Sign up for the Franklin Matters Q&A Session - Feb 23, 2022 - 11 AM (hybrid)

Please join me for an informative and informal Q&A session. This will be a hybrid meeting. I plan to be in the Senior Center and will have the Zoom conference bridge available for remote participation. 

We will try something new this time with a special guest: Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger will join us for the discussion.

When: Wednesday, Feb 23,2022 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (conf room upstairs on left) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form:   https://forms.gle/52iVgVhNdKEa6A5h9

Franklin Matters Q&A session scheduled for Feb 23, 2022 - 11 AM

Happy Birthday Franklin! - You can help celebrate at the Historical Museum - Mar 6

Where are you celebrating your birthday? 

The Franklin Historical Museum is the place to be to celebrate the 244th birthday of the Town of Franklin. In the midst of our young country’s Revolutionary War, the residents of the western precinct of Wrentham established their own charter and the town of Franklin was incorporated on March 2, 1778. 

All are welcome to stop in for a piece of cake and catch up on Franklin’s history. Residents sharing the same birthdate have received special invitations to share their mutual birthday together. All attendees sharing the same birthday as the town will be entered into a drawing for a bank note with none other than Ben Franklin’s photo adorning it! The fun starts at 1:00 PM Sunday. March 6 with the drawing held at 1:45 PM. 

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. When visiting the museum, please bring a non-perishable food item for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Admission to the museum is always free.

The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central St, Franklin, MA.

birthday cake in 2015

Reminder: Franklin Democrats to caucus virtually on March 5, 2022

On Saturday March 5 at 4:00 PM Democrats will convene virtually to elect delegates and alternates to represent Franklin at the 2022 State Democratic Convention.

Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Franklin 16 years old by February 4, 2022 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/convention.

The 2022 Convention will be a hybrid convention, with in-person proceedings taking place alongside virtual participation options on June 3 and 4 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Delegates will convene to endorse candidates for statewide office ahead of the September Democratic Primary. The MassDems are closely monitoring changes in public health guidance and will update plans accordingly.

Those interested in getting involved with the Franklin Democratic Committee should contact Rachel Plukas at chair@FranklinDemocrats.org. 

Franklin Democrats to caucus virtually on March 5, 2022

FHS Emma White takes 2nd in All-Around

"The high school gymnastics community has been buzzing the past two years over the emergence of Masconomet sophomore Bella Misiura and Franklin senior Emma White. Due to the pandemic, Misiura and her two-time state champion Masconomet teammates had not had the opportunity to face Franklin, which jumped into the spotlight last winter thanks to White’s high-level gymnastics. 

Misiura and White’s first all-around high school battle at Monday afternoon’s Massachusetts High School Gymnastics Coaches State Individual Championships at Tewksbury High School lived up to expectations. 

The title came down to the last event, floor exercise. Both completed difficult double back tumbling passes, Misiura’s front tumbling was the difference-maker, earning her a 9.575 score that gave her the title over White, 38.275 to 38.125. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/21/sports/masconomets-bella-misiura-floors-it-win-all-around-title-state-coaches-individual-girls-gymnastics-championship/ 

The State level team championships are scheduled for Saturday, Feb 26

https://miaa.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gymnastics-Sectional-Tourney-2022.pdf

Despite her execution of a difficult double back tumbling pass, Franklin's Emma White (above) came up just short of Masconomet's Bella Misiura, whose narrow victory on the floor exercise propelled her to the all-around title. ERIN CLARK/GLOBE STAFF/ERIN CLARK

Via Twitter, a video of Emma's floor performance:

Emma White’s floor routine for @FHSSports, earning a 9.550 to help her finish second at the all-around championships. pic.twitter.com/MGH0BZaFuF

