Saturday, March 6, 2021

FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

FM #481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 481 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 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 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/72e1df51-f768-44c7-8b98-b768880320ad

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda  


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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)
FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)


"authority to force districts to reopen their schools full-time"

 
"BREAKING: Massachusetts education officials plan to postpone this spring's MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools."
https://t.co/MrgYlWjeeI
"Massachusetts education officials announced on Friday they will postpone this spring’s MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools, a move that was criticized by some teachers unions but lauded by other education advocates.

The decision came hours before the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to give Commissioner Jeffrey Riley the authority to force districts to reopen their schools full-time.

The return of students to five days a week of in-person learning will begin with students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 on April 5 — the same date that MCAS testing was previously scheduled to begin."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


And CommonWealth Magazine coverage on this topic - Read the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/ed-board-gives-riley-power-to-force-school-reopenings/

Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16

"Congrats to the Mock Trial team for their victory over a brilliant Wayland team yesterday, 105-104. Both schools' coaches called it the most epic battle either had ever seen. With the win, Franklin advanced to the statewide Sweet 16 of the Mock Trial Tournament's "March Madness."


"The following Mock Trial students earned exemplary scores yesterday: Nipun Goel, Akash Shetty, Pratusha Nouduri, Erin McCaffrey, Nihara Lijan, Paris Arffa, Charlene Peng, and Matthew Parrella."

 

Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16
Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16


5 FHS Music Students to perform with the MA All State Orchestra and Jazz Band

Massachusetts Music Educators Association is holding the 2021 All-State Music Festival virtually this year. Five students from the Franklin High School music program were selected for an ensemble and will participate in a virtual concert some time later this spring.

Students first attended a two hour master class on March 6th with the conductors of their ensembles.  Following this class, students will study their music and video record themselves performing their parts. These videos will be submitted by March 20th and will be professionally edited to create a virtual performance which will be presented to the public as a YouTube Premiere later this spring.

The Franklin High School students selected to the All-State Orchestra are: Christopher Broyles - Viola, Chai Harsha - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin.   Colin Manocchio - Trombone and Ian Richardson - Electric Bass were both selected to perform with the Jazz Band.

------

In addition to performing with the Massachusetts All State Orchestra, Christopher Broyles and Chai Harsha were also selected to perform virtually with the All Eastern Honor Orchestra.  This festival will be presented in a similar format.  These are incredible accomplishments for our student musicians.  


Left to Right: Ian Richardson - Bass, Colin Manocchio - Trombone, Chai Harsha - Viola, Christopher Broyles - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin
Left to Right: Ian Richardson - Bass, Colin Manocchio - Trombone, Chai Harsha - Viola, Christopher Broyles - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin


Pantherbook: "FHS Athletes' Perspectives on Fall II "

Take a look at FHS Athletes' Perspectives on Fall II 
@FranklinHS @FHSSports
https://t.co/crucFqJunJ
Direct link to Pantherbook

The football field is partially covered in a snowbank and the track is slightly wet from the weather.
The football field is partially covered in a snowbank and the track is slightly wet from the weather.


Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast March 5, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Thirty-one years ago, Bruce McCandless II became the first person to conduct an untethered spacewalk. This iconic image was captured during a subsequent untethered EVA on Feb. 11, by NASA astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson. Photo Credit: NASA


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 



March 7, 2021, 3pm: Virtual Concert with percussionist Fabio Pirozzolo as part of the Friends of the Robbins Library Concert Series.  This will be a Facebook live event.  Go to:https://friendsofrobbinslibrary.org/harpbeat-celtic-harp-percussion-duo-sunday-march-7-300-pm/   or you can go directly to the Robbins Library facebook page. 


Tips

7 helpful hand exercises - For Parkinson's and to improve flexibility and dexterity 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez2GeaMa4c8  


Morning Qi Gong - 10 minute morning exercise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac08kMK-dyI 


Beginners Ballet for Balance and flexibility for Seniors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn-L69Ho8m8 


Music

2Cellos - Thunderstruck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT3SBzmDxGk 


Automatica - robots vs. Music - Nigel Stanford

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


The very first woodwind instrument dates back to more than 43,000 years ago. The first woodwind instrument was a flute carved from the thigh bone of a bear. ... Bone was a natural choice for a flute because after the marrow is extracted, the length of the bone is hollow.



