Saturday, August 14, 2021

Mass Reboot Episode 7: Love (audio)

"DURING A NORMAL summer, Honey Goodenough, a puppeteer, clown, and educator, would be busy teaching and performing, with little time to spend online dating. And in 2019, Goodenough, having given up on finding a life partner, was trying to get pregnant on her own through fertility treatments.

Enter COVID-19.

As the pandemic shut down Goodenough’s in-person work and the fertility clinic, a friend set her up with the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel. There, she met Kenneth Dyer. Their first date: a seven-hour Zoom conversation. 

.... 

The couple told their story on Mass Reboot, a Codcast series examining how COVID-19 affected Massachusetts, in an episode focused on love. With in-person dating options seriously curtailed by the pandemic, the podcast found that COVID-19 has drastically changed how people meet, date, and break up"


Listen to this Mass Reboot Episode on love in the time of COVID-19.

Mass Reboot Episode 7: Love (audio)
Mass Reboot Episode 7: Love (audio)



"there isn’t a single US county where a full-time minimum wage worker can afford a modest two-bedroom rental"

"Nearly half of American workers do not earn enough to rent a one-bedroom apartment, according to new data.

Rents in the US continued to increase through the pandemic, and a worker now needs to earn about $20.40 an hour to afford a modest one-bedroom rental. The median wage in the US is about $21 an hour.

The data, from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, shows that millions of Americans – from Amazon warehouse workers to cab drivers to public school teachers – are struggling to pay rent. For the poorest Americans, market-rate housing is out of reach in virtually all of the country."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/aug/12/housing-renter-affordable-data-map


Guardian graphic. Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition. Note: In 2021 dollars
Guardian graphic. Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition. Note: In 2021 dollars


Sales tax-free weekend starts Saturday in MA

"It should be a big weekend for television and appliance sales in Massachusetts — the annual sales tax holiday starts on Saturday.

This weekend, shoppers can buy most retail items without paying 6.25 percent in sales taxes, as long as those items cost less than $2,500 each. That means consumers could save as much as $156 per item if they buy on Saturday or Sunday.

Consumers can purchase as many of those products as they want, sales tax-free, even if the total bill exceeds $2,500, according to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Certain items are not eligible for the tax exemption, including meals, cars, boats, and utilities. Tobacco and marijuana products, as well as alcoholic beverages, are also excluded."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

A customer shops in the appliance department at a Lowe's in Hialeah, Florida. This weekend in Massachusetts, shoppers will get a 6.25 percent sales tax reprieve.JOE RAEDLE/GETTY
A customer shops in the appliance department at a Lowe's in Hialeah, Florida. This weekend in Massachusetts, shoppers will get a 6.25 percent sales tax reprieve.JOE RAEDLE/GETTY


Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Senior Center

The Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM The Center provides programs, services and activities along with outreach, information and referral to serve the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their families. Social services assistance is available to all adult residents in Franklin.

The Senior Center offers health and wellness, nutrition, social service coordination, socialization, recreation, transportation, educational and cultural programs, a supportive day program, respite care and volunteer and intergenerational opportunities.

The Center’s mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s older adults by:
Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social and physical well-being.
Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as liaison to local, state and Federal resources for older adults.

Highlights
This proved to be the most challenging year we have weathered, given that the COVID-19 crisis forced the closure of our building to the public in March of 2020. Our focus quickly shifted to assuring that elders – those most at risk - were able to obtain food, supplies and other critical services. As we moved into April and May under the shutdown, we added several remote meetings and activities and teleconferencing groups. Staff also provided reassurance calls to our members and delivered masks and medical equipment. Our Coordinator created weekly email blasts with fun links to great ideas, performances and diversions. On June 1 we introduced the Curbside Café, offering curbside lunches to elders at a reduced rate. The following report chronicles the highlights of our year and our adjustment to the new reality of life after COVID.

The Center launched a 50+ Job Networking Program, with funding from the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging. The program offered biweekly, 2-
hour workshops with instruction from a certified Career Coach who reviewed networking strategies, interview role-playing, LinkedIn guidance and ongoing support. The program continued to be offered remotely after the COVID pandemic closed the Senior Center in March. The program saw 410 attendees, serving 140 unduplicated individuals with 18 sessions.

We continued our Dementia Friendly Franklin initiative, funded by the Metrowest Health Foundation and the Friends of Franklin Elders. This program offers training and support to learn how to interact sensitively and support those living with dementia so they can remain engaged in the community. It is offered to community organizations, businesses, houses of worship, schools and others. While COVID stalled progress in this program, we were able to train 13 community organizations and 445 individuals last year.

We launched the Curbside Café in June thanks to a generous grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation. The program provides freshly prepared lunches for curbside pickup for elders 60 and over at the Senior Center, at a reduced rate of $2 each.

