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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, October 16, 2020
Franklin Historical Museum: November's News - getting ready to re-open
Franklin early voting opens Saturday, Oct 17
- Saturday, Oct. 17th and Sunday, Oct. 18TH 10 AM - 3 PM
- Monday, Oct 19th 9 AM - 3 PM
- Tuesday, Oct. 20th 9 AM - 3 PM
- Wednesday, Oct. 21st 9 AM - 5 PM
- Thursday, Oct. 22nd 9 AM - 3 PM
- Friday, Oct. 23rd 9 AM - noon
- Saturday, Oct. 24th and Sunday, Oct. 25th 10 AM - 3 PM
- Monday, Oct 26th 9 AM - 3 PM
- Tuesday, Oct. 27th 9 AM - 3 PM
- Wednesday, Oct. 28th 9 AM - 5 PM
- Thursday, Oct. 29th 9 AM - 3 PM
- Friday, Oct. 30th 9 AM - noon
**STATE ELECTION – Tuesday, November 3rd, 7 am – 8 pm FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GYM**
The FHS boys and girls cross country, field hockey, and golf teams top KP on Thursday
Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Thursday, Oct 15.
Girls Cross Country = King Philip, 48 @ Franklin, 15 – Final
"The Panthers had a great team effort against KP. FHS won 15-48. The Panthers placed 17 runners in the top 20 places. Franklin was led by Senior Angelina Perez. Captain Sydney was second followed by Freshman Alexandra Batla. Other scorers included Charlene Peng & Caitlin Casey "
Via Twitter and Coach Bailey https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1316912457655455745
The FHS boys and girls cross country, field hockey, and golf teams top KP on Thursday |
Town of Franklin, MA: Errant Reverse 911 notifications
October 15,2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Franklin, Massachusetts): On Sunday October 11, 2020 the Franklin Police Department had an incident in which a Reverse 911 telephone call from the Franklin system was sent. The message asked residents to shelter in place.
As resources arrived on the scene it became clear that many people had not received the message. This could be because the Franklin Reverse 911 system is a an "opt in" system. This means you must sign up to receive notifications.
Given the seriousness of the situation, a man shooting a gun in the open, the risk to innocent people was greatly heightened. Because of this, a second resource from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) was called upon. This system utilizes "Geo Fencing", which attempts to send wireless messages to mobile devices inside a defined area.
For an unknown technical reason, some of these messages were delivered to communities outside of Franklin. This problem is being investigated in the hope of avoiding problems in the future. Safety for the public and officers is at the center of every decision made.
As with all incidents lessons are learned. In the future when utilizing resources from outside agencies, such as MEMA, we will be more specific in identifying the Town, and area effected in the message itself.
We apologize for any worry that was created, and the disruptions to the Police Departments in those communities.
As a reminder to Franklin residents, you may sign up for our alert system here: franklintown.regroup.com/signup
Town of Franklin, MA: FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications
FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications are due December 1st. If you have not received yours or if you have any ?s, please contact Chrissy Whelton at cwhelton@franklinma.gov
License Renewal Applications can be found here:
https://t.co/d546cJ9Bki
Shared via Twitter: https://t.co/Fapf6nLcWc
Town of Franklin, MA: FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications |
In the News: Library closed due to exposure; MEMA did send an alert - researching continues
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Staff at the Franklin Public Library will return to work on Saturday after being sent home Wednesday morning due to a possible exposure of COVID-19, town officials said in a press release Wednesday night.
In consultation with the Board of Health, the library decided to send staff members home on Wednesday morning out of an abundance of caution, town officials said. In the meantime, crews were expected to be on-site to disinfect the entire library building and, if necessary, staff will be encouraged to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine.
“Since the library has not yet been open to the public, we are confident that Franklin residents have not been exposed to the virus and the town continues to remain confident we can reopen the library on Nov. 9 as we are planning,” town officials said.
The library plans to reopen for curbside pickup and other services on Monday. The library has been closed to the public since March due to the coronavirus and has been offering curbside pickup since May. Curbside pickup is offered Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the vestibule of the entrance at the top of the parking lot ramp."
