FM #543 - Talk Franklin - 05/14/21 (audio)

FM #543 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 543 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Budget and upcoming Town Council hearings 5/26-27

• Housing plan out for public comment

• Maple Hill right of first refusal clock started

• Pop up grant received

• ArtWALK Celebration June 11-12-13

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f6565222-dc69-409d-9db4-d1805fee4f22

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Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

Recap of the EDC meeting includes links to the Housing Plan

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

Added Town Council meeting for Maple Hill right of first refusal

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

Pop Shop Franklin -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/town-of-franklin-ma-pop-shop-franklin.html 

ArtWALK - hold the dates -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/hold-dates-franklin-artwalk-celebration.html 

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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!

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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"

 

FM #543 - Talk Franklin - 05/14/21 (audio) 

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - May 20

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials

This month's Senior Coffee Hour is scheduled for Thursday, May 20th at 8:30 am. 

Please pre-register via this link https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kdu2spjsiGtx0AUbmkjiKA_LqhIZK9G8L

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

Shared from the Town of Franklin page - https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/senior-coffee-hour-local-state-officials-0

Senior Coffee Hour with Local & State Officials - May 20

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29

Face covering order to be rescinded, replaced with CDC guidance

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29th, Face Covering Order to be Rescinded & Replaced with CDC Guidance Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that business and capacity restrictions will be lifted effective May 29th. The Commonwealth's face covering order will be also be rescinded on May 29th, and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities, and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers. Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th. Business Restrictions Lifted Effective May 29th, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted. Capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded. All industries are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols. Face Covering Guidance The Administration will rescind the current face covering order and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29th. The new advisory will be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The new advisory will recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations. Face coverings will still be required for all individuals in the following settings: On public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations) In healthcare facilities/ healthcare providers In congregate care settings, including health and rehabilitative day services. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance: Effective May 18th, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes ages 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29th, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted. Click here for complete Youth Sports guidance. K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance: Effective May 18th, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29th. Click here for DESE Guidance Click here for EEC Guidance The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29th, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities. State of Emergency Order Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency. Complete reopening information can be found online at Mass.gov/Reopening. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you: Jason Palitsch, Executive Director (774) 760-0495 x105 Jason@495Partnership.org Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership | 200 Friberg Parkway, Suite 1003, Westborough, MA 01581 Sent by jason@495partnership.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

FHS baseball, wrestling, and both lacrosse teams post wins on Monday

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS spring sports results:

Baseball = King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 10 – Final (5 inn.) 

– For the fourth time in just five games, Franklin’s offense put up double digit runs and the Panthers recorded their second straight shutout, this time a 10-0 decision over King Philip. Sophomore Alfred Mucciarone tossed five shutout innings for the win, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out six. Offensively, Ryan Gerety had a pair of hits including a double, scoring twice while Jake Fitzgibbons added an RBI on two hits. Ben Jarosz had three hits on the day with a run scored and an RBI, Nate Cooke scored once and had an RBI, and Henry DiGiorgio had a hit, a walk, and scored twice.

Softball = Franklin, 5 @ King Philip, 8 – Final 

– After Franklin took the lead in the top of the first inning, King Philip tied the game in the bottom half and then built a lead with runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings to knock off the visiting Panthers. Tied 2-2 through an inning, KP took the lead in the with a run int he third, extended their advantage with two in the fifth and added three more in the sixth. Franklin rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh but KP shut the door to stay unbeaten. Charlotte Raymond had a big day for KP, going 3-for-3 at the plate, including a two-run home run. She finished with three RBI and three runs scored, reaching a fourth time after being hit by a pitch. Paige Berdos added two hits, a run, and an RBI while sophomore Sarah Cullen blasted a two-run home run.

Boys Lacrosse = North Attleboro, 4 @ Franklin, 20 – Final 

– Franklin moved to 4-0 on the season with a big win over visiting North Attleboro. Matt Lazzaro led the offensive charge with three goals and two helpers while sophomores Jayden Consigli and Luke Davis each recorded four goals apiece. Jack Maguire made six saves in net for the win.

Girls Lacrosse = North Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 20 – Final 

– Kenzie Baker did it all for the Panthers with five draw controls, two goals and two assists as Franklin rolled to a win at home. Stella Regan added four draw controls and three goals, Katie Jones chipped in with three goals and an assist, and Payten Crandall (two ground balls) played well defensively.

Boys Tennis = Franklin @ King Philip, 3:45 - now apparently scheduled for Tuesday 5/18
Girls Tennis = King Philip @ Franklin, 3:45 - now apparently scheduled for Tuesday 5/18

Wrestling = King Philip, 25 @ Franklin, 51 – Final 

"51-25 win over KP. Pins from DiFilippo, Owens, Parlon, Cogavin. Absolute Menaces. #mickymouse @FHSSports  @HockomockSports"

Via Twitter = https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1394455226418094087

For all the results around the Hockomock League 
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-05-17-21/

FHS Panthers

Senator Becca Rausch: Navigating the mask guidelines for Families

Senator Becca Rausch (@BeccaRauschMA) tweeted on Mon, May 17, 2021:

ATTN fellow confused parents! Wondering how to keep our younger, not-yet-#vaccine-eligible children safe? Me too. I've got a team of experts to help give us some answers. Join me, Dr. @bethlinas @DrNataliaLinos + Dr. Lael Yanger. Drop your Qs in the replies!
#MApoli #COVID19  -BR https://t.co/FTSaJU33FX

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1394387015894974466

Senator Becca Rausch: Navigating the mask guidelines for Families

Happening This Friday! - and you can help!

Spring Beautifciation

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS NEEDED The Franklin Downtown Partnership is seeking volunteers and sponsors for its annual Beautification Projects in downtown Franklin. On May 21, members of the FDP, Franklin Garden Club and other volunteers will plant colorful mini-liquorice, purple and white wave petunias and pink gaura flowers in barrels and boxes throughout the downtown area.  Volunteers will meet at 2 p.m. on Fri., May 21 at Fairmount Fruit Farm to pick up the plants and transport them downtown. Then volunteers will plant the barrels in front of various businesses, and finally, the boxes and barrels at the bridge in downtown Franklin. If you can help with the spring planting, please email Eileen Mason. Sponsors are also needed. To see the sponsorship opportunities available, please click here. Then, fill out the sponsorship form here. Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

"Thinking like a scientist involves more than just reacting with an open mind. It means being actively openminded."

Amanda Dickson (@amandadickson) tweeted on Sun, May 16, 2021:

More from Think Again by Adam Grant https://t.co/n1e64VcTet

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandadickson/status/1393984790412419077

For more about the mental modes as explained by Adam Grant, you can get his book

or listen to one of his podcast interviews (there are others, I have listened to these and they are worthy of listening to)

• JJ Abrams switches to interview Adam  https://www.adamgrant.net/podcast/think-again-jj-abrams-takes-adams-job-2/
• Brene Brown talks with Adam  https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-adam-grant-on-the-power-of-knowing-what-you-dont-know/

"Thinking like a scientist involves more than just reacting with an open mind. It means being actively openminded."

The Hill: "CDC clarifies mask guidance for schools"

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending the continued use of masks and social distancing in schools after issuing new guidance last week that stated vaccinated people do not need to wear masks.

On Saturday, the CDC released an Operational Strategy for K-12 schools in which it pointed to data that suggest schools that abide by mask mandates and social-distancing requirements have been able to safely remain open.

In the post clarifying mask guidance for schools, the CDC argued that schools need to make efforts to remain open as a way to combat "systemic health and social inequities" among students of color."

Continue reading online ->  https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/553776-cdc-clarifies-mask-guidance-for-schools

Direct link to CDC guidance for schools -> https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html#fully-vacc

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.

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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/