School Committee moves forward with redistricting plan by 5-2 vote (audio)

FM #1204 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1204 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• 8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip highlights shared with video (the musical soundtrack accompanying the video was removed from broadcast to avoid copyright issues)

• 8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip approved for next school year 

• Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation reviewed with a presentation providing some updates to outstanding questions, and the timeline for which other questions would be answered. Committee approved by a 5-2 vote (Griffith, Sompally). Based upon their comments, the 2 no’s were more about the timing of the decision and not the proposal itself

• At the end of the discussion when it was clear, there wasn’t going to be public comment, one angry resident shouted and threatens committee and superintendent as he leaves not wanting to wait for citizens comment period at the end of the meeting agenda

• Recommendation not to accept Foreign Exchange Student for the 2024-2025 School year as discussed per policy JFABB was approved by 7-0 vote

• Appointment of Supt Giguere as the district representative to the BICO & ACCEPT Collaboratives were both approved by 7-0 votes

• The Consent Agenda was approved as detailed by a 7-0 vote

• Motion to enter into executive session, to return, voted to do so, 7-0

• Returned about 5 minutes later to formally adjourn the meeting by a 7-0 vote

The recording runs about 3 hours & 8 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1204-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-14-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/Z_VS764gV7I 

Agenda doc  ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-14-24.pdf 

Presentation document -> https://www.canva.com/design/DAGEwcyeRSE/So6vIujJUIxoF7237YIYRQ/view 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_9miqWTxMmpUP1B2Lh27BqexDQZG8xb/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/jkazREcUCkXHJ6gS9

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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!

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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 Committee moves forward with redistricting plan by 5-2 vote (audio)

GOOD DEEDS: The True meaning of – "Support the Troops"

This month, we observe Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. With this in mind, I want to take a moment to reflect about the true meaning of "support the troops." For me, as the father of a Service Member, supporting our troops goes beyond a simple gesture. It means actively getting involved and reaching out to the brave men and women whose commitment and service to our country is both unwavering and inspiring. By truly supporting our troops in a meaningful way, we can honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude for their dedication to protecting our freedoms.

In the spirit of one of the United States Army's 10 principles of leadership, leading by example, I want to share with you a few ways that we at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds have not only shown our support but acted on that principle to hopefully inspire others to do the same.

Providing clothing donations to Veteran organizations is a simple yet impactful way to show appreciation for our Veterans. This small act to benefit Veterans can make a significant difference in their lives.

In 2016, the Registry of Deeds made a commitment to the Veteran Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service program by expanding the Registry's "Suits for Success" program to include Veterans, starting with Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center. Since that time, this partnership has grown to include the West Roxbury VA Medical Center and the Brockton VA Medical Center. Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has collected and distributed more than 11,500 articles of clothing to local non-profit groups throughout southern Massachusetts.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell delivers clothes to Mary Peak and staff, VA Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service program.

Another way to show your support is by sharing the story of a fallen hero. By telling their stories, it ensures that their legacy lives on and that future generations will remember the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.

In November 2023, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds celebrated the Veterans of Norfolk County with an open house and the release of our third volume of Notable Land Records titled "We Remember Our Veterans."

These stories allow us to honor the sacrifices made by Veterans and gain a deeper understanding of why it is crucial to support and care for our Veterans today.

The evening's event took on a special significance as Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago, the highest-ranking state Veteran's official in the Commonwealth, spoke about the role of Veterans and the sacrifices they make on behalf of our freedoms.

From left Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell, Jeanette Rose-Gutshall, a Gold Star wife from Weymouth, and Massachusetts Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago

Lastly you can actively participate in the Veteran community. You can show respect on Memorial Day by going to a national cemetery or war memorial, putting flowers or flags on the graves of Veterans, or going to a local parade or ceremony. Another option to be active in the Veteran community and show your support is to talk to a Veteran or Veterans' group.

Recently, I had the honor to meet with the Veterans and Veteran Family Members of Braintree American Legion Post 86 to share some of the programs and services that are available through the Registry of Deeds. During that event it was my pleasure to sign a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve, joining others throughout the United States in pledging that I fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act and will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

So, I hope that this Memorial Day, you will join with me and your fellow Americans in not only showing your support but also taking the time to be active in the Veteran community so that we can all truly reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform and express our gratitude for their service and dedication to this great Country, the United States of America.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell

Police Station Building Cmte selects CHA firm as Owner Project Manager (OPM) (audio)

FM #1203 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1203 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Police Station Building Committee meeting held on Monday, May 13, 2024. In this meeting, they conducted three interviews with firms to select the Owner Project Manager (OPM). 

There is a brief overview of the process, then the three firms (Vertex, Collier, and CHA) are interviewed. There are brief recesses between each interview. That recess audio section was removed and replaced with a brief bit of musical interlude. 

The three firms in order of appearance were Vertex, Collier, and CHA. CHA was the unanimous choice as the top firm. Vertex second, and Collier third.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will commence negotiations on contract with CHA and assuming it is successful, the project will proceed. If not, the second vendor will begin negotiations.

The recording runs about 2 hours & 45 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1203-franklin-ma-police-stn-bldg-cmte-opm-interviews-05-13-24

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Building Committee page => https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee 

Agenda for this meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-05-13_police_station_building_committee.pdf 

The Franklin TV video for replay -> (link not found)

My notes in one PDF doc -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IYmIjfa06AaXhyGGWWr6d9-vHYtUrWb2/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo albums of each presentation

Vertex -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/QAHNUAKMe3KtpSXE9 

Collier -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/nkhvKpi88J16rAJP9 

CHA -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LiSr8T5XiJTgWpQc7 

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

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"

Police Station Building Cmte selects CHA firm as Owner Project Manager (OPM) (audio)

Franklin Professional Firefighter fund raising

Franklin Professional Firefighter fund raising

 

"It’s that time of year again! 

