New September 2022 Workshops for 50+Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups

September events offered by the MCOA 50+ Program and by the Encore Boston Network.

This free program is available through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) Hello, Job Seeker! We have an exciting line-up of 50+ Job Seekers events for the month of September! In this session, we'll explore 5 major trends emerging from the pandemic:  > Remote work  > Contract jobs  > Entrepreneurship  > Career transition  > The explosion of virtual learning Our guide to these trends is Kerry Hannon, a workplace futurist, career expert and author of the recent book "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work." As a journalist, speaker and writer, she has focused her work on career transitions, entrepreneurship, personal finance and retirement. Kerry will help us learn what's different about the workplace now, the best ways to find a job in this market, other forms of work you should be thinking about, how to play to your strengths as an older worker or job seeker, and what changes you can expect as we look ahead. This event is offered by Encore Boston Network and is co-sponsored by AARP, 50+ Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups, and MassHire South Shore Career Center. Please register in advance with Encore Boston Network: https://www.encorebostonnetwork.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=941588&item_id=1768556&event_date_id=255 Mon, Sept 19th, 10:00 – 11:30 am: Interview Practice with Ed Lawrence! For good or bad, first impressions matter. When interviewing you need to put your best foot forward, and that takes practice!   Do you have an interview coming up?   Do you know how to respond to behavioral questions?   Do you need suggestions on how to address gaps in employment?   Please join us for answers to your questions and learn how to respond to a variety of questions that may be presented to you during an interview! Thurs, Sept 22nd, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Introduction to Toastmasters Savvy Seeker Series with Barry Regan! Barry Regan is a Distinguished Toastmaster and Operations Quality Manager at Waters Corporation.  Barry credits Toastmasters for the communication and presentation skills he learned, which enabled him to advance at EMC/Dell and to make the transition to a manager role at Waters. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. Please join Barry Regan to hear all about the Toastmasters program! Tues, Sept 27th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm: Should I Stay or Should I Go? Interactive Workshop with Melody Beach! Are you currently employed…underemployed, unhappy with your current position or looking to pivot in a totally new career direction?   Are you unsure whether you should start or continue searching for a new job?   Are you trying to decide whether to accept a job offer or stay where you are?   If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us as Melody Beach guides you through the process of weighing all the factors, some you may not even have considered, to help you decide if this is the right time for a career change!  Questions: Email us at 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com

Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging | 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306, Easthampton, MA 01027

New September 2022 Workshops for 50+Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups

New September 2022 Workshops for 50+Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups

"The decision also dismisses several other claims the Republicans made"

"THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT on Tuesday dismissed the major constitutional challenge that has been levied against the new state law allowing voting by mail, formally addressing a legal question that has been hovering over attempts to expand the law for years. The court found that the Constitution, which lays out specific reasons why someone may vote absentee, does not prohibit the Legislature from expanding voting access beyond that. 

“Voting is a fundamental right, and nothing in [the Constitution] prohibits the Legislature, which has plenary constitutional powers, including broad powers to regulate the process of elections and even broader powers with respect to primaries, from enhancing voting opportunities,” Justice Scott Kafker wrote in a 61-page unanimous opinion. 

In June, the Legislature passed, and Gov. Charlie Baker signed, a law that authorizes early voting by mail for any voter without an excuse in all state elections, starting this year. Early voting by mail was first authorized as an emergency measure in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and voting rights advocates pointed to high turnout in the 2020 elections in urging lawmakers to adopt voting by mail permanently. But the Massachusetts Republican Party and other opponents worried that mail-in voting would be less secure and raised a host of other concerns."

Continue reading the article in CommonWealth Magazine 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/sjc-says-legislature-has-broad-powers-on-voting/

You can read the full SJC decision online ->  https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2022/08/30/h13307.pdf

"The decision also dismisses several other claims the Republicans made"

CANCELED = Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Sep 1 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Subcommittee

Thursday, September 1, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Conference Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be
discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not
listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Harvest Festival (October 1st) - Discussion on setup

In person only meeting per agenda doc found on the FPS page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_9-1-22.pdf

updated via email on 9/1/22 approx 1 PM - to a meeting status of 

CANCELED

Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - Sep 1 at 6 PM

Franklin MBTA Commuters: 2 notices to be aware of

1 - All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, Monday September 5.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Aug 30 2022 02:20 PM

2 - Effective Monday, September 12, additional weekday trains will provide easy and direct service between Foxboro and South Station as part of the Foxboro Pilot.