"There is increasing clarity as to who sent a shelter-in-place alert on Sunday that was sent to many communities around Franklin.
The alert was sent to several communities using a geo fencing process by Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Franklin police said they sent the alert to those who signed up for Reverse 911. However, because its system only sends alerts to those who sign up for it, a second “resource” sent out a similar message.
MEMA sent out the second alert, which went to several communities, including non-neighboring towns Mendon and Milford, which weren’t part of the shelter-in-place order, that was similar to the message Franklin
The MEMA system uses something called “geofencing,” which sends wireless messages to mobile devices in a defined area."
Virtual Memory Cafe features "Kalifornia Karl " - Oct 16, 2020
Virtual Memory Cafe features "Kalifornia Karl " - Oct 16, 2020 |
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Franklin, MA: Library closed through Sunday; re-opens Monday, Oct 19
October 14, 2020
The Franklin Public Library will be closed from Wednesday, October 14, 2020 through Saturday, October 17, 2020. We plan to reopen for curbside pickup and other services on Monday, October 19, 2020.
There has been potential exposure to COVID-19 within the Library and, in consultation with the Board of Health, we have decided to send staff home out of an abundance of caution.
Additionally, crews will be on site through the next 24 hours to properly disinfect the entire Library Building. Staff will be encouraged to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine, if necessary, in accordance with CDC and Board of Health guidelines.
Since the Library has not yet been open to the public, we are confident that Franklin residents have not been exposed to the virus and the Town continues to remain confident we can reopen the Library on November 9th as we are planning.
Franklin, MA: Library closed through Sunday; re-opens Monday, Oct 19 |
CommUNITY Art Event - Oct 17
This commUNITY event was created to amplify the work and voices of Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) artists of all ages within Franklin to raise racial justice awareness and solidarity.
Some Franklin High School students created the MA Student Art Initiative to support and showcase artists of color and will displaying their work - painting, sketches, photography and ceramics as well as some musical performance.
There will be a variety of community folks in attendance including elected officials and all are invited up to the proper amount of patrons per COVID protocols.
CommUNITY Art Event - Oct 17 |
Did you know? The Community Preservation Act (CPA) webinar gets into the nitty gritty today
Did you know... there will be a dive deep into the nitty gritty of how the Community Preservation Act (CPA) works in the webinar Thursday night (October 15, 2020 - 7:00 PM)?
There are three points to remember:
1. Every residential property is given a deduction for the first $100,000 of value before the CPA surcharge is calculated.These three exemptions were chosen by the Town Council to minimize the impact on residents while gaining the benefits of CPA for the Franklin community.
2. Moderate income seniors can apply for an exemption from the CPA surcharge
3. Low income families can apply for an exemption from the CPA surcharge
But for that promised deep dive, please connect to the Zoom webinar Thursday night via your computer, tablet or phone. Details for connecting are posted in the Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/events/348059139868931
- Download your copy of the flyer for the webinar
Did you know? The CPA deep dive is tonight? Oct 15, 2020 |
Under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
Under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" |
Both the FHS girls soccer and golf teams top KP on Wednesday
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the girls soccer game recap for the FHS win vs. KP.
"In a shortened season, jumping out to an early lead in the division standings could be critical and Wednesday afternoon’s meeting of Franklin and King Philip at Macktaz Field was the chance for one to grab the lead in the Kelley-Rex after both went undefeated in the first week of play.
Behind goals from senior Erin Quaile and freshman Anya Zub and a typically strong defensive performance, Franklin beat KP 2-0 and took a one-game edge in the standings with the second game of a home-and-home coming up on Friday.
Over the past year, Franklin has become synonymous with defense. The Panthers recorded clean sheets in 11 of their final 12 games of the 2019 regular season, then held Oliver Ames scoreless through regulation of the playoff game before the Tigers scored the winner in extra time. This season, Franklin has tossed shutouts in all three games, remaining stout and hard to break down even with the modified rules that discourage physicality."
"There weren’t any late dramatics this time out for the King Philip boys soccer team.
Instead, the fireworks came early.
