US News & World Report publishes high school rankings

For the "In Case You Missed it" (ICYMI) category, as I almost did - even after a loyal reader pointed me to it, the US News & World Report published the school rankings recently. Franklin High School slots in to the listing at #79 in MA and #1927 in the US.

Full report can be found online (filtered to MA) - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/rankings

The Franklin page is here -> https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/districts/franklin/franklin-high-school-9365#map_section

screengrab of the FHS page

Community Support Night for Nick Gaspar - 5/02/22

"Monday 5/2 fill the stands w/Carolina Blue! Support our own Nick Gaspar & family! Come hungry

@ChickfilA

will be on site and % of proceeds will be donated to the Gaspar family. Visit http://nickgaspar.com #nickstrong "

JV Lacrosse starts at 5:45 PM. Varsity game starts at 7 PM. There'll be a brief ceremony before the varsity game. 

Community Support Night for Nick Gaspar - 5/02/22

 Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSlax_boosters/status/1519447509265002496

FHS Unified fund raisers every Monday in May at The Curry House

"Every Monday in May 10% of sales goes to the Franklin Unified program!

@FranklinUnified

@fhs_unified"

FHS Unified fund raisers every Monday in May at The Curry House

 Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/daniellew815/status/1520925429850324994

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, May 2, 2022

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

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

7:59 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

9:00 am Concerts on the Common: David Penza & Backyard Swagger

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

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Apple Crisp

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

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

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6

5:30 pm Senior Connection: Mental Illness

6:00 pm Tom McAuliffe: Tom McAuliffe

6:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Alberto Correia

8:30 pm The Black Box: Rising Stars Cabaret

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18

8:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Mansfield 04-22-22

10:30 am All-Town Showcase: Band

1:30 pm Tom McAuliffe: Tom McAuliffe

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

5:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Concord-Carlisle 04-30-22

9:00 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 04-25-22

2:00 pm Planning Board: 04-25-22

5:00 pm School Committee: 04-26-22

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)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 4, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street  

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. March 16, 2022

b. April 6, 2022

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation - Harriet DiMartino

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Alcoholic Beverages Licensees, Failure to Pass Compliance Check - Continued from 4/13/2022

i. TM1 Solutions, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380 - 664 Union Street  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a.i_7-eleven_1_0.pdf

ii. Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World - 365 West Central Street

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a.ii_liquor_world.pdf

b. Street Acceptances: 

i. Joseph Circle

ii. Susan's Way, and a portion of Lawrence Drive

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6b._street_acceptances_0.pdf

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Congressman Jake Auchincloss, 4th Congressional District

b. Presentation: FY21 Annual Financial Audit - Melanson and Heath  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._presentation_-_audit.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-27: Order of Acceptance of Joseph Circle as a Public Way and Related Utility and Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-27 - Two-thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-27_street_acceptances_joseph_circle.pdf

b. Resolution 22-28: Order of Acceptance of Susan's Way and a portion of Lawrence Drive as Public Ways and Related Utility and Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-28 - Two-thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-28_street_acceptances_susans_way_and_portion_lawrence_dr.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-879 to Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._downtown_parking_fines.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-880 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-880_downtown_parking_map_0.pdf

e. Resolution 22-29: Gift Acceptance - Fire Dept. ($275), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-29 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-29_gift_acceptance_fd_vets_375.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Davis-Thayer Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc & connection info   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_may_4_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin TV: YouTube? Yes, We Are!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/01/2022

Get with the program. We’ve all been so advised at one point or other. In this case, it’s about getting you to the programs you want – exactly the way you want them.
We’re now posting our programs on YouTube. It’s familiar. It’s what we all know. It’s immediate. You can now watch our key meetings and events LIVE on YouTube. 

They will also be there for replay. In a world where we all want what we want – when, where and how we want it, YouTube fits the bill. There’s a YouTube link to our past programs (organized in playlists) right in our main page’s Clicklist. We’re starting with our GOV meetings, and adding more in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp4_sDQGHNa9MKpqfmXGZrg/playlists

Franklin TV: YouTube? Yes, We Are!

So, get with the program – that Franklin●TV show you’re looking for - on YouTube. 

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

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

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. EDC + Steering Committee Discussion: MAPC “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and surrounding neighborhoods

 

Agenda doc & connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-04_edc_agenda_.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 5:45 PM

State Representative Jeff Roy shares an update on the House FY 2023 budget

"The House of Representatives passed its Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget this week. This budget responsibly responds to the needs of residents and makes targeted investments to support families in the Commonwealth. 

Funded at $49.73 billion, the House’s FY23 budget continues its strong commitment to cities and towns, and includes significant investments in health care, education, housing, and workforce development, among other priorities. It also includes a number of amendments I sponsored, including $500,000 for the Genocide Education Trust Fund and a one-year extension of funding for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Programs. 

Locally, Franklin and Medway received funds (highlighted in the graphic below) to help with substance use disorder, food insecurity, economic development, mental health screenings in schools, and voter enhancement. 

Many thanks to Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways & Means chair Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership in getting this budget finalized."

Shared from Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10166022393985034&id=534850033&set=a.119664745033 

State Representative Jeff Roy shares an update on the House FY 2023 budget

FHS girls lacrosse tops Concord-Carlisle; girls track team turn in good performances at D1 relays

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Saturday: 

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 10 vs. Concord-Carlisle, 7 – Final 

– For a Photo Gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Spring-2022/Franklin-Concord-Carlisle-Girls-Lacrosse-04-30-22/

Kaitlyn Carney scored five goals and had three assists and the Panthers went on a 4-0 run in the second half to pull out a win over Concord-Carlisle in a rematch of last year’s D1 East final. 

The Panthers controlled the first half, winning 6-of-7 draw controls, forcing the Concord goalie into six saves, and going 11 minutes before allowing a shot on goal on the other end. Carney opened the scoring inside the first minute with a sidearm finish and then her pass from behind the cage picked out Kenzie Baker to double the lead. Carney then intercepted a clearance and threw a skip pass to Lindsay Atkinson to make it 3-0 after eight minutes. Brigid Earley came up with a couple of big saves with nine minutes left in the half and the Panthers extended the lead with a free position goal from Kate O’Rourke and a good dodge at the crease by Jackie O’Neil. 

The visitors got one back before halftime and carried the momentum through the break. Earley (eight saves) came up with a big point-blank stop early in the second half, but the Patriots scored twice to make it 5-3 with 20 minutes to go. Katie Peterson set up Carney to move back in front by three, but Concord-Carlisle scored two straight and it was a one-goal game with 16:23 to go. 

Carney got her fourth of the day cutting across the middle and then she set up Baker for her second. O’Rourke finished from a free position to make it 9-5 and then Carney fired in another strong sidearm shot to push the lead back to five with less than nine minutes to go.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-30-22/

Kenzie Baker (24) and Brigid Early (19) on defense (HockomockSports.com photo)

Outdoor Track - D1 Relays

Girls team finished 7th overall with 29 points
Boys team finished 23rd with 1 point

Lots of great performances at the D1 relay meet today by the girls:

• 1st - High Jump - A Griffith, Dumas, Fenerty 2nd - Shot Put - Hopkins, Nicholson, Baker 4th - 100m - Cuneo, Fenerty, O Costa, Dumas
• 5th - 400m - Dumas, Cliff, O Costa, L Costa   https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1520601524212097024

Congrats to the boys shuttle hurdles team (O’Leary, Schmidt, Walsh, Chandra) on their 6th place finish at the D1 Relays today https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1520587108779499521

FHS girl discus throwers medal at the Div. 1 State Relays. Congrats

@darbynicholson_

@CateRoberge

and

@sofiechouinard

for a 6th place finish! https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1520503121960706050

In boys shot put, shout out to

@GomezKaleth

and

@GraysonHunter04

for hitting PRs! Great job! https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1520470796094824449

FHS girl shot putters take 2nd at the Div. 1 MA State Relays! Even though we’re missing our top thrower today, sophomores

@darbynicholson_

@elizabe82032317

and freshman

@AbbyBak67943165

step up and take the silver!

https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1520465547732914178

Both boys and girls shuttle hurdles place 6th and take home medals. Girls high jump relay places first overall!

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1520456329722277889

Complete results for D1 relay -> http://mstcatimingorg.fatcow.com/live-results/index.htm

Meet-Greet with finalist for DEI Director - May 3, 2022

Franklin Public Schools has been actively conducting a search for our Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A committee consisting of teachers, parents, district administrators and School Committee was established to conduct initial interviews. After much thoughtful discussion, the committee came to consensus that there was one candidate who rose to the top as an exceptional leader and who they recommended to move forward in the process. The group announced earlier this month that Heidi Harris is the finalist for the position. 

