Conservation Needs You in 2024

Please support local land conservation with a special gift today

View this email in your browser Maple Farm Wildlife Preserve in Mendon: a project that will preserve 110 acres of fields, forest and water resources through a permanent Conservation Restriction. Thirty-five years ago a few "visionaries" from Blackstone, Franklin, and Bellingham got together and formed the Metacomet Land Trust because they saw the need for a coordinated effort to work with landowners, towns, and environmental organizations to permanently protect the region's open space and to preserve critical habitat for future generations. Today the Metacomet Land Trust is proud to have played a role in protecting over 1,000 acres across the fifteen communities we serve.   We are able to do all this and more because individuals and families like you support our organization. If you can help in '24, please join us now. Donate Now through our website Whether you send us financial contributions to continue our work, help us create a new trail or maintain an existing one, write a conservation restriction, or talk to a neighbor about how we can help conserve their property, you invest in us. Simply put: Through the Metacomet Land Trust you can take local action that achieves meaningful, tangible results. In joining MLT, you have the power to take action and make a positive and rewarding contribution to our region's resiliency! In the spirit of this time of year, please put your dollars to work with a gift for conservation close to home in 2024.   Mail a donation today or go to our website to give: metacometlandtrust.org/donations/become-a-member/ In conservation, Lisa Mosczynski President P.S. We need your help today to protect more special land in 2024 including the current projects below.   Our Current Projects Include: • Maple Farm Wildlife Preserve in Mendon (pictured above) • Castle Hill Farm Preserve in Northbridge • Protection of a historic farm in Bellingham • Concluding a conservation restriction in Mendon We Love Where We Live -- And We Know You Do, Too! Membership Donations, Gifts of Land or Conservation Restrictions, or donations of items to be auctioned are deductible on the Federal 1040. Check with a tax advisor about the restored Massachusetts tax deduction for charitable gifts. Always keep your donation receipts. Our Federal Tax-Exempt ID is: 04-3020897.  Copyright © 2023 Metacomet Land Trust, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Metacomet Land Trust P.O. Box 231 Franklin, MA 02038

The new CARS Rule: What you need to know

The new CARS Rule: What you need to know By Alvaro Puig Whether you're excited about buying the car of your dreams or just trying to make your budget stretch to get reliable transportation, the car buying process can be stressful.  It can also be costlier than expected, because of misleading ads and hidden fees at the dealer.  The FTC's new Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule aims to change that by stopping bait-and-switch tactics and hidden fees. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/new-cars-rule-what-you-need-know

The new CARS Rule: What you need to know

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features my recent conversation "Making Sense of Climate" with Ted McIntyre  - >  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/making-sense-of-climate-36-gets-into.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi  interview Ciro Pirone and talk about Italian Holiday Food, Wine, and Traditions ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features the recap of the Nov 28 School Cmte mtg in this Chalkboard Chat ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps-school-cmte.html

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Raeleen Gallivan

8:30 am Celebrate with Pride: Sioo

10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wrentham 350

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Fish

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Vaping Education

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

8:30 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v King Philip 10-13-23

2:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Beverly 11-03-23

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Haverhill 11-09-23

6:30 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

8:00 pm High School Football at Fenway Park: Franklin v King Philip

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 11-21-23

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 11-29-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 11-21-23

6:30 pm Master Plan Committee: LIVE, 3rd Floor  891 4336 1388  (Pride TV)

7:00 am Finance Committee: LIVE, Chambers  875 1448 4182 (Town Hall TV)

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

59 Tri-County Students Receive Adams Scholarships

Fifty-nine members of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical HS Class of 2024 recently were notified that they are recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. The prestigious award provides tuition assistance to those attending four and two-year Massachusetts colleges and universities.

Adams Scholarship eligibility is determined on MCAS performance. Nearly 27% of the Class of 2024 received the honor meaning in Grade 10 they attained "advanced" performance in at least one of the three major categories (English Language Arts, Math, STE: Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics or Technology/Engineering. In addition, the recipients must have attained proficient status in the remaining two assessments.

