2. Guests / Presentations
b. Robert Seide – Art Scholarship
died recently from pancreatic cancer
scholarship being created in her honor
she always believed in art and art scholarship
application along with 3 images of work to be submitted for consideration
c. School Start Times Advisory Committee Presentation
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/school-start-time-recommendation
work on sleep and research formed the basis for the other subcommittees
looked at implication for before and after school care
a subcommittee was focused on busing and traffic
what other districts have or are considering start times
implications for employees
lots of work by lots of folks
research on sleep drove the work
sleep patterns change over the course of adolescence
survey reporting differences between what the students say vs the parents on how much sleep is actually achieved
survey results compare with MetroWest survey
take away = parent perceptions of sleep don't agree with reality
American Academy of Pediatrics making recommendations on start times
Center for Disease Control = CDC also made similar recommendations
if you want to know how not to do it, do it like Boston did (via computer)
Seattle High Schools did a longitudinal study
sleep duration increased; tardiness and absentees decreased
looked at transportation next
using 31 buses and $1.5M cost
proposing to transport each level separately, uses only 20 buses (and a cost savings)
requires a minimum of 30 minutes between runs to make it work
did talk with other districts, did implement similar changes; given enough time before starting, it can work
communication is key
it was imperative to delay implementation by at least a year
survey results from parents and employees
46% survey return rate and that is pretty good (usually anything above 10% is good)
with implementation at least a year away, there would be changes on the parents as the kids age; not the same for the staff
homework was a major concern, coincidentally a homework project is underway that pre-dated the School Start Times
teacher work life balance, technology (as in student use of tech)
other major concern is after school activities; i.e sports
scenario A would involve more frequent early release for athletics; hence Scenario B
swim and gymnastics are issues with pool and facility times;
What about Solutions? early start may minimize need for early times; and would also increase need for afternoon time
would require additional planning and adjustments
recommendation to move to Scenario B
13-2 was the vote (3 absent)
charter school would be served by the high school run of the buses
still an item for contract negotiation although length of day doesn't change
MJ - quite the experience, got to know folks over the year, thanks for the presentation, well done - any additional cost? how much will it cost?
Sara - with busing a net savings of approx $350K, it shouldn't cost the district more
maybe an increase cost for swim (due to pool rental)
Feeley - I have a lot of questions, I appreciate what you did, one of the Standard Univ articles - kids have activities, building resumes, etc. kids are ready to go to bed at 11, but then they get on their phone and are in communications during the night. How are we going to fix that? We need to help them. I am not convinced that this is the solution.
Sara - one of the issues from the parent guardian night was just this, it is a bigger and broader conversation, including homework etc.
Feeley - what time do kids arrive?
Klement - I have 1800 different answers
buses will get there as early as 7, vast majority arriving just before or just after the schedule start times
Feeley - what would happen if the rides still deliver the students?
(consider the dominoes, there will be parent adjustments to the schedules)
Linden - for some of us, this was a process that was very thorough, and just what we wanted it to be. Found interesting on how much research there is; some many correlations with research and the impacts; less sports injuries, better sports performance
Douglas - parents may need to do some busing that had not been needed before; should consider students at middle and high school; concerned about early dismissal;
Klement - the most common sport for early dismissal at Sharon was golf, minimal matches but daylight and course time were requirements;
Schultz - if the other town in the Hockomock would it make it easier?
Sara - it would make it easier but we also play some non-league games
Lifelong learning would need to do more research but based upon a specific set of info to get valid feedback
Sara - did make several attempts to resolve the student survey issues, we had a draft it was not approved as the questions were troublesome getting phrased properly. We did have 4 students actively as part of the process
Zub - it was a great experience, I have middle schoolers and would be freshman if we did go with this; at the end of the day, if this helps them for their social emotional learning; are we not doing a bad job, we need to work through the challenges, the reward is worth us working through this. this really helps our children, that is what we are here for
Feeley - I am very worried about the elementary school kids, when I heard the principals talking about their needs, that is not sitting well with me
Bergen - i had similar concerns, there is anecdotal evidence that it is a benefit
planning for an event in October for what social media is doing for kids
Donna Grady - President of the FEA
on committee, Franklin is the only committee that asked the faculty and staff of the impact; it can be a dividing issue; we have to weigh the pros/cons; the members are equally divided; most districts have looked at it for 3-5 years, Franklin did it for one
questions on what happens to ECDC?
