Franklin.TV: We’re Live! Yes, we are

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/22/2022

A program note:
(Actually, three of ‘em.)

This week on Thursday evening we will be originating LIVE from three venues. It’s a technical challenge in our new normal, but we’re up for it.

There is an extended (double-header) Town Council meeting on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM. It’s a continuation of the usual meeting on Wednesday evening. You can watch this meeting on Town Hall TV, Comcast 11, Verizon 29 – as usual.

For those who wish to see the Conservation Commission’s meeting, again Thursday at 7:00 PM, it will be on our All-Access channel, Comcast 8, Verizon 26.

We are also originating Senior Awards Night, live from the FHS Auditorium, also at 7:00 PM on our Franklin Pride EDU channel, Comcast 96, Verizon 28.

So, if you want to take it all in as it happens, you’re gonna need three TV sets.

However, we also stream all of our channels live from our website’s home page.

SO, –

You could watch the FHS Senior Awards Night, live on cable TV – while streaming the Town Council meeting on your laptop or tablet, and then you could also watch the Conservation Commission stream on your phone – all at the same time.

You could.

Of course, replays will be available on demand from our YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/FranklinMATV).

We’re doing everything we can on our end to bring you lots of live local TV. The rest is up to you.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

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)

CommonWealth Magazine & Boston Globe cover the MA GOP convention

"BOTH OF THE Republican candidates for governor achieved their goals at the Republican state convention Saturday in Springfield – and they did it without ever mentioning the popular GOP incumbent they are seeking to replace, Charlie Baker. 

At a convention where delegates appeared to tilt toward the right, Geoff Diehl, a strong supporter of Donald Trump, cruised to an easy victory, capturing 71 percent of the delegate vote."

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/diehl-wins-doughty-advances-at-gop-convention/

"Republican activists Saturday overwhelmingly endorsed a Donald Trump-backed conservative for governor at the Massachusetts GOP convention, where speakers leaned heavily into national themes and culture war debates, railing against abortion, characterizing Democrats as “evil,” and issuing vague yet vulgar warnings about the state of education. 

Geoff Diehl, a former Whitman state lawmaker who’s trumpeted Trump’s false claims the 2020 election was rigged, received 71 percent of the 1,194 votes cast by party delegates, winning the party’s backing for governor. Diehl, also a former US Senate candidate, far outpaced Chris Doughty, a Wrentham business owner running for office for the first time, who cleared the 15 percent threshold of delegate support needed to appear on the Sept. 6 ballot."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/21/metro/massachusetts-republicans-gather-springfield-with-trump-backed-geoff-diehl-likely-get-activists-nod/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

May 24, 2022 = 7:00 PM

Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report
 
II. Guests/Presentations
A. Retiree Recognition
B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 10, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of the following gifts totaling $3,171.04 for FHS:
a. $2,524.66 Shutterfly, LLC Supplemental Supplies
b. $64.38 Ohiopyle Prints, Inc Supplemental Supplies
c. $402.00 MA Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Supplemental Supplies
d. $30.00 Colleen Bond In-house Enrichment
e. $150.00 Paula Marano Scholarship
D. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $905.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips as detailed.
E. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1875.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.
F. Oak St. Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson for 66 2nd Grade students to travel to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 31, 2022 as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel.

X. Adjournment 

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

divers

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Strawberry Stroll is scheduled for downtown Franklin Friday, June 10 - from 4 - 8 PM

Download a copy of the flyer here as a reminder:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1joHCZMG76rxDeNTxJy83IPA2yYSTWYPY/view?usp=sharing

Strawberry Stroll is scheduled for downtown Franklin Friday, June 10 - from 4 - 8 PM

FHS boys lacrosse tops Bishop Feehan on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Friday: 

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 17 vs. Bishop Feehan, 9 – Final 

– Jake Davis proved to be unstoppable for the Feehan defense as the junior exploded for eight goals and two assists to lead the Panthers to a big win over the Shamrocks. Tyler Sacchetti added a goal and four assists, Jayden Consigli notched five goals and five assists, and Drew Hansen had a goal and one helper.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 1 vs. Hopkinton, 4 – Final

FHS GT drops a tough match against non-league Hopkinton 4-1. All but two matches went 3 sets including the lone win from freshman doubles duo of Sydney Tolonen & Brooke Daniels.
Franklin travels to KP on Monday for a key Hock matchup.
https://twitter.com/fhs_gvtennis/status/1527806997382537216

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-20-22/

FHS Panthers

"the first Unified Basketball Team to represent Massachusetts at the national level!"

Meet Team Massachusetts!  

Did you know these 10 athletes and Unified partners from @FranklinUnified  make up the first Unified Basketball Team to represent Massachusetts at the national level!?

"the first Unified Basketball Team to represent Massachusetts at the national level!"

