Franklin School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio exclusive)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 2 members participated (McNeill, O’Sullivan), 1 not present (Griffin).

Quick recap:

• Capital budget preview, also up for discussion at the full School Committee meeting immediately following this session

• 2 vans requested for replacement, after this intention to get back on the regular van replacement schedule. Recall one had been denied previously then failed and the Town scrambled to get a replacement into service. These 2 have seen their useful life expire and are likely not to pass inspection next time

• Traffic design funding requested. Anticipated that the study (to be completed in Jan 2025) will require some rework of the traffic flows around the remaining buildings. This would fund the design of the work to enable the purchasing and bid process.

• Traffic improvements themselves would fund the actual work, likely to be phased in over a period (TBD)

• Playground expansion at the existing North South complexes. Recall that each currently is built for half the capacity expected after the redistricting is implemented. Not critical for the opening of the schools in Sept 2025. Could get phased in, they would be additions to what exists currently.

• The listing would likely require some further prioritization depending upon funding available. Some of the items placeholders to be refined as the specifics become available

• Motion to recommend to full committee, second, passes 2-0-1 (2 yes, 1 absent)

The recording runs about 15 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1328-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-11-26-24/

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School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5041657/11-26-24_AGENDA-BudgetSubCom.pdf 

My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X_CHsmmb0vnTiRg_lKlF4M-pxz51Qv5v/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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio)

4th Annual Art Gift Away begins Dec 1

The Fourth Annual Art Gift Away scavenger hunt is set to begin Thanksgiving weekend. Local artist and community builder Amy Adams, will leave a gift wrapped piece of art at an undisclosed location for the community to find. This series called "Finding the Light", was created to be uplifting to the community around the holidays to encourage everyone to “keep searching for the light”. 

Gifts will be set every Sunday morning from December 1st - December 29th.

 Clues will be shared via the Franklin Cultural District Newsletter every Wednesday. You can also find them on Painting Venus (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/share/1H97PjnuSK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Happy hunting everyone!

Art Gift Away Clues - Week One

I sit in a triangle ready to welcome everyone down

People drive past me, but I too can be the Main character in a Central place

I can be festive during the holiday season, often dressed in greenery and bows

I am flanked by short walk bridges, training little ones to be safe

I hope this time you’ll see my place, holding your gift at the base of my vase

example of a public place where art (package shown at bottom of image) can be found

Voices of Franklin: Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham to be "permanently closed"

Dear Norfolk County resident,

I am thankful for the privilege and opportunity to serve the residents of Norfolk County as their Register of Deeds.

It disappoints me to have to write this letter to Registry users and to those that rely on the land records at the Registry for title to their home. I was informed that the longtime Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham since it was established will be permanently closed by the County Chief Information Technology Officer (CIO) under the direct control and supervision of County Director John J. Cronin.

This Disaster Recovery Office was opened a decade ago as part of a business continuity plan should the Registry of Deeds building in Dedham become incapacitated. This Registry Disaster Recovery office was used during the COVID-19 pandemic and was part of the reason the Norfolk Registry of Deeds remained open and operational every work day during the pandemic. This story will sound familiar to those that followed the saga of the Norfolk County Commissioner and County Director John J. Cronin eliminating the direct report to the Register of Deeds Information Technology Department and staff.

This unfortunately is the sequel. The County CIO wrote that this decision had been looked at over the last 18 months. Yet in those 18 months neither I nor Registry staff were informed of any of this or even consulted by the County Information Technology Department or County Director. There has been no discussion about this matter with me nor my staff. Possibly the Disaster Recovery office could be kept in Dedham where the Registry has been located and doing land recordings since 1793 in addition to whatever planned new Disaster Recovery Office that hopefully gets opened.

This lack of discussion and transparency is a hall mark of Norfolk County Government operations. It is troubling especially when there was a recent "information technology incident" or breach of the Norfolk County Commissioners Administration office that was so bad employees are getting notifications at home from the County's insurance company to watch their personal accounts. It is all so troubling and compels me to let those who depend on Registry services to know about this development.

