz Concert on February 12th is:

https://givebutter.com/2Kmqlq

FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 5

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday February 4, 7:00 PM

Hello to our members and supporters. The Greater Franklin Node of 350 Massachusetts will meet this week, Thursday, February 4, at 7:00 PM. Here are the the Zoom details, and a preview of the meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755
Passcode: 350ma
Audio by phone: +1 646 876 9923

There's no need to RSVP, and we'll send a reminder on Thursday.

Meeting Agenda

The principal topics at this meeting will be:

State legislative action on climate: In January the state Senate and House of Representatives passed the Next Generation Roadmap Climate Bill, only to see it vetoed by Governor Baker. The legislature proceeded to vote again and pass the same bill. It is now up to the Governor to take action by Sunday, February 7. We call on everyone to contact the Governor and urge him to sign the bill. SEE THIS TOOLKIT FOR ACTION.
350 Mass 2021-22 Campaign: The organization is on the verge of selecting priority projects for this year and next, to address the escalating climate crisis by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and moving to a 100% clean, sustainable, and just energy future. We will discuss likely projects and roles for our Node within this region of the state.
State Legislature Transparency Campaign: 350 Mass, Act on Mass, and other organizations have advocated for rules reform in the House of Representatives to improve and make public the House's decision-making. The new Speaker of the House Ron Mariano has postponed the vote on this session's rules for several months. We will share updates and strategies.

In addition, we will share announcements about local meetings and activities, and relevant webinars and reports so we can all be better informed.

This year holds promise for major progress on slowing the climate crisis, led by our state legislature and the Biden Administration. There is much to be done. 350 Mass and our Greater Franklin Node will continue to inform you about developments and opportunities for your help. We hope you can attend our meetings (1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month) as your schedule allows, to learn more and to contribute to this most important cause.

Thanks for your participation and support.

Node Co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting

Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten Registration Open for 2021-2022

"Kindergarten Registration for the Class of 2034 is now available! Franklin Public Schools are now enrolling K students for the 2021-2022 school year.

Visit our website at franklinps.net/district/prek- for details. Questions? Please reach out to Central Office at 508- 553-4819"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1356693063318528002

Link to form: https://www.franklinps.net/district/prek-grade-12-student-registrationchange-address-online-form/pages/kindergarten

Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten Registration Open for 2021-2022

Franklin Cultural District & Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant Application

Good Morning,

Thank you all very much for your participation in the Cultural District Meeting last night (Monday). It was great to see everyone and hear your ideas for our June arts celebration.

Below you will find the link to the FCD grant application. Once you have completed the application please email it to franklinculture@franklinma.gov with "Grant Application" in the subject line. All grant applications are due by February 11, 2021. We are expecting to notify all grant recipients by the end of February.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

The Franklin Cultural District Committee

Link to application doc: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dWeRrcWjU7qHEBie9iDstEKFrhMLDw_J/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Cultural District & Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant Application

"The town, using Community Preservation Act money, bought the lot"

Via the Community Preservation Coalition:

"Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity wants to build a cluster of up to 20 homes on a sliver of town-owned land off Route 41 in Housatonic.

The project would create the town’s first homes designated as affordable — nearly half of the units would be reserved for households making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income.

The town acquired the 7.5-acre parcel, known as the Alden property, last year for $175,000, and entrusted its development to the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Habitat proposal was the only one submitted for the site.

The formal vetting of the plan got underway Friday, when the board heard details about the plan via Zoom. Habitat is proposing 14 to 20 homes at varying costs, to be built in phases, said Carolyn Valli, Habitat’s CEO. It would begin with seven homes, and more would be added gradually, in collaboration with Construct Inc. and the community."

Continue reading the article at the Berkshire Eagle: https://t.co/LHiuyNR0YQ

Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean

"Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean, even when you aren't near a sink. Have hand sanitizer with you!

#BenKnows #DoYourPartFranklin #CleanPaws #ItMatters" @franklinpolice

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/R3Oh8v7WgW

Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Via Denise Spencer:

"In June, School Committees across Massachusetts found themselves debating the anti-racism resolution outlined by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). Among the many statements in the resolution are efforts to recruit a diverse workforce, examine policies for systemic racism, and incorporate works of diverse authors into the curriculum, as well as the history of racial oppression.

Following these discussions, and approval of the Anti-Racism Resolution, in July I was happy to hear Dr. Ahern discuss her upcoming plans to form a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Last week over 50 community stakeholders (students, faculty and staff, central office and school committee) met and began working together, taking a look at who we are and what we can do better as a school community to make sure our staff, students and families feel welcome.

Franklin Public Schools will be conducting an equity audit in the coming year. MASC members are asked to ensure that diversity and inclusion are made part of the everyday culture of schools. I am looking forward to the results of this audit and learning which areas we need to improve on."

