Monday, February 27, 2023

Franklin Schools: 2 HOUR DELAY - Plan to reassess with DPW in the morning - 2/28/23

Dear Franklin Public School Staff and Families,

The current weather predictions call for snow beginning this evening and continuing overnight. The snow is expected to impact our morning commute/arrival time to school. Based on the anticipated weather conditions and the current information, the Franklin Public Schools will have a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.   

I have been in ongoing communication with the Department of Public Works and Facilities regarding their ability to treat roads and remove snow around our schools. This additional time will allow our DPW and Facilities Department additional time adequately prepare for safe arrival at school.   

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:
*The ECDC morning session will be canceled. 
*The ECDC full-day and extended sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session. 

All before-school programs are canceled, and Solutions will follow the 2-hour delay schedule. Emergency busing will be in effect, and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

We will continue to follow tomorrow’s weather forecast carefully and reassess the conditions in the morning to ensure that we are prepared for school, to begin with a 2-hour delay. 

If snowfall accumulates beyond capacity to clear for the opening of school, we will switch to a cancellation. We will make that call in the morning and notify staff and families no later than 7:00 AM. If you do not receive a cancellation notification by 7:00 AM, there will be only a 2-hour delay.  

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere
Superintendent


For reference, the general inclement weather information ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/weather_2022_2.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - 2/28/23
Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - 2/28/23

School Committee gets around to setting their goals among key agenda items for Tuesday's Meeting

Among the key items on the School Committee agenda for their Tuesday, Feb 28 meeting are the following:


II. Guests/Presentations
A. Horace Mann Highlights - Ms. Motte, Mr. Healy
B. Teaching & Learning UDL MTSS Focus - Dr. Rogers

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
● EEB - Student Transportation Policy - Routing and Scheduling
● IE - Organization of Instruction
● IGA - Curriculum Development
● IGB - Student Services Program
● IGD - Curriculum Adoption

B. Adding Seekonk, MA to BICO Collaborative
I recommend approval of the request of BICO to add Seekonk, MA to the BICO Collaborative.

C. BICO Amended Agreement Vote 
I recommend approval of the amended agreement with the Bi-County Collaborative as discussed.

D. Representatives for the Health & Safety Committee
I recommend the appointment of Dr. Tina Rogers, Mr. Josh Hanna, and Mr. Michael Procacini as representatives on the Health & Safety Committee as discussed.

E. School Committee Goals 2023-2025
I recommend adoption of the School Committee Goals as discussed.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_sc_goals.pdf

F. School Committee Norms and Protocols
I recommend adoption of the School Committee Norms & Protocols as discussed. 



The meeting packet folder can be found online ->

The full meeting agenda -> 

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - March 1, 2023 on Accessory Dwelling Units

The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 5:30 pm.

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2023-03-01_edc_agenda_.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - March 1st, 2023
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - March 1, 2023

FUSF is looking for qualified candidates for their part-time Office Administrator

Job Title: First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) Office Administrator

Status: Non-exempt, Part time, Mon.-Fri. $20-23/hr  20-25 hrs./week, Sept.-mid-June, 10-15 hrs./week, mid-June-Aug.

Job Reports to: Minister

Job Summary: Working independently and collaboratively, the Office Administrator will support the Minister, Staff, Board of Trustees, and various committees. Primary responsibilities will focus on: Church Office Management and general administrative support; Internal Communications; limited Bookkeeping and Building and Facilities Management.

Additional details for this position can be found online _>


For more about First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) visit their web page ->  https://fusf.org/

A recent podcast episode with the Interim Minister "Rev Bev" Reverend Beverly Waring is also worth listening to ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/introduction-to-fusfs-rev-bev-012523.html




Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2023 - 5 PM

The Franklin, MA  Board of Health will be conducting their monthly meeting at 355 East Central St, Training room, 3rd floor at 5:00 PM.


Agenda for March 1, 2023

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  • Reading and acceptance of February 1, 2023 meeting minutes

OLD BUSINESS
  • Discuss tobacco 2023 sales regulation restricting the sale of tobacco and vape products

NEW BUSINESS
  • Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector report
  • Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report
  • Metacomet shared service grant epidemiologist report
  • Current tobacco regulation enforcement discussion

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

The agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2023 - 5 PM
Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Meeting Agenda - March 1, 2023 - 5 PM

Franklin Cheerleading repeat as Hockomock League Champions

"Super proud of these girls!! Congratulations both JV, Varsity, & everyone else who competed today!!! 
Varsity is your 2023 Hock Champions!! Woohoo!! 💙💙💙 
Thank you Foxboro for hosting!" https://t.co/JcRJaloGkk


Franklin Cheerleading repeat as Hockomock League Champions
Franklin Cheerleading repeat as Hockomock League Champions

Franklin Police to host Leadership Camp again this Summer; Registration is open now!

