New York Times: "A Canadian ‘Buy Local’ Effort Fights Amazon on Its Own Turf"

 

"The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her. 

At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases. In anticipation, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Toronto who is a friend of Ms. Haberstroh’s had put together a list of other local vintage shops offering curbside pickup and deliveries in lieu of being able to open their doors. 

“It was a wake-up call,” Ms. Haberstroh, 27, said of the list, which reminded her how enormous retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon had thrived during the pandemic while many smaller, local businesses had been shut. “I thought if there is one tiny thing I can do to help, then I should get on it.” 

Inspired to build a more comprehensive list, Ms. Haberstroh promptly created an Instagram post, tagging independent businesses and shopkeepers across Toronto. Included was a new website, Not-Amazon.ca — a URL that she had bought for $2.99."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/02/business/not-amazon-canada.html

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has a similar listing of local Franklin businesses  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/shop-dine-more.html

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce has two Facebook pages, one for restaurants and one for other businesses

• Restaurants = “Rally ‘round the Restaurants” page on Facebook and share your update for a restaurant https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634

• Businesses = "United Regional's Back to Business" page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838

Of course, consider using a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card for your local shopping

https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

consider using a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card for your local shopping

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - HAPPY NEW YEAR! - Jan 2, 2021

Goodbye 2020 HELLO 2021!

   

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/

Tips

Auld Lang Syne - A Dance for the New Year with Sherry Zak Morris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlme58BPPcA 

Seated exercises to strengthen the immune system

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n845nMQP0Y 

Beginner cardio for Seniors with Meredith (Suggested by a Member!  Thanks Peggy!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-zWRuMP9L8 

Music

Sounds of a glass armonica

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEKlRUvk9zc 

100 year old self playing violin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs0mP2cOmJs 

James Blunt - Monsters - A hauntingly beautiful song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTFbGcnl0po&feature=emb_logo 

Andre Bocelli - Believe - By the fireside 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPPPp3iJolc 

Just for Fun

The history of Franklin from 1870 to 1879 by Joe Landry - If you missed this in Franklin Matters you definitely want to check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzo5fKIG4ws&feature=youtu.be 

Ode To Joy Flash Mob started by one little girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxLbmnvMWM0 

The Train of Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZW8CzR_I_0&t=55s 

Humor

Never marry a crafty woman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4eH-bak6sg&amp%3Bt=127s 

Orchestra plays the Windows Waltz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGKwx-BFO0E 

Kindness Matters and Heartstring Pulls

Si and Tempy - Facing it together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsSQHHS4gzo 

A beautiful and emotional tribute to a friend lost too soon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHiH1NytwjM 

Attached you will find:

1. Donna Fun filled activity pages https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KWA10idC7XmYiTO7zSJFBQY79j7GiRTH/view?usp=sharing

2. Calculation crisscross https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qW-CABFM0ZvBauGtaa8m3Nt4XH9WQCMb/view?usp=sharing

3. New Year's crossword https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s5XK1inEljxiTV4jhjLUjEQCrN3n6_Ou/view?usp=sharing

4. Wacky Wordies https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PiucJT6_Sij0GMumbifW-mJxjzyjtNH-/view?usp=sharing

Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Monday Jan. 4th at 1pm Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Tuesday Jan. 5th at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday Jan. 5th at 1pm - Low Vision Support group - email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. Jan. 6th at 1pm - Fireside Chat with the staff of the Senior Center- details below

*Wed. Jan. 6th at 4pm - Caregiver Support Group - email elaine.owens@verizon.net 

*Thursday Jan. 7th at 10am- Discussion Group - call to sign up

*Thursday Jan. 7th at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Friday Jan. 8th at at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of 

 games and socialization. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend. VIA ZOOM

January 6th at 1pm - Mark your calendar for our first monthly Fireside Chat with the Franklin Senior Center Staff.  Join us via zoom as we talk about the upcoming events for the month and answer your questions.  Have you ever wondered what Paul's favorite color is, want to suggest a zoom event or menu item???  You get the chance to do  that plus more.  Call the Senior Center or email adoggett@franklinma.gov to sign up. 

Plus Exercise, Yoga, Discussion Groups and more.  Check out our newsletter or online calendar for a full list of all activities available https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

*Curbside Cafe - SPECIAL Meatloaf sandwich. order here https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb 

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 Senior Center:  Email Blast - HAPPY NEW YEAR! - Jan 2, 2021

Gov Baker signs health care legislation

"Today I signed health care legislation that boosts access to quality + affordable care, promotes telehealth, and protects access to #COVID19MA testing + treatment.

This law contains many priorities we proposed in 2019, and we're grateful to the Legislature for their partnership."

