Memory Cafe' TUESDAY, Jan 12 at 2 PM

Hi Everyone,

 

Hopkinton's Our Time Memory Cafe' invites you, your care partner, family, and friends to join us for a virtual sing-along event Tuesday,Jan 12th at 2 PM. Music artist and therapist Linda Lasalle will lead the sing-along while playing a variety of instruments including harp, guitar, and ukulele.

 

Come join us! Sing, dance, and have fun with your friends!

Topic: Sing-along with music artist and music therapist Linda Lasalle

Time: Jan 12, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83868211745?pwd=WU1pb0pxaEU5bFRYZ29QcWVoZXdYUT09

Meeting ID: 838 6821 1745

Passcode: 297469

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

 

Memory Cafe' TUESDAY, Jan 12 at 2 PM

 

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances - Jan 20, 2021

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances

 January 20, 2021 - 7:10 PM

Crystal Drive, Woodhaven Drive, Dena Drive, Skyline Drive, Charles Drive, Baron Road, Cobblestone Drive

 

"Pursuant to Chapter 163 of the Legislative Acts of 2011, the Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday evening, January 20, 2021 at 7:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the second floor of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA to determine if it is in the public interest to accept the following named roads as public ways:

Crystal Drive;Woodhaven Drive; Dena Drive; Skyline Drive, from Station 0+00 to Station 16+88.81, as shown on street acceptance plan;

Charles Drive, from Station 0+00 to Station 12+26.96, as shown on street acceptance plan; Baron Road, from Station 0+00 to Station 28+05.14, as shown on street acceptance plan; Cobblestone Drive; Woodstock Circle"

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/legal_notice_-_street_acceptances_crysal_woodhaven_dena_skyline_charles_baron_cobblestone_woodstock.pdf

 

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances - Jan 20, 2021

CommonWealth Magazine: T cuts likely to remain; voter turnout numbers highlight wealth, racial disparities

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

"Most T cuts will stand even with new fed money"

"THE MBTA will receive at least $250 million in federal funding under the latest COVID-19 stimulus package, but agency officials plan to move forward with most of their planned service cuts and direct most of the new money toward the capital budget.

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said Monday that the T expects to get somewhere roughly between $250 million and $300 million in additional support, up to $17 million of which will go toward bumping service back up on high-ridership bus routes and maintaining evening commuter rail service.

Despite calls from activists and lawmakers to change course with the federal aid — plus a $52 million upgrade in the T’s state sales tax revenue outlook — the agency plans otherwise to “proceed with a majority of service changes” that the Fiscal and Management Control Board approved in December, Poftak said."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/most-t-cuts-will-stand-even-with-new-fed-money/

 

"Turnout numbers highlight wealth, racial disparities"

"IN THE WEALTHY towns of Dover, Sudbury, and Carlisle, more than 90 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the November election.  

In the poorer cities of Springfield, Lawrence, and New Bedford, 55 percent of voters or fewer turned out.  

While the presidential election drew record turnout in Massachusetts, voter turnout statistics highlight yet another measure of a tale of two commonwealths, according to a report released Monday by MassVOTE, a nonprofit that seeks to increase voter participation.   

Communities that were educated, white, and wealthy saw the largest voter turnout. Communities that were poor, minority, and less educated saw the lowest number of voters. Initiatives like no-excuse voting by mail that were meant to make it easier to vote did not help those disparities, and may have even exacerbated them, since state statistics show that voters in wealthier communities were more likely to take advantage of mail-in voting. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/turnout-numbers-highlight-wealth-racial-disparities/

 

Direct Link to the MassVOTE report  https://4da245b5-2040-4b7c-8d3a-890d1f13e948.filesusr.com/ugd/ba7258_e4676f6437c14017818263705b266b15.pdf

 

MassVOTE is a Non-Partisan Voting Rights & Issue Advocacy Organization

 

 

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 13, 2021

6:30 PM 

Agenda:

1. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) Sector Specific Relief Grant Program Update.
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses

2. Business Listening & Networking Session #5: Real Estate, Construction, & Housing.
The members of the EDC will host the third in a series of five Business Listening & Networking Sessions on sectors of the Town’s economy. Anyone is invited to attend and offer public comments.

Agenda doc with connection info: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-1-13_edc_listening_session_agenda_.pdf

Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5

Nature Photography, Capturing the Beauty Surrounding Us - Jan 12

Event Date:   Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - 11:00 AM

Join us for a slide show featuring the beautiful Nature, Bird and Animal photography of Renata Gilarova. Slide show will be followed a Q&A. Send us your favorite nature shots for a quick slideshow share at the end of the event.

Email Ariel for the link to join at adoggett@franklinma.gov.  

 

along the main dam at DelCarte (my photo)

FHS gymnasts top North Attleboro for first time since 2016

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

Gymnastics = North Attleboro, 131.95 @ Franklin, 138.60 – Final 

– Junior Emma White impressed on Sunday afternoon, taking the top spot for the Panthers in every event and won the All Around. White had Franklin’s top scores in the vault (9.6), the bars (8.7), the beam (9.4) and the floor (9.2). It marked Franklin’s first win over North since rebooting the gymnastics program in 2016.

Top 3 Scores (Franklin only): 

Vault: Emma White (F) – 9.6 | Kate Rudolph (F) – 9.2 | Caroline Woelfel (F) 9.0 || 

Bars: E. White (F) – 8.7 | Elizabeth Schirduan (F) – 8.3 | K. Rudolph (F) – 8.2 || 

Beam: E. White (F) – 9.4 | K. Rudolph (F) – 8.6 | E. Schirduan (F) – 8.6 || 

Floor: E. White (F) – 9.2 | K. Rudolph (F) – 8.6 | C. Woelfel (F) – 8.5
 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-01-10-21/

 

FHS gymnasts top North Attleboro for first time since 2016

FHS Gymnastics: Meet Caroline Woelfel and Kate Rudolph

FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) tweeted

Meet Caroline! 

@FHSSports

@FranklinHS

@FranklinMatters

@R_Lanigan

@BostonHeraldHS

@MetroWestSports

@HockomockSports

@CarolineWoelfel  https://t.co/CFqU3qwRqZ

Meet Kate!

@FHSSports

@FranklinHS

@FranklinMatters

@R_Lanigan

@BostonHeraldHS

@MetroWestSports

@HockomockSports

@katerudolph17_

https://t.co/MnAsFHzdOW.

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1348086046517551104

and Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1348086305129967618

Meet Caroline! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @CarolineWoelfel pic.twitter.com/CFqU3qwRqZ

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 10, 2021

Meet Kate! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @katerudolph17_ pic.twitter.com/MnAsFHzdOW

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 10, 2021

FHS A World of Difference explains implicit bias (video)

FHS A World of Difference (@Franklin_AWOD) tweeted on Sat, Jan 09, 2021:

What is implicit bias? What is an example? Check out this short video by World Of Difference members Angelina and Jake, explaining implicit bias in just 20 seconds! https://t.co/NYtIjIiVpF

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/Franklin_AWOD/status/1348009048143241219

 

What is implicit bias? What is an example? Check out this short video by World Of Difference members Angelina and Jake, explaining implicit bias in just 20 seconds! pic.twitter.com/NYtIjIiVpF

— FHS A World of Difference (@Franklin_AWOD) January 9, 2021

Session #1 - 50+ Jobseeker - elf-assessment, career pathways, and Ageism

Session #1: Self-assessment, career pathways, and Ageism

3 dates! Attend any one or all three.

Tuesday, January 12^th 10:00 am – 12 pm

Friday, January 15^th 1:00 pm – 3 pm

Monday, January 18^th 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Virtual Doors open 15 minutes before the start time

Facilitators: Melody Beach and Ed Lawrence

If you are already registered with the 50+ program, you have already  received an email inviting you to join the sessions. (Same link works for all three sessions)

 

Not yet in the program? Pre-Registration is required:

https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

 

 For additional information, please contact: Susan Drevitch Kelly, Founder/Program Director at susan@sdkelly.com or 781-378-0520.

Session #1 - 50+ Jobseeker - elf-assessment, career pathways, and Ageism

Franklin Art Association: Demo Meeting - Tuesday, Jan 12 at 6:30 PM

Dear FAA Member,

"Dear folks,

In light of the horror of the seditious actions taking place today in Washington DC, this evening's FAA Zoom Demo is being postponed.

It will take place next Tuesday, Jan 12th at 6:30pm, when this chaos has been brought under control."

 

The 1/12/21 Demo Artist will be our very own Peg Munson, who is going to demo "Paint Pouring".   Peg describes her Paint Pouring or Poured Fluid Art: "Paint pouring involves combining various additives with acrylic paints, and using different techniques and tools the prepared paints are combined and poured onto a surface. The surface can then be tilted, spun, swiped and manipulated to achieve an endless variety of results.

By using some basic knowledge of color theory (color wheel) and learning what additives and techniques will give the desired results almost anyone can create a successful painting. It will require some practice and probably some 'failed' paintings along the way, but it is a lot of FUN."

 

Peg's background:  I have always been interested in art and have done watercolors, stained glass, pastels, alcohol inks and most recently paint pouring with acrylic paints. My interest in photography has been ongoing and is a great pairing with the other art mediums. I am mostly self-taught, but I took weekly pastel classes with Joanne Willoughby for two years and attended several pastel workshops. 

 

I have had several solo shows of my pastel paintings and have participated in several juried art shows in person and online.  As a member of the Franklin and Foxboro Art Associations I participated in many art shows and been pleased to win some ribbons. I recently started a Facebook art page "Margaret L. Munson Art". 

 

In pastel my focus has been landscapes, and since discovering alcohol inks and acrylic paint pouring, I have really enjoyed the abstract art form. I have discovered that paint pouring is a lot of fun and somewhat addictive!  

Peg Munson, who is going to demo "Paint Pouring"

"See you" all next Wed, Jan 6, 2021 Tuesday, Jan 12 at 6:30 PM at the FAA Demo Meeting!! 

The Zoom link will be sent early in the week!

 

DPW installed rain garden at end of Griffin Road

"Things we do that you may never see or know about!

The Franklin Department of Public Works is installing a new "rain garden" at the end of Griffin Road. This rain garden will treat stormwater pollution from Griffin Road and Matthew Drive. The rain garden will then allow treated water to slowly seep into the aquifer under the Town that we can use as drinking water.

The cool part is all the construction materials needed for this project is being paid for by a $112,000.00 competitive grant that the we were awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for innovation and creativity for this project and others in Town."

 

Shared from the DPW Facebook posting:

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3610748805676230&id=931498886934582

My photo album (2 photos from November, and more from this weekend)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WzLD25MC14KjTEPf8

a view of the new rain garden on Griffin Road

FM #430 SchComm Community Relations Mtg - 1/07/21 (audio)

FM #430 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 430 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Jan 7, 2021.

The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The agenda was short and simple.

• Approval of October Meeting Minutes
• Legislative Forum - March 2, 2021
• Budget Flyer

The show notes contain the link to the meeting agenda. I did not take notes during the meeting as I participated much more than I usually do.

The recording runs about 44 minutes. Let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Jan 7, 2021.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrW1vPhS

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

Meeting agenda:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-school-committee-community.html  

 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ 

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"

 

FM #430 SchComm Community Relations Mtg - 1/07/21 (audio)

Participate in the National Day of Service - Jan 18, 2021

What is the National Day of Service and how is it connected to the Presidential Inauguration?

Every year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thousands of volunteers from across the country unite in service. This year, ahead of the historic and exciting  inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will participate in the National Day of Service, modeling the empathic leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

As part of the historic Inauguration, we ask you to take up service in your own community. Together, we will aim to complete more than one million hours of community service to begin doing what we set out to do during the presidential campaign: restoring the soul of the nation and building back better.

When is the National Day of Service?
January 18, 2021, which is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Where will service events take place?
In states and territories across the country.

What kinds of service events will take place?
Service leaders, community members, and non-profit organizations from across the country are partnering with PIC to create events that will serve their individual communities. Service events will focus on COVID-19 relief and address issues worsened by the pandemic including hunger, racial injustice, homelessness, mental health, and educational and economic disparities. Many events will be virtual; some will have limited in-person components. All in-person events will include vigorous health and safety protocols and service programs that partner with PIC must strictly adhere to all CDC, state and local guidelines, and safety protocols.

How can I participate?
❖    Be a service leader by hosting an event

➢    Fill out this form to host an event http://bit.ly/doshost
➢    Use our host toolkit for advice on creating and running your service event  https://bideninaugural.org/national-day-of-service-toolkit/
➢    Click here for virtual service event ideas  http://bit.ly/picserviceideas

❖    Volunteer at National Day of Service events

➢    Find service events online and in your community here  http://bideninaugural.org/events

❖    Commit to continued service

➢    Go here to commit for future service hours during 2021  http://bideninaugural.org/service

 

Find out more https://bideninaugural.org/day-of-service/

Download a copy of the PDF with this info https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v2Fb1La0Ab6bu_kByzcXIjPQQaw48COk/view?usp=sharing

 

Participate in the National Day of Service - Jan 18, 2021

 

ParmenterPCC: Parmenter remote for 1/11/21

January 10, 2021

Dear Parmenter Families,
 
We have been monitoring staff attendance very carefully in recent days, striving creatively to provide classroom coverage in order to keep our school open for students. Unfortunately, we find ourselves at a point this evening where we do not feel we can appropriately and safely supervise our students for in-person learning tomorrow.
 
Parmenter Elementary School will be fully remote for cohort students on Monday, January 11, 2021. Students in the NECC Partner program will be in person as those classrooms are fully staffed. Students will follow their typical Monday schedule within the remote model. Grade level teachers will communicate any alternatives to the schedule through their virtual learning platform (i.e. Google Classroom).  Students should log in as they normally would during a remote learning day.
 
We hope this evening notification provides you some time to make arrangements for this unexpected remote day. We will continue to monitor our staffing for Tuesday and notify you tomorrow by mid-afternoon. We will continue to monitor the situation for the remainder of the week, as well.
 
A decision like this is never easy. We appreciate your understanding.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sara Ahern                                             Shannon Barca
Superintendent of Schools                 Parmenter Elementary School Principal 

--------

 

ParmenterPCC (@ParmenterPcc) tweeted at 6:53 PM on Sun, Jan 10, 2021:

IMPORTANT: MONDAY 1/11/21 SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGE!

Copy of notification   https://t.co/NC9HaQgbjp 

Shared via Twitter:  https://t.co/bdw6UAZSyx

 

ParmenterPCC: Parmenter remote for 1/11/21

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2021

School Committee Meeting - Agenda

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Oak Street Elementary School Update – Brad Hendrixson

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/oak_street_presentation_school_committee_1.12.21.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FHS Athletics if Remote

I recommend approval of the plan for athletics if remote as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics_plan_if_remote.pdf

B. Student Opportunity Act Plan 2021-2023

I recommend approval of the Student Opportunity Act Plan 2021-2023 as discussed.

(no document released)

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Personnel Update

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/personnel_update_memo_jan._2021_.pdf

B. Kindergarten and Grade 1 Survey Summary (document posted at Schools page  doesn't display all the charts properly) (doc updated 1/11/21)  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/k_1_full_in_person_survey_summary_and_by_school_0.pdf

C. School Reopening Status Update (1/8/2021)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/v._2_reopening_schools_status_update_jan._7_2020-2021.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your December 22, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Executive Session Minutes

I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from the December 22, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $790.56 from the Keller PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.

D. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Thomas A. Wagner for the Wagner Scholarship as detailed.

E. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $60.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

F. Leuder’s Annual Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $75.00 from Leuder’s Environmental, Inc. for supplemental supplies as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

 A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on

the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc (including connection info) can be found in the meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet

Do your part Franklin!

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 13, 2021

Finance Committee meeting - Jan 13, 2021 - 5:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

a. December 15, 2020

4. Stormwater Presentation

a. Stormwater Management Plan

b. Stormwater Brochures

5. COVID-19 Update

a. Vaccination Schedule

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Finance Committee Meeting posted here https://t.co/dW6mG0DmbO  

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/UIdhW47lPI

rain garden at Parmenter, one of many examples of stormwater mitigation that can be found around Franklin