School Committee welcomes new school administrators and hears of digital learning initiatives (audio)

FM #844 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 844 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs just under 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Sep 13, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-844-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-13-22

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Agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-13-2022-school-committee-meeting

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9cVoByG4IOWk4V6K6YvLXs6ahdxGHeT/view?usp=sharing 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNainhZLLUeoL5DL7

YouTube video replay for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/eiLlFrwTX_U

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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

• 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!

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

School Committee Meeting - Sep 13, 2022 (audio)

Show Your Pet Some Love; Special Pet Blessings on October 1

Love your pet? Come to St. John’s Church for a special Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 1st during the 5 PM worship service on the front lawn of the church. 

The Rev. Kathy McAdams will lead the service that includes a special blessing for all pets in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who is associated with the patronage of animals and the natural environment. 

Bring your dog, cat, bird, goat or whomever is your beloved pet (on a leash or in carriers, please). Favorite stuffed animals and photos of pets are welcome too!

Everyone is invited.

For more information contact St. John’s Episcopal Church at 508-528-2387.

Call 508-528-2387

Like us Facebook: St John’s Episcopal Church

View www.stjohnsfranklinma.org

St John's Episcopal Church

The Driving Families Forward coalition is now the #YESOn4 for Safer Roads campaign

Via YesOnFourMA :

You may have heard the Work and Family Mobility Act is headed to the ballot this November, so allow us to introduce ourselves—

The Driving Families Forward coalition is now the #YESOn4 for Safer Roads campaign.

Let's talk more about what's at stake with this ballot question:

Voting #YESon4 is a vote for safer roads by allowing qualified drivers, no matter their immigration status, to pass a road test, buy insurance, obtain a license, and legally drive in Massachusetts.

Everyone benefits when all drivers are given the tools to drive safely.

The commonsense #WFMA law behind #YESon4 passed with resounding support from law enforcement, labor unions, immigrant rights groups, and the State Legislature.

But now that victory's at risk.

An opposition group that has been using fear tactics and spreading disinformation has qualified for the November ballot with the goal of overturning the #WFMA.

We can't let that happen.

Voting #YESon4 ensures that immigrants, no matter their status, can legally make essential trips like dropping their children off at school and getting to work, medical appointments, or the grocery store.

Voting #YESon4 will ensure that Massachusetts joins the 17 other states that have already successfully passed and implemented similar laws and saw declines in hit-and-run crashes and uninsured drivers

We're not giving into our opposition's fear-mongering — our coalition has taken on tough fights and won before because the #WFMA is a commonsense step forward for mobility and road safety.

Sign up to join us, fight back, and uphold the #WFMA:

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/support-yes-on-4-for-safer-roads?clear_id=true

The thread can also be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14c7M239GNZfJqzIWxTU32eNs2U7ZI6lm/view?usp=sharing

The Driving Families Forward coalition is now the #YESOn4 for Safer Roads campaign

The State Election 2022 Red Book is coming to your postal mailbox

The Secretary of the Commonwealth has announced:

"Check your mailbox for the red Information for Voters book, which has information on 2022 ballot questions. Books are being delivered to all households this month.

Note: There will be 4 statewide questions on the November ballot. 

Questions 1-3 are included in the printed Information for Voters book. Question 4 was submitted too late to be included, but you can find it in the online version at http://VoteInMA.com."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/VotingInMass/status/1570459490637729796

Question 1 -  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele22/information-for-voters-22/quest_1.htm

Question 2 -  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele22/information-for-voters-22/quest_2.htm

Question 3 -  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele22/information-for-voters-22/quest_3.htm

Question 4 -  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele22/information-for-voters-22/quest_4.htm

The Red Book is coming to your postal mailbox

Medicare covers opioid addiction treatment services

Medicare covers treatment services that can help people recover from opioid use disorder.

