Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Disability: visible, or invisible, or in-between

"Disabilities are usually categorized as visible or invisible — but what about the in-between? I was born with a congenital foot deformity that affects the muscles, bones, and tendons. But thanks to early surgeries and years of casting, I look pretty normal to the average person. The only catch? Chronic pain, limited mobility and a “special occasions” wheelchair that my friends and family have never seen."

Continue reading the visual article online (a gift article from my subscription)

DPW layouts the multi-year infrastructure project costs to the Town Council (audio)

FM #1043 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1043 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers; Jones was absent, Hamblen covered as clerk for the meeting.


Quick recap:

One appointment to the Agricultural Commission was approved. Daniel Morse moved from an associate role to a full seat. Likely a future appointment coming for a new associate.


Two PUBLIC HEARINGS were conducted. These previously were reviewed by the Economic Development Subcommittee and forwarded with unanimous approval. Both measures passed by 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 absent)

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  


Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

The presentation doc can be found here ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/pages/councl_update_aug_23.pdf 

i. Current Project Updates

ii. Pavement Management Program & Sidewalk Plan   

iii. Water Tank Master Plan


Discussion: Proposition 2 ½ Operating Override. As noted during the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting, Jamie provided an overview on the Prop 2 ½ process. Attorney Cerel provided an overview of the more pertinent nuances of what could be done, and importantly what can’t be done.

i. Process - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator  

ii. Campaign & Political Finance and Ethics Laws - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney 


The recording runs 3 hours and 8 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on July 19, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1043-town-council-mtg-08-16-23



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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf


My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17mCqfZ5ZEaL6jBcpFEFFOrqh8NrW6noP/view?usp=drive_link 


Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-town-council-quarterbacking.html


Franklin TV meeting video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/vlYIlCbc4hs 


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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"


DPW team presenting to the Town Council 08/16/23
DPW team presenting to the Town Council 08/16/23

DPW layouts the multi-year infrastructure project costs to the Town Council
DPW layouts the multi-year infrastructure project costs to the Town Council

Is the US Headed Towards Another Civil War? | Barbara F. Walter | TED (video)

"Based on her work for a CIA task force aimed at predicting civil wars, political scientist Barbara F. Walter examines the rise in extremism and threats to democracies around the globe -- and paints an unsettling picture of the increasing likelihood of a second civil war in the United States. If you love watching TED Talks like this one, become a TED Member to support our mission of spreading ideas: https://ted.com/membership"
Video link -> https://t.co/sxLSSAfEmk 

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17

The Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts will be presenting its 17th Annual Cactus and Succulent Festival on Norfolk Town Common and also in the Norfolk Library over the weekend of September 16th and 17th. 

The Festival is open on Saturday from 9 AM until 4 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM until 2 PM. Admission is Free. The First 50 attendees on each day will receive a free cactus or succulent plant! While the Show is on both Saturday and Sunday, the Sale is only on Saturday.

On display will be hundreds of striking cacti and succulents. Often referred to as living sculptures, cacti and succulents are truly exotic plants. From as small as a pebble to as big as a house, these plants have devised many ways to deal with blazing hot deserts, freezing mountains, and impenetrable jungles.

The Festival will also feature more than 25 Horticultural Vendors and a Farmer’s Market. So attendees can treat themselves to fresh produce and exotic plants all in one beautiful location – Norfolk, Mass.

For more information, check out the Massachusetts Cactus and Succulent Society website at CSSMA.ORG or on Facebook.

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17
Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 16 & 17

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not



Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Cristina Miranda

Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That's a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/if-you-paid-scammer-gift-card-your-money-gone-maybe-not




If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not
If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids in September, 2023

Kids Take & Makes: Apple Core Magnets! Available Friday, September 1st

Stop by the library to pick up your very own Apple Core Magnet Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own fruity magnets! The perfect craft for a cozy fall day! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

September Book Bingo! Friday, September 1st – Saturday, September 30th

Collect your BINGO board at the Children's Room Reference Desk and play along all month long! Complete a row in any direction and win a special coloring sheet! Complete the entire board and win a prize pack!! Deadline to pick up prizes is Monday, October 2nd.

Rockabye Beats! Saturday September 2nd @10:30AM

Rockabye Beats is back for another performance! Enjoy hands on learning through music, dancing, Spanish, and fun! No matter your age, this original music program is enjoyable for the whole family!

Apple-icious Scavenger Hunt! Friday, September 8th – Sunday, September 10th

Honeycrisp Granny Smith! McIntosh, Red Delish! It's apple picking season! Can you find the 10 apples that are ready for picking here at the library?

