Friday, October 8, 2021

Thank You to Everyone who Made the Harvest Festival Possible


Thank You!
We are so grateful to the many people and businesses that made the 2021 Harvest Festival possible! This amazing community event can only happen with the support of a small army of people! In particular, we indebted to the efforts of:

  • Scott Martin - chair of the Harvest Festival
  • Beth Simon and Bryan Taberner for coordinating volunteers
  • All the other members of the Harvest Festival Committee: Roberta Trahan, Pandora Carlucci, Gregg Safford, Kevin Johnson, Dawn Porthouse, Matt Lechter, Chris Peterson, Jen Hurst, Amy Love, and Melanie Hamblen
  • Michael Carroll and Dean Bank for hosting Dancing on Dean
  • Gary Donelan, FDP treasurer, for all he does for the FDP
  • Laurel Katsaros and Rockland Trust for use of the bank's parking lots
  • Jen Hurst and the Dean Bank staff for running the cider and donut stand for the FDP
  • MyFM for promoting and emceeing the Harvest Festival
  • Signs By Cam
  • Allegra printing
  • The Country Gazette
  • Local Town Pages
  • The Franklin Police Department and Department of Public Works
In Appreciation of Our Sponsors
  • Platinum sponsors: Dean Bank, Mosquito Mary's and RI Motorsports and Detail
  • Silver sponsors: Bissanti Real Estate Appraisals & Consulting, Glen Meadows Apartments, Hockomock YMCA, Liberty Tax, Middlesex Savings Bank, Rockland Trust, and The Enclave of Franklin
  • Bronze sponsors: Arcadia Dental of Franklin, Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Camford Property Group, Chestnut Dental Associates, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, Edward Jones - Kevin L. Johnson, Fenton Financial Group, Keefe Insurance, La Cantina Winery, LeafFilter North, Mint Dental of Franklin, MyFM 101.3, Nerds to Go, and Senate President Karen E. Spilka 
With our sincere thanks to all of you!
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
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.

Aspen Dental FREE Day of Service For Veterans - November 6, 2021

Aspen Dental FREE Day of Service For Veterans 
- November 6, 2021


A day of FREE dental care for veterans

Saturday, November 6, 2021 - 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

At PARTICIPATING Aspen Dental Practices

Call 844-ASPEN-HMM

To find the nearest location and make an appointment

APPOINTMENTS Are Required

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/aspen-dental-free-day-service-veterans-november-6-2021

Aspen Dental FREE Day of Service For Veterans
Aspen Dental FREE Day of Service For Veterans


Franklin Dog Park schedules Halloween Costume Contest for Furry Friends - Oct 31

Halloween Costume Contest for your Furry Friends. 

October 31st at 11 AM at Dacey Community Field, Franklin MA Dog Park. 

Lots of prizes. Categories are cutest, funniest and scariest. Prizes are 1st,2nd,3rd,4th,5th,6th and 7th. Prizes range from 1st $25.00, 2nd$20.00,3rd$15.00, 4th thru 7th $10.00 gift certificates to Vet Med and Pet Supply Plus. We also have free gifts from Franklin Agway, Pet Smart. Plus free home made dog biscuits, doggie ice cream and other doggie goodies. 

“ENTRANCE FEE”  donation cash or check made out to Furry Friends of Franklin INK.  Must register and get number for your pet. 

Hope to see you at the Halloween 🎃 Contest Parade.  

Thank you,
Gennarino D’ONOFRIO
 President of Furry Friends


Dacey Field dog park
Dacey Field dog park

More Perfect Union: 034 - Presidential Libraries (audio)

"In this episode, Jeff Roy leads the discussion on U.S. presidential libraries, the tradition of honoring past presidents with a library which details the time during their presidency. The group discusses the significance around these libraries, stories, and Jeff's recent completion of his library passport."

