Voices of Franklin: Paula & Herb Gross encourages vote for Frongillo

Democracy starts at the grassroots level, and this is what makes the Dec. 5th Special Election for Town Council so important for Franklin Citizens.

Cobi Frongillo deserves our support in his candidacy for Town Council.  He is a
homegrown Franklin resident who has demonstrated ongoing commitment to our town.  From his part in the founding of Soccer for Smiles Tournament at age 13, to completion of his graduate studies research project on the sustainable economic development of Downtown Franklin, Cobi has proven his dedication to seeing Franklin and its residents thrive.  Cobi’s professional experience as a research analyst for government and non-profit agencies makes him a valuable asset to local government.

We encourage all Franklin citizens to vote this Saturday for Cobi Frongillo for Town Council.

Paula & Herb Gross
Your Franklin Neighbors 

 

 

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

 

 

 

Join Jamie Barrett for a Holiday Signalong - Dec 17

Jamie Barrett has a Holiday Singalong scheduled for Thursday, Dec 17 at 7:00 PM 

Click HERE for a Holiday Singalong promo video! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0liWd89HBF0)

Click HERE for my brand new Franklin jingle song! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvteiygb-5Y)

Click HERE for the YouTube link to the live show! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccP2F5CTyPc)

 

 

FM #404 Board of Health Meeting - 12/02/20 (audio)

FM #404 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 404 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the Health Dept were in the Municipal Building, the remainder, Committee, (and public) were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 2. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrszndkS

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

Agenda doc

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-dec.html

Health Dept/Board of Health page   https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-board-of-health-meeting.html  

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

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"

 

 

FM #404 Board of Health Meeting - 12/02/20 (audio)

FHS' Paterson, Norton, Dolan, and Sandham named Hockomock golf all-stars

Below are the official 20020 Hockomock League Golf All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.
 

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Jack Paterson, Franklin

Kelley-Rex Division All Stars
Jack Paterson, Franklin
Nolan Norton, Franklin
Pat Dolan, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Brian Sandham, Franklin

For the full listing of the Hockomock League golf all-stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-golf-all-stars/

 

FHS' Paterson, Norton, Dolan, and Sandham named Hockomock golf all-stars

 

Tri-County RVTHS’ Michelle Tilden Awarded Leadership Award

Michelle Tilden of Tri-County’s Early Education Program has been awarded the Graduate Student Leadership Award from Fitchburg State University

 

Tri-County's Michelle Tilden, Early Education Teacher, has enjoyed working with a diverse group of learners for nearly thirty years. Since 2002, she has been teaching early education at Tri-County and helping her students train for employment in the human services field.

 

Michelle was nominated for this award due to the numerous contributions she has made in her field, including accompanying students to the national SkillsUSA conference where they placed 4th. Michelle continued to be a lead advisor for several years and continues to coach individuals and teams from the early education program.

 

 "I was honored to be nominated. When I received a phone call from President Lapidus of Fitchburg State University to congratulate me on being selected for the Graduate Leadership Award, that was a WOW moment for me," says Michelle.

 

Michelle Tilden

At Tri-County, Michelle serves on numerous committees and training projects. She is the vocational representative for a team of teachers and administrators who work together to improve the educator evaluation process for their district. Their vision is for a collaborative coaching model of evaluation, emphasizing reflective practices to promote individual and school development and growth.

 

“Michelle’s enthusiasm for vocational learning makes her an asset to the Tri-County community. For almost two decades, she has shared her passion with our students and faculty, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.” Stephen Dockray, Superintendent-Director.

 

This honor is awarded to Michelle as she finishes her graduate degree, an M.Ed., in Occupational Education. "My educational philosophy is strongly rooted in the value of vocational education for high school students; this was a natural path for me to pursue so that I can model these values for our students," Michelle said.

