Town Council Quarterbacking session touts the greatness of Franklin, FISH recognized, Food Pantry update, Crisis Intervention Team at work (audio)

FM #1137 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1137 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, January 19, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

a. Resolution 24-05: Termination of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as well as Dedication of Revenues Thereto, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-05 - Majority Vote)

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: FISH of Franklin

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director 

b. Discussion: Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

The recording runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1137-town-council-quarterbacking-01-18-24

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Town Council agenda for Jan 17, 2024 meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_17_2023.pdf 

Town Council recap & video link -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/town-council-hears-about-franklin-food.html 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1srDHwwmM28LbjTIs5NDNHjVBRDW9dTv3/view?usp=drive_link 

The FISH of Franklin volunteers provide rides to Franklin neighbors for medical or social service related appointments. You can call 508-528-2121 to arrange a ride for a medical appointment or to volunteer to provide a ride.

FISH Interview in September 2023 -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/have-you-volunteered-with-fish-of.html 

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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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Town Council Quarterbacking session touts the greatness of Franklin, FISH recognized, Food Pantry update, Crisis Intervention Team at work (audio)

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, Jan 23 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

January 23, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order     Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Jefferson Elementary School Highlight

B. Comprehensive Facilities Planning Update

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. DECA International Competition - Recurring Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA Student

to Anaheim, CA from 4/26/24-5/1/24 to participate in the DECA competition as

detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. School Committee 2024-25 Meeting Schedule - DRAFT

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 9, 2024 School

Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $560.00 from music parents for in-house

enrichment for the Music Department as detailed.

C. Jefferson Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $43.80 from Box Tops for Jefferson Field

Trips as detailed.

D. DECA State Competition - Recurring Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA Students

to Boston, MA from 3/7/24-3/9/24 to participate in the DECA competition as

detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-23-24.pdf

The meeting packet folder contains the supporting documents for this session (not all of them released before the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-23-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, Jan 23 at 7 PM

Franklin School Cmte: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 23 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools: Franklin School Committee

Budget Subcommittee

January 23, 2024 - 6:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

Agenda:

• Call to Order
• FY25 Budget Update & Discussion
• Adjournment

Full agenda doc includes remote participation info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/1-23-24_agenda-budgetsubcom.pdf

Franklin School Cmte: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 23 - 6 PM

Local taxes on meals, hotels could rise under Healey plan

"Governor Maura Healey, who this week swore off raising state taxes, unveiled sweeping legislation Friday that would allow towns and cities to raise their taxes on hotel stays, cars, and meals by as much as 33 percent to help bolster their local coffers.

The sprawling bill has the backing of municipal leaders, and if embraced by the Legislature, could generate more than $150 million in new annual tax revenue for towns and cities juggling tight budgets, state officials estimated.

Healey also is seeking a series of other major changes, including allowing local officials to set caps on the number of liquor licenses distributed in their city or town, a power long-held by the Legislature. The governor said she is proposing to make permanent a raft of pandemic-era rules, such as allowing restaurants to sell to-go cocktails.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Healey said the package of changes “empowers the local communities” and does not affect the revenue the state relies on for its budget."

Continue reading the article online (Subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/19/metro/maura-healey-legislation-local-taxes-meals-hotels/

CommonWealth Beacon provides coverage here ->

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/government/healey-pitches-new-revenue-source-for-cities-and-towns-vehicle-surcharge/

Gov. Maura Healey exits the House chamber after delivering the 2024 State of the Commonwealth address. (Photo by Sam Doran/State House News Service)

Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, Jan 20

There will be time Saturday to stock up with Girl Scout Cookies this weekend!

• Where will the cookies be in Franklin?

Just one booth this weekend 

• Saturday 1/20  11 AM - 3 PM INSIDE the DCU bank on Route 140

Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, Jan 20

Half of recent US inflation due to high corporate profits, report finds | Inflation | The Guardian

"A new report claims “resounding evidence” shows that high corporate profits are a main driver of ongoing inflation, and companies continue to keep prices high even as their inflationary costs drop.

