Monday, March 22, 2021

"the guilty seem to have no capacity even for remorse"

 

"After last week’s exhaustive inquiry by Clive Sheldon QC into how young people in football have been subjected to horrific sexual abuse during 25 years with no child protection, the nation this week will hear from survivors. In the testimony they give to a devastating BBC documentary series, they emphasise a constant theme: that their enforced silence for years did further dreadful damage to them, and how liberating it has been to speak out."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 23, 2021

Franklin School Committee 
March 23, 2021 - 7:00 PM
 
Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. Zoom connection info located in the agenda doc linked to below

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.


Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence
 
FY22 Budget Open Hearing
 
I.    Routine Business
A.    Review of Agenda
B.    Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C.    FHS Student Representative Comments
D.    Superintendent’s Report
 
II.    Guests/Presentations
A.    Jefferson Elementary School Highlights, Sarah Klim, Principal; Kim Booth, Asst. Principal  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jefferson_presentation_to_the_school_committee_3-23-21.pdf
 
III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    Approval of PreK-12 Curriculum Director Positions
I recommend approval of the PreK-12 Curriculum Director positions as discussed.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_positions.pdf
B.    Policy- Second Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of Policy GBEB - Employee Conduct as discussed.
C.    Policy-First Reading
I recommend moving Policy GBEA - Conflict of Interest to a second reading as discussed.
 
IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening of Schools Status Update (March 19, 2021)
 
V.    Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B.    School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force,
School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)
 
VI.    New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items
 
VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 9, 2021 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B.    Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of a check for $6,500.00 from the “Class of 71” for scholarships as detailed.
 
VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
 
IX.    Payroll    Atty. Pond-Pfeffer
 
X.    Executive Session
A.    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.
B.    Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

XI.    Adjournment 
 
 
 
 
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 23, 2021
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 23, 2021


FM #497 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 03/18/21 (audio)

FM #497 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 497 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.


Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.


Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bb4cc8a1-24ed-404d-9ee6-c233fddca435


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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/03-17-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf 


My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-town-council-meeting-mar-17-2021.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/  or www.franklin.news/

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 #497 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 03/18/21 (audio)
FM #497 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 03/18/21 (audio)

FHS volleyball force 5 sets in dropping match to KP 3-2

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS sports results: 

Volleyball = Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 3 – Final 
– After being swept by the Panthers on the road earlier this week, King Philip avenged that loss with a 3-2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10) win over Franklin on Saturday afternoon to split the regular season series. After Franklin took the first set, KP bounced back with two straight wins but the Panthers stayed alive with a win in the fourth, forcing a deciding fifth set. Senior Nicole Coughlan had a strong day at the net with 20 kills along with four aces while sophomore Ahunna James added 10 kills in the win. Emma Brooks (30 digs) and Lily Carlow (15 digs) anchored the defense against a strong Panther attack. For Franklin, Ally Bonnet-Eymard had nine kills and Lindsey Tarantola added eight kills while Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 31 assists.  
 
For other results around the Hockomock League
 
 
Franklin junior Cailyn Mackintosh sets the ball in the second set against King Philip. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
From the first match earlier this week: Franklin junior Cailyn Mackintosh sets the ball in the second set against King Philip. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)


Remington Middle School featured in MAEA virtual art exhibit

"MAEA is happy to share that the virtual statewide Youth Art Month exhibit is now live! Congratulations to all of the artists with work in this exhibit.

Take a moment to check out the FIVE galleries of art and be sure to leave a comment (reply) below to sign our virtual guest book.

We know all of the art educators who worked hard to make this exhibit come together would love to hear from you!"

Link to the 5 galleries https://massarted.com/youth-art-month/  (Franklin entry is found in Gallery 2)



Remington Middle School featured in MAEA virtual art exhibit
Remington Middle School featured in MAEA virtual art exhibit


Franklin HS world language - course offerings

Laura Evans (@LevansFHS) tweeted on Fri, Mar 19, 2021:
"Check out the @FranklinHS world language department's website to learn about course offerings, departmental information, and more!"
https://t.co/SjR7mDAqYq

or https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fps-world-languages/home 

Franklin TV: I Got Shot! - And I’m celebrating

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/21/2021

"It’s true. I got shot! Right in the apothecary! A local CVS Health Hub to be specific. And, it didn’t hurt one bit. I’m happily headed back for my second dose this week.

I got my first shot of the Moderna vaccine. Reserving both of my appointments on the CVS website was E-Z. (Thank you.)

There were two stations for vaccinating about two-dozen people each hour, A year ago I opined that folks should all ‘hunker  up’  (instead of down).  Now, ‘up’ is near, at arm’s length. Put your arms into it. Get shot. Get ahead of the virus. Get to better days ahead.

During our 15–minute wait following our shots, the staff was attentively checking in. I sense they were enjoying the positive vibes of relief from everyone.

Bonus!  They even had yummy chocolates for us in a socially distanced waiting area.  Works for me. Vaccine & Chocolates! Yes, you really should. I’ll be headed back for seconds – on the vaccine. Perhaps even more on the chocolates."