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b4c937bc-3636-4ced-9cdf-2d9d01789fb1 


More Perfect Union: 034 - Presidential Libraries (audio)
More Perfect Union: 034 - Presidential Libraries (audio)

10/8/2021 Recycling Pickup Update

10/8/2021 Recycling Pickup Update

A portion of yesterdays (10/7/21) recycling route was not collected, today (10/8/21) collection will continue at the point at which it left off yesterday. Additional information has been posted on the DPW Facebook page.   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW

Shared from Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/1082021-recycling-pickup-update

10/8/2021 Recycling Pickup Update
10/8/2021 Recycling Pickup Update


CommonWealth Magazine: Gov Baker appoints new MBTA board

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Thursday announced the formation of a new seven-member board to govern the MBTA, with a state transportation veteran at the helm.  
The new board will be chaired by Betsy Taylor, who has been the treasurer and chair of the finance and audit committee for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation board since 2015. (The transportation agency has its own board that is separate from the one governing the MBTA.) Taylor worked in financial roles at the Massachusetts Port Authority from 1978 to 2015.  
The previous Fiscal and Management Control Board that had been in place since 2015 expired at the end of June. In July, the Legislature reached an agreement on the makeup of a new, permanent MBTA board. "
Continue reading the article online 
 
MBTA Red Line in January 2021. (Photo by Sarah Betancourt)
MBTA Red Line in January 2021. (Photo by Sarah Betancourt)


Thursday, October 7, 2021

FM #622 - Town Clerk Candidate Nancy Danello - 10/04/21 (audio)

 FM #622 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 622 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with candidate for Town Clerk Nancy Danello  


This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote.  Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.


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


Our conversation runs about 15 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Nancy Danello.  ** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/af5a4375-28f2-41cc-9de9-1f89d00d431e



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


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


Candidate page ->  https://www.nancydanello.us/ 



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"


Town Clerk Candidate Nancy Danello
acting Town Clerk Nancy Danello


FSPA Re-Opens Broadway

Alumni and Broadway Faculty from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) have been on stage in the reopening casts of many Broadway shows. This September marked the return of the Great White Way since the shutdown in March 2020. FSPA is currently represented in the Broadway companies of WICKED and Waitress and the North American Tour of Hamilton.

FSPA musical theater alum Dan Gleason returned to the Broadway cast of WICKED when it re-opened on Tuesday, September 14. Gleason appears in the ensemble and understudies the lead role of Fiyero. His other credits include the national tours of American Idiot and Miss Saigon. Of his years growing up at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Gleason says, "I owe a lot of my consistent vocal health and technique throughout the rigorous run to my years at FSPA.  Healthy singing habits were ingrained in my body and now have become second nature. FSPA set me up for success in life and I am so thankful for my years of training in my hometown." 

Joining Dan in the reopening cast of WICKED, is FSPA Broadway Faculty Member Kevin Massey. Massey’s Broadway credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Memphis, Tarzan, and Big River (Deaf West). He is a UNC-Chapel Hill Morehead-Cain Scholar. As a member of the FSPA Broadway Faculty, Massey is available to the musical theater students for one-on-one vocal and acting coaching. “I have an amazing time working with FSPA,” notes Massey. “The students are so talented and responsive to coaching. It is so exciting to see immediate improvement and their confidence build. No matter the level, there is always so much to work with.”

Christopher Rice-Thomson, a member of FSPA’s Broadway Faculty for singing, acting, dancing, and marketing for performers, is currently on the road with the hit musical Hamilton. Rice-Thomson’s Broadway credits include Pretty Woman and The Book of Mormon and the tours of West Side Story (Baby John, Tony understudy) and White Christmas. His viral #Tappy YouTube videos have received over 10 million views and been featured on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, The Meredith Vieira Show, On Air with a Ryan Seacrest, and more. Rice-Thomson has appeared with Franklin Performing Arts Company as Jack Kelly in Newsies and in his own creation: Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE!

FSPA Broadway Faculty Member for Voice and Acting Emily Koch returns to Waitress on Broadway understudying the show’s star and composer Sara Bareilles. Koch’s credits include WICKED (Elphaba) and Godspell with the Berkshire Theatre Group.  In Franklin, Koch has headlined FPAC’s Broadway In Franklin Weekend, THE BLACK BOX Sings… WICKED, and appeared as a guest with viral A Cappella sensation T.3 at THE BLACK BOX. 

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is still enrolling for the 21-22 school year. FSPA is a home for performing artists of all ages, abilities, and interests. Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA is a unique place where students can participate in an array of music, dance, and drama programs with professional instruction and extraordinary performing opportunities. FSPA offers programming for students as young as 18 months. Students are able to “discover their FSPA” and take class from one day a week to six. For more information about FSPA and its programs, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by 38 Main St. in Franklin. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram (@fspaonline), and YouTube. 

