Monday, April 19, 2021

Pantherbook: Nation Honor Society holds food drive

"From April 5th to May 1st, the National Honors Society advisors and members have organized a food drive to support the Franklin Food Pantry.

Students can support the drive by leaving donations in buckets available at the Town Hall, FHS Lobby, or police station.

If you would rather donations be picked up at your house, fill out this google form  to arrange for a volunteer to pick up supplies from your house."

Continue reading the article online 

Google Form to schedule pickup

Pantherbook: Nation Honor Society holds food drive
Pantherbook: Nation Honor Society holds food drive

Good Deeds: COVID-19 and the Registry

It has been over a year since the Coronavirus entered our vocabulary and our lives.  What was said of the 1918 influenza pandemic can be said of COVID-19, “Nothing else-no infection, no war, no famine- has ever killed so many in as short a period.”  The most important recognition of this COVID-19 pandemic is that it has taken the lives of our fellow Americans and individuals across the globe.  The loss of life from COVID-19 has had such a devastating impact on the individual that lost the battle against this deadly disease and the grieving family and friends left behind.  There has been both a physical as well as mental toll from COVID-19 on individuals that survived the battle against this debilitating disease.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their lives due to the Coronavirus and those that have been impacted by Coronavirus.
 
The employees who work at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds were recently recognized as “Every Day Heroes” by D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches.  This recognition program honors groups of individuals who stand out in their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Thank you D’Angelos for saluting the effort and service that I see demonstrated every work day by the employees of the Registry of Deeds. The Norfolk Registry of Deeds employees have kept the Registry open and operational every work day since Governor Baker declared a State of Emergency back on March 10, 2020.
 
Why is this so noteworthy?  By keeping the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds open for the recording of land documents while the COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing, the Norfolk County real estate economy and market was able to remain viable.  These dedicated employees had a hand in making sure if you were a seller your house got sold or if you were a buyer you have your new home to live in.  Think of all the individuals impacted by what goes on at the Registry of Deeds- the banks that lend the money, the real estate brokers, builders, contractors, plumbers, painters, home inspectors, appraisers and so many more whose livelihood depends on what takes place at the Registry of Deeds.
 
The Coronavirus pandemic that has swept the globe has brought medical concerns, financial pressures and a host of negative impacts in the daily lives of all of us.  As someone tasked with running the Registry of Deeds I greatly appreciate what the Registry employees have done and continue to do during this trying period of time.  Each Norfolk Registry of Deeds employee is an “Every Day Hero” for doing their job and doing it well.
 
Governor Baker in his Executive order issued on March 23, 2020 defined COVID-19 essential services.  There is a reason Registry of Deeds personnel were listed in the Governor’s order.  No the services provided do not rise to the impactful jobs done by all our first responders- our police, our fire fighters, our EMTs, our nurses, doctors and medical personnel.  A big thank you to all of these workers and all they have done during this COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
But did you know that with the Coronavirus pandemic raging, the Norfolk Registry of Deeds employees recorded a total of 179,2660 land documents during 2020.  This is a 19 percent increase compared to the previous year.  Through the first three months of 2021 there have been 50,935 documents recorded.  There has been busy real estate activity despite COVID-19 that has led to increased revenue collections at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Over $68 million dollars was collected in calendar year 2020 due to the efforts of Registry employees.  These monies get forwarded to the State where they help pay for critical programs at the state, county and local levels including public safety, health care, education and social services.  These collected funds are also used for the Community Preservation Act (CPA) projects in our local communities.  All this is why Registry of Deeds workers were deemed essential workers during COVID-19 under Governor Baker’s order.
 
