Franklin Cultural Districts completes grant announcements for Fiscal Year 2022 awards

The Franklin Cultural District Committee closed out its round of grant awards for Fiscal Year 2022 with the announcement of three recipients. The award amounts complete the utilization of the Cultural District Initiative grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for Fiscal Year 2022.

• Franklin Veterans Services = a $1,350.00 grant. The grant will pay for the reconditioning and restoration of the Persian-Gulf war monument located on the Town Common.

• Franklin Performing Arts Company = a $1,000 grant. The grant will assist FPAC with the production of the musical Sweeny Todd at THE BLACK BOX scheduled for June 2022.

• Escape Into Fiction = a $400 grant. The grant will enable the purchase of 20 folding event chairs that will allow the bookstore to be utilized as a small venue to hold a variety of arts and culture events, including local author events, art classes, and opening nights

The Franklin Cultural District Committee endeavors to support arts and culture in the Cultural District and beyond through partnerships with the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the Franklin Cultural Council, and the Town of Franklin.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee thanks the individual businesses and organizations for working collaboratively with them to utilize the MCC grant money and to further enhance arts and culture in the Town of Franklin.

Franklin Cultural Districts completes grant announcements for Fiscal Year 2022 awards

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Endorsed for 10th Norfolk District by Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund

The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund has endorsed Jeffrey Roy  in the election for State Representative of the 10^th Norfolk District, a credit to his commitment to the environment and climate action. With issues of public health, environmental justice, transportation, and energy policy inextricably linked, we need leaders at every level of government who understand the pressing issues of their community and will call for ambitious action. 

 

“Chair Roy was central to the passage of the 2021 Roadmap Bill, one of the strongest climate laws in the nation,” said Casey Bowers, Executive Director of the ELM Action Fund. “He also crafted the House’s offshore wind bill which will ensure the industry takes off in Massachusetts and provides the clean energy we need to reach our Roadmap targets. We’re grateful for his leadership in addressing the climate crisis.”

 

“I am honored and grateful to receive the endorsement from the ELM Action Fund, a group that has led efforts to fight global warming and has been a great partner at the State House in advancing climate policy,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “Massachusetts has been a national leader in combating climate change and producing clean energy and I look forward to working with ELM to ensure that we continue to lead in this area.”

  

Chair Roy was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 10th Norfolk District in 2012 and represents the residents of Franklin and Medway. He serves as the House chair of the Telecommunications, Energy, and Utilities (TUE) Committee. In 2021, he led efforts to finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change. He is a proven leader in his work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize environmental justice (EJ) communities.

 

To learn more about Jeffrey Roy, visit his website at https://jeffreyroy.com/.

 

The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) Action Fund is a nonpartisan organization that helps pass laws that protect our environmental legacy, holds our elected officials accountable, and works to build the political power of the environmental community. To learn more about our work and our recent electoral victories visit www.elmaction.org/elections.  

 https://twitter.com/EnviroLeagueMA/status/1526571203992989696

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Endorsed for 10th Norfolk District by Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund 

Tri-County RVTHS Students Present at NASA in Houston; 2 teams selected as semi-finalists

The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School District is pleased to announce two of the six teams that participated in this year's NASA HUNCH Program were selected as semi-finalists. The NASA HUNCH Program allows vocational students to help develop important features and hardware for the International Space Station (ISS). Each year a set of approximately ten issues that could help astronauts live more functionally or aid in the scientific and engineering capabilities on the ISS are presented in September. Students select an issue, form teams, and work together on a solution. All juniors in the Engineering Program participate. (www.hunchdesign.com)

The students in the NASA HUNCH Program work with mentors, college professors, national companies, engineers from NASA, and other organizations to help hone their ideas. In addition, each student is encouraged to include their work with NASA on their resume. The students' fresh perspective, time, and energy assists the Research and Integration Office out of the Johnson Space Center. This year each student who presented in Houston received a personalized recommendation letter to assist their future endeavors.

Students worked to provide a preliminary design review in February. After this review, teams refine their ideas and have a critical design review which typically takes place in New Jersey. The finalists are invited to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, to present to NASA and anyone interested. This year sixty teams from around the country were invited to Houston to present.

Thomas Ford (Millis), Timothy Harrington (North Attleboro), Joshua Shockley (Wrentham), and Cory George (Seekonk) were finalists with the mockup of a Destiny module built for transport they created. The Destiny module is the primary research laboratory on the ISS. Destiny's research allows scientists to understand our world better and prepare for future space missions. The students were tasked with researching materials within budgeting constraints and creating a mockup to show how the traveling module would assemble and disassemble for easy transport. The team considered structural elements that would be safe for the public to view, interact with, and fit on a flatbed truck.

Nicholas Aguiar (Seekonk), Zachary Blenkhorn (Medway), Joseph Cady (Plainville), and Aidan Juhl (Millis) worked together to create Magnetic Boots for Space X Human Landing System. These boots would allow the astronauts to walk on the outside of the ship instead of floating, which would enable them to maneuver themselves with their feet and carry items with their hands, similar to how they would work on Earth. "We learned you won't get anything done on the first try- it won't be perfect," commented Nicholas Aguiar of Seekonk when asked about the design process.

