https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/town_inspections_7-17-2020.pdf
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| Attention Franklin: Town Inspections to Resume July 20 |
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Attention Franklin: Town Inspections to Resume July 20
Please find information on our town inspections procedures attached here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/town_inspections_7-17-2020.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/town_inspections_7-17-2020.pdf
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #25 (and policing reform)
CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #25
Friday, July 17, 2020
Dear friends,
Just after 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, after roughly 17 hours of debate, the Senate passed the Reform, Shift + Build Act. This omnibus bill, produced by a bipartisan Racial Justice Working Group appointed by the Senate President, will increase police accountability, shift law enforcement away from surveillance and punishment and instead toward de-escalation and community strengthening, and build a more just and equitable Commonwealth. The bill reflects what many have shared that they want in this moment of change and presents a strong first step toward dismantling systemic racism in Massachusetts.
The Reform, Shift + Build Act makes a number of important reforms, including explicitly banning racial profiling in policing, reducing the militarization of local law enforcement agencies, and requiring law enforcement officers to intervene if another is using unnecessary force. One of the most central components of the bill is the creation of the Police Officer Standards and Accreditation Commission (POSAC), which will certify and de-certify officers and maintain a publicly searchable database of complaints against officers to ensure that officers fired for misconduct cannot be hired by another agency in our state. Additionally, the bill would restore to its original purpose the doctrine of qualified immunity, allowing civil lawsuits against law enforcement officers who commit egregious misconduct and civil rights violations. I delivered a detailed speech on qualified immunity during the debate on the Senate floor.
I proposed five amendments to the already strong base bill, and three were adopted. (The other two were outside the scope of the bill.) My adopted amendments help to avoid the use of tear gas and improve transparency by ensuring that police officer misconduct becomes part of the public record. While there is plenty more work to do, together, the Reform, Shift + Build Act is a significant first step toward responding to the needs of Black and brown communities and other communities that are overpoliced and overrepresented in our criminal justice system.
I know racial equity and police accountability are important issues to so many of my constituents. I received hundreds of emails in support of these ideals, and I saw many people in person at physically distanced Black Lives Matter demonstrations throughout our district, as we joined people around the globe to call for justice for Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and all victims of anti-Black violence. I received several contacts in opposition as well, but the contacts calling for racial justice and policing reform outnumbered the opposition messages by more than double.
If you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times during this public health crisis and need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My team and I are hard at work connecting constituents with resources they need, whether it is collecting unemployment benefits, accessing food stamps, reaching state agencies, and more. My office line is 617-722-1555 and my email is becca.rausch@masenate.gov. We are here to help.
Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.
Yours in service,
Senator Becca Rausch
The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents, follow this link: https://mailchi.mp/fc07fb8832e2/covid19-update-12609752?e=0c2c9810fe
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| Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #25 (and policing reform) |
Town of Franklin: Have you used our municipal building's drive-up window?
Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 1:01 PM on Fri, Jul 17, 2020:
"Our municipal building's drive-up window is quite unique! It serves as a safe & easily accessible point of contact! Window service is available Monday - Friday for our residents and businesses. Spread the word! https://t.co/a7BxPDQK5E #driveup #customerservice #openforbusiness" https://t.co/Vl9qqG4A1F
"Our municipal building's drive-up window is quite unique! It serves as a safe & easily accessible point of contact! Window service is available Monday - Friday for our residents and businesses. Spread the word! https://t.co/a7BxPDQK5E #driveup #customerservice #openforbusiness" https://t.co/Vl9qqG4A1F
Our municipal building's drive-up window is quite unique! It serves as a safe & easily accessible point of contact! Window service is available Monday - Friday for our residents and businesses. Spread the word! https://t.co/a7BxPDQK5E #driveup #customerservice #openforbusiness pic.twitter.com/Vl9qqG4A1F— Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) July 17, 2020
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| Town of Franklin: Have you used our municipal building's drive-up window? |
In the News: "Katie Cashin makes immediate splash at Drew University"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20200717/franklin-raised-swimmer-katie-cashin-makes-immediate-splash-at-drew-university
(https://twitter.com/ms_gordo/status/1284159878391648257?s=03)
"On Feb. 16 in Germantown, Md., Katie Cashin stood on a podium. It had become a familiar feeling for Cashin, just as it was for the man who inspired her to start swimming: Olympic legend Michael Phelps.
