Saturday, November 17, 2018

Town Administrator Search Subcommittee - Meeting Nov 14, 2018 - audio

FM #152

This internet radio show or podcast is number 152 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is the of the Town Administrator Search Subcommittee held Wednesday, Nov 14, 2018. The subcommittee is comprised of Town Councilors Matt Kelly, Tom Mercer, Melanie Hamblen, and Debbie Pellegri. Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director for the Town of Franklin also participated.

The position was posted in several places from Oct 18 to Nov 13. 24 applications were received. All met the minimum BA requirement. 18 met the minimum of 3 years of town administration experience but only 4 were directly in that role. One additional candidate held a deputy role. This would provide a pool of five candidates to work with.

The discussion around the unique qualifications of the Franklin role and form of government lead into the qualifications of the current Deputy Administrator Jamie Hellen. Jamie started in Jan 2016 and has been working to learn the role for almost three years.

The committee moved to bring Hellen forward as the candidate for replacing Jeff Nutting upon his retirement to the full Town Council. Jeff had previously announced his retirement to begin sometime in 2019. If the Council does not agree with this approach, the subcommittee can return to work with the pool of candidates gathered thus far.

The session recording runs just approximately 33 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.





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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive and open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
  • If you don't like this, please let me know.


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit 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 and 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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes


Flashback Friday: An Alumni Cabaret - Nov 23

THE BLACK BOX will present Flashback Friday: An Alumni Cabaret on Friday, November 23 at 7:30 PM. Enjoy performances by alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) and Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) in an intimate cabaret venue with a professional band. Singers will be reprising some of their favorite past performances from FSPA and FPAC.

Students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national and international tours, regional theater, TV, feature film, professional dance companies, opera companies, and more.

Tickets are available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Flashback Friday: An Alumni Cabaret - Nov 23
Flashback Friday: An Alumni Cabaret - Nov 23

Recycling Center: open on Saturday and Sunday for leaf and brush disposal

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Due to construction and an accidental electric panel fire, the Franklin recycling center will be closed until Nov. 20, though it will be open on Saturday and Sunday for leaf and brush disposal. 
Through the weekend the center will be open during regular hours – Sat. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. , Sun. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Franklin DPW director Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi said the house that was used to make transactions at the center is growing old and needs to be replaced. 
“The house just got old and moldy and was rotting away,” he said. “So we’re just building a new one.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181117/franklin-recycling-center-open-this-weekend-for-leaf-and-brush-disposal-only

Urgent: Recycling Center Closed until Tuesday, November 20
Urgent: Recycling Center Closed until Tuesday, November 20

In the News: Supreme Court to hear arguments in census citizenship question

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

"The Supreme Court says it will hear arguments over the evidence a federal judge can consider in the lawsuit concerning the addition of a citizenship question to the 2020 census. 
U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman is currently presiding over a trial in New York to determine if Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross acted legally when he decided to include the citizenship question on the decennial census for the first time since 1950. 
That trial is expected to conclude soon. The justices set arguments for Feb. 19 and it is unclear whether Furman would delay his ruling until after the Supreme Court decides the case. 
The high court had previously allowed the trial to go forward, rejecting a Trump administration request to delay it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181116/supreme-court-to-hear-arguments-in-census-citizenship-question

Background info on the census question 

1 - via Pew Research
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/03/30/what-to-know-about-the-citizenship-question-the-census-bureau-is-planning-to-ask-in-2020/

2 - Fact Checking from NPR
https://www.npr.org/2018/03/27/597436512/fact-check-has-citizenship-been-a-standard-census-question

3 - The Census Bureau's 72 year rule
https://www.census.gov/history/www/genealogy/decennial_census_records/the_72_year_rule_1.html

The 1950 census form asked where respondents were born and whether they were naturalized. Census.gov/Screenshot by NPR
The 1950 census form asked where respondents were born
and whether they were naturalized. Census.gov/Screenshot by NPR

US Census: Now hiring for the 2020 Census

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of workers for temporary jobs available nationwide in advance of the 2020 Census.

The 2020 Census Jobs website allows applicants to apply for a range of positions, including recruiting assistants, office operations supervisors, clerks, census field supervisors and census takers. The positions will be located across 248 Area Census Offices nationwide and offer flexible work hours, including daytime, evenings and weekends.

