Monday, January 13, 2025

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Jan 13, 2024

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM Frank’s Music – with Frank Falvey


  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
7:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
9:00 am Matt York: Highway Men
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Banana Bread
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Salmon
1:00 pm Comfort Food: Comfort Food
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9
4:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Twisted Sisters
5:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
7:00 pm Frank Presents: KP Sompally
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Taunton 01-03-25
10:30 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
12:00 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022
1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
3:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
7:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Canton 01-05-25

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

8:00 am Planning Board 12-16-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 01-08-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 12-16-24

7:00 pm Planning Board  CHAMBERS  972 7395 6720


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


Sunday, January 12, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, January 12, 2025 ???

Sunday, January 12

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum) 
2:00pm FPAC: To Tell a Story About the Earth (THE BLACK BOX)
2:30pm Chess Group (Franklin Public Library)


**  NO  Town Meetings today   **



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

Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
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

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025

Franklin School Committee 
January 14, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan
C. Payroll Mr. McNeill
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. FHS Highlights
B. FHS Program of Studies
C. Franklin TV/Cable
D. Capital Budget Proposal E.

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Capital Budget Approval
I recommend approval of the Capital Budget Proposal as presented.
B. District Notifications
I recommend approval of the required notification to state and local organizations with the school complex naming conventions as detailed.
C. Policy - First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed: 
  • GBEB - Employee Conduct
  • JKAA - Physical Restraint of Students 
  • JB - Equal Educational Opportunities

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. ACCEPT Quarterly Report
B. EA Shelter Program Update
C. Grants Update

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your December 10, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   DECA State Competition Field Trip
I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Boston from February 27 – March 1, 2025 for DECA students to participate in the State Competition as detailed.

C.   DECA International Competition Field Trip
I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Orlando, FL from April 26 - 29, 2025 for DECA students to participate in the International Competition as detailed.

D.   Americheer National Competition Field Trip
I recommend approval of the recurring trip to Orlando, FL from March 13 – 17, 2025 for Varsity Cheerleaders to participate in the National Competition as detailed.

E.   FHS Gifts
I recommend the acceptance of $3247.49 for FHS as follows:
$2997.49 Grinn & Barrett Enterprizes In-House Enrichment
$ 250.00 Sean Jobin Jacqueline Schaffer Scholarship

F. Music Gifts
I recommend the acceptance of $1360 for FHS as follows:
$ 40.00 Music Dept. Field Trips
$360.00 Music Parents In-house Enrichment
$960.00 Music Parents In-house Enrichment

G.   Keller Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $2550.00 from the Keller PCC for Field Trips as detailed.

H.   Districtwide Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from an anonymous donor for supplemental supplies where needed as detailed.

I. JFK Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dr. Connolly to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo, Providence, RI on June 6, 2025 as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session
A.   Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with FEA, ESP, Van Drivers, Cafeteria & Secretaries.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel
XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda for meeting Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025 at 7 PM

Finance Committee 
Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 = 7:00 PM


Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes

4. Town Administrator Recommendation on FY25 Capital Plan
a. Town Administrator FY25 Capital Plan Memo  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf
b. Five-Ten Year Department Capital Plans  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/capital_-_dept_requests_5_year_plans_0.pdf
c. Backup materials & quotes 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/quotes.pdf

5. Town Administrator Recommendation on expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds
a. Town Administrator Memo  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._opioid_settlement_funds.pdf
b. Draft Expenditure Resolution  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._1_-_resolution_25-02_-_opioid_funding.pdf

6. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series
a. Public School “Hold Harmless” Presentation  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._hold_harmless_2025.pdf
b. State House News Service Article  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._with_new_term_dawning_spilka_eyes_k-12_funding_reform_primary_care_overhaul_senate_statehousenews.com_.pdf

7. Standing Updates:
a. FY25 Q2 Year to Date Department Expense report  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._ytd_budget_expenditures_encumb_option_-_summary_final.pdf
b. FY25 Q2 Local Receipts report  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._local_receipts_enterprise_revenues_budget_to_actual_report_-_12-31-2024.pdf
c. Stabilization Account Report  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7c._stabilization_fund_balances_-_three_year_comparison.pdf

Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour
Joint Budget Subcmte Listening Tour
8. Future Agenda Items/Next meeting
a. Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour & FY26 Budget Update Tour  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/jbsc_flyer_fixed_old_site.png

9. Finance Committee Member Comments

10. Adjourn




Town Council gets updates on Franklin Ridge, 40b status, & moved to 2nd reading ADU bylaw changes (audio)

FM #1352  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1352 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 8, 2025. All 9 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers. 


Quick recap:

  • 2 public hearings on the accessory dwelling unit bylaw changes were opened and closed after discussion. Later the legislation for action approved by 9-0 vote to move both measures to second reading

  • 2 public hearings on sign bylaw changes as proposed were opened and continued to the Jan 22 meeting without further discussion. Later in the legislation for action, those two measures were also rescheduled to the Jan 22 meeting by 9-0 votes

  • Presentation on Franklin Ridge, a senior affordable housing project update was provided that with the recent funding made available on 2 front for Town work and for the private development of the 60 units, given the current schedule, ground could break in June 2025. Bryan Taberner, Director Planning & Community Development provided the update.

  • Bryan continued with a second presentation on the sustainable housing inventory (SHI) or informally called the 40b requirement. Bottomline we are currently at 10.86% (above the critical 10% threshold) with approximately 1,000 units currently permitted or in the pipeline of approvals. If all of those units were indeed built (could be some # of years) we could increase to about 12-13%. Question then becomes, what should our goal be (besides remaining above 10%)?