Our yearly fundraiser has been sent out! Please help support your Local Franklin firefighters! 

You have three options to help.

• To donate you can mail a check to PO Box 161,
• scan the QR code
• OR check out website.

Thank you for your support! #pffm #iaff #franklin

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6_R0VqLcKU/

Call for art at the Franklin Sculpture Park

"Calling all artists! 

Submit your sculpture proposals by June 1st for a chance to be part of this immersive outdoor exhibition. Whether you work with metal, stone, wood, or innovative materials, we want to see your vision come to life in our park.

Don’t miss this chance to share your art with the community! 

Link in bio for submission detailsLink in bio for submission details. #CallForArtists #SculpturePark #OutdoorArt #ArtOpportunity #DeadlineJune1

To submit proposal -> https://franklinma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080/record-types/6632

Call for art at the Franklin Sculpture Park

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6_SQtJLxIB/

Stand Up Comedy Night scheduled at 3 Restaurant on May 29

@pg13gillespie (Paul Gillespie) and his crew from @cheaplaughs2020 will be performing their comedy show in our upstairs even space.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through their website at cheap-laughs.com

https://www.cheap-laughs.com/event-details/comedy-night-3-restaurant

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C7E8q3bRfTr/

Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - May 23 - 6 PM - Virtual Only

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Subcommittee

May 23, 2024 - 6:00 PM

Virtual Only

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."

● Strawberry Stroll Planning

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_subcom_agenda_-_5_23_24.pdf

Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - May 23 - 6 PM - Virtual Only

What's happening in Franklin, Friday, May 17, 2024?

Friday, May 17

8:00am Early voting for Special Election (Town Clerk's Office)

10:00am Next Size Up Kids Consignment Event - Spring 2024 (Portuguese Club, Milford)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

No Town meetings today

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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 

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)

Invitation to Crafters to Participate at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is accepting applications for booth space at their 49th Annual Craft Fair, Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9 AM to 3 PM at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. 

This is a juried craft fair for artisan crafters to sell their hand made items; we do not accept MLM companies or other resellers. The deadline for applications is July 15th.

Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersCraftFair/ for more information and to access the application.

Invitation to Crafters to Participate at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair

Finance Committee hears updates from School Committee, approves series of measures to send to Town Council (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 PM in the Council Chambers. This was the 3rd of three budget hearings. 

7 members of the committee participated, one remotely so all votes were via roll call. 2 members were absent.

The meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-05-15_finance_committee_agenda_packet.pdf

Franklin TV video replay available on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nQoCPNfd4A&t=53s

Quick recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen briefly covered the Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie budget items. Their representatives were unable to participate this year.
• Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Administrator Dr Dutch, and School Committee Vie-Chair Dave McNeill presented from the table. Asst Supt Paula Marano provided updates on special education programs and answered those questions
• As the budget has been presented a number of times, there was an attempt to provide the "readers digest" version, and they were mostly successful.
• Some changes noted:
• They did provide an update on the migrant funded from DESE, a check for $335K+ was just received and another to account for the 72 students currently in the system is expected in June. These funds can only be used to support the migrant students and are not in the budget
• The transportation increased projected earlier at 1100 was reduced to $500 per student and to compensate, the number of FTEs potentially laid off would increase from 30 to 47
• They also presented an outlook on the funding to be allocated assuming the override does pass. The schools would get the $6.3M in the first year, and then $4M plus in each succeeding year 
• The committee then votes to approve the series of resolutions to provide the fund accounting for the budget. Only one vote received a "no", all others passed by the 7-0-2 (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)
• Water rate increase was approved for the next 2 years (Council still needs to approve)
• Curbside pickup rate increase approved (Council still needs to approve)
• Stormwater fee increase approved (Council still needs to approve)

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1glI98EwFQFhgMW0OFeAJ6ZrSFGBxMusm/view?usp=drive_link

slide with the funding projection assuming the override passes

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Hi friend!!

Rise Up is tomorrow, Saturday, May 18th: so exciting!!! 

Time: 10am-11am

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church

82 West Central St, Franklin

*Parking and entrance/ramp on left side

Note: Dean College commencement is tomorrow at 11am, so I encourage you to arrive to Rise Up for 10am if you can (I'll be there at 9:50am to unlock the door)

**Reminder to please help keep this a fragrance-free space (yes, deodorant is okay lol)

If you need anything tomorrow, feel free to call or text me at 508-954-7641

See you tomorrow!!

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Pantherbook: Student Spotlight - Sarah Dumas

"Meet Sarah Dumas, an actor-student-athlete in her senior year at FHS. 

Sarah is most well known for being a runner, hurdler, and thrower on the indoor and outdoor track teams. She “initially started running to stay in shape for soccer” but this exercise quickly transformed into a love for the sport. Sarah loves “competing and running for her team” and is very grateful to her teammates and coaches who helped her along the way. 

Not only does Sarah participate in track, but she is also an All-American, competing in and placing in Nationals several times. This prestigious award is given out to a limited number of athletes and Sarah enjoys the experience, noting the friends she made and the fun she had while competing. "

Continue reading the article by Fiona Morrison at Pantherbook ->

https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/pantherbook/sports/sarah-dumas

Pantherbook: Student Spotlight - Sarah Dumas (Smugmug photo)

Town of Franklin (MA) is looking to hire a benefits coordinator

"Are you passionate about benefits management? 

Do you Excel in communications and spreadsheets? Do you have a way with Word? We're looking for a highly motivated individual to join our team!

Click the link in our bio and select "Job Opportunities" to learn more!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6_XgasOagk/

Town of Franklin (MA) is looking to hire a benefits coordinator