Reminder: 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 

Franklin Athletics: Varsity Cheer takes 1st place, JV takes 3rd place

Milford Invitational - Varsity 1st Place! Congratulations!!! JV team takes 3rd place!

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1449889312284233740  and https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1449889089394778112

FHS Varsity 1st Place

3rd Place for FHS JV Team

Proposal to Eliminate Registry IT Technology Department- A Disaster

Proposal to Eliminate Registry IT Technology Department- A Disaster

October 15, 2021

Dear Friend of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds and Registry Users,

RE:      Registry CIO and Registry IT Department

The Abrahams study delivered recently to the Norfolk County Commissioners recommended not to keep the on-site Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) that has been funded and in existence at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds for over 20 years.  This paid consultant is also recommending eliminating entirely the on-site Registry IT Technology Department.

These recommendations will be a disaster to the operations of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  It will be such an unsound public policy decision to not have an on-site in-house permanent Registry CIO and a Registry IT Technology Department working in the Registry building for and with the Registry staff, Registry users and the general public.

As an independently elected official legally tasked with running the Norfolk Registry of Deeds I feel it is my duty to point out that the Abrahams recommendation fails to recognize that the Registry IT Technology Department has been instrumental in implementing numerous modernization initiatives at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Technology drives services to Registry users and also protects the security of the data and land records that are used to authenticate the legal real estate title to your home and property.  The solid foundation of technology at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds will crumble without a permanent on-site Registry CIO and without a Registry IT Technology Department.  The Abrahams recommendation fails to recognize how essential and critical to the functioning of an independent and modern Registry of Deeds that an on-site Registry CIO and on-site Registry IT Department are.

The Registry IT Technology Department prior to the interference and influence of this Abrahams study had 2 full time permanent persons.  Registry operations and Registry users deserve to have a permanent on-site Registry CIO and a Registry IT Technology Department physically at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds working on IT issues that come up on a daily basis.  Not to fill permanently an on-site budgeted and existing Registry CIO in place for over 20 years and now to eliminate completely the on-site Registry IT Technology Department is unimaginable in this day and age of technology as well as cybersecurity risks and ransomware.  It just makes absolutely no sense.

There will be disastrous operational results if the Abrahams IT recommendation is implemented that will negatively impact those that depend on the Registry for service – real estate brokers, banks, engineers, home appraisers, builders, title examiners, lenders, attorneys, home owners and the general public.  Without a Registry IT Technology Department there are countless bad outcomes that can take place.  If you are as concerned about this matter as I am, please feel free to contact the people who will be considering the Abrahams study recommendations.  Attached is a contact list for the Norfolk County Commissioners and the Norfolk County Advisory Board which represents each of the 28 communities of Norfolk County who will be considering these IT recommendations.  Also, please feel free to contact your select boards, town councils and mayors who appoint these voting representatives to the Norfolk County Advisory Board.

This paid consultant and his team had never studied a Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts or anywhere else.  Furthermore, since October of 2020 when Mr. Abrahams was engaged by the Norfolk County Commissioners neither him nor his team ever even visited the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Mark Abrahams as a consultant deals mainly with schools.  This lack of familiarity and knowledge with Registry of Deeds operations is concerning as evidenced by Mr. Abrahams troubling conclusion to eliminate the established Norfolk Registry IT Technology Department and the dangerous negative impacts of that recommendation.

Let us hope better decisions and policies will come out of a full and vigorous vetting of the recommendations to eliminate the Registry CIO and the Registry IT Technology Department.  Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as the Norfolk Registry of Deeds deals with this unfortunate situation.

Sincerely yours,

William P. O'Donnell

 

Proposal to Eliminate Registry IT Technology Department- A Disaster

FHS Theatre Company: Skip the line on opening night: Buy your Mamma Mia! tickets now!

CHECK OUT Mamma Mia! ONLINE Visit our website and online box office! Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Franklin TV: Candidates Night 2 - 10/21/21

There’s a large field of hopefuls this year.  Meet them all.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm 10/17/2021

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.

Who is running for which office? Here’s a link:
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/local-election-11-2-2021-official-list-candidates

Currently, there are 12 candidates for the 9 Council seats. There are also 12 candidates for School Committee. Notably, three seasoned and dedicated committee members have opted to retire their positions: Committee Chair Dr. Anne Bergen, Judy Pfeffer and Tim Keenan. As dedicated volunteers, they provided their able oversight during the difficult pandemic period. Our thanks and best wishes to them.

There is a Candidates’ Night planned – live from the Senior Center. Candidates present their credentials, goals for Franklin’s future. Watch our All-Access Channel, Comcast 8 or Verizon 26 on Thursday evening at 6:30 PM. The Conservation Commission’s meeting will be on the Town Hall channel, Comcast 11 or Verizon 29 at 7 PM as usual.