Just for Fun

The Evolution of Dance 1920-2000's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqHt2VeYJN4 


The Mars helicopter!!  Now on Mars!

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


Mind bending optical illusions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IWk5NkxQF8 



Humor

Inside the mind of a master procrastinator - Tim Urban

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU 


Carol Burnett Show Outtakes - Tim Conway's Elephant Story (one of my personal favorites)

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


Kindness Matters

The speech that brought the entire student body to tears - Motivational

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u2qggffbYM 



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

*Monday at 1pm - Tele-bingo a call in bingo game.  Call the senior center for details

*Monday at 1pm - Meet the Sheriff - zoom

*Tuesday at 10am - Sen. Rausch - zoom

*Tuesday at 2pm - Palette Knife Class -you must be registered to attend

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

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

*Wed. At 10am - Writers Group -zoom

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

*Thursday at 6:30pm- NAME THAT TUNE! - email adoggett@franklinma.gov to play

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

*Thursday at 10am - Discussion Group - zoom

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

 Games, exercise and activities.


Attached you will find Donna's fun filled activity pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ezrKdX_pFa39nGKps9EJN36DXsgaVYy1/view?usp=sharing


Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  Please feel free to email me with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel 


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



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


"Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling"

"Around 10 million U.S. mothers living with their own school-age children were not actively working in January — 1.4 million more than during the same month last year, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data.

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on employment overall but especially on mothers’ paid labor. The 10 million not working accounted for over one-third of all mothers living with school-age children in the United States, according to the Current Population Survey."
Continue reading from the Census Bureau:
 

Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling
Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling

Toward a More Perfect Union: Suit filed on insurrection

In a recent episode of "Toward a More Perfect Union", it was asked who could file a law suit? At least one of the impeachment managers just did per this New York Times article:

"A House Democrat who unsuccessfully prosecuted Donald J. Trump at his impeachment trial last month sued him in federal court on Friday for acts of terrorism and incitement to riot, attempting to use the justice system to punish the former president for his role in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol.

The suit brought by Representative Eric Swalwell, Democrat of California, accuses Mr. Trump and key allies of inciting the deadly attack and conspiring with rioters to try to prevent Congress from formalizing President Biden’s election victory. And like the case laid out in the Senate, which acquitted him, it meticulously traces a monthslong campaign by Mr. Trump to undermine confidence in the 2020 election and then overturn its results.

“The horrific events of January 6 were a direct and foreseeable consequence of the defendants’ unlawful actions,” asserts the civil suit, filed for Mr. Swalwell in Federal District Court in Washington. “As such, the defendants are responsible for the injury and destruction that followed.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
Franklin's wfpr.fm has a series on Monday called "Towards A More Prefect Union" Frank Falvey converses with Rep. Jeff Roy, Dr. Michael Walker-Jones and Dr. Natalia Linos. The show airs on Monday's at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Work is also underway to make a podcast version of this show available.
 
Toward a More Perfect Union:  Suit filed on insurrection
Toward a More Perfect Union:  Suit filed on insurrection

Fraudulent fundraiser uses illegal robocalls to harass consumers

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

In 2015, the FTC and state partners sued and shut down four sham charities that harassed millions of people with more than 1.3 billion illegal robocalls about donating to charity. The FTC and 46 charity state regulators from 38 states and the District of Columbia are holding the fundraisers that made those illegal calls accountable in a lawsuit announced today. 

The next time you get a call with a pre-recorded message from charity fundraisers, remember these tips:

Read more >

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





Friday, March 5, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2021

Be safe, be social (at a distance!)

 

Friday, March 5
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
 
Saturday, March 6
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
9:00am -  Girl Scout cookie sale
 
Sunday, March 7
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
1:00pm -  Historical Museum (open and free admission)
 
Monday, March 8
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
 
Tuesday, March 9
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
9:00am -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
7:00pm -  Rail Trail Committee - monthly meeting
 
Wednesday, March 10
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm -  Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
 
Thursday, March 11
 February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
 Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run, Ride
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd
 

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

FM #480 - Economic Development Subcommittee Mtg - 03/03/21 (audio)

FM #480 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 480 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about fifty nine minutes.  Audio file =   
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aada591e-6ed2-401b-90de-d949d30e7ab1

-----------

Meeting agenda including bylaw revision for food trucks and draft "Business Guide" 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_3-3-2021.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-economic-development-meeting.html

Quick Recap:

  • Modification to bylaw requirement for up to 25% of the space allowed for the tasting room proposed for removal. Few other communities require such. Approved to bring to Council. Would still require approval process loop through the Planning Board and back to Council before effective
  • Discussion on draft of new Franklin Business Guide. Good suggestions made. If you have any, please send to Anne Marie Tracy
  • Discussion on proposal to change restrictions on food trucks. Would allow for private parties on private property. For a public event on private property (i.e. a business like Pour Richard's) they could get a permit for it. The current zone for food trucks would remain in place at the Town Common. Plans for them during the summer (assuming COVID protocols allow) for Farmers Market/Concerts on the Common. Approved to bring to Council for further discussion

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/PbwWoeJjCLhCyHDY8

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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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"

 

cover of the draft "Business Guide"
cover of the draft "Business Guide" 

FM #479 - Board of Health Meeting - 03/03/21 (audio)

FM #479 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 479 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, March 3, 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 meeting recording runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 3.  Audio file = 
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/daa307f2-99b6-468e-96b1-e6c3e7ea09af


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

Agenda doc
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-3-3-21_revised_0.pdf

Health Dept./Board of Health page   https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-board-of-health-meeting-mar-3.html
 

Quick Recap:

  • Partnered with Housing Authority to schedule vaccine clinic for 3/5/21. Last clinic of this type anticipated due to DPH and supply restrictions
  • COVID message covered by State/Federal funding
  • House on Jordan Rd condemn to provide for legal recuse due to owner inaction since fire 
--------------

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 #479 - Board of Health Meeting - 03/03/21 (audio)
FM #479 - Board of Health Meeting - 03/03/21 (audio)

Affordable Housing Opportunity - 24 Shayne Road, Unit 111

Affordable Housing Opportunity

Franklin Heights Estates – First Come First Serve 24 Shayne Road, Unit 111 - Resale

$191,780

Garden Style Condominium, 1st Floor, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 1,000 sf, with Gas Heat and Central Air Conditioning

Includes: Refrigerator, Stove/Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Hard Wood Floors, Basement-Storage Unit

Taxes: $14.65 per $1,000, Condo Fee $174.00/Month Maximum Income Guidelines:
1 Person Household: $67,400 2 Person Household: $77,000 3 Person Household: $86,650
4 Person Household: $96,250

Maximum Household Asset Limit is $75,000.

First complete application received as of 3/12/21 will have the opportunity to purchase. You Must Be a First Time Homebuyer. For Application contact Maxine at 508-553-4890 or mkinhart@franklinma.gov or https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust page.


Shared from the Housing Trust page


Franklin Public Library is reopening March 22 - Find the details here!


We are back and we missed you!
We are pleased to announce that the Franklin Public Library will be re-opening for in-person hours beginning on Monday, March 22nd! Our hours will be as follows:
  • Monday: 1 - 4 pm
  • Tuesday 1 - 4 pm
  • Wednesday 1 - 4 pm
  • Thursday: 4 - 8 pm (Senior hour 3 - 4 pm)
  • Friday 1 - 4 pm
  • Saturday 1 - 4pm

Curbside services will continue with pick up hours as follows:
  • Monday - Thursday 10am - 8pm
  • Friday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
The Library at a Glance
What's available:

  • Browsing the stacks (Please limit your visit to 30 minutes maximum)
  • Checking out items (Please use the self-check app or self-check computers)
  • Logging into your account to pay late fees and lost materials with your credit card
  • WIFI access
  • Public computer workstations (May be used for up to 60 minutes only)
  • Printing, scanning, faxing, and photocopying (Please bring exact change)
  • Museum passes (Please check with the museum prior to your visit. Further action may be necessary)
What's not available:

  • Study rooms
  • Meeting rooms
  • Toys
  • Children's play area
  • Local history collection
  • Restrooms
Health & Safety Practices
Hand Sanitizer 1
All patrons entering the library will be required to do the following:
  • Wear face coverings covering their nose and mouth at all times inside the Library
  • Use remote services – phone, email, and curbside –if you cannot wear face coverings for medical reasons.
  • Sanitize hands upon entering and complete the contact tracing form
Practice social distancing
  • Please remember to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from other patrons and staff
Distance
Library Programming
All programming will continue to be either virtual or take-and-make kits.

If you have any questions, please contact the Franklin Public Library at 508-520-4941 or at frkill@minlib.net .
Franklin Public Library 508-520-4941

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.