"The entire Tri-County community is proud of these students for attaining this prestigious honor," Superintendent Dr. Karen Maguire said. "It is a testament nor only to them and their hard work but our faculty and staff for putting them in a position to succeed."

Since its founding in 1977, the mission of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students. State-of-the-art technical skills and knowledge are enriched and complemented by a solid foundation of academic skills. Creative and cooperative partnerships between area employers and a dynamic staff at Tri-County guarantee the continued growth and development of exciting programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in the twenty-first century. The school proudly services the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. For more, visit the school online at www.tri-county.us or any of our social media platforms.

59 Tri-County Students Receive Adams Scholarships

Class of 2024 Adams Scholar Recipients Listed by Community

Attleboro
Dayrin Cardona, Amiyah Kincey, Ashley Umanzor-Martinez.

Bellingham
Eduarda Defigueiredo

Franklin
Samuel Bernheart, Seth Canzano, Ava Cossette, Shawn Dignan, Eden Dumas, Nicholas Ewanchuk, Camden Lallier, Torin McCarthy, Aiven Nichols, Savannah Nosek, Lino Pirrotta.

Medway
Sinead Bergeron, Zachary Davis, Zachary Lawrence

Milford
Destiny Carroll

Millis
Samuel Noonan

North Attleboro
Carol Abdel Alrhim, Shaelyn Caffrey, Kaylee Chouinard, Samuel DeForest, Kaitlynn DiChiara, Caroline Fontanez, Samantha Geddry, Alexis Hubert, Benjamin Kaluzny, Devin, Leber, Samantha McCarthy, Rebekah Paine, Isabelle Plante, Raiana Willis, Jonah Yeaton, Ivy Young.

Norfolk
Noah Renner

Plainville
Dominic Crisafi, Alkfonso Gomnez, Cameron Jon es, Matthew Noonan, Andrew Pavidis, Ashley Sedam.

Seekonk
Peyton Griffin, Samuel Marcotte, Hope Thibault, Travis Turner.

Walpole
James Hazeldine, Sophia Holbrook, Erik Larson, Logan Loconto, Ethan Roco, Rose Tripp, Alexander Vasilyev, Lucas Volpe, Diana Yanes.

Wrentham
Molly McDermott, Hailey McLeod, Callie Schweitzer.

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee gets to work at first meeting

The Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee met as scheduled Monday, Dec 11, 2023 at 6 PM. I joined the meeting webinar about 5 minutes after the start. My notes captured during the session are shared below.

Quick recap:

• Members of the Committee are Al Charles, Erin Gallagher, and Ruthann O'Sullivan. Apparently Charles in the Chair. He referred to the agenda to keep the meeting moving along.
• Superintendent Giguere also participated to provide some background and insights. Fresh views should help this group. 
• Reviewed the standard annual events to participate in, learned of the contract firm to assist the School District with crisis management and overall communications. This group can leverage some of that capacity to help spread the word
• Meetings will be monthly on the second Monday so next session scheduled for Jan 8, 2024.

My notes captured via Twitter

• Joined the SchCmte community relations subcommittee meeting a few minutes late. Will share the audio if it makes sense. Members of the subcommittee visible via the Zoom session: Charles, Gallagher, O'Sullivan. Agenda doc https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/_community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_12_11_23.pdf

• Supt Giguere participating. Charles and he have experience of this subcmte's work done previously, respectfully the two new members are getting up to speed.

• Discussion about interrelationship with Town Council & School Committee, regular meetings at TA and Supt level. Joint Budget subcmte also a key piece around the budget development and process. Possible budget workshop for SchCmte to include Central Office & principals ...

• The principals can add more details around particular initiatives as they are closer to the need and benefits.

• Major annual events Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival, etc. Reference to have all communications point back to the webpage, updating the page to help reinforce.. the message. The proper answer to a question/topic, etc. How does this committee handle or have a possible role in sourcing info from the community to help info the SchCmte and or Central Office to address?

• First how to be informed, second how to respond/address. Part of the newsletter would also include how to provide feedback, question, etc.

• Desire to have a regular link to use for the newsletter so overtime people could go there for updates and info.

• Contracted services with John Guilfoil jgpr.net

• A sports story coming on the multiple coach of year awards announced recently. In addition, FHS won a sportsmanship award. The firm can also provide a workshop to create a communication strategy.

• Farmers Market community table presence, legislative forum didn't happen last year, consider to bring back. Outreach to private daycare org to build awareness, relationship, etc.

• Need to be careful on the theme and purpose of legislative forum, if it goes forward. Did have opportunity to meet regionally last year with local representatives and other districts, on the budget, if that happens again, will let folks here know to participate

• Meetings second Monday of the month, Jan 8, 2024. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passes via roll call 3-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!
  

Franklin Public Schools: Community Relations Subcommittee - Dec 11 at 6 PM

Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to be on Wednesday, Dec 13

If you really want to know Franklin, then Wednesday night at 7 PM, the Finance Committee meeting is THE meeting to watch, listen to (or catch on replay), or read about after.

With all due respect to the Master Plan Update Committee meeting also about the same time (they start at 6:30), they are early in their process so the more important of the two (in my view) is the Finance Committee "Bill Dowd deep dive" on Facilities.

The agenda doc provides plenty of information about the facilities department and about the recent history of how grants have been able to augment the Town and School budgets with about 2M each per year. (Yes, the data does show an increase since 2020 but most of that is the Federal ARPA, ESSAR funding, and not likely to continue at that rate).

For your reading pleasure in advance of the meeting:

5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department”

i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budget  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy24_public_property_buildings_budget.pdf

ii. List of Town Owned Buildings  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/list_of_town_owned_buildings_0.pdf

iii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditions  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf

iv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysis 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

v. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommittee  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/subcommittees-and-liaisons

vi. 10-year Capital Facilities Plan  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._vi_-_facilities_capital_improvement_plan_fy23.12.07.23.xlsx_-_10_year_plan.pdf

b. Grants discussion

i. Ten-year municipal grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._i_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_town.pdf

ii. Ten-year school grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._ii_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_school.pdf

The agenda doc includes supporting materials and covers 38 pages (also includes remote participation info)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dec_13_2023_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

2023-2024 Hockomock Girls Basketball Preview -> Franklin High School

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the girls basketball outlook for the Hockomock League featuring Franklin High School

FRANKLIN

2022-2023 Record: 18-5

2022-2023 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Sweet Sixteen

Coach: John Leighton

Franklin has won five straight Kelley-Rex division titles and, even after graduating four starters from last year’s team including top scorer Katie Peterson, the Panthers remain the team to beat for the league title. Things may look a little different this season, as Franklin won’t have the same amount of length in the lineup (only one player listed above 5-foot-9), but they still have plenty of athleticism and depth.

Junior guard Chloe Fales will be the key returning player from last year, after averaging nearly 11 points per game in her debut varsity season. A talented scorer at all three levels and a solid defender, Fales will be the team’s top threat this winter. Several other players are ready to step into bigger roles this year, including senior Sasha Tracey who is an agile defender and three-point shooter. Junior point guard Elle Bonacci is a strong ball-handler and shooter, while senior Norah MacCallum has great size on the wing and is another versatile defender who can guard multiple positions.

Typically, Franklin tends to reload rather than rebuild and there are several new faces who are going to step in and will be expected to contribute right away. Junior forward Olena Malymina gives the Panthers a little bit of size at 5-foot-10 and freshman guard Kaylee Fernandes will bring fresh energy and skill in the backcourt.

“Every season presents its own challenges and opportunities,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “I am excited to work with this group of girls as they gel into a strong, smart, and selfless team.”  

For other girls basketball previews for the Hockomock League (subscription required)   https://hockomocksports.com/2023-2024-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Boys Basketball: Ten Players to Watch in 2023-2024 -> FHS' O'Leary

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the Boys Basketball: Ten Players to Watch in 2023-2024. 

SEAN O’LEARY, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

Senior Sean O’Leary, the reigning league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, returns after leading the Panthers to a Kelley-Rex division title and to the Round of 16 in the Division 1 tournament. O’Leary’s presence alongside a strong core of other returners means expectations are high for Franklin. He’s coming off a season in which he averaged 20.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, leading the Panthers in scoring 15 times, with a career-high 35 points on the road at Taunton, and he recently committed to play collegiately at Bates. The combination of size and athleticism gives him a true advantage down low and he has an old-school approach to his post game. But he also steps out and connects from deep, making him a tough player to guard.

