Saturday, May 8, 2021

Support Franklin Education Foundation so they can support the teachers

Franklin Ed.org (@FranklinEdOrg) tweeted on Fri, May 07, 2021:

Today is the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week, and FEF would like to finish our week-long fundraiser on a high note!  Any support you could give would be greatly appreciated for what these grants provide for our teachers and students.

More Info:

Shared from: https://t.co/cZBXYQfEi7

Support Franklin Education Foundation so they can support the teachers
Support Franklin Education Foundation so they can support the teachers


Find out what the SAFE Coalition does. May 13 - 7:00 PM

Thursday, May 13th, at 7 PM, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee will be hosting the SAFE Coalition in a virtual discussion panel.  The panel will feature counselors, law enforcement, clinicians, and social workers.  

It is a non-political, non-partisan event, the goal of which is to highlight the substance use and mental health support services that the SAFE Coalition provides.  The opioid crisis has been exacerbated greatly by the pandemic. Informing members of the community and surrounding area of these programs that the SAFE Coalition is available if they or their loved ones need them. 

The Facebook event includes the zoom link: 

Visit the SAFE Coalition at their page = https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Find out what the SAFE Coalition does? May 13 - 7:00 PM
Find out what the SAFE Coalition does. May 13 - 7:00 PM


Town Council - FY22 Proposed Budget and Budget Hearings (05/26/21 - 05/27/21)


Town Council - FY22 Proposed Budget and Budget Hearings (05/26/21 - 05/27/21)
Town Council - FY22 Proposed Budget and Budget Hearings (05/26/21 - 05/27/21)


FHS baseball tops Foxboro 7-1 on Friday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS spring sports results: 

Baseball = Franklin, 7 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final

Boys Outdoor Track = King Philip @ Franklin, 3:45
Girls Outdoor Track = King Philip @ Franklin, 3:45

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - May 7, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Wishing all the Moms out there a wonderful, happy and healthy Mother's Day!


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 


Save the Date:  West Suburban Area Alzheimer's Partnership Virtual Spring ForumSeven Steps to Managing Your Memory: What's Normal, What's Not, And What to Do About It, with guest speaker Dr. Andrew Budson on Wednesday May 19, 2021 from 8:30-9:30 am (flyer attached) Register by calling 1-800-272-3900 or REGISTER HERE


There are TONS of events happening next week at the Franklin Senior Center.  Make sure to check the "Upcoming Events" below so you don't miss out on the fun!


Tips

18 breathing exercises for beginners - Qigong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQpFtyWWlU4 


Full body Low impact workout with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJT4dmgcoSk 


Music

Unusual and Strange Musical instruments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EPdeQTTFt8 


Over an hour and a half of beautiful music to celebrate Mother's Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOzjI8_ujL0 


Supermarket Flowers by Ed Sheeran - The most heartbreakingly beautiful song for all of the Moms who have left this world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIB8EWqCPrQ 


Just for Fun

The history of Mother's Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k64ttIyUFvs 


How banana waste is made into rugs and more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ust6Bh1D3GY 


Incredible synchronicity that looks like a glitch in the matrix

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


7 Riddles to test your brain power - How many can you get right?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpLLst4-3fw 


Humor

Dumbest answers ever on Family Feud

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


Alternative Cuss Words - Tim Hawkins 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHGbKuZzq3E 


Kindness Matters

Sparky the Loser - The story of Charles Schultz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaUj742kuCY 


2 year old convinces her mom to adopt a deaf puppy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnTimlWTiO0 


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

Link to Senior Center monthly calendar https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/may_newsletter_2021_-1.pdf 

*Monday at 1pm - TeleBingo call to register for this phone in game

*Tuesday at 1 and 2:30 Outdoor Concert  Bring a chair and some friends and enjoy our LIVE music concerts. THE MARK SHILANSKY JAZZ TRIO, Berklee College of Music, will perform. Rain date is May 13th. 

