Superintendent Ahern accepts Barnstable position effective July 1, 2022

Weds, Jan 12, 2022 at 7:31 PM

Dear Franklin Families,

I am writing to let you know that the Barnstable School Committee voted me as their successful candidate far Superintendent earlier this evening, with an anticipated start dale of July 1, 2022. I accepted the position, pending contract negotiations. This was a position that I pursued for personal reasons.

Please know how mixed my feelings are. I am very excited about this personal and professional opportunity. On the other, I am already mourning a departure from Franklin - a place where I am so proud of the students, faculty, staff, administration. and families. I truly cherish the relationships I have developed with people in this community.

From day 1 here, I have marveled every day at the dedication of FPS faculty and staff. Franklin families are so supportive of educators, the schools, and their children. I have also always felt that Franklin supports its children in a multitude of ways. Franklin Is an amazing place and I have such gratitude towards Franklin.

Please know how loyal I will remain lo Franklin In the months ahead. being sure to attend to the needs of Franklin Public Schools students, about whom I care so much.

Fondly,

Sara Ahem

Via FHS PCC (@FHS_PCC) tweeted on Wed, Jan 12, 2022:  "Email from Sara Ahern https://t.co/Hbrw1lHnws"

Barnstable School Committee meeting Jan 12, 2022 at which this discussion and decision was made

http://streaming85.townofbarnstable.us/CablecastPublicSite/show/9811?channel=1

Barnstable Schools page -> https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/Page/1

Franklin Observer coverage of decision -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/60102/dr-ahern-approved-barnstable-superintendent-post

Superintendent Ahern accepts Barnstable position effective July 1, 2022

Library book sale - Fri Jan 14 & Sat Jan 15

Monthly library book sale comes up this weekend. 

Book Sale Hours 

• Friday from 1 - 5 PM
• Saturday 9 to noon

Bag Sale

• Saturday 1 to 4 PM

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/book-sale-january-2022

Library book sale - Fri Jan 14 & Sat  Jan 15

School Committee Meeting - 01/11/22 Two parts audio: (1) students services discussion, etc. and then (2) remainder of meeting

FM #698 & #699 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 698 & 699 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: six of the School Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, one member was remote (E Stokes) along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost two hour 30 minute into two (2) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, much of this segment is on the student services presentation and Q&A  (~1:23 mins) Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-698-school-committee-mtg-student-services-01-11-22-p1-of-2

• Second - covers the Superintendent's report, Discussion action items, Discussion only items, Consent agenda and then votes to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting. (~ 1 hour and 5 minutes) Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-699-school-committee-meeting-01-11-22-p2-of-2

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Jan 11, 2022

 

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Agenda doc can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agenda

s/scagenda_1-11-22.pdf 

School Committee Meeting packet folder ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2021-22-meetingpackets 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-school-committee-hears-about-1.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"

School Committee Meeting - 01/11/22 Two parts audio

Franklin Cultural Council ready to award $23K in grants this year

"We are all needing a little good news these days. The FCC is happy to announce we will be awarding $23,000 to arts and cultural programing in Franklin, MA in 2022! We can't wait to share all the fantastic programming you'll be able to participate in this year. (Award letters will go out the week of 1/24, FYI).

That big dollar sign is a combination of funds given to us by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as well our our town allotted money. You can thank our town councilors and town administrator for continually supporting arts and culture within our community. The arts continue to strengthen our community, open our eyes and hearts to new experiences and raise our children with a wider scope of the world. We are GRATEFUL for the opportunity to bring these programs to Franklin."

