Tuesday, December 22, 2020

FTC Consumer Alert: New tools to fight gift card scams

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

by Cristina Miranda
Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

This holiday season (and year-round), gift cards are on scammers' wish lists. Scammers always have a reason for you to pay them immediately with a gift card. And they often tell you which card to buy and which store to visit. That's why the FTC is launching a new Stop Gift Card Scams campaign to work with stores and law enforcement to fight these scams. And it's also why the FTC has taken another look at reporting data to see what's happening lately.

Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/12/new-tools-fight-gift-card-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.



 

New York Times: "The ‘Red Slime’ Lawsuit That Could Sink Right-Wing Media"

From the New York Times, an article of interest for Franklin:
“Of course I was surprised, but at the same time, it was pretty clear that these people were trying to discredit the election and they were throwing out 25 conspiracy theories in parallel,” he told me in an interview last week from Barbados, where his company has an office. “I thought it was so absurd that it was not going to have legs.”

But by Nov. 14, he knew he had a problem. That’s when Rudy Giuliani, serving as the president’s lawyer, suggested that one voting company, Dominion Voting Systems, had a sinister connection to vote counts in “Michigan, Arizona and Georgia and other states.” Mr. Giuliani declared on Twitter that the company “was a front for SMARTMATIC, who was really doing the computing. Look up SMARTMATIC and tweet me what you think?”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Tweet from Dr. Erin Bromage Ph.D.: "More on the UK variant"

Dr. Erin Bromage Ph.D. (@ErinBromage) tweeted at 8:36 AM on Mon, Dec 21, 2020:  More on the UK variant
Bottom line: "There is a concern for 3 of these mutations that could enhance the transmission. Be aware but don't panic."
 

Monday, December 21, 2020

Planning Board - Agenda - Dec 21, 2020

The Franklin Food Pantry is on the agenda for the Planning Board meeting Monday to introduce the site plan for their new building on East Central St and begin the permit approval process.

Planning Board Agenda

7:00 PM -   Commencement/General Business   

7:05PM    - PUBLIC HEARING - Continued
52 East Central St   
Special Permit & Site Plan Modification
WITHDRAWN   

7:10 PM  -  PUBLIC HEARING - Continued
515 West Central Street   
Site Plan   TO BE CONTINUED    

7:15 PM    PUBLIC HEARING - Initial
138 East Central Street   (
Franklin Food Pantry)
Site Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_st_site_plan.pdf

Review docs   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_review.pdf

7:20 PM    PUBLIC HEARING - Initial
Countryside Estates   
Subdivision Modification    

7:25 PM    PUBLIC HEARING – Continued
186 Grove St   
Site plan Modification   

GENERAL BUSINESS:
A.    Road Acceptance: Laurinda Lane
B.    Bond Release: Sandy Knoll Estates
C.    Decision: 72-94 East Central Street- Special Permit & Site Plan
D.    Phasing Plan Approval: 160 Grove St
E.    Endorsement: 164 Grove St
F.    Endorsement: 162 Grove St
G.    81-P ANR: 15-17 Margaret’s Cove
H.    81-P ANR Rescind Vote: 55 Coutu Street
I.    Meeting Minutes: November 2, 2020 & November 16, 2020

This agenda is subject to change. Last updated: December 15, 2020
The next meeting of the Planning Board is scheduled for January 11, 2021 

Agenda doc in PDF format:
 
Additional renderings and diagrams of the new facility at 138 East Central St
 
Rendering: View From East Central Street
new Franklin Food Pantry Rendering: View from East Central Street


FM #418 Town Council Meeting - 12/16/20 (audio)

FM #418 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 418 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. The recording runs about one hour and fifty minutes

Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of Dec 16, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZZbRDPS


 

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-16.html

Spear phishing update folder

https://franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-recap-dec-16-2020.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"

 

newly elected Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo
newly elected Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

The Hill: "Federal agency says employers can require workers to get COVID-19 vaccine"

Via The Hill

"A key federal agency said this week that employers can legally require their workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine and prevent them from entering their workplaces if they refuse.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in guidance issued Wednesday said that requiring a test would not violate the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. The law bars employers from requiring medical exams such as blood tests that seek information on an employee’s physical or mental condition, but the EEOC said a COVID-19 vaccine does not fall under that category.

