Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Franklin Council on Aging - Meeting Agenda - Jan 11, 2022 - 10 AM

Franklin Council on Aging - Meeting Agenda
Jan 11, 2022 = 10:00 AM


Meeting will be held at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street


1. Call to order; 10:00 a.m.
2. Minutes of last meeting
3. Introductions of new Director and Deputy Director
4. Common Grounds Cafe update
5. Role of the Council on Aging
a. General Role of the COA
b. Senior Center five year strategic Plan
6. FOFE Liason Report
7. Chairperson’s Comments
8. Citizen’s Comments
9. Adjournment

Next Meeting - Feb 8, 2022


Franklin Council on Aging - Meeting Agenda - Jan 11, 2022 - 10 AM
Franklin Council on Aging - Meeting Agenda - Jan 11, 2022 - 10 AM


Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 12, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Joint Budget Subcommittee Committee Charge and Role
4. FY23 Operating Budget Revenues Sheet Analysis & Discussion
5. Biennial review of the Town of Franklin Financial Policies
6. General business:
a. Approval of Minutes: 12/08/21
b. 2022 Budget Calendar & 2022 Finance Committee Schedule
c. Stabilization Account update
d. Future Agenda Items
7. Adjourn

Agenda doc with remote connection info

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022
Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022


Recap: Franklin Housing Authority meeting - 01/10/22 (audio)

Started the new year with attendance and recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting at Central Park Terrace. Meetings are generally scheduled for the 2nd Monday of the month. 

Audio of the meeting came out well so you can listen in and follow along with my notes below. (Note: doc links provided are to my Google Drive copies of what is posted to the State page.) 


Link to current annual report ->
  • Reporting on the Franklin Housing Authority meeting today #fha0110 public hearing on annual plan first up on agenda (recording in process, so assuming tech gremlins kept aside can be shared later)
  • Link to annual report to be added later, capital plan part of the report. Emergency work orders reqd to be processed within 24 hours, list of EWOs part of the report, preventive maintenance plan part of report. #fha0110
  • Operation budget for year included in report. #fha0110 deficit of approx $82k for past year, looking forward to a slight plus for next year. Unable to collect income due to some units offline due to fire and recovery steps
  • No findings in PMR which is part of the annual report #fha0110 DHCD does resident survey totally apart from the FHA survey results part of the report, good review overall.
  • How does the tenant survey compare to prior year? DHCD survey results cover the period from 2016-2019. Q on meeting notification? Is it posted locally? How to let other residents know about the meeting? Meeting notices posted at the office #fha0110
  • Capital plan meeting was well attended #fha0110 hard to send word to everyone re: contact protocols. Can post to the common areas. Typically the 2nd Monday of the month; aside from Jul/Aug
  • Chair request for maintenance update once a quarter, minutes approved unanimously (3-0) Capital charges, motion to accept, passes unanimously (3-0) Commissioner training coming, if anyone wants let Lisa know #fha0110 training switched to remote, 9-noon Saturday
  • Current waiting list over 8,000. #fha0110 congregate program removed from the 'champ' (sic) system EOEA will be working to pre approve applicants for this type of living, 3 deaths in Dec, hence openings. 11 units (4 fire) open and in process of turnover physical • • •
  • No waiver for delay processing during COVID commented on the annual report to account motion to accept director report, approved 3-0 #fha0110 statements, look in line with other periods, motion to accept statements. Norfolk is 100% occupied.
  • Norfolk brought from a $100k deficit to a $100k positive, primarily due to calculation of rent properly as well as timely collection of such, worked through timing issues of SSS benefits and rent payments #fha0110
  • Building fire update, roof truss came in, insulation being added and inspected, wall board coming, coming along, possible in Feb; about 9 months to recovery #fha0110 
  • not in position of DHCD approved contract, likely 30-50 agencies will not sign the contract from DHCD Dispute on contract in court, approval of audit report passes 3-0. #fha0110
  • No old business, new business, FISH contract looking for extension due to supply delays, moved seconded passes 3-0; 2nd FISH contract, completion of fire alarm cert of completion, passes 3-0 
  • Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 #fha0110

