Monday, October 5, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee - Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet - Oct 7, 2020

Agenda:

1.    Lot Line Zoning Change #5
2.    Lot Line Zoning Change #6
3.    Follow up discussion on Listening Session #1: Downtown Franklin, Franklin Crossing & Franklin Cultural District. 

 

The agenda PDF and connection info
 
 
Recording and notes for the Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20
 
 
EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen in Sep 30 Listening Session
EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen in Sep 30 Listening Session


Hockomock Girls Soccer: Players to Watch in 2020 = Erin Quaile, FHS senior

Some of the high school sports seasons are underway and HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the girls soccer "players to watch" for the Hockomock League. We share the spotlight on FHS senior Erin Quaile and provide the link to the full listing.

Erin Quaile, Senior – Franklin

Much of Franklin’s success last season came from its defense being one of the best in the Hock and that solidity at the back came from far more than just the back four. The Panthers were also a tenacious team in the midfield, putting pressure and forcing turnovers all over the field and that is where senior midfielder Erin Quaile dominates. 

Not surprising for a two-time HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year in basketball, Quaile is quick, agile, and never backs down from a challenge. She covers a ton of ground in the center of the pitch and is not afraid of getting into physical battles. Quaile also showed off a good range of passing, keeping possession well when needed and quickly turning defense into attack with a long pass to the forwards. She may not be the biggest player, but Quaile was also strong on set pieces on both ends of the pitch and timed her late runs into the box to pop up with the occasional goal for the Panthers. 

Franklin will be in the mix for the league title this year and Quaile’s experience and nous in the middle of the park will be critical.

 
For the full listing of "players to watch" around the Hockomock League
 
Players to Watch in 2020 = Erin Quaile, FHS senior
Players to Watch in 2020 = Erin Quaile, FHS senior

 

FHS boys soccer season preview by HockomockSports.com

Some of the high school sports seasons are underway and HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the boys soccer teams in the Hockomock League. We share the Franklin outlook here and provide the link to the full listing.
 
Franklin

2019 Record: 9-7-4
2019 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Fran Bositis
With returning players in most areas of the pitch and a trio of top midfielders in the Hockomock League, the Panthers should be in the mix for the Kelley-Rex title, although it could be one of the most competitive seasons since the league split into two.

With just 10 games and all six teams in the Kelley-Rex possible contenders, there is little margin for error. The Panthers will be put to the test right away as they take on Milford, who won the Davenport two years in a row and went to the D2 State Final last season, in the opening week. But longtime head coach Fran Bositis has plenty of talent on his roster to try and make a push for the division title. It all starts in the midfield with a trio of returning starters in Ethan Cain, Tyler Powderly, and last year’s HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year Terry O’Neill.

All three bring something different to the table which will make Franklin’s midfield among the most dynamic in the league. Powderly’s speed on the wings will give defenses fits while Cain will bring plenty of creativity as the Panthers push forward. O’Neill won’t be able to dominate in the air like he did a season ago thanks to the new modifications that ban headers, but the junior is also such a calming presence with the ball at his feet and will help Franklin keep possession. Ben Moccia, who started in the midfield a season ago, is moving up top to the number 9 spot, while Charlie Amante, Ryan Witt, Jack Moran, and Kevin Proenca will also see time in the attack.

The Panthers have some new faces in the defensive unit. Will Fox is the lone returning starter and has impressed in the early stages of the season. Sam George, Robbin Tappin, and Karl Gruseck will all factor into the Panthers’ defense while Aidan Griffith, Nelson Martinez, and Connor Scagliarini will be options for Bositis to play either defense or in the midfield. Newcomers Trey Lovell and Rex Cinelli could see valuable minutes right away. Former Panther standout goalie Freddie Backmann, who is without a season at Regis College, is mentoring Luc Boudreau, this year’s starting keeper for Franklin.

“I think that we have a very good group of athletes (soccer players) who have worked real hard in preparation for this season,” Bositis said. “I know that they are all excited to be playing and that they are looking forward to competing against the other Kelley-Rex teams and putting themselves in a position to challenge for a league championship.”

 

 

FHS boys soccer season preview by HockomockSports.com
FHS boys soccer season preview by HockomockSports.com

Reminder: Halloween House Decorating Contest - register by Oct 16

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is pleased to announce its first annual Halloween House Decorating Contest.

Let your imagination and creativity come alive as you bring the spirit of Halloween to your front yard! 

Make this fall one that you and your family will never forget!  
 
