Franklin (MA) Matters

This session of the radio show shares the output of The Climate Minute podcast episode hosted by Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We met to record in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.  The topic thread we talked of as we continued this making sense of climate discussion went Something like this:Climate Leader CommunityState pilot to allow gas bans in 10 communities Path dependence Critical junctureBehavioral changes underlying energy revolution/overshoot/planetary managementNeed for new behavior nowEnd of world? Viewpoints matter.This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  The conversation runs about 54 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted

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 17, 2023.  ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessiona. 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 / RECOGNITIONSa. Proclamation: FISH of FranklinPRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONa. 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--------------Town Council agenda for Jan 17, 2024 meeting ->https://

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the forthcoming Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher. Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, starting as a pop up or mobile museum for now to help build interest and community excitement.There are opportunities to help volunteer and contribute in other ways as well as financially. The show notes contain links to their web page with their pop up schedule and contact and contribution forms.Let’s listen to my conversation with Meg and Erin--------------Children’s Museum of Franklin -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ Events -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events --------------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 he

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. 8 Finance Committee members participated; 6 in Chambers (Chair Conley, Riley, Corbosiero, Nagel, Batchelor, Grace ), 2 participated remotely (Keophannga & Hamilton) 1 absent (Sansoucy)Quick recap:Discussion on the scope and intent of the deep dive series. Feb 7 next meeting, Mar 6 joint budget subcmte, then really into budget season for FY 2025 with hearings in May, June for Council.This is the first capital budget without a holding of the 'free cash' for snow and ice removal. 4.5M is total free cash.Consideration for a 'land acquisition fund' possibly to be establishedTechnology at the high school is now 10 years old, can't replace them all at once, chipping away at it to stagger the replacements over time.Survey to address on quality of life issues, scientific generated survey randomly generated, whole variety of metrics. Often folks are happy but need to divide where there are so

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Jan 9, 2024. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. Due to a Verizon internet outage at the Franklin TV Studio, the meeting was recorded for broadcast later and available via Zoom.Quick recap:Internet out at TV studio, meeting via Zoom but not through to cable, it is being locally recorded for broadcast later, Audio recording also being made, Owl camera out to use for this meeting and Zoom sessionSkipped ahead to Superintendent report, will come back to the FHS student update assuming they connect successfullyFacility planning underway, subcmte met last week. 3 piece process: (1) demographics, (2) educational adequacy and how to support it, (3) age and use of the space in the schools; More info coming as the presentation is scheduled for completion later this school yearWorkshop on executive function, 90 mins for adults only, sign up through Lifelong Learning (link to be shared later)Regards to the weather, pl

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee MASC Workshop held on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Chair Dave Callaghan opened the meeting. All of the School Committee members were present along with Superintendent Lucas Giguere. Chair Callaghan introduces Tracy Novick, the MASC Field Director responsible for Franklin.  Quick recap:Discussion on the evidence required to make the assessment is critical, this is not a one and done thing. The goals and accomplishments are intertwined with everything happening during the yearHow are the standards rated, all equal, or should one be ranked higher than the others? Not normal but possible. Goals within 3 areas, professional practice, district improvement, student LearningEvaluation can be complex as superintendent is evaluated as the lead of the district and yet many others are the ones working and providing the outcomes for which Superintendent Giguere is reviewedSupt Giguere steps in to share h

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Remote participation was enabled for this session that no one took advantage of. Chair Dave McNeill opened the meeting. School Committee members Dr Paul Griffith and KP Sompally participated. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Manager Dr Bob Dutch also participated.Quick recapReady to live report on the FPS budget subcmte mtg about to begin, a short one before a workshop and then the full regular School committee meeting, so a busy night. Follow along with the agenda doc https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/1-9-24_agenda-budgetsubcom.pdf  Supt Giguere provides an overview of the capital budget process for this new group, Dr Dutch to walk through the details of the requests. This is preliminary to the FinCom meeting Weds night, and then to Town Council capital budget subcmte before final Town Coun

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with FIRST Alarm Robotics held in the Franklin TV & radio studio Jan 4, 2024. Steve Dunbar, Business Manager and Pallavi Naravane, one of the group’s mentors.Our conversation touched on the following:So what is 4H Alarm Robotics 2079 all about?How did you get involved and what is your current role?How many members do you have and where are they from?What the team has done over the past year.What else can you tell us that could get folks to check out 4H Alarm Robotics?Where can they get more information?The conversation runs about 30 minutes so let’s listen and find out about Alarm Robotics.--------------4H Alarm Robotics 2079 on the internet->Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/AlarmRobotics2079/ Web page https://www.alarmrobotics.com/ Team page at FIRST Robotics -> https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/team/2079FIRST Robotics Competitions -> https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc Town Council meeting in 2019 when the lea

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, January 8, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room.Chair Al Charles opened the meeting, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and Subcmte members Erin Gallagher and Ruthann O’Sullivan participated. The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of January 8, 2024.--------------Subcommittee agendahttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_community_relations_sub_committee_agenda.pdf My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1czXmmWSu6G1nyzNCnV0gnRo3TcaOQx30/view?usp=drive_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

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Molly Dee. Molly is one of the artists who were selected for the Franklin Cultural District Artsy Box Project. The Artsy Box Project is now fully visible in and around downtown Franklin.This is the second of a 2 part series. This is my conversation with Molly Dee. She is the artist who did the utility box at the corner near the former Davis Thayer School. It was good to talk with Molly. She surprised me with an answer to a simple question. The show notes contain links to the photos showing the before, in process, and finished works.I hope you learn something about their art and appreciate a little more about the role of art in Franklin.Let’s listen to my conversation with Molly--------------For more about Molly Dee  https://www.mollydee.com/ Photo album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jsb9UJfHbzpA13qp6   Franklin Cultural District -> https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-district-committee The first part is

