FM #211 - Senior Center Outlook - March 2020

FM #211

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 211 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

Karen Alves and I sat down at the Senior Center to review what is happening at the center for the month of March. As you’ll hear, there is a whole lot going on. We also get some teasers into what early April brings to the schedule.

A copy of the newsletter is provided in the show notes. Please call the Senior Center (508-520-4945) to add your home address to the postal mail delivery of your copy.

You can subscribe to receive your newsletter via email on the Town of Franklin subscription page https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes so join me in listening as Karen and I review what’s coming up at the Senior Center in March.

Audio file link:  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrNBYLhX



Connections newsletter link:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/mar20connection.pdf




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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?

• 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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #211 - Senior Center Outlook - March 2020

FHS Theatre presents "Six Rounds of Vengeance"

Franklin High School Theatre Company presents

Six Rounds of Vengeance

Friday Feb 28, 2020, 7:30 PM

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door on Friday

https://www.onthestage.com/show/franklin-high-school-theatre-company/six-rounds-of-vengeance-30787/

Franklin High School Theatre Company presents  Six Rounds of Vengeance

 

In the News: Early voting underway; 39 state coalition to sue Juul Labs

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

"The Daily News is tracking early voting turnout in our largest communities. Here is a day-by-day breakdown of the numbers for Framingham, Franklin, Hopkinton, Natick, Marlborough, Milford, Hudson and Medway. 

Want to vote early this year? Massachusetts allows it, although its convenience could vary based on where you live. 

In an effort to boost voter turnout, early voting first started in 2016. This is first time voting has been allowed during a primary."

In the table for Franklin, there were 253 voters on Monday and 264 voters on Tuesday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200225/how-many-people-have-voted-early-day-by-day-counts-on-voter-turnout

Early voting sign in the lobby of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St

"A coalition of 39 states will look into the marketing and sales of vaping products by Juul Labs, including whether the company targeted youths and made misleading claims about nicotine content in its devices, officials announced Tuesday. 

Attorneys general from Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Texas said they will lead the multi-state investigation into San Francisco-based Juul, which also is facing lawsuits by teenagers and others who say they became addicted to the company’s vaping products. 

The state officials said they also will investigate the company’s claims about the risk, safety and effectiveness of its vaping products as smoking cessation devices. 

“I will not prejudge where this investigation will lead,” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a statement, “but we will follow every fact and are prepared to take strong action in conjunction with states across the nation to protect public health.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200225/a-world-of-hurt-39-states-to-investigate-juuls-marketing

MSBDC Workshop on February 26 HAS BEEN POSTPONED

DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT, THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE POSTPONED.

WATCH YOUR INBOX FOR AN UPDATE NEXT WEEK WITH A NEW DATE.

Workshop: Are Your Small business Policies and Practices in Compliance?

The workshop had been shared here last week
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/workshop-are-your-small-business.html

Live reporting: New business to Closing (Executive Session)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

elementary school improvement plans
DECA TBD

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 11, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed.
B. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the February 11, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed to be released.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $30.00 from music parents for in-house enrichment for the music department as detailed.
D. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $851.00 from Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

motion to approve items b, c, d, seconded, passed 6-0 (a to be revised and brought back for vote next time)


VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session
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.

motion to go to executive session, seconded, passed 6-0
(via roll call (Keenan absent))


XI. Adjournment


"Please note that the Superintendent's Reports or any Presentations will not be posted prior to the meeting"
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-25-2020-school-committee-packet

Live reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion Only Items

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – First Reading
I recommend moving Policy BEDH – Public Participation at School Committee meetings to a second reading as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

B. Establish New Student Activities Club
I recommend approval of the establishment of new student activities as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0


IV. Discussion Only Items 
- none

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)

budget subcomm, march 4 meeting

communication meeting, Mar 5

Facilities Analysis, thursday, talk about tonight, plan for session on March 5


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

March 31 next meeting on Substance abuse task force

March 24 SWAC next meeting

Live reporting: Recommended budget FY 2021

B. FY21 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget

Sara and Miriam Goodman making the presentation

(copy to be added later when made available by the District)

FPS FY 2021 Superintendent's Recommended Budget from Franklin Matters

Also available on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-rec-budget-presentation

Town allocation not yet available (that is the amount the Town of Franklin will provide)

budget drivers focusing on "critical needs"

as identified by the planning process and district improvement plan details (covered in other meetings) 

Assume Town of Franklin gets $3m in expected revenue, with schools proposing an increase of $3.9m over last year we have a math problem! pic.twitter.com/GZgc7u95da

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 26, 2020

Assume Town of Franklin gets $3m in expected revenue, with schools proposing an increase of $3.9m over last year we have a math problem

