Representative Roy to hold public meeting in Franklin with representatives from the MBTA and Keolis - Dec 17

Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today (Friday, Dec 6) that he will be hosting a public meeting with representatives from the MBTA and Keolis concerning commuter rail service in our area. The meeting will take place at the Franklin Town Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 17 at 7 PM.

The entire commuter rail system’s on-time performance took a dive in late September and October and the Franklin Line was the worst performing line, with a 79.2 percent on-time performance. Many of the delays and cancellations on the Franklin Line were due to mechanical failures of the equipment. The meeting will be an opportunity to hear more about these issues and ways that they are being addressed.

“I have seen an increase in the number of complaints from constituents about the commuter rail since the beginning of the Foxboro Pilot Program,” said Rep. Roy. “This meeting will give the community a chance to share their concerns and provide feedback. I know Keolis took steps to increase service and reliability including the hiring a “route manager” and installation of more double tracks. With the increased complaints and poor performance, this is a god time to talk about what is working and where things need improvement.”

Representative Roy recently started the “Franklin Line Working Group,” consisting of Representatives and Senators whose communities are served by the Franklin Line. The group meets periodically with officials from the MBTA and Keolis to discuss ways to improve the system, including issues such as parking, increased fares and fees, and infrastructure.

Anyone with questions or concerns about commuter rail transportation should join us on December 17.

Franklin line train pulling into Dean Station

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 10, 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.”

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. MCAS Presentation – Dr. Joyce Edwards

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. None

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. 2020-2021 Proposed School Year Calendar
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/20-21-proposed-calendar
 
B. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/coi-accept

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)

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 November 26, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Best Buddies Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Franklin Lodge of Elks for in-house enrichment for the Best Buddies Program as detailed.
D. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $51.74 from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.
E. Recurring NY City trip
I recommend approval of the (recurring) request of Renee Hersee to take MS Chorus Students to New York City for a Broadway Show on May 9, 2020 as detailed.
F. Recurring DECA State Competition trip
I recommend approval of the request of Miguel Carmo to take FHS DECA students to Boston, MA from 2/27/20 to 2/29/20 for the State competition as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Adjournment


The agenda and associated documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-10-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 10, 2019

Community Outdoor Menorah Lighting and Shabbat Service - Dec 27

Please join us for our family Shabbat Hanukkah service and community menorah lighting.

Be sure to bring your menorah and candles to add to the "glow!" This is a great celebration, complete with latkes! Please consider bringing a sweet treat for the Oneg!

Celebrate Hanukkah as a community with your Temple family. This is a great event for everyone, including families with young children!

Temple Etz Chaim   https://temple-etzchaim.org/
900 Washington St, Franklin
Dec 27, 7:00 PM

Community Outdoor Menorah Lighting and Shabbat Service - Dec 27

Music 4 Kids is looking for help putting on a concert

"If you'd like to help organize a fundraising concert in Franklin for mid-February, please get in touch! 

We need performers, auction items, and sponsors. Looking for several volunteers to help December - February. 

Potential for employment with Music4Kids in the future. Perfect gig for stay at home parents, college students, or anyone who is interested in helping children have access to music!"

www.music4kids.org 

Music 4 Kids is looking for help putting on a concert

In the News: RMV analysis update, Senate District primary date not defined yet

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The House Transportation Committee chairman said last week that key players in the Baker administration should have noticed the Registry of Motor Vehicles was falling behind on public safety-related tasks while it focused on reducing customer wait times, but conceded that investigators may never get a clear answer on who knew what.

Rep. William Straus, who previously criticized a “war on wait times” at the RMV, told WGBH’s “Greater Boston” that extensive interview notes from an outside audit firm reveal a significant focus on customer service at the Registry before a fatal crash in June prompted re-evaluation of thousands of warnings that should have resulted in license suspensions.

Gov. Charlie Baker and his administration have denied that they shifted staff from back-end departments that manage violation notices to front-facing service tasks, but Straus alleged Wednesday that argument is “simply not true.”

“Positions were left unfilled in critical areas and vacancies were only filled, from the information we’ve developed, in these branch offices because, again, the focus was only customer service,” Straus said during the interview."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191208/straus-registry-backlog-should-have-been-known

"The confrontation over when to schedule a special election for an open Senate seat has spilled outside the Senate chamber walls.

