1 - Franklin High School Pep Rally 2022
video link -> https://youtu.be/7dQrpq2E_wQ
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
1 - Franklin High School Pep Rally 2022
video link -> https://youtu.be/7dQrpq2E_wQ
Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday
The Massachusetts State Senate announced plans today (4/28/22) to debate An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility at a formal session next Thursday, May 5, 2022. The Work and Family Mobility Act, filed by Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, would allow Massachusetts residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver's license, the non-REAL ID license.
The bill, which received a favorable report from the Senate Committee on Rules earlier today, has received widespread support from members of the law enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community. It proposes strict identity documentation criteria, asking for applicants to present two valid, unexpired identity documents. It makes no change to existing law requiring that all driver's license applicants prove that they live in the Commonwealth. The bill advanced by the Senate Committee on Rules is nearly identical to the version that previously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.
"As the granddaughter of immigrants, I have been a longtime supporter of allowing everyone, regardless of immigration status, to safely get to work and school, access health care, and participate in the lives of their communities, and so I am pleased to see this bill move forward today," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "All our residents and their families deserve to feel safe, and driver's licenses for qualified individuals is good for our economy, our families, and public safety. I'd like to thank Senators Crighton, Gomez and Lovely for their efforts to push this bill forward."
"I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues to favorably move the Work and Family Mobility Act out of the Senate Committee on Rules today," said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). "This legislation will improve public safety on our roadways and provide accessibility for all Massachusetts residents. Thank you, Senate President Spilka and Senators Crighton and Gomez for your leadership on this bill."
"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make our roads safer and, just as importantly, make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver's license," said State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). "In the absence of a robust regional public transportation system, it is impossible for many Massachusetts residents to get through their day without the use of a car. No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks such as getting to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery stores. It is time for Massachusetts to join the 16 other states who have passed this common-sense legislation."
"This important piece of legislation, which is long overdue, has received widespread support from law enforcement officials, municipal leaders, and advocacy organizations across our state," said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). "These people are our neighbors, our friends, and our fellow community members. It's past time that we provide them with the ability to have reliable and accessible transportation where they don't have to fear deportation or separation from their families. This legislation gives undocumented residents the same opportunities that their documented counterparts may take for granted — the ability to drive freely across our state, find work in another community, drive their kids to school, run errands for their partner — not burdened with the worry that they may have negative interactions with law enforcement. That's what happens when people have access to reliable transportation: they can thrive, serve their communities, and succeed."
"There is a reason so many law enforcement leaders support this legislation, including a majority of my fellow sheriffs," said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. "I first spoke in favor of this issue as a state representative over 20 years ago. This bill would not only improve public safety by increasing the number of properly identified and insured motorists; but just as critically it will improve a family's ability to get to medical appointments, to the grocery store, and to their kids' school activities. I commend Senate President Spilka, Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, as well as the numerous legislators and advocates who have continued to support this vital issue."
In a formal statement, the leaders of the organizations co-chairing the Driving Families Forward Coalition, Brazilian Worker Center Executive Director Lenita Reason and 32BJ SEIU Executive Vice President Roxana Rivera said, "As co-chairs of the Driving Families Forward Coalition, made up of over 270 endorsers including business associations, labor unions, immigrant advocates, faith groups and many more supporting the Work and Family Mobility Act, we are overjoyed that the bill will be coming before a historic Senate vote. We extend our gratitude to Senate President Spilka, Senator Lovely, Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules and our bill lead sponsors, Senator Crighton, and Senator Gomez for their leadership in promoting everyone's safety in the Commonwealth by moving the bill through the legislative process. This includes law enforcement officials who need to know drivers' identities, Massachusetts motorists who benefit when every driver is tested and insured, and, of course, the diverse immigrant communities across the state who need to access doctor's offices, schools, and jobs. Many immigrants' lives would be transformed by this bill, and everyone in Massachusetts would have safer and more secure roads for it."
The legislation also includes layered protection for driver information, prohibiting the Massachusetts RMV from keeping records of citizenship or immigration status for standard license holders and applicants. Safeguards are also put in place for voting, above and beyond the extensive existing protections, directing the Registry of Motor Vehicles and Secretary of State to establish procedures to ensure that drivers without lawful immigration status are not erroneously registered to vote.
MA Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday (5/05/22) |
"You may have noticed a construction trailer at Center St parking area and signs at Fox Run Rd and near Harpin St. Exciting things are happening!
The DCR has hired a contractor to improve the section of the SNETT between the Fox Run Rd and Rt. 126. The clearing will start soon. We will post more details as they become available.:
Shared from the SNETT Instagram account - > https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc6hfYJrcxw/
FYI - SNETT Trail work underway on Bellingham section |
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https://buff.ly/3pQh91e |
Nathan Ahlgen Flourish reports (with state data by community) |
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
FM #785 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 785 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the regular School Committee meeting held Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
Quick Recap:
Given the new agenda format, and that the Superintendent deliberation discussion had been conducted in the special meeting held prior to the regular session, the meeting was short and to the point
Superintendent Ahern provided multiple updates (superintendent’s report not yet posted to packet folder as this is published)
Recognition of FHS students for project placements at regional science fair. A future consideration would be to conduct a science fair at FHS (which apparently has not been done before). The two projects showcased were awesome. One project motorized a wheelchair, the other determined that an older encryption method is actually more secure than current methods
The School Committee entered executive session to continue work on their contract negotiations
The meeting opened at 7 PM and ran approx. 43 minutes.
Audi file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-785-school-committee-mtg-04-26-22
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Agenda doc (includes remote connection info)
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_4-26-22.pdf
Science fair presentation -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_presentation.pdf
Meeting packet folder
My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xGSGx5CcwdxJ69doB39DUXtnGWmUXEth/view?usp=sharing
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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
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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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FHS students presenting on their science fair projects |
the motorized wheel chair |
Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed Sunday, May 29th and Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30-5:00 p.m.
Exciting Library News
Inspired by the Ken Burns's four-hour documentary on Benjamin Franklin, two-time award winning broadcast journalist, Pamela Watts will host a program on Rhode Island PBS Weekly about Benjamin Franklin's book donation to the Franklin Public Library.
This program will air on Sunday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. with an encore on Wednesday, May 11th. After that, it will be on PBS website at ripbs.org/weekly .
From the Friends of the Franklin Library
Friends of the Franklin Library Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00pm
Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library's collections and programs. Want to learn more about becoming a Friend? Join us on May 4th in the FoFL Community Room to learn more about our group and ways to get involved. If you can't attend our Annual Meeting, drop us a line at FoFL02038@gmail.com for more information on the Friends.
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 13th , 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14th , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 14th , from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Homework Help Program
The Franklin Public Library is now offering its free Homework Help program for grades 1-8. The program takes place Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Students will be assisted by either retired teachers or high school students. Application forms for both participants and volunteers are available at the Circulation Desk and on the Library's website https://www.franklinma.gov/children-teen-services/pages/homework-assista... .
Featured eResource
Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive. You can even send and read your borrowed ebooks to your Kindle ereader ! It's free and easy to get started for new users and a streamlined experience for current OverDrive app users. Learn more at overdrive.com/apps/libby
Franklin Public Library News & Events scheduled for May 2022 |
Battle till the end Execution, effort, attitude! Wp S 2ip 1h 0R 4K 2-2 3r 3-4 2r 2RBI huge squeeze to tie and take lead 2-3 3r 2RBI another huge squeeze #CantBeatCompete #BuntsWonThisGame #21Outs https://twitter.com/fhs_coach/status/1519852982283776000
Rail Trail Roadrace 5K - May 7, 2022 |
Veterans Coffee Social - May 2022 - All Vets Are Welcome! |