Saturday, October 16, 2021

Newsletter updates from Senate President Karen Spilka

Senate President Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka)
"In case you missed it: my latest newsletter, covering our Victory for MetroWest Toll Payers, Voting Rights, Intergenerational Care, Paid Emergency Sick Leave, and more!"
Newsletter link -> https://t.co/ws5c6GJKrd 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/pmE0PYiKK7

Newsletter updates from Senate President Karen Spilka
Newsletter updates from Senate President Karen Spilka


Senator Rausch to Host Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 25

SENATOR RAUSCH TO HOST VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR FOR SENIORS 

Seniors are invited for a coffee over Zoom to discuss life  

during the COVID-19 pandemic and current issues on Beacon Hill  

 

Boston, MA – Senator Becca Rausch will host a Virtual Coffee Hour reserved exclusively for seniors of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District on Monday, October 25th from 10 to 11 AM. During this time, constituents are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with the Senator and her Beacon Hill team. To comply with public health precautions during the pandemic, the virtual conversation will take place over Zoom. Seniors can join the event either via phone or webcam.  

 

"This pandemic has been a difficult time for all of us, but particularly our seniors," said Senator Rausch. "Hearing directly from my constituents is the best way to check on our community members during these difficult times and inform my legislative work in this new legislative session."  


To register for the event, seniors can can access https://tinyurl.com/octobercoffee2021 on an internet browser, email becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or call 617-722-1555 by Friday, October 22nd.  


Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, National Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 


Senator Rausch to Host Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 25
Senator Rausch to Host Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 25


Franklin, MA: Candidate Forum - Oct 14, 2021

The video recording from Candidates Forum held on Thursday, Oct 14, 2021 in preparation for the town election scheduled for Nov 2, 2021.

Friday, October 15, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Oct 15 - Oct 21, 2021

A variety of events to take part in this weekend. Only a couple more Farmers Markets as the season winds down but the Pumpkin Patch is ready, and THE BLACK BOX has Mary Poppins on the schedule for 3 performance this weekend. Saturday can get you moving with the cleanup at DelCarte, and the rummage sale at Franklin Federated Church. Sunday you can check out the Cornhole Tournament with the Odd Fellows Club.
 
Friday, October 15
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:00pm - Pumpkin Patch
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
7:30pm - Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins

Saturday, October 16
9:00am - Annual Rummage Sale
9:00am - Earth Day cleanup
10:00am - Pumpkin Patch
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins
7:30pm - Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins

Sunday, October 17
10:00am - Pumpkin Patch
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - Cornhole Tournament
2:00pm - Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins


If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Returns to In-Person Race - Nov 25, 2021

The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce that the annual Franklin Turkey Trot is back in-person on Thanksgiving, November 25, 2021 at 8:00 am and is celebrating its ten year anniversary! The 5K starts at 91 Jordan Road, Franklin, MA and follows a lollipop route in a local neighborhood.

The $20 early bird registration fee is effective through October 18 and then increases to $25. The registration fee goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need. Participants can register online here. Due to COVID restrictions, the Franklin Food Pantry will not be able to accept food donations instead of the fee. Thank you for understanding this change in policy. Runners can also purchase a t-shirt directly from the registration page to commemorate their experience.

“In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Pantry has shifted its distribution model to meet our neighbors’ changing needs for food and services. This month, we are moving to a hybrid distribution model, offering both in-person and drive-up distribution. We have added home delivery and mobile pantries to reach our neighbors who cannot come to us and increased office hours to assist neighbors who may need more than food,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “We are so grateful for the continued tradition of the Franklin Turkey Trot to help fund our many services. These programs help us provide hunger relief to our community, especially during these
challenging times.”

There are also several opportunities for local businesses to sponsor the race. Funds received from sponsorships are used to cover costs associated with the event, including the race registration company, timing technology, insurance, and security details. 

Funds raised above our expenses go directly to support the Franklin Food Pantry. Interested sponsors should contact Laura Often at loften@franklinfoodpantry.org or Krystal Whitmore at franklinturkeytrot@gmail.com.