As the shutdown continued, we shifted several programs to a Zoom format. Staff also created programs to accommodate the “new normal”, including weekly email blasts, a Quarantini Hour and a ‘Be Well’ Coffee Hour, via Zoom.

Continue reading about the Senior Center in the PDF version of the Annual Report (page 113) or the print version (#107)  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Visit the Senior Center on the Town of Franklin page to subscribe to the newsletter or find additional information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Senior Center
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Senior Center

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 027 - Teenagers

"In this episode, Peter opens a discussion around teenagers, Brandon Levy's recent victory in the Supreme Court, the first amendment, freedom of speech, and the laws surrounding what is and isn't allowed."

Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9ec4c456-4537-47d6-af10-62b13ae79f23

 

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 027 - Teenagers
wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 027 - Teenagers

Friday, August 13, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Aug 13 - Aug 19, 2021

Stay cool, it is supposed to be a warm one. The Town Common with the Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common at least will provide good things to do.
 
Friday, August 13
14:00 - Farmers Market
15:30 - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
17:00 - Concerts on the Common: "Matt Zajac"
18:00 - Concerts on the Common: "Pub Kings"
19:30 - FPAC performs "Legally Blonde"

Saturday, August 14 
10:00 - Historical Museum (always free)
14:00 - FPAC performs "Legally Blonde"
19:30 - FPAC performs "Legally Blonde"

Sunday, August 15
13:00 - Historical Museum (always free)
14:00 - FPAC performs "Legally Blonde"

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

Quilting at the Park - August 18

Curious about quilting?  

This is your opportunity to learn more about the art and joy of this creative endeavor!  Come to the Francis William Bird Park in East Walpole, MA on Wednesday August 18.  6;00-7:30 PM for a free “show and tell” by members of the local Rhododendron Needlers Quilt Guild.  Guild members will display a variety of homemade quilts and share information on this time-honored craft, including the creative process, pattern and color choices, quilting techniques and the personal stories and inspirations behind the quilts.

Quilting at the Park will be held at the Music Court (stone stage).  Seating is informal on the lawn.  Please bring a blanket or chair for your comfort.  There will be a table of quilted items made by RNQG members available for purchase.  Prices range from $15-$50 (cash, checks, charge cards and Venmo are all accepted).

The main parking lot is on Polley Lane

The Rhododendron Needlers Quilt Guild (RNQG) is a non-profit group organized to preserve the tradition, culture and history of quilting and to promote the knowledge and understanding of the art of quilting.  Guild members hail from 32 towns in southeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. Form more information about the guild, please visit  www.rnqg.org

Rain date is Thursday August 19- Same time, same place 

Quilting at the Park - August 18
Quilting at the Park - August 18


"Public health ... cannot be adequately protected by individual choices"

"The end of the institution, maintenance, and administration of government, is to secure the existence of the body politic, to protect it, and to furnish the individuals who compose it with the power of enjoying in safety and tranquility their natural rights, and the blessings of life…"

—Preamble to the Massachusetts Constitution


"AS TWO MOTHERS who work in education policy, we have been steeped these past 18 months in the ongoing deliberations regarding public education during this pandemic. Where students were educated, under what conditions they were educated, on top of the ongoing questions of how and how well they were educated has been what we have lived for the past year and a half. As we prepare for our third school year impacted by COVID, much of the energy of this discussion has settled on masking.

Gov. Baker and state Education Commissioner Jeff Riley have abdicated their responsibilities for the public health of our schoolchildren and school staff. As a result, this decision has devolved to local school committees, who are on the receiving end of heated arguments of individual choice regarding this public health issue. School committees have been flooded with petitions and messages from abled, medically healthy families making claims to individual rights. However, school committees oversee government schools, and these public schools thrive only when the common good is available to all its students, not just the abled and medically robust. "

Continue reading the essay online ->  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/baker-should-protect-all-students-with-mask-order/ 

A young girl on the playground at the Mather Elementary School in Dorchester on October 1, 2020, the first day some students returned to in-person classes. (Photo by Michael Jonas)
A young girl on the playground at the Mather Elementary School in Dorchester on October 1, 2020, the first day some students returned to in-person classes. (Photo by Michael Jonas)


Franklin Recreation: PeeWee baseball (video)

Franklin Recreation touts the PeeWee baseball program

Direct link to YouTube -> https://youtu.be/Km7ADVjDKYw

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/pee-wee-baseball-video-0

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Recreation Department

275 Beaver Street
Franklin, MA 02038 

The Recreation Department is located at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin MA 02038. The Recreation Department offers Franklin residents a variety of programs and activities for youth and adults, as well as