“If a vaccine is administered to an employee by an employer for protection against contracting COVID-19, the employer is not seeking information about an individual’s impairments or current health status and, therefore, it is not a medical examination,” the commission said."

Continue reading the article online

The EEOC page with COVID-19 highlights in a Q&A format


Franklin School Committee to hear presentations on ECDC and Performing Arts Tuesday, Dec 21

The presentation documents as released for discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Dec 21, 2020.

 

 
 
 

Franklin School Committee to hear presentations on ECDC and Performing Arts Tuesday, Dec 21
Franklin School Committee to hear presentations on ECDC and Performing Arts Tuesday, Dec 21

Register O’Donnell Discusses Need for Mortgage Transparency

 With the legislative session winding down, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reiterated the importance he places on pending legislation to promote mortgage transparency here in Massachusetts. 

At the beginning of 2019, Register O’Donnell had two bills filed, H.1413 and S.960, which stated that when banks sold their residential mortgages to a different lending institution, that transaction, or assignment, would be required to be recorded with the relevant Massachusetts Registry of Deeds office within 30 days of its execution. 

“During the most recent legislative session,” noted O’Donnell, “both H.1413 and S.960 wound their way through the legislative process. After both pieces of legislation were filed with the Massachusetts House and Senate Clerks offices by lead sponsors Rep. William Galvin (D-Canton) and Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy)  respectively and given a docket number, dozens of other state representatives and senators signed up as co-sponsors.  The clerks offices then gave each piece of legislation a bill number (H. 1413 and S.960). Then each bill was assigned to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration. A public hearing on the legislation was then held where I provided arguments for supporting the legislation. The joint committee on the Judiciary reported the legislation favorably in early 2020. On February 13, 2020, H.1413, accompanied by S. 960, was ordered to a third reading by the Massachusetts House. Unfortunately, no further action has taken place on the legislation. Certainly, the members of the legislature have been dealing with many pressing matters including COVID-19 and the fiscal year 2021 State Budget.”

The Register further stated, “My specific arguments for supporting the mortgage transparency legislation included the fact the legislation would eliminate the possibility that a homeowner may not know who the holder of their mortgage is because an assignment was not recorded. Because some banks have gone out of business in previous years or merged with another lending institution, homeowners are in some instances forced to consult with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website or the Massachusetts Division of Banks to determine who holds their mortgage. The legislation would make assignments of residential mortgages more transparent to the consumer.”

Another argument for the bill’s passage was that it created a more level playing field between smaller community banks and larger lending institutions. The smaller community banks tend to hold their mortgages while many larger nationwide banks are not diligent in recording their mortgage assignments.

The need for this legislation hit home recently when the Boston Globe published an article by Sean P. Murphy on December 8, 2020 which highlighted the difficulties that can result when an assignment is not recorded. O’Donnell stated, “The article spoke about a couple who had found a home in Worcester which needed work. To finance the purchase and remodeling costs, the couple wanted to sell their condo in Easton. However, a title problem developed with the Easton condo due to a mortgage assignment not being properly recorded. Because the assignment was not recorded at the Registry of Deeds, the lending institution who was the current holder of the mortgage lacked the legal authority to discharge the mortgage. A process that should have taken a few days took several weeks as two large lending institutions could not get their act together and solve the title problem by filing the assignment. After several weeks of back and forth the problem was resolved and the assignment was recorded, but only after the intervention of the Boston Globe.”

