FM #361 "Frank Presents" - Election2020 - 9/30/20 (audio)

FM #361 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 361 in the series.

This shares the recording of “Frank Presents” hosted by Frank Falvey. In this segment Frank talks with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Clerk Nancy Danello, and myself to review the details in preparation for the Nov 3, 2020 general election.

The recorded conversation runs just about 43 minutes, so let’s listen to “Frank Presents” discussing the Franklin election process for 2020.  

Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1bHHtBK

-----------

The Town Clerk page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Ballot Tracker  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/track/trackmyballot.aspx


--------------
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!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #361 Frank Presents Election2020 - 9/30/20 (audio)

FM #360 Finance Committee Mtg - 10/06/20 (audio)

FM #360 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 360 in the series.

This shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

A quick recap:

• Organization voting process to elect Chair - Bill Dowd, Vice-chair - George Conley, and Clerk - Nicole Corbiseiro
• Discussion on minor updates to the Management Plan last updated Dec 2000  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/plan.pdf  Included in the discussion, how to organize and cover departments to better understand the details of their budgets and operations. Modifications approved to document by 8-0 vote, corrected copy to be posted to FinCom page
• Update on fiscal status provided by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, clarification questions asked
• Discussion on a series of topics to be covered per meeting and a more regular set of meetings. Next meeting Nov 17, followed by Dec 15. In 2021, Weds evenings opposite from the Town Council schedule (1 and 3 Weds) to be determined for balance of year and published.

The meeting runs just about 76 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting of Oct 6, 2020  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6zrcKJK

-----------

The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/finance-committee-agenda-oct-6-2020.html
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/finance-committee-recap-of-meeting-oct.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gaTjkmugDZ3QfBxs9

--------------
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!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #360 Finance Committee Mtg - 10/06/20 (audio)

wbur: "Getting The Band Back Together: How One Marching Band Is Practicing During The Pandemic"

From WBUR we share the following article of interest to Franklin:

"On a blustery Thursday afternoon, 13 students are spread out across the practice marching band field and parking lot at New Bedford High School.

The color guard is off in one corner, practicing some figure eights with bright orange and black flags, while the brass players and drum majors are running through a series of marching drills and rehearsing a new song.

This is only the fourth time this group of students has played together since March, when school buildings closed state-wide due to the coronavirus pandemic. In-person rehearsals are smaller now. This is only about 1/7 of the full Whaler marching band. But most of the kids don't seem to mind.

"The rehearsals were optional but we came here because we all want to do what we love," said trombone player Danny Lopez."

Continue to read the article online

https://www.wbur.org/edify/2020/10/08/new-bedford-marching-band-practice

wbur: "Getting The Band Back Together: How One Marching Band Is Practicing During The Pandemic"

Franklin Historical Museum Holiday Ornament Sale: Oct 10, 11, 12

When: October 10th, 11th, and 12th

Where: Historical Museum - 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA

What Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Please join the Franklin Historical Museum for their first Drive-Up Holiday Ornament Sale!

*This will be a drive-up event, anyone interested in purchasing ornaments will be able to purchase at the Historical Museum without leaving your car! 

 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/historical-commission/events/268411

 

Franklin Historical Museum Holiday Ornament Sale: Oct 10, 11, 12

 

 

Commonwealth Magazine: "Economists offer dire projections for state revenues"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"STATE TAX REVENUES are likely to tank by between $1.2 and $3.6 billion this year compared to last year, amid significant uncertainty generated by the COVID-19 pandemic and by federal inaction, according to the state’s top revenue official. That represents a drop of as high as 12 percent year over year.

Compared to the amount lawmakers expected to have this year, before the pandemic hit, the drop is even greater – between $2.7 and $5.2 billion less than anticipated, a drop of between 8.9 and 16.8 percent.

The projections by Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder are slightly more pessimistic, but not too far out of line with, projections made by several outside experts, who testified Wednesday during a more than three-hour hearing on state revenues.  

The projections of multi-billion–dollar revenue drops come even as revenue for the first three months of this fiscal year has come in stronger than expected. But experts say the steady revenues early in the year were due primarily to federal money – like a temporary expansion of unemployment benefits – that has been drying up."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/economists-offer-dire-projections-for-state-revenues-next-year/

 

FHS girls soccer and golf teams top Milford (again)

Via HockomockSports.com we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School.

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Milford, 6 – Final

Girls Soccer = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

Golf = Franklin, 144 @ Milford, 175 – Final

 

 

For all the results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-07-20/

 

"awesome team win vs Milford today -  goals from riley, anya, erin, stella, and rachel h. assists from clare, anya, izzy, and jamie(2)"

https://twitter.com/fhsgvsoccer/status/1313970980356870144

FHS girls soccer and golf teams top Milford (again)

 

2020 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview: FHS Panthers

The high school sports seasons are underway and HockomockSports.com has published their preview for the field hockey teams for the Hockomock League. We share the spotlight on the FHS team and provide the link to the full listing.

Franklin
2019 Record: 15-3-2
2019 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Michelle Hess

When you look at the talent the Panthers possess on their roster this season, it’s hard not to immediately think what kind of run they could go on in the postseason. Unfortunately, there aren’t any playoffs this season so Franklin’s focus zeroes in on one thing: repeating as Hock champs.

A year removed from going undefeated against league opponents, the Panthers enter the 2020 season as the favorites to take home another Kelley-Rex title. For starters, Franklin has its top three scorers back from last year’s team that scored a Hockomock-best 91 goals. Amanda Lewandowski (20 goals, 10 assists), Stephanie Bell (14 goals, eight assists), and last year’s HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year Kaitlyn Carney (14 goals, eight assists) combine to make the Panthers one of the most lethal teams in the region.

Franklin’s offense even more of a boost with the return of senior captain Sara Carney (who missed last season with an injury) and junior forward Jill Fenerty.

Senior captain Neilee Hess anchors the defensive unit as the starting goalie. Hess’ experience will be vital as Franklin has some new faces on its defensive unit, including Molly Collins, Kendall Jones, and Kate O’Rourke. Freshman midfield Sophia Cuneo could make an impact right away.

“I am extremely proud of my team and how they have adapted to the modifications,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “They have taken a situation that could have put a damper on their enthusiasm and shared with me that they are just ready to get to work. They have a Hock Title to defend and these modifications are not going to stop them from accomplishing their goal of a Back to Back Kelley-Rex Title!”

For the preview of the rest of the Hockomock League field hockey teams

https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-field-hockey-preview/

 

2020 Hockomock League Field Hockey Preview: FHS Panthers