LiveARTS announces return to in person events for Winter/Spring 2022

LiveARTS is pleased to announce its return to in-person events with three dynamic concerts during winter/spring 2022! 

We kick off our Winter/Spring 2022 series on January 30 with the return of our string quartet-in-residence, the LiveArts String Quartet, featuring violinists Gregory Vitale, Katherine Winterstein, violist (and LiveArts Board member) Donald Krishnaswami, and cellist Jan Müller-Szeraws.

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Then, on March 13, we continue our series with the return of international concert pianist Michael Lewin. Mr. Lewin was scheduled to perform in-person in April, 2020, and very kindly and with great versatility moved over to the Zoom platform to share his artistry with us. We are pleased to be able to welcome him back to play for us again -- this time in person!

Finally, in a special FUNDRAISER CONCERT on April 10, our audiences will be treated to the artistry of violinist Nicholas Kitchen and cellist Yeesun Kim, both members of the famed Borromeo String Quartet. They will be joined by pianist (and LiveARTS Board member) Ann Sears. The ensemble will perform an all-Beethoven program. (This fundraiser concert was previously scheduled as a Zoom event for April, 2021, but was rescheduled to 2022 so we could present these remarkable musicians in person.)

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We look forward to seeing you at these IN-PERSON events! Click here for more information and to buy a season subscription or individual tickets 

https://www.liveartsma.org.  

We look forward to greeting you in Franklin, MA!

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/652154151605928/posts/2033132690174727/

LiveARTS announces return to in person events for Winter/Spring 2022

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 12/16/21 (audio)

FM #681 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 681 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of December 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Appointments

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons

Community Preservation Committee: Richard (Rick) Power

 

2022 Annual Alcohol License Renewals

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

 

Presentation - Human Resources: Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director

The recording runs about 27 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Dec 16, 2021

** Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-681-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-12-15-21

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Town Council Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-hears-update-on.html

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 12/16/21 (audio) 

Both FHS girls and boys indoor track & field teams top King Philip on Friday

Via the Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters:

"Congrats to Boys T&F team on win vs KP (52-47).  Event winners: Luke Sidwell (55, 300 and LJ), Tyler Powderly (600), Clancy Golden (2 mile), Emmett Lackey (SP), 4x2 relay (Josh Dunlap, James Stoddard, Max Voellmicke, Ashton McLean)"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1472216950545829901

"Congrats to Girls T&F team on win vs KP (78-22). Event winners: Sarah Dumas (55, 55H), Anna Cliff (300), Jill Fenerty (600, HJ), Charlene Peng (1000), Emma Pruitt (mile), Olivia Costa (LJ), 4x2 (Cuneo, DiDomenico, Damon, Bruno), 4x4 (Powderly, Cliff, McLaughlin, Fitzpatrick)"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1472219029523816449

The individual results were shared on Saturday:

"Live results from today's meet against KP at the Reggie Lewis Center

https://t.co/aOJg7MYNe3"

FHS individual indoor track meet results - Dec 17, 2021

https://live.harrierrace.com/meets/11954/teams/294099

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1471974591333638150

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/fhs-individual-performance-results-for.html

FHS Panthers

FHS Gymnastics: Recap of the meet vs. North Attleboro - Dec 17

"Great win over North Attleboro 143.6 to 116.8!! @FHSSports @fhspanthertv @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports @fhsgymboosters https://t.co/0RjKBOQoLy"

 

"Second win of the season with a 143.6 win over North's 116.8.  

We started off  the strongest ever on Vault with 3 of our 4 top scores hitting their career highs. Senior Captain Caroline Woelfel 9.2, Senior Lizzie Brown 9.3, Senior Captain Kate Rudolph 9.8 and Senior Emma White 9.9. Shout out to Juniors Emma Nelson for putting up a 9.0 and Maia Keohane with an 8.6. An unbelievable start to the meet. 

Bars your top 4 were Caroline with an 8.0, Emma Nelson with an 8.0 senior captain Elizabeth Schirduan with an 8.7, and Kate with a 8.9. 

Beam your top 4 were Senior Lizzie Brown 7.7, Sophomore Rory Fitzgerald with a season opener of an 8.9, Kate with a 9.3, and Emma White with a 9.7. 

Floor your top 4 were Olivia with an 8.4, Caroline with an 8.9, Emma White with a 9.4 and Kate with a 9.5! Kate Rudolph with an AA of 37.5. 