PDF of Twitter thread ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/19y55ky9CUtRrEZT7daSsgDMOt9XX1Fch/view?usp=sharing

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-695-franklin-housing-authority-meeting-01-10-22 


Franklin Housing Authority - Meeting - Agenda - Jan 10, 2022
Franklin Housing Authority - Meeting - Jan 10, 2022

FHS girls indoor track team posts win vs. Attleboro

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Monday:  

Indoor Track (@ Wheaton College)
Franklin, 43 @ Attleboro, 56 – Final

Franklin, 89 @ Attleboro, 11 – Final 
– Franklin swept all nine points (first three spots) in five events on its way to a big win over Attleboro. Jillian Fenerty won a pair of races, taking first in both the 55M dash and the 300M, the latter a complete sweep with Sophia Cuneo and Alexandrea Pond taking second and third, respectively. Franklin also swept the 1000M led by Allison Powderly’s first place finish, the 2 Mile highlighted by Colleen Golden’s win, the shot put with Darby Nicholson taking first, and the high jump with Ava Fraulo winning with a leap of 5-02.00. Attleboro’s Jahela Douglas took first in the long jump at 14-08.00.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-10-22/

Results can be found online ->  https://live.harrierrace.com/meets/12217/events

FHS performance listing can be found in this PDF doc ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11J83so9Pve_FbpnvSzRRNgFTnIsSZb_C/view?usp=sharing


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

COVID Self Test Kits available for Franklin, MA residents

To answer the need of this pandemic period, Franklin resident KP Sompally is making volunteering his services to provide COVID SELF TEST KITS. He obtains the kits with the help of Telugu Association of North America (www.tana.org). 

KP will distribute the COVID SELF TEST KITS for the cost of $11 per test kit. 

Who is TANA and how are they involved?
  • TANA is one of the oldest charitable organizations. They do selfless service for humanity. Providing these test kits is one service. The supply is obtained via TANA community network.
Is there any limit per request?
  • yes either 1 or 2 test kits per request
Is there any delivery schedule?
  • Since this is not a business just KP volunteer time, delivery would be after 5 PM and while supplies last. The delivery is restricted to Franklin, MA residential addresses.
How would I pay?
  • cash OR Venmo
If any Franklin Resident need a COVID SELF TEST KIT call or text KP Sompally @ 724 726 1166 with your address.

COVID test kit image:
COVID test kit
COVID test kit

KP’s Venmo account info 

KP’s Venmo account info
KP’s Venmo account info


Updated: Andrew M Bissanti - Obituary link

Updated: to add obituary details/link

"Andrew Mario Bissanti, 64, of Franklin died peacefully January 7 at Milford Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Christina M. (Lombardi) Bissanti.

Direct link to Ginley Funeral Homes page -> https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/262044?fbclid=IwAR1Cn8MLtbkxV9UCrhw8yN03_nZX9XNAs9457-MQRXtoyqzxyl_qnbYR9zQ

PDF Copy -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11B5oansKbKq8mBZmEz-S3bQ1howYeuGV/view?usp=sharing


former Councilor Andy Bissanti at an EDC meeting in Feb 2021
former Town Councilor Andy Bissanti at an EDC meeting in Feb 2021

Shared from the Franklin Observer -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/59450/andrew-mario-bissanti-64

FPS Student Services presentation - Jan 11, 2022

The document released for the scheduled School Committee update on Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Student Services Tuesday, Jan 11, 2022.

Shared from the FPS page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_presentation_january_11_2022.pdf

Or via the embedded doc below or located ->    https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/school-committee-presentation-on-fps-student-services-011122

Meeting packet folder for the Jan 11, 2022 meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet


FPS Student Services presentation - Jan 11, 2022
FPS Student Services presentation - Jan 11, 2022


Senator Rausch to host Virtual Town Hall - Jan 24, 2022 - Register now to participate!

