Thursday, December 31, 2020

Franklin Senior Center: Connection Newsletter - January 2021

Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to social distancing

"Ben knows it is still important to keep space between yourself and others!  #DoYourPartFranklin #SixTailsApart #ItStillMatters #BensGuide @franklinpolice @FranklinMAfire @FranklinPSNews https://t.co/5dVsBEvV4P"
Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to social distancing
Town of Franklin, MA: Ben's guide to social distancing

FHS - 2020-2021 Boys Basketball Preview by HockomockSports.com

HockomockSports.com provides a preview of the high school boys basketball teams for the Hockomock League. We share the Franklin info here and provide the link to the page with all the other team previews.


Franklin
2019-2020 Record: 18-6
2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 Central Final
Coach: CJ Neely


"Franklin is another team that will feature plenty of new faces for the 2020-2021 season. Graduation claimed all five starters and six of the top eight players in the rotation, meaning the Panthers will be an inexperienced group when the season tips off in January.

Not only did the Panthers lose 1,000-point scorer Chris Edgehill to graduation, but they’ll also have to replace the offensive production of the likes of Brayden Sullivan (9.8 points per game), Steven Karayan (9.6), and Jack Rudolph (8.5). Head coach CJ Neely will lean on his two returners in Declan Walmsley (8.5 points per game) and Andrew Byfield, both played valuable minutes at the varsity level last year. Walmsley is the most seasoned of the group, scoring in double figures in 10 games last year, including a career-high 24 points in a win over Weston.

Both Byfield and Walmsley can score in a variety of ways, but more importantly, they are familiar with the defense-first approach the Panthers take as a program. Even with an entirely new starting lineup, and new faces coming off the bench, Neely’s high expectations for the defensive end remain the same. Franklin has ranked at or near the top of points allowed per game in every season since Neely took over and that remains the standard for the Panthers. Walmsley and Byfield can both score in a variety of ways so the Panthers will lean on them offensively, especially early, but look for Franklin to be a well-balanced offense.

“The guys have really worked hard in the offseason to improve their skills as well as their strength and conditioning and it shows on the court,” Neely said. “We have a lot of players battling each day for minutes and roles on the court which has made for very competitive practices. This is a tight group who will be fun to coach and watch grow throughout the season.”

For all the previews of the boys basketball teams around the Hockomock League


 

FHS - 2020-2021 Boys Basketball Preview by HockomockSports.com
FHS - 2020-2021 Boys Basketball Preview by HockomockSports.com

 

Town of Franklin, MA: new grant program for MA businesses

"A new grant program is available for Massachusetts businesses from @MassGCC. Applications open tomorrow at noon.  Find details here https://t.co/mY1d6or3gg"
Town of Franklin, MA:  new grant program for MA businesses
Town of Franklin, MA:  new grant program for MA businesses

Franklin, MA: 1960 to 1969 (video)

Joe Landry provides this video about the history of Franklin, MA from 1960 to 1969. 
 
Direct video link: https://youtu.be/okWoJhOc_aM

 

Franklin Police: Notification of scam


We have received several reports from residents who have received text messages stating that their "Concealed Carry" permit is ready, or today is the last day to sign up.
 
This is a SCAM. The Franklin Police Department does not text messages like this. The full application process is available on our website at: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/license-carry-firearms-ltc
 
Franklin Police: Notification of scam
Franklin Police: Notification of scam

Boston Globe: "Workers to get a boost in 2021 as new laws take effect Jan. 1"

The Boston Globe has the following:
"The new year will be an important one for workers’ rights in Massachusetts. Here are three key pieces of legislation that will take effect in 2021. The trio is part of a large labor and wages bill passed in 2018, known as the grand bargain. Advocates say several of the measures will help workers desperately in need of relief during the pandemic. In addition, starting this year workers will be eligible for holiday pay on Juneteenth, after officials recognized it as a state holiday.

