Recap: Economic Development Committee gets update on wayfinding and branding effort

Quick Recap:

• Lily Rivera presented a plan and outline for developing a complete brand package for the Town incorporating community input to resolve inconsistencies seen today and set stage for a more unified and helpful approach to communications, including signs.
• Presentation doc link included in the notes

 
----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live from the Council Chambers
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edc1020

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc1020&src=typed_query 

 

Agenda document -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-10-20_edc_agenda_.pdf 

 

Presentation document shared during the meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/community_branding_and_wayfinding_final.pptx.pdf

Photos captured during the meeting

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t4MNbS5Y6w5CDGng6

• ready to live tweet the EDC meeting, agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-10-20_edc_agenda_.pdf… here with connection info #edc1020 Frongillo remote, Hamblen (chair), Jones, Bissanti in chambers
• Chair Hamblen opens meeting with protocol and statement and acknowledgement of process, confirms Frongillo can hear/participate  #edc1020
• TA Jamie Hellen introduces Lily Rivera (Marketing and Communications Specialist) split between Town and School District communications #edc1020 She has a presentation doc on wayfinding combined with Town branding to provide update since last meeting
• slide link to be added later. Some photos (screen grabs to be captured in meantime) #edc1020
• key questions: What is the goal of wayfinding signs? #edc1020 samples from Foxboro, Amherst, Walk Boston Worcester Districting (i.e. sense of arrival) (Worcester also incorporated local artists works)
• Commonwealth of MA branding guide is an example of the thoroughness of detail, note every company has (or should have) a branding guide, Dunkin and Honey Dew for example - #edc1020 from personal experience I know Fidelity and John Hancock go to this level of detail
• Example of Ware with a complete branding package as well as business development, example of Boston visioning campaign. What should Franklin be in 2028? #edc1020
• did get info and names from folks at the Harvest Festival at the MAPC booth. Chair thanks folks for work in supporting committee during the time, this is last meeting before election #edc1020
• meeting adjourns, #edc1020  stay tuned for Town Council meeting coming up at 7 PM

 
Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Economic Development Committee gets update on wayfinding and branding effort

Franklin Cultural District Grant Opportunity - stay tuned for details

Dear Cultural District Partners,

We hope that you are all well and are enjoying these crisp fall days.

Once again the Massachusetts Cultural Council will be offering a  grant opportunity to all of the Massachusetts Cultural Districts. While we have not yet received the details or the amount for this grant, the Franklin Cultural District Committee wanted to reach out to all of the Franklin Cultural District partners so that when we do receive the details all partners will have had plenty of time  to develop a potential grant application.

Like last year the Franklin Cultural District will be looking for collaborative grant ideas for possible events, performances or exhibits to be held during the 2022 June ArtWALK Celebration. Last year the Franklin Cultural District Committee was able to fund eight different Cultural District Grants for events and performances during the ArtWALK weekend. We hope to be able to support many grants again this year.

Since we do not have the specific details for this grant we are asking any interested partners to submit their ideas to the Franklin  Cultural District Committee at franklinculture@franklinma.gov. Once we receive any additional information regarding this grant opportunity we will share it with all of the Franklin Cultural District partners.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Franklin Cultural District at franklinculture@franklinma.gov.

Regards,

Nancy Schoen

Chair, Franklin Cultural District

nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com

Franklin Cultural District Grant Opportunity - stay tuned for details 

MA Division of Local Services shares video on "Unfunded Mandate" appeal process

via the MA Division of Local Services:

"We are pleased to present our annual “What’s New” 2021 court decisions in a virtual format. The presentation consists of narrated videos discussing recent cases related to municipal finance and municipal law. You can view the videos individually or together as a group. "

What's New in Municipal Law 2021 (video)

"What's New" PowerPoint presentations (pdf)

Noteworthy among the videos is a five (5) minute clip on "unfunded mandates" and how they can be appealed. Good background on how this process was created (in 1980) and how it executes.

