Holiday Gift Dilemma? Check out the ornaments on sale at the Historical Museum gift shop

Historical Museum gift shop

Stop by the Historical Museum gift shop for fun Franklin inspired gifts. From the beautiful ornaments of the Franklin Library and the Watering Trough, to mugs, pillows, note cards, and more. Looking for stocking stuffers? 

Visit the Gift Shop’s Lady Bug Corner and discover the Lady Bug’s connection to Franklin. 

Lady Bug Corner

Hosted by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum, the gift shop is open museum hours Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1 PM - 4 PM. 

Shop local! #thinkFranklinFirst #ShopFranklin

 

Recap: Town Council hears about the waiting list and process for housing; approves FY 2022 budget reduction

Quick Recap:

• Housing Authority, funded at State level, is limited in what they can do by funding and regulations. The list for access is long. A key part of our overall housing issue. The 60 unit senior housing at Franklin Ridge is awaiting funding. These units only make a dip into the wait list. Advocating for housing at State and Federal levels is best and only option
• Elks Riders present their donation to veterans and recognized for such at same time
• FY 2022 budget reduced by $454K to recognize the revenue expected won't be met. Outline of where the adjustments come from provided; on Town side some savings already recognized, Schools asked to reduce by $93K, how that will affect their $70M budget is 'minor' but would need to come from School Dept/School Committee.
• Host Community agreement funding outlined as distributed among DPW, SAFE Coalition and Police Dept as mitigation for expected sales of cannabis products
• Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to hold two hearings in Jan 2022 (Jan 4, and Jan 18) to solicit ideas for how the expected funds could be utilized. This listing would then be further developed by CPC and ultimately approved by Town Council before the first CPA funding is received in 4Q 2022.

-------

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #TC1117 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1461118335224008712

Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NoqWaRJWAjg2R8qb7 

getting ready for the Town Council meeting #tc1117 Full agenda doc (with remote connection info)  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_nov_17_2021.pdf

• Chair Mercer opens meeting with gavel and then the 'normal' statement about access via Zoom, etc. #tc1117

Citizen comments

• Citizen comment from Max Morrongiello speaking on property tax setting coming up on next meeting agenda; example of Brookline put forward #tc1117 recommending committee to study proposal for possible implementation next year (full text of comment -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/citizen-comment-maxwell-morrongiello.html)
• (Unidentified person) - speaking on King St and Washington St projects, meetings overlapping each other Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission with scheduled meetings for Thursday - new distribution center proposed for King St adding 500+ trips; #tc1117
• Jim Derick touting the Critical Conversation on mental health and substance abuse scheduled for for Nov 18 at 6 PM #tc1117  https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-public-schools-ma-announces.html

