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| Senior Center: Memory Cafe and Quarantini scheduled virtually today |
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| Community Unity Art Event - Sat, Oct 17 at 67 Degrees |
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"The D’Angelis Water Treatment plant is offline after the town found elevated levels of a group of state-regulated, man-made chemicals in its drinking water.
The chemicals - called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, regularly abbreviated to PFAS - are stain- and water-resistant, and used to coat everything from clothing and furniture to food packaging and non-stick cooking surfaces.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chemical may cause a wide variety of health problems, from increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer to high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Studies are preliminary.
Millis residents should have received a booklet in the mail Friday, explaining when the testing took place and what the town has done. The booklet emphasizes that the town is not in violation of the state’s drinking water regulations."
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| Let’s Laugh Today is Free EVERY Wednesday at 7:30 PM on ZOOM! |
I’ve been thinking about Becca Rausch, the incumbent state senator from the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, which includes the part of Franklin where I live.
I’m a registered Democrat, so I was inclined to vote for Rausch because she’s the Democrat in the race. But I realized that I was being a little unfair to Becca Rausch, so I thought about the times I’ve met her.
I met her at Franklin’s Harvest Festival and at the Strawberry Festival with her kids.
I met her at the Black Lives Matter demonstration on the Franklin Common.
I met her at three different sessions of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, some in person, virtual.
I met her at the Democrats’ holiday party.
I met her at Franklin High when she spoke about higher education.
I watched her when she defended her legislation on vaccinations.
I realized that this state senator of mine has been a very hard-working office holder. She really puts in the time.
I have a friend who complains that she can never get her own senator to answer her letters. Becca Rausch, on the other hand, never fails to reply. That means something.
I read Rausch’s on-line bio. She seems focused mostly on issues that matter to me—elder affairs; problems of children, families, and people with disabilities; issues in social justice, equality before the law, election reform.
And no one can fail to see a great deal of competent work, done in the public interest, in the long series of COVID bulletins that Rausch has published.
Clearly, this is a hard-working, accessible, and capable woman.
So I’m glad I thought about her. Turns out, I have better reasons to vote for her than I realized.
Maria Lucier, Franklin
If you have something to submit for Voices of Franklin, follow the guidelines published here https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
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| couRAEgeous Pumpkin Festival - Oct 24, 2020 |
"Franklin High started its varsity boys soccer program 51 years ago. During that time, the Panthers have had only two coaches.
Gordon McClay, whose family was instrumental in the growth of the town’s youth soccer program and lobbied athletic director Jerry Leone and the Franklin school committee to offer soccer as a varsity sport, was in charge for the fall of 1970. The next year, Fran Bositis took over and, 50 years, nearly 500 wins, and nine Hockomock League titles later, he shows no signs of giving up his spot on the sidelines.
“I had hoped to coach football but Jerry Leone was coach and they were in the middle of a 32-game winning streak and he said he had nothing available on his staff,” Bositis explained. “He did say, ‘I do need a soccer coach. What do you know about soccer?’ I go, ‘Not a lot,’ and he said, ‘Well, if you want the job, it’s yours.’ And here I am 50 seasons later.”
Bositis was sitting at a table in front of the concession stand at Pisini Field, recalling how he started teaching phys ed at the middle school in the winter of 1971, how he was a standout lacrosse player who played for four years at UMass, and how his first season as soccer coach was less than perfect. “That first year, [Leone] had to talk me off the ledge a couple of times,” Bositis remembered. “He finally said to me one day, ‘You think you’re the only coach here who’s coaching a sport he’s never played before?"
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| Franklin boys soccer coach Fran Bositis is in his 50th season in charge of the program. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) |
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| Franklin Cultural Council: Halloween House Decorating Contest |
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| MBTA Commuter Rail: Schedule changes effective Nov 2, 2020 |
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported Norfolk County experienced strong real estate sales and lending activity during the month of September 2020.
Register O’Donnell stated, “The month of September saw Norfolk County real estate sales, both residential and commercial, increase 13% year over year. 1,697 real estate sales were recorded compared to 1,503 in September 2019. The average real estate sales price, again both residential and commercial, increased 10% to $865,235. Total sales volume for the month came in at $952 million. The main drivers of these numbers were low interest rates, a limited amount of available real estate causing prices to increase, in many cases over the original listing price, and homebuyers looking for increased housing space to accommodate working remotely.”