For other boys basketball players to watch around the Hockomock League (subscription required)  https://hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2023-2024/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Hockomock.Sports.com: "Hockomock Wrestling Preview: Milford Aiming For Three-Peat"

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the wrestling preview for the Hockomock League featuring Franklin High School.

"Meanwhile, Franklin looks to continue to build back to the top of the league. Junior Riley Carlucci and sophomore Jack Sauer were both sectional finalists last year and are key pieces back for legendary coach Carmine Colace. Weyland O’Connell (175) and Roman Caccavelli (126) both had strong starts to the season at the Ashland Invitational."

For the full preview of wrestling in the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-wrestling-preview-milford-aiming-for-three-peat/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS girls hockey team drops opener to Algonquin on Monday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, Dec 11, 2023. 

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Algonquin, 5 - Final

Maddie O’Brien gets Franklin on the board  Assist to Julia Flynn. 

Franklin trailing by 2. 

Izzy Brown stopping lots of shots.

https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1734371776245682497

Tough loss. 5-1. Izzy stood tall with 34 shots on goal.

https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1734374297370509681

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-12-11-23/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin High School: newsletter for week of Dec 11, 2023

Franklin High School (@FranklinHS) posted  on Mon, Dec 11, 2023:

"FHS Newsletter https://t.co/6bXm9yPsTU 

@FranklinPSNews"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1734186967913415161

Franklin High School: newsletter for week of Dec 11, 2023

TED Ed: "The surprisingly long history of electric cars - Daniel Sperling and Gil Tal" (video)

"Let’s Begin… 

By the end of the 19th century, nearly 40% of American cars were electric. But these vehicles had a few major problems — early car batteries were expensive and inefficient, and the vehicles were twice the price of a gas-powered car. 

And so for the next several decades, gas-powered cars dominated the market. 

Can electric cars reclaim their place on the road? Daniel Sperling and Gil Tal investigate."

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EG6rqA2vvA 

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Dec 12, 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 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Celebrate with Pride: Sioo

9:00 am Mental Health: Raeleen Gallivan

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1

11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

4:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 4 - Dicenso Clark

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

9:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

11:30 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Beverly 11-03-23

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

2:00 pm Menthal Health: Donna Grady

3:00 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

4:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Milford 10-26-23

6:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

9:30 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Haverhill 11-09-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am  School Committee 11-28-23: 11-28-23

12:00 pm  Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 11-28-23

2:00 pm  School Committee 11-28-23: 11-28-23

7:00 pm  School Committee: LIVE Chambers  82278111819

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 252 - Italian Holiday Food, Wine, and Traditions, with Ciro Pirone (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 252

Exploring all things wine with you!

Italian Holiday Food, Wine, and Traditions, with Ciro Pirone

In this Holiday episode hosts Kim and Mark explore the fascinating world of Italian wine and how it pairs with the rich flavors of the holiday season. Our guest today is Ciro Pirone, the director of Italian wine at Horizon Beverage.  Ciro has a wealth of knowledge about Italian wine and its pairing with food, and we're excited to have him share his insights on Italian Christmas food,  wine, and traditions.

We discussed the traditional Italian Christmas meal, also known as the "Feast of the Seven Fishes." This feature is an important part of Italian Christmas cuisine, and we'll be exploring the various dishes that make up this feast. We'll also be discussing traditional Italian pasta dishes and how they pair with wine. Ciro talks about many Italian Holiday traditions you may not know of. 

Join us as we embark on a journey through the wonderful world of Italian food, wine and traditions.  We hope you enjoy this festive episode.

For more information on Ciro follow him on Instagram @divinoboston

Happy Holidays 

Merry Christmas 

Cheers

Kim and Mark

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 252 -  Italian Holiday Food, Wine, and Traditions, with Ciro Pirone (audio)

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-252-italian-holiday-food-wine-and-traditions-with-ciro-pirone

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 252-Italian Holiday Food, Wine And Traditions With Ciro Pirone