Shared from Tiwtter: https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1345081157138964480?s=03

Press release: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-signs-health-care-legislation-increasing-access-to-quality-affordable-care

The Boston Globe article:  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/01/metro/baker-signs-new-health-care-law-covering-telehealth-other-services/

CommonWealth Magazine article:  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/baker-signs-health-care-bill-into-law/

Gov Baker signs health care legislation

FHS - 2020-2021 Girls Hockey Preview by HockomockSports.com

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

FRANKLIN
2019-2020 Record: 7-9-5
2019-2020 Finish: Reached D1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Margie Burke

"Last winter, Franklin pushed its league title defense right to the final game of the regular season and this year the Panthers will be hoping to reclaim the crown in what should be a typically competitive league campaign. Franklin will hope that a young defensive group can get up to speed right away to complement the experience that the Panthers have in attack.

The forward line should be a strength for Franklin this season. Senior Amanda Lewandowski is back to be the focal point after recording 21 points as a junior. Fellow seniors Libby Carter and Katelyn Brown will add experience and energy to the forward line, providing not only scoring punch but also helping out in the defensive zone as well. Sophomore Lyndsey Atkinson is coming off an impressive rookie season in which she led the team with 10 goals.

Defensively, Franklin graduated a group of players that had several years of varsity experience so it will be new faces that will have to step in this year. Junior Katie LeBlanc and sophomore Shaw Downing are two of the defenders back from last year’s squad. If teams get through the Franklin defense, senior goalie Gabby Colace is back to keep things difficult for opposing forwards. Colace was one of the league’s top shot stoppers last year, allowing fewer than two goals per game.

“We are very grateful to have the opportunity to get on the ice and compete,” said Franklin coach Margie Burke. “This year we expect to have a balanced squad. The Hock should be very competitive as always. ‘Play every game like it’s the last’ will be our motto.”

For all the previews of the girls hockey teams around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/2020-2021-hockomock-girls-hockey-preview/

FHS - 2020-2021 Girls Hockey Preview by HockomockSports.com

FHS Update - new Wednesday schedule

FHS Update for the return to school

- link for survey https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSc2rBJqtd0.../viewform...

and

- new Wednesday schedule https://docs.google.com/.../15T5.../edit

Shared from the FHS PCC Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/groups/121835879824/permalink/10158277850384825/

FHS Update - new Wednesday schedule

New Public Hours at The Municipal Building begin Monday, Jan 4

New Public Hours at The Municipal Building

Beginning Monday, January 4th, the Municipal Building will be open to the public Monday - Thursday from 8 AM - 2 PM and on Fridays from 8 AM - 1 PM.

All departments are available during regular business hours via email and by phone.

Visit our website at www.franklinma.gov for all contact information. 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/new-public-hours-municipal-building

New Public Hours at The Municipal Building begin Monday, Jan 4

Franklin Cultural District Newsletter and Partners - January 11 meeting

I am writing to share a message from Nancy Schoen, Chair,  Franklin Cultural District Committee.  

Thank you, 

Pandora

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

Hello Franklin Cultural District Partners,

We hope you are all well and that you have been able to enjoy the holiday season. The January issue of the Franklin Cultural District newsletter is in the works. Once again we will be including a Partners update. As we begin the New Year please let us know what is happening with your business, organization or institution. 

• Is there something that you are doing to kick off the New Year? 
• Are you planning any new events in person or online?
• Will you be having any new arts and culture performances or presentations?
• Will you be offering any new dining or shopping opportunities?
• Will you be sponsoring any educational events?
• Will you be collaborating with any other Cultural District Partners to plan a new event?

We would love to highlight and share all of the wonderful things that are happening here in Franklin!  Please send your news, pictures, and events to:

Pandora Carlucci at pcarluccifranklinculture@gmail.com and we will work to add your story to the newsletter.

The January edition of the Franklin Cultural District Newsletter will be published on Friday,  January 15th. We will need all of your news and information by Monday, January 11th. If you have any questions, please let us know. Your news and stories are important to us! We look forward to hearing from you.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee will be hosting the first Cultural District Partner's meeting of 2021. This meeting will be on Monday, January 11th at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. The featured speaker  will be Athena Pandolf, the Executive Director of the Natick Center Cultural District. Below you will find the meeting link for this meeting.

Cultural District Partners Meeting
January 11, 2021 7:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81010802205
Meeting ID: 810 1080 2205

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,81010802205# US (Washington D.C)

Dial by your location
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 810 1080 2205
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdjeHqOjfz  

We hope you will all join us.

With sincere appreciation from the entire Franklin Cultural District Committee,

Nancy Schoen

Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee

nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com

FCD: Newsletter and Partners - January 11 meeting

New York Times: "FAFSA’s Expected Family Contribution Is Going Away"

For anyone who had to file a FAFSA for their college student, this is a change.

From the New York Times:

"FAFSA’s Expected Family Contribution Is Going Away. Good Riddance.

The dollar figure that the federal financial aid form spits out has long left families confused and despondent. And then there are those great expectations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/your-money/fafsa-expected-family-contribution.html 

The FAFSA form https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

New York Times: "FAFSA’s Expected Family Contribution Is Going Away"

The Washington Post: "Congress overrides a Trump veto for the first time"

Congress overrides a Trump veto for the first time with Senate vote on defense bill https://t.co/SMceouKirR

Boston Globe article:  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/01/business/senate-moves-closer-vote-overriding-trump-defense-veto/

New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/us/politics/senate-override-trump-defense-bill.html

A subscription for each newspaper may be required to continue reading the articles online

Mass Cultural Council: virtual reading series featuring MA literary artists

Via @masscultural

We've assembled a virtual reading series featuring MA literary artists @simoneivory, @grnethercott, @annavqross, @wvstrautmann, and @Shilpits. 

