Friday, September 17, 2021

Peter Willis scheduled for the Harvest Festival - good time to check out his photos of Franklin

I will be at the Harvest festival in Franklin to sell my photos at Franklin downtown
on October 2th 12-5pm
If you can't make it to the event, you can still chat with Peter and place your order at https://www.peterwillisphotography.com anytime and get your favorite image delivered to your door. Thank you in advance for your support!!!! ðŸ˜ƒðŸ“¸
The rain date 3rd  is the Sunday 12-5pm

Pete




Peter Willis scheduled for the Harvest Festival
Peter Willis scheduled for the Harvest Festival


Thursday, September 16, 2021

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee discusses wayfinding signs and branding

Quick Recap:
  • Wayfinding signs an open recommendation to be worked on, also involves discussion on 'branding' before getting into what signs where
  • Needs to be a collaborative effort across multiple stakeholders in the community, will likely be a multiyear effort and cost a few dollars.
  • Update on initial scope possible for Oct 20 meeting  
 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting although this time, reporting live from the Council Chambers.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edc0915 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0915&src=typeahead_click
 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-09-15_edc_agenda_.pdf
 
 
  • Live reporting for the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting about to begin Agenda: 1. Wayfinding signs discussion #edc0915 full agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
  • Chair Hamblen opens meeting, Frongillo and Jones present, Bissanti not; #edc0915
  • why wayfinding signs? it was part of the report delivered to the town as a recommendation (link to be added later) #edc0915 a subgroup had started looking at this, Lily now here will pick this up
  • what are the elements of the wayfinding program, not just signs and colorcoding; what do you point to? Where will people want to go? Coordinate with the Cultural District (for example) #edc0915
  • Example of North Adams and their branding #edc0915 (screen grab)
  • it will take time and discussions (multiple of them) to build consensus on what to highlight and how to do so; aside from the actual branding of the sign/community itself. #edc0915
  • who are we? do we use the 'standard' Ben images, which already have quite a few varieties #edc0915 ToF had prepared a grant some years ago for a wayfinding project.
  • I got up to add: 2028 is a key year for Franklin (250th anniversary); could the listing be shared so others can view and prepared for this discussion? #edc0915
  • can get an update for the Oct 20th meeting; meeting adjourns #edc0915
 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
 
screengrab of an example from North Adams and what they did
screengrab of an example from North Adams and what they did

Franklin Welcomes New Veterans' Services Officer - Shannon Nisbett

Meet our new VSO at the October 6th Veterans' Coffee Social

Following Dale Kurtz's retirement, U.S. Army veteran Shannon Nisbett has joined the Veterans' Services Office as Franklin's new Veterans' Services Officer. 

Please join us in welcoming Shannon at the monthly Veterans' Coffee Social on Wednesday, October 6 at 10:00 AM at the Franklin Senior Center. 

Cathleen Liberty, Franklin's Director of Public Health, will also join us to provide updates and answer questions about Covid-19.

As always, refreshments will be provided by our wonderful friends at Starbucks.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page => https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/franklin-welcomes-new-veterans%E2%80%99-services-officer

Debra Martin (left) Shannon Nisbett (right) as they were introduced to the Town Council
Debra Martin (left) Shannon Nisbett (right) as they were introduced to the Town Council 

FHS golf posts win for 2nd day in row

Via @HockomockSports  we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Sep 15, 2021  

Taunton, 194 @ Franklin, 166 – Final 
– Franklin defended its home course and won its second match in as many days with a win over on Wednesday over visiting Taunton. Three Panthers shared medalist honors as CJ Steel, Ben Paterson, and Caroline Woelfel all shot a 41 in the win while Brendan Collins rounded out the scoring with a 43. Logan Letourneau paced Taunton with a round of 46.

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS golf posts win for 2nd day in row
FHS golf posts win for 2nd day in row

Exercise & Wellness Classes Start Next Week


Exercise & Wellness Classes
Fall 2021
starting September 23
Yoga, which has been around since the 15th century, helps to quiet the mind & improve health. Looking for Hatha Yoga OR Yoga For Anyone? You can find it here on Thursdays this fall.
8 weeks - $80/person
LaBlast is an energizing dance fitness program that uses easy to follow ballroom dance patterns. Students will learn the basic steps of several dance styles, while enjoying music from all genres. Classes are low impact and for all levels of fitness. Partner-free and no experience necessary. 
10 weeks - $90/person

For more class options & additional details visit:

FPS - Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.