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100067083505968/posts/256000276646087/

Franklin Cultural Council ready to award $23K in grants this year

FHS boys hockey team posts win vs Hingham 4-2 on Wednesday

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

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 vs. Hingham, 2 – Final 

– Franklin saw its two-goal lead disappear in less than three minutes but the Panthers had an immediate response and secured one of their best wins of the season over one of the state’s top teams in Hingham. The Panthers had a dream start when Adam Quinn (from Ben Jarosz and Liam O’Reilly) scored just 14 seconds into the contest for a 1-0 lead. Dom Lampasona netted an unassisted goal with just over three minutes left in the first for a 2-0 lead at the first intermission. Midway through the second, Hingham scored a pair of goals in 2:31 but Franklin’s Anthony Lampasona (from Quinn) put Franklin back ahead just 27 seconds later. Lampasona (from Logan Marchand) netted his second of the game with 3:20 left to secure the win. Sophomore Cole Pouliot-Porter had a strong game between the pipes with 34 saves against the Harbormen.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Westwood, 5 – Final

Wrestling = Taunton, 37 @ Franklin, 27 – Final 

– Taunton won eight matches, including four by pinfall, to secure its first win over Franklin since joining the Hockomock League nearly a decade ago. Mike Lesksoki (106, 3:03), Christian Balmain (152, 3:29), Avery Justa (220, 0:44), and Logan Frank (285, 3:13) all won by pin to score six points each, Brandon Mendes (120, 17-4) won by major decision, and Anthony Vieira (126, 6-2), Xavier Sandoval (132, 8-5), and Ethan Harris (182, 3-1) each one by decision. Franklin picked up wins from Riley Carlucci (113, 16-0), Tim O’Leary (138, 0:51), Alex Fracassa (145, 11-0), Connor Dillon (160, 9-4), Alex Foley (170, 3;45), and Nolan Sheridan (195, 14-7).

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-12-22/ 

FHS Panthers

Recap: Finance Committee gets a walk through on revenue calculation and preview of budget cycle timeline for FY 2023

Quick Recap:

• Overview of Joint Budget committee proposal to formalize more than had been over the past several years. Members of budget subcommittee of Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee make up this review, collaborative, and non-voting body
• Committee gets a walk through on revenue calculation (see page 3 of agenda doc) and preview of budget cycle timeline for FY 2023 (see page 2) The walk through on the revenue calculation is a "must listen" when recording is available
• Finance polices to be reviewed during next session, potential changes coming to a few of the policies, for review with FinCom before going to Town Council for their approval too

Agenda doc for the Finance Committee, note it has supporting pages with great info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-20

 

The twitter thread of my notes taken during the meeting can be viewed in the embedded doc below or at this link ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KHbng2g4Q_CU8bHBeS8Uhp7ezXt6APLX/view?usp=sharing

Audio file to be available in couple of days

 

TA Jamie Hellen provides Overview of Joint Budget committee proposal

FBRTC: Group walk - Jan 19, 2022 - 10 AM

"Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT. This month we will be walking on Wednesday, January 19th at 10am starting at the Grove St trailhead. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Meet in the parking lot, wear good boots (ice grips are sometimes handy depending on the weather at this time of the year).

Please watch this post and our social media for further announcements should the date, time or location change due to weather or trail condition."

Shared from the Rail Trail page ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/january-2022-group-walk-on-snett/

Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT (photo courtesy of FBRTC)

Briller Boutique coming to downtown Franklin

"Hi all.  

Very excited to announce that my shop Briller Boutique will be opening soon in downtown Franklin!  

Stay tuned for grand opening information and please reach out with any questions!

Looking forward to adding to this already incredible town

70 E. Central St

Instagram: @shop.brillerboutique"

Shared from Facebook ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3076789099257762/

Web page -> https://www.brillerboutique.com/

Briller Boutique coming to downtown Franklin

Cesa and Tang art works accepted for Emerging Young Artists 2022 Juried Exhibition

"A BIG congratulations to Emily Cesa and Elizabeth Tang for having artwork accepted into the Emerging Young Artists 2022 Juried Exhibition at UMass Dartmouth. 

