Tri-County schedules a special election for Oct 24 to vote to approve new building project

IMPORTANT NEWS - DISTRICT WIDE ELECTION 10/24/2023 

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TRI COUNTY REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

DISTRICT WIDE ELECTION – 10/24/2023 - Franklin High School Gym, 218 Oak St. (12 noon - 8pm)

The following are the eleven (11) communities that will be voting for the proposed construction of a new Tri-County Vocational High School.

Norfolk, Medway, Millis, Seekonk, Walpole, Franklin, Medfield, Plainville, N. Attleboro, Sherborn, Wrentham

Last day to register to vote is Saturday, October 14th - 9 AM to 5 PM in the Town Clerk's Office.

There will be NO extended hours for in person voting. Absentee voting will be held in Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Last day to absentee vote in person is 10/23 from 8AM to 12:00 (noon)

If requesting an absentee ballot be mailed you must do so by October 19th.

All ballots must be received by 8PM on election day.

For all information on the project please click on this link: https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/

For frequently asked questions: https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/faq

Shared from the Town Clerk's page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/important-news-district-wide-election-10242023

Tri-County schedules a special election for Oct 24 to vote to approve new building project

3 New police graduates from academy join Franklin Police

"Yesterday (09/15/23) was an exciting day as we welcomed 3 new officers to the Franklin Police Department. The 3 officers graduated from the Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy.  

This is a 5-year program through FSU. Recruits attend a traditional 4-year university and then another year of classes and the police academy. Upon graduation, recruits graduate with a master's degree in criminal justice and their full-time police academy certificate.

The 3 new FPD Officers are Officer Parker Luther, Officer Martin Zimei, and Officer Jonathan Butler. All 3 will begin a full 12-week field training program where they’ll be paired with veteran officers to learn the job.  

Welcome to Franklin!"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064353536794/posts/pfbid02DJ9HYyopbPhkSLU1opASdXiDizULUyAAfhCp2pf8516hbuTrQ2GQwMMtLRAR1uHyl/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Officer Parker Luther, Officer Martin Zimei, and Officer Jonathan Butler

Mass. Public Health seeks your input on survey: "What makes a community healthy and strong?"

"We know the experiences of people with disabilities are unique and nuanced – which is why we're asking you to take our Community Health Equity survey. 

Your answers can help us develop new ways to improve accessibility for all in MA: https://t.co/XyKgancaRD"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MassDPH/status/1703151836721557915

Mass. Public Health seeks your input on survey: "What makes a community healthy and strong?"

Looking for a remote job for a cause you care about? Here’s how to know if it’s a scam

"If you’re looking for a remote job, you might be interested in companies that support a cause. But scammers know that and use your interest to draw you in. If, for example, you’re an LGBTQ+ person or ally, a job that says you can “help LGBTQ+ people in need from the comfort of your own home” might sound great. But what happens if you take that next step?

Based on reports to the FTC, that LGBTQ+ non-profit looking to “hire fast” could be using common interest to build trust with you. If you’re invested in their cause, they hope you’ll be more willing to give personal information before they’ve told you anything about the job. Or you’ll be willing to deposit that check they sent you for “equipment costs” — and send some of the money on to someone else, or back to them. (These are both big signs of a scam.)"

Continue reading about this scam alert from the FTC ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/looking-remote-job-cause-you-care-about-heres-how-know-if-its-scam

Looking for a remote job for a cause you care about? Here’s how to know if it’s a scam

In Case You Missed It: Constitution Day Resources

On February 29, 1952, Congress designated September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, and recognizes all American citizens.

The framers of the Constitution of the United States chose the population to be the basis for sharing political power, not wealth or land. Thus, they included a mandatory count of the population every 10 years (decennial census) in the Constitution. Article I, Section 2 states: 

“Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers….” 

