FHS Graduation 2021! It’s an Outdoor Affair

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director  05/16/2021

We began our preparations for FHS Panther Graduation 2021 several weeks ago. Every year it is our most ‘mission critical’ program, and we take many steps to ensure the event’s success as best we can. Given that it’s live, happens once, and more than 400 graduating students have extended families and friends who are eager to watch either on cable or on our Franklin Pride live stream.

No pressure.

Prior to the pandemic we had our technical setup and production routine down pretty well. Even then, we took nothing for granted. In 2020? Well, we all know what happened. We had to record the graduation proceedings carefully over three days while all graduates were socially (and chronologically) distanced.  Editing over 400 student moments timely into the final program also was a challenge.

Last year gave us a new celebration – The Panther Car Parade. We covered it live on wfpr●fm 102.9, and this year it’s back by popular demand. We plan to carry the parade live on Comcast 96, Verizon 28, video streaming and on the radio as well.

We’ll be everywhere – in your TV set, your computer, your smartphone and your radio. The Panther Car Parade will take place the day after graduation.

Currently, graduation itself will be outdoors, live from Panther Field on Friday evening at 5 PM. Of necessity, it will be a simpler affair. No procession or recession. No live band or chorus. The customary stage will be set on the track in front of the bleachers. The entire field will provide seating for graduates and their families, clustered in pods – socially distanced groups of five.  The give-n-get is that, although the ceremonies are simplified, the grads do get to sit with family.

In the event that the weather doesn’t cooperate, both events will shift by one day.
You can watch all the festivities – live – on our Franklin Pride Channel, Comcast 96 or Verizon 28. You can also listen – live – on wfpr●fm 102.9. We will also repeat both events the following week and post them to our Video-on-Demand service where you may also download as you wish – to have and to hold.

And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching. 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes  https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ONt3eFsrOlO8ztiNv4yjUjfeI3UmOfK/view?usp=sharing

"From the Panther Car Parade in 2020

Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 19

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

May 19th, 2021 -> 6:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

4. Budget Stabilization Policy

5. State Aid Update

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

Agenda doc has the connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-19-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

Note: this won't be a long meeting as the Town Council is scheduled for the Council Chambers for the their meeting at 7 also on Wednesday

The budget stabilization policy was not released for this meeting in the agenda doc. It was part of the April 27 budget hearing package ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/4.27.21_fin_com_agenda.pdf

and also part of the Capital Subcommittee agenda documents for the May 5 meeting  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-5-2021_capital_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_1.pdf

Good Deeds: Notice Of Real Estate Fraud

By: William P. O'Donnell

"At the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds there have been a number of modernization initiatives implemented.  One such initiative has been the free on-line Consumer Notification Service offered by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds to property owners in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County.  The purpose of the Consumer Notification Service is to help protect Norfolk County property and home owners against the negative consequences of property fraud.

The Consumer Notification Service is available through the Registry website http://www.norfolkdeeds.org.  The purpose of this Consumer Notification Service is to proactively give as much information to the consumer in a timely manner.  The Registry of Deeds deals with the biggest asset most of us have, which is our home.  The Consumer Notification Service is a way to make sure that if someone is perpetrating a fraud on the title of your home that you get notice of that fraud.  Any owner of real estate property in the twenty-eight communities that make up Norfolk County can sign up for the Consumer Notification Service free of charge.  Go to the Registry's website, click Services and click on the Consumer Notification Service page, there is a "Sign Up For Alerts" button.

Why should a homeowner consider signing up for this program?  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) reports that property and mortgage fraud is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes in America.  Multiple jurisdictions across the country have reported individuals recording fraudulent documents and making it appear that they own another person's home or property.  Once this is done the unscrupulous criminal may try to use the property as an asset to secure money.

I can vouch for the Consumer Notification Service at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds not as the person tasked with the responsibility of overseeing this real estate operation but as someone who has signed up for this service.  The system sends an email alert out to me if there is some document recorded in my name.  Once I receive a notice I can go on the Registry website to view the document in question.  My dad who climbed utility poles for the Boston Edison for 38 years would remind me that some folks may not be great on the computer.  In that case after receiving your email notification you can call the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at 1-781-461-6101 to follow up and get some guidance.  I have gotten email notices of deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges and other land documents.  Luckily these notices have involved other William O'Donnells and did not involve my home.   You may consider an email notification a small inconvenience when you weigh the consequences of a fraud on your house or condominium.  There may be a time that when I get one of these notifications and it will show a fraudulent deed involving my home or a fraudulent mortgage on my property.  The fraud has not been prevented but the Consumer Notification Service will be a way to get notified and get on the problem right away.  On the Registry website we have Law Enforcement Contact Information.

I mention this free Consumer Notification Service for Norfolk County property owners as a number of homeowners have recently contacted me about a private corporation that will provide its "basic protection service" which monitors your title and notifies you of problems, of course for a fee.  Some folks may see free as better and decide to sign up for the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Consumer Notification Service.  Under Massachusetts law a forged signature does not convey ownership so the forged deed would be void as would any mortgage that was put on as a result of the fraudulent deed.  The real risk is not that you will lose your property, it is that you will be saddled with the hassle and cost of proving to everyone that you did not execute the forged deed.  There would be time costs as well as monetary costs involving law enforcement as well as attorneys to represent you in making sure the fraud is proved.  The Consumer Notification Service of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds would be a prompt way to be informed of a fraud against your home and then immediately take the necessary steps to protect the biggest asset most of us have, our home, and fight the fraud. 

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: Notice Of Real Estate Fraud

Watch "We are Local - Love My Local MA" on YouTube

Whether it is #shopFranklin, #thinkFranklinFirst, #KeepItLocal, spending money in Franklin helps Franklin.

Direct link to video -> https://youtu.be/vaWHjnFWuV8

Job Search Events this week that may interest you

1) For mature job-seekers:  50+ Jobseekers Networking Group event Monday night at 6:30pm.  We shall present the third and final session of interview preparation & strategies.

Register at www.50plusjobseekers.org

If already registered, use the Zoom URL you used to attend previous sessions.

1B) On Tuesday at 10:30am, you can use the same URL to attend our Give to Get (G2G) networking session,  These are the client-directed sessions.  You tell us what you would like to work on.

2) On Wednesday, my own practice interview group meets at 10am.

All of you are welcome to register and attend.  You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: May 19, 2021 10:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada). Register in advance for this meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclceCtqD0tGdez9QekNNQxEhm2YhRvrTDG

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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

Thanks and have a great week,

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

Job Search Events this week that may interest you

Franklin (1) in the news for the UVGA lamps, (2) could we consider Amherst's example to help with engagement?

From the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) we find to share:

1 - "Franklin installs ultraviolet lamps to destroy coronaviruses"

"Using technology both visible and hidden, the town of Franklin has improved the air quality in its municipal and school buildings and reduced the chances of people catching COVID-19."

Continue reading online -> https://www.mma.org/franklin-installs-ultraviolet-lamps-to-destroy-coronaviruses/

2 - "Amherst launches online engagement platform"

"The town of Amherst has developed a new prong in its online engagement strategy with the launch of a new interactive platform, Engage Amherst.

The March launch comes a year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced cities and towns across the state to pivot from in-person meetings and hearings to remote, online engagement with residents."

Continue reading online -> https://www.mma.org/amherst-launches-online-engagement-platform/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - May 19

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 19, 2021 - 7:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Board.

4. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION

5. ADJOURN

Please find the agenda and connection info for the Meeting https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-19_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

Maple Hill Definitive Subdivision Plan (per submission to Planning Board)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/definitive_subdivision_plan.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - May 19

FM #542 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 05/12/21 (audio)

FM #542 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 542 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the SubCommittee 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.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. My notes taken during the meeting are also linked to.

The recording runs about 1hour and 46 minutes, so let’s listen to the EDC meeting for May 12.

Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/de4a9bc7-faac-4986-a095-8a6c81388229

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

The agenda doc for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_for_may_12.pdf 

Housing Production memo

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/memo-_2021_public_draft_housing_production_plan.pdf 

 

Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-economic-development-subcomm.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/ 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"

 

Housing Production Plan

“Putting Humpty Dumpty back together again is a monumental task”

"About 8 million fewer people are working in the United States than before the pandemic hit and there are about 8 million job openings. That would seem to align perfectly for a booming and fast-healing labor market as the nation’s reopening accelerates.

It’s proving not nearly that simple.

“We have job fairs. We have ads going on everything from social media to Indeed, to the Globe and the Cape Cod Times. We’re not getting responses,” said DeWitt Davenport, chief executive of the Davenport Companies in South Yarmouth, which has had to scramble to hire housekeepers and other workers for its five Cape resorts. “This is something I’ve never seen in my entire life of 40 plus years of the hospitality industry on Cape Cod.”

COVID hit the economy last year like a category 5 hurricane, blasting away more than 22 million jobs, upending entire industries, and exposing deep inequities in pay and working conditions. The upheaval is dramatically reshaping the jobs market, leading many Americans, especially in the low-wage restaurant sector, to reconsider their careers, while causing government officials to reassess their policies and business owners to redouble their efforts to lure workers as pandemic restrictions disappear."

Continue reading the article online  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/15/nation/why-reassembling-shattered-jobs-market-is-proving-so-difficult/

Senior Center - Town Officials, State Rep Jeff Roy office hours - May 20

State Representative Jeff Roy, Town Council Members, and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will be available to chat, answer questions and provide updates. 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: May 20, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdu2spjsiGtx0AUbmkjiKA_LqhIZK9G8L

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Senior Center - Town Officials, State Rep Jeff Roy office hours - May 20

Hold the dates! - Franklin ArtWALK Celebration - June 11-13, 2021

"Mark your calendar! The Franklin Cultural District is sponsoring a 3-day art & cultural event, Franklin ArtWALK Celebration from June 11-13! Events include live performances, art exhibits, family activities, a kick-off reception & more!

Visit https://www.franklinculture.org/home/pages/franklin-artwalk-celebration-escape-arts for details!"

