Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible for you - 02/07/23 (audio)

FM #938 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 938 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with two Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) board members; Arielle Shearer and Patty Middelmann. 

We discuss the creation of SEPAC which dates back to the education reform efforts in the early 1990’s where each community getting special education funding in MA needs to have this committee to work with the School District.

Our wide ranging discussion centers around education and accommodations for special needs kiddos, some of the many ways on how the support group helps other parents, and that the group is also open to the entire community as we are “interested parties.”

The audio recording runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Arielle and Patty about SEPAC and how you might get involved. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-938x-franklin-sepac-discussion-call-to-action-02-07-23

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Franklin SEPAC links & information

Website -> http://www.franklinsepac.org/ 

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/franklinsepac 

Mailing List and Survey -> https://forms.gle/TYuAJLeqvLzKNbNb8 

SEPAC September Flyer https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cEFAFNI_Cwg7uz45nFCwPYy6kunR8c0I/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin SEPAC Spring Letter  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qcis7TW6uxBML1xkEUI_t-tu2AxRSYz5/view?usp=share_link 

Contact Email: FranklinSEPAC@gmail.com 

504 plan info -> https://www.understood.org/en/articles/504-plans-a-guide-for-teachers 

Federal IDEA legislation  ->  https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/ 

MA Behavioral Help Hotline -> https://www.masshelpline.com/

The "adjacent possible" comes from this book mentioned during the conversation:  Steven Johnson - Where do Good Ideas Come from (TED Talk) -> https://www.ted.com/talks/steven_johnson_where_good_ideas_come_from 

Where do Good Ideas Come from Book link -> https://www.amazon.com/Where-Good-Ideas-Come-Innovation-ebook/dp/B0046ZRZ30

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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"

Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible for you - 02/07/23 (audio)

FHS girls indoor track team bring home Hockomock League title

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, February 9, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Indoor Track = Hockomock League Championships (@ the TRACK at New Balance) – Results and a large photo gallery coming on Friday.

Franklin girls and Mansfield boys are the team winners for the league championship. Full results and photos at some point on @HockomockSports  #hockomock  https://twitter.com/R_Lanigan/status/1623861595527909379

Girls take first at the Hock League meet! Nice team effort!

MA Senate Passes Comprehensive Rules Package

Today (2/09/23), the Massachusetts State Senate passed a comprehensive rules package updating the Senate and joint rules to incorporate the best practices learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This package reflects the societal shift toward hybrid operations while building on the Senate’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and equity.

To maintain accessibility to state government, the Senate voted to include language in both the Senate and joint rules codifying the use of hybrid hearings by joint and Senate committees. This change will allow increased public participation and ensure that those who cannot be present in the State House can still participate in the legislative process.

Keeping in line with the emergency remote voting procedures adopted during the pandemic, the Senate also voted to continue the option of remote participation, which will allow members to take part in Senate sessions even when they have extenuating circumstances. These changes build on the best practices that were developed during the pandemic, and they also promote greater inclusivity.

“I am proud of the Senate for its commitment to increased transparency, inclusivity, and equity as reflected in this rules package,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have learned the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this rules package ensures that operations in the Senate continue to reflect the reality of work and civic engagement in the digital age. I’d like to thank Senator Lovely for her leadership and all of my Senate colleagues for their contributions.”

“The rules package released today takes the lessons learned during this unprecedented time and incorporates them into the Senate’s practices and procedures,” said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Temporary Senate Committee on Rules. “By continuing remote participation options for hearings, publishing committee votes, and allowing public access to testimony, we can create better pathways for people across our Commonwealth to access and participate in state government. I would like to thank Senate President Spilka for her leadership, my fellow committee members, and all my Senate colleagues for putting forth a rules package that is reflective of the Senate’s shared goals to meet the needs of our constituents."

The Senate’s rules package also includes robust transparency and diversity measures related to committee proceedings. Under the Senate’s joint rules package, joint committee votes will be required to be posted on the Legislature’s website, as is currently the practice with Senate committee votes. In addition, joint committees will be required to make testimony publicly available upon request, while allowing for the redaction of sensitive information. In addition, committees soliciting expert testimony will be required to make every effort to ensure that such testimony comes from a diverse group of individuals.

