#ThinkFranklinFirst: VFJ Renovations is now taking orders for planters, raised garden beds

"Give the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season!

VFJ Renovations is now taking orders for planters, raised garden beds, and Empower with Gardening signs! Read all about what we do and why we do it at www.vfjrenovations.com. A limited quantity of signs are available now, and all planters and garden beds will be built in the spring.

As in the past, all profits will be donated to a non-profit organization."

Order your holiday git here ->  https://www.vfjrenovations.com/empower-with-gardening-initiative

Shared from Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CXZFoLplYJX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 

Listen to the audio recording from Apr 2021 as they prepared for the seasonal build

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-529-vfj-renovations-empowering-with.html

my garden bed from the Fanuele's early in the growing season 2020

FHS Girls Basketball Preview via HockomockSports for 2021-2022 Season

HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the Girls Basketball teams for the Hockomock League. The Franklin portion of the article is shared here along with the link to read the full article covering the remainder of the league. 

FRANKLIN
2020-2021 Record: 10-0
Coach: John Leighton

"Franklin returns eight players, including six seniors, from last year’s team, which extended the Panthers’ win streak to 35 games and clinched a third straight Kelley-Rex division title. The Panthers will be leaning on that experience as they seek to continue their reign at the top of the league and defend the Div. 1 state title that they won in 2019-20. 

Senior forward Olivia Quinn will be the focal point of the Franklin offense this year after leading the team in scoring last winter and emerging as one of the top players in the Hock over the past two years. The reigning Kelley-Rex MVP will have plenty of help, particularly in the paint. While Franklin doesn’t have someone with Ali Brigham’s size, the Panthers have seven players on their roster that are listed at 5-foot-9 or taller. Senior Brigid Earley was the team’s leading rebounder last year and junior Katie Peterson is an athletic forward with a versatile game. Senior Emma Sousa is another experienced forward that gives depth in the post. 

On the perimeter, Franklin has graduated a lot of its ball-handlers and shooters but senior Stefany Padula, a Springfield College-commit, is back and will help stretch the floor. Junior Bridget Leo is coming off a strong soccer season and could step in at point guard along with seniors Julia White and Jessica Pingeton, who saw some time last year. Sophomore guard Sasha Tracey is the lone underclassman on the roster this season. 

“I am very excited to get back on the court with this team,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “There is a lot of work ahead of us but there has also been many glimpses of what we could develop into. We have a very strong senior class who has set the bar high for the team. We hope to develop into a close-knit, supportive team that can win in different ways and also play defense that will limit our opponents’ options.”

For other preseason views for girls basketball
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-2022-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

 

FHS Panthers

FHS' Marchand - one of the Hockomock League boys hockey "Players to Watch"

HockomockSports.com has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League boys hockey teams. The Franklin High School representative is shared here. Follow the link below to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League. 

DYLAN MARCHAND, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"A dynamic forward, Marchand is one of the fastest skaters in the league and one of those rare players that seems to be going just as fast with the puck as he is without it. Franklin’s leading scorer from a year ago, he finished with eight goals and nine assists in 13 games. He has a strong, accurate shot even on the move and is a threat to score from anywhere inside the blue line. Marchand brings a lot of energy to the ice and is always driving towards the goal, putting pressure on the defensemen who are trying to stay in front of him. Never shying away from contact, he also starts the forecheck for Franklin and can provide defense from the front. With a schedule loaded with the top teams in Div. 1, the Panthers will be preparing themselves for a postseason run and Marchand’s scoring could be the key for Franklin extending its season well into March."

For other Hockomock League "Players to Watch"
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-hockey-ten-players-to-watch-in-2021-2022/

FHS Panthers

MetroWest Nonprofit Network: Upcoming Policymaker Roundtable with Congressman Jim McGovern

Register for an upcoming session with Congressman McGovern on December 14th

Join us for MNN's virtual Policymaker Roundtable with Congressman Jim McGovern to discuss ongoing pandemic recovery for nonprofits and key government relief programs. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 14th. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the issues facing our Commonwealth, and have a candid conversation about the impacts of these issues on nonprofits and the people they serve. Please note, this program is free to MNN members and $20 for all non-members. To learn more about MNN membership and its benefits, please visit this page on our website or email membership@massnonprofitnet.org. Click the button below to register and learn more. REGISTER

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network | 2 Atlantic Avenue, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02110 Sent by events@massnonprofitnet.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Santa's Magical Mailbox - highlights the goodness of our Franklin community

"Santa's Magical mailbox 

I would like to give credit where credit is due. Ann Marie Donovan was trying to raise money for the Food pantry asking kids to drop a letter to Santa and a small donation for the food pantry at her personal mailbox last year. I contacted her and asked if she would like to have a mailbox at my light show because I get a decent amount of traffic and figured we could raise more money that way. She thought is was a good idea and so that's how it all began. 

