Saturday, January 9, 2021

FM #427 Board of Health Meeting - 1/06/21 (audio)

FM #427 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 427 in the series.
 
This session shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the Health Dept were in the Municipal Building, the remainder, Committee, (and public) were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. 

The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021. Audio file =   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HV06SSGS


 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

FM #427 Board of Health Meeting - 1/06/20 (audio)
FM #427 Board of Health Meeting - 1/06/20 (audio)




School Committee: Budget SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 14, 2021

School Committee - Budget SubCommittee Meeting

Thursday, Jan 14, 2021 - 4:30 PM

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)


Agenda
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
FY21 Budget Development

Find connection info in the Agenda PDF
School Committee: Budget SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 14, 2021
School Committee: Budget SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 14, 2021


FHS boys hockey top Foxboro 7-2 on Friday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

Boys Hockey = Foxboro, 2 @ Franklin, 7 – Final 
– Franklin’s JT Dwyer scored a hat trick to pace the Panthers to a win over visiting Foxboro. Dwyer scored three of of Franklin’s first five goals with Sean Connelly assisting on all three tallies. Conor O’Neill also scored twice in the win with Justin Abely recording assists on each goal.

For other results around the Hockomock League


FHS boys hockey top Foxboro 7-2 on Friday
FHS boys hockey top Foxboro 7-2 on Friday

Panther TV News - Jan 8, 2021 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Fri, Jan 08, 2021:
It's been a rough week, so we've worked hard to produce an entertaining show for you. We hope you enjoy it!    News, January 8 2021 https://t.co/zgUWi1fKii via @YouTube




Two FHS sisters conduct Her Drive to collect feminine products

Hello Franklin! 
My sister Ali Hughes and I are both FHS students and we are doing a drive to collect hygiene products, menstrual products, vanity items, and new/lightly used bras for an organization called Her Drive which donates these items to those in need. The drive begins January 15th and goes to Feb. 14th. If you have any spares of these items or are willing to donate, we will be doing contactless pick-ups on weekends. 

If you are willing to donate, fill out this form to have donations picked up https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRLeYk7CZuHpyhNtH05_RcB-a5aUpjGPVpk0zti6BZl4roXQ/viewform

If you have any questions feel free to ask! We appreciate even the smallest donations 🙂

*Edit, I wanted to add that after you fill out the google form, we will email you a reminder once it gets closer to the date you selected just in case. You will also get a confirmation email in the next couple of days




Two FHS sisters conduct Her Drive to collect feminine products
Two FHS sisters conduct Her Drive to collect feminine products

Franklin Cultural District Newsletter Request & January Meeting Information

Hello Franklin Cultural District Partners,

Happy New Year! We hope you are having a great start to the New Year. The January issue of the Franklin Cultural District newsletter is in the works. As we begin 2021 please let us know what is happening with your business, organization or institution.

We would love to  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 include your story in 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.

Sincerely,

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee
nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com

 

Franklin Cultural District Newsletter Request & January Meeting Information
Franklin Cultural District Newsletter Request & January Meeting Information

 

Franklin ECDC: Applications for 2021-2022 school year being accepted now

FranklinECDC (@FranklinECDC) tweeted Thu, Jan 07, 2021:
 ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year! FRANKLIN families of children who will be 3 and not yet 5 by August 31st are eligible to enroll. @TOFranklinMA @FranklinPSNews @FranklinFoodPan @FrkPublicLib 

ECDC application = https://t.co/sBNZdhUKrX

Franklin ECDC: Applications for 2021-2022 school year being accepted now
Franklin ECDC: Applications for 2021-2022 school year being accepted now


"asymptomatic and infectious before developing their symptoms"

Via The Hill comes a CDC study showing focus should include asymptomatic individuals as they contribute to more than 50% of the cases.

Question  
What proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread is associated with transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from persons with no symptoms? 
Findings  
In this decision analytical model assessing multiple scenarios for the infectious period and the proportion of transmission from individuals who never have COVID-19 symptoms, transmission from asymptomatic individuals was estimated to account for more than half of all transmission. 
Meaning  
The findings of this study suggest that the identification and isolation of persons with symptomatic COVID-19 alone will not control the ongoing spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Continue reading the article in The Hill

Go direct to JAMA for the CDC study details


Tree collection possible delay; put trees out anyway for week of Jan 11

The DPW has been notified of a possible delay in pickup of the Christmas trees scheduled the week of Jan 11, 2021. 
 
