Sunday, January 22, 2023

Join the Girls Scouts to participate in World Thinking Day - Feb 11, 2023

Franklin Girls Scout Troops have scheduled this event for Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 from 1 to 3 PM at the Franklin Public Library. 

"Making the world a better place is Girl Scout Law, so it’s no surprise we have a holiday dedicated to doing just that. Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. It’s a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. And while the holiday itself comes in February, the World Thinking Day Award can be earned at any time of year.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), has celebrated World Thinking Day since 1926.

Observed by 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide, World Thinking Day has a different theme each year. In 2023, the theme is “Our World, Our Peaceful Future: The environment, peace, and security.”

 

Join the Girls Scouts to participate in World Thinking Day - Feb 11, 2023
Join the Girls Scouts to participate in World Thinking Day - Feb 11, 2023

Consider subscribing to the Night Owl Farm series of "Farm Fact Fridays"

Night Owl Farm writes:

"Over the next several weeks, we will be highlighting a common misconception, or an unusual vegetable to help broaden your knowledge about weird farm things!

They will be long posts, but very educational for those who are interested. 

This first week, we will be highlighting our eggs. Our eggs will come to you unwashed (unless otherwise labeled - we wash the eggs that end up extra dirty) and significantly fresher than any eggs you will find at the grocery store.

An unwashed egg has a longer shelf life than a washed egg due to the coating the eggs have on them after a hen lays them. This Bloom is a protective layer to keep the eggs fresh before a hen decides to sit on them to try and hatch them.

If we were to stop collecting eggs each day and leave the chickens to their own devices, the chickens will “collect” the eggs themselves to hatch them (assuming there’s a rooster with them - No rooster means no babies)

The chickens will choose a favorite nesting box or two and consistently lay their eggs in those places. As the eggs collect, sometimes for a couple weeks, 1 or more hens will become Broody. Her temperature rises, she will get extra feisty and protective, and will stop eating and drinking (almost entirely) for the 21 days until the chicks hatch.

In order for the eggs to stay fresh until the hen goes broody, their bodies add a mostly invisible layer to the egg to keep it from rotting while they collect their eggs. This bloom allows fresh eggs to stay unrefrigerated for several weeks without issue.

We made the decision to refrigerate our eggs because it turns “several weeks” into “several months.” Once unwashed eggs are refrigerated, they should stay refrigerated.

So next time you get a dozen of our eggs and there’s a little bit of dirt on them, just know that this means they will be lasting quite a while in your fridge! Store then dirty - all they need is a bit of warm water and soap right before you use them :)

**Something in particular you want us to highlight? Send us a message and we’ll add it to our list!**

Visit Night Owl Farm on the internet (at their location, or one of the farmers markets where they participate). Scroll to the bottom of their home page to sign up for their newsletter -> http://www.nightowlfarm.org/

View this Night Owl text in your browser -> https://us7.campaign-archive.com/?e=9924a495b2&u=9e517f8ba72777e1fdd23368a&id=9fa68ba154

Consider subscribing to the Night Owl Farm series of "Farm Fact Fridays"
Consider subscribing to the Night Owl Farm series of "Farm Fact Fridays"

Saturday, January 21, 2023

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Middle School Musical Show Dates

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for 

"The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical"
Show Dates: March 3rd and 4th


The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of "The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical" to be held in the school's Learning Commons at 500 Financial Park in Franklin. 

Performances will be held on Friday, March 3rd from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 4th from 2–4:30 PM and March 4th from 7-9:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and students. Tickets are available online at www.bfccps.org.  

Middle School Musical Show Dates
Middle School Musical Show Dates


"As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, 'The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical' is an action-packed mythical adventure "worthy of the gods" (Time Out New York).


The production is under the direction of BFCCPS's Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr. Christopher Heater with a cast comprised of 32 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 23 member backstage student crew.

  

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS's educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition. 

 

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school's Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.


Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - January 24, 2023

Franklin School Committee 
January 24, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill 
C. Payroll Ms. Spencer
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. FHS Program of Studies Update - Josh Hanna

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy Second Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
1. JLCD - Administering Medicines to Students
2. JLCD-1 - Anaphylaxis Procedure
3. EBCD - Emergency Closings
4. GBI - Political Activities of Staff
B. Westborough’s request to join ACCEPT Collaborative
I recommend approval of the Westborough Public School district to join ACCEPT Collaborative as discussed.
IV. Discussion Only Items
A. 2023-2024 School Committee Meeting Schedule - DRAFT
B. ACCEPT Collaborative Quarterly Report

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 10, 2023 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. FHS Trip to Greece
I recommend approval of the request of Ms. Cullinan & Ms. Reilly to take FHS students to Greece from April 11 - 20, 2024 as presented at the 1/10/23 School Committee Meeting.
D. JFK Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of the JFK Gr 2 Team to take JFK 2nd Graders to Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI on June 2, 2023 as detailed.
E. RMS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1503.36 from Lifetouch/Shutterfly LLC for in-house enrichment at RMS as detailed.
F. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $5,964.00 from Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
G. New Math NHS Club
I recommend approval of the request of Jennifer Santosuosso to create a new Math National Honor Society Club as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. 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.
X. Adjournment

The agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

The packet folder containing all the docs released for the meeting (and those that will be released after the meeting) ->

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting Jan 24, 2023
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting Jan 24, 2023

Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2.5 hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #921 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 921 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Jan 18, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

  • Presentation on the first year at the Senior Center by Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina Larose; introduction of multi year plan, service enhancements, etc.