Kids Paint Party! Saturday September 9th @1:00PM

For kids ages 5-11! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own puppies & pumpkins themed masterpiece! REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! The same painting will be taught in Sept., Oct., and Nov. - please only register for 1 date.

Bluey Bash! Saturday September 30th @10:30AM

Let's celebrate everyone's favorite canine family with an awesome morning of games, crafts, snacks, dancing and more!

Library Hours

The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Library will be closed Monday September 4th for Labor Day. Sunday hours of 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM will resume after Labor Day.

Find the full September schedule of events on the Library page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library


Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids in September, 2023
Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids in September, 2023

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 
  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:00 am     FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022
8:30 am     Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?
9:00 am     It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce
10:00 am Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo
11:00 am Senior Connection: Council on Aging
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
1:00 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
1:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2
3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Pauline Spender
5:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: James Johnston
8:00 pm 4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am     Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
9:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22
11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23
1:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: D'Angela Alberty
3:00 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23
5:30 pm     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19
7:00 pm     U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
9:30 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Medfield 04-18-23

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
8:00 am School Committee: 08-08-23
12:00 pm Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory: 08-15-23
2:00 pm School Committee: 08-08-23
7:00 pm     School Committee: LIVE Chambers  875 2567 5548  Pass 575128  - YouTube Town hall channel
7:00 pm     Conservation Commission: LIVE Room 326A Fl3  862 0554 1947 - YouTube Education channel

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Monday, August 21, 2023

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Dean College has always shared a strong connection with the Universalist Church. It’s founder, Oliver Dean was instrumental in the growth of Universalism in Franklin.
Rob Lawson
Rob Lawson

Our next Second Sunday Speaker will be Dean History Professor, Rob Lawson, who will explore that connection and the relationship the Universalists had with the school. Historic documents will be on display from the First Universalist Society Franklin. 

Join us Sunday September 10 for this revealing discussion on Franklin’s history. Doors open at 1:00PM and the presentation starts at 1:15. 

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheel chair accessible and always FREE. The Second Sunday Speaker Series are sponsored by The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation
Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Franklin TV: Our Open Meeting – It’s History!

It Happened Yesterday (Saturday) with a Good Turnout.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/20/2023

Our Annual Open Board Meeting is now in the history books as part of our annual neighborhood block party at our 23 Hutchinson St. studios.

Franklin TV: Our Open Meeting – It’s History!
Franklin TV: Our Open Meeting – It’s History!
We gathered at 3 PM. Our brief open board meeting began at 4:00 PM to vote on a single agenda item to extend Pandora Carlucci’s board membership for three-years.

Our Board President, Dr. Anne Bergen opened the meeting and introduced our board members to the gathered group of friends and neighbors. Then the vote was recorded for continuing Pandora’s term.

I provided a brief update on a few other matters:
  • Our annual income is slowly dwindling v our expenses and the expanded work we do for schools and government.
  • Our recent construction of a new additional Town Hall meetings facility.
  • The upcoming Comcast channel reassignments, slated for August 29th. Our new Comcast channels are: Public 6, Educational 8 and Government 9. Verizon viewers are unaffected.
In sum: Another enjoyable Saturday afternoon and successful open board meeting. Thanks to our board members who contribute their time and energy to help make Franklin●TV all that a public access TV studio can be. 

If you would like to become involved either as a volunteer or to create your own TV or radio programs at Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm, just send an email to: info@franklin.tvwith your contact information. 

You can also call us to discuss and explore your ideas. 508-541-4118.
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf    

Wonderful World of Wine - wfpr.fm: Episode 244 Wine Scores (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 244


Exploring all things wine with you!

In this episode Kim and Mark discuss wine scores.


Here are some topics we cover when discussing wine scores:


Definition of Wine Scores: Explain what wine scores are and how they are assigned by wine critics and professionals.


Scoring Systems: Explore different scoring systems used by various publications and critics, such as the 100-point scale or the 20-point scale, 5 stars, and discuss their pros and cons.

We discuss our experiences with wine scores and articles that bring up issues with them.


Also covered are many tips for you to consider if scores are valuable 


Cheers

Kim and Mark


#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #podcast #winetasting #wineeducation 


Soundcloud link ->  https://on.soundcloud.com/xCBr3



Wonderful World of Wine - wfpr.fm:  Episode 244  Wine Scores (audio)
Wonderful World of Wine - wfpr.fm:  Episode 244  Wine Scores (audio)


Panther TV: Principal Hanna holds round table with FHS Class Presidents (video)

Mr. Hanna filmed a roundtable discussion with our three class presidents. 
Watch it here: https://t.co/gtFpYp6755


Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 22. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Senator Spilka's 55+ Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 14, 2023

Please save the date for the 2023 Fair, taking place Saturday, October 14, again at Keefe Tech School in Framingham.   