Let's keep this up girls. Thanks for everyone coming out to support us. It's exciting to see so many fans. Next up Taunton away at Arnold's Gymnastics in Mansfield at 7pm on December 23rd. Be there."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1472221576192008192

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics Twitter profile image

Diwali!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director  12/19/2021

This past November the Franklin Library held an event to celebrate a holiday for the first time. Diwali! They enjoyed a large turnout of about 400 celebrants.

Like so many of our late fall and winter holidays, it is a major festival of light celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Diwali usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November). One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is widely associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, 

Diwali

In the lead-up to Diwali, families will prepare by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces with diyas (oil lamps) and rangolis (colorful art circle patterns). During Diwali, people dress up their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas and rangoli, dedicating ceremonies to Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity and wealth, lighting fireworks, and enjoying gatherings with family, friends and feasts where sweets and gifts are shared.

Much about the Diwali celebration sounds familiar. As it should. During these darker days we all seek the same thing: Light, goodness, enlightenment, and the peace and joy that (hopefully) comes to all of us.

Annnnd – I get to add a new holiday icon to my traditional embrace of all below. Happy Diwali – to all.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching. 

 

holiday collection

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Recap: Town Council hears update on Human Resources, appoints three to committees, approves annual license renewals

Quick Recap:

• The annual alcohol license renewals were approved. Some were held for completion of outstanding payments, etc. A smaller number than previous times per recollection (but not verified by actual count). Also 4 licenses were approved for businesses that actually haven't started operating yet. In tough economic times, these are good indicators
• Three appointments were approved; two to the Cultural District (now at full strength) and one to the Community Preservation Committee (adding a Planning Board representative as the prior rep did not get re-elected in November)
• HR Director Karen Bratt provided the update on what her department does that she had previewed to the Finance Committee in October. A wealth of information was shared. Primary driver is the demographic change the Town is seeing as folks retire (half the department managers positions turned over in last 4 years) and one third of total Town employment changed in same period
• Insights on the health and pension plans planning process were shared. The Town working with the bargaining units does manage to hold health increases to a minimum. The Norfolk County pension liability will be paid up by approx. FY 2030 when those funds will shift to add to the outstanding OPEB liabilities. This one move revealed a couple of years ago will alleviate the giant albatross that the OPEB liability had been. The other silver lining in the meantime is that the Town is ahead of other communities facing the same challenge in funding their liabilities
• Goal setting session for the 'new' Council will be scheduled for one of their January meetings. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is scheduled for two public hearings in January 2022 (Jan 4 and Jan 18). The public hearings will gather community input on how the forthcoming CPA funds should be used? What projects should be on the 'wish list'? and in what priority order? The input is a step to help the CPC development of the allocation of the CPA funds for eventual Town Council approval during 2022

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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 #TC1215 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1471269121560035336 

• getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7, shift of location to the Chambers, agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf…  #tc1215
• Chair Mercer opens meeting; at just after 7 PM #tc1215
• standard protocol statement being read by Chair #tc1215 reading phone # for access to the Zoom session, also available via Comcast and Verizon cable or Live streamed from the http://Franklinma.gov webpage

Citizens comment

• Citizens comment: #tc1215 resident comment on Hillside Road not being plowed due to change in ownership of 1 Summit Rd; no success via DPW, paperwork provided to show it is a public way
• next up, approval of minutes of Nov 10, 2021, motion, seconded, passes 9-0 voice vote #tc1215

Appointments

• appointments; 3 up - Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho moved, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1215
• 2 appt:  - b. Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons moved, seconded passes 9-0  #tc1215
• 3 - appt: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_power.pdf…  Rick Power for CPC moved, second, passes 9-0  (replaces Halligan who was previous representative for the Planning Board)  #tc1215

License transactions

• license transactions - renewal of the outstanding liquor and all-alcohol licenses, an annual approval process;  listing - > https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_renewal_memo_list_motion.pdf… #tc1215 - some held per payment of outstanding fees (also a normal business process) moved, seconded, passes8-0-1(Mercer abstained)
• Q on prior motion for the chief in regards to status at Dean, no issues; compliance checks - not yet done, short staffed and unable to find staff for the OT to conduct these checks. #tc1215