After leaving it late in their win over Mansfield to finish last week, the Warriors came out firing in their first matchup with Franklin. KP scored twice in the opening quarter and once each in the second and third quarters to earn a 4-1 decision on the road over the Panthers."
Franklin freshman Anya Zub (5) scored the second goal for the Panthers in a win at King Philip. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
Sharing: TIME GOES BY "Choosing a Life - Or Letting It Happen"
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Franklin Cultural District Newsletter - October 2020
Welcome from The Chair ... Nancy Schoen
"With the changing of the leaves and the cool crisp evenings we are reminded that fall is now officially here. During the last seven months we have seen our local arts establishments close their performance venues and pivot to offering many performances online. While the future is still uncertain, we in Massachusetts are fortunate that we are now well into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan. This phase of the plan allows performance venues to hold both outdoor and indoor performances at a reduced capacity. Many local restaurants are also continuing to serve customers at both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Having a strong arts and cultural presence in Franklin provides opportunities for our community to come together during these challenging times. As our arts establishments and restaurants work to find their way in this pandemic let’s all do our best to patronize these businesses in Franklin. If you are not quite ready to attend a live performance or go out for a meal, purchasing a gift card that you can use in the future is a wonderful way to support our local businesses!"
Continue reading the Franklin Cultural District Newsletter https://conta.cc/374C0Gb
Franklin Cultural District Newsletter - October 2020 |
Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20 - 3:00 PM
Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 3:00pm
Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)
o Graphic to include in next newsletter – “Get to know Title 1 Tutors”o Equity Policy JBBo Updates from Budget Sub Committeeo Calendar of Eventso Other Ideas?
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_subcommittee_agenda_10-20-2020.pdf
Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20 - 3:00 PM |
The rainy day fund, pandemic spending, deceptive framing all in one MA FY 21 budget
Pulling together multiple sources today.
"Despite the pandemic-related recession and high unemployment rates, and an expected drop in state tax revenues, Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday released a budget proposal for the current fiscal year that is actually higher than the budget he proposed in January.https://commonwealthmagazine.org/government/baker-releases-45-5-billion-revised-fy21-budget-proposal/
Baker, a Republican, is recommending a fiscal 2021 budget of $45.5 billion, or 3.8 percent more than was spent in fiscal 2020. The budget he released in January would have spent $44.6 billion, or 2.3 percent more than in the prior fiscal year.
The high budget is largely driven by excessive spending in MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program. It would be paid for with an influx of federal money as well as a $1.3 billion draw from the state’s $3.5 billion rainy day fund.
“The rainy day fund is there to support services when it’s raining, and I think most people would agree it’s raining,” Baker said at a State House press conference."
"The revised budget is built on a projection that state tax revenues will be $3.6 billion lower than originally estimated, due to the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic. Overall, the updated budget would be balanced through a blend of increased federal assistance, a drawdown of $1.35 billion from the state’s $3.5 billion stabilization fund (preserving $2.1 billion for future needs), and changes to a range of appropriation recommendations.
The Division of Local Services released revised Cherry Sheet amounts for each city and town today based on the new budget recommendation. The DLS update includes receipt and assessment items for municipalities and regional school districts. (Link to updated Cherry Sheets for regional school districts.)
The governor said that he hoped the Legislature would return a final budget to him by Thanksgiving."
https://www.mma.org/gov-files-revised-fy21-budget-with-ugga-ch-70-matching-july-commitment/
"Today, Governor Baker filed his FY21 budget with you. While I had hoped for better than the inflation-only increase that was passed in July, I to some degree was also resigned to it. However, to hear the Governor repeat the deceptive framing posed by Secretary Peyser yesterday, that the funding to schools this year surpasses that laid out by the Student Opportunity Act, is infuriating. I have had reason to wonder if the Governor has any understanding of the school funding formula before this, but this statement has confirmed that he either does not or chooses willfully to ignore the principle upon which it is based.
Pandemic funding is precisely that: it is funding for an EMERGENCY. To have that funding then touted as filling the gaping hole in our basic needs is simply wrong; having to spend money to repair my car does not take away my need for gas money.