 

Tri-County RVTHS Takes Extraordinary Steps for Fresh Air

 Tri-County will be the areas first school to complete installation of an upgraded HVAC System that includes UV lights in ducts

 

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School's facilities department and HVAC Contractors have recently finished upgrading and replacing the school's central HVAC Systems, classroom and building VAV boxes, and unit heaters throughout the facility. New control valves and thermostats have been installed and tied into the new building control/management system to ensure the facility's equipment's proper operation.

This upgrade/replacement will improve building comfort by balancing the system and will address the building's indoor air quality (IAQ) and will help maximize the system's cubic feet per minute (CFM) output. The new energy management system allows the equipment to precisely control the flow of fresh air being brought into the building. The new units can bring in 100% outside air, which will enable us to dilute the indoor air with fresh air and dramatically increase overall IAQ. 

 

The new control system allows fresh air to be brought in hours before the building will be occupied for the day. Classrooms will see a minimum of six air exchanges per hour. The air will now be scrubbed by two filtration racks equipped with high-efficiency air filters (rated at MERV 13 and higher) with a total filter thickness of 14" instead of the single rack 4" filter equipped in the old system. Tri-County's Facilities Department will be able to control the exhaust fans in the building and enable them to remove more air from the building and maintain a constant air exchange throughout the facility.

The next step in the process is to install UV Commercial lights in the HVAC ducts. UV lights kill toxins in the handler, which include: mold, bacteria, and other germs.

"We are excited to put this technology in place to help mitigate the threat of airborne germs." says Harry Takesian, Director of Facilities Management

 

 

Tri-County RVTHS Takes Extraordinary Steps for Fresh Air

FM #403 School Committee Budget Workshop - 12/01/20 (audio)

FM #403 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 403 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget Workshop held on Tuesday, Dec 1, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee and public were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Due to my own tech issues, I missed recording approx 6 minutes of the opening and overview for the workshop. We join in as Chair Anne Bergen turns the meeting to Superintendent Sara Ahern to begin the detailed walk through.

The recording runs approx 90 minutes. Let’s listen to the School Committee budget workshop of Dec 1, 2020.  

Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-403-school-comm-budget-workshop-12-01-20

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

Agenda doc
https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_workshop_agenda_0.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/school-committee-budget-workshop-recap.html                                                 

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

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"

 

 

School Committee Budget Workshop

 

Statement from Sen. Pres. Karen Spilka on Budget Conference Committee Report

The following is a statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Conference Committee Report:

"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Ways & Means Chairs, Senator Rodrigues and Representative Michlewitz, as well as the members of the Ways & Means committee, especially Senate Vice Chair Friedman and Assistant Vice Chair Lewis, for the hard work they put into crafting the Fiscal Year 2021 budget under very difficult circumstances. 

This budget makes important investments in key areas to steady the Commonwealth and assist our most vulnerable residents as we continue to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am also thrilled that Massachusetts will be taking a vital step to protect reproductive rights with the inclusion of the Senate ROE provision, which has been preserved in the final budget."

The Conference Committee Report can be found  https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

Budget Conference Committee Report

 

National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 4: Security Summit urges businesses to tighten security, offers new protections against identity theft

The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry urged businesses to be on guard as thieves try to use their stolen names and data to file fraudulent tax returns.

The partners, operating cooperatively as the Security Summit (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit) to fight identity theft, marked the fourth day of National Tax Security Awareness Week with a warning to businesses to enact the strongest measures possible to protect their data and systems. The IRS also is planning additional steps to help businesses combat cybercriminals trying to steal their data.

“As the IRS and our partners have strengthened our security standards, identity thieves have looked for new ways to find sources of information, and businesses need to stay alert,” said IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig. “Businesses, just like individuals, can be victims of identity theft. Thieves may steal enough information to file a business tax return for refund or use other scams using the company’s identity.”

More than 70% of cyberattacks are aimed at businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Thieves may be targeting credit card information, the business identity information or employee identity information.

Business are encouraged to follow best practices from the Federal Trade Commission include:
 -   Set your security software to update automatically
 -  Back up important files
 -   Require strong passwords for all devices
 -   Encrypt devices
 -   Use multi-factor authentication

More information is available at FTC’s Cybersecurity for Small Businesses (https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/small-businesses/cybersecurity).

Businesses should especially be alert to any COVID-19 or tax-related phishing email scams that attempt to trick employees into opening embedded links or attachments. IRS related scams may be sent to phishing@irs.gov.

Starting Dec. 13, 2020, the IRS will begin masking sensitive information from business tax transcripts, the summary of corporate tax returns, to help prevent thieves from obtaining identifiable information that would allow them to file fake business tax returns.

Only financial entries will be fully visible. All other information will have varying masking rules. For example, only the first four letters of each first and last name – of individuals and businesses – will display. Only the last four digits of the Employer Identification Number will be visible.

The IRS also has publicly launched the Form 14039-B, Business Identity Theft Affidavit (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039b.pdf), that will allow companies to proactively report possible identity theft to the IRS when, for example, the e-filed tax return is rejected.

Businesses should file the Form 14039-B if it receives a:
 -   Rejection notice for an electronically filed return because a return already is on file for that same period.
 -   Notice about a tax return that the entity didn't file.
 -   Notice about Forms W-2 filed with the Social Security Administration that the entity didn't file.
 -   Notice of a balance due that is not owed.

This form will enable the IRS to respond to the business much faster than in the past and work to resolve issues created by a fraudulent tax return. Businesses should not use the form if they experience a data breach but see no tax-related impact. For more information, see Identity Theft Central’s Business section (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central).

Although the tax scams can come and go, all employers should remain alert to Form W-2 theft schemes. In the most common version, a thief poses as a high-ranking company executive who emails payroll employees and asks for a list of employees and their W-2s. Businesses often don’t know they’ve been scammed until a fraudulent return shows up in employees’ names.

There is a special reporting procedure for employers who experience the W-2 scam. It also may be found at Identity Theft Central’s Business section (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central).

Finally, Security Summit partners urge businesses to keep their EIN application information current. Changes of address or responsible party may be reported using Form 8822-B (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822-b).

 

Reminder: Changes in the responsible party must be reported to the IRS within 60 days. Current information can help the IRS find a point of contact to resolve identity theft and other issues.

The IRS, state tax agencies, the private sector tax industry, including tax professionals, work in partnership as the Security Summit to help protect taxpayers from identity theft and refund fraud. This is the third in a week-long series of tips to raise awareness about identity theft. See IRS.gov/securitysummit for more details. 

 

 IRS YouTube Video:  https://youtu.be/ELzTL6hQKQc   New Security Measures Help Protect Against Tax-Related Identity Theft 

Statistics in Schools (SIS) resources help bring census statistics to life

From the Census Bureau:

With some schools temporarily shuttered or on a staggered schedule because of the ongoing pandemic, many kids are learning from teachers conducting lessons remotely or through a mix of in-class and remote schooling.

With that in mind, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools (SIS) program created several new online resources for teachers, parents and caregivers to keep children engaged while distance learning.

Among them: the Home and Distance Learning Activities page, which provides easy-to-use materials — videos, fun facts, warmup activities and more — for different grade levels. 

For more info continue reading the article at the Census Bureau

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/12/new-census-bureau-resources-for-distance-learning.html

 

Statistics in Schools  https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis.html

Home and Distance Learning  https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/activities/distance-learning.html 

 

 

Statistics in Schools

OCPF Reports: FAQ on campaign treasurer role (video)

via The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance  https://www.ocpf.us/

 

"FAQ: I'm running for office. Can a family member be my campaign treasurer? #mapoli "

Shared fromTwitter:https://twitter.com/OCPFReports/status/1334455154310049794?s=03

 

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/w0vkEUQgviQ

Franklin, MA: Board of Health meeting recap - Dec 2, 2020

Quick Recap:

