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Thursday, October 29, 2020
How You Can Protect Yourself from Hackers and Scammers
Voices of Franklin: Barry Kassler responds to James Gianotti Jr on the Community Preservation Act
First, Mr. Gianotti is right when he says that these are difficult times. What he may not be aware of is that many CPA communities have used their CPA funds to create emergency housing assistance programs for people in their communities who have lost jobs due to the pandemic. That would not have been possible without the CPA.
Mr. Gianotti states that the CPA would cost Franklin residents “thousands of dollars” each. That’s off by a factor of at least ten. The average homeowner in Franklin would pay $105 per year, or $26 per quarter. There is nothing “hidden” here. It will appear on tax bills on its own line, beginning next year. Residents who are low-income, or who are moderate-income seniors, can apply for an exemption from the CPA tax.
Mr. Gianotti states that those of us who support Question 3 “consistently rely on the most optimistic estimate of how much funding the state will chip in. …This is probably going to be way off.” In reality, the estimates of CPA revenue from the state have been conservative, and are realistic. State CPA funding depends on money collected at the Registry of Deeds, and collections for this year have been consistent with pre-pandemic levels.
The CPA is a perfect way for a community to maintain and improve the quality of life for all of its residents. Franklin is losing out on state funding which only goes to CPA communities. We already pay into that fund, but get nothing back. That will change when Franklin adopts the CPA. Many of our neighboring towns have already done so, including Wrentham, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Mendon. In fact, over half of all Massachusetts cities and towns are now CPA communities.
I urge you to vote to adopt the CPA in Franklin by voting Yes on Question 3.
Barry Kassler
Franklin
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
Voices of Franklin: James Gianotti Jr - "Just say NO to Question 3"
Who would honestly ask for more taxes in the middle of a pandemic?
Your Franklin's governing body would. It’s much more than just not right its downright shameful to be asking citizens at this time for more money. We all know someone in your family or your friends that are going through what might be the toughest times of their lives and having big challenges with their day-to-day bills. Massachusetts has the highest unemployment in the country and businesses are closing every day. What’s even worse there is no end in sight.
With that I am opposing the CPA for a few reasons. Remember, the CPA can only fund four kinds of things - historic preservation, affordable housing, open space, and parks and recreation projects. These are all nice to have, but we need to focus on our MUST have list right now – namely schools, police, and fire departments and have compassion for our fellow citizens who don’t know when their next paycheck is coming, Lets also not forget, in addition, to talk about an override vote “soon” to raise town taxes, we are also facing increases to water and sewer costs and a completely new tax (cleverly described as a utility) to fund federally mandated stormwater treatment and mitigation – expected to total something like $50 million dollars over the next several years.
CPA is about “pet projects” not these critical projects that we absolutely must do.
In addition, CPA proponents consistently rely on the most optimistic estimate of how much funding the state will chip in. Given the condition of the state’s budget and the state, this is probably going to be way off.
So, if we pass CPA, we will be stuck with an additional burden, one that will hit many people when they can least afford it. Consider the example of a couple where both wage earners have been laid off. Maybe they need to downsize and hope the equity they have achieved in their home over the last few years will help them through. Guess what? That’s when CPA will hit them, to the tune of thousands of dollars! That’s what’s called a hidden tax. You vote for it because it won’t affect you right away, but when it does, it’s a big hit!
Our town is economically diverse. While there may be some families that can easily afford CPA, for most, it could be devastating. Above all, 2020 is not the year to be gold plating town spending and hitting those who can least afford it.
I ask you all to have some compassion for those currently and those that will be fighting for their American Dream during the pandemic.
Just say NO to Question 3
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Community Preservation Act (CPA) For Franklin Discussion - 10/22/20 (audio)
FM #374 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 374 in the series.
This session shares the conversation about the Community Preservation Act. The conversation was conducted on Thursday, Oct 22, 2020 via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The voices you will hear in order of appearance will be that of mine, Monique Doyle, Roberta Trahan, and Susan Speers.
The show notes contain links to the Community Preservation Act webpage and other social media links.
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Community Preservation Act web page https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cpaforfranklin
Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/cpa_for_franklin/
Twitter account https://twitter.com/cpa_franklin
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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/
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"
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| Community Preservation Act (CPA) For Franklin Discussion - 10/22/20 (audio) |
Franklin School Committee - Workshop - Oct 28 - 6:00 PM
Franklin School Committee
October 28, 2020
6:00-7:00 P.M.
- Call to Order
- DLI Demonstration -- Teaching and Learning in Remote/Hybrid Environment
- Adjournment
DLI - digital learning integrationist. These are the new roles added to the school department to assist with the remote and hybrid learning during this pandemic.
Franklin School Committee: DT Facility Analysis Subcommittee - Oct 29
Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee
DT Facility Analysis Subcommittee
DATE: 10/29/2020 TIME: 6:00-7:00
Approval of past minutes (9/30/20)
Discussion:
○ Planning for Community Info Session #2
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| DT Facility Analysis Subcommittee - Oct 29 |
FHS field hockey and both cross country teams top Mansfield on Tuesday
Via HockomockSports.com, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Oct 27.
Girls Cross-Country = Franklin, 29 @ Mansfield, 30 – Final
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| FHS field hockey and both cross country teams top Mansfield on Tuesday |
Women’s Faith Formation Ministry - meets Saturday, Nov 7
The Women’s Faith Formation Ministry at St. Mary Parish has begun. This meeting is open to ALL women.
We meet on the first Saturday of each month from 9:30-10:15am.The video/speaker presentations will last approximately 15-20 minutes and will be followed by 15-20 minutes of discussions and/or questions. No homework or preparation is involved.
If you are interested in attending our monthly meeting, please email Deacon Guy (deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org) to receive information and the Zoom link to attend.
Women’s Faith Formation Ministry - meets Saturday, Nov 7
Commonwealth Magazine: MCAS coming in spring; Gov Baker calls ranked choice too complicated
From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:
"MCAS exams coming in spring, education officials say"
"TOP MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATION officials on Tuesday insisted MCAS exams will be held next spring and urged districts to conduct in-person learning even if they are located in communities at high risk for COVID-19 – as long as there is no evidence the transmission is occurring in schools.
Testifying virtually before the Legislature’s Education Committee, state Education Secretary Jim Peyser and education Commissioner Jeff Riley said their guidance to school districts has been updated to reflect that districts are encouraged to remain open even if their community is red on the Baker administration’s color-coded map.
School districts had been asked to review at least three weeks of community COVID-19 data before adjusting learning models. Now the Baker administration officials say three weeks in red is not enough to move to remote learning.
“We are not seeing the spread take place, clustering take place in the schools as initially feared,” said Riley."
Continue reading article online https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/mcas-exams-coming-in-spring-education-officials-say/
"Baker calls ranked-choice voting too complicated"
GOV. CHARLIE BAKER said on Tuesday that he opposes ranked-choice voting because it’s too complicated for both voters and election officials to carry out.
The governor said voting is already complicated enough. “From our point of view, this thing [ranked-choice voting] is too complicated to have on top of that,” he said at a State House press conference. “The counting process alone could get unbelievably difficult.”
Jesse Mermell, an honorary co-chair and senior advisor to the ranked choice campaign, said ranked choice was implemented in Maine with no problems and has been in use in Cambridge since 1941.
“I think that’s insulting to Massachusetts voters,” she said of the governor’s comments.
“We have new procedures and protocols in place”
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"For election security, four police officers will be staffed at Franklin High School, the town’s only polling location for all eight precincts. Two will be stationed inside, and another two will keep watch outside.
Even in a normal election cycle, this would be among the busiest times of the year for city and town clerks and other election workers. But the upcoming presidential election is unlike any other.
A variety of factors — the coronavirus pandemic, caustic political rhetoric and worries about election integrity — are forcing clerks in MetroWest and Greater Milford to take measures they’ve never before taken, and implement new policies and standards to account for what is shaping up to be the busiest election cycle for these workers.
Clerks have been so busy putting in place health and security precautions while processing mail-in ballots and early voting that it was difficult for these public servants to find time for an interview with the Daily News."
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| early voting was underway when I stopped by to observe the ballot opening processing on Sunday |
"New York state now 'highly discourages' any non-essential travel to and from MA"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Public health officials confirmed more than 1,000 new COVID-19 infections for the fourth consecutive day Tuesday and the latest report shows all four of the state’s primary COVID-19 metrics trending in the wrong direction. The Department of Public Health reported 1,025 new coronavirus infections Tuesday and announced the recent COVID-19 deaths of seven individuals.
The seven-day average of the positive test rate is now 1.7 percent -- more than double its low-point value of 0.8 percent from just more than a month ago. Despite the steady climb in the percentage of tests that come back positive, DPH said Tuesday that it still sees a “positive trend” in that metric.