*Tuesday at 11am - Tailgate Tuesday! Pick up lunch at our Curbside Cafe and stay for a tailgate picnic with friends!  Bring a chair or picnic blanket for comfort. 

*Tuesday at 5:30pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. At 1pm - MASSACHUSETTS, THE LIBRARY STATE - From the early days of European settlement to the present, Boston and Massachusetts have been friendly to the printed word. In fact, the first printing press in British North America arrived at Harvard in 1636. Libraries, private, public, and academic followed quickly, including Franklin's own public library. In this presentation, local author and historian Alan Earls will present a slide show and discussion of some of the important milestones, architectural gems, and key figures in this story, as well as an overview of just how richly endowed we are with libraries of all kinds today. Email Ariel at adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to join. 

*Thursday at 9:30 - Chair exercise with Shirley - You must register to attend

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

*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/16HImRWns5btvDKb2_awcjBw0Cj3xMJE_/view?usp=sharing


By entering the Franklin Senior Center you are agreeing to the rules in place and will be required to scan or sign in, fill out a COVID questionnaire, have your temperature taken, wear a properly fitting mask over your mouth and nose at ALL times and remain socially distanced.  We greatly appreciate your assistance in following these rules so we can continue to move forward with our scaled and mindful opening based on the rules we MUST follow!  Please do NOT move chairs or remove signs marking appropriate social distancing.   

The rules are in place for legal and safety reasons.  Breaking them just makes you a fun ruiner for everyone! Don't be "that person" who gets us shut down! 


Stay safe, mindful and kind everyone!

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
Supportive Day Coordinator


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

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - May 12

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - 5:30 PM

Agenda:
1. Restaurant Revitalization Fund Discussion
2. Downtown Parking Commercial & C1 Zoning Draft Bylaw Amendment
3. Housing Production Plan Draft

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting posted here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_for_may_12.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - May 12
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - May 12

Lifelong Learning: Students entering grades K-5 registration for a summer of fun

Lifelong Learning (@FPSLearning) tweeted on Fri, May 07, 2021:
Students entering grades K-5, join us for a summer of fun! Activities will focus on exciting new themes each week. For more information and to register:  https://t.co/aGKIhJAEXg

Shared from https://t.co/ZSBcbt7XsB  or here  https://twitter.com/FPSLearning/status/1390696676604579840


Lifelong Learning: Students entering grades K-5 registration for a summer of fun
Lifelong Learning: Students entering grades K-5 registration for a summer of fun


Friday, May 7, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: May 7 - May 13, 2021

Mother's Day weekend arrives and there are less events around to allow for time to be spent with family and friends. Tonight under the tent at THE BLACK BOX  is the annual Culinary Cabaret and HMEA has a virtual fund raising trivia scheduled.

Friday, May 7
Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm - Culinary Cabaret 2021
7:00pm - HMEA: Smarty Pants Trivia II

Saturday, May 8
Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Sunday, May 9
Story Walk @DelCarte
Mother's Day
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Monday, May 10
Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Tuesday, May 11
Story Walk @DelCarte
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Wednesday, May 12
Story Walk @DelCarte
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, May 13
Story Walk @DelCarte
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
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
7:00pm - SAFE Coalition Virtual Panel Discussion
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 #532 - Franklin Cultural District ArtWALK Celebration - 05/03/21 (audio)

FM #532 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 532 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Nancy Schoen, Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the upcoming ArtWALK Celebration "Escape to the Arts" scheduled for June 11, 12 and 13. Some events will take place on the Town Common, at THE BLACK BOX, and the Historical Museum. The ArtWALK Celebration will take place in and around the Cultural District.

