Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Franklin High School - news you can use
Franklin Art Association - hybrid meeting - Sep 1
Dear FAA members,
We are so excited to welcome everyone back IN PERSON this Wednesday Sept. 1st at the Franklin Senior Center for our first meeting of the year. The meeting will start with a social hour at 6:30 PM, followed by a brief business meeting and then our feature event! Guest artist Karole Nicholson will give a live demonstration.
The meeting will also be available on Zoom for those who can not join us in person. Zoom link => https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82181910922?pwd=ME9aTGtvRVJFVlg2aDBlMllVT1ZZdz09
Reminder: For the health of all, we ask that you please wear a mask when inside the Senior Center, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you kindly for your cooperation.
The Fall Show will be held Saturday, October 2 and will be open to ALL current members, no pre-registration required simply bring your work, ready to hang, with your show entry fee to the drop off! All participating members are asked to assist in making the show a success by volunteering in some capacity. Here: https://volunteersignup.org/B7WXH is sign up sheet for show volunteers.
Show prospectus -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hwl2k_5GCSRx5j1rB5JadMww0lvXU1_l/view?usp=sharing
Membership renewal form -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEufMLLTfaXLe3tGNkFi2Pk4Elmgd-7G/view?usp=sharing
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Franklin Art Association - hybrid meeting - Sep 1 |
18 Candidates have turned in their nomination papers
18 of the 35 candidates for the 6 roles have returned papers to the Town Clerk's office for validation and confirmation that they have met the requirements for the local election Nov 2, 2021. This status is as of close of business Aug 30, 2021.
If someone asks you to sign their nomination papers and you are registered to vote in Franklin, consider doing so.
Election timeline:
- September 10 by 5:00 PM – Last day to obtain Nomination papers
- September 14 by 5:00 PM – Signed Nomination papers must be submitted to Board of Registrars for certification
- September 30 by 5:00 PM- Last day to withdraw your candidacy
- October 13 – Last day to register to vote. Office hours will be extended to 8:00 PM or register online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us
- Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or call the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 for a complete list of available positions.
MindShift: "How to Choose the Best Face Mask for Your Kids"
Experts agree that the most important thing in selecting masks is to choose one that a child will actually wear properly all day long. https://t.co/aY4VKYP5Wn
"Which masks are best to keep kids safe? It's a question on many parents' minds as students return to in-person school amid a huge wave of coronavirus infections. Masking is a key safety measure in schools for all kids, especially for children too young to be eligible for any COVID-19 vaccine.A recent study involving 100 school districts and 14 charter schools in North Carolina found that masks were effective at preventing in-school transmission of COVID-19 — even with physical distancing of less than 3 feet.We asked several experts what parents should consider when it comes to masks for their kids. They all agreed that the most important thing is to choose one that a child will actually wear properly all day long."
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MindShift: "How to Choose the Best Face Mask for Your Kids" |
"the end of the federal unemployment benefits may not lead to a huge surge in employment"
"MORE THAN 300,000 Massachusetts residents will lose federal unemployment insurance benefits at the end of this week, and no one is sure what that will mean for them or the state.
The federal government is pulling the plug on the benefits, which include an extra $300 a week, extra weeks, and a special program for gig workers and the self-employed. The end of the programs means the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of income for the 300,000 Massachusetts residents and the state’s economy."
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"the end of the federal unemployment benefits may not lead to a huge surge in employment" |
Monday, August 30, 2021
FM #593 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 08/26/21 (audio)
FM #593 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 593 in the series.
This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Proclamation/Recognition: Dale Kurtz - Retirement, Veterans Service Officer
Recognition: Bristol Savings Bank - Donation to the Fire Department
Recognition: Fourth of July Committee - Joe Carmignani & Paul Kortick
6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to Ch.185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements (to be continued)
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a 99 Restaurant Pub #30130, Located at 847 West Central Street,
Franklin, MA 02038, Change of Manager
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Department of Public Works: Trash & Recycling
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/8a._ppt_trash_fee_1.pdf
Councilor Comments – Kelly resignation
The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d4c2f940-6b9f-47eb-ad51-699bf0b516f7
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Agenda doc (including connection info) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/08-18-2021_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf
Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/august-18-town-council-agenda
Town Council recording (video by Franklin TV) -> https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod/?video=ff2fcc25-3de0-4f4e-967e-731221d0fc5f&nav=programs%2FTown%20Council%2008-18-21
I was out of town and missed the meeting so I have no notes to share.
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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"
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FM #593 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 08/26/21 (audio) |
Franklin.TV: Time for Ice Cream! 3
We Got Social – at a Distance. - by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/29/2021
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.