Available jobs:

  • Recruiting assistants travel throughout geographic areas to visit with community-based organizations, attend promotional events and conduct other recruiting activities.
  • Office operations supervisors assist in the management of office functions and day-to-day activities in one or more functional areas, including payroll, personnel, recruiting, field operations and support.
  • Clerks perform various administrative and clerical tasks to support various functional areas, including payroll, personnel, recruiting, field operations and support.
  • Census field supervisors conduct fieldwork to support and conduct on-the-job training for census takers and/or to follow-up in situations where census takers have confronted issues, such as not gaining entry to restricted areas.
  • Census takers work in the field. Some field positions require employees to work during the day to see addresses on buildings. Other field positions require interviewing the public, so employees must be available to work when people are usually at home, such as in the evening and on weekends.

Applicants will be placed in an applicant pool for 2020 Census field positions for positions they qualify for and will be contacted as work becomes available in their area. For more information, contact 1-855-JOB-2020. 

Applicants may also contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

For more information, please visit the 2020 Census Jobs page 
https://2020census.gov/jobs/

US Census: Now hiring for the 2020 Census
US Census: Now hiring for the 2020 Census

Friday, November 16, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - Friday, Nov 16

We have been assessing the situation at our schools and across town early this morning. As a result of last night's snowfall, we will have a 2 hour delay on Friday, November 16, 2018.

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:
The ECDC morning session will be cancelled. The ECDC extended and full day sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session.

As a result of lingering snow on sidewalks, emergency busing will be in effect and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

The District's office will open on time.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/two-hour-delay-due-weather-conditions-friday-11162018

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - Friday, Nov 16
Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - Friday, Nov 16

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Nov 16 - THU Nov 22


Friday, November 16
 Book sale setup
10:00am
 Knitting Group
7:00pm
 Harlem Wizards vs. Franklin Public Schools
7:30pm
 Dean College presents "Footloose" (Sold out)
8:00pm
 Broadway's Sara Jean Ford
8:00pm
 Sara Jean Ford in Concert
Saturday, November 17
9:00am
 Book Sale
9:00am
 St Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group
9:30am
 Family Yoga Adventure
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
2:00pm
 Dean College presents "Footloose" (Sold out)
7:00pm
 FHS Panthers Hockey Concert
7:30pm
 Dean College presents "Footloose" (Sold out)
7:30pm
 OCC Concert: Simon & Garfunkel Tribute by Swearing & Kelli
8:00pm
 Circle of Friends: Eliza Gilkyson
Sunday, November 18
9:00am
 Winter Decorating Day
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm
 Dean College presents "Footloose" (Sold out)
2:00pm
 Chess Group
4:00pm
 Quartett Giocosa with Irina Kotlyar
Monday, November 19
10:30am
 Move Along
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
3:00pm
 Monday Crafternoons
3:30pm
 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids
Tuesday, November 20
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
10:30am
 Get Ready for Kindergarten
Wednesday, November 21
10:30am
 Terrific Toddlers
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
2:00pm
 Library Closing
8:00pm
 The Noyz
Thursday, November 22
 Library Closed
 Thanksgiving Day
7:00am
 Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run
4:00pm
 Fandom Thursdays

For the interactive version, please visit

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Nov 16 - THU Nov 22
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Nov 16 - THU Nov 22

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series: Quartett Giocosa with Irina Kotlyar - Nov 18

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents Quartett Giocosa in collaboration with pianist Irina Kotlyar on Sunday, November 18 at 4 pm. Violinists Heather Goodchild and Irina Fainkichen are joined by Irina Naryshkova on Viola, cellist Elizabeth Schultze, and Irina Kotlyar on Piano to perform the E flat Major Quintet, Op.44 by Robert Schumann and the Quintet in A Major, Op.81, by Antonin Dvorak. Cocktails and tea will be available. Quartett Giocosa was formed in 2017. The quartet players met years ago at the Cape Symphony, where they are all members.
Irina Kotlyar
Irina Kotlyar

Collectively, the members of QG have played with master musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Mstislav Rostropovich, Anne Sophie Mutter, Mark O’Connor, Wynton Marsalis and Sarah Vaughan. They have worked under the leadership of conductors such as Christoph Eschenbach, Michael Tilson Thomas, Jane Glover, Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa, and the incomparable Jung-Ho Pak and have played with orchestras including the Bergen Philharmonic, the Royal Danish Orchestra, the Atlanta and Oklahoma Symphonies, the Boston Lyric and Chicago Opera Companies and the Upsala Chamber Orchestra.
Quartett Giocosa
Quartett Giocosa