SENATOR RAUSCH TO HOST VIRTUAL TOWN HALL 

Senator Rausch will give a Beacon Hill update and field questions from  

constituents during the virtual forum. 

 

Boston, MA – Senator Becca Rausch will host a Virtual Town Hall reserved exclusively for constituents of the Bristol, Norfolk, and Middlesex District and the newly drawn Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex District on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 7 - 8 PM on Zoom.  


Senator Rausch will give a brief update about her second term in office and invite constituents to participate in a question-and-answer session to share their questions and opinions on state issues.  To comply with public health precautions during the pandemic, the virtual conversation will take place over Zoom.  


"This pandemic has been a difficult time for every single one of our community members," said Senator Rausch. "Now more than ever, it is critical that constituents have direct access to their elected officials so we can advance the policies to best support the families, schools, small businesses, and municipal governments we represent."


This event is open exclusively to the community members of Attleboro, Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. 


To register for the event, go to https://www.beccarauschma.com/town-hall, email alana.westwater@masenate.gov, or call 617-722-1555. 


Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 



Senator Rausch to host Virtual Town Hall - Jan 24, 2022 - Register now to participate!
Senator Rausch to host Virtual Town Hall - Jan 24, 2022 - Register now to participate!

Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Sub Committee

Wednesday January 12, 2022 = 6:00 P.M.

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 Community Relations Subcommittee mission: to unify the Franklin community through an ongoing dialogue that broadens the community’s knowledge of FPS, increases engagement, and enhances our understanding of the community’s needs
● Legislative Forum - Date, Questions
● How do we maximize the reach and impact of our communications? Which activities should we continue, stop, start? What are the more effective communication channels?
● Confirm schedule for upcoming meetings

Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM
Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM


Medicare.gov: 3 things you can do to protect yourself from Omicron (vax, boost, mask!)



Help stop the Omicron COVID-19 variant by using all the tools to protect yourself and others.
Medicare dot gov logo

Protect yourself from Omicron

The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19. Here are 3 things you can do to help protect yourself and others:

  1. Get the COVID-19 vaccine, if you haven't already. Vaccines are the best tool to protect us from COVID-19. They slow the transmission of the virus, and provide strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

  2. Get the booster when you're fully eligible. Everyone 18 years and older should get a booster shot 2 months after their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or 5 months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. Adolescents and teens ages 12 to 17 should also get a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech 5 months after their primary series.

  3. Continue wearing a mask in indoor public places in areas of high or substantial community transmission. Use the COVID-19 County Check Tool to find your county's level of community transmission.

Learn More

Remember: Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot at no cost to you. Visit Vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 vaccines and boosters near you.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

Add this to the worry list: IRS "warns of ‘enormous challenges’ this tax-filing season"

"Treasury Department officials on Monday said that the Internal Revenue Service will face “enormous challenges” during this year’s tax filing season, warning of delays to refunds and other taxpayer services.

In a phone call with reporters, Treasury officials predicted a “frustrating season” for taxpayers and tax preparers as a result of delays caused by the pandemic, years of budget cuts to the IRS and the federal stimulus measures that have added to the tax agency’s workload.

Typically, IRS officials enter filing season with an unaddressed backlog of roughly 1 million returns. This year, however, the IRS will enter the filing season facing “several times” that, Treasury officials said, although they declined to give a more precise estimate. The IRS website says that as of Dec. 23, 2021, it still had 6 million unprocessed individual returns, and as of the start of this month it still had more than 2 million unprocessed amended tax returns, a separate category."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2022/01/10/treasury-irs-filing-season/

FYI - For 2020, I filed in February and didn't get a return status until July.  I had a very minor miscalculation in my return that held it up.  Only thing to do is file early, and file accurately.

IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig appears before a House panel last year. (Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)
IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig appears before a House panel last year. (Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)



Looking for a podcast to listen to? Have you heard of the Kitchen Sisters?

