MBTA Commuter Rail: Update (re: Starting Monday 10/11/21: Commuter Rail schedule change)

The new Fall/Winter Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, October 11th. Visit MBTA.com or pick up your schedule at South Station, North Station or Back Bay to see how we adapted our service for better seasonal performance.

The Fall/Winter schedule maintains the same frequent weekday service introduced this spring, with a few changes to train times in order to factor in slippery rail and snow.
The bike policy has also been updated: bikes are no longer accepted on board trains arriving in Boston between 6:30 am and 10:00 am or departing Boston between 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Weekend service remains the same and busing continues:
-between West Gloucester and Rockport on the Rockport Line to allow for work on the Gloucester drawbridge.
-between Littleton/495 and Wachusett on the Fitchburg Line to facilitate Positive Train Control Implementation work.

Holiday service:

• On Monday, October 11th, all lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule
• On Thursday, November 25th, 2021 (Thanksgiving Day), Saturday, December 25th, 2021 (Christmas Day), and Saturday, January 1st, 2022 (New Years Day), all lines will operate on a weekend schedule.
• On Friday, November 26th, 2021 (Day after Thanksgiving), Friday, December 24th, 2021 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, December 31st, 2021 (New Years Eve), all lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 

For more information on holiday service on the Commuter Rail or other MBTA transit networks, passengers can visit MBTA.com/holidays.

Last Updated: Oct 10 2021 05:19 PM

Fall/Winter - Franklin Line schedule

https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-fall/10-11-2021-cr-fall-franklin.pdf

Starting October 11: Commuter Rail schedule change

Franklin Town Clerk: early voting begins Tuesday, Oct 12 in the Clerk's office

Franklin Voters,

Ballots arrived on October 7th in the Town Clerk's Office.  My office has begun the process of mailing out ballots to all voters who have requested an Absentee/Vote by Mail ballot.

In person early voting will begin on (Tuesday) October 12th during regular office hours at the Municipal Building in the Clerk's Office:

• Monday,Tuesday,Thursday, 8-4  
• Wednesday 8-6  
• Friday 8-1 

For your convenience we will also be open on October 23 and 24th from 10:00AM to 1:00 PM.  

If you cannot make it to in person voting please call or email my office for a Vote by Mail application.  

Please feel free to reach out to me at ndanello@franklinma.gov or 508-520-4900 with any questions.

Nancy Danello, CMC

Town Clerk

Shared from Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/groups/460474210785489/permalink/2078270802339147/

Franklin Town Clerk: early voting begins Tuesday, Oct 12 in the Clerk's office

Town Council Meeting - 10/06/21 - Three audio segments available

FM #624-625-626 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 624-625-626 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hours and forty minutes ( 2:40 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, citizen comments, recognition for the Cultural Council and four appointments (~28 mins)

• Second - covers the Franklin Public Schools presentation and Q&A session (~ 87 minutes) 

• Third - covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 46 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Oct 6, 2021

Part 1 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/57b963b3-c910-4a68-9555-f5ad62e8900c

Part 2 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5d66e704-5464-4aa3-af03-467a87af0edf

Part 3 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7b01950-c0be-485d-9c53-68257e910df4

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

Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-06-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-hears-about-school.html 

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/fm-623-town-council-quarterbacking-with.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 www.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 Council Meeting - 10/06/21 - Three audio segments available

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 12, 2021

Franklin School Committee 

October 12, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

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. Safety Presentation – Lucas Giguere, Asst. Supt.; Ryan Augusta, AP FHS
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/10_12_21_fps_school_safety_update.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Superintendent’s Goals 2021-22
The Chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Goals for 2021-22 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_supt_goals.pdf   and https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendent_proposed_goals_2021-2022.pdf

B. MASC Resolutions
I recommend adoption of the MASC Resolutions as follows:
1. Resolution 1: Dedicated Funding For Schoolbased Clinics And Services
2. Resolution 2: Homework Gap And Wifi/Internet Access
3. Resolution 3: IDEA Full Funding Act
4. Resolution 4: Recess
5. Resolution 5: Zero-Tolerance Policies
6. Resolution 6: Alternative To MCAS
7. Resolution 7: School Committees And Receivership
8. Resolution 8: Electric School Buses
9. Resolution 9: Prohibiting The Use Of Native American Mascots