• discussion and overview of a prescription pharmacy being developed for pilot to assist seniors with chronic health conditions to gain a better diet; coordinating with Senior Center, Food Pantry and Winters Farmers Market, additional communications scheduled when ready for pilot
• discussion on possible enforcement items; rooster at residence where not allowed, chickens also there not covered by required permit; building demolition committed to by owner at Jordan Road site; paperwork on Title 5 septic system sizing for another residence discussed
• working with a dance studio on possible competition trip out of state that could results in fines if travel order not complied with
• COVID-19 cases increased again this week but we're still in yellow status as positivity rate dropped from 4+ to 3+ (if over 5, would revert back to a prior level)
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rshQADQdd8wXhq5r7

----

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  #BoH1202
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BoH1202&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting #boh1202
• Intern working to develop a pilot for a Prescription pharmacy coordinating with the Senior Center, food pantry, farmers market, etc to prescribe a set of foods to help a person have a better diet …
• And help people use diet to address chronic health conditions; diabetes for example. Using a prescription (known format) to help coordinate with the orgs for the person with a health conditions #boh1202
• Person with rooster (unauthorized) has been notified but not responded
• Also has chickens on site that are not permitted. Apparently owner ignoring notifications to this point. #boh1202 titled 5 system has capacity for more than what the house has bedroom, capacity for.
• Owner has agreed to either demo or rebuild the building on Jordan Rd (subject of fire couple of years ago). #boh1202 aware via parents of a dance studio competition in NH, would be violating the current travel order and disregard the ban. Potential fines to be faced
• Obtained letter verbiage from DPH to obtain student/family info so she can cross reference the travel order. If they don't comply, potential fines to be faced per individual in violation. #boh1202 Board approves course of action. DLS could fine $5k for not working with the board
• Number of COVID cases climbing, over 200 positive, still yellow per positivity rate; discussion on notifications to businesses and Community if we were to change, and capacity would reduce as we step back #boh1202
• If we reached more than 5% positivity rate we'd change status, had been 4 and dropped to 3.
• Motion to adjourn, voted 2-0 to adjourn #boh1202 catch you later (Town Council meeting at 7 PM) 

 

screen grab of process for prescription for health diet

Town of Franklin: Spear Phishing Incident Presentation Document - 12/02/2020

The summary document of the spear phishing incident as presented to the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020. 

 

Direct link to presentation -> https://www2.slideshare.net/shersteve/town-of-franklin-spear-phishing-incident-recap-12022020

 

 

Town of Franklin: Spear Phishing Incident Recap - 12/02/2020 from Franklin Matters

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presenting to the Town Council on 12/02/20

School Committee Budget Workshop - Recap - Dec 1, 2020

Quick Recap:

• lots of information to digest in this broad overview of the finances supporting education in the school district
• at one point in this workshop, in attempting to answer a question about "What if?" (261 districts spend more than Franklin currently does), the discussion led one member to go off. The response to this was professional and articulate by the Superintendent and Business Administrator
• attempt at quantifying the impact of 'unfunded mandates' was thoughtful and conservative albeit incomplete but that is the situation 
• more to come as there will be a 'deep dive' with the Finance Committee on Dec 15
• Consensus was to bring back the Legislative Forum (held in three prior years) and start planing for
  

Photos shared via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one folder:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PSmF6NeihTGt1d3C8

----

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  #schcomBW1201

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcomBW1201&src=typed_query

• #schcomBW1201 SchComm budget workshop about to begin at 6 PM. Listen in to gain insights on the budget issues the schools face (and how they might begin to resolve them, I hope)
• School Committee budget workshop - Tuesday, Dec 1 - 6:00 PM  = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream   #schcomBW1201
• Missed a few minutes for recording purposes, my tech issue, #schcomBW1201 workshop framed in opening comments by Chair Bergen, Business Admin Miriam Goodman acknowledges work of intern to prepare deck/info. Superintendent will also lead parts of workshop
• Use agenda doc https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_workshop_agenda_0.pdf  to follow along if necessary. #schcomBW1201
• #schcomBW1201 opening slide frame process and timeline for budget development and discussion towards approval (based upon typical budget - this year FY 21 is not yet completed by State)
• "Where should we be within the range of per pupil expenses?" "We should spend with the money allocated by the town" counseling is a priority we have not yet addressed #schcomBW1201 Community relations is a priority where are we spending, how are we spending.
• "We need to paint the picture of what we need and let the community decide. SEL work is important and from that comes special ed, gifted and talented, etc. Would support more counseling." Need to create vision around portrait of a graduate and how much it will cost #schcomBW1201
• "We can make a wish list but how can we deliver if we don't have the basics." "How much is needed to provide the best education in MA for the students here in Franklin?" Individualized training for professional development, not just throwing money at PD. #schcomBW1201
• Moving to info gathered, 3 years of data and comparison among comparable districts #schcomBW1201 use agenda doc to follow link to pupil expenses
• Next up, what would our pupil expenses look like if we matched 50% of the state average (which is more than we do today) #schcomBW1201
• 261 districts spend more than Franklin currently does. #schcomBW1201 continuing this thought line, it would add $15M to our budget (where the money would come from is another story) not an all inclusive listing, other committees have seen something like this
• Franklin is at the 25%, are we comfortable to be there. Franklin currently finances teacher benefits what would the PPE look like? Is that calculated in the same way across the districts. Pfeffer goes off the edge in workshop misunderstanding the numbers discussed #schcomBW1201
• Calm, professional response from Superintendent Ahern to Pfeffer concludes that the official budget proposal will come forward later in the cycle. Business Admin Goodman also a great response. #schcomBW1201
• The listing and comparison is enlightening. It is not insulting to share info on what we could have and others do have. They need to know to make an informed decision to determine what we get (or don't) #schcom1201 moving to unfunded mandates working diligently to define
• Quantification of unfunded mandates is hard, Student opportunity act outlines issues with the funding behind that. Did make estimates for some items included in second link in agenda doc #schcomBW1201
• #schcomBW1201 the funding is highly regulated and some of the providers are uncomfortable with the reporting requirements. The funds coming into the Town end up in general coffers (not school side).
• Use of revolving accounts, enrollment, student teacher ratio are among other topics being prepared for a FinCom discussion scheduled for Dec 15 #schcomBW1201 what else would Committee like to see in pamphlet for informing the Community.
• "FPS budget is not funded fully, would like to see it proposed to be in line with the Town designation". Common questions: what have we list, what are we saving? Updating what's there is needed. #schcomBW1201 add key elements of portrait of a graduate.
• Question on the enrollment, and significant changes re: trend of pandemic enrollment, also part of a recent Globe article. Did see an increase in pure home school students (approx 28 to 70). % attrition per demographer is good compared to other Communities #schcomBW1201
• Pamphlet is one way, we'd take to Community relations to see how we can get it. Working with Anne Marie to produce a video on school budget 101, about 75% done. Explain difference between level funding and level service. #schcomBW1201
• Legislative forum? Yes. To plan for! motion to adjourn, via roll call vote passes 6-0 (D'Angelo not present) That's all for tonight, catch you next time #schcomBW1201

 

School Committee Budget Workshop - Recap - Dec 1, 2020

Via Pantherbook: FHS to live stream "Clue" Dec 3 and Dec 4

Comedy with Murder? Who would have thought the two could go together?

What is Clue(the play) about?

Clue is based on the iconic 1985 movie inspired by the Hasbro Board Game. The plot has to do with a mysterious invitation from an anonymous host at a mansion where six strange guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. The murder is solved by a detective, while the actual ending differs between productions. The play has three different endings.

When is the play?
The play is occurring on December 3rd and 4th at 7pm. 

For more info and tickets, continue reading the article on Pantherbook

https://franklinpanthers.us/uncategorized/2020/12/01/fhss-production-of-clue/

 

Via Pantherbook: FHS to live stream "Clue" Dec 3 and Dec 4