"Franklin Town Council candidates weigh in on town finances"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Town finances are an important topic of conversation for the Town Council, especially with a forecast for some challenging times ahead as expenses outpace revenue.

With the town’s biennial election looming next week, it is among the topics that candidates for the council are addressing. In all, there are 11 candidates -- seven of them incumbents -- seeking election to nine seats on the top governing board.

Polling takes place Nov. 5 from 6 a.m.-8 p.m., at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St.

The candidates were asked to share their thoughts on the issue of town budgeting and whether they would support a general override to help meet the town’s financial needs and maintain the current level of services."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191028/franklin-council-candidates-weigh-in-on-town-finances

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

 

"Franklin Town Council candidates weigh in on town finances"

Franklin Historical Museum: Graveyard Tour - Oct 31; winter hours start this week

• Anyone interested in attending the Union Street cemetery tour, Halloween night, can meet on the steps of the museum by 4:45 PM. The group will walk to the cemetery and join Dean History Professor Rob Lawson for the tour starting at 5 PM.

• The Franklin Historical Museum is closed on Thursday evenings, starting this Thursday, October 31. The Museum will be starting winter hours .. open only on the weekends (Saturday: 10 AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM). 

Visit the Historical Museum online
https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

 

Franklin Historical Museum: Graveyard Tour - Oct 31; winter hours start his week

THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents Diane Blue - Nov 9

THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series will present Diane Blue on November 9 at 8 PM. Ms. Blue is a soul-stirring vocalist and skillful harmonica player whose powerful delivery of Soul, Blues, and R&B is captivating. Her performances are charismatic and heartfelt, whether fronting her own world-class band, or singing alongside master Bluesman Ronnie Earl. Ms. Blue is the first female member of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. She is prominently featured on the band's five most recent celebrated records.

Diane's reputation as a stunning entertainer has led her all over the United States and tours of Europe where audiences enjoy her traditional and original songs alike. A multi-nominated and award-winning artist, she performed at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee in 2019, and competed at the 2011 International Blues Challenge. 

Diane has shared the stage with many greats including Muddy Waters' guitarist Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, Irma Thomas (the Soul Queen of New Orleans), and the late Big Jack Johnson (Mississippi) who called Diane a "monster on the harp." Ms. Blue tours in the U.S. and abroad as a featured performer, in addition to her duties with the Broadcasters.

Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370 for tickets and more information. 

THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents Diane Blue - Nov 9

Franklin Candidate Interview: Jennifer D'Angelo

This interview with Jennifer D'Angelo, candidate for Franklin School Committee in 2019, was collaborated on via email. We reviewed the following questions, some of them were ‘crowd sourced.’ Some of you may remember the call for input solicited in August 2019 for this election. Thank you for your contributions.

Hopefully, the information provided here, and in the other interviews, will enable the Franklin voters to make a good choice among the candidates for each position.

For the following FM presents the question. JD represents Jennifer’s response.

FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?

JD = Growing up in town, I have had to the opportunity to volunteer with a variety of groups beginning in high school. Some of those opportunities including delivering food baskets to those in need during the holidays, teaching religious education at St. Mary’s Church and supporting a number of other local organizations through fundraising donations.

FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?

JD = I receive local, state and national news from a variety of outlets including local newspapers, online publications and of course, Franklin Matters. I tend to go to the source when I am interested in a specific topic. For example, when I was interested in learning more about the Student Opportunity Act that is currently making its way through state government, I read the 30 plus page document and the relative proposals and amendments associated with the bill. I find this provides me with information that is more accurate.

FM = The possibility of a change in school start times was a recent controversial topic taken up by the School Committee. Where do you stand on the issue of school start times in Franklin and what actions do you plan to take around this issue during the next term of the School Committee?

JD = Based on the information provided by the school committee, superintendent and community members through public forums held last year, I am not convinced that at this point the benefits outweigh the concerns expressed by parents, students and staff members all of whom would be directly impacted by the changes. Though there is some research-based evidence that lends to the sleep patterns of adolescent age students, I am concerned with the impact on our elementary and middle school age students where less research is available. In my opinion, there needs to be additional work around this topic if the committee were to entertain a potential school start time change in the future.

FM = While the current School Committee has attempted to reach the community through various forms of communication including coffee chats, email newsletters, attending events such as the farmers market, etc., they have been generally unsuccessful at increasing the engagement with important issues related to the schools. What actions will you take to increase citizen engagement with the School Committee?

JD = Level of engagement is different for each individual. Some community members are eager to attend coffee chats while others are content to receive email newsletters and chat with their peers about those topics important to them and their families. I feel it is the duty of the School Committee to create a wide range of opportunities for those who would like to engage in issues relative to not only the school community but also our town as a whole. I also think another piece of engagement is feeling your opinions are respected even when they differ. From community members I have had to the opportunity to speak with, this was one area they felt could have been better and something the next committee should build upon to increase citizen engagement.

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that the School Committee investigate the possibility of closing Davis Thayer Elementary as a possible cost-saving mechanism for the town in these tight economic times. Where do you stand on this issue and what actions will you take to support your stance?