The former Franklin High standout holds five school records with the Panthers. Now, she is a rising sophomore at Drew University, and she made quite a splash while setting new records in her first year at the Madison, N.J., school.
In her freshman year, Cashin was named the Landmark Conference Women’s Rookie of the Year after a season in which she won four gold medals in addition to a silver and a bronze. She followed in the footsteps of two-time conference Swimmer of the Year Mal Vishwanath, who had claimed the league’s Rookie of the Year three years prior.
“Seeing Katie stand where I stood three years ago just brought a feeling of such pride,” said Vishwanath, who is from Bangalore, India."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20200717/franklin-raised-swimmer-katie-cashin-makes-immediate-splash-at-drew-university
Colleen Gordon (@ms_gordo) tweeted at 0:15 PM on Fri, Jul 17, 2020:https://t.co/GWo7ST1UwH
"Go Katie!! Well deserved praise for this most talented, hardest working and humblest of student-athletes. The definition of a #neverquit attitude. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 #pantherpride @FHSPantherbook @FHSSports @FranklinMatters"
(https://twitter.com/ms_gordo/status/1284159878391648257?s=03)
The Dean Difference to be delivered remotely for Fall 2020
Read the below message from Dean College President Dr. Paula M. Rooney regarding the Fall 2020 semester at Dean College:
https://www.dean.edu/about-dean/fall-2020-semester/
"Thank you to the Dean Community for your patience during these past few months as we have navigated our way through this unprecedented time and meticulously prepared plans for the Fall 2020 semester. Throughout this process, the health and well-being of our entire Community has been and will continue to be our primary concern.
In reviewing our COVID-19 Fall opening plans, current health data, the worsening conditions across the country, and the guidance of medical and public health officials, we have grown increasingly concerned in recent weeks by the resurgence of the virus. Given this reality and the likelihood of a second wave in late summer and into the Fall, we have doubts about our ability to deliver an on campus/residential experience without disruption.
Our careful and thorough planning process has led us to the difficult decision that all classes and activities will be online for the Fall 2020 semester. This decision was made with our firm belief that the safety of our entire community cannot and will not be compromised. Though we are confident this decision is the right one, we profoundly share in everyone’s disappointment as we were all looking forward to the return of our students to campus this Fall.Continue reading the message online at Dean
Let me share how together we will achieve our goal of an authentic Dean experience during our Fall 2020 semester. As always, our objective is for every Dean student to share in the extraordinary personal experience we have come to know as The Dean Difference.
https://www.dean.edu/about-dean/fall-2020-semester/
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| given the weather, let's get a winter photo of Dean |
Starting July 30, census takers will be visiting Franklin
The U.S. Census Bureau announced that it will begin following up with households in select areas that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census.
Starting July 30, census takers will begin interviewing households in areas managed by the following 35 area census offices across 14 states and Puerto Rico:
Per the 2020 Census map, Franklin is covered by the Quincy office
Franklin's response rate hasn't changed much since last reported here. We are at 77.2 percent (only .2 percent more in the last two weeks).
Households can still respond now by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire they received, by responding online at 2020census.gov, or by phone at 844-330-2020. Households can also respond online or by phone in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more. Those that respond will not need to be visited to obtain their census response.
What Households Can Expect
The Census Bureau will provide face masks to census takers and requires that census takers wear a mask while conducting their work. They will follow CDC and local public health guidelines when they visit. Census takers must complete a virtual COVID-19 training on social distancing protocols and other health and safety guidance before beginning their work in neighborhoods.
Census takers are hired from local communities. All census takers speak English, and many are bilingual. If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the household may request a return visit from a census taker who does. Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language.
If no one is home when the census taker visits, the census taker will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail. People are encouraged to cooperate with census takers and ensure that everyone who was living in their household as of April 1, 2020, is counted.
How to Identify Census Takers
Census takers can be easily identified (https://2020census.gov/en/census-takers.html) by a valid government ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date on the badge. To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public may contact their regional census center (https://2020census.gov/en/contact-us/rcc.html) to speak with a Census Bureau representative.
How are these Offices Selected for the Early Start to Deploying Census Takers?
Career Census Bureau operational leadership makes the decision on when and where area census offices will begin following up with households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. As part of the selection criteria, we ensured these offices offered a variety of situations to help roll out the systems. We also followed a thorough review of the operating status of a state, locality or tribal area; the key data that support that operating status as identified by federal, state and local guidance; and the ability of Census Bureau staff to safely resume operations, including the procurement of personal protective equipment.
About the 2020 Census
The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone who lives in the United States on April 1, 2020 (Census Day). Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years.
For more information, visit 2020census.gov.
Starting July 30, census takers will begin interviewing households in areas managed by the following 35 area census offices across 14 states and Puerto Rico:
- Aurora, Colorado North and Denver, Colorado
- Danbury, Connecticut
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Chicago Central, Chicago Far Southwest, Chicago South, Cook County Northwest, Cook County South, Dekalb, Oswego, Peoria and Skokie, Illinois
- Indianapolis and Lake County, Indiana
- Quincy, Waltham and Worcester, Massachusetts
Per the 2020 Census map, Franklin is covered by the Quincy office
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| 2020 Census map, Franklin is covered by the Quincy office |
Franklin's response rate hasn't changed much since last reported here. We are at 77.2 percent (only .2 percent more in the last two weeks).
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| Franklin's response rate for 2020 Census |
Households can still respond now by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire they received, by responding online at 2020census.gov, or by phone at 844-330-2020. Households can also respond online or by phone in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more. Those that respond will not need to be visited to obtain their census response.
What Households Can Expect
The Census Bureau will provide face masks to census takers and requires that census takers wear a mask while conducting their work. They will follow CDC and local public health guidelines when they visit. Census takers must complete a virtual COVID-19 training on social distancing protocols and other health and safety guidance before beginning their work in neighborhoods.
Census takers are hired from local communities. All census takers speak English, and many are bilingual. If a census taker does not speak the householder’s language, the household may request a return visit from a census taker who does. Census takers will also have materials on hand to help identify the household’s language.
If no one is home when the census taker visits, the census taker will leave a notice of their visit with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail. People are encouraged to cooperate with census takers and ensure that everyone who was living in their household as of April 1, 2020, is counted.
How to Identify Census Takers
Census takers can be easily identified (https://2020census.gov/en/census-takers.html) by a valid government ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date on the badge. To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public may contact their regional census center (https://2020census.gov/en/contact-us/rcc.html) to speak with a Census Bureau representative.
How are these Offices Selected for the Early Start to Deploying Census Takers?
Career Census Bureau operational leadership makes the decision on when and where area census offices will begin following up with households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. As part of the selection criteria, we ensured these offices offered a variety of situations to help roll out the systems. We also followed a thorough review of the operating status of a state, locality or tribal area; the key data that support that operating status as identified by federal, state and local guidance; and the ability of Census Bureau staff to safely resume operations, including the procurement of personal protective equipment.
About the 2020 Census
The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone who lives in the United States on April 1, 2020 (Census Day). Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years.
For more information, visit 2020census.gov.
In the News: "much of the evidence is inconclusive"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
The NY Times article on a related report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/health/coronavirus-schools-reopening.html
Go directly to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report
https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2020/07/schools-should-prioritize-reopening-in-fall-2020-especially-for-grades-k-5-while-weighing-risks-and-benefits
"What role children play in the coronavirus pandemic is the hot-button question of the summer as kids relish their free time while schools labor over how to resume classes.
The Trump administration says the science “is very clear,” but many doctors who specialize in pediatrics and infectious diseases say much of the evidence is inconclusive.
“There are still a lot of unanswered questions. That is the biggest challenge,” said Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, a pediatrics professor at the University of Florida and former scientist at the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Several studies suggest, but don’t prove, that children are less likely to become infected than adults and more likely to have only mild symptoms."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200717/how-does-covid-19-affect-kids-science-has-answers-and-gaps/1?rssfeed=true
The NY Times article on a related report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/health/coronavirus-schools-reopening.html
Go directly to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report
"Weighing the health risks of reopening K-12 schools in fall 2020 against the educational risks of providing no in-person instruction, school districts should prioritize reopening schools full time, especially for grades K-5 and students with special needs, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Opening schools will benefit families beyond providing education, including by supplying child care, school services, meals, and other family supports. Without in-person instruction, schools risk children falling behind academically and exacerbating educational inequities."Continue reading the report online:
https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2020/07/schools-should-prioritize-reopening-in-fall-2020-especially-for-grades-k-5-while-weighing-risks-and-benefits
In the News: "Policing reform push amplified at Statehouse rally"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200717/policing-reform-push-amplified-at-statehouse-rally?rssfeed=true
"Faith and labor leaders on Friday urged lawmakers to continue the policing reform work begun this week in the Senate, as the wait continues for a House bill that, if approved, would need to be reconciled quickly with a sweeping Senate proposal.
As reverends and union representatives gathered outside the Statehouse, the House on Friday at 11 a.m. closed its window for public testimony on the Senate plan (S 2820), after announcing Wednesday night that it was inviting anyone to submit feedback by email.
“To our representatives who have received undue pressure to succumb to mediocrity, to lay down and allow the status quo to exist, who are wavering, struggling about what to do, our message is courage,” Harvard University’s Muslim Chaplain Shaykh Khalil Abdur-Rashid said. “If you do not have courage now, when will you have courage? Our message is character. If you do not have character now, when will you have character?”
Formal legislative sessions are scheduled to end for the year in two weeks so a House plan is expected any day now, although top Democrats have not announced any definitive plans."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200717/policing-reform-push-amplified-at-statehouse-rally?rssfeed=true
Friday, July 17, 2020
Frank's Music with Frank Falvey: "Women Of The Grand Ol Opry #1" (audio)
Frank Falvey has a radio show called "Frank's Music". Self described as 'eclectic' you hear some good music and info about the songs and the performers. Frank records with Jim Derick as they "search for the meaning in music."
These shows are part of the Franklin Public Radio playlist and also available on SoundCloud. Franklin Public Radio is 102.9 on the local FM radio dial or anywhere in your browser at wfpr.fm
This session covers "Women Of The Grand Ol Opry". This is part one of two. You'll need to have patience and wait for the second episode to be shared on the radio and then via SoundCloud.
Audio link = https://soundcloud.com/user-653308056/woman-of-the-grand-ol-opry-1
These shows are part of the Franklin Public Radio playlist and also available on SoundCloud. Franklin Public Radio is 102.9 on the local FM radio dial or anywhere in your browser at wfpr.fm
Thursday = 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank FalveyThe show repeats on Saturday at 10:00 AM
Frank explores a range of music genres and artists
This session covers "Women Of The Grand Ol Opry". This is part one of two. You'll need to have patience and wait for the second episode to be shared on the radio and then via SoundCloud.
Audio link = https://soundcloud.com/user-653308056/woman-of-the-grand-ol-opry-1
Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Fire Dept, and Police Dept
Job Opportunities
To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.
- Police Patrol Officer
- Firefighter/Paramedic - 2 vacancies
- Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent - Department of Public Works
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/storm-water-and-environmental-affairs-superintendent-jobposting-july2020_0.pdf
If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf
If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf
To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here http://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe
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| Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Fire Dept, and Police Dept |
Families Continue to Pay Tribute to Veterans
The fourth installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway took place recently on the Franklin Town Common. The next installation is planned for November 2020 to coincide with Veterans Day. Bricks must be purchased by September 14 for this installation.
Veterans being honored do not have to be Franklin residents. For more information or to purchase an engraved brick, contact the Franklin Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 or go to: www.franklinveteransbricks.com for online orders. Engraved bricks are $100 each.
Veterans being honored do not have to be Franklin residents. For more information or to purchase an engraved brick, contact the Franklin Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 or go to: www.franklinveteransbricks.com for online orders. Engraved bricks are $100 each.
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| Pictured left to right: Dale Kurtz, Franklin VSO, and members of the Franklin Veterans Council, Sue Theriot, Ernest Carruthers and Bob Gardner with Bill Fredrick of C & A Masonry, Inc. of Franklin. |
Senate Passes Bill to Invest in Massachusetts Transportation
Senate Passes Bill to Invest in Massachusetts Transportation
Legislation authorizes millions of dollars to help accelerate transportation projects in MetroWest
The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday (July 16) passed legislation to jumpstart investment in transportation infrastructure and make the Commonwealth's transportation system more reliable and accessible to residents. The bill includes critical transportation investments for the communities of Framingham, Ashland, Hopkinton, Natick, Franklin, Holliston and Medway.
"As a long-time advocate for investment in transportation and regional equity, I am thrilled to see this bill invest in projects and ideas that put us on the road to creating a more accessible and reliable system for travelers across MetroWest," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The approach advanced today helps us begin the critical work of improving our infrastructure and provides us with new tools to tackle our transportation challenges. Additionally, the investments outlined today will assist our communities at a time of economic uncertainty. I would like to thank Senators Joe Boncore, Michael Rodrigues, and Michael Moore for all their hard work on this legislation and look forward to it swiftly becoming law."
