Official Results - Town of Franklin Biennial Election - Nov 2, 2021

The official results for the Nov 2, 2021 Town of Franklin Biennial Election are now available from the Town Clerk's office. In comparison to the 'unofficial' results shared Tuesday night, no major changes are found in the finish for candidates of the contested/uncontested races. Other than a few votes added to this and that candidate, the blanks are filled in for all the races. 

What are blanks? 

Blanks are non-votes or perhaps a better way to explain it, 'under votes'. So a ballot has twelve candidates for nine seats (as our Town Council did), and if a number of voters mark only three candidates, the unmarked 6 votes per ballot/voter fall to the "Blank" category. They were not marked for a candidate so they are "Blank." This phenomena is seen in both the Town Council and School Committee vote results were the "Blanks" were high. 

The best example is in the Planning Board Associate role which had no candidate. 5550 folks did not vote this position (there were no announced write-ins, or any candidates listed) so those went directly to "Blanks." Jason K Mello apparently coordinated a write-in campaign to garner 32 votes.

5,754 was the total number of voters for this election. 24,465 voters were registered and eligible for a 23.5% voter turnout.

Official results from Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/official_results_-_biennial_local_election_11-2-2021.pdf

Official Results - Town of Franklin Biennial Election - Nov 2, 2021

Memo to FHS Community: Upcoming FHS State Tournament Varsity Athletic Contests

Dear Franklin Families,

We are writing to inform you of concerns due to recent fan behaviors during our varsity games. In recent weeks, there have been several instances of students exhibiting unruly, inappropriate, disrespectful, unsafe, and unsportsmanlike behavior during games. This includes behavior among middle and elementary students. This behavior is unacceptable. Disrespectful fans will be asked to leave the event. Fans are also not allowed to exit and re-enter the event.

We have noticed that many younger students are attending games unaccompanied by an adult. Dropping children off at games unattended poses significant safety concerns.

Effective immediately, all non-Franklin High School students, including Franklin middle school and elementary school students, must be accompanied and supervised by an adult throughout the duration of all varsity games. Unaccompanied children will need to be picked up by their parents / guardian.

At Franklin High, we pride ourselves on demonstrating sportsmanship and integrity on the field/court, and it is expected that our fans exhibit the same behavior off the field/court (see FHS Spectator Code of Conduct).

Fan cheering and team support are welcomed parts of sporting events and can directly impact our athletes. Appropriate cheering, done in good taste, can contribute to a positive game environment. Inappropriate cheering, or excessive jeering, has an adverse effect on the players, the game, other fans, and does not represent our school or community values. We have all been enjoying cheering on our outstanding teams this season and wish for their continued success.

We ask that parents/guardians talk to their children about their behavior during sporting events, and we are hopeful that this issue will subside with this new rule in place. We appreciate your cooperation.

Thank you,

Joshua Hanna, 

Principal Franklin High School 

Sara Ahern, 

Superintendent of Schools

Important: 
Purchase your tickets to the Franklin MIAA tournament games using the GOFAN app below.

• Ticket Purchasing Process -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkZqTY5d6Bg
• GOFAN Ticket Website -> https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14576

Memo to FHS Community: Upcoming FHS State Tournament Varsity Athletic Contests

PDF Copy of this memo can be found online ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/upcoming_fhs_state_tournament_varsity_athletic_contests.pdf

11/3/21 Town Council Meeting Canceled and Rescheduled for 11/10/21

11/3/21 Town Council Meeting Canceled and Rescheduled for 11/10/21

The Town Council meeting that was scheduled for tonight (November 3rd, 2021) has been canceled, and rescheduled to next Wednesday, November 10th, 21 at 7:00 pm.  The agenda will be posted along with an updated Zoom link on or before this Friday.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/11321-town-council-meeting-canceled-and-rescheduled-111021

11/3/21 Town Council Meeting Canceled and Rescheduled for 11/10/21

Election results could lead to a community vision

The election results are in and unofficial for a period of time. The Town Clerk's office will validate all the totals and then make them 'official'. Given the posted 'unofficial' results, there are not likely to be any significant changes due to the margins shown in the races.

Now the real work of the newly elected officials commences. These are volunteer positions (with the exception of the Town Clerk). They will begin (or resume)  working to provide oversight and make policy decisions for all of us on how the Town of Franklin operates.

The challenges ahead of us remain. 

• How do we come out of the devastation wrought by the pandemic? 
• How do we address the issues of inequity or gaps raised by the pandemic? 
• How do we properly fund our schools and all the Town services we need as a community?

Maybe we can frame this in a discussion of what we want to be in 2028? Why 2028? The 250th anniversary of the Town's incorporation on March 4, 1778.

Maybe by working to develop a community vision, we can determine how to get there. There may still be differences of opinion or priority but with agreement on a 'common goal' we might be able to move the discussion from divisive to constructive and respectful.