Gov. Charlie Baker last week endorsed Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr’s plan to avoid a general election on the same day as the presidential primary, and Secretary of State William Galvin accused Republicans of attempting “voter suppression.”

For three days last week, Democratic and Republican Senate leaders were unable to broker an agreement over when voters will choose a new senator in the Plymouth and Barnstable District to replace Viriato “Vinny” deMacedo, a Republican who resigned at the end of November.

With the delay continuing, the implications of the ticking clock are unclear. Galvin said his office looks to set special elections 12 to 14 weeks in advance, but cautioned that there is no “magic number” after which the March 3 presidential primary would no longer be a viable date for the Senate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191208/baker-backs-tarr-in-senate-election-spat

Franklin, MA: Office of Campaign and Political Finance Meeting - December 11 - 6:00 PM

December 11 - Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) Meeting


The State Office of Campaign and Political Finance will make a presentation in the Council Chambers (2nd floor of the Municipal Building).


For more about the State Office of Campaign and Political Finance  https://www.ocpf.us/

Franklin, MA: OCPF Meeting December 11 - 6:00 PM

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, December 16 Through Wednesday, December 18

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, December 16 Through Wednesday, December 18

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Monday, December 16 through Wednesday, December 18, 2019 for the cleaning of its brick hallways on the first floor. 

All fines will be waived on materials returned during that week. Items on the hold shelf will be made available for pickup for an additional three days. Museum passes reserved for those dates may be picked up by Sunday, December 15th. 

For more information, please contact Library Director Felcia Oti at 508-520-4941 or foti@franklinma.gov .

brick hallway on the first floor at the entrance

The number of potential MA 2020 Ballot questions now down to 8

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Ballot questions related to electoral reform, beer and wine sales, automotive repairs and more are on track to go before voters in 2020 after supporters cleared a major signature-gathering threshold by Wednesday’s deadline.

Eight campaigns pushing for changes to state law or constitutional amendments submitted signatures from registered voters to Secretary of State William Galvin by the end of the business day on Wednesday, according to Galvin’s office.

It was not immediately clear how many of those will clear the threshold of 80,239 certified signatures required to advance, a key hurdle toward appearing on the ballot next November, but supporters of questions about ranked-choice voting, right to repair, nursing home funding and sales of beer and wine in food stores each said they submitted a sufficient amount.

This cycle’s ballot push officially ended Wednesday for proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to incarcerated Massachusetts felons and rewrite the state constitution to remove language that has been interpreted as a right to an abortion for those who qualify for MassHealth. Although both campaigns submitted signatures, neither collected enough, according to organizers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191206/ballot-questions-in-galvins-hands

"In 1918, the voters of the Commonwealth approved an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, stating that “Legislative power shall continue to be vested in the general court; but the people reserve to themselves the popular initiative, which is the power of a specified number of voters to submit constitutional amendments and laws to the people for approval or rejection; and the popular referendum, which is the power of a specified number of voters to submit laws, enacted by the general court, to the people for their ratification or rejection.”

 
For stats on ballot questions going back to 1919 which is the first election after the MA Constitutional amendment that enabled the ballot question process
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elebalm/balmresults.html

To view the MA Election calendar (month by month)
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/CalendarWeb/Pages/MonthWeekCalendar.aspx

MyFM 101.3 Wins Coveted “Station of the Year” Award

“I was absolutely stunned. This is the equivalent of winning the Super Bowl or the World Series, so I was in complete shock when they announced we had won the Station of the Year Award for a record 9th time. I can’t say enough about my staff, our listeners, fans and followers, and all the local partners we’ve developed over the years” said Tom McAuliffe, owner of MyFM Media, as he accepted the 2019 Massachusetts Broadcasters Association’s Station of the Year Award. “

And to think we also won awards for Outstanding Public Service Campaign for our work with Ben Speaks, and our Summer School promotion with Dean College was also recognized. This certainly proves that our Multi-Media efforts over the past few years are resonating with our listeners and community partners. People expect to be able to access what they want, where they want, and when they want it, and My FM is fulfilling that need,” McAuliffe added.

