Reminder: first session of "How to Spot Misinformation Online" Monday, Jul 18 at 1 PM

Join Steve Sherlock to walk through an online course from the Poynter Institute and MediaWise on how to spot misinformation online. 

Sign up at the Senior Center to participate for these session whether in person or via Zoom. 

When: 

Monday, July 18 - 1 PM (part 1)

Monday, July 25 - 1 PM (part 2)

“This free short course from MediaWise for Seniors will teach you how to tell what’s true and false on the internet. By looking at examples of political, health, travel and climate misinformation, you will learn techniques for identifying false information and how to seek out trustworthy sources. 

Christiane Amanpour, Joan Lunden, Lester Holt, Hari Sreenivasan and Dave Jorgenson — MediaWise Ambassadors — will also pop in to share their advice as experienced journalists to help you navigate information on platforms like Google, Facebook and more.”

The online course is listed as taking 1-2 hours. We have scheduled 2 one hour sessions to allow for discussion and following links to research current examples along the way.  

How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center

You can register with Poynter Institute and take the course on your own 

https://www.poynter.org/shop/fact-checking/how-to-spot-misinformation-online-july-2021/

If you want to attend via Zoom please use the form here ->   https://forms.gle/QzD4b9qwZayM42cv9

Remote meeting extension approved by Legislature, signed by Gov Baker

"On July 14, the House and Senate passed legislation (S. 3007) extending key pandemic-era accommodations, including remote meeting authorizations, to March 31, 2023. Once the governor signs the bill, cities and towns will retain the option to hold public meetings remotely, following the same guidelines that have been in place since the COVID public health emergency was first declared in March of 2020.

Back in May, a remote meeting extension was included in the final FY23 Senate Budget as an outside section, but this language was advanced by the Senate as a standalone bill last week with the July 15 expiration approaching and the final budget still tied up in negotiations. The House later passed its own version of the bill, including language that would have created a permanent mandate for remote access to all public meetings aside from those in executive session, with a provision requiring remote participation by the public if public participation is allowed or required at the meeting. This would have gone into effect on April 1, 2023."

Continue reading the article online from Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA)

https://www.mma.org/legislature-passes-pandemic-extensions-through-march-31-2023/

Updated via email from MA AG's Division of Open Government

"On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law An Act Relative to Extending Certain State of Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the expiration of the provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.  Specifically, this extension allows public bodies to continue holding meetings remotely without a quorum of the public body physically present at a meeting location, and to provide "adequate, alternative" access to remote meetings.  The Act does not make any new changes to the Open Meeting Law other than extending the expiration date of the temporary provisions regarding remote meetings.

In partnership,

 

The Attorney General’s Division of Open Government"

PDF of the email -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w9ujM7vNCcKF-RQiJ0cIWUKuXuc98FB-/view?usp=sharing 

S.3985 is on the Governor's Desk per the Executive office queue on the Mass.gov page ->  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/on-the-governors-desk

The text of the legislation just approved can be found ->    https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2985

The Franklin Town Council holds a hybrid meeting. (Photo courtesy town of Franklin)

Via The Marginalian: "The Baloney Detection Kit: Carl Sagan’s Rules for Bullshit-Busting and Critical Thinking"

Maria Popova, creative genius behind "the marginalian" (previously "brain pickings") writes:

Carl Sagan (November 9, 1934–December 20, 1996) was many things — a cosmic sage, voracious reader, hopeless romantic, and brilliant philosopher. But above all, he endures as our era’s greatest patron saint of reason and critical thinking, a master of the vital balance between skepticism and openness. In The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (public library) — the same indispensable volume that gave us Sagan’s timeless meditation on science and spirituality, published mere months before his death in 1996 — Sagan shares his secret to upholding the rites of reason, even in the face of society’s most shameless untruths and outrageous propaganda.

In a chapter titled “The Fine Art of Baloney Detection,” Sagan reflects on the many types of deception to which we’re susceptible — from psychics to religious zealotry to paid product endorsements by scientists, which he held in especially low regard, noting that they “betray contempt for the intelligence of their customers” and “introduce an insidious corruption of popular attitudes about scientific objectivity."

Continue reading about Carl Sagan's rules for Bullshit-Busting and Critical Thinking ->  https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/01/03/baloney-detection-kit-carl-sagan/

The Baloney Detection Kit: Carl Sagan’s Rules for Bullshit-Busting and Critical Thinking

This will also be referenced in the 2-session class scheduled for the Senior Center (and virtual) on how to detect misinformation online ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/how-to-spot-misinformation-online-2.html

How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center - Jul 18 & 25

Join Steve Sherlock to walk through an online course from the Poynter Institute and MediaWise on how to spot misinformation online. 

Sign up at the Senior Center to participate for these session whether in person or via Zoom. 

When: 

Monday, July 18 - 1 PM (part 1)

Monday, July 25 - 1 PM (part 2)

“This free short course from MediaWise for Seniors will teach you how to tell what’s true and false on the internet. By looking at examples of political, health, travel and climate misinformation, you will learn techniques for identifying false information and how to seek out trustworthy sources. 

