FM #445 Talk Franklin - 01/22/21 (audio)

FM #445 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 445 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Storm water and EPA adjustments
• Street acceptance
• Complete streets
• Pandemic and vaccine distribution

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNTvQNcS

 

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Town Council Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-20-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf 

My notes from the Town Council meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/town-council-meeting-recap-jan-20-2021.html  

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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!

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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 #445 Talk Franklin - 01/22/21 (audio)

State of the Commonwealth - Jan 26, 2021

Via Gov Baker

"Join us tomorrow (Tuesday) night as I provide an update on the state of our Commonwealth.

This year's address will look different, but I look forward to sharing some thoughts about the resilient people and communities of Massachusetts. #MASOTC"

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/QjU8MRQixj

State of the Commonwealth - Jan 26, 2021 - 7:00 PM

CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker defends vaccine rollout; those 65-plus moved up"

 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Monday continued to defend the state’s slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout even as he announced plans to expand the number of inoculation sites and moved residents 65 and older up in the vaccination line.

At a State House press conference, Baker addressed growing impatience over the pace of vaccinations by blaming the federal government’s disjointed allocation to states. He also said all the vaccines the state is receiving are being distributed to those who administer the shots.

“Virtually all the vaccine that we have received as a Commonwealth has been distributed to either the long-term care community through the pharmacy program or to providers – both community providers, hospitals, congregate care settings, and others – to begin the process of either first dosing people or second dosing people,” said Baker."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-defends-vaccine-rollout-those-65-plus-moved-up/

 

Gov Baker's Press Conf on Monday: https://youtu.be/P9QeH2UyEqs

 

Phase I info  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-timeline-phase-overview

 

 

Adults 65+ have been moved up within Phase 2, to the second priority group (after adults 75+). Phase 2 begins next month

Both FHS swim teams top Mansfield on Monday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

Girls Hockey = Franklin @ Stoughton/Sharon – Postponed to TBD.

Boys Swimming = Mansfield, 72 @ Franklin, 85 – Final

Girls Swimming = Mansfield, 68 @ Franklin, 89 – Final 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-25-21/

Both FHS swim teams top Mansfield on Monday

CommonWealth Magazine: "State slow to improve criminal justice data collection"

"A sweeping 2018 criminal justice reform law required state officials to create a comprehensive cross-tracking system that would be maintained in an online system. But two and a half years after the law was passed, there has been little evident progress."   https://t.co/dJB7WITWuw

 

"A WELL-KNOWN management maxim warns, if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. By that reckoning, those trying to better the state’s criminal justice system are often flying blind.

How long, for example, does the average probationer in Massachusetts stay on probation? Or how many people last year had their probation revoked?

State Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan has no idea. While each probationer has their own physical case file, the Massachusetts Probation Department has no computer-based case management system that would let state officials or researchers track information on an aggregate basis.

“A lot of things we do, we do manually,” Dolan said."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/criminal-justice/state-slow-to-improve-criminal-justice-data-collection/

“listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn"

Sustained dialogue (SD). This sounds like something that would need to happen constructively to work through some difficult conversations. It is. 

 

"The Sustained Dialogue Institute helps people to transform conflictual relationships and design change processes around the world. We define dialogue as “listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn.” 

"SD is a unique change process which (1) focuses on transforming relationships that cause problems, create conflict, and block change; and (2) emphasizes the importance of effective change over time. 

Since transforming relationships requires an ongoing effort, SD gradually develops over a five-stage process. This multistage approach serves as a guidepost for SD programs and for those in conflict to create sustainable change in their relationships and communities."

Find out more about the Sustained dialogue approach  https://sustaineddialogue.org/our-approach/

 

Find out more about Sustained dialogue https://sustaineddialogue.org/about-us/

“listening deeply enough to be changed by what you learn"

Reminder: School Committee meeting - Jan 26, 2021 - 7 PM

Among the choices for Tuesday evening, the Governor's State of the Commonwealth address or the Franklin School Committee meeting.

Key items on the School Committee agenda 

II. Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

Meeting packet folder containing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

Reminder: School Committee meeting - Jan 26, 2021 - 7 PM

Some Dean College students back on campus for classes this semester

"It's the first day of the spring semester! 

Have a wonderful day, Bulldogs! 🐾💻📚 https://t.co/RaBaKtcoUz"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeanCollege/status/1353749033165213697

Some Dean College students back on campus for classes this semester

Basics of Estate Planning - Franklin Senior Center (virtual session) - Jan 27

On 1/27/2021 @JennTaddeo is presenting a virtual program, "Basics of #EstatePlanning," to members of the Franklin Senior Center in Franklin, MA. She will cover what attendees need to know about planning their estate and more: https://t.co/xMQkSmLrGI

#TrustsAndEstates https://t.co/jt6CNn7R15

 

 Basics of Estate Planning - Franklin Senior Center (virtual session) - Jan 27

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConnKavanaugh/status/1353799756917702656

Basics of Estate Planning

https://www.connkavanaugh.com/events/basics-of-estate-planning/

Franklin Police: Time to lock up - reminder

It's 9 o'clock, did you lock up yet?