Minutes approved

• motion to approve minutes of Oct 20, second, passes 9-0 #tc1117

Housing authority presentation/discussion

• next up Housing Authority presentation #tc1117 George Danelo Chair of Housing Authority; introduces Lisa Audette, Executive Director, also a couple of other board members present
• emergency applications take priority, needs to be validated; #tc1117 listing of 7 levels of priorities, 1 other levels of preference; over 6,000 on waiting listing; time consuming to process application to validate
• average 20 units for senior housing per year; family units don't turn frequently; lists being reviewed by State to audit process; #tc1117 process time consuming on both Authority and applicant;
• State maintains waiting list not the local housing authority - thousands of residents on the multiple lists; local 114 for disabled, 200 families for low income housing; local hands tied - app process through http://ma.gov site, preference and requirements set #tc1117
• Pellegri concerned with out of town folks on list and the interjection of the State in the process; list process changes daily; #tc1117 if individual doesn't respond back to the list verification process, they lose their place in the line
• petition legislators to change public housing regulations; #tc1117 could go via home rule petition, (which everyone would want); could check to see if general legislation has been filed - state funds source this, not Franklin funds
• transfer within type of unit is an administrative transfer, if changing size, then the list comes into play; #tc1117 simple solution - need more housing, period. TA Hellen updates on Franklin Ridge project, permitted for 60 units, remains waiting for funding.
• Hellen - we did identify a 3.5 acre piece of town owned land that could go for about 8 units of housing, can use the CPA funds to spec out further; #tc1117 at the end of the day, this comes down to money, takes the will of a lots of folks to get to fund it
• Hellen - working with Habitant 4 Humanity on 2 other separate lots; #tc1117 we are doing this locally, we can't do it alone; the listing is applicants who have identified Franklin as a place to live - hence a happy problem (yet unfulfilled)
• congregate housing while it can work, doesn't work for some and creates some problems when that comes up for someone on a list; #tc1117 6000 applicants on list for 2000 units state wide
• How long will it take? No good answer for that Q. It depends. #tc1117 copy of 2 page memo used in this discussion will be shared later (have paper will convert post meeting)
• Jones: what are logical viable next steps to solve this problem? #tc1117 218 units total; 165 seniors, 4 bedroom congregate, 33 family units
• pull a listing for every vacancy; could pull 50-100 for 4 vacancies - work the list to validate status and eligibility for preference and priority; need to fill unit within 30 days; may close the list within 10 days depending upon circumstances #tc1117
• Frongillo - how can we help? it is about land and money; age of buildings a concern, sidewalks are getting broken, (Town could help with), they apply for every grant we can get; #tc1117 average rent in a unit $450/unit, not much to work with
• funding not enough to keep with the caring annually. #tc1117 folks can paint but must use Housing paint; Housing Authority is a state agency; CPA funds maybe the best option; need to be state or Federal sources to provide the funding
• TA Hellen - Jan 4 and 18 Community Preservation Committee to hold hearings; Foxboro voucher process could use CPA funds but it won't increase # of units, would help with individual funding of units #tc1117

Legislation For Action

• LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - a. Resolution 21-68: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Dept ($1,000), Historical Commission ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-68 - Majority Vote) - moved, seconded, passes 9-0 
• Elks Riders present to talk about their donation #tc1117
• Resolution 21-69: General Funds Appropriation, Transfers and Adjustments FY22
• (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-69 - Majority Vote) #tc1117 motioned, second, passes 9-0 - this was previewed and approved by FinCom last week (7-0)
• Resolution 21-70: Appropriation of Cannabis Fees
• (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-70 - Majority Vote) motion, second, passes 8-0 TA Hellen spoke to parts of this during prior discussion, 2 active host community agreements $300K each; light project designed, hopeful to do spring
• On last vote 8-0-1 recusal by Dellorco #tc1117
• Details on FinCom vote in their meeting last week can be found https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/fm-655-finance-committee-mtg-111021.html… #tc1117
• Interesting that Dellorco remained in conversation (and commented) and only before vote recused himself. #tc1117 hope that doesn't cause a problem - also raised by Councilor Cormier-Leger in the discussion before the vote
• Resolution 21-71: Appropriation to Pay Prior Years’ Bills
• (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-71 - ⅔ Majority Vote) motion, second, passes 9-0 - Finance Dept did talk to vendors on timing of receipt for invoices #tc1117
• Resolution 21-72: Order of Taking Approximately Seventy (70) Acres of Unimproved Land Off
• Maple Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-72 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  motion, second, passes 9-0 - formal process to ensure clear title to the Maple Hill land
• Resolution 21-73: Acceptance of Open Space, Access and Parking Easements at Brookview Condominium Located Off Pond Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-73 - Majority Vote) easements for Pond St to gain access to waterfront on Mine Brook; motion, second, passes 9-0

Councilor Comments

• TA report - nothing at this time
• Future agenda items - all questions on FHS issues, need to be addressed via the School channels; housing items to be considered for future #tc1117 Councilor Comments - veterans lunch last week was wonderful; atta boy to Rep Roy for …
• passage of the genocide bill; snow and ice presentation coming next meeting; kudos to all for the luncheon last week; #tc1117 Strong Towns event well attended on Monday; monthly senior office hours at Center at 8:30 AM - volunteers needed to decorate downtown Sat
• Fairmount Farm has first Winters Farmers Market on Saturday; nice to see other communities at the Strong Towns event; it was an honor to serve the veterans last week; #tc1117 congrats to FHS performances of Mamma Mia this past weekend - 65 students in the cast
• good luck to FHS, only public school left in D1 for football; salt price up, let Brutus know; #tc1117 happy Thanksgiving to all, we'll be back in Dec - motion to adjourn, passes 9-0

