Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Response Rates | 2020 Census Franklin at 80.2% (beating 2010 response rate) !!!

We have reached a 80.2% response rate for Franklin!  Franklin actually did 79.9% in the 2010 Census.
"The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are responding every day. Over 90 million households have responded to date, representing 76.5% of all households in America. Make sure that you and your friends and family are included in this once-a-decade count."

Visit the 2020 Census response rate map  https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

The current results for Franklin (as of Sunday, Aug 23, 2020):

Response Rates | 2020 Census Franklin at 80.2%
Response Rates | 2020 Census Franklin at 80.2%


Monday, August 24, 2020

FM #334 Economic Development Comm Meeting Not 8/20/20 (Audio)

FM #334 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 334 in the series. 
This session shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Due to lack of quorum, the meeting never officially opened, all discussion was relevant but not official. The Chair, Melanie Hamblen, was present from the beginning along with multiple Town Administration staff. One other member of the committee (Jones) joined about 26 minutes into the recording but they still lacked one of the other two members (Earls, Bissanti) to make an official meeting.

The recording runs just about 48 minutes, so let’s listen to the discussion from the unofficial meeting of the Economic Development Subcommittee.

The next meeting is targeted for Sep 2 starting approx 5:00 or 5:30 PM effectively before the Town Council meeting, the same night.



 
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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
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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!

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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"

FM #334 Economic Development Comm Meeting Not 8/20/20 (Audio)
screen grab of proposed schedule for listening sessions

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2020

 Monday, August 24, 2020
7:00 PM
Virtual Meeting
AGENDA

Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Cultural District Committee Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required).

Please click on the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82896306355 or call on your phone at 929-205- 6099, meeting # 82896306355.

Welcome
  • Porch Fest & Other Ideas
  • Brainstorming
Next Cultural District Meeting Dates
  • Monday, August 31, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. with Anne Marie Tracey Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. FCD & FDP Business Listening Session
Next Cultural District Partner Meeting Date
  • Monday, September 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Adjourn

The listings 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.

For Additional information, contact: 
Bryan W. Taberner, AICP, Director
Department of Planning and Community Development 
508-520-4907; btaberner@franklinma.gov


The agenda doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page

The Cultural District web page is https://www.franklinculture.org/

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2020
Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2020

Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - Aug 27

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Remote Public Hearing on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Joseph Halligan of Franklin, MA for the construction of a residential condo building and retail building with associated parking lot, storm water structures, and grading within the 100 ft. buffer zone to vegetated wetlands and impacting bylaw jurisdictional ditch and isolated wetlands.

The project is located at 340 East Central Street, Map 285 Lot 09.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

To access the records and files for this project, please email jdelmore@franklinma.gov

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929 or emailing 
jdelmore@franklinma.gov

Bill Batchelor 
Chairman



Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - Aug 27
Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - Aug 27


Register O’Donnell Promotes Homestead Act

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, where the focus is understandably on the health and safety of our families, friends and neighbors, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell is reminding Norfolk County homeowners about the importance of filing for Homestead protection.  

O’Donnell noted, “As your elected Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I am pleased to inform county homeowners about a valuable consumer protection tool. Indeed, for most of us our home is the most important financial asset we have. 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.” 

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 by an act of the Massachusetts Legislature. Current law states a valid Homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Other enhancements 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. To find out more about the Homestead law, or to get a free application, please go online to the Registry’s website at www.norfolkdeeds.org or contact the Registry’s Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101. 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “My office stands ready to answer any questions you may have relative to the Homestead law. 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.” 

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
Register O’Donnell Promotes Homestead Act


“The days just sort of would go by”

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

"From the beginning of the pandemic, most were aware of the disease’s devastating mortality rate among older people.

As of Aug. 11, Massachusetts residents over age 70 accounted for 86% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths, according to data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. About 65% of the total deaths reported in the state have occurred at skilled-nursing facilities, nursing homes and rest homes.

Still, as COVID-19 tore across the state and new cases surged from March through late June, skilled-nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and many independent living facilities became hot spots for the infectious disease.

