Franklin (MA) School Committee - budget workshop - Dec 1

The School Committee has a budget workshop scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 1, 2020. This is the second one this year. Recall five of the seven members were new to the committee for the first workshop held in January 2020 (pre-COVID-19) was both learning experience as well as preparation for the FY 2021 budget cycle.

The world has changed a little bit since January 2020. The School Committee is now somewhat more 'experienced' albeit during this pandemic period. This workshop is designed to help them prepare for the FY 2022. 

(Note: the fiscal government calendar runs from July 1 to the next June 30, with the year called as the ending June year. So we are operating in Nov 2020 in the FY 2021 fiscal budget and planning for the budget that would fund operations for July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 - hence FY 2022).

There is a lot of information in the prelease packet for this workshop. To continue to frame the budget process is this overview.

budget process overview

The full agenda doc (with links to supporting material and connection info) can be found  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_workshop_agenda_0.pdf

From the archives: the audio file and notes from the first workshop Jan 14, 2020

• Jan 14,2020 (budget workshop) (audio)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-192-school-committee-budget-workshop.html

FHS' Cain, O'Neill, and Moccia named boys soccer all-stars for Fall 2020

Below are the official 20020 Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

KELLEY-REX DIVISION ALL STARS

Ethan Cain, Franklin
Terry O’Neill, Franklin

Honorable Mention:

Ben Moccia, Franklin

For the full listing of the Hockomock League all-stars

https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-boys-soccer-all-stars/

FHS boys soccer all-stars for Fall 2020

What changes after COVID-19

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"We’re almost there.” That’s what I’ve been thinking recently, and especially during our eerily sparse Thanksgiving celebrations. Things may be unpleasant now, but if everything goes well, then sometime next summer, we should reach the end of this miserable journey through plagueland.

But on closer inspection, the more I realize I don’t really know what “there” will look like. For all the talk of a “return to normal,” large chunks of the old normal are due for a post-covid-19 rethink. And I’m not just talking about movies heading to video or takeout cocktails — though, please, let’s keep the takeout cocktails. The more I think about it, the more I think I’m talking about practically everything.

The most obvious place to start is with the health-care system. Hopefully, people are already considering how to strengthen the medical supply chains that broke early in the pandemic and stayed broken too long — including reforming the reimbursement systems that reward medical procedures rather than basics such as protective equipment. We need to reward nursing homes for the basics, too, like cleaning and infectious-disease control, rather than costly extra services — a perverse system that damn near amounted to geronticide when the pandemic hit. These things should have been fixed decades ago; the next best time is right now."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/11/29/what-changes-after-covid-19-im-betting-everything/

When we get out of this pandemic is still open for speculation, but let's take some time to discuss what the post-pandemic period will look like. Feel free to comment on:

• What has changed and should remain?
• What has changed and should return to 'normal'?

To get things started, I propose the meeting protocol of hybrid should be the new normal. The Zoom access provides opportunity to participate more so than ever could fit in the Council Chambers. 

a recent School Committee meeting with 45 participants in Zoom, others in the room and others watching via cable

CommonWealth Magazine: "Not easy being young during COVID"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"WE’VE KNOWN for as long as COVID-19 has been in our collective headspace that the illness is most threatening to older people. But when it comes to financial and mental health, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic fall most heavily on young people.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the MassINC Polling Group has surveyed Massachusetts residents on many elements of physical, mental, and economic well-being. The data clearly illustrate that the coronavirus crisis is one that piles impacts on vulnerable populations.

Groups hardest hit by the pandemic are disproportionately young — immigrants, frontline workers, people of color, and Gateway City residents. Add this to the fact that COVID also poses specific challenges to people just because of their phase of life, not because they fall into any of these groups. Young people are much more likely to be part-time and hourly workers, renters, and parents of young children, all of whom are facing unique hardship. All of this is often overlooked in conversations focusing on the virus itself, since young people tend to be at relatively lower risk of serious health impacts."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/not-easy-being-young-during-covid/

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/not-easy-being-young-during-covid/

The Sun Chronicle: "Hockomock Area YMCA theater groups will present shows in early December"

From The Sun Chronicle, we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"Students in the Hockomock Area YMCA's Broad-Y Academy and Theatre Institute will in early December present virtual productions they have been preparing for the last few months.

