Saturday, November 12, 2022

MBTA Commuter Rail Schedule Alert: a weekend schedule will run on both November 24 & 25

"The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24th as well as on the following day, Friday, November 25th.

Buses will continue to replace weekend train service between Rockport and Beverly.

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

Last Updated: Nov 10 2022 03:41 PM "



MBTA Commuter Rail Schedule Alert: a weekend schedule will run on both November 24 & 25
MBTA Commuter Rail Schedule Alert: a weekend schedule will run on both November 24 & 25

Friday, November 11, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 11, 2022 to Nov 17, 2022

The remains of what was Hurricane Nicole are reported to drench us late today and Saturday morning before clearing out Saturday afternoon. The post storm period is always good to be out in with clear skies and freshened air. Choices for indoor activities include the FHS performance of Cinderella (Fri/Sat) and the Second Sunday Speaker at the Historical Museum on Sunday.


Friday, November 11 - Veterans Day

Library, Senior Center, Schools and Town buildings closed for Veterans Day

11:00am - Veterans Day Luncheon

2:00pm - Veterans Day ceremony (Dean College)

7:00pm - Cinderella (Broadway Version) (ticketed event)  - (Franklin High School)


Saturday, November 12

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

12:00pm - Thee Taco Dude (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

2:00pm - Cinderella (Broadway Version) (ticketed event)  - (Franklin High School)

4:00pm - Michael Rivelis (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

5:30pm - Scott Magill  (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)


Sunday, November 13

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

1:00pm - Second Sunday Speaker Series - Dennis Sardella (Franklin Historical Museum)


Monday, November 1
9:00am -  post-election tabulation session (Municipal Building)

Tuesday, November 15

5:30pm  - Tune It Out - Open House (Franklin Senior Center)


Wednesday, November 16

11:00am - Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center & hybrid)

7:30pm - All Shook Up (ticketed event) (Dean College)


Thursday, November 17

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center)

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

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

7:30pm - All Shook Up (ticketed event) (Dean College)


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

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

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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 

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Franklin Public Library & Municipal Building are both Closed Friday, November 11 for Veterans Day

Franklin Public Library & Municipal Building are both Closed Friday, November 11 for Veterans Day

Library Closed for Veterans Day

 

  • The Franklin Public Library will be closed Friday, November 11 for Veterans Day. The library will be open Saturday, November 12 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 13, 1:30-5:00 p.m.
  • The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Friday, November 11th, 2022 in observance of the Veterans Day. We will reopen on Monday, November 14th, 2022.


FHS boys soccer team wins to advance; girls soccer team playoff run ends

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, November 10, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below. 


Boys Soccer = Division 1 = #26 Leominster, 0 @ #10 Franklin, 2 – Final
@_FranklinSoccer  2-0 win over a tough @LeomAthletics  team. On to the Elite 8 Round @SJHS_PioneersAD  Sunday 11/13 4PM! Let’s go Panthers!!!

These Hock Champions are headed to the Elite 8 after securing a 2-0 W over Leominster tonight! Well done, @_FranklinSoccer ! Woo hoo!

2-0 win against a very good Leominster team. Goals scored by Andy and Hansy with both assisted by Garrett. Andy played out of his mind tonight and got the juice. Onto Round 3 of the playoffs Sunday at 4pm against St. John’s Shrewsbury.

Girls Soccer = Division 1 = #9 Wellesley, 2 @ #8 Franklin, 1 – Final

@fhsgvsoccer  2-1 loss to a tough   @wellesleysports team in the Round of 16. Congratulations on a great season!

Another double here in Franklin, starting with @fhsgvsoccer  vs Wellesley. Franklin scored early (about 30 secs in) to make it 1-0. 

At the half, Wellesley leads Franklin 2-1  https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom/status/1590824568234856448

Final from Pisini Stadium, Wellesley 2 Franklin 1  
https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom/status/1590839163586514946


https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-10-22/

Notice Of Post Election Tabulation - Nov 14, 2022 - 9 AM

In accordance with MGL Chapter 54, section 25B(a)(14) as amended by section 10 of Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2022, known as the VOTES Act of 2022, the Town of Franklin will perform a post-election tabulation session for the November 8, 2022 State Election.

Any ballot returned by mail and received on or before 5PM on November 12, 2022, if postmarked by November 8, 2022 will be opened, processed, and added to the Election Day totals.

This session will take place in the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 9:00 AM.

We respectfully ask that observers register in advance by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov.