There were 656 submissions & 178 artworks were selected. JUST AMAZING! @umassdcvpa #ceramics #FHS  #studentartists" 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/flQ6rnd5Uh

Emerging Young Artists 2022 Juried Exhibition 1

Emerging Young Artists 2022 Juried Exhibition 2

SAFE Peer to Peer shares emojis to be aware of

Acronyms and abbreviations can be challenging to make sense of. In a digital and social media world, we also need to deal with emojis. Emojis are those little images some folks add to their posts. Other than some obvious happy faces, what do they mean? 

The SAFE Coalition P2P group shared this depicting which emojis can be code for drug use.

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CYmoPYtF-pz/

SAFE Coalition P2P emojis to be aware of

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Jan 13, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents  

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 2

9:00 am We The People January 6th Vigil

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur

11:30:00 am SAFE Coalition: PSA

12:00:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8

3:00 pm ArtWeek: Games

3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: The Post Office

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Greg Dowd

5:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education

6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Roberto Morbioli

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2019

8:30 am ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

11:00 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 12-22-21

1:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Milford 01-05-21

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Belmont 01-02-22

5:00 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

6:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Mansfield 01-25-21

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 01-06-22

11:00 am Community Preservation: 01-04-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 01-06-22

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals, LIVE, REMOTE, 824 8747 4445

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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Ariel Doggett on Supportive Day Care at the Senior Center - 12/20/22 (audio)

FM #696 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 696 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett. Ariel is currently the Supportive Day Coordinator for the Franklin Senior Center. Ariel and I recorded this in her office at the Senior Center. 

We talk about the Respite and Supportive Day program returned in person in September and is looking to expand by a couple of more members for now. 

The recording runs about 17 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ariel.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-695-ariel-doggett-on-supportive-day-care-at-the-senior-center-12-20-22

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Franklin Senior Center https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Senior Center Connections newsletter  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

Supportive Day program “The Sunshine Club”

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/sunshine-club 

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

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"

 

Ariel Doggett on Supportive Day Care at the Senior Center

Recap: Senior Center new Director and Deputy introduced to Council on Aging (audio)

Recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen introduced the new Senior Center Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose to Council on Aging
• First day was yesterday and they are back so that is good. Christina to primarily handle day to day, Danielle to focus on personnel, long term planning Lots to do
• Posted for chef and deputy chef, not likely to fulfill until late Feb/Mar so cafe will be down for a period. Looking to bring back and improve things when they do
• Assessment of programs which are working and should continue, which are not and maybe stop; survey to gather input on wants/needs
• Redefine the role of the Council, had not been part of the program process before, would like to be more than 'rubber stamp' approval; next COA meeting to look into the COA scope, mission, etc. Need to have full COA membership involved
• Friends of Franklin Elders would like accounting for what they have provided and look to help as things go forward
• "best meeting since I've been on the board"

Meeting agenda =>   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/untitled_document.pdf

Link to Council on Aging (including membership) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/council-aging

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-697-fsc-council-on-aging-01-11-22