Go ahead and put your tree on the sidewalk and it will get picked up eventually.
 
 
DPW Put trees out notification for Jan 11 https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/3773160866101689

Tree collection possible delay; put trees out anyway for week of Jan 11
Tree collection possible delay; put trees out anyway for week of Jan 11


Friday, January 8, 2021

Franklin's Weekend Outlook: Jan 9 - Jan 11, 2021

A quiet and cold winter weekend forecasted for Franklin. Weather should be good enough to check out the Farmers Market, and possibly explore the Historical Museum, before making a choice on Monday. Cultural District partners meeting (smaller defined audience) and a meditation demo (larger potential audience).

Saturday, January 9
10:00am = Winter Farmers Market

Sunday, January 10
1:00pm = Historical Museum (open and free admission)

Monday, January 11
7:00pm = Cultural District Partners Meeting
7:30pm = FCC Masterclass: Pranayama and Meditation Demo



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


Town Council meeting - Jan 6, 2021 - recap

Quick Recap:
  • The Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented, discussed and ultimately approved unanimously by the Town Council. This sets objectives for mitigation of natural events (i.e. flooding) to be worked
  • Authorization of funding was approved for the Beaver St interceptor project by an 8-1 vote. The cost will be $25M plus financing costs approx 2-3M, exact amounts to be determined by the final planning and funding applications made over the next two years. Sewer rates will rise for 2023. This is not paid for by real estate taxes only sewer usage fees.
  • Several gifts were acknowledged as received, the largest of which was from J Vendetti ($45K) to be used to upgrade the playground at Beaver Pond.
  • Planning underway to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to first responders at the FHS gym in collaboration with Bellingham, Millis, Medway and Milford. This is pilot process for further distribution as more vaccine and additional waves of eligible folks are identified.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LoQfygc5fGknAkBm6

