Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

The four candidates for the open Town Council seat will meet in a live broadcast for a candidates night moderated by former police chief Larry Benedetto.

 

The candidates (ballot order)

• Alan R. Earls
  
• Cobi Frongillo
  
• Gregory R. Chiklis 
• KP Sompally 

How to watch

• Three options for watching the candidates night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29  #SECN1123  1/3
• Three options for watching the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream   #SECN1123 2/3 
• Three options for watching/participating in the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = Connect via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83643671854 )  #SECN1123   3/3 

Why a special election?

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of September to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Audio interviews available

• Town Council candidate - Gregory R Chiklis (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg.html
• Town Council candidate - KP Sompally (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-382-town-council-candidate-kp.html
• Town Council candidate - Alan R Earls (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-369-town-council-candidate-alan.html
• Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo (audio interview) =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-359-town-council-candidate-cobi.html

 

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

Still and Ever, Thankful Why? Because I Can Choose to Be So.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director  - 11/22/2020

An understatement: This year, 2020, has been a year like no other.

At some point right around last Thanksgiving is when it began: That first infection. We celebrated 2020’s sparkly arrival as a New Year in customarily festive fashion, gathering with family and friends. Gathering – one of our joyous pastimes, now gone.

We have lost much in this past year. Friends. Loved ones. Livelihoods. Businesses. Trust. There are over 250,000 empty seats at the family table this year. However, statistics ring hollow to those who must endure these devastating losses personally. How do they give thanks?

In such a year as this one where hardship surrounds us all, we have to look within. What lies within us that we can be thankful for? What shred of resilience can we muster in order to still be thankful? Hard times offer no easy answers.

First, it’s difficult to be thankful; to engage in thanks–giving without some practice. Rising with the first glimmer of each day I am thankful and grateful for its promise. I take in that early moment with gratitude. The day will bring forth other moments. My task? Convert those moments flowing from my future into memories – good ones. A day well spent.

This daily practice of thankfulness for time’s open-ended future, for opportunity, for that which is yet to be, gradually becomes a habit, then a mindset. Time is the greatest gift I could ever imagine. And so, apart from present circumstance, I remain thankful for the possible, for those future better days of my own making.
Admittedly, the gift of future time has been stolen from so many who have passed. 

May you find some time for thanks.
May you find some thanks for time.

I wish you health, wealth, wisdom and love. And time, precious time for all of the above.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching. 

 

 

The Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio program guide can be found online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   For historical purposes, the program guide:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TDtgiPg68K53xC5OgAfKs1A_srsWJthn/view?usp=sharing

 

 

http://franklin.tv/  and   http://wfpr.fm/

In the News: "misdirected to a third party"

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

"More than a month after a “spear phishing” attack swiped $522,000 from a town account, questions about what happened and what was done about it will be examined at the next Town Council meeting, according to council Chairman Tom Mercer.

During Wednesday's meeting, town councilors discussed the cyber security problem, which was reported in early October by town officials during a closed-door executive session.

More details about what happened will be revealed during the council’s next meeting on Dec. 2, said Mercer. Due to the nature of the topic, he said it could only be discussed in executive session, and that just one more meeting was needed before completing that confidential discussion.

Franklin police spokesperson Sgt. Brian Johnson said police had no update on the case as of Thursday, other than that it remains under investigation. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2020/11/20/franklin-spear-phishing-cyber-attack/3775889001/

 

As a retired professional with experience in information security with financial industry firms, I find it disturbing that some among the Council are first to assume individual corruption. The circumstances of a spear phishing attack could happen to almost anyone. Check out the FBI information to be aware of such attacks and how to protect yourself.  https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber

 

Other sources of information security on cyber attacks

• https://krebsonsecurity.com/2020/11/godaddy-employees-used-in-attacks-on-multiple-cryptocurrency-services/
• https://www.sailpoint.com/blog/why-working-from-home-opened-a-cybersecurity-pandoras-box/
• https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/consumer/consumer-threat-notices/cyber-monday-is-coming-10-tips-to-protect-you-from-online-shopping-scams/

 

 

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber

Franklin Library - Thanksgiving Week Hours

Thanksgiving Week Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closing at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25, and closed Thursday, November 26 for Thanksgiving. Curbside Pickup will be available Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

 

Shared from the Library page

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/thanksgiving-week-hours

 

 

Franklin Library - Thanksgiving Week Hours

FM #393 Town Council candidate - Greg Chiklis - 11/17/20 (audio)

FM #393 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 393 in the series.

 
This shares my interview and discussion with Town Council candidate Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election (per Town Charter) to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of Sept to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Greg chose to tell his story in his way and along the course of the discussion we did touch on all the questions to provide a fair set of information for the Franklin voters.