 

FSPA Re-Opens Broadway
FSPA Re-Opens Broadway

FHS golf and both boys and girls soccer teams post wins on Wednesday

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021 

Boys Soccer = King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
THE BOYS ARE ROLLIN Big 2-0 win vs KP. Goals by Terry (from Costa) and Moran (from Kryzak). Juice to Moran for a top corner finish and hard work up top. Next game Friday @ Attleboro at 3:45.  https://twitter.com/_FranklinSoccer/status/1445905642082869252


Girls Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ King Philip, 0 – Final 
– Stella Regan scored from about 30 yards out after taking a throw-in from Jackie O’Neil. It turned out to be the winner, as the Franklin defense and goalie Rachel Welch made it stand up. The win keeps the Panthers in a first-place tie with Mansfield and drops KP two points back of the division leaders. Bridget Leo, Chloe Barca, and Regan had strong games in the center of the pitch and Franklin coach Jodi Klein praised her team’s ability to control the ball and stay focused throughout.

Golf = Attleboro, 169 @ Franklin, 157 – Final
Franklin takes a huge Senior night victory 157-1172 against Attleboro

Hags-36
B Collins:-39
Obrien/steel-41

"And don't forget to check out the highlights of our High School GameDay Game of the Week from (past) Friday as Franklin upset the then No. 6 Mansfield Hornets. 
@ButchStearns   STORY: http://boston25.com/3DaiIvR"

highlights of our High School Game of the Week
highlights of our High School Game of the Week



For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-06-21/

FHS cross country results vs. King Philip on Tuesday

FHS boys and girls cross country results from the race on Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021

  • The boys team lost to KP by a 21-36 score (low number wins)

  • The girls team won vs. KP by a 22-36 score

For all the detailed cross country results visit https://www.franklintrack.org/

FHS cross country results vs. King Philip on Tuesday
FHS cross country results vs. King Philip on Tuesday


FHS football: "Coaches Corner. Mansfield Win" (video)

Kevin Papa shares this week's "Coaches Corner. Mansfield Win"

video link -> https://youtu.be/Yx7REQ5l3Qs


Franklin Recreation publishes Winter Brochure, registrations opens Nov 1

"Our Winter Brochure is officially LIVE!!!. Check out all the amazing Winter Programs we have in stored this year.  
Registration for these programs will open on Monday November 1st @ 8:30 AM."

MA Senate Passes Landmark Voting Reform Legislation


 

 Senate Passes Landmark Voting Reform Legislation

Bill makes vote-by-mail permanent, expands early voting options, implements same-day voter registration, and ushers in other groundbreaking election reforms   

Today (10/06/21) , the Massachusetts State Senate passed S.2545, An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security (the VOTES Act). This comprehensive voting reform bill permanently codifies the popular mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020. The bill would also enact same-day voter registration, increase ballot access for service members serving overseas, and make a series of other improvements to the Commonwealth's election administration process. 

"I am incredibly proud of the Senate's work on the VOTES Act, which will not only protect but expand voting access in the Commonwealth," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The provisions contained within this bill, including same-day voter registration, early voting, and permanent vote-by-mail will make it much easier to vote in Massachusetts—which is especially important for those individuals and communities that have struggled to vote or who have been disenfranchised in the past. I am excited to see this bill signed into law so that all of our citizens will have expanded access to voting, our most sacred right as Americans. I'd like to thank Senate Majority Leader Creem, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, Election Laws Committee Chair Finegold and all of the voting rights advocates for their incredible work on this bill."

"Our democracy works best when we empower all eligible citizens to vote," said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D. Newton). "The VOTES Act makes it easier than ever for Massachusetts residents to register and cast a ballot, while also ensuring that we maintain an efficient and secure election process. During a moment when voting rights are under threat across the country, I'm proud that the Senate has voted to expand access to the ballot box."

"After thoughtful debate on the floor of the Senate, I am thrilled that we have passed this landmark legislation to make voting more accessible than ever for all citizens of Massachusetts," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. "I am proud of the collective effort of this body to improve the bill through the amendment process to ensure safe and secure access to the ballot box. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her continued leadership, Senators Creem and Finegold for their persistent advocacy and commitment to this issue, and to all my Senate colleagues for engaging in a process that has further strengthened the right to vote in the Commonwealth."

"This landmark election reform bill will empower voters and strengthen our democracy," said Senator Barry Finegold (D - Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws. "People have fought and died for the right to vote. Such a hard-earned right is sacred, and we must protect it. It is now time to build on the progress we have already made and enact long-lasting voting reforms. The Senate's proposed legislation will move our election system into the modern era and help make sure that every voter can exercise their fundamental right to vote. The votes and the voices of the people of Massachusetts matter. Let's make them heard."