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->


So in case you are wondering when the early votes, mail ballots and absentee ballots were counted:

The early voting, absentee ballots, and vote by mail ballots were processed last Saturday in to the voting tabulators. The memory cards with those results were taken out, stored securely and a new set of memory cards put in for all the day of voting on Tuesday. Once the polls closed Tuesday night, they ran the tape (tally) for the day of activity, took those cards out, put the other cards from Saturday in, and ran the tape (which they did not do on Saturday). 

Both tapes with the voting totals were then entered manually to the spreadsheet shown in the unofficial results posted 10ish Tuesday night.

Both sets of cards were tested  in a public session on Oct 26 and the audio for the testing process as well as community member questions on the process is available for review   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/town-of-franklin-tabulator-testing.html


Notice Of Post Election Tabulation - Nov 14, 2022 - 9 AM
Notice Of Post Election Tabulation - Nov 14, 2022 - 9 AM

Finance Committee gets update on FY 2023 budget year to date and recommends approval of $542K in transfers (audio)

FM #876 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 876 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2022. 


Seven members of the Finance Committee participating (2 absent) were in the Council Chambers along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Assistant Administrator Alecia Alleyne, Comptroller Chris Sandini, and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. 


The primary discussion around the current progress to date on the budget. There was a resulting action for approval of $542K to transfer among accounts prior to the rating set later this month. 


The meeting recording runs about forty minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Nov 9, 2022.


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-876-franklin-ma-finance-committee-mtg-11-09-22


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


Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/finance-committee-meeting-agenda.html 

 

My notes ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gArra7vxwfjHBmtFW9sVKePFI6fDzwa3/view?usp=share_link

 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 


YouTube recording =>  https://youtu.be/Nz2XFmTQZ64 


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


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"


Finance Committee gets update on FY 2023 budget year to date and recommends approval of $542K in transfers (audio)
Finance Committee gets update on FY 2023 budget year to date and recommends approval of $542K in transfers (audio)

Tri-County RVTHS Athletics - Winter 2022 - 2023 Newsletter

Check out Tri-County Athletics Winter Sports Newsletter!!!  https://t.co/ubGuv0WSFG




Tri-County RVTHS Athletics - Winter 2022 - 2023 Newsletter
Tri-County RVTHS Athletics - Winter 2022 - 2023 Newsletter

SAFE Coalition: The season of giving starts with YOU!

The season of giving starts with YOU!

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content visit ->
https://mailchi.mp/safecoalitionma/the-season-of-giving-starts-with-you?e=5c4eabc7bc

Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets



Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Terri Miller

Want to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. 

They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donations count.



Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets
Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets

Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces

The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed legislation that protects open and public spaces throughout the Commonwealth and ensures their conservation for future generations. This legislation, known as the Public Land Preservation Act, permanently preserves and protects the amount of land designated as open spaces and prevents it from being used for other purposes. 

 

“As we work to mitigate the effects of climate change we see and feel every day, it’s important that we do not allow the quality and acreage of open lands in Massachusetts to decrease,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Open lands protect against floods, reduce heat from man-made roads and cities, increase carbon capture from plants and soils, protect our clean drinking water, and provide residents with wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities. I want to thank all the conferees, especially Senator DiDomenico for his leadership and Senator Eldridge for his years of attention and perseverance in seeing this legislation passed, as well as Senator Rodrigues for his review and support.” 

  

“I am thrilled that we have reached an agreement on this bill which will protect our public land so our communities can have parks, green spaces, and clean water to enjoy throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico (D-Everett), Chair of the Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. “Protecting our public lands is so critically important in our state because they also help protect our residents from the effects of climate change; our forests keep our air clean, our trees cool down our streets and communities, and our wetlands mitigate the effects of flooding and storms. I am grateful for Senate President Spilka’s dedication to getting this important bill passed, Senator Eldridge and Representative Balser for their years of work on this issue, and all the conference committee members for their help getting this bill over the finish line.” 

 

“I am extremely proud that an agreement has been reached between the House and Senate on the landmark Public Land Preservation Act (PLPA), which will strengthen the state’s commitment to ensuring that there is no net loss of open space in the Commonwealth," said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the bill’s original sponsor. "I'm grateful to Senate President Spilka's commitment to passing this environmental legislation, the work of the conferees, and the persistent advocacy by conservation groups. I also want to acknowledge the godfather of PLPA, Phil Saunders, who dedicated his professional life to passing this bill.” 

 

“With the passage of the Public Lands Preservation Act today, our public lands and open spaces will be preserved and protected for current and future generations to come,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and thank you to Senator Eldridge, Senator DiDomenico, and others for their leadership on this vital issue as well. Ensuring the preservation of our most important public lands, farms, recreational areas, drinking water supply lands, sensitive wildlife habitats, forests, and other conservation and open space lands is critical in our collective efforts to adapt to and confront climate change, while protecting the public health of our communities, and passage of this legislation is a testament to the Senate’s steadfast commitment to protecting our environment at all costs.” 