what about work after school for students? home work, jobs, sports, staff is concerned about being available later
what about professional development? Many courses start at 3:30. A lot of work was done in the past year, and there are so many other items to review
Jessie Fanuele - high school teacher, and resident
I don't know whether to support this or not, I have heard but am not yet convinced
I appreciate the transparency of the committee; parents and students will adjust
I do like the idea of 11 less buses, great for the carbon footprint
there is a 20 minute guarantee of warm up time for every team/sport
teachers don't do this for the money, we are always for the students
may limit opportunity for a second job
I am nervous for those who do need a second job, health care is increasing, nervous about that
teachers will come to school to provide extra help with no extra pay
research is there, I can't say that it outweighs
Jamie Barrett - 2 kids one in middle school; simple question but it is not; where the elementary students considered? we talk about the impact for the teachers, the high school students, the middle school students, but where is the impact for the elementary?
instrumental music was cut in 2005, Spanish was cut year later; friends want to go to Charter and why, they offer French. You talk about SEL, those young minds, that is where the problem starts. I am speaking for the children, the elementary students
- it is really an depth survey and research, I wished the high school students had stayed to tell us what they think; I think a lt was done but all you said was what wasn't going to work. (addressing Donna G). Parents need to adjust, and it is in our control. There is no research on elementary; yes. we will all get through the challenges together. We need more sleep, we need more recess. we need to put our kids first
Jim D'Entremont - middle school teacher and resident, wondering why your choosing 8 when the research on this says 8.5 and up?
Bergen - state representatives coming to Town Council on May 8th; before we take a vote we will be getting more information
Sara - 8 was CDC recommendation, APA said 8.5
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Live Reporting: School Committee - Meeting - Mar 26, 2019
Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: none
1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
Term 3 ending Apr 5th
approx 100 student doing senior projects
this Friday is senior banquet
Mock Trial finished 2nd in state meet
Seussical at FHS this weekend
SADD presenter coming Apr 8
Dynamic Influence, open to 8th grade and up - on substance abuse
Monday also on vaping
d. Superintendent’s Report
exciting visioning process happening around the "portrait of a graduate"
focus group Apr 4 and Apr 8
more in memo (available Weds)
"Leap into Kindergarten" thanks for the presentation
to welcome kindergarten families and all things with the schools
another registration night coming Apr 3
school specific evenings to be scheduled and announced
2. Guests / Presentations
a. Special Guest – Ben Franklin
special visit, only 5 months old
Absent: none
1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment 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” – from Policy BEDHc. FHS Student Representative Comments
Term 3 ending Apr 5th
approx 100 student doing senior projects
this Friday is senior banquet
Mock Trial finished 2nd in state meet
Seussical at FHS this weekend
SADD presenter coming Apr 8
Dynamic Influence, open to 8th grade and up - on substance abuse
Monday also on vaping
d. Superintendent’s Report
exciting visioning process happening around the "portrait of a graduate"
focus group Apr 4 and Apr 8
more in memo (available Weds)
"Leap into Kindergarten" thanks for the presentation
to welcome kindergarten families and all things with the schools
another registration night coming Apr 3
school specific evenings to be scheduled and announced
2. Guests / Presentations
a. Special Guest – Ben Franklin
special visit, only 5 months old
Community Garden Meeting - April 1
Monday, April 1 at 6:30 PM there will be a meeting for all Franklin community garden members.
Director of Recreation; Ryan Jette will go over the community garden rules and regulations, bed renewals/membership, volunteering opportunities, be here to answer any questions you may have and much more.
We will also have AGWAY owner Melanie Hamblen there to provide gardening insight and input.
The Meeting will be held at the Recreation Department (275 Beaver Street).
If you have any questions, please call our office (508) 613-1666.
Thanks,
Franklin Recreation
Director of Recreation; Ryan Jette will go over the community garden rules and regulations, bed renewals/membership, volunteering opportunities, be here to answer any questions you may have and much more.
We will also have AGWAY owner Melanie Hamblen there to provide gardening insight and input.
The Meeting will be held at the Recreation Department (275 Beaver Street).
If you have any questions, please call our office (508) 613-1666.
Thanks,
Franklin Recreation
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| Community Garden Meeting - April 1 |
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group Kicks Off in Franklin
A new support group for grandparents raising grandchildren is launching in Franklin this April. A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA, the group provides information, resources, and support for grandparents and kinship caregivers. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren begins on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM and the group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month moving forward.
The program is being offered at the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. It will be an ideal forum for a group of people with common experiences or concerns to provide support, compassion, comfort and understanding, encouragement, and advice to each other on issues affecting grandparents and all relatives raising grandchildren. All area residents from surrounding communities are welcome to participate in this free program.
“In meeting and talking with constituents throughout the district, I have encountered many grandparents who have taken on the role as the primary caregiver for their grandchildren and who are looking for additional support and encouragement,” noted Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “This group will show them that they are not alone and that there are many families in our area that share their experience. It’s great to once again have the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA as partners in dealing with the fallout from the disease of addiction, and we are grateful for the fact that they are providing a forum for help, compassion, and guidance.”