• By way of introducing yourself to the Franklin voters, what is your Franklin story?
• The Community Preservation Act is on the November ballot, what do you think of it?
• What degree of development do you feel is appropriate for Franklin and how would you balance the need for affordable housing with the need to avoid congestion, some of which we already have?
• The Town Administrator suggested in 2019 that Franklin needed to consider an override measure.  The pandemic hit, that didn’t happen. The water rate and trash/recycling rate increased. Stormwater utility fee is up for consideration for implementation on/about July 2021. And yet, the operational budget both school and town side of the budget is challenged. How do you approach this financial situation?
• What do you say to the voter who asks: Why should I vote for you?
• Anything else to add that we did not cover?

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Town Council candidate Greg Chiklis.  

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg-chiklis-11-17-20

--------------

Greg Chiklis’ Campaign link https://www.facebook.com/GRCFTC

 
And Contact info grchik0712@gmail.com , Phone =  774 291-9544 

--------------

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"

Town Council special election has 4 candidates for 1 open position

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - November 20, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Please Join us Wednesday Nov. 25th at 5pm for a virtual Friendsgiving! Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend.  Raise a glass, eat a meal or just join in and share some friendship together.

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Tips

Paul Eugene - Power March - Burn off those COVID pounds with this 60 minute workout!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMrN3x7BvE4 

Tai Chi - 5 minutes a day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv7xwJuQuQc&feature=youtu.be 

Music

Britain's Got talent - WOW this young man has incredible talent!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iJJVDTL7VA 

7 interesting psychological facts about music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcFFwK4ot1k 

An interactive Jukebox with TONS of music and trivia!  Wow this could keep you entertained for weeks

https://www.1959bhsmustangs.com/VideoJukebox.htm 

Just for Fun

Nantucket Historical Association - The Whaleship Edward Cary

https://nha.org/whats-on/exhibition/digital-exhibitions/the-whaleship-edward-cary/ 

Tap Dancing Showdown between a toddler and a seasoned pro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPV1g05NMfE 

Forget Stress and Laugh hard at these ridiculous pets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6tNn6hM5A0 

A Perfect Symphony with Ed Sheeran and Andre Bocelli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiDiKwbGfIY&list=RDDUTLi5bs7mg&index=13 

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - Be careful where you sit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAc7fsEeQbQ 

Bing Crosby, Flip Wilson and Tim Conway - The Diner Sketch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYap5b4YmnY 

Guilty Doggos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQg2gnZkY4g 

Kindness Matters

Former Homeless student surprises Teacher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEwANF8mr7o 

Attached you will find:

• Donna's fun filled activity pages - You don't want to miss this packed https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M8cVZPMiIO9aNtYRqQ-3BcxqNE0XK_UJ/view?usp=sharing

• Classic Toy Crossword https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qP_w7jklA-yQdM6TUpz9zw49jRS2-b33/view?usp=sharing

• Thanksgiving word search https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tpJ_w7fm_WG4KWt9HIFDBvYx72bM70vv/view?usp=sharing

• Fun with idioms https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i2Mawbn-6HaqGV5chUBPoSYn3JtPOuAg/view?usp=sharing

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Monday Nov. 23rd at 1pm Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Monday Nov. 23rd at 2pm - Memory Cafe 

*Tuesday Nov. 24th at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday Nov. 24th at 1pm - Audio book discussion - email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wednesday Nov. 25th at 5pm FRIENDSGIVING via zoom - email adoggett@franklinma.gov 

*Wednesday Nov. 25th Thanksgiving Dinner and Pie Raffle Pick Up.

*Thursday Nov. 26th HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

*Friday Nov. 27th - CLOSED 

Plus Exercise, Yoga, Discussion Groups and more.  Check out our newsletter or online calendar for a full list of all activities available https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

*Curbside Cafe Special of the Week is Fishcakes and Beans

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin Residents: Beaver St Recycling Center - Open Hours Changed for Winter

This information is specific to the Beaver Street Recycling Center, located at 445 Beaver Street.

Hours of Operation:

• Tuesday 12-3 (April through November only)
• Friday & Saturday 8-3
• Sunday 9-1

 
Please remember that cash is not accepted at the recycling center; payments may be made by check, credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard and Discover). 

*Due to Covid restrictions, the Recycling Center is currently only accepting credit card payments.
 
For additional information, please visit our Additional Resources page (https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/resources).
 
Bulk Items NOT accepted at the Recycling Center include: indoor furniture, tables, chairs, sofas, carpet, broken/soiled mattresses, and foam mattresses. These items can be picked up alongside your curbside service. Call Waste Management @ (800) 972 - 4545 to schedule.

 

Shared from Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3653176918100085/

and the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/recycling-center

Beaver St Recycling Center - Open Hours Changed for Winter