Saturday, August 15, 2020

Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1

COUNCILLOR (Governor’s Council)

The Governor's Council is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, and the Lieutenant Governor who serves ex officio.  They provide advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments, pardons and commutations, and warrants for the state treasury.

For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/orgs/governors-council

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

REGISTER OF PROBATE   NORFOLK COUNTY

The register of probate administers the probate court, which primarily handles family legal matters (including divorce and child custody cases), and wills and estates. The register of probate provides the court's services and keeps the court's records.

For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/locations/norfolk-probate-and-family-court

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

COUNTY TREASURER NORFOLK COUNTY

The County Treasurer is responsible for the collection, custody and management all money belonging to the County government, and disbursement of those funds according to law. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping financial records, including bills, vouchers, and documentation of borrowings and debt, to be accessible for future reference., and annually prepares and publishes a report of the County receipts and expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.  

 The Treasurer also acts as Chairman of the County Retirement Board.  

The County Treasurer is an elected official serving a six-year term.  

For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/treasurer

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

COUNTY COMMISSIONER NORFOLK COUNTY

The Norfolk County Commissioners' Office is charged with implementing policy, budget and other decisions of the elected board of Commissioners. The office's duties include personnel, purchasing, management information systems, and general administration.   For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/commissioners-office

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

SHERIFF (VACANCY) NORFOLK COUNTY

The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office serves the citizens of Norfolk County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by enhancing public safety through the operation of a safe, secure, and humane correctional facility that establishes structure and accountability for offenders and focuses on re-entry programs and community based programs that promote crime prevention, citizen awareness, education, youth development, elderly assistance and law enforcement support.   

For more information, go to https://www.norfolksheriff.com/

There are no candidates for the Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1
Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on voting in the Primary Election

 Voting in primary elections is very important, yet voter turnout in primaries is usually low.  (Embarrassingly so:  in 2016 the Franklin primary turnout was only 4.1 % of the eligible voters.)  But even conscientious voters probably think, “The real show is the general election.  I’ll vote then.  I know who I like.  What’s the difference?”

One difference is that who you can vote for in the general election is not settled until the primary has occurred.  If the people you like have primary challengers, of course, they must defeat the challengers to get on the general ballot.  So they will need your help in both elections, not just the general.

And even if the ones you really like have no primary challengers, you may still be wise to vote in the primary.  Remember, your favorites will not be alone on the general ballot.  Many offices must be filled.  Say you are a straight-ticket, one-party voter.  You do not want to find yourself obliged to vote for people you dislike just because, on a thin plurality,  they squeaked by the primary that you skipped.

And since primary turnouts are low, a few votes can make an outsized difference.  Impact per voter is greatly magnified.  And naturally, the bigger the field, the more crucial every primary vote is.  There are nine contestants in the Fourth Congressional District, for example, for the one place for a Democratic candidate on the general ballot.  If voter support were divided equally among the nine and turnout were at 2016 levels, then each candidate would have about 97 supporters in Franklin.  In such a race, every primary vote really counts, and could decide who goes to Washington.

The primary is September 1.  You can vote in person, vote early, or apply by August 26 to vote by mail.


Colin Cass

146 Longhill Road

Franklin, MA 02038


If you have interest in "Voices of Franklin" please read the guidelines here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html


Franklin Senior Center: Email blast 8-14-2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the warm summer weather and staying healthy. 


Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/


August Events

Wed., Aug. 19: FIVE WISHES is a legally binding, advanced directive (living will), that lets you control your personal, emotional and spiritual wishes. This presentation is on Zoom at 1:00 p.m. If you aren't able to access Zoom our Nurse can call you to discuss the info one- on-one. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov or call 508 520-4945. 


Mon., Aug.24: MEMORY CAFÉ at 3:00 p.m. on ZOOM, features the beautiful and engaging music of violinist, Lynn Canavan. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


Thurs., Aug.27: FASHIONS OF HOLLYWOOD on ZOOM with Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion at 1:00 p.m. Ren presents this fascinating look at the glamorous fashions of the silver screen during the '30s, '40s, '50s. Join us as we travel through the decades to enjoy a glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


Mon., Aug. 31: STEVE SHERLOCK - Talk Franklin Matters at 2:00 p.m. for all the latest Franklin news. To join us, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 


And don't forget the Curbside Cafe!  Open M-F, Great food and service with a smile!

https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb


Tips

Old School funk - Fun and easy moves to get you moving with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT7JQ0E5nXw


10 minute chakra balance for positive energy - a guided meditaiton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGT1VXwfx4


Music

The SWING Era!  Enjoy an hour of fantastic swing music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPfjomqZuXc


Andre Bocelli, Sarah Brightman - Time To Say Goodbye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=4L_yCwFD6Jo&feature=emb_logo


Rock N' Roll from the 60's - over an hour of fantastic music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2QYj1Ku0jI


Just for Fun

John Wayne - The man behind the legend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIf76KbdM8w

 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7kC0EpClCM

 

This baby aardvark thinks she is a totally different animal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCf93giKT6k&feature=emb_rel_end

 

The real Mary Poppins - a documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJScqa9jtyA


Humor

Bushman prank 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIyzE1Wr5cw


13 year old comedian on America's Got Talent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuC37syScVs


Tucker Budzyn - My dog reacts to a head massager.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR21cqtSih8


Jeanne Robertson - I'm Trying to Tell You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq5sjoc_N0w



Kindness Matters

The long way home - a man searches for his family after 30 years being lost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL1EWOtql5M


109 year old veteran shares his secrets for a long life - a short film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXyfCGDnuWs


Random acts of Kindness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lmhYh8XnGI



Attached you will find:

  1. CDMSP flyer for Tri-Valley https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YQISdgQ8pk11_PwljyIYjCem9dF7UeMP/view?usp=sharing

  2. Color / Paint by number Stained Glass and Cupcake Stand https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xEVbFaKDRc6qYg2xBcSX07KAwHQGpwJ5/view?usp=sharing and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mRGDOb7x6XNRVcLopGd2o2vfgH-v3FxG/view?usp=sharing


Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you! 

Ariel 


Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 



MEMORY CAFE!

Exciting news starting on  September 14th, there will be a virtual Memory Cafe EVERY MONDAY at 3pm!  Please let us know if you would like to be on the list to receive the invite to attend!


REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

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

Franklin Senior Center: Email blast 8-14-2020
Franklin Senior Center: Email blast 8-14-2020

MIAA waiting on DESE after receiving guidance from EEA

 Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 11:05 AM on Thu, Aug 13, 2020:

"The MIAA releases a statement noting how the Board of Directors won't meet until the accompanying DESE guidance is released. DESE is expected to release that guidance no later than Monday, meaning the Board will likely meet by next Thursday (8/20)."
(https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1293926720102379520?s=03)

MASC-SchoolCommittee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted at 0:45 PM on Thu, Aug 13, 2020:
"For the avoidance of doubt, this guidance applies to K-12 school and other youth sports activities." #MAEdu
(https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1293951865193926656?s=03)

Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 5:02 PM on Fri, Aug 14, 2020:
Certainly appears that DESE will not be releasing it's K-12 athletics guidance today, leaving Monday as the likely day of its release. No Friday afternoon news dump is probably overall a good sign. Enjoy the weekend ✌️
(https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1294378851884310531?s=03)


The guidance doc released by Massachusetts Executive Office Of Energy And Environmental Affairs  https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-1/download



MIAA waiting on DESE after receiving guidance from EEA
MIAA waiting on DESE after receiving guidance from EEA

A FHS boys soccer team member tested positive for COVID-19

August 14, 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

Our Athletic Department was informed that a Franklin High School student who had been engaged in out-of-season workouts with members of the boys’ soccer team tested positive for COVID-19. Per MIAA rules, our athletic coaches and athletic department are not involved in these types of out-of-season summer workouts. These out-of-season summer workouts do not occur within our school buildings.

We think it is important to inform you, however, of this information as a reminder of the health and safety practices that should be followed. Close contacts of anyone testing positive for COVID-19 should stay at home and be tested 4-5 days after exposure. Individuals who test positive should remain home (except to get medical care), monitor symptoms, notify the school, notify personal close contacts, and answer the call from the MA Community Tracing Collaborative. Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms. If an individual is not tested, they should remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days from exposure.

We wish to remind you of the importance of universal health and safety practices including mask wearing, physical distancing, and good hand hygiene. Additionally, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs recently issued guidance on safe activities for low, medium, and high risk sporting activities of which you may wish to be aware:  https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-1/download

I also wish to assure you that in the event of a positive case within the school setting, additional measures would be followed depending on the facts of the situation. Most specifically, the pertinent spaces within the building would be promptly closed off and promptly cleaned and disinfected. Close contacts would receive a communication with instructions on steps they should follow including isolation and testing or a 14-day quarantine.