For more information: https://mbta.com/foxboro

Last Updated: Aug 30 2022 02:18 PM 

 

Franklin MBTA Commuters: 2 notices to be aware of

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Sep 1, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Dale Kurtz

9:00 am Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Sandhya: Homemade Cheez-Its

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 1

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab

3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Gas Stations

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Keith Carreiro

5:30 pm Arts Advocacy: Impact

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 6 - Swinging Steaks

8:00 pm Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion 

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 2

9:00 am U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

11:30 am FHS Oskey 2022

2:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

3:40 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Central Catholic 11-09-21

6:10 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab

7:00 pm The Only Cure Is Education

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Football: v Methuen 11-12-21

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 08-18-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 08-18-22

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers, 828 4770 8384

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Franklin Cultural District: poetry, overdose vigil, Farmers Market and more #artshappenhere in Franklin

School has opened, Labor Day weekend is here, clubs and groups are returning to regular meeting as we leave summer behind. Try People's Poetry at Escape into Fiction, or stop by the overdose awareness day vigil on the Town Common today.

Come to the Farmers Market on the Town Common this Friday. The Library has an activity for the kiddos. And of course, there are a lot of options for other things to do as #artshappenhere in Franklin all leading to the State Primary on Tuesday. If you haven't voted by mail or in person, vote at Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM. This state primary election helps to confirm our commitment to how we chose to govern ourselves. Make good choices when you cast your ballot!

Wednesday, August 31
9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting  (Franklin High School)
6:00pm - People’s Poetry (Escape Into Fiction)
6:30pm - Candlelight Vigil - Int'l Overdose Awareness Day (Town Common)

Thursday, September 1

9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting (Franklin High School)

5:00pm - Educator's Night (special book sale) (Escape Into Fiction)

6:00pm - Ken Barney (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node (virtual meeting) 

Friday, September 2

9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting  (Franklin High School)

2:00pm - Farmers Market  (Town Common)

3:30pm - Farmers Mkt Fun: Bookmark bonanza  (Town Common)

6:00pm - Laura May Duo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Gay Perkowski (solo acoustic music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, September 3

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

5:00pm - The Cowpies (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, September 4

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, September 5

Labor Day

Town offices and buildings closed for holiday

Tuesday, September 6

6:00am - 8:00pm  State Primary Election Day  (Franklin High School)

6:30pm - Franklin Garden Club (Franklin Senior Center)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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 

Franklin Cultural District: #Artshappenhere

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Virtual Meeting, Thursday, September 1, 7:00 PM

Our next 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting will be on Zoom, this Thursday, September 1, 7:00-9:00 PM. 

Zoom link for the meeting, Thursday, September 1, 7:00-9:00 PM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09

Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

As September arrives, the news is full of climate-related tragedies and warnings, even as we celebrate legislative progress and technological advances to address the crisis.  We invite you to become involved, to learn about opportunities for change, and to take action. Our Greater Franklin Node meetings offer updates on major developments--globally, nationally, regionally, and locally--along with information on campaigns and advocacy, and discussion and planning of activities that we can undertake in our own communities and throughout the region. Please consider joining us.

Remember that you can stay involved and receive updates from 350 Mass via the Climate Weekly email. Sign up here -> https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/sign_up_for_updates

Learn more on the 350 Mass website -> https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/

We hope you can join us Thursday at 7:00 pm. We'll send a reminder on Thursday. We continue to meet on Zoom, the first and third Thursdays of every month. 

Thank you for your commitment to the struggle for a transition to a just, equitable, and clean energy economy.