Video link on Unfunded Mandates  -> https://youtu.be/ljSBHzG4BGY 

Shared from the MA Municipal Law page -> https://www.mass.gov/service-details/municipal-law-seminar

Round up from the CommonWealth Magazine - anchor mission, MA vaccine rollout for kids, Rep Roy on the Codcast

The "anchor mission" explained and how that may help with health care costs

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/what-our-anchor-mission-means-for-central-mass/

MA prepares for vaccine rollout for the kids

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/drug-addiction/drugs/massachusetts-preps-for-nov-vaccine-rollout-to-kids/

State claims school testing problems resolved

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/state-school-testing-delays-are-being-resolved/

The recent episode of The Codcast features State Representative Jeff Roy in the discussion on "The great offshore wind debate"

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/podcast/the-great-offshore-wind-debate/

CommonWealth Magazine · The great offshore wind debate

Halloween Cemetery Tour - Oct 28 - 5 PM

via Franklin Historical Museum: 

"The cemetery tour is back again this year hosted Dean College History Professor Rob Lawson."

Meet at the Museum, take the short walk to the cemetery for the tour.

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1624476373/posts/10223593119809125/

Halloween Cemetery Tour - Oct 28 - 5 PM

Broadcast Info for the Candidates Forum - Oct 21, 2021 - 6:30 PM

There is a Candidate Forum scheduled for Thursday, Oct 21, 2021 at 6:30 PM. The Forum will be broadcast live from the Senior Center. Program schedule and broadcast info shared here:

Program Schedule

Event Start time 6:30 PM 

Welcome, etc. 5 minutes

Town Clerk candidates (15 mins) start at ~6:35

Planning Board (20 mins) start at ~6:55

Town Council (50 mins) start at ~7:15

School Committee (50 mins) start at ~8:05

Scheduled finish broadcast time ~8:55 PM

Broadcast Info

Watch the Franklin TV All-Access channel, Comcast 8 or Verizon 26 on Thursday evening at 6:30 PM. 

For those without cable, you can also find the live stream at  https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod/  Select LIVE, then ALL ACCESS, and PLAY

Note: The Conservation Commission’s meeting will be on the Town Hall channel, Comcast 11 or Verizon 29 at 7 PM as usual. 

Additional details on the event were shared here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/candidate-forum-oct-21-2021-forum.html

Candidate Forum - Oct 21, 2021 - Forum outline details

Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

During the week of November 29, 2021, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. The Office of Public School Monitoring reviews each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students. 

Parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child's special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records. 

Parents and other individuals may call Corey Steinman, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338-3742 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the review, the review chairperson will provide the district with a report with information about areas in which the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

 

The Benjamin Franklin Classical 
Charter Public School
500 Financial Park
Franklin, MA 02038
www.bfccps.org

For reference: 

• Tri-County had their review announced in March 2021   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/tiered-focused-monitoring-review-of-tri.html
• Franklin Public Schools had their review conducted in 2019   https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/2019/01010000.docx

BFCCPS school sign at the entrance (taken day of ribbon cutting)

Franklin Goes Pink October 24 - 30, 2021

Help Fight Breast Cancer

THINK PINK Franklin Goes Pink for Ellie Fund - Oct. 24 to Oct. 30!  In partnership with the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Franklin businesses will band together in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in support of the Ellie Fund. The Ellie Fund supports breast cancer patients and their families while in treatment in Massachusetts. Local businesses can participate by decorating their storefronts pink, hosting an event, donating a percentage of sales or collecting contributions in support of the Ellie Fund. Proceeds from the campaign will benefit Ellie fund patients by providing essential support services. Learn more about the Do Good Campaign here. To register your business to participate, please email kristen@elliefund.org. These Franklin businesses have already confirmed their participation to raise awareness for breast cancer and also raise money for the Ellie Fund! Please visit them: 67 Degrees Brewing Dress Code Franklin Nutrition Greco Designs La Cantina Winery Safford Insurance  The Ellie Fund provides assistance to breast cancer patients residing in and/or receiving treatment in Massachusetts. Through its Healing Together Patient and Family Care Program and Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Program, the Ellie Fund provides critical support services free of charge to help relieve a breast cancer patient's burden while in treatment. Services include:  Grocery Assistance Transportation Housekeeping Childcare Reimbursement Nutritious & Prepared Meals Integrative therapy services including acupuncture and oncology massage for metastatic patients If you know of someone with breast cancer, tell them about Ellie Fund. Learn more at www.elliefund.org or reach out directly to info@elliefund.org.  www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Both FHS girls and boys soccer teams post wins on Wednesday