Listen now: https://t.co/DHaP8MzyAa

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/masscultural/status/1344645025905463298?s=03

Literary artists who’ve shared a reading of their work (clockwise from top left): Alexis Ivy, Simone John, GennaRose Nethercott, Shilpi Suneja, Jacob Strautmann, and Anna VQ Ross.] Photo from @masscultural

Boston Globe: MA "lawmakers oppose Comcast’s plan to charge home Internet users extra"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Dozens of Massachusetts lawmakers are calling on Comcast to rescind its plan to charge home Internet users extra fees for exceeding monthly “data caps.”

“We strongly urge Comcast to discontinue this plan, and to reconsider any future attempts at imposing a data cap,” 71 state senators and representatives said in a letter to Comcast this week.

Subscribers to Comcast’s Xfinity home broadband service will have to pay extra if they use more than 1.2 terabytes of data per month. While the new fees will technically take effect Jan. 1, Comcast is waiving them for several months to prepare customers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/31/business/mass-lawmakers-warn-comcast-new-data-caps/ 

MAEnergy Environment: 2050 Roadmap Report & 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan

"Building on @MassGovernor's ambitious commitment to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050, @MassEEA today (12/30/20) released its 2050 Roadmap Report & 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan to equitably & cost-effectively meet MA's #climate goals."

Road map link: https://t.co/8R90L1AaiA 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/eubtOAc1dA

Roadmap direct link

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-releases-roadmap-to-achieve-net-zero-emissions-by-2050

2050 Roadmap Report & 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan

Town of Franklin: January 2021 E-Newsletter

Town of Franklin e-newsletter for January 2021.

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/newsletter-portal

Town of Franklin: January 2021 E-Newsletter

Franklin grows its COVID-19 case count and positivity rate again

The Department of Public Health released new town-by-town data for coronavirus cases on Thursday (12/31/20), the latest set of such data showing how the virus has impacted individual communities throughout Massachusetts.

We are not doing well Franklin. From 5.03 to 6.02, to 7.36% positivity over the last 3 weeks is movement in the wrong direction.

The full report from MA.gov   https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-december-31-2020/download

Franklin grows its COVID-19 case count and positivity rate again

 

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

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

FRANKLIN
2019-2020 Record: 25-0
2019-2020 Finish: D1 State Co-Champion
Coach: John Leighton

"Last winter, Franklin went start-to-finish as the top team not only in the league but in the state and capped off an undefeated season with the program’s first state championship. The graduation of center Ali Brigham, who was arguably the program’s best-ever player, is a big change for the Panthers this year but there is plenty of talent and experience on the roster to make a push for a three-peat of Kelley-Rex titles. 

Junior Olivia Quinn is one of the main reasons that the Panthers are considered the favorites in the Kelley-Rex again this year. Quinn scored nearly 400 points and was one of the top three or four players in the league last season. She continues to develop and improve and will be the focal point of the offense this year. Senior Erin Quaile is the two-time Defensive Player of the Year but is also a solid point guard who limits turnovers, calms things down, and gets Franklin into its sets. 

The offense will obviously look a little different this year, without a 6-foot-3 center in the middle, but the Panthers have talent on the wings to cause problems. Seniors Elizabeth Wilson and Kaleigh Houlihan, and junior Stefany Padula can all stretch the defense with their ability to knock down perimeter shots. The forward position should also be strong with Emma Sousa, Brigid Early, and Katie Peterson giving Franklin length and athleticism on the block. 

“We are excited to be back on the court and I have been very impressed by our depth,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “Our girls have been committed to getting better and competing on every play.”

For all the previews of the girls basketball teams around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-2021-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

 

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

DESE Survey on Student Learning Time during pandemic

For the data geeks among us, this Tableau allows for some interaction to view the data from the survey from 303 school districts in MA.

.@MASchoolsK12 has released the results of their Nov. 2-9 survey of #MAEdu district learning time. https://t.co/ulYQb43W7f

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1344698545295794178?s=03

a screen grab of one page with Franklin highlighted:

a screen grab of one page with Franklin highlighted

Governor Baker Signs Police Reform Legislation

Tweet from Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor)

Today I was honored to sign comprehensive, bipartisan police reform that creates a certification process for officers, increases accountability and transparency in law enforcement, and gives police departments a greater ability to hire or promote only qualified applicants. https://t.co/Mkk8x6TYL1

Press release link:  https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-signs-police-reform-legislation

Boston Globe story:  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/31/metro/governor-baker-signs-landmark-policing-reform-law/

CommonWealth Magazine: https://commonwealthmagazine.org/criminal-justice/baker-signs-police-reform-bill-into-law/

Governor Baker Signs Police Reform Legislation