The Senate rules adopted today are now in effect for the remainder of the 193rd legislative session. The joint rules passed by the Senate will be reconciled with a proposal by the House of Representatives.

MA Senate Passes Comprehensive Rules Package

Franklin Health Department: Children's Dental Health Month

"It's Children's Dental Health Month. More than 40% of children have tooth decay by Kindergarten.  

For information on dental prevention visit: www.cdc.gov/oralhealth"

Franklin Health Department: Children's Dental Health Month

 

 

World’s biggest investment fund warns directors to tackle climate crisis or face sack | Sovereign wealth funds | The Guardian

"Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s single largest investor, has warned company directors it will vote against their re-election to the board if they do not up their game on tackling the climate crisis, human rights abuses and boardroom diversity.

Carine Smith Ihenacho, the chief governance and compliance officer of Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages more than 13tn Norwegian kroner (£1tn) on behalf of the Norwegian people, said the fund was preparing to vote against the re-election of at least 80 company boards for failing to set or hit environmental or social targets.

Established in the 1990s to invest surplus profits from Norway’s huge oil and gas reserves, it is the world’s largest sovereign fund, controlling an average of 1.3% of 9,338 companies across 70 countries. Large holdings include Apple, Nestlé, Microsoft and Samsung.

“We all know, we live in a world with a climate crisis, and we have a role to play and then companies have a role to play,” Smith Ihenacho said. “So we have stepped up our expectations towards the companies when it comes to setting targets to get to that net zero [emissions] by 2050 target. And we will push the companies more in setting targets and understanding how they’re going to get there.”

Continue reading the article online at The Guardian (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/feb/03/worlds-biggest-investment-fund-warns-directors-to-tackle-climate-crisis-or-face-sack

   

Melting glaciers and ice sheets around the world are causing concern over the changing climate. Photograph: Hollandse Hoogte/Rex/Shutterstock

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Feb 10, 2023

• 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         Madalene Village Environmental Review

9:00 am         Frank Presents: Nick Remissong

10:00 am Frank's Musings: George Santos

11:00 am Senior Connection: Public Health

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

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:00 pm         Physician Focus: Hearing Loss: Causes, Prevention, Remedies

1:30 pm         Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8

7:00 pm         Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

8:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

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

7:00 am         Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

8:30 am         It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland

11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v King Philip 01-26-23

1:30 pm         Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

3:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Critical Conversations

5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v King Philip 02-03-23

9:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Archbishop Williams 01-31-23

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 02-02-23

12:00 pm Finance Committee: 01-11-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 02-02-23

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)

Curbside Café at the Franklin Senior Center FRI 2/10/23 from 11 AM - 1 PM

CALL TO ORDER YOUR DELICIOUS LUNCH NOW! 508-520-4945

Hello and Happy Thursday! 

Our Curbside café is open and ready for you to place your order for Friday!

Friday's specials are a turkey burger or sausage with peppers and onions and the soup is stuffed pepper.    Follow us on social media or check our website for updates on our lunch specials.  

Lunches will be available for pickup between 11am and 1pm. You will have to order by 9am the morning of, and you can also pre-order the day before as well! When you call, please leave your name, number, and your order.

Please call us at 508-520-4945, if you have any questions or to order our delicious curbside café.

Thanks! We miss you all

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/news/curbside-cafe-senior-center-11p-1p-wed-28-fri-210

Curbside Café at the Franklin Senior Center FRI 2/10/23 from 11 AM - 1 PM

Dean College to Host a Screening and Discussion of the Film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance”

In celebration of Black History Month, Dean College will hold a screening and discussion of the film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance,” a documentary that “celebrates the history, lineage, and future progressions of jazz dance. Commenting on political and social influences, it is an honest conversation addressing topics such as appropriation, racism, socialism, and sexism.”

Professor Robin Gee, a commentator in the film, will lead the discussion along with Dean College President Kenneth Elmore on Monday, February 13, 2023. Professor Gee serves on the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as an associate professor of dance in the UNCG College of Visual and Performing Arts. She is a dancer, choreographer and filmmaker.