The safety and health of all our Registry employees has been our chief priority.  Social distancing in the work place, changing up work stations, wearing masks, utilizing the Registry Disaster Recovery office and like all of you just being cognizant of the realities of Coronavirus has worked at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Not every Registry of Deeds in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, there are 21 of them, can say they were NOT shut down during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Knock on wood the Norfolk Registry of Deeds is one of those Registries that has not been shut down during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

The modernization initiatives implemented at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds assisted in making sure operations during the Coronavirus continued.  There is an internet land record research library at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds that goes all the way back to its founding in 1793.  Registry’s records are brought into homes and businesses via the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Electronic recording is available to record documents.  You can contact the Registry Customer Service Department at 1-781-461-6101 with any questions.  But it takes people to make sure modernization initiatives and technology work.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds employees are those people.
 
My wish  to the Registry employees and all of you is that you and your loved ones keep well and healthy.  Be well.  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.

Good Deeds: COVID-19 and the Registry
Good Deeds: COVID-19 and the Registry


50+ Job Seekers Group - this week's events

Upcoming events from the 50+ Jobseekers Networking program.

50+ Job Seekers Group - this week's events
Hello 50+ Job Seeker!

TGIF! Mark your calendar with the line-up of workshops and events coming for the rest of this month! And learn about how you may be eligible for free internet and a Chromebook!

50+ BILINGUAL WORKSHOP: WED APR 21st at 1pm

We invite you to attend our first Bilingual Workshop:

  • April 21, 1-3pm: Skills Assessment and New Career Pathways

*Advanced Registration Required for this Workshop*

Please Share attached flyers:

Thurs, Apr 22nd: 10-1130am: INTERACTIVE PANEL EVENT
50+ Job Seekers Group - this week's events
I CAN HEAR YOU NOW!
Why Listening is a Silver Bullet in your Job Search Toolbox

with Jennifer Wasmer, DaySpring Communications

In this workshop, we'll explore and practice techniques that will immediately improve your listening skills. We'll also learn the basics of the Authentic Communication Methodology and see why LISTEN is its central principle.


  Thursday, April 22nd, 10-1130am

*Advanced Registration is Required for this Special Event*


Register here:  

Announcing the MIC Initiative!

How Mass Internet Connect can help YOU!

Are you being held back in your job search because you have no internet or poor internet connectivity?
Are you in need of a laptop or Chromebook??

MIC is a Partnership comprised of the Mass Technology Collaborative [MTC] and MassHire Career Center System.
To find free or low cost internet and computers, please follow these simple steps:

  1. Learn about the Mass Internet Connect [MIC] that provides free internet and Chromebooks: https://www.mass.gov/mic
  2. Register with MassHire JobQuest: https://jobquest.dcs.eol.mass.gov/jobquest/
  3. Call MassHire  Career Centers near you and ask for internet and Chromebook: https://www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers  
50+ Interactive Workshop Series in April:

Session #7: Using LinkedIn as a Job Search Tool:
  • Fri 4/9-1pm; Tues 4/13-10am; Mon 4/19-630pm
 
Session #8: Create a Marketing Plan for your Job Search:
  • Fri 4/23-1pm; Tues 4/27-10am; Mon 5/3-630pm
 
G2G Networking Session: April 20th at 10am.



No trash/recycle pick up delay until Memorial Day

Yes, it is Patriots Day. While Town offices, the Library, etc. are closed today, there is no one day delay for trash/recycle this week. There is no delay on the calendar until May when Memorial Day rolls around.

The current issue of the recycling flyer can be found online

No one day delay for trash/recycle on the calendar until May (Memorial Day)
No trash/recycle pick up delay until Memorial Day

CommonWealth Magazine: real work begins on climate change; legislative fixes possible for essential worker problems

"The real work begins now on climate change" 

"THIS SPRING, as flowers and trees begin to bloom in New England, our clean energy industry is also ready to blossom after decades of delays and setbacks. 
Last month Gov. Charlie Baker signed one of the strongest climate bills in the nation, committing to reduce emissions 50 percent by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Boston, Massachusetts’ largest city, launched a municipal energy program to expand access to renewable energy for residents, including low-income families, and is considering nation-leading regulations to address carbon emissions from our biggest source – large buildings. Worcester has committed to 100 percent renewable energy by 2045.  Even smaller towns across the Commonwealth, like Arlington, Melrose, and Natick, are developing plans for net-zero emissions by 2050."
Continue reading the article online 

"Legislative fixes for essential worker problems"
"ESSENTIAL WORKERS have always played a significant role in our society, but their roles were especially amplified since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elected officials, the public, and many business owners continue to praise the critical work these essential workers do. They had the difficult task of keeping our society afloat by being on the frontline of many services including healthcare, groceries, and mail delivery. But still, the workforce has been suffering from a lack of government support. The unemployment rate in Massachusetts has faced a 4.4 percentage point increase, with 165,423 more workers unemployed compared to March 2020.

Just as COVID-19 laid bare the racial and economic disparities present in sectors from education to healthcare, the deep inequities that create an uneven playing field for workers and working conditions have become more visible and severe."
Continue reading the article online 

Sunday, April 18, 2021

FY 2022 - Town of Franklin budget proposal

The Town of Franklin FY22 Town Administrator's Proposed Budget materials are available on our website.  

Find all of the Proposed Budget information posted here 

https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials 



FY 2022 - Town of Franklin budget
FY 2022 - Town of Franklin budget

This will be the first of a series on the FY 22 budget. Each part of the series will focus on a part of the process or an aspect of the budget. All in preparation of the Finance Committee budget hearings Apr 27-28-29 and May 4; as well as the Town Council budget hearings May 26-27. The final vote on the budget is scheduled for the May 27 meeting.



Joe Landry shares "town pool" memories

This video highlights the Joseph G. Ray Swimming Pool, better known as "the town pool."




Shared from Facebook

FHS football drops game to Milton 14-7 on Saturday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

Football = Franklin, 7 @ Milton, 14 – Final
1st Quarter: (M) Milton 5-yard pass, XP good.
2nd Quarter: (M) Milton 15-yard pass, XP good.
3rd Quarter: No scoring.
4th Quarter: (F) Will Tracey 5-yard rush, Parker Cheuvront XP good.


For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS football drops game to Milton 14-7 on Saturday
FHS football drops game to Milton 14-7 on Saturday

Recap: Town Council Mtg- Apr 14, 2021 - Sheriff McDermott, OPEB update, GATRA, zoning for parking, etc.

Quick Recap:

Four presentations and resulting discussions dominated the meeting
  • Sheriff McDermott highlighted services his organization provides
  • The OPEB funding status was updated; the actuarial funding requirements are required every 2 years, this is the 'off year'
  • The new Executive Director of GATRA appeared to provide updates on changes and answer questions on the service problems seen by the community
  • Downtown parking zoning requirements were reviewed, a revision to the current bylaw is expected to come through the Economic Development Subcommittee in the future

----
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  #tc0414

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0414&src=typed_query 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/uRFDiy1NawmyttBw9

Audio segments for the meeting will be available in a couple of days

Proclamation
  • Minutes, none - Proclamation for Dr. Diane D'addario Cathy Liberty, Director of Public Health, along with Chief McLaughlin to recognize her for the support processing the vaccine clinics. #tc0414 Councilor Frongillo reads proclamation
License transaction
  • License transaction, Shaw's change of Manager for wine/malt license. #tc0414 motion and second, simple paperwork to acknowledge, Attny and manager present via Zoom; experienced but not previously manager of record. ServeSafe certified. Vote via roll call, 9-0
Sheriff McDermott 
OPEB update
  • Next up, the OPEB update. #tc0414 Dan Sherman provides the details
  • A great spot at about 10% funded level for OPEB #tc0414
  • Were at 7.7 last year not at 8.5% funded, a good position. #tc0414
  • We are chipping away at this, and being in the top 10% top 25% and that is good. Only one Community funded, Wellesley but they funded via prop 2.5 so they are still paying it off so he doesn't count that. #tc0414 OPEB board page for ToF https://www.franklinma.gov/opeb-board-trustees 
  • There is no law requiring funding by a date, once Norfolk pension is funded then those funding amount can be shifted to OPEB and make greater inroads. #tc0414
GATRA
  • Next item, GATRA leadership team. Mark Souza started Feb 2020 so his first year is likely a story. #tc0414 Mark has an issue with the audio connection, retrying.
  • Mark connected via the "old fashioned way" via phone #tc0414
  • Micro-transit; call on demand via an app like Uber or Lyft. Senior dispatch can still call the same number. Transportation opened up. Started in Dec with 489, reached 2000 in March. #tc0414 pilot allows to build the data to expand the program.
  • Not at full service; phone numbers haven't changed so they can still call. #tc0414 could go from Franklin to Gillette and then to Mansfield with two trips. Micro transit is on demand via an app, picking up one or two COVID, each ride is $2. It is public transportation
  • Oh, and there was mention of a radio show with Franklin Matters. No, not me. Did share the press release they made in Dec but that was about it. #tc0414 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/gatra-launches-innovative-on-demand.html 
  • COVID money revamped office operations, added barriers for drivers and passengers on buses, upgraded ventilation on buses, etc. #tc0414 there were federal guidelines for how used, and they stuck to it. We have the inventory to handle those trips.
  • #tc0414 Rep Roy asked about the other questions from the office hour meeting that hadn't been addressed yet in this session. Advisory board, there is a member they have been notified, email to member, posting to Town Clerk. Standard process for all 28 towns we represent
  • Some times before COVID we couldn't get a quorum for a board meeting, since COVID attendance has improved remarkably #tc0414 let me know of any issues, I will address them. We will figure that out to get rides to the senior center and advertise that.
Downtown zoning for parking
  • Next discussion item: downtown commercial zoning C1 parking #tc0414 there had been no parking requirements previously, a bit ago it was changed and may have gone too far. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8d._web_downtown.pdf
  • Restrictions on sidelines and parking will hurt developers, would like to see the old C1 come back to the downtown to help. Per Bissanti #tc0414 is there something can explain what zoning is? Zoning is complicated, one of the most important decisions this body deals with
  • It is ok to spend time on these issues. Parking is in the driver's seat. If you can't find one, you need it. If you find one, you don't need more. We haven't nailed it yet, it will require work. Parking will always be an issue anywhere. It has to be a balance. #tc0414
  • Parking is one area where the Planning Board can waive it down as opposed to other areas. There does need to be some parking downtown. Transit oriented development is good but there will still be need for parking #tc0414
  • Zoning also available on the website, perhaps the Clerk can provide a copy of the zoning book (with a map) #tc0414 there was no zoning parking requirement and it was changed 3 years ago. We did have meters downtown not too long ago.
  • There is limited parking downtown. We are the only commuter rail stop on the Franklin line that doesn't have housing associated with it. There is room to expand parking, we need to be the Council to do so. #tc0414 we don't have an affordable housing stock
  • The only thing we can do is manage it to the best if our ability. A developer will only put in the parking that is feasible to make it work. They won't rely on the gratitude of the planning board. #tc0414 we're trying to make sure there is business downtown
  • Request to consider revision to parking bylaw, and take to EDC before coming back to the Council. The downtown parking is available after hours. Attny Cerel is using the whole hand to raise his notice. If there is a 0 requirement, the Planning Board would not be able …
Subcommittee updates
  • Joint budget Subcommittee did meet on Monday, spoke about the Davis Thayer building, Supt not ready to declare surplus at this time will be done during the transition plan to Keller. Next meeting to be posted soon. #tc0414 EDC did meet before this meeting, discussed ...
  • The Community grant program, and NuStyle. Possibly meeting twice in May to begin housing plan #tc0414 
Legislation for action
Town Administrators Report through to closing
  • Side discussion on how we could do this service internally? Foxboro has firefighters who are certified to service the engine equipment. Drive through window closed two days for the window work and their floor soon to follow. Contact the Board of Health if question on vaccines
  • It is clear there is misinformation on stormwater fee out there. I offer to meet with you to discuss further $1.9m state grants only, four and half years $10m; that is a lot! Small amounts and large amounts add up #tc0414
  • #tc0414 Bissanti heard about opportunity zoning, a fictional example of carrying forward a capital gain (my assessment) Could the Police chief show something in the use of force training?
  • Story walk downtown Main Street, enjoyed work by Councilor Frongillo Senior coffee hour Thursday AM, rail trail race virtually this year. #tc0414 school vacation week next please be careful. Light needed at the crosswalk where Dean students cross
  • #tc0414 water conservation measures coming with level 2 drought announcement. Apologies for a late meeting, good discussion tonight. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 via roll call That's all for tonight (finally), catch you next time!