Ann is in charge of writing letters along with some really great elves. Thankfully we also have some generous people donating stamps because less than 20% of the letters we get come with a donation and each letter returned to the kids cost us around $1. We understand that not everyone can afford a donation and all kids will get a return letter no matter what. 

The mailbox is taken in and out every night to keep it in as good shape as possible. It should be out by 5:30 every day. We have received letters from many towns in MA including some that are not very close. The elves are working hard and hopefully the first batch of letters will go out soon. 

I named it Santa's Magical Mailbox because I feel like it was magical how members of the community help donate their time, material and skills to make it come to fruition. Scott Firestine made the mailbox and donated it which was absolutely amazing. After just a day or two the paint got ruined so Power Painting Plus ( Rick and John Power) came and picked up the mailbox, repainted it at no cost, then took it to "Signs by Cam" where they redid all of the lettering, which was also at no cost. 

This mailbox belongs to Franklin. I just store it and try my best to keep it in good shape. I hope to pass it on to someone else in Franklin one day. 

Thank you everyone for your support. We hope its a great year for the Franklin Food Pantry and that your kids enjoy their letters from Santa. "

Laura McCarthy

To send a donation, please find the info on the Facebook post 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3052436671693005/

Santa's Magical Mailbox - highlights the goodness of our Franklin community

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Dec 15, 2021 - Agenda

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 15, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. November 10, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho

b. Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons

c. Community Preservation Committee: Richard (Rick) Power

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2022 Annual Alcohol License Renewals

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_renewal_memo_list_motion.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a. Human Resources: Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - None Scheduled

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

The full agenda and released documents can be found in one PDF ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf

Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director, provided an update to the FinCom in October 2021

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting Agenda - Dec 15 - 6 PM

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee 

Meeting Agenda - December 15 

3rd Floor Training Room - 6:00 PM

Agenda

1. Review Procedures Manual of The Franklin Town Council dated May 9, 2018

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_rules_of_procedure_review_committee_meeting_agenda_0.pdf 

Procedures Manual (to be reviewed)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/procedures_manual_.pdf

Town Council Rules of Procedure Review Committee Meeting Agenda - Dec 15 - 6 PM

FHS wrestling team splits 2-2 at Mt Hope Quad meet

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Saturday. 

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Weymouth, 4 – Final

Wrestling = Mt. Hope (R.I.) Quad Meet (Franklin) 

–  Franklin split for the day, picking up a pair of wins in four matches. The Panthers earned wins over Barnstable (39-18) and Pilgrim (46-6) but dropped two tight contests to Hope (39-38) and Lowell (42-38).

Tough loss on our fourth and final match of the day to Lowell, 42-38. Pins by Fracassa, Foley, Parlon and Sheridan. 2-2 on the day at MT Hope. Wrestler of the day was Brock Gabis at heavy weight. #lowlife #maskoff    https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1469762091804471299 

39-18 win over Barnstable for the third match of the day. Pins by Leaman, Carlucci, Fracassa, Foley and Hasenfus.   https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1469738480926351362 

Tough loss on the second match of the day to Hope, 39-38. Pins by Leaman, Carlucci, Parlon and Gabis. #walkingdead   https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1469722610372075521 

46-6 win over Pilgrim to start the season. Pins by Leaman, Carlucci, Winniker, Danial, O’Leary, Fracassa, and Dillion.   https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1469693524509605888 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-11-21/ 

FHS Panthers

Tri-County RVTHS Inducts New National Honor Society Members

Qualified Tri-County Juniors were inducted into the National Honor Society and new officers named

Tri-County held the solemn induction ceremony for the Peter Rickard Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Forty new members were inducted, thirty-seven juniors and three seniors. To be considered for membership into the NHS students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.85 out of 4.0, voluntarily contribute to their school and/or community, be resourceful and good problem solvers, and uphold a high standard of character including being cooperative, honest, courteous, and reliable.

This year’s junior inductees are: 

Nicholas Aguiar, Quinlan Anderson, Jack Barrett, Zachary Blenkhorn, Faith Boutin, Benjamin Bryson, Abigail Calamar, Ashly Cardona, Sheila Cardona, Ava Cavallaro, Sophie Chrisom, Hannah Clarke, Ava D’Amadio, Emily DeLuca, Aidan Fitzpatrick, Sabra Flanagan, Cory George, Sophia Gill, Isabella Gulley, Andrew Johnson, Aidan Juhl, Jennifer Kalick, Noelle Kennedy, Natalie Kirby, Laci Lawrence, Collin McEvoy, Jenna Moore, Abigail Polvado, William Refearn, Isabella Rivera, Sophia Rodrigues, Kailey Rogers, Glenn Sawyer, Ashley Sullivan, Jacob Sullivan, Hailey Tetreault, and Coleman Walsh. 