  • Storm water presentation, how to find your property on the map, and calculate your fee; Then discussion on the credit booklet and process for applying; business would apply every five years, residents yearly

  • Announcement of the Town Council members for the four committees authorized at the prior meeting, some of these will start right away, some later this year. The application process for residents to express interest is still forthcoming. These are the Councilors who will lead the efforts as Chair, Vice-chair and Clerk.

 

Committee

Chair

Vice-chair

Clerk

Ad-Hoc Arts & Culture

Frongillo

Cormier-Leger

Hamblen

Master Plan

Jones

Frongillo

Hamblen

Davis Thayer Reuse

Pellegri

Sheridan

Cormier-Leger

Police Station Building

Mercer

Chandler

Dellorco

 Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Jan 19, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-921-town-council-quarterbacking-01-19-23


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


Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/january_18_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf


Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/OcZywdfQ5eA 


My recap, notes, and audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/town-council-hears-updates-on-senior.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2.5 hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)
Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 2.5 hour meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Both FHS girls and boys basketball teams post wins over Attleboro on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, January 20, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Basketball = Attleboro, 47 @ Franklin, 67 – Final 
– Franklin built a 10-point lead after a quarter, doubled it by halftime, and led the entire second half in a big win over visiting Attleboro. Justin Allen hit two of his four threes in the opening quarter, Geino Scaringello added another triple, and Andrew O’Neill, Bradley Hernon, Caden Sullivan, and Sean O’Leary all had buckets as the Panthers’ offense got going early for a 19-9 lead. O’Neill, Allen, and O’Leary all had triples — Franklin finished with 10 total — in the second and the Panthers’ defense limited the visiting Bombardiers to just seven points for a 36-16 advantage at halftime. O’Leary finished with a team-high 18 points and both O’Neill and Allen had 14 points in the win. Jaiden Outland and Neo Franco each had 13 points for Attleboro.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 66 @ Attleboro, 55 – Final 
– In a battle for first place in the Kelley-Rex division, Franklin outscored Attleboro 22-9 in the fourth quarter to overturn a two-point deficit and pull out the 11-point win. The Bombardiers bounced back nicely from a tough loss to Foxboro last time out, scoring 20 points in the first quarter to grab the lead. Avery James and Lily Routhier each scored six in the first to get Attleboro off to a great start. Franklin cut the lead to five heading to the locker room and chipped three more points off in the third, with Chloe Fales scoring seven and Katie Peterson adding five in the quarter. Franklin’s offense clicked into gear in the fourth. Peterson went 6-for-6 from the line in the quarter (9-of-10 for the game) and Fales and Caelyn Leonard each added five points, while Lizzie Newman scored four. Vanessa Ellis had six of Attleboro’s nine points in the final period. Peterson led all scorers with 17 on the night. Fales scored 16, Newman added 12, Leonard had 10, and Bridget Leo scored seven points for the Panthers. Attleboro had only four players on the score sheet on Friday. James led the way with 16, Routhier scored 15, Ellis had 14, and Kayla Goldrick chipped in with 10. The Panthers now lead the division by one game.


For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Ending Hunger in Massachusetts - Forum scheduled for Wednesday, January 25


As the costs for basic necessities rise, more Massachusetts residents living on the economic margins must choose between buying groceries and paying for housing, transportation, childcare and other basic utilities. It's a dilemma that plays out in hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts households every day. Hunger and access to proper nutrition remain pervasive, with nearly 1 in 3 adults experiencing food insecurity in Massachusetts in 2021, an increase from 2020. Hunger in Massachusetts is significantly higher among Black and Latinx populations, and visits to local food pantries have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Food insecurity rates among Massachusetts college students, seniors, and immigrants also remain surprisingly high. The issue of food insecurity recently gathered national leaders at a historic White House Conference – 50 years in the making – on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health where a national strategy to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease in America by 2030.

Now, leaders across the Commonwealth are convening and building a framework, drawing on the expertise spearheaded and piloted here, to advance our state's food security by 2030 as well. Join a State House News Service/MASSterList forum featuring leaders, advocates, and experts for a discussion of opportunities and obstacles for Massachusetts to advance this national strategy across the Commonwealth.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Dylan Rossiter: Dylan.Rossiter@StateHouseNews.com
IN-PERSON EVENT
Wednesday, January 25 | 8:15 a.m. - 10 a.m. | MCLE Boston (Downtown Crossing) | Doors open for light refreshments and networking at 7:30 a.m.
Keynote Remarks (taped)
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern
Program:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. — Networking and light refreshments

8:30 - 8:45 a.m. — Keynote remarks from U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (taped)