Joining first responders, doctors and nurses — familiar heroes in times of crisis — residents, caregivers and staff at these facilities found themselves on the front lines of the pandemic. Too often, they found themselves alone in the fight."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 


Franklin Community 2020 Voting Guide - Primary - Sept 1

A worthy set of material to prepare for the Primary election. Get your copy here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pJTTTmSxr5JwjJVzdBl-ra2_KEAMd0pq/view?usp=sharing 

or here

 

For additional information on voting visit the Town Clerk page

For the Franklin voters "election collection" visit

the Franklin voters "election collection"
the Franklin voters "election collection"

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Tom Angelo, FHS Athletic Director Josh Hanna, FHS Principal

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Athletics at Franklin High School
I recommend the approval of Franklin High School sports teams participating in MIAA seasons although school is opening in a predominantly remote environment as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics.pdf

B. Policy - First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
EBC (SUPPLEMENTAL) - Creation Of A General (Interim) Policy On Covid-related Issues
EBCFA - Masks/Face Coverings (New)
COVID Policy Addendums
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_1st_reads.pdf

C. 2020-21 Revised Calendar
I recommend approval of the revised 2020-2021 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_revised_20-21_calendar.pdf

D. Digital Learning Integrationist
I recommend the approval of three Digital Learning Integrationist positions in Franklin Public Schools as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_digital_learning_integrationist.pdf


V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 11, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Approval of Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session minutes from your August 11, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.
XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc, including connection info

The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting

Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20
Franklin, (MA): School Committee Meeting Agenda - 8/25/20

In the News: “We’re just keeping on top of it"

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

Forgive your town clerk if she looks a little bleary-eyed. 
“We’re working around the clock,” Sudbury Town Clerk Beth Klein said. “We’re working weekends. We’re working late at night.” 
With a little more than a week until the Sept. 1 state primary, town clerks throughout the region set up COVID-19-safe sites for a week of state-mandated, in-person early voting that began Saturday, piling the job on top of weeks of unexpected, labor-intensive, mail-in voting work. 
“We’re trying to do the best we can. It’s just a very, very short time frame that we had to do this,” said Ashland Town Clerk Tara Ward, adding that other town departments have pitched in to help. “It was a tight squeeze. All of a sudden we were slammed.” 
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  

Vote Early In Person:  FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GYM
  • Sunday Aug. 23         10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
  • Monday, Aug. 24         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM                      
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25         9:00 AM – 3:00 PM             
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26    9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, Aug. 27       9:00 AM -  3:00 PM
  • Friday, Aug. 28            9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

For additional information on voting visit the Town Clerk page

For the Franklin voters "election collection" visit

In the News: “We’re just keeping on top of it"
In the News: “We’re just keeping on top of it"

Zooming into the Future, Part 7

Many of Our Zoom Meetings are Invisible

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/23/2020

Invisible Zoom Meetings?  (Whaaat?)  It just means that we are communicating on all fronts via Zoom, including how our weekly programming is produced for wfpr●fm, Franklin Public Radio. You can’t see them, but you can hear them.

Our mighty group of stalwart RadioGang volunteers (Stalwart was my word-o-the day.) are at it every week, producing music programs, interviewing important local guests, and providing timely information. My kudos and deepest thanks to all of them for a staunch dedication that elevates us as a small local station to a national level of professionalism through their unwavering pride of purpose. We are fortunate.

Frank Falvey, Jim Derick, Todd Monjar, Steve Sherlock, Dr. Anne Bergen, Dale Kurtz, Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone, Jay Horrigan, Pandora Carlucci and guests rise to the moment through a slew of Zoom-powered interviews that keep us keepin’ on.

Our ongoing success is all their fault. ( Note that a ‘slew’ is even more than a bunch. )

This week? The candidates are up front.

On Monday through Wednesday you can hear interviews with the candidates. Frank Falvey has been interviewing the many candidates running for the Fourth District seat. Learn all about them in their own words on 102.9 fm.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to 
wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.


This week's full program guide can be found online




Zooming into the Future, Part 7
Zooming into the Future, Part 7

THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28

THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.  

James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020.  They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.  

Get tickets online or call the box office https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1398&month=08&year=2020

THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28
THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28


4th Congressional District Race: A Town Hall on Race and Racism (re-broadcast schedule)

The 4th Congressional District Race: A Town Hall on Race and Racism held on Aug 19, 2020 is scheduled for re-broadcast on Franklin TV this week.