We are neighbors. Let us celebrate the diversity among us. Let us figure out what we need to be like in 2028 and get the civil discussion going.

For me, Franklin does matter, and I'd much rather prefer to be in a civil discussion on the vision for Franklin than in any divisive discussion.

Your Community information director

Steve Sherlock

The unofficial results are shared here:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/unofficial-results-town-of-franklin.html

Thanks to Jamie Barrett for bringing music to end the day at the polls on Tuesday!

Election results could lead to a community vision

Franklin Matters is leaving Facebook; your alternatives to consider to remain "in the know" (part 1)

Effective Nov 30, 2021 the Franklin Matters Facebook page will go away. You are given notice to find one of the other options to obtain the valuable information shared but not longer directly by me on Facebook.

• You can subscribe via email to the daily update (an easy way)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
• You can subscribe via RSS and get everything as it posts (actually the best way)  The 7 best RSS Readers for 2021 (I personally use Feedly)   https://bloggingwizard.com/free-rss-feed-readers/
• You can follow Franklin Matters on Twitter    https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters

Someone can also set up a way to take what I share and share it themselves to Facebook. I have no way to stop that. Folks occasionally do so on their own today.

My personal account will remain on Facebook to maintain my family and network connections. I have limited what is posted and shared in that way and am willing to take the risk to maintain those family connections.

I can no longer take the risk exposing your information in this way. Facebook needs to change and only actions like this will get their attention to do so.

Why Nov 30?

The Franklin election is important and as divisive as Facebook is, for those who depend upon it for info, I will provide some time for them to begin to make their move to one of the alternatives.

Need or want Help

If you need or want help setting up email or RSS, I've scheduled a few Zoom sessions to walk through the options to subscribe (other than Facebook). 

** Please sign up here -> https://forms.gle/x4gWma8PgrmDD1i66

Reference points on Facebook data leaks

• Franklin Matters attempt to shut down in 2018 was announced with this post ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/fixing-companys-problems-will-take-years.html
• Data leak reported in April 2021 (actually occurred during 2019) ->  https://blog.mozilla.org/en/privacy-security/facebook-data-leak-explained/
• Data leak in 2017 ->  https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/28/everything-you-need-to-know-about-facebooks-data-breach-affecting-50m-users/
• Cambridge Analytica aftermath -> https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/25/cambridge-analyticas-former-boss-gets-7-year-ban-on-being-a-business-director/

Mark Hurst's Good Report also has a listing on RSS Readers to add to what I shared here.  https://goodreports.com/post/rss-reader.html

Mark also went to so far as to urge community organizations to get off Facebook

https://creativegood.com/blog/21/leave-facebook-now.html

Franklin Matters is leaving Facebook; your alternatives to consider to remain "in the know"  (part 1)

Previously announced Oct 4, 2021  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/60-minutes-betrayal-of-democracy-leads.html  

The Topic: 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs (audio)

Join Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty as she talks with SAFE Coalition's Executive Director Jennifer Knight-Levine.

Audio file = https://anchor.fm/franklin21/episodes/002---Jennifer-Knight-Levine-discusses-substance-misuse-and-the-SAFE-Coalition-programs-e184fao/a-a6k8l78

SAFE Coalition hotline - 508-488-8105

SAFE Coalition website - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

For additional information, please visit the Health Dept. page at https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at cliberty@franklinma.gov

The music for the intro and exit is called “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes Music and is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Scott Holmes Music => https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes

You can also subscribe and listen to The Topic audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "The Topic" 

The Topic: 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs (audio)

MIAA D1 field hockey playoff bracket - FHS seeded #4

The FHS field hockey team is seeded #4 in the playoff bracket released by MIAA.

HockomockSports.com has their post with the Hockomock League seedings

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-field-hockey-playoff-seeds-matchups-2021/

Visit MIAA for bracket updates:  http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5764&s=03

MIAA D1 field hockey playoff bracket - FHS seeded #4

MIAA D1 girls soccer bracket - FHS seeded #4

The FHS girls soccer team is seeded #4 for the MIAA playoffs bracket just published

HockomockSports.com has their post with the Hockomock League seedings

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-and-girls-soccer-playoff-seeds-matchups-2021/

Visit MIAA for bracket updates: http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5769&s=03

MIAA D1 girls soccer bracket - FHS seeded #4

MIAA D1 boys soccer playoff bracket - FHS seeded #26

The FHS boys soccer team is seeded #26 and while that reflects their early season results, it will be interesting to see how far they can go. They seem to have come together nicely the last seven games with six wins and a tie.