— Tom Mulherin (@T_Mulherin) February 21, 2022

FHS boys basketball tops Leominster 43-30 on Monday

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

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 43 vs. Leominster, 30 – Final 
– Anchored by one of its best defensive efforts of the season, Franklin landed an impressive win over one of the two ranked teams in Division 2. Junior Ben Harvey had a fantastic showing on the defensive end, holding one of Central Mass’ best players Justin Dadah Jr. to just one three-pointer in the fourth quarter. The Panthers used a 16-0 run across the first and second quarters to create separation. Sophomore Sean O’Leary scored eight of his 11 points in the opening half while Harvey got it going on the offensive end with six points in the second. Geino Scaringello gave the Franklin offense a big boost in the second half with all of his nine points coming over the final two frames.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-02-21-22/

FHS Panthers

Franklin High School Baseball alumni ready for their spring collegiate season

Catching up to share this tweet from Franklin High School Baseball, MA (@FHSCoachZBrown):

2-18-22 - College Baseball is officially back! 

For those that would like to follow the 14 FHS ⚾️ alums that are currently on active college rosters please see the list below. 

Nothing better than checking the box scores & seeing our alums contributing to their collegiate programs! 

https://t.co/wcYRABPHY6

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1494669514235166722

Franklin High School Baseball alumni ready for their spring collegiate season

Episode 019 - Overwork, Managing Work Life Balance, Finding Time For Rest (audio)

"In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Junger, Reverend McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss the topic of overwork; how work can bring meaning to one's life, when work starts to become overwork, how to find time for rest and recovery, balancing family and personal relationships and so much more. "

Audio link ->  https://priest-rabbi-minister.captivate.fm/episode/019-overwork-managing-work-life-balance-finding-time-for-rest

“A Priest, a Minister, and a Rabbi Walk Into a Radio Station”

Embedded audio

Charles River Watershed Association storymap: "A River Interrupted"

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) has put together a storymap, an interactive presentation of text, photos, video, and maps. The storymap explains the impacts of several dams along the Charles River and how removal of these dams could help (1) restore the river to its original flow, (2) allow various fish species to return and thrive in their natural habitat, and (3) potentially mitigate for climate change.

Visit the Storymap  "A River Interrupted" here -> 

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/62917edcb76c4e10868cbb7a79638282

For more about the CRWA -> https://www.crwa.org/

Charles River storymap: "A River Interrupted"

DOER has scheduled seminars to obtain feedback on stretch code proposal

 DOER Announces Public Hearings on New Stretch Code Proposal

Dear Building Energy Code Stakeholder,

DOER will hold five virtual public hearings to receive comment on its Straw Proposal for Stretch Code update and New Specialized Stretch Code released on February 8th. The following information can be reviewed in advance of the hearings at DOER's new Stretch Code Development webpage:

1.      The Straw Proposal     

2.      Recording of February 8 Webinar       (registration required to view)

3.      Summary of stretch code analysis informing straw proposal

 

Interpretation services will be provided at all hearings in Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

 

Hearing Focus	Date
Western Region	March 2, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Metro Boston and Northeastern Region	March 3, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Environmental Justice Communities	March 4, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Central Region	March 7, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Southeastern Region	March 8, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 

DOER will provide a brief presentation to respond to clarifying questions received in advance of the public hearing, however the majority of the time is reserved to hear public comments. Public comments will be limited to 3 minutes per person to ensure all participants have a chance to provide comment.

To submit questions or to sign up to give public comment at a hearing please send an email to stretchcode@mass.gov with the title ‘Comment for Public Hearing’ and include your name, organizational affiliation and municipality where you work or reside, as applicable. There will be four regional hearings and one additional hearing dedicated to Environmental Justice communities statewide. At each regional hearing, comments and questions from participants representing communities in the designated region will be prioritized. Visit the Green Communities webpage to find out which region your community is in.

REMINDER: DOER highly encourages written comments on the Straw Proposal for Stretch Code update and New Specialized Stretch Code to be submitted electronically to stretchcode@mass.gov with the subject line “Stretch Code Straw Proposal Comments”. Written comments will be accepted until 5 pm EST on March 9th, 2022

Thank you,

Maggie McCarey, Director - Energy Efficiency Division

Straw Proposal => https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-straw-proposal-updated-stretch-code-specialized-opt-in-code-feb-2022/download

Summary of Stretch Code Guidance =>  https://www.mass.gov/doc/summary-of-stretch-code-study-energy-efficiency-analysis-feb-2022/download

DOER has scheduled seminars to obtain feedback on stretch code proposal

Happy Birthday George!