Beginning October 22, Franklin homeowners can design an outdoor display to transform their front lawns to a landscape of ghouls, ghosts and goblins; fantasy-filled scenes of magic; or a monument to the macabre.  
Halloween House Decorating Contest

 
Halloween House Decorating Contest

All residences in Franklin are eligible to participate. There is no fee
to enter, but to be part of the contest, interested households will need to go online and complete the registration form at bit.ly/FCC-Halloween by October 16.  Late entries may not be considered.

Judging will take place after dark on Friday, October 30th by FCC members  First, second and third place winners will be announced on the Franklin Cultural Council’s Facebook page. 

Gather family or friends and use your artistic flair to create a front yard for all of Franklin to enjoy!  Additional details can be found on the FCC web page.  https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council
 



Franklin Cultural Council: Halloween House Decorating Contest
Franklin Cultural Council: Halloween House Decorating Contest

 

Sunday, October 4, 2020

COVID Potential Positive Letter to FHS Families

October 4, 2020


Dear Franklin Families,

We are writing to inform you that a person in our Franklin High School community is potentially positive for COVID-19.

Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform individuals who were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support everyone navigating this stressful experience.

Students and staff in the building have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our faculty/staff and families/students for continued efforts to monitor symptoms and stay home when not feeling well. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who is potentially positive for COVID-19, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. As always, please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if they show any symptoms or are not feeling well.

Parents/guardians of students who were in close contact with the community members have been notified privately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of the test result. We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents/guardians whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. Staff members are to report positive test results to their supervisor. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

To further prevent potential transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we have sanitized the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that is potentially positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place.
 
Out of an abundance of caution, we are going to be closing the affected classroom(s) for a period of 3 days. We will re-evaluate on Tuesday, October 6. We will be providing remote learning for affected students and those required to quarantine at home to continue to provide instruction, structure, and an emotional connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved. Affected students and their families will be receiving additional information directly.

As noted in a previous communication regarding COVID-19, please visit the following link for more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing:
 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at
 https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

 

------

The COVID Communications protocol was announced previously
 

 
 
COVID Potential Positive Letter to FHS Families
COVID Potential Positive Letter to FHS Families


FM #359 Town Council Candidate Cobi Frongillo - 9/29/20 (audio)

FM #359 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 359 in the series.

This shares my interview and discussion with Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo. 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.

Cobi answered the following questions. All candidates for this position will be asked the same set of 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 just about 23 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cobi  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXFKdbbK


-----------

Visit Cobi’s webpage  https://www.cobifrongillo.com/
Or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Frongillo4Franklin

--------------
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" 

Cobi Frongillo
Cobi Frongillo

 

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Oct 6, 2020

 

Agenda

1.    Election of Officers
     a.    Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk
2.    Finance Committee management policy and organization review
3.    FY21 Budget Update
4.    Future Meeting Schedule 

 

Agenda document and connection info
 
Finance Committee - Agenda - Oct 6, 2020
Finance Committee - Agenda - Oct 6, 2020

 

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - Oct 7, 2020

AGENDA

1) Reading and Acceptance of September 2, 2020 and September 16, 2020 meeting minutes

2)    OLD BUSINESS

•    Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

3)    NEW BUSINESS

•    Drive through flu shot clinic update
•    Intern Presentation and update
•    Community outreach discussion
•    Phase 111 Step 11 update

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business
 
4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

5) ADJOURNMENT

Next Board of Health meeting will be Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 5:00 pm


Connect via -> meet.google.com/oxh-kcua-zpz   or  via phone dial = 1-570-671-0217  pin 994 771 132#

PDF agenda doc = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-10-7-20.pdf

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting -  Oct 7, 2020
Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting -  Oct 7, 2020

 

Live Sports & Events = We are preparing to cover many events - LIVE!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 10/04/2020

You read that right. We have been busily rewiring our facility to cover remote school sports and community events – from anywhere – LIVE!

To date, arranging the necessary connections and control to make this possible has proven to be a very daunting challenge. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. Of late, that necessity has increased – dramatically. So have new technologies and solutions that enable us to finally address that necessity.

The pandemic has forced schools to make and remake some very difficult decisions. These decisions remain in flux as conditions shift. Currently, the schools and MIAA have arranged a schedule for sporting events. Safety dictates that crowds of  parents and friends be minimal to nonexistent. For most participating schools, that means only one-parent-per-student is permitted to attend the event.