Please click on the below link to find more information regarding the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1byeie6g7-MG9-FwvFiOhI8Pbme4cEz/view?fbclid=IwAR1RplopkcOgi6m4XzVXBIdB5BvLoGjAt1KWdn1UuyWAWnLd4T_IYnc4-PY

Shared from Facebook:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=469766124409443&id=113623673357025

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

"employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women"

"WOMEN ENDED 2020 with 5.4 million fewer jobs than they had in February 2020, prior to the start of the pandemic. December unemployment figures showed that employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women. The “shecession” of 2020 has thrown into stark relief the barriers that keep the gender/racial wage gap alive for working women. The data tells a story but what paints the picture is the decades-long reality for working women laid bare for all to see in the last year.

The overwhelming inequities that make upward mobility at work such an uneven climb for women – harassment, lack of childcare and paid leave, unequal expectations compared to their male co-workers – are not new. This time, however, they are hard to ignore. Working from home on Zoom means that women are not privately managing this tightrope act anymore. And for those whose jobs don’t allow for remote work, it has meant leaving the workforce altogether, possibly setting back improvements in the wage and racial gap for years."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/shecession-means-the-jig-is-up/

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Trash / Recycling Update

Curbside trash/recycling will continue to be picked up. Waste Management has caught up from all delays caused by the snow storm and the remainder of the week will proceed as scheduled. Thank you for your patience!

Shared from: https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/trash-recycling-update

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

February 2, 2021

Dear Franklin Community,

Due to the lingering effects from the snow storm, Franklin Public Schools will be closed on February 2, 2021 for a snow day. The day will be made up at the end of the school year.

School offices will be closed. FPS Central Office will open on a delayed schedule at 10 AM.

Thank you and stay safe and warm.

Franklin Public Schools

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Due to the continued snow cleanup this morning, the Franklin Municipal Building and town offices will have a delayed start time. All offices will open at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/municipal-building-open-10am

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show - Feb 12

What is Giggles for Good? We'll let Doug MacPherson of HMEA explain:

"Who out there hasn’t been affected in some way by Covid 19? Here at HMEA we have had to restructure, renew and realign many things to continue providing services and program.
To help us do this we have reached out to everyone in the communities where we live and work. And one of the best ways to cope with all that is going on is to provide fundraising events and there’s a great one coming up on Friday February 12th at 7 PM.
Who doesn’t like a good laugh right?
Well here’s your chance to enjoy a good solid hour of comedy right from your own home – hey the parking is free – the commute is really short and the lines for food and the facilities are completely controlled by YOU. In addition, you are supporting a very worthy cause allowing HMEA to meet its mission.
We have two nationally acclaimed stand up clean comedians.
Cyrus Steele from Atlanta Georgia is a master impressionist, imitating everyone from Seinfeld and Arnold Schwarzenegger to Elvis and many more.
Cyrus most recently has performed on FOX and NBC's "America's Got Talent".
He's an in demand performer at corporate events and comedy clubs nationwide.
We also have Jason Love. Who is One of today’s hardest-working comedians, he has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, and America’s Got Talent. His crafty punch lines and guitar bits make him a real favorite corporate comedian for companies like Chevron, Google, and Pepsi.
Funny. Clean. Relevant. Jason performs at clubs around the country, from the Laugh Factory in Hollywood to Caroline's on Broadway. He performs overseas for the troops and on the seas for cruise lines. His clips are played daily on SiriusXM."

For more information including how to purchase tickets (and or donate to HMEA) visit https://www.hmea.org/giggles/

Follow the Facebook event HMEA's Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show | Facebook

Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show - Feb 12, 2021

Rotary Club of Franklin MA - "Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction!

WE ARE LIVE! This means that people can now login to bid.marlinart.com and register and receive their bid numbers.

The first 100 guests to register will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Because this is a virtual event, people from all over the U.S./Globe can join in.

The event is FREE and all purchased items will be shipped to the winning bidders home FREE OF CHARGE within the U.S.!

I am also excited to announce that we have a LIMITED amount of locally sourced Valentine Goodie Baskets. We have sold a few but if you are interested in order, please do so early so that you do not miss out! (order by Feb 5)

It is easy to order and pay and a really great deal for only $50!

What to get: Red, White or Bubbles from Pour Richards, (2) chocolate bombs from Mama Barba’s Bake Shop, (1) 2.5 oz. honey from Franklin Honey Co, cheese and crackers and a personalized Valentine Card. Possibly a few other surprises too!

To place an order simply click:

1. https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689

2. PLEASE ORDER/PAY HERE (https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689/Event/say-it-with-art)

"Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Order an engraved brick for Memorial Day 2021!

Honor your special veteran with an engraved brick this Memorial Day! The next brick installation is scheduled for May 2021. Bricks may be purchased to pay tribute to anyone who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military.

The deadline for the May installation is April 1, 2021. Thanks to all who have honored our veterans by supporting this project!

Brick order forms are available at: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cid_e86af66...

Please contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 for more information.

Shared from Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-memorial-walkway-update-2