HockomockSports.com has their post with the Hockomock League seedings

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-and-girls-soccer-playoff-seeds-matchups-2021/

Visit MIAA for bracket updates: http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5759

MIAA boys soccer playoff bracket - FHS seeded #26

67 Degrees: Art Show and Sale - Reception -> Nov 20

67 Degrees Brewing Company is featuring paintings by Franklin artist Susan Pratt Sheridan during the months of November and December.  An opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 20th,  2 - 5 PM.  

Start your holiday shopping early!  

Stop by and have a fine craft brew and enjoy the views.  

25% of all artwork sales will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

67degreesbrewing.com, or on Facebook and Instagram.  

158 Grove Street, Franklin, MA  02038.

Franklin artist Susan Pratt Sheridan

Franklin Police Dept.: Deputy Chief James Mill retires

***DEPUTY CHIEF MILL RETIRES***

"On 11/02/2021, Deputy Chief James Mill concluded a 27+ year career with the Franklin  Police Department.  DC Mill started his career  in 1994 and worked several years in the patrol division before being promoted to Sergeant in 1999. In 2000 he was made a Detective Sergeant and led the Criminal Investigations Unit for 16 years. As a Detective Sergeant he directed the investigation of hundreds of criminal cases that led to the successful prosecution of many responsible criminals. 

In 2016 he was promoted to Deputy Chief and through his leadership and tenacity the FPD was awarded Certification status from the Massachusetts Accreditation Commission.

Although well known by many as a superb criminal investigator, he will be remembered most by those who worked with him and the victims of the crimes he investigated, as a compassionate, altruistic and caring man.

Affectionately known as Millzy by those who know him best, he was always available for a conversation, to active listen and to provide the best advice one could receive. Millzy was the textbook definition of a cop’s cop. He was always quick to stop you in the hallway, ask if you needed anything, and how your family was doing. 

Deputy Chief Mill, your tireless dedication, leadership and service to the Franklin Police Department and the residents of Franklin is irreplaceable. We all wish you and your family the best and hope your retirement brings nothing but joy."

Shared from Franklin Police Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/162770995915/posts/10157897508400916/

Deputy Chief Mill retires (FPD Facebook photo)

Hockomock Area Y to perform "All Together Now"

"We are so excited to join thousands of theaters across the globe to perform the musical All Together Now! For us it is not only a celebration of the return of live theatre, but also to mark 15 years of our beloved youth theatre program here at the Hockomock Area YMCA. Join us for song, dance, laughter, and love November 12th & 13th at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center / The Orpheum Theatre - Foxboro!"

Ticket link -> click here

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3025633764373296/

Hockomock Area Y to perform "All Together Now"

New York Times: "Facebook, Citing Societal Concerns, Plans to Shut Down Facial Recognition System"

"Facebook plans to shut down its decade-old facial recognition system this month, deleting the face scan data of more than one billion users and effectively eliminating a feature that has fueled privacy concerns, government investigations, a class-action lawsuit and regulatory woes.

Jerome Pesenti, vice president of artificial intelligence at Meta, Facebook’s newly named parent company, said in a blog post on Tuesday that the social network was making the change because of “many concerns about the place of facial recognition technology in society.” He added that the company still saw the software as a powerful tool, but “every new technology brings with it potential for both benefit and concern, and we want to find the right balance.”

The decision shutters a feature that was introduced in December 2010 so that Facebook users could save time. The facial-recognition software automatically identified people who appeared in users’ digital photo albums and suggested users “tag” them all with a click, linking their accounts to the images. Facebook now has built one of the largest repositories of digital photos in the world, partly thanks to this software."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/02/technology/facebook-facial-recognition.html

Facebook is shuttering a feature, introduced in December 2010, that automatically identified people who appeared in users’ digital photo albums. Credit...Carlos Barria/Reuters

Franklin High School News: Important Information and Dates - Nov/Dec 2021

School News: Important Information and Dates

November - December 2021

• Parent Conference sign ups (11/10 and 11/12) Link will be posted soon. Can be in-person or via Google Meets video conference.
• 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:  

>> Winter Sports Registration information letter and registration links << click to view

Nov 2         No School-Election Day; PD 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

Dec 7         FHS Chorus and Orchestra Concert 7 PM @ FHS Auditorium (snow date 12/10)

Dec 9         FHS Band Concert 7PM @ FHS Auditorium (snow date 12/21)

Dec 10       Half day of School PD Day

Dec 24-Jan 2 Winter Holiday Break

 

• 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

 

Franklin High School News: Important Information and Dates - Nov/Dec 2021

Unofficial Results - Town of Franklin Biennial Election - Nov 2, 2021

The unofficial results for the local election for Franklin, MA on Nov 2, 2021  Approx. 5700 voters for a 24% turnout

Now the work begins!

File download -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/175zPh8Uu8djyU_r50yC7VgmtPsIYaGO9/view?usp=sharing

Unofficial Results - Town of Franklin Biennial Election - Nov 2, 2021