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0106


Hazard mitigation plan
  • Planning director Bryan Taverner provides the overview following a presentation doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._hazard_mitigation_presentation_2020_update_presentation_handout.pdf
  • . #tc0106
  • Not an emergency response plan, already have that. This is to identify the hazards and what can be done to prepare to avoid them (i.e. avoid drainage issues). #tc0106
  • Public meetings in Mar and Jul incorporated review and comments, submitted to MEMA and then FEMA for their review and comments, now needs the Council to approve the plan #tc0106 #9 & 10 were added to the prior plan
  • #tc0106 adoption does provide for opportunity for grants to assist with the mitigation project efforts. FHS gym was designed as a shelter, the generator from the old FHS will be installed at Parmenter. Could also relocate that one elsewhere.
  • Appropriation was made for an additional generator and it is going to bid soon for use at the municipal building. #tc0106 the session with Bellingham was good in planning for this, can we do more of them? Q from Hamblen Jamie acknowledges Q and will look into
  • #tc0106 Q on how climate was incorporated into the planning. MAPC did the number crunching with FEMA input and software. FEMA has been behind on climate forecasting, does that matter? In some details perhaps, we have work to do. Fire chief is our emergency response lead
  • MEMA actually coordinates the evacuation plan and coincidentally they have a location here so we will have some coverage and local planning involved. #tc0106 moving to subcommittee reports, capital no, budget no, EDC next week Jan 13
Legislation for action
  • Legislation for action: #tc0106 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._hazard_mitigation_0.pdf motion, seconded, passes via roll call (Hamblen remote) 9-0
  • Kelly tells story of Plymouth, MA, of their sewer problem, Town needed to borrow $48m to fix their break. Imagine if there is a break, 2/3 of the town couldn't flush. And if it did get to Mine Brook, add cost for cleanup. #tc0106 now is the time to do this
  • #tc0106 it is not about not having the money, it is a bond, we can do this. Everybody needs this. Everybody uses this. If you can't jump on the bandwagon I don't know what your missing. Now Bissanti is raising an issue, wants to know where we are going to get the money
  • Bissanti; now is not the time, can do this cheaper. #tc0106 it is lousy timing. (Sorry, doesn't understand the timing) (oh and he has done some engineering for options (sleaving)) Jones, Kelly said it well. This is the best time to borrow (confirmed as Yes).
  • Oh, and after raising these issues then Bissanti says we can't change his mind. Other key item is timeline, next 2 years is "planning" before shovel hits ground. Pandemic should be done in 2 years. #tc0106
  • #tc0106 it is a good thing for us to do and it will be something nice to do for the time. Q what taxes will pay for it? Not really taxes, it is a sewer rate, get the final design and can't really get to some thing real, it is two years away. The borrowing #s are good
  • Sewer rates will go up, we don't know what. No tax rate increase for this at all. #tc0106 relining reduces the pipe hence capacity and that doesn't buy us much. The pipe is already at capacity, so the project will also increase the capacity.
  • #tc0106 would cost half as much for the band-aid. And may still have a problem. Route along 140 to bore and minimize the disruption. Hamblen agrees with Kelly. Does have Q on draw down schedule. MBTA, DEP, EPA, etc want this as much as we do, their eyes will be on it too
  • #tc0106 Kelly we could get a bond rate lower than we sit here now, if we do wait the costs will be more, and if we do nothing, it will certainly cost more. 2/3 of the town and business can open cause we can't flush! Bond capacity is not like a special assessment.
  • You could have an 840 credit score and we are at 839, if we tried to do this in a hurry, it would cost more than this plan full manner outlined. #tc0106 he appreciates the opportunity to rant tonight. Bissanti fears this $25m could grow to be $35m. Let's not fly 1st class
  • #tc0106 what is the cost of not doing it? Possibly double or triple. It is the right time, we have been talking of this for years. Motion on the floor to be voted via roll call, passes 8-1 (Bissanti no)
  • franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._gift_fd.pdf #tc0106 motion to accept gift to fire dept, seconded passes 9-0 via roll call https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._gift_pd.pdf motion to accept gift to police dept, seconded passes 9-0 via roll call
  • franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._gift_rec.pdf motion to accept gift to recreation dept for playground at Beaver Pond seconded, passes 9-0 acknowledges Joe Vendetti donation of $45,000! "Sometimes we should be making bigger things of these"
Town Administrator report
  • Town Administrator report, application for Community Preservation Committee is out, land swap is almost ready for the land near the SNETT trail, DPW will be doing the work. #tc0106 COVID case count 91 today down from last week. I am sick of red green yellow
  • Opening vaccine clinic for first responders comes next week. A critical thing to focus on, working with five other towns to coordinate this. Location at FHS is good. An excellent trial run for phase 2 in preparation for broader distribution. #tc0106 target Jan 13
  • Bellingham, Milford, Millis, Medway and Franklin are together in this. #tc0106 phase 2 will be individuals with two high risk categories, or over age of 75 (could be one of the two). Guidelines are changing daily for this stat tuned. Excited to get this train moving
  • Prepared for mini medical center at FHS gym, to triage individuals, prepare for all contingencies. #tc0106 we need as many as possible to get this vaccine. In the gym today visualization of the process started raising spirits of those involved
  • #tc0106 lots of details and logistics underway. No mandate on vaccinations yet, will be getting an acknowledgement that you got vaccinated. To go places, i.e. international travel it may be a requirement. That is a separate issue, let's get these started
  • #tc0106 Maplegate question. Dec 11 permit filed, twenty day appeal period, sometime then a purchase could be presented to the town for review. Once received, it is a 120 days once received to address.
Council comments and closing
  • #tc0106 Chandler "we were actually able to work out that they are saving money on the electric bill" Frongillo shout out on the #thinkfranklinfirst gift cards, well done. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 roll call

 

timeline for Beaver St interceptor project
timeline for Beaver St interceptor project

Winter Farmers Market: Saturday - Jan 9, 2021 = 10 AM - 2 PM

Winter Farmers Market is THIS Saturday (Jan 9, 2021) from 10 AM -2 PM. 
 
It’s supposed to be a great weekend, especially for some fresh air, lots of treats and goodies and of course fresh produce and meats, plus so much more. 

Come and visit some of your favorite vendors. 
(Vendor list will be posted soon!)
 
Hope to see you al there!!
 