Franklin All-Access 
Comcast Channel 8; Verizon Channel 26
  • Sunday, Aug 23 - 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday, Aug 25 - 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, Aug 26 - 10:00 AM
  • Thursday, Aug 27 - 3:30 PM

Franklin Town Hall  
Comcast Channel 11; Verizon Channel 29
  • Wednesday, Aug 26 - 8:00 AM
  • Wednesday, Aug 26 - 2:00 PM


4th Congressional District Race: A Town Hall on Race and Racism
4th Congressional District Race: A Town Hall on Race and Racism

Hockomock Area YMCA Offers Remote Learning Support Programs and Before & After School Care

Our Hockomock Area YMCA knows this academic year will challenge families and present a unique need in our communities, as families will be balancing their children's remote learning needs with their own work schedules and commitments. We have been preparing to adapt our Y's Before & After School Care program to include both full-day remote learning support as needed, along with traditional before and after school care.  These enhanced programs will be comprehensive, supporting your child's virtual learning needs, while providing enrichment, socialization and physical activity each day. 
 
At all three of our YMCA full facility branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro, we plan to provide onsite full-day remote learning and enrichment programming Monday through Friday as space allows. We are also identifying additional buildings in communities we serve where we may be able to expand our offering and allow more families to register.

Here is where we are in this process and the next steps we must take.
  • All organizations who plan to offer any childcare or school age support program during the school year must be licensed by the state's Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) in order to operate legally and within the standards that provide quality care and keep children safe.
  • All Hockomock Area YMCA childcare and before and after school care programs are licensed by DEEC and we follow their guidelines strictly.
  • While local school districts have submitted their final plans to the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for approval, and have communicated these plans to families within their community, the DEEC that we depend upon for licensing has not yet issued their revised COVID-19 standards or guidelines. These two state departments coordinate efforts to make sure guidelines are consistent.
  • Until these guidelines are released, no program can operate, and we cannot finalize key elements, including staff to child ratios, the number of children allowed per classroom, and revised cleaning protocols.
According to the DEEC, the state should be providing us with the necessary guidelines by the end of this week or early next week. It has been shared with us that organizations like our Y who already have a license will be first in line to expand their care and be approved for the full day remote learning support program.
 
We will be moving forward in the next few days on anticipated program guidelines and making registration for families available, with the understanding that the entire program is pending on state approval.

If you would like to receive future updates and registration information once it’s available, please complete our online contact form by CLICKING HERE (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=PpzOnpumbUWH4PxDDFqr5r-uLr_JgcNOrd_wDdoe02lUNjVMSzM3WDdDMzhBVDk2QkVJUThPTDJQSSQlQCN0PWcu).

Hockomock Area YMCA
Bernon Family Branch
45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-528-8708
http://www.hockymca.org/franklin

Hockomock Area YMCA Offers Remote Learning Support Programs and Before & After School Care
Hockomock Area YMCA 

In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Germany held a pop concert Saturday to see how those attending could spread coronavirus if they had it. 
German researchers studying COVID-19 packed part of a Leipzig arena with volunteers, collecting data in a “real life” simulation of a pop concert but one with strict health and safety controls. 
About 1,500 people took part in the experiment run by the University Hospital in Halle, each taking a coronavirus test ahead of time, testing negative, and having to wear protective masks throughout the day’s testing. 
Researchers equipped each volunteer with contact tracers to record their routes in the arena and track the path of the aerosols — the small particles that could carry the virus — they emitted as they mingled and talked. Fluorescent disinfectants were used to highlight which surfaces at the mock concert were touched most frequently."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"
In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"

In the News: Dean goes remote learning; post-pandemic Cape Cod maybe more unaffordable

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Under normal circumstances, Dean College would be getting ready to welcome students from near and far back to campus 
Not so in the world of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Instead, the campus in downtown Franklin will remain a quiet oasis as the college goes with a fully remote fall semester. 
In a statement posted on the Dean College website, President Paula Rooney noted that a lot of careful consideration was given to how the college would approach a return to classes for the 2020-21 academic year. 
“Throughout this process, the health and well-being of our entire community has been and will continue to be our primary concern,” she stated."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Dean goes remote learning;
Dean goes remote learning; 

"Cape Cod officials said Thursday that the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial disruption it’s caused for many have shined a spotlight on connections between housing, health care and the economy.

On a call with other members of the Cape’s reopening task force, state Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, said he’s worried that trends in the housing market linked to COVID-19 “will only exacerbate how Cape Cod is so profoundly unaffordable.”

Cyr said housing and the lack of affordable places to live was one of the biggest, most urgent issues facing the Cape and Islands region, where much new housing production caters to second-home buyers, before the pandemic hit.

“Cape Codders of my generation are struggling to make a life here,” Cyr said, adding that the crisis has revealed existing societal inequities to be “gaping fissures.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)