HR Director presentation

• next up - Karen Bratt, HR Director presentation previously shared with Finance Committee in October 2021 ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf…  #tc1215
• succession planning could require additional staff for HR; #tc1215 new hire candidates testing etc. covered under HR budget; expensive to use web ads for openings; Mass Municipal is a good source for others in municipal government arena; comp plan being reviewed
• HR files are still paper based, will try to update to electronic in future (sooner than later); Norfolk County pension funding will increase thru FY 30 and then decrease, allowing for shift of funds to cover the OPEB deficit  #tc1215
• OPEB funding has been growing gradually each year via budget and 'free cash' #tc1215
• Police/Fire covered by separate MA General Law; separate from the other Town/school employees #tc1215 compensation reserve - money set aside for unexpected for salary costs, i.e. full vacation balance or collective bargaining anticipation of increases
• 11 new department heads since Jan 2016, approx. 55% of the leadership; city/towns exempt from minimum wage but it is being implemented here gradually; equal pay law of 2016 an item to watch; collective bargaining agreements cycle will come up again next Jun/Jul #tc1215
• contract docs formatted for better consistency across the agreements, all but one (Police) completed thus far; benefits fairs not held during COVID hopeful to bring them back next year. #tc1215 assist with tracking of the COVID quarantine and testing protocols
• planning for succession and working to fulfill the positions required; #tc1215 Employee assistance program available for those who need it; provided by Town insurer; drug testing assistance for CDL drivers in DPW for failures; fortunately not a frequent event here
• Franklin fortunate to have a good reputation so folks are generally eager to come here; niche positions are harder to fill; #tc1215 contractual benefits to get advance notice of retirement plans, helps us for a win/win i.e. police/fire

Subcommittees 

• EDC, Jan 5th meeting - Planning Board and MAPC 5:45 PM start #tc1215 no legislation for action tonight

Town Admin report 

• Town Admin report - ARPA funding approved through Gov Baker and now coming to us; free rides to Senior Center, via GATRA also covered with this funding; thanks to the legislative delegation; happy holidays, hard to believe that in a couple of weeks it is 2022 #tc1215
• future agenda items; #tc1215 nothing at this time; thanks to the neighbors who helped the Santa Foundation, Q on generators still at the DPW, specs designed for the generators; variety of smaller projects coming back from the burner to more front awareness;

Council Comments

• Thanks to Nancy for putting the annual report together; happy holidays, happy new year; looking forward to 2022! no word yet on complete streets or housing plan from State approval; FBRTC looking for new members; #tc1215 open mic night last Wednesday, fantastic night
• "please treat everyone with as much respect as you can"; thinking of the tornado victims; 800K lies lost to COVID, be peaceful, stay safe; #tc1215 Ohio missionaries still held captive in Haiti (more than 2 months); do due diligence to manage COVID;
• get into the season (after prayers), reinforce to do our due diligence; let's get 2022 to look forward to Jan, goal setting session coming; #tc1215 motion to adjourn, passe 9-0

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

The Human Resources presentation document was the same used for the update to the Finance Committee in October. It can be viewed below or found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf

Town of Franklin: Human Resources Update - 10/13/21 from Franklin Matters

Recap: Town Council hears update on Human Resources

COVID-19 booster clinic Tuesday, Dec 21 - open to Franklin residents

From the Franklin Department of Health:

"The Metacomet Public Health Alliance will hold a booster clinic on Tuesday, December 21 from 4 PM - 6 PM in Wrentham. This event is open to all Franklin residents. "

Register here: https://buff.ly/3oFx03g

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/650789549621484/?substory_index=0

Note: Franklin is part of the Metacomet Public Health Alliance

COVID-19 booster clinic Tuesday, Dec 21 - open to Franklin residents

Lifestyle & Culture Classes-Winter/Spring 2022

Conversational Spanish for Adults

Buenos dias! Is a trip in your future OR would you simply like to learn a new language? Have you ever wondered what the perfect line to start a Spanish conversation might be? Then, this class is for you!

• 8 weeks beginning January 19 - Cost: $79

Conversational Italian for Adults

Buon giorno! Is a trip to Italy in your future OR would you simply like to learn the language? Then this is the place! Through situational vocabulary framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in Italy even more pleasant.

• 8 Weeks beginning March 29 - Cost: $90

Using Google To Learn About Your Wine

"Hey Google tell me about this wine." This is a sit down educational tasting event held in the Franklin Liquors wine room. We will show you how to find industry secrets about your wine, exploring wine contents, availability, and locations using all Google offers.

• Tuesday, March 22 - Cost: $30

For more information and additional details visit  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Lifestyle & Culture Classes-Winter/Spring 2022

GoFundMe for Shirley In Our Hearts Memorial Fund

GoFundMe for Shirley Owens "Shirley In our Hearts" has been set up. Consider donating for this cause. 

Donate here ->   https://www.gofundme.com/f/shirleys

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1471998076122447888

Mrs. Claus has canceled her photo session at the Historical Museum

Unfortunately, the photo session on Sunday at the Historical Museum has been canceled out of an abundance of caution for Mrs. Claus, all of the children, and their families. 

Mrs. Claus wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and hopes to see all again next year. She also would like to remind the children to read over their school holiday break and remain safe.

Mrs. Claus to Visit the Franklin Historical Museum

Come to the Historical Museum Sunday, December 19 from 1:00-3:00 PM for a visit with Mrs. Claus. She’s making another special visit from the North Pole just before Christmas.  

Children can listen to her read a story, pose with her for a picture and enjoy making a holiday craft. Certainly, if you have a message for Santa, Mrs. Claus will be happy to help relay it. Enjoy this annual tradition with your family. 

Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

FHS Chorus and Orchestra Winter Concert - Dec 1, 2021 (video)

Did you miss the concert? Now, you can catch up to view it via video.

"FHS Chorus and Orchestra Winter Concert, December 1, 2021  @FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS"
https://t.co/h6smTFldAt   or  https://youtu.be/bzC_IG1rpoU

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1471890925953638402

FHS gymnastics team and both boys and girls basketball teams post wins on Friday

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

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 59 @ Attleboro, 32 – Final 

– Katie Peterson had 27 points and Franklin outscored the Bombardiers 30-14 in the second half to pull out a second win to start the season. The junior forward had eight points in each of the second and third quarters and buried a pair of threes. Olivia Quinn scored six points, all in the first half, helping Franklin jump out to a 29-18 lead by halftime. Sasha Tracey knocked down a pair of threes in the fourth quarter to finish with six points as well. Lindsey Perry was Attleboro’s top scorer with 14 points, scoring six points in each of the second and third quarters. Meghan Gordon was also in double digits, finishing with 10 points.

Gymnastics = North Attleboro, 116.8 @ Franklin, 143.6 – Final

Boys Basketball = Attleboro, 47 @ Franklin, 52 – Final 

Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Franklin sophomore Sean O’Leary rallied the Panthers back into the game and senior Sean Vinson put on the finishing touch. 

Franklin overcame a slow second quarter, surged past the Bombardiers in the third, and stayed ahead for good in the fourth for a 52-47 win over visiting Attleboro.

The Panthers went without points for the final seven minutes of the first half, seeing a seven-point lead turn into a nine-point deficit by halftime.

O’Leary, who had a strong first quarter but was held scoreless in the second, exploded for 17 of his career-high 23 points in the second half. He scored 12 points in the third, helping the Panthers to a 14-point swing and a 38-33 lead going into the fourth."

Continue reading the recap -> https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-rides-second-half-surge-past-attleboro/

For a Photo Gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Winter-2021-2022/Franklin-Attleboro-Boys-Basketball-12-17-21/
 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-17-21/

Franklin senior Sean Vinson goes up for a layup against Attleboro in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

FHS individual performance results for the Indoor Track & Field meet vs. KP - Dec 17, 2021

"Live results from today's meet against KP at the Reggie Lewis Center
https://t.co/aOJg7MYNe3"

FHS individual indoor track meet results - Dec 17, 2021

https://live.harrierrace.com/meets/11954/teams/294099

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1471974591333638150

Note the overall teams scores are not yet available as soon as they are, they will be shared.

FHS Panthers

#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards a great way to shop locally

"Trying to find the perfect gift can be tough, but it doesn't have to be! With over 35+ participating businesses in town, you can give the gift of Franklin this holiday season.

#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards a great way to shop locally

 

Get your card in hand today with no processing fees in person at Dean Bank or online at https://franklingiftcard.com/"

 

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/649671066399999/

gift cards a great way to shop locally

Superintendent Ahern one of four finalists for Barnstable position

The Franklin radar picked up this notice via the Twitter stream:

"The Barnstable Superintendent Search Subcommittee and the Barnstable School Committee on Friday announced four finalists for Barnstable Public Schools' new superintendent. 

The final candidates are, in alphabetical order: 

Sara Ahern, current superintendent of the Franklin, MA Public Schools, who earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration at Boston College and a Master's of Science from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. "

Continue reading the article online ->
https://www.barnstablepatriot.com/story/news/2021/12/17/four-finalists-chosen-next-barnstable-public-schools-superintendent/8937362002/

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1472178152394960906

 

Superintendent Ahern provides an update to the SchComm in October 2021