  

Since its passage as a ballot initiative in 1972, Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution has recognized the importance of public lands. Lands acquired for conservation purposes under Article 97 have protected status, and such lands’ sale or conversion to other use must be approved by a two-thirds vote of each branch of the Legislature. Recognizing the importance of maintaining public lands, the Legislature, working with the Administration, has for many years ensured ‘no net loss’ of open spaces by requiring equivalent replacement land into open space when disposing of Article 97 land.  

 

The conference report passed by the Legislature today codifies a ‘no net loss’ policy into law, making it legally binding. It ensures a public process takes place when a public entity considers disposing of Article 97 land and that replacement land is located nearby and of comparable acreage, fair market value, and natural resource value. The legislation includes a provision that allows for a cash payment in lieu of replacement land, provided that the payment amount is no less than 110 per cent of the value of the land and the money is used to purchase replacement land within three years.  

 

Having passed the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill now goes before the Governor for his consideration.



Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces
Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces

CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker again clashes with lawmakers on abortion-related law"

GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Thursday signed a $3.76 billion economic development bill. But Baker, a Republican, once again entered into a controversy with the Democratic-led Legislature over reproductive rights by vetoing an education campaign about crisis pregnancy centers.  

Crisis pregnancy centers are organizations, often faith-based, that provide resources to pregnant women and counsel them about their options in a way that discourages them from getting an abortion. In some cases, these centers have run deceptive advertising, implying that they offer abortion services when they do not. Particularly since Roe v. Wade was overturned, abortion rights organizations have worried that women seeking abortions will be drawn to crisis pregnancy centers without realizing what the organizations do. 

The Legislature, as part of its economic development bill, appropriated $17.5 million for organizations that provide reproductive health care, including abortion care, to spend on hiring, security, and education. That money included a $1 million education campaign regarding crisis pregnancy centers.  

Baker left the $16.5 million earmarked for reproductive health organizations but vetoed the $1 million public awareness campaign as well as language requiring the state to publish a list of providers that offer “legitimate” family planning services. The state already maintains such a list. 
Continue reading the article online ->

Gov. Charlie Baker addresses the media during a press conference at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center vaccine clinic at La Colaborativa in Chelsea, MA on April 1, 2021. (Pool photo by Craig F. Walker/Boston Globe)
Gov. Charlie Baker addresses the media during a press conference at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center vaccine clinic at La Colaborativa in Chelsea, MA on April 1, 2021. (Pool photo by Craig F. Walker/Boston Globe)

Health Department: Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Over ⅓ of US Adults have prediabetes & more than 8 in 10 of them don't know they have it. 
Lean more: diabetes.org
American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Nov 11, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Ted Reinstein
9:00 am Frank Presents: Ed Augustus
11:00 am Senior Connection: Other Activities
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 5
3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
3:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Healthy Communities
4:00 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Janice Houlihan
9:30 am Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium
11:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Attleboro 10-24-22
1:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
3:00 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
5:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
5:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Barnstable 11-04-22

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 11-03-22
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 11-03-22

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.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Thursday, November 10, 2022

School Committee reviews timeline, reviews priorities for FY 2024 budget in workshop 11/09/22 (audio)

FM #875 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 875 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget Workshop held on Tuesday, Nov 8, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. 


Chair Denise Spencer opened the meeting. All seven School Committee members were present along with Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman, Asst Supt for Student Services Paula Marano, and Asst Supt for Teaching & Learning Dr. Tina Rogers.


Supt Giguere provides an overview as this workshop formally starts the budget process. Miriam Goodman walks through several updates on the process, timeline, and memo from OSD announcing a projected increase of 14% to plan for.


School Committee members get to talk about their individual priorities, some conversation among them occurs as the nuances, and some consensus is built on some of the items.


There is more work to be done to build the budget. Follow the links in the agenda doc to review the supporting materials. Visit the School Budget page for the current year and prior year’s budgets.

 

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.


The recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen to the School Committee Budget Workshop of Nov 8, 2022.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-875-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-workshop-11-08-22



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


Agenda doc (note contains links to other documents referenced during the discussion) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_workshop_agenda_11_8_2022.pdf


My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hSroQ6RoEI6x5XZYGj7wwVwXnLRHW8dL/view?usp=share_link 


School budget page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget


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

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 reviews timeline
School Committee reviews timeline