Additional resources on Constitution day can be found -> 

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/resources/constitution-day.html 

In Case You Missed It: Constitution Day Resources

Franklin Art Association meeting Oct 4 will feature artist Carlie DeGaetano

The Franklin Art Association will hold its meeting on Wednesday, October 4, at 6:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.  

The featured artist is Carlie DeGaetano who will do a watercolor painting demonstration. Carlie resides in Blackstone and spends most days painting or teaching painting at the Medway Senior Center. Her medium of choice is watercolor, but she also paints in acrylic and water soluble oils. She paints in a loose free style with lots of color.  Her work can be seen at www.etsy.com/shop/CarlottasArt.

Established in 1971, the Franklin Art Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a wide variety of fine art mediums and photography, while providing ongoing educational opportunities through live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The Association gallery is located at the Escape into Fiction Bookstore at 12 Main Street, Franklin. The FAA is supported by the Franklin Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural District.  www.franklinart.org, Instagram and Facebook.

We welcome members, friends, students and the public to attend this interesting program. There is no admission fee.

watercolor painting by Carlie DeGaetano

DPW sewer line work street schedule for week of 9/18/23

Phase 7 - Sewer Lining Project Continues Next Week! 

Green Mountain Pipeline Services are scheduled to be out working on the following streets next week:

• Monday, Sept. 18 ~ Main St.
• Tuesday, Sept. 19 ~ Main St., Corbin St. and Emmons St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 20 ~ Elwood Rd., Washington St. and Oak St.
• Thursday, Sept. 21 ~ Beaver St.. and Church St.

Residents will be notified if there will be any disruption to their service.

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid02kVs4a9t4mL4FzJfHY5VTHR1dJfrTpJTjqfVtxMG27n49mZfeuz5HpdjJZPibXJa1l/

DPW sewer line work street schedule for week of 9/18/23

FHS girls & boys soccer, golf & volleyball teams all post wins on Friday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Sep 15, 2023.

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 6 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final 

– Franklin scored the game’s first three goals and then answered Foxboro’s response with another three to stay unbeaten on the season. Michael Fernandez-Martin recorded a hat trick to power the Panthers attack, while Garrett Scagliarini, Wyatt Herndon, and Bran Morin each scored once. Andrew O’Neill had a pair of assists, while Noah Cain, Josh Rappa, Hansy Jacques, and Jake Lorenzo each assisted once. Ethan McHugo had Foxboro’s lone goal, finishing off solid build up play from Jack Sullivan and Anthony Lara.

Girls Soccer = Foxboro, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Kelly O’Connor and Anya Zub each had a goal and an assist, as Franklin tallied a pair of second half goals to earn a bounce back win against Foxboro. After going into the break scoreless, O’Connor scored the eventual game-winner off a Zub assist and then the duo reversed roles for a goal to seal the points. Franklin coach Jodi Klein praised her team’s ability to possess the ball and come back with a solid team effort after Tuesday’s loss to King Philip. Allie Sougaris made several key saves for the Warriors, who also got strong defensive play from Alli Tuohey, Lindsey Resnick, and Lexi Tuohey. Erin Foley and Caroline Power had good games in the Foxboro midfield and Chloe Ostis and Morgan Riley worked hard up front for Foxboro, which had a tough, three-game week.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final 

– Franklin secured a 25-17, 25-22, 25-17 sweep of OA to continue its unbeaten start to the season. Taylor Lacerda had another strong all-around match with nine kills, a pair of aces, and 10 digs. Makayla Kuykendall was also solid all over the court with 12 kills, four aces, and 13 digs. Saia Rivera had a strong defensive match for the Tigers, who got 21 assists from Clare Kavolius, 10 kills from Sarah Hilliard, and four kills and four solo blocks from Addyson Smock.

Golf = Franklin vs. Bishop Feehan, 3:00

Panthers finish the week 3-0 with win over Bishop Feehan 158-166!!

CJ Steel & Liam Lewandowski shoot 39 while both Caden Sullivan and Jack Nelson go 40.  FHS is now 6-0 on the season.