Thank you to our current 2021 Sponsors**:

Platinum: b.Luxe, The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints, MyFm Media, Starr Glick Orthodontics, and Terrazza
 
Gold: Accurate Baker Elman, Capstan Atlantic, DDR Contracting, Fenton Financial, La Cantina Winery, Middlesex Bank, Mount Street Farm, Paul A. Longobardi & Son’s Trucking and Vet Med Pet Supplies

Silver: Citizens Bank, Eagle Stainless Tube, Franklin Nutrition, Franklin Matters, Law Offices of Roche and Roche, P.C, LemonTree, Paula McNulty, Safford Insurance, Simons Furniture Vendetti Motors and Xpressions

Friends: The Campbell Family, Bob Donahue, Molly Bradosky, The Fitzgerald Family, LDS Church 1st and 2nd Wards, KW Premier Properties, The Lobo Family, The Morandi Family, Kathleen O’Neill, Pool Pals, Mike and Maureen Sabolinski, and The Shimer, Shanks and Tait Family.
“I’d also like to thank Race Director Krystal Whitmore and our Sponsorship volunteer, Kim Cooper. We are fortunate to have an incredibly hard-working group of dedicated volunteers, led by Krystal, to make this event come to life,” said Powderly. “Krystal organizes church members, high school students, and her own family to plan and work the event, while Kim works tirelessly to secure local businesses to cover the associated costs. The Turkey Trot is an amazing amount of work, and we could not hold this incredible community tradition without them.”
 **Sponsors as of October 11, 2021


Race web page for info on the race, course, etc. ->   http://www.franklinturkeytrot.org/

About the Franklin Food Pantry
The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,000 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
The pack is off and running in the 2019 Franklin 5K Turkey Trot
The pack is off and running in the 2019 Franklin 5K Turkey Trot


FHS field hockey and volleyball teams post wins vs. Attleboro on Thursday

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Thursday, Oct 14, 2021 
 
Field Hockey = Attleboro @ Franklin

Volleyball = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final



Senior Night Tonight!!! Let’s pack the gym to celebrate Brigid, Cailyn, Delaney, and Lindsey
Senior Night Tonight!!! Let’s pack the gym to celebrate Brigid, Cailyn, Delaney, and Lindsey

For other results around the Hockomock League


Panther News: Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 (video)


On this week's Panther News, check out reporter @GraceTucceri's recap of the Homecoming Dance! 


FHS Unified Basketball schedules Community Game vs. Franklin Police & Fire as fund raiser for Food Pantry

"Unified For Our Community Game vs  @FranklinMAfire  &  @franklinpolice  to support  @FranklinFoodPan    10/18 6pm. 
All are welcome!   @RattleCity
 

FHS Unified Basketball schedules Community Game vs. Franklin Police & Fire as fund raiser for Food Pantry
FHS Unified Basketball schedules Community Game vs. Franklin Police & Fire as fund raiser for Food Pantry


7 School Committee candidates meet & greet - Oct 20 at Franklin Nutrition


"Save the date! 10/20 5:30-7:30 PM 
This is a great opportunity to meet several School Committee candidates, while also supporting a local business. This event is open to the public, so bring your friends and family too! "

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/dnkdmZy2bY
7 School Committee candidates meet & greet - Oct 20 at Franklin Nutrition
7 School Committee candidates meet & greet - Oct 20 at Franklin Nutrition


Board of Health candidate Bridget Sweet - 10/12/21 (audio)

FM #633 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 633 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with candidate for Board of Health Bridget Sweet  


This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote.  Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.


We cover the candidate questions as previously developed in conjunction with the community and shared with the candidates in advance. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the Board of Health.


Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Bridget Sweet.  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e3b90820-7cbe-4323-9eb2-2c9e12c1a429



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


Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html 


Candidate goal -> "to build a better, healthier Franklin!"

Candidate email -> Bridget.Sweet@jwu.edu


Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html 



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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


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"

 

Board of Health candidate Bridget Sweet
Board of Health candidate Bridget Sweet

Franklin Federated: Rummage Sale - Oct 16

Franklin Federated: Rummage Sale - Oct 16
Franklin Federated: Rummage Sale
WE'RE BACK!

Outstanding donations and we want to sell it all.  

"Curated " clothing for adults and children. Large selection for average, tall, and  large men.  Some new, all VG condition. Dress pants, women's tops, blazers, coats, jeans, children hats, gloves, home decor, Christmas dishes, ornaments, jewelry, puzzles, books. You name it, it's probably at the FFC Rummage Sale. 

Come early for best selection.