As has been the case for the past several months, Norfolk County once again saw strong growth in mortgage lending during September. 4,639 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 64% increase compared to the previous year. The total amount of money borrowed during September was $1.8 billion. “These strong mortgage numbers,” noted O’Donnell, “are the direct result of low interest rates. All indications are these attractive mortgage rates will continue for the foreseeable future.”
Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, have been curtailed due to a moratorium placed on foreclosures and evictions while the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency has been ongoing. The Registry of Deeds is watching closely to see if this moratorium will be lifted as scheduled by Governor Baker in mid-October.
“The Norfolk Registry of Deeds,” stated O’Donnell, “has been working in close cooperation with Attorney General Maura Healey’s office monitoring protections afforded to homeowners affected by the COVID-19 state of emergency through Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, Act Providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency as well as protections put in place by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Pub L. 116-136, (the “CARES Act”). We are very sensitive to how this pandemic has caused upheaval in people’s lives and in some cases caused issues with homeowners paying their monthly mortgage payment.”
“I am pleased to report that during my tenure as Norfolk County Register of Deeds, my office has been proactive in partnering with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help those facing challenges paying their mortgage. These non-profit agencies are equipped to provide help and guidance to anyone struggling to pay their mortgage. In addition, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD), 617-727-8400 is also available to provide assistance.”
Homestead recordings increased 15% during the month of September. “I want to remind Norfolk County residents that a Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge all Norfolk County homeowners to avail themselves of this important consumer protection tool,” noted the Register.
Concluding his remarks, Register O’Donnell stated, “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to experience significant changes in their lives. This is reflected in what we are seeing for recordings at the Registry of Deeds and what we are hearing from real estate professionals working with buyers and sellers in Norfolk County. Many working men and women are now working remotely. This has caused some to leave urban areas and buy in suburbs and rural communities like we have in Norfolk County. We are hearing that many young professionals are looking for more space in their homes needed for home offices due to work being done remotely. A limited supply of available housing stock has resulted in a heightened amount of competition between buyers resulting in higher real estate sales prices in Norfolk County. We are also hearing from real estate brokers that many houses are selling for above the original listing price. Robust sales and lending figures were seen in September. There is evidence that the Fall will see continuing strong performance in real estate activity.”
“What we have also seen over these past few weeks and months is that COVID-19 does not discriminate. Anyone, even the most powerful man in the free world, can be affected. Until there is a viable vaccine in place, all of us need to continue practicing social distancing, wear a mask, and take all necessary steps to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. We need to keep in mind not only our own health but the health of our family, neighbors and friends. Together, we will get through this. Be healthy. Be safe.”
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 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.
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| Register O’Donnell Sees Sales Numbers Increase in Norfolk County Real Estate Market |
A Class for Veterans
Veterans will attend VIRTUALLY through an easy to access meeting platform titled WebEx via a personal computer, smart phone or tablet.
DATE: Thursday, October 29, 1:30pm - 3:00pm EST
PRESENTERS: • Michelle Robertson, MD, MPH • Susan Santos, PhD, MS
LEARN ABOUT • Potential Exposures • Research Findings • Health Effects • Available Resources • Steps to Manage Symptoms
TO REGISTER TO ATTEND: Only Veterans who register will have course access. To register to attend and receive further information necessary to participate, please call WRIISC at: 800-248-8005 or Email: NJWRIISCEDTEAM@va.gov. Guests are welcome.
VETERANS, prior to participating in this or any educational class, please discuss the class topic with your providers to ensure they are aware and can discuss any physical and/or mental health concerns. The WRIISC promotes collaboration and communication between Veterans and their providers. If you are experiencing a mental health issue, please do not hesitate to call National Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 option 1, confidential crisis chat: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net or text: 838255. If a medical emergency occurs, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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| ATTENTION Gulf War Veterans: Do You Have Questions About Gulf War Exposures? |
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| No trash delay this week - Regular schedule |
On Sunday October 11, 2020 at approximately 12:49pm the Franklin Police Department through the Metacomet Emergency Communication Center (MECC) received a 911 call reporting a male party experiencing a mental health crisis in the Spruce Pond Condominium complex. The caller also advised that the individual was armed with a handgun, threatening harm to himself, and anyone who approached.
Initial responding Franklin Police officers set up a perimeter and made initial contact with the party. Additional resources, including the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council’s (Metro- LEC) SWAT team were also called to the scene.