Looking for a podcast to listen to? This might be one to fit: 

"For more than 40 years, radio and podcast producers, Davia Nelson and Nikki Silva, best known as The Kitchen Sisters on public radio, have chronicled the lives, rituals, triumphs and tribulations of people from all walks of life, weaving together a rich tapestry of America’s cultural heritage. Now the Library of Congress is acquiring their full body of work, including more than 7,000 hours of audio, photos, handwritten journals, podcasts and storybooks.

Known for their pioneering approach to storytelling, Nelson and Silva’s award-winning public radio programs amplify the voices of people rarely covered in the news media and have helped raise awareness about myriad social causes. Their work is featured on NPR, PRX, the BBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as well as at international festivals, and in live and multimedia performances.

“The Kitchen Sisters have enlightened audiences for decades, unearthing unique stories about people and cultural traditions across the globe. You learn about the impact of internment on Japanese American cooking, stories about the mythic Route 66, and the ways minority and immigrant communities shape the American soundscape. The Library of Congress is thrilled to receive this outstanding body of work,” said Elizabeth Peterson, director of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress."
Shared from the Library of Congress page:  https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-22-001/

Looking for a podcast to listen to? Have you heard of the Kitchen Sisters?
Looking for a podcast to listen to? Have you heard of the Kitchen Sisters?


Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Jan 11, 2022

  • 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 The Drummers Studio: 11th Anniversary Show Two
9:00 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club
10:00 am Frank Presents: Greg Dowd
11:30 am Senior Connection: Sleep
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta
1:00:00 pm SAFE Coalition: PSA
1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education
4:00 pm ArtWeek: Games
4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Roberto Morbioli
5:30 pm Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury
8:30 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2019
8:30 am Public School Event: Lifelong Winter Music 2021
10:00 am FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Belmont 01-02-22
12:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club
3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Longmeadow 12-31-21
4:31 pm Public School Concert: FHS Winter Jazz 01-23-20
6:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v King Philip 01-15-21

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
8:00 am School Committee: 12-14-21
11:00 am Economic Development: 01-05-22
2:00 pm School Committee: 12-14-21
7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 861 6627 2236 P: 850368

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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Monday, January 10, 2022

Sign up for the Franklin Matters Q&A Session - Jan 12, 2022 - 11 AM (hybrid)

Please join me for an informative and informal Q&A session. A hybrid meeting. I plan to be in the Senior Center and will have the Zoom conference bridge available for remote participation.
If you want the Zoom link, please use this form:   https://forms.gle/cjgfpsG3yi4dkLiq9

When: Wednesday, Jan 12 at 11:00 AM  

  • What should be on the "Watch List" for 2022? 
    • budget, COVID, affordable housing, downtown zoning, etc...

 


Franklin Matters Q&A session scheduled for Jan 12, 2022 - 11 AM
Franklin Matters Q&A session scheduled for Jan 12, 2022 - 11 AM

Franklin Food Pantry schedule change due to weather/COVID-19

"The Pantry will be closed for night distribution, Tuesday, 1/11 from 5:30p-6:30p due to a combination of COVID-safety concerns and frigid temps. 
Please visit us from Tuesday 9a-1p or Friday 9a-1p for curbside distribution – no appointments needed. @franklinmatters"

Shared from Twitter ->  https://t.co/2sbtXDMDTX  or   https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1480601210457571331

Franklin Food Pantry schedule change due to weather/COVID-19
Franklin Food Pantry schedule change due to weather/COVID-19


Franklin Historical Commission Meeting - changed to virtual meeting Jan 12, 2022

The scheduled Franklin Historical Commission Meeting and Demolition Request hearing will be held this Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022 via Zoom due to safety and health concerns.

