Voices of Franklin: Ted McIntyre on "For The People Act"

The Insurrection of January 6th was an attempted coup, a brazen assault intended to interrupt the functioning of the American democracy. But the coup attempt did not end on January 6th. In fact it is ongoing. The GOP is even now laying the legal foundation for a second coup attempt, this one conducted under a pretense of respectability.
 
Voter suppression laws are being passed in states across the country. Those laws not only selectively suppress voting by people the GOP dislikes, but they also provide means to reject the result of an election in favor of one the GOP legislatures like better. For example, the state of Georgia is attempting to take responsibility for the certification of election results in Fulton County, which includes Atlanta's largely black population.
 
If these state level  laws are not preempted by Federal legislation, the GOP will have two different paths for a new coup attempt, this time under the cover of law. The first path is through the impeachment of Joe Biden. If the GOP retakes the House and Senate in 2022, they could elect Donald Trump Speaker of the House. While according to tradition, the Speaker is always a Member of Congress, the Constitution does not forbid Trump's selection. Given the cult like devotion already accorded the former guy, it is not implausible to think the GOP would make this choice. Once Trump is Speaker, he is third in line to the Presidency. The House could impeach both Biden and Harris- truth and evidence be damned- and make Trump President.
 
The second pathway for the GOP's 'legal' coup is through the Electoral College. The Supreme Court, in the infamous 'Bush v Gore' decision of 2000, said that- unless there is a Federal law preventing it- the state legislatures hold the power to determine the Electoral College members. This is a nightmare scenario, since legislators are right now giving themselves the authority to challenge election results on flimsy grounds and then override the voter’s choice by installing electors they prefer. Does anyone think, if given the opportunity in 2020, that the legislatures of GA, PA, WI and AZ would not have chosen Trump electors for  the Electoral College? In 2024, those state legislatures will have granted themselves that opportunity.
 
We should not think that the GOP is too high minded or patriotic to do these things. Five years ago, who would have thought that Trump's  contempt of norms  and open corruption would be accepted? The recent testimony of Trump’s complicit DOJ employees is chilling. Who would have thought the GOP could install a Supreme Court Justice just before an election? Who would have thought Members of Congress would support a violent assault on the Capitol? The scenarios outlined above are shocking and nearly unthinkable. But the time had come to think about the unthinkable. The GOP has forfeited its status as a legitimate participant in a democratic process, and now represents an authoritarian power grab threatening our very democracy. There is no bottom, no ‘bridge too far’ for them in pursuit of power.
 
It is essential that the Senate, now under Democratic control, passes the For The People Act to protect the election process from the GOP plans. Time is of the essence. If the bill does not pass this summer, there will not be enough time to implement its protective measures before the 2022 election. What can be done to get the For the People Act through the Senate? There are many ways to help, but the simplest is to call your US Senator. Here in Massachusetts, both Senators Warren and Markey are outspoken in support of the bill.  They need to know that you support passing the bill and that you encourage them to do whatever it takes to get it passed. It is easy to reach the Senators. A brief phone call to 202-224-3121 will suffice. Simply leave a message saying "My name is ___ and I live in Franklin. Please do everything you can to abolish the filibuster and pass the For the People Act.  I think Joe Biden should speak forcefully. The Senate should cancel its August recess.  The Senate must pass these bills.”

The time to act is now.

Ted McIntyre

Franklin resident

Voices of Franklin: Ted McIntyre on "For The People Act"

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID-19 Vaccine and the Delta Variant (video)

Here is some useful information on the COVID-19 Vaccine and the Delta Variant:

Video link on YouTube -> https://t.co/qTKw1FIT0P 

Shared from Town of Franklin Twitter: https://t.co/hALPxpKHWF

Zucchini races return on September 10

Here are details on the Zucchini Races, sponsored by Franklin Agricultural Commission, scheduled for September 10, 2021 at the Farmers Market. 

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/533086900084632/posts/4462922503767699/

Zucchini races return on September 10

Senate President Spilka: State Budget, Childcare, the American Rescue Plan & more!

