9th annual Culinary Cabaret - April 3

Join us at THE BLACK BOX when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous food, wine and entertainment!

The 9th annual Culinary Cabaret spotlights this region's outstanding culinary talent, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, flavorful dishes and delectable desserts!

Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth!

When: April 3, 2020 - 7:00 to 10:00 PM

Where: THE BLACK BOX,  15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA

Your all-inclusive ticket delivers a delicious, entertaining evening!
Check out our website for more information and updates.
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1353

Only until March 1st - save $20 on a pair of tickets, so get your tickets today!

 

9th annual Culinary Cabaret - April 3

FM #212 - School Committee meeting - demographics study 2/25/20 (audio)

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 212 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

The expected demographics study was presented during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2020. Expected? Yes, This is ONE key piece of the information that needs to be gathered and digested to enable the School Committee and community to make a decision on what needs to be done to prepare for enrollment and facilities.

The potential for closing the Davis Thayer school has been talked of off and on for several years. The work is now underway to look at that and what it would mean for the district and community as a whole.

The demographics study presented is ONE key piece of the information needed for such a decision. As outlined by Superintendent Sara Ahern at the end of the presentation segment, the SECOND key piece is expected in or around April as the facility analysis arrives from that consultant.

For our existing school facilities, what capacity do we have for students in each building based upon current or anticipated requirements? The capacity report should provide the answer to that question. One could go back to when each building was built and look at what it was designed for but the educational requirements have changed considerably since then. Davis Thayer for example, since it is the key item driving the question, was built as a high school and is now being used as an elementary school.

Along the course of the discussion you’ll hear James McKibben comment on space requirements. Note - this was not part of his charter, his was only to focus on the demographics - however, from his experience in working with other districts, he can say that due to special education requirements the space (that is, square foot requirements) per student will increase.

Pay attention to the assumptions, there are 19 of them. Mr McKibben counts a couple as more critical than others. The mortgage interest rate most would acknowledge as important. The lower it is, the more willing buyers will be. Of interest is the amount of existing home sales required to maintain our population. Per his calculations, 275 homes per year.

The presentation doc is linked in the show note so you can follow along.
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


More analysis and insights will be discussed over time as we all digest the numbers. The discussion runs about an hour and 10 minutes so without further ado, let’s listen in.   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-212-school-committee-meeting-demographics-study

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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.  I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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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"

James McKibben presenting the demographics study to the School Committee

FHS girls hockey ends playoff run with 0-3 loss to Austin Prep; boys basketball and hockey playoffs continue today

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Wednesday, and outlook for playoff games today

• Girls Hockey = Division 1

#31 Franklin, 0 @ #2 Austin Prep, 3 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-26-20/

games scheduled for Thursday

• Boys Basketball = D1 Central

#6 Franklin @ #3 Natick, 6:30

• Boys Hockey = D1 South

#10 Franklin @ #7 King Philip, 5:20 (@ Canton Ice House)

For other Hockomock League games scheduled for Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-27-20/

FHS girls hockey ends playoff run with 0-3 loss to Austin Prep

FHS gymnastics Results from MIAA South Sectional Meet

Below are the FHS results from the MIAA South Sectional Meet which was held on Saturday, February 22nd at Algonquin High School. (via HockomockSports.com)

EVENT RESULTS
Place	School	Overall Score	Beam	Bars	Vault	Floor
1	Algonquin	144.675	35.425	34.55	37.75	36.95
3	North Attleboro	142.225	35.45	35.325	35.05	36.4
4	Mansfield	141.25	36.075	35.05	35.35	34.775
6	Franklin	135.4	34	32.7	34.1	34.6
9	Oliver Ames	134.8	33.7	32	34.9	34.2
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
Rank	Name	School	Beam	Bars	Vault	Floor	All-Around
1	Elizabeth Debroczy	Algonquin	9.5	9.55	9.8	9.625	38.475
11	Kate Rudolph	Franklin	8.8	8.55	9	8.95	35.3
21	Caroline Woelfel	Franklin	8.05	7.65	8.5	8.65	32.85
38	Lexi Lupien	Franklin	8.45	-	7.8	8.3	24.55
40	Ashley Hammann	Franklin	-	7.45	8.35	8.65	24.45
44	Emma Nelson	Franklin	-	8.25	8.25	7.55	24.05

For the top 50 individuals for the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/hock-results-from-2020-miaa-south-sectional-meet/

@FHS_Gymnastics/Twitter

Reminder: St. Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group - March 7

The St. Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group invites all interested women to attend a monthly program based on Bishop Robert Barron’s critically acclaimed “Catholicism” series. Our next meeting will take place on March 7 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Hall in the lower church, located at One Church Square, Franklin, MA. 