“The assignment legislation that has been filed would have eliminated this problem as an assignment would have been required to be recorded 30 days after the mortgage was transferred, or sold, to another lending institution,” stated O’Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell noted, “With the legislative session winding down, it is unlikely the legislation, H.1413 and S.960 will advance further. However, I am not giving up the fight to help Massachusetts homeowners. I will once again be filing mortgage transparency legislation in the upcoming 2021-2022 legislative session. I am hopeful our arguments will be persuasive and after years of trying, the legislation will wind its way through the legislative process and onto Governor Baker’s desk for his signature.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at Facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
 
Register O’Donnell Discusses Need for Mortgage Transparency
Register O’Donnell Discusses Need for Mortgage Transparency


Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Eve Service - Dec 24

Franklin Federated Church will LIVESTREAM  special Christmas services via the FFC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated


Thursday, December 245:00 PM
Christmas Eve Worship (Live)
  • Reading of Clement Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas"
  • Reading from Luke 2....The story of Jesus's birth
  • Christmas Carols
  • Candle lighting 

Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Services - Dec 20 and Dec 24
Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Eve Service - Dec  24

"Food insecurity leaving an impact across MA"

Via Boston25 News

"Alison Caruso left her part-time job earlier in 2020 to care for her teenage son, who she said had become depressed after the death of a family member and spending months trying to learn from home. She relies on the food pantry in Franklin as well as food stamps to survive, she said.

The state has seen food insecurity rise significantly, according to a study by Feeding America.

Norfolk County was cited as the area with the highest child food insecure rate at 163%, which is also the country’s highest mark, according to Feeding America."
Continue reading online (video clip also available on page)
 
 
screengrab of FFP Executive Director Lynn Calling
screengrab of FFP Executive Director Lynn Calling


Veterans Coffee Social - Jan 6, 2021

January 2021 Coffee Social

Join us as we ZOOM into the New Year!
 
Hello Veterans!
The Veterans' Services Office will welcome the New Year with a VIRTUAL Coffee Social on Wednesday, January 6 at 10:00 Hours. We hope you will join us for veterans' updates and friendly conversation. All Veterans are welcome!
 
If you have not participated in a Zoom call yet, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your device before joining us.
 
Here is the log-in information for the January 6, 2021 meeting only:
Call in number: 1-929-205-6099
Enter Meeting ID: 899 4402 2073
 
For more information, contact the Veterans' Services Office at: (508) 613-1315.
We look forward to Zooming into the New Year with you at the January Coffee Social!
 
Shared from the Town of Franklin page
 
Veterans Coffee Social - Jan 6, 2021
Veterans Coffee Social - Jan 6, 2021


Dr Fauci gave the vaccine to Santa (video)

The video with the quote we shared from Dr Fauci on bringing the vaccine to Santa
"This made me cry. Listening to the worry in those little voices and the relief they must feel thanks to the good doctor."
Direct link to YouTube video = https://youtu.be/Dx25ZNY6p1s

CDC issues two new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine process

Via CNN
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new recommendations on getting a Covid-19 vaccine for those with a history of allergies.

The recommendations, published on the CDC’s site on Saturday, suggest that people who have ever had a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, to any ingredient in a Covid-19 vaccine should not get that vaccine.

The CDC considers a reaction severe if it requires the person to be treated with epinephrine or they need to be hospitalized. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include shortness of breath, a closing of the throat, nausea, and dizziness.

The agency added that people with a history of anaphylaxis to other vaccines or injectable medications should consult their doctor on getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
Continue reading the article online  https://t.co/wHrhfOHraU 
The CNN tweet:  https://t.co/I0jwJKSWYr
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel recommended on Sunday that people 75 and older and certain front-line essential workers be next in line for COVID-19 vaccines.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 13-1 to advise the CDC to include those 75 and older and specific front-line essential workers, including emergency responders and teachers, in the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations, several news outlets reported Sunday.

