Friday, April 26, 2024

FHS girls & boys lacrosse and girls tennis teams post wins on Thursday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, Apr 25, 2024.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 10 @ King Philip, 4 – Final

Girls Lacrosse = King Philip, 4 @ Franklin, 5 – Final (2 OT)

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 1 vs. Dover-Sherborn, 4 – Final

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Dover-Sherborn, 2 – Final



For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

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

Comprehensive School Facility Plng Subcommittee recommends Option A for redistricting (audio)

FM #1181 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1181 in the series. 


This session shares the Comprehensive School Facility Planning Subcommittee meeting of Thursday, April 25, 2024. Subcommittee Chair Dave Callaghan, Al Charles, Erin Gallagher, Supt Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Dr Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, Business Administrator Dr Bob Dutch participated.


Review of the feedback from the focus groups on visioning and portrait of the graduate were reviewed.


Facility proposal outlined with 2 options on how to handle the elementary schools. Option A to keep the facility as K-5, Option B to split the K-2 and 3-5. Option B would introduce a transition and put aside. It also did not align with feedback from the focus groups.


Subcommittee recommended to bring Option A forward to the School Committee meeting Tuesday, April 30.


The meeting recording runs about 70 minutes. Audio link https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1181-comprehensive-school-facility-plng-mtg-04-25-24



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Agenda for this session ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/fps-comprehensive-facilities-planning.html 


Letter to FPS community with summary -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/comprehensive-school-facilities.html 


My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WFZHjNN7Ggf7rMXmZN29PgtAQTHP-nO_/view?usp=drive_link


PDF file with the 3 maps, current state, Option A and Option B  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DO3B2-nn1S1wNucsrODU-nrIAWL7Meib/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 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 and School Committee hear from residents for or against an override, for June, or for Nov (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1179-80 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1179-80 in the series. 


This session shares the Joint Town Council & School Committee meeting of Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in 2 parts. All 9 Town Councilors and all 7 School Committee members participated.  Many town and school department managers were also present in the first couple of rows of the auditorium.


Over 400 folks were in the FHS auditorium, another 2-300 were online via YouTube at one point or another (and that tallied 800+ unique individuals by the time the meeting ended).


Part 1 

Covers the first 90 minutes of the meeting

  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presented the FY 2025 budget

  • School Superintendent Lucas Giguere accompanied by Business Administrator Dr Bob Dutch presented the school budget and issues



Part 2

The remaining 1 hour and 40 minutes covered the public comment and question section. Speakers were allocated 1 minute, most kept to the point.

Audio link P2 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1180-joint-town-council-school-cmte-mtg-04-24-24-p2-of-2


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The Franklin TV broadcast of the 3 hour plus session is available for replay on YouTube ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/xMN27_nBPUU?si=aeSWZvxA-SMPJ6wo


Agenda for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 


Town presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-04-24_fy25_budget_update_joint_sc_tc_meeting.pdf


School presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_super_budget_sc_tc_presentation_4_24_24.pdf


My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h_7qKlYxPivFDjatz9mjtDg8lU-WMY_q/view?usp=drive_link 


Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qiHMQqYaertGjcqSA 


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

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"


best depiction of 4 budgets for the portrait of a graduate
best depiction of 4 budgets for the portrait of a graduate


Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Apr 26, 2024

  • 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising
8:30 am Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker
10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston
11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Parmesan
1:00 pm Master Plan Committee Open House
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
6:30 pm Joe Landry: Funeral Homes
8:00 pm Endless Konnections: Introduction
8:04 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 1
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22
8:30 am Mental Health: Jeff Roy
9:30 am Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship
11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball v Braintree 04-19-24
1:30 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023
3:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
6:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23
10:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24
12:00 pm Economic Development 04-10-24
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24

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

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Key events for Thursday, April 25, 2024

A Dream Shared - an art exhibit & talk back 
When:  April 25, 2024 from 4 to 6 PM
Where: Franklin Historical Museum
Should be a good event with art and conversation about art, a great way for me to begin my evening of reporting

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee Meeting 
April 25 at 5 PM
Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room
What is this latest redistricting effort going to bring forward? This may be the preview for the subcommittee before the School Committee gets to see it. Kinda a sneak peak! We should at least find out find out where they are in the process.

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting 
April 25, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers
Yes, a special committee meeting to interview the next school business administrator. Folks should recall that Miriam Goodman retired last year. Dr Bob Dutch has stepped in for this year. The meeting will help determine the next individual to fill this critical role.

BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School (free concert)
WHEN: Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Franklin High School Auditorium
Funded by the Franklin Cultural Council and MASS Cultural Council, a great way to close the day with some big band and jazz sounds
Key events for Thursday, April 25
Key events for Thursday, April 25, 2024

Why are there multiple calendars?
There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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 

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)

Franklin Public Schools to Host BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25

Superintendent Lucas Giguere invites community members to attend a free performance by the BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School. 

WHEN: Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WHERE: Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak St.