Franklin Police: Time to lock up - reminder

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1353768758658134019

Watch "A Roundtable Discussion of Racism in Franklin, MA" on YouTube

"On November 22, 2020 Franklin residents gathered to share their experiences as "people of color". 

Since the conversation has taken place, Superintendent Ahern has met with participants to create change. Franklin High School plans on implementing a Race in American society course for the next school year. Students will be able to participate in professional development meetings with staff to further discuss how schools can support students. Also, a District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has been established. 

Every word in this roundtable discussion has been the catapult to many changes over the span of 2 months. Our voices matter. We deserve to be represented and when we use our voice, we create change. 

Thank you to Town Council member, Cobi Frongillo for moderating this conversation. Thank you to James Fredrick, Farley Asmath, Mickey Mitchell, and everyone who participated in this video."

Direct video link =  https://youtu.be/XwBOqz_e9Zs 

 

Tri-County RVTHS’ Early Education Program - Preschool and Toddler Registration - Begins Jan 25, 2021

Hands-on education is a critical part of vocational high schools and while the Children’s Center opening is dependent on the Department of Public Health’s approval, we are hoping to welcome a new group of children at our center. The Early Education Program prepares high school students for various careers working with young children. The ability to work directly with pre-school children within the on- campus facility located in Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin at 147 Pond Street allows students to acquire skills and confidence in teaching.

Tri-County’s Children’s Center is led by three highly qualified teachers in the Tri-County Early Education Program and assisted by students in the Early Education Major. The Preschool sessions are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:50 to 11:20 a.m. for the three-day program. Class size is limited to 30 children and tuition is $36.00* per week (*subject to change).

Placement is limited to the residents of the 11 towns within the Tri-County District, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham. Admission is decided through a random draw which will take place on Friday, March 5th, 2021. Names not selected in the drawing will be placed on a waiting list.

Due to the COIVD-19 Pandemic, registration and information sessions will be held virtually this year. Registration begins on Monday, January 25th. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, March 4th, 2021. Registration is limited to children who are at least 3 years of age by September 15, 2021. Enrollment is limited to two years or part of two years for the preschool program, as long as the child is age eligible. For more information about Tri-County’s Preschool Registration, please visit www.tcchildrenscenter.com.

Preschool and Toddler Registration - Begins Jan 25, 2021

Town of Franklin, MA: Planning Board - Agenda - Jan 25, 2021

January 25, 2021

7:00 PM Commencement/General Business

7:05 PM PUBLIC HEARING - Continued

138 East Central Street Adv.: Dec. 7 & Dec.14, 2020

Site Plan Abuts: Dec. 7, 2020

TO BE CONTINUED

7:10 PM PUBLIC HEARING - Continued

515 West Central Street Adv.: Nov. 2 & Nov. 9, 2020

Site Plan Abuts: Nov. 2, 2020

TO BE CONTINUED

GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Bond Reduction: Maple Preserve
B. Endorsement: Maple Hill
C. Discussion: CPC Nomination
D. Meeting Minutes: December 7 & 21, 2020, January 8, 2021

This agenda is subject to change. Last updated: January 19, 2021
The next meeting of the Planning Board is scheduled for February 8, 2021. 

Agenda documents can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/agenda/planning-board-agenda-104

Town of Franklin, MA: Planning Board - Agenda - Jan 25, 2021

FHS gymnastics: results from Attleboro match; meet Olivia

"The girls did amazing today.  Not sharing scores, Attleboro to compete on Friday night. Here is who were top 4 in each event!  Shout out both freshman scores count!! Ryann Chandler & Kate Heun"

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1353516535286026243

FHS gymnastics: results from Attleboro match

Meet Olivia!

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1353134846357467138

Meet Olivia! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @MyFM1013 @KatCornetta @FHSTrainingRoom @_oliviareagan pic.twitter.com/KB5uwpCaIg

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 24, 2021

Estate Planning With Attorney Jennifer Taddeo - Jan 27 - 1 PM

The basics of estate planning
 

Join us for a check in about the basics of estate planning. Together, we will talk about the probate process (and how to eliminate it, if that is what you want), the basic estate planning documents each Massachusetts resident should understand, Massachusetts and federal estate taxes, Medicaid basics, and how to choose and work with an estate planning attorney.

Q & A

In order to protect your privacy, please email questions to Ariel Doggett in advance, and they will be answered in the course of the presentation. We will end with a Q & A to answer general questions, but please remember that attorneys can not provide advice outside of a formal legal engagement.
 

Jan 27 - 1 PM

 

Join us Wednesday, January 27 at 1 PM via ZOOM. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend

Download a copy of the flyer

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zYr5q9cX3HX8spgFm_4A_mNLYoKLYDUJ/view?usp=sharing

Estate Planning With Attorney Jennifer Taddeo - Jan 27 - 1 PM