1. Paid family and medical leave

Starting next year, all employees in Massachusetts will have access to paid family and medical leave that will allow up to 12 weeks of family leave and up to 20 weeks of medical leave, with the guarantee that they would be restored to their same or equivalent positions, with the same status, pay, and employment benefits."
 
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

"A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain"

The Boston Globe has the following:
"One moment, Governor Charlie Baker is asking people to lobby their legislators for some relatively modest funding as the state’s well of small-business relief funds runs dry.

The next: Baker unveils $668 million for grants, in particular to help several sectors hit hard by COVID-19 such as restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and hair salons.

The sharp turnabout last week surprised many small-business advocates — not to mention the budget writers in the Legislature.

A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain on the part of Baker’s Administration & Finance team?

Maybe a bit of both."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

CommonWealth Magazine: three articles of interest

From CommonWealth Magazine:

"Baker takes stock of unprecedented pandemic"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER’S feelings about the year 2020 echoed public sentiment when he slammed his fists on a lectern at the State House Wednesday afternoon.

“As we close out 2020, finally, we’re again urging everyone if they can to stay home,” Baker said, banging both fists."

Continue reading the article online
 
"House, Senate seem to be in no rush" 
"THE HOUSE ELECTED a new speaker on Wednesday, but otherwise the two legislative branches did little of consequence and adjourned until Monday.

That leaves just Monday and Tuesday for lawmakers to take action on a slew of pending bills, some of which have been stuck in conference committee trying to resolve differences between the two branches for months."
Continue reading the article online

"Ronald Mariano elected speaker of the Massachusetts House"
"IN A DAY filled with ceremonial pomp – but no suspense — the Massachusetts House on Wednesday selected Quincy Democrat Ronald Mariano to be the next speaker of the House.

In his inaugural address, Mariano laid out a series of major policy goals, while reiterating the philosophy of governance that he has applied until now: a focus on achieving consensus through compromise. “In the reality of governing, we must live in the world of the possible and not make perfection the enemy of progress,” Mariano said."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/ronald-mariano-elected-speaker-of-the-massachusetts-house/

 

"The Baker-Polito Administration today provided an update on the ongoing distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. Including shipments arriving today and tomorrow, the Commonwealth expects more than 287,000 vaccine doses to arrive in the state by the end of 2020"
Direct video link = https://youtu.be/HQ4Lfdh4Sl8

Commuter Rail notice - New Year's Eve service

On New Year's Eve, the Commuter Rail will run on the reduced weekday schedule. There will be no adjustments made to the schedule.

Affected routes:

  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston/Plymouth Line
  • Greenbush Line


Last Updated: Dec 30 2020 03:31 PM 

Additional info can be found on the MBTA page for the Franklin Line

 

Commuter Rail notice - New Year's Eve service
Commuter Rail notice - New Year's Eve service


Wednesday, December 30, 2020

FM #425 Fresh Start Market - 12/16/20 (audio)

FM #425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 425 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Fresh Start Market co-owner Bonnie Corso. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the social distancing requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how Bonnie and her husband Mark have spent many years developing the market which will open in the near future here in Franklin. They will be located in the Liquor World Plaza, in the space where the Shiva Market had been.

We talk about the timeline how they came to bring this to reality. How they used the Market Study developed by MAPC for Franklin to confirm three was an opportunity here. 

By way of disclosure: I did purchase a brick on their wall to help share the Franklin Matters Name. I did also contribute as an investor in their venture. We talk about this and how they will be part of the community in bringing a ‘farm to table’ approach to grab and go meals.

While I do believe in what they are doing, this radio program is part of my overall effort to share newsworthy goodness in Franklin. This happens to be a very good example of the stories I think are newsworthy.