Christiane Amanpour, Joan Lunden, Lester Holt, Hari Sreenivasan and Dave Jorgenson — MediaWise Ambassadors — will also pop in to share their advice as experienced journalists to help you navigate information on platforms like Google, Facebook and more.”

The online course is listed as taking 1-2 hours. We have scheduled 2 one hour sessions to allow for discussion and following links to research current examples along the way.  

How to Spot Misinformation Online - 2 sessions at Franklin Senior Center

You can register with Poynter Institute and take the course on your own 

https://www.poynter.org/shop/fact-checking/how-to-spot-misinformation-online-july-2021/

Franklin School Committee: Superintendent Evaluation Subcmte - June 7, 2022 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee

6/7/22 - 6 - 7:00pm

Municipal Building - 3rd floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Call to order

● Review and summarize superintendent evaluation data

● Adjournment

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/6.7.22_superintendent_evaluation_subcom_agenda.pdf

Franklin School Committee: Superintendent Evaluation Subcmte - June 7, 2022 - 6 PM

Board of Health hears about chicken coop encroachment issue; no new housing inspections, 1 COVID death in May (audio)

FM #811 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 811 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. One board member was in the 3rd floor training room along with Health Dept staff. The other two members participated remotely. All votes were via roll call.

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 1, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-811-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-06-01-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_06012022_3.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yMfZYjMA6weyYUsAn_0ExswMcKcDhM19/view?usp=sharing 

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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"

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal

Parking may be the hot topic for Town Council meeting Wednesday

1 - Among the items for the Town Council agenda for Wednesday's meeting are two items that were  discussed at the prior Economic Development Subcommittee meeting. 

To move the parking fines item forward, there were interesting actions among the members before it finally got a vote to pass (first vote was 2-2 which failed to pass the motion forward). The other item was incompletely discussed (time ran out). 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-879 to Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._downtown_parking_fines.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-880 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-880_downtown_parking_map_0.pdf

Prior EDC recording & notes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/economic-development-subcommittee-moves.html

2 - Among the other items on the very full agenda:

• The two compliance check failures are rescheduled for their hearing
• An update from 4th District Congressman Jake Auchincloss
• Another in the set of street acceptances
• Presentation on the audit report for FY 2021 (clean!)

Agenda doc & connection info   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_may_4_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 7 PM

Recap: School Committee decides on new school Superintendent: Lucas Giguere

Quick recap:

• The Special School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 6 PM resulted in a new School Superintendent, current asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere was approved b y a 7-0 roll call vote 
• Chair Denise Spencer opened the meeting with a review of the process to date. Each member of the committee commented on the development of their decision before the vote to approve. After a brief 5 minute recess during which Chair Spencer confirmed the offer and acceptance by L Giguere, she asked for volunteers for the contract negotiation subcommittee to be formed and begin work immediately
• Meeting adjourned with a 7-0 roll call vote. Two members were remote for this and the regular meeting hence the roll call voting for all decisions (Stokes, Whitmore)

My Twitter thread is captured in this PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q51iGa9mqNXdD3WSexi81G8Uvn_sVc9Q/view?usp=sharing

new Superintendent Lucas Giguere at the regular School Cmte meeting with FHS student science fair winners

Special School Committee Meeting - Apr 26 at 6 PM - Agenda

Special Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Agenda

Call to Order Ms. Spencer 

1. Deliberation on Candidate for Superintendent of Schools 

Adjournment

Agenda doc with connection info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-26-22_special_mtg.pdf

Special School Committee Meeting - Apr 26 at 6 PM - Agenda

Hybrid public forum scheduled for Monday, May 16 to the review the draft zoning recommendations

Franklin For All Public Forum - Monday, May 16 at 6:30PM

UPCOMING HYBRID PUBLIC FORUM! On Monday, May 16 at 6:30 PM, join MAPC and the Town of Franklin for the next Franklin For All hybrid public forum. This event will take place at The Black Box (15 West Central Street) and over Zoom. Weigh in on draft zoning recommendations and learn about next steps for the rezoning effort. Doors to The Black Box open at 6:00 PM. Click the button below to register and tell us if you plan to attend in-person or remotely. Register Here! www.mapc.org/franklin-for-all

Metropolitan Area Planning Council | 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 Sent by ebattaglia@mapc.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

“Remote access is the latest instance of universal design"

"Many byproducts of the pandemic cannot disappear too soon – the illness, the social isolation, the toll constant anxiety is taking on our collective mental health. Yet some societal changes have become a silver lining to the pandemic – the realization that some jobs can be done as efficiently at home, the convenience of telehealth, and increased access to government by livestreaming public meetings.

The first real debate about whether to cut off that access has come from the Governor’s Council, the body that vets and confirms judicial nominees."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/should-remote-access-to-government-continue-2/ 

hybrid Town Council meeting early in March 2022

Franklin Q&A with Steve Sherlock Wed. March 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM

Each month, I provide a quick recap of what's happening, what to be aware of, and take your questions on any and all things Franklin, MA. If I don't have the answer we'll get it for you.

If you would like to be part of this, you can join us in person at the Senior Center or sign up here to participate via Zoom.  https://forms.gle/YDWBnJ26vvYGLsa49

When: Wednesday, March 23 at 11:00 AM

Where: in person at the Senior Center or via remote (sign up with form above)

Franklin Q&A with Steve Sherlock Wed. March 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM

Reminder! Learn about zoning in Franklin Monday, Mar 7, 2022 at 7 PM

Franklin for All Public Forum Monday, March 7, 7 p.m.

Join the Town of Franklin and MAPC for our first public forum on Monday, March 7 at 7PM! This will be a hybrid meeting that takes place in the Council Chambers at Town Hall (please note the change in location) and over Zoom. Click the link below to register and tell us if you plan to attend in person or remotely. Register for the March 7 Forum www.mapc.org/franklin-for-all

Metropolitan Area Planning Council | 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 Sent by ebattaglia@mapc.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin Art Assoc: Acclaimed Pastel Artist Dave Kaphammer - March 2

Acclaimed Pastel Artist Dave Kaphammer will present a demonstration to the Franklin Art Association on Wednesday, March 2 at the Franklin MA Senior Center. Don't miss the chance to meet this outstanding artist and to see his creative skills!

For those who are not able to join us in person, the meeting will also be live-streamed on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7298884226.NEXT

Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting.

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30 PM

Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin, MA 02038

Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4875334709170434&id=493467777357171

Franklin Art Assoc: Acclaimed Pastel Artist Dave Kaphammer - March 2

Franklin for All - Public Forum - March 7, 2022 at 7 PM

Franklin for All Public Forum - March 7, 2022 at 7 PM

The Town of Franklin is working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on Franklin For All, a study commissioned by the town to build on Franklin Center's existing assets and overcome barriers that are preventing the area from fully realizing its potential as a vibrant, mixed-use destination via rezoning. 

A vision for Franklin Center will be defined by utilizing feedback from focus groups and public forums.

Franklin For All's first public forum is on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 7 PM. It will be a hybrid meeting that takes place in the Council Chambers at Franklin Town Hall, (355 E. Central Street) and over Zoom. 

Please register for the Zoom session (and to be informed of continuing efforts) at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrdeutpzwvHdyO2z-d4dc6OS0py3faxZR7 

 You can learn more about this project on our project website here:https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Franklin for All  - Public Forum - March 7, 2022 at 7 PM

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-public-forum-march-7th-2022-7pm

Sign up for the Franklin Matters Q&A Session - Feb 23, 2022 - 11 AM (hybrid)

Please join me for an informative and informal Q&A session. This will be a hybrid meeting. I plan to be in the Senior Center and will have the Zoom conference bridge available for remote participation. 

We will try something new this time with a special guest: Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger will join us for the discussion.

When: Wednesday, Feb 23,2022 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (conf room upstairs on left) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form:   https://forms.gle/52iVgVhNdKEa6A5h9

Franklin Matters Q&A session scheduled for Feb 23, 2022 - 11 AM

Recap: Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Quick recap:

• Board of Health conducted their normal business approving minutes of prior meeting, hearing updates from nurse, epidemiologist and inspector. 
• Winter St demolition approvals in process, other abandoned housing being addressed in coordinated manner with attorney general
• problem with ordering at home test kits, not as easy as it was lead to be, no date yet for availability
• multiple residents commented against a mask policy in light of the request at the prior meeting for the Board to consider one.

Agenda for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_02022022_1.pdf

Board of Health meetings are generally scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month at 5 PM

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

• Real time reporting for the Board of Health meeting underway, #boh0202  Winter St update provided, prior meeting minutes approved (twice, once 2-0; then 3-0; 3rd member arrived)
• Some audio items on the Zoom bridge worked through to be able to hear folks in the room clearly #boh0202
• Update from inspections, update from nurse, clinics being worked, COVID is still prevalent #boh0202
• Epidemiologist provides updates, working on reporting and tracking, new webpage/dashboard being put together, #boh0202
• At home rest kits ordered from lowest priced vendor, couldn't get ship dates; order cancelled, new being set, no date yet for availability, #boh0202 not as easy as it sounded.
• Property on Union St being worked collaboratively, police, fire, health, building, Attny General office coordinated - working on abandoned housing initiatives and making progress #boh0202
• Open to citizen comment, M Benson speaking to mask mandate discussion from last time to raise several issues, #boh0202 mask mandate would instill a sense of fear, not necessary
• Another citizen, (didn't catch name) anti mask comments, #boh0202 "respect the choice people have" define an exit strategy. D Videra, backing up M and Kevin, also anti mask, tremendous mental health issues, start tracking those in addition toCOVID-19
• Another citizen, (name missed) complaining that the school committee which is also supposed to be apolitical has members that just endorsed Senator Rausch so that doesn't work and is contradictory with other statements being made #boh0202
• No hands raised for other remote comments, #boh0202 Board comments, thanks for the citizen comments, good engagement, good commitment, folks need to stay safe and healthy motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0 via roll call

 

Audio recording to be available in a couple  of days

Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking