Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Eve Service - Dec 24

Franklin Federated Church will LIVESTREAM  special Christmas services via the FFC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated) 

Thursday, December 24 = 5:00 PM

Christmas Eve Worship (Live)

• Reading of Clement Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas"
• Reading from Luke 2....The story of Jesus's birth
• Christmas Carols
• Candle lighting 

Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Eve Service - Dec  24

"Food insecurity leaving an impact across MA"

Via Boston25 News

"Alison Caruso left her part-time job earlier in 2020 to care for her teenage son, who she said had become depressed after the death of a family member and spending months trying to learn from home. She relies on the food pantry in Franklin as well as food stamps to survive, she said.

The state has seen food insecurity rise significantly, according to a study by Feeding America.

Norfolk County was cited as the area with the highest child food insecure rate at 163%, which is also the country’s highest mark, according to Feeding America."

Continue reading online (video clip also available on page)

https://www.boston25news.com/news/food-insecurity-leaving-an-impact-across-ma/PUTT37R2SJBL5BQAP4MRG2ATHE/

 

 

screengrab of FFP Executive Director Lynn Calling

Veterans Coffee Social - Jan 6, 2021

January 2021 Coffee Social

Join us as we ZOOM into the New Year!

 

Hello Veterans!

The Veterans' Services Office will welcome the New Year with a VIRTUAL Coffee Social on Wednesday, January 6 at 10:00 Hours. We hope you will join us for veterans' updates and friendly conversation. All Veterans are welcome!

 

If you have not participated in a Zoom call yet, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your device before joining us.

 

Here is the log-in information for the January 6, 2021 meeting only:

Join Zoom via URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89944022073

Call in number: 1-929-205-6099

Enter Meeting ID: 899 4402 2073

 

For more information, contact the Veterans' Services Office at: (508) 613-1315.

We look forward to Zooming into the New Year with you at the January Coffee Social!

 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/january-2021-virtual-coffee-social

 

Veterans Coffee Social - Jan 6, 2021

Dr Fauci gave the vaccine to Santa (video)

The video with the quote we shared from Dr Fauci on bringing the vaccine to Santa

"This made me cry. Listening to the worry in those little voices and the relief they must feel thanks to the good doctor."

Direct link to YouTube video = https://youtu.be/Dx25ZNY6p1s

Shared from the tweet: https://twitter.com/trydefyinggrav/status/1340676060065787908?s=03

Fauci vaccinated Santa! (And the way he says “chimney”!) pic.twitter.com/DjCg4nH3HK

— John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) December 20, 2020

CDC issues two new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine process

Via CNN

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new recommendations on getting a Covid-19 vaccine for those with a history of allergies.

The recommendations, published on the CDC’s site on Saturday, suggest that people who have ever had a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, to any ingredient in a Covid-19 vaccine should not get that vaccine.

The CDC considers a reaction severe if it requires the person to be treated with epinephrine or they need to be hospitalized. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include shortness of breath, a closing of the throat, nausea, and dizziness.

The agency added that people with a history of anaphylaxis to other vaccines or injectable medications should consult their doctor on getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

Continue reading the article online  https://t.co/wHrhfOHraU 

The CNN tweet:  https://t.co/I0jwJKSWYr

Via The Hill

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel recommended on Sunday that people 75 and older and certain front-line essential workers be next in line for COVID-19 vaccines.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 13-1 to advise the CDC to include those 75 and older and specific front-line essential workers, including emergency responders and teachers, in the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations, several news outlets reported Sunday.

These recommendations would apply to phase 1b of the vaccination process, after the committee and the CDC advised that health care workers and residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities get the first vaccinations in the country. Phase 1b will aim to vaccinate about 50 million people before the end of February, according to The New York Times.

Continue reading the article online

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/531072-cdc-panel-recommends-people-over-75-certain-frontline-essential-workers-be

 

Town Council meeting recap - Dec 16, 2020: bylaw for Community Preservation Committee approved

Quick Recap:

• new Councilor Cobi Frongillo welcomed (apparently sworn in previously)
• set of lot line clean up bylaw changes heard in public hearing and approved
• annual alcohol license renewals approved, some licenses open as British Beer and Uptowne Pub closed, some licenses held (as usual) for outstanding permit payments/inspections
• Community Preservation Committee bylaw back as amended per prior discussion (see the Town Council 12/02/20meeting) after discussion on who should be the reviewer of the application pool (Council vs. Town Administrator), motion approved unanimously to use regular process for Town Administrator vetting of the candidates to provide to Council for their approval
• GPS upgrade for DPW registered vehicles approved. All lease/purchase arrangements require legislative body approval (as opposed to standard purchase arrangements -once funded, can be completed by purchasing agent - per MA general law)
• Note - early votes showed 9-0 approvals and until Dellorco arrived remotely during the Community Preservation discussion, they should have been recorded as 8-0-1 (8 for, zero against, one absent). This was noted in the Twitter thread but the prior tweets couldn't be changed.
• vote to authorize transfer of emergency funds from the water enterprise account to make payment to vendor that had previously not been made due to the spear phishing incident (for details on that see Town Council meeting 12/02/20)

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZvfqAjHWzwMGpKPi9

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1216
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1216&src=typeahead_click 