The teams traveled to Houston to present their projects to NASA in April. The students agreed that having the opportunity to pitch their idea to NASA and "pick the brains of such a knowledgeable group" were highlights of their trip. The students will now wait to hear from NASA to see if their idea will move forward in the design process.

 

L-R: Kristen Magas (teacher-North Attleboro), Timothy Harrington (North Attleboro), Joshua Shockley (Wrentham), Thomas Ford (Millis), Aidan Juhl (Millis),  Joseph Cady (Plainville), Zachary Blenkhorn (Medway), Nicholas Aguiar (Seekonk), Jeffrey McCall (Teacher-Rehoboth)

FHS girls lacrosse and boys tennis teams post wins on Tuesday

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

Softball = Franklin @ Foxboro, (no score reported)

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 14 vs. Moses Brown (RI), 7 – Final 

– Franklin capped its regular season by doubling up on Moses Brown the top team in Rhode Island, with a 14-7 decision. Jackie O’Neil filled in admirably in a midfield role, scoring five goals with two assists and three draw controls to lead the charge. Kate O’Rourke (two goals, two assists) surpassed 100 career goals in the win, Katie Peterson added a hat trick and one assist, and Stella Regan (one goal, two assists) had a strong game in the midfield with five draw controls. Katie Ryan and Lindsay Atkinson each added a goal in the win. Jamie Tanner and Anna Grasso both played well defensively in front of Brigid Earley (10 saves).

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final 

– Franklin swept both doubles matches and added another win in singles action to edge out host Foxboro. Vayshnav Malhotra won in straight sets for the Panthers’ lone singles win while senior Thomas Broyles and Tim O’Keefe didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 first singles verdict, and sophomores Ahan Shetty and Jay Gorgas dropped just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 second doubles win. Foxboro’s Bo Canfield and Raj Jetty won at second and third singles, respectively.

Girls Tennis = Foxboro, 3 @ Franklin, 2 - Final 

FHS GT loses tight one to Foxboro 3-2. Both dubs teams get wins.
Vedika Vinayak & Brooke Daniels won in straight sets including 2nd set tie breaker.  
Allison Bagley & Sydney Tolonen also won in straight sets.
Franklin is now 11-6.
https://twitter.com/fhs_gvtennis/status/1529394901535924224

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-24-22/

FHS Panthers

In this "Making Sense of Climate" episode - Brookline’s initiative, heat pumps, gas leaks, and the health and financial implications of these (audio)

FM #801 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 801 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Thursday, May 19, 2022.  

Ted and I are joined by Lisa Cunningham and Wendy Stahl. They are climate activists and co-founders of ZeroCarbonMA.org/ 

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  Wendy and Lisa are also happy to answer questions.

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted, Lisa, and Wendy as we discuss Brookline’s initiative, heat pumps, gas leaks, and the health and financial implications of these.  

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-801-making-sense-of-climate-10-05-19-22 

--------------

Contact information

* for Lisa or Wendy use  info@zerocarbonma.org  

* Conference committee members (3 from MA House & 3 from MA Senate)

House of Representatives: 

• Roy - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1 

• Chan - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/T_C1 

• Jones - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/BHJ1 

 MA Senate: 

• Barrett - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/MJB0 

• Creem - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/CSC0 

• Tarr - https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/BET0 

Articles referenced

Stanford Study on gas leaks   

https://news.stanford.edu/press-releases/2022/03/24/methane-leaks-mues-fix-available/

and

https://woods.stanford.edu/news/stanford-scientists-find-climate-and-health-impacts-natural-gas-stoves-are-greater-previously

RMI article on gas stoves  https://rmi.org/insight/gas-stoves-pollution-health/ 

And to buy a low-cost induction cook plate to try induction cooking 

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/ 

We recommend the least expensive “no frills” – works great!  And cast iron pans are magnetic and low cost (Ikea and Amazon also have low-cost magnetic/induction cookware).  

Globe article on Senate Drive Forward act

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/04/07/science/senate-unveils-sweeping-climate-bill/

Electrify your home guide  https://www.rewiringamerica.org/electrify-home-guide 

IPCC report “Code Red”  “The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable."  

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1097362

Mass Clean Energy Center (MCEC) on heat pumps  https://www.masscec.com/blog/2021/09/13/masscec-pilot-showcases-success-whole-home-heat-pumps 

Talking Points on Section 65 of the Senate’s Drive Act (S. 2842)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XCxBnnmgBaGkDEsziqhzAgASJLCoOqxhUe5VZKF-9EY/edit 

Text of the MA Senate Drive Act 

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2819/BillHistory?pageNumber=2   or here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TDKb_6gw9HjE8q7ZPbU2hhM9ZS1mU6q9/view?usp=sharing 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

ZeroCarbonMA.org/

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting - 05/24/22 (video)

The Franklin TV video replay of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting conducted Tuesday, May 24, 2022 is available on YouTube ->    https://youtu.be/gP5hyu8WZ3I

My notes and recap will be available shortly, the audio will be available in a couple of days.