These recommendations would apply to phase 1b of the vaccination process, after the committee and the CDC advised that health care workers and residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities get the first vaccinations in the country. Phase 1b will aim to vaccinate about 50 million people before the end of February, according to The New York Times.
Continue reading the article online
 

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Town Council meeting recap - Dec 16, 2020: bylaw for Community Preservation Committee approved

Quick Recap:
  • new Councilor Cobi Frongillo welcomed (apparently sworn in previously)
  • set of lot line clean up bylaw changes heard in public hearing and approved
  • annual alcohol license renewals approved, some licenses open as British Beer and Uptowne Pub closed, some licenses held (as usual) for outstanding permit payments/inspections
  • Community Preservation Committee bylaw back as amended per prior discussion (see the Town Council 12/02/20meeting) after discussion on who should be the reviewer of the application pool (Council vs. Town Administrator), motion approved unanimously to use regular process for Town Administrator vetting of the candidates to provide to Council for their approval
  • GPS upgrade for DPW registered vehicles approved. All lease/purchase arrangements require legislative body approval (as opposed to standard purchase arrangements -once funded, can be completed by purchasing agent - per MA general law)
  • Note - early votes showed 9-0 approvals and until Dellorco arrived remotely during the Community Preservation discussion, they should have been recorded as 8-0-1 (8 for, zero against, one absent). This was noted in the Twitter thread but the prior tweets couldn't be changed.
  • vote to authorize transfer of emergency funds from the water enterprise account to make payment to vendor that had previously not been made due to the spear phishing incident (for details on that see Town Council meeting 12/02/20)

