"they need to get their own minds out of crisis mode"

"They’re calling it a “lost year.”

On and offline, parents are trading stories — poignant and painful — about all of the ways that they fear their middle schoolers are losing ground.

“It’s really hard to put my finger on what happened exactly,” said Jorge Gallegos, whose son, Eyan, is in the seventh grade in Washington, D.C.

When Eyan was in fifth grade, he had a lot of friends, Mr. Gallegos said. He was home schooled for sixth grade, and he seemed to thrive.

But spending this year at home because of the pandemic has just been too much."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/11/health/pandemic-middle-school-mental-health.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

 
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. 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. 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

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
Diane Daddario, MD

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s, Change of Manager, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott
b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman
c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director
d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19

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

The meeting packet for the Council meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

The one PDF with all released docs and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/4-14-2021_town_council_agenda_-_web.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

FM #507 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/08/21 (audio)

FM #507 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 507 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?

We cover the following key topics

• Public hearing on street acceptances
• DPW presentation
• Capital budget items
• Complete streets policy
• Two bylaws for First readings
• One bylaw for Adoption

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e50da152-baa8-4100-b299-6747442ab4fb

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda

DPW overview presentation doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw_town_council_presentation_4_7_2021.pdf

My notes from the Town Council meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-town-council-meeting-apr-7-2021.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 #507 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/08/21 (audio) 

Tri-County RVTHS Honor Roll

The Franklin students on the honor roll for Tri-County RVTHS

Download a copy of the listing here:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UwhQdfEcvFwRLqTHrH_yDzr5T0m52n9b/view?usp=sharing

Tri-County RVTHS Honor Roll

FHS football tops Oliver Ames 41-3 on Saturday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:  

Football = Oliver Ames, 3 @ Franklin, 41 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-10-21/

FHS football tops Oliver Ames 41-3 on Saturday

Who painted the murals at the Ray Memorial Library?

"Ever wondered about the artist responsible for the murals at the Ray Memorial Library? Join local Franklin historian and author, Alan Earls as he enlightens us on the history of this remarkable Artist.

Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend this zoom event on Wednesday April 14th at 1 PM."

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2876383245965016/

Who painted the murals at the Ray Memorial Library?

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

To answer a frequently asked question: YES! Think Franklin First Gift Cards are reloadable! Bring your card to our amazing partner, Dean Bank, and add funds anytime! (Cash only!) 

Keep one ready to use in your wallet at all times as a reminder to #ThinkFranklinFirst!  

Status update: we have sold over $47,000 worth of gift cards! Thank you for the support!

Do you have one to spend? Visit www.franklingiftcard.com for a current list of participating businesses!  

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/491291672237940/

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

Time Out Virtual Memory Café - April 12 - 2 PM

Virtual Time Out Café For Caregivers & their Loved Ones Living with Memory Loss Monday,  April 12th at 2 pm Time Out Virtual Memory Café - April 12 - 2 PM

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84293214891?pwd=dlYwOWpnUkJRNllIVzIvWitNTmo3QT09 Meeting ID: 842 9321 4891       Passcode: 762124   Sponsored By Marlborough Senior Center Better Day Adult Social Day Program is a non-profit social day program designed to support, connect and provide meaningful engagement for adults living with cognitive impairment. We are uniquely situated in a residential home, located at 195 Reservoir Street in Marlborough, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit us at www.betterdayprogram.org  and be sure to follow us on Facebook!

New York Times: "Making Music Visible: Singing in Sign"

"On a recent afternoon in a brightly lit studio in Brooklyn, Mervin Primeaux-O’Bryant and Brandon Kazen-Maddox were filming a music video. They were recording a cover version of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” but the voices that filled the room were those of Gladys Knight and the Pips, who made the song a hit in the 1970s. And yet the two men in the studio were also singing — with their hands.

Primeaux-O’Bryant is a deaf actor and dancer; Kazen-Maddox is a hearing dancer and choreographer who is, thanks to seven deaf family members, a native speaker of American Sign Language. Their version of “Midnight Train to Georgia” is part of a 10-song series of American Sign Language covers of seminal works by Black female artists that Kazen-Maddox is producing for Broadstream, an arts streaming platform."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/09/arts/music/asl-music-deaf-culture.html

Both men spoke of the impact ballet training had on their signing.Credit...Justin Kaneps for The New York Times

MAEnergy Environment: Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region (yes, includes Franklin, MA!)