The report, compiled by the progressive Groundwork Collaborative thinktank, found corporate profits accounted for about 53% of inflation during last year’s second and third quarters. Profits drove just 11% of price growth in the 40 years prior to the pandemic, according to the report.

Prices for consumers rose by 3.4% over the past year, but input costs for producers increased by just 1%, according to the authors’ calculations, which were based on data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and National Income and Products Accounts.

“Costs have come down substantially, and while corporations were quick to pass on their increased costs to consumers, they are surprisingly less quick to pass on their savings to consumers,” Liz Pancotti, a Groundwork strategic adviser and paper co-author, said."

Continue reading the article online (contribution may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/19/us-inflation-caused-by-corporate-profits

Direct link to report referenced ->

https://groundworkcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/24.01.17-GWC-Corporate-Profits-Report.pdf

The Groundwork Collaborative thinktank found prices for consumers rose by 3.4% over the past year, but input costs for producers increased by just 1%. Illustration: The Guardian

Franklin's Event Outlook: January 19, 2023 to January 25, 2024

Friday, January 19

1:00pm Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Get to know ‘Ben’s Books’ (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale (First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF))

7:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Raillery Public House)

Saturday, January 20

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Ben Franklin, America’s First Scientist (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament and Sale (First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF))

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:30am Children’s Ben Franklin Story Time (Escape Into Fiction Bookstore)

11:00am Preschool & Kindergarten Open House (Sunrise Montessori School)

1:00pm Library "Books by the Bag Sale" (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin’s Glass Armonica (Franklin Public Library)

Sunday, January 21

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

1:00pm Ben Franklin Considered and Reconsidered (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm Children's Museum of Franklin pop up (Elks Lodge)

Tuesday, January 23

2:30pm Rainbow Café (Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, January 25

6:00pm Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewing)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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's Event Outlook: January 19, 2023 to January 25, 2024

Franklin Newcomers & Friends meeting to feature Owen Folsom - Feb 7

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Join us at our next bi-monthly gathering on Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Our speaker Owen Folsom, a financial advisor, will share his expertise on topics like Long Term Care, 529 college funds, the importance of life insurance and more. We meet at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street in Franklin at 7:00 pm. 

Franklin Newcomers & Friends meeting to feature Owen Folsom - Feb 7

Come early and shop at this gem of a bookstore . . . in addition, you’ll meet new friends, learn new things and have fun. We provide light refreshments from Franklin restaurants … we’ll feature food from The Rome at this event.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

Look for us on social media for more information:

https://www.meetup.com/franklin-newcomers-friends/

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

State of the Commonwealth - Governor Maura T Healey (video) Jan 17, 2024

Did you miss the Governor's State of the Commonwealth on Wednesday? The video link shared previously is useful, or this has fast forwarded to the point where the Chaplain gives the convocation and the evening formally begins. 

You can also skip further ahead to about 1:02:00 when Governor Healey makes her entrance or to 1:05:00 when Senate President Spilka gets to introduce Governor Healey and she finally gives her State of the Commonwealth address at about 1:06:00

State of the Commonwealth page -> https://www.mass.gov/2024-state-of-the-commonwealth

FHS girls & boys indoor track teams, and boys hockey team post wins on Thursday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, Jan 18, 2024. 

Boys Hockey = Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final

"Franklin 8 Oliver Ames 0. Paterson 2G 2A, Marchand 2G 2A, Daley 1G, McEvoy 1G 1A, Lampasona 1G 1A, Ariente 1G 1A, and Balducci and Harrington 1A. Wagner 20 save SO. POG Ariente"

https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1748162343299592364

Game #12 Results: #15 Franklin (8) OA (O) (Shots — Franklin 35 OA 22 

1st period Recap: Shots - Franklin (13) OA (5)