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZvfqAjHWzwMGpKPi9

----
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  #tc1216

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1216&src=typeahead_click 

  • Real time reporting for the Town Council meeting about to begin #tc1216 agenda doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-16-town-council-agenda 
  • Chair Tom Mercer opens and makes standard statement outlining protocol and info for phone connection #tc1216
  • #tc1216 info to connect via phone
  • Welcome to new councilor Cobi Frongillo (apparently already sworn in)
  • DPW Director Cantoreggi makes reminder on parking ban and trash delay due to impending storm. Citizen complaint about town clerk action on election 150' rules. #tc1216 complaint about the Dominion Software used and election integrity, speculation.
  • #tc1216 move to approval of minutes for Nov 18. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/3a._november_18_2020_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.docx.pdf …  Motion, second, as amended (correction of person's name and sex reference) 
  • Public hearings opened on lot line clean up effort. Bryan Taverner provides update  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/6-hearings-710pm-11
  • #tc1216 questions but no concerns raised previously. Did pass EDC and planning board. Motion to close hearing, second, passes 9-0 
  • License renewals for 2021 annual, motion to approve, second, with exception of those with fees outstanding to be held until cleared
  • Clarification that the name, address of each to be ready for the record. Reading commences by council clerk. Doc is located on agenda page https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/license_renewals.pdf …
  • #tc1216 There are always some open and usually cleaned up by year end, 3 restaurants not renewing (British beer, Uptown Pub, ?)  Motion carries by 9-0 vote 
  • #tc1216 subcommittee meetings, EDC did have a listening session last week 2 award winners of manufacturing here in town.
  • #tc1216 EDC next listening session Jan 13, 2021  Legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-861_oak_0.pdf …  Motion made to waive reading, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Motion to adopt, second, 8-0-1 via roll call
  • Note other votes recorded should be restated as 8-0-1 (1 absent) and not 9-0  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-862_longhillpleasant_0.pdf … Passes 8-0-1   #tc1216
  • franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-864_cpc_1.pdf … Community Preservation Committee back for second reading as amended (per discussion at 12/02/20 meeting) #tc1216 motion to approve, second, passes Jamie updates on changes, will do an application for the open spots, time TBD, but early next year
  • #tc1216 one change discussed but not voted to include was considered and is not part of this; this aligns the appointment process with all the other committee/board appointments. We are getting good folks and have all spots filled so the process is working. All the other
  • Communities appointment in the same way. Attny Cerel interjects that the proposal would violate the state statue, need to have a level of independence. Otherwise the council would control the people and the approval of the projects. #tc1216
  • #tc1216 most recent Committee established was the agriculture commission. I vet and get the best decisions for you to make a good vote and out forth the best civic stewards, looking for passion, open minds, collaboration, this is new and can get complicated
  • If you know someone, give them a recommendation letter to help the application process. #tc1216 have some guts to say no. We have hired Jamie to do this. Protocol and perception, why do we want to go out and vet the candidates? The process we have works, we have final say
  • #tc1216 I have the utmost belief that the administrator will bring forward the best and most qualified Councilor Dellorco has joined via zoom (he was missing earlier) Trahan speaking for the proposal, Jamie has experience with CPA, nicely mentions uninformed comments can be
  • Hurtful. Spears speaking for the proposal, it is about procedure and protocol, meetings will be public (like other committees) and when projects come forward to Council for approval others will be able to speak for, against at that time #tc1216
  • #tc1216 there is no reason for personal attacks on personnel or councilors, esp when they are misinformed. Doherty, and now Doyle speaking in favor and for the committee as proposed. If Dellorco joins it makes the meeting remote and requires a roll call vote.
  • Pellegri backs off request for interview process and wants to make this a unanimous vote. #tc1216 doesn't want to have a damper on this. Vote as amended, via roll call 9-0
  • https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-75_gps_lease.pdf … #tc1216 new devices for DPW via lease finance requires a 2/3 vote to approve. Upgrade of 4G devices it does save money and requires special vote approx. 60 units for all the vehicles in the fleet. They do work and are very effective, any with registration
  • Vote on motion, via roll call passes 9-0   #tc1216   https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-76_water_treatment.pdf … this allocates the funds for the payment previously misdirected via the spear phishing event, if further restoration is available, will replace the emergency funds
  • Motion and seconded, vote via roll call - passes via 9-0 #tc1216 need to complete the water treatment plant to add the 700K gallons, vendor has not charged any interest. Citizen with question on clarification, any future funds will replenish the emergency balance
  • https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-77_peg.pdf… standard processing of cable funds thru to Franklin TV Motion to approve, second, passes 8-1-0 (Bissanti no)! via roll call first quarterly statement from Comcast; Bissanti doesn't understand cable competition Kelly speaks for competition, cable on way out
  • #tc1216 motion to vote on the Council calendar of meetings for next year https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-78_2020_council_schedule_-_memo_resolution_office_hours.pdf…  Vote 9-0
  • https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-29_police_gift.pdf… #tc1216 vote to accept gift to police dept. Motion passes 9-0 via roll call.
  • https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10i._library_gift.pdf…  #tc1216 acceptance of gift to Library for digitization and programs  Vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call thanks to Scott Nolan and Franklin Library Assoc.
  • TA report: Down to 95 active cases of COVID buildings closed in AM folks will be working. Water ban lifted #tc1216 happy holidays and new year to all, thanks to all the citizens for making this a year like no other. Only 2 weeks away from 2021.
  • Bissanti wants a citizen advisory committee, feels it is needed #tc1216  Comments: Frongillo excited to begin work, remember to #thinkfranklinfirst this season 
  • Bissanti thanks the other three candidates.  #tc1216 Pellegri invites all to museum on Sunday (only open then 1-4) stop by and get an ornament. Happy holiday season to all. See you next year! Thanks to the town workers it was a tough year. Be safe. Old generator from high school was stored and will be redeploy 2 Parmenter
  • Request for debt exclusion listing and when they roll off the taxes, would be good to know. #tc1216 happy holiday season and vaccine filled 2021  That's all for tonight, catch you next time (not next year yet, some meetings to before then)! 
newly elected Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo
newly elected Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 22, 2020

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

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

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

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Superintendent’s Goals 2020-21
I recommend approval of the Superintendent’s Goals for 2020-2021 as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_supt._goals_20-21.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. School Calendar Draft - 2021-22  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/calendar_2021-22_draft.pdf
B. School Reopening Status Update (as of 12/18/20)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/reopening-status-update

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, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)
VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Budget Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,625.00 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
D. Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Sean Jobin for a FHS Scholarship as detailed.
E. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $296.45 from the Keller PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
F. Air Purifiers
I recommend acceptance of the donation of 650 Air Purifiers from the DESE valued at $175,500.00 as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.
XI. Adjournment

