Saturday, October 24, 2020

Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting, drive through window schedule

Early voting is available this weekend!  

You can also drop your ballots off in the drive-thru at the Municipal Building during extended hours, or drop in the White Mailbox! 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk  #vote #elections2020 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/FsWZKHSAxo

Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting, drive through window schedule
Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting, drive through window schedule



Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting, drive through window schedule
Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting schedule

Franklin Health Department: looking for volunteers to staff future vaccination clinics

The Franklin Health Department is looking for volunteers with both medical and non-medical backgrounds to participate in the staffing of future vaccination clinics.  

Please see the attached form for more details. 
https://t.co/k15pQ11aWH


Franklin Health Department: looking for volunteers to staff future vaccination clinics
Franklin Health Department: looking for volunteers to staff future vaccination clinics

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast October 23, 2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you have been enjoying the beautiful colors Mother Nature is bringing to the area. There is nothing quite like a hike in the crisp air through crunching colorful leaves!


Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast October 23, 2020



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/


Next Friday! 

October 30th 1:30pm - Healthy never Tasted So Good - Chef Edmond from The Enclave of Franklin will demo the steps to prepare a Seasonal Main course dish, focusing on Brain healthy ingredients and Super Foods. The menu includes Pasta Primavera with fresh seasonal vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, olives, carrots and herbs) in an olive oil, garlic sauce with grated Parmesan Cheese We will also have the Recipe and a sampling in "to-go" containers available for any attendees. Drive by Pick UP at the Enclave Friday afternoon for all attendees.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend RSVP Required by 10/27th.



Tips

Caregivers- The Alzheimer's Association's New England chapters have developed resources to help those with Alzheimer's, dementia and their caregivers navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.  Click the link below for more information. 

https://www.alz.org/manh/events/covid-resources/covid-19-resources


Chair Yoga for the spine.  6 gentle movements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqh8Be8noB4 


Paul Eugene Lantin Dance moves.  Fun and fitness at home! Mambo cha cha cha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qUCfP7Oz7Q 


Music

Relaxing piano music.  Soothes away stress, anxiety and helps you relax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b4BjxrIp8o 


The sound of music soundtrack with videos from the movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM&list=PL3u6hJBqcpjCWKO6kjoDRwI7H7sPUEayd 



Just for Fun

Zinnia TV was created by Allyson Schrier, a dementia educator for her Husband who has early onset dementia.  Zinnia has hundreds of 5-10 minute videos, paced for those with various stages of dementia with topics ranging from gardening, skiing, dogs, and pretty much anything you can think of.  Videos can be watched independently and more specifically used for caregivers as conversation starters and a way to meaningfully engage. 

https://www.zinniatv.com/ 

 

Life's unexpected moments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQogNW-DkbA 

 

Animals caught in the act

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPNXj87PkXw 

 

Stubborn Home Owners

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

 

Spectacular drone footage of Fall foliage in New England. 

http://dronesonvideo.com/new-england-fall-foliage/ 


Humor

Jeanne Robertson - Learning cursive...or not

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4OxmFfKStA 


Abott and Costello "Who's on First"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcRRaXV-fg 


Kindness Matters

Unsung Hero - This is always one of my favorite reminders that kindness is not only for others but also for yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU&feature=emb_logo 


Homeless, Ex-Marine plays the piano on the streets.  Hear his incredible story.

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


Attached you will find:

  • Donna's fun filled activity pages

  • Baking Cookies Crossword

  • Fall color/paint by number sheet

  • Harvest Moon Word Find


EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS AT THE FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER


October special events -call the Franklin Senior Center, visit our website or check out the October newsletter for more details about these programs! 

  • Oct. 26th - Norfolk County Sheriff presents "Scams"

  • Oct. 26th - 2pm- Memory Cafe with Wayne Neon

  • Oct. 30th - 1:30pm- Healthy Never Tasted So Good - cooking demonstration and food pick up


October daily events - contact the senior center, visit our website or the newsletter for more details about our weekly offerings. 

