Monday, August 23, 2021

Register O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program

After taking a hiatus from collecting clothing donations during the COVID-19 pandemic Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reaffirmed the Registry's 100% commitment to support the highly successful Suits for Success program in partnership with Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & MainSpring of Quincy and Brockton the Boston Veterans Administration's Healthcare System Voluntary Service Program and InnerCity Weightlifting.

"By just looking in your closet or bureau," noted Register O'Donnell, "you can make a world of difference in someone's life." Your donations of business appropriate clothing through the Suits for Success program provides opportunities to men and women looking for employment.

Register O'Donnell went on to explain, "People who are attempting to re-enter the workforce need to make a good initial impression, whether it's attending an interview or their first day on the job. I hope local residents and businesses will consider making a clothing donation to this worthy endeavor. The program is truly needed, and it's a great resource in helping people enhance their opportunities in life."

Our participating agencies have requested that all donations of business appropriate attire for men and women must be clean, no stains, in style, on hangers or neatly folded. The donation may also be placed in either re-useable tote bags, or green plastic bags. Suggested donations include suits, dress shirts, pants and ties for men and dresses, suits, blouses, skirts and pants for women.  Since the Registry started the Suits for Success program in February of 2009 it has collected more than 9,000 articles of clothing. 

To contribute, individuals need to bring their donated clothes to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham between the hours of 9:30am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. If you reside in the Quincy area, you can drop off clothing directly to the Interfaith Social Services office located at 105 Adams Street, Quincy between 8:30 and 3:30 Monday through Friday, and until 7:00 pm on Tuesdays.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "During the past decade, we know that Suits for Success works.  The program has given many people the confidence to take the next step in their lives.  It can continue its successful mission with your generous help."

For more information about the Registry of Deeds' Suits for Success program, or to schedule a drop-off time, please contact Alicia Gardner at (781) 461-6101 or by email customerservice@norfolkdeeds.org. Please prepare a list of the donated items along with your name and address so that we may provide you with a charitable tax deductible receipt.

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.

 

Register O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program
Register O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program

The Franklin DPW is looking for 2 candidates for their Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions

The Franklin DPW is seeking candidates with a CDL license for the Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO) position. For more information regarding the two vacancies or to apply, please visit our website:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july142021.pdf



The Franklin DPW is hiring 2 for Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions
The Franklin DPW is hiring 2 for Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions


MA Dept of Higher Ed: strengthening campus response to sexual assault

MA Dept of Higher Ed (@MassDHE) tweeted Fri, Aug 20, 2021:
"As students return to campus, MA has a new law on the books to strengthen campus response to sexual assault. Details in the new DHE Forward: https://t.co/Hkp01vY9me "

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassDHE/status/1428780159465836549?s=03


As students return to campus, MA has a new law on the books to strengthen campus response to sexual assault
As students return to campus, MA has a new law on the books to strengthen campus response to sexual assault

“The Seven Types of Abuse” - Part 4 of the series

Another episode of “The Seven Types of Abuse”. Check it out now ⬇️⬇️. Or go back ⬅️⬅️ and watch the first three episodes.


All Episodes can also be found on the SAFE Peer to Peer YouTube 📺 channel as well. -> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrkhxAELvHg6_EtYx0HuNhQ/videos

Virus theory vs politics: "unlikely hard answers will be provided this week"

"If Joe Biden’s security staff are up to the mark, a new report on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic will be placed on the president’s desk this week. His team was given 90 days in May to review the virus’s origins after several US scientists indicated they were no longer certain about the source of Sars-CoV-2.

It will be intriguing to learn how Biden’s team answers the critically important questions that still surround the origins of Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Did it emerge because of natural viral spillovers from bats to another animal and then into humans? Or did it leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology? And, if so, had it been enhanced to make it especially virulent?

These are important questions – to say the least. If we want to prevent another pandemic, it would be very useful to know how this one started. However, given the paucity of new information Biden’s team will have unearthed over the past three months – while the Chinese authorities have continued to provide little extra data – it is unlikely hard answers will be provided this week."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2021

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)


  • 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
II. Guests/Presentations
A. none
III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - Waiving 1st reading
I recommend waiving the First Reading of Policy EBCFA Face Coverings as discussed.
B. Policy Adoption
I recommend adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed.
C. ACCEPT Collaborative Capital Reserve
I recommend the approval of the creation of ACCEPT’s Capital Reserve with a balance limit of $1,000,000 for the purpose of accumulating funds for the acquisition, maintenance and improvement of capital items.
D. School Handbooks and Back to School Health and Safety
I recommend approval of the school handbooks as discussed.
IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update - 8-20-21
B. Summary of New Hires
V.  Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, 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)
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 August 10, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $901.90 from Stop & Shop for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.
D. Jefferson Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of furniture (valued at $3,350.00) from Cardi’s Furniture for the Jefferson Teacher’s Room.
E. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,287.50 from music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
F. Student Activity Accounts
I recommend approval of the 2021-22 Student Activity Accounts as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer
X. Adjournment
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2021
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 24, 2021


Franklin's local election draws more than enough candidates for Town Council, School Committee, and Planning Board

The ballot looks to be shaping up for Franklin's November local election. There are currently 13 candidates for the 9 Town Council seats. There are 12 candidates for the 7 School Committee seats. There are 4 candidates for the 2 Planning Board seats.

The Town Clerk, Board of Assessors, and Board of Health currently show as uncontested elections.

View the current list of candidates who have taken out papers to run 


Election Timeline

  • September 10 by 5:00 PM – Last day to obtain Nomination papers
  • September 14 by 5:00 PM – Signed Nomination papers must be submitted to Board of Registrars for certification
  • September 30 by 5:00 PM- Last day to withdraw your candidacy
  • October 13 – Last day to register to vote.  Office hours will be extended to 8:00 PM or register online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us
  • Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or call the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 for a complete list of available positions.

 

Franklin's local election draws more than enough candidates for Town Council, School Committee, and Planning Board
Franklin's local election draws more than enough candidates for Town Council, School Committee, and Planning Board

FHS strength & condo: Summer training recap (video)

FHS strength & condo (@FHSStrength) tweeted Thu, Aug 19, 2021:
Thank you all for a great summer! https://t.co/6DNkRDWJxW

video link ->  https://youtu.be/vJcgK2HL8bU 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSStrength/status/1428461789596028933?s=03



Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Comptroller

To the Town Council and the Citizens of Franklin:

In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, the Annual Report of the Town Comptroller for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 is hereby submitted. All invoices and payrolls presented during the fiscal year by various departments were examined for accuracy and legality before being submitted to the Town Administrator for approval and to the Treasurer-Collector for payment.

The reports contained herein present fairly the material aspects of the Town of Franklin's financial position and results of operations. Financial reporting is in compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS) and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

The Town’s auditing firm, Melanson, Heath & Company, found the Town’s 2019 financial statements and systems to be in good order. The audited financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2019 are included.

On a side note I’d like to thank my staff for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to excellence. Our team is truly amazing and I look forward to making many significant improvements in the coming years.

Respectfully submitted,

Christopher M. Sandini, Sr.
Finance Director/Town Comptroller 

Visit the Comptroller's page  https://www.franklinma.gov/comptroller


In particular, the most recent one can be found

Continue reading the Annual Report for 2020

Franklin Recreation Street Hockey Promo via Instant Replay Reels

Instant Replay Reels (@_instantreplay_) tweeted  Thu, Aug 19, 2021:
Franklin Recreation Street Hockey Promo for @FranklinRec🏒 
Full video: https://t.co/bKSuxLYasx 

"Blow for Uber as judge finds California’s gig-worker law unconstitutional"

A case that will have implication for MA as there is a proposed ballot question for 2022 on this issue.

"A judge on Friday struck down a California ballot measure that exempted Uber and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services from a state law requiring drivers to be classified as employees eligible for benefits and job protections.

Alameda county superior court Judge Frank Roesch ruled that Proposition 22 was unconstitutional.

Voters approved the measure in November after Uber, Lyft and other services spent $200m in its favor, making it the most expensive ballot measure in state history.

Uber said it planned to appeal, setting up a fight that could likely end up in the California supreme court."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

A driver holds up a sign supporting a no vote on Prop 22 in Oakland last year. The ruling sets up a fight that could likely end up in California’s supreme court. Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
A driver holds up a sign supporting a no vote on Prop 22 in Oakland last year. The ruling sets up a fight that could likely end up in California’s supreme court. Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images


Franklin Downtown Partnership: Harvest Festival Booth Reminder


Harvest Festival Reminder
Booths Spaces are filling up quickly so don't delay! Sign up soon for your booth space.
Register for booth space ->

Sponsors Needed
Please contact the FDP office (downtown.franklin@yahoo.com) if you would like to sponsor the Harvest Festival and have your booth located on Sponsorship Row.

Remember ALL participants need to register online.
Even if you are a downtown business
Even if you are a restaurant and have email the FDP office
Even if you are a sponsor

When you register online we are able to send you your booth space placement, set-up instructions, your booth space and any last minute changes due to weather. If you are not registered we can not assign you a booth space.

Booth spaces are first come-first served.  

If you have any registration questions, please contact Chris Peterson.(fdpevent@gmail.com
Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org
Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

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"Rain falls on peak of Greenland ice cap for first time on record"

"Rain has fallen on the summit of Greenland’s huge ice cap for the first time on record. Temperatures are normally well below freezing on the 3,216-metre (10,551ft) peak, and the precipitation is a stark sign of the climate crisis.

Scientists at the US National Science Foundation’s summit station saw rain falling throughout 14 August but had no gauges to measure the fall because the precipitation was so unexpected. Across Greenland, an estimated 7bn tonnes of water was released from the clouds.

The rain fell during an exceptionally hot three days in Greenland when temperatures were 18C higher than average in places. As a result, melting was seen in most of Greenland, across an area about four times the size of the UK."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Icebergs near Ilulissat, Greenland. The climate crisis is having a profound impact on glaciers. Photograph: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock
Icebergs near Ilulissat, Greenland. The climate crisis is having a profound impact on glaciers. Photograph: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock


MIAA - The Hub - Week 3 - Self Management (video series)

 Week 3 at The HUB: Seek. Explore. Learn. "Self-Management"

> Kyrah Altman shares tools to proactively cope & manage symptoms of Reintegration Anxiety Management. Content includes mental illness, anxiety, collective trauma of COVID-19 ow.ly/zSE350FCduM #MIAA
or visit MIAA at http://www.miaa.net/contentm/easy_pages/view.php?sid=38&page_id=354

MIAA - The Hub - Week 3 - Self Management (video series)
MIAA - The Hub - Week 3 - Self Management (video series)


Saturday, August 21, 2021

MAEnergy Environment: Hurricane Safety Tips

MAEnergy Environment (@MassEEA) tweeted Fri, Aug 20, 2021:
🧵 To prepare for Tropical Storm #Henri and a potential power outage, here are some practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.

🔋 Make sure cellphones, laptops, and other electronics are fully charged.

⚡️ Power Outage Safety Tips:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hurricane-safety-tips

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassEEA/status/1428790239124938761


MAEnergy Environment: Hurricane Safety Tips
MAEnergy Environment: Hurricane Safety Tips

Also from Boston Globe: 6 ways to prepare

From MA Consumer Affairs -> Hurricane preparedness