Hours: 9 AM to 2 PM; Half price sale begins at 1 PM



Thursday, October 14, 2021

Franklin United Municipal PAC endorses slate of candidates for the Franklin election Nov 2


"Franklin United is proud to endorse a complete list of candidates for Town Council, School Committee, Planning Board and Town Clerk (with names including Mel Hamblen, Denise Spencer, Cobi Frongillo, Al Charles, Robert Dellorco, and Beth Weirling). 
We endorsed these candidates because we believe they will listen to the aspirations of Franklin residents who want equality and respect for all. 
We believe they will strive, through their public service and community engagement, to be representative of diverse life experiences, forward thinking, and committed to equitable outcomes for all residents.

Check out our slate of candidates below and consider signing a "Pledge to Vote" at our website." https://www.franklinmaunited.com/commit-to-vote
 
 
 



Franklin United Municipal PAC endorses full slate of candidates
Franklin United Municipal PAC endorses full slate of candidates

Specimen Ballot for Franklin (MA) Election Nov 2, 2021

What does the actual ballot for Nov 2 look like? A specimen copy is shared here from the Town Clerk page. Note the penalties associated with defacing the ballot.

From the Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/town_election_11-2-21_-_specimen_ballot_-_copy.pdf

 

Specimen Ballot for Franklin (MA) Election Nov 2, 2021
Specimen Ballot for Franklin (MA) Election Nov 2, 2021

FPAC to present Mary Poppins

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins. The production, choreographed by and starring Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson, will run October 15-17 and 22-24 at THE BLACK BOX. Everyone's favorite practically perfect nanny takes flight in THE BLACK BOX for this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. 

The production stars NYC’s Kaley Were as the title character. Were has performed regionally and across America with The Wizard of Oz National as well as at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Mary Poppins, Oklahoma!, Big Fish), and Disney Cruise Line (Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream). She has most recently been sailing the seven seas with Disney Cruise Line, performing on the Disney Dream in the IAAPA award-winning production of Beauty and the Beast. Were graduated from Oklahoma City University's Bass School of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre. This will be her first production with FPAC.

Choreographing the production and starring as the loveable chimney sweep Bert, is Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson. Rice-Thomson has performed on Broadway in KING KONG (King’s Company), Newsies (Spot Colon), Matilda (Michael Wormwood), and the Broadway National Tours of WICKED (Chistery), Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story (A-rab), and Cameron Macintosh’s Oliver. His TV credits include Saturday Night Live, The TONY Awards, MACYS Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Tonight Show, GMA, The Late Show, The View, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more. With FPAC, Rice-Thomson choreographed Matilda, starred in Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE!, and most recently played Aaron Schultz in summer 2021’s Legally Blonde.  

FPAC’s production, directed by Raye Lynn Mercer, is presented with a live professional orchestra and the spectacular aerial effects of Flying By Foy. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft.

Mary Poppins runs October 15-17 and 22-24 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Tickets are on sale  now at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Patrons are invited to follow the Franklin Performing Arts Company on Facebook and Instagram (@franklin.performing.arts.co) for season updates, behind the scenes looks at their productions, and more. 

Kaley Were as Mary Poppins (photo by Paul Vicario)
Kaley Were as Mary Poppins (photo by Paul Vicario)


FHS girls and boys soccer teams both posts wins vs. Sharon on Wednesday

Via @HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Oct 13, 2021 

Boys Soccer = Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 
– Franklin made it two wins in a row, this time taking down visiting Sharon. Hansy Jacques opened his account on the season in the 27th minute, finishing off a pass from Rex Cinelli to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Senior Terry O’Neill doubled Franklin’s advantage off of an assist from Tim O’Keefe.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 1 – Final 
– Sophomore Anya Zub scored twice and had one assist as the Panthers picked up two points on the road. Zub scored one goal off a pass from Norah Anderson and her second came off a pass from Izzy Arnold. Zub set up Stella Regan for a goal for the Panthers, who had a 2-0 lead at halftime. Amber Marcus-Blank had the Sharon goal, burying her chance from the spot. Sofia Goclowski and Carly Pinnix played well for the Eagles in the midfield and Samantha Connors had strong games in defense and in goal.