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/franklinculture/status/1392934220910190597

 

 

Hold the dates! - Franklin ArtWALK Celebration - June 11-13, 2021

Join the HMEA May 16 and May 23 events virtually

May 16, 2021 is HMEA's 60^th Birthday! To mark this occasion and get in shape for incredABLE Day, we'll be taking a Stroll Down Memory Lane on Sunday, May 16 at 6pm. Join us for some virtual social time, lots of giveaways, and a brief slideshow of the last 20 years of incredABLE Day; you'll probably see yourself from over the years!

• It's FREE! Just click HERE to join, or click the invitation attached to add to your Outlook calendar
• Use Passcode: 20years
• Tons of GIVEAWAYS, including special-edition HMEA swag, Dream Raffle tickets, Papa Gino's party packs, and more!
• Get food for the show! Order from ANY Papa Gino's location or ANY participating D'Angelo location on May 16 between 12pm and 7pm, mention you're supporting HMEA's 20^th Anniversary incredABLE Day, and 20% of your order will be donated to the incredABLE Day team of your choice! 

 

Also for your calendar:

May 23 is HMEA's 20^th Anniversary incredABLE Day! Tune in to HMEA's Facebook page or YouTube page on Sunday, May 23 for special live coverage of incredABLE Day, starting at 10:00am!

• It's FREE to watch!
• See who wins the incredABLE 5K, photo and video contests, challenges, and auction!
• Hear from special guests and chime in with your live comments!
• Find out if you're a winner during LIVE Dream Raffle an 50/50 Raffle drawings!

 

                

National Weather Service readies for the 2021 hurricane season. Are we ready?

The weather is so nice and warm, after being confined indoor for winter (and due to COVID=19) it is about time we could enjoy it. Did you know that hurricane season officially starts soon? Alerts started on May 15. The season officially opens June 1.

Sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS)  https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Additional info on service enhancements for this season as well as info on the social media accounts to track   https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/NHC_new_products_services_2021.pdf

Oops, we already missed "Hurricane preparedness week" (May 9-15)

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness

"Today, May 15th, marks the first day of routine issuance of the
Atlantic basin Tropical Weather Outlook in 2021. This product
describes significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for tropical cyclone formation during the next five days. The Tropical Weather Outlook is issued from May 15 through November 30 each year. The issuance times of this product are 2 AM, 8 AM, 2 AM, and 8 PM EDT. After the change to standard time in November, the issuance times are 1 AM, 7 AM, 1 PM, and 7 PM EST. 

A Special Tropical Weather Outlook will be issued to provide
updates, as necessary, in between the regularly scheduled issuances of the Tropical Weather Outlook. Special Tropical Weather Outlooks will be issued under the same WMO and AWIPS headers as the regular Tropical Weather Outlooks. 

A graphical version of the Tropical Weather Outlook is available on the web at: https://www.hurricanes.gov."

There are no tropical cyclones in the Atlantic at this time.

MA Consumer Affairs: COVID-19 vaccine survey alert; Emergency broadband benefit announced

"FRAUD ALERT: COVID-19 Vaccine Survey Scam"

"Distribution of the approved COVID-19 vaccines is well underway, but fraudsters are gaining access to vaccine-related data almost as fast as the rollout. According to Google’s vaccination statistics, over 7 million people in Massachusetts have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – that’s over 60% of the state’s population.

After getting the first dose of any approved iteration of the COVID-19 vaccine, some consumers may receive imposter emails or texts posing as Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson and Johnson. These messages often claim to be “post-vaccination surveys,” however none of the current vaccine providers are conducting surveys at this time. Special Agent William McNamara from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says “consumers receive the surveys via email and text message, and are told that, as a gift for filling out the survey, they can choose from various free prizes, such as an iPad Pro.” This is a scam – do not respond!"

Continue reading the article online http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/fraud-alert-covid-19-vaccine-survey-scam/

"The Federal Communications Commission Offers New Emergency Broadband Benefit"

"Staying connected has taken on a whole new meaning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The orders to shelter in place over the past year have created a surge in our digital landscape. This transition happened quickly and caused some to be left behind as work, school, health, and social activities moved to online platforms. To make internet service more affordable, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is providing Emergency Broadband (EBB) discounts to struggling families through a temporary program which just launched this week.

The EBB will provide eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $50 towards broadband service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.  See link for EBB details: GetEmergencyBroadband.org."

Continue reading the article online  https://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/the-federal-communications-commission-offers-new-emergency-broadband-benefit/

New business - CleanX Franklin opens for business

Proud to announce my new office cleaning business is up and running. CleanX Franklin is a local office cleaning business open Monday through Saturday. If you or anyone you know is in need of an office cleaning please contact us at cleanxfranklin@gmail.com

From their About page:  https://www.cleanxfranklin.com/

"Our mission at CleanX is simple: to provide high-quality services for our valued clients. Our team goes above and beyond to cater to each project’s specific needs. Through open communication and exceptional service, we hope you’ll find what you’re looking for with our Office Cleaning Service. For more information or general inquiries, get in touch today." 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/955635081150249/permalink/4108155262564866/

CleanX Franklin opens for business