Plus news from around the District

Updates from Beacon Hill & MetroWest Looking Forward to Fall Thanks to your advocacy and the collective work of the Legislature, Massachusetts has continued to respond to the COVID pandemic and accomplished major victories on climate change, economic development, transportation infrastructure, relief for essential workers, expanded voting access and most recently, passed a balanced state budget.  As we approach the fall and the new school year, we must continue to use every tool at our disposal to keep residents safe from the coronavirus. Public health experts have noted that the Delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox, and breakthrough infections are occurring even among vaccinated individuals. In addition to getting vaccinated, the CDC recommends wearing a mask if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease. If someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated, you might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission in your area. I have called on the Baker Administration to require masks in schools this fall, and I will continue to do so. Our children deserve to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and healthy environment. As always, my office is available if you need assistance. You can email me at karen.spilka@masenate.gov or call 617-722-1500. Hope you enjoy the final month of summer! Warm regards, The newsletter was shortened for publication here. For the full content find this PDF version  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sv-QsTQ7WHeH9nkz3ayI8NpFQu_ycDGy/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Human Resources

Fiscal year 2020 was a busy and challenging year, which included contract negotiations, reorganizations, hiring, benefits administration and of course, dealing with a pandemic!

I worked closely with the Town Administrator and our department heads and managers to wrap up collective bargaining agreements for seven (7) different groups. We started meeting with union leadership back in March of 2019 and were able to reach agreements with all unions by the end of June 2020. It was a long year of countless meetings and conversations, but I believe we came to fair agreements for both sides for all our groups. Once the agreements were signed and both sides moved forward, the Human Resources and Payroll Departments worked tirelessly to make sure that all the data was updated in the payroll system correctly and appropriate changes were made.

This year, we helped recruit, interview and onboard 4 new members of the Fire Department, including Chief McLaughlin. It’s hard to believe that the Chief just joined us at the start of the fiscal year in July 2019! He had some pretty unbelievable accomplishments in one year. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to read the Fire Department report for more information. Fiscal Year 2020 was a year of planning and change as the Department left the Civil Service system and prepared for a major reorganization, which officially took place in July 2020, or the start of fiscal year 2021.

In what could be deemed as a “slow” year, the Human Resources Department was involved in hiring 22 new full-time employees as well as a number of part-time employees and seasonal staff members. The new hires beyond the Fire Department included Public Health Director Cathy Liberty, who was just getting used to her new job when the pandemic hit, and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey, who helped communicate the every changing state of the Town and Schools in times of COVID! We also hired new staff for the Senior Center (1), Assessors Office (1), Department of Public Works (7), Building/Health/Planning Suite (2), Police Patrol Officers (3), and Custodians (2). We got used to a new way of interviewing this year, which included interview panels spread out across a full conference room with masks on. HR Administrator Sandy Golebiewski was a regular at the picnic tables outside of the Municipal Building as she met employees outside to walk them through their new hire packets and paperwork!

We also managed to work closely with the Insurance Advisory Committee to negotiate additional changes to our health insurance in the midst of the stay at home orders in March and April. The IAC met virtually to discuss the ever-changing landscape of health insurance. When we started talking to Harvard Pilgrim back in February 2020, we were facing an almost 20% increase in
 
Health Insurance, which would have had a crippling effect on the Town’s budget. We were able to make some small design changes, including increasing the deductible to bring this increase down to just about 9%. Of course, we wish that this increase did not have to happen, but it seems as if an increase of 5-10% each plan year is almost inevitable at this point. We were able to work together to ensure that the increase was somewhat manageable for both the Town and our employees.

Our Department worked very closely with the Town Administrator, Public Health Director, and the Emergency Management team to help ensure that our employees and residents stayed safe through COVID. This included tracking all COVID related absences and coaching employees through the relevant quarantine guidelines to ensure that they did not come to work and potentially infect other employees. Fortunately, for the period of March to July, we had very few employees test positive for COVID. The positive cases were not transmitted through work and could be traced to employees’ private lives.

In spite of working from home for a good portion of the year, I had some great opportunities to meet and get to know more employees. It was great to sit with so many of you through contract negotiations, on hiring committees/interview teams, and even have an opportunity to chat to some of you on the phone more as we worked out COVID exposure issues and quarantine timelines! It was a challenging year, but I continue to love my job and this Town and continue to learn something new every day. I look forward to another year, hopefully one where COVID becomes a distant memory!

Respectfully submitted, 

Karen M. Bratt
Human Resources Director 

For more about the Human Resources Dept, visit them at the ToF page

https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Human Resources

National Purple Heart Day Celebrated on August 7th!

National Purple Heart Day Celebrated on August 7th!

Quilts of Valor also Awarded

Franklin celebrated its second Purple Heart Day as a Purple Heart Community on Saturday, August 7 with a ceremony and luncheon hosted by the Elks Lodge on Pond Street. 