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Veterans Services Officer Shannon Nisbett and members of the Elks Riders

FHS Swim Team fund raiser sells candles

"FRANKLIN VARSITY SWIM is, once again, partnering with Boston Wick, a Franklin owned company, for their candle fundraiser.  

Candles are $20 and FHS Varsity Swim earns 50% of the sales.  Sale ends November 29th and candles will be delivered BEFORE Xmas.  

Please consider supporting the team!  PM Jill Gabel Simms (https://www.facebook.com/jill.simms.750) with questions or to place an order.  Payment is collected in advance and can be made with cash or Venmo."

Shared from Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/173205529994/posts/10151645775309995/

FHS Swim Team fund raiser sells candles

FTC Consumer Alerts: Before you join that crowdfunding campaign, read this

Before you join that crowdfunding campaign, read this by Emily Wu Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC If it takes a village to raise a child, crowdfunding may be what it takes to make that invention a reality. But scammers could be behind those crowdfunding efforts and take your money without delivering what they promise. Crowdfunding can help raise money to develop a new product or invention. To get investors, the organizer may promise something in exchange for contributions. Investors might get a payout once the invention is profitable, be the first to get the new product, or get the new product at a discount later on. When you give money to a crowdfunding campaign, it goes directly to the campaign organizer. But a dishonest businessperson might lie about the project, product, and timeline. And they might lie about the rewards you’ll get once the product is finished. Continue reading the article ->   https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/11/you-join-crowdfunding-campaign-read?utm_source=govdelivery

FTC Consumer Alerts: Before you join that crowdfunding campaign, read this

Did you vote Nov 2? Please respond to this quick survey on what you thought of the candidate information available

To help prepare for the next local or biennial election, let's capture what you think about the information available for this one while it is still 'fresh' at hand. The original sources of information covered via this survey are the Franklin Voters Guide, Milford Daily News/Wicked Local, Frank Falvey's interviews for Franklin TV, the series by Franklin Matters, and the two candidate nights. "

Survey closes this weekend. We have more than 80 responses but there were more than 5,000 voters so there is an opportunity!

There are only four questions and the survey should take less than a couple of minutes to respond to. Thanks you!

Did you vote Nov 2? Please respond to this quick survey on what you thought of the candidate information available

Citizen Comment - Maxwell Morrongiello

"I’m here today, because at the next meeting the Council will have an opportunity…an opportunity to lower the property tax burden faced by middle- and low-income families. According to the Massachusetts Budget Policy Center, property taxes are a regressive tax. They explain on their website that households with the highest 1 percent of incomes pay less than 3 percent of their income in property taxes on average, while those with the lowest incomes tend to pay over 5 percent. This simply isn’t fair and is a burden on those who can least afford it. 

Towns like Brookline, however, have found a solution! They have a blanket residential exemption, that exempts a fixed amount of the property values of all single-family homes. If Franklin were to do the same thing, say, exempt the first $100,000 dollars of property value, and then raise the total tax rate, they can make the tax code more progressive while keeping a balanced budget. Under such a plan, modest homeowners will see a tax cut, while wealthier households will contribute a more equitable share. 

My understanding is that this is allowed by Prop 2 ½ which affects the only amount of total revenue a town can raise, not the tax rate itself. In addition, Franklin already does this with the community preservation act, and more narrow exemptions.

I ask not that the council adopt such a tax rate at the tax hearing next month. It is simply too soon and needs buy-in from the community. In addition, it would need to be assessed how this would affect people in apartment buildings who rent, as well as businesses who would be ineligible for an exemption. 

I ask instead that the council adds a motion to the agenda of the tax hearing to assign a committee to study this proposal, with the intention of it being implemented the following year. I urge the council to act to foster a community discussion around this issue, promote equity and fairness, and most importantly support a tax cut to Franklin Residents who need it."