MONDAYS:  

  • Tele Bingo - call in game

  • Book Discussion Group (Page Turners) 1st Monday of the Month

TUESDAYS: 

  • Chair Exercises

  • Low Vision Support Group (1st and 3rd Tuesday)

  • Audio Book Club (2nd and 4th Tuesday)

  • Quarantini Time - Social cocktail group

WEDNESDAYS: 

  • Blood Pressure and Sugar screenings

  • Zumba gold

  • Wellness consults via phone

  • Medical equipment distribution and donations

  • Fibromyalgia support group (1st wed of the month)

  • Caregivers Support Group (2nd and 4th wed)

THURSDAYS: 

  • Chair exercise

  • Cardio strength and balance class

  • Current events discussion group

FRIDAYS: 

  • TOPS (Taking off pounds sensibly)

  • SUNSHINE group (supportive Day)


Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna


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. 



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


MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

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


Franklin High School: hybrid bell schedule

FHS moving to hybrid bell schedule begins next week! https://t.co/ZgocXNGm8G

FHS hybrid bell schedule
FHS hybrid bell schedule





Community Compact Connector: Small Business Grants are now open!

COVID-19 Small Business Grants: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) as well as the CARES Act of 2020 and are divided into two programs, Small Business Grants for 5 or fewer employees and Small Business Grants for 50 or fewer employees.

The application opens at 12:00PM on 10/22/2020 and will close at 12:00PM on 11/12/2020. For more information click here https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/covid-19-grants-massachusetts-small-businesses.

To stay informed regarding both existing and upcoming grant opportunities, please bookmark the Community Compact Connector website https://www.mass.gov/community-compact-connector

COVID-19 Small Business Grants
COVID-19 Small Business Grants



Voices of Franklin: Raymond D Milici for Senator Becca Rausch

Throughout the Norfolk Bristol Middlesex District you will find Becca everywhere, especially here in Franklin. It was great seeing and talking to Senator Rausch at the 2019 Fourth of July celebration on the commons and again at the Harvest Festival, enjoying the people and the rich culture of Franklin. Whether it be in person practicing social distancing or on zoom, it’s nice to have her in our community.

She is one of the hardest working senators on Beacon Hill today. Her record is impressive. She is a leader on issues such as expanding voting access, fighting for reproductive health and justice, child care, education, equal rights and more.

There are issues that are especially important to me. The first is transparency and government accountability. I want to know how legislators are voting, whether it’s a voice vote on the chamber floor or who’s voting on what issues in committee, Senator Rausch wants change. The other issue is climate. Our planet is on fire and hurricanes are causing havoc to our coastlines. The Senator is in the battle to save our planet, cosponsoring a number of climate legislative acts and signing the no fossil fuel money pledge.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican you have to appreciate Senator Rausch’s competency and commitment to her constituents. The proof of that was evident in Her debate performance on October 6. It became clear to me that there is no reason to go back to the same mediocre politics of the past. We don’t need any more so-called moderate Republicans that seem to be okay with President Trump, no matter what he says or does, not here in Franklin or anywhere in the Norfolk Bristol Middlesex District. I’m voting for Becca.

Raymond D Milici

Franklin


If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html


COVID-19 clinical trial: real or fake? Learn how to tell the difference.


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

by Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

There are thousands of trials underway as companies race to find effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Many of these research studies are legitimate, but some are not. 

So, if you're thinking about volunteering for a COVID-19 trial, it's important to know how to spot the real trials advancing medicine for everyone, versus the fake ones trying to steal your money and personal information.

Read more

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


 

“We’re disappointed. It’s out of our control”

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

"An “unfortunate situation” is how Hudson High School ice hockey coach Michael Nanartowich described the two-week shutdown of all indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities statewide due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases in the sport.

The state Department of Public Health announced the move Thursday. The shutdown starts 5 p.m. Friday and runs until Nov. 7.

Nanartowich, entering his 31st year as Hudson High’s coach, believes it’s possible one pocket of COVID-19 activity may be affecting the entire Massachusetts hockey community."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 


In the News: "Jennifer O’Malley Dillon is from Franklin"

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

"Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign manager may be a familiar name to Greater Milford residents.

Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, who was named to the position in March, graduated from Franklin High School. Here’s what we know about her:

1) She’s a Franklin native.

O’Malley Dillon graduated from Franklin High School in the early 1990s."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

Article from Washington Post in August

Reminder - Franklin Line: shuttle buses on weekends through Nov 22

On weekends through Nov 22, buses replace service on the Franklin Line at Forge Park through Walpole to allow for double-track extension work. They will operate on a weekend train schedule. However, trains will operate between Walpole and South Station.

The shuttle buses will operate on the normal weekend train schedule and will be ADA accessible, though bikes will not be allowed on board. Trains may experience delays of up to 20 minutes due to the shuttle busing, please allow for additional travel time.

Visit mbta.com/FRKwork and mbta.com/FRKdoubletrack for more details.


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

Reminder - Franklin Line: shuttle buses on weekends through Nov 22
Reminder - Franklin Line: shuttle buses on weekends through Nov 22


Friday, October 23, 2020

Franklin's weekend outlook - Oct 23-25, 2020

The calendar of events is beginning to get filled with things to do. Please continue to be good about social distance, masking, etc. so we can all begin to resume a healthy life here. 

 

Friday, October 23
9:00am -  Early voting
12:00pm -  Farmers Market
5:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's
7:30pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
 
Saturday, October 24
9:00am -  Bicycle recycling
10:00am - Early voting
12:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's
2:00pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
4:00pm -  Reverse Trunk or Treat
6:00pm -  couRAEgeous Pumpkin Festival
7:30pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
 
Sunday, October 25
10:00am -  Early voting
12:00pm -  Pumpkin Patch @ St John's
2:00pm -  FPAC: "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"
3:00pm -  Franklin Library: Kitchen Table Art Workshop - Beeswax Ink Transfers
 
 
 
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar

 

ZOOM - Name that Tune!

Join us for what is sure to be a laugh inducing, roaring, good time! 

Stroll down memory lane, but not too slowly or someone else might beat you to the buzzer. Prizes will be awarded to the top winners! Limited to 20 people. 

Email: Adoggett@franklinma.gov to sign up!

 
Check out other events in the last week of October for the Senior Center

ZOOM- Name that Tune!
ZOOM - Name that Tune!

 

FHS field hockey team tops Taunton

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the fall sports results for Franklin High School on Thursday, Oct 22.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 6 @ Taunton, 0 – Final 
– Franklin scored all six goals in the second half, including four in the fourth quarter, to pull away from Taunton. The teams battled through a scoreless first half before the Panthers broke through just over a minute into the third. Amanda Lewandowski opened the scoring with an unassisted strike, adding two more in the fourth quarter for a hat trick. Kaitlyn Carney scored to make it 2-0 in the third quarter and Stephanie Bell tacked on two fourth quarter goals. Natalie Blasie had a standout play defensively, preserving the shutout for Franklin.
 
For other results around the Hockomock League   
 
FHS field hockey team tops Taunton
FHS field hockey team tops Taunton

Panther News Friday October 23, 2020 (video)

Panther News Friday October 23, 2020.  Produced by the FHS TV Production Classes

 

"Are we changed forever by the pandemic?"

From CommonWealth Magazine, we share articles of interest for Franklin: 

"WHAT IF our lives are never the same again?

It took a blunt cabinet secretary at a dry state budget hearing to voice the fears of millions.

For Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack, the issue was, unsurprisingly, transportation. “The COVID pandemic may well have changed travel and transportation forever,” Pollack said at a hearing before the Legislature’s Ways and Means Committees on Wednesday.