We encourage parents and guardians to come meet Ms. Harris on Tuesday, May 3rd from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the 2nd floor Council Chambers of the Municipal Building (355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA). 

Ms. Harris will be available to discuss her background and answer questions. 

Meet-Greet with finalist for DEI Director - May 3, 2022

CommonWealth Magazine: "Calculating the right price for commuter rail"

"RIDERS ON THE MBTA commuter rail know that the network is significantly more expensive than the T’s local bus and subway service. It’s due for a change now.

For any trip on the Commuter Rail within I-95, local bus and subway service is often cheaper. It costs $7 to travel from Needham Heights to South Station and from Waltham to North Station. Route 59 to the Green Line in Newton? $2.40. Route 70 to the Red Line in Cambridge? $2.40.

These examples are not just anomalies within the system. The commuter rail gets proportionally more expensive closer to the Boston terminals. With the significant difference in cost, it’s clear why the commuter rail is not a popular option for many in the Greater Boston area, especially in communities closer to downtown. In 2018, Waltham saw about 500 passengers board the Fitchburg Line each day. At the Riverside Green Line station in Newton, over 1,800 passengers boarded the Green Line that same day."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/calculating-the-right-price-for-commuter-rail/

Note: for my 2 cents, pricing for commuter rail is not the only factor. Consider the cost for parking at the station, a better schedule, and reliability of on-time service as the key factors to increase ridership along with the commuter rail fare.

CommonWealth Magazine: "Calculating the right price for commuter rail"

Guided Meditation Group for Stress Reduction at the Franklin Public Library

Guided Meditation Group for Stress Reduction at the Franklin Public Library

 

Guided Meditation Group for Stress Reduction 

Mondays, May 2, 9, 16, & 23, 6:30 PM

This group will meet  1 hour per week for 4 weeks to learn and practice stress reduction techniques. We will begin with brief instruction related to mind/body stress techniques followed by breathwork and then a guided meditation. We will conclude with a brief reflection.

With practice, participants will learn to bring mindful attention and kind hearted awareness into all aspects of life, creating a greater sense of peace and an improved ability to better manage stress; responding, rather than reacting to daily stress. This program is free and open to the public.

Suzi Purcell has a masters degree in education from Leslie University. She is a certified teacher in MA. She has been teaching for 20yrs. She has been practicing mindfulness since 2008. She completed the Mindfulness Professional MBSR training through UMASS Medical School. Suzi believes that through the practice of mindfulness we can bring peace, thoughtfulness, and love to every interaction in our daily lives, creating a ripple effect, touching everyone along the way. 

Franklin Art Association: May Newsletter, Meeting May 4 features artist Lee Ball

Dear FAA Members, 

Attached please find a copy of the FAA May Newsletter with information about our upcoming Wednesday, May 4th meeting with guest artist Lee Ball.  

As well as numerous exhibition opportunities including at our very own brand new gallery! 

And at our Spring Strawberry Stroll Friday June 10th as well as the ArtWalk June 10-12th.

Please also note the FAA End of Year picnic to be held Saturday June 4th.

Franklin Arts Association: May Newsletter, Meeting May 4 features artist Lee Ball

CommonWealth Magazine: "SJC will consider challenges to all four ballot questions"

"State law lays out the steps needed to file an initiative petition to put a question before voters on the state ballot: get certified by the attorney general, collect signatures, go to the Legislature. What’s not included, but may as well be, is defend the petition before the Supreme Judicial Court. In what has essentially become a rite of passage, all four potential questions on this November’s ballot will go to court next week.

One case that has gotten significant attention is a proposed constitutional amendment raising the tax rate on income over $1 million. The Massachusetts High Technology Council and others are asking the court to change the summary on the ballot to clarify that there is no guarantee the money raised will go toward increased spending on transportation and education, as the measure’s advocates claim. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/sjc-will-consider-challenges-to-all-four-ballot-questions-2/

 

CommonWealth Magazine: "SJC will consider challenges to all four ballot questions"

Get ready for the FHS - Film Festival 2022 - May 19 !!

"We're rolling out the red carpet this year for our annual FHS Film Fest! Come catch all the best videos of the year, plus the world premiere of "Solar," a film produced by Mr. Bailey's film class."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1520098260983103488 

FHS - Film Festival 2022