Tri-County RVTHS proposing to replace their existing building, topic for Franklin Town Council Mtg - 2/1/23

Among the key items scheduled for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday February 1, 2023 is a presentation on the Tri County School Building Project by Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent.

This is the first time a regional vocational school has come to their communities to ask for a new building which if all things hold is scheduled for Oct 2023. Details on the project and alternatives are scheduled to be reviewed on Wednesday.

The presentation doc can be found online -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Building Project Website

https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/

Full Town Council agenda for Feb 1, 2023 ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_1_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Tri-County RVTHS proposing to replace their existing building

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Newsletter - February Meeting - Feb 2 at 6:30 PM!

Join us February 2nd for our monthly meeting, 6:30 at the Franklin Library.

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance In this newsletter we included an invitation to our monthly meeting, upcoming community events, intro to our new leaders, and future volunteer opportunities.  You're Invited to our Upcoming Meeting   When: Thursday, February 2 at 6:30 pm Where: In-person and Virtual In-person: Franklin Public Library 118 Main St, Franklin  Virtual: Please email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com if you would like to attend via Zoom.    After our business meeting we will be painting rocks for Franklin's 'Kindness Rocks' initiative! You can find more information here: Wicked Local article   Please help us make plans for future events and volunteer opportunities by taking our amazing survey.  It should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. SURVEY If you are not on our email list, sign up to receive future emails on this Google Form.  View this email in your browser You are receiving this email because of your relationship with the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance.

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view a full set of contents, visit this link ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KLr95mLJilUpNbKGHNvDvKAFZe-DZTI/view?usp=share_link

Franklin Downtown Partnership: General Meeting Thursday, February 2 at 8:30 AM

FDP GENERAL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2023 AT 8:30 AM The next Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 2 at 8:30 a.m. Join us at Dean College, Dr. Paula Rooney Student Center on the second floor in the Golder Room. The General Meeting will include a discussion about Public Art in Downtown Franklin and Beyond. Download the agenda here. Visit our website

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Reminder: Not just for Newcomers . . . acupuncture insights on Feb 8, 2023 at Escape Into Fiction

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club February Meeting. Club member Gloria Lee, a licensed acupuncturist, is going to share information about her field. She’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about acupuncture.

Join us at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street, Franklin on Wednesday, February 8th at 7:00. Light refreshments will be served. Come early and browse/shop the store or grab a bite beforehand nearby. No need to be a newcomer to the area, come make connections in your community.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization, offering a wide range of activities, and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us.

We are so thankful for the generosity and kindness that April Rock, Owner, Escape Into Fiction, has bestowed on us this year. She’s more than humble so it might not be known to you how generous she is to our community. Teachers especially should know that she keeps a Teacher Wish List at the register. All Teachers are welcome to sign up. If you are a teacher, April is an amazing resource for you and your classroom.

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information. 

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Not just for Newcomers . . . acupuncture insights on Feb 8, 2023 at Escape Into Fiction

Franklin Public Library: News & Events scheduled for February 2023

February 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library will be closed on Monday, February 20th for Presidents Day.

 

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, February 17, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, February 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, February 18, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
 

From Friends of the Franklin Library
LAST CALL - Place your orders for our Valentine's Day Fudge Sale. Fudge orders are being accepted through Friday, February 3 rd . If you want to save a stamp and skip mailing in your form, feel free to drop off your order during our February 1st meeting between 7:00-8:00 pm in the Friends Meeting Room (1st Floor). CLICK HERE for the fudge order form!

Franklin Library Association Gift. Thank you to the Franklin Library Association for their years of service and their generous gift to us, 60 copies of their recently published book The Franklin Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation's First Public Library 1858-2022. Copies of the book are available now with a donation to the Friends of the Franklin Library. Interested in a copy? Reach out to us at fofl02038@gmail.com.

Congratulations, Gwenne! As we previously announced, Gwenne Balcius was the 2022 recipient of the Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters. We had the pleasure of presenting Gwenne with her scholarship check for $1,000 at our January meeting. Even better, we heard about how she is loving her first semester at Clark University where she majors in Community, Youth and Educational Studies. Gwenne's future plans include a graduate degree in library science with a goal to one day become a librarian as inspiring as the ones who were so influential in her own life. The Friends wish Gwenne all the very best in her studies and beyond!

I Love My Local Library! February is National Library Lover's Month and what better way to show your love for the Franklin Public Library than by becoming a member of the Friends. Join us at an upcoming meeting (7pm on Wednesday, February 1 st or Wednesday, March 1 st ) to find out how you can get involved. Don't have time to attend meetings? No worries, you can still support our mission and your library by making a direct donation to the Friends. Membership dues and donations are both tax deductible. CLICK HERE for our brochure. We hope to see you soon!

 

Volunteer Tutors Needed for ESL & Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities. If you have the time and interest to help adult learners improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening, please consider volunteering!

To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be given training and all supporting materials will be provided. The time commitment is 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library's website .

 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

SITE IS OPEN - By Appointment Only!

