Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Voices of Franklin: Robert Vacca on School Committee candidates

When I began my teaching career in Franklin, in the fall of 1996, I quickly realized that Franklin was a town that I wanted to live in and make my home.  It was actually an obvious choice for me.  Franklin shared many of the values I was raised with.

I grew up in Rhode Island, in a town about a third of the size of Franklin. Education, factual knowledge and civility was valued in my family as well as in my community.  We respected teachers, police men and women, our fire department and one another.  We helped neighbors and practiced the golden rule.  We looked out for one another

As a teacher, I could not be more proud of what my colleagues have been able to do for our students throughout this pandemic.  As a resident, I am proud of the selfless acts of generosity and kindness I have witnessed from the many, but remain disturbed at the hatred and vile comments that are too often part of our general discourse from the few.  

In my twenty-two years of being a resident of Franklin, I have witnessed both the selfless acts of kindness and the darker side of incivility.  I cherish calling Franklin my home and where I am raising a child exposed to the positive values of kindness, respect and civility.  

There are candidates running for public office in November who also share these values.  They have a vision of what Franklin represents and what more it could be.  My vote will be cast for these candidates who value education, factual knowledge and have the vision for a town where values are cherished and civility rules the day.  


Robert Vacca

Franklin Resident



To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

Voices of Franklin: Robert Vacca on School Committee candidates
Voices of Franklin: Robert Vacca on School Committee candidates

HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week - Shaw Downing, FHS Field Hockey

 

"Franklin junior Shaw Downing has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Oct. 3 through Oct. 9. Downing is the fifth player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2021-22 school year. 
Downing has been a major factor in Franklin’s perfect start to the season and its league-leading offense. With 10 goals and five assists, include two goals and an assist last week, Downing is second on the Panthers in scoring and sixth in the Hockomock. Her two goals on Friday afternoon were the difference as Franklin beat rival King Philip to move two games up in the league standings. 
“Shaw is a highly skilled player who does a great job with deflections and redirecting the ball into the net,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess."

HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week - Shaw Downing, FHS Field Hockey
HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week - Shaw Downing, FHS Field Hockey

 

FHS boys soccer tops Xaverian 1-0 on Monday

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Oct 11, 2021  

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 vs. Xaverian, 0 – Final 
– Franklin bounced back from a loss on Friday afternoon by earning two points against the visiting Hawks. Sophomore Andrew O’Neill scored the game-winning goal midway through the second half off a feed from Rex Cinelli.
Well-earned 1-0 win vs Xaverian this morning. Juice goes to Andrew for his hard work in the midfield and scoring the game winner (from Rex) Next up is Sharon on Wednesday at 6pm at home.   https://twitter.com/_FranklinSoccer/status/1447615885854789636

Boys JV Soccer with a 7-0 win against Xaverian today! https://twitter.com/FHSBoysSocBSTRs/status/1447732495525597187

A big 7-4 win for Boys Freshmen Soccer against Xaverian at home on Monday!  Great job boys!   https://twitter.com/FHSBoysSocBSTRs/status/1447879122471071745

Field Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Walpole, 1 – Final 
Tough Game tonight in a 1-0 loss to Walpole! I honestly don’t think I could be more PROUD of my team!  They played w/GRIT..DETERMINATION… and did NOT give up! Having a goal disallowed can defeat a team.. mine played harder to get it back!! Love my girls… Hold your heads HIGH!   https://twitter.com/FHS_FH_02038/status/1447754458411188235

Scores from today vs Walpole: Varsity 1-0 loss … JV1 WON 2-1 in an EXCITING WIN!! JV 2 lost 2-0…. Good effort by all 3 teams!!   https://twitter.com/FHS_FH_02038/status/1447755508526559233

THANK YOU FANS FOR YOUR SUPPORT TONIGHT!! Rattle City you were AWESOME!!  @RattleCity   The Beav was electric tonight….  https://twitter.com/FHS_FH_02038/status/1447756612219949058
Shared from Hockomock Sports

 


FHS boys soccer tops Xaverian 1-0 on Monday
FHS boys soccer tops Xaverian 1-0 on Monday

Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 13, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting 
October 13, 2021 - 6:30 PM


Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Election of Officers: Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk
3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes - 6/16/21
5. Senior and Veterans Tax Workoff Programs:
a. Resolution 21-59: Further Amending The Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-Off Abatement Program
b. Resolution 21-60: Further Amending The Veterans’ Property Tax Work-Off Abatement Program
6. Human Resources Department & Employee Benefits Presentation: Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director.
7. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Update: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
8. Future Agenda Items
9. Adjourn

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Finance Committee Meeting posted here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 13, 2021
Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - Oct 13, 2021


Dolley Madison and the War of 1812, Oct 12 - 7:00 PM

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812 

Tuesday, October 12, 7:00 PM

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812


The men thought she was embroidering–but Mrs. Madison was listening- capturing every word she heard- as her President husband and his advisers discussed the War-related strategies, consequences and predictions! 
Marvel at the miscalculations, missteps and heroics related to this war such as generals without military experience, botched battles and Washington City in flames! But the fair and patriotic Mrs. Madison also addresses Commodore Oliver Perry's high-seas heroism, the battle that spawned our National Anthem and the way a wooden battleship came to be nicknamed Old Ironsides! 
Being adverse to historical fiction, Mrs. Madison will lead her audience on a journey packed with historically accurate drama, intrigue, and true, but unbelievable, tales that characterize the 2nd time our tiny country stood up to stare down the British empire. 
Janet Parnes, founder of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, will portray Mrs. Madison. This program is free and open to the public.

FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH - Agenda - Oct 13, 2021

FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH
DULY SCHEDULED MEETING
WEDNESDAY, October 13, 2021, 5:00 P.M.
Training Room

AGENDA

1) Reading and Acceptance of September 1, 2021 meeting minutes
2) OLD BUSINESS
3) NEW BUSINESS
 Metacomet Shared Service grant regional inspector report
 27 Winter Street meeting with new owners
 Public health nurse update
 Worcester State University intern practicum project
 Flu Clinic
Chairman opens the floor for any other new business
4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY
5) ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc with remote connection info

FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH - Agenda - Oct 13, 2021
FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH - Agenda - Oct 13, 2021


Franklin High School Baseball, MA: Reminder - Golf Tournament - Oct 18


"1 week from today! Can't wait to see everyone out supporting the Franklin HS ⚾️ program! 
This town & community continues to amaze me with their support. The 2022 season is quickly approaching. Thanks to everyone that has signed up to play & to those who've donated! #PantherPride"
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1447574567606685701?t=-vZHRWOzBqjc7p5-dT-p3g&s=03

Visit the webpage for additional info ->   https://www.franklinpanthersbaseball.com/page/show/5093644-golf-tourney

Franklin High School Baseball, MA:  Reminder - Golf Tournament - Oct 18
Franklin High School Baseball, MA:  Reminder - Golf Tournament - Oct 18


Monday, October 11, 2021

School Committee Candidate Al Charles - 10/07/21 (audio)

FM #628 = This is another Franklin Matters radio show, number 628 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with candidate for School Committee Al Charles  


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 School Committee


Our conversation runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Al Charles.

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2c0267b0-aa3d-4525-aa81-c28d0b6aee84




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


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


Candidate page -> https://www.alcharlesfsc.com/ 

Candidate page on Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/AlCharlesFSC 


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"

 

School  Committee Candidate Al Charles - 10/07/21 (audio)
School  Committee Candidate Al Charles - 10/07/21 (audio)

Town Council candidate Ted Cormier-Leger - 10/05/21 (audio)

FM #629 = This is another Franklin Matters radio show, number 629 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with candidate for Town Council Ted Cormier-Leger  


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 Council


Our conversation runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Ted Cormier-Leger.  Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/40634286-b633-46d0-aa3a-d4e5e79024e3



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


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


Candidate page ->  www.tedcormierleger.com  

Candidate page on Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/TedCormierLeger4TC 


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 Council candidate Ted Cormier-Leger - 10/05/21 (audio)
Town Council candidate Ted Cormier-Leger - 10/05/21 (audio)

50th reunion for Franklin High School Class of 1971

The Franklin High School Class of 1971 held its’ 50th reunion on Friday evening October 1, 2021 at the Franklin Country Club. The Reunion Committee met over the course of the last 2 years to plan the event. Although there were concerns about COVID, in the end a safe and fun event was able to be held. 

The celebration began on June 4th with some Classmates attending the FHS 2021 graduation, being recognized by Principal Hanna and given a warm welcome. This tradition of inviting the 50 year graduates was established many years ago by the FPS. 


One of our Classmates, Colleen Pease Martin is a quilter. She came to the Committee last year to ask if we would consider recognizing the Veterans of the Class of 1971 through the Quilts of Valor (qovf.org) program. Her efforts spanned many months, communication  with our local Veterans Department and resulted in 6 quilts being awarded to Franklin Veterans at their August 7th Purple Heart event and 8 quilts being awarded to Veterans of the Class of 1971 during a ceremony at the Historical Museum before the reunion evening began. These quilts were donated by the Myrtle Beach Shorebirds, Myrtle Beach, SC. For more information about the Quilts of Valor go to: qovf.org The QOV ceremony was moving and respectful for those in attendance. 


Some interesting facts about the Class of 1971:

  • We were the last 8th grade class to graduate from the Davis Thayer School

  • We attended double sessions all 4 years

  • We were the last class to hold our Prom in the cafeteria, the theme was Camelot

  • We had 264 graduates and the largest class since in 99 years

  • 46 of our classmates are deceased

  • We were the last class to graduate from what is now the Oak/Mann complex


Through the generosity of many of our classmates, we raised $7,000.00 in scholarship money; Seven $1000.00 scholarships were awarded to the Class of 2021.


The evening was all about reconnecting with classmates, enjoying good food and conversation. One of our classmates donated FHS logo masks for all to wear; one classmate made refrigerator magnets for all to take home; there was a display of fun 1971 facts and a guest book to sign in. Paul Vicario of Vicario Studios was the photographer for the event. 


The reunion Committee wishes to thank all our classmates and hope to see you again! 

Sally Costello Cupka                William Nunnally

Ellen Newell McGrath               Colleen Pease Martin

Jan Pruvot Prentice                  Libby Steel Giancola

Phyllis Messere Malcom           Margaret Steel Anserson

Patty Brogan Wyllie                  John Piekarski

Roberta DeBaggis Trahan


50th reunion for Franklin High School Class of 1971
50th reunion for Franklin High School Class of 1971


Mass. Public Health: DYK that 1 in 3 teens in MA vapes


"Did you know about 1 in 3 teens in Massachusetts vapes? That's why we're asking parents to Get Outraged about the tobacco and vaping industries. 
Learn more at https://t.co/FTB7qi7p7f   or https://www.mass.gov/get-outraged"
Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MassDPH/status/1446860505855893505?t=j13Eu0ioyUas-REjwf4DLw&s=03



Franklin TV: Are You a Candidate? There’s a large field of hopefuls this year

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm 10/10/2021

Candidates for local office are out and about, meeting with citizens and discussing the issues. Our own Steve Sherlock and Frank Falvey have met with many of them along the way. Tune in to their comments on Franklin●TV & 102.9 wfpr●fm. Also visit FranklinMatters.org any time for all the latest. Then cast your vote on November 2nd.
Currently, there are 12 candidates for the 9 Council seats. There are also 12 candidates for School Committee. Notably, three committee members have opted not to return.

As in years past, there is a Candidates’ Night planned – live from Town Chambers. Candidates present their credentials, goals for Franklin’s future. There will also be a candidates’ event at the Senior Center. More details on these events to come.

We will also be rebroadcasting these events on All-Access TV and
Town Hall TV until the election. Check next week’s guide for details.

And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

 

For the full TV and radio schedule -> http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or go to http://franklin.tv/, Select "Past Shows" and then "Live", then "Play" and you'll view what is on the cable channel at that time.

Franklin TV:  view "Frank Presents" candidate interviews
Franklin TV:  view "Frank Presents" candidate interviews

Franklin TV: "Frank Presents" candidate interviews schedule for week of Oct 11, 2021

Franklin TV will be broadcasting Frank Presents, the candidate interviews conducted by Frank Falvey on the All Access Channel. 


Monday
6:00 pm  Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 
6:30 pm   Frank Presents: Mel Hamblen 
7:00 pm   Frank Presents: Alan Earls
7:30 pm   Frank Presents: Jane Callaway-Tripp

Tuesday
10:00 am  Frank Presents: Andy Bissanti 
10:30 am  Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 
11:00 am  Frank Presents: Mel Hamblen 
11:30 am  Frank Presents: Alan Earls 

Thursday
7:30 pm  Frank Presents: Jane Callaway-Tripp 
8:00 pm  Frank Presents: Andy Bissanti
8:30 pm  Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 
9:00 pm  Frank Presents: Mel Hamblen

Friday
9:00 am   Frank Presents: Alan Earls
9:30 am   Frank Presents: Jane Callaway-Tripp 
10:00 am   Frank Presents: Andy Bissanti 
10:30 am   Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 

For the full TV and radio schedule -> http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or go to http://franklin.tv/, Select "Past Shows" and then "Live", then "Play" and you'll view what is on the cable channel at that time.

For the "Election Collection" for all the info about the Franklin (MA) local election scheduled for Nov 2, 2021 => https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.html
Franklin TV:  view "Frank Presents" candidate interviews
Franklin TV:  view "Frank Presents" candidate interviews

Workforce insights: "They’ll go back to work when they feel safe – and well-compensated"

"The anemic September employment report, with only 194,000 jobs added, illustrates the extent to which the recovery stalled as coronavirus cases surged last month, but it also signals something deeper: America’s unemployed are still struggling with child-care and health issues, and they are reluctant to return to jobs they see as unsafe or undercompensated.

For months, economists predicted a surge in hiring in September as unemployment benefits expired for millions of workers and schools reopened across the country. Instead, last month marked the weakest hiring this year, and an alarming number of women had to stop working again to deal with unstable school and child-care situations.

The numbers are striking: 309,000 women over age 20 dropped out of the labor force in September, meaning they quit work or halted their job searches. In contrast, 182,000 men joined the labor force, Labor Department data showed."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/10/08/september-jobs-report-takeaway/

Workforce insights: "They’ll go back to work when they feel safe – and well-compensated"
Workforce insights: "They’ll go back to work when they feel safe – and well-compensated"


Logistics issues, not sustainable

"Like toy blocks hurled from the heavens, nearly 80,000 shipping containers are stacked in various configurations at the Port of Savannah — 50% more than usual.

The steel boxes are waiting for ships to carry them to their final destination or for trucks to haul them to warehouses that are themselves stuffed to the rafters. Some 700 containers have been left at the port, on the banks of the Savannah River, by their owners for a month or more.

“They’re not coming to get their freight,” complained Griff Lynch, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority. “We’ve never had the yard as full as this.”
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

The New York Times has the same story (Subscription maybe required) ->   https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/11/business/supply-chain-crisis-savannah-port.html

Ship to shore cranes work the container ship CMA CGM Laperouse at the Georgia Ports Authority's Port of Savannah, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, in Savannah, Ga.STEPHEN B. MORTON/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ship to shore cranes work the container ship CMA CGM Laperouse at the Georgia Ports Authority's Port of Savannah, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, in Savannah, Ga.STEPHEN B. MORTON/ASSOCIATED PRESS