Node Co-coordinators,

Carolyn Barthel

Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Virtual Meeting, Thursday, September 1, 7:00 PM

Town of Franklin (MA): Five Year Fiscal Forecast - FY 2026 & beyond (part 5 of 5)

This continues to share the Five Year Fiscal Outlook for the Town of Franklin as published by the Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen:

FY26 and Beyond Financial Outlook

After reading the first eight pages of this document and with the adversity and challenges we are experiencing in our own personal lives, I can relate to most readers who feel as if FY26 is an eon away! Yet, our professional perspective is to always keep a keen eye into the future. But what we do know is:

● As long as property revenues continue to increase, the town should see steady growth in order to work within the Proposition 2 ½ constraints. Without any adjustments to the tax levy, it is critical for the community to understand real estate values are the key sustainability factor to local expenses in the budget. The Town cannot count on a state aid bailout and should not count any additional federal assistance.

● FY26 will see collective bargaining return for most school and municipal unions.

● One-time federal assistance in the form of ARPA and ESSER funds will be exhausted.

● The status of the Beaver Street Interceptor project and other capital projects will still be in development.

After the busy “end of fiscal year/start of the fiscal year” this summer, I will prepare a full five year revenue forecast before the FY23 tax rate hearing on November 30th, 2022.

How can I learn more?

● All municipal budget matters will always be posted on our town budget archive

● The School Department budget page is here.

● Finance committee meetings can be found on their website.

 

● Town Council meeting agendas, Town Blog News, Legal Notices, Job Postings and more on the Town’s email notifications page.

● The School Committee connections are here.

As a savings to each homeowner, call your homeowners insurance company to get a savings on the Fire Department’s ISO-1 designation. Many property owners will see a reduction in their homeowners insurance. Just print out the linked paperwork and submit it to your insurer.

What can I do to help TODAY?

Let’s end the forecast on a fun note; and maybe some homework!

People always ask me what we can do today to support the Town today? Answer: Eat Local!

Like many towns, Franklin has a .75 percent of every one cent out local option tax on meals purchased in Franklin. It’s the one area of our “local receipts” revenue source that is driven by consumer choice. Since the pandemic, the town has been fortunate to see most of its restaurants continue in business today. We have also seen an influx of new places to eat out and more will be opening in 2022 & 2023. It’s an excellent opportunity to eat local, support our large profile of locally owned restaurants and also support the town budget.

So have fun eating out in Franklin with your family and friends and ultimately support the town’s schools, public safety, DPW, roads and other excellent town services!

Continue reading the full report in this PDF ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-08-15_fy23_to_fy27_town_administartor_fiscal_forecast_1.pdf

Note: Pages 1-11 covers the fiscal forecast and outlook. Pages 12-18 is the Standard & Poors AAA rating letter. Pages 19-20 is the ISO 1 award letter on the Fire Department achievement.

Part 1 (FY 2022 closing)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal.html

Part 2 (FY 2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_02041658049.html

Part 3 (FY 2024)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_0565521952.html

Part 4 (FY 2025)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal_0694306595.html

Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating

Franklin Art Association sets monthly meetings, welcomes new members

The purpose of the Franklin Art Association is the advancement of the arts of painting, drawing, graphics, textiles and all creative art media in the greater Franklin area. To preserve the finest artistic traditions by means of exhibiting work, conducting classes, demonstrations, lectures, and sponsoring other activities favorable to artistic expression and for the development of friendly exchanges among artists and those interested in the arts.

The Franklin Art Association meets on the first Wednesday of the month (except July & August). Meetings are held at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St., Franklin, MA, with a business meeting starting at 6:45pm, refreshments and socialization starts at 6:30 PM, the monthly demonstration/workshop starts at ~7 PM  and runs until ~9 PM. 

In addition to the monthly meetings, which include a demonstration by a noted regional artist or life drawing session, workshops and field trips are sponsored throughout the ear. Art exhibitions are held each fall and spring. The Association also sponsors a scholarship competition for graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their education in an art related field. 

Next meeting: Wednesday, Sep 7 at the Franklin Senior Center

Sign up for membership or renew for the new year. Fill out the form (PDF), bring to the next meeting Sep 7 or mail it to the address provided on the form.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x4eOL9NnjDW-1F-xrRjF3cMuc00oly3o/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Art Association

Franklin High School Names Chris Spillane Head Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Coach

Franklin High School is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Spillane as the school’s new Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey Coach. Coach Spillane previously served as Franklin’s head coach from 1998 to 2019. Under his leadership, the team earned 14 Hockomock League Championships, four Division II State Finalists honors, a 2015 berth in the Super 8, and a 2016 State Title.