Another $1.2M in unmet needs NOT included in the budget as shown

Additional budget documents can be found on the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

Live Reporting: School Committee - Feb 25, 2020

Present: D'Angelo, Pfeffer, Scofield, Bergen, Spencer, Stokes
Absent: Keenan


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

• nice Feb break, well needed
• FHS theater performance coming this weekend
• MICA showcase performance Mar 10
• as of Weds 100 days to graduation
• best buddies prom, March 20
• DECA to Boston this weekend

D. Superintendent’s Report
March 3 - professional development day , also Presidential Primary
elementary and secondary groups for sessions for trauma training
curriculum teams meeting on frameworks
science standards at Elementary

also 15 mins for cyber security training

extra care in cleaning schools over the week break
following the MA DEP for public health alerts
follow protocols for good hygiene habits (akin to flu)

SAFE Coalition open house, Feb 13
new office suite in Norfolk

open meeting law re: web site outage, info was posted on Friday so in advance of the time period required for open meeting law requirements


II. Guests/Presentations
A. Franklin Demographic Presentation 
– Jerome McKibben, McKibben Associates

difference between forecast and projections
population forecasts drive the enrollment

if assumptions are followed, the forecast should be within 2%

key assumption is the mortgage interest rate, buyer side of the market
with dual incomes and college debt, key to mortgage approvals

275 existing home sales for next ten years

retirement doesn't drive downsizing, death of one or mobility of one are key factors

population distribution key to enrollment, not births, deaths, or migrations

presentation to be added Weds
audio to be made available later this week
(Note: there is also another presentation forum on this topic scheduled for March 5 at Horace Mann cafeteria)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/demographic-presentation

FPS Demographics Presentation from Franklin Matters

Assumed to be supporting documentation for the presentation
(was not referenced during the meeting but was posted to the packet web page)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/enrollment-forecast

lots of discussion, lots of nuances. stay tuned for the copy to read and review on your own


building capacity report due in April time frame

FPS: Community Information Night about Enrollment Forecast - March 5

February 25, 2020

Good afternoon,

We are writing to make you aware that Jerry McKibben of McKibben Associates will be presenting a district-wide enrollment forecast to the School Committee at tonight's meeting. This enrollment forecast uses the town's demographic data to predict school-age enrollment for the next ten years.

In order to provide the community with additional opportunities to hear the information and ask questions, the Facilities Analysis Subcommittee of the School Committee is holding a follow-up community information session on Thursday, March 5 from 7-8:30 PM in the Horace Mann Middle School Cafeteria. Childcare will be available.

Please use this form to RSVP, which will help our planning: https://forms.gle/MkuQfb2Q1ryWyaLNA

Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

FM #210 - Civil Discourse Pledge Discussion (audio)

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 210 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

At the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Feb 12, 2020 the discussion started on a proposal to pledge to conduct a civil discourse. Some of the Councilors objected to this “aspirational” proposal and the measure was ultimately tabled to the March 4 meeting to allow Councilor Hamblen to participate. Councilor Melanie Hamblen had been the one initiating this and she was not participating in this meeting due to her mother’s passing.

From my notes reported live during the meeting:

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-14: The Town of Franklin Civil Discourse Pledge (Motion to approve Resolution 20-14 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-14_franklin_web.pdf

motion to table to March 4, seconded, passed 8-0

Yes, my notes are sparse as I was on the edge of my seat, following the conversation, ready to jump in. It didn’t get opened to the public. It was tabled for next session.

I have a unique position in that I have been participating regularly for the past 14 years in many meetings each year. I get to watch and observe the behavior and conduct of many of our Town appointed officials (and by that I mean all the board and committee person volunteers) as well as the municipal employees. As a general rule, the behavior is above board, as it should be. Unfortunately, there have been times when I squirmed in my seat due to what was happening. For those times, this measure could help to guide and prevent further occurrences.

A couple of Councilors questioned whether what they have already sworn to or agreed to is changed by this. As Attorney Mark Cerel answered “This is aspirational”. For the few squirmy occasions that come to mind, the referenced oaths and guidelines were not adhered to. Maybe this aspirational item will. While admittedly, this measure has no ‘teeth’ to it, it may not. One can hold out hope that it does!

For reference, I have included links in the show notes for:

• The Role of the Town Council document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/role.pdf
• The Procedures manual of the Town Council (which includes “The Role of the Town Council” doc) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/procedures_manual_.pdf
• Franklin Town Charter document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_charter_2010.pdf

The link to the proposal text and associated supporting material that Town Administrator Jamie Hellen mentions is also provided.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-14_franklin_web.pdf



I would encourage you to review and prepare for the continued conversation March 4. If you can’t be in attendance, please reach out to one or more of the Councilors to let them know where you stand on this matter.