The senior inductees included: 

Harrison Anton, Gabriel Corey, and Matthew Gorton.

The Solemn Induction Ceremony was held on Thursday, December 2nd and included the pledge to NHS, the presentation of the pillars, and a guest speaker, Rich Vitali. Mr. Vitali was voted as guest speaker by the current senior NHS members and spoke to the group about leadership, service, and character. “I witness those students who pick up trash left on the ground… the students who encourage their teammates to push themselves… the students who stay after school to set up decorations so their peers get the full experience of walking into a special event. This night is about recognizing the students who bring honor to the Tri-County community.”

Congratulations to the new inductees! We know you will continue to do wonderful things. 

Tri-County RVTHS Inducts New National Honor Society Members

Critical Conversations - Mental Health & Substance Use 11/18/21 (video)

Catching up to sharing the video and presentation document from the Critical Conversations event held on Nov 18, 2021.

“The Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Task Force teamed up with the SAFE Coalition to host the Critical Conversations Panel. This event was held online and in person at Franklin High School on November 18th, 2021. The panel featured 7 speakers with various perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience. The conversation focused on identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community.”

-------

As with most meetings/events in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the FHS auditorium. 

The Twitter hashtag #CC1118 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1461472874309603335 

Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ikqcTq222N2mftt88

• Critical conversations info on speakers, agenda, and remote link info  https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/83206 #cc1118
• The THC available today is FAR more potent than that used in the 90's - like 60 times more potent! #cc1118 this is being used in vap cartridges
• Dr Bergen introduces the panel for this discussion #cc1118
• Dan, recovering alcoholic, wanted communication in his earlier days to have helped his turn to substance use as the aid; punishment, and increasing punishments, didn't help #cc1118
• Jim, parent of a son with trouble, urges other parents to get involved, don't think it will just 'get better' #cc1118 ask for help, you are not alone.
• Sgt Colecchi provides some staggering stats on current calls for mental health and substance abuse, a good number of them are youth under 18 #cc1118
• Principal Hanna seeing behavior unlike anything seen during 25+ years teaching in a high school. The combination of the pandemic and substance use are driving the change in behavior #cc1118
• Per Hanna, they are organizing to respond to this issue. it had not part of their charter. #cc1118
• SAFE seeing students buying vaps via dealers more so now than before. Increase also seen in parental supply of alcohol and vaps. #cc1118
• Rep Roy touts mental health legislation that the MA Senate just passed and sent to the House for their review/action. #cc1118
• Resources from the FPS page for parents -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/pages/resources-parents #cc1118 simply sitting next to your youth rather than facing them to have the conversation is a help #cc1118
• Do some homework on what the vapes look like, they do come via mail, it can be a quick trip to someone at the car in the driveway to get a supply  #cc1118
• If near someone overdosing, call 911, do not drive to the hospital. The drugs are so fast acting, you'll be too late. 911 is the best way, paramedics should have narcan handy #cc1118
• Shifting to the audience Q&A segment of the evening #cc1118
• Late to this but shifted to the break out portion of the evening; checked out the "hidden in plain sight" display and product table. Fascinating info! #cc1118 that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

The event video is now available via YouTube  https://youtu.be/4z7humqI2Wo 

 

Critical Conversations: Mental Health & Substance Use - 11/18/21 from Franklin Matters

part of the "Hidden in Plain Sight" display

Reimagine an Inclusive Education - Dec 13

Reimagine an Inclusive Education

A Community Forum with State Senator Ed Kennedy

Monday, December 13, 7:00 - 8:00 PM 

Please register in advance

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cupf-E77TXq5x076KdAw_A

More info at -> https://www.care4eduequity.org/   and select the "Events" tab

https://www.care4eduequity.org/events-and-resources

Reimagine an Inclusive Education - Dec 13

"The activity in the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund during COVID was historic"

"THE BAKER ADMINISTRATION on Friday gave lawmakers its most detailed accounting yet of the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund, and said it is preparing to issue bonds to put the fund on sound financial footing.

“We will have to bond. There is no doubt,” said Rosalin Acosta, the secretary of labor and workforce development, in a presentation to the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee.

Acosta didn’t provide a full accounting of the fund — she promised that by the end of the month — but she did provide more information than she has in months. The Baker administration stopped issuing a monthly report on the unemployment insurance trust fund’s financial status in June and pushed the Legislature to use $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to bolster the fund’s finances.