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 schedule for "Frank Presents" and "Candidates Night 10/14/21" replay

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

• For those with Comcast - channel 8, for those with Verizon, channel 26
• For those without, you can also view them during their scheduled time via the streaming service at  Franklin.TV   https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod/?live=ch3&nav=live%2Fch1

 

Monday
5:00 pm Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 
5:30 pm Frank Presents: Mel Hamblen 
6:00 pm Frank Presents: Ted Cormier-Leger
6:30 pm Frank Presents: Meghan Whitmore 
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Camille Bernstein 
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 
Tuesday
10:00 am Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 
10:30 am Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 
11:00 am Frank Presents: Mel Hamblen 
11:30 am Frank Presents: Ted Cormier-Leger 
12:00 pm Frank Presents: Meghan Whitmore 
12:30 pm Frank Presents: Camille Bernstein 
Wednesday
3:30 pm Frank Presents: Beth Wierling
4:00 pm Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 
4:30 pm Frank Presents: Meghan Whitmore 
5:00 pm Frank Presents: Camille Bernstein 
5:30 pm Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 
6:00 pm Frank Presents: Mel Hamblen
6:30 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21 
Friday
9:00 am Frank Presents: Ted Cormier-Leger
9:30 am Frank Presents: Meghan Whitmore 
10:00 am Frank Presents: Camille Bernstein 
10:30 am Frank Presents: Beth Wierling 
11:00 am Frank Presents: Dashe Videira 
11:30 am Frank Presents: Nancy Danello 


On the Town Government Channel

• For those with Comcast - channel 11, for those with Verizon, channel 29
• For those without, you can also view them during their scheduled time via the streaming service at  Franklin.TV   https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod/?live=ch3&nav=live%2Fch3

 

MONDAY
11:00 am   Candidates Night 10-14-21
WEDNESDAY
11:00 am   Candidates Night 10-14-21
FRIDAY
6:00 pm Candidates Night 10-14-21

Franklin TV schedule for "Frank Presents" and "Candidates Night 10/14/21" replay

Tri-County 8th Grade Open House - Saturday, Oct 30, 2021

8th grade students and their families are invited to tour the school and find out all about the programs offered. Sign up at tri-county.us

Tri-County 8th Grade Open House - Saturday, Oct 30, 2021

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/1ekrrTZB5q

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 20, 2021

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 - 7:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR 
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others. 
Chair to Identify Members Participating Remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None Scheduled 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
David Ogilvie: Fire Department, New Hire

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Residence Inn Boston Franklin, License Modification, Change of LLC Officers & Managing Directors, 4 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
American Rescue Plan Act: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
2020 Federal Census & Reprecincting Update: Nancy Danello, Acting Town Clerk and Kate Sjoberg, GIS Coordinator

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf   and  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._reprecincting_maps.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Capital Budget Subcommittee
Budget Subcommittee
Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-59: Update of Town’s Voting Precincts (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-59 - Majority Vote)
 
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-60: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-60 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_21-60_senior_tax.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-61: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-61 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_21-61_vets.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-62: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5C ½ and Increase in Certain Property Tax Exemptions Pursuant Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-62 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_21-62_property_tax_exemption_vets_0.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-63: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 - $28,000 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-63 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_21-63_peg_28k_-_verizon_1_1.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-64: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 - $28,000 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-64 - Majority Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_21-64_peg_28k_-_verizon_2.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None Scheduled

ADJOURN

One PDF document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_20_2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

proposed Update of Town’s Voting Precincts

016 - Frank Presents - Nancy Danello (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Nancy Danello, Franklin's current acting Town Clerk running for election, to discuss her background, the work she does for the town, and changes she's that are taking place. 

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a24e17a7-a6d5-4ed3-8957-c117b148d0c4

016 - Frank Presents - Nancy Danello (audio)

015 - Frank Presents - Melanie Hamblen (audio)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Melanie Hamblen, current Town Councilor running for reelection, to discuss her background, the work she's done so far on the Town Council, and the changes she'd still like to see in Franklin.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/420f00fe-af8e-445c-ab97-14ee370c9809

015 - Frank Presents - Melanie Hamblen (audio)

School Committee Meeting Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021 audio in two parts

FM #635 & 636 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 635 & 636 in the series. 