• Ready for live reporting of the #coa0111 Council on Aging meeting about to begin
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen arrives and meeting commences. Introduces new Senior Center director Danielle Hopkins. Deputy director Christina LaRoche also introduced. They provide their background #coa0111
• Correction LaRose not LaRoche #coa0111
• Round of intros of attendees, only folks on Zoom had appeared to be nefarious folks and removed. #coa0111
• Deputy director added to senior center to bring alignment with other town Dept. Had been gradually building budget with part-time resources #coa0111
• Christina to primarily handle day to day, Danielle to focus on personnel, long term planning, etc #coa0111 Yesterday was first day on job, so getting a feel for it
• Job posted yesterday for chef and kitchen manager. Will take time to fulfill role. #coa0111 cleaning was done, broken furniture taken care of, additional inspection of equipment while 'down time' is here.
• Desire for better accounting on the ins/outs. Likely not reopening until later Feb/Mar. Kitchen folks had not been part of the tax work off program, looking for better volunteer structure. #coa0111 pandemic is major factor for cafe operations
• Tri-county maybe more formally helping to support the food service, how about the public schools? They already serve the students with 10 kitchens, this could be "1" more. At leverage where possible the ops program they have with weekend backpack for students ...
• Seniors have food needs on the weekend also. #coa0111 had been only 'rubber stamping' ops, would like to be more involved in programming, and then communications, and plans for execution. COA is rather loose.
• Some things work, some things not so well, there are a lot of opinions; need to survey and assess to plan accordingly. Statement on COA read, motion to redefine at next meeting, second, passes (not sure of #) #coa0111
• New office will work with COA to determine agenda, gets posted to Town page, and then shared via all channels. GATRA is only one of many topics that can use help in getting the word out. Some use phone, internet, computer, others don't #coa0111
• Printed copies made available at stores, etc. Where possible and made aware of. #coa0111 Friends needs feedback on gifts to Senior Center, provided gift cards at Christmas for distribution. Who got them? Tri-county did print work for COA, newsletter etc.
• Friends have more than $49k to help support operations. Annual fund raising generally gets $25k (+/-). Need to do labels for this year's mailing. #coa0111 "best meeting since I've been on the board"
• Need all members engaged in the scope discussion at the next meeting #coa0111 reinforce the sign in process to ensure better counts
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes #coa0111

Recap: Senior Center new Director and Deputy introduced to Council on Aging (audio)

Recap: School Committee hears about (1) special education program, (2) daily challenges of pandemic, and approves trip to US Special Olympics

Quick Recap:

• The major portion of the meeting was spent on special education and student services in support of the 17% of the district students needing such services. Always a cost factor for the budget, the costs are rising but the number of students receiving such services is holding steady.
• Great background info for this new Committee (and for the public) on how services are provided, how the in district programs help to reduce costs. Specific details on exactly how much were not available at this session but will be for the up coming budget cycle.
• The update on the COVID-19 pandemic and the struggle it is continuing to provide the schools and their operations was staggering.
• The capital budget was approved and it now moves forward to a discussion with Finance Committee before going to the Town Council for approval.
• The budget adjustment to the current year budget was approved.
• FHS Unified basketball team trip to US Special Olympics was approved. This is the first MA team to represent the state at this event. No cost to district, supporters group prepared to cover any incidental expenses for the individuals if needed.
• Entered Executive Session to address three items and (fortunately) while the agenda posted initially said they would return to open session, they did announce they wouldn't.

Audio recording to be available in a couple of days.

View the full Twitter thread in the embedded PDF file below or download to read from here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/11L35-x8AUhH3qbg3VYwNCy6pTsv4iSmP/view?usp=sharing

Note this Threadreader service makes it easier to share the Tweets including the photos within the 'stream.' For meetings where the thread has less photos, I'll copy the text but where there are photos, this is so much easier to keep it all together.

Recap: School Committee hears about (1) special education program, (2) daily challenges of pandemic, and approves trip to US Special Olympics

FHS boys basketball team posts win over North Attleboro

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

Franklin, 50 @ North Attleboro, 29 – Final 
– Franklin’s lock down defense was on full display in the opening half, limiting the hosts to a single field goal to build a double-digit lead that it held for the rest of the game. The Panthers only scored 20 points in the first half against a good North Attleboro defense, but shined on the defensive end with just three points allowed over the first 16 minutes of action. North Attleboro’s offense came alive with 18 points in the third quarter but the Panthers were equal to the task, having their best offensive quarter as well with 20 points. Sophomore Andrew O’Neill hit a trio of three pointers in the opening quarter, scoring 11 of his game 17 points to help Franklin establish an early lead. O’Neill finished with five made threes while classmate Sean O’Leary added seven points in the win. Brody Rosenberg led the Rocketeers with eight points.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-11-22/

FHS Panthers