We meet on the first Saturday of each month. The videos are independent segments, so it is easy to join us at any point in the series. 

Come with an open mind, a willingness to share in informal discussion and a desire to learn more about our Catholic faith. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

St. Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group - March 7

Franklin Residents: Storm water Information Sessions

The Town of Franklin is holding three storm water information sessions to educate residents on the facts of storm water and the financial impact. Come meet Ben Franklin and learn more! Ben will be at all 3 events.

• Friday, March 6, 2020 8 - 10 AM in Town Council Chambers
• Wednesday, March 11, 6 - 8 PM at Franklin TV
• Saturday, March 21, 11 AM - 1 PM at Franklin Library

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/storm_water_8.5_x_11_in_0.pdf

And yes, it is true that Ben will provide the ruff overview! (sorry, that was too good to pass on!)

Franklin Residents: Stormwater Information Sessions Scheduled

Franklin Residents: January Brings a Record Month of Clothing Recycling

January Brings a Record Month of Clothing Recycling

In January 2020 simplerecycling.com picked up 20,437 pounds of clothing for reuse/recycling!

What could be easier than using the pink bags and take it to the curb.

This saves material form ending up in the trash and recycling carts and the residual money ($20/ton) received goes into the curbside solid waste program to reduce fees.

Please spread the word and go to simplerecycling.com for more bags and information.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/january-brings-record-month-clothing-recycling

Franklin Residents: January Brings a Record Month of Clothing Recycling

Broadway March Madness at THE BLACK BOX

Broadway March Madness is coming to THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue in downtown Franklin. Stars of Broadway will be in residence at THE BLACK BOX throughout the month of March.

March Madness begins with THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series on March 7 starring Broadway couple Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey. Broadway icon Kara Lindsay’s credits include Wicked (Glinda), Newsies (Katherine, Original Cast and Fathom Events Film), and Beautiful (Cynthia Weil). Kevin Massey’s Broadway credits include Disney’s Tarzan, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Memphis, and Deaf West’s Big River. His European credits include Disney’s Tarzan and Grease. The special one-night-only concert is sponsored by the Franklin Cultural District Committee and will be followed by master classes for aspiring performers the next day.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents Legally Blonde the Musical March 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. The cast features NYC talent including Ali Funkhouser (national tours of Joseph...Dreamcoat and Evita), Jim Hogan (national tours of Waitress, Phantom of the Opera, Spring Awakening), Emily Koch (Broadway’s WICKED, Waitress), and Andrew Scott Holmes (Princess Cruises) as well as William Berloni Theatrical Dogs. The production re-stages Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography.

Broadway in Franklin returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, March 29 at 3 pm starring Christine Cornish Smith, Chaz Wolcott, and the musical theater students of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Christine Cornish Smith was most recently seen in the Original Broadway Cast revival of Kiss Me, Kate!, where she was a featured dancer in the ensemble and covered Lois Lane/Bianca. Christine is most well known for her portrayal of Bombalurina in the OBC revival of CATS, and was also seen in the OBC of My Fair Lady at the Lincoln Center Theater. For her work in CATS, she was nominated for "Best Female Performance in a Broadway Musical" for the 2017 Chita Rivera Awards. A cum laude graduate of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, she is a former principal dancer with the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet. 

Chaz Wolcott earned his BFA in Dance from Oklahoma City University. As a performer, Chaz has been seen as Buttons on the First National Tour of Disney’s Newsies. You can also catch his performance in Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical, available for digital download on iTunes and Amazon. Chaz starred in the 30th Anniversary Tour of Cats as the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees. He was featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. He was last in Franklin to choreograph FPAC’s Newsies.

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 downtown Franklin, MA

Broadway couple Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey

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




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

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"

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