There were 567 people with COVID-19 hospitalized in Massachusetts as of midday Tuesday, up by 17 patients from midday Monday. The three-day average number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is 552, up about 83 percent from its low point of 302 patients, DPH said. As with the positive test rate, DPH said that it sees a “positive trend” in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19."
"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER urged Massachusetts residents to celebrate Thanksgiving differently this year, limiting any gatherings to people you live with or with whom you are regularly in contact.
Any bigger gathering, the governor’s top COVID advisor said, should be done remotely. “You could actually Zoom Thanksgiving with your family and friends across the country,” said Marylou Sudders, the secretary of health and human services.
Baker and Sudders said the science is clear that a traditional Thanksgiving, with people gathering indoors for most of the day to eat, watch football, and eat some more, is not appropriate during COVID. Sudders called it “the worst possible scenario for spreading the virus.”
Gov Baker's press conference on Tuesday https://youtu.be/jHUqjwtX9Qs
Voices of Franklin: Raymond Milici -"Have You Noticed, l Have"
In Kelly's campaign mailings circulating throughout the district, you would get the impression that Jeffrey Roy. a Democrat. is endorsing Kelly. Representative Roy was asked and his answer was no. However photos of Kelly and Roy are prominently displayed on campaign mailings. This is an obvious attempt to attract Democrats to Kelly's campaign. This is not the person I would want representing me in the State Senate.
Raymond D Milici
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis - step by step process
The Davis Thayer Elementary School was authorized for further analysis through a study as prescribed by the School Committee Policy FCB - Retirement of Facilities. The rationale for the facilities analysis includes:https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysisAlthough preliminary enrollment projections are available, the District will be obtaining more detailed and thoroughly analyzed demographic details and enrollment projections. Additionally, the District will be examining the Davis Thayer facility and space utilization/availability across the district. You can find detailed information as is becomes available on the lefthand links.
- the age and design of the facility;
- decreased enrollment across the district; and
- economic efficiency.
Updates related to this study will be shared at regular intervals at School Committee meetings, online and directly with the DT community, at least on a monthly basis. We recognize this process can be emotional; the District is committed to engaging in this study with the greatest of care towards students, families, and staff.
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| Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis |
You are invited to celebrate with FPAC - Nov 14
Join us for a unique evening of entertainment, food, fun, and fundraising for FPAC and THE BLACK BOX!!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 8 p.m.
Enjoy
at home a delicious DINNER prepared and packaged by "3"! Your dinner
can be delivered to you by one of our celebrity guests or you can
drive-through at THE BLACK BOX to pick it up.
Dress up (OR NOT)! Send us a picture of Your 2020 GALA LOOK and be entered to win a prize!
After
your pre-show cocktail hour and dinner at home, get ready for our
virtual event! The fun begins when you join our LIVESTREAM at 8:00 p.m.
Dive into your GALA SWAG BAG and see what gifts and surprises are yours! Dessert is included in your treasure trove!
Enjoy FPAC's GALA HOST and Your Broadway Buddy – Ben Cameron!!
Participate in our ONLINE AUCTION before and during the Gala! The ONLINE AUCTION goes live on November 1st – start bidding!!
Bid on our featured "LIVE" AUCTION ITEMS!
Call
in to our GALA TELETHON! Make a donation and chat it up with one of
our Celebrity Guests Jim Hogan, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Emily Koch,
Christopher Rice or Clay Thomson!
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| Celebrity Guests Jim Hogan, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Emily Koch, Christopher Rice or Clay Thomson |
And, of course, enjoy top-notch FPAC Gala ENTERTAINMENT featuring our Broadway Friends and FPAC Favorites!
During GALA TECH WEEK watch for daily fun including the Gala cocktail recipe and celebrity promo fun!
A
special Gala pre-show production number will be premiered featuring
FPAC youth, alumni, and special guests. Students whose parents have
purchased two VIP or Premium tickets are welcome to participate in the
GALA VIDEO, choreographed and produced by Christopher Rice and Clay
Thomson!
Gala proceeds benefit initiatives of
THE BLACK BOX and FRANKLIN PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY
Mansfield tops Franklin in both girls and boys soccer and golf
Via HockomockSports.com, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Monday, Oct 26.
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| Mansfield tops Franklin in both girls and boys soccer and golf |