FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 12

"Welcome to Franklin High School's first virtual Jazz Concert.  With band instruments prohibited indoors until recently, this performance was a challenge to put together, to say the least.  We are so happy that things are slowly coming back and that we were able to provide this performance for you this evening.  Our hopes are to have live performances in the spring, outdoors.  We will look forward to sharing our music with you once again!"

 

Register via https://givebutter.com/2Kmqlq

FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 12 - 7 PM 

Update from Diane Plouffe, Director of Visual and Performing Arts

Unfortunately, due to the snow cancellations this week, the teachers were not able to meet with students to finish up the concert recordings for the February 5th concert.  This announcement was coming out today.  They will be postponing it until next Friday, February 12th.

The link for the Concert Hour performance on February 11th is:

 https://givebutter.com/yDnAHt

The link for the Jazz Concert on February 12th is:

https://givebutter.com/2Kmqlq

FHS Jazz Concert: Livestream Concert - February 5

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday February 4, 7:00 PM

Hello to our members and supporters. The Greater Franklin Node of  350 Massachusetts will meet this week, Thursday, February 4, at 7:00 PM.  Here are the the Zoom details, and a preview of the meeting.

 

Join Zoom Meeting. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755
Passcode: 350ma
Audio by phone: +1 646 876 9923  

 

There's no need to RSVP, and we'll send a reminder on Thursday.

 

Meeting Agenda

The principal topics at this meeting will be: 

• State legislative action on climate: In January the state Senate and House of Representatives passed the Next Generation Roadmap Climate Bill, only to see it vetoed by Governor Baker. The legislature proceeded to vote again and pass the same bill. It is now up to the Governor to take action by Sunday, February 7. We call on everyone to contact the Governor and urge him to sign the bill. SEE THIS TOOLKIT FOR ACTION. 

• 350 Mass 2021-22 Campaign: The organization is on the verge of selecting priority projects for this year and next, to address the escalating climate crisis by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and moving to a 100% clean, sustainable, and just energy future. We will discuss likely projects and roles for our Node within this region of the state.

• State Legislature Transparency Campaign: 350 Mass, Act on Mass, and other organizations have advocated for rules reform in the House of Representatives to improve and make public the House's decision-making. The new Speaker of the House Ron Mariano has postponed the vote on this session's rules for several months. We will share updates and strategies.   

In addition, we will share announcements about local meetings and activities, and relevant webinars and reports so we can all be better informed.  

 

This year holds promise for major progress on slowing the climate crisis, led by our state legislature and the Biden Administration. There is much to be done. 350 Mass and our Greater Franklin Node will continue to inform you about developments and opportunities for your help. We hope you can attend our meetings (1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month) as your schedule allows, to learn more and to contribute to this most important cause.

 

Thanks for your participation and support.

 

Node Co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel

Ralph Halpern

 

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

       

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting

Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten Registration Open for 2021-2022

"Kindergarten Registration for the Class of 2034 is now available! Franklin Public Schools are now enrolling K students for the 2021-2022 school year.

Visit our website at https://franklinps.net/district/prek-grade-12-student-registrationchange-address-online-form/pages/kindergarten… for details. Questions? Please reach out to Central Office at 508- 553-4819"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1356693063318528002

Link to form:  https://www.franklinps.net/district/prek-grade-12-student-registrationchange-address-online-form/pages/kindergarten

Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten Registration Open for 2021-2022

Franklin Cultural District & Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant Application

Good Morning,

Thank you all very much for your participation in the Cultural District Meeting last night (Monday). It was great to see everyone and hear your ideas for our June arts celebration.

Below you will find the link to the FCD grant application. Once you have completed the application please email it to franklinculture@franklinma.gov with "Grant Application" in the subject line. All grant applications are due by February 11, 2021. We are expecting to notify all grant recipients by the end of February.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

The Franklin Cultural District Committee

Link to application doc:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dWeRrcWjU7qHEBie9iDstEKFrhMLDw_J/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Cultural District & Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant Application

"The town, using Community Preservation Act money, bought the lot"

Via the Community Preservation Coalition:

"Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity wants to build a cluster of up to 20 homes on a sliver of town-owned land off Route 41 in Housatonic.

The project would create the town’s first homes designated as affordable — nearly half of the units would be reserved for households making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income.

The town acquired the 7.5-acre parcel, known as the Alden property, last year for $175,000, and entrusted its development to the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Habitat proposal was the only one submitted for the site.

The formal vetting of the plan got underway Friday, when the board heard details about the plan via Zoom. Habitat is proposing 14 to 20 homes at varying costs, to be built in phases, said Carolyn Valli, Habitat’s CEO. It would begin with seven homes, and more would be added gradually, in collaboration with Construct Inc. and the community."