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military on or after April 5, 1917. The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members.

Along with recognizing 18 Purple Heart recipients from Franklin, the Quilts of Valor Foundation awarded Quilts of Valor to eight Franklin veterans. The personalized quilts were presented by Theresa Perreault, Quilts of Valor Massachusetts State Coordinator. 

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/franklin-celebrates-national-purple-heart-day-august-7th

National Purple Heart Day Celebrated on August 7th!

"Evolutionary Origins of SARS-CoV-2" video

An excellent explanation video of the lineage of viruses - and the fact that SARS-CoV-2 has a common ancestor that's over 40 years old.

 

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 023 - Mother's Influence

"In this special Mother's Day episode, the group discuss the influence their mother's and mother figures have had in their lives, sharing stories and lessons from their upbringing."

Direct Link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3493a8ab-4808-43f8-9101-5c9f1d3b2dfc

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 023 - Mother's Influence

International Panel on Climate Change - report released

"Human activity is changing the Earth’s climate in ways “unprecedented” in thousands or hundreds of thousands of years, with some of the changes now inevitable and “irreversible”, climate scientists have warned.

Within the next two decades, temperatures are likely to rise by more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, breaching the ambition of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, and bringing widespread devastation and extreme weather.

Only rapid and drastic reductions in greenhouse gases in this decade can prevent such climate breakdown, with every fraction of a degree of further heating likely to compound the accelerating effects, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, the world’s leading authority on climate science."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/09/humans-have-caused-unprecedented-and-irreversible-change-to-climate-scientists-warn

Visit the IPCC page for section of or the full report   https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-i/

International Panel on Climate Change - report released

Spier Family Kindness For Kids 5K & Kids Run + Family Day - Sep 19

Join us for a great race and family day at the site of so many championships!

Sponsored by the Spier Family and in support of Hockomock Area YMCA Food Access Programs, the annual 5K that hundreds have come to love (formerly called The Foxboro 5K) returns to Patriot Place and will be held Sunday, Sept. 19. Join us!

Food insecurity is a growing concern in the region and, to address this, the Hockomock Y provides free food and meals with no questions asked. We are proud to announce that the annual Hockomock Area YMCA 5K has matured beyond our former route neighboring the Foxboro Y and invite you to run/walk at Patriot Place surrounding Gillette Stadium!

This course and the entire morning of activities will make memories for years to come for all ages and abilities. All proceeds will go to feeding our community. 

More info and link to register at https://www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day/

Spier Family Kindness For Kids 5K & Kids Run + Family Day - Sep 19

 

a new StoryWalk is on the rail trail

Starting Saturday, August 7th, the Franklin Recreation Department and the Franklin Public Library are teaming up again for a summer series of StoryWalks on the trail!

The StoryWalk will be up until September, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the story, while social distancing!

a new StoryWalk is on the rail trail

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Franklin Housing Authority

Board Members
The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on June 18, 2020.

• George A. Danello, Chairman 
• Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson 
• Diane Padula, Treasurer
• Peter L. Brunelli, Assistant Treasurer 
• Andrew M. Kepple, Commissioner

FHA Staff

• Lisa Audette, Executive Director 
• Candice Day, Administrative Assistant 
• Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant
• Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor 
• Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer 
• James Brunelli, Groundskeeper/Laborer 
• Julia Schneiderman, Service Coordinator

Former Commissioner Teehan
Mark A. Teehan was placed on the Franklin Housing Authority Board in 2007 by the Governor as the State Appointee. Mr. Teehan attended nearly every single Board meeting since his appointment, completed the MassNAHRO Board Training and Certification and served on the RCAT Committee. Not only did he become a great advocate for public housing and for the population we serve, he also became a friend. We greatly appreciate his expertise and guidance during his13 years of service.

New State Appointee
Governor Charlie Baker appointed Attorney Andrew M. Kepple to the Franklin Housing Authority Board. Mr. Kepple not only lives in Franklin but also works in our town at the highly regarded office of Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C. Attorney Kepple has concentrated his practice in the area of landlord-tenant law, civil litigation and employment law. We welcome Attorney Kepple to the Board and look forward to working with him for the betterment of our residents and properties.