We have received requests to carry FHS Panther games and events LIVE, and we have been ‘inventing’ away as well to accomplish that. Our first live event is slated for Monday afternoon. Fingers crossed.

You can watch our live sports on our Franklin Pride school channel, on Comcast 96 or Verizon 28. We are also now streaming our channels in high definition.

Visit our Franklin●TV website. Click on Franklin Pride TV. Click on “ Watch Now”.

Easy-peasy!

We are also coordinating our live programs with those of other community PEG studios across the Hockomock League and region. Lots of events are planned.

Will we be perfect?  No guarantees – as there is a lot of technology (and the internet) under the hood, making this all happen. But, try we must. Fingers crossed.

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

 

Find the complete program guide on the Franklin.TV page  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 
or for archive purposes this link 
 
Live Sports & Events = We are preparing to cover many events - LIVE!
Live Sports & Events = We are preparing to cover many events - LIVE!


Franklin Senior Center: Email blast Oct 2, 2020

Hello Everyone!

WOW, October is here already. Fall has officially begun, the leaves are turning beautiful colors and there is a crisp chill in the air.  Since we are headed into month 8 of the pandemic we thought we would mix things up a little.  We have a JAMMED PACKED calendar in October with a mix of IN PERSON and virtual offerings.  Make sure to check out the newsletter and check our website for all the wonderful events happening this month!


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 

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

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


October special events -call the Franklin Senior Center, visit our website or check out the October newsletter for more details about these programs! 

  • Oct. 6th - drive through flu clinic

  • Oct. 6th - Yellow Dot Program with the Norfolk Sheriff's Dept.

  • Oct. 7th - LIVE IN PERSON Concerts!!

  • Oct 7th - Veterans coffee hour

  • Oct. 8th - Movie and discussion "Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory"

  • Oct. 13th - Time Out Memory Cafe

  • Oct. 14th - Senator Rausch coffee hour

  • Oct. 15th - Senior coffee hour with local and state officials

  • Oct. 19th - Medicare update with SHINE

  • Oct. 19th - Grateful Days Memory Cafe

  • Oct. 20th - LIVE IN PERSON concerts

  • Oct. 21st - Talk Franklin Matters with Steve Sherlock

  • Oct. 23rd - Name that tune game show

  • Oct. 26th - Norfolk County Sheriff presents "Scams"

  • Oct. 26th - Memory Cafe with Wayne Neon

  • Oct. 30th - Healthy Never Tasted So Good - cooking demonstration and food pick up


Tips

Low Impact chair exercise with Paul Eugene - this gentleman will get you movin' and groovin'!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBhneGcs9BA 


99 year old fitness instructor - 5 minute work out all you need is a stick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m0KjKeF_hY 


Music

Songs and Music from the War Era.  WWII 2.5 hours of music from the 1930's and 1940's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b6DgeTf1BE 


1930, Puttin On The  Ritz, Phil Spitalny Orchestra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seB5BYvkMXk 


On Wednesday we enjoyed wonderful music performed by Howie Newman!  Check out his website for more information about Howie and where to hear and buy his music!

http://www.howienewman.com/bio.html 


Just for Fun

Outrageous ads of times gone by.  Good grief can you imagine some of these airing today?!?!  Although the Whiskey toothpaste might be a hit during the pandemic.  haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdsbNf8Elwo 

 

Childhood memories from the 60's and 70's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy4kIO8eptI 

 

Abandoned Movie sets you can visit - What set would you visit if you could?

https://youtu.be/Ukyd4NMiV4A


Most surreal National Park - In Japan!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFSMf3AVzo0 


Walking tour through Olympic National Park - This is relaxing and beautiful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9frdQgL9WlQ 


Humor

Jeanne Robertson - Don't ask, He'll tell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7pKHLo7u8Q 


Laurel and Hardy - Why Didn't You Tell Me you Had 2 Legs?!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIbeGQp0cm4&frags=pl%2Cwn 


Funny Animal videos

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


Kindness Matters

Soldiers coming home - just try not to cry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv57it8nCV0 


Attached you will find:


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. 


OCTOBER HAPPENINGS -contact the senior center, visit our website or the newsletter for more details about our weekly offerings. 