The Legislature in the spring also gave the governor the authority to issue up to $7 billion in bonds to deal with any shortfall in the fund. At the time, the expectation was that the fund was deep in the red and the assumption was that bond proceeds would make the fund whole while lessening the financial blow on businesses. Instead of having to pay off any fund deficit immediately, the bonds would allow businesses to pay the deficit off over the multi-decade life of the bonds."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/acosta-says-bond-money-needed-for-ui-trust-fund/

“We’re so influenced by what we see”

“We know from other areas of work around public health or the environment that tax incentives have been used to help nudge companies toward doing the right thing when outright bans or punishments through penalties weren’t going to be sufficient to get something done,” Austin said.

Austin said First Amendment rights protect commercial speech, which means lawmakers cannot outright ban digital alterations of advertising images.

“There’s emerging research showing us that when readers see a diversity of body sizes, a diversity of skin shades, diversity of ages, they respond much more positively, and it’s protective for them,” Austin said.

Austin said she thinks it’s the businesses’ responsibility to do right by teenagers.

“Ultimately, it’s companies that are creating the toxic media environment for young people, and it’s companies that are going to have to solve it,” Austin said. “We’re showing them a way that they can do that.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/08/metro/legislation-aims-promote-mental-health-through-realistic-advertising-images/?event=event25

STRIPED (@HarvardSTRIPED) tweeted on Fri, Dec 10, 2021:

Great piece by @BostonGlobe reporter @_ChikaOkoye on @RepKayKhan & @BeccaRauschMA's innovative, evidence-informed legislation promoting #mentalhealth #bodyimage via realistic advertising images @RECOVERwithMEDA @HarvardChanSPH @EDCoalition @MentalHealth_MA

Link to Boston Globe article -> https://t.co/Iy2r38jcpy

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarvardSTRIPED/status/1469452744176111620

The Massachusetts Statehouse. CHIKA OKOYE

FHS gymnasts open with win at Sharon on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action. 

Gymnastics = Sharon, 121.8 @ Franklin, 145.35 – Final

"Great way to kick of the season with a 145.35 win over Sharon's 121.8.

We started off strong on Vault; top 4 scores freshman Molly Chandler tied Junior Emma Nelson with an 8.5;  senior captain Caroline Woelfel with a 9.15; senior Lizzie Brown with a 9.2 and senior captain Kate Rudolph topping out with a 9.65. 

Bars your top 4 were Caroline with an 8.0; senior captain Elizabeth Schirduan with an 8.75; Kate with a 9.75; and senior Emma White with a 9.75.

Beam,  your top 4 were Junior Olivia Reagan with an 8.55; Caroline with a 9.1; Emma with a 9.35 and Kate with a 9.5. 

Floor your top 4 were Olivia with an 8.8; Caroline with an 8.85; Kate with a 9.4 and Emma with a 9.65!  

Caroline Woelfel with a career high All Around (AA) of 35.1 and Kate Rudolph with a career high AA of 37.7. What a way to start the season. 

I'm so proud of this team!!  We have work to do and need to turn around and get ready to con1pete against North Attleboro next Friday at 8:30 PM. Don't miss out watching this amazing group of girls!!"  Coach Paula Lupien via Twitter

For other results around the Hockomock League on Friday

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-10-21/

FHS Gym twitter -> https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1469538096257589249

Kate Rudolph FHS floor exercise & fan

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Dec 14, 2021

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers 

(Virtual Link in Agenda)

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy  BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Recognition of recent School Committee Members – Dr. Ahern

B. Lifelong Learning Presentation – Pattie Gay, Interim Director of Lifelong Learning
Institute    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/lli_presentation_december_2021.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items 
A. Dissolve Transportation Sub Committee
I recommend dissolving the Transportation Sub Committee as discussed.
B. DECA Field Trip for State Competition
I recommend approval of the request of Miguel Carmo to take students to the
DECA State Competition in Boston, MA from March 10-12, 2022 as detailed.
C. New York City Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Paul Cadenhead and Miguel Carmo to
take NBHS (National Business Honor Society) students to NY City on April 9, 2022
to visit the Stock Exchange, Wall Street and the World Trade Center as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. 2022-2023 School Committee Meeting Schedule - DRAFT   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/22-23_scschedule-draft.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget,
Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force,
School Wellness Advisory Council, SEPAC, DEI Committee)

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 November 23, 2021 School
Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $33.00 from Campus Box Media for
Supplemental Supplies for the Athletics Department as detailed.
C. Districtwide Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $295.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for
in-house enrichment districtwide as detailed.
D. Jacqueline A Schaeffer Theatre Arts Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Sean Jobin for the
aforementioned FHS scholarship as detailed.
E. Vincent & Alma DeBaggis Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Roberta Trahan for the
aforementioned FHS scholarship as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

IX. Payroll Ms. Stokes

X. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining with nonunion personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the Chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment 

Agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda -  Dec 14, 2021