Continue reading the article at the Berkshire Eagle: https://t.co/LHiuyNR0YQ

Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean

"Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean, even when you aren't near a sink. Have hand sanitizer with you! 

#BenKnows #DoYourPartFranklin #CleanPaws #ItMatters" @franklinpolice

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/R3Oh8v7WgW

Ben knows it is important to keep your hands clean

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Via Denise Spencer:

"In June, School Committees across Massachusetts found themselves debating the anti-racism resolution outlined by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). Among the many statements in the resolution are efforts to recruit a diverse workforce, examine policies for systemic racism, and incorporate works of diverse authors into the curriculum, as well as the history of racial oppression. 

Following these discussions, and approval of the Anti-Racism Resolution, in July I was happy to hear Dr. Ahern discuss her upcoming plans to form a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. 

Last week over 50 community stakeholders (students, faculty and staff, central office and school committee) met and began working together, taking a look at who we are and what we can do better as a school community to make sure our staff, students and families feel welcome.

Franklin Public Schools will be conducting an equity audit in the coming year. MASC members are asked to ensure that diversity and inclusion are made part of the everyday culture of schools. I am looking forward to the results of this audit and learning which areas we need to improve on."

Please click on the below link to find more information regarding the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1byeie6g7-MG9-FwvFiOhI8Pbme4cEz/view?fbclid=IwAR1RplopkcOgi6m4XzVXBIdB5BvLoGjAt1KWdn1UuyWAWnLd4T_IYnc4-PY

Shared from Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=469766124409443&id=113623673357025

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

"employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women"

 

"WOMEN ENDED 2020 with 5.4 million fewer jobs than they had in February 2020, prior to the start of the pandemic. December unemployment figures showed that employers cut 140,000 jobs in December alone and all of them were held by women. The “shecession” of 2020 has thrown into stark relief the barriers that keep the gender/racial wage gap alive for working women. The data tells a story but what paints the picture is the decades-long reality for working women laid bare for all to see in the last year.

The overwhelming inequities that make upward mobility at work such an uneven climb for women – harassment, lack of childcare and paid leave, unequal expectations compared to their male co-workers – are not new. This time, however, they are hard to ignore. Working from home on Zoom means that women are not privately managing this tightrope act anymore. And for those whose jobs don’t allow for remote work, it has meant leaving the workforce altogether, possibly setting back improvements in the wage and racial gap for years."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/shecession-means-the-jig-is-up/ 

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Trash / Recycling Update

Curbside trash/recycling will continue to be picked up. Waste Management has caught up from all delays caused by the snow storm and the remainder of the week will proceed as scheduled. Thank you for your patience!

Shared from:  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/trash-recycling-update

Franklin Residents: Trash / Recycling Update

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

February 2, 2021

Dear Franklin Community,

Due to the lingering effects from the snow storm, Franklin Public Schools will be closed on February 2, 2021 for a snow day. The day will be made up at the end of the school year.

School offices will be closed. FPS Central Office will open on a delayed schedule at 10 AM. 

Thank you and stay safe and warm.

Franklin Public Schools

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Due to the continued snow cleanup this morning, the Franklin Municipal Building and town offices will have a delayed start time. All offices will open at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.  

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/municipal-building-open-10am

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building to Open at 10 AM

Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show - Feb 12

What is Giggles for Good? We'll let Doug MacPherson of HMEA explain:

"Who out there hasn’t been affected in some way by Covid 19? Here at HMEA we have had to restructure, renew and realign many things to continue providing services and program.

To help us do this we have reached out to everyone in the communities where we live and work. And one of the best ways to cope with all that is going on is to provide fundraising events and there’s a great one coming up on Friday February 12th at 7 PM. 

Who doesn’t like a good laugh right?

Well here’s your chance to enjoy a good solid hour of comedy right from your own home – hey the parking is free – the commute is really short and the lines for food and the facilities are completely controlled by YOU. In addition, you are supporting a very worthy cause allowing HMEA to meet its mission.

We have two nationally acclaimed stand up clean comedians. 

Cyrus Steele from Atlanta Georgia is a master impressionist, imitating everyone from Seinfeld and Arnold Schwarzenegger to Elvis and many more.

Cyrus most recently has performed on FOX and NBC's "America's Got Talent".

He's an in demand performer at corporate events and comedy clubs nationwide.

We also have Jason Love. Who is One of today’s hardest-working comedians, he has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, and America’s Got Talent.  His crafty punch lines and guitar bits make him a real favorite corporate comedian for companies like Chevron, Google, and Pepsi.  

Funny. Clean. Relevant. Jason performs at clubs around the country, from the Laugh Factory in Hollywood to Caroline's on Broadway. He performs overseas for the troops and on the seas for cruise lines. His clips are played daily on SiriusXM."

For more information including how to purchase tickets (and or donate to HMEA) visit  https://www.hmea.org/giggles/ 

Follow the Facebook event  HMEA's Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show | Facebook

Giggles for Good - Virtual Comedy Show - Feb 12, 2021

Rotary Club of Franklin MA - "Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction!

WE ARE LIVE!  This means that people can now login to bid.marlinart.com and register and receive their bid numbers. 

The first 100 guests to register will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Because this is a virtual event, people from all over the U.S./Globe can join in. 

The event is FREE and all purchased items will be shipped to the winning bidders home FREE OF CHARGE within the U.S.!

I am also excited to announce that we have a LIMITED amount of locally sourced Valentine Goodie Baskets. We have sold a few but if you are interested in order, please do so early so that you do not miss out! (order by Feb 5)

 

It is easy to order and pay and a really great deal for only $50! 

 

What to get: Red, White or Bubbles from Pour Richards, (2) chocolate bombs from Mama Barba’s Bake Shop, (1) 2.5 oz. honey from Franklin Honey Co, cheese and crackers and a personalized Valentine Card. Possibly a few other surprises too!

 

To place an order simply click:

 

1.        https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689

 

2.      PLEASE ORDER/PAY HERE (https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689/Event/say-it-with-art)

 

"Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Order an engraved brick for Memorial Day 2021!

Honor your special veteran with an engraved brick this Memorial Day! The next brick installation is scheduled for May 2021. Bricks may be purchased to pay tribute to anyone who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military.

The deadline for the May installation is April 1, 2021. Thanks to all who have honored our veterans by supporting this project!

Brick order forms are available at: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cid_e86af66...

Please contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 for more information.

Shared from Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-memorial-walkway-update-2

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Fall 2 Sports Modifications from MIAA

Fall 2 Guidelines

Winter Track 

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Indoor_Track_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Cheerleading

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Cheer_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Football

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Football_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Unified Basketball

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Unified_Basketball_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Volleyball

http://www.miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/Volleyball_Modifications_Fall_II_2021.pdf

Fall 2 Sports Modifications from MIAA

FPS: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, Feb 3 - 5:30 PM

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

Approval of past minutes (1/28/21)
Discussion action items:

• Review pros/cons of option #2
• Decide how to respond to emails going forward
• Review, edit, and finalize subcommittee summary memo
• Approve subcommittee summary memo to present to school committee

Full agenda doc and connection information   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_2.3.21.pdf

FPS: Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3

Too many meeting choices for Wednesday evening Feb 3, 2021

Some meetings nights are quiet, some can be quite challenging. Which meetings shall I report on for Wednesday, Feb 3?

At this point, I'll cover the Board of Health meeting. Franklin TV has the TA meeting (or at least the Town is recording it).

I will need to make a choice between the Davis Thayer Facility (DTFA) meeting and the Economic Development (EDC) meeting. Leaning towards the EDC as the topic is revisiting a prior divisive conversation. The DTFA has already reached consensus on what their recommendation would be. This meeting would start and work the draft. The final discussion and decision is still to be determined when the School Committee takes it up (TBD). I can arrange for a copy of the DTFA recording so I can listen to later and then share.

The Town Council meeting will then be the priority for however long that goes.

And until the 'clone option' works for me, the Historical Commission is left out of the coverage. If you know some one who would want to cover it, let me know.

5:00pm = Board of Health Meeting

5:00pm = Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting

5:30pm = Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting  (2 - second choice)

5:45pm = Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting  (1 - leaning towards)

6:30pm = Historical Commission Meeting

7:00pm = Town Council Meeting

School calendar is https://www.franklinps.net/node/260/events/day/2021-02-03

Town calendar is https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar/day/2021-02-03

Too many meeting choices for Wednesday evening Feb 3, 2021

Town of Franklin: February 2021 E-Newsletter

Read the Town of Franklin: February 2021 E-Newsletter online

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/newsletter-portal

Read the Town of Franklin: February 2021 E-Newsletter online

Franklin Senior Center: CONNECTION NEWSLETTER for February 2021

CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Your Monthly Franklin Senior Center Newsletter

To Receive This Newsletter Monthly or Other Town Notifications, Please Click Here.

CONNECTION NEWSLETTER for February 2021

 

Read the details online
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

Boston Globe: Black History Month - Film Festival

"At this pivotal moment in our nation's history, The Boston Globe honors films and filmmakers documenting the Black experience and the continued plight of systemic racism in the United States. Join us throughout the month of February to view and discuss newly-released films alongside time-honored classics. "

Find the schedule of films for the festival here (subscription may be required)
https://blackhistorymonthfilmfestival.splashthat.com/ 

Boston Globe: Black History Month - Film Festival