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Nancy.   Audio file ->  
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/507a3ae7-5beb-4cda-b25d-08dffb1d186b


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


Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/  

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

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"

Escape to the Arts - Jun 11-13
 Escape to the Arts - Jun 11-13, 2021

Panther TV News for May 7, 2021 (video)

Panther TV News for May 7, 2021 

 

FHS boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, and boys tennis teams open spring season with wins

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS spring sports results: 

Baseball = Franklin @ Foxboro – Postponed to Friday, 5/7 at 4:00

Softball = Foxboro, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 
– Eighth grader Emma Callahan tossed a complete game shutout in her varsity debut, striking out one to help the Warriors win on the road. Senior Morgan Sylvestre paced the Foxboro offense (10 hits as a team), going 4-for-4 with two RBI while Peyton Feldman added two hits in the win. Senior Nicole Theriault came through with a big sacrifice in the third to set the Warriors up for runs. 

Boys Lacrosse = Foxboro, 6 @ Franklin, 18 – Final 
– Sophomores Luke Davis and Jayden Consigli combined for 10 goals in their Franklin debuts and senior Matt Lazzaro had five points, as the Panthers opened the season with a dominating home win. Davis got the Panthers off to a great start with a first quarter hat trick. Tim Walsh, Owen Kielty, and Consigli each added one as well for the Panthers and freshman Lincoln Moore got his first varsity goal for the Warriors who trailed 6-1 after one. Tommy Sharkey scored a man-up goal to start the second, but Franklin answered with seven straight goals to open a double-digit lead. Consigli had a hat trick in the second, two of them assisted by Davis, who added two goals of his own in the quarter. Mike Griffin and Lazzaro also scored in the run, before Foxboro got one back to make it 13-3 at the half. Lazzaro and Davis traded assists on each other’s goals to start the third, but freshman Connor Noone got his first career goal and Moore added his second. Conor O’Neil scored back-to-back goals to push the lead up to 12 in the fourth. Noone got his second of the day, but Ravin Chaudhury capped the scoring with his first with two minutes to go.


Girls Lacrosse = Foxboro, 10 @ Franklin, 19 – Final

Boys Tennis = Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 
– Franklin swept both doubles matches in straight sets and added two more wins in singles action to open the season with a win over Foxboro. Senior Liam Marr won 6-2, 6-0 at first singles while junior Vayshnav Malhotra secured a 6-0, 6-2 decision at second singles. The team of Anish Gundimeda and Sameen Shaik earned a 6-0, 6-1 win at first doubles for the Panthers while Thomas Broyles and Jay Gorgas picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles. Foxboro’s Jason Kandula won 6-2, 6-2 at third singles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 1 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final 
– Foxboro didn’t drop a game in singles action, sweeping all three matches and adding another win in doubles play to beat visiting Franklin. Athena Li (first singles), Pam Nelson (second singles), and Sarah Prag (third singles) all won 6-0, 6-0 while the team of Maggie McAuliffe and Abby Costa secured a 6-3, 6-2 win at first doubles. Franklin’s Amulya Jayam and Shriya Rajesh earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at second doubles.

For other results around the Hockomock League


FHS on the attack (HockomoskSports.com photo) rosters not yet available
FHS on the attack (HockomoskSports.com photo) rosters not yet available


Culinary Cabaret 2021 - May 7

Join us at THE BLACK BOX Under the Tent when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous food, libations, and entertainment! Your $75 per person all-inclusive ticket delivers a delicious, entertaining evening!

The 9th annual Culinary Cabaret spotlights this region's outstanding culinary talent, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, flavorful dishes and mouth-watering desserts! ​

Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth 2021!

Current safety guidelines will be followed and Masks are required.  

Ticket can be purchased online -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1452

Culinary Cabaret 2021 - May 7
Culinary Cabaret 2021 - May 7


Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

 Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)


Agenda
  • Budget Flyer / Video distribution
  • Generate ideas to support two-way communication within community


Agenda doc also contains connection info

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - May 11
Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - May 11


Recap - Town Council Capital Budget Subcommmittee Mtg - May 5, 2021

Quick Recap:
  • The capital budget round two was reviewed, questions answered and vote conducted on each item along the way. At the there was another vote on the grand total which effectively recorded a second vote of approval for the items.
  • Funding for a study of the police station options was approved. Long a discussion item, now the growth of the department is forcing the issue be faced as the space doesn't meet the needs of the staffing. The options of renovate, build new, including where, all need to be sorted out before a decision can be made. Good timing to study now with School also looking at their facility master plan along with updated population numbers to help with the planning.