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_masc_resolutions.pdf

C. Policy First Reading
I recommend moving policy GCF - Professional Staff Hiring to a second reading as discussed.
D. Policy Elimination
I recommend elimination of policy GCD - Professional Staff Vacations and Holidays as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Back to School Status Update – October 8, 2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_october_8_2021.pdf

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 September 28, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of the following Athletic Department gifts totaling
$6,669.82 as follows:
1. $328.12 All American Publishing (Supplemental Supplies)
2. $441.70 All American Publishing (Supplemental Supplies)
3. $5,900.00 MIAA, Inc. (Supplemental Supplies)

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment 

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_10-12-21.pdf

Meeting Packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-12-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

slide on the process for safety from the Safety Presentation

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Patriots All Access segment on FHS Coach Bain

Talk about #PantherPride

@FHSSports very own @Coach_Bain and was named New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week. Last night, the team was featured on @WBZ Patriots All Access. 

Check out the segment!
https://t.co/pe066zsB3x👈 

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1446910165215809543?t=nXSiIcV7BFgodO5nug1CSw&s=03

FHS picture days scheduled

Picture Days - click on link to view packages ->

http://www.grynnandbarrett.com/

Shared from Facebook -> 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/121835879824/permalink/10158899470434825/

FHS picture days scheduled

FBRTC: new StoryWalk(R) on the SNETT available

Looking for something to do outdoors with the kids this weekend? Visit our StoryWalk(R) on the SNETT. Located at the Center St trailhead in Bellingham. 

Enjoy the walk! https://t.co/yKN6pjqIMx

Visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for additional information

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Shared from Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/FBRTC/status/1446837008253419524?t=sOlOSE3hkXISfu_JZLg4zg&s=03

DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi receives Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year Award

"Congratulations to our national award winners who were recognized at the NEAPWA Fall Conference Awards Dinner by the National 2021 President Mary Joyce Ivers.

Brutus Cantoreggi - Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year Award"

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/1498758689/posts/10227348962978666/

The New England Chapter of American Public Works Association

http://newengland.apwa.net/

This award was announced at the May 2021 Town Council meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-town-council-meeting-050521.html

Cantoreggi and National 2021 President Mary Joyce Ivers

No delay in trash/recycling schedule this week

Yup, there is no delay in the trash/recycling schedule due to the holiday on Monday

• If you need another copy of the Curbside pickup flyer for 2021-2022  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2021-2022_2.pdf

Shared from Facebook =>   https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/4556928707724897/

No delay in trash/recycling schedule this week

FM #623 - Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/07/21

FM #623 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 623 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of October 6, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4.        PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a.        Franklin Cultural Council - 2021 Cultural Fest

5.        APPOINTMENTS

a.        Susan Younis - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

b.        Candice Narsasian - Cultural District Committee

c.        Anne Bergen - Franklin TV Board of Directors

d.        Ken Norman - Franklin TV Board of Directors

8.        PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a.        Franklin School Department Update to Town Council: Dr. Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools, Miriam Goodman, Business Manager

 

10.     LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.        Resolution 21-54: A Resolution  Adopting the Town  of Franklin 2021  Housing Production Plan  (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-54 - Majority Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. ** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ec4c1045-452b-4d37-99fd-9704c0ee8a04

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

Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-06-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 

Franklin Public Schools presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._school_presentation_town_council_school_update_10_6_2021.pdf  

Town budget info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

School budget info -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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

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 #623 Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/07/21

FHS football, girls soccer, and field hockey teams post wins on Friday

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Friday, Oct 8, 2021 

 
Football = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 35 – Final 

–  for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-makes-most-of-its-plays-to-beat-taunton/
1st Quarter: (F) Jared Arone 69-yard pass to Mack Gulla, Garrett Portesi XP good.
2nd Quarter: (F) J. Arone 15-yard pass to Shane Kindred, G. Portesi XP good.
3rd Quarter: (F) M. Gulla 56-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good; (F) M. Gulla 73-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good.
4th Quarter: (F) Jase Lyons 24-yard interception return, G. Portesi XP good.