CommonWealth Magazine: "Lawmakers push for expansion of Plainridge"

 

"The competition between Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville and two nearby Rhode Island gaming facilities for southeastern Massachusetts’ gambling dollars is nothing new and representatives from that part of the state renewed their support Tuesday for bills (H 507/H 532) to authorize but not require the Mass. Gaming Commission to allow the slots-only facility to add “up to 30 table games and an additional 250 slot machines.”

“Last session, we were concerned about the opening of the casino in Tiverton, Rhode Island, which happened two years ago. In this session, we also know that Rhode Island is planning a major expansion at Twin River. And that will put Plainridge and my communities at a further competitive disadvantage,” Rep. Jeff Roy of Franklin said. “We’re here to push for a modest expansion of Plainridge so that the commonwealth can best compete with our neighbors to the south, and we can protect the jobs, our local businesses, and the tax revenues that have been generated from Plainridge Park.”

When Massachusetts legalized casino-style gambling a decade ago, lawmakers approved a framework that includes up to three resort-style casinos and one slots parlor. Two of the three casino licenses have been issued, to MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor, and Plainridge Park Casino holds the lone slots-only license."

Continue reading the article online
 
A slot machine at Plainridge Park Casino.
A slot machine at Plainridge Park Casino.


National Weather Service Boston: webinar on tornadoes (video)


"Missed last night's webinar on our recent tropical tornadoes? You can catch up on that and many others on our YouTube Channel: https://t.co/aG0cPL3dRO"

NWS Boston - YouTube channel ->  https://www.youtube.com/user/NWSBoston/videos

Passwords may be going away, starting with Microsoft

"You’ve got a lot of passwords to keep track of for your online bank account, insurance company, social media profiles and even your kid’s school software. But starting today, your Microsoft account doesn’t have to be one of them.

The company said Wednesday that it is officially retiring written passwords for personal accounts, including Outlook, OneDrive and Family Safety. Corporate accounts have been eligible for password-free sign-on since March.

The change comes as the entire IT industry rethinks its decades-long reliance on “shared secret” passwords — or the kind you have to remember. People have a tendency to lose and forget them, creating extra costs and headaches for companies and customers alike."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/09/15/microsoft-passwordless/

Microsoft announced it is rolling out a no-password sign-on system for personal accounts on its Outlook, OneDrive and Family Safety products. (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg News)
Microsoft announced it is rolling out a no-password sign-on system for personal accounts on its Outlook, OneDrive and Family Safety products. (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg News)


   

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Candidates listing almost final with papers required to returned by Sep 14

At the close of business on Tuesday, the candidate listing became almost final. Almost final, in that the list is what it is for now but the candidates still have until Sep 30 to change their mind and withdraw. The list goes to print the ballots after Sep 30, per the Town Clerk.

  • The Town Council has 12 candidates for 9 seats.
  • The School Committee has 12 candidates for 7 seats
  • The Town Clerk has 2 candidates for 1 seats
  • The Planning Board has 4 candidates for 2 seats
  • The Planning Board Associate does not have a candidate for the 1 seat
  • The Board of Assessors has 1 candidate for 1 seat
  • The Board of Health has 1 candidate for 1 seat



Candidates listing almost final with papers required to returned by Sep 14
Candidates listing almost final with papers required to returned by Sep 14


School Committee Candidate: Denise Spencer - 09/10/21 (audio)

FM #602 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 602 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with current School Committee Vice-chair and candidate for re-election Denise Spencer. 


This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate. This is my public service effort to enable informed voters for the election Nov 2, 2021.  


We cover the candidate questions as previously developed with the community and shared with the candidates. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the School Committee.


Our conversation runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Denise Spencer.  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c626d5a8-17e2-43a5-969d-f04f1a79c914




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


Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html 


Candidate page ->  https://www.facebook.com/SpencerforSchoolCommittee


Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.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"

 

FM #602 - School Cmte Candidate: Denise Spencer - 09/10/21 (audio)
FM #602 - School Cmte Candidate: Denise Spencer - 09/10/21 (audio)

Franklin Matters Radio shows scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 15 and Saturday, Sep 18

The Franklin Matters Radio shows scheduled for Wednesday, September 15 and Saturday, September 18 are the following:


Wednesday
  • 9:00 AM / Noon / 6:00 PM  =  FM_#600_HealthDir-CLiberty_20210831 (~ 33 mins)
  • 11:00 AM / 2:00 PM / 8:00 PM  =  FM_#601_TC-NDanello_#602_DSpencer_Combo combination   (~ 45 mins) 

Saturday

The Health Director Cathleen Liberty meeting repeats on Saturday at 9:00 AM and Town Clerk Nancy Danello election info and SchComm candidate Denise Spencer sessions combined repeats at 3:00 PM.