Boys get on the board early when Harrington recovers the puck from behind the net & breaks it Out to Balducci who then chips it up and Out where Wernig wins a foot race & slides the puck to Daley in the slot & punches the ticket for Franklin. At 10:52 Franklin sends a 2nd player to the box & would have to dig in to fight Off some time, @ 8:15 McEvoy picks up a loose puck at the blue line & beats the defenseman then slides the puck 5-hole for the shorty to make it 2-0. Quinn, Langevin & Hager providing heavy forecheck keeping OA back on their heels. With 2 minutes to go in the period again Franklin finds themselves shorthanded again when Arienti tracks down a puck chipped deep into the zone & gets it to McEvoy who finds Marchand jumping up in the play & slides it to Lampasona who returns the pass back to Marchand in the slot where he tucks it by the goalie for another shorty putting Franklin up by 3 to end the period. Heavy hitting & chippy period. Wagner serves up the goose egg. 

2nd Period Recap: Shots - Franklin (21) OA (5)

Much like the 1st things remain chippy and physical. @ 10:13 Franklin goes on the I-man advantage & the 1st goal Of the period comes when Paterson swings the puck to the top Of the point to Marchand who dishes it to Lampasona for the 1 timer PP goal. 2nd PP goal comes after Paterson snaps a shot from the left

dot & Balducci gathers a loose puck & slides it to Marchand sitting On the back post where he puts it away. Another series of shifts from Quinn, Langevin & Hager present several opportunities boys are buzzing. Another PP goal comes at 8:13 after McEvoy wins a Dzone faceoff to Paterson who darts down the right side Of the ice through a couple of defenders & tucks his stick thru his legs to snipe it top right corner making it 6-0 Franklin. Lockdown big blue line play by Marchand, Arienti, Toli, Harrington & Smith continue to frustrate & take away opportunities for OA. Final goal Of the period comes@ 3:05 when Wagner deflects a shot the ricochets to Lampasona who bumps it up the boards to Paterson who's Off for the 2-man

breakaway & puts it home making it 7-0. Franklin feeling it tonight. Wager saw a couple good chances but fends OA Off to serve up another donut. 

3d Period Recap: Shots- Franklin (4) OA (6)

Franklin Starts the period on the PK and once again string play by Wemig, Balducci, Harrington, Toli & Smith keep OA at bay. At 9:10 after a hard rush by Daley & Balducci, Marchand finds McEvoy down low who skates Out Of the corner thru the circle & hits Arienti on the weakside & hammers a tack home for his first

varsity goal! Next shift Hager, Taccini & Greenwood come Out flying after frustrating ONs D & draw another OA penalty @ 6:20. Quinn, McAlpine & Fletcher take first half Of the PP with a couple Of good attempts, 2nd half PP goes to R. Lampasona, Lewandowski & Carosi, Q Taccini & Toli again good zone play provide ample opportunities. A chippy/physical game w/ OA ends 8-0 w/ a lot Of guys seeing the ice tonight Franklin on a 2-game win streak. Huge game coming up Saturday! 

Final Franklin 8 OA O (POG Arienti)

Stats: Paterson 2G2A, Marchand 2G2A, Daley IG, McEvoy IGIA, Lampasona IGIA, Arienti IGIA, Balducci IA, Harrington IA

Franklin (7-5) vs King Philip Saturday 1/20 puck drops @ 4:30 PM @ Foxboro Sports Center

https://twitter.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1748304237195325899

Boys Indoor Track  = Franklin, 52 @ Attleboro, 48 – Final

Complete boys meet result details

https://www.lancertiming.com/results/winter24/hockomock0118-b.pdf

Complete boys meet Team results

https://www.lancertiming.com/results/winter24/hockomock0118-bt.pdf

Girls Indoor Track = Franklin, 84 @ Attleboro, 16 – Final

Complete girls meet result details

https://www.lancertiming.com/results/winter24/hockomock0118-g.pdf

Complete girls meet Team results

https://www.lancertiming.com/results/winter24/hockomock0118-gt.pdf

** FHS girls & boys team results combined

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xvnF7CAfuGKL8pRAVrnPrcb-DKKf7C15/view?usp=drive_link

Hockomock Sports has photos of the hurdles and throws (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2023-2024/Winter-2023-2024/Hockomock-Indoor-Track-Meet-5-01-18-24

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-18-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Chapters - WFPR • Jim Derick: Jennifer Gulbrand & WeBreathe Wellness (audio)

In this episode Jim Derick visits with Jennifer Gulbrand, Author, Motivational Speaker and Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy Practitioner. Jenn is the owner of WeBreathe Wellness, an inclusive Zen Retreat Center in Walpole Massachusetts. 

