350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, June 20

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will hold our next meeting this Thursday, June 20, 7:00-9:00 PM.  Please add it to your calendar. 

The meeting will be 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

As usual, we will share information about 350 Mass, and discuss and plan for local and state activities. Also, attendees at our Node meeting will share developments in their cities and towns, including a focus on Franklin. 

 

FOR YOUR ATTENTION: THIS WEEK: Mass Power Forward Lobby Day, Thursday, June 20.  Sign up to join activists across the state on our decentralized lobby day and meet with your legislators around Mass Power Forward's priority bills. Learn more and RSVP here.. (350 Mass is a leader in the Mass Power Forward coalition.)    

Also, looking ahead to July: Climate Justice Can't Wait—Rally and March in Boston, Saturday, July 13. Join our Mass Power Forward coalition and our youth allies from Mass Youth Climate Coalition as we march on the State House to demand climate justice. RSVP here. Sat, Jul 13, 1 pm, Boston Common Bandstand, 139 Tremont St, Boston.

 

On a personal note, as I wrote in the notice of the previous meeting,  I (Ralph Halpern) am resigning from the Node because I am moving to a new home northwest of Boston. My wife and I are retired now and plan to start a new phase in a 55-plus condo community with, best or all, closer proximity to our young grandson and his parents. I expect to switch my 350 Mass affiliation to another Node, so I look forward to seeing many of you at rallies and events. As for our Greater Franklin Node, the work continues under Carolyn Barthel's tremendous leadership. In July, emails about meetings and activities will come to you from Node member Steve Derdiarian. If you're already active with the Node, thank you and keep up the good work. If you want to play a role confronting the enormous challenges we all face, I recommend 350 Mass and our Node as a great way to learn and participate.

 

For more news about ongoing and upcoming events, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on the 350 Mass website. 

 

We look forward to another informative and action-oriented Node meeting. We hope you can join us, in person or on Zoom. We 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   

School Committee with a light agenda list has heavy discussions (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met on Tuesday, June 18 as scheduled. While the agenda line item list was relatively light, the main topic for discussion only, dealing with the aftermath of the failed override vote to fund the schools was rather heavy.

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcxG4nP96wQ

The School Committee agenda -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_6-18-24.pdf

 

Packet folder is where all the documents released for the meeting are stored (note: some of them after the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-18-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes collected in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bPdSl_iiJ_lSDyK8hAT9Rt262UZpM8dI/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee with a light agenda list has heavy discussions (video)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - Rotary Club of Franklin MA Pasta Dinner, 6/20/24 - IS BEING POSTPONED!

Greetings all!

postponed to TBD

Due to the rising temps, and where Thursday, June 20^th, heat is expected to reach triple digits, it has been decided that the health and wellbeing of our Franklin Senior Citizens and residents of Franklin Housing Authority, is far more important than our Rotary Annual Pasta Supper. We will postponing this event until further notice.

This was not an easy decision to make and we cannot thank you all enough, for your continued support of Rotary Club of Franklin MA.

We will reach out again, once a new date has been selected.

Yours truly,

Diane

Diane M. Padula

Boston Globe: "The beginners guide to celebrating Juneteenth"

"For more than one-and-a-half centuries, the Juneteenth holiday has been sacred to many Black communities.

It marks the day in 1865 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas found out they had been freed — after the end of the Civil War, and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Since it was designated a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has become more universally recognized beyond Black America. Many people get the day off work or school, and there are a plethora of street festivals, fairs, concerts and other events.

People who never gave the June 19 holiday more than a passing thought may be asking themselves, is there a “right” way to celebrate Juneteenth?

For beginners and those brushing up on history, here are some answers:"

Find the answers in the Boston Globe article (subscription may be required) -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/06/18/nation/juneteenth-celebration-guide/

Dancer Prescylia Mae, of Houston, performs during a dedication ceremony for the massive mural "Absolute Equality" in downtown Galveston, Texas, Saturday, June 19, 2021.STUART VILLANUEVA/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Celebrate with Pride is coming up on June 22!!!

Please sign-up to volunteer here

June 22 from 12 - 4 PM With a rain date of June 23, also 12 - 4 PM We are looking for event volunteers!    Click here to sign-up to volunteer on June 22nd    Click here to sign-up to volunteer on the June 23rd rain date      We could use your support for event set-up, post-event breakdown, check-in table, tye dye, craft tables, and lawn games. Even just an hour helps!    ______________________________   Are you an organization looking to participate in the event? Click here to request space    Any questions? Please email us at franklinlgbtqalliance@gmail.com  We will also be tabling at the Franklin Farmer's market!   Franklin Farmers Market (June 21st): Click here to sign-up Want to donate to the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance?  Click HERE or scan below to find our Givebutter! If you are not on our email list, sign up to receive future emails with this form.  View this email in your browser

Save the date - Coach Kevin Dickie - Your Confident Mindset - June 21

Kevin Dickie

Your Confident Mindset

How Your Mindset Can Ensure Successful Networking

Friday, June 21

 

Have you consciously taken control of your life and your career?