The event will take place at Marvin Chapel, inside Dean Hall on the Dean College campus, 99 Main Street, Franklin, Mass., from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. The event is FREE and open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

To learn more about the film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance,” visit www.uprootedfilm.com. To learn more about Dean College, visit www.dean.edu.

View a 1 minute preview for this film -> https://vimeo.com/672827289

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

Dean College to Host a Screening and Discussion of the Film “Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance”

FPAC scheduled to perform at The Green Room in NYC - Feb 19

FPAC is headed to NYC! 

Join FPAC performers, alums, and guests including Broadway stars Tyler Hanes (CATS), Sara Jean Ford (Phantom of the Opera), Emily Koch (Kimberly Akimbo), Jim Hogan (Kimberly Akimbo), Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge), Christopher Rice-Thomson (Hamilton), Liz Byrne (Baby It's You!), and Nick Rehberger (Fiddler on the Roof) as they celebrate the Franklin Performing Arts Company at The Green Room 42 in NYC on Sunday, February 19 at 9:30 PM! 

Hosted by Your Broadway Buddy Ben Cameron! Directed by FPAC Artistic/Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Mark Ceppetelli. 

Tickets available at thegreenroom42.venuetix.com.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CoXXhswLxu5/

FPAC performing at The Green Room in NYC - Feb 19

FHS boys hockey team tops Taunton 5-1 on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Taunton, 1 – Final

Franklin 5 Taunton 1. Paterson 🚨🚨 McEvoy🚨 Jarosz🚨 T Balducci 🚨.  O’Connor with 19 saves and POG chain  https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1623523109142773762

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-08-23/

 

FHS Panthers

Franklin TV video of Finance Committee meeting 2/08/23 is available for replay (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday February 8, 2023 and continued their 'deep dive' series to hear about the permit organizations within the Town of Franklin and their first view of the storm water credit manual currently in draft. 

These departments account for the "local receipts" portion of the Town revenue stream. The departments in order of presentation were Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development (including Conservation) and Health.

Interesting to note that while MA general law does not require us to have a police or fire department, it does mandate these other departments.

Meeting agenda ->

Franklin TV Video link ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/cWmkflTkiMs?feature=share

My notes in one PDF (including screen grabs of the presentations)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-PEcRqSbqUS-9YEEv4tAgGBb32ksUOo/view?usp=share_link

My recap and the meeting audio will be available in a couple of days.

multiple views of Derek Adams and Kate Sjoberg talking about storm water

Downtown Preschool Open House scheduled for March 1, 2023

We're having an Open House! - Please spread the word! https://www.downtownpreschool.org/

Shared from Instagram & Facebook https://www.instagram.com/p/CoVwobkOj1J/

Downtown Preschool Open House scheduled for March 1, 2023

Community Preservation Cmte public hearing gets ideas on ADA access for trails among other items (video)

The Community Preservation Committee held it public hearing on Tuesday Feb 7 at 7 PM. The hearing recording only runs 27 minutes. 

Ideas were submitted in person and via email. As this is now our second year of operation, while the hearing is legally required to be posted and held once a year, the idea and proposal generation is effective open all the time and consideration will be provided when such are received.

Ideas and/or projects can be submitted via email or the forms on the Town page. 

https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/pages/2022-cpa-funding-application

Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_feb_7_2023.pdf

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/xhTzBf8dZ-g

CPC public hearing gets ideas on ADA access for trails among other items

FHS Diversity Club: "New this year, DAC attends faculty meetings at Franklin High!"

"New this year, DAC attends faculty meetings at Franklin High!

Each month, DAC representatives present on a new topic, with a focus on teacher reflection - We discuss how teachers at FHS can incorporate diverse representation into curriculum, be conscious of their impact on their students, and take similar steps in promoting respect and equality at Franklin High.

Check out the last few slides for our monthly representatives and topics we’ve covered so far this year. Speaking of, Happy Black History Month! :)

Presentations will be posted on our website, coming "   https://www.diversityawarenessclub.org/

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYfX9EOV-h/

"monthly representatives and topics we’ve covered so far this year"

Black History Month Bingo at 67 Degrees scheduled for Feb 17

Black History Month Bingo at 67 Degrees scheduled for Feb 17

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CoVt_1pufdL/