Treating Opioid Addiction While prescription opioid pain medications can help treat pain after surgery or an injury, they carry serious risks like addiction. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, Medicare covers treatment services that can help. These services help people with Medicare recover from opioid addiction and include medication coverage (like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone), counseling, drug testing, individual and group therapy, and more. Certain services, like counseling and therapy, are available both in-person and virtually. Learn More The first step is talking with a doctor about treatment options, and where to go to get help. People with Medicare can also visit Medicare.gov and select their state to find local treatment programs. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Sep 16, 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

7:30 am Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer

9:00 am Frank Presents: Keith Carreiro

10:00 am Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

11:00 am Senior Connection: COVID Updates

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

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

6:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safe Prescribing

7:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Reminisants 

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

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

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Lifelong Learning

9:30 am Universe of Adolescent Sleep

11:30 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Oliver Ames 09-08-22

1:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Band

3:00 pm FHS PCC: Vaping Forum

4:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

5:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Oliver Ames 09-08-22

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 09-08-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 09-08-22

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)

Space Needs Subcmte to recommend vendor for analysis work on redistricting (audio)

FM #843 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 843 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee meeting held in the 3rd floor conference room on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022. 

 

SubCmte Chair - Al Charles; committee members - Denise Spencer, Elise Stokes; Central office support - Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman

 

The meeting reviewed their analysis of the proposal received from the potential consultants for the re-districting work to be done. One vendor AppGeo stood out from the other two. Discussion on pros and cons of the vendors; recommendation to be made to the full School Committee at the regularly scheduled meeting of Sep 27, 2022. Assuming recommendation approved, the vendor contract can then be set up through Procurement and some time thereafter, work could begin.

 

They also discussed the form and wordsmithed it for use it to gather folks from the stakeholder groups (parents, teachers/staff, community, etc.) for the Advisory Committee to help this subcommittee and the vendor prepare the proposal and plan for re-districting. 

 

Communications will be key, overcommunication is not bad to ensure everyone gets the word. Aside from those on the Advisory Committee, there will be options (forums, etc.) for others to provide input, ask questions, etc. as the process develops.

 

Next meeting set as placeholder for Oct 3, 4 PM.

 

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to the Space Needs discussion on Sep 13, 2022.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-843-fps-space-needs-subcmte-09-13-22

 

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Meeting agenda =>    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-9_13_22.pdf 

 

My notes for the meeting captured via Twitter and then combined in one PDF =>  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1edLAJ6ibNdaTAkCk_--0AIVWdvCb7MyE/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

• 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"

With Davis Thayer closed the next analysis step is to consider redistricting

FPS: Comprehensive Facility Analysis Report from Franklin Matters

Senior Center Common Grounds Café Closed next Monday 9/19 and Tuesday 9/20 for Maintenance

Senior Center Common Grounds Café Closed 

next Monday 9/19 

and Tuesday 9/20 for Maintenance

Unfortunately we do have to close the Common Grounds café next Monday 9/19 and Tuesday 9/20. We are getting NEW TABLES AND CHAIRS! And the facilities department is also helping us out and cleaning and waxing the floor as well :) 

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/news/senior-center-common-grounds-caf%C3%A9-closed-next-monday-919-and-tuesday-920

Senior Center Common Grounds Café Closed next Monday 9/19 and Tuesday 9/20 for Maintenance

Both FHS cross country teams and the volleyball team post wins on Wednesday

HockomockSports.com posted the results of Hockomock League competition on Wednesday, Sep 14, 2022. We share the FHS results here and provide the link to the full set below. 

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final

Boys Cross Country = Franklin, 16 @ Attleboro, 45 – Final

Girls Cross Country = Franklin, 15 @ Attleboro, 50 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-14-22/

Field Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Last season, Franklin rolled through the league unbeaten and scored 124 goals on its run to the Div. 1 state semifinal, which was more than double any other Hockomock League team. The Panthers started this season just as potent in front of goal, with 14 tallies in the opening two games. 

Foxboro knew exactly what kind of threat the Panthers would pose on Wednesday evening at Sam Berns Community Field and put together a total team effort to keep the Franklin attack at bay. The game plan worked perfectly. 

The Warriors held Franklin to just three penalty corners, the defense stayed packed into the middle, Foxboro threw multiple bodies at last year’s top scorer Kaitlyn Carney, and goalie Kathryn Ferguson came up with a highlight reel stop in the fourth quarter to come away with an impressive 0-0 draw."