"The Station of the Year Award is the one award that every station strives to win. It's the most cherished station award the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association presents,” explained Jordan Walton, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association. “My FM 101.3 truly epitomizes what LOCAL radio, and service to the community is all about, and we're proud to salute them with this honor for a record 9th time.”

“The Station of the Year” award is presented annually by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association to the most outstanding radio station in the Commonwealth, and is open to all of the more than 180 radio stations.

The “Station of the Year” award is given to the top station in Massachusetts that exemplifies overall excellence in all phases of operation. The judges, members of the Iowa Broadcasters Association, cited MyFM 101.3 had experienced extraordinary growth of audience, client base, but most importantly, MyFM was providing exceptional service to their listeners, community officials, and local organizations.

To put this award into perspective, the television “Station of the Year” for 2019 was WCVB, Channel 5 Boston, considered by many to be the finest TV station in the United States. You can see the prestige that this award grants MyFM 101.3.

About MyFM 101.3  https://myfm1013.com/

My FM 101.3 and WMRC 1490AM has been on the air since 1956, making it one of the oldest, continuously locally owned and operated radio stations in Massachusetts.

MyFM 101.3 Wins Coveted “Station of the Year” Award

https://youtu.be/P-y_cgvVG4Q

“It’s not likely that a single brand is responsible for this outbreak”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Health officials investigating a nationwide outbreak of vaping illnesses have listed, for the first time, the vape brands most commonly linked to hospitalizations.

Most of the nearly 2,300 people who suffered lung damage had vaped liquids that contain THC, the high-inducing part of marijuana.

In a report released Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed the products most often cited by patients, noting that some of them said they vaped more than one.

Dank Vapes was the brand used by 56% of the hospitalized patients nationwide.

Dank is not a licensed product coming from one business, it is empty packaging that can be ordered from Chinese internet sites. Illicit vaping cartridge makers can buy the empty packages and then fill them with whatever they choose."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20191206/officials-list-pot-vape-brands-reported-in-us-outbreak/1

Bold text added by Franklin Matters. This confirms the conversation shared at FHS PCC meeting where the panel reviewed the vaping issue. That audio recording is available for replay anytime.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/fm-182-fhs-pcc-everything-you-need-to.html
 
Additional information can be found on the CDC page
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

“It’s not likely that a single brand is responsible for this outbreak”

MBTA Commuter Rail: Franklin Line using shuttle bus fpr weekends of 12/7 through 12/22

Weekends, through Dec 22, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

Additional weekends may be added to the train service suspension between Forge Park/495 and Readville as work progresses on the Franklin line.

Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Visit MBTA.com/PTC for more information on how this project will improve commuter rail safety and travel. Passengers may experience delays of up to 30 minutes as a result of shuttle bus connections.

There will be no Franklin line service at Back Bay and Ruggles stations on weekends. Please travel to South Station to reach a Franklin Line station. If you are travelling inbound, please board a Worcester/Framingham line Train for direct connection to Back Bay or a Providence/Stoughton line Train for a direct connection to Back Bay or Ruggles.

We also recommend the subway: board the Red Line at South Station and transfer to the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing to reach Back Bay or Ruggles.

Due to proximity of adjacent stations, bus shuttles will not serve Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot stations:
-Endicott station customers, please use Readville or Dedham Corp stations.
-Islington station customers, please use Dedham Corp station.
-Norwood Depot customers, please use Norwood Central or Dedham Corp station.

8:40pm and 10:40pm departures from Forge Park as well as 11:20pm departure from South Station will be accommodated by a bus for the entire trip between South Station and Forge Park (including the portion between South Station and Readville).

Thank you for your patience while we improve the signal system on your Commuter Rail line.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork

MBTA Commuter Rail: Franklin Line using shuttle bus fpr weekends of 12/7 through 12/22

Last Updated: Dec 06 2019 02:00 PM

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Dec 6 to THU - Dec 12

Friday, December 6

 MA Amazing Artists Deadline

9:00am

 Babywearing Dance Party! (FOFL)

10:00am

 Knitting Group

10:30am

 Happy Feet!

3:30pm

 Chess Club for Kids

Saturday, December 7

9:00am

 Christmas Fair

9:30am

 St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:30am

 Baby Sensory!

1:30pm

 PEDC presents the Nutcracker

2:00pm

 Snowman Painting Class for Adults

5:30pm

 PEDC presents the Nutcracker!

7:30pm

 FPAC presents The Nutcracker

8:00pm

 Winterbloom: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Sunday, December 8

12:30pm

 PEDC presents the Nutcracker!

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm

 FPAC presents The Nutcracker

3:30pm

 PEDC presents the Nutcracker!

Monday, December 9

10:30am

 Move Along

3:30pm

 D&D for Kids

6:30pm

 "Krissy E" Trivia Night - Christmas

Tuesday, December 10

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

4:00pm

 Chanukah Storytime!

6:15pm

 Finance Committee Meeting

6:30pm

 Franklin Garden Club: Holiday Auction

6:30pm

 Foreign Film Night

7:00pm

 School Committee meeting

7:00pm

 FHS Concert - Band

7:30pm

 Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting

7:30pm

 Let's Laugh Today

Wednesday, December 11

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

3:30pm

 Crafternoon! (FOFL)

6:00pm

 HMMS Concert

6:30pm

 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

6:30pm

 Teen Advisory Board

6:00pm

 Town Council meeting - OCPF Forum

7:00pm

 Julian Gerstin Sextet

Thursday, December 12

 Scholastic Art Deadline

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story Xplorers

4:00pm

 Bookworm Bounce Storytime!

7:00pm

 Frankin Music Boosters Meeting

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Dec 6 to THU - Dec 12

Franklin Food Pantry Announces Appointments to Board of Directors

New Members Bring Community Experience to Board

The Franklin Food Pantry announced that Franklin community members, Nancy Schoen and Roberta DeBaggis Trahan have joined its Board of Directors to help reach its mission to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions within the Franklin area.

"On behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry and the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Schoen and Ms. Trahan to the Board," said Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "Both women have extensive experience serving nonprofits and have deep roots in the Franklin community that will help guide us as we continue to grow the Pantry and serve our neighbors."

Nancy Schoen

Nancy Schoen is a retired music teacher where she spent thirty-three years in the Franklin Public Schools as a teacher and K-12 Director of Music. In 2005, she represented Franklin and the Massachusetts Teachers Association as the 2005 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Nancy continues to teach in the Franklin Lifelong Learning's String Program. She is a graduate of University of Massachusetts Amherst, (BMus) and Cambridge College (MEd). Nancy continues to be an active volunteer in the Franklin community. She is currently Chair of the Franklin Cultural District Committee and is an active member of St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Society.

"For the last thirty five years I have enjoyed living, working and raising my family in Franklin. During the last two years, I have volunteered with the St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul, Through my work with this group I have become more aware of the needs of so many in our community," said Ms. Schoen. "The Franklin Food Pantry is such an incredible resource for those in need. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful organization."

Roberta DeBaggis Trahan

Roberta DeBaggis Trahan is a lifelong member of the Franklin community. She is a retired Critical Care Registered Nurse having worked in Adult ICU for 44 years, is a graduate of FHS, Saint Vincent Hospital School of Nursing and Worcester State University. She is actively involved as a volunteer with many community organizations: Vice President of Franklin Downtown Partnership; FPAC/TBB member; Vice President of The Franklin Education Foundation; Chair of Saint Mary Parish Council, FPS Student Wellness Advisory Council member and The Franklin Cultural District Committee. She is a past member of the Franklin School Committee having served for 10 years and has volunteered for various other community organizations in the past.

"I have always supported the Food Pantry from afar and when the opportunity presented itself for me to become more actively involved, I agreed," said Ms. DeBaggis Trahan. "I am thankful for all the blessings in my life, especially for my family and friends and for a community that embraces those less fortunate. It seemed fitting that I'd be able to give my time to assist this worthy organization, not from afar but up close. I'm looking forward to supporting the Food Pantry's mission and to work to accomplish the goals we have set for the coming year."

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,000 individuals. Clients have access to a variety of fresh, frozen and nonperishable foods on monthly scheduled shopping trips as well as Walk-in Fridays. They can visit the Pantry daily for fruits, vegetables, bread and pastry. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. In 2018, 304,824 pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.