Franklin TV: Xmas is Coming! Srsly?

I know. I know. Way to soon. I haven’t voted yet. 

Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/06/2022

If you work in the media ‘biz’ – especially in advertising and/or TV, then you know that Christmas media projects begin much earlier than the actual holiday season. The first wave often arrives right after the ‘back-to-school’ ads stop running. Christmas trees pop up in film studios around the country – anywhere from September onward. Years ago I produced and filmed a ‘Christmas Special’ program in July. It makes for an odd reality – a blustery snowing street scene in the studio. Outside? 85 degrees & Sunny.

We start this week at Franklin.TV producing and shooting a fun program about traditional ‘Italian Christmas Cookies’. We’re baking ‘em up in our TeeVee kitchen (Yum!) Food is involved, soooo – Happy Holidays to all! (I have no shame.)

And – it’s not even Thanksgiving yet.

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On Tuesday – a big Vote Day. Although it’s a mid-term election, there are four big questions on the ballot. If you didn’t receive a red ‘Voter info’ booklet –

You can search – ‘MA ballot questions’. The top result link is below.

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele22/information-for-voters-22/quest_1.htm 

The MA Secretary of State’s Office has all you need to know*. Big recommend.

You can review the legislative language, as well as 150-word arguments pro & con.

These are issues that affect us at home. Browse & Learn. It’s worth your time.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

Franklin specific voter information
in the Election Collection

* Find  Franklin specific voter information in the Election Collection at Franklin Matters. Interviews with the local candidates by Frank Falvey and Steve Sherlock. (In some cases both video and audio versions are provided.) 

You can also get inside info on Ballot Question 3 with Franklin Liquor's Mark Lenzi in two conversations: one with Frank Falvey and one with SAFE Radio's Jim Derick and Dr Anne Bergen.

Election Collection -> 

• Chronological order -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html
• Categorized -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election_1.html

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

Get your Thanksgiving morning started off with some exercise and help the Franklin Food Pantry

There is nothing like a run (or walk) on a crisp fall morning followed by coffee and conversation with your friends and family!

Sign up for the Franklin Turkey Trot and start your holiday off by helping your neighbors in need!

Register online -> http://www.franklinturkeytrot.org/

Cost: $25 after October 18; family cap at $100

Food donations are no longer accepted as race payment

Registration: Register at Race location on Wednesday Night from 7-9pm or Morning of Race from 6:30am to 7:30am

Dogs: Dogs are not permitted on the race course during the race

Bib Pickup at Race Location Wednesday Night from 7-9pm or Morning of Race starting at 6:30am

T-shirts: Free to first 100 registered runners or you can purchase during registration until November 8th.

Awards: Category medals awarded

All runners are automatically entered into free raffle. Raffle prizes following race.

Free breakfast for all participants

Refunds: Entry fees cannot be refunded

Disclosure: Franklin Matters is a sponsor of this event

2021 Turkey Trot Runners

Boston Globe: "Plastic recycling is a ‘myth,’ study says"

"Of the 51 million tons of plastic waste US households generated in 2021, just 2.4 million tons — or 5 percent — was recycled, new research shows.

The findings provide yet more proof that plastic recycling is a “myth,” says the new analysis, published by the environmental nonprofit Greenpeace USA this week.

Plastic, which is made from fossil fuels, is notoriously difficult to recycle. A major reason: Though they can be broken down into broad categories, there are thousands of varieties of the material, each with its own chemical makeup. Most cannot be recycled together, so to be processed, they must be meticulously sorted. Still, hundreds of millions of tons of plastic are produced each year, which is a major problem for the climate: Plastic production and disposal account for 3.4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/28/science/plastic-recycling-is-myth-study-says/

While recycling maybe a "myth" that they are created from fossil fuels is the major issue for our overall climate challenge. How do we find reasonable alternatives?

Download the full report for your reading pleasure -> 

https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/GPUS_FinalReport_2022.pdf

Boston Globe: "Plastic recycling is a ‘myth,’ study says"

National Weather Service Boston - Register for one of these public webinars!

"Check out our schedule of upcoming webinars including Winter Weather Forecasting, the Northern Lights, and Remembering the December 1992 Nor'easter! " 

To register go to https://t.co/4HejDIVMUe   or this link ->   https://www.weather.gov/box/webinars

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/cqCl8yoFNi

National Weather Service Boston - Register for one of these public webinars!

Town of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly - 10/26/22 (audio)

FM #873 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 873 in the series. 

This session shares the Tabulator Testing conducted in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello opened the session. Deputy Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald assisted and took over to close the session when Nancy left about 10:30ish for a meeting at the high school to plan for the election setup. 

9 or 10 election workers were sworn in to start the process. Other observers arrived as the process was underway. You can hear the welcomes, and overall instructions, and the various question and answer sections.