WHAT: Franklin Public Schools is hosting a free concert featuring the BT/ALC Big Band.
BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25
 BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25

Led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, the BT/ALC Big Band employs the traditional instrumentation of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul, hip hop, afro-beat, reggae and jazz styles. The BT/ALC Big Band has created a unique sound they dub "Big Band Funk." Since 2011, the band consisting of five saxophones, four trumpets and four trombones has released five full-length albums and five singles. Brian and Alex met at UMASS Amherst studying composition and arranging with Jeff Holmes. They travel the state committed to education and providing performances, clinics, and workshops for students focusing on confidence and creativity. 

"Franklin Public Schools stresses the importance of a strong music curriculum, reinforced by community events such as this concert," Superintendent Lucas Giguere said. "It should be a stellar performance!"

This concert is made possible by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, the Franklin Music Boosters, and Franklin Public Schools. The event was organized by Leighanne Rudsit, Franklin High School's Band Director. 

"I know Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark personally, both as educators and professional musicians," she said. "I jumped at the opportunity to share their unique sound with the rest of the community."


Circle of Friends Coffeehouse schedule for the Fall of 2024; Runa, Abbie Gardner, & David Francey start the season

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse announces their fall 2024 shows.

Tickets are available on their website -> https://circlefolk.org/sched.html

Runa, Abbie Gardner, & David Francey start the season
Runa, Abbie Gardner, & David Francey start the season

Shared from ->
https://www.facebook.com/share/MbM7rF5vJ17iZ27a/



Town Council and School Committee hear from residents for or against an override, for June, or for Nov (video)

The Joint Town Council and School Committee meeting took place last night with over 400 in attendance at Franklin High School and at least another 200 viewing via YouTube (over 800 views on YouTube as this went to press before midnight).

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/xMN27_nBPUU?si=aeSWZvxA-SMPJ6wo


Photo album of the slides shared (the slides will be posted sometime)


Quick recap:
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presented town side of the FY 2025 budget and financial outlook
  • School Superintendent Lucas Giguere accompanied by Dr Dutch, Business Administrator, presented the school budget summary and cost drivers as well as potential cuts if the proposed override does not come to pass
  • Town Council Chair Tom Mercer then opened the floor for resident comments. They lined up individually at one aisle or the other to raise a question or make their comment.
  • The Town Council will take this information to their May 1 meeting and decide on IF, when, and What the $ amount would be. From that set of decisions, additional info can be prepared on both side as to what the override would bring us, and what failure to pass would mean
  • The budget hearings by the Finance Committee (May 6, May 8 & May 15)  as well as the Town Council (May 22, & May 23) would still happen to work out the details of the budget.


TA Jamie Hellen, School Supt Lucas Giguere
TA Jamie Hellen, School Supt Lucas Giguere

FHS baseball, softball, and boys tennis teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Apr 24, 2024.

Baseball = Franklin, 10 @ Canton, 1 – Final 
– Franklin bounced back from an extra innings loss on Monday with a big win on the road over Canton, scoring seven runs in the final two innings to pull away for good. The host Bulldogs got on the board in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit down to 3-1 but the Panthers pushed a pair across in the sixth and added five more in the top of the seventh. Henry Digiorgio (RBI, run) and Mike Davide (two RBI, two doubles) each had two this for Franklin while senior Rex Cinelli added a double, two RBI, and a run. Matt Miller got the win on the mound for the visitors, scattering five hits and two walks with just one unearned run allowed, striking out four in six innings. Brian Auciello tossed a scoreless inning in relief for the Panthers. Sophomore Shane Kelleher had a pair of hits for the Bulldogs, Nick Gillis added a double, and Kyle Redquest hit a triple.

Softball = Canton, 4 @ Franklin, 9 – Final 
– Franklin established an early lead with a five-run first and a two-run second and never looked back to take down visiting Canton. Junior Josie Drucker went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI while junior Marley Allen (double) recorded a pair of RBI and scored once. Sarah Boozang added a triple and drove in one run for the Panthers. Senior Maddie Bergeron got the win in the circle, scattering 10 hits and two walks, surrendering four runs with four strikeouts in a complete game effort. Jess Wright (run) and Laura Valkanas (RBI) each had two hits for the Bulldogs while Hannah King had a hit and an RBI.

Boys Tennis = Canton, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 
– Franklin defended home court with a singles sweep plus one more win from doubles play against visiting Canton. Jay Gorgas (first singles, 6-3, 6-1), Ahan Shetty (second singles, 6-2, 6-1) and Vikram Chakrabhavi (third singles, 7-6 (6), 6-4) swept singles action with straight-set victories for the Panthers, and the team of Gabe Terry and AJ Trull secured a 6-0, 6-3 second doubles win. Canton’s Matt Wright and Noah Burke teamed up at first singles and rallied from a one-set deficit for a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win.

Girls Tennis = Franklin @ Canton, 3:45


For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 
https://hockomocksports.com/category/schedule-scoreboard/

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

Get your Empty Bowls T-shirt and help the Empty Bowls fund raising efforts!

"Get your Empty Bowls T-shirt! Designed by a Club member, t-shirt proceeds help with costs to create pottery auctioned at the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Fundraiser. 
Shirts will be distributed at the fundraiser on May 23, 2024.
Please note that a separate ticket is required to attend the event. Purchase in advance at www.franklinfoodpantry.org ->
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=86
Get your Empty Bowls T-shirt and help the Empty Bowls fund raising efforts!
Get your Empty Bowls T-shirt and help the Empty Bowls fund raising efforts!