Recycling is Real! - MassRecycle responds to the NPR article

"MassRecycle is deeply concerned that NPR’s “Recycling plastic is practically impossible — and the problem is getting worse” has maligned recycling and misinformed readers.  Far from addressing the problem of plastic waste, this kind of negative press motivates people to “throw it all in the trash”. 

Recycling is not a sham. Please do not throw everything in the trash.  

Plastic recycling is not impossible; it is happening everyday.   You can see it: MassRecycle offers facility tours, including tours of Material Recovery Facilities where recycling is processed.  These tours are open to the public. 

If you put recyclable plastic in the bin it will be recycled. There are resources available that will tell you which items can go in the recycling bin.  Go to the Recyclopedia and type an item in the search bar.  If it says the item is recyclable, make sure it is clean and put it in your bin. It will be recycled.  If it cannot be recycled, try not to buy it again. 

Read MassRecycle’s open letter to NPR for the rest of the story.

NPR Article: https://www.npr.org/2022/10/24/1131131088/recycling-plastic-is-practically-impossible-and-the-problem-is-getting-worse

The Boston Globe version of the NPR article was shared here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/boston-globe-plastic-recycling-is-myth.html

Recycling is Real! - MassRecycle responds to the NPR article

 

Franklin Fire SAFE Program: Holiday Season Movie Night - Dec 9

Franklin Fire SAFE Program (@FranklinSafe) tweeted on Fri, Nov 18, 2022:

Pleas join us for our very first Holiday Season movie night. Seating is limited, so please register soon. Admission will be 1 canned good per person upon entering, after you register for seats by using the QR code located on the brochure. https://t.co/1UHisk1V4d

Use the QR code shown, or use this link (takes you to same place)

https://qrco.de/bdVu7A.

Franklin Fire SAFE Program: Holiday Season Movie Night - Dec 9

Shared from: https://twitter.com/FranklinSafe/status/1593685571909681157

Alex Batla, the FHS girls cross country qualifier for the State D1 meet, ran Saturday

Alex Batla, the FHS girls cross country qualifier for the State D1 meet, ran 20:14 and finished 74th overall.

The complete MIAA State Cross Country meet results can be found ->
https://firsttimeout.anet.live/meets/19239

Nice Alex! 20:14 is a solid race and making the state meet twice is no joke! Congrats

Alex Batla, the FHS girls cross country qualifier for the State D1 meet

Popcorn & Pride at the 99 Restaurant in Franklin (LGBTQ+) - Dec 6

Join Franklin LGBTQ Alliance, for a casual bite at the 99 Restaurant in Franklin, along with our friends from The "NonScene" Friends LGBTQ+ MeetUp Group! Meet some new faces, and make some new friends!

Tuesday, December 6th, 6:30 PM at the Franklin 99 Restaurant

Please register at http://99.gay.boston. Create a free account and join "The "NonScene" Friends (LGBTQ+)" group, then register for the event. In order to get an accurate headcount and support their programming, there is a $4 reservation fee.

Sponsored by Franklin LGBTQIA+ Pride Alliance and the "Non-Scene" Friends (LGBTQ+)

Popcorn & Pride at the 99 Restaurant in Franklin (LGBTQ+) - Dec 6

NEW American Sign Language Class Coming Soon

Starting November 28. Register Now

NEW Language Class Starting In Late November Don't Miss Out REGISTER TODAY For additional details visit: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Lifelong Community Learning: Winter/Spring Registration Opens Dec 1, 2022

Registration for Winter/Springs classes will open at Lifelong Community Learning on December 1. We hope you can join us. There’s a lot going on.

Lifelong Learning is the community education branch of Franklin Public Schools, and provides educational experiences for Franklin residents, and those from surrounding towns, from elementary school through retirement.

Adult participants can choose from a very interesting variety of options this winter and spring, including Arts & Crafts, Lifestyle & Culture, Exercise & Wellness, Team Sports, Workshops & Special Events, and Online Learning. Some of the exercise and sports choices are Badminton and Badminton for Teens, LaBlast Dance Fitness, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Volleyball, and Ladies Hiking.  New this year: Basketball for Men Over 45 along with much more.      

If you are looking for language options, once again we have Beginner Spanish for adults, American Sign Language (ASL), and English as a Second Language (ESL) both for adults.

For children, Lifelong Community Learning’s ever popular Kids’ Corner program is once again offering Kids’ Cooking classes. In these 1-hour classes, students will gain kitchen skills like searing, sautéing, folding, and more. They will create 1 -2 dishes per week depending on complexity and timing. You will want to check this out, there is so much more to see and do at Kids’ Corner. It’s where fun and learning meet after school.