Sincerely yours,

Bill O'Donnell, 

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

Voices of Franklin: Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham to be "permanently closed"

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

Cultural District Investment Funds - Applications extended to December 6

Please use the following link to apply and get information: Cultural Investment Grants: FY25 | Franklin Cultural District. -> https://www.franklinculture.org/cultural-investment-grants-fy25

If you have a project/initiative that will benefit and promote culture in our community and want to request funding, please complete the Funding Request online form. If you have any questions, please contact: John LoPresti, johntlopresti@gmail.com or Amy Adams, amyadams665@gmail.com. All requests for funding must be submitted by 5:00 PM on December 6, 2024.  

The Franklin Cultural District Committee will discuss and vote on the Cultural District Investment Grant funding requests at its Thursday, December 12, 2024 committee meeting scheduled to be held in-person at Pete's Nerd Emporium on Main Street at 7:00 PM.

Cultural District Investment Funds - Applications extended to December 6

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for December 2024 for Kids & Families

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will close at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24^th and will be closed Wednesday, December 25^th for Christmas. The library will close at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31^st for New Year's Eve.

Franklin Public Library's 2024 Reading Challenge!
December: A 2024 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee or Winner!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

MyHeritage Library Edition - a must for genealogy research!
What's in the MyHeritage Library Edition?

• More than 20 billion historical records from all over the world
• The USA federal census (1790-1940) and the UK census (1841-1901) with images
• More than 2.4 billion exclusive family tree profiles from MyHeritage and Geni
• 816 million US public records
• Hundreds of millions of Nordic records
• More than a hundred million tombstone photos
• More than 1146 million historical photographs
• Military records, immigration records and passenger lists
• Citizenship & naturalization records
• Directories, guides, references, biographies and yearbooks
• Government, land and court records
• Wills and probate records
• Exclusive databases such as the Jewish Chronicle historical newspaper
• Additional content under license including Tributes obituaries, WikiTree, Billion Graves, Canadian Headstones and many others
  
  Home Access is available!  Find it here: alphabetical list of free library databases.
   

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, December 13^th, 1:00-5:00pm; Saturday, December 14^th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale
Saturday, December 14^th, 1:00-4:00pm - $5 Per Bag
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer, please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs… better known as VITA and TCE.
Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter, an interpreter, and many other roles, but most of all, we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided! Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net

JUNTO, a Non-Fiction Book Club, Starts in January!
The JUNTO (from the Spanish junta or assembly) was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Public Library's JUNTO Book Club is a place to discuss a book of the month and share our insights from the book and beyond! The first meeting is Thursday January 9^th at 6:30PM. The January Book is Think Again by Adam Grant! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

 

**LIBRARY EVENTS**

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time! No registration required.

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required.

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required.

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required.

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort! No registration required.

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required.

Ballet Buddies! Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 3-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for a special dance program for the littlest dancer! This 30-minute class, with a focus on ballet basics, will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way! Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events.
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided as we study art history through the creation of unique and beautiful artwork!
This month's projects are:

• Dec. 5: Printmaking Mandala design
• Dec. 12: Snow globe
• Dec. 19: Winter landscape "Collage"

Barefoot Ballet! Thursdays @ 5:00PM (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required (Registration is for all 6 dates)
Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! Dates for this session are: November 7, 14, 21 and December 5, 12, 19.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required.

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let's play some music and dance! Laughter and giggles are definitely expected during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class! No registration required.

Special Events for Kids & Families

Miss Bree's Bookopoly! Starting Friday, November 1^st
Join the fun for a super awesome interactive game to finish out the year! Roll the dice, move your piece on our giant board, and have fun with a variety of reading and creative challenges, and chances to win prizes galore! Deadline to "buy" prizes is Saturday, January 11^th

Petite Picassos! Monday, December 2^nd @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a festive gingerbread cookie! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided.

Doggie Tales! Monday, December 2^nd @ 4:00PM
For Kids in Grade 1+. Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register. Please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Holiday Crafternoon! Saturday, December 7^th @ 1:00PM
'Tis the season! Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting for kiddos of all ages! We'll have an assortment of winter and holiday themed crafts for all to enjoy! No registration required.