Register for an appointment on the Library Calendar of Events!

The Franklin Public Library VITA site is by Appointment only and is certified for Basic returns. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $60,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

Before going to a VITA or TCE site, see Publication 3676-BPDF for services provided and check out What to Bring to ensure you have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help you.

Learn more here: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifyi...

 

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge

February: A book set in your home town/ city or state

Do you have a cozy reading corner you've been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

The full listing of events for February -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/february-2023-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library: News & Events scheduled for February 2023

In case you missed it - 2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included)

The Conservation Commission held its second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting last Thursday, January 26. It was a lively discussion and we are most grateful for everyone that attended to share feedback on Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks - ADA Compliance Included. In case you missed it, you can watch the meeting recording here. 

The next focus group meeting is titled "School Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included)" and is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 from 6-7p in Council Chambers at Town Hall. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement, residents will also be able to attend the meeting via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. 

As always, residents are welcomed to provide feedback on any topic throughout the entirety of the OSRP process. Ideas and comments can be submitted through this Google Form or by emailing bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Thanks for helping grow the Franklin Community and we look forward to seeing you on February 9!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/case-you-missed-it-2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-recording-municipal-recreation

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting

Space Needs Subcommittee scheduled to meet virtually - Feb 1 at 5:30 PM

Space Needs Subcommittee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

A G E N D A

"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
● AppGeo Working Session Update
● Planning for 2/7 Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting
● Adjourn

Agenda doc for this virtual meeting ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-2_1_23.pdf 

Space Needs Subcommittee scheduled to meet virtually - Feb 1 at 5:30 PM

The job market picture: unlike what's happened before

It’s been nearly three years since pandemic shutdowns staggered the economy.

In just two months, March and April 2020, Massachusetts employers cut 690,000 jobs — nearly one out of five. Unemployment soared to 17 percent from less than 3 percent.

There’d been nothing like it, even during the Great Depression. And the aftershocks continue to reverberate across the state, exposing faults in what otherwise seems like a solid job market.

Employers added an average of 11,000 jobs a month last year, compared with 4,300 a month in 2019. Yet there were 240,000 open jobs in November, according to the most recent data available. That’s a historically elevated level — the monthly average in the five years before the pandemic was 157,000 openings — that indicates hiring is being held back by a shortage of workers.

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

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/30/business/6-charts-that-show-why-weve-never-seen-mass-job-market-quite-like-this-one/

 

The job market picture: unlike what's happened before

Purchasing advertises for bids on "Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements"

Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of constructing approximately 4,200 feet of roadway improvements along Arlington Street, Howard Street, Howard Place, North Park Street, and Plain Street within the Town of Franklin.

Project information -> Additional Information:  Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements

Bidders can submit here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/arlington-street-neighborhood-and-plain-street-roadway-improvements

Purchasing advertises for bids on "Arlington Street Neighborhood and Plain Street Roadway Improvements"

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

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

7:00 am Madalene Village Environmental Review

9:00 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland

10:00 am Frank Presents: Nick Remissong

11:00 am Frank's Musings: George Santos

11:30 am Senior Connection: Public Health

12:10 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:40 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education

4:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8

4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 1 - Tweed funk

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Hearing Loss: Causes, Prevention, Remedies

8:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

9:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

9:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

10:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Mansfield 01-24-23

12:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland

3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v King Philip 01-26-23

5:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Milford 01-27-23

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

8:00 am School Committee: 01-10-23

11:20 am Economic Development 01-25-23

2:00 pm School Committee: 01-10-23

5:30 pm Open Space and Recreation Plan: 01-26-23

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)

Voices of Franklin: former Davis Thayer neighborhood parents raise concerns for School Committee

We are here today to present concerns about redistricting that are unique to families living in formerly Davis Thayer neighborhoods.

To give needed background: The interest among some town stakeholders to close Davis Thayer started to come to a point of action just as the COVID pandemic hit. A number of us consistently dialed in to full School Committee meetings as well as those for the Space and Facilities subcommittee. We spoke during meetings, sent emails, and engaged in information sharing. We raised questions around space and crowding at Keller; about the transitions and adjustments students were already experiencing due to COVID; and about our fears regarding moving students when an imminent town redistricting was already on the horizon. 

Former superintendent Sara Ahern stated, in her January 2021 letter to the subcommittee: “The question remains as to whether or not redistricting is something that should be considered as part of closing Davis Thayer Elementary School or planned for in the future. It would be prudent to avoid any situation where Davis Thayer students are attending school at Keller and then redistricted at a later point in time.”

Ultimately, the committee voted to close DT, and so, in Sept of 2021, Davis Thayer children entered Keller while the pandemic raged on. They did their best to acclimate themselves to new staff and classmates while wearing masks and being cautioned not to go close to others. They learned the policies, expectations, values, and even physical layout of their new surroundings without having had the chance to first return to the comfort of their former school to adapt back to a regular, full-time school week.

Our kids have weathered this change with all the grit, grace, and resilience one could imagine. Their former school building sits unoccupied. It houses books, desks, and supplies. We have seen little on how the school closure has actually financially benefited the town. The kids’ sacrifice for their community often feels all for naught.

And now here we are at the redistricting effort. As new scenarios are discussed and new school zone lines are drawn, we wonder, what will happen to our kids? We fear how another school switch will negatively affect their academic progress and mental wellness. 

We will send a longer email to your committee that outlines some important research about the detrimental effects of frequent school-switching. We would also like to draw your attention to the potentialities of a phase-out approach or a grandfathering of former DT students. Our longer email contains more details on these potential solutions.

We ask you to value the DT kids’ courage, and prioritize their vulnerability and mental health. We hope you will honor the commitment of Sara Ahern. Uprooting young children twice from their school is not only detrimental to community educational progress, but also for their social-emotional wellness. 

We also ask you to consider in detail the facilities projections that came out of the Kaestle Boos report and that have been studied by other town bodies. For instance, that report conveyed a need to close Parmenter and Kennedy schools at some point. 

How terrible it would be to move students to one of those schools only to close it a short time later. We implore town committees including yours to create a master plan that takes into account short and long term needs of all students before making this decision.

Thank you for your time and attention, and for all the work you do.

Gretchen Donohue

On behalf of former Davis Thayer parents

A version of a Citizen Comment to the School Committee meeting 1/24/23

Voices of Franklin: former Davis Thayer neighborhood parents raise concerns for School Committee

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - February 1, 2023

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 1, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 18, 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._jan_18_minutes.pdf

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. New Employee: Fire Department - Kristin Krauss, Firefighter

b. Promotion: Fire Department - William Blanchard, EMS Battalion Chief

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License and Approval of Scott Corvi as the Manager - MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’ s Market and Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln Street  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._daceys.pdf

b. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Vrushank Patel as the Manager - 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, Located at 660 West Central Street  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._mobil.pdf

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

i. Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Building Project Website  https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-892: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,  Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-892 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._comstar_new_rates.pdf

b. Resolution 23-14: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept.

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-14 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._ladder_fire_truck.pdf

c. Resolution 23-15: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($315)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-15 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._23-15_-_gift_acceptance_-_pd.pdf

d. Resolution 23-16: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-16 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._1_-_memo_23-16_-_peg_comcast_36k.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

b. Capital Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

d. Budget Subcommittee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_1_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept

Results from the FHS Gymnastics competitions on Friday (W) and Sunday (L)

(1) Gymnastics = Attleboro, 129.50 @ Franklin, 132.60 – Final

"This team worked so hard and fought for every point. We knew it was going to be tough to beat Attleboro; they were coming in with higher skills and Franklin couldn't afford to make mistakes. That is exactly what they did, Franklin delivered clean skills, clean routines, zero falls and we came out on top!! Great job girls. Onto MHM today at 11am. 

Top 4 on 

Vault - Ryann Chandler 8.3, Emma Nelson and Molly Chandler 8.2, Olivia Reagan debuting with an 8.1. 

Bars - Emma 8.5, Abby Robillard 7.6, Season high for Katie Valutkevich 7.5 and Ciara O'Brien 7.3. 

Beam - Katie 8.7, Maia Keohane 8.6, Olivia 8.3, and Emma 8.2 Seniors for the sweep

Floor - Second meet in a row season and career high from Maia 9.3, Season high Olivia 9.0, Emma and Ryan putting down solid 8.4. 

Great job team!"  

Shared from Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1619676878696239104

(2)  Gymnastics = Franklin, 139.00 @ Medway, 143.10 – Final

The team really came together today! We had lots of season highs!! Also Emma Nelson won the AA with a 35.45! Congratulations we are recognizing everyone as we also had JV slots compete and they did awesome! 

Vault - JV - Bella Jacoby 8.15, Makayla Sanders 8.5. V - Emma Nelson 9.1, Molly D'Amato (season high) and Molly Chandler 8.7, Ryann Chandler 8.6, Olivia Reagan 8.55 (season high), Abby Scotland 8.3 (season high). 

Bars - JV - Emily Bartlett 6.3, Abby Scotland 6.1. V - Makayla and Katie Valutkevich 7.4, Ciara O'Brien 7.75 (season high). Maia Keohane 7.9, Abby Robillard 8.2 (season high), Emma 8.9 (season high). 

Beam - JV - Sarah Pazniokas 7.85, Emily Bartlett 8.0 (season high), V - Lilly Cardin 8.1, Ryann 8.5, Katie 8.9 (season high), Maia 9.05 (season high), Emma 9.15 (season high), Olivia 9.2 (season high). 

Floor - JV - Abby R 7.55 (season high), Molly C 8.0 (season high), V - Ciara 8.15, Emma and Katie 8.3, Ryann 8.7, Olivia 8.75 and Maia 9.1. 

Now onto League Tournament 2/11/23!! 

So proud of all the hard work girls!!

Shared from Twitter -> 

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1619882617373073408

Results from the FHS Gymnastics competition on Friday (W) and Sunday (L)