"The Franklin Police Department is excited to once again host our Leadership Camp this summer from July 10-14. 
The officers and kids involved have an amazing time working and learning together every year and would like you to be a part of it." 
https://t.co/d1CdrrVhSF
Registration form can be found online -> 


Registration form can also be found in the QR code in the image ->

Franklin Police to host leadership camp again this Summer
Franklin Police to host leadership camp again this Summer

Listen to the "Wonderful World of Wine" podcast in your favorite app or on wfpr.fm on Wednesdays

"The Wonderful World of Wine" is a podcast hosted by wine experts Mark Lenzi  (@franklinliquors ) and Kim Simone. (@commonwealthwineschool )The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to wine, including wine tasting, wine history, wine making, wine regions, and food pairings.

Each episode of the podcast features discussions and interviews with various experts in the wine industry, including winemakers, sommeliers, wine educators, and wine writers. The hosts also answer questions from listeners and offer their own insights and recommendations on various wines.

The podcast aims to make wine education and appreciation accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or experience with wine. It provides a fun and informative way to learn more about the world of wine and to discover new and interesting wines to try.

"The Wonderful World of Wine" has been running since 2015 and has produced over 300 episodes to date. It is available for streaming or download on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts."


Wonderful World of Wine podcast in your favorite app or on wfpr.fm on Wednesdays
Wonderful World of Wine podcast in your favorite app or on wfpr.fm on Wednesdays

Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball


🚨CALLING MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLERS🚨

FYBO is seeking energetic umpires FOR PAY to be utilized on FLEXIBLE schedule during the 2023 Season!

Interested in learning more⬇️
 
https://t.co/Y5m3NoNeqN or franklinyouthbaseball.com/umpire

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/Qkk0P3AIXR

Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball
Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball  

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Feb 27, 2023

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

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

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: New Facility
9:00 am         Concerts on the Common: Jamie Barrett & Jesse Liam
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast
12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes
1:00 pm         Cooking Thyme: Lobstah
1:30 pm         Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 5
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Eradicating Hate
5:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X
8:00 pm Frank Presents: Chris Woolf
9:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Chris Woolf

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

8:30 am         U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
10:30 am Public School Event: FHS Winter Music 2019
12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Xaverian 02-23-23
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: New Facility
3:00 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022
4:30 pm         FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Attleboro 02-14-23
6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Eradicating Hate
7:00 pm         All-Town Showcase: Band

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 02-06-23
11:30 am OSRP: Public Hearing 02-21-23
2:00 pm Planning Board: 02-06-23
7:00 pm      Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers  84744812775


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)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council - March 1, 2023 Agenda

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 1, 2023 -  7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. February 15, 2023
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. and Lincolnwood Drive  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-887.pdf
i. Legislation for Action #9a
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St.  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6b._23-891_zoning_map_changes.pdf
i. Legislation for Action #9b
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.
 
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887): Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. and Lincolnwood Drive - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887) to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-887.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._23-891.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 23-892: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-892 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._23-892_ambulance_rates.pdf

d. Resolution 23-22: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-22 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._23-22_peg_verizon.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Personnel Update
b. Joint Budget Subcommittee March 8th, 2023 7:00 PM

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
- None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

Franklin, MA: Town Council - March 1, 2023 Agenda
Franklin, MA: Town Council - March 1, 2023 Agenda

Franklin.TV: Gus Brown - Franklin’s Building Inspector

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 02/26/2023

Not many would think of a building inspector as a positive change agent, but when I started at Franklin.TV I got to know Gus in just that way. When we began our search for a building to house our TV studio, both Gus and Mike D’Angelo were quite helpful. We talked architecture details, examined the old town hall building as a possible site. I learned something from every discussion.

After we found our current building, Gus visited us in the early phase of renovation, and he offered up a great idea for ease of access. He solved our internal handicap access issues between the original building and our new addition. His design ideas also made it possible for us to add a second outside access ramp. An attractive and useful design detail at little cost.

The result: Gus’ suggestions made it much easier for our crews to load and roll equipment in and out of our studio for remote event coverage (and we do cover a lot of remote events.) I did relate this good news to Gus (along with my appreciation) some time ago. When we tend to the needs of those with mobility limits, we all win.
Handicap access design
Franklin.TV

Remember your last run through the airport and rolling (or dragging) all that luggage? Handicap access design made your trip much easier.

While I’ve always supported ease of access for all, I saw it as a necessary and worthwhile benefit for others, but I didn’t need it.

At least, not until today (Fri, 2-24).

Thanks to my right Achilles tendon, I have a new wardrobe accessory for a couple of months.

And, (big thanks to Gus), it’s okay. I’m good to go. Literally.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 
And – as always – thanks for watching.