Visit www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com for full course details and to register.  You may also call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.

Lifelong Community Learning: Winter/Spring Registration Opens Dec 1, 2022

Franklin School Committee: Agenda for Nov 22, 2022 meeting

Franklin School Committee

November 22, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order  -  Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills TBD

C. Payroll TBD

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. District Assessment Presentation - Dr. Rogers, Mr. Fraizer

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Superintendent’s Proposed Goals

I recommend approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as discussed.

B. Policy - First Reading

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

● KF-E3 - Facilities Fee Schedule

● JLCCD - Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in the Education Setting

● JLCCD-E - Protocol & Guidelines for Management of Life-Threatening Food Allergies in FPS

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 November 8, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Recurring Field Trip - HMMS

I recommend approval of the request of Mallori Polucha to take HMMS 7th Grade Science students to Colt’s State Park in Bristol, RI on May 30 & 31, 2023 for a Save the Bay program as detailed.

C. Districtwide Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from VFJ Renovations for in house enrichment as detailed.

D. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,488.65 from O’Connor Portraiture for supplemental supplies as detailed.

E. Drum Set Donation

I recommend acceptance of the donation of a drum set, valued at approximately $1,000.00, from Mr. Faenza to the Franklin Music Department as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

Approval of Executive Session minutes from October 25, 2022 and November 8, 2022

School Committee meetings as detailed.

X. Adjournment

Agenda document with remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-22-22.pdf

Meeting packet (documents released for this meeting) (note not all docs are released before the meeting) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-22-2022-school-committee-packet

Franklin School Committee: Agenda for Nov 22, 2022 meeting

The Zajac Brothers Band - Thanksgiving Eve at THE BLACK BOX

The night that comes once a year is finally here! Always a busy night in Franklin night-life; Thanksgiving Eve is a time where everyone gets together and celebrates what they are grateful for.

Add The Zajac Brother’s Band to your list of stops for the occasion and join us 8-11 for a night of music and celebration at THE BLACK BOX. Rock & roll, blues, funk and jam will get you grooving the night away with this talented band!

Presale: $15 - Door: $20 - VIP: $45

Tickets available online or by calling the box office

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1636

The Zajac Brothers Band - Thanksgiving Eve at THE BLACK BOX

Governor-elect Healey announces transition committee chairs

"Ten days after her historic win, Governor-elect Maura Healey announced 15 committee co-chairs will join her transition team as she prepares to take office in January.

The Cambridge Democrat, who won the Nov. 8 election by a landslide, announced Friday a transition team that includes former state transportation leaders, community advocates, business and nonprofit leaders, and a former White House official.

She had previously announced that Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, the lieutenant governor-elect, will chair the transition. The team had also launched a website to solicit applications from those who wish to serve in the administration as well as offer the public a chance to weigh in on what an incoming Healey administration should prioritize."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/18/metro/massachusetts-governor-elect-healey-announces-15-member-transition-team/ 

CommonWealth Magazine coverage ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/healey-announces-transition-committee-chairs/

Pre-Negotiations Committee Strategy Meeting - Executive Session - Dec 8

Franklin School Committee

Negotiations Sub Committee

December 8, 2022 - 3:30-5:00 PM

Remote Participation via Zoom:

Meeting of the Negotiating Sub-Committee for the ESP/LPN, Cafeteria,

Secretaries & Van Driver Units

1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective

bargaining with the ESP/LPN, Cafeteria, Secretaries & Van Drivers units as an

open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the

School Committee and the chair so declares.

3. Adjournment

Shared from:   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/preneg_meeting_12-8-22_esp-lpn_cafe_sec_van.pdf

Note: since the meeting is mainly an "executive session", not much use in attending. Sharing to help comply with open meeting legalese.

Pre-Negotiations Committee Strategy Meeting - Executive Session - Dec 8

Networking Your Way to a New Job - Dec 6

Topic: Networking Your Way to a New Job

Where: Zoom/Virtual

When:  Tuesday December 6 @ 12:30 pm  [1 hr session]

To register: 

Call the Natick Service Council's Brack Career Center; 508-655-1791 

OR use your phone and scan the QR code in the attached flyer

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MC5AbtF1dd7axSrZVAf-JGDSxnHvRVYI/view?usp=share_link

OR use this link -> https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkd-CoqzkiEtLc6daiSIzH_pDXublLg4Qf

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

Networking Your Way to a New Job - Dec 6

The Town of Franklin awarded $11K from Sustainable Materials Recovery Program

The Town of Franklin gains $11K from this grant program: 

"On America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, the Baker-Polito administration announced $4.2 million in grant funding to 270 municipalities and regional solid waste districts across the Commonwealth.