 

zoning map of downtown for parking discussion
zoning map of downtown for parking discussion

FM #513 - Board of Health Meeting - 04/14/21 (audio)

 FM #513 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 513 in the series.
 
This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the Board of Health members were in the Municipal Bldg, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:
  • Homebound individuals were provided vaccines coordinating with the Fire Dept. Additional to be done on hold due to J&J 'pause'. VA Clinic to be held at Senior Center on Apr 17 for veterans and family
  • Grant application submitted for some services to be delivered regionally
  • Home on Winter St now bank owned, home on Jordan Rd now being demolished by owner (which is also creating another problem)

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting for April. 



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

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 
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/  or www.franklin.news/
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 #513 - Board of Health Meeting - 04/14/21 (audio)
FM #513 - Board of Health Meeting - 04/14/21 (audio)


Masterclass: The Life & Artwork of William Wegman!! - Mon, April 19

Register on the Franklin Cultural Council Facebook page for their upcoming Monday Night April 19th, 7:30-9 PM Masterclass.  

You won't want to miss this one!  It's Free to the public (on and off Facebook) via Eventbrite!

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-life-and-artwork-of-william-wegman-tickets-150996323067


MONDAY AT 7:30 PM EDT – 9 PM EDT

FCC Masterclass: The Life and Artwork of William Wegman

Masterclass: The Life & Artwork of William Wegman!! - Mon, April 19
Masterclass: The Life & Artwork of William Wegman!! - Mon, April 19


This class will provide information on the artist, his personality, style and technique. With this as background, each participant will have the opportunity to create his/her own do-it-yourself art project at home with materials easily found in your home or in the local supermarket, or local art/general stores. A list of necessary supplies will be posted on Ms. Volpe's website: https://www.thecreativitycurator.com. No special skills or art experience is required!


William Wegman is a photographer and painter, whose unique compositions feature dogs, most notably his own Weimaraners, in costumes and poses.


FM #514 - Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 04/14/14 (audio)

FM #514 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 514 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: two of the Economic Development subcommittee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, were in the Council Chambers; two Subcommittee members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

  • A couple of agenda items from meeting Apr 7 not covered in time allotted, so this session was added also in a meeting slot before the Town Council meeting. Discussion was healthy and in the time allotted
  • Grants submitted for a variety of work desired, what can or should get done with or without grant discussed
  • NuStyle back in discussion as the prior agreement to sell ultimately fell through; who will buy (and how) is best case scenario as the Town would spend more than a private party would to clean up the 'brown field' and we don't have the money to start the clean up with

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 63 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting. 

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/65d06bea-41c3-478d-ba94-f025f0481e66


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


--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 
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/  or www.franklin.news/
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 #514 - Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 04/14/14 (audio)
FM #514 - Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 04/14/14 (audio)


Honey Dew Donuts selling special scholarship donuts

"For a limited time, the two Franklin Honey Dew Donuts locations are selling special scholarship donuts sporting Franklin's school colors!"
#fdp
#honeydew
#scholarshipdonuts https://t.co/5KgZW0vfFz
Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership tweet:
(https://twitter.com/FranklinDowntwn/status/1383475360667365384?s=03)

Honey Dew Donuts selling special scholarship donuts
Honey Dew Donuts selling special scholarship donuts