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

FHS girls and boys basketball & hockey teams playoff brackets set

Via HockomockSports.Com, the basketball and hockey seedings for FHS were posted by the MIAA.
  • Hockey  

BOYS = Division 1
#12 Franklin (16-5-0) will host #21 Andover (11-5-4) on Wednesday, 3/1 at 8:00 at Pirelli Rink.

GIRLS = Division 2
#19 Franklin (9-8-3) will travel to #14 Pembroke (13-6-1) on Thursday, 3/2 at 5:30 at Hobomock Arena in Pembroke.

For other hockey seedings for the Hockomock League


  • Basketball 

BOYS = Division 1
#3 Franklin (18-1) will host the winner of #30 Weymouth (13-9)/#35 Lexington (13-7) on Thursday, 3/2 at 7:30.

GIRLS = Division 1
#15 Franklin (16-4) will host #18 Newton South (11-9) on Thursday, 3/2 at 5:30.

For other basketball seedings for the Hockomock League


The full set of brackets across all the playoffs can be found at MIAA -> 

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

The SAFE Coalition schedules an Open House for their new location in Franklin - Mar 23 from 3 to 8 PM

"THE TIME TO OPEN OUR DOORS HAS COME!

We are so excited to invite the community to see our new space in Franklin!
 
We hope you see you on March 23!"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CpBIx-WvopG/
   
31 Hayward St, #2C
Franklin, MA 02038

The SAFE Coalition schedules an Open House for their new location in Franklin - Mar 23 from 3 to 8 PM
The SAFE Coalition schedules an Open House for their new location in Franklin - Mar 23 from 3 to 8 PM

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station: 028 - What Are The Sacred Texts? (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to discuss the sacred texts in each of their respective faiths; which writings are included, which aren't, how to make sense of these writings and so much more.



A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station
A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station

A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station - WFPR
Bringing More Faith Into Your Day
Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Wright Old School Chocolate Announces a new website


Exciting news! We've improved our website for a better user experience! We are excited to announce that we have migrated our website from GoDaddy to Squarespace in order to improve your user experienc

DEA Announces Proposed Rules for Permanent Telemedicine Flexibilities

Today (02/24/23), the Drug Enforcement Administration announced proposed permanent rules for the prescribing of controlled medications via telemedicine, expanding patient access to critical therapies beyond the scheduled end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The public will be able to comment for 30 days on the proposed rules.

The proposed rules – developed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – propose to extend many of the flexibilities adopted during the public health emergency with appropriate safeguards.

The proposed rules do not affect:

  • Telemedicine consultations that do not involve the prescribing of controlled medications.

  • Telemedicine consultations by a medical practitioner that has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of a patient.

The proposed rules also would not affect:

  • Telemedicine consultations and prescriptions by a medical practitioner to whom a patient has been referred, as long as the referring medical practitioner has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of the patient.

The proposed rules would provide safeguards for a narrow subset of telemedicine consultations—those telemedicine consultations by a medical practitioner that has: never conducted an in-person evaluation of a patient; AND that result in the prescribing of a controlled medication. For these types of consultations, the proposed telemedicine rules would allow medical practitioners to prescribe:

  • a 30-day supply of Schedule III-V non-narcotic controlled medications; 

  • a 30-day supply of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder

without an in-person evaluation or referral from a medical practitioner that has conducted an in-person evaluation, as long as the prescription is otherwise consistent with any applicable Federal and State laws. The proposed rules are explained in further detail for patients and medical practitioners on DEA.gov.

“DEA is committed to ensuring that all Americans can access needed medications,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.  “The permanent expansion of telemedicine flexibilities would continue greater access to care for patients across the country, while ensuring the safety of patients. DEA is committed to the expansion of telemedicine with guardrails that prevent the online overprescribing of controlled medications that can cause harm.”

“Improved access to mental health and substance use disorder services through expanded telemedicine flexibilities will save lives,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We still have millions of Americans, particularly those living in rural communities, who face difficulties accessing a doctor or health care provider in-person. At HHS, we are committed to working with our federal partners and stakeholders to advance proven technologies and lifesaving care for the benefit of all Americans.”

The proposed telemedicine rules also further DEA’s goal of expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder to anyone in the country who needs it. “Medication for opioid use disorder helps those who are fighting to overcome substance use disorder by helping people achieve and sustain recovery, and also prevent drug poisonings,” said DEA Administrator Milgram. “The telemedicine regulations would continue to expand access to buprenorphine for patients with opioid use disorder.”

The full text of the proposals may be found here and here. The public has 30 days to review and comment on the proposals, which DEA will then consider before drafting final regulations. DEA is appreciative of the public’s feedback.

For more information on DEA’s continued efforts to expand access to medications used in treatment for those suffering from opioid use disorder, visit: DEA’s Commitment to Expanding Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Additional resources for patients can be found here: 

Additional resources for practitioners can be found here:


Drug Enforcement Administration

Drug Enforcement Administration