"When I'm on social media I see a lot of misinformation. Sometimes I think [it's] true. It really mixes up my train of thought." - Ande McMorris, a Sr & 🏈 captain at Cedar Falls HS, IA
But using @NewsLitProject's #Checkology has made a big diff 4 Ande ⤵️ Video link -> https://t.co/X3Fc7rewpc or https://youtu.be/im-xg0zK8mk
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"This has turned out to be one of our most successful drives yet. With your help we were able to help over 70 Franklin children. We were left with a massive amount of toys that were dropped off to Franklin’s Santa Foundation. From there, these toys will go to families in need this holiday season. A special thanks to the Depoto family and Hillside Nurseries & Florist for letting us use their box truck to move theses toys.
This toy drive would not have been a success without the hard work and passion from Officer Andressa Rosa. Each year she continuously out does herself in her collection. There is no doubt Officer Rosa is responsible for bringing many smiles to many Franklin families this holiday season. Alongside Officer Rosa was Sergeant Eric Copeland and other Franklin officers who donated their time at our stuff a cruiser toy drive and pictures with Santa toy drive.
We can’t thank everyone who donated gifts this year enough. Whether it was in person at one of our events, at the station, or through our Amazon wishlist, it all added up. Thank you and happy holidays! "
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| Franklin Police toy drive 1 |
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| Franklin Police toy drive 2 |
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| Franklin Police toy drive 3 |
Shared from Franklin (MA) Police Dept. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/10157976283050916
"Our new genocide education law will give students the opportunity to explore how stereotypes, prejudice, and religious and ethnic hatred can escalate to atrocity.
Honored to be part of the team that made it happen. Thanks @MassGovernor for signing it today.
Via Senator Becca Rausch:
The Genocide Education Bill is now Massachusetts law. As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, it was a tremendous honor vote YES on this legislation and attend today's bill signing at the State House. May the memory of those we've lost be a blessing. #mapoli
The legislation can be found online -> https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2021/Chapter98
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1473768475667664901 and |
| Signed by Gov Baker on Wednesday, Dec 22 |
"Franklin High School: 'Twas The Day Before Break"
Video link -> https://youtu.be/970YZGgBIC0
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1474007043489075200
HockomockSports.com has posted the Volleyball Awards for the fall 2021 season. Franklin High School was well represented by the following individuals:
"Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year. The Panthers’ veteran setter was the heart and soul of the team, helping Franklin secure a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and a trip to the Division 1 State Semifinals.
Mackintosh was also selected as the MVP of the Hockomock League by the coaches. She is a six-position player who almost never came off the court for the Panthers, shining at the service line, in the back row, and as the setter. Her consistent high-level play helped the Panthers record another successful season.
“Cailyn is an exceptional team leader on and off the court,” said Franklin head coach Samantha Redmond. “She has always put the team’s goals before her own and truly wants the best for everyone around her.”Continue reading the write up on Cailyn
Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh closed out her impressive three-year varsity career with another solid all-around season. Mackintosh finished the year with a team-high 535 assists, including the 1,000th of her career, and 70 aces. She also added 32 blocks and 241 digs, helping the Panthers earn a share of their third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 state semifinal. Mackintosh was chosen as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches and the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above). Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Cailyn is an exceptional team leader on and off the court, she has always put the team’s goals before her own and truly wants the best for everyone around her.”
Franklin sophomore hitter Taylor Lacerda was the team leader in kills, turning into the team’s top threat on the outside and helping the Panthers earn a share of the Kelley-Rex division title for the third straight year and advance to the Div. 1 state semifinal. Lacerda had 188 kills this year and added 258 digs and 34 aces. She was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Taylor has a great volleyball mind, she is only a sophomore but she is one of the best at seeing the court, whether it is offense or defense she is going to give it 110% every single time. She is constantly trying to improve, is extremely competitive, and strives for perfection.”