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final 

–  Esvin Morales set up the tying goal and scored the game-winner just minutes later as the Bombardiers rallied to take a win over Franklin. With the win, Attleboro moves into a first place tie in the Kelley-Rex division with Mansfield. Franklin opened the scoring just before the half hour mark. Tyler Powderly used his speed to get down the right wing and play in a cross. The initial ball was cleared but only as far as junior Max Tobin, who one-timed it into the top corner to put the visitors ahead. Attleboro’s best chance of the first half came in the 17th minute when senior Yianni Skordas forced a turnover and pushed forward, centering to Morales. Morales cut back to evade a defender and the keeper but his shot on goal was denied by Franklin senior midfielder Terry O’Neill. In the second half, Cashel Stuger played the ball to Morales, who turned and played a ball over the top of the defense and sophomore Alex Vecchioli finished the half volley from a step inside the area to bring the hosts level. Four minutes later, after Franklin was whistled for a handball, Morales stepped over the ball and placed a shot on frame while the Panthers were setting up the wall and it just beat the diving keeper for the game-winner.

Girls Soccer = Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Senior Riley Fitzpatrick scored a pair of goals to lead the Panthers to a win at home over the visiting Bombardiers. Fitzpatrick had a beautiful header off a free kick from Norah Anderson and scored her other goal off a pass from Anya Zub. Zub had two assists in the win, setting up senior Stella Regan for the other Franklin goal.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 0 – Final 

– for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game.

https://hockomocksports.com/downing-scores-two-franklin-field-hockey-continues-streak-at-kp/

Volleyball = Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 3 – Final 

– Click here for a Photo Gallery from this match.

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Fall-2021/King-Philip-Franklin-Volleyball-10-08-21/

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-10-08-21/

Shane Kindred pulls in a TD catch just seconds before halftime, helping Franklin pull away from Taunton on its way to a big win. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Fire SAFE Program - Practice your home escape plan

Practice your home escape plan at home with your family. Fire drills are not only for school.

home escape plan -> https://t.co/qD3zxvYEAN

Franklin Fire SAFE Program - Practice your home escape plan

Boston Globe: "For Samantha Redmond and Franklin girls’ volleyball, it’s been a perfect marriage"

"In May, after the Franklin girls’ volleyball team capped off the tumultuous Fall II season by winning the Hockomock Cup, first-year coach Samantha Redmond got married. Sitting in the front row of the outdoor ceremony, her players were their coach’s biggest cheerleaders.

“We had been through so much together. With all the ups and downs of last year, that group of girls, we were all family,” Redmond said. “That’s what Franklin volleyball is in general, it’s a family, not just a team.”

One of those players in attendance was setter Cailyn Mackintosh, now a senior and the lone captain for the Panthers this season. Mackintosh assisted the final point of Franklin’s Hockomock Cup final win over King Philip that, combined with getting to see her coach tie the knot, she described as the perfect way to end the season."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/07/sports/samantha-redmond-franklin-girls-volleyball-its-been-perfect-marriage/

Franklin coach Samantha Redmond fires up her team during a win over Stoughton. MARK STOCKWELL FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

Franklin's Event Outlook: Oct 8 - Oct 14, 2021

Autumn is upon us. The leaves are changing, campaign signs dot the roadways, and it will be good weather to take in the Farmers Market today and the Fire Dept. Open House on Saturday. And the Pumpkin Patch is open at St John's Episcopal. It may rain on Sunday, but you can spend some time indoor at the Second Sunday Speaker Series hearing about the "Voyage of Mercy" at the Museum.

Friday, October 8
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:00pm - Pumpkin Patch
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services

Saturday, October 9
9:30am - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation
10:00am - Pumpkin Patch
10:00am - Open House - Fire Dept.
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)

Sunday, October 10
10:00am - Pumpkin Patch
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - Second Sunday Speaker Series - "Voyage of Mercy"

Monday, October 11
Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples' Day
3:00pm - Pumpkin Patch

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club monthly Meeting.  Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, October 20th at 7:30. We are pleased to announce that Mary Olsson, Chair of the Franklin Historical Commission, will be our speaker.  Mary will explain the history of the town as well as provide some information about the Franklin Historical Museum and volunteer opportunities that are available.  Please join us for an informative presentation.  Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served and a cash bar is available.

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP.  Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community.  We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie.  We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 3rd Wednesday of the month.  We run our meetings September through May.  We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected.  We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room.  

So come join us on the 3rd Wednesday at “3”!

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.   

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub