Thursday, October 12, 2023

School Committee hears of the ECDC Improvement plan and need for space (video & audio)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday evening at 7 PM in the Council Chambers. All 7 members were present for this penultimate session for this group. (With Nov 7 election, 3 members will return and there will be 4 new members).

Quick recap:
  • Superintendent's report. FHS game for thanksgiving at Fenway Park, tickets through Red Sox. Professional dev 10/18 and an early release day, Nov 7 full professional dev (election day)
  • Anticipating approx. 40 students from the migrant housing enrolled in school by end of this week. State providing funding to compensate
  • Hiring, a few positions; open 1 special Ed, 7 special Ed aids, (other info being shared)
  • Joint Budget Subcmte meeting Weds 10/11 at 5:30 PM, planning on an update on the currentFY24 budget. Some info to be shared with SchCom before meeting (as it will be public during the evening session). Anticipating quarterly disbursement from State on migrant funding
  • ECDC School Improvement Plan up next. Andy Bernabei, new principal, came in from Marlboro. Appreciated the help from his staff in making his transition. (Copy of presentation likely added to School page on Weds) new curriculum at ECDC (Note: as of Thursday morning, presentation copy not yet available)
  • Coordinate with Library and Senior Center for resources and event space. Looking to develop the relationship with Dean as well. Did meet with FHS to coordinate with students in early childhood program
  • Did add 2 classes last year, another this year at ECDC, have hired all the positions required. It is good educationally as well as financially, never mind required by law
  • Rolling enrollment at preschool has some real challenges with capacity and delivering appropriate services. The space issues will be addressed during the strategic long range facility planning process.
  • Has used a 2 step process, visit and play, a couple months later come back for the evaluation; this tends to bring students in with appropriate prep and usually less special Ed plans required. Do have sufficient peer students for the IEP students, do have afternoon capacity
  • In recognition of listening, they did explore providing lunch for the students who do both morning and afternoon sessions, survey revealed about 70 families expressed interest so it is being provided by the complex kitchen (157 students in total attendance)
  • School Cmte entered executive session not to return to open meeting for negotiation reasons


Packet folder for meeting docs ->


School Committee hears of the ECDC Improvement plan and need for space (video & audio)
School Committee hears of the ECDC Improvement plan and need for space (video & audio)


Public Square Rosary Rally scheduled for Saturday, Oct 14 at noon

Please join us in a Public Square Rosary Rally on Saturday, Oct 14 at 12:00 PM at St. Mary’s Rectory front lawn.

This Public Square Rosary, sponsored by America Needs Fatima, will be one of over 22,000 rallies that will take place all across the United States on that day. Please join us in praying the Rosary for the peace and well-being of our world.

In case of rain, the Rally will take place in the Chapel.



Public Square Rosary Rally scheduled for Saturday, Oct 14 at noon
Public Square Rosary Rally scheduled for Saturday, Oct 14 at noon

Legislature overrides 24 of 35 budget vetoes; restoration of civics education - "an example of 'civics in action'”


"MATT WILSON calls it an example of “civics in action.” 

After Gov. Maura Healey vetoed $1 million from the budget appropriation for a fund dedicated to expanding civics education in the state, a coalition of nonprofits, educators, and other groups focused on civics education sprang into action, meeting with legislative leaders and urging lawmakers to restore the funding. 

Last week, the Senate followed the House lead and overrode Healey’s veto. It means the state’s Civics Education Trust Fund, first established in 2018, will see an infusion of $2.5 million this year, a $500,000 bump from last year’s $2 million appropriation. 

“It really confirms for us the longtime support of civics education that legislators have shown over the last five years,” said Wilson, advocacy director for the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition."
Continue reading the article online


"OVER THE COURSE of two weeks, the Legislature overrode the majority of Gov. Maura Healey’s vetoes from her first budget, restoring about $80 million across 24 overrides targeting child care, early education, suicide prevention, and anti-poverty funding. Current revenue levels, plus the recently signed tax cut package, make the package of overrides fiscally sound, lawmakers said.

The budget passed by lawmakers, House Ways and Means chair Aaron Michlewitz told representatives in late September, “was fiscally responsible, while also making sure we protected the programs our most vulnerable populations relied on.”  

Gov. Maura Healey used a light touch with the veto pen in her first budget cycle, but legislators in both chambers made quick work of several vetoes that had caused public consternation.

The governor made 35 vetoes, slicing about $270 million in total spending from the $56 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Most of the cuts, she said, left programs at necessary levels or removed redundancies. "
Continue reading the article online

 

Legislature overrides 24 of 35 budget vetoes, restoring civics - "an example of 'civics in action'”
Legislature overrides 24 of 35 budget vetoes, restoring civics - "an example of 'civics in action'”

Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Adults scheduled for October 2023

  • Wildlife Photography Showcase, Thursday October 12th @ 6:00 PM
No Registration Required
Come see the pictures from the Wildlife Photography Workshop! Show off you best from the event, get feedback on your photos, or see what you missed!

  • Q&A with Mystery Writer Andrea Penrose, Thursday October 12th @ 7:00 PM
Virtual
We are so excited to be in conversation with Andrea Penrose! Her newest book, "Murder at Merton Library" is right up our alley. A Regency-era mystery set in a library - Yes, Please! Join us for what is going to be a fun and fascinating discussion. RSVP on the Library Calendar!

  • Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger, Monday October 23rd @ 7:00 PM
This ghostly multi-media program will take you on a journey through the haunts in your backyard, and around the world.

Franklin Library News & Events scheduled for October 2023
Franklin Library News & Events scheduled for October 2023

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Oct 12, 2023

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Steve Crouteau
9:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rob Lawson
10:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Sweet Corn Risotto
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies
12:30 pm Senior Center Chef Showdown
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2
5:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker
6:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
7:00 pm Tri County Building Project
8:00 pm Frank Presents: Chris Stickney
8:30 pm Frank Presents: Jay Mello
9:30 pm Veterans Oral History Project: Warren Sayer Green

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022
8:30 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
10:30 am Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023
1:00 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
2:30 pm Arts Advocacy: Fundraising
7:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v Attleboro 10-02-23

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 10-05-23
2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 10-05-23
7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: LIVE, Remote  981 7356 2075

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

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Franklin Cultural District: Pumpkin Patch, Little Mermaid opens, Touch a Truck, Archeology & more


Wednesday, October 11

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

3:00pm - Kids Flu Clinic (slots full) (Franklin Senior Center)

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch & Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)

7:00pm - Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club (Escape Into Fiction)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (St Mary’s Church)


Thursday, October 12

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch & Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:30pm - Raillery Pub (live music)


Friday, October 13

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Town Common)

Franklin Farmers Market
Franklin Farmers Market

2:00pm - Thrift Threads thrift shop (Franklin Federated Church)

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch & Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)

6:00pm - Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy (live music) (ticketed event) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm - Disney’s The Little Mermaid (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)




Saturday, October 14

10:00am - Pumpkin Patch & Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)

10:00am - Archaeology at Franklin State Forest (near Beaver & Grove St intersection)

10:00am - Touch a Truck (DPW yard on Fisher St)

Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Disney’s The Little Mermaid

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

11:00am - Putting for Patient (FHS Gymnasium)

12:00pm - Public Square Rosary Rally (St Mary's Church)

2:00pm - Red Apron Charcuterie (food selection) (La Cantina Winery)

2:00pm - Disney’s The Little Mermaid (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

3:00pm - Michael McArthur (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm - Disney’s The Little Mermaid (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)


Sunday, October 15

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

Leslie Amper
Leslie Amper

12:00pm - Pumpkin Patch & Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - Disney’s The Little Mermaid (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

3:00pm - Leslie Amper - live in concert plays Schumann (LIVEArts, 262 Chestnut St)


Monday, October 16

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch & Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)


Tuesday, October 17

4:00pm - Pumpkin Patch & Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)


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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:   https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!
Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Take part in a MRN Clinical Trial to build the repository & earn some compensation (audio)

FM #1073 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1073 in the series. 


This shares my interview and discussion with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted on site at the MRN facility in the Forge Park Industrial Park.


  • What is MRN’s mission? The role of the MRN’s Clinical Research Division 

  • About the clinical research studies that are currently available (Ageros, Leidos)

    • Studies are handled by an experienced team of clinical coordinators who follow stringent protocols to ensure the safety of our donors and the integrity of our studies

    • Donors will receive compensation for each study that they participate in

  • Create the Biorepository for future studies

  • How we can get involved in one or more of these clinical collections

    • For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com


The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dr. Greg Chiklis. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1073-mrn-diagnostics-dr-greg-chiklis-10-05-23



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Home page for MRD -> https://www.mrndx.com/ 


Clinical Collections Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PYwt2IFAnf6TYSQKQLyAWQZZDWPw87GL/view?usp=drive_link


How to donate to one of the collections -> https://www.mrndx.com/donor-home 


Clinical Compensation summary -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBAv27U-0aGb7K5jAtnc2xchHBVHs8EU/view?usp=drive_link


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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 franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

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"




Street Survivors come to Franklin to perform at THE BLACK BOX, Saturday, Oct 28 at 8 PM

The Providence Rhode Island based Street Survivors take an unapologetically authentic approach to the music of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band. Formed five years ago, their boot stomping, high energy, soulful stage show are only matched by their "music first" attitude.