In addition to these accolades, Coach Spillane was honored as Coach of the Year by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, Massachusetts High School Hockey Coaches Association, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Hockomock Sports during his tenure.

Chris Spillane

“We are thrilled to have Coach Spillane once again join the Franklin High School athletic department and lead our Boys’ Ice Hockey Program!” said Karrah Ellis, Director of Athletics at Franklin High School.

Coach Spilliane brings with him a wealth of hockey knowledge as well as both playing and coaching experience. He stated that he is “excited for the opportunity to be on the Panther bench again!”

About the Franklin Public School District:

The Franklin Public School District strives to nurture a safe, supportive, inclusive and collaborative learning environment in each of our 10 schools. We believe in providing an engaging and rigorous curriculum with exemplary instructional practices that will support and challenge students to reach their full potential through personalized learning opportunities. Our goal is to develop the necessary social-emotional, academic, and career skills for each Franklin student, so that they will be a productive citizen in an ever-changing world.  https://www.franklinps.net/franklin-high-school/athletics-department

Franklin Newcomers & Friends: We have a new home !!! - Join us Sep 14 at Escape Into Fiction

Not just for Newcomers . . .

 

The Newcomers are back …. with a NEW time and location!!

 

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club will be holding their monthly meetings at Escape Into Fiction at 12 Main St in Franklin. They'll be meeting earlier . . . now at 7 PM.  The first gathering of the 2022/2023 season is on Wednesday, September 14. 

Any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, is invited to attend. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from September through May. Additionally, many fun and varied events are held to stay connected throughout the year.

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP.  Come make connections in your community.  This is a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all.  It is a member driven organization and new faces and new ideas are always welcome. 

Franklin Newcomers & Friends: We have a new home !!! - Join us Sep 14 at Escape Into Fiction

Mark your calendar for the return of The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Annual Craft Fair.  It will be held on November 5^th at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School.  We are still accepting applications for crafters.  All items must be handmade.  Please contact franklincraftfair@gmail.com for more information and an application.

For more information about Newcomers, please see the "About" portion of their Meetup or Facebook pages.

https://www.meetup.com/franklin-newcomers-friends          

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

More Perfect Union: 058 - The Trump FBI Search, Why He Has A Voter Base and More (audio)

In this episode, the group delves into a collection of topics starting with the recent FBI Search and Seizure that took place on former President Trump's Mar-A-Lago home, what will happen in the coming days following this and how America's current climate allows Trump to have a platform.

Audio link -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/058-the-trump-fbi-search-why-he-has-a-voter-base-and-more

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on the Norfolk Aggie solar project

I attended a public meeting of the Norfolk County Commissioners last night (Mon Aug 29, 2022).  The main topic was the solar panel project that the commissioners propose for the Norfolk Aggie campus, which would entail cutting down seven acres of forest.  

To an outsider like me, the arguments in support of the project were utterly demolished by an entire room full of impassioned and well informed citizens.  If the commissioners go ahead to approve this project in the face of such clear public opposition, the voters of Norfolk County are entitled to their cynicism.  

In that case, those voters should certainly remember to vote against Commissioner Collins for reelection this fall.

Colin Cass
Franklin, MA 02038 

Norfolk County Commissioners meeting agenda for the 8/29/22 meeting as mentioned -> https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/Norfolk_County-08-29-2022%20Walpole_Public_Hearing_Revised_Notice%20Final.pdf

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

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on the Norfolk Aggie solar project

Join the SAFE Coalition today on the Town Common to mark International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day VIGIL

In addition to our candle light vigil, we will be placing 2,290 purple flags on the Franklin Town Common at 4:30pm These 2,290 flags represent the number of lives lost in Massachusetts last year to an opioid overdose. Thank you to the amazing volunteers who have joined us the last two days completed the Millis and Wrentham tributes Millis Flag Display Wrentham Flag Display SAFE Coalition PO Box 434 Franklin, MA 02038-0434