These two sessions of the radio show share the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about two hour and twenty minutes (2 hour 20 minutes), so I split the meeting into two segments:

• Part 1 - covers the opening, the citizens comments and FHS student update, Superintendent’s Report and the safety presentation (~1 hour 4 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6660aa60-d1e6-429b-b4d2-0a911b7cf31e

• Part 2 - covers the Discussion Action items, the Discussion Only items, the consent agenda, through to the entry to Executive Session, from which they did not return to open meeting (~ 48 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3614b04a-ae13-4051-80ae-2d342da57bab

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Oct 12, 2021

 

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

School Committee Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/school-committee-meeting-27 

 

Meeting packet folder - 

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

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-school-committee-approves.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 Meeting Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021 audio in two parts

FHS: School News: Important Information and Dates - Oct/Nov 2021

School News: Important Information and Dates

October-November 2021

• School Photo Days (Oct 18th & 20th) schedule & other information-Click HERE
• AP Exam Payment Portal -open until November 1st
• Can't access your Aspen account? First, try using the Forgot my Password link on the Aspen log in page. An email will be sent to you with a link to get back into your account. If that does not resolve your issue, use THIS FORM to request a password reset.

Upcoming events:

Oct 18        School Photo Day - Grynn and Barrett photographers; view packages HERE; Click HERE for schedule

Oct 20        School Photo Day - Grynn and Barrett photographers; view packages HERE; Click HERE for schedule

Nov 2         No School-Election Day

Nov 9         Last Day of Q1

Nov 10       Half Day of School; parent-teacher conferences; dismissal at 10:55 AM

Nov 11       No School-Veteran's Day

Nov 12       Half Day of School; parent-teacher conferences; dismissal at 10:55 AM

Nov 24,25,26  No School-Thanksgiving Break  

Nov 29      School Photo retakes day

 

• New Student Registration-click HERE
• Moved? Complete a Change of Address form HERE
• Getting a driver's license or permit? Click HERE for information on obtaining the necessary documents from FHS
• Need a work permit for a new job? Click HERE for information on obtaining one

Click here for 2021-2022 Franklin Public Schools calendar

Shared from FHS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/news/school-news-important-information-and-dates

FHS: School News: Important Information and Dates - Oct/Nov 2021

Finance Committee hears the Human Resources update, a must listen for Franklin residents (audio)

FM #637 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 637 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on October 13, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, Town Administration personnel, and some members of the public were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote via the Zoom conference bridge.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda and to my notes from the meeting. 

The meeting recording runs just over 2 hours so let’s listen to the Finance Committee of October 13, 2021.

** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d302bc54-9245-4e7e-bd42-f3843296f23f

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

Meeting agenda  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-13-21_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Human Resources presentation doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf

My meeting notes  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/finance-committee-hears-update-from.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"

 

Finance Committee hears the Human Resources update

2020-21 Globe Scholastic Awards: Franklin again earns Dalton Award

Franklin High Scholl earned the Dalton Award for 2021 by recording a 77.23% winning percentage across all the varsity sports across all the seasons in the school year 2020-2021

Dalton Division 1 is for schools with enrollments of 1,400 and up

ERNEST DALTON: Dalton was the Globe’s high school editor from 1938 to 1970. He died in 1971.

• 2021 - Franklin
• 2020 - Franklin
• 2019 - Franklin
• 2015 - Franklin
• 2012 - Franklin

Boston Globe article on awards for 2020-2021

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/16/sports/2020-21-globe-scholastic-awards-hard-work-hands-off-approach-help-shawsheen-markham-division-1-title/

Table with percentages across all the Divisions

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/202021/globe-scholastic-standings/?refresh=true

2020-21 Globe Scholastic Awards: Franklin again earns Dalton Award

Boston Globe: mask and schools; inappropriate behavior changes rule for KP football games

"Mass. communities are reluctant to let students remove masks in school — even when they can"

"Scores of Massachusetts communities have been so effective at getting students and school staff vaccinated that they may no longer have to abide by the state’s mask mandates for their middle and high schools right now — if they chose to.

But while more than 60 communities have met the Baker administration’s threshold of 80 percent or higher vaccination rates among teens, only two — Hopkinton and Ashland — have sought and received permission to stop requiring inoculated students and staff to wear masks in their high school.

And Hopkinton officials are having second thoughts.

The Hopkinton School Committee opted to delay any action to lift the state mask mandate in its high school even though the state gave the town permission on Oct. 7."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/15/nation/mass-communities-reluctant-let-students-remove-masks-school-even-when-they-can/

"‘Inappropriate’ behavior prompts new rule for some students at King Philip Regional High football games"

"Middle and elementary school students will now have to bring a parent or guardian with them to attend varsity football games in Wrentham following unruly behavior at home matchups this season, according to a letter sent to King Philip Regional School District families last week.

The new requirement was put in place after young students were caught “exhibiting unruly, inappropriate, disrespectful, and unsportsmanlike behavior during games” at King Philip Regional High School several times over the last few weeks, Superintendent Paul Zinni said in the Tuesday letter.

Zinni said the incidents are “unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

“At King Philip, we pride ourselves on our sportsmanship and integrity for all student-athletes and the student body,” Zinni wrote. “We have all been enjoying cheering on our team this season and wish for their continued success.”

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/16/metro/inappropriate-behavior-prompts-new-rule-some-students-king-philip-regional-high-football-games/