Responding to trends in voting and building off previous actions taken by the Legislature, the VOTES Act contains the following key provisions: 

Same-Day Voter Registration

  • Individuals would be able to register to vote during early voting periods or on the day of a primary or election. 
  • Twenty other states and the District of Columbia already use same-day registration. 

Early Voting In-Person 

  • The bill would require two weeks (including two weekends) of early voting in-person for biennial state elections and any municipal elections held on the same day. 
  • The bill would require one week (including one weekend) of early voting in-person for a presidential or state primary and any municipal elections held on the same day.
  • The bill would allow municipalities to opt-in to early voting in-person for any municipal election not held concurrently with another election. 

Permanent No-Excuse Mail-In Voting 

  • The bill would require the Secretary of the Commonwealth to send out mail-in ballot applications to all registered voters on July 15 of every even-numbered year; the Secretary of the Commonwealth would have the option to include these applications as part of mailings already required to be sent by the Secretary.
  • As in 2020, postage would be guaranteed for mail-in ballot applications and ballots. 
  • As in 2020, mail-in ballots would be accepted for a biennial state election if mailed on or by election day and received by 5PM on the third day after the election. 

Additional Flexibility For Local Officials

  • The bill would give municipalities the option to set up secure drop boxes for mail-in ballots. 
  • The bill would allow election officials to pre-process mail-in and early voting ballots in advance of Election Day.
  • The bill would give municipalities discretion as to the use of a check-out list at a polling location. 

Accommodations For People With Disabilities

  • The bill would allow a voter with disabilities to request accommodations from the Secretary of the Commonwealth to vote by mail for state elections.
  • Accommodations would include: electronic and accessible instructions, ballot application, ballot, and a voter affidavit that can be submitted electronically.

Jail-Based Voting Reforms 

  • The bill would help ensure that individuals who are incarcerated who are currently eligible to vote are provided with voting information and materials to exercise their right to vote in every state primary and election. 
  • The bill would require correctional facilities to display and distribute information about voting rights and procedures, as prepared by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
  • The bill would require facilities to assist individuals who are incarcerated in registering, applying for and returning mail ballots.
  • Through inclusion of an amendment, the bill would ensure that individuals who are incarcerated are properly notified of their right to vote upon release and given the opportunity fill out a voter registration form

Joining the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) 

  • The bill would require the Secretary of the Commonwealth to enter into an agreement with ERIC no later than July 1, 2022. 
  • Thirty other states have already joined ERIC, which helps states keep more accurate voting rolls.

The Senate also unanimously approved an amendment to the VOTES Act targeting vote-by-mail ballot access by U.S. service members residing overseas and allowing for them to cast their vote electronically. 

The bill, through inclusion of an amendment, would also instruct the Secretary of State to conduct a comprehensive public awareness campaign to highlight the new voting and registration options.

Today's vote follows previous action by the Legislature to temporarily extend vote-by-mail and early voting options through December 15, 2021. 

The VOTES Act now advances on to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for further consideration. 

Link to legislative document -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2545


VIRTUAL JOB-SEEKERS WORKSHOP: • Ageism: What You Need to Know - Oct 14, 2021



VIRTUAL JVS JOB-SEEKERS WORKSHOP
Ageism: What You Need to Know:
History | Perceptions | Fighting Back
An estimated 20% of US workers are age 55 or older, yet many employers question the abilities of the demographic and recent Supreme Court decisions have made it harder to prove age discrimination.

Join us as we explore the issue of ageism: The history; the facts; the perceptions; the mistakes you make, according to employers.
 
You'll learn:
1. Statistics from the Dept. of Labor and AARP.
2. The notable court cases that led to the rise of ageism.
3. The perceptions young and older people have of mature workers.
4. 9 things you can do to confront and deal with ageism.
5. Employer feedback on how they view mature interviewees.
6. 10 positive characteristics of mature workers.
Thursday, October 14, 2021
10:00 to 11:30 AM
GUEST SPEAKER:
Ed Lawrence, Career Coach
Getstarted LLC
THIS PROGRAM IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
SPONSORED BY:
JVS Job-Seekers Workshops are made possible thanks to the generosity of
The Kosloski Family Foundation in memory of Helene Kosloski.

Jewish Vocational Service | 354 Eisenhower Parkway, Plaza I, Suite 2150, Livingston, NJ 07039

_._,_._,_