In response to concerns from community members over potential congestion caused by the Allston Multimodal Project, Senate President Spilka set aside $50M of the $250M authorization for the project to be used for traffic mitigation efforts. That funding will help support a requirement of the funding that two tracks on the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line be preserved with no reduction in service. Additionally, it would require the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to make public a congestion mitigation plan to ensure the Department develops the most robust mitigation plan feasible. The mitigation plan will be developed in conjunction with key MetroWest stakeholders and provide opportunity for public input from residents of the region.
Senate President Spilka is particularly thrilled to announce the bill includes the following investment authorizations for MetroWest:
- $50M of $250M for the Allston multi-modal project dedicated to mitigation efforts
- $8M for a parking structure at downtown Framingham's commuter rail station
- $2M for Framingham to alleviate flooding at the intersection of Route 9 and 126
- $2.5M for parking improvements at the Ashland commuter rail station
- $4M for improvement to Route 135 and Frankland Road in Ashland
- $1.5M for Franklin commuter rail downtown parking
- $1.5M for Holliston downtown traffic improvements
- $1.5M for sidewalk and pedestrian safety in Hopkinton
- $1.5M for sidewalk and pedestrian safety in Medway
- $1M for sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements to Route 27 in Natick
These localized authorizations were included as part of An Act Authorizing and Accelerating Transportation Investment, which authorizes more than $16 billion in bonds for a wide variety of statewide infrastructure projects, including both upkeep and maintenance, as well as modernization. In addition to addressing issues such as construction, regional initiatives, traffic congestion, and transportation network companies, this legislation will provide significant support for residents of the Commonwealth by implementing a low-income fare program which will provide discounted transit fares to qualifying riders on MBTA transportation, including the commuter rail, starting on Jan. 1st, 2022.
The bill provides hundreds of millions of dollars in additional authorizations for, among other items, Regional Transit Authorities, a pavement improvement program, to address regional bottlenecks, bus transit infrastructure partnership, municipal small bridge program, South Station improvements, new cape cod canal bridges, for a public realm improvement program in response to COVID-19, electric vehicle grants for municipalities and RTAs, regional transportation project and federally aided highways. More than a billion dollars in funding is also authorized for the next generation bridge program.
The bill represents an important step in reducing traffic congestion, and tasks the Department of Transportation with collecting new information and creating expert-driven plans to respond to the issue. These include seeking federal approval to join the Value Pricing Pilot Program, which provides state agencies with options to manage congestion and establishing a special commission on roadway and congestion pricing, which would also investigate and recommend options for regionally equitable roadway pricing mechanisms. Additionally, the bill allows public authorities to more clearly include time as a factor in evaluating private bids for construction projects.
At the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, two new offices are created by the bill: An Office of Bus Transformation and an Office of Rail Enhancement. Each office would be dedicated to improving the productivity, equity and environmental sustainability of its respective system.
The bill addresses the growth of transportation network companies by increasing reporting requirements so that local and state government can better respond to congestion resulting from increased rides.
In a move that will give regions better control over their transportation infrastructure, the bill allows cities and towns, upon local acceptance by local government and local voters at the ballot, to utilize certain revenue sources for transportation-related projects within the municipality or region.
The bill also defines and regulates the amounts of fines for a several transportation-related activities. Penalties are defined for improper use of a designated bus lane, for railroads who fail to provide timely and sufficient flaggers, speeding in an active construction zone, and failure to move a vehicle involved in a crash from a travel lane on a public way.
The bill must now be reconciled with legislation previously passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
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| Senate Passes Bill to Invest in Massachusetts Transportation |
Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser - July 23-26
Super fancy but Margot made a QR code for the 3K Fun Run July 23-26!
Use your phone's camera and try it!
* If the QR code doesn't work, the info was posted here previously
Franklin radar picked up the QR code via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1283719342270676992?s=09
Use your phone's camera and try it!
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| https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1283719342270676992/photo/1 |
* If the QR code doesn't work, the info was posted here previously
Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA is pleased to announce our first Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser. This year, we're welcoming walkers and runners from near and far to join us in our social distancing 3K. All proceeds from this event will help support Temple Etz Chaim as we support our local community.
Join us Thursday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 26th to get out and get in your steps. You may complete the full 3K (1.8 miles) at one time or across multiple walks/run. Use your iPhone, Fitbit, pedometer, Google maps, or any other tracking device to measure your distance. Walk or run as individual, with your family, or join a larger team remotely, and submit your results here. We're also encouraging participants to get on Facebook and tag us @TempleEtzChaimMA showing us your favorite way to get active and healthy while staying safe.