The Broad-Y Academy will present "A Virtual Christmas Carol" at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 1 p.m. Dec. 6. It’s the classic Dickens story with a modern twist -- all the scenes take place via phone or video call.Twenty local youth ages 7-14 rehearsed and prerecorded the play on Zoom from their own homes. “It was so fun to see how each student took the time to set up and decorate their individual performance space to make it special even though we were physically apart,” says Director Julia Paolino.

Simultaneously, The Theatre Institute, an intensive pre-professional training program for high school students, has been hard at work crafting their annual musical theater showcase, which will be streamed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. This year’s showcase is titled “Together Apart” and features songs in which the characters exist in physically separate spaces, but connect with each other nonetheless."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://t.co/Mrra8qRyIu 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/tMPhvpyXH8

The Sun Chronicle: "Hockomock Area YMCA theater groups will present shows in early December"

Voices of Franklin: Dellorco Endorses Chiklis

On Saturday, December 5th, the Town of Franklin will be holding a special election to fill a vacant Town Council seat. I am impressed that we have four special candidates running for this seat.  While all of them have great qualities, there is one candidate, that stands out as a candidate that would be a great and vital addition to the Town Council.  

I would like to endorse Gregory Chiklis Ph.D. for the open Town Council seat.  Greg has been a Franklin resident and business owner for over 20 years.  Greg is an active member of the community, raising his family and participating in many community activities.  He volunteered many years as a coach in the Franklin Youth Baseball League.  Greg took a leadership role at the Franklin Rod and Gun Club, providing activities for for the youth in Franklin.  

It is in this past year that I have seen how committed Greg is to this community.  During the Pandemic, Greg has spent countless hours providing COVID testing to  Franklin Public Employees and anyone else that asked.  He also, just recently, tested several students coming home from College, to ensure the health and safety of the students, their families, and the community.  As a current business owner, he has vast experience with budgets and planning.  He has committed to working hard to bring new businesses to Franklin.  

I am asking you to consider voting for Gregory Chiklis on Saturday, December 5th at Franklin High School,   Greg has the commitment, compassion, and experience to get the job done! 

Thank you!

Robert Dellorco

Submitted by the candidate

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2782687022001306/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Agenda
 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
 

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES   
None Scheduled
 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
None Scheduled
 

5. APPOINTMENTS   
None Scheduled
 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm   
  1  Franklin Tax Classification Hearing
     -   Legislation for Action Items: 10a., 10b., 10c., 10d.
  2  Comcast of Massachusetts II, INC. Cable Television Renewal License 12/2/2020 - 12/1/2030
        Legislation for Action Item: 10e.
  3  Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season
        Legislation for Action Item: 10f.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
None Scheduled
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
Cyber Fraud Spear Phishing Incident: Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen & IT Director, Tim Rapoza
 

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-68: Tax Classification Residential Factor (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-68 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68.pdf
 

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-69: Tax Classification - Open Space Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-69 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-69_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption_0.pdf
 

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-70: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-70 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-70_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption_0.pdf
 

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-71: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-71 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-71_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption_0.pdf
 

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-72: Comcast of Massachusetts II, Inc. Cable License Renewal (Motion to approve Resolution 20-72 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-72_cable_0.pdf
 

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-863 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-863_fees_0.pdf
 

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-73: Gift acceptance - Police Department, $2,025 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-73 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-73_gift_pd.pdf
 

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-74: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-74 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-74_peg.pdf
 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS   
 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS   
 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
None Scheduled

 

ADJOURN   

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

 

Connection info for this meeting contained in the agenda doc

• Meeting folder  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing

 

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Stream the premiere of Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE!

