Saturday, February 20, 2021

FM #466 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P1 of 4 (audio)

FM #466 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 466 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour fifty minute meeting into four logical segments:

  • *** First segment *** covers the opening through the Community Preservation Committee appointments and a two minute recess (51 minutes)
  • Second - returns from the recess to cover the Complete Streets presentation/discussion as well as the Town Administrator review and discussion (58 minutes)
  • Third - opens with the Legislation for Action and covers the items through the authorization of the fire trucks (40 minutes) 
  • Fourth - covers the technical adjustments to the three Storm Water Articles I, II, and III with the discussion running off course (again - with confusion around the proposed storm water utility fee - not in these three articles) through to the close of the meeting (approx. 1 hour and 13 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 17, 2021. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4e9abe73-7e69-402d-97c8-6930470c0524

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf
Town Council ‘quarterbacking session’ with Chair Tom Mercer
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/couldnt-spend-hours-with-town-council.html 

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

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
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

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!

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

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

FM #466 Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P1 of 4 (audio)
FM #466 Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P1 of 4 (audio)


FM #467 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P2 of 4 (audio)

FM #467 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 467 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour fifty minute meeting into four logical segments:

  • First - covers the opening through the Community Preservation Committee appointments and a two minute recess (51 minutes)
  • *** Second segment *** returns from the recess to cover the Complete Streets presentation/discussion as well as the Town Administrator review and discussion (58 minutes)
  • Third - opens with the Legislation for Action and covers the items through the authorization of the fire trucks (40 minutes) 
  • Fourth - covers the technical adjustments to the three Storm Water Articles I, II, and III with the discussion running off course (again - with confusion around the proposed storm water utility fee - not in these three articles) through to the close of the meeting (approx. 1 hour and 13 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 17, 2021. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/66056b80-08cb-4098-b742-bcd557d22746


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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf
Town Council ‘quarterbacking session’ with Chair Tom Mercer
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/couldnt-spend-hours-with-town-council.html 

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

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
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

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!

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

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

FM #467 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P2 of 4 (audio)
FM #467 - Town Council Meeting - 02/17/21 - P2 of 4 (audio)


Franklin's Cultural District Updates and Events - February 2021 Newsletter

Welcome from The Chair ...

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, communities around the country have endured great loss and isolation. During this isolation we have all worked to find ways to respond to the reality of our constrained lives. Many of us have found new ways to interact, connect and support one another. Though the Covid-19 crisis has significantly impacted the artistic community, the spirit of connection and inspiration through the arts remains stronger than ever.

While we have not been able to attend live performances and concerts, we have been lucky to live in a community in which our arts' establishments have worked hard to continue to provide artistic experiences for us to enjoy. Our community has also worked hard to support our struggling businesses and restaurants with the "Think Franklin First" cards. The Franklin Interfaith Council and the Franklin Food Pantry have collaborated on "Project Envoy" to support both our local restaurants as well as the most vulnerable in our community.

We are now making our way through a very snowy New England winter. Soon we will reach the one-year anniversary of the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although the days are long, we are beginning to see some bright spots on the horizon. We will continue to look to the arts to generate positivity, appreciation and hope for the future. As we move through this stage of the pandemic let's all remember to shop local to support our Franklin cultural venues and businesses.

Regards, 

Nancy Schoen, Chair


Follow the link to review the full set of contents for the newsletter

Subscribe to receive your copy of the newsletter via email

Franklin's Cultural District Updates and Events - February 2021 Newsletter
Franklin's Cultural District Updates and Events - February 2021 Newsletter


Town of Franklin, MA: Senior Center Coffee rescheduled - 2/25/21

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Feb 19, 2021:
"State Representative Jeff Roy, Town Council Members, & Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will be available to chat, answer ?s, and provide updates on vaccine rollout."
Zoom meeting link =  https://t.co/vMwuaflZCi

Join via phone: -312-626-6799, Meeting ID:  87851447900 press # passcode: 897373 press # https://t.co/0qLzwB4Dr4

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1362777988442583042

Why reschedule? The session scheduled for 2/18/21 used Microsoft Teams (not Zoom) and no one from the 'normal' seniors group joined the session. The lesson - stick with Zoom. 

