Saturday, November 5, 2022

Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly - 10/26/22 (audio)

FM #873 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 873 in the series. 


This session shares the Tabulator Testing conducted in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Wednesday, October 26, 2022


Town Clerk Nancy Danello opened the session. Deputy Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald assisted and took over to close the session when Nancy left about 10:30ish for a meeting at the high school to plan for the election setup. 


9 or 10 election workers were sworn in to start the process. Other observers arrived as the process was underway. You can hear the welcomes, and overall instructions, and the various question and answer sections.


The full recording was edited to remove the extraneous conversations, noise, etc. The intent of the recording is to share the tabulator testing process as discussed in the open session. 


What is the tabulator? The tabulator is what most would refer to as the voting machine that reads the ballot and tallies the vote by precinct.


The outline of the steps as described by our Town Clerk is provided. The Early Opening sessions as mentioned did start on Friday, Oct 28 and complete Friday, Nov 4, 2022. The steps of the early opening process are provided in the show notes.


The Early Deposit session is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 5 at Franklin High School. They intend to process all the early ballots on Saturday. If something prevents that, they do have time scheduled on Sunday, if necessary.


Ballots still arriving via mail, election dropbox at the municipal building, etc. will be gathered sometime late Tuesday (Election Day), and transported to the high school for processing.


All results Tuesday are ‘unofficial”. The Town Clerk has a couple of days to back in the office to check all the totals before making them ‘official’ to submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.


The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.


The edited tabulator testing recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.


Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-873-town-of-franklin-tabulator-testing-10-26-22

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 


Transcript of the audio (except for the intro and closing segments read by me (Steve Sherlock)which are spelled out in the 'show notes' document.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ICGkw21S1u9YOQnitAKsklW6j8A76aM5/view?usp=share_link


Tabulator Testing Process outline  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I525elrG6Vhh_TwidcENERfjoRAEufxf/view?usp=share_link 


Early Opening outline ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I6tvfzTROGOl_dFYR5OKi58oCdrNAZBX/view?usp=share_link 


Vote by mail process diagram -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/vote_by_mail_process.pdf 


Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the voting changes in advance of the Sept State Primary ->

Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the overall election process -> 

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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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly
Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for Nov 8, 2022

Franklin School Committee
November 8,2022 - 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Organizational Meeting
Call to Order Mr. Giguere

Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

Organizational Meeting
  • Election of Chair
  • Election of Vice Chair

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
1. Payment of Bills TBD
B. Payroll TBD
C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Redistricting Advisory Committee Members
I recommend approval of the list of Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee
Members as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none

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 October 25, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $15.48 from Ohiopyle Prints for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.
C. Recurring Field Trip - Parmenter
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Bilodeau to take approximately 60 4th grade music students to RI Philharmonic on May 25, 2023 as detailed.
D. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $54.96 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
E. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,779.40 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.
F. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of the donation of the cost of a bus ($1,200.00) from “A Franklin Family” for the FHS history field trip.
G. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $2,891.40 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
H. New Student Activity Account
I recommend approval of the establishment of a new student activity account (Chess Club) as detailed.
I. Surplus Piano
I recommend approval of the request of Rebecca Motte to declare a piano as surplus that is beyond repair.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session
a. Approval of Executive Session minutes from October 25, 2022 School Committee meeting.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (3) for the purpose of discussing
strategy as it relates to collective bargaining with the Cafeteria, Van Drivers,
Secretaries, & ESP’s Units, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the bargaining position of the Committee, as declared by the Chair.

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc

Meeting packet folder


Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for Nov 8, 2022
Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for Nov 8, 2022

Franklin, MA: Franklin School Committee - Budget Workshop - Nov 8, 6 PM

Franklin School Committee
Budget Workshop
November 8, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building, 3rd Floor Training Room




Franklin, MA: Franklin School Committee - Budget Workshop - Nov 8, 6 PM
Franklin, MA: Franklin School Committee - Budget Workshop - Nov 8, 6 PM

Reporting by Walking Around: vandalism visible & great courtesy signal reminder

Be aware, in addition to some vandalism on the downtown decorations, there also appears to be a ladybug 'eater' on the loose. 
We need to do better folks. This is our place, let's take care of it.
vandalism visible - ladybug kicked and damaged
vandalism visible - ladybug kicked and damaged

 Great message! Thanks Franklin Police Dept...

"Turn signals, the original instant message"
"Turn signals, the original instant message"

There were originally shared via Instagram as I walked about town.  https://www.instagram.com/franklinmatters.ma/

FHS field hockey tops Barnstable and FHS football tops Weymouth; both teams to advance in playoffs

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, November 4, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below. 