From the honky tonk piano, screaming guitars, thunderous drums and haunting vocals, this band will take you to a time when Lynyrd Skynyrd ruled the world before tragedy struck.
Two 50 min. sets

Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door (additional fees may apply). https://ci.ovationtix.com/36235/production/1176091

Street Survivors come to Franklin to perform at THE BLACK BOX, Saturday, Oct 28 at 8 PM
Street Survivors come to Franklin to perform at THE BLACK BOX, Saturday, Oct 28 at 8 PM

FHS girls soccer, field hockey, volleyball, golf, and boys cross country teams post wins on Tuesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023. 


Girls Soccer = Franklin, 3 vs. Newton South, 0 – Final 
– Anya Zub scored a pair of goals to lead the Panthers to an impressive non-league win against another Div. 1 playoff team. Kelly O’Connore added the third goal and dished out an assist for Franklin. Selene Hammad and Cassidy Carmignani also set up goals for the hosts and Rachel Welch made six saves to secure the clean sheet.

Field Hockey = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 14 – Final 
– Raena Crandall registered six points to help Franklin land its second win in as many days. Crandall had a pair of first quarter goals and finished with four helpers to pace the offense while Haley Wernig had four goals and Ella Marzullo had three points (two goals, one assist). Addi Weiss, Maeve Rolston, and Lindsay Dennett also scored for Franklin.

Volleyball = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

Golf = Franklin, 165 @ Foxboro, 177 – Final 
– Franklin’s CJ Steel was the lone golfer to break 40 on the day as his medalist round helped the Panthers pick up a win at Foxboro. Steel fired a one-over par round of 39 to lead the way, Liam Lewandowski added a 40, and both Caden Sullivan and Jack Nelson came in a 43. Foxboro’s Ryan Wood had a team-low round of 42 for the Warriors while Zac Georgantas added a 43.

Boys Cross Country = North Attleboro, 34 @ Franklin, 25 
– Final – Franklin completed an undefeated dual meet season with a win at home over North, clinching the Kelley-Rex division title. The Panthers saw its top five runners place in the top eight spots to get the win, anchored by a first place finish from Jonathan Pink in 16:27. Jason Huff took third, Andrew Scotland was sixth, Joshua Diehl earned seventh, and Jack Halter rounded out Franklin’s scoring by crossing eighth overall.

Girls Cross Country = North Attleboro, 27 @ Franklin, 29 – Final 
– A battle of unbeatens lived up to the hype as North Attleboro edged out a close win over Franklin to secure the Kelley-Rex division dual meet title, the program’s first division title since 2017 and first ever Kelley-Rex crown. Katie Galgoczy won the race while Molly Galgoczy took third overall to secure key points in the win. Lauren Hunt took fifth overall, Harper Sweeney crossed seventh, and Ellie Fournier rounded out the scoring. Franklin’s Alex Batla took second to be the top runner for the hosts while Fiona Morrison (fourth), Abby Baker (sixth), Emma Pruitt (eighth), and Emily Matteson (ninth) also scored for the Panthers.

For other results around the league (subscription required)

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Reminder that HockomockSports.com changed to a subscription model in July. I have a subscription to view and share the FHS results that they provide. If you want to view all the worth Hockomock League reporting they do, subscribing is a good thing. It is quite reasonable. The subscription link is provided below.

Franklin High School: Newsletter for Week of 10/10/23

Franklin High School: Newsletter for Week of 10/10/23
Franklin High School: Newsletter for Week of 10/10/23

Add some FHS music clothing to your wardrobe with this Music Booster fund raiser

"Jazz up your wardrobe with some Franklin Music clothing!

It's that time again! Time to order your Franklin Music apparel--cozy fleeces, preppy polos, and comfy sweatpants! Plus lots more!

Order online by October 15 -> tinyurl.com/yudvuvwk"

Add some FHS music clothing to your wardrobe with this FHS Music Booster fund raiser
Add some FHS music clothing to your wardrobe with this FHS Music Booster fund raiser