Is the Group Fitness Instructor Opening at Timeless Crossfit a good fit for you?
"Timeless CrossFit and Fitness is looking for a passionate, hardworking Group Fitness Instructor to fill a part-time position. Timeless is a community of people who value health and fitness, and we are committed to helping our members reach their goals.We have an immediate opening for a fitness professional who will build relationships with our members, who will embody our culture, and is passionate about changing lives, while having a blast doing it!"
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Is the Group Fitness Instructor Opening at Timeless Crossfit a good fit for you? |
Register O'Donnell Promotes Homestead Act
Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners about the importance of filing for Homestead protection.
O'Donnell noted, "If you own a home, and it is your primary residence, one way to protect it is to file a Homestead. The Homestead law provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. This is especially important when you consider that for most of us, a home is our most valuable asset. Consumers should take steps to protect that asset."
Another feature of the Homestead law is the allowance for a filing of an Elderly Homestead application, which defines an elder as a person who is 62 years of age or older. This protection can be increased if the elderly couple are each 62 years of age or older and file jointly.
The Register further noted, "Back in March of 2011, the Homestead law was updated so that a valid Homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Other changes that took place back in 2011 state that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home even if it is kept in trust. The definition of a primary residence was also further expanded to include a manufactured or mobile home."
While a Homestead provides important protections for homeowners, it is important to note there are certain debts that are exempted from protection under the Homestead Act. These include federal, state and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also not covered under the Homestead protection statute.
Homestead documents are recorded at the Registry of Deeds for a state imposed fee of $36.00. Additional information about the Homestead law, and free applications are available by going to the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.
Register O'Donnell concluded, "I want to reiterate that a Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that with a Homestead recorded at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts. If you have any questions about a Homestead, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM-4:30PM. Our trained staff are more than willing to answer any questions you may have."
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at Facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, 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 via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
Register O'Donnell Promotes Homestead Act |
"poetry reminds me of those mysterious truths that can’t be reduced solely to linear thought"
"In this weary and vulnerable place, poetry whispers of truths that cannot be confined to mere rationality or experience. In a seemingly wrecked world, I’m drawn to Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Autumn” and recall that “there is One who holds this falling/Infinitely softly in His hands.” When the scriptures feel stale, James Weldon Johnson preaches through “The Prodigal Son” and I hear the old parable anew. On tired Sundays, I collapse into Wendell Berry’s Sabbath poems and find rest.I’m not alone in my interest in this ancient art form. Poetry seems to be making a comeback. According to a 2018 survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, the number of adults who read poetry nearly doubled in five years, marking the highest number on record for the last 15 years. The poet Amanda Gorman stole the show at this year’s presidential inauguration, and her collection “The Hill We Climb” topped Amazon’s best-seller list.There is not a simple or singular reason for this resurgence. But I think a particular gift of poetry for our moment is that good poems reclaim the power and grace of words."
I wake fearfultake a breathrealizeit is anew day, wecan do this!
Edison Research: "streaming now accounts for 12% of AM/FM radio listening in the US"
"Edison Research’s Share of Ear® shows highest proportion ever of AM/FM Listening to streaming v. over-the-air
The most recent Share of Ear® study from Edison Research finds that 12% of all AM/FM radio listening is via streaming, while 88% of listening is done to a traditional, over-the-air radio signal.
AM/FM radio content in the U.S. is now available through a variety of digital apps and devices, making radio listening possible on computers, smartphones, smart speakers, and through radio station websites, apps, and third party apps. Although streaming AM/FM content continues to see small amounts of incremental growth each year, and at 12% is the highest measure yet, the largest amount of listening goes to the over-the-air (OTA) signals from devices such as car radios and clock radios."
For more about Share of Ear® https://www.shareofear.com/
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Edison Research’s Share of Ear® study is the only research that measures the entire world of audio, looking at platform of listening, time of day, device on which the audio was consumed, the kind of programming, and the location of listening |
The Washington Post: "How the pandemic set back women’s progress in the global workforce"
"The first year of the pandemic knocked 54 million women around the world out of work, widening the gender gap in employment. It could take years for that gap to narrow again.
Of the women who lost jobs in 2020, almost 90 percent exited the labor force completely, compared with around 70 percent of men.
How did this happen? Country-level data offers clues. The Washington Post analyzed available data and focused on three countries that offered revealing case studies: Peru, Thailand and France."