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. 
Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H13TRRHS

 
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Follow Fresh Start Market on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartMkt/ 
On Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start.market/ 
Their investment opportunity page on MainVest  https://mainvest.com/b/fresh-start-market-franklin 
`
EDC Meeting with the MAPC Market Study presented and discussed
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-73030-audio.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/

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"

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session. Here is a cropped photo of Finian shared on the Fresh Start Market Instagram page  https://www.instagram.com/p/CJIEFN7gQ29/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our recording session
Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session


Town of Franklin: Holiday office hours for New Year's Eve, New Year's Day

The offices will close at noon on Thursday, December 31st, and will be closed on, Friday, January 1st. 

Have a happy and healthy holiday season!  

Town of Franklin: Holiday office hours for New Year's Eve, New Year's Day
Town of Franklin: Holiday office hours for New Year's Eve, New Year's Day


Boston Globe: "First Night Boston cancels New Year’s Eve Fireworks"

The Boston Globe has the following:
"Boston’s traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks displays are canceled for the first time since 1975 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In November, the First Night Boston celebration typically held around Boston and over Boston Harbor was called off by organizers, according to the website, in favor of a livestreamed and broadcast event. First Night tweeted out a reminder Monday that the cancellation includes the traditional fireworks over the city."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Youth programs starting in January at YMCA

A few updates happening at the Y. They are offering 4 programs for youths of all ages and revising the athletes conditioning program. 

Everything will be starting in January.


Kids running club
Kids running club

Up N’ Run
Up N’ Run


Town of Franklin, MA: Diner Code of Conduct

"Do you have plans to go out to eat at one of our great restaurants?  (or anywhere for that matter!) 
Please read the Diner Code of Conduct and #DoYourPart to keep yourself, other diners, and the employees safe! 
#DoYouPartFranklin #BeKind #BeRespectful" https://t.co/NbwhgWYY2X
Town of Franklin, MA: Diner Code of Conduct
Town of Franklin, MA: Diner Code of Conduct 


Franklin, MA: 1950 to 1959 (video)

Joe Landry provides this video about the history of Franklin, MA from 1950 to 1959. 
 
Direct video link: https://youtu.be/Bgl12IcLKLU

 

 

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID-19 Dashboard


The Town of Franklin COVID-19 Dashboard can be found here bit.ly/TOFDshbrd 
new 'dashboard view' = https://t.co/jPvsvLAL0O
Shared from Twitter = https://t.co/pUiGppThKQ


The new presentation of data uses the same data previously shared
The chart below details the confirmed, recovered, and isolated cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Franklin. This data reflects the most current information available and will be updated with additional information as confirmed counts are released through the Franklin Board of Health from the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Data for this table is based on information available in the Department of Public Health surveillance database at a single point in time. Case counts for specific cities and towns change throughout the day, as data cleaning occurs (removal of duplicate reports within the system) and new demographic information (assigning cases to their city or town of residence) is obtained. Statewide data is here  (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting

 

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID-19 Dashboard
Town of Franklin, MA: COVID-19 Dashboard


Abortion access policies become law in MA

The Boston Globe has the following on the override of Gov Baker:

"Abortion rights will be formally codified in state law, and access to the procedure will be expanded after the Senate on Tuesday joined the House in overriding Governor Charlie Baker’s veto of the legislation.

The Senate reaffirmed its support for the abortion access measures on a 32-8 vote, one day after the House’s 107-46 vote."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

CommonWealth Magazine has the following

On Ma.gov, the actual legislative text  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5179


Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & 
Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Treasurer Collector, Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills. 

The due date for these bills is February 1, 2021


Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed
Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed



Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

From the current Solid Waste flyer
Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11
Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

FM #424 Planning Board Meeting - Food Pantry segment - 12/21/20 (audio)

FM #424 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 424 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the public hearing segment of the Planning Board meeting held Monday, Dec 21, 2020. The segment covers the site plan and renovations for the proposed new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at 138 East Central St. 
 
The meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:
  • Surprise, the Planning Board is concerned about parking on the site
  • After initially objecting to a request for a waiver of the $1500 site plan fee, the Board did reconsider and vote to waive the fee. The Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 operation operating only on grants and donations to provide support for its clients, mostly Franklin residents
  • More importantly, the site is contaminated from previous use as an auto dealer and that complicates how to handle stormwater and snow removal. Should be impossible but will be complicated and possibly expensive
  • Residential abutter concerned about losing their green bush divider along the property line and to talk with the Food Pantry planners to work out an agreement

The recording runs just over an hour, so let’s listen to the Planning Board discussion on the Franklin Food Pantry plans to move into 138 East Central St.
Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-424-planning-board-mtg-food-pantry-segment-12-21-20
 

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

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/

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"

 

FM #424 Planning Board Meeting - Food Pantry segment - 12/2120 (audio)
FM #424 Planning Board Meeting - Food Pantry segment - 12/2120 (audio)

$668M available to support businesses in MA

 

"The Commonwealth has made an additional $668M available to support businesses. @MassGCC   will target a portion of these funds to sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship & loss of revenue due to #COVID19MA. #MAbiz"

Details: http://ow.ly/P72Z50CVyHy

 
$668M available to support businesses in MA
$668M available to support businesses in MA


CommonWealth Magazine: Deleo stepping down, House overrides Gov Baker's abortion veto

From CommonWealth Magazine:

"DeLeo stepping down; Mariano facing no opposition"

"IN A MESSAGE read by a tearful House clerk, Speaker Robert DeLeo announced he is resigning his position on Beacon Hill at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, setting the stage for the ascension of Majority Leader Ronald Mariano of Quincy to the top position in the chamber on Wednesday.

Shortly after the announcement just before 2 p.m., the speaker’s office said DeLeo would give a farewell address Tuesday afternoon and a caucus to elect a new speaker will be held on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online

"House overrides Baker’s abortion veto"

"THE HOUSE ON MONDAY voted 107-46 to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of legislation allowing women as young as 16 to obtain abortions without parental or judicial consent and expanding when pregnancies can be terminated after six months.

The Senate on Tuesday is expected to join the House in overriding the governor’s veto, giving the Legislature a victory on the issue of broader abortion access at a time when President Trump has added several justices perceived as anti-abortion to the US Supreme Court. It’s not clear if a Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision protecting a woman’s right to have an abortion without excessive government intervention, would have any impact in Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online
 

Student first amendment case coming to Supreme Court

In one of the first cases the Supreme Court will hear after the holiday break:
It was a Saturday in the spring of 2017, and a ninth-grade student in Pennsylvania was having a bad day. She had just learned that she had failed to make the varsity cheerleading squad and would remain on junior varsity.

The student expressed her frustration on social media, sending a message on Snapchat to about 250 friends. The message included an image of the student and a friend with their middle fingers raised, along with text expressing a similar sentiment. Using a curse word four times, the student expressed her dissatisfaction with “school,” “softball,” “cheer” and “everything.”

Though Snapchat messages are ephemeral by design, another student took a screenshot of this one and showed it to her mother, a coach. The school suspended the student from cheerleading for a year, saying the punishment was needed to “avoid chaos” and maintain a “teamlike environment.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Franklin, MA: 1940 to 1949 (video)

Joe Landry provides this video about the history of Franklin, MA from 1940 to 1949. 
 
Direct video link:  https://youtu.be/EqzlZYWnzu4

:

"confused by infectivity, contagiousness & transmissibility, you might find this helpful"

Fatima Tokhmafshan (she/elle) 🇨🇦🏳️‍🌈 (@DeNovo_Fatima) tweeted at 7:48 PM on Sun, Dec 27, 2020:
If like me, you're confused by infectivity, contagiousness & transmissibility, you might find👇🏽helpful.  
Big shoutout to @macroliter @KindrachukJason @angie_rasmussen, @sci_questions for helping clarify these concepts (would appreciate input if inaccuracies detected)

#scicomm https://t.co/3McqnBxwVY
Shared from Twitter
:https://twitter.com/DeNovo_Fatima/status/1343358162578112513?s=03


confused by infectivity, contagiousness & transmissibility, you might find👇🏽helpful
confused by infectivity, contagiousness & transmissibility, you might find this helpful

"The margin surpassed the two-thirds majority needed in both houses to force enactment of the bill"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"The Democratic-controlled House voted Monday to override President Donald Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill.