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. Quick recap:Approved a New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street Reviewed, took community input, and discussed adjustments to the work plan for the next 2 years. These Council "goals" are a mix of projects not completed in prior years (Historical Museum cupola), place holders for work coming (Objectives TBD from the Master Plan), and wordsmithing to better provide opportunity to accomplish the "aggressive" plan put forward by Town Administration Community input could be summarized in 3 areas: affordable housing, addressing climate change, and finding a workable solution even if a flag policy can't be foundAgreed to an increase for the ambulance rates. This is

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 5, 2023.  • ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this session7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONSa. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street  8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONa. Discussion: 2024-2025 Town Council & Town Administration Work Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._24-01_tc_and_ta_goals.pdf b. Resolution 24-01: Adoption of 2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-01 - Majority Vote)  9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTIONa. Bylaw Amendment 24-904: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,

This session of the radio show shares the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. Participating in the room: D Callaghan, A Charles, Supt. Giguere, Dr. Dutch, Dr. Rogers, Mike D’Angelo. Participating remotely: E GallagherQuick recap:District did issue an RFP with pricing separately, once qualifications were confirmed, Fran Locker & Assoc selected for visioning and planning aspects to work with Kaestle Boos report as baselineD’Angelo provides info on building work around the Town, all the schools built; Across the three complexes, Remington Jefferson roof needs to be placed; fire alarm system, heating/cooling systems all need to be replaced (except interior air handlers); Similar story for the other two complexes, eventuallyBuilt out a ten year projection for the facilities across the district with details on the items for replacement, etc. McKibben demographics updated with 2020 census info, presentation comi

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning; Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum STEM; and Dr Tim Frazier, Director of Curriculum ELA & SS. We had our conversation in person at FPS Central Offices on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. At a high level our topics were:Instructional designEmphasis on professional learningUniversal design for learningCapturing & analyzing the Data MCAS just one data point, use of summative & formative Curriculum review programThe recording runs about 38 minutes so let’s listen to our conversation on teaching and learning in the Franklin School District.--------------Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent Teaching & Learning page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/office-teaching-and-learning Teaching & Learning update to School Committee as referenced ->https

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 3, 2024. All three board members participated; Harris, Sweet and Mu-Chow. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor Conference room (not training room). Quick Recap:Adjusted meeting schedule for 2024 to remove July, August and schedule as needed for those monthsHumanitarian housing crisis update shared; 80 individuals with work visas at the hotel; job fair being scheduled, working to set up rides via GATRAGo (funded via grant); state to do a mobile clinic for vaccinations likely coordinated by this local groupDiscussion around plan for reduced oxygen packages used by some facilities in Town, additional requirement to be added to get a formal plan and process for them by the individual operations (use of consultant if necessary)Info packet produced on “Eat Safe Foods after a Power Outage” - Timely, open to additional health related ideasRound of reports from inspections, nurse and epidemiologist

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversations with Shilpa Adduri, Jeni LaBollita, and Julia Dwinell. These three are among the artists who were selected for the Franklin Cultural District Artsy Box Project. Yes, the Artsy Box Project is now fully visible around downtown Franklin. These 3 conversations were recorded in April 2023 before the painting had actually begun.This is the first of a 2 part series. The second part is my conversation with Molly Dee. Molly and I did get to record after the Artsy Boxes were completed (June 2023). In the conversation, each artist provided some of their background, about their work, and in particular on their Artsy Box project. The show notes contain links to the photos showing the before, in process, and finished works.It was good to talk with Shilpa, Jeni, and Julia. I hope you learn something about their art and appreciate a little more about the role art can play here in Franklin.--------------Shilpa AdduriFacebook page - https://www.face

This session of the radio show shares the output of The Climate Minute podcast episode hosted by Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist, where he and I talked with Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo. We met to record via the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, December 28, 2023.  The key topic for this session is Cobi’s advocacy for Franklin to be part of the Climate  Leader Community program established by the State of MA. Our conversation covers the six criteria for this program:Be a Green Community in good standing Have a local body (sustainability committee, energy committee, etc.) that advises the municipality on clean energy/climate initiatives Commit to eliminate on-site fossil fuel use by 2050 (municipal buildings/operations) Create a municipal decarbonization roadmap Adopt a Zero-Emission Vehicle first policy Adopt the Specialized Opt-In building codeThis discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it he

This shares my interview and discussion with Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula. Our discussion was conducted in the Franklin TV & Radio studio.Diane calls herself a “Rotary kid” as she grew up with her father as a member for many years.We talk about the Rotary Club as “service before self”, meeting twice a month at the Rome Restaurant in Franklin. The annual pasta dinner for seniors in June, the Valentine’s Brunch for seniors coming up in February, and other events they host in Franklin. This “small but mighty” group is always looking for new members.The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Diane as we talk about what the Rotary does for Franklin.--------------Franklin Rotary Club page  http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Home.aspx?accountid=3689 Prior Interview (Nov 2020) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-400-franklin-ma-rotary-club-111720.html Interact Club efforts (August 2020)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-inter

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice Chair Dave McNeill. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Friday, December 22, 2023. Two key topics for this conversation were recapping the School Committee meeting on Tuesday Dec 12, 2023, the past year, and with a healthy outlook into 2024.The recording runs about 32 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice Chair Dave McNeill.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net Contact info for Dave McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.netSchool Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 12/12/23 meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-12-23.pdf Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-schoo

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Wednesday, December 19, 2023.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday timesLibrary events for January 2024All agesKiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsThe show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended..The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Event highlights we covered in this conversationhttps://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2023-franklin-library-news-eventsFranklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library Library Calendar of Events ->  http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm Volunteer tax assistance program info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/adult-programs-services/pages/volun