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS girls and boys soccer teams both posts wins vs. Sharon on Wednesday
FHS girls and boys soccer teams both posts wins vs. Sharon on Wednesday

FHS golf takes 4th in Hockomock Championships

The Hockomock League Golf Championship took place on Wednesday at Easton Country Club. Below are the team and individual results for Franklin. Links are provided for the complete results and photo gallery shared by HockomockSports.com


TEAMS
1. King Philip – 233
2. Canton – 235
3. Oliver Ames – 242
4. Franklin – 245
5. Sharon – 248
6. Attleboro – 251
7. Mansfield – 257
8. Foxboro – 260
9. North Attleboro – 264
10. Milford – 271
11. Stoughton – 277
12. Taunton – 288

Franklin
  • CJ Steel – 80
  • Brendan Collins – 82
  • Tyler O’Brien – 83

FHS golf takes 4th in Hockomock Championships
FHS golf takes 4th in Hockomock Championships

Recap: School Committee - approves Superintendent's goals; hears safety presentation; delays vote (again) on MASC resolutions;

Quick Recap:

  • Superintendent's goals approved by 5-2 vote; some wanted to delay for next committee, next committee will be doing evaluation and has opportunity to adjust in conversation with Superintendent as needed. Goals were actually a slight modification to those set last year for a two year period (this is mid-point), minor adjustment to incorporate faculty feedback into overall education process
  • Insightful safety presentation covering protocols and process established, a process of review and evaluation and adjustment that is ongoing
  • MASC resolutions previewed last time and scheduled for vote this time were delayed again to next meeting for some to be better prepared
  • Entered executive session on negotiation and did not return to open meeting

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

 

Citizen comment & FHS Update
  • Review of agenda, no changes Citizen comment opens; #schcom1012 citizen speaking on mask policy; Nipun Goel FHS senior class president, update on prom this Fri. College Applications in full gear, drama performance next week, hope for mask policy to end soon
  • Ravin Chaudhury, junior class president with updates; calendar fund raiser coming, PSATs on Saturday, Elisha Project volunteer work on past Saturday #schcom1012
  • Citizen comment on MAss VAX program recap, maybe we have exhausted the folks who want the vaccine, inaccurate numbers quoted; Mark Bisson, current candidate for school Committee, questions on dashboard and implications #schcom1012
Superintendent Report
  • Chap 70, $30/student is an increment to the amount of total, there were not 100 laid off, they did receive notices and many were called back for September. #schcom1012 ECDC parking lot paving underway, updates as required. Visiting author in school virtually in Nov
  • Food services update, supply chain affecting meals, may not always be what was planned but they will be healthy #schcom1012 MetroWest survey this fall, did not happen in 2020 due to COVID, info to parents, etc. coming. Informative data for health planning purposes
Safety presentation
Superintendent goals
  • Next up, superintendent goals; presentation doc for review #schcom1012  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/goals-pres 
  • Top level goal areas in standard areas #schcom1012 goals proposed essentially cover a two year period
  • Virtual coffee with parents, one coming up the 19th; parent education forums on key topics; #schcom1012
  • Some of the goals specifically tied to the district and school improvement plans #schcom1012 more opportunities for teacher/staff interaction with Central Office
  • #schcom1012 additional details from faculty/staff survey results provided to SchCom not meant as a separate item but by way of action and update as an example of goals Motion to approve, second, discussion Pfeffer wants to postpone to leave for next committee ...
  • After further discussion, goes to vote, passes 5-2 (Pfeffer and D'Angelo vote no). These are a revision of 2 year goals delaying approval throws the cycle off, new committee can adjust if required. #schcom1012
Discussion - Action Items
Discussion Only
  • Reopening update #schcom1012 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/bts-update moving up in vaccine rates, not likely to be at 80% by Oct 15, currently mandate extended to Nov 1, Horace Mann working thru a cluster of cases. 75% vax at FHS
  • ESSER grant submitted, no word yet but anticipate that it will be approved as it was submitted within the guidelines. #schcom1012 community relations, wonderful event at Harvest Festival, lots of folks and info. Policy meeting Oct 21, then to candidates night at Senior Ctr
  • Joint PCC meeting at end of month; substance abuse forum to be scheduled (Nov 17 to be confirmed). #schcom1012 School wellness meeting last week, next Nov 9
  • New business, maybe policy, Oct 1 enrollment, MCAS update #schcom1012 Consent agenda, motion to accept, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
  • Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time #schcom1012


Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

School Committee - approves Superintendent's goals
School Committee - approves Superintendent's goals