"depending on which calendar you are using, Washington was born on both Feb. 11, 1731, and Feb. 22, 1732. They were the same day. ...

This may sound goofy and old-timey, like bleeding or quill pens, but the modern American government made its own awkward calendar change as recently as 1971, with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. That officially changed the holiday marking Washington’s birthday to the third Monday in February. Depending on the year, the holiday falls anywhere between Feb. 15 and Feb. 21.

It never falls on Washington’s actual birthday, regardless of which calendar you use."

Continue reading this story (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2022/02/21/george-washington-birthday-presidents-day/

George Washington in an engraving from 1859. (iStock)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen
Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder

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

7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer

9:00 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

10:00 am Frank Presents: State House Pt. 3

11:30 am Senior Connection: Sleep

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2

3:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 7

4:00 pm The Only Cure Is Education

4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 1 - Tweed funk

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Common and Emerging Diseases

8:30 pm Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Winter Jazz Night '22

8:30 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 01-29-19

12:30 pm FHS PCC: Vaping Panel

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Mansfield-OA-Foxboro 02-03-22

4:31 pm Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

6:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v St. John's Prep 02-16-22

8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v King Philip 02-18-22

10:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Taunton 02-08-22

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

8:00 am School Committee: 02-08-22

11:30 am School Committee: 02-16-22: Face Coverings

2:00 pm School Committee: 02-08-22

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)

Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria

The Franklin High School Diversity Awareness Club is holding a cultural fund raising night on March 1, 2022 in the cafeteria.

"Community members can immerse themselves in different cultures as they experience music, art, and try foods from all around the world!" 

Geography Night - Mar 1, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM in the FHS cafeteria

Interact Club conducting clothing drive - Drop off Date = March 19

"HELLO SPRING CLEANERS!!!

Please consider donating your clean and gently used clothing, and/or soft goods to Rotary of Franklin MA Interact Club FUNDrive Fundraiser.

It’s easy….simply use this QR Code and pledge to donate today.

DROP OFF DATE is on MARCH 19th ONLY!

King Street Cafe, 399 King St, Franklin, MA 02038"

https://www.facebook.com/groups/FranklinRotary/permalink/10160077505964083/

Interact Club conducting clothing drive - Drop off Date = March 19

"we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities"

The analogy of "windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors" struck me when I heard it at the School Committee meeting Feb 8 and then again at the Town Council meeting Feb 16. I was delighted to find my eyes caught a reference to this in my Twitter stream. 

Via Debbie Reese (https://twitter.com/debreese), we find that Reading is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org/) shared a re-print of the original article by Rudine Sims Bishop published in 1990.  

"Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books."

You can read the full article here -> https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf

The Twitter thread ->  https://twitter.com/debreese/status/1495060049634467840

School Committee DEI presentation ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

Audio recording of the DEI segment -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-727-school-committee-meeting-02-08-22-p2-of-3 

slide from the update on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts around the district

FHS girls basketball post win vs. Bridgewater-Raynham on Sunday

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

 
Girls Basketball = Franklin, 48 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 44 – Final 
– Following its first loss in three years, Franklin bounced back 24 hours later by pulling out a close win against Bridgewater-Raynham. The Panthers got off to a good start, scoring 15 points in the first quarter and jumping out to a nine-point lead, but the Trojans responded with an 18-8 second to lead by one at halftime. In the the third quarter, Stefany Padula and Katie Peterson each scored five points, as Franklin took the third 14-9 and regained the lead. Franklin shot 8-of-12 from the line in the fourth, including 5-of-6 from Peterson, to hold on for the win. Padula knocked down four from beyond the arc and was the top scorer for Franklin with 15 points. Peterson added nine, all in the second half, and Olivia Quinn chipped in with nine as well.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-02-20-22/

FHS Panthers