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 1, 2021
Town Council Meeting
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
a. July 21, 2021 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a_minutes.pdf
a. Police Department:
i. Nick Palmieri, Promotion to Sergeant
ii. Jack Flynn, Promotion to Detective
iii. Victoria McVicar, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in
iv. Patrick MacDonald, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in
a. Richard C. Johnson, Conservation Commission https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_r_johnston.pdf
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to Ch.185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements proposed change to minimum parking requirements in Downtown Commercial and Commercial I zoning districts.
a. Karen Maguire - Superintendent of Schools, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
- a. Resolution 21-50: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services, $400 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-50 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._gift_vets_400.pdf
- b. Resolution 21-51: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-51 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._peg_qrtr_2.pdf
- c. Resolution 21-52: Budget Stabilization Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-52 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._financial_policies.pdf
a. 2020-2021 Town Council Goals Update https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/11a._2020-2021_town_council_goals_update_as_we_go.pdf
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Board.
a. Discussion of possible land acquisition depending on the outcome of the Executive Session.
- Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
- Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
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Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 1, 2021 |
Franklin High School: Back To School Newsletter
Back To School FHS Newsletter!
https://t.co/Xck36Vxl12 or here -> https://www.canva.com/design/DAEoOXzqzT8/of-9Lli6oUg8pVeQlZSRqg/view#1
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1431633435819487246?s=03
Franklin High School: Back To School Newsletter |
FHS Baseball Boosters schedule golf tournament fund raiser - Oct 18
Come join us for a Fall morning of golf and support FHS baseball!
It's sure to be a fun time!⚾️⛳️ https://t.co/kFTJUUdwcrShared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillLyons21/status/1431244659746123780?s=03
FHS Baseball Boosters schedule golf tournament fund raiser - Oct 18 |
International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2021
The SAFE Coalition and local leaders will gather for a vigil on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 PM in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day.
All are welcome to attend. https://t.co/8U5XPVNfj6Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1431713966003208193?s=03
International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2021 |
"Mass. should require vaccination for all teachers and eligible students"
I was honored to be asked by the vice chair of the Worcester Board of Health Dr. Jerry Gurwitz to jointly write a piece calling for a state vaccine mandate for all eligible in our schools.Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyNovick/status/1431920387990904833?s=03
"LOCAL BOARDS OF HEALTH, school committees, and municipal leaders are struggling to navigate through the challenges of assuring that all eligible school children and teachers are vaccinated. Increased urgency around the need for vaccination follows from the alarming turn the pandemic has taken. The highly contagious Delta variant has very rapidly become the dominant strain across Massachusetts and the country as a whole.While vaccination efforts across the Commonwealth continue, low vaccination rates in adolescents are extremely concerning, especially in our largest cities. In Worcester, among those ages 12 to 19, 6 out of 10 have not been fully vaccinated. Even with enhanced vaccination efforts, including the opening of new clinics over the coming weeks, these numbers are unlikely to change substantially prior to the opening of schools or in the first weeks of the school year unless the state mandates vaccinations for eligible students — as well as for teachers and staff."
Continue to read the article online https://t.co/SUuTTGWwRl
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"Mass. should require vaccination for all teachers and eligible students" |
Dean College is looking for part-time Academic Coaches, is that calling for you?
Dean College is looking for part-time Academic Coaches
ACADEMIC COACH (PART TIME DAYTIME)
"The Academic Coach at Dean College provides a strategy-based approach to academic support for students enrolled in Academic Coaching, a fee-based learning program open to all students at the institution. Academic Coaches work both in person with students to address immediate academic needs while developing long-term independent skills in studying, reading, and organization. Academic Coaches help students become independent learners. Time management, organization and long-term planning are some of the skills that students gain through their experience in Academic Coaching.
This is a fall-spring semester, part-time position fifteen to twenty-nine hours per week for 14 weeks each semester. Prospective candidates' must be available to work at least three days per week."
https://dean.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=135372
ACADEMIC COACH (PART TIME EVENINGS)
"The Academic Coach at Dean College provides a strategy-based approach to academic support for students enrolled in Academic Coaching, a fee-based learning program open to all students at the institution. Academic Coaches work with students to address immediate academic needs, while developing long-term independent skills in studying, reading, and organization. Academic Coaches help students become independent learners and to eventually transition away from tutorial support. Time management, organization and long-term planning are some of the skills that students gain through their experience in Academic Coaching.
This is a fall-spring semester, part-time position; eight to twelve hours per week for 14 weeks each semester. Prospective candidates' must be available to work at least two evenings per week for extended hours. Must be able to work additional days/evenings (or occasional weekends) to make up hours when necessary."
https://dean.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=133191
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Dean College is looking for part-time Academic Coaches, is that calling for you? |