Football =  = Division 1 = #16 Weymouth, 6 @ #1 Franklin, 36 – Final
1Q: (F) Jase Lyons 8-yard pass to Derek Dubriske, Garrett Portesi XP good; (W) Weymouth kick return, XP failed.
2Q: (F) Mike Davide 6-yard rush, XP failed; (F) Ethan Pflomm 22-yard fumble return, XP failed.
3Q: (F) M. Davide 2-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good.
4Q: (F) J. Lyons 13-yard pass to Luke Davis, G. Portesi XP good; (F) G. Portesi 33-yard field goal.

MIAA bracket says FHS will play Methuen at a date/time TBD

Field Hockey = Division 1 = #28 Barnstable, 0 @ #5 Franklin, 2 – Final 
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"Franklin has made no secret of its desire to make another deep playoff run, but, even for a team that reached the state semifinal a year ago, it’s natural to feel some extra nerves ahead of the opening tournament game, especially when facing an unfamiliar foe with a still relatively young roster.

The Panthers got a stiff challenge in Friday’s first round game at the Beaver St. Field. Barnstable, the No. 28 seed, was able to withstand Franklin’s pressure for long stretches of the game, keeping within a goal until the final five minutes of a 2-0 loss.

It was the type of battle that can be a reminder for a team that scored 129 goals in the regular season and has gone unbeaten in more than 60 straight league games that things are different once the tournament kicks off.

“You never know,” said Franklin coach Michelle Hess. “I’ve never played them before, I didn’t know anything about them, you can only watch so much film, and they show up and they’re better than I expected, especially being the 28 seed.”



MIAA bracket says FHS will play Needham at a date/time TBD

For other results around the Hockomock League  ->   https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-04-22/

Emily Carney was the spearhead of Franklin’s attack during its playoff opener against Barnstable, creating a number of scoring opportunities. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Emily Carney was the spearhead of Franklin’s attack during its playoff opener against Barnstable, creating a number of scoring opportunities. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Voices of Franklin: Karen Landers is Yes for Question 1

There are many opinions about whether to vote “Yes” or “No” on Question 1.  For those who have voted or will vote “No”, I wonder if you will regret your decision when some of the  services that we all pay for with our current tax dollars are eliminated for lack of funds.  

Our schools, roads, public transportation, bridges, etc. are not in great shape right now.  Imagine, when all of the extra funds that have been provided due to COVID is spent.  And there are also the funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.  All of that money will be gone one day.  Our quality of life may suffer.  I can see lots of tax override questions being argued in our towns.

Also, consider what will happen to our property values if schools fail, potholes increase, bridges collapse, there is more crime, public transportation comes to a halt.   Oh, boy!  I can see future increases in our real estate taxes, state income taxes, excise taxes, gas taxes, sales taxes, etc.  Those increases will hit everyone, not just the wealthy folks with high earnings.

Please think it through for yourselves.  Public services cost money.  This state’s transportation Infrastructure needs maintenance, repairs, and replacement.  Schools need to prepare our children for the future.  Workers need to be paid a fair wage.  Folks who earn lots of money can afford to part with a little more for the benefit of all.  Let’s allow them to do this.  

If you have not voted, yet, please vote “Yes” on Q1.  If you have already voted “Yes”, thank you!

Karen Landers 
Franklin MA


To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

Voices of Franklin: Karen Landers is Yes for Question 1
Voices of Franklin: Karen Landers is Yes for Question 1

Volunteer Tutors are needed for the Franklin Public Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program!

If you have the time and interest to help adult learners improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening, we have a volunteer opportunity for you!

To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be trained and all supporting materials will be provided. 

The time commitment is one orientation session, 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. 

If interested, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or use this form ->  https://forms.gle/CnuoFsu7kgmCf7Z57


Volunteer Tutors are needed for the Franklin Public Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program!
Volunteer Tutors are needed for the Franklin Public Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program!

Friendly Reminder: LiveARTS Piano Recital Sunday, Nov 6 at 3 PM


LiveARTS Piano Recital
Presents

Victor Rosenbaum
in Recital
THIS SUNDAY, November 6 at 3:00pm
Victor Rosenbaum
 A live concert featuring:

LiveARTS' Artist of the Year
Pianist Victor Rosenbaum
REMINDER!!
You don't want to miss this concert!

 
Victor Rosenbaum performs music of Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms, and a premiere performance of a new work by Lewis Warren.
Sunday, November 6th - Time: 3:00 PM
Location: First Universalist Society in Franklin,
262 Chestnut St., Franklin MA
Tickets  
 Adults- $25.00 - Students 18 and under- by donation
Tickets available at the door
Accessible Parking and Building 
Visit our website liveartsma.org to purchase tickets on-line and for more information.