Maxwell Morrongiello
Franklin Resident

Spoken at the Town Council meeting of Nov 17, 2021. Copy of text received via email

Housing Authority Presentation doc - Nov 17, 2021

The Franklin Housing Authority presentation to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021 used this document and shared a copy of it during the meeting.

Download a copy of the doc here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19CuH_vihW0FbxZs-faUzNk1RAz7zDYUu/view?usp=sharing 

Housing Authority Presentation doc - Nov 17, 2021

FHS volleyball ends playoff run falling 2-3 to Needham in well played semifinal

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports playoff action on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021   

I managed to catch the second set via Franklin TV's live stream before going to the Town Council meeting. The set was action packed long rallies, lead changes were frequent. If a team got a run going, the other took a time out and the momentum shifted. 

Given what I heard and saw during the second set, it was like that in the first and apparently remained that way for the entire 5 set game.

Volleyball = Division 1 State Semifinal
#5 Needham, 3 vs. #1 Franklin, 2 – Final

Hate to see the girls lose but they should be darn proud!  Incredible effort and match. As good a sporting event as it comes at the HS level!!

https://twitter.com/feglax/status/1461151962322325513

Incredible game tonight! Hold your heads high @Franklin_VBall We are all so proud of you!

https://twitter.com/cathyklein03/status/1461135164323549187

Great match and great season. A lot to be proud of.

https://twitter.com/robertvacca2004/status/1461171077112078338

If I’m being honest (which my athletes know I always am) that was some AMAZING volleyball tonight!!@Franklin_VBall I love watching you all play a game you love so much! Be proud of yourselves! Your accomplishments this season were incredible.  Congrats on a fantastic season.

https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom/status/1461173003606269953

25-23 Franklin takes game 4 over Needham. The series is tied 2-2

https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom/status/1461122100731817984

FHS volleyball comes back to take second set 27-25 and ties Needham, 1-1. Watching via live stream from http://Franklin.TV

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1461107369711214592

screen capture between 2nd and 3rd sets of the FHS vs. Needham match

Webinar Nov. 22 on MA DEP Solid Waste Master Plan

Via the Mass Municipal Association:

"The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is inviting local officials to a webinar on Nov. 22 on the newly published Solid Waste Master Plan.

The 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan: Working Together Toward Zero Waste guides how Massachusetts will strive to manage our trash between now and 2030 — and beyond. The plan sets a waste reduction target of 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050."

Read the remainder of the announcement by MMA and register for the webinar

https://www.mma.org/massdep-to-hold-webinar-nov-22-on-solid-waste-master-plan/

 

Webinar Nov. 22 on MA DEP Solid Waste Master Plan

Pantherbook: Articles worth reading - Downtown Franklin, mask mandate, climate change

"History of Franklin: Downtown Franklin"

Nihara Lijan, Writer

"Many of us have either been to or driven through downtown Franklin, but do we really know the significance or history behind each building located there? There are seven main sections of downtown Franklin that are important to the history of how Franklin developed. Let’s look at each one of them in depth!"

Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2021/11/12/history-of-franklin-downtown-franklin/ 

 

"Mask Mandate at Franklin High School"
Anna Hoffmann, Writer

"The 2021 to 2022 school year is well underway. Public schools in the United States are chock-full of students, bustling hallways, and swarming cafeterias. Students and staff alike are no longer separated by six feet. However, unfortunately, the Covid-19 virus is as well underway as the current school year is. Of course, vaccinations have become readily available, treatment for Covid-19 has improved, and cases are falling. Google Meets have become a practically nonexistent area of academic lives. Progress has been made. Still, the virus remains a threat. There is no cure, it can still spread, and we need to be cautious of the new strains and variants. This means mask mandates have become typical for most public schools. Franklin High School students, and public school students in general, have become somewhat fed up with required mask-wearing. As a result, it has become a political, contentious issue in the United States. Overall, the Franklin High School community, school communities in general, have been left to wonder: when will it end? "

Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/school-news/2021/11/15/mask-mandate-at-franklin-high-school/ 

"Climate Change: How it is Misunderstood"
Lucia Perkins, Writer

"We have all heard of climate change, but we as world citizens have not heard enough of it. Climate change is happening everywhere. Fluctuations of temperatures in the environment have been and continue to be a worldwide issue. Global issues come with misunderstandings and climate change is no exception. It is never too late to learn them because the more we educate ourselves and the FHS community, the more we can help the world in small, but powerful ways."

Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/11/16/climate-change-how-it-is-misunderstood/

Pantherbook: Articles worth reading

Legal Notice - FY 2022 Tax Rate Hearing - Dec 1, 2021

FY 2022 Tax Rate Hearing - Legal Notice

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 7:10 P.M. on the issue of allocating the local property tax levy among the 5 property classes for the Fiscal Year 2022. The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion of local property tax policy. Interested taxpayers may present oral or written information on their views.

Prior to the setting of the tax rate, the Town Council must adopt a Residential Factor following which the Council selects the percentage of the levy to be borne by Commercial and Industrial and Personal Property.

Citizens are now welcome to attend public meetings in person. Additionally, citizens will be able to continue to participate remotely via phone OR Zoom. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. If you have any questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by, 

Alecia Alleyne
Licensing Administrator

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-11-18_web_legal_ad_tax_rate_hearing_2022.pdf

 

Legal Notice - FY 2022 Tax Rate Hearing - Dec 1, 2021

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, Nov 18, 7:00 PM

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node. 

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 18, 7:00 PM

Hello to all once again from the 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node. Please mark your calendars for this week's Node meeting 

Here are the the Zoom details

https://zoom.us/j/544734092?pwd=N3hwYzZBazRYZG9ycHRsbmliVkMxZz09

Meeting ID: 544 734 092

Password: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

We welcome you to join us, whether or not you've attended previous meetings. We need to take action and keep up the pressure on elected officials in Washington and Boston, and on banks and insurers who enable fossil fuel infrastructure. We'll discuss opportunities to learn about the climate crisis reading and watching webinars, and strategies for change and ways to make our voices heard, collectively and individually.  

If you'd like to chat or meet with one of us, please reply to this email and we will find a time to explore with you how you can get involved in our multi-faceted organization. Our Greater Franklin Node wants to collaborate with groups and individuals from the region who share the same concerns, so all our cities and towns can benefit. Please join us to learn and contribute. 

Also, you should have received an email yesterday (Monday), with Subject Line: Your Input Needed: A Brief Survey from the Greater Franklin Node of 350 Mass. The survey takes only a few minutes, and your responses will help us plan for the future.

Visit the 350 Mass website to learn about opportunities to add your voice for a just transition for a climate-safe world.  Sign up for updates. 

We'll send a meeting reminder on Thursday. Thanks for your participation and support.

Node Co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel

Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

Strong Towns Event @ THE BLACK BOX - 11/15/21 (audio)

FM #661 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 661 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Strong Towns Town Hall event with Congressman Jake Auchincloss, State Rep Jeff Roy, Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, and Charles Marohn from Strong Towns. 

The event was held at THE BLACK BOX and broadcast via Franklin TV and Zoom. 

After a round of opening remarks, there is a question and answer period with audience participation. Each question asker identifies themselves so you should be able to follow along.

 

The recording runs about 1  hour and 14 minutes, so let’s listen to the Strong Towns Event on Nov 15, 2021. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9af1799e-c16d-4b73-8329-74515b343b2f

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

My notes from the session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-strong-towns-event-fostering.html 

More about Strong Towns can be found online -> https://www.strongtowns.org/

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

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"

 

FHS field hockey end season in final four loss to #1 seed Andover

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the recap for Franklin's field hockey final four match vs. Andover. The season ends with a 5-0 loss.

"Andover had been in the state semifinal in three of the past four seasons and won the 2017 state title. With nine seniors on the roster, the Golden Warriors had plenty of experience to call on, particularly at this late stage of the season. In contrast, Franklin started four freshmen and were making the Panthers were making their first state semifinal appearance.