During the incident, the male party fired a multiple rounds from a handgun striking the armored truck containing the SWAT officers. Because of the availability of this kind of armored equipment, the SWAT team did not return fire with the subject.
Swat officers were then able to engage the subject from inside the armored vehicle utilizing 40mm less than lethal munitions, Taser, and a K9 team. The subject was taken into custody while still in possession of the firearm. The subject is being treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and will undergo a mental health evaluation.
One Metro-LEC SWAT officer was struck by the ricochet of a round fired by the subject. The officer thankfully was not injured and did not require further treatment.
We are thankful that this incident ended without the loss of any life. It also serves as a reminder that incidents of this type can happen anywhere, and at any time. Officers need the tools available to them to be able to respond safely, with the goal always being the preservation of all life.
At this time the investigation is ongoing. Information on potential criminal charges will be available at the conclusion of the investigation.
Chief Thomas J. Lynch stated “I am proud of the response of my officers, and the Metro- LEC team, the professionalism of all involved, and the incredible restraint shown. Results like this are not always possible but are what we strive for.” Lynch continued “We need to continue training all of our officers and must always provide them with the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs.”
The Franklin Police Department wishes to thank all our law enforcement, and fire department partners that assisted us today with this tense situation.
Shared from Franklin Police https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-media-release-spruce-pond
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| Franklin, MA: Police Dept - 2020 Media Release, Spruce Pond |
FM #363 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 363 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/139589c7-00c0-4654-9e10-ae99825a695
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Town Clerk page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk
Business listening sessions https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf
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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.
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"
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| "Talk Franklin" discussion on phishing incident, election prep, and PFAS testing |
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. Superintendent Evaluation Evidence Presentation 2019-2020 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/suptevalevidence_presentation_to_sc_10-13-20.pdf
B. District Improvement Goals 2020-2021 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_initiatives_to_sc_2020-2021.pdf
III. Discussion/Action Items
A. District Improvement Plan
I recommend adoption of the 2020-2021 District Improvement Goals as discussed. https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dip.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
A. EEAEC - Student Conduct on School Buses
B. EEAJ - Motor Vehicles Idling on School Grounds https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_0.pdf
C. Reduction of Pay to Ride Fees
I recommend approval of the Pay to Ride bus fee to be set at $130 for the 2020-2021 school year as discussed. https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_pay_to_ride.pdf
D. MASC Resolutions (#1, 4-6)
I recommend adoption of the following MASC resolutions as discussed:
A. Resolution #1: MCAS and High Stakes Testing
B. Resolution #4: Lowering the Voting Age for Municipal Elections
C. Resolution #5:Supporting Increased Federal Support and Stimulus Funding for Public K-12 Education
D. Resolution #6: Retention of Medicaid Revenue https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_resolutions.pdf
IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Resolution #2 COVID-19 State Funding
B. Resolution #3 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution
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 September 22, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from your September 22, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.
C. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $980.00 from the Franklin Community (coordinated by Heather Sansoucy & Kristen Gillen) for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School 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 and collective bargaining with the FEA/RN Unit 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
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| Franklin, MA:: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020 |
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| a camera operator somewhere in that plastic |
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| Director Chris Flynn, hanging in there |
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| announcers, Sam Reis and Nipun Goel got to see our cameras and call the game from the warmth and comfort of home – thanks to Zoom |
In a time seemingly long ago, pre-COVID-19, Jeff Roy and his band Ben Gardner's Boat spent some time in the Franklin TV recording studio. Jeff got to post the video segments of the songs recorded. Here is one: "Collide" https://youtu.be/TmPZULYRc-E
"Our nation is on a trajectory to experience exponentially more homelessness. Yet this didn't occur overnight.
Over the past 40 years, unequal income distribution has allowed the top 1% of earners to take roughly $50 trillion from the bottom 90%. "
Read more https://t.co/BAXtZvX55F
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| Invisible People: "‘American Dream’ Takes Final Blow" |
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| Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with an update during the Town Council meeting |
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in this album https://photos.app.goo.gl/DK9KWgP9PYNj8gpN6
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #edc1007
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc1007&src=typed_query
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| Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020 |
It's PRIME DAY this weekend!
What a perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc. with the click of a button. During COVID-19, ensuring students have access to enriching quality music lessons and classes online is a priority for EMEF. This can be made possible through your generous donations!
See below for instructions on how to help.
Amazon donates .5% of eligible purchases through Amazon Smile to charitable organizations. Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile, choose us as your organization, and start generating donations!
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| A perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation |
