Back-to-School Safety PSA-Brookline Police Chief Jen Paster (video)

As our kids head back to school, their safety is our top priority. The is launching our first ever television commercial with a PSA. 's Police Chief Jen Paster along with her children are featured in our commercial. 

"It is important to remind everyone that it is all of our responsibility to help keep our kids safe as they head to and from school, and we are happy to be part of the effort to get that message out." 

Our Public Service Announcement will be airing on radio, television and digital in all three broadcast markets across the Commonwealth

Watch the 34 second PSA here -> https://fb.watch/mNIQzXouCZ/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

https://fb.watch/mNIQzXouCZ/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

Urgent: Public Disclosure of the new FY 2022 Real and Personal Property Valuations - PENDING PRELIMINARY CERTIFICATION

Public Disclosure of the new FY 2022 Real and Personal Property Valuations - PENDING PRELIMINARY CERTIFICATION

Please see the following notice from the Board of Assessors:

The Town of Franklin has completed a revaluation as required by the Department of Revenue and has received permission to disclose the proposed values pending preliminary certification from the DOR.  The Fiscal Year 2022 values are based on the value of property as of January 1, 2021 and were developed analyzing Calendar Year 2020 sales and also income and expense information received for apartment, commercial and industrial properties.  The analysis by the Assessors' Department indicates that over the prior year assessments, single family properties increased in value by about 8%, residential condominiums increased by about 7%, residential vacant land stayed about the same overall, apartments increased by about 22%, commercial property increased by about 11% and industrial property increased by about 10%.

These are preliminary statistical averages.  Some properties increased in value, some properties remained essentially the same in value and some properties decreased in value.  Some properties have a substantial increase in value due to additions and/or renovations to the property or due to corrections in the property data descriptions resulting from a review, a re-measure and/or a re-inspection in the course of our town-wide cyclical review and revaluation programs.

From November 17, 2021 to November 23, 2021 real and personal property values are available for review at the Franklin Municipal Building during normal business hours from 8 AM to 4 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8 AM to 6 PM on Wednesday, and 8 AM to 1 PM on Friday.  A listing alphabetically by street address is available.  Real property values by Location, Owner or Parcel ID are available on the Town's website at www.franklinma.gov under Departments, then Board of Assessors and then select FY 2022 Proposed Real Estate Assessments.

Any taxpayer who is concerned with the accuracy of the valuation of their property should contact the staff at the Assessors' Office at the Franklin Municipal Building (508) 520-4920. Remember in accordance with Massachusetts General Law that these assessed values represent property values as of January 1, 2021 based primarily on Calendar Year 2020 actual market data and not the current or any projected future property market indicators.

At the end of the public disclosure period, we will request final certification of the FY 2022 revaluation assessment program from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Please note that this is pending Preliminary Certification from.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/alerts/franklin_fiscal_year_2022_public_disclosure_-_press_release.11.16.2021.docx.pdf

Visit the Town of Franklin Assessors page to inquire on your property ->  http://franklin.patriotproperties.com/default.asp?br=exp&vr=6

Urgent: Public Disclosure of the new FY 2022 Real and Personal Property Valuations

"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio)

From January 20, 1961 wise words show the work still needs to be done:

"So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens . . . (and) let the oppressed go free."

And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."

President John F Kennedy's first Inaugural Address can be found (text and audio)

https://www.jfklibrary.org/archives/other-resources/john-f-kennedy-speeches/inaugural-address-19610120

The last episode in the "It Was Said" podcast gets into the context for this inaugural address. Well worth the 34 minutes to listen to:

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vaXQtd2FzLXNhaWQ&ep=14&episode=MWM1NTcxZGEtZTdlMS0xMWVhLTk1ZDYtZDNkZDQ1ZTFjNGEw

 

"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio)

Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to social distancing

"Ben knows it is still important to keep space between yourself and others!  #DoYourPartFranklin #SixTailsApart #ItStillMatters #BensGuide @franklinpolice @FranklinMAfire @FranklinPSNews https://t.co/5dVsBEvV4P"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1344327103848841220?s=03

Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to social distancing

“Any public communications would promote only the topic, not the elected official”

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"AN ELDERLY MAN speaks dispiritedly on a TV public service announcement about having been a victim of financial fraud.  But his frown quickly morphs into a big smile as he talks about how Secretary of State William Galvin got him his money back.

“I like to bring good news,” says Galvin on the ad. “If you’ve been the victim of financial fraud, we might be able to help. Call me.”

The public service announcement is another in a long line that Galvin has been running at taxpayer expense since he took office 25 years ago. From April 2019 to March 2020, Galvin spent close to $2 million of taxpayer money to produce and air five different public service announcements, according to documents obtained under the public records law.

The announcements undoubtedly perform a public service by alerting the public to the services Galvin’s office provides. But they also serve as a form of taxpayer-funded advertising for Galvin the politician."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/galvin-mixes-public-service-promotion/

Not the first time for this issue of Galvin's PSA usage to be questioned  https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/22/ethics-officials-say-mass-secretary-state-used-public-resources-for-political-gain/A9lh58iTVfem8xA2GAzFrO/story.html

MA COVIDTeam says: "Answer the call"

AlertsMA: Help support contact tracing efforts and answer calls with 833 or 857 area codes from the MA COVIDTeam. Learn more: mass.gov/covid-trac

The Public Service Announcement (PSA) shown in the briefing: https://youtu.be/aV990fAGeOk




Gov Baker's full press conference update on May 7, 2020 = https://youtu.be/quCFtxHdwzI

"social distancing in Massachusetts is working"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker had a simple message Thursday for residents looking for their “chance to fight back” against COVID-19: Answer the phone. Apparently, many people are not.

Baker, along with local and non-profit partners participating in the state’s first-in-the-nation contact tracing program, said the effort will become even more important for the state to identify hot spots and track the spread of the virus as businesses start reopen.

Officials, however, said fewer than 50 percent of people diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts are answering their phones on the first try by contact tracers to reach these individuals and assist them with self-isolation.

“If you get a call or a text from your local board of health or the COVID team it’s vital you take that call,” Baker said. “As we see the curve flatten we can begin thinking about permitting some businesses to resume operations and we want to reinforce that by increasing the importance of testing and contact tracing.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200507/virus-tracing-efforts-hinge-on-people-answering-phones/1

The Public Service Announcement (PSA) shown in the briefing: https://youtu.be/aV990fAGeOk

Carlo Geromini Receives Public Service Award

Mr. Carlo B. Geromini, a member of Franklin’s Quattro Eroi Lodge, 1414, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, was presented with the Public Service Award by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts on Sunday, May 5, 2019. The recognition was part of the Massachusetts Education and Law Awards, presented under the leadership of the Commission for Social Justice Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America,

Honorees and audience members were welcomed by Marilyn Petitto Devaney, Governor’s Councilor and member of the Commission for Social Justice. The Toastmaster of the event was Mr. Duke Castiglione, Anchor/Reporter, WCVB TV, Boston, MA. Mr. Geromini was presented with his award by Mr. Donald McGowan, Commission for Social Justice, and Mr. Antonio Sestito, State President.

Mr. Geromini addressed the audience and shared stories that painted a picture of his personal life and his professional contributions. Mr. Geromini’s parents immigrated from Tuscany as teenagers. They married, had eight children, and helped Mr. Geromini to understand and value both his Italian and American heritage.

Mr. Geromini served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, was educated at Boston College, and began his professional career as a high school teacher. After working as a substitute teacher, Mr. Geromini was hired as a full-time teacher at the Institution School at M.C.I., Norfolk, MA. He served as a teacher for 10 years before being promoted to school Principal, a position he held for 22 years.

Mr. Geromini introduced a variety of courses, programs, partnerships, and collaborations that garnered him recognition as a leader in the correctional education system. Mr. Geromini received national recognition when a group of his students successfully competed against universities on the TV Show, “Quiz Bowl”.

One of the strongest accolades of Mr. Geromini and his dedicated service to education was spoken by a former student: “To many, prison is a negative experience; however, in the darkness of that negativity, Mr. Geromini is a beacon of light.”

In addition to his work as an educator, Mr. Geromini has given generously of his time and talent to the Franklin community. He has served on the School Committee, Town Council (two terms as Chair) and the Library Board, as well as the Democratic Town Committee.

For information about the Quattro Eroi Lodge, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SonsOfItalyFranklinMA/

left to right are: Peter Geromini, Carlo Geromini, Antonio Sestito, Chris Geromini

Franklin High School: Chromebook PSA 2019

When the new Franklin High School building opened, approx. 1600 Chromebooks entered the daily life of the students. At approx. $200 each, they are relatively cheap and overtime will provide a better return than standard textbooks.

As with any technical device, the technology is great when it works, and can be frustrating when it doesn't. Taking care of the device is critical to the performance. This Public Service Announcement is a cool reminder of the need for taking care as well as a good showcase for the talented students work in media creation.

There is an annual insurance policy that is well worth purchasing for only $25.

Enjoy! (only 2 and a half minutes)





Chromebook lifecycle:
Chromebooks are issued to the incoming Freshmen class and expected to be used for the four years. The seniors turn in their Chromebooks upon graduation and the units are evaluated for reuse. 

Part of the capital needs for the school district have shifted from book and curriculum purchases to Chromebook replacements and software licenses. The Chromebooks and licenses are more easily kept up to date than hardcover materials.

Chromebooks have gradually expanded to the middle and elementary schools. The units used by those students stay within the buildings. High school students take theirs home to do homework and projects.

