Friday, April 28, 2023

School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)

FM #979 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 979 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via Zoom conference bridge.


Quick recap:

  • Heard from an update from Remington on their “Power of Moments” approach

  • Listened to and questioned the proposal for redistricting effective in Sep 2024 with an option for some affected by it to move to their ‘new’ school in Sep 2023. The Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal at their May 9 meeting

  • Approved the middle school trip to the Grand Canyon and nearby national parks scheduled for April 2024

  • Approved the consent agenda

  • Entered executive session to continue negotiation with ESP/LPN bargaining unit and did not return to open session


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting April 25, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-979-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-04-25-23



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Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_4-25-23.pdf 


Remington’s presentation document

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/remington_school_committee_update.pdf 


Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 


Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/april-25-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 


My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pV6xJrcvwMGU1jMVzWjckHnVz1Abg37k/view?usp=share_link 


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


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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)
School Committee hears about the "Power of Moments", then spends time questioning the redistricting proposal (audio)

May 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Featured Databases

Universal Class offers free and unlimited access to over 500 online courses. Interested in continuing your education, expanding your horizons or just learning something for fun? Choose from a diverse range of subjects including  computer training, resume writing, home and garden, health and medicine, hobbies, self-help  and more. Universal Class virtual classrooms are extremely easy to use and they are available any time, anyplace with an internet connection. To get started you'll need an email address and your library card. Universal Class is also available through the Libby App!

Transparent Language Online for Libraries empowers anyone to learn 110+ languages anytime, anywhere, on any device — with unlimited simultaneous usage. Creating an account will let you save your progress and learned vocab, as well as access the mobile apps!

New Materials

Check out the latest additions to the library's collection!

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, May 19, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 20, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please contact Deputy Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library's website.

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge

May: A nonfiction book on a subject new to you

Do you have a cozy reading corner you've been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

The newsletter of May events is too long for publication here. Please visit the Library page for the listing of events in May 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/may-2023-franklin-library-news-events

May 2023 Franklin Library News & Events
May 2023 Franklin Library News & Events

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey is CLOSING APRIL 30, please respond (if you haven't already!)

We want to hear from you! All residents are encouraged to participate in this survey (https://forms.gle/whPQQSKsE2drM2z78) to help shape the future of natural resources, open space, and recreation in Franklin. The survey may only take 10 minutes, but has the ability to stand the test of time. 

So what are you waiting for? If you haven't yet taken the survey, the time is now. 

If you have taken the survey already - we thank you! Please continue to share the survey with your friends and family. Community builds unity and now is the time to be heard. 

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey closes this Sunday, April 30.


Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-survey-closing-april-30

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey is CLOSING APRIL 30, please respond (if you haven't already!)
The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey is CLOSING APRIL 30, please respond (if you haven't already!)

That Blooming Chocolate!


pcarlson4@gmail.com͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 

Reminder: Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

Thanks to all vendors who have already signed up to participate in Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance is still accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate!

Sign up today!

*

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance was created in 2022 to support, raise awareness of, and build connections within the greater Franklin LGBTQIA+ community.

In support of this mission, the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance will host Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you would like to participate as a vendor, please submit the following form by Sunday, May 28, 2023:


More information about Celebrate with Pride 2023 can be found at the top of this form.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Baidya at <robin.baidya@gmail.com>.

We hope to see you in June!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Apr 28, 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

9:00 am     Frank Presents: Chris Woolf
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes
1:00 pm     Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Fall 2018 Show 1
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
5:30 pm     The Black Box: Electric Youth 2023
7:00 pm     The Black Box: A Magical Night of Disney Classics
8:30 pm School Committee Legislative Forum 2023

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

7:00 am     Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22
8:30 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22
10:30 am School Committee Legislative Forum 2023
1:00 pm     FHS Chamber Music 2023
3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Sharon 04-14-23
6:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Foxboro 04-10-23
9:00 pm ArtWeek: Art + Music

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 04-13-23
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 04-13-23

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

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Save the Date for June 9, 2023 - Annual Strawberry Stroll

Put it on your calendar! The Franklin Downtown Partnership is planning its annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 9, from 4 PM to 8 PM in downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Saturday, June 10 from 4 PM to 8 PM. 

The Stroll is a wonderful tradition. This year will continue to feature the very popular strawberry shortcakes supplied by Dean Bank and Dean College. Music will fill the air and more than 95 booths will be lining Main Street.

There are plenty of activities and more shopping opportunities. Visit many of the new stores filling Main Street. They will have their doors open and tables ready to offer food, drinks, books, gifts, games, clothes, and services. 

“We are so excited to be hosting the annual Strawberry Stroll. The event always brings high energy from all participants and patrons and proves to be a fantastic day,” said Kevin Johnson of Edward Jones, and Strawberry Stroll Committee Chairman.