"A majority of the state board endorsed a patient approach on Tuesday"

Before the school news from Texas took over the headlines, the possible takeover of Boston Public Schools dominated the headlines. That DESE charges Boston with disfunction coming from an institution which is also disfunctional at times is more than ironic, especially since the period in question is primarily the pandemic.

"State Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley hammered Boston Public Schools for its “bloated” central office and “unconscionable” transportation failures in his first public comments Tuesday on a new state review of the district, but held off on recommending any takeover of city schools, saying he remains “hopeful and optimistic” that the state and city can reach agreement on a plan for urgent improvement.

Addressing the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education at its monthly meeting, as dozens of people protested outside and dozens more were turned away from the packed meeting room, Riley said he will give Mayor Michelle Wu a chance to respond to his initial proposal for next steps. Details of that plan have not been released to the public."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/24/metro/state-education-board-mayor-weigh-fate-boston-public-schools/

Parents and teachers gathered outside the Massachusetts State House before walking the short distance a Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to show opposition to a state takeover of Boston Public Schools. The state on Monday released a scathing review of the district.JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF

Read the full DESE report -> (at the bottom of this Globe article)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/23/metro/state-releases-blistering-review-boston-public-schools/

"STATE EDUCATION COMMISSIONER Jeff Riley said the Boston Public Schools face a “myriad of problems,” from special education and English language learner services in disarray to data systems reporting inaccurate student outcomes, but he made it clear on Tuesday that he is hoping to reach agreement with Mayor Michelle Wu on a plan to address them rather than recommend that the state’s largest school district be put in receivership. 

“I am hopeful and optimistic that we can come to some kind of an agreement on next steps forward,” Riley told members of the state board of education on Tuesday at a meeting dominated by several hours of discussion of the plight of the Boston schools."

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/riley-looking-for-pact-with-boston-not-receivership/

Franklin Police complete active shooter simulation training

Via Franklin Police:

"Today (Tuesday) concludes our annual active shooter simulation training at the old Charter School. This year's training was different from previous training as we had help from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students on criminal justice co-op. Students role played different roles including hostages, fleeing students, and injured persons.

On top of addressing an active shooter threat, officers were also expected to treat and evacuate injured persons throughout different scenarios. Thanks to our training staff and all the students for another successful training."

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd8mx8yrJs5/

"This year's training was different from previous training as we had help from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students on criminal justice co-op. Students role played different roles including hostages, fleeing students, and injured persons"

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, May 25, 2022

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features the Introductory Remarks and Keynote address by Michael Bobbitt for the MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium held May 14, 2022 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/blog-post.html  

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This hour features the most recent Town Council Quarterbacking session with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom.html

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

7:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

7:30:00 am It Takes A Village: Ethan Dimarino
8:30 am Memorial Day Breakfast 2019
10:00 am Memorial Day 2021
11:30 am Whole Health Visions: Nancy Safran
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta
1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Healthy Communities
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Social Security
6:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Grillin'
6:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Jamie Barrett & Electric Youth
9:30 pm FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 3 06-04-18

8:30 am Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce

11:00 am FHS Boys Varsity Tennis: v Mansfield 05-18-22

12:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Hopkinton 05-20-22

1:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Notre Dame Hingham 05-18-22

5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 05-20-22

7:30 pm Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021

9:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Taunton 05-11-22

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

8:00 am Town Council: 05-04-22

12:00 pm Finance Committee 05-12-22: 05-12-22

2:00 pm Town Council: 05-04-22

5:30 pm Capital Budget Meeting: LIVE, 846 8322 5388

7:00 pm Town Council: LIVE, Chambers, 849 2621 5441

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)

FHS Boys Soccer Boosters schedule fund raiser at LaCantina - June 8

The FHS Boys Soccer Boosters have scheduled a fund raising wine and pizza event at LaCantina Winery for June 8, 2022. 

"Check out the awesome prizes up for bid in our silent auction.... Don't miss out! Hope to see you there!"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSBoysSocBSTRs/status/1528889742003097601 

FHS Boys Soccer Boosters schedule fund raiser at LaCantina - June 8

Reminder: School Committee meeting features a full agenda for Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Among the items on the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening are the following for Guests/Presentations:

A. Retiree Recognition 

B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf 

C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

 And longer list than recently seen of Discussion Action items

A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Seal of Biliteracy achieved by 12 FHS students in second year of program

"Congratulations to all of our @FranklinHS  world language scholars who earned the MA Sate Seal of Biliteracy! We are so proud."

Based upon students in photo, at least 11 achieved this biliteracy award. Stay tuned for an update on what the total is. 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/LevansFHS/status/1528808110244220931

Seal of Biliteracy introduced to School Committee in Sep 2019 with a planned implementation for 2020-2021 school year. 5 students were announced in June 2021. Per the photo, 11 students have reached this achievement this year. (Being verified if total is 11 or ??).(Confirmed as 11.) (updated 5/25/22 to 12 as another student was confirmed)

2021 achievement announcement -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/5-fhs-students-receive-massachusetts.html

Program introduction to School Committee in Sep 2019 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/school-committee-recap-sep-10-2019.html