Thursday, June 15, 2023

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (audio)

FM #1012 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1012 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.


Brief recap:

  • Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior

  • During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions

  • Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator

  • Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.

  • The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year

  • The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting June 13, 2023

 

Timing on the recording when each segment Starts

  • Spain trip - approx. 12 minutes

  • Girls Outdoor Track - approx. 20 minutes

  • Michelle Kingsland Smith - approx. 29 minutes

  • Middle School Civics - approx. 42 minutes

  • Oak St Update - approx. 73 minutes

  • Discussion Action Items (budget) - approx. 1 hour 56 minutes


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1012-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-06-13-23


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Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet


Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf


My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2Uwk3QIX9rejAPGl2offT65fqVLCOYf/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share


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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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

The Franklin Veterans' Council is scheduled to Meet - Thursday, June 15 at 7 PM

All Franklin residents are invited!

The Franklin Veterans' Council will meet on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

All Franklin residents (Vets and non-Vets) who are interested in Veterans' events and activities are welcome!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/june-veterans-council-meeting

The Franklin Veterans' Council is scheduled to Meet - Thursday, June 15 at 7 PM
The Franklin Veterans' Council is scheduled to Meet - Thursday, June 15 at 7 PM

Paradise Flyer scheduled to perform at the Farmers Market - June 16 from 2 to 6 PM

Who is ready for another Friday? Can we collectively agree to do a rain dance so we can have 4 hours free from rain this week???

We are excited to have Paradise Flyer with us this Friday preforming from 2-6 PM in the gazebo. 
Paid for through a grant with Franklin Cultural Council and @masscultural

Paradise Flyer scheduled to perform at the Farmers Market - June 16 from 2 to 6
Paradise Flyer scheduled to perform at the Farmers Market - June 16 from 2 to 6

Business coaching and real estate investment scheme targets Spanish speakers


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Cristina Miranda

Scammers are always looking for people to lure into schemes, in any language. The latest twist: scammers placing social media ads in Spanish, inviting people to free "seminars" where they'll learn how to profit from an online business or real estate investments. 

But will you make money? Or is the company that is speaking your language scamming you?

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/06/business-coaching-and-real-estate-investment-scheme-targets-spanish-speakers






Business coaching and real estate investment scheme targets Spanish speakers
Business coaching and real estate investment scheme targets Spanish speakers

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, June 15, 2023

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

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

8:30 am         Veterans' Call: Steve Crouteau
9:00 am     DPW Stormwater Management 03-13-23
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs
1:00 pm     Drink Responsibly: Craft Roots
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3
3:00 pm Joe Landry: Restaurants & Bars
4:30 pm     Frank's Musings: Joe Biden
6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
7:00 pm     Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 3 - Hipnotics
8:00 pm Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill

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

7:00 am     Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22
8:30 am     FHS Pops Night 2023
10:30 am FHS Senior Awards Night 2023
1:00 pm     Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Dover-Sherborn 05-19-23
7:00 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Wellesley 06-09-23
9:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 06-01-23
2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 06-01-23
7:00 pm     Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers  819 1902 7332


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

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Franklin Cultural District: Farmers Market, Book Sale, Electric Youth & more as #artshappenhere

Musical performance are plentiful around Franklin this weekend. Farmers Market, 67 Degrees and La Cantina, and Electric Youth has 2 performances before their leave on their European tour. 

Folks can stock up for summer reading at the Library book & bag sale. Students are invited to kick off the summer reading program also on Saturday as #artshappenhere


Wednesday, June 14 = Flag Day

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (St Mary’s)


Thursday, June 15

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (coffee, etc. & discussion) (Franklin Senior Center)

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


Franklin Farmers Market
Franklin Farmers Market

Friday, June 16

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

1:00pm - Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Paradise Flyer (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

6:00pm - Lady Anemoia (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:00pm - Pangea Cuisines (Food truck)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Ayla Brown & Bob Bellamy (sold out) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm - Electric Youth 2023 Bon Voyage Concert  (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

LaCantina Winery
LaCantina Winery

Saturday, June 17

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

9:00am - Book sale ($1/book)  (Franklin Public Library)

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

10:30am - Summer Reading Kick Off Carnival  (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Bag sale (books at $5/bag)  (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm - Battuto (food truck)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

4:00pm - Patrick Durking (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Sudden Odd Behavior (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Electric Youth 2023 Bon Voyage Concert  (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)


Sunday, June 18 = Father's Day

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

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

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


Monday, June 19 = Juneteenth

10:00am - Juneteeth Medway


Tuesday, June 20

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

6:00pm - Dean Neighborhood Alliance (Dean College)


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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery
Franklin Art Association Art Gallery
Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event 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 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!
Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin Food Pantry celebrates Grand Opening at Edwin's - 06/12/23 (audio)

FM #1011 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1011 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Franklin Food Pantry Grand Opening Ceremony held outside the new facility at 341 West Central Street. The familiar Edwin’s has been renovated to house the Food Pantry operations. 