The grants, made available through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, will help communities maximize their recycling, composting and waste reduction programs.

“One of the most effective measures we can take to reduce the waste stream in communities across the Commonwealth is to support and encourage recycling, diversion, and reuse of waste materials,” said Gov. Charlie Baker.

This year, 265 communities qualified for the Recycling Dividends Program and will receive payments ranging from $245 to $110,500 for a total of $3.37 million."

Continue reading the Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA) article online 

https://www.mma.org/administration-awards-4-2m-to-support-recycling-waste-reduction-programs/

Details on the program can be found online ->

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-smrp-recycling-dividends-program-funds

The full listing of grant award recipients

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2022/11/14/smrp22r2.pdf

Sustainable Materials Recovery Program

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 18, 2022 to Nov 24, 2022

Theater, theater, and theater. The Dean College shows are sold out but the FHS performances of Cinderella and the FPAC performances of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time have tickets for sale this weekend.

Winter Farmers Market opens this Saturday, join the Deep Dive into the school district's work on diversity, equity, and inclusion that is scheduled for the Library Saturday morning or stop by the Library book & bag sale also schedule for today and Saturday.

Friday, November 18

12:00pm - Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm - FHS Red Cross Club: Movie Night -> Monster's Inc (Franklin High School)

5:30pm - Patrick Durkin (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Jess Ward (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - Cinderella (Broadway Version)  (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time  (FPAC - THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

Saturday, November 19

9:00am - Library Book Sale  (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Deep Dive

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Library Bag Sale (books by the bag)  (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

3:00pm - Trolley Dogs Food Truck  (La Cantina Winery)

4:00pm - AK Cody (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

5:30pm - Jennifer Teft (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Cinderella (Broadway Version)  (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (FPAC - THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

Sunday, November 20

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (FPAC - THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm - All Shook Up (sold out)   (Dean College)

7:00pm - Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (Franklin Federated Church)

Thursday, November 24 - Thanksgiving Day

8:00am - Turkey Trot - 5K walk/run (Church of Latter Day Saints - benefits Franklin Food Pantry)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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

First Winter Farmers Market this season opens on Saturday, Nov 19 at 10 AM

The first of the series of Winter Farmers Markets open on Saturday, Nov 19 at Fairmount Fruit Farms. Located at 887 Lincoln St, the market is open from 10 AM to 2 PM. The market runs approximately twice a month on Saturday.

Check out the listing of vendors -> https://www.fairmountfruit.com/farmer-s-market

Check out more info about Fairmount Fruit Farm online ->  https://www.fairmountfruit.com/

First Winter Farmers Market this season opens on Saturday, Nov 19 at 10 AM

Conversation with Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 11/08/22 (audio)

FM #880 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 880 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty  November 8, 2022. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-877-franklin-ma-health-director-cathleen-liberty-11-08-22

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

Metacomet Health page -> https://www.metacometpha.org/

Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Health Dept - COVID reporting dashboard -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal 

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Sign up for Health alerts via Regroup -> https://franklintown.regroup.com/signup 

The Topic podcast ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/topic-podcast-links 

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

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"

Franklin Dept of Health: Health Care Resources and Services

"Finding the Light" in Franklin from Nov 27 to Dec 18

"Greetings art lovers!  

Beginning on holiday weekend, Nov 27- December 18, I will leave a piece of art at an undisclosed location for the Franklin community members to find. 

This collection is called "Finding the Light" and it is part 2 of last year’s kick off. 

I created this series during my Artist in Residence role for Natick 2021. I had just lost my father. This prompted me to imagine how many others are coping through pain and loss around the holiday season, sparking the need to share "light".   

In that same spirit, I mean for it to be uplifting, bring hope, joy and giving around the holidays.  

Come to this page for clues and an image to help you find it easily. The clues may be released early each week, but the art will be placed on Sunday mornings. "

Shared from Amy Adams Facebook page 

https://www.facebook.com/PaintingVenus/posts/pfbid0exj6oVK1Amc8xaEQAQrRetqorqAH9fdtGaDuxVmWjHpbZNcaxtiLodBrcyQFSSE3l

Find the clues online ->  https://www.facebook.com/PaintingVenus

"Finding the Light" in Franklin from Nov 27 to Dec 18

Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church - Dec 3

Load up the family on Saturday, December 3rd from 9 AM - 2 PM (new end time) for a cookie walk, children’s activities, refreshments, a silent auction, raffle items, and fresh wreaths. 

Fun for all ages!

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church