Dealing with COVID -19
As the pandemic reared its’ ugly head in the spring of 2020, Franklin Housing Authority aggressively began cleaning and sterilizing all public areas within our developments for the protection of our residents. While many businesses shut down, we remained in place to support our residents and maintain as much stability as possible during the very frightening and uncharted months of unusual turmoil. While we are not out of danger yet, we see light at the end of the tunnel with hopes of vaccines and the decline of positive cases. Much appreciation to Representative Jeff Roy for providing us with ‘impossible to find’ face coverings for our residents during this time. He played a very crucial part in keeping our resident from contracting or spreading this virus. Thanks to our residents for listening to the Governors’ warnings and guidance during this time. It brought many months of loneliness to many of our seniors but the stamina of their compliance kept us safe. Much thanks to our maintenance department for continuing to respond to emergency work orders throughout the pandemic and maintain the buildings and property in a safe manner. Also, office staff adjusted their schedules and work environment to maintain as much continuity as possible. It has not been easy for any them or their families. Their service is highly commendable. Lastly, the unwavering support of Chairman Danello and the FHA Board Members cannot go unnoticed. Board Members were readily available for any need of the agency and always looking out for the best interest of our staff and residents. Their remarkable awareness and action throughout has demonstrated their commitment to the agency. We are very fortunate.

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A Contract for Financial Assistance from the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for the purpose of repairing components of the aged agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 was awarded to the FHA. Several projects were completed using this very timely and important funding including support beam repairs, fire alarm system and sewer line replacement. Completed projects for this fiscal year exceeded $250, 000.

High Leverage Asset Preservation Program (HILAPP) 

The Department of Housing and Community Development offered a modernization program for Housing Authorities that are able to acquire funding through another source other than DHCD. In collaboration with the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT), whose mission is to foster the availability of low income homes within the Town of Franklin and National Grid, FHA was able to obtain a grant through this program with funds pledged by MAHT and National Grid. This project renovated 40 units of senior/disabled housing. The project included window and flooring replacement, bathroom & kitchen upgrades, exterior and storm door replacement, site lighting and painting. The HILAPP project is now complete. Many, many thanks to Chairman, Christopher Vericker and all the Members of Franklin’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust for their generous contribution that qualified Franklin Housing Authority for this project grant.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low income Family Housing and two, 8-unit Group Homes. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four-bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited additional support.

Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to live in a residential neighborhood for an affordable rent.

Managing Agent for Norfolk Housing Authority
Franklin Housing Authority has been contracted to manage the Norfolk Housing Authority. By taking on this agreement, we increase the FHA/NHA housing stock by an additional 84 units of public housing. Norfolk is very close logistically and has been the ‘little brother’ to Franklin for many years. We see this opportunity as a benefit to our new Norfolk residents and financially beneficial to both agencies. We look forward to working at the Norfolk Housing Authority and with the NHA Board Members to maintain the beautiful, safe and affordable housing in the Town of Norfolk.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
Franklin Rotarians planned the third annual Valentine’s Breakfast in February for our senior residents and for seniors throughout the town. This is a rare opportunity for our residents to enjoy a wonderful homemade breakfast with pancakes, eggs and all the delicious breakfast meats, pastries and fruits. Rotarians made this enjoyable Valentine’s breakfast even more special by giving each senior a Valentine gift. Fun was had by all. We hope to enjoy future Valentine breakfast feasts with the generous Franklin Rotarians.

Rotary Club members planned their annual pasta dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. Unfortunately, this dinner was not able to take place due to the COVID-19. Rotary members continue to brainstorm ways they can provide meals to our residents during the difficult time. Rotarians always are welcome by the residents and the smiles and the kind words of appreciation linger for many months. Much thanks to the Rotarians.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:
• The Clergy, for continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.
• Chairman Tom Mercer and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and their staff for their continued support and assistance. Best wishes to former Administrator Jeff Nutting for a healthy and prosperous retirement.
• Chairman Christopher Vericker and all Franklin’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust members for their generous donation in support of our senior housing units. Also, thanks for having a similar goal as FHA in providing affordable housing to people of lower income.
• Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.

• Franklin Police Department, Police Chief Lynch and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.
• Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief James McLaughlin, Deputy Chief James Glich and Deputy Chief Joseph BarBieri and their Department are always professional and respectful when assisting our residents during a medical time of need.
• Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffery Roy for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our town and residents at heart. Also, a huge thank you to Representative Roy for providing our resident with a supply of face covering masks during the pandemic. At the time of need when masks were no where to be found, Rep. Roy came to the rescue.
• Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for support of Massachusetts public housing.
• Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Jerome McDermott for including FHA in their inmate community service program, their professionalism during evictions and their support of the Franklin Housing Authority.
• Franklin Food Pantry and Executive Director Lynn Calling for the support of the residents of Franklin Housing Authority. Also, much appreciation for locating pickups in the most convenient places for our residents to manage.
• Saint Mary’s Church, Friends of Franklin and Saint Vincent de Paul for supporting our residents during exceptional times of need.