More info on the Fairmount Fruit Farm Facebook page
 
 
Winter Farmers Market: Saturday - Jan 9, 2021 = 10 AM - 2 PM
Winter Farmers Market: Saturday - Jan 9, 2021 = 10 AM - 2 PM

 
 

Board of Health Meeting - Jan 6, 2021 - recap

Quick Recap:
  • new dashboard introduced for COVID-19 reporting, series of announcements featuring the police dog, Ben Franklin underway
  • vaccine deployment for first responders scheduled for Jan 13 at FHS; coordination among Bellingham, Millis, Medway and Milford with Franklin to distribute this as the 'pilot' for additional distributions of the vaccine
  • grant received for implementation of 'person in charge' training for food establishments to assist in reducing issues and violations
  • meeting schedule for the first Wednesday of each month of 2021 approved
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder    https://photos.app.goo.gl/9B9CuwpX7a7gtYwq7
 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #BoH0106


  • Live reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting just starting here virtually #BoH0106
  • Link to meeting agenda https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-1-6-21.pdf. #boh0106 motion accept prior minutes, passes 2-0-1 (2 yes, 1 abstain)
  • Update on new dashboard for COVID reporting #boh0106
  • One campaign idea was rejected and the Ben series one out to help with messaging #boh0106
  • Vaccine deployment for first responders was requested by DPH only last week, now planning underway for joint regional effort. #boh0106 vaccine plan proceeds, vaccines received for 400 1st responders to be coordinated by Fire Dept
  • Roy interjects that the chart doesn't reflect Health Dept and it's role, need help with data logging can handles the delivery in an efficient manner, the triage is something they do regularly. #boh0106 They need to get vaccinations sooner than later.
  • Suggestion to add new dashboard to 'normal' place on COVID portal so it can be found in both places. 2 - add the as of data for the data on the portal, would help trying to reconcile what's updated when. #boh0106
  • Person in charge training updates, rec'd grant to provide to food establishments where there are frequent reports. #boh0106 training to cover food safety primarily, not specifically on COVID, although it can be a one page addendum. "Important resource to take advantage of"
  • Motion to accept request for local upgrade approval for Maple St location, approved 3-0 via roll call #boh0106 assumes first Wednesday of the month, can add or changes as required. Motion to accept proposed schedule 4 2021, moved, seconded, passed 3-0 via roll call
  • Motion to adjourn, passed via roll call 3-0. #boh0106 catch you later for the Town Council meeting coming up at 7 pm 
 
Board of Health Meeting - Jan 6, 2021 - recap
Board of Health Meeting - Jan 6, 2021 - recap

Both FHS varsity basketball teams top Milford on Thursday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:
 
Boys Basketball = Franklin, 55 @ Milford, 41 – Final 
– Starting the second half with a five-point lead, Franklin doubled up on Milford in the third, outscoring the hosts 24-12 in the third to pull away for the win and the season sweep. Senior Jake O’Brien got the Panthers off to a strong start, scoring half of his career-high 14 points in the opening quarter as Franklin established a 14-7 lead. Milford’s defense clamped down to hold the Panthers to just eight points in the second with Sean Murray scoring eight of his team-high 10 points in the opening half to keep the Hawks close, down just 22-17 at the break. Declan Walmsley came alive with eight of his 12 points in the third quarter, O’Brien added seven more, and sophomore Ben Harvey hit a big three as Franklin dropped 24 points in the third to extend the lead to 46-29.

Girls Basketball = Milford, 23 @ Franklin, 71 – Final 
– The Panthers used a balanced attack to extend its win streak to 27 games, going back to the start of last season. Olivia Quinn and Jessica Pingeton each scored a dozen to pace the Panthers, while Erin Quaile, Teagan Collins, and Brigid Early each had eight points. Twelve Franklin players scored in the win. Jillian Michelson had nine for the Hawks. 
 
For other results around the Hockomock League

The local cable operations for the Hockomock League teams are collaborating to broadcast the home games for each team
The local cable operations for the Hockomock League teams are collaborating to broadcast the home games for each team


"About 15% of adults in America report hearing loss, and about 1 million use sign language to communicate"

Enabling access to information for all is key.