If you go into an interview thinking that you will not get hired, you undermine your presentation and your skills, even unconsciously. Interviewers can often tell when you do not believe in yourself.

 

In turbulent times, confidence can be inspiring. Kevin will show you how to develop a confident mindset without coming off as arrogant or self-absorbed.

 

Kevin will provide:

·        Techniques to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs

·        How reframing your thoughts changes perspective

·        How a Growth Mindset leads to more confidence

 

Kevin Dickie is a certified Master Life Coach, Confidence Life coach, and Goal Success Life Coach, who successfully transitioned from Program Management and Customer Service into Life Coaching. He specializes in guiding people through challenging life events; helping clients recognize their unique gifts; and attain their goals that seemed unreachable.

 

Why you should attend: In these turbulent times, your job search and career transition need every edge you can apply. This session will answer many of your questions about networking, confidence, and how your mind influences both.

Join us at the Metrowest Networkers Group

1st & 3rd Fridays of the month: 10 am - Noon

24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01702

At the offices of the First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

Save the date - Coach Kevin Dickie - Your Confident Mindset - June 21

More Perfect Union shares the marginal income tax history from 1913 to 2017

marginal income tax history

More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) posted on Mon, Jun 17, 2024:

"Before we had the fake "trickle down" idea we had "make the rich pay high taxes and use that money to help other people." https://t.co/aN7Xe6E1rK

What does More Perfect Union do?

More Perfect Union is a nonprofit education, advocacy, and journalism organization with a mission to build power for the working class. We tell the stories of working class Americans by covering politics, policy, labor, business, and economics news through a class lens. We pair our reporting with activism to win policy fights that support families and the working class.

The organization is made up of More Perfect Union Action (EIN: 85-3190605), a 501(c)(4) organization that covers policy fights, electoral stories, and ballot initiatives to empower the working class within the political process and More Perfect Union Foundation (EIN: 85-3189807), a 501(c)(3) organization that creates educational content, publishes investigative reports on corporate accountability, and advocates for working class issues.   https://perfectunion.us/about/

A recent video shares info on Uber which is likely going to be a ballot question for MA in November ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w5RjuTmztU

MBTA Commuter Rail notice: head's up that travel on Friday (Jun 21) may be busy and with delays

The Celtics championship parade is on Friday, June 21st. 

Please consider if your travel is necessary, as crowds and delays for service in both directions are expected. 

Bikes will not be allowed on board.

Learn more: https://mbta.com/celtics

MBTA Commuter Rail notice: head's up that travel on Friday (Jun 21) may be busy and with delays

Register now for the Red Apron Charcuterie special "Charcuterie Cup Workshop" - July 10

Attention charcuterie lovers!

Would you like to learn the art of charcuterie in a  cup ? 

              

Join Us for a Delightful Experience!

Red Apron Charcuterie is thrilled to announce a special Charcuterie Cup Workshop at La Cantina Winery. This hands-on workshop is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their summer parties with stunning and delicious charcuterie cups.

📅 Date: July 10 

🕒 Time: 6:30

📍 Location: La Cantina Winery.           

🎟️ Tickets: https://lacantinawinery.square.site

Don’t miss this opportunity to create and taste exquisite combinations in an unparalleled environment! Reserve your spot now and take your culinary skills to the next level. 

Register now for the  Red Apron Charcuterie special "Charcuterie Cup Workshop" - July 10

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/TqLJJgMMgC18LgUW/

Summer Junkin & Dunkin with FREE Dumpster Bags

Feels like Summer! It is time to DUNK that JUNK

Junk Dunkers is offering FREE dumpster bags with a pickup, a $32 savings, plus a discounted pickup of $225, payable in cash, $65 cheaper than Waste Management Bagsters. For this huge savings go to www.junkdunkers.com to book now or Call 508-595-8419 for more details. 

www.JunkDunkers.com

Besides dumpster bags we are always here to help you remove your unwanted property from inside or outside your home or office. Single items or a truck load. We organize the entire process, you just need to make the call

HOME SELLERS

Check out a recent home cleanout and how we leave your property after a DUNK.

Whether you are preparing to move, or just trying to reclaim space being taken away by clutter, give us a shout. You’ll love the process and our no-nonsense pricing.