Concert: Celtic & Christmas with Jeff Snow, Saturday December 7^th at 3:00 PM
Join us in welcoming Jeff Snow as he combines the music, stories and history from Scotland, Ireland and England into a concert on the 'softer side of Celtic' to warm the heart.

Mike Bent's Ho-Ho-Hocus Pocus Magic Show! Wednesday, December 11^th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a winter wonderland of amazing magic, hilarious comedy, music, puppets, and snowy surprises! Children (and adults) of all ages will love this holiday-themed magic show! No registration required.

Pancakes & Pajamas! Saturday, December 14^th @ 10:30AM
Keep your jammies on and join us for a cozy pancake breakfast, hot cocoa, and holiday music with Jamie Barrett! What better way to celebrate the warmth of the season than in the coziest way we can think of!

Doggie Tales! Monday, December 16^th @ 4:00PM
For Kids in Grade 1+. Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register. Please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Fairytale Fun! Saturday, December 21^st @ 1:00PM
Bundle up in your winter finest and join us for a special visit from our favorite royal sisters! After all, the cold has never bothered us! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required.

Mobile Mini Golf! Monday, December 23^rd @ 1:00-4:00PM
Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages*!!  
*Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Pumpernickel Puppets! Thursday, December 26^th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!

Toe Jam Puppet Band! Friday, December 27^th @ 1:00PM
Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along!

Scott Martell Magic Show! Saturday, December 28^th @ 10:30AM
Join us as we welcome Magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises!

Wish Upon a Star Slime! Saturday, December 28^th @ 1:00PM
Wrap a little glimmer of star glitter in slime as we wish for a shiny new year!

Zoo Show with Records & Burpee! Monday, December 30^th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a Wild and Educational program featuring live exotic animals! Best for ages 5 and up.

Noon Year's Eve Party! Tuesday, December 21^st @ 11:00AM
Let's sendoff 2024 in style! Join us for an end of the year bash as we ring in 2025 early! We'll have music, snacks, games, and a super new year's celebration! See you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library:  News & Events for December 2024 for Kids & Families

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, November 29, 2024 ???

Friday, November 29 - Native American Heritage Day

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)

9:00am "Fill the Cruiser" 3 locations - see description

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Little Groove Music (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

4:00pm Orchard Sl'Hay Rides (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

7:00pm Street Survivors (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)

9:00pm Two for the Rode (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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:

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/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Concerts on the Common presents Santa & Mrs. Claus Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 at 4 PM

 Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 at 4 PM

 

It’s that time of year to mark your calendars again!  

Santa on the Common is Dec 1, 2024  

Santa and Mrs. Clause will be delivered via the Franklin Fire Dept. Jingles the Elf and DJ Mike will entertain while you wait.  

We have also added Venmo for donations this year!  

Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa with your address so you can get return letter.  

Can’t wait to see you all…..

Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide Will Inspire Holiday Spirit and Gift Ideas

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide will hit the streets on Saturday November 30th – just in time for Small Business Saturday. The Holiday Guide spotlights all things Franklin making it easy to “keep it local” for shopping this winter season.

Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) business members spotlight their special sales, promotions, activities, and events for the season in the Holiday Guide on the Partnership’s website. Make sure you check it out for shopping, food, services, and entertainment.

View the Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide at the Partnership’s newly designed website at franklindowntownpartnership.org for the current list of Franklin’s small businesses and all they are offering.

The Holiday Guide includes great gift ideas and special treats for shopping for the upcoming season. The guide also lists special holiday events and activities in town. It gives shoppers the inspiration they need for food, clothing, and gifts for yourself and others as we prepare for any special occasion or holiday celebration. Remember to shop local!

Stay up to date info and follow the FDP on Instagram at: 

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Sarah & Ariel reveal December event highlights at the Senior Center (audio)

FM #1327 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1327 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Director and Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

 

We talk about 

• Key special events throughout December

And many other aspects of the very busy and fun place that the Senior Center is for the whole community, not just seniors!

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1327-franklin-ma-senior-ctr-december-2024-highlights-11-20-24/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc 

December newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-monthly-newsletter  (Not yet posted here)

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

November 2024 Calendar of Events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Sarah & Ariel reveal December event highlights at the Senior Center (audio)