Copyright © 2022 LiveARTS, Franklin, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038


Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp

Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) 2022-23 Winter Heating Season Begins November 1, 2022

LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30. The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), which pays a portion of heating cost for eligible households, is now accepting applications. LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30. The LIHEAP program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development in partnership with a network of 20 agencies across the state. No matter what type of heating source you have, LIHEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.

Eligible Massachusetts households, can apply online at www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP

or find their local agency at hedfuel.azurewebsites.net (enter Franklin)

Note: when I followed both links, they agreed in determining that Self Help, Inc is the service provider for Franklin. You can apply online directly at -> https://www.toapply.org/SHI

67 Degrees Cornhole Tournament has two time slots open for Sunday, Nov 6

November 6th is the new date for our Cornhole Tournament!  
The weather is looking like a warm fall day, so tap the link in our bio to grab your tickets ASAP!!
Two time slots available 12 noon to 2:30 PM or 3:00 to 5:30 PM (scroll down past the beer) https://commerce.arryved.com/location/BEPyvnP6/modality/pickup/



67 Degrees Cornhole Tournament has two time slots open for Sunday, Nov 6
67 Degrees Cornhole Tournament has two time slots open for Sunday, Nov 6

Tried to cancel a service but couldn’t? Learn steps to take




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Jim Kreidler

Have you ever been unhappy with a service — like your phone or Internet — and tried to cancel it? But, when you tried, you found it difficult or nearly impossible? 

Learn about the ways companies illegally trick or trap people who use their services, steps to take, and your rights.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/10/tried-cancel-service-couldnt-learn-steps-take




Tried to cancel a service but couldn’t? Learn steps to take
Tried to cancel a service but couldn’t? Learn steps to take




Share your feedback on the MA Climate Change Assessment by Nov 16

Live in Massachusetts? 
We need your feedback on #ClimateChange impacts in the state. 
Review the draft #MAClimateAssessment Report and share your feedback by November 16!

Link to report page -> https://t.co/pLQnkcx7Ip Report sections available in multiple languages

Executive summary -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-7/download

State Report -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-available-in-english/download

Regional Summary -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-8/download

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/XndXVamRaa


What does it say for the Central Region (where Franklin is categorized)?

What does it say for the Central Region (where Franklin is categorized)?
What does it say for the Central Region (where Franklin is categorized)?



Share your feedback on the MA Climate Change Assessment by Nov 16
Share your feedback on the MA Climate Change Assessment by Nov 16

Friday, November 4, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 4, 2022 to Nov 10, 2022

On the civic duty front, the last in person voting happens today at the Town Clerk's office. The last of the early opening of mail ballots also happens today in the 3rd floor training room at the Municipal building. On Saturday. the ballots thus processed will be 'early deposited' into the voting machines. 'Early deposit' reads the ballots into the voting machines but doesn't run the tape of the results until Tuesday, Election day

Dean students have three sessions scheduled for their Ats Mosaic Friday/Saturday. Celebrate Diwali at the Library Saturday or check out the Newcomers Craft Fair which returns for the first time since COVID. Want to have a say in future events the Library is planning, stop by or join virtually on Saturday for a brief session. 

Close out the day by viewing (or participating) in the Gala and Telethon for the benefit of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). Broadcast available via YouTube on either the FPAC channel or the Franklin TV channel.

Sunday you can chose cornhole tournament or classical piano concert among the #artshappeninghere in Franklin.


Friday, November 4

8:00am - Early Voting (Town Clerk Offices) 9:00am - Advanced Removal Of Early Voted Ballots From Envelopes (3rd floor Training room, Municipal Building)

5:30pm - JP Royer (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - David Rak (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm  - Arts Mosaic (Dean College)


Saturday, November 5

9:00am - Newcomers & Friends Craft Fair (Tri-County RVTHS)

9:00am - Advanced Depositing Of Early Voted Ballots (Franklin High School)

10:00am - Tri-County RVTHS Open House (targeted for middle school students)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - Diwali Celebration (Franklin Library)

2:00pm - Arts Mosaic (Dean College) 4:00pm - 2023 Library Events Round Table (Franklin Library)
7:30pm  - Arts Mosaic (Dean College)

Sunday, November 6 -  Daylight Saving Time ends

12:00pm - Cornhole Tournament  (67 Degrees Brewery)
12:00pm - Thee Taco Dude (food truck)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

3:00pm - LiveARTS: Artists of the Year, Victor Rosenbaum (FUSF, 262 Chestnut St)


Tuesday, November 8

6:00am - State Election at Franklin High School (all precincts)

7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (Emma’s Quilt & Cupboard)

7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting  (67 Degrees Brewery)


Wednesday, November 9 7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group
Thursday, November 10 6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 7:00pm - Opening Reception - Franklin Art Association (Escape Into Fiction)

This is a static summary of the calendar. Visit the 'live' calendar for any updates.

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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 

Community Calendar
Community Calendar