Jenn is also the author of two books, “Embrace Your Essence” and the recently released “She Breathes Soul Stories”. Jenn shares the story of following her passion as she transitioned from the corporate business world to follow her passion. 

Hear from Jenn about the vision of WeBreathe Wellness and her plans for a non-profit retreat center that will offer open access wellness services to all. 

Jennifer Gulbrand: https://jenngulbrand.com
WeBreathe Wellness: https://webreathewellness.com

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0244b969-f5c5-4cf7-885b-faa67b1c1d60

Chapters - WFPR: Chapters with Jim Derick

Chapters - WFPR: Chapters with Jim Derick

In Chapters, Jim Derick sits down with guests and community member to share their exciting and emotional stories of hope, resilience and giving back.

Find all the episodes of Chapters -> https://chapters-fm.captivate.fm/episodes  or on your favorite podcast app.

Reminder: An Evening with Spirit with Psychic Medium Cathy Ripley Greene - Jan 26

What: An Evening with Spirit with Psychic Medium Cathy Ripley Greene 

Where: SAFE Coalition - 31 Hayward St Suite 2C Franklin

When: Friday, January 26, 2024 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Join us for an evening connecting with loved ones from the other side. As a Medium, Cathy connects and communicates with those loved ones who have passed to spirit. It is Cathy's belief that we never die, we just change. 

Cathy says, " I have come to know, that we are spiritual beings here having a human experience and that when we are finished, no matter how long or short that experience might be, we return to that which we came from – pure positive energy, also referred to as Spirit".  

 

A $65 tax deductible donation will reserve your seat. Click here to donate https://www.safecoalitionma.org/donate

An Evening with Spirit with Psychic Medium Cathy Ripley Greene - Jan 26

Supreme court hears key case that could strangle power of US federal agencies | US news | The Guardian

"The US supreme court heard arguments on Wednesday in a dispute involving a government-run program to monitor for overfishing of herring off New England’s coast that gives its conservative majority a chance to further limit the regulatory powers of federal agencies.

The justices are weighing appeals by two fishing companies of lower court rulings allowing the National Marine Fisheries Service to require commercial fishermen to help fund the program. The companies – led by New Jersey-based Loper Bright Enterprises and Rhode Island-based Relentless – have argued that Congress did not authorize the agency, part of the commerce department, to establish the program.

Arguments were ongoing.

The companies have asked the court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, to rein in or overturn a precedent established in 1984 that calls for judges to defer to federal agency interpretation of US laws deemed to be ambiguous, a doctrine called “Chevron deference”.

Continue reading the Guardian article -> (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/17/supreme-court-overfishing-case-chevron-deference

What is the "Chevron deference"?  Resources:

• Harvard: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/01/chevron-deference-faces-existential-test/
• Cornell: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/chevron_deference
• Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Chevron_deference_(doctrine)
• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevron_U.S.A.,_Inc._v._Natural_Resources_Defense_Council,_Inc.

The supreme court has signaled skepticism toward expansive regulatory power. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA

"In each case, recent changes are rapid & unusual compared to before human influence on the climate"

Ed Hawkins (@ed_hawkins) posted:

"Detailed graphic showing observed changes for different aspects of our climate.

The context of the past 2000 years is included where data is available. In each case, recent changes are rapid & unusual compared to before human influence on the climate."

More visuals at -> https://t.co/WdOoR7znIf 

Shared from -> https://t.co/a3hFzgSfR7

"In each case, recent changes are rapid & unusual compared to before human influence on the climate"