Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/P_8scrVmJpg
Friday, January 14, 2022
Panther News: Friday, January 14, 2022 (video)
Let's make FHS a "No Place for Hate" school! Panther News: Friday, January 14, 2022
MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22
To: MIAA Membership
From: Dr. Robert Baldwin, Executive Director
Re: MIAA Masking Guidelines
Date: January 13, 2022
I have learned throughout my career that the only thing worse than a lack of information is a mixed message. Yesterday, the MIAA Basketball Committee voted to recommend to the Association’s Board of Directors that basketball players and officials have the option to not wear masks during play. This recommendation is well within their purview, and in this case, serves as a recommendation only to the Board of Directors.
This memo intends to provide our members with a clear message regarding Mask Wearing Guidelines and what continues to be the intent of this Association as a whole. The protocols that take place within the school day should be consistent with the behaviors that occur in co-curricular activities. That is why the MIAA has been in lockstep with DESE’s masking recommendations.
I attended a meeting yesterday where an esteemed medical doctor said that the current surge is 20 fold higher than the first surge when COVID 19 began. This is not the time to be sending a mixed message regarding masking guidelines to our membership. DESE recently extended its mask requirement for all K-12 public schools in Massachusetts through February 28, 2022, based upon the current Omicron surge. It is the intent of the MIAA to stay the course as well.
I will reiterate guidelines that were communicated on November 23, 2021, and again on December 21, 2021. Student-athletes, coaches, and officials that are indoors shall be masked. Uniform compliance collectively adhered to by local authorities for ALL student-athletes throughout the Commonwealth eliminates mixed messages and continues to be the expectation during this heightened cycle of COVID 19. Proper mask-wearing (nose and mouth fully covered) is the expectation needed for the safety of our students and school communities.
Masking guidelines for school events at off-campus venues adhere to this same guideline as well. It is important during this time that we collectively and consistently continue to enforce proper mask-wearing of coaches and student- athletes at practices and athletic contests.
In closing, I respect and honor the difficulty of local control. However, I felt the need to send a clear and consistent message to our member schools that we will continue to stay the course as we continue to navigate the current winter season.
Original message on MIAA page -> http://miaa.net/gen/miaa_generated_bin/documents/basic_module/MIAA_Masking_Guidelines_11322.pdf
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| MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22 |
Franklin Library & Lifelong Learning: Programs closed Monday, Jan 17 for Martin Luther King Jr Day
Lifelong Learning (@FPSLearning) tweeted on Wed, Jan 12, 2022:
https://t.co/5hN0lzZit8
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| Lifelong Learning: Programs closed Monday, Jan 17 for Martin Luther King Jr Day |
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FPSLearning/status/1481332094576037896
Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, January 17 for Martin Luther King Day
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Franklin Public Library Closed Monday |
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, January 17 for Martin Luther King Day.
Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Cold Wax Painting (space for 12 in workshop)
Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Cold Wax Painting
Kitchen Table Art Workshop: Cold Wax Painting
Sunday, February 6, 2022, 4-6 PM on Zoom. Registration deadline January 26th
Cold wax painting is a sculptural painting technique that uses cold wax medium with oil paint. We will approach it as an abstract and experimental painting method, but it can be used in representational and other painting applications.
The beeswax medium thickens the paint and creates a texture, transparency, and depth that is like encaustic painting, but without the use of heat. Marks can be made with whatever strikes your fancy.
Participants will supply items that can be found around the home or at local stores (for example repositionable painters' tape, a squeegee/bowl scraper or old credit card). Everyone who signs up will receive a supply list and instructions on how best to set up their work area along with a link to the Zoom meeting. Twelve kits with materials for the workshop will be provided, with distribution priority given to the first 12 Franklin residents who sign up. Kits can be picked up at the library during the week before the workshop. Anyone that does not receive a kit can build their own with instructions on the supply list. A kit is not required to participate. For help with materials and more information about the workshop contact Jacqueline Volpe, The Creativity Curator at jbvdesignstudio by email at thecreativitycurator@gmail.com. Information and the supply list will be posted on her website https://www.thecreativitycurator.com/ . To register, please visit http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2022/... .
