Friday, January 14, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jan 14, 2022 to Jan 20, 2022

Fortunately, the scheduled events for this weekend are indoors. The Library book sale takes place Friday and Saturday. The Winter Farmers Market operates Saturday  and the Historical Museum is open Saturday and Sunday.

All Town offices, schools, and buildings are closed for the Martin Luther King Jr holiday on Monday. Looking ahead, take a group walk on the SNETT Wednesday morning. Town Council office hours at the Senior Center are scheduled for Thursday morning and the Cultural District partners have a meeting on Thursday evening.


Friday, January 14
1:00pm - Library Book Sale

Saturday, January 15
9:00am - Library Book Sale
10:00am -  Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Library Bag Sale

Sunday, January 16
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, January 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Wednesday, January 19
10:00am - Group Walk

Thursday, January 20
8:30am - Town Council Office Hours
7:00pm - Cultural District Partners Meeting

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Finance Committee gets lesson on revenue calculation, a "must listen" for those following the budget

 FM #700 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 700 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022. 


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 5 of the Finance Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 2 members were remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. (2 members were also absent)


The recording runs about an hour and 8 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Jan 12, 2022. Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-700-finance-committee-01-12-22



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Meeting agenda =>   

https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-20 


Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 


My notes for the meeting =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-finance-committee-gets-walk.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.  


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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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Finance Committee gets lesson on revenue calculation
Finance Committee gets lesson on revenue calculation


Attention Franklin Residents: Dynegy Energy Services Mailing about municipal aggregation coming

Notice: Dynegy Energy Services Mailing to Franklin Residents

Notice to Franklin Residents:

Dynegy Energy Services, the supplier selected through the municipal aggregation program, will be sending out a Basic Service mailing to residents utilizing their services. 

The consumer notification letter and opt-out card will be sent to anyone in Franklin who is on National Grid Basic Service but hasn't already been mailed to (e.g. residents who are new in town, residents who have ended a third party contract and switched back to Basic Service, etc.). The mailing informs our residents about the Town's Program, shows them the savings over Basic Service and allows them a 30-day opt-out period before being automatically enrolled.


Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-dynegy-energy-services-mailing-franklin-residents

More info on Municipal Aggregation ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

Official Mailing is copied here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/franklin_sweep_1.22.pdf

From the archives - Listen to Jamie Hellen talk about Municipal aggregation in this podcast episode from Feb 2020 (it seems like soo long ago!)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html
FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation
FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

Need a good laugh? Join with HMEA at their "Giggles for Good" comedy show - Feb 26, 2022

"Get ready to LOL with HMEA, because Giggles for Good is back! Tickets are now on sale for our virtual comedy show featuring @cyrussteele0613 and @AshGutermuth. All proceeds benefit programs at HMEA that serve people with special needs. 
Get tickets here: https://t.co/AFbDYAzPsy  or https://www.hmea.org/giggles/
"This virtual comedy show will feature two hilariously funny, family-friendly comedians Cyrus Steele and Ashley Gutermuth!"

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/zxQcl6ZTBW

Panther News: Friday, January 14, 2022 (video)

Let's make FHS a "No Place for Hate" school! Panther News: Friday, January 14, 2022

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/P_8scrVmJpg

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.



Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1481692682208825344

MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22
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

Lifelong Learning: Programs closed Monday, Jan 17 for Martin Luther King Jr Day
Lifelong Learning: Programs closed Monday, Jan 17 for Martin Luther King Jr Day



Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, January 17 for Martin Luther King Day

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday

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

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."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/science/baker-urges-state-pass-offshore-wind-investment-help-meet-climate-goals/


"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."

Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington (left) and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the chairs of Legislature's Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee.
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!"

Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday Jan 15 - 2 PM
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.

7357171/posts/4715224945181412/

Beth Newman art work
Beth Newman art work

Beth Newman
Beth Newman


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     

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

This week positivity rate  is at 22.83%
This week positivity rate is at 22.83%


chart for week of 1/13/22 - note scale for Y axis same as last week
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

Make your own data visualization from this
https://app.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/

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


Superintendent Ahern accepts Barnstable position effective July 1, 2022
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 ->

Library book sale - Fri Jan 14 & Sat  Jan 15
Library book sale - Fri Jan 14 & Sat  Jan 15