FM #438 SchComm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 01/14/21 (audio)

FM #438 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 438 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Davis Thayer Facility Analysis meeting held on Thursday, Jan 14, 2021.

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

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis meeting of Jan 14, 2021

Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-438-schcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg-01-14-21

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis.html

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-davisthayer-facility.html
 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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" 

FM #438 SchComm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 01/14/21 (audio)

FM #437 SchComm Budget SubComm Mtg - 01/14/21 (audio)

FM #437 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 437 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget Subcommittee
meeting held on Thursday, Jan 14, 2021.

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

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Budget Subcommittee meeting of Jan 14, 2021

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6bbvfFS

 --------------

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-budget-sub-committee.html

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-budget-subcommmittee.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

FM #437 SchComm Budget SubComm Mtg - 01/14/21 (audio)

Franklin TV: Building Back Better Than Ever!

Looking back, looking ahead – things are looking up. 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/17/2021

 

A year ago at this time we began worrying about this new virus cum pandemic. Eleven months ago we shut down. Our studios remain closed.  They will likely remain closed well into Spring – perhaps longer. Our TV and radio studios are dark. Painful, but necessary.

Along the way we have had to pivot – shift gears – call it what you will, but this new normal that is still defining itself has forced us to revisit everything that we do. Our technical facilities and operations had to be reworked from the ground up – quickly.

First up – Get the radio station reworked to enable remote operations from homes. Franklin Public Radio relies on volunteers to create our weekly programming heard on wfpr.fm. Since last year our volunteers have risen from 17 to 30, almost double. Their programming has expanded from four days to span the entire week.

Town Chambers required a significant facility redesign to incorporate live remote interaction between residents and meeting officials via Zoom. This was done with permanence in mind, providing greatly valued, very convenient access for all. There are more planned improvements pending through Spring. We have also upgraded our website, adding live streaming in HD for all three of our channels as well as video-on-demand service for our programs and government meetings.

More recently, we have also added live high school sports coverage for parents who can’t attend our Panther games. We are continuing to refine and expand this effort. We are working with neighboring towns to carry the ‘away’ games as well. Like our radio and government efforts, this also is a permanent change for the better.

Change happens. Each and every day we make choices – to have that change affect us as it will, or to drive that change toward a direction of our choosing; converting the daunting challenges of unexpected change into newfound opportunities for growth. Given all that has happened to us in 2020 – and all that we have made happen - and all that we will continue to make happen in 2021 – I am enthused – and grateful. IMHO, 2021 and beyond will be nothing short of amazing – for all of us.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CoeD9xGfhClRjtc8yyZicUOCb3zO5yB1/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Franklin TV: Building Back Better Than Ever!

Franklin Historical Museum: Visit a Federal Period Parlor in Franklin

We invite you to visit the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday afternoons from 1 PM-4 PM. Although our hours are limited, there is still a lot to see.  An exciting, permanent exhibit has recently been installed that is well worth the visit. 

 

Jim Johnston has installed a Federal Parlor in honor of his mother Clara F. Johnston. The beautifully appointed room brings you back in time to the way a Franklin home may have been decorated during the Federal period, late 1700s early 1800s.

 

A new exhibit will open in February that pays tribute to prominent women in Franklin history. Such names as Lydia Ray Pierce, Annie Ray Thayer, Alice Wiggin, Palma DeBaggis Johnson, Loraine Metcalf and Stella Kehayas Jeon are just some of the women who will be featured. 

 

While there please check out our newly revamped and fully stocked Gift Shop. In addition to our popular ornaments, the gift shop offers, Franklin mugs, candles, pillows and many more Franklin themed items. Proceeds from Gift Shop support the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

 

During these sensitive times, the Museum  complies with Covid regulations.  Building occupancy is limited, face masks are required, and names are taken for contact tracing. The museum is wheelchair accessible and admission is always free.

 

Franklin Historical Museum: Visit a Federal Period Parlor in Franklin

FHS boys and girls basketball, girls hockey, and gymnastic teams all post wins on Sunday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 70 @ King Philip, 53 – Final 

– Franklin scored 25 points in the third quarter to turn a halftime deficit into a comfortable lead and win over King Philip. The Warriors had five players score in the second quarter, taking a 28-27 lead at the break. Senior Andrew Byfield scored eight of his 18 points in the third while Declan Walmsley, who hit four three-pointers in the second to keep the Panthers in it, scored 14 of his career-high 29 points in the second half. Danny Clancy added 14 points for the Warriors while Charlie Grant chipped in with 10 points.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Boston Latin, 2 – Final

"5-2 Win over Boston Latin
Goals by Carter (2), Stoller, Greco, and Brown. Congrats to Avery on her first varsity goal!!  3 stars of the game are Avery, Katelyn, and Madi"

https://twitter.com/fhsvgockey/status/1350907388379934724

Gymnastics = Franklin, 140.9 @ Sharon, 117.05 – Final 

– Franklin had a strong showing on Sunday evening, knocking off Sharon by the score of 140.9-117.05. Emma White had the top score in the All Around for the Panthers with a 38.25 while Caroline Woelfel finished with a 34.05.