Irina Kotlyar, born in Kharkov, Ukraine, earned her degrees from Rubin Academy of Music. With Gregory Shifron, the Kotlyar-Shifrin Piano duo has won several International prizes and awards, including the Murrey Dranoff International Two Piano Competition (1999, Miami,) and an International competition in Poland (1999), and has performed throughout Israel, Europe and America.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Eliza Gilkyson Nov 17

Nov 17
ELIZA GILKYSON
with Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry


"Eliza’s latest album, SECULARIA, is out now and the reviews have been fantastic. “Now nearly a dozen records into a fruitful tenure with renowned folk label Red House, Gilkyson is producing the best music of her career,” says the Austin Statesman. 
Gilkyson’s music, in the classic folk music tradition, has always offered a vivid reflection of the times we live in. SECULARIA, the long-awaited follow-up to The Nocturne Diaries, is a collection of spiritually charged songs that don’t fit within the parameters of traditional religious beliefs and challenge us to embrace a more inclusive perspective, to respect all life and to be accountable for our actions in these divisive times."
http://elizagilkyson.com/?p=898

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Eliza Gilkyson Nov 17
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Eliza Gilkyson Nov 17


Tickets available at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse  http://www.circlefolk.org

Swearingen & Kelli Recreate The Magic Of Simon & Garfunkel - Nov 17

"Don't miss this trip down Memory Lane! Swearingen and Kelli recreate the music, memories and magic of the most famous folk-rock duo of our time, Simon and Garfunkel. 
AJ Swearingen has been performing this music for twenty years with mastery of Paul Simon's intricate guitar playing. His deep baritone blends perfectly against Kelli's angelic vocals delivering a true tribute to the sound of the 1960's Greenwich Village, NY coffeehouse performances. 
Jayne Kelli finds her way to the heavenly highs of Art Garfunkel with a soaring and effortless soprano delivery, while AJ Swearingen displays his dexterity with Simon's well-ensconced guitar riffs," according to The Capital Gazette. 
Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street. 
For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.


Swearingen & Kelli  Recreate The Magic Of  Simon & Garfunkel - Nov 17
Swearingen & Kelli  Recreate The Magic Of  Simon & Garfunkel - Nov 17

Volunteers Needed for Holiday Decorating Nov. 18

Adult volunteers are needed for holiday decorating on Sunday, Nov. 18. Volunteers are needed to help install wreaths, bows and greenery, or supervise teen volunteers.

Volunteers will meet us on Sunday at the downtown bridges at 9 a.m. Please contact Lisa if you are available to volunteer.

IMPORTANT: If you have a planter in front of your storefront, please remove flowers to make room for holiday greens this weekend.

Volunteers Needed for Holiday Decorating Nov. 18
Volunteers Needed for Holiday Decorating Nov. 18
This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2018/11/volunteers-needed-for-holiday-decorating_15.html

Franklin Public Library: Book Sale - Sat Nov 17; Bag Sale - Sun Nov 18

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, is scheduled Saturday, November 17, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Bag Sale is scheduled for Sunday, Nov 18 from 9:00 AM to Noon.

Franklin Public Library: Book Sale - Sat Nov 17; Bag Sale - Sun Nov 18
Franklin Public Library: Book Sale - Sat Nov 17; Bag Sale - Sun Nov 18

“The goal is to get rid of Type-1 diabetes”

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

"At Noelle Day Spa and Salon, there’s no need for a lawn to have a yard sale. 
After the business’ recent remodel, owner Noelle Carpenter noticed she had a lot of extra stuff to get rid of. Carpenter determined that many of the items were still in good condition, so she figured out a way to help a good cause. 
“Instead of throwing all this extra stuff we had away or selling it, we thought, ‘Why don’t we just put everything in this room and give the money to charity?’” she said. 
The money will be going to JDRF, an organization dedicated to research on Type 1 diabetes, a cause close to her own heart."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181116/franklin-yard-sale-boon-in-fight-against-type-1-diabetes

“The goal is to get rid of Type-1 diabetes”
“The goal is to get rid of Type-1 diabetes”