JD = The superintendent put forth a recommendation to conduct a closing study in an effort to provide a broad range of data including but not limited to projected enrollment numbers, utilization of school building space and student achievement. At this point, I do not support or reject the move, as there is not enough information to make an informed decision. I think it is important to explore all opportunities to improve educational outcomes for students. The study complied with other reports and data the district already has available will provide useful information about the impacts of considering a school closure not only for the students of Davis Thayer but also across the district.

FM = Why should I vote for you?

JD = Education is a collaborative effort among teachers, administrators, families, community members and elected officials. As an elected committee member, my major focus would be those issues and concerns that are a priority to the parents, students, and teachers I represent on the committee. It is important to be open to the opinions and views of all in order to make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of our students. As our schools face some challenging decisions in the coming years, I am confident I can be an impartial committee member who can make well-informed decisions based on the needs of our community. With over fifteen years of experience in public education, I am well versed in a variety of areas including school finances, instructional practices and state and federal regulations. In addition to my work experience, I also hold a Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University and Master of Education from Bridgewater State University. I feel my skill set would be invaluable as a member of the Franklin School Committee. 

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Franklin Candidate Interview: Jennifer D'Angelo

FHS football scheduled to play Attleboro Nov 1 in MIAA playoffs

HockomockSports.com has posted the Hockomock football playoff seeds and matchups for teams in the MIAA playoffs.

• D1 South

#2 Franklin (5-2) will host #7 Attleboro (3-4) on Friday, 11/1 at 7:00.


FYI - on 10/19/19 FHS went to Attleboro and beat them 37-7. Now only 2 weeks later, they come to Franklin for the MIAA playoff game.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/fhs-football-tops-attleboro-37-7-on.html
 

For other football playoff seeds around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-playoff-seeds-matchups-2019/

FHS football scheduled to play Attleboro Nov 1 in MIAA playoffs

 

Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar As part of an ongoing effort to promote land record research education and outreach to Norfolk County residents, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently hosted a free informational computer seminar on land document research. At the seminar, attendees were provided with a tutorial on how to navigate the Registry's online research page which is accessible via www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register O'Donnell and staff led a series of interactive teaching exercises on accessing land documents such as deeds, mortgages, Homesteads and mortgage discharges via the Registry's online computer system. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds state-of-the-art computer system houses more than 8 million land documents dating back to its beginnings in 1793. Register O'Donnell noted, "We are very proud that our robust computer system allows for documents to be online immediately after recording. Additionally, all documents are scanned and available for viewing within 24 business hours of recording." For those attending the seminar, computer skills were not required. Each attendee received free reference materials, which they took home with them. Register O'Donnell and his team were on hand to assist attendees and answer questions. "Attendees at the October 23rd seminar learned how easy it is to look up land related documents. The skills learned at the seminar will allow attendees to do land document research from the comfort and convenience of their home or work computer," noted the Register. Concluding his remarks, Register O'Donnell stated, "In this day and age, it is important that citizens know their government is working for them. These computer seminars are a great way for myself and my staff to engage the public in the important work done each and every day here at the Registry of Deeds. We are very appreciative of all who took time out from their busy schedules to attend the computer seminar. The feedback we have received indicates the seminars are very helpful for members of the general public and real estate professionals alike." 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 William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

Metacomet Land Trust: Capturing the Season

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents follow this link
https://mailchi.mp/a24fda7589d9/join-us-outdoors-at-these-upcoming-events-1056459?e=935e913775

Re-Purpose that Pumpkin!

View this email in your browser Got Pumpkins? Recycle That Jack!  Most of us in New England love Halloween and the traditions around it from contests to grow the largest pumpkin on down to carving or painting a Jack O' Lantern with kids. But what happens to your Jack after October 31st? Don't throw it in the trash – try one of these: Save the seeds and roast them (on parchment paper) to make a tasty snack or to top a soup at Thanksgiving. Dogs love cooked pumpkin, says our board member Ann Hanscom. Peel, chop and cook – it's good for their health. Patrice Murphy, in Mendon, has a neighbor whose chickens also love pumpkin. Our friends at Maple Farm Sanctuary in Mendon accept donations of healthy, non-decorated pumpkins. Our Board President Lisa Mosczynski, whose family has kept cattle for years, reports her cows also love pumpkin! Deer and squirrels will also eat pumpkin even after you've lit a candle in your Jack on Halloween, Board members Susan Speers and Ann Hanscom report. Add it to your compost pile, the ultimate recycling system. And, of course, if you don't carve a Jack O'Lantern but paint a face on the outside, YOU can enjoy the cooked pumpkin in all of your holiday dishes! You can cook and then freeze the mashed pumpkin in one cup amounts for each use in your recipes. More ideas here on GrowVeg We Love Where We Live -- And We Know You Do, Too! Please Support Our Work with a Membership Gift or Renewal before December 31st. Copyright © 2019 Metacomet Land Trust, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Metacomet Land Trust P.O. Box 231 Franklin, MA 02038