The group will be facilitated by Meredith Poulten, a school counselor, social worker and member of the SAFE Coalition Board of Directors. “I am proud that the SAFE Coalition is able to partner with the Hockomock Area YMCA in providing a new approach to aiding those effected by substance use disorder,” said Jennifer Knight, President of the SAFE Coalition. “Grandparents raising grandchildren has been an underserved population and this style of community collaboration only enhances options for healing and for families as a whole to gain support.”
Light refreshments will be provided and child care at the Y is available for the meeting. Please contact the Y in advance if child care is needed 508-528-8708. For more information on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, email Meredith Poulten at mpoulten@verizon.net.
About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
The program is being offered at the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. It will be an ideal forum for a group of people with common experiences or concerns to provide support, compassion, comfort and understanding, encouragement, and advice to each other on issues affecting grandparents and all relatives raising grandchildren. All area residents from surrounding communities are welcome to participate in this free program.
“In meeting and talking with constituents throughout the district, I have encountered many grandparents who have taken on the role as the primary caregiver for their grandchildren and who are looking for additional support and encouragement,” noted Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “This group will show them that they are not alone and that there are many families in our area that share their experience. It’s great to once again have the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA as partners in dealing with the fallout from the disease of addiction, and we are grateful for the fact that they are providing a forum for help, compassion, and guidance.”
The group will be facilitated by Meredith Poulten, a school counselor, social worker and member of the SAFE Coalition Board of Directors. “I am proud that the SAFE Coalition is able to partner with the Hockomock Area YMCA in providing a new approach to aiding those effected by substance use disorder,” said Jennifer Knight, President of the SAFE Coalition. “Grandparents raising grandchildren has been an underserved population and this style of community collaboration only enhances options for healing and for families as a whole to gain support.”
Light refreshments will be provided and child care at the Y is available for the meeting. Please contact the Y in advance if child care is needed 508-528-8708. For more information on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, email Meredith Poulten at mpoulten@verizon.net.
About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.
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| A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA |
Tri-County Regional Senior Wins First Ever Girls’ All State Wrestling Championship
What an amazing season it has been for the Tri-County wrestling team. One shining star is Ashley Barrett, a senior from Bellingham in the Legal and Protective Services program, who has won the first-ever Girls’ All State Wrestling Championship for all divisions in Massachusetts in the 120-pound weight class.
An estimated 70 girls from Massachusetts participated in the inaugural tournament. Ashley won her title by defeating three girls; in fact, she won all of her matches by pin. Massachusetts is only the 10th state in the country to offer a girls’ state wrestling tournament.
Ashley is one of two girls on the roster of the Tri-County wrestling team. During the 2018-2019 wrestling season, Ashley wrestled in many mixed-sex tournaments. She earned second place at the State Vocational Tournament. She placed fifth at the Cohasset Tournament and she won first place at the Martin Luther King: All Girls Tournament in Mahar. For her stellar season, the Mayflower League has acknowledged Ashley as a League All-Star and both the Boston Herald and Boston Globe have appointed her an All-Scholastics All-Star.
Ashley started wrestling just two years ago. During her first year of wrestling, her combined varsity and junior varsity record was 13-3. This year, as a senior, Ashley has a combined varsity and junior varsity record of 34-6. Her career record, including all of her varsity and junior varsity matches, is an impressive 46-9.
“Ashley’s hard work has made her extremely coachable and confident,” says Coach Steve LaPlante. “She knew she was going to be a state champion before her finals match even started. She has instilled this confidence in her teammates and coaches.” Not only did Ashley work hard on the mat every day during the wrestling season, she also put in the work during the offseason. After her junior year, Ashley began attending the Blackstone Wrestling Club in Cumberland, RI.
How does a girl get into wrestling in the first place? At six years old, Ashley went to a Taekwondo birthday party and instantly fell in love with mixed martial arts. Though she did not know what it was at the time, she began her training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ashley currently trains six days a week at USMMA in Bellingham, MA, where she trains with professional fighter and Tri-County alumni, Hillary Rose. “My training in mixed martial arts has given me an edge over many who’ve never done it because it gives you fluid motion and flexibility,” explains Barrett.
Girls may feel apprehensive about joining a traditionally all-boys team. They can struggle to feel fully accepted. However, Ashley did not experience that with the Tri-County team. “Once I made the decision to become a part of the wrestling team at Tri-County, I wasn’t treated any differently because I was a girl,” said Barrett. “Coach LaPlante tells everyone who joins the team that they’re now a part of a wrestling family that will make sacrifices for, and rely on, each other. He tells us it’s larger than just being a member of a team. It’s about being part of something greater than yourself.”
Ashley is now training for her MMA debut in May when she turns 18 years old. She hopes to become a professional mixed martial artist in the future.
When not working out at the gym, the busy senior works at the Holliston Police Department as a part of her cooperative education at Tri-County. After graduation, Ashley will attend Bridgewater State University to study Psychology.