Experience paid off in Tuesday night’s semifinal at Burlington High, as top-seeded Andover booked a return to the final with a dominating 5-0 win. The Golden Warriors will face No. 2 seed Walpole. It wasn’t the ending that Franklin (20-2-0) had hoped for, but while head coach Michelle Hess was speaking after the game, in the background the Panthers were reminding themselves that this was a historic run, and one to build on for the future.

“They’re very highly skilled,” Hess said of Andover. “We knew coming in that they were going to be skilled and fast, super fast. I think the one thing that I was a little disappointed in was they were able to get us frazzled and we weren’t able to play our game and execute and I think the frustration level got a little high for us.”

Continue reading the match recap ->

https://hockomocksports.com/historic-tourney-run-ends-in-semifinal-for-franklin-field-hockey/

For a photo gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Fall-2021/Franklin-Andover-Field-Hockey-11-16-21/

Franklin field hockey saw its tournament run in the state semifinal after a 5-0 loss to top seed Andover. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - November 2021

Plenty to be Thankful for: Keep up with what is happening in Franklin Public Schools!

Franklin Public Schools District Newsletter November 2021 Food Services District Calendar School Committee Transportation 21-22 School Calendar There will be no school November 24th-26th Mamma Mia! The cast and crew of the Franklin High School Theatre Company delivered an outstanding performance of Mamma Mia! Thank you to all who came out to support. Mamma Mia was nothing short of unforgettable. I am so honored I was able to share this experience with such a talented and professional cast.  - Sarah Dumas, 2024 (Donna Sheridan) Performing in the musical Mamma Mia was a challenging yet thrilling experience for me. I had so much fun bonding with the cast and jumping into the role, It was truly the highlight of my high school experience thus far.  -Linnea Remillard, 2022, Tanya Chesham-Leigh Throughout the rehearsal process, Mamma Mia was referred to as "a party on stage." This is a party I never wanted to end, a home I never want to leave, and a family I never want to say goodbye to. Joe Maple, Class of 2022, Harry Bright Parmenter Mural Unveiled Parmenter School's Artist in Residence Bren Bataclan has worked with students and staff to create a colorful and unique mural that visually expresses Parmenter's core values of caring, inclusion, respect, courage, leadership, and effort. Together, they have conceptualized and created various symbols to represent our school's values and our community as a whole. Bren will be back in Franklin in December for a mural residency at Jefferson Elementary School. Special thanks to Mrs. Vulfovich and Ms.Whelan for their work on this project! Panther Pride: Sports Spotlight Franklin athletics are on fire! Our student athletes & athletic staff have been hard at work. Congratulations to all our Fall Sports teams on an great season thus far! Upcoming games Franklin Football - Final Four - vs. Springfield Central 11/20, 11am @ Shrewsbury High Volleyball - Final Four - vs. Needham 11/17, 5pm @ Milton High Field Hockey - Final Four -next game vs. Andover 11/16, 7pm @Burlington High Varsity Cheer - 2nd at regionals - State Meet 11/21,10am @ Worcester State Show up and show out! Note that tickets will no longer be sold at the door. Purchase your MIAA tickets to electronically via GoFan here. Coffee & Conversation is back! FPS Families are invited to join Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern for a morning coffee and conversation this Wednesday, Nov. 17th at 7am. Access event details here. Our Interventionists provide classroom and small group instructional support to students as planned and directed by literacy and math specialists. Their specialized interventions are based on data analysis and targeted for specific learning needs. Thank you for all that you do! Critical Conversations: Identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community The Substance Abuse Task Force has partnered with the Safe Coalition to host a panel centered around mental health and substance use. Following the panel discussion will be a Q&A, breakout sessions and a "hidden in pain sight" exercise. Learn more about our panelists here. As always, we are thankful to have our FPS Families, Faculty, Staff and Franklin Community! Franklin Public Schools www.franklinps.net

Franklin Public Schools | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 www.franklinps.net Sent by communications@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!