Participants may also opt to purchase a customized Temple Etz Chaim 3K medal at an additional by clicking here https://www.etsy.com/EngraveGuys/listing/814937628/custom-temple-3k-medal-with-blue-ribbon
We look forward to sharing this great community-building 3K experience with all of you!
For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boardofdirector3@temple-etzchaim.org
Register onlinehttps://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser
Franklin radar picked up the QR code via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1283719342270676992?s=09
Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Residents from Mosquito-Borne Viruses
Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Residents from Mosquito-Borne Viruses
Bill creates system to help Massachusetts mitigate spread of arboviruses like EEE
The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed legislation that will help protect residents from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne arbovirus that is rare but can be fatal. The bill, which now moves to the governor's desk, comes amid an already active mosquito season across the state.
"We must act quickly to protect our residents given the mosquito season is well underway and health officials this week discovered the presence of the EEE virus for the third time after testing mosquito samples," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Central Massachusetts, for the first time, was one of the many areas impacted by last year's EEE outbreak. With chances of EEE continuing to spread to other areas of the state, now is the time to act. This bill establishes a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling EEE that will reach all corners of the Commonwealth. I would like to thank Senators Comerford and Rodrigues for advancing this issue with urgency. I look forward to seeing this critical bill become law."
Last year, Massachusetts saw a resurgence of EEE, with more than two hundred communities designated as moderate to critical risk by the Department of Public Health (DPH). The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can impact humans of any age as well as animals. Massachusetts typically experiences outbreaks every 10-20 years, and the outbreak can last for two to three years. In late September 2019, the DPH confirmed three people died due to EEE. Prior to 2019, the most recent outbreak, according to state health officials, began in 2010.
The bill authorizes the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) to take actions to reduce the mosquito population if the Department of Public Health determines there may be an elevated risk of EEE.
These actions include public education, surveillance of the mosquito population, elimination of standing water and application of larvicides that safely prevent mosquitoes from becoming adults. The SRMCB would also be authorized to conduct aerial pesticide spraying, subject to notifying the public and putting in place procedural safeguards. Certain landowners, such as owners of organic farms, may apply to opt-out of spraying, and a municipality may opt-out of spraying if the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs approves an alternative mosquito management plan provided by the municipality. The bill also creates a Mosquito Control for the 21st Century Task Force to recommend reforms to modernize and improve the state's mosquito control system.
The bill now moves to the governor for consideration.
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| Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Residents from Mosquito-Borne Viruses |
In the News: Contollo a finalist "in the Lever’s COVID-19 Intrapreneur Challenge"
"About a dozen finalists selected from across the state will participate in a five-week virtual acceleration program in which they will learn about Lever’s intrapreneur curriculum. Each finalist will give a virtual pitch at the end of the program. A $25,000 prize will be given to the winner to start a commercial scale of PPE.
“We are very pleased to be a part of the challenge and we are looking forward to the final presentation. We believe our idea is really unique and helpful and we are certain we’ll be in the running to win,” Kennedy said.
Lever will also be running a second challenge to help support the state’s reopening processes. This challenge will also end with a virtual presentation and the winner will be awarded a $25,000 prize to scale production of is innovation.
Also nominated is Peter Berzin, who has worked to transform Contollo Mass Manufacturing in Franklin from a vacant factory to one that can produce roughly 2,500 medical gowns a day. The factory, housed in the building once operated by the Clark-Cutler-McDermott company at 5 Fisher St."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200716/shrewsbury-and-franklin-companies-recognized-for-work-and-are-finalists-in-levers-covid-19-intrapreneur-challenge?rssfeed=true
Contollo donated PPE to area Fire Depts on June 30, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/contollo-mass-manufacturing-donates-ppe.html
Chilson Beach water quality tested weekly
The Town of Franklin (https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA) tweeted:
Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1283838782236745732?s=09
"The water at Chilson Beach at Beaver Pond is tested weekly by the Board of Health and is currently safe. If the safety status of the water changes, the public will be informed and notifications will be posted.
Thank you!"
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| Chilson Beach water quality tested weekly |
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1283838782236745732?s=09
Unsupported = "fact-checkers opted to say there was 'no evidence'"
From the Poynter Institute we share this article:
Continue reading the article online
https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2020/unsupported-a-powerful-rating-to-flag-covid-19-conspiracy-theories/
Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/Poynter/status/1283774388483940353?s=09
Public data is the raw material with which fact-checkers work every day. Without it, the credibility of rating information as false — without being able to show the reasoning behind the decision — is weakened, no matter how obviously false the content seems. But there is a way to navigate this, even if data is not accessible.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when conspiracy theories and misinformation related to vaccines, thermometers, and miraculous prevention methods are gaining steam on social media, the fact-checking community has found a simple – and honest – way to say something is probably not 100% true.
Fact-checkers are posting articles with intermediary rating labels such as “unsupported” and “no evidence” to alert audiences to highly dubious content.
In the list of more than 7,800 fact-checks published by the CoronaVirusFacts alliance (http://poy.nu/alliancedatabase), the collaborative project that since January brings together 99 fact-checking organizations from around the world, there are at least 107 articles in which fact-checkers opted to say there was “no evidence” regarding the truthfulness of a certain piece of information rather than flagging it as completely “false”. One-third of these checks were produced in the last two months.
Continue reading the article online
https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2020/unsupported-a-powerful-rating-to-flag-covid-19-conspiracy-theories/
Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/Poynter/status/1283774388483940353?s=09
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| Unsupported = "fact-checkers opted to say there was 'no evidence'" |
In the News: MA State flag to be redesigned; Re-opening plans in other states being rolled back
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200716/senators-will-consider-replacing-massachusetts-state-flag-and-seal?rssfeed=true
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200716/at-least-half-of-all-states-including-california-and-michigan-pause-reopening-or-take-steps-to-halt-spread-of-covid-19?rssfeed=true
"In a moment that spoke to the political charge permeating throughout the state amid debate over racial justice and pandemic impacts, three distinct rallies entangled into a mass group of advocates on the State House steps Thursday with one group calling for a redesign of the state’s flag and motto out of respect for Native Americans.
The movement to replace the state’s motto and images on the flag seems to be growing as conversations on policing have also engulfed Beacon Hill. Indigenous people, advocates, and lawmakers took to the steps of the capitol to urge the Legislature to consider three bills that would replace the state flag and motto, ban Native American mascots, and refine laws around repatriation and disposition of Native American human remains.
United American Indians of New England and the North American Indian Center of Boston helped organize Thursday’s event where Sens. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) paid tribute to the state’s Native American tribes and supported the bills.
Lewis said Senate Democrats planned at a midday caucus to discuss bills “to replace the seal and flag and to prohibit [Native American] images and mascots in our high schools.”Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200716/senators-will-consider-replacing-massachusetts-state-flag-and-seal?rssfeed=true
"A week after the United States surpassed 3,000,000 coronavirus cases — around a quarter of the world’s cases and deaths — the coronavirus pandemic continues unabated. Nearly half of all states, per a USA TODAY study, are facing a more rapid spike in cases than in the spring.
Governors and other leaders in states including California, Texas and Michigan continue to grapple with plans to reopen their economies – or slow them down again – amid this severe uptick in cases. Among measures on the table: shutting down high-capacity businesses such as bars and gyms, halting elective surgeries and requiring people to wear masks."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200716/at-least-half-of-all-states-including-california-and-michigan-pause-reopening-or-take-steps-to-halt-spread-of-covid-19?rssfeed=true
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Frank's Music with Frank Falvey: "The Softer Side of the 50's" (audio)
Frank Falvey has a radio show called "Frank's Music". Self described as 'eclectic' you hear some good music and info about the songs and the performers. Frank records with Jim Derick as they "search for the meaning in music."
These shows are part of the Franklin Public Radio playlist and also available on SoundCloud. Franklin Public Radio is 102.9 on the local FM radio dial or anywhere in your browser at wfpr.fm
This session covers "The Softer Side of the 50's."
Audio link = https://soundcloud.com/user-653308056/the-softer-side-of-the-50s
These shows are part of the Franklin Public Radio playlist and also available on SoundCloud. Franklin Public Radio is 102.9 on the local FM radio dial or anywhere in your browser at wfpr.fm
Thursday = 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank FalveyThe show repeats on Saturday at 10:00 AM
Frank explores a range of music genres and artists
This session covers "The Softer Side of the 50's."
Audio link = https://soundcloud.com/user-653308056/the-softer-side-of-the-50s
Circle of Friends: Don White online concert Thurs, July 23
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