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/1Z1YREzw4IfFCwwIVA__jffr86u7MUUPI/view?usp=sharing

 

I Got Shot! - And I’m celebrating (Franklin TV photo)
I Got Shot! - And I’m celebrating (Franklin TV photo)

Washington Post: "How to spot a fake video"

"Have you ever felt like you can’t trust all the video on your newsfeed?
Videos are often misrepresented or manipulated these days, with few tools on how to determine what’s real versus fake. The Washington Post’s Fact Checker team put together a guide to teach you how to be your own video investigator."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
Washington Post: "How to spot a fake video"
Washington Post: "How to spot a fake video"


Memory Cafe - Monday, Mar 22 at 2:00 PM

Please join us at our "Where's The Toast" Memory Cafe on Monday at 2 PM.  Howie Newman will be entertaining us with his engaging music.  

click below to join our memory cafe Monday at 2 PM
https://zoom.us/j/97716237733?pwd=L09YRHpGa3I0RU1VTnExSHJIQnVlQT09

Meeting ID: 977 1623 7733
Passcode: 945375
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,97716237733#,,,,*945375# US (New York)
+13017158592,,97716237733#,,,,*945375# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 977 1623 7733
Passcode: 945375
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adRIX0FgXa


--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small


Memory Cafe - Monday,  Mar 22  at 2:00 PM
Memory Cafe - Monday,  Mar 22  at 2:00 PM


Saturday, March 20, 2021

Franklin Pubic Library: Upcoming Programs for Adults

"THE NEW NORMAL NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP" with Ted Reinstein, Monday, March 22, 7:00 PM

During a challenging time when most people are limiting their travel, this talk takes folks along on a rollicking ride around New England—all in just one hour, and all from the comfort of their own home.

Author of three books about New England and longtime "Chronicle" reporter Ted Reinstein is your tour guide as you go from Maine to Rhode Island, Mt. Washington to Mt. Mansfield, and Berkshire foliage to Fenway Park.

But Ted's 20-plus years of reporting and telling stories from all over New England means this is not your average bus tour. Prepare to meet colorful characters who've done the darndest things, learn odd facts about familiar places, and of course—this being a Ted talk—expect to visit at least a few fabulous classic diners. (Spoiler alert: Ted reveals where to find THE best clam chowdah in America—and it's right here in New England!)

Ted will take Questions following the talk. To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtfu6rrzojGNAw2rYlGDcUpDOvIvJJPlIJ .


Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 PM

The book for discussion is The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern.

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway--a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love--a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

To reserve a copy of the book or for more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsf-yrrDIuGNZUG2MU5BiraLtGa3dGaFib


Women in Music Series: Folk, Americana, and Blues presented by Kirsten Thien, Wednesday, March 24, 7:00 PM

A fun and informative live music program about the impact of women on music in America. From their musical contributions to their struggle for equal pay and recognition, Kirsten starts with the early innovators and pioneers, working up to contemporary stars of today and sharing some of her personal journey as a professional touring and recording musician. Part concert, part history, part folklore, Kirsten is accompanied by Eric Boyd on bass and guitar for this one hour program.

To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvcuyuqjwtG9ZJ7gb35sHllXcdFlwmjDfk .


Franklin Pubic Library: Upcoming Programs for Adults
Franklin Pubic Library: Upcoming Programs for Adults


FM #495 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P1 of 2 (audio)

FM #495 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 495 in the series. 

This session shares part 1 of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost two hour minute meeting into two logical segments:
  • *** First *** - covers the opening through the retirement recognitions and new hire swearing in ceremonies (56 minutes)
  • Second - covers the committee reports, the two items for legislation and the remainder of the meeting up to entering Executive Session, not to return to public meeting (42 minutes)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Mar 17, 2021



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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-17.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/  or www.franklin.news/

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" 

Kevin Ryan - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317 served 44 years, under 5 chiefs Resolutions from House and Senate presented by Rep Roy
Kevin Ryan - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317 served 44 years, under 5 chiefs Resolutions from House and Senate presented by Rep Roy



FM #496 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P2 of 2 (audio)

FM #496 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 496 in the series. 

This session shares part 2 of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost two hour minute meeting into two logical segments:
  • First - covers the opening through the retirement recognitions and new hire swearing in ceremonies (56 minutes)
  • *** Second *** - covers the committee reports, the two items for legislation and the remainder of the meeting up to entering Executive Session, not to return to public meeting (42 minutes)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Mar 17, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/55f99c80-cd8f-4cc7-a41b-26df44d75643


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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-17.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/  or www.franklin.news/

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 #496 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P2 of 2 (audio)
FM #496 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P2 of 2 (audio)


4th Local Leadership Lunch with Ndoumbe Ndoye - Mar 22 - 1:00 PM

Denise Spencer (she/her) (@DSpencerFSC) tweeted on Fri, Mar 19, 2021:
Very excited to attend @BeccaRauschMA 4th Local Leadership Lunch with Ndoumbe Ndoye, Franklin High School class of 2021, President of Diversity Awareness Club, youth mentor, and local social justice advocate.

4th Local Leadership Lunch with Ndoumbe Ndoye - Mar 26 - 1:00 PM
4th Local Leadership Lunch with Ndoumbe Ndoye - Mar 26 - 1:00 PM



FHS football and Unified Basketball teams post wins on Friday

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS sports results: 

Foorball =  Franklin, 28 @ Taunton, 25 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League

 

 

Video link for Unified Basketball game = https://youtu.be/LXXjMcga5vw

 

Franklin High School: DECA News

"Congrats to all of our competitors for rocking the state conference! 25 students qualified for Nationals, and 23 more placed in the Top 10!"

Franklin High School: DECA News
Franklin High School: DECA News