Franklin senior Lindsey Tarantola emerged as a strong presence at the net on both attack and defense, giving the Panthers an important weapon in the middle to help them earn a share of a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 state semifinal. Tarantola had 97 kills and 62 total blocks this season and proved to be a consistent, athletic option for the Panthers. She was selected as an all-star by the league coaches. Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Lindsey is one of the hardest workers we have, she is constantly trying to improve and figure out what she can change to better the team at any given moment. She has a quiet confidence about her that makes everyone feel relaxed and connected on the court.”
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| Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year |
1:21 into the 2nd Franklin on the board D.Marchand to Shabbick to Magazu for the GOOAAL!!@cm_hockey 4 Franklin 1https://twitter.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1473820983983316992
Absolutely pulverizing win over KP 39-34. Pins by Carlucci, Jawanda, O’Leary, Fracassa and Parlon. Wrestler of the day is Jonathan Owen.https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1473824763227385856
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| FHS Panthers |
December 22, 2021
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the upcoming 20221-2023 school year. BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Founded in 1995, BFCCPS is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts.
Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from all 13 communities in the school's district will have an equal chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on March 3, 2022. Applicants from outside of the region (who reside within the state of Massachusetts) will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.
For the 2022-2023 school year 96 spaces will be offered for Kindergarten and students at all other grade levels will receive a waiting list number. Offers for Grades One through Eight would be contingent upon currently enrolled students electing not to return next year. As a public school, there is no tuition to pay if an applicant receives an offer of enrollment during the upcoming lottery.
The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education. The school's integrated character education, community service, and strong parent partnerships, have led to local, state and national recognition. BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools. In the fall of 2019 BFCCPS moved to a brand new 72,000 square foot facility located at 500 Financial Park in Franklin.
In lieu of our traditional in person enrollment information sessions BFCCPS is offering Enrollment Videos and will hold a virtual Question and Answer session on January 15, 2022. All of the enrollment details, including applications can be found on the school website at www.bfccps.org/info. Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 15, 2022 at 4 PM.
If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.
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| Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School |
The Franklin Food Pantry will be closed Dec 23 through Jan 3. The bin is closed so please don't leave anything there.
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| Franklin Food Pantry will be closed Dec 23, 2021 through Jan 3, 2022 |
"Join the Franklin United Methodist Church for a traditional service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 11pm. This service will include scripture, song, and communion.
This service will occur in-person in-the-sanctuary, in-person virtually using Google Meet, and live-streamed via YouTube. All are welcome.
NOTE: All persons, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask over their mouth and nose upon entering our facility."
For more information including the remote participation links, please visit their Facebook event -> https://www.facebook.com/events/681459016316186
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| Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve at Franklin United Methodist Church |
Lifelong Learning sends their Season's Greetings to all
https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/
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| Lifelong Learning sends Season's Greetings |
Following action by House and Senate lawmakers earlier this week, a bill to ensure a more secure egg and pork supply chain in the state, was signed into law Wednesday (12/22/2021). The legislation updates Massachusetts' farm animal welfare standards passed by voters in 2016 to align with other states.
"When Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot question guaranteeing animal welfare in 2016, our state had the strongest protections for farm animals in U.S. history," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Since then, national and industry standards have shifted towards even stronger animal welfare and consumer safety protections. With this law, Massachusetts is taking action to prevent cruelty to farm animals and ensure that our state has continued access to eggs that meet the expectations of the Commonwealth's residents. I want to thank House Speaker Mariano, for his collaboration, Senator Lewis for his steadfast focus on this issue, his fellow conferees and their staffs, and the residents of Massachusetts, including animal welfare advocates and egg-producers, for their support for this legislation."
"This law ensures that Massachusetts consumers and small businesses will have continued access to affordable egg and pork products, while also honoring the intent of the animal welfare ballot question," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Chair Dykema and the other members of the conference committee, as well as my colleagues in the House and Senate, for the hard work that ultimately led to this agreement."
"In 2016, the advocacy of animal welfare groups across the Commonwealth and overwhelming support from voters passed Ballot Question 3 to ensure that the factory farming industry provides more humane standards for pigs, calves and egg-laying hens, representing a historic victory for animal welfare," said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), the lead sponsor of the Senate bill. "Since then, the standard around the country for egg-laying hens has evolved, and Massachusetts is now an outlier, which could threaten our supply of eggs. Fortunately, the egg producers and animal welfare groups have come together to agree on this legislation, ensuring safe and humane conditions for egg-laying hens and affordable eggs for Massachusetts consumers. I appreciate the leadership of the Senate President and the support and guidance of my fellow conferees, Senator Rausch and Senator Tarr, in getting this bill passed."
"Together with my fellow conferees, I am pleased that we reached a comprehensive agreement that makes necessary updates to the voter-approved ballot initiative while reducing the risk of price shocks and disruptions to our food supply as pandemic impacts continue," said Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston), House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. "I want to thank the Speaker and my colleagues for their steadfast commitment to fighting food insecurity, supporting small businesses, and continuing our leadership on animal welfare at every step of the legislative process."
An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards updates a 2016 law passed by the voters of Massachusetts. It would align Massachusetts' standards to that of other states by:
The bill would also enhance market and regulatory certainty by:
An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards is endorsed by New England Brown Egg Council, The Country Hen (a major egg producer in the Commonwealth), United Egg Producers, and the Massachusetts Food Association, which notes that the language in this legislation offers a "readily available solution" to ensure retail-endorsed cage-free standards. The bill also has the support of numerous animal protection organizations, including the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Farm Sanctuary, the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Animal Equality, Animal Outlook, The Humane League, Harvard Law School Animal Law & Policy Program, Mercy for Animals, Compassion in World Farming, and World Animal Protection—all groups that have been working to increase welfare for farm animals for decades.
Text of An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2603
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| Bill To Stabilize Supply of Egg and Pork Products Signed into Law |
"One of the world’s leading experts on political violence and terrorism is sounding the alarm on the state of democracy in America, warning that the country is increasingly on the path to being caught up in the throes of a second civil war.Barbara F. Walter, a political science professor at the University of California at San Diego, has served on an advisory panel run by the Central Intelligence Agency for the past several years that aims to predict where in the world a “civil war, political violence, and instability is likely to break out,” she said in an interview with CNN on Sunday, where she discussed her new book out January, “How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them.”But Walter, who has been studying civil wars and conflicts in places like Northern Ireland, Ethiopia, and Syria for the last three decades, applied international research and the metrics used to evaluate democracies in other countries to America. What she found was that the nation is “closer to civil war than any of us would like to believe,” according to a passage from the book published by the Washington Post.“No one wants to believe that their beloved democracy is in decline, or headed toward war,” she writes in the excerpt. “If you were an analyst in a foreign country looking at events in America — the same way you’d look at events in Ukraine or the Ivory Coast or Venezuela — you would go down a checklist, assessing each of the conditions that make civil war likely. And what you would find is that the United States, a democracy founded more than two centuries ago, has entered very dangerous territory.”
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| Talk Franklin - the Winter Solstice episode - 12/21/21 (audio) |
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| United against scams - "The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja (unity)" |
FM #684 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 684 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.
This was recorded coincidentally beginning with the Winter Solstice at 11 AM on 12/21/21. Maybe the start of a new tradition.
We had a less formal agenda to talk through as we discussed the recent tragedy in Franklin, civil discourse, gratitude for what we do have, and looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2022.
The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-684-talk-franklin-12-21-21
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Candlelight vigil recording
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/candlelight-vigil-coverage-as-franklin.html
GoFundMe for Shirley Owen https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/gofundme-for-shirley-in-our-hearts.html
Community Preservation public hearings announced
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/community-preservation-act-public.html
Rebuilding Civility in the Public Square (book mentioned by Jamie)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595941509
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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"
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| Talk Franklin - the Winter Solstice episode - 12/21/21 (audio) |