Top 4 Scores (Franklin only): Vault: Emma White (F) – 9.5 | Lizzie Brown (F) – 8.8 | Emma Nelson (F) – 8.4 | Caroline Woelfel (F) – 8.3 || Bars: E. White (F) – 9.55 | C. Woelfel (F) – 8.3 | Elizabeth Schirduan (F) – 8.75 | E. Nelson (F) 8.15 || Beam: E. White (F) – 9.6 | E. Schirduan (F) – 9.15 | C. Woelfel (F) – 8.65 | Olivia Reagan (F) – 8.25 || Floor: E. White (F) – 9.6 | C. Woelfel (F) – 8.8 | Ashley Hammann (F) – 8.6 | Katherine Kurtz (F) – 8.5

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 62 @ King Philip, 48 – Final

"After playing at King Philip’s pace for the opening eight minutes and heading into the first break down by a point, Franklin coach John Leighton implored his team to slow things down, move the ball around, and look for good shots not just the first shot.

Over the next two quarters, the Panthers did just that, scoring 40 points in the second and third quarters combined and turning that deficit into an 18-point lead. Franklin would lead by as many as 25 points in the fourth and earned a sweep of the Warriors with a 62-48 victory.

“Something you never want is a slow start and that’s exactly what we had,” said Leighton. “We had way too many turnovers, we went too fast, but what I was impressed by is that by the end of the quarter they had bought into the idea of slowing it down, seeing the next step, and when you start getting defensive stops they can’t press as much.”

Continue reading the game recap from Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-overcomes-slow-start-to-sweep-king-philip/

 

For a Photo Gallery from this game:  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Winter-2020-2021/King-Philip-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-1-17-21/

 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-01-17-21/

 

 

Franklin point guard Erin Quaile dished out eight assists to lead the Panthers to a win at King Philip. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Project BOE -Informational Meeting - Jan 24, 2021

Project BOE is a new initiative in the MetroWest area with the aim of supporting historically underrepresented progressive individuals interested in getting involved in local government or running for local office.

• INFORMATIONAL MEETING: SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 @ 3:00 PM

 

Follow the Facebook event for the connection info

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2587147061543240/permalink/2776472175944060/

 

 

Project BOE -Informational Meeting - Jan 24, 2021

 

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee - Jan 20, 2021

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee
Continued from 12-02-2020 Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 20, 2021 - 6:15 PM

 

1.    Call To Order
2.    Town Administrator Evaluation Discussion
3.    Adjourn

 

Connection info contained in the agenda doc:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/_2020-01-20_ta_evaluation_agenda.pdf

 

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen participating in a recent Finance Committee meeting

FHS Gymnastics: Meet Emma and Elizabeth

FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) tweeted on Sun, Jan 17, 2021:

Meet Emma!  https://t.co/dJnaERvAm3

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1350920026568716290


Meet Elizabeth!  https://t.co/KYbOvwaQdQ

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1350919794174922753?

Meet Emma! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/dJnaERvAm3

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 17, 2021

Meet Elizabeth! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @ESchirduan pic.twitter.com/KYbOvwaQdQ

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 17, 2021

50+ Guest Speaker Series event - Wednesday Jan 27, 2021

PIVOT Your Job Search for 2021!

Are you feeling stuck or discouraged about your job search?

Are you wondering what changes 2021 might bring?

NOW is the perfect time for a Job Search Pivot.

Join us for tips, tools, data & support to help you re-start or kickstart your job search, designed for people 50+.

Facilitated by:

• Amy Avergun, Brain-Friendly Instructional Designer and Career Coach
• Susan Drevitch Kelly, Director of 50+ Job Seekers Networking Groups and Career Services Consultant
• Doug Dickson, Chair of Encore Boston Network and former career consultant

Wednesday, January 27, 10-11:50 AM

 
REGISTER HERE:  https://encorebostonnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=941588&item_id=1356214

Brought to you by:  The 50+ Jobseekers Networking Groups and the Encore Boston Network

_._,_._,_

50+ Guest Speaker Series event - Wednesday Jan 27, 2021

"the Biden plan proposes increasing the tax credits to lower health premiums or even “eliminate” them"

 

"Tucked into President-elect Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan is a one-sentence provision that could drive billions in federal subsidies to help people afford to buy health insurance.

The proposal would do two things: make upper-middle-income Americans newly eligible for premium subsidies on Obamacare marketplaces, and increase the financial help that already goes to lower-income enrollees. Taken together, some experts expect these changes to drive more sign-ups for Healthcare.gov plans after they fell in the Trump era.

Democrats have spent much of the last two years pressing for these policies, outlining ideas in candidate platforms and fine-tuning them in congressional legislation. The House even passed a similar proposal this past summer, but none of it had a shot at becoming law with President Trump in office and a Republican majority in the Senate.

Now, control of the White House and a slim majority in Congress mean the first real prospect of significantly strengthening Obamacare since it became law in 2010. President-elect Biden’s inclusion of policies to shore up the health law in his first major legislative package has raised those hopes further. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/16/upshot/biden-obamacare-stimulus.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 20, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR   
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   
a. December 2, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
a. Bill Murphy

5. APPOINTMENTS    
None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm   
    a. PH Franklin d/b/a Public House - New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, 480 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin MA 02038
    b. Street Acceptances - Crystal Drive, Woodhaven Drive, Dena Drive, Skyline Drive, Charles Drive, Baron Road, Cobblestone Drive, and Woodstock Circle

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
PH Franklin d/b/a Public House - 480 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin MA 02038, New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS    
None Scheduled

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   

• a. Capital Budget Subcommitte
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee
• d. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report
• e. Stormwater Ad Hoc Committee Report
  

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION  

Resolution 21-06: Order of Acceptance of Skyline Drive and Charles Drive as Public Ways and Related Drainage and Utility Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-06 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 21-07: Order of Acceptance of Baron Road, Cobblestone Drive and Woodstock Circle as Public Ways and Related Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-07 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 21-08: Order of Acceptance or Crystal Drive, Woodhaven Drive, and Dena Drive as Public Ways, and Lot 21, Detention Area Lot (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-08 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 21-865: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article I, General Provisions - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-865 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 21-866: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article II, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-866 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION  
Bylaw Amendment 21-867: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article III, Post Construction Stormwater Management - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-867 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 21-868: Chapter 185, Zoning Article V, Special Regulations - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 21-868 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
COVID-19 Update

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

Agenda folder https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-20-town-council-agenda

 Agenda doc (PDF) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-20-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 20, 2021

FM #436 EDC Listening Session5 - 01/13/21 (audio)

FM #436 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 436 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #5 that was held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over two hour and thirteen minutes (~2:13)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXzHpwwS

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Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-business-listening-session-5-revised

Housing Summary (not yet available - view the photos captured for some of the pages)

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/edc-listening-session-jan-13-2021-recap.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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" 

 

FM #436 EDC Listening Session5 - 01/13/21 (audio)

FM #435 Finance Committee Mtg - 01/13/21 (audio)

FM #435 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 435 in the series.

 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021.

 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

 

Storm water utility fee update was provided to the FinComm which included an overview of the formal utility fee program as it was developed during 2020. It is scheduled to come before the Town Council for further discussion.

 

The recording runs an hour and thirty minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting of Jan 13, 2021  Audio file:  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDFLNlwS

 

 

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Meeting agenda and related files

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-13-2021_fincom_agenda.pdf

 

Stormwater Utility fee recommendations

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/stormwater-utility-fee-recommendations.html

 

My notes: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/finance-committee-jan-13-2021-meeting.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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" 

FM #435 Finance Committee Mtg - 01/13/21 (audio)

 

FHS girls hockey drop game to King Philip on Saturday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

Girls Hockey = King Philip, 5 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 

– Jen Daniels scored twice and three Warriors each scored once as King Philip avenged its loss to Franklin to split the seasons series. Kara McWhinnie, Sydney O’Shea, and Kelly Holmes also scored for KP.  

 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-16-21/

 

"Tough 5-1 loss to KP. Goal by Carter. 3 stars of the game are Lindsay A, Libby, and Gabby. Let’s regroup and get ready for Boston Latin tomorrow!!  "

https://twitter.com/fhsvgockey/status/1350623050266513411

 

FHS girls hockey drop game to King Philip on Saturday

Franklin Music Booster Calendar Raffle Tickets for sale!

Mrs. Plouffe (@FranklinHSOrch) tweeted on Fri, Jan 15, 2021:

"Please consider buying a Franklin Music Booster Calendar Raffle Ticket and support local business. https://t.co/3Px47etuju @FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @MrHanna_FHS"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSOrch/status/1350172125102034944

Franklin Music Booster Calendar Raffle Tickets for sale!