You can also find each segment separately in your favorite podcast app or in the Franklin Matters Radio archive -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/fm-podcasts.html 


Franklin Matters Radio shows scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 15 and Saturday, Sep 18
Franklin Matters Radio shows scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 15 and Saturday, Sep 18

Senior Office Hours with Franklin Officials - Sep 16 - 8:30 AM

Please join State Representative Roy and town officials for coffee and conversation this Thursday at 8:30 AM at the Senior Center. There is a lot happening at the local and state level as we continue to turn the corner on the pandemic. Hope to see ya there!

Senior Office Hours with Franklin Officials - Sep 16 - 8:30 AM
Senior Office Hours with Franklin Officials - Sep 16 - 8:30 AM




FHS golf and girls cross country teams post wins on Tuesday

Via @HockomockSports  and Twitter we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Sep 14, 2021  

Girls Cross Country
Mansfield, 44 @ Franklin, 19 – Final – It was an an impressive showing from the Panthers in the first race of the season, taking eight of the top nine spots in the race against the Hornets. Franklin senior Charlene Peng won the race in 20:56 while Mansfield sophomore Anna Moore clocked in four seconds later with a PR time of 21:00 for second. Senior Sophia Allen, junior Devin Anderson, senior Megan Johnston, and senior Alana Conley also scored for Mansfield.
  • Great win against Mansfield today with a score of 19-44!
https://twitter.com/FHS_girlsXC/status/1437931796574920706

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1437888958113923075


Boys Cross Country
Mansfield, 25 @ Franklin, 31 – Final – Mansfield took the top two spots at Dacey Field on its way to a close win over Franklin. Collin Stevens crossed the finish line in 17:42 for first place while teammate Riley Tremblay was second at 17:57. Franklin senior Clancy Golden took third overall at 17:58.

  • Boys XC drops a close one to Mansfield 31 - 25

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1437889223554707462


Golf
North Attleboro, 173 @ Franklin, 163 – Final – Franklin sophomore CJ Steel was the lone golfer to come in under 40, earning match medalist honors while pacing the Panthers to a win at home. Steel shot a low-round of 38 while Brendan Collins added a 40, Caroline Woelfel (birdie) added a 42, and both Anthony Lampasona and Tyler O’Brien (43) shot a 43. North Attleboro’s Jack Gaskin and Tyson Laviano each shot 40 while Dillon Harding came in with a round of 43.
  • Final score: 163-173 Franklin wins! (vs North Attleboro)
Steel: 38
Collins:40
Caroline:42
Obrien/Lew/lamp: 43
Back at it tomorrow vs Taunton #rollpanthers #getirdone

https://twitter.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1437901608046809094


For other results around the League


FHS golf and girls cross country teams post wins on Tuesday
FHS golf and girls cross country teams post wins on Tuesday

 

Attention Franklin: Recycling and Energy Drive - Sep 18 (video promo)

Join us in Franklin on Saturday, September 18 for a recycling and energy drive. 

You'll be able to recycle furniture and donate it to Habitat For Humanity, recycle electronics, and learn about saving energy and reducing costs. 

The event is free and if you bring an old dehumidifier, you can get $30 from National Grid. You most likely have several of these items in your home. The Green Team team will unload them from your vehicle. 

Check out the video chat with State Representative Jeff Roy and Fred Cullen to see how the event works.  Link to video ->  https://www.dropbox.com/s/vs1t4fk26ijv3l4/Green-team-Jeffrey%20Roy_v2.mp4?dl=0

Check out the Green Team webpage for more info -> gogreenteamjunk.com/

Link to MA Legislature Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy as mentioned during the video  https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J37/About


Recycling and Energy Drive - Sep 25
items accepted

Recycling and Energy Drive - Sep 25 2
rebate

Recycling and Energy Drive - Sep 25 3
sponsors