Premiering November 29th 7:30 PM

Filmed in front of a LIVE studio audience in December 2019,  this hour long special features over 15 holiday favorites, a live band, and of course... TAP DANCING!

Available to stream for one week, through December 6th, 7:30PM

Click here (https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/43288) to buy a ticket for the scheduled Premiere!

NOTE:  for the scheduled premiere, you can use your access code up to 1 hour prior to the event until the end of the event. You can not rewind or rewatch the stream.

Click here (https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/43289) to watch the show at your convenience On Demand between Nov 29th and December 6th.   

NOTE: For Video On Demand, you can use your access code anytime between November 29th, 7:30 pm and December 6th, 7:30 PM  and it is valid for 48 hours from the first time it is entered/used. Please note the 48 hours will be cut short if you do not watch 48 hours prior to the end of the watch period, December 6th, 7:30 PM.   Video On Demand events allow you to rewind at any time. 

The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! (Premiere and on-demand recordings)

Preview/trailer -> https://youtu.be/APKYV748Giw

FM #402 School Committee Meeting - 11/24/20 part 2 of 2 (audio)

 FM #402 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 402 in the series. 

This session shares one of two segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 24, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Superintendent's evaluation (about 1 hour 18 minutes)
• Second - picks up Discussion Only Items through the remainder of the meeting. (about 42 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the Superintendent’s Report and Portrait of a Graduate presentation copy. Those are usually posted to the folder the day after the meeting. (Given the holiday weekend, they won’t be available until later on Monday, Nov 30, 2020)

Let’s listen to this second segment of the School Committee meeting of Nov 24, 2020. Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hck0Vw4S

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-24-20.pdf 

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-24-2020-school-committee-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/school-committee-meeting-recap-nov-24.html  

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, 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!

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

Superintendent Sara Ahern provides an update

FM #401 School Committee Meeting - 11/24/20 part 1 of 2 (audio)

FM #401 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 401 in the series. 

This session shares one of two segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 24, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Superintendent's evaluation (about 1 hour 18 minutes)
• Second - picks up Discussion Only Items through the remainder of the meeting. (about 42 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the Superintendent’s Report and Portrait of a Graduate presentation copy. Those are usually posted to the folder the day after the meeting. (Given the holiday weekend, they won’t be available until later on Monday, Nov 30, 2020)

Let’s listen to this first segment of the School Committee meeting of Nov 24, 2020. Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HV52YD4S

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-24-20.pdf 

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-24-2020-school-committee-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/school-committee-meeting-recap-nov-24.html  

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, 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!

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

Superintendent Sara Ahern provides an update

FHS Panther Hockey: annual decorating of the Town Common

Thank you!

"Our annual decorating of the common at Christmas!  Thank you Hillside Nurseries, Beth O'Reilly,  Ryan Jette, Tina Connelly, Vanessa Blinco, Dan Sheehan, Coach Sarno, all the parents who brought ladders and all that helped today!  Awesome day! @FHSSports @FHS_Puck @PanthersJvPuck"

Shared from Twitter =  https://t.co/n9YXHmqMTo

FHS Panther Hockey: annual decorating of the Town Common

Think Franklin First - gift cards now on sale

"Today is the day! Think Franklin First gift cards are now available for purchase both online and at Dean Bank!  

You can redeem the gift cards at the local businesses pictured below beginning next week!  

www.franklingiftcard.com #thinkfranklinfirst #GivetheGiftofFranklin #localsupport #shoplocal #keepitlocal Dean Bank, Random Smile Project"

Buy your gift card online = www.franklingiftcard.com

Or in person at the Dean Bank branch office on Main St, Franklin

Use the gift cards at these participating Franklin businesses =   https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

Shared from Facebook =   https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/3334797786630718/

Think Franklin First - gift cards now on sale

CommonWealth Magazine: child care “holding our economy hostage”

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

"CHILD CARE’S CRITICAL importance to our economy was obvious as the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the Commonwealth. Some parents scrambled to work remotely while caring for children. Others rushed to secure care so they could perform essential work, much of it on the frontlines to ensure the health and well-being of Massachusetts residents. 