Town of Franklin, MA: Senior Center Coffee rescheduled - 2/25/21
Town of Franklin, MA: Senior Center Coffee rescheduled - 2/25/21


Town of Franklin, MA: Ben reminds us to #DoYourPartFranklin

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Feb 19, 2021:

"Happy Friday! As we enter the weekend, we are reminding our community that the safety guidelines are STILL important! We want to continue to see the COVID-19 situation improve for everyone. 
Please continue to support our local businesses while remembering to #DoYourPartFranklin"
https://t.co/C35YYqB0bw

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1362799924459544582

Town of Franklin, MA: Ben reminds us to #DoYourPartFranklin
Town of Franklin, MA: Ben reminds us to #DoYourPartFranklin


Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast Feb 19, 2021


Hello Everyone!


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 

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

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

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 


*With the Governor's announcement of people 65+ now being eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, it was announced that there will no longer be municipal vaccine clinics, except in  20 high risk communities (not Franklin). Franklin will not be hosting any vaccine clinics.  If you need assistance signing up for a vaccine at Gillette, Milford Hospital or another qualifying vaccination site please call the Senior Center for help. 


Tips

Balance Fitness Routine - Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nnOGyWuy3k 


Balance Exercise Routine - part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QBd6ATGNVI 


Gospel Dance Aerobics with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UnmH0wh020 


Music

10 hours of happy, upbeat music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lkEoAnZSR8 


Unusual and strange musical instruments - the 2nd one is so soothing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8ple6h4zWA 


Persian Santur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95amB7kUu-k 



Just for Fun

Creative street art from around the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsn7uHb5ZiE 


Incredible Saves in sports

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW8J7_l8INY 


Cow Cuddling, yes this is a real thing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKzvW8WyU4A 


Humor

Hysterical Juggler - juggling dangerous things!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuAu8CT3Lwo&feature=emb_logo 


Erma Bombeck - The Mother of all Humorists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rD1wMpn8KY 



Kindness Matters

Strangers form a human chain to save a dog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smGQUH5ldTA 



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

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

*Monday at 2pm - Memory Cafe  enjoy music and friendship email adoggett@franklinma.gov 

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

*Tuesday at 1pm - Audio Book Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Tuesday at 11am - Asthma and COPD call the Senior Center to register

*Wed. At 11am - Mindful Movements - email judivperez@gmail.com for the link to attend

*Wed. At 1pm - Writers Group - call the senior center to register

*Wed. At 4 pm - Caregivers Support Group email elaine.owens@verizon.net to attend

*Thursday at 8am - Senior Coffee Hour with Franklin Officials - Zoom Meeting link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87851447900?pwd=MWEyZlN0QS9JcHR2aFU4NGhzZmZWZz09

Meeting ID: 878 5144 7900 Passcode: 897373

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

*Thursday at 1pm - Emergency Preparedness - call the senior center to attend

*Thursday at 2pm - Boston Made Learn about the amazing innovations and inventions that 

have made Boston exceptional for more than 400 years. Presented by Alan Earls. Email 

adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend. 

*Friday at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of socialization,

 games and activities.

 

Attached you will find: Donna's Fun Filled Activity Pages!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/178U2qGT5to47tRNyDOWNaRR_xN7FLkym/view?usp=sharing


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



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

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

Franklin Food Pantry: new video series to answer Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin Food Pantry (@FranklinFoodPan) tweeted on Fri, Feb 19, 2021:
"It's #FAQFriday. Today we launch a new video series answering questions about #ThePantry. 
Today's question: How has distribution at the Pantry changed during the pandemic?"

View the video:  https://t.co/Z2PGFyhn1q




Library of Congress Announces Spring Concert Programming

Library Announces Spring Concert Programming for 2020-2021 Season

The Library of Congress will continue its critically acclaimed season of Concerts from the Library of Congress with an offering of virtual concerts, interviews and conversations with artists and composers, lectures, curator talks and educational programs. The spring series kicks off on March 12 with a performance from the young musicians of the New World Symphony, followed by performances from Scottish pianist Steven Osborne on March 19 and the Dudok Quartet Amsterdam on March 26.