"Drunk? Stoned? Driving? Don’t.”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As the list of legal and commercially available substances that can impair a person’s ability to drive a vehicle grows to include pot, state public safety officials on Wednesday launched a public awareness campaign to urge drivers to find alternate transportation if they have been drinking or using marijuana. 

An average of 125 drunk or high drivers die on Massachusetts roads each year, Undersecretary for Public Safety and Security Jennifer Queally said, and a recent Department of Public Health survey found that one-third of people who said they have used marijuana in the last 30 days have also driven under the influence in the last 30 days. 

“The number of high drivers and the number of deaths on our roadways is already too high, no pun intended,” Queally said Wednesday at a press conference to launch the campaign. “Driving high, driving stoned or driving drunk is dangerous and illegal, but most importantly it is deadly.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20180809/no-difference-between-driving-drunk-or-stoned-new-psa-warns

https://youtu.be/l5Xc3FRLEek

In the News: parking bylaw vote next week, new law changes legal notice publication process

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A new set of parking rules will be up for final debate next week, and may be fully in place by the fall. 

The town has undertaken a revision of its parking bylaws as a project that reworks the downtown traffic flow enters its final stages. The Town Council is set to vote on the set of proposals at its meeting next week. 

The new regulations would remove parking meter language from the bylaws, and establish parking zones in which two-hour limits would be in place for certain parts of the day. The changes are intended to increase convenience for visitors to the area while discouraging commuters from tying up spaces all day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160802/franklin-parking-bylaw-vote-ahead

"A new bill - filed by State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and signed into law last week - is set to change the way legal notices are published in the state. 

The new law has the notice not only appear in newspapers, but on the papers' websites and a new statewide website, maintained by the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association (MNPA)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160802/franklin-new-bill-to-change-handling-of-public-notices

The press release from Representative Roy's office was published last week
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/new-law-requires-posting-of-legal.html

screen grab of a quick search for "Franklin" open meetings

Franklin Police: Drive Sober

The Franklin Police Dept has shared this public service announcement from the MA Highway Safety Division


A message from the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division.

For the 2014 holiday season, the MA Highway Safety Division produced this spot with assistance from the Lexington Police, Lexington Fire-Rescue, and Bedford Police Departments. The message is simple and needs no narration. It's our hope that these images will instill some common sense this holiday season. The spot was produced by The Rendon Group in Boston, MA.

Franklin (MA) Police

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Franklin Police News and Announcements mailing list.

"print newspapers no longer provide the reach"

The Milford Daily News reports that:

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, has drafted legislation that would authorize municipalities to post public notices online rather than having to pay the local newspaper to publish them. 

Roy last week testified before the House Joint Committee on the Judiciary, arguing that his bill would increase transparency and help "cash-strapped" cities and towns save money. 

Also testifying at the hearing were newspaper publisher executives who oppose the legislation. Newspapers, they say, "play a unique and time-tested role in publishing public notice advertising, and "to remove these ads from newspapers would be to undermine accountability, reduce transparency and weaken the economy."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915448749/Franklin-Rep-Roy-pushes-for-online-public-notices#ixzz2m882w7SY

Respectfully, I disagree with the position of the newspapers.They are in a dying market and lack a sustaining funding model. It is a matter of time before they go away. Something (like citizen journalism) will arise to fulfill the news gap to keep transparency and accountability around. I think their cynical approach is one of the contributing factors to their own decline but that is just my two cents.

Reward for lost cat (photo)

When you go looking for a lost cat, wouldn't it be nice to have a photo? We do, now happy hunting for Sal.

Hi Steve,
I was wondering if you would consider posting about my lost cat? I understand if it's not the right forum, but I am out of my mind with worry and I am reaching out to anyone in Franklin (Freecycle has graciously posted my message):

LOST CAT
Black with greenish/yellow eyes
No collar
Answers to "Sal"
Last seen around 248 Pleasant St., Franklin, on December 8.

He is exclusively an indoor cat - he has no idea what to do outside. If you see him, please call me at 508-541-4431 or email me at: Kelly@alphalab.com. If you can take him in and keep him safe, I would be eternally grateful.

REWARD

Thank you,
Kelly Stenstrom

kelly@alphalab.com

Attention: Reward for lost cat

Hi Steve,
I was wondering if you would consider posting about my lost cat? I understand if it's not the right forum, but I am out of my mind with worry and I am reaching out to anyone in Franklin (Freecycle has graciously posted my message):

LOST CAT
Black with greenish/yellow eyes
No collar
Answers to "Sal"
Last seen around 248 Pleasant St., Franklin, on December 8.

He is exclusively an indoor cat - he has no idea what to do outside. If you see him, please call me at 508-541-4431 or email me at: Kelly@alphalab.com. If you can take him in and keep him safe, I would be eternally grateful.

REWARD

Thank you,
Kelly Stenstrom

kelly@alphalab.com