508-595-8419 or www.JunkDunkers.com. Junk Dunkers is a Franklin based business .

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, June 19, 2024

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

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

• This slot features  Robyn & Jennifer talking about the forthcoming Pride Day, June 22 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/robyn-jennifer-talk-about-pride-day.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 talk about Gadgets & Salmon Safe   ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/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 latest Making Sense of Climate episode #46 in the series -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/in-this-episode-we-go-from-elections-to.html

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

7:30 am     Mental Health: Raeleen Sullivan
8:30 am     Memorial Day 2024
10:00 am     Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media
11:30 am     Cooking Thyme: Grillin'
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: Rigatoni Al Forno
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2
3:00 pm     Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
3:30 pm     Celebrate with Pride: Sioo
5:00 pm     Memorial Day Breakfast 2024
6:30 pm     FHS Graduation 2024
9:30 pm     Circle of Friends: Garnet Rogers

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

8:30 am     Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021
10:00 am     SAFE Coalition: Task Force
11:00 am     Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
12:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes May 2024
1:30 pm     Tri County Graduation 2024
3:00 pm     FHS Varsity Softball: v St. Paul Diocesan 06-01-24
5:30 pm     FHS Graduation 2024

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

8:00 am     Town Council 05-22-24
1:00 pm     Town Council 05-22-24

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, June 18, 2024?

Tuesday, June 18

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)

**  Town Meetings today

• Housing Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - 5:15pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/housing_economic_development_subcommittee_-_06182024.pdf

• Franklin Public School Committee Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_public_school_committee_meeting.pdf 

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

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://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

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

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally calls for Inclusive Voting Rights for local elections

Call for Inclusive Voting Rights in Town of Franklin's 

Special Election on School Budget Decisions

A significant issue has come to the forefront in the Town of Franklin as more than 150 families, who are legal taxpayers but not citizens, are currently denied the right to vote on crucial school budgetary matters. In a community where the school is a vital institution for all residents, it's imperative that every voice is heard and valued.

The school belongs to every resident of the Town of Franklin, regardless of their citizenship status. These residents contribute to the town's wellbeing and its educational system through their taxes, and they should have a say in how school funds are allocated.

I urge on behalf of these dedicated residents to grant them the opportunity to vote on school budget issues," said KP Sompally, School Committee Member. "Every taxpayer should have the right to participate in decisions that directly impact their contributions and their community's future.

This appeal is grounded in the belief that inclusivity and fairness are fundamental to our democratic values. Granting voting rights to all legal taxpayers on school budget matters will ensure that the voices of those who support our schools are heard, and their needs and concerns are addressed.

• Inclusivity: All residents, regardless of citizenship, contribute to the school system and should have a say in its budget.
• Fair Representation: Ensuring that more than 150 legal taxpayers have the right to vote on school budget issues will reflect a fair and just community.
• Community Strength: Inclusive voting rights will strengthen community bonds and ensure that all voices contribute to the future of Franklin Town's educational system.

We call upon the Election Commissioner and all advocates of voting rights to support this crucial change. Let us come together to ensure that the Town of Franklin remains a place where every resident's voice matters and where our educational system thrives through collective effort, and inclusive decision-making.

Sincerely,

KP Sompally

Franklin School Committee Member

Updated 6/19/24

I want to clarify my request from yesterday because some of you sent me upset emails. I am totally against illegal non-citizens being able to vote in elections. I was requesting to let legal residents, who are paying taxes and obeying the law just like us, vote in municipal elections especially for the school budget issues. These residents are permanent residents in immigration terms. Several towns in Massachusetts have requested this change, but none have had legislation passed. Again, thanks for understanding.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3899

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3899

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally calls for Inclusive Voting Rights for local elections

ALARM Robotics wins the Engineering Inspiration Award 2 times in a row; goes to the World Championship!

4H ALARM Robotics won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at the New England District Championship at West Springfield in Big E and earned a spot at the World Championship at Houston, Texas. 

ALARM Robotics is a local non-profit community team which has been mentoring students in robotics since 2007 and is set up in Franklin’s very own historic Red Brick School. ALARM stands for ‘A Lot of Awesome Robot Makers’. The team participates in FRC–-FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION run by FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

ALARM Robotics with the FIRST artwork at the World Championship in Houston, Texas. 20 students and 4 mentors from ALARM participated in the World Championship. In the front row are mentors L-R Pallavi Naravane, James Minihane, Nicholas Mosher, Ajit Naravane

For a complete recap of the season -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Ar8pOBbQ9BBpvuuzHYt9A8RbdJEh8-2/view?usp=sharing

Here's a short video recap of our season:  https://youtu.be/E2KXfUeTzbc