MONDAYS:  

  • Tele Bingo - call in game

  • Book Discussion Group (Page Turners) 1st Monday of the Month

TUESDAYS: 

  • Chair Exercises

  • Low Vision Support Group (1st and 3rd Tuesday)

  • Audio Book Club (2nd and 4th Tuesday)

  • Quarantini Time - Social cocktail group

WEDNESDAYS: 

  • Blood Pressure and Sugar screenings

  • Zumba gold

  • Wellness consults via phone

  • Medical equipment distribution and donations

  • Fibromyalgia support group (1st wed of the month)

  • Caregivers Support Group (2nd and 4th wed)

THURSDAYS: 

  • Chair exercise

  • Cardio strength and balance class

  • Current events discussion group

FRIDAYS: 

  • TOPS (Taking off pounds sensibly)

  • SUNSHINE group (supportive Day)



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 Senior Center: Email blast Oct 2, 2020
Franklin Senior Center: Email blast Oct 2, 2020


Visit the Pumpkin Patch at St John's Episcopal Church during October

The Pumpkins are here!

Visit the Pumpkin Patch at St John's Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street
Mon-Fri 5-8 PM and Sat/Sun 12-8 PM through October 31.

Various sizes and prices of carving pumpkins, baking pumpkins, as well as specialty pumpkins and gourds.

Activities for children:

  • Witch's Hat Ring Toss - Sunday, October 4 from 4-8 PM  
  • Paper Pumpkin Craft - Sunday, October 18
  • Costume Contest - Saturday October 31 at 3 PM

 

 

Visit the Pumpkin Patch at St John's Episcopal Church during October
Visit the Pumpkin Patch at St John's Episcopal Church during October

In the News: "Mail-in ballots are not ripe for fraud"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"As President Donald Trump continues to claim the ballots are ripe for fraud, some local experts say that’s not the case in Massachusetts

Is anything in life free from potential fraud?

“No” was Steven Kerrigan’s answer.

Kerrigan is Marlborough’s city clerk, a job he’s held since May, after serving seven years as assistant clerk.

When it comes to mail-in ballots in Massachusetts, Kerrigan said, “I feel relatively certain the system is secure.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
 
Franklin MA: info can be found on the Town Clerk page
 
 
Franklin, MA: 2020 Election Schedule
Franklin, MA: 2020 Election Schedule

 

In the News: "Franklin firefighters get double duty on Winter Street"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Firefighters battled a blaze at a multifamily home at 44 Winter St. Friday night, only to be forced o return when it rekindled on Saturday morning.

At 7:32 p.m. Friday, firefighters reported they were responding to a working fire on Winter Street, according to a Twitter post. A photo posted by the department later that night showed smoke and flames billowing from the top floor and roof of the 2,337-square-foot home.

The fire rekindled on Saturday morning before firefighters were again able to put it out. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20201003/franklin-firefighters-get-double-duty-on-winter-street?rssfeed=true

 

We have a working fire on Winter Street
"We have a working fire on Winter Street" via https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire


SAFE Coalition reminds the community it is here to provide support

Dear Community,

Charles Dickens opened a Tale of Two Cities with these memorable lines: 

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” 

In the past few months, I have felt these words in my soul. 

Some of us have rejoiced in this new time spent with family, the opportunity to get ahead of those fall clean outs, and the ability to practice a work from home life. Others have experienced financial and academic changes, mental and medical heath concerns, and most deeply a lost sense of hope and recovery.

It is during these times that we must reckon with our own lines of need. 

The SAFE Coalition has seen an incredible increase in calls – which we welcome and it’s why we are here.

The calls have been from individuals asking for support, parents seeking information for their children’s health, school systems looking for structure in treatment, and local prescribers and first responders interested in collaborating. On top of that, we have received inquiries on ways to support the larger community. 

We often speak about Vaping, Heroin, Alcohol, mental health, expectations vs. reality and domestic violence. In listening, we take the time to recognize how stigma, past care, and the reality of the world are impacting each caller. We, work together, to create a recovery oriented support plan for the family as a whole.

We recognize that you and those you love are worthy of support. We know that the quiet voice whispering in the dark of night, the reminders of vulnerability, the questions of, “am I doing enough?”, does not need to hold a place within you forever. And we believe the fears you have about your child’s substance use is not a failure of your parenting, but an opportunity to gain more insight into their needs. 

Healing only happens when it is shared within a supportive community.

With a warm (socially distant) embrace, the SAFE Coalition offers pathways for support, education, treatment options and healing opportunities. We are here and we are ready.
 

Warmly,
Jennifer Knight-Levine
Executive Director, co-founder
SAFE Coalition   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

 

SAFE Coalition reminds the community it is here to provide support
SAFE Coalition reminds the community it is here to provide support