Topic: Franklin Historical Commission Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 687 896 1344
Passcode: 0JqDYQ

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6878961344#,,,,*586551# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,6878961344#,,,,*586551# US (New York) 


Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022
Franklin Historical Commission - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022 - virtual meeting

Franklin Housing Authority - Meeting - Agenda - Jan 10, 2022

Franklin Housing Authority - 1000 Central Park Terrace, Community Hall
Franklin, MA 02038

Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners
January 10, 2022 - 4:30 PM

AGENDA


Roll Call

Public Hearing to review the Franklin Housing Authority Annual Plan View at https://tinyurl.com/LHA-MA-AnnualPlan

Minutes
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 6, 2021

Accounts Payable
Accounts Payable for December 2021
Capital One Charges for November 2021

Director Report 
Operating Statements – November 2021 
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Update 

Correspondence
None

Old Business
Norfolk Management Update 
667-1 Building Fire Update 
Agreed Upon Procedures (AUP)-Review and accept

New Business
Annual Plan – Vote to approve 
FISH #101160 Change Order request (CO) - 
FISH #101144 Certificate of Final Completion (CFC) –

Adjournment 

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> (Word doc)  https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority/agenda/fha-agenda-01-10-2022

Franklin Housing Authority - Meeting - Agenda - Jan 10, 2022
Franklin Housing Authority - Meeting - Agenda - Jan 10, 2022


FHS frosh/soph indoor track meet results - Jan 9, 2022

"Congrats to Frosh/Soph medalists - Abby Griffith (1st HJ), Sarah Dumas (1st 55H), Anna Cliff (4th 300), Liz Hopkins (4th SP), Alex Pond (6th 300), Cailyn Bruno (6th 55H), Jacob Bowser (6th SP), Darby Nicholson (7th SP), Harry Gurney (7th 55H)"
https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1480386279443513346
"And girls 4x4 (3rd - Olivia Costa, Sarah Dumas, Alli Powderly, Anna Cliff)"
https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1480386655953559552

Auerbach Freshman Sophomore Large Schools Championship - 1/9/2022
Reggie Lewis ATC - Boston

The FHS individual indoor track results are shared below. The full result listing can be found in the PDF link at the end.


Girls 55 Meter Dash
Place Name Yr School Prelims H#
13 Cuneo, Sophia 10 Franklin 8.11 1

Girls 300 Meter Dash
4 Cliff, Anna 10 Franklin 44.91 6
6 Pond, Alexandra 10 Franklin 45.96 5

Girls 600 Meter Run
11 Costa, Olivia 10 Franklin 1:50.17 4
21 Powderly, Allison 10 Franklin 1:53.83 2

Girls 1000 Meter Run
13 LeBlanc, Libby 9 Franklin 3:26.34 2
17 Griffith, Meghan 9 Franklin 3:27.62 2

Girls 55 Meter Hurdles - prelim
1 Dumas, Sarah 10 Franklin 9.87 q 1
4 Bruno, Cailyn 10 Franklin 10.14 q 3

Girls 55 Meter Hurdles - Finals
1 Dumas, Sarah 10 Franklin 9.62
6 Bruno, Cailyn 10 Franklin 10.14

Girls 4x200 Meter Relay
Franklin A DQ 4
1) Cuneo, Sophia 10 2) Costa, Lainey 9 3) Pond, Madeline 10 4) Pond, Alexandra 10

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay
3 Franklin A 4:23.39 3
1) Cliff, Anna 10 2) Costa, Olivia 10 3) Dumas, Sarah 10 4) Powderly, Allison 10

Girls High Jump
1 Griffith, Abigail 10 Franklin 4-10.00
10 Bruno, Cailyn 10 Franklin 4-04.00

Girls Long Jump
14 Dumas, Sarah 10 Franklin 13-11.50 2
17 Costa, Olivia 10 Franklin 13-08.75 2

Girls Shot Put
4 Hopkins, Elizabeth 10 Franklin 29-04.50 3
7 Nicholson, Darby 10 Franklin 29-01.50 3

Boys 55 Meter Hurdles - prelim
7 Gurney, Harry 9 Franklin 9.54 q 1

Boys 55 Meter Hurdles - final
8 Gurney, Harry 9 Franklin 9.61

Boys Shot Put
6 Bowser, Jacob 10 Franklin 35-04.75 3 

Full meeting results for Large schools

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers