Both FHS girls and boys basketball teams post wins vs. Stoughton on Tuesday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Tuesday:

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 71 @ Stoughton, 43 – Final 

– Franklin had four players score in double figures and used a big third quarter to run away with a win on the road at Stoughton. Senior Sean Vinson (19 points), sophomore Henry Digiorgio (15 points), sophomore Andrew O’Neill (13 points), and sophomore Sean O’Leary (10 points) accounted for 11 of Franklin’s 13 made three-pointers on the night. Digiorgio and O’Leary each hit one in the third and O’Neill knocked down a pair and had a total of 10 points in the third as the Panthers turned a 10-point halftime lead (30-20) into a comfortable 57-37 advantage going into the fourth quarter. Junior Rayan Sablon led the way for the Black Knights with 15 points.

Girls Basketball = Stoughton, 27 @ Franklin, 61 – Final 

– Franklin led 18-3 after one quarter and never allowed Stoughton to get back into the game from there, extending its long win streak and staying unbeaten in league play. Stefany Padula buried a handful of threes on her way to a game-high 17. Katie Peterson had 11 points and Emma Sousa finished with eight. The trio combined for all 17 of Franklin’s points in the third quarter. Sophomore Maiya Merritt had 11 points while Alyssa Edwards chipped in with 8 points for Stoughton.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-25-22/ 

FHS Panthers

MIAA: update on post-contest handshake

"#MIAA update on post-contest handshake 🤝 #OneTeamOneMIAA" https://t.co/lvV1Op5AuF

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1486073389903138822

MIAA: update on post-contest handshake

Reminder: Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden.  The program is open to the public at no charge.  

Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants.  The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI 

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.       

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design  - Feb 1, 2022

Recap: School Committee hears about the FHS program of studies, approves senior perks, and trip to Nationals for FHS Cheerleaders

Quick recap:

• School Committee hears about modifications to the FHS Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 School Year, what the modifications are and how they were developed from feedback and recognition of changes in students and needs
• Note the presentation doc previously released for this meeting was not the one used in the meeting, some pages had split out to multiple pages. Screen captures show the updated copy
• Approval for FHS senior perks and for the FHS cheerleading team to travel to National competition was granted. The team cheered so loudly outside the building after they left the Council Chambers, it briefly interrupted the proceedings inside. A happy moment to recognize the accomplishments for this group
• A new program for COVID-19 testing using "at-home FDA-approved rapid antigen test" kits. The test/stay process and contact tracing will stop with the introduction of these kits provided by DESE.
• The School Committee entered Executive Session and did not return to open meeting to continue discussions on negotiations

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/MXrJDo8M5A2c4tu96

Audio of the meeting should be available in a couple of days

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are summarized in the following PDF doc. This new tool also includes the photos shared inline with the tweet notes.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M3AcnmYaJV8IAr9sUGLmKvYsaEo8mPrs/view?usp=sharing

Recap: School Committee hears about the FHS program of studies, approves senior perks, and trip to Nationals for FHS Cheerleaders

“The pandemic has proven that we now live in a new world"

"Governor Charlie Baker, a second-term Republican who first ran more than a decade ago on calls to cut Massachusetts residents’ taxes, on Tuesday said he will pursue a wide-ranging package of tax breaks for low-income workers, renters, and seniors that could come to define his final months in office. 

Baker announced the proposals during his last State of the Commonwealth address, using the widely televised speech to implore the Democratic-dominated Legislature to buy into changes he said are about “tax fairness and our competitive position” as a state. 

“We’ve asked the people of Massachusetts to do a lot these past few years,” Baker told hundreds who gathered at the Hynes Convention Center. “It’s time to invest in Massachusetts families, to give them back some of the tax revenue that they created through their hard work.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/25/metro/charlie-baker-deliver-his-last-state-commonwealth-address/ 

CommonWealth Magazine coverage 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-pushes-tax-breaks-trust/

Gov. Charlie Baker delivers his eighth and final state of the Commonwealth speech

Girl scout cookies alert for Saturday, Jan 29

"Snow Is Coming, Get Your Girl Scout Cookies Now! Junior Scout Troop 82351 is fully stocked for their cookie booth scheduled for Saturday 1/29 at Dunkin Donuts on King Street (8am-12pm).  

With the uncertainty of the upcoming storm, if you’d like to place an order ahead of time & pick up at your convenience, please reach out! (**Pick up location will be on Pond Street in Franklin.)"

Use the Facebook link to order in advance -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3085040018432670/

   

Girl scout cookies alert for Saturday, Jan 29

MBTA Communities Upzoning Guidelines, Explained (and yes, Franklin is one)

MBTA Communities Upzoning Guidelines, Explained
@BosIndicators @bostonfdn

"This law represents an important shift, with the state taking action to ensure that most eastern Mass. cities and town contribute to addressing our regional housing shortage."

Guidelines -> https://t.co/RVtXX3zeBW 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/KQCPlC1an1

MBTA Communities Upzoning Guidelines, Explained (and yes, Franklin is one)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Jan 26, 2022

•  wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features the "Introduction to the Franklin Freedom Team - 01/20/22"   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/introduction-to-franklin-freedom-team.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features  Talking with Ted McIntyre - Making Sense of Climate - 01/20/22  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/talking-with-ted-mcintyre-making-sense.html
   

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

7:30:00 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig

8:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Charlie Harrington

10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Dave Kaphammer

11:30 am Whole Health Visions: Cheryl Bagangan

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Advocates for Children

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Veterans' Treatment

4:30 pm Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

6:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

6:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Southbound Train

9:30 pm Circle of Friends: Phil Ochs

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Jazz Night 01-23-19

8:30 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2021

10:30 am FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Foxboro 01-18-22

12:30 pm Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Norwood 01-22-22

3:01 pm Public School Concerts: Oak Street Music 2019

4:31 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 0-12-22

8:30 pm Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 01-19-22

2:00 pm Town Council: 01-19-22

6:30 pm Town Council: LIVE, Chambers, 890 8306 5901

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Talking with Ted McIntyre - Making Sense of Climate - 01/20/22 (audio)

FM #709 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 709 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin resident and climate activist Ted McIntyre. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Jan 20, 2022.  

We cover the following topics within the realm of climate change

• The 12 points of the MA legislation passes 2021
• Define some key terms (greenhouse gas), net zero, environmental justice, and geo micro-district)

As we did not get to cover all the points of the legislation, stay tuned we’ll schedule at least another session.

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-709-ted-mcintyre-making-sense-of-climate-change-01-20-22

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

Climate related links

From WBUR -> “What you need to know about the new MASS Climate law” https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/03/26/new-mass-climate-law-faq

 

Net zero info:

https://www.carbontrust.com/news-and-events/insights/net-zero-an-ambition-in-need-of-a-definition

 

CommonWealth Magazine on the Maine transmission line

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/mass-financed-power-line-in-maine-is-a-mess/

 

Mass Climate Action links:

https://www.massclimateaction.org/2021_mlp_scorecard

https://www.massclimateaction.org/net_zero

https://www.massclimateaction.org/clean_the_peak

 

Electric buildings:  https://environmentamerica.org/feature/ame/electric-buildings-2021

 

Video describing the “Geo micro-district”  https://heet.org/2022/01/14/were-on-the-radio/

 

Geo micro-district feasibility study  https://heet.org/energy-shift/geomicrodistrict-feasibility-study/

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

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"

 

The transportation sector accounts for about 40% of Massachusetts' greenhouse gas emissions. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting - Jan 26, 2022

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet = January 26, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
3rd Floor, Training Room, Rm 326
355 East Central Street

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: All citizens are welcome to attend public board and committee
meetings in person.

Agenda

1. Review draft Rules of Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council. 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_rules_of_procedure_manual_review_mtg_agenda_-_jan_26_2022.pdf 

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting - Jan 26, 2022

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee - Jan 26, 2022

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATION AD HOC COMMITTEE

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 26, 2022 = 6:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATION DISCUSSION

3. ADJOURN

Agenda doc also contains the remote connection information for this session
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-26_ta_evaluation_agenda.pdf 

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee - Jan 26, 2022

"The Effects of COVID-19 Restrictions on Children Ages 5-11" survey

"Town of Franklin Health Department has released "The Effects of COVID-19 Restrictions on Children Ages 5-11" survey for residents who are parents/ guardians for children aged 5-11.  The deadline for completion is 2/28. 

"The Town of Franklin Health Department is releasing a survey to all residents regarding the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on children ages 5-11. Parents/ Guardians are encouraged to complete the survey on behalf of their child(ren).

The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the effects of pandemic restrictions on children (ages 5-11) and identify trends in physical activity, eating habits, sleep, and screen time.

Data will be collected by the health department to assist in a Worcester State University interns project. The data is to identify a target population and what education resources needs to be provided to the residents regarding the effects of pandemic restrictions on children ages 5-11.

The deadline for survey completion is February 28, 2022. The survey results will be posted on the Franklin Health Department website. "

Take the survey here: https://t.co/0YexWUexFY

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1485631985502597121

Town of Franklin Health Department COVID survey

St Mary's Faith Formation Announcement - Feb 12

Come join the St Mary's Women's Faith Formation group for our next meeting, February 12th, 9:30-10:30 am. You have the choice of coming to the Parish Hall (One Church Square, Franklin) or attending via Zoom. 

We will view Bishop Barron's video entitled: Trust in the Lord. It is an Old Testament story of Elijah and the Zarephath widow. Bishop Barron provides an uplifting message for what can be a gray time of year. 

For the link to attend via Zoom, please go to our Women's Faith Formation web page (https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/womens-faith-formation). ALL are welcome.

St Mary's Faith Formation Announcement - Feb 12

Amy Adams: "planting seeds of love to grow hope" (video)

Franklin artist Amy Adams was the "Artist in Residence" for Natick in2021. In this brief video she reflect on her experience there bring art to Natick.

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/XocjFL_HxZo

Shared from Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1942928382554954&id=243620642485745

Franklin School Committee: Superintendent's Evaluation Subcommittee - Jan 27, 2022

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee

1/27/2022 - 5:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd floor Training Room 

Agenda

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be

discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Call to order

● Review superintendent evaluation process

● Adjournment

Agenda document:

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/1.27.22_superintendent_evaluation_subcom_agenda.pdf   (no remote participation option)

Franklin School Committee:  Superintendent's Evaluation Subcommittee - Jan 27, 2022

Pantherbook: Community shows support for Nick Gaspar

The past few years have been crazy for everyone. But the past months have been even crazier for FHS Freshman Nick Gaspar. Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor last year, Nick has been undergoing treatment for it ever since it was removed. A common theme one might find with him is that he is a “fighter”.

Announcer Kevin Papa read off a letter from Nick’s parents describing their journey through Nick’s treatment and how grateful they are for the Franklin Community support. Afterward, the FHS boys team honored the Freshman Basketball and Lacrosse player with his own custom jersey. All of the fans from Franklin and Milford were on their feet cheering for Nick."

Continue reading the article online at Pantherbook

https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2022/01/24/nick-gaspar-franklin-once-again-shows-their-amazing-community/ 

Sport for Nick and his family a be provided via the web page

https://nickgaspar.com/

All of Rattle City dressed in Carolina Blue to support Nick Gaspar (Siddharth Chandra)

Register for Webinar: "Environmental Health Impacts of Synthetic Turf and Safer Alternatives"

Register for the webinar scheduled for Thursday, Jan 27 at 1 PM (EDT)  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WgWkhcYzS7GJPefMgDqpUg

Research on the production, use, and disposal of artificial turf has brought to light concerns over environmental contamination, human health hazards, and adverse effects on wildlife. Researchers have studied a variety of contaminants found in artificial turf and different types of infill used to soften its surfaces. Concerns have been raised about polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 6PPD-quinone, and microplastics, among others. Studies have also examined heat related illnesses, skin infections, and other human health concerns. During this webinar Rachel Massy, ScD, Lindsey Pollard, MS, and Zhenyu Tian, PhD, will discuss their work looking at environmental health impacts of artificial turf and safer alternatives.

Dr. Rachel Massey and Lindsey Pollard will discuss the research they have conducted at the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) on health and environmental implications of artificial turf and safer alternatives. They will describe their research on materials used as artificial turf infill, including waste tire materials. They will also touch upon emerging information on chemicals in artificial turf grass blades, as well as other health and environmental concerns associated with artificial turf, such as microplastic pollution and high surface temperatures. They will briefly discuss their research on natural grass athletic fields as a safer alternative.

Dr. Zhenyu Tian will briefly summarize the identification of 6PPD-quinone as a lethal toxicant for coho salmon, and will further introduce the comprehensive screening of organic contaminants in urban stormwater and tire wear particle leachate. He will discuss knowledge gaps and ongoing research about crumb rubber infill materials.

This webinar will be moderated by Sarah Howard, Founder and Manager, DiabetesandEnvironment.org. It will last for 70 minutes and will be recorded for our call and webinar archive.

Register for the webinar:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WgWkhcYzS7GJPefMgDqpUg 

Direct link to The Challenge of PFAS with Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum

https://youtu.be/pIVELwaK2a8

 

More info from the Collaborative on Health and the Environment  https://www.healthandenvironment.org/