Through the years, the Franklin community and the housing authority find ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors, disabled persons and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community, the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a wonderful, safe and affordable community housing opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa M. Audette, 

Executive Director, PHM, MCPPO 

franklinhousing.org

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Franklin Housing Authority

Ben & Jerry's Ice cream truck scheduled for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12

someone say...ice cream?

We really do hope you'll be joining us on the Town Common in September for this! Better get there early to get in line for this big boy!

Sunday, September 12, 12-6pm!

Shared from  https://www.instagram.com/p/CSK_9ziLbhd/?utm_medium=copy_link

Ben & Jerry's Ice cream truck scheduled for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 022 - Chauvin Trial

"In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the results of the recent Derek Chauvin Trial, the work that still needs to be done on, and the future following these results."

 Direct link ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8c326236-51bc-43f8-a006-fce102ce995f

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 022 - Chauvin Trial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MIAA - week 1 at The Hub (video series)

“The Hub” has been created as a central area on the MIAA website for video content that students, coaches, athletic directors, administrators and more can explore and access on their own time, at their own pace. 

The video presentations will cover a variety of topics including leadership, wellness, and other educational athletics content. Most videos will be approximately 15-20 minutes in duration and presented by speakers that the MIAA has partnered with through initiatives such as the New England Student Leadership Conference, Wellness Summit, Sportsmanship Summit and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit. 

Each Monday throughout the summer, a new set of six videos will be added to “The Hub”. These weekly video releases will also be organized according to the core competencies of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1415021973458100227 

Go to http://www.miaa.net/contentm/easy_pages/view.php?sid=38&page_id=354

MIAA - week 1 at The Hub (video series)

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2021

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

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. Summer Curriculum Projects and Summer Learning Programs

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/summer_programs_and_teacher_summer_curriculum_work_2021.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. FY 21 Annual Report - DRAFT

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy21_annual_report.pdf

B. Back to School Status Update

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_august_5_2021.pdf

C. School Committee Meeting Tentative Presentation Schedule 2021-2022

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_presentation_schedules_-_2021-2022.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, 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 July 27, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Declare Surplus

I recommend declaring the attached lists of materials as surplus.

C. Athletics Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $325.50 from Campus Box Media for Supplemental supplies for the athletics department as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-10-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc and connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-10-21.docx.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2021

Franklin TV: Oops! Change in Plan

Our Annual Meeting & Block Party – Not Happenin’. 
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/08/2021 

"There’s a cinematic trope that begins, “Just when you thought it was safe to go out.” It’s Ba-a-a-ack! Standard issue ‘B’ disaster and monster flicks are promoted this way.  The title for this one?  “Revenge of the Unvaccinated. ”  (They walk among us.)

Covid/Delta is on the rise. Thus, opting for abundant precaution, we are prudently cancelling our Annual Meeting and Block Party. That said; New Plan!

A mobile vaccination clinic at Davis Thayer, Wednesday, Aug 25, from 10 AM to 3 PM. This event is ably orchestrated by Franklin’s Health Director, Cathleen Liberty. It’s a great thing – the right thing – for folks 12 and up, and we’re helping out.

It’s our Franklin Health Department’s,

Socially Distant Ice-Cream Social!

Ice-Cream Social

Enjoy some free ice cream with your vaccination.

Flavors:  

  Vanilla Vaxx   Strawberry Shot Pfizer  Pfudge 

( J&J Jimmies, optional )

Register – and get stoked for ice-cream. Get vaxxed, too – all for free, all for fun,

~ at ~

Franklin's Socially-Distant Ice-Cream Social!

Beat the virus. Get vaccinated.

Together, We Can lick This Thing.

Please register to be vaccinated  (either Pfizer or J&J): https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/covid-19-mobile-vaccination-clinic

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/16M4AOf9cCNh6ma8JOeM9NLhlhil6otjq/view?usp=sharing

FSPA Master Class with Nikki Wyndham scheduled for Aug 15

Get whipped into shape with Broadway’s original Brooke Wyndham @nikkisnelsonaugh! 