Shared from FPL page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/kitchen-table-art-workshop-cold-wax-painting
Offshore wind policy draws sides and maybe progress
"A LONG-BREWING fight over state energy policy moved into the spotlight on Tuesday as key players laid out their positions in what promises to be an interesting debate over the best way to propel the state’s offshore wind industry into the future.
The starting point is a bill filed by Gov. Charlie Baker that would steer $750 million in American Rescue Plan Act money into a fund that would invest in new energy technologies, train a new energy workforce, and change the way offshore wind procurements are run in the future."Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/offshore-wind-policy-fight-takes-center-stage/
"Governor Charlie Baker and secretary of energy and environmental affairs Kathleen Theoharides on Tuesday urged the Legislature to pass a plan to make the state more competitive in the offshore wind industry.
The hourslong hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy was contentious: 90 witnesses, including many supporters and some naysayers, signed on."
"THE LEGISLATURE’S energy committee approved a bill Wednesday evening that would give the state’s Clean Energy Center a major role in the development of the offshore wind industry and tap consumer electricity and natural gas bills to pay for tax credits, grants, and investments to make it happen.
Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, maneuvered the bill through the panel with 10 House members and one Senate member voting in support, one senator voting no, and four senators and one House member reserving their rights. Sen. Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, a Republican, was the lone no vote."
Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/sweeping-offshore-wind-bill-headed-toward-house/
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/sweeping-offshore-wind-bill-headed-toward-house/
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| Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington (left) and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the chairs of Legislature's Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee. |
Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday Jan 15 - 2 PM
Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday January 15th @2:00PM
"AGES 13+ Join us for an immersive murder mystery game from "Hunt a Killer" that is told over the course of six “episodes.”
Each episode contains different clues that you'll use to solve the ongoing investigation! Examine the evidence to uncover critical clues, corroborate alibis, create timelines, and identify each suspect’s means, motive, and opportunity!
It is not required that you attend all 6 meetings, but since the episodes build on themselves, it is highly encouraged!"
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| Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday Jan 15 - 2 PM |
Shared from the FPL page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/crime-time-mysteries
Franklin Art Association: Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022
Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting. Wednesday, February 2!
Beth Newman, who holds a BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design in 2003, has worked primarily in watercolor, graphic design, and mixed media (collage work), and oil painting in a more illustrative style geared for children’s book illustration. She has taught in small art studios including the former Whitehall Farm Studios of Hopkinton (children and adult), independent painting workshops at Bunkhouse Creative of Holliston, and recently at the HCA. She will be discussing and demonstrating her approach to creating her works.
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Jan 14, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews
10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety
8:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
9:00:00 am Frank Presents: Greg Dowd
10:00 am Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury
10:30:00 am SAFE Coalition: PSA
11:00:00 am Senior Connection: Sleep
11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta
1:00:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm The Drummers Studio: 11th Anniversary Show Two
4:30 pm Whole Health Visions: Life Coaches Pt. 2
5:00 pm We The People January 6th Vigil
7:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur
8:00 pm Senior Connection: Sleep
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Freebo, Alice Howe & Kirsten Maxwell
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Winter Music 2021
8:30 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club
9:30 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 12-22-21
11:30 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v King Philip 01-15-21
5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Belmont 01-02-22
7:00 pm Public School Concert: FHS Winter Jazz 01-23-20
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY
8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 12-02-21
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 12-02-21
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Oh my! omicron continues driving new record, how high will we go?
Franklin, MA COVID-19 case counts continue to be driven by the omicron variant. Two weeks ago the positivity was 8%, last week we were at 17.06%. This week the positivity rate is at 22.83%.
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| This week positivity rate is at 22.83% |
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| chart for week of 1/13/22 - note scale for Y axis same as for last week |
Reminhttps://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/medicaregov-3-things-you-can-do-to.htmlder via Medicare.gov -> "3 things you can do to protect yourself from Omicron (vax, boost, mask!)" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/medicaregov-3-things-you-can-do-to.html
Boston Globe community coverage
Mass.gov COVID-19 page -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting
The CDC page for COVID-19 tracking -> https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
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
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
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| 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 ->
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| 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
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"
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| 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/
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| Franklin Cultural Council ready to award $23K in grants this year |
FHS boys hockey team posts win vs Hingham 4-2 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/
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-12-22/
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| 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
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| TA Jamie Hellen provides Overview of Joint Budget committee proposal |
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