The full recording was edited to remove the extraneous conversations, noise, etc. The intent of the recording is to share the tabulator testing process as discussed in the open session. 

What is the tabulator? The tabulator is what most would refer to as the voting machine that reads the ballot and tallies the vote by precinct.

The outline of the steps as described by our Town Clerk is provided. The Early Opening sessions as mentioned did start on Friday, Oct 28 and complete Friday, Nov 4, 2022. The steps of the early opening process are provided in the show notes.

The Early Deposit session is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 5 at Franklin High School. They intend to process all the early ballots on Saturday. If something prevents that, they do have time scheduled on Sunday, if necessary.

Ballots still arriving via mail, election dropbox at the municipal building, etc. will be gathered sometime late Tuesday (Election Day), and transported to the high school for processing.

All results Tuesday are ‘unofficial”. The Town Clerk has a couple of days to back in the office to check all the totals before making them ‘official’ to submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.

The edited tabulator testing recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-873-town-of-franklin-tabulator-testing-10-26-22

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

Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Transcript of the audio (except for the intro and closing segments read by me (Steve Sherlock)which are spelled out in the 'show notes' document.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ICGkw21S1u9YOQnitAKsklW6j8A76aM5/view?usp=share_link

Tabulator Testing Process outline  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I525elrG6Vhh_TwidcENERfjoRAEufxf/view?usp=share_link 

Early Opening outline ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I6tvfzTROGOl_dFYR5OKi58oCdrNAZBX/view?usp=share_link 

Vote by mail process diagram -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/vote_by_mail_process.pdf 

Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the voting changes in advance of the Sept State Primary ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/multiple-updates-discussed-with-town.html

Town Clerk podcast episode talking about the overall election process -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/nancy-danello-franklin-town-clerk-talks.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 of Franklin: Tabulator Testing shows ballots will be read properly

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for Nov 8, 2022

Franklin School Committee

November 8,2022 - 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Organizational Meeting

Call to Order Mr. Giguere

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

Organizational Meeting

• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

1. Payment of Bills TBD

B. Payroll TBD

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Redistricting Advisory Committee Members

I recommend approval of the list of Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee

Members as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 25, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. FHS Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $15.48 from Ohiopyle Prints for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.

C. Recurring Field Trip - Parmenter

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Bilodeau to take approximately 60 4th grade music students to RI Philharmonic on May 25, 2023 as detailed.

D. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $54.96 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.

E. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,779.40 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

F. FHS Gift

I recommend acceptance of the donation of the cost of a bus ($1,200.00) from “A Franklin Family” for the FHS history field trip.

G. Parmenter Gifts

I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $2,891.40 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.

H. New Student Activity Account

I recommend approval of the establishment of a new student activity account (Chess Club) as detailed.

I. Surplus Piano

I recommend approval of the request of Rebecca Motte to declare a piano as surplus that is beyond repair.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

a. Approval of Executive Session minutes from October 25, 2022 School Committee meeting.

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (3) for the purpose of discussing

strategy as it relates to collective bargaining with the Cafeteria, Van Drivers,

Secretaries, & ESP’s Units, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on

the bargaining position of the Committee, as declared by the Chair.

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_11-8-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-8-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda for Nov 8, 2022

Franklin, MA: Franklin School Committee - Budget Workshop - Nov 8, 6 PM

Franklin School Committee

Budget Workshop

November 8, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building, 3rd Floor Training Room

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_workshop_agenda_11_8_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Franklin School Committee - Budget Workshop - Nov 8, 6 PM

Reporting by Walking Around: vandalism visible & great courtesy signal reminder

Be aware, in addition to some vandalism on the downtown decorations, there also appears to be a ladybug 'eater' on the loose. 

We need to do better folks. This is our place, let's take care of it.

vandalism visible - ladybug kicked and damaged

 Great message! Thanks Franklin Police Dept...

"Turn signals, the original instant message"

There were originally shared via Instagram as I walked about town.  https://www.instagram.com/franklinmatters.ma/

FHS field hockey tops Barnstable and FHS football tops Weymouth; both teams to advance in playoffs

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, November 4, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below. 

Football =  = Division 1 = #16 Weymouth, 6 @ #1 Franklin, 36 – Final

1Q: (F) Jase Lyons 8-yard pass to Derek Dubriske, Garrett Portesi XP good; (W) Weymouth kick return, XP failed.

2Q: (F) Mike Davide 6-yard rush, XP failed; (F) Ethan Pflomm 22-yard fumble return, XP failed.

3Q: (F) M. Davide 2-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good.

4Q: (F) J. Lyons 13-yard pass to Luke Davis, G. Portesi XP good; (F) G. Portesi 33-yard field goal.