• Real time reporting for the Town Council meeting about to begin #tc1216 agenda doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-16-town-council-agenda 
• Chair Tom Mercer opens and makes standard statement outlining protocol and info for phone connection #tc1216
• #tc1216 info to connect via phone
• Welcome to new councilor Cobi Frongillo (apparently already sworn in)
• DPW Director Cantoreggi makes reminder on parking ban and trash delay due to impending storm. Citizen complaint about town clerk action on election 150' rules. #tc1216 complaint about the Dominion Software used and election integrity, speculation.
• #tc1216 move to approval of minutes for Nov 18. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/3a._november_18_2020_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.docx.pdf …  Motion, second, as amended (correction of person's name and sex reference) 
• Public hearings opened on lot line clean up effort. Bryan Taverner provides update  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/6-hearings-710pm-11
• #tc1216 questions but no concerns raised previously. Did pass EDC and planning board. Motion to close hearing, second, passes 9-0 
• License renewals for 2021 annual, motion to approve, second, with exception of those with fees outstanding to be held until cleared
• Clarification that the name, address of each to be ready for the record. Reading commences by council clerk. Doc is located on agenda page https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/license_renewals.pdf …
• #tc1216 There are always some open and usually cleaned up by year end, 3 restaurants not renewing (British beer, Uptown Pub, ?)  Motion carries by 9-0 vote 
• #tc1216 subcommittee meetings, EDC did have a listening session last week 2 award winners of manufacturing here in town.
• #tc1216 EDC next listening session Jan 13, 2021  Legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-861_oak_0.pdf …  Motion made to waive reading, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Motion to adopt, second, 8-0-1 via roll call
• Note other votes recorded should be restated as 8-0-1 (1 absent) and not 9-0  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-862_longhillpleasant_0.pdf … Passes 8-0-1   #tc1216
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-864_cpc_1.pdf … Community Preservation Committee back for second reading as amended (per discussion at 12/02/20 meeting) #tc1216 motion to approve, second, passes Jamie updates on changes, will do an application for the open spots, time TBD, but early next year
• #tc1216 one change discussed but not voted to include was considered and is not part of this; this aligns the appointment process with all the other committee/board appointments. We are getting good folks and have all spots filled so the process is working. All the other
• Communities appointment in the same way. Attny Cerel interjects that the proposal would violate the state statue, need to have a level of independence. Otherwise the council would control the people and the approval of the projects. #tc1216
• #tc1216 most recent Committee established was the agriculture commission. I vet and get the best decisions for you to make a good vote and out forth the best civic stewards, looking for passion, open minds, collaboration, this is new and can get complicated
• If you know someone, give them a recommendation letter to help the application process. #tc1216 have some guts to say no. We have hired Jamie to do this. Protocol and perception, why do we want to go out and vet the candidates? The process we have works, we have final say
• #tc1216 I have the utmost belief that the administrator will bring forward the best and most qualified Councilor Dellorco has joined via zoom (he was missing earlier) Trahan speaking for the proposal, Jamie has experience with CPA, nicely mentions uninformed comments can be
• Hurtful. Spears speaking for the proposal, it is about procedure and protocol, meetings will be public (like other committees) and when projects come forward to Council for approval others will be able to speak for, against at that time #tc1216
• #tc1216 there is no reason for personal attacks on personnel or councilors, esp when they are misinformed. Doherty, and now Doyle speaking in favor and for the committee as proposed. If Dellorco joins it makes the meeting remote and requires a roll call vote.
• Pellegri backs off request for interview process and wants to make this a unanimous vote. #tc1216 doesn't want to have a damper on this. Vote as amended, via roll call 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-75_gps_lease.pdf … #tc1216 new devices for DPW via lease finance requires a 2/3 vote to approve. Upgrade of 4G devices it does save money and requires special vote approx. 60 units for all the vehicles in the fleet. They do work and are very effective, any with registration
• Vote on motion, via roll call passes 9-0   #tc1216   https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-76_water_treatment.pdf … this allocates the funds for the payment previously misdirected via the spear phishing event, if further restoration is available, will replace the emergency funds
• Motion and seconded, vote via roll call - passes via 9-0 #tc1216 need to complete the water treatment plant to add the 700K gallons, vendor has not charged any interest. Citizen with question on clarification, any future funds will replenish the emergency balance
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-77_peg.pdf… standard processing of cable funds thru to Franklin TV Motion to approve, second, passes 8-1-0 (Bissanti no)! via roll call first quarterly statement from Comcast; Bissanti doesn't understand cable competition Kelly speaks for competition, cable on way out
• #tc1216 motion to vote on the Council calendar of meetings for next year https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-78_2020_council_schedule_-_memo_resolution_office_hours.pdf…  Vote 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-29_police_gift.pdf… #tc1216 vote to accept gift to police dept. Motion passes 9-0 via roll call.
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10i._library_gift.pdf…  #tc1216 acceptance of gift to Library for digitization and programs  Vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call thanks to Scott Nolan and Franklin Library Assoc.
• TA report: Down to 95 active cases of COVID buildings closed in AM folks will be working. Water ban lifted #tc1216 happy holidays and new year to all, thanks to all the citizens for making this a year like no other. Only 2 weeks away from 2021.
• Bissanti wants a citizen advisory committee, feels it is needed #tc1216  Comments: Frongillo excited to begin work, remember to #thinkfranklinfirst this season 
• Bissanti thanks the other three candidates.  #tc1216 Pellegri invites all to museum on Sunday (only open then 1-4) stop by and get an ornament. Happy holiday season to all. See you next year! Thanks to the town workers it was a tough year. Be safe. Old generator from high school was stored and will be redeploy 2 Parmenter
• Request for debt exclusion listing and when they roll off the taxes, would be good to know. #tc1216 happy holiday season and vaccine filled 2021  That's all for tonight, catch you next time (not next year yet, some meetings to before then)! 

newly elected Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 22, 2020

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. ECDC Highlights - Kelty Kelley  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/ecdc_update_to_school_committee_12_22_20.pdf
B. Performing Arts Events - Diane Plouffe  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_performing_arts_department_presentation_2020.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Superintendent’s Goals 2020-21
I recommend approval of the Superintendent’s Goals for 2020-2021 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_supt._goals_20-21.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. School Calendar Draft - 2021-22  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/calendar_2021-22_draft.pdf
B. School Reopening Status Update (as of 12/18/20)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/reopening-status-update

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 the December 8, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Budget Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,625.00 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
D. Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Sean Jobin for a FHS Scholarship as detailed.
E. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $296.45 from the Keller PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
F. Air Purifiers
I recommend acceptance of the donation of 650 Air Purifiers from the DESE valued at $175,500.00 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 documents released for this meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/december-22-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 22, 2020