Heading out Monday to take on Nashoba at the International.

https://twitter.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1702815710857060680

For other results around the league on Friday  (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-15-23/

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Reminder that HockomockSports.com changed to a subscription model in July. I have a subscription to view and share the FHS results that they provide. If you want to view all the worth Hockomock League reporting they do, subscribing is a good thing. It is quite reasonable. The subscription link is provided below.

To subscribe to HockomockSports.com ->

https://hockomocksports.com/sign-up/#utm_source=HockomockSports&utm_medium=HomepageDesktop&utm_campaign=20232024

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

School Committee hears of and approves the District Improvement Plan & FHS trip to Far East in 2025 (audio)

FM #1061 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1061 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Bernstein).

Quick recap

• Update from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 students

• Successfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the process

• Migrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is available

• Introductions of the new administrators from around the district

• Next up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we go https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxQbpaU4Ft8qPFS86   

• Committee members asked and received clarifications on points made during the DIP presentation, in the action items, the DIP was approved as presented by 6-0-1 (6 for, none against, 1 absent)

• Presentation on a proposed trip to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand for spring of 2025. Presentation copy can be found   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_vietnam-cambodia-thailand_trip.pdf   

• motion to approve trip as presented was seconded and passed by 6-0-1

• Consent agenda was recommended for approval and it passed by 6-0-1

• A round of updates from the various subcommittees on meetings held and or scheduled (details in the video and in my notes)

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of Sep 12. 

The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1061-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-09-12-23

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/G-8ECoHrh8M?si=r9hZow6Jim8WXGxS&t=59 

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Agenda doc & remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and then in a single PDF for easy reading https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QdkJB2fxemPuN_nCWV6Dmq9tdc_QQsIh/view?usp=drive_link 

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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 franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

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!

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

school co

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting

Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcommittee agenda for Sep 20 meeting at 6 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 9/20/2023 TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

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.”

I. Attendance 

II. Distribution of Approved Policies

A. None

III. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

IV. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. Review MASC Updated Policies

B. EFD - Meal Charge Policy

C. EFD-R - Meal Charge Policy & Procedures

D. Continued Review of Policy Manual

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/9_20_23_policy_subcommittee_agenda_.pdf 