  • 2 items approved to enable the respective water and sewer connections for the Franklin Ridge project as mentioned earlier.

  • The last item in legislation was acceptance of additional fund for the Senior Center etc.

  • Interesting point in the Town Administrator's Report. The home rule charter request to exempt the town from paying for legal notices in print newspapers was signed by the Governor. We have an email alert process for any one with an email address to enable notification of such legal notices


Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1352-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-08-25/



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


The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/7dQWhWlHRW0?&t=208 


The agenda and released documents for this meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_1.8.25.pdf 


My full set of notes (in one PDF) can be found online

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S-qr25XiQvmFi_gBNBvjrwUaeoK2ZukH/view?usp=drive_link 


Screen grabs of the presentation on housing (40b) ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/pR2DTs2eaifKxWFo9 


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

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"


key summary from presentation on housing (40b)
key summary from presentation on housing (40b)

FHS wrestling goes 3-1 in super quad meet, boys hockey post shutout (video) & girls hockey fall in OT (video) on Saturday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, January 11, 2025


Boys Hockey = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 - Final
– Franklin senior Liam Lewandowski had a hand in all three goals and Joe Torraco recorded a shutout as the Panthers blanked Taunton. Lewandowski scored twice and had an assist on a goal from Carter Balducci, who also had an assist.
"And that’s the game. 3-0 Franklin! Liam Lewandowski with 2 goals, Carter Balducci with 1 and Joe Torraco with the shutout! Next game tomorrow night at 6:00pm at home against Pope Francis"
https://x.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1878252647754432753
Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyRSP6AtJlM



King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final (OT) 
– King Philip erased a two-goal deficit to force overtime and sophomore Tayla McDuff scored the game-winner in the extra period to deliver the Warriors a thrilling win on the road. Franklin’s Julia Flynn gave the hosts a lead just 37 seconds into the game with an assist from Haley Wernig, and then doubled the lead with her second of the game just over a minute into the second on a rebound on a shot from Hannah Auerr. KP’s comeback started minutes later when eighth grader Chase Bright lit the lamp for the first time in her career to cut the Franklin lead in half. The game stayed that way deep into the third period when junior Katie McGann netted the equalizer with 3:38 to play. In overtime, McDuff came away with a steal at her own blue line and went the distance before lifting the game-winner in with 3:50 left.

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



Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin)
Great super quad today going 3-1 with wins against Westford Academy, Woburn, and Worcester Tech and a loss to Andover. Pins from Woodall(3), Ellis (1), Nash (2), Caccevelli (1), Carlucci (3), Sauer(3), Griffin (2), Rosenberg (3), and Best (2).  
https://x.com/FHSWrestle/status/1878151223330713913


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 


FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin TV: Disaster Plan?

There are several things to do.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/12/2025

Disaster plan? Yes, we do have that. (We hope – and we also hope to not need it.)

That said, L.A. is coping with severe drought and a disastrous combo of extremely parched earth, wind, and fire (not the rock group). It reminds us yet again that yes, disasters happen. In recent years the ‘bad stuff’ has been on the uptick. Weather events have also found their way to parts of the U.S. deemed relatively low risk. However great or slight, risk is risk, and in hindsight, preparations are a bargain.

Man plans. God laughs. Cosmic schadenfreude? ( I fail to see the humor.)

It reminds us that disasters don’t discriminate. We are all exposed.

At Franklin.TV we coordinate with Police & Fire on disaster plans, and we also have backup plans and power systems to keep operating under adverse events.

Just as important – we plan for the digital preservation of key business records. This is something anyone (you) can do, and it requires only a thumb drive or two and time to scan/digitize key documents and organize these as computer files.

What’s the important/critical info to preserve? Bank records. Medical records. Passport and other key personal info. Property info. Your will. Online accounts and passwords. Photos/videos of family events. Pix of key valuables and receipts for insurance claims. Walk through every room of your home with a video camera. All of this and more should be organized and saved on an external storage device(s); a thumb drive or disk drive. Keep copies of your digital records outside of your home and car – in a safe deposit box.

When disaster strikes, your stuff may be gone, but your key information survives. Digital recovery makes your personal recovery much easier.

And – as always –
Thank you for watching. 
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

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


Sweet News from Friends of the Franklin Library


Friends of the Franklin Library

Sweet News from Friends of the Franklin Library
Sweet News from Friends of the Franklin Library


As a previous supporter of Friends of the Franklin Library, we wanted to let you know about our fundraising initiative going on now - and it's a sweet one!  

Friends of the Franklin Library is partnering with The Fudge Lady of Uxbridge for our 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Fudge Fundraiser. You can choose from 17 delicious specialty fudge flavors, including two vegan and one sugar free option. Also, 15 of the 17 fudge flavors are gluten free.

With Valentine's Day coming up, this is the perfect gift for that special someone, your friends, family, or co-workers. And don't forget to treat yourself, too!

All proceeds will help Friends of the Franklin Library continue to support and fund a variety of library-run programs, services, and initiatives at our beloved Franklin Public Library.

 This year there are two ordering options:

  • Option 1:  Mail your completed order form + check to:
                      Friends of the Franklin Library, 
    PO Box 147, Franklin, MA 02038

  • Option 2:  Email your completed order form to fofl02038@gmail.com and  VENMO your payment to @FriendsofFranklinLibrary

Orders are due by Thursday, February 6th and will be available for pick up at the library during designated times Tuesday, 2/11– Thursday, 2/13.  

CLICK HERE to start your order!

The Friends thank you for your continued support!

Best,
Friends of the Franklin Library