8:45 - 9:45 a.m. — Panel discussion
  • Catherine D'Amato, The Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO
  • Erin McAleer, Project Bread President and CEO
  • Sen. Jo Comerford, Co-Chair, MA Food System Caucus
  • Rep. Hannah Kane, Co-Chair, MA Food System Caucus
supporting organizations
About Fresh, Children's Health Watch, Community Servings, Daily Table, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Food Bank of Western MA, MA Food System Collaborative, Mass General Brigham, Mass Law Reform Institute, Stone Soup Café, Worcester County Food Bank

Affiliated News Services, LLC | 568 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482
Sent by massterlist@massterlist.com

MHP: "Why MBTA multifamily zoning law makes sense for Massachusetts" (video)

Introductory video on how the state's new multifamily zoning requirement for communities served by Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) will help cities and towns zone for more housing near transit, increase economic opportunity, reduce sprawl and lessen impacts on the environment.


Visit Mass Housing Project for more info on this topic -> https://www.mhp.net/

MA News round up: wind developers stalling for time, housing position at cabinet level, Harvard Medical Sch incorporates climate into curriculum

"Mass. offshore wind developers stalling for time"

"THE STATE’S TWO leading offshore wind developers appear to be stalling for time as they explore whether the cast of new players on Beacon Hill may be more receptive to letting them back out of or tweak their existing power purchase agreements.

Avangrid, the company behind Commonwealth Wind, filed a lawsuit on Thursday challenging a December 30 decision of the Department of Public Utilities approving the wind farm developer’s power purchase agreements with three Massachusetts utilities even though Avangrid said the pricing is no longer sufficient to obtain financing for the project.

Mayflower Wind, being developed by Shell New Energies and Ocean Winds, filed a request with the DPU seeking a greater say in deliberations over the power contracts and more time to respond."
Continue reading the article online ->
 
"Governor Healey kicks off effort to establish state housing chief with new executive order"
"Governor Maura Healey, who made housing a central theme of her campaign, announced Friday that she filed an executive order to create a working group to establish the role of a new Cabinet-level housing secretary.

She announced the news in front of local leaders at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s annual meeting in Boston — the first public step the governor has taken toward her campaign promise of creating the role. Healey committed early in her campaign to elevate the post as a way to increase focus and resources on housing production during a time when housing has become increasingly less affordable.

Traditionally, the job of housing and economic development secretary has been one role in state government. So far Secretary Yvonne Hao has been serving in both capacities in the new Healey administration, though she will ultimately focus on economic development when the new housing post is filled.:


"Harvard Medical School votes to embed climate change in its curriculum"

"Raised by two psychologists, Madeleine Kline had wanted to become a doctor since she was little. And when she learned in high school how human activity was fueling climate change, she concluded “it felt fundamentally like a health problem.
So it seemed the most natural thing for her to go into medicine. And once at Harvard Medical School, she combined her two interests to help produce a novel undertaking at the 350-year-old institution: embed teaching about the effects of climate change into all four years of the medical degree curriculum.

“I realized that the world then,” she said of her youth, “was not the world that I was going to inhabit as an adult or raise my children in. And, if I wanted to help take care of people, I needed to understand the challenges my patients were going to face.”

Now in her third year, Kline was among a small group of students and faculty who helped convince school leaders to adopt the new curriculum, which was approved earlier in January. It will include instruction on the effects of climate change on human health, the role health care systems play in contributing to climate change, and how physicians can work to be part of the solution."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) -> 

Student Julia Malits (left), Dr. Gaurab Basu (center), and student Madeleine Kline championed the integration of climate change into Harvard Medical School's curriculum. JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF
Student Julia Malits (left), Dr. Gaurab Basu (center), and student Madeleine Kline championed the integration of climate change into Harvard Medical School's curriculum. JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF

Franklin Police Patrol Association & Franklin Sergeant Union hosted the annual Senior Dinner - Jan 20. 2023

"Today the Franklin Police Patrol Association and the Franklin Sergeant Union hosted the annual Senior Dinner. It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to hold the event in person but we’re glad it’s back. 
This event is one of our favorites because it’s an opportunity to serve a great meal and spend some time with our most senior residents. Thanks to the Franklin Elks Lodge #2136 and the Head Chef, Retired Franklin Police Officer Paul “Hoofy” Fiorio for the food!  
Side note...we apologize for running out of turnips, that’s on us, we’ll do better next year!"
Shared from Facebook - > (where you can also find additional photos)


Franklin Police Patrol Association/Franklin Sergeant Union hosted the annual Senior Dinner - Jan 20. 2023
Franklin Police Patrol Association/Franklin Sergeant Union hosted the annual Senior Dinner - Jan 20. 2023

Additional COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Franklin Residents

Additional COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Franklin Residents

The Franklin Health Department received more home COVID-19 self test kits from the state. Franklin residents can call the Public Health Nurse at (508) 613-1341 to check for availability and coordinate curbside pick up outside of the Senior Center. 

Pick up hours are as follows...

  • Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Friday 8 AM - 1 PM

There is a limited supply! One test per household member, first come first serve.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/additional-covid-19-test-kits-available-franklin-residents

Additional COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Franklin Residents
Additional COVID-19 Test Kits Available to Franklin Residents