But even as the pandemic revealed the essential nature of child care, it’s also made it more vulnerable than ever. Lawmakers are entering a critical moment for the early education and care sector as they debate the 2021 fiscal year budget. And the pandemic may be coloring perceptions about the demand for child care that could hurt children and families in the long run. 

The fact is that the child care supply has dwindled in Massachusetts during the pandemic as providers closed in the face of fiscal challenges or limited enrollment to accommodate new safety protocols. The Department of Early Education and Care recently reported that enrollment is at 66 percent of pre-COVID numbers. This sharp drop includes parents who have chosen not to send their children or who now need very different arrangements than they did prior to the pandemic. As lawmakers account for these changes in the upcoming budget, do the current COVID-related trends signal decreased demand and justify a reduction in investments to stabilize and secure the sector? 

The simple answer? No. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/state-leaders-must-invest-in-child-care/ 

"IF THERE WAS ever any doubt that the state’s system of early education and care for very young children was on the brink of crisis with far-reaching consequences, the COVID-19 pandemic has erased it. Congresswoman Katherine Clark, whose bill to  invest $50 billion in the sector was passed by the House of Representatives in July,  recently said that a COVID-19-related lack of access to child care was “holding our economy hostage.” 

Her observation is borne out by testimony collected in September by the state’s Commission on the Status of Women. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of women reported that COVID-19-related changes to child care arrangements had affected their ability to work. Included in this group were early care and education business owners themselves, who explained that if their own children could not attend school then they could not keep their businesses open. One reported that she was on the verge of losing her child care center, which had been serving her community for 17 years. 

Solutions such as Congresswoman Clark’s bill, which treats child care and early education programs as an essential public good requiring public investment, are key to ensuring that the sector doesn’t collapse under the weight of urgent needs from young families and their employers. Given the complex problems facing the field and early educators’ expertise and innovative approaches to problems of practice, it’s also important to center early educators in the policy making process."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/crisis-in-early-education-and-care-demands-action/

The report on childcare and the workforce referenced in this article can be found here:  https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/blogs.umb.edu/dist/3/4418/files/2020/10/UMass-Boston-EEC-Workforce-Survey-Report-October-2020-Final-Updated.pdf

“It is totally reasonable to have your own beliefs, but when those beliefs get in the way of yourself, your children, parents, or other people, that’s when it becomes problematic”

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"For as long as there have been vaccines, there have been people like Winnie Harrison who shun them.

Harrison, 67, a former educator and mother of four, became an ardent disbeliever in immunizations after her first child had an adverse reaction to a measles, mumps, and rubella shot some three decades ago. But it wasn’t until recent years that she and other skeptics began to forge online connections, fostering fear about vaccines and what doctors call a growing ecosystem of health misinformation that has only ramped up amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The founder of the Connecticut Vaccine Rights League, Harrison administers her group’s Facebook page, one of hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands, nationwide that dole out testimonials from antivaccine activists and celebrities, memes of doctors sharing now discredited claims about vaccines — and, more recently, warnings about the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccines. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/28/nation/theres-big-obstacle-looming-coronavirus-vaccines-stronger-antivaccine-movement/

Someone special celebrates their 100th birthday in Dec, if you can send a card it would be great!

We have a very special lady celebrating her 100th birthday this Dec. 24th right here in Franklin.  Her name is Ethel Pizzi and her family would love nothing more than to have Ethel receive a hundred cards for her birthday!  

If you are so inclined please mail a Birthday Card to:

Ethel Pizzi
131 Wachusett St.
Franklin, MA 02038

Let’s help Ethel have the BEST birthday and know how loved she is! 

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

Franklin Senior Center

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small