Thursday, November 15, 2018

FHS Panthers Hockey - “Concert at THE BLACK BOX” - Nov 17

FHS Panthers Hockey - “Concert at THE BLACK BOX” - November 17, 2018
Doors open at 7:00 PM, Bands start at 8:15 PM

Music and Raffles
$30 advance/$35 door
3 Bands, Cash Bar

For tickets, email: fhspanthershockey@gmail.com

  • 8:15 PM - Slew Foot
  • 9:25 PM - South Street Six
  • 10:30 PM - Karate Show
FHS Panthers Hockey  “Concert at THE BLACK BOX” - Nov 17
FHS Panthers Hockey  “Concert at THE BLACK BOX” - Nov 17

Lifelong Community Learning: Winter Registration Opens December 1

Registration opens on December 1st for the 2019 winter session at Lifelong Community Learning. Beginning in January and February, winter courses will provide opportunities to exercise, dance, and paint. 

Sports offerings will include – badminton, basketball, and volleyball; or join our Football and Coffee class, just in time for the playoffs. You can also enjoy food demonstrations and tastings or explore the Italian language. 

We even have a class in digital photography as well as financial planning. It’s all here…so many opportunities and all reasonably priced.

And once again this winter we are pleased to announce new opportunities in our Kids’ Corner program … a place where fun and learning meet. This program is a unique collection of after-school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children’s creativity. Children can explore art, cooking, science, yoga, and even knitting.

To see the complete listing of winter offerings and to register, visit us online at www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. You can also call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480 for more information.

Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for residents in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities.


Lifelong Community Learning: Winter Registration Opens December 1
Lifelong Community Learning: Winter Registration Opens December 1

Franklin, MA: Official Results for 11/06/18 State Election

Town Clerk Teresa Burr and her office have completed the tally and posted the official results for the State Election held on November 6, 2018. The final totals confirm a record turnout for a state election with 65% of the voters casting a ballot.

The precinct totals for each of the offices and ballot questions can be found below or on the Town of Franklin page (the link will open a PDF file)
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/state-election-11618-official-results





The updated election totals since 2003
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LbHtNPM62lS6fI5nj2ZwyhSWBUs0qM4e/view?usp=sharing



Franklin, MA: Official Results for 11/06/18 State Election
Franklin, MA: Official Results for 11/06/18 State Election

The Franklin Town Clerk page with additional information
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

The 'election collection' can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html



Election Information for Nov 2018
Election Information for Nov 2018

MassBudget: Proposed "public charge" rule may stoke anxiety among current citizens as well as immigrants



  MassBudget: Proposed "public charge" rule may stoke anxiety among current citizens as well as immigrants     Proposed "public charge" rule
November 14, 2018




Proposed "public charge" rule may stoke anxiety among current citizens as well as immigrants

Our country has long welcomed and valued immigrants. But a "public charge" rule proposed by the Trump Administration could fundamentally change the nation's approach to immigration and could cause families to avoid or withdraw from necessary public benefits.
In its new brief, A Chilly Reception: Proposed Immigration Rule Creates Chilling Effect for New Immigrants and Current Citizens, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) examines how Massachusetts might be affected by the proposed public charge rule. This rule would require immigrants applying for legal permanent residence (a "Green Card") to demonstrate that they have not, do not, and will not likely receive any of a list of publicly-funded benefits, including MassHealth (Medicaid) and SNAP ("food stamps").
Potentially 500,000 people in Massachusetts could withdraw from needed benefits out of fear or confusion about this rule that has not yet gone into effect. Of these, 160,000 are children, most of whom are U.S. citizens and not even directly affected by this proposed rule.
The proposed rule could directly affect people applying for a Green Card (or permanent residence), but similar standards would also apply to those seeking to extend a non-immigrant visa or change their temporary non-immigrant status in the U.S. (such as from a student visa to an employment visa).
Currently, the public charge determination only assesses whether an immigrant will rely primarily on government benefits for financial support. By contrast, the proposed new rule would require applicants to demonstrate that "they have not received, are not currently receiving, nor are likely in the future to receive public benefits," and the proposed rule would also significantly expand the list of public benefits taken into consideration when assessing whether someone might be deemed a "public charge." Reports indicate the "chilling effect" of this proposal has even reached immigrants on programs not on this list of potentially affected benefits.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108


Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

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