The documents released for this meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/december-22-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 22, 2020
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 22, 2020



FM #417 Town Administrator Review - 12/16/20 (audio)

FM #417 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 417 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Administrator Review. A subcommittee of the Town Council conducts this, the second session of the review (I missed the first one) on Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:
  • Since I missed the first of these review sessions, it was interesting to try and make sense of what was being done. The Town Council goals and objectives (set in a working session at the beginning of the year) become Jamie's goals. This review was to mark and discuss progress on them. More of the discussion seemed to be on the next steps or what's left to be done than, this is what you did and how well you (we) did. (my two cents)
  • The document (linked to)  picked up on the Recreation/Open space section and was completed during this session. The report from the subcommittee will come before the Council sometime in the near future.
  • No surprise and I think most folks would agree, the work done by the Town executed by Jamie (and overseen by the Council) has done quite well during this challenging pandemic year.
  • "Your performance has been commendable"

The recording runs almost about an hour and 15 minutes, so let’s listen to the SubCommittee meeting discussing the Town Administrator Review



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

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

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!

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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"

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen talking with the subcommittee on the details of his review
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen talking with the subcommittee on the details of his review

Nikki Giovanni: "We find the song in the darkest days"

From the New York Times:
"Over the course of her 52-year career, Nikki Giovanni has written 12 children’s books and eight nonfiction books, and she has released 10 spoken word albums. But the genre for which she is best known is poetry.

When you flip through a stack of her 19 collections (it’s a tall stack), you find her face, still radiant and smiling at 77, staring back at you from the covers. This is an unusual choice for the jacket of a poetry book, but Giovanni is the rare poet whom a good number of people will actually recognize — a distinction that is all the more noteworthy considering how long it has been true.

She was name-checked in the 1980 Teena Marie song “Square Biz,” featured in the Afropunk Festival in Brooklyn in 2016, and both seen and heard reading her poem “Dream” last fall in a campaign ad for Joseph R. Biden Jr. It was 1972 when Ebony magazine first called her “a personality, a star.” Her staying power over half a century comes from a stream of acclaimed work, her proclivity for a punishing schedule of tours and readings, and a fearlessness born of not caring what foolish people think.

“The best thing you can do for yourself is to not pay attention,” Giovanni said during a video interview from her home in Christiansburg, Va."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/16/books/nikki-giovanni-make-me-rain.html

Listen to a wonderful interview with Nikki Giovanni and Neil Pasricha   https://www.3books.co/chapters/65

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Year-end Message

December 18, 2020

Dear Cultural District Partners,

As 2020 draws to a close the Franklin Cultural District Committee looks back with gratitude on some of the brighter spots in a challenging year. Since March we have been amazed at the creativity of our Cultural District Partners. We were inspired as partners developed a variety of virtual performances for members of the community. When spring arrived, many outdoor spaces were transformed into performance venues and casual dining spots. Circles were drawn on the Franklin Town Common so that families could gather safely at a social distance to enjoy some fun summer concerts and movies. When the cold weather returned many restaurants re-designed their indoor spaces to comply with the state's guidelines. The Franklin Public Library has transitioned many of their existing programs online and created many new digital classes and events for young students as well as adults.

The Franklin Cultural District would like to thank all of the partners for your creative work throughout this COVID pandemic.  While this year has been very different than any year we have known before, we are grateful for the many wonderful cultural opportunities you worked hard to provide for all to enjoy right here in Franklin.

The FCDC is looking forward with excitement to the new year. On January 11th we will be having the first 2021 Franklin Cultural District Partners' meeting, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. At this meeting we will be discussing plans for the Cultural District and laying the groundwork for the future. Our guest speaker for the January FCD Partners' meeting will be Athena Pandolf. Athena is the Executive Director of the Natick Center Cultural District. Athena will speak about some successes and challenges of the Natick Center Cultural District, as well as some of the exciting projects they are currently working on. We hope that you will all attend to meet Athena and to share your thoughts and ideas.