We recognize that news like this can be scary to learn about. By working together collectively, we can take steps and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Please direct any questions to 508-553-4819 


A PDF copy of this can be found online  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QkjlyEKBW6Dv0aGdIBEFgedSZgQww8Ds/view?usp=sharing

A FHS boys soccer team member tested positive for COID-19
A FHS boys soccer team member tested positive for COID-19

Harvest Festival 2020 Canceled - New Initiatives Coming Soon

Due to the ongoing pandemic and its social distancing guidelines, the board of the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has canceled this year’s Harvest Festival originally scheduled for Oct. 3. Instead, the FDP is planning to have smaller events during the holiday season to encourage residents to shop downtown Franklin.

“These are challenging times for our local businesses,” said Lisa Piana, executive director of the FDP. “We are eager to help those businesses in whatever way we can. We have a list of exciting new initiatives for the coming fall and holiday season including our Holiday Happenings.”

On its website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, the FDP has a list of local business updates so residents can easily access information about those businesses, such as which ones are offering outside dining, curbside pick-up and gift certificates. Businesses who would like to be included in that list can email the FDP office at downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com. 

“We encourage residents to support Franklin businesses and to shop local whenever possible,” Piana added. 

The next general meeting of the FDP will be Thurs., Sept. 10 at 8:30 AM. Anyone interested in joining the Zoom meeting is welcome. Please email the Partnership for sign-in information. 

To help fund Holiday Happenings, as well as other fall and winter projects, the FDP is seeking sponsorships. Please contact the FDP for specific sponsorship information. 

Residents can support the Partnership and our local businesses by becoming FDP resident members for only $25. Membership is tax deductible. Join online through the Partnership’s website. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of nearly 300 businesses, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for more information. 


Harvest Festival 2020 Canceled - New Initiatives Coming Soon
Harvest Festival 2020 Canceled - New Initiatives Coming Soon

“I kind of got hooked on the idea of using an emoji”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 

"Jami Pandiscio’s warning against texting while on the road will be hard for drivers to miss.

The Franklin teenager’s public service announcement design will be on billboards nationwide through the end of the year, after she won a national contest through Project Yellow Light.

“I saw some texting and driving ... in high school,” said Pandiscio, 18, in explaining why she entered the contest. “I’d constantly remind people to put their phones down, and I wanted to make a real difference, nationwide.”

Project Yellow Light was started to honor Hunter Garner, after the then-16-year-old and his friend died in a car crash in 2007, according to the program’s website. This is the ninth year of the contest, which is aimed at cutting down on distracted driving."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200814/franklin-teens-psa-against-texting-while-driving-to-be-on-thousands-of-billboards?rssfeed=true

“I kind of got hooked on the idea of using an emoji”
“I kind of got hooked on the idea of using an emoji”


"it has been the greatest honor to serve for and with you"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 

"After nearly three years on the Town Council, Eamon McCarthy Earls has resigned from his role as a town councilor.

“Drawing inspiration from my experiences helping to craft bylaws and policies for Franklin, in the examples set by some of our leading citizens who work in law, among them state Rep. Jeff Roy, School Committee member Judy Pond Pfeffer or former state Rep. James Vallee, I’m embarking on the process of becoming an attorney,” said Earls, 26, during Wednesday’s council meeting.

His resignation is effective Sept. 6, he said, as he plans to attend the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University in Virginia starting next month. He told the Daily News that time will tell which area of law he chooses to focus on, but said he’s interested in public policy and municipal law.

According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 ranking of the nation’s best law schools, the Antonin Scalia Law School was ranked at No. 42 overall out of 198 schools, and fourth for part-time law programs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200814/eamon-mccarthy-earls-to-step-down-as-franklin-town-councilor-special-election-will-be-held-in-december?rssfeed=true 

Additional info from the Town Council meeting where this announcement was made can be found in this recap https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/town-council-recap-special-election.html


Level 2 - Significant Drought declared for MA

MAEnergy Environment (@MassEEA) tweeted at 4:25 PM on Thu, Aug 13, 2020:
With above normal temperatures throughout July and early August and more than three months of below normal rainfall, @EEASecretary today declared a Level 2 - Significant Drought in all regions across the Commonwealth.

đź”— More: https://t.co/YT4KHN2EOV https://t.co/4nQQnHlPVR
(https://twitter.com/MassEEA/status/1294007207282057217?s=03)


And from the US Drought Monitor, the map of the Northeast


Level 2 - Significant Drought declared for MA
Level 2 - Significant Drought declared for MA

Friday, August 14, 2020

Franklin's weekend entertainment options - Aug 14-15

Friday, August 14 

Concerts on the Common (will be restricting to 50 per recent change)

  • Jamie Barrett 5:00-6:00 pm, 
  • Jesse Liam Band 6:00-8:00 pm, 
  • Movie Night 8:00 - 10:00 pm: Aladdin


Saturday, August 15

Ayla Brown outdoor at THE BLACK BOX

Franklin's weekend entertainment options - Aug 14-15
Franklin's weekend entertainment options - Aug 14-15

In the News: "Still time to enter #ThinkBlueFranklin contest"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Residents have a few more days to get in on the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card by entering the town’s #ThinkBlueFranklin contest.

The contest has been underway since July 20 and the last day to submit an entry is Sunday.

“The big-picture goal is to spread awareness about what happens to stormwater in our town, where it goes, and what we can do as residents to keep our water clean and protect our resources,” Anne Marie Tracey, Franklin’s marketing and communications specialist, wrote in an email.

Tracey is overseeing the initiative. Over the past few weeks, the town has been working to spread awareness about #ThinkBlueFranklin on its social media, not only about the contest but educating the community about the small steps it can take to help out.

Franklin is part of a pilot program for Think Blue Massachusetts, an award-winning campaign run by the Massachusetts Statewide Municipal Stormwater Coalition, Tracey explained."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200813/still-time-to-enter-thinkbluefranklin-contest?rssfeed=true

For additional information, visit the Town of Franklin page  https://www.thinkbluemassachusetts.org/thinkbluefranklin

rain garden at Parmenter, one of several around Franklin part of the storm water mitigation plan
rain garden at Parmenter, one of several around Franklin part of the storm water mitigation plan


State Primary Election Information - Early voting schedule, election day - September 1

State Primary Election Information

The MASSACHUSETTS STATE PRIMARY will be held on Tuesday, September 1, from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm in the Franklin High School Gym

Early Voting will be available for one week starting Saturday, Aug. 22nd through Friday, Aug. 28th.  All early voting hours will also be held in the Franklin High School gym. Find the early voting schedule posted below:

  • Saturday, Aug. 22nd   10:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Sunday Aug. 23rd       10:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Monday, Aug. 24th      9:00 am–3:00 pm                                             
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25th      9:00 am–3:00 pm             
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26th   9:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Thursday, Aug. 27th     9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Friday, Aug. 28th          9:00 am -12:00 pm

Please contact the Town Clerk's Office with any questions.  www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Thank you! 

Read more  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/state-primary-election-information

State Primary Election Information - Early voting, election day
State Primary Election Information - Early voting, election day

"a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"President Donald Trump declared Thursday that he opposes additional funding for the U.S. Postal Service, acknowledging that his position would starve the agency of money Democrats say it needs to process an anticipated surge in mail-in ballots during the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump also claimed anew — falsely — that Democrats were pushing for universal mail-in voting and predicted without providing evidence that mail-in voting would lead to massive voter fraud in the November election. Polls indicate Trump is in for a tough reelection fight against Democrat Joe Biden.

The Republican president said on Fox Business Network that among the big sticking points for a new congressional virus relief package were the Democrats’ demands for billions of dollars to assist states in protecting the election and to help postal workers process mail-in ballots.

“They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots,” Trump said on “Mornings with Maria,” adding, “If they don’t get those two items, that means you can’t have universal mail-in voting because they’re not equipped to have it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200813/trump-opposes-postal-money-that-would-help-vote-by-mail?rssfeed=true

Editorial note: There is a work around for this attack on our democratic process. Apply for a mail-in ballot, when it arrives, rather than mailing it back, use the drive through drop off box at the Municipal Building to deliver it safely to the Town Clerk. Of course, if you choose to vote in person either with 'early voting' or on September 1 for the Primary, and November 3 for the election, that is also good.

"a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights"
"a clear admission that the president is attempting to restrict voting rights"

"Data indicate spread of COVID-19 accelerating" in MA

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 in Massachusetts appears to be accelerating, with the number of communities considered moderate or high-risk jumping by 40 percent and the state as a whole moving into the moderate risk category.

Gov. Charlie Baker released a breakdown by municipality on Tuesday that indicated four of the state’s 351 cities and towns were high risk and 29 were moderate risk. That information was based on the two-week period ending August 5.

On Wednesday evening, the Department of Public Health issued new municipal data based on the two-week period ending August 8. That new breakdown indicates the number of communities at high-risk had jumped from 4 to 11 and the number of communities considered moderate risk increased from 29 to 35. The state as a whole jumped from low risk to moderate risk.

The rankings are important as a barometer for COVID-19 in Massachusetts, but they have also taken on additional importance this week because the Baker administration is urging communities in the low-risk categories to send their children to school for in-person learning this fall. Communities are trying to decide between in-person and remote learning, or some hybrid combination of the two, by this Friday. The fast-changing information is making those decisions even more difficult."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/data-indicate-spread-of-covid-19-accelerating/?

"Data indicate spread of COVID-19 accelerating" in MA
"Data indicate spread of COVID-19 accelerating" in MA


In the News: "Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening"

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"A WEEK AFTER school committees began making decisions for reopening schools, a day after the plans were originally due to the state, Gov. Charlie Baker released a map to help guide their decision-making. It’s the latest move in what has turned out to be the Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening.

Baker and Education Commissioner Jeff Riley realized last week they might have a problem as school districts began deciding on reopening school. At a Zoom meeting with the Boston Chamber of Commerce, Shira Schoenberg reported that “Riley is strongly urging local schools to open in person this fall, pushing back against state teachers’ unions who are calling for the school year to begin remotely.”

A few days later, Baker, also responding to the teachers unions, remarked, “There are many communities in the state that are in very good shape when it comes to their COVID rates, and there are a bunch that have work to do. I think to wipe away the idea, to say that everyone should go remote, first of all, the facts don’t support it, the data doesn’t support it, and the science doesn’t support it, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Baker shouldn’t have left it at that. In fact, he should have started with it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/lack-of-leadership-on-school-reopenings/?

Franklin will go in person in a hybrid model,  after a remote learning and planful start. With school opening Sep 16, and the ECDC and high needs students starting in person, I don't see how the MDN can say it is 'fully remote to start'.

"School officials on Tuesday continued to hammer out plans for a return to learning, ending a four-hour discussion by voting to support a fully remote start to the 2020-21 school year.

The School Committee also voted to adopt a modified school calendar that has teachers starting Aug. 31 and students starting Sept. 16, giving teachers 10 days for professional development, training and preparation. The last day of school will be June 21.

While wrinkles in the plan — which needs to be submitted to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by Friday — continue to be ironed out, the school board ultimately voted in support of a basic outline that calls for easing into a hybrid learning model over the course of three months. The vote was 6-0, with one abstention.

“This is a living document. We are continuing to monitor the data as it comes in, getting feedback from staff and going forward on that point,” said board Chairwoman Anne Bergen."


https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200813/franklin-school-board-supports-remote-start-phased-move-to-hybrid-learning?rssfeed=true

The audio for the 4 hour School Committee meeting is here. The video will be available in a few days  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-328-franklin-ma-school-comm-mtg.html

In the News: "Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening"
In the News: "Commonwealth’s embarrassing lack of leadership on school reopening"


Letter to the Editor: Bill O'Donnell

 August 12, 2020 

Letter to the Editor:

Dear Residents,

I have never written a letter to the editor on behalf of a candidate running for office. However, we live in unique times with a number of serious issues that need to be collaboratively worked on and addressed.

I urge you to vote for Congressman Joe Kennedy in the Democratic Primary for United States Senator. Joe Kennedy can meet the pressing issues of our society. He will make himself available to the communities that make up Massachusetts and the residents that live in our Commonwealth.

It is my hope that Joe Kennedy can make government work at the federal level for all of us. As an elected official whose job takes him to all 28 communities in Norfolk County I have been very impressed with Joe Kennedy since he undertook to represent a good portion of Norfolk County as an elected Congressman. Joe Kennedy's decency, compassion, thoughtfulness and record of accomplishment is a solid foundation with which to build upon in years to come.

Please consider voting for Joe Kennedy for United States Senator.

Bill O'Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds


4th District: Cavell drops from 4th to back Mermell

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Dave Cavell, a former Obama speechwriter running in the Fourth Congressional District, dropped out of the congested Democratic primary on Thursday and quickly endorsed Jesse Mermell, a similarly progressive candidate, setting off a series of moves in the once-sleepy primary.

The surprise exit, announced just 19 days before the Sept. 1 primary and with mail-in voting already underway, is also strategic.

Cavell, 36, said he is backing Mermell, a former Brookline selectwoman, in an attempt to avoid splintering the vote in the now eight-person field and to block Jake Auchincloss, a Newton city councilor and former Republican and state GOP employee who has polled near the top of other campaigns’ internal surveys."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/08/13/metro/shake-up-cavell-dropping-out-fourth-district-primary-back-mermell-stop-auchincloss/

Additional reporting on this change to the 4th District Primary race



Jesse Mermell backs Medicare for All and supports the Green New Deal, and has carved out support from a swath of unions and reproductive rights groups.CRAIG F. WALKER/GLOBE STAFF
Jesse Mermell backs Medicare for All and supports the Green New Deal, and has carved out support from a swath of unions and reproductive rights groups.CRAIG F. WALKER/GLOBE STAFF