Franklin School Cmte: Policy Subcommittee agenda for Sep 20 meeting at 6 PM

After a successful decade, President Marie-Frances Rivera to leave MassBudget

A Message from MassBudget's Board of Directors It is with deep gratitude that the Board of Directors announces the departure of MassBudget's President, Marie-Frances Rivera. The entire Board congratulates Marie-Frances on her outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the organization. Marie-Frances' last day will be September 29, 2023 after which the board will appoint interim leadership. Marie-Frances became President in 2018 after serving in various staff roles at the organization. During her time at Mass Budget, Marie-Frances had a keen focus on increasing Mass Budget's ability to contribute to the movement for economic and racial equity. Her work to create and promote an antiracist state budget demonstrates her bold and courageous vision. Marie-Frances' leadership helped to usher in transformational tax reform efforts in our state which ranks 6th in economic inequality. To advance MassBudget's work, Marie-Frances developed strong relationships with a wide range of community-based organizations to build a long-term coalition that can serve as the engine for a social movement for economic and racial justice.  While transitions are difficult, change is constant. Marie-Frances leaves MassBudget in a strong position for continued growth. MassBudget's Board is actively planning for a smooth transition and will oversee the process to hire a new president. Over the next few months, our goal is to find the best person to lead MassBudget while maintaining a stable and effective organization. Given MassBudget's extraordinary staff, our policy analysis, reports, and communications will remain timely and thoughtful thus continuing to center racial and economic justice perspectives into policy narratives for the Commonwealth. The MassBudget team will also continue to nurture solidarity with community partners, particularly those most adversely affected by economic injustice. In so doing, MassBudget will remain a vital contributor to true economic democracy. We wish Marie-Frances the best of luck in all her future endeavors.  With Trust in Our Collective Power, – Dr. Alexandra Piñeros Shields Chair, Board of Directors, MassBudget A Message from Marie-Frances After a decade of dedicated service and five rewarding years leading this powerful organization, I'll be leaving MassBudget at the end of September to begin the next chapter of my life and career.  I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to serve as President and be part of this organization's remarkable journey. I'll be taking the next few months to spend more quality time with my loved ones and to reflect on both the small and colossal victories that I've been blessed to be a part of with you.  During my time as President, I have led MassBudget in redefining its mission, vision, and values. I'm proud to have worked to transform MassBudget into an antiracist organization that strives to center BIPOC voices and communities with lower incomes. Our Envisioning Equity policy platform has ignited important conversations and lasting changes that will move us toward an antiracist state budget, tax justice, economic security, and an inclusive democracy for all. During my tenure, our organization's budget has more than doubled and we have forged transformative partnerships, like Delivering on Equity, which has raised millions to directly support local organizing partners across the Commonwealth. I want to thank my incredible team and all of our stakeholders for being part of this movement.  Because of our work together, people are seeing billions of new dollars flow into their communities for free, healthy school meals and will continue to see improvements in transit and public education. The passing of the Fair Share Amendment in November 2022 resulted in the reshaping of the Massachusetts' tax system for the better. It's truly a capstone of my personal and professional journey.  As I embark on my new chapter, I carry with me the pride and gratitude for all we have accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing MassBudget thrive in the years to come. In solidarity, – Marie-Frances Rivera President, MassBudget    The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) is a leading think tank advancing policy solutions to create an inclusive, thriving Commonwealth for all.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 1 State Street, Suite 1250 , Boston, MA 02109 Sent by updates@massbudget.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin Police recognized by State for Investigation Assistance in Prescription Fraud And Illegal Distribution Scheme

"Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s Office has indicted an individual for impersonating physicians to illegally obtain prescription drugs and then selling those drugs for profit as part of an elaborate drug diversion scheme. The indictment follows a joint investigation by the AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division, Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office and Franklin Police Department.

Pascal Girault Jr., also known as Pascal Schnaider Jr. Girault, age 21, of Stoughton, was indicted on Monday, September 11, 2023, by the Statewide Grand Jury in Suffolk Superior Court on 10 counts, including possession with intent to distribute a Class E substance, identity fraud, Medicaid false claims and uttering false prescriptions.

The AG’s Office alleges that between September 2021 and May 2022, Girault routinely called pharmacies within Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex County with stolen physician identifications and posed as a physician or a member of the physician's staff to obtain prescriptions for promethazine and promethazine with codeine, which he then sold on the street for profit. The AG’s Office alleges that Girault falsified over two dozen prescriptions, 11 of which were paid for by Medicaid, and in some cases, also obtained azithromycin, an antibiotic commonly known as “Z-Pak”, in an apparent attempt to make his false promethazine prescriptions appear more legitimate."

Shared from Franklin Police -> 

https://www.facebook.com/100064353536794/posts/pfbid0R4bgAg3dQXdV4UyCaDPy15reJF7HR4V9YufQcY8SGdYYmQ75RDPgsz2vK5Xx3g52l/

State press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/individual-indicted-for-prescription-fraud-and-illegal-distribution-scheme

Franklin Police recognized by State for Investigation Assistance in Prescription Fraud And Illegal Distribution Scheme 

Pay your student loans — not scammers

Pay your student loans — not scammers

By Ari Lazarus

"You've probably heard the news — federal student loan repayments are starting again in October. But scammers might try and tell you they can help you avoid repayment, lower your payments, or get your loans forgiven — for a price. 

Here's how to spot and avoid these scams.  Read more -> "   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/pay-your-student-loans-not-scammers

Pay your student loans — not scammers