On behalf of the Franklin Cultural District Committee (Nancy Schoen, John LoPresti, Pandora Carlucci, Amy Adams, Jamie Barrett, Evan Chelman, Roberta Trahan), I would like to wish each of you a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season. We hope that you will have time to relax and enjoy some special times with your families. We look forward to working together with you in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee 

Franklin Cultural District Committee  - Yearend Message
Franklin Cultural District Committee  - Year-end Message


COVID-19 hits US with "a new 9/11 day after day"

When 9/11 occurred the US lost the lives of just over 3,000 people. COVID-19 has seen four days with as many US deaths in a single day, and yet the outrage and the rally to address the loss is not here. 

From the Washington Post:
"As the number of coronavirus cases ticked upward in mid-November — worse than the frightening days of spring and ahead of an expected surge after families congregated for Thanksgiving — four doctors on President Trump’s task force decided to stage an intervention.

After their warnings had gone largely unheeded for months in the dormant West Wing, Deborah Birx, Anthony S. Fauci, Stephen Hahn and Robert Redfield together sounded new alarms, cautioning of a dark winter to come without dramatic action to slow community spread.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, among the many Trump aides who were infected with the virus this fall, was taken aback, according to three senior administration officials with knowledge of the discussions. He told the doctors he did not believe their troubling data assessment. And he accused them of outlining problems without prescribing solutions."
....

"The story of how America arrived at this final season of devastation, with the reported death toll some days surpassing 3,000 people — a new 9/11 day after day — is based on interviews over the past month with 48 senior administration officials, government health professionals, outside presidential advisers and other people briefed on the inner workings of the federal response."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


daily COVID-19 deaths in US year to date 2020 (12/18/20)
daily total COVID-19 deaths in US year to date 2020 (as of 12/18/20)


daily COVID-19 deaths in US last 14 days (as of 12/18/20)
daily COVID-19 deaths in US last 14 days (as of 12/18/20)

Register now for new youth programs starting at the YMCA in January

Collection of Relevant Tweets - Saturday, Dec 19, 2020

A collection of relevant Tweets.

As President of the @MA_Senate, I am proud to have authored this piece with @SpeakerDeLeo on the need for federal stimulus to help our residents face the economic impact of #COVID19 in Massachusetts.  #mapoli 1/3
Even a state like Massachusetts, with a significant rainy-day fund, cannot unilaterally absorb all of the pain of an unprecedented public health crisis. #mapoli 2/3

Congress must remember its duty to the American people and pass a bill that will provide states with much-needed funds. Our constituents facing unemployment and our struggling small-business owners deserve nothing less. #mapoli 3/3
The piece referenced =>  https://t.co/uTwUfwEsUE

#Scammers are taking advantage of fear and uncertainty during the #COVID19 pandemic to steal money and launder it through the complex cryptocurrency ecosystem. Protect yourself, and report #fraud to the #FBI at https://t.co/MWss57C5gI
FBI press release => https://t.co/YoxbsBHvHa  
Link to tweet =>  https://t.co/opEyy3pImF

  • Via Wired

"The goal of Russian disinformation is not to make you believe in anything, but to destroy your trust in everything." Journalist Maria Ressa explains the real goal of disinformation operations—and how they're weakening democracy:
Link to the Wired video clip => https://t.co/knUd9vEF1b
Link to the tweet => https://t.co/t32HYnRvXC

Alaska Airlines parodied an '80s song to promote COVID-19 safety https://t.co/r8CVKpLsRV https://t.co/2LF7U9nCir

Or directly to YouTube  https://youtu.be/b9w_paUjzKs


Dr. Fauci vaccinated Santa

"Children around the world should not worry about the logistics of Christmas present delivery while the coronavirus pandemic rages, Dr. Anthony Fauci said – because he vaccinated Santa himself.

“I took care of that for you,” the top US infectious diseases expert told CNN. “Because I was worried that you’d all be upset.

“So what I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)