The recording runs approx. 22 minutes (which included the full reading of the proposal text).

Audio link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hy6gCj6X



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

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?

• 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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

one of the many "Hearts of Kindness" hung around the Town Common by school kids for Valentine's Day

Community Forum to Address Preparedness For Climate Impacts And Hazard Mitigation Plan

On March 2, 2020 the Town of Franklin will host a Community Forum to discuss the impacts of climate change on Franklin and actions the town can take to prepare for those impacts. The community forum will be held at 6:00 PM at the Franklin Municipal Building. All Franklin residents, businesses, and civic organizations are invited and encouraged to participate.

The Community Forum will present the results of a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Workshop that was held on November 20, 2019 jointly by the Towns of Franklin and Bellingham. The MVP Workshop brought together Town Board and Committee members, municipal staff, local businesses, institutions, and civic organizations to identify how Franklin and Bellingham may be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as well as the towns’ strengths and actions they may take to increase their resilience.

The forum will also summarize the 2020 Update of the Town of Franklin’s Hazard Mitigation Plan which is currently being prepared by Franklin with the assistance of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC).

Franklin residents, business owners, civic organizations and institutions are invited to attend the forum and provide their input as part of this on-going effort to plan for the Town’s future.


Monday, March 2, 2020, 6:00 PM 

Franklin Municipal Building, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street Franklin, MA

MAPC is the regional planning agency for 101 communities in the metropolitan Boston area, promoting smart growth and regional collaboration. More information about MAPC is available at www.mapc.org.

Community Forum to Address Preparedness For Climate Impacts And Hazard Mitigation Plan

FHS boys basketball top Doherty 77-59 in playoffs

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS boys basketball playoff win vs. Doherty High School

"One of the strengths of Franklin this season has been different players stepping up at different times. The Panthers are a hard team to match up with because it is hard to pinpoint one player that needs to be shut down.

In Monday night’s Div. 1 Central opener, Franklin’s depth was on full display. Senior guard Brayden Sullivan led the way with a game-high 23 points, including 12 in the third quarter alone, but he had plenty of help. Three players scored in double figures, as the Panthers beat visiting Doherty 77-59 and advanced to the sectional quarterfinal.

“That’s been the strength of ours all season, not having one guy that you come in and shut down and say we’ll stop one guy and be fine,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely. “We have a lot of guys who put it in the hoop and we’ve got a lot of guys who do a lot of different things for us.”

Chris Edgehill (nine points) got the night going by scoring Franklin’s first five points, but then Sullivan started to heat up. He drilled a three-pointer to put the Panthers up 10-7 and then got a steal and a layup, plus the foul, to extend the lead to six. He scored eight points in the first quarter and Franklin grabbed a 17-10 lead after one."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/sullivan-sparks-franklin-boys-basketball-in-playoff-opener-against-doherty/

For the photo gallery from the game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Doherty-Boys-Basketball-2-24-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-02-24-20/

Brayden Sullivan (25) scored a game-high 23 points and sparked the Panthers with a typically strong defensive effort as Franklin opened the playoffs with a big win against Doherty. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch - March 1

BLACK BOX Jazz will present The Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch on Sunday, March 1 at noon. The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as The Count Basie Orchestra and The Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:45 AM, with music beginning at noon. Brunch by Franklin’s Intermission Cafe includes assorted mini quiche, bacon, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and granola, bagels, muffins, OJ, and coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA.

Kenny Hadley Big Band to return to THE BLACK BOX - Mar 1

St John's Episcopal: Lenten services

• Ash Wednesday Service - February 26 at 7 PM

• Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study 

Join us to read and discuss Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr. Mondays, March 2nd & 9th from 6-8 PM.
 
St John's Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St, Franklin

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector
(cell) 857-237-9428
www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org

St John's Episcopal: Lenten services

"We quickly realized the collection was much more than we had originally hoped for"

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

"What goes around comes around.

That is certainly the case with a collection of historic images that originated in Franklin, left Franklin, and have now returned to Franklin, giving new meaning to the phrase and leaving local historians elated.

The Franklin Historical Commission has acquired what they are describing as an historical treasure trove -- more than 600 photographic negatives on glass plates, in addition to printed photos, recording scenes of everyday life in the town around the turn of the last century.

The images were among close to 1,000 glass plate negatives that were put up for auction by Coyle’s Auction Inc. of Medway, which also included images captured in Oak Bluffs, Marstons Mills, Plainville, Wrentham, Sheldonville, Medway and Bellingham. The Franklin images comprised the bulk of the items put up for auction."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200224/treasured-trove-franklin-historians-acquire-hundreds-of-antique-town-images/1

"the glass negatives will be carefully cataloged, scanned and digitized for archival protection and to make them more widely available"