All events will be made available at 8 p.m. ET on the scheduled premiere date 

All events of the season are free, and tickets are not required.

For more information

Don't Forget! Apply for a Rockland Trust Scholarship Today

Applications are open for a Rockland Trust scholarship

Selection Criteria:
  • Selection will be based on the applicant’s academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities. 
  • Applications must be either completed online or postmarked by March 15, 2021 to be considered. Winners will be notified by May 17, 2021
  • Applications must be complete and accompanied by the two most recent semester grades on an official high school transcript.
  • The Rockland Trust Scholarship Committee will record and score all complete applications received by the deadline.  Scholarships will be awarded based on the following criteria:
    • Academic Accomplishment: 20 points
    • Community Service/Extracurricular Activity : 45 points
    • Essay:  35 points 
https://www.rocklandtrust.com/scholarship

Don't Forget! Apply for a Rockland Trust Scholarship Today
Don't Forget! Apply for a Rockland Trust Scholarship Today


Friday, February 19, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2021

Be safe in this slow moving snow storm. You can be inside to enjoy a virtual concert tonight and then get rid of some bottles/cans Saturday morning. A small choice of this to do during these pandemic days. The storywalk at DelCarte should be nice in the snow. You might need to blaze the trail - be careful!


Friday, February 19
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
3:00pm - FPL: Girls who code (Grades 3-5)
4:00pm - FPL: Girls Who Code! (Grades 6-12)
8:00pm - The Accidentals - virtual concert

Saturday, February 20
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
10:00am - Scout Troop 126 - Bottle/can drive

Sunday, February 21
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
1:00pm - Historical Museum (open and free admission)

Monday, February 22
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation

Tuesday, February 23
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
7:00pm - Franklin Public Library Book Club

Wednesday, February 24
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
7:00pm - Medway Marches presents "Allies in Action"
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, February 25

February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation


If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar


Couldn't spend hours with the Town Council meeting Weds? Take 30 minutes to catch up now

FM #465 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 465 in the series.
 
This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer

This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Town Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 
  • ok, what just happened? 
  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in this "quarterbacking" session with Tom.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/48d35912-d30d-4362-b980-35cabe6696e7


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

Topics from the meeting covered in our conversation:
  • Appointments = Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Nominee Ratification
  • HEARINGS =  MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli:  Special legislative process for this license
  • PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS = Complete Streets Program 
  • SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS =  Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee
  • LEGISLATION FOR ACTION = Resolution 21-11: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing and Transfer to Pay Costs of Purchasing Fire Apparatus 
  • LEGISLATION FOR ACTION = Bylaw Amendment 21-870: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading 
  • LEGISLATION FOR ACTION  = Bylaw Amendment 21-865: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article I. II, III 
Agenda documents
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-17.html

My notes from the meeting 

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

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
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

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!

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

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

Couldn't spend hours with the Town Council meeting Weds? Take 30 minutes to catch up now
Couldn't spend hours with the Town Council meeting Weds? Take 30 minutes to catch up now


Franklin's COVID-19 case count continue the downward trend

 

"The state releases a map on a weekly basis that uses coronavirus case counts to show which Massachusetts communities are at high, moderate, and low risk for COVID-19 infection. The state’s latest report lists a total of 66 Massachusetts communities now considered high risk for the spread of COVID-19.

The statewide average daily rate of infection per 100,000 residents was at 30, down from 38.5, last week, and Boston’s average daily rate was at 30.4, down from 38.8 last week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 


Tucked in an updated at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, the revelation that Franklin lost 38 residents (85% over the age of 75) to COVID-19 thus far in the pandemic. As you read this, let's stop for a moment to remember those who have left us.

As for COVID-19 cases, we have dropped again to 2.4% (percent positivity test results). This continues the downward trend (from 3.7 last week and 4.7 the week before).

Franklin's COVID-19 case count continue the downward trend
Franklin's COVID-19 case count continue the downward trend