The Downtown Partnership appreciates the support of its sponsors. This year our support comes from these organizations:  Gold Sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College, Elizabeth’s Bagels, Middlesex Savings Bank, PhysicianOne Urgent Care.  Silver Sponsors: DCU, Elizabeth Grady-Franklin, Fenton Financial Group Bronze Sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios, LeafFilter Gutter Protection.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.
Save the Date for June 9 Strawberry Stroll
Save the Date for June 9 Strawberry Stroll 

 

Capital Budget Subcommittee approves the 4 items to complete 2nd round of Capital (audio)

FM #978 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 978 in the series. 


This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, Brian Chandler. 


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Comptroller Chris Sandinni, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman, Town Clerk Nancy Danello, DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi (a few minutes after start of meeting) were also present in the 3rd Floor Training Room.


This meeting covered the second round of capital budgeting. The first round was handled earlier this year. Now that the winter and snow/ice effects are behind us, what had been put aside initially can now be distributed. 


The four items on the agenda were discussed and all approved after discussion by a 4-0 vote to bring forward to the Town Council.


The recording runs about 57 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-978-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-04-26-23


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

Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-04-26_capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda.pdf


My notes via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DSfG9dZBVEJ9XdpwPPlfb4j9DuXHWeI_/view?usp=share_link 


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

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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Town Council: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - April 26, 2023 at 5:45 PM
Town Council: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - April 26, 2023 at 5:45 PM

Critical Conversations: Student Voices - 04/26/23 (video)

The Critical Conversations - Perspectives on Student Wellbeing event was held on  Wednesday, April 26 at Franklin high School. The Franklin TV video recording of the event is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/eaqwLofciGY?feature=share




FHS softball, girls lacrosse, and both girls & boys tennis teams post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Baseball = Canton @ Franklin – Postponed

Softball = Franklin, 19 @ Canton, 1 – Final (5 Inn.) 
– Franklin scored 12 times in the second inning to run away with a big win, ending a four-game losing streak and getting back to .500 in league play. Caroline Bruno had a big game for the Panthers, going 5-for-5 and scoring three runs. She also pitched three innings before Sophia Sacramone took over for the final two. Katy Liberman and Dana Stott had four hits apiece, Reece Allen, Avery Chalk, Hailey Fales, Carly Pellegri-Johnson, Ava Florest, and Sarah Boozang all had three hits. Josie Drucker, Marley Allen, and Kiera Kotwicki each had two hits in the win.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 14 @ King Philip, 4 – Final 
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com provides the game recap:
"Prior to Franklin becoming the dominant power in the Hockomock League, King Philip was the team to beat. The Warriors won six straight titles from 2003-2008 and, after Franklin won in 2010 and 2011, shared the title with Franklin in 2012.

Since that spring 11 years ago, the Panthers have been literally unbeatable. The Panthers have won 12 straight league titles and more than 100 straight league games.

On Wednesday afternoon at Macktaz Field, KP got another shot at ending that streak and pulling level with the Panthers atop the division. If the hosts were hoping to pull the upset, then they needed to have a good start to build confidence, but Franklin, which was playing its third game in as many days, took control from the opening draw and never looked back.

The Panthers scored the first six goals of the game and allowed just one KP goal in the second half to earn the 14-4 win, building a two-game lead on the Warriors in the standings."
Continue reading the game recap ->  

For a photo gallery of this game -> 

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 1 @ Canton, 4 – Final 
– After dropping the first two matches of the season, Canton has won five straight matches including Wednesday’s 4-1 verdict over visiting Franklin. The Bulldogs swept singles action with Max Kupferman dropping just two total games in a 6-2, 6-0 win, Bharat Ramanathan taking a 6-1, 6-2 decision at second singles, and Justin Ngan earning a 6-3, 6-1 win at third singles. The doubles team of senior Drew Garrett and freshman Matt Wright took a 6-2, 6-3 win at second doubles. Franklin’s Eric Tomaino and Aaron Ramaswamy emerged from first doubles with a 6-3, 6-4 decision.

Girls Tennis = Canton, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Franklin’s doubles teams continue their strong play, earning a sweep, and the Panthers got one more win in singles action to upend visiting Canton. Sophomores Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen continued their impressive campaign with a 6-0, 6-3 win at first doubles and the senior pairing of Shriya Rajesh and Lexy Masters secured a hard-fought 6-4, 6-3 win at second doubles. Junior Brooke Taylor only dropped two games on her way to a 6-0, 6-2 third singles victory. Canton’s Camila Cutter emerged with a 6-1, 6-3 win at first singles while Olivia Durham came out on top at second singles (6-3, 7-6 (2)) after a great battle at second singles.

For other results around the League

Sophomore Gabi Consigli had two goals and an assist, one of seven goal scorers for Franklin, in a win over second-place King Philip. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Sophomore Gabi Consigli had two goals and an assist, one of seven goal scorers for Franklin, in a win over second-place King Philip. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)