House members voted 322-87 to override the veto, well above the two-thirds needed to override. If approved by two-thirds of the Senate, the override would be the first of Trump’s presidency."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
The Washington Post also has this article
 
The New York Times also has this article
 
 


The election endgame is underway

Having completed watching "The Queen's Gambit" over the holiday weekend, the chess term is quite appropriate here. Some refer to politics as a game, I tend not to, especially since it affects our lives and livelihoods. Nonetheless, the term applies well. 
 
"A Republican congressman from Texas sued Vice President Mike Pence in the latest long-shot effort to reverse President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump.

In the lawsuit, Representative Louie Gohmert seeks a court order forcing the vice president to acknowledge what Gohmert claims is Pence’s power to disregard states’ chosen Democratic electors and instead select competing slates of GOP electors on Jan. 6.

That’s the day the Senate and House meet jointly to open and count certificates of electoral votes from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The vice president has the constitutional role of presiding over the Senate, which has traditionally included overseeing the formal acceptance of the Electoral College vote."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/28/business/pence-is-sued-by-republican-congressman-long-short-effort-reverse-bidens-victory-over-trump/

The Boston Globe headline "Pence is sued by Republican congressman in long-shot effort to reverse Biden’s victory over Trump". 

The podcast "What Trump Can Teach Us about Con(stitutional) Law" provides insights into this recent development in the Presidential Election of 2020  https://trumpconlaw.com/47-lame-duck
 
 

Monday, December 28, 2020

FM #422-423 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)

FM #422-423 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, another one in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 22, 2020

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour and thirty minute meeting into two logical segments:
  • First - covers the opening through the Guests/Presentations (approx. 1 hour and 23 minutes)
  • Second - picks up from the Superintendent's goals through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx. 1 hour and 9 minutes)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated due to the holiday break)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 22, 2020

Audio files: 





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


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

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/

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"

FM #422-324 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)
FM #422-324 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)


CommonWealth Magazine: steps to boost voting rights; let MA home bakers do their thing

 From CommonWealth Magazine:

"3 steps Mass. should take to boost voting rights
Too many of the state’s voters are disenfranchised"

"SINCE THE SHOT heard around the world at the battle of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts has been at the forefront of modern democracy. The Massachusetts Constitution – which was drafted by John Adams – formed the model for the United States Constitution and remains the oldest continuously-operating constitution in the world. Despite this history of democratic leadership, in recent years Massachusetts has fallen behind other states in ensuring that all eligible voters can register, vote, and have their votes count. The upcoming legislative session is an opportunity to change that and build on the work done in 2020 to open up voting to more people during the pandemic.

It was encouraging that Massachusetts leaders, like those in many other states, took important steps this year to expand early voting and to send vote-by-mail applications to every registered voter."

Continue reading the article online
 
"Let Mass. home bakers do their thing
Patchwork of regulations make starting a business difficult"
"RETIRED SALON OWNER and daycare provider Marcia Donnelly did not want to fight City Hall. She just wanted to sell home-baked sourdough bread from her kitchen in Southbridge.