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| Tri-County Regional Senior Wins First Ever Girls’ All State Wrestling |
An estimated 70 girls from Massachusetts participated in the inaugural tournament. Ashley won her title by defeating three girls; in fact, she won all of her matches by pin. Massachusetts is only the 10th state in the country to offer a girls’ state wrestling tournament.
Ashley is one of two girls on the roster of the Tri-County wrestling team. During the 2018-2019 wrestling season, Ashley wrestled in many mixed-sex tournaments. She earned second place at the State Vocational Tournament. She placed fifth at the Cohasset Tournament and she won first place at the Martin Luther King: All Girls Tournament in Mahar. For her stellar season, the Mayflower League has acknowledged Ashley as a League All-Star and both the Boston Herald and Boston Globe have appointed her an All-Scholastics All-Star.
Ashley started wrestling just two years ago. During her first year of wrestling, her combined varsity and junior varsity record was 13-3. This year, as a senior, Ashley has a combined varsity and junior varsity record of 34-6. Her career record, including all of her varsity and junior varsity matches, is an impressive 46-9.
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| Ashley Barrett |
“Ashley’s hard work has made her extremely coachable and confident,” says Coach Steve LaPlante. “She knew she was going to be a state champion before her finals match even started. She has instilled this confidence in her teammates and coaches.” Not only did Ashley work hard on the mat every day during the wrestling season, she also put in the work during the offseason. After her junior year, Ashley began attending the Blackstone Wrestling Club in Cumberland, RI.
How does a girl get into wrestling in the first place? At six years old, Ashley went to a Taekwondo birthday party and instantly fell in love with mixed martial arts. Though she did not know what it was at the time, she began her training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ashley currently trains six days a week at USMMA in Bellingham, MA, where she trains with professional fighter and Tri-County alumni, Hillary Rose. “My training in mixed martial arts has given me an edge over many who’ve never done it because it gives you fluid motion and flexibility,” explains Barrett.
Girls may feel apprehensive about joining a traditionally all-boys team. They can struggle to feel fully accepted. However, Ashley did not experience that with the Tri-County team. “Once I made the decision to become a part of the wrestling team at Tri-County, I wasn’t treated any differently because I was a girl,” said Barrett. “Coach LaPlante tells everyone who joins the team that they’re now a part of a wrestling family that will make sacrifices for, and rely on, each other. He tells us it’s larger than just being a member of a team. It’s about being part of something greater than yourself.”
Ashley is now training for her MMA debut in May when she turns 18 years old. She hopes to become a professional mixed martial artist in the future.
When not working out at the gym, the busy senior works at the Holliston Police Department as a part of her cooperative education at Tri-County. After graduation, Ashley will attend Bridgewater State University to study Psychology.
Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
In the News: Franklin curbside pickup fees to rise; Fall construction alert - Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical
Franklin curbside pickup fees to rise
"Trash and recycling fees are going up due to international struggles with plastic disposal.
Town councilors approved a rate hike of $32 on March 20, raising the average annual cost for curbside trash and recycle pickup to $240. The council also voted to raise the price of stickers in 2020 from $25 to $35 for the transfer station on Beaver Street.
Franklin recycles about 3,600 tons of waste a year. The cost will rise to $55 a ton in 2020, $20 more a ton than the town currently pays. The town sold around 240 stickers last year, but is considering either eliminating the option or increasing the 10-day fee to $25.
In the last year, China has been sent massive amounts of plastic waste for recycling purposes. According to NPR, about 106 million metric tons, or roughly 45 percent of the world’s plastic ready for recycling, was exported to China. Inundated with the waste, the country decided at the start of last year to decline any more shipments."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190326/franklin-trash-recycling-fees-increasing
Note: The first of two votes to approve the rate increase was held on March 20. The second vote is scheduled for a future Town Council meeting before becoming effective July 1. While the fee is increasing, we are still below where the fee was in 2005.
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| Due to global market issues for recycling, proposal to increase curbside fee |
Construction alert: Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical Center
"The planned facelift for one of Milford’s most heavily traveled roads remains on track to begin this fall.
The half-mile stretch of Rte. 16 from just past the Milford police headquarters to the Hopedale town border will receive a long-awaited upgrade. The project will focus on the intersection of Rtes. 16 and 140 near Milford Regional Medical Center. The intersection is a regular spot for traffic backups and will be widened to make way for dedicated turning lanes, which should ease the turning radius for large trucks and tractor-trailers.
“You cannot get through that intersection if someone is taking a left turn,” said Highway Surveyor Scott Crisafulli. “It’s too small.”
New modern traffic signals with preemptive control for emergency vehicles approaching the intersection are part of the project."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190325/milford-rte-16140-intersection-project-includes-new-signals-bike-lanes
Monday, March 25, 2019
Charles River Meadowlands Initiative Schedules Public Forums
As they come close to completing their efforts, working with BETA, the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org) is presenting a series of community forums in Bellingham, Franklin and Medway in April. Any interested parties in these communities are invited to learn about the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative and share your thoughts.
State Rep. Jeff Roy and two of his colleagues (now no longer on Beacon Hill) helped secure a line item budget allocation to hire a consultant capable of professionally evaluating the recreation potential of the Charles River Meadowlands.
The town of Franklin, in particular the Planning Department and Bryan Taberner, provided immeasurable help by receiving the funding on behalf of the Initiative and using their professional skills to help select a skilled consulting organization – the BETA Group.
Since late last year, BETA has been making field visits, developing maps, talking to officials in Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway, and developing concepts for consideration. They have helped identify real obstacles, for example potential rare-species areas that will likely have to be avoided. But the last few months have seen real, exciting progress.
The scheduled meetings include:
Thursday, April 11, 2019 - King Street Fire Station, 600 King Street, Franklin (enter the parking lot 6:30 PM from Constitution Boulevard. The meeting room entrance is on the King Street side of the building). In cooperation with the Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - Bellingham Town Hall, Arcand Meeting Room, 10 Mechanic Street 6:30 PM. In cooperation with the Bellingham Planning and Zoning Department
Monday, April 29, 2019 - Thayer Homestead, 2B Oak Street, Medway, 6:30PM. In cooperation with the Medway Open Space Committee and the Medway Community and Economic Development Department.
For more information, please contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com
State Rep. Jeff Roy and two of his colleagues (now no longer on Beacon Hill) helped secure a line item budget allocation to hire a consultant capable of professionally evaluating the recreation potential of the Charles River Meadowlands.
The town of Franklin, in particular the Planning Department and Bryan Taberner, provided immeasurable help by receiving the funding on behalf of the Initiative and using their professional skills to help select a skilled consulting organization – the BETA Group.
Since late last year, BETA has been making field visits, developing maps, talking to officials in Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway, and developing concepts for consideration. They have helped identify real obstacles, for example potential rare-species areas that will likely have to be avoided. But the last few months have seen real, exciting progress.
The scheduled meetings include:
Thursday, April 11, 2019 - King Street Fire Station, 600 King Street, Franklin (enter the parking lot 6:30 PM from Constitution Boulevard. The meeting room entrance is on the King Street side of the building). In cooperation with the Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - Bellingham Town Hall, Arcand Meeting Room, 10 Mechanic Street 6:30 PM. In cooperation with the Bellingham Planning and Zoning Department
Monday, April 29, 2019 - Thayer Homestead, 2B Oak Street, Medway, 6:30PM. In cooperation with the Medway Open Space Committee and the Medway Community and Economic Development Department.
For more information, please contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com
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| Charles River Meadowlands Initiative Schedules Public Forums |
How to Speak Wine - April 2
How to Speak Wine - April 2
The dreaded “wine speak!” If fancy wine words make you tune out, then listen up. In this class we’ll explain the most commonly used wine terms and get to know what they mean in your wine.
We’ll taste through a selection of wines that illustrate the concepts we talk about, and you’ll leave better able to communicate your wine preferences.
Sign Up = https://www.activityreg.com/NRFLKMA/43_Site1.PDF
Sit Down Educational Wine Tasting Events Held In The Franklin Liquors Wine Room, Partnering With Norfolk Recreation And Medway Community Education
The dreaded “wine speak!” If fancy wine words make you tune out, then listen up. In this class we’ll explain the most commonly used wine terms and get to know what they mean in your wine.
We’ll taste through a selection of wines that illustrate the concepts we talk about, and you’ll leave better able to communicate your wine preferences.
Sign Up = https://www.activityreg.com/NRFLKMA/43_Site1.PDF
Sit Down Educational Wine Tasting Events Held In The Franklin Liquors Wine Room, Partnering With Norfolk Recreation And Medway Community Education
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| How to Speak Wine - April 2 |
Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ is scheduled on the Franklin Town Common
Friday, April 19- 12:00-1:00 pm
St Mary’s teens and families will host its annual ‘Cross Walk’ procession on the Franklin Town Common beginning at Noon on Good Friday. Christians of all denominations and ages are welcome.
Participants will gather on the Church Square end of the common. Together, they will process through and around the Franklin Town Common and back to St Mary's lawn, pausing along the way to reflect on Jesus’ great love for us.
Teens from St Mary’s parish will read reflections and prayers at each stop. Anyone who wishes to may help share the burden of carrying the heavy cross during the procession.
All area residents and our families and friends from surrounding communities are encouraged to take part in this meaningful procession on Good Friday to remember Christ's Passion.
St Mary’s teens and families will host its annual ‘Cross Walk’ procession on the Franklin Town Common beginning at Noon on Good Friday. Christians of all denominations and ages are welcome.