Via @HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Oct 20, 2021  

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Xaverian, 0 – Final 

– A pair of seniors linked up for the game-winning goal as Franklin swept the season series with Xaverian, pushing their win streak to four straight. Senior Jacob Crisileo set up classmate Jack Moran for the lone goal in the 59th minute.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 3 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final 

Josh Perry, the Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com provides the game recap:

"Sometimes everything just clicks on the pitch. The game plan, the formation, the passes, the runs, the marking, the energy, everything comes together over 80 minutes and makes it hard for the opposition to keep pace.

In Wednesday night’s Kelley-Rex title showdown at Alumni Field, Franklin had one of those rare nights. The Panthers hardly put a foot wrong from the opening whistle, scored twice in the opening 18 minutes, and walked away with a 3-1 victory over Mansfield.

“That was the best 80 minutes of soccer we’ve played all season,” said Franklin coach Jodi Klein. “That is what we’ve been working for all season long. We knew how we needed to play to beat this team and they did it.”

Franklin’s win ended a run of four straight defeats to the Hornets, including a 1-0 loss almost exactly a month ago, opened up a four-point gap on Mansfield in the title race, and kept Franklin two points in front of King Philip with two matches to play. It was the first time in the last seven meetings that either team scored more than one goal."

Continue reading the game recap ->

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-puts-it-all-together-to-win-at-mansfield/

For a Photo Gallery from this game ->

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Fall-2021/Mansfield-Franklin-Girls-Soccer-10-20-21/

For other results around the league ->
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-20-21/

Sophomore Anya Zub (5) drives at the Mansfield defense during Franklin’s 3-1 win at Alumni Field. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale - orders accepted through Nov 14, 2021

Why bake when the Knights can do it for you?

The Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 St. Mary Parish Franklin MA is running their 4th Annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale. Our famous bakery (same as last year) is the family owned Mann’s Orchards and Bakery. The flavors will remain the same as last year - Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin and Blueberry. 

These Pies are fantastic.... outstanding flavor, aroma, and taste. We held the price so we will still have the magnificent $15.00 price per Pie. As was last year you will be able to DONATE a pie. All donations will be donated to the Franklin Senior Center for distribution at Thanksgiving time.

We will be taking Pie orders in person on just one weekend this year November 13-14, after all the Masses at St Mary Franklin. We will be set up in the back of the Church to take your Pie orders. Cash, Check or Credit Card will be accepted. 

The order form is provided below. You can download, fill out and either mail or bring to the Church on the weekend of Nov 13-14.

You will be able to Pick Up your order of Thanksgiving Pies on Tuesday, November 23, from 3 PM – 8 PM at the CCD Offices at the old St. Mary's Franklin Parish Hall Center (previously the Charter School) on the 1st floor. You will see our Signs.

We are excited again this year to bring this quality product to St Mary Parish community and all our Franklin neighbors.

Please support this most worthy cause, help a senior and make your Thanksgiving Day special with a Pie (or2) from Mann’s Orchard on your dinner table this year.

Any questions, please call Jim Campbell at 508-848-8681 or Jim Lane at 774-571-9804 or Mike Swan 508-404-4792.

Thank You for your generosity and “giving back”...

Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 Franklin, MA 02038 

Order form -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZdkjDtunKkAqpNpfoP7RrQ8F1CZ-MH9q/view?usp=sharing

4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale - orders accepted through Nov 14, 2021

Franklin Matters Q&A - Oct 21 at 1:00 PM (hybrid meeting)

 Get your Franklin MA questions answered on Thursday, October 21 at 1:00 PM. 