 

We look forward to seeing you on October 14, 2023.


RSVP online at -> https://karenspilka.com/fair2023


Senator Spilka's 55+ Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 14, 2023
Senator Spilka's 55+ Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 14, 2023


Register O’Donnell Announces 41,000th Book Printed at Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Celebrating a significant milestone at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, Register William P. O’Donnell today (08/17/23) announced the Registry recently completed printing its 41,000th book of recorded land documents, marking an important occasion for the many who appreciate the convenience of modernization and the reliability of the time-tested method of printing land document books to keep records.

 

Register O’Donnell noted, “The printing of our 41,000th book, which includes land documents such as deeds, homesteads, mortgages, and mortgage discharges, is a significant event in the life of the Registry and a testament to the volume of work completed each and every business day here at the Registry of Deeds. The printing of Book 41,000 links us to the Registry’s rich history, which dates back to 1793.

 

The printing of Book 41,000 links us to the Registry’s rich history, which dates back to 1793
"The printing of Book 41,000 links us to the Registry’s rich history, which dates back to 1793"

While the printing of books is ongoing, it is important to note that the Registry continues to embrace and utilize cutting-edge technologies, allowing us to record land documents instantaneously. Documents are scanned and available for viewing within 24 business hours of recording at www.norfolkdeeds.org. This modern approach to document recording makes it possible for the digital land document library, which is on Book 41,356, to stay up-to-date and accurate.

 

This digitalization process has greatly improved accessibility and efficiency for those seeking land records. Additionally, the Registry of Deeds actively works to ensure the security and integrity of these digital records through regular backups and advanced data protection measures.

 

“Our computer systems have been backed up on a nightly and weekly basis for decades. This redundancy allows the Registry to maintain a permanent record of all land document recordings in the event of a disaster affecting our building at 649 High Street, Dedham. In addition, the Registry also, per state law, microfilms all recorded land documents and ships the microfilm off-site to a secure location where it can be retrieved in the event of a catastrophe,” stated the Register.

 

The Register further emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that the backup systems and off-site storage ensure the preservation and accessibility of important land documents even in the face of unforeseen circumstances. This commitment to safeguarding records reflects the Registry's dedication to providing reliable and uninterrupted services to the public.

 

Residents and those with an interest in Norfolk County property records are encouraged to visit the Registry of Deeds. Users of the Registry have options to view land documents by whichever means they are comfortable with. You, as a member of the public, can research property in hard copy via books, online at one of our many computer workstations available to the public, or from the convenience of your home or work computer.

 

The Registry of Deeds understands the importance of accessibility and convenience for its users. By offering both physical and online options to view land documents, individuals can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. This commitment to flexibility ensures that residents and those with an interest in Norfolk County property records can easily access the information they require, further enhancing the Registry's dedication to providing reliable and uninterrupted services.

 

Concluding his remarks, Register O’Donnell stated, “The core mission of the Registry of Deeds is to record land documents in a safe, accurate, secure, and accessible manner. Part of this charge is to serve as a depository for over 10 million land documents recorded from the Registry’s beginning in 1793 right up to the present day. While we have embraced the latest technologies to improve efficiencies, the printing of books allows us to maintain a permanent hard copy record of each recorded land document on-site.”

  

 If you would like to stay up-to-date on upcoming Registry of Deeds events, programs, and real estate information, you can sign up for our Registry email updates at www.norfolkdeeds.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Next Size Up Kids - 4 day sale - Sep 19-22, 2023

Find all the BARGAINS you're used to finding at our in-person sales, but this fall, shop from your couch in your pjs! Can't get better than that! You'll find clothing (sized infant to young men/young women & maternity), shoes, toys, baby gear, games, puzzles, furniture, decor, books and more!
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Public shopping for 4 DAYS ONLY - don't miss it!
PUBLIC SALE HOURS - Free Admission: Tues., 9/19 - opens at 8 PM through Thurs., 9/21 - closes at 2 PM
HALF PRICE SALE HOURS (many items marked 1/2 price) Fri., 9/22 - opens 6 AM - Midnight WANT TO SHOP EARLY on 9/18 or 9/19?

Watch for announcements and see our website for details - NextSizeUpKids.com!
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PICK UP YOUR BARGAINS!
Thurs., 10/5 (10am-7pm) or Fri., 10/6 (9am-2pm) *you must sign up for an apt. after checkout Location: 119 Prospect Heights, Milford, MA (Portuguese Club) *pick up only, no shipping

Next Size Up Kids - 4 day sale - Sep 19-22, 2023
Next Size Up Kids - 4 day sale - Sep 19-22, 2023