Check out the team bio's ->  https://gameon.specialolympicsma.org/basketball-roster?hsLang=en

10 athletes and Unified partners from @FranklinUnified  

Schedule of Events: Hockomock Track & Field Championship Meet - Saturday, May 21, 2022

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

ORDER OF EVENTS

Saturday, May 21, 2022 At King Philip

Starts at 8am

FIELD EVENTS TRIPLE JUMP (G-B)

                HIGH JUMP (G-B)

*SHOT PUT (G-B)

DISCUS (B-G)

JAVELIN (B-G)

LONG JUMP (B-G)

Starts at 8am

RUNNING EVENTS TRACK (G-B)

        TWO MILE RUN FINAL ON TIME

400 METER HURDLES FINAL ON TIME

200 METER DASH FINAL ON TIME

ONE MILE RUN FINAL ON TIME

100 METER HURDLES TRIALS

110 METER HURDLES TRIALS

100 METER DASH TRIALS

800 METER DASH FINAL ON TIME

400 METER RUN FINAL ON TIME

110 METER HURDLES FINAL

100 METER HURDLES FINAL

*100 METER WHEELCHAIR FINAL ON TIME

100 METER DASH FINALS

4X800 METER RELAY FINAL ON TIME

4X100 METER RELAY FINAL ON TIME

4X400 METER RELAY FINAL ON TIME

*Para division event

Advancing to finals in the 100M Dash, 100M  Hurdles and 110M  Hurdles will be top 8 times from trials.

AWARDS: All student athletes are responsible for picking up their medals at the awards table located by the finish line

Shared from https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1527638563638153216

If going to the meet, please be advised to purchase tickets online before going

https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1527716731245969408

FHS Panthers

MA House passes cannabis legislation, bill now to Conf Cmte to reconcile with MA Senate version

"THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE took a major step Wednesday toward improving equity in the cannabis industry, passing a bill similar to one previously passed by the Senate that would create a new grant and loan fund for diverse entrepreneurs. The bill would better regulate host community agreements and ease the process of getting marijuana-related criminal records expunged. 

Five years after marijuana legislation, Rep. Dan Donahue, House chair of the Committee on Cannabis Policy, said it was time to address some nagging issues. “It is time to revisit the original legislation to provide clarity on the intent of the Legislature and work to ensure we continue to remove barriers to entry to this unique industry for those communities who were disproportionately harmed by the prohibition on marijuana,” he said. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/marijuana/lawmakers-move-closer-to-address-nagging-cannabis-questions/

"The Massachusetts House voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to approve major reforms to the state’s marijuana laws, with legislative leaders saying they were implementing changes long demanded by cannabis businesses, activists, and consumers.

The 153-2 vote in favor of the bill, which largely mirrors legislation approved by the state Senate in April, came on the same day regulators announced that total recreational pot sales in Massachusetts have surpassed $3 billion — underscoring the high stakes of any tweaks to the rules governing the industry.

Among other provisions, the changes would allow cities and towns to opt in to hosting marijuana cafés, steer a significant chunk of state pot tax revenue to so-called equity applicants trying to get their small cannabis businesses off the ground, crack down on controversial local fees charged to marijuana operators while easing their state tax burden, and make it easier for former defendants to wipe away old marijuana charges."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/18/marijuana/mass-house-poised-vote-sweeping-cannabis-bill/

Town of Franklin has multiple host agreements with cannabis firms which may be affected by whatever changes are introduced (finally). The café concept is also interesting and should join the "watch list."

 

MA House passes cannabis legislation, bill now to Conf Cmte to reconcile with MA Senate version

"We urgently need to diversify global food production"

"For the past few years, scientists have been frantically sounding an alarm that governments refuse to hear: the global food system is beginning to look like the global financial system in the run-up to 2008.

While financial collapse would have been devastating to human welfare, food system collapse doesn’t bear thinking about. Yet the evidence that something is going badly wrong has been escalating rapidly. The current surge in food prices looks like the latest sign of systemic instability.

Many people assume that the food crisis was caused by a combination of the pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine. While these are important factors, they aggravate an underlying problem. For years, it looked as if hunger was heading for extinction. The number of undernourished people fell from 811 million in 2005 to 607 million in 2014. But in 2015, the trend began to turn. Hunger has been rising ever since: to 650 million in 2019, and back to 811 million in 2020. This year is likely to be much worse. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/may/19/banks-collapsed-in-2008-food-system-same-producers-regulators

Illustration: Eva Bee/The Guardian

Franklin's Event Outlook: May 20, 2022 to May 26, 2022

A busy weekend with concerts, recycling, cleanup, and art show events then it is quiet for the remainder of the week rolling into Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start to summer. Of course, New England weather is reported to give us a taste of summer heat this weekend so stay cool!

Friday, May 20
7:30pm - Fair, Yates, Betschart & McCrossan

Saturday, May 21
9:00am - Earth Day DelCarte Celebration 2022
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am - Recycling & Energy Event (and clothing!)
4:00pm - FAA Art Show Reception
4:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022
7:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022

Sunday, May 22
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022
4:00pm - FSPA Spring Concert 2022 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

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

Community Calendar