"With precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater below normal as the state enters the spring season, today @EEASecretary Theoharides declared drought conditions in most regions, including a Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region."

For more info: https://t.co/BvdLCSCxYl 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/3A72wsX8PP

MAEnergy Environment: Level 2 - Significant Drought in the Southeast Region (yes, includes Franklin, MA!)

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - April 13, 2021

Franklin School Committee 

April 13, 2021 = 7:00 P.M.

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

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. Parmenter Elementary School Highlights

B. District Improvement Plan Update #2 and #3 Curriculum and Instruction

III. Discussion/Action Items A. FY22 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the FY22 Budget in the amount of $67,914,184 as discussed.

B. Policy 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy GBEA – Conflict of Interest as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Reopening Schools Status Update (April 9, 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 your March 23, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Declare Surplus

I recommend approval of the request of Horace Mann Middle School to declare the following items as surplus:

a. RISO Machine

b. Books

C. RMS Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $923.60 from Lifetouch for in-house enrichment as detailed.

D. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $293.00 from Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

E. FHS Gifts

I recommend acceptance of the following donations totaling $1,096.86 for FHS as detailed:

a. $76.86 Campus Box Media for supplemental supplies

b. $600.00 Franklin Cultural Council for in-house enrichment

c. $330.00 Sager Sports Corp. for in-house enrichment

d. $90.00 Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment

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 and Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining sessions with the FEA unit. 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

The meeting packet for April 13 can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-13-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

The agenda doc with connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_4-13-21.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - April 13, 2021

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast Apr 9, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day 

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/ and www.franklin.news 

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 

Change of date! The spring Fling date has been moved to May 16th.  Please call the Senior Center to sign up for this event. 508-520-4945

Tips

Calm Gong meditation music - Tam Tam gong and crystal bowls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw708zdRXuw 

Balance Exercises for Seniors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHMgkTC9UAc 

Music

The oldest known song of all time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KElPnD-dbkk 

Evolution of Music - Pentatonix 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lExW80sXsHs 

Just for Fun

Webcams from National Parks - choose which you want to view

https://blog.cheapism.com/national-park-webcams/#close 

Abstract landscapes painting demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1F7KgBdog8 

What happens if you put your head into a particle accelerator?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD4J5VUwiAs 

Humor

Jeff Allen - 5 months of shutdown created these jokes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soW8Tqp5acQ 

Kindness Matters

Upcoming Events next week

email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Monday at 1pm - Tele-Bingo call the Senior Center to sign up

*Monday at 2pm - Memory Cafe - a virtual, social music event for those with memory loss and their caregivers. 

*Tuesday at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. 11am - Mindful Movements - via zoom call to register

*Wed. 1pm - Tommaso Juglis - The World Class Artist who created the Ray Memorial Library murals -- and so much more. Alan Earls will present a short talk and slide show.

*Thursday at 10am - SUPERFOODS  Learn the tools of nutritional success for enhancing your brain power, increasing your energy, and improving your mood. Offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. To register: https://well-b.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XtzrDHcpR8uknF07WMCoSw 

*Thursday at 12:30 IN PERSON - Painting and Creative Space

*Thursday  at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Thursday at 6:30 - NAME THAT TUNE! Whether you know your music or just enjoy listening to it you are sure to have fun at this lively, fun filled event! Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to play

*Friday at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of socialization,

 games and activities.

 

Attached you will find Donna's fun filled activity pages!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/139yab6vr7tb1lxHVCZognQWeUXUv5jkW/view?usp=sharing

Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

Ariel

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

FM #506 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 04/07/21 (audio)

FM #506 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 506 in the series. 

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, April 7, 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 several 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 meeting recording runs about 58 minutes.  Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/de5abca6-def8-46ef-a57a-d778d91c618a

-----------

Meeting agenda 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-4-7_edc_agenda_.pdf

Downtown Partnership “Ladybug Trail’ presentation doc
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-downtown-partnership-planning-ladybug-trail

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-economic-development-subcomm-mtg.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 #506 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 04/07/21 (audio)