Tina Powederly, Executive Director of the Food Pantry was ‘master of ceremony’ and introduced the other three speakers: 

  • Town Council Chair Tom Mercer 

  • MassDev representative Robert Jenkins

  • State Representative Jeffrey Roy


The ceremony kept within the 30 minutes allotted.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1011-franklin-food-pantry-grand-opening-ceremony-06-12-23


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Photos of the building tour for the media can be found in one album along with photos from the event -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/QWaRtvycHT7qqDmG7


Franklin Food Pantry page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/


New Building Capital Campaign -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/campaign/



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

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"


L-R: State Rep Jeff Roy, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, MassDev grant representative Robert Jenkins, Executive Director Tina Powderly
L-R: State Rep Jeff Roy, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, MassDev grant representative Robert Jenkins, Executive Director Tina Powderly

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce its summer worship services. These services will explore the theme of individual spiritual practices.  The series starts on July 9 and runs through August 27, 2023.  

Services begin at 10 a.m. and all are welcome to attend. 

Each Sunday, members of FUSF will share a spiritual practice that resonates deeply within them.  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practices such as prayer; mindfulness meditation as inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh or walking the labyrinth.  Connection with nature underlies several other services. We will also explore poetry writing as a spiritual practice.  

During the last service of the summer, Reverend Beverly Waring, Interim Minister, will explore a multitude of ways to enhance your daily life through engaging your mind, body, heart, will and soul with themes such as contemplation, activity, relationships, action and creativity. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:
July 9: The Spirituality of Fishing
July 16: Writing Poetry
July 23: Walking the Labyrinth
July 30: Prayer as a Portal
August 6: Mindfulness 
August 13: Veganism
August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices
FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin and is a Unitarian Universalist  LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin
Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

FHS baseball wins to advance; FHS girls lacrosse falls short in playoff run

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.


Baseball = Division 1 Final Four = #21 Methuen, 0 vs. #1 Franklin, 4 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"When the Franklin players watched Taunton celebrate at Holy Cross University’s Fitton Field in the final game of last season, the Panthers committed to giving themselves another chance at bringing home a state title.

On Tuesday night, at the same location as last year’s final, Franklin made sure its quest for a championship would go right to the end.

Austin Campbell and Dillon Cashin combined for a shutout and Eisig Chin had two hits and scored two runs, as the Panthers avoided the upset against No. 21 Methuen, pulling out a 4-0 win and setting up a rematch with the Tigers in the title game.

“I think we have great leadership,” Franklin coach Zach Brown said about what it has taken for his team to get back to this stage. “We have 15 seniors and all of them are tremendous leaders in their own way and they’re all great kids. These guys have stayed the course, they’ve stayed connected, and I’m really proud of their effort on a day-to-day basis.”
Continue reading the game recap ->


Girls Lacrosse = Division 1 Final Four = #7 Franklin, 9 vs. #3 Westwood, 10 – Final
Not the ending we wanted, but still so proud of this group they never gave up and fought until the end. That was kind of a theme for us this year. We faced so much adversity, but despite it all, the girls always played together with heart


Thank you to all the people who make Franklin glax so special year in and year out. Couldn’t do it without you

For other results around the Hockomock League


FHS baseball wins to advance
FHS baseball wins to advance

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, June 15; and upcoming meeting schedule

Please join us for the next meeting of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Thursday, June 15, 7:00-9:00 pm. 


We will meet on Zoom. 


Join on Zoom   

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923


350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, June 15
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, June 15


ALSO, NOTE THESE CHANGES TO DATES OF UPCOMING MEETINGS. We typically meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month. However, this month we will also meet on the 5th Thursday, June 29, and we will NOT meet in July.


This week we will continue to discuss the status and action plans for our priority campaignsMake Polluters Pay and Emissions Free Buildings. 


These campaigns focus on legislation here in Massachusetts. 350 Mass and our members are also actively engaged in a national campaign to pressure those banks that finance the fossil fuel industry and expansion of its coal, oil and gas operations. Our Climate Courage working group organizes local activities, including these two upcoming events.

  • Saturday, June 17, 11:00 a.m.  A rally in Framingham protesting Chase Bank's anti-climate lending practices. Information and registration here.     
  • Thursday, June 22, 6:00 p.m.  Protest in Boston at Chase's Corporate Challenge race. Information and registration here.


Read about other upcoming events in the 350 Mass Event Calendarand in the Climate Weekly email (sign up for it here). 
Join our discussion about opportunities for actions in our Node's region.

Please try to join us for Thursday's meeting. 

If you have questions or items for the agenda, you can contact the Node coordinators, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or ralph.halpern@comcast.netWe will send a reminder on Thursday.

 

Thank you.

 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern


Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017