Working from home, online shopping, and remote learning, Pollack said, have reshaped the needs of travelers. She said state officials have “begun to plan for a post-COVID world where some of the changes in travel remain long after the pandemic has been vanquished.”

Continue reading the article online

In my regular series of conversations with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, we have talked of the genie is out of the bottle and how there are aspects of life that we should not go back to, there are improvements already available. 

One clear example, is the public meeting format. We have had greater participation via Zoom, cable broadcast and the hybrid meeting room that we ever could accomplish in the Council Chambers. The Chambers fit approx 75 people. The School Committee meetings have had over 300 a couple of times. The Council budget hearings had 1,000 over the two night radio broadcast.

The market study and the business listening sessions are a good opportunity to help figure out what doing business in Franklin will be like as the pandemic continues. No one has the 'crystal ball' as to what things will look like post-pandemic.

Transportation forecast already show lingering effects of the pandemic. In case you missed the study and meeting referenced here, check this link:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/none-of-three-scenarios-developed-by.html

"Are we changed forever by the pandemic?"
"Are we changed forever by the pandemic?"



In the News: Fire Dept honros their fallen; Historical Museum to reopen Sundays in November

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

"It’s the time of year when many take time out to honor those who have passed on, and the Franklin Fire Department is among them.

Last Sunday, the department hosted its Second Annual Firefighters Memorial service at the fire headquarters in downtown Franklin.

Fire Chief James McLaughlin said the memorial is organized “to pay respect to the former members of the department that have passed away, as well as past line-of-duty deaths.”

Fire Department chaplain Rick Marcoux gave the invocation and benediction. Also addressing the gathering were Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and state Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin. Members of the Franklin Town Council were in attendance as well."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
 
detail of the side of the 1949 American LaFrance
detail of the side of the 1949 American LaFrance

"The Historic Commission recently announced that the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St., will be open again weekly from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays, starting this weekend.

The museum features a new and improved gift shop, featuring new items unique to Franklin.

This year the museum is offering two new holiday ornaments: One depicting the Ray Memorial Library and the other featuring the downtown water trough in Clark Square. Ornaments are selling for $18 each.

Other items added to the gift shop are hometown candles, pillows, mugs and more. The gift shop is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Profits go toward supporting museum programs. "

 

Historical Museum to reopen Sundays in November
Historical Museum to reopen Sundays in November


In the News: "State plan prioritizes three groups for vaccine"

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

"Adults over 65 will join frontline health care workers, residents with underlying medical conditions that increase their risks from COVID-19, and other essential workers as the first to qualify for COVID-19 vaccines in Massachusetts, the Baker administration said.

During a visit Tuesday to a new Suffolk Downs testing facility Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker outlined a rough sketch of the state’s draft plan for distributing an inoculation for the highly infectious virus once it becomes available.

The plan was submitted by the administration to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week.

“The plan also outlines our messaging efforts to make sure people know, once there is a vaccine available, that it has been approved by the federal government and is safe and effective,” Baker said. “We’ll also make it a priority to reach out specifically to groups that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including people and communities of color.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Thursday, October 22, 2020

THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Oct 23, 24, and 25

Franklin Performing Arts Company's socially-distanced production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown which will play its final weekend this Friday through Sunday under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX.

With socially distanced staging, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. The charming music and humorous vignettes brought to life by the beloved Peanuts characters, offer the laughs and entertainment we need right about now!!

Enjoy and all-star FPAC cast including Nick Paone as Snoopy, Katie Gray as Lucy, Austin Davy as Schroeder, Tim Ayres-Kerr as Linus, Ali Funkhouser as Sally, and featuring Julian DiChiara as Charlie Brown.

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell, the production is creatively staged with the actors socially distanced. Audience seating will be socially distanced and face coverings are required.

Based on the Comic Strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz / Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner / Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson / Originally Directed in New York by Joseph Hardy

Performances are scheduled for Oct 23, 24 and 25.

 
THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Oct 23, 24, and 25
THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" - Oct 23, 24, and 25