Participants will gather on the Church Square end of the common. Together, they will process through and around the Franklin Town Common and back to St Mary's lawn, pausing along the way to reflect on Jesus’ great love for us.
Teens from St Mary’s parish will read reflections and prayers at each stop. Anyone who wishes to may help share the burden of carrying the heavy cross during the procession.
All area residents and our families and friends from surrounding communities are encouraged to take part in this meaningful procession on Good Friday to remember Christ's Passion.
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| Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ is scheduled on the Franklin Town Common |
Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs
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Sunday, March 24, 2019
FM #160 - FinCom Budget Hearing #1 - FY 2020 a must listen for Franklin residents!
FM #160
This internet radio show or podcast is number 160 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This recording shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 2020) held on Monday, March 18, 2019 in the Council Chambers.
Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen leads the presentation along with Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, Finance Director Christopher Sandini, and Treasurer Kerri Bertone. Each department head has an opportunity to add to the overview provided by Jamie as well as answer any questions from the Finance Committee.
My notes from the session can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-march.html
This is the first of two budget hearings by the Finance Committee. Yes, for those paying close attention, at the Town Council meeting there was an announcement for 4 sessions spread over two weeks.
Since that time, however, the number of sessions was reduced to two. This session covers ALL the municipal departments. The School Department will be scheduled for a later date (sometime in April) and after their presentation, the FinCom will vote on the recommendation to send to the Town Council.
The Town Council has two budget hearings scheduled; currently scheduled for May 22 and May 23. Given the experience from recent years, the Council sessions will NOT be as informative as the FinCom sessions.
The Council has shown their tendency for a reading of the budget voting document, line by line, and as each department is announced, a Councilor can place a ‘hold’ on the item which then when the reading is complete, that Councilor will have an opportunity to ask a question for that department or line item.
This may be an expedient manner of getting through the budget but from an awareness point of view does very little to share the insights on what drives each budget. These insights currently are only available from the FinCom meetings. Maybe there will be a change (I hope so) but the past several years has shown otherwise.
With that much as the background, the budget process is formally underway. I heartily encourage my fellow residents to spend a couple of hours listening to the FinCom budget hearing recording. You will get more info in this one session than you could get over several meetings. It should be time well spent. If you find otherwise, please let me know.
The total meeting recording runs just about 2 and one half hours. Yes, this is a long one. Settle in comfortably, have my Franklin Matters live reported notes handy, and have the budget doc handy.
Budget Doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/proposed_fy20_operatingbudget.pdf
As the FinCom gets to each department/section the page numbers are announced so it should be easy to follow along.
And of course, if you have questions, feel free to ask me or any one of the FinCom members. And last but not least, let your Town Councilors know. They will go through this in May. What they will approve is how Franklin will operate beginning July 1, 2019.
Without further ado, here is the audio recording.
-------------
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.
How can you help?
In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.
Overall:
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
This internet radio show or podcast is number 160 in the series for Franklin Matters.
This recording shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 2020) held on Monday, March 18, 2019 in the Council Chambers.
Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen leads the presentation along with Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, Finance Director Christopher Sandini, and Treasurer Kerri Bertone. Each department head has an opportunity to add to the overview provided by Jamie as well as answer any questions from the Finance Committee.
My notes from the session can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-march.html
This is the first of two budget hearings by the Finance Committee. Yes, for those paying close attention, at the Town Council meeting there was an announcement for 4 sessions spread over two weeks.
Since that time, however, the number of sessions was reduced to two. This session covers ALL the municipal departments. The School Department will be scheduled for a later date (sometime in April) and after their presentation, the FinCom will vote on the recommendation to send to the Town Council.
The Town Council has two budget hearings scheduled; currently scheduled for May 22 and May 23. Given the experience from recent years, the Council sessions will NOT be as informative as the FinCom sessions.
The Council has shown their tendency for a reading of the budget voting document, line by line, and as each department is announced, a Councilor can place a ‘hold’ on the item which then when the reading is complete, that Councilor will have an opportunity to ask a question for that department or line item.
This may be an expedient manner of getting through the budget but from an awareness point of view does very little to share the insights on what drives each budget. These insights currently are only available from the FinCom meetings. Maybe there will be a change (I hope so) but the past several years has shown otherwise.
With that much as the background, the budget process is formally underway. I heartily encourage my fellow residents to spend a couple of hours listening to the FinCom budget hearing recording. You will get more info in this one session than you could get over several meetings. It should be time well spent. If you find otherwise, please let me know.
The total meeting recording runs just about 2 and one half hours. Yes, this is a long one. Settle in comfortably, have my Franklin Matters live reported notes handy, and have the budget doc handy.
Budget Doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/proposed_fy20_operatingbudget.pdf
As the FinCom gets to each department/section the page numbers are announced so it should be easy to follow along.
And of course, if you have questions, feel free to ask me or any one of the FinCom members. And last but not least, let your Town Councilors know. They will go through this in May. What they will approve is how Franklin will operate beginning July 1, 2019.
Without further ado, here is the audio recording.
-------------
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.
How can you help?
In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.
Overall:
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
- If you don't like this, please let me know.
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
 |
| subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes |
Town Council - Recap of March 20 - great reading in the Auditor's Report
Two take aways for me from the Town Council meeting held, Wednesday, March 20 were
(1) the breadth of offerings by the Recreation Dept and how such a great value that is to the residents of Franklin
and
(2) the depth of information in one place for the finances of Franklin for FY 2018.
Recreation
The presentation document shared by Ryan Jette at the Council meeting is shown here. Page by page, the number of program offerings, the total involvement of the community, the minimum cost to the community (all funded by the fees for each program).
If you are not taking advantage of one or more of the Recreation Dept programs, what are you looking for? Seriously, raise the question, they have shown to be expanding to meet the needs over the years, it may very well be something to happen.
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-recreation-dept-update-32019
Financial Audit Report
First and foremost, Franklin has a good report; there are no issues, the auditors found that Franklin's processing and accounting is all in good order. We are one of the 20% of MA communities to get such a clean report. We do have a lot of good folks working for the Town that make this happen and be thankful for.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14FpwU6WMmIZjNEqda6lBRnOXOhArjGZe/view?usp=sharing
My notes reported live during the meeting can be found
(1) the breadth of offerings by the Recreation Dept and how such a great value that is to the residents of Franklin
and
(2) the depth of information in one place for the finances of Franklin for FY 2018.
Recreation
The presentation document shared by Ryan Jette at the Council meeting is shown here. Page by page, the number of program offerings, the total involvement of the community, the minimum cost to the community (all funded by the fees for each program).
If you are not taking advantage of one or more of the Recreation Dept programs, what are you looking for? Seriously, raise the question, they have shown to be expanding to meet the needs over the years, it may very well be something to happen.
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-recreation-dept-update-32019
Financial Audit Report
- An audit report can be dry reading.
First and foremost, Franklin has a good report; there are no issues, the auditors found that Franklin's processing and accounting is all in good order. We are one of the 20% of MA communities to get such a clean report. We do have a lot of good folks working for the Town that make this happen and be thankful for.
- An audit report does contain lots of great information.
In rounded numbers, $74M of the $144M revenue the Town sees comes from property taxes. $6M from excise taxes. $8M for charges for services provided. $48M from grants and contributions. The bulk of the 48M is state funding. Half of our overall revenue comes from property taxes. We could not raise sufficient funding from either the excise taxes or services we provide (even if we could try). See pages 6, 7 and 8 for these numbers.
The unassigned fund balance on Page 9 amounts to 9.8% and is a good number to have. This is money that Franklin has in its 'savings' account, that is set aside for special purposes. $1.5M of that was used to balance the FY 2019 budget.
Page 10 highlights the general fund spending.
Page 11 shows our overall Capital Asset position. How much is all the land and buildings Franklin owns really worth?
Page 11 and 12 also provide a history of the Stabilization fund balances since the 1990's. What have we done with the money? The key answers are provided there, year by year.
In among the "Notes to the Financial Statements" which begins on Page 26, the definition of a capital asset and the depreciation schedule is found on pages 29-30.
In addition:
- The Norfolk County Retirement System is covered beginning on page 44
- The Mass Teachers Retirement System is covered beginning on page 49
- Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) is covered beginning page 52
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14FpwU6WMmIZjNEqda6lBRnOXOhArjGZe/view?usp=sharing
My notes reported live during the meeting can be found
- Live reporting: to Closing
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-to-closing.html
- Live Reporting: Legislation for action
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_20.html
- Live reporting: Recreation Dept Update
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-recreation-dept-update.html
- Live Reporting: Town Council - March 20, 2019
- https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-town-council-march-20.html
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| Recreation Director Ryan Jette presenting to the Town Council |
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 26, 2019
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
A G E N D A
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”
1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment 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” – from Policy BEDH
c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report
2. Guests / Presentations
a. Special Guest – Ben Franklin
b. Robert Seide – Art Scholarship
c. School Start Times Advisory Committee Presentation
d. Technology Presentation
3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of Policy IJOAB – Extended Field Trips as discussed.
4. Discussion Only Items
5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy;
Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force;
School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory Committee
[SSTAC], MASC)
6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 12, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
b. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Robert Seide for a FHS Scholarship as detailed.
d. FHS Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Nikon D60 Camera and 55-250mm zoom lens valued at approximately $300.00 from Ivy Patten for FHS as detailed.
e. JFK Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,075.00 for JF Kennedy Elementary School as follows:
- $350.00 American Heart Association for Supplemental Supplies
- $750.00 JFK PCC for Field Trips
f. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,700.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed.
g. Music Dept. Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $323.00 from various music parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Department.
h. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,098.50 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.
i. HMMS Recurring Trip to Save the Bay
I recommend approval of the recurring request of Rebecca Motte to take 6th Graders to Providence, RI for Save the Bay program on June 5, 6, & 7, 2019 as detailed.