MIAA bracket says FHS will play Methuen at a date/time TBD

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6839

Field Hockey = Division 1 = #28 Barnstable, 0 @ #5 Franklin, 2 – Final 

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Franklin has made no secret of its desire to make another deep playoff run, but, even for a team that reached the state semifinal a year ago, it’s natural to feel some extra nerves ahead of the opening tournament game, especially when facing an unfamiliar foe with a still relatively young roster.

The Panthers got a stiff challenge in Friday’s first round game at the Beaver St. Field. Barnstable, the No. 28 seed, was able to withstand Franklin’s pressure for long stretches of the game, keeping within a goal until the final five minutes of a 2-0 loss.

It was the type of battle that can be a reminder for a team that scored 129 goals in the regular season and has gone unbeaten in more than 60 straight league games that things are different once the tournament kicks off.

“You never know,” said Franklin coach Michelle Hess. “I’ve never played them before, I didn’t know anything about them, you can only watch so much film, and they show up and they’re better than I expected, especially being the 28 seed.”

Continue reading the game recap ->  https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-edges-barnstable-to-kick-off-postseason-run/

For a photo gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Fall-2022/Franklin-Barnstable-Field-Hockey-11-04-22

MIAA bracket says FHS will play Needham at a date/time TBD

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6855

For other results around the Hockomock League  ->   https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-04-22/

Emily Carney was the spearhead of Franklin’s attack during its playoff opener against Barnstable, creating a number of scoring opportunities. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Voices of Franklin: Karen Landers is Yes for Question 1

There are many opinions about whether to vote “Yes” or “No” on Question 1.  For those who have voted or will vote “No”, I wonder if you will regret your decision when some of the  services that we all pay for with our current tax dollars are eliminated for lack of funds.  

Our schools, roads, public transportation, bridges, etc. are not in great shape right now.  Imagine, when all of the extra funds that have been provided due to COVID is spent.  And there are also the funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.  All of that money will be gone one day.  Our quality of life may suffer.  I can see lots of tax override questions being argued in our towns.

Also, consider what will happen to our property values if schools fail, potholes increase, bridges collapse, there is more crime, public transportation comes to a halt.   Oh, boy!  I can see future increases in our real estate taxes, state income taxes, excise taxes, gas taxes, sales taxes, etc.  Those increases will hit everyone, not just the wealthy folks with high earnings.

Please think it through for yourselves.  Public services cost money.  This state’s transportation Infrastructure needs maintenance, repairs, and replacement.  Schools need to prepare our children for the future.  Workers need to be paid a fair wage.  Folks who earn lots of money can afford to part with a little more for the benefit of all.  Let’s allow them to do this.  

If you have not voted, yet, please vote “Yes” on Q1.  If you have already voted “Yes”, thank you!

Karen Landers 

Franklin MA

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: Karen Landers is Yes for Question 1

Volunteer Tutors are needed for the Franklin Public Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program!

If you have the time and interest to help adult learners improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening, we have a volunteer opportunity for you!

To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be trained and all supporting materials will be provided. 

The time commitment is one orientation session, 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. 

If interested, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or use this form ->  https://forms.gle/CnuoFsu7kgmCf7Z57

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CkRIvCXJ0uT/

Volunteer Tutors are needed for the Franklin Public Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program!

Friendly Reminder: LiveARTS Piano Recital Sunday, Nov 6 at 3 PM

Nov. 6th at 3:00pm at the First Universalist Society in Franklin

Presents Victor Rosenbaum in Recital THIS SUNDAY, November 6 at 3:00pm  A live concert featuring: LiveARTS' Artist of the Year Pianist Victor Rosenbaum REMINDER!! You don't want to miss this concert!   Victor Rosenbaum performs music of Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Brahms, and a premiere performance of a new work by Lewis Warren. Sunday, November 6th - Time: 3:00 PM Location: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin MA Tickets    Adults- $25.00 - Students 18 and under- by donation Tickets available at the door Accessible Parking and Building  Visit our website liveartsma.org to purchase tickets on-line and for more information. Copyright © 2022 LiveARTS, Franklin, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038

Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) 2022-23 Winter Heating Season Begins November 1, 2022

LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30. The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), which pays a portion of heating cost for eligible households, is now accepting applications. LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30. The LIHEAP program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development in partnership with a network of 20 agencies across the state. No matter what type of heating source you have, LIHEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.

Eligible Massachusetts households, can apply online at www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP

or find their local agency at hedfuel.azurewebsites.net (enter Franklin)

Note: when I followed both links, they agreed in determining that Self Help, Inc is the service provider for Franklin. You can apply online directly at -> https://www.toapply.org/SHI

Thanks for connecting with Self-Help, Inc