Tuesday, January 3, 2023

My conversation with Superintendent Giguere covers multiple topics and a "day in the life" (audio)

FM #907 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 907 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person in the Superintendent’s office in the Municipal Building on Monday, December 19, 2022.

At a high level our topics were:

DEI deep dive
Redistricting
Finance Committee school budget discussion
A day in the life of a Superintendent

The recording runs about 30 minutes Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-907-fps-superintendent-lucas-giguere-12-19-22

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Superintendent’s page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent

DEI page (with link to plans, etc.) -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

Redistricting page -> https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee

Finance Committee video replay -> https://youtu.be/o4vY1ekbk10

Franklin Matters recap & audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.html

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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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Franklin (MA) School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

FPAC to present "The Wolves" - performances Fri, Sat & Sun - Jan 6 -8, 2023

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Sarah DeLappe’s wildly popular play The Wolves January 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. Directed by New York actress Ali Funkhouser, the all female-identifying cast of 10 is comprised of young professional artists, collegiate actors, and student apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

The Wolves follows a girls indoor soccer team. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.

The play will feature soccer movement directed by Franklin’s Calen Frongillo. “One of the many intriguing aspects of this play is that we see the girls warm up and perform actual soccer drills over the course of the show,” comments director Ali Funkhouser. “We’re so lucky to have Calen’s soccer expertise to train the ‘team’ and help the cast execute these moments on stage.”

photo of the cast by Paul Vicario. L to R: Kelsey Breslin, Erin Belger, Sami Goldman, Caroline Wilkins, Elena Doyno, Courtney Beyer, Tzintli Cerda, Madigan Wirkus, Anya Fox

Known only by their numbers to the audience, the characters of The Wolves will be portrayed by LA’s Courtney Beyer (#46), NYC’s Elena Doyno (#00), University of Tampa Musical Theatre’s Kelsey Breslin (#11), University of Connecticut’s Caroline Wilkins (#25), University of Oklahoma Acting’s Sami Goldman (#7), FPAC Apprentices Erin Belger (#2), Tzintli Cerda (#14), Anya Fox (#13), Madigan Wirkus (#8), and actress Hallie Wetzell (Soccer Mom).

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The Wolves tackles mature themes including characters in honest discussions about relationships, politics, death, and more. Because of its subject matter and strong language, it is not recommended for children.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company at THE BLACK BOX is a professional Equity theater producing musicals, plays, and more, featuring Broadway stars, professional and regional performers, and emerging artists.

For tickets and more information, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - January 4, 2023 - 5 PM

Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - January 4, 2023 - 5 PM

3rd floor Training Room

PUBLIC HEARING 5:00 PM

• Bodyworks Reflexology Regulations

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Reading and Acceptance of December 7, 2022 meeting minutes

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

• Board reorganization

• Approval of Board of Health Meeting Dates

• Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report

• Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

• Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

The agenda doc with remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-4-23_0.pdf

Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - January 4, 2023 - 5 PM

Franklin High School Newsletter for Jan 2023

The Franklin High School newsletter for this week is posted

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFUAtVID2o/dcbb1gqHUVEUiJzbV1Knbw/view#1

First FHS newsletter of the 2023 calendar year

Maureen Johnson in conversation with Jennifer Lynn Barnes! Virtual Author Event

Get some face time with YA authors Maureen Johnson and Jennifer Lynn Barnes; as Maureen Johnson launches her latest book in the Truly Devious series, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes is fresh off the release of her latest Inheritance Games book!

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm1u9t7O9do/

and FPL page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/418756

Maureen Johnson in conversation with Jennifer Lynn Barnes! *Virtual Author Event*

Franklin School Committee - Contractual Negotiations - Multiple Executive Sessions scheduled for Jan 9

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Contractual Negotiations

January 9, 2023

Van Drivers - 11:30 - 1 PM
Cafeteria - 3-4 PM
ESP/LPN - 4-5 PM
Secretaries - 5-6 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining sessions with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units.

Shared from https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/negotiationa_agenda_-_1-9-23.pdf

Franklin School Committee - Contractual Negotiations - Executive Session scheduled for Jan 9, 2023

2023 Employee Spotlight - Franklin Recreation -> Heather Grammaticas

It's a new year. and we would like to kick off the 2023 Employee Spotlight by highlighting someone we hired last year and is already doing amazing work for the Recreation Department. Heather Grammaticas!!

Heather Grammaticas is our Volleyball Instructor / Department Photographer. She started working for the Rec Department in February 2022 during the basketball season as a contracted sports photographer. Heather continued to take photographs of different programs to help the Rec Department build online content. In October 2022, Heather joined the department as our Volleyball Instructor, coaching middle school girls volleyball clinics Heather is gearing up to coach additional volleyball classes starting January 12th.

Heather grew up in Chelmsford, MA and went to UMass Amherst. Heather has lived in Franklin for the past 13 years with her husband Peter and two children Alex (14) and Lolo (12) and their golden retriever Nook. In her spare time Heather and her family loves to ski and sail.
Fun facts about Heather: She once caught a football from Julian Edelman when he parked at her house. She can also play the trumpet, guitar, ukulele, and the banjo. She once camped in a tent for 83 consecutive days one summer when she was a kid.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm4O6sgrbUc/

2023 Employee Spotlight - Franklin Recreation -> Heather Grammaticas

Town of Franklin: newsletter for January 2023

Subscribe for News

January 2023 Edition

At a Glance!

February Break will be here in no time. The Recreation Department has plenty of programs to keep you busy during the break. Register and secure your spot today!

Keep an eye on the mail! FY23 3rd quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax bills have been mailed from the Treasurer/ Collector and are due on February 1st, 2023.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Town's Regroup system. Subscribers will get important public safety notifications to their email or cellular device.

We're Hiring: Sign up for job alerts and view our list of current part-time and full-time employment opportunities!

From Winter to Spring with Public Works

Adopt-A-Hydrant

Great neighbors do great things...like adopting a fire hydrant during the winter months! The Franklin Department of Public Works has created a program that gives residents the opportunity to help the Fire Department ensure hydrants are clear and visible after a snow storm. If you happen to have a neighbor who you know is unable to clear a hydrant near their property themselves, you can let DPW know and they will mark it as high priority on the map. Community service hours are also available. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Hydrant program and sign up here to claim your hydrant today!

Get Rain Barrel Ready

The Spring Residential Rain Barrel Program is currently open to residents - residents can order directly from The Great American Rain Barrel Company. The deadline to order is May 9 and pick up will be at the DPW Admin office (257 Fisher St) on May 17 from 4-6pm. Order your rain barrel today!

Christmas Tree Collection

Christmas Trees will be collected the week of January 9, 2023 during normal trash/ recycling curbside pick up. Please be sure to remove all decorations!

Franklin Public Library

Event Highlights!

January 4 – Virtual Author Talk with Maureen Johnson and Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Get some face time with YA authors Maureen Johnson and Jennifer Lynn Barnes; as Maureen Johnson launches her latest book in the Truly Devious series, and Jennifer Lynn Barnes is fresh off the release of her latest Inheritance Games book! Event begins at 7pm. Register here.

January 11 – Teen Vision Board Making

Teens! Join us at 5:30pm for a special edition of Book Bites where we will be making vision board collages for 2023. Snacks and supplies provided, you bring the vision!

January 28 – Ask an Organizer

Get to know local home organizer Danielle Nicholas (Oasis Organizing Solutions). Starting at 2pm, she'll share tips & tricks that will help you maintain functional living/work spaces to start your new year off on the right foot. Remote option available here.

Volunteer Tutors Needed for ESL and Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library is seeking Volunteer Tutors to support the launch of the English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program, which will serve Franklin and its surrounding communities. To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience or Franklin residency is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be given training and all supporting materials will be provided. The time commitment is one orientation session, 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. If interested, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala, or fill out the registration form.

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am-8pm., Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1:30pm - 5pm. The library will be closed on Sunday, January 1 and Monday, January 2 for News Year's Day. The library will be closed Monday, January 16 for Martin Luther King Day.

Library Calendar of Events - January 2023

Veterans' Services

Veterans' Services

January 4 – Veterans Monthly Coffee Social – 10am at the all Veterans are invited!

January 9 – Veterans' Council Meeting – Interested in veterans' activities and events? Join the meeting at 7pm at the Senior Center.

January 23 – Book Signing – Massachusetts author Sue Bavey will discuss and sign copies of her book, Lucky Jack (1894-2000) Memoirs of a WWI POW, which chronicles the life and escapades of Jack Rogers, who was born in London in 1894 and passed at age 106. Join from 11am-2pm.

January 27 – Vietnam Peace Day – The Paris Peace Accords arranged a ceasefire which officially ended America's involvement in the 20-year Vietnam War (1973).

Holiday Helper Appreciation

Many thanks to Richard Douglas, Dick Hynes, Bob Markunis and Rose Turco for helping us hang holiday wreaths on the Veterans Memorial Walkway. Additional thanks to all who donated patriotic decorations (and combat boots) for our Veterans' Christmas Tree at the Senior Center Winter Wonderland event. Special thanks to Kathy Lesica for her help and amazing creativity!

The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30pm at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required!

Contact the Veterans' Services Office at 508-613-1315 or access their department page to learn more.

Senior Center

Monthly Mobile Food Pantry

The Franklin food Pantry and Hockomock YMCA have partnered with the Senior Center once a month. Come Wednesday, January 11 at 11am to receive a bag of stable items, choice of protein, and dairy items!

Talk Turkey with the Police Department

The Franklin Police Department is trading in the cruiser for a crockpot...during the lunch rush of course! They will cook and serve a delicious Turkey Dinner for our seniors on Friday, January 20 at 11 am! Attendees will enjoy Musical Singo at 11am and food will be served at noon!

Stay in the know! Sign up for the monthly Senior Center Connection Newsletter!

Questions? Visit the Senior Center website here or call us at 508-520-4945.

More Senior Center Happenings

Eat Around the World is back! – Once a month we will learn about a country and try out its delicious cuisine! For January we will experience Jamaica on Friday, January 27 at 11am! Call to Register!

Pizza and Movie Night – Get your ticket to watch the new Rom/Com "Ticket to Paradise" starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney on Thursday, January 12 at 4:30pm. Must call to sign up by Wednesday, January 11. $3/person (includes pizza and a movie).

Local Stores and Businesses – a presentation by Joe Landry on Wednesday, January 4th at 1pm/

Assessors Update

All Franklin resident and business owners: The tax Rate for Franklin has been set for Fiscal Year 2023 at $12.58 per $1,000 of taxable value. Tax bills were mailed at the end of December. Timely 3rd Quarter tax payments and Real Estate or Personal Property Abatement Applications must be made by the close of business on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

Exemptions for blind, senior or veteran homeowners: All applications from July 2022 - December 2022 have been reviewed, processed an distributed credits by the Board of Assessors. For those possibly eligible who haven't applied for an exemption since July 1, 2022, applications may still be filed before April 1, 2023 for FY23. The Board has up to 3 months to determine eligibility, thus filing soon is encouraged.

Business Owners: Business assets are requested to be reported locally annually by submission of a MA State Form of List. All accounts in business as of January 1st must file a Form of List with the Assessors Office by March 1, 2023 for FY24.

Real Estate Owners of Commercial, Industrial, Apartments w/4 or more units, or Res/Com/Ind Mixed Use (CIAM) properties will soon receive a request to confidentially file real estate Income & Expense data with the Board of Assessors. The cooperation of these property owners is essential and appreciated in the interest of establishing Fair & Equitable Valuations to achieve fair levels of taxation.

Questions? Visit the Assessors website or call their office at 508-520-4920

Speaker Series to Pair with 'Train Town Franklin' Exhibit

Sunday Speaker Series

History buffs and tiny train enthusiasts are encouraged to attend the first Sunday Speaker of 2023. On Sunday, January 8 at 1pm. Joe Landry will present the history of trains that rolled through Franklin with an additional concentration on the Circa 1932 Franklin Train Station currently on display at the Historical Museum. Additionally, the Museum will be collecting paper towels for donation to the Franklin Food Pantry, please consider donating paper towels if you are able.

Train Town Franklin Exhibit

"Train Town Franklin" is the first in a series of annual dioramas which will feature a Historical Exact replica of the area around the train depot, circa 1932, a time when the rhythm of the daily trains set the pace for a small New England Town - and news from 'down at the depot' was the news everyone wanted to hear! The structures in this exhibit are built to exact scale from photographs and films taken from that period. Franklin native Scott Mason utilizes his historical knowledge and model building skills to bring this exhibit to life! The exhibit will run through February 5, 2023 and will be open to the public every Saturday 10am- 1pm and Sundays 1pm-4pm with the exception of holidays.