8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
10. Correspondence
11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
12. Adjournment
The meeting packet and documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-26-2019-school-committee-packet
Not some of the documents will only be posted AFTER the meeting (usually during the day Wednesday)
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| new scoreboard at FHS donated by Middlesex Savings Bank |
“We only have so much money regardless of where we land”
In the School Committee Legislative Forum, much discussion was on the reforms to the state's education funding process. Given the major hearing on Friday, the legislature is showing that the issue will be addressed. What the resolution will be remains to be seen.
The Boston Globe report on the school funding hearing held Friday, March 22
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/03/22/how-much-enough-lawmakers-governor-clash-over-proposed-changes-school-funding-formula/QUqeEcRoFCa73dd4hg7H7N/story.html
Milford Daily News also has an article on the hearing
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190324/hundreds-attend-state-ed-funding-forum
My notes from the Legislative Forum held on Feb 5, 2019 can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/notes-from-legislative-forum-feb-5-2019.html
Unfunded Mandates are also a cause of concern for school and local budgets. A bill currently filed would increase steps to test for lead in school drinking water.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/03/23/bills-tap-state-house-target-lead-school-water/WHQhsXF9KjDoFTbar2cRMM/story.html
The Boston Globe report on the school funding hearing held Friday, March 22
"In this year’s first major hearing in the debate over education funding on Beacon Hill, dozens of mayors, teachers, school officials, and even a quartet of New England Patriots players urged lawmakers to boost aid to urban districts struggling with growing populations of high-need students and steep budget cuts.
Brockton School Superintendent Kathleen A. Smith captured the argument of those demanding an overhaul of the state’s school funding formula, telling lawmakers that her city in 2017 spent just $1 on supplies per student, while wealthy Weston spent $275 per pupil.
“I am saddened and dismayed that after five years of coming before you more than a dozen times to advocate for our neediest students, I am once again asking you to act and update a 25-year-old funding formula that is broken and no longer serves the needs of the increasingly diverse student population in our Commonwealth,” Smith, whose district has been contemplating a lawsuit over school funding, told members of the Legislature’s joint committee on education during a packed hearing Friday."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/03/22/how-much-enough-lawmakers-governor-clash-over-proposed-changes-school-funding-formula/QUqeEcRoFCa73dd4hg7H7N/story.html
Milford Daily News also has an article on the hearing
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190324/hundreds-attend-state-ed-funding-forum
My notes from the Legislative Forum held on Feb 5, 2019 can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/notes-from-legislative-forum-feb-5-2019.html
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| Angelica DaSilva of Dorchester (right) attended a packed education hearing at the State House’s Gardner Auditorium. (DAVID L. RYAN/GLOBE STAFF) |
Unfunded Mandates are also a cause of concern for school and local budgets. A bill currently filed would increase steps to test for lead in school drinking water.
"Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are pushing legislation aimed at improving the safety of drinking water in schools in part by requiring schools and child care centers to test every drinking water outlet each year for elevated lead levels.
Legislation on tap in the Massachusetts House and Senate would force schools to immediately shut off drinking water outlets that show elevated lead levels. The water outlet could be turned on only after it has produced at least two sets of certified test results showing no elevated lead levels."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/03/23/bills-tap-state-house-target-lead-school-water/WHQhsXF9KjDoFTbar2cRMM/story.html
FTC Consumer Alert: Those (not really) IRS calls (video)
Franklin Police Chief Thomas Lynch had a voice message to all residents recently alerting us to avoid phone scams. This FTC video delivers the same message
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"we still have a long way to go to reach full equality"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190323/political-notebook-sen-spilka-pictures-different-legislature
Contact info for Senator Spilka can be found on her MA.gov page
https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/KES0
"Portraits of past Senate presidents hanging in Karen Spilka’s office featured almost all male faces — until Spilka temporarily replaced each with an important woman in state history.
The Legislature has a record number of women in office this year, but Senate President Karen Spilka is well aware that progress is - historically speaking - a new trend.
Women were granted the right to vote in the United States in 1919, just about a century ago, Spilka pointed out on Thursday. And to add a little perspective, in Massachusetts, more than 20,000 men have served as representatives and senators, compared to only 210 women.
And the portraits of past Senate presidents hanging in Spilka’s office featured almost all male faces — that is, until Spilka last week temporarily replaced each one with an important woman from the state’s history."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190323/political-notebook-sen-spilka-pictures-different-legislature
 |
| Senator Karen E. Spilka |
https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/KES0
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