This is a hybrid event coordinated with the Senior Center = "Franklin Matters Q&A with Steve Sherlock"

• Held at the Franklin Senior Center for those who want to meet in person
• A Zoom session is also available for remote participation

Zoom info

Stephen Sherlock is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Franklin Matters Q&A

Time: Oct 21, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87319833170?pwd=QkxKbE94d0llOFhFK0s5MDNHeHN3QT09

Meeting ID: 873 1983 3170

Passcode: wfpr1029

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,87319833170#,,,,*62622783# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,,87319833170#,,,,*62622783# US (New York)

*While we do use Zoom to help with the meeting facilitation, only the audio portion of the meeting is recorded for playback via podcast and/or wfpr.fm radio

Franklin Matters Q&A - Oct 21 at 1:00 PM (hybrid meeting)

Coaches Corner! Taunton Win, Bye Week (video)

Kevin papa (@kevinjpapa) tweeted  Wed, Oct 20, 2021:

Coaches Corner! Taunton Win, Bye Week! 

@Coach_Bain @Coach_Angelo @FHSSports @fhs_gridiron @RattleCity @tommycassell44 @Coach_Angelo @danorlovsky7 @BostonHeraldHS @HockomockSports 

YouTube Video link ->  https://youtu.be/DSfRoZW_K1g

Shared from Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/kevinjpapa/status/1450974074776211459

Radio Margaritaville features Franklin's Pete Scaccia

Pete Scaccia (Franklin resident and longtime youth sports coach) is going to be the featured “Fruitcake on the Radio” on Radio Margaritaville this week.   His segment will air on SiriusXM channel 24 on the following dates:

10/21 @ 10:00am
10/24 @ 4:00pm
10/25 @ 8:00pm

10/22 @ 12:00am

Attached is a picture of the recent Facebook post from Radio Margaritaville.   Here is the content from the SiriusXM post for context (quoted content written by Pete):

https://www.facebook.com/radiomargaritaville/photos/a.401021882693/10158369169197694

Tune in Thursday morning at 10 AM EST to hear our new Fruitcake on the Radio/Guest DJ!!

“Hi my name is Pete Scaccia and I am your Fruitcake on the Radio. I live in Franklin, Massachusetts with my wife of 19 years and fellow concert goer Jacqui along with our two sons Nick and Ben. When not running a courier company I enjoy coaching my kid’s sports teams, driving with the top down on the jeep, fishing, scuba diving, clamming and just about anything else you can do on or around the water! I also enjoy collecting different types of maps and am a Civil War buff. Some of my favorite memories with my family have been around the water. Whether it was growing up spending summers on Cape Cod, living in Annapolis, MD, taking a Caribbean cruise or driving onto the beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Jimmy’s music can always be heard playing in the background.”

Radio Margaritaville features Franklin's Pete Scaccia

 

Safe Medication Disposal Day - Saturday, Oct 23, 2021

Norfolk,MA Police AND SAFE COALITION

MEDICATION DISPOSAL DAY... SATURDAY!

#safedisposal #medication #drive-through #safe

Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=239266864909764&id=100064793556083

Safe Medication Disposal Day - Saturday, Oct 23, 2021

New York Times: "The Economic Rebound Is Still Waiting for Workers"

"Fall was meant to mark the beginning of the end of the labor shortage that has held back the nation’s economic recovery. Expanded unemployment benefits were ending. Schools were reopening, freeing up many caregivers. Surely, economists and business owners reasoned, a flood of workers would follow.

Instead, the labor force shrank in September. There are five million fewer people working than before the pandemic began, and three million fewer even looking for work.

The slow return of workers is causing headaches for the Biden administration, which was counting on a strong economic rebound to give momentum to its political agenda. Forecasters were largely blindsided by the problem and don’t know how long it will last."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/19/business/economy/us-economy.html

Danielle Miess lost her job at a travel agency in the Philadelphia area. Her unemployment benefits have run out, but she isn’t looking for another office job. Instead, she is cobbling together a living from a variety of gigs.Credit...Kriston Jae Bethel for The New York Times