----

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  #cbsc0505
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cbsc0505&src=typed_query 


Photos captured during the meeting and shared as part of the Twitter stream can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zNKdgi9TKxDckLyB7

 

  • Shifting (from real time reporting of the Board of Health Meeting) to capital budget Subcommittee #cbsc0505 - round two of capital, picking up with technology as Tech Director wasn't available first time.
  • Paying now, we save $100k over the life of the software licenses; #cbsc0505 sonic firewall gateway for the internet for all the schools. Upgraded to 10g line, need to upgrade the firewall to go along with it. 5 year access is for the wireless access points.
  • Q why isn't this in the regular budget. If we could save by paying up front ( the $100k), this makes sense. 
  • Approx. $250k annually for access points. Using this vendor for many years, makes the upgrades easier. #boh0505 affordable and versatile
  • Q on support for the access points, licensing covers failures if they do, the management of the devices is important. #cbsc0505 vendor only comes in when we call for support.
  • Q does anything here help with the scam issue we had earlier. No technology was involved in that, we are doing training and process stuff to address that but there is no technology to prevent that. It is human engineering. #cbsc0505 
  • Motion for wireless approval, second, ->
  • Firewall approval, second passes 4-0 as well as the first one by same vote #cbsc0505
  • Finance Committee did approve the amount for the rainy day fund, did not approve the policy. That is coming for discussion in their May meeting. #cbsc0505 
  • Bellingham runs animal control, we donate the building space and split the capital.  #cbsc0505 motion on rainy fund, second, passes 4-0
  • Animal control truck, second passes 4-0  Munis conversion, second passes 4-0  Roads, second, passes 4-0   55" of snow this season (48" in Boston) per Brutus  #cbsc0505 snow and ice, second passes 4-0
  • Highway grounds truck, second passes 4-0  School dept, security upgrade at JFK elementary interior and common areas. Second, passes 4-0
  • Facilities, police station feasibility study for new or renovated station. This starts the process, need to do this now, to help determine what the options are and should be considered with dollars for further discussion #cbsc0505
  • Looking to the future of Franklin population, requirements, female locker room has limited spots, need to tie this in with the other studies (school facilities) and figure out what our options are to prepare #cbsc0505 currently built in 1991, wetlands behind and around
  • Parking is at a premium right now, even if we expanded would we still have enough parking? The study could help figure the details #cbsc0505 the challenge will be the wetlands; maybe a HQ and substation? The study can provide the options
  • We have done a lot in the town since this was built in '91. Senior Ctr, Library, schools, fire stations, etc. We can reuse the old station if we build a new one. #cbsc0505 motion to approve, second, passes 4-0
  • FinComm approved 7-0 the $765k #cbsc0505 votes again to approve the whole amount
  • Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0  See you in a bit for Town Council meeting at 7 
Audio file to be available in a couple of days

Police Chief TJ Lynch discussing the needs for the study of the police station options
Police Chief TJ Lynch discussing the needs for the study of the police station options


Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates COVID-19 Business Relief Program, Awards Final Round of Grants

"Today (Thursday 5/06/21), Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, legislators and key partners celebrated the success of the Baker-Polito Administration’s COVID-19 business relief program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). 
Gathering in person at the family- and minority-owned Panela Restaurant in Lowell, a program grantee, the Administration announced the end of the program, which has provided over $687.2 million in direct cash grants to 15,112 businesses across the Commonwealth. Among the awardees included in the final round were 108 additional businesses that received a total of approximately $4.8 million in COVID relief grants."

The full press release can be found online

Direct link to the press conference video -> https://youtu.be/g1m5-809pc8