Homemade food businesses are common and easy to start in 48 states, and have become increasingly popular during COVID-19. Worried about global supply chains and general uncertainty, the pandemic has boosted demand for fresh, locally sourced products. Unfortunately, Massachusetts has resisted the trend, along with New Jersey. “It was a battle from the get-go to set up my business,” Donnelly says."
Continue reading the article online


Memory Cafe' Monday, Dec 28 at 2 PM

Memory Cafe' with Mel Stiller sponsored by Atria Draper Place

Click below to join our Memory Cafe' Monday Dec. 28th at 2 PM
https://zoom.us/j/91644324462?pwd=aVVBeTVGalBaU2RjcGZvZTVrYU9Xdz09

Meeting ID: 916 4432 4462
Passcode: 387709

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,91644324462#,,,,*387709# US (Washington D.C)
+13126266799,,91644324462#,,,,*387709# US (Chicago)



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small


Memory Cafe' Monday, Dec 28 at 2 PM
Memory Cafe' Monday, Dec 28 at 2 PM

Franklin, MA: 1930 to 1939 (video)

Joe Landry provides this video about the history of Franklin, MA from 1930 to 1939. 
 
Direct video link: https://youtu.be/fKfxV65Jzvo
 

"Taking Back Control - A Resetting of America’s Response to Covid-19"


"Ten days ago, the @RockefellerFdn released a white paper on how we could reopen all US schools over the next new months with aggressive government investment in frequent proactive COVID testing and more.

I think it's an important report. Some highlights:" https://t.co/VLAyty3Dbu  
Shared from Twitter:https://t.co/awoUuzrY2W

"Taking Back Control - A Resetting of America’s Response to Covid-19"
"Taking Back Control - A Resetting of America’s Response to Covid-19"


The Hill: "CDC issues new guidance about vaccinations for people with underlying health conditions"

From The Hill

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday issued a new guidance stating that people with underlying health conditions can receive a coronavirus vaccine.

The guidance explains that “adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.”  

Thus, the CDC added that those vaccines that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration “may be administered to people with underlying medical conditions provided they have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.” 

Continue reading the article online

 
 

Stimulus and government spending bill signed to avoid Federal government shutdown

Via The Hill

"President Trump on Sunday signed the government funding and coronavirus relief package, the White House said, averting a government shutdown and delivering economic aid as the pandemic worsens.

Trump signed off on the $2.3 trillion package from his golf club in West Palm Beach, Fla., days after he expressed displeasure with the spending outlined in the omnibus and complained that the coronavirus relief measure should include direct payments of $2,000 per person, up from $600.

But the delay came after unemployment benefits expired for millions of Americans on Saturday as the bill went unsigned. Trump has visited his golf club in Florida each day since arriving in the state on Wednesday and has made no public appearances. "
Continue reading the article online
 
Related articles
 
 

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Putter Day 2021 - So as it is fixed, so let it be done.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/27/2020

Once again Putter Day (a fave of mine) is nigh.  My ersatz holiday returns on Jan 1 to usher in the New year, and I celebrate by – puttering.

This  year  I  will  fix  the  kitchen  cabinet  door  (again).   This  time  for  sure.  I  will approach the ‘honey-do’ chores list – with some cautious optimism. Will I actually reduce it to zero items? Not likely, but hope springs eternal.

However, for some of the hardest hit in 2020 – perhaps not so much. Hope becomes elusive. Many have lost their loved ones. Tragically, many more will likely follow. With job losses unabated, risk of eviction, food insecurity and financial desperation for so many, I am putting an item at the top of my puttering chores list.
Putter Day 2021 - So as it is fixed, so let it be done.


On this Putter Day, I will celebrate 2021 by doing something to help someone else. There is indeed a dire need to be met, and Putter day is all about doing. What better way to celebrate Putter day than to do unto others – in kindness.

Although the year ahead holds great promise, we still have to get through these darkest of days and return to brighter and better times ahead. That patient journey requires ongoing diligence and vigilance by all.

Until those brighter days, please don’t be among the callously cavalier and careless. The pandemic continues to be all too real. Social distancing is the new social grace. A mask is the new, must-have, fashion accessory. Flaunt it – with flair.

Don’t leave home without it.

I wish you a happy and productive New Year and better/putter days ahead. And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.


Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh7gPXv7vFVblU2Ed_rrjnQNfY_hsTsk/view?usp=sharing