Continue reading the game recap online

https://hockomocksports.com/ferguson-foxboro-field-hockey-defense-hold-franklin-to-stalemate/

For a photo gallery from this game  

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Fall-2022/Foxboro-Franklin-Field-Hockey-09-14-22/

Foxboro goalie Kathryn Ferguson makes a diving stick save with six minutes to play, robbing Franklin of a go-ahead goal and preserving a scoreless draw for the Warriors. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

PBS Newshour features Franklin Library and Ben's legacy

In case you missed it, there was a nice 5 minute story on PBS Newshour on Monday.  Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adVFgReaS1Y

"Benjamin Franklin's literary legacy lives on in country's longest-running lending library"

PBS Newshour features Franklin Library and Ben's legacy

The pumpkins patch returns to St John's in October!

Pumpkin season is here. St. John’s Church is ready with its 3rd Annual Pumpkin and Gourd Sale for the entire month of October, from Sunday, October 2nd through the 30th.

Hours for business:

• Monday-Friday 4:00-6:00
• Saturday 10:00-4:00
• Sunday noon-4:00

The pumpkin patch will be on the front lawn at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin MA. Great photo opportunity for your friends, kids and family!

You can feel good about purchasing St. John’s pumpkins. The pumpkins are grown using sustainable agricultural practices that help benefit the environment. They are grown in a region of New Mexico with 42% unemployment, providing jobs for Navajo people.  

In addition to supporting the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, your purchase also supports St. John’s Church and its work right here in our community.

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387

Email: Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Visit us on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org

The pumpkins patch returns to St John's in October!

Register to ride in the Franklin PMC Kids fund raising event on Sep 25

On Sunday, September 25th, the Franklin PMC (Pan Mass Challenge) Kids Ride will be one of 20 PMC Kids Rides throughout the New England area. In 2020 and 2021, the ride was held virtually, but we are excited to host the ride live again this year. 

PMC Kids Rides are mini bike-a-thons that involve children 3 to 14 in the PMC mission by providing them the opportunity to fight cancer just like adults. From a Tikes and Trikes area to a 10-mile ride, the PMC Franklin Kids Ride challenges young cyclists of all skill levels. 

It’s a great way for kids to learn about the importance of giving back and introduces them to volunteerism and fundraising and offers a way for children to become part of the PMC mission in a safe and athletic way. 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly supports cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since the first ride in 1998, the PMC Kids rides program has raised more than $10 million.

Franklin PMC Kids Ride scheduled

Though this ride takes place in Franklin, we welcome all towns to join. We encourage kids to form teams and ride to honor a friend or loved one who has been touched by cancer. To provide riders with additional motivation, the PMC recognizes participants in the Kids Rides program who go above and beyond their fundraising. 

Riders who raise $450 or more will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Heavy Hitter, and riders who raise over $950 will be honored as a PMC Kids Ride Breakaway. Each will be honored with a special PMC item and a certificate to distinguish their achievement. In the past, many kids have lemonade stands, car washes, bake sales, and yard sales to raise money for their ride. These kids have so much passion and determination; they feel like they are making a difference, and each year they say, “I can’t wait to ride again the next year”.

Franklin PMC Kids Ride

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, September 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM. The ride will start and end at the Jefferson School, located at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Kids can select from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. Younger participants, not yet on two wheels, can take part in the Tikes and Trikes course in a contained area at the school. 

This area has several fun stations and activities for the little ones, including a car wash, gas station, snack stand, craft table, face painting, and more. Kids can also enjoy an after-ride celebration with music, games, food, and more. There is a $20 rider registration fee which includes a Tee shirt and goodie bag and a $40 fundraising minimum for all riders. 

Register online at https://kids.pmc.org/franklin. All local communities are encouraged to participate. For more information, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net

Franklin Health Department: September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

"September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. 

About 1 in 78 women develop ovarian cancer. 

Learn of signs, prevention, & more at: ovarian.org"

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Sep 15, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

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

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Steve Croueau

9:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wolfgang Bauer

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

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

3:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Ray Block

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Keith Carreiro

5:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 11 - Kemp Harris

8:00 pm Cultural District: Brent Selby

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

9:00 am FHS PCC: Vaping Forum

11:30 am Universe of Adolescent Sleep

2:00 pm Public School Event: Jazz Night 01-23-19

3:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

4:00 pm ArtWeek: Games

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Football: v Wachusett 09-09-22

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 09-01-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 09-01-22

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers, 815 0135 5611

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)