Moreover, the funding for the pandemic has been flat: it is distributed regardless of student need, regardless of community need. Every student in every district, whatever its wealth, received that emergency funding. The state's funding formula, on quite the other hand, is progressive: it recognizes that greater need requires greater resources to meet. "http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-plea-from-worcester.html
“I’ve got everything that I need. I’m ready to roll.”
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
In the past, Election Day has always been the main event during election years, but this year it could very well be like the credits that scroll at the end of a long and dramatic movie -- one with an eagerly anticipated bonus reel at its conclusion.
Local town clerks are reporting that they’ve been busy sending out thousands of mail-in ballots to voters who are considering skipping the polls on Nov. 3, and starting this weekend they’ll be opening doors to voters choosing to take advantage of early in-person voting.
In Franklin, interim Town Clerk Nancy Danello said the voting booths have been ready and waiting for the influx of early voters inside the gym at Franklin High School ever since the last of the ballots were counted following the September primary, and they’ll remain until after Election Day.
Danello’s got a team that’s been working diligently on keeping up with the mail-in ballot requests -- over the course of two days alone they prepared and mailed out a whopping 10,000 mail-in ballots -- and they’re now preparing to kick it up a notch with the early in-person voting.
In the News: mystery about the expanded 'shelter in place' order; individual to be arraigned on multiple charges
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Police from Franklin sent out a Reverse 911 on Sunday ordering residents to “shelter-in-place” during a standoff with an armed man who fired at police officers.
Although that is not an unusual move, what happened afterward was. The order was also sent to residents in several other nearby communities, including Milford, Blackstone, Mendon, Wrentham, North Attleboro and Walpole.
How that happened is a mystery, according to Franklin police Sgt. Brian Johnson."
The man who authorities say fired several shots at police officers during an armed standoff at the Spruce Pond condominium complex on Sunday is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Wrentham District Court.
Police filed charges against Thomas E. McManus, 53, of 46 Quince Landing, related to the incident on Sunday.
Police charged McManus with six counts of armed assault to murder with a firearm; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; assault and battery on a police officer; discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling; disorderly conduct; disturbing the peace; and three counts of vandalizing property.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Community Preservation Act: Frequently Asked Questions - answered by CPAForFranklin
Town of Franklin, MA: Sample Ballots for the November 3rd election
FHS field hockey "Holds Off Late Charge To Beat King Philip"
Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provide the write up of the FHS vs KP field hockey actions on Tuesday.
It was nearly the perfect start for King Philip in its heavyweight battle against division rival Franklin.
Instead, a pair of great chances were turned aside by Franklin, one by goalie Neilee Hess and another by the stick of midfielder Sara Carney, and the Panthers took control from there.
Behind goals in the first and third quarters, Franklin field hockey secured a 2-1 win over the Warriors in the first of two meetings between the teams this week in a rain-filled contest on the slick turf of Macktaz Field.
“We didn’t show enough energy,” said King Philip head coach Lisa Cropper. “We didn’t believe that we could win the game…they didn’t say that but I could see it in their body language. We had chances right off the bat and I think if we popped one in, it would have been a different story. But we didn’t, they did and they relaxed played their game, and we had to struggle the whole way.”
Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-holds-off-late-charge-to-beat-king-philip/
King Philip’s Kelly Holmes pokes the ball by Franklin’s Kate O’Rourke. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) |
In the News: “What we need from you is continued vigilance"
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"With daily COVID-19 counts, average positivity rates and hospitalizations higher than they were during a summer lull, Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday outlined progress the state has made over the past several months “to prevent silent spread” of the highly contagious coronavirus and to prepare for a fall uptick in virus activity.
“Over the past few weeks we started to see an increase in the number of COVID cases here and across the country and in many other countries,” Baker said Wednesday during a State House press conference. “For months, public health experts have forecast this increase.”
Massachusetts has built a “massive infrastructure to respond to this pandemic,” Baker said, leaving the state “in a strong position to be prepared for what comes next.”
Baker said the state will be able to rapidly expand hospital capacity if necessary, and that there are sufficient personal protective equipment supplies to meet the needs of health care and human service providers."