Franklin Art Association: Newsletter for January 2023

Dear members and friends,

I’m looking toward 2023 with hope for new ideas, fresh starts, and renewed optimism. The phrase “tabula rasa” comes to mind, one of whose definitions is “An opportunity to begin again with no record, history, or preconceived ideas.”

But what does that mean for an artist, who relies on many of the same strategies over and over again in order to have a successful outcome. I think it means shaking things up! For example, try a new medium... paint on a different surface...paint a landscape if you always paint still lifes...try abstract vs: realism...take a workshop or class...visit the MFA... check out the local galleries...come to an FAA paint-in...enter a painting in the FAA gallery! Maybe you are already doing some of these things, and that’s great. My hope is to break some long held patterns and create pathways for new ideas to emerge. Even if I’m not that successful, it will be fun trying!

Happy New Year to all of you. May 2023 bring you new ways of seeing and interpreting the world

around you!

Warm regards,

Sue Sheridan

President

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Reminder - Wednesday night -> Meeting & Demonstration 6:30 - 8:30pm at the Franklin Senior Center. Guest artist will be painter Katie Kindilien

Continue reading the January newsletter online ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tUIMM7kPhe_KKB9b0aWzva_rcyLnQ7l3/view

Franklin Art Association

CommonWealth Magazine: "Solving the MBTA Communities zoning puzzle" (part 2 of 5)

"IN 2021, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the MBTA Communities zoning law requiring municipalities served by the MBTA to zone districts “of reasonable size” for multi-family housing at a “gross density” of 15 dwelling units per acre. The law applies to 175 cities and towns. Some may already have zoning that meets the requirements. For most of the municipalities, compliance will involve local legislative votes, at town meetings and city councils.

In the process of local reform, thousands of public officials, constituents, and advocates will have to become familiar with the law’s novel, complicated, and flexible concept of gross density. I am writing this article to give people a head-start in understanding it."

Part 2 of the 5 part series 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/solving-the-mbta-communities-zoning-puzzle/

Part 1

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/commonwealth-magazine-understanding-new.html

Multi-family development in Winchester, MA. (Photo by Amy Dain.)

Reminder: New Children’s Service offered at St John’s Episcopal Church in 2023

St John’s will offer a simple, informal service geared for children on two Saturdays per month, beginning January 14 and January 28 at 5 PM. 

The services will include stories, crafts or other activities, easy fun songs, and a simple Eucharist (Communion) totaling about 40 minutes.

All families are invited to join us at 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

St John's Episcopal Church

Governor Baker says Goodbye (video)

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER, who often called the “block and tackling” of state government the centerpiece of his approach in office, on Tuesday began a two-day process of saying a public goodbye with a brief address that leaned into the prosaic details of his eight-year tenure while dispensing with the sort of sweeping oratory that was never his style. 

From behind the desk of his formal State House office, Baker delivered a six-minute, livestreamed address thanking Massachusetts residents. The speech was an unemotional, straightforward goodbye touting his administration’s accomplishments. "

Continue reading the article online at Commonwealth Magazine -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-bids-farewell/

 

watch the video goodbye -> https://youtu.be/Y8dQhGUsyDg

Governor Baker says Goodbye (video)

Franklin Senior Center: Senior Connection Newsletter for January 2023

Franklin Senior Center Senior Connection Newsletter 

January 2023

Happy New Year! 

Click here to check out our NEW Senior Connection Newsletter: January 2023!

Call to sign up for programs or for more information: 508-520-4945

Franklin Senior Center: Senior Connection Newsletter for January 2023

"It would require people to behave a bit more like creatures of the forest"

"Suzanne Simard walks into the forest with a churchgoer’s reverence. The soaring canopies of Douglas firs are her cathedral’s ceiling. Shifting branches of cedars, maples and hemlocks filter the sunlight like stained-glass windows. A songbird chorus echoes from the treetops, accompanied by the wind whistling through pine boughs and a woodpecker’s steady drumming.

But beauty alone is not what makes this place sacred to Simard. In each colossal tree, the University of British Columbia forest ecologist sees a source of oxygen, a filter for water and a home for hundreds of different creatures. To her, the lush, multilayered understory is proof of a thriving community, where a variety of species ensures that every wavelength of light is put to good use.

And although Simard cannot hear their conversation, she knows the trees are in communion with the fungi beneath her feet — bartering carbon for water and nutrients in a raucous exchange older than the forests themselves."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2022/suzanne-simard-mother-trees-climate/

I did read Suzanne's book - "Finding the Mother Tree" ->   https://suzannesimard.com/   The process she worked through to devise her studies to capture the information is well worth the read. 

Studies have shown that when trees are removed from a landscape, it unleashes the carbon buried below.

Swearing in ceremony dates for newly elected terms of office, and yes, they do vary

For the details check the Secretary of the Commonwealth's page ->
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eledatesofoffice/datesofofficeidx.htm?s=03

MA General Law also outlines the oath of office

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXVIII/Chapter125/Section10

for Town Clerks - >   https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter41/Section107

(If someone has a better source, please let me know and we'll update this)

For the details check the Secretary of the Commonwealth's page ->

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Jan 4, 2023

• 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 my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/my-conversation-with-superintendent.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 episode 20 in the Making Sense of Climate series with Ted McIntyre -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/making-sense-of-climate-20-multiple.html

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

7:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

7:30 am It Takes A Village: D'Angela Alberty

8:30 am Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony

10:00 am ArtWeek: Art + Music

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Medical Marijuana

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

3:30 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

4:45 pm Addressing Hate in School Sports

6:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

9:00 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

8:30 am Franklin Rec Basketball: 3x3 Tournament Game 4

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

11:00 am FHS Winter Chorus & Orchestra 2022

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Carlsbad 12-28-22

2:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Canton 12-21-22

5:00 pm FHS Winter Chorus & Orchestra 2022

9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v East Greenwich 01-01-23

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

8:00 am Town Council: 12-14-22

2:00 pm Town Council: 12-14-22

5:45pm Economic Development: LIVE, Chambers 886 0872 1709

2:00 pm Town Council: LIVE, Chambers 861 4238 3425

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)

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

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!

Register here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3116709442377/WN_Rj2-SumZQqWKGQl07_lbhA

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