Nikki will be teaching a Legally Blonde themed dance master class on August 15th! 

Additionally, audience members can meet Nikki at the Saturday, August 14th performances of @franklin.performing.arts.co’s Legally Blonde!

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKGINxryNl/?utm_medium=copy_link

FSPA Master Class with Nikki Wyndham scheduled for Aug 15

   

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Franklin Historical Museum

Overview

It’s been a great year at the Franklin Historical Museum! And, while we have missed the public these last few months while our doors have been closed due to COVID- 19, we have been using these unprecedented times to plan ahead. We have had many successes and look forward to many more to come in the future. These include a new collections policy, successful application for a SHRAB grant, organization of dozens of collections up to professional standards, increased outreach through social media engagement, and the creation of a COVID-19 Archive Project.

Our Mission
The Franklin Historical Museum collects, preserves, and provides access to materials connected to the vibrant history of the Town of Franklin. Through its archives and various collection materials, the FHM seeks to create a greater appreciation for the people and events that came before it and cultivate an understanding that knowledge of the past brings about a better tomorrow.

Collections Policy
The new collections policy for the Museum is complete with forms and procedures that adhere to professional standards in the museum and archives world. These include a collections policy, a deaccession policy, mission and vision statements, a disaster management plan, donation procedures, a new deed of gift form, processing plan and finding aid templates, and details about the cataloging system which is being employed at the Museum.

SHRAB Preservation Grant
This year the Museum successfully applied for a preservation grant through the Massachusetts State Historic Records Advisory Board which enabled us to purchase proper storage materials for the Museum’s subject file collection. Thus far, ten linear feet of materials have been placed in archival quality folders and boxes thanks to the funds provided by the grant.

Museum Collections
This year has mostly been focused on processing the collections materials housed in the Museum and transforming the piles of collections and archives materials into various collections which can be used by researchers and staff and writing user-friendly finding aids so that they can find what they are looking for. This means working one box, one cabinet at a time, opening it up, seeing what is in there and figuring out what it needs and where it belongs. Thus far, over one hundred and fifty linear feet of materials have been fully processed and catalogued including books, postcards, sheet music, photographs, scrapbooks, letters, pamphlets, and various documents.
 
Social Media
Our social media accounts are dedicated to sharing vibrant stories from Franklin’s past as well as promoting virtual learning opportunities for all ages. To learn more about the history of the Town and how it relates to the world around you, follow us on Facebook and Instagram today!

Facebook: Franklin Historical Museum 

Instagram: @franklinhistoricalmuseum

COVID-19 Archive Project

The Franklin Historical Museum has been hard at work finding ways to preserve the historic event we are currently living through and we need your help! What has quarantine been like? What have you done to stay connected to friends and family during these times? Have you learned any new skills? What do you most want future generations to take away from this moment in history? Future researchers will appreciate the time you took to answer these questions as they study what happened and how humanity bonded together to survive the unthinkable.

To share your stories with the Franklin Historical Museum COVID-19 Archive Project, follow the link on our Instagram page (@franklinhistoricalmuseum) or email rfinnigan@franklinma.gov and we will send you a link to our survey. Thank you for your stories!

In Conclusion
I would like to thank everyone who has helped further the mission of the Museum, from donors to volunteers to visitors coming in off the street. We are here to serve you and, with your continued support, hope to continue to bolster community engagement as we work to create a safe space for learning and research.

Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Finnigan, Archivist 

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Franklin Historical Museum

Rotary Club of Franklin MA - Car Show - Sunday 9-26-21

Hello Everyone,

I am sharing an announcement that Rotary Club of Franklin MA is preparing for our 4th Annual Car Show, on Sept 26, 2021 at Dean College Campus Center. Auto Entry is $15 and Spectators can enter for FREE.

There will be music and plenty of different cars and trucks to see. Fun for the entire family.

Please feel free to share this flyer.  I appreciate your help! with spreading the word.

Diane

Diane M. Padula
Franklin, MA 02038 

Car show flyer ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iY9ctMfaOab0xz8_eowab-XNEsUmbUf5/view?usp=sharing

Rotary Club of Franklin MA - Car Show - Sunday 9-26-21

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 021 - Amendments Part I

"In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the history of the U.S. constitution, amendments, and the need for more amendments in the modern age."

Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/abaccbaf-631f-44d7-a62c-344f0fa5578e

 

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 021 - Ammendments Part I