"Saamanta Serna describes herself as a Coda – the child of a Deaf adult. She grew up up with a Deaf mother and a father who is hearing and an American sign language (ASL) interpreter, and later decided to pursue interpreting herself after high school.

Now a certified ASL interpreter, Serna has done frequent in-person interpreting for medical appointments during Covid. She has also noticed a change in the world’s perception of sign language since the beginning of the pandemic: more people are paying attention.

Conveying updated information to everyone in the time of Covid is a matter of life or death, as the Trump administration learned recently after losing a groundbreaking federal lawsuit to the National Association for the Deaf, which ensured that a sign language interpreter must be present in Covid briefings and visible on the live feed from the White House. The Trump White House did not include its first sign language interpreter on a Covid briefing until 11 November, a full nine months after the pandemic reached America."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
An article on Rupert Dubler who has been seen at many of Gov Baker's press conferences https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/04/17/rupert-dubler-asl-interpreter-baker
 
ASL interpretors are present for Gov Baker's press conferences
ASL interpreters (like Rupert Dubler) are present for Gov Baker's press conferences

Boston Globe: "Baker extending capacity restrictions on businesses for two weeks due to pandemic"

From the Boston Globe:
"Governor Charlie Baker said Thursday that the state is extending by two weeks the capacity restrictions on various industries to combat the spread of COVID-19, as Connecticut announced that two cases of the new, highly contagious coronavirus variant have been identified in that state.

Baker, speaking during a State House news conference, said the restrictions will now be extended until at least Jan. 24 as part of efforts to tap down the virus and help hospitals deal with growing concerns about patient capacity. Acute care beds in Massachusetts hospitals have gone from about 67 percent occupied before Thanksgiving to 83 percent occupied by Dec. 15.

For most businesses, he said, capacity limits will remain at 25 percent. Indoor and outdoor gathering limits will remain 25 people outside and 10 people inside, including for events. “And over the next two weeks we’ll continue to look at and evaluate the data to make further decisions,” he added."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

 

 

FBRTC: Annual Meeting - Jan 12

You can view this embedded email on a webpage:https://mailchi.mp/e5252241c83f/2-4226281?e=a29a9f98b7

View this email in your browser 
FBRTC: Annual Meeting - Jan 12
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
FBRTC: Annual Meeting - Jan 12
2021 Annual Meeting
Our annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 7:30pm.  Please email us for a link to our virtual meeting. 

More info  https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/annual-meeting/
  

Copyright © 2021 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

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New York Times: Don't loose this Pentagon papers story in the midst of everything else going on

 
"There was one story Neil Sheehan chose not to tell. It was the story of how he had obtained the Pentagon Papers, the blockbuster scoop that led to a 1971 showdown between the Nixon administration and the press, and to a Supreme Court ruling that is still seen as a milepost in government-press relations.

From the moment he secured the 7,000 pages of classified government documents on the Vietnam War for The New York Times, until his death on Thursday, Mr. Sheehan, a former Vietnam War correspondent and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, declined nearly every invitation to explain precisely how he had pulled it off.

In 2015, however, at a reporter’s request, he agreed to tell his story on the condition that it not be published while he was alive. Beset by scoliosis and Parkinson’s disease, he recounted, in a four-hour interview at his home in Washington, a tale as suspenseful and cinematic as anyone in Hollywood might concoct."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Good Day memory Cafe - Friday, Jan 8 at 2 PM

Hello everyone,

On January 8th at 2 PM the Shrewsbury Public Library, Good Day Memory Cafe will be showing a recorded performance from the talented Luanne Crosby. We will have time to visit too!

Looking forward to seeing all of you. Click on the link below to join.

Shrewsbury Public Library is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99469981115?pwd=bElqb3VmVHNEZDlEakthdW0wc1F5dz09

Meeting ID: 994 6998 1115
Passcode: 354632  


--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

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

 

Good Day memory Cafe - Friday, Jan 8 at 2 PM
Good Day memory Cafe - Friday, Jan 8 at 2 PM

 

Boston Globe: "In less than 30 minutes, New England politics is altered with news of two cabinet picks"

From the Boston Globe:

"Given the hierarchical and largely one-party political control of both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the churn of executive positions is slow. And the behind-the-scenes jockeying for those posts can last years among those angling to hold the job next.

But on Thursday afternoon the news came quick, bringing with it a major shake-up in New England politics. First, the word that Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo was President-elect Joe Biden’s choice to serve as commerce secretary. Then 26 minutes later, the scoop from Politico that Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was Biden’s pick for labor secretary.

With this week’s pair of Democratic wins in Senate races in Georgia giving them control of the US Senate, confirmation for both Raimondo and Walsh should be assured. The real story, however, will be what their vacancies mean for politics in their home states."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

MBTA: Franklin LIne - Commuter Rail schedule change - Jan 23


Starting on Saturday, January 23, and until further notice, there will be no weekend train service on the Franklin Line

Winter Schedule will take effect on Saturday, January 23. Weekend service will only operate on the Middleborough, Fairmount, Providence, Worcester and Newburyport/Rockport Lines.

On January 23rd, the 2021 Winter Service Schedule will go into effect. This Schedule will introduce:

- Additional early trains on the Middleborough, Fairmount and Newburyport Lines.

- A revised weekend service with trains only operating on the Fairmount, Worcester, Providence, Middleborough, and Newburyport/Rockport lines.

The new Winter Schedule will be available on MBTA.com/schedules on Friday, January 15th. Paper Schedules will be available in South Station, North Station and Back Bay starting the week of January 18th.


Last Updated: Jan 07 2021 12:12 PM

 

MBTA: Franklin LIne - Commuter Rail schedule change
MBTA: Franklin Line - Commuter Rail schedule change

 

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Franklin Public Schools: Message from Superintendent Sara Ahern re: Washington Election Certification

January 6, 2021


Dear Franklin Families,
 
I am writing this evening from a place of strong emotions -- fear, anger, sadness -- over the violent events that erupted in Washington, D.C. earlier today. I know that I am joined by fellow educators and by Franklin families with these feelings.

The videos of rioters breaking into the Capitol to disrupt the certification of the 2020 Presidential election is contrary to the very foundation of our government and the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. And as I write, I am listening to members of Congress reconvene with what I truly hope is a turning point on the divisive rhetoric of recent years as they denounce the violent actions and seek to affirm confidence in the election process. Just as it is important for our elected officials to make these statements to the American people, it is important that we, both educators and parents/guardians, as trusted adults provide the children in Franklin with the reassurance of safety and education about our civic processes.

Our faculty and staff will, first and foremost, work to reaffirm safety and reestablish a sense of normalcy. This year, more than any other year, our faculty and staff have created safe spaces that foster opportunities for children to speak about their feelings in developmentally appropriate ways. We are providing families with the following two resources, which have been shared with our faculty/staff, as they may be helpful to you in processing the violent actions with your children.

 NASP Online  https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
 When Bad Things Happen  https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/summer-2013/when-bad-things-happen


Please know that our staff will be observant of student social-emotional needs and will connect them to resources for SEL support (e.g. counselors, administrators, and trusted adults). Please do not hesitate to reach out as well if you have concerns about your child.

In addition to processing the crisis and violence of the day’s events, the events that transpired represent a regrettably historic moment for our country. As educators, we take very seriously our responsibility to educate students about the history and current events in the United States and about the importance of civic engagement to our democracy. Doing so connects directly with the Franklin Public Schools Portrait of A Graduate, the community’s consensus set of essential skills that each child in FPS will practice and develop during their PreK-12 education. We are committed to the development of “Empathetic and Productive Citizens”: citizens who demonstrate social awareness through inclusivity and consideration of various perspectives, and citizens who develop an understanding of civics and democratic principles.

I am encouraging educators to be talking to our children (as developmentally appropriate) about these events.

Our approach is not to tell students what to think about issues, but rather, how to gather and examine information, think critically, engage with their peers, and draw informed conclusions. Our faculty and staff do not approach or teach from one political perspective, but rather remain neutral, while creating a constructive forum for students to explore and discuss the issues. FPS educators will, however, take a firm stance that violence is never a constructive way to problem-solve.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school if there is anything we can do to further support your child.


Sincerely, 

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools 

 

Franklin Public Schools: Message from Superintendent Sara Ahern re:  Wwashington Election Certification
Franklin Public Schools: Message from Superintendent Sara Ahern re:  Wwashington Election Certification