Friday, May 26, 2023

FHS girls softball team tops Mansfield on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, May 25, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Baseball = Franklin, 9 vs. Hopkinton, 10 – Final (8 inn.)

Softball = Mansfield, 5 @ Franklin, 10 – Final 
– Playing in its third game in four games, Franklin plated the first eight runs of the game and never looked back to land a win over Mansfield. After a scoreless first inning, the Panthers scored in five straight innings, including a big four-run fifth inning. Senior Katy Liberman led the charge offensively with a team0high three hits while Kiera Kotwicki, Avery Chalk, Carly Pellegri, and Hailey Fales each had two hits. Freshman Sophia Sacramone earned the win, scattering six hits for five runs (two earned) on two walks and 11 strikeouts. Callie Lake had another strong game for the Hornets, going 3-for-4, with Liv Madeira, Molly Kucharski, Dani Jameson, and Amanda Schwarz each had one hit.

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

FHS Sarah Dumas takes MIAA D1 pentathlon title on Thursday

"Franklin’s Sarah Dumas is one of the state’s most seasoned indoor pentathletes, but Thursday’s Division 1 MIAA state championships at Merrimack College presented the junior with a new challenge: Could she replicate her success in the competition in an outdoor setting?

Dumas answered the bell with ease, rolling to victory with 3,335 points with first-place finishes in the 100-meter hurdles (14.89 seconds), high jump, shot put (10 meters), and 800-meter dash (2:40.61).

“She seems to rise to the occasion when it’s a big meet,” said Franklin coach Paul Trovato. “You can always count on Sarah coming through.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) -> 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/05/25/sports/franklins-sarah-dumas-st-johns-preps-aithan-bethanson-reign-pentathlon-division-1-track-field-championships/

In winning the girls' pentathlon, Franklin's Sarah Dumas cleared 5 feet, 5 inches to take the high jump. MATTHEW J. LEE/GLOBE STAFF
In winning the girls' pentathlon, Franklin's Sarah Dumas cleared 5 feet, 5 inches to take the high jump. MATTHEW J. LEE/GLOBE STAFF


Town Council approves FY 24 budget after 9 hours over 2 nights, plan for schools to get $700K more (video)

The Franklin Town Council held their two public hearing on the FY 2024 budget this week spending 5 hours Wednesday and almost 4 hours on Thursday to get inside the requests understanding the cost drivers and revenue restrictions creating hard choices for the total $150 million budget.

Quick summary of the outcome and budget choices approved:
  • Police to add to their staff to alleviate a scheduling issue that should help reduce the overtime cost and help moral by reducing the amount of forced overtime
  • Fire adding to their staff to help provide a third ambulance for coverage during four days of peak call volume. The staff increase is partially offset by additional ambulance revenues
  • Senior Center gets approval for a van driver for half the year as a step towards fulltime
  • Town administration gets approval for a shift from an assistant town administrator to a Deputy Administrator along with a half year funding for an Arts & Culture Director
  • The Franklin school budget gets an increase of approximately $700K over the $1.1m initially allocated. These funds will be part of a two resolution vote being scheduled for the June 7 Council meeting. 24 school personnel positions were cut this week by the School District to meet their expected budget shortfall of over $2M. Some of those are due to the continued declining enrollment, some of those can be restored with the additional funds being allocated. As was made clear a few times during the hearings, the Town Council only provides a line item of funding to the Schools. The School district and School Committee have the full responsibility for choices on how that money is spent
  • The Joint Budget Subcommittee will begin meeting (schedule TBD) to work on a strategic plan to address the systemic issues across both the Town and Schools budget requirements. There was consensus on increasing the revenue. Some of the increase can come from a variety of measures (storm water fee, sewer rate increase, zoning changes to increase density, etc.) as well as consideration of a possible override ballot question. In order to get to the override question, the amount of increased revenue (i.e. property taxes revenue) needs to be explored and agreed to put before the taxpayers for their approval. There are already a number of increases planned (or expected) and that needs to be part of the consideration.
    • Planned
      • storm water begins July 1, 2023
      • sewer rate increase for next three years beginning July 1, 2023 to pay for the Beaver St interceptor replacement. Construction along RT 140 begins later this year
      • possible debt exclusion for Tri-County RVTHS building replacement (amount expected in Aug 2023, vote anticipated in Oct 2023)
    • Expected
      • water rate increase to pay for PFAS mitigations
      • potential debt exclusion for renovation of Davis Thayer (DT) for town use (to make it ADA accessible). Decision on potential use anticipated by Dec 2023 from subcommittee appointed to determine recommendations
      • potential debt exclusion for new Police station or renovation of existing, committee appointed and soon to begin work on this; their work will include the DT decision as applicable
      • potential operational override to address systemic revenue issues
The Franklin TV video replay for both sessions is available
My Twitter notes captured during the meetings can be found here
The audio recording and expanded notes will be available in a couple of days

  • Franklin TV recording of Wednesday's session

 

  •  Franklin TV recording of Thursday's session

   

Town Council approves FY 24 budget after 9 hours over 2 nights
Town Council approves FY 24 budget after 9 hours over 2 nights

MIAA Executive Director's Report - May 25, 2023

Want an idea on what is going on within high school interscholastic sports? Check out this new edition of The MIAA Executive Director's Report
https://t.co/tvW9qZyOZh

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1661800528429342720

MIAA Executive Director's Report - May 25, 2023
MIAA Executive Director's Report - May 25, 2023


Registration for Summer Basketball for Men is open


Join us this summer for a great workout and some friendly competition with our 6-week session of Men's Basketball! Learn more and sign up here.


Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038

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Franklin: Weekly Wellness Update - Help prevent recreational water illnesses

It's health and safety swimming week! 
Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) affect 10 million people annually. They are are often linked to swimming in pools, hot tubs/spas, water parks, and splash parks. RWI's include gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. 
Help prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs) with the Steps of Healthy Swimming: http://go.usa.gov/cuV4W
Franklin: Weekly Wellness Update - Help prevent recreational water illnesses
Franklin: Weekly Wellness Update - Help prevent recreational water illnesses

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 26, 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: Nick Remissong
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 3
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Sandhya: Homemade Cheez-Its
1:00 pm     Drink Responsibly: Craft Roots
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
4:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2022
5:30 pm     FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022
7:00 pm     DPW Stormwater Management 03-13-23
8:30 pm MIAA: Girls and Women in Sports

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

7:00 am     FHS Jazz Cafe 2023
8:30 am     It Takes A Village: D'Angela Alberty
10:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Attleboro 05-18-23
12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
1:30 pm     FHS Pops Night 2023
5:30 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v St. John's 05-11-23
8:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Dover-Sherborn 05-19-23

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 05-11-23
11:30 am Finance Committee: 05-11-23
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 05-11-23

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, May 25, 2023

Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is proud to announce that on May 18th, 2023 during the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) Annual Institute conference, Franklin Public Schools School Business Administrator Miriam Goodman was bestowed a 2023 Friends of MASBO award. 

The Friends of MASBO award is given in recognition of individuals who have met one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Have made a significant contribution (including but not limited to pro-active involvement in the legislative process, the creation of a model program/procedure, the establishment of an exemplary standard or practice) that facilitated a process by which school business officials contribute to educating students in their districts;
  2. Have consistently, and on a long-term basis, provided significant assistance to MASBO in the implementation of its various functions and responsibilities; and/or
  3. Have provided assistance to MASBO in a way that exceeds expectations.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and former Franklin Public School Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern co-endorsed Goodman for the award, stating that "Miriam's expertise and collaborative approach has led the district into a new era of enhanced transparency of the Franklin School Budget with the development of an extensive, engaging (student-centered) budget book while developing the story of school funding in Franklin, so that stakeholders can better understand past trends and future needs in a clear and compelling way."

Notable moments in Goodman's tenure have included her support in transitioning school business operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic; including setting up grab and go meals in collaboration with our Food Services department, appropriately applying COVID-19 relief funds in an impactful way, as well as managing transportation services, providing insight during a redistricting analysis process. 

After 15 years of dedicated service to the district and longstanding involvement with MASBO, the timing of this acknowledgment coincidentally concludes Goodman's career, as she is set to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Upon reflection, Franklin School Committee Chair Denise Spencer notes how "Miriam has truly blessed our district with her dedication, knowledge, work ethic, business finance savvy, friendship and sense of humor. She has always looked out for the best interest of Franklin Public School students and staff. We are grateful for the positive impact she has had in our district, and we will miss her." 


Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/franklin-public-schools-business-administrator-miriam-goodman-awarded-2023-friends

Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.
Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.


Town Council Meeting - May 25, 2023 - second budget hearing & budget vote

Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Public Hearing

The Town Council will meet on May 25, 2023 at 7pm. 

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/may_25_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-council-meeting-may-25th-2023

Town Council Meeting - May 25, 2023 - second budget hearing & budget vote
Town Council Meeting - May 25, 2023 - second budget hearing & budget vote

LAUNCHING! Family Support Center by SAFE Coalition


FHS boys lacrosse tops Lincoln-Sudbury on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Softball = Franklin, 8 @ Milford, 9 – Final 
– Two days after suffering a one-run setback at Franklin, Milford extracted some revenge with a comeback win of their own, plating the go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn a series split. Both offenses picked up where they left off as the Panthers pushed across four runs in the first (highlighted by two-run singles from both Hailey Fales and Dana Stott) but Milford answered with five runs in the bottom half (highlighted by RBI doubles from both Cae Pellegrini and Ava Baglione). An RBI single from Avery Chalk tied the game and Carly Pellegri drew a bases-loaded walk to put the Panthers back in front, 6-5, in the fourth but Pellegrini drove one to center to bring Olivia Baglione home to make it 6-6. Chalk added another RBI single and Pellegri’s sac fly pushed the lead to 8-6 in the top of the fifth only for the Scarlet Hawks to once again answer in the bottom half; Grace Bonina doubled in a run and then scored on an error in the next at-bat. Maeve Williams’ RBI single in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the difference, putting Milford ahead 9-8. Maeve Driscoll retired the side in order in the top of the seventh to finish off the complete game.

Photo gallery of the game -> 

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 16 vs. Lincoln-Sudbury, 10 – Final 
– Franklin built a six-goal edge by halftime and held that lead the rest of the way in an impressive victory over sixth-ranked Lincoln-Sudbury. Luke Davis led the way with seven points, scoring a hat trick and registering four assists while Tyler Sacchetti found the back of the net four times and Jayden Consigli scored three times. Senior Chris Drake (two goals, one assist) and junior Eddie O’Brien (one goal, two assists) each finished with three points in the win.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 0 vs. Dover-Sherborn, 5 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Lifelong Learning offers 2 self-defense classes this summer

Take steps to protect yourself and learn how to get out of dangerous situations. 
Lifelong Community Learning is offering two classes this summer. 
Find out more: https://t.co/GuWIug4gfa
#fpslifelong #fpslifelongcommunity 
Lifelong Learning offers 2 self-defense classes this summer
Lifelong Learning offers 2 self-defense classes this summer

Shared from -> https://t.co/JuIBYI09UG

Remington Middle School Class of 2023 reunion - May 30

"New Date: The Class of 2023 reunion for our former Remdawgs has been rescheduled to Tuesday May 30th from 2-3 pm. 
We hope to see you there! @FHSPantherbook @MrHanna_FHS @TriCountyRVTSD" https://t.co/p4crppfcUC

https://twitter.com/RMS_Remdawgs/status/1661156403019665408

Remington Middle School Class of 2023 reunion - May 30
Remington Middle School Class of 2023 reunion - May 30



"social media can have 'a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents'”

"Scrolling, posting, hoping to go viral — many children are absorbed by it nowadays. But is all that social media use harmful?

The US surgeon general’s office said Tuesday it might be — and it’s time to take action to protect those young minds glued to their flickering screens.

Here are five things to know about the surgeon general’s announcement:

The surgeon general says there is growing evidence that social media is harmful for young people"
Continue reading the article online -> (subscription maybe required)  

Franklin (MA) Police share the weekly recap for May 14 - May 20

The attached google drive link has the Weekly Recap from May 14 - May 20, This recap provides some greater detail about the calls we responded to: drive.google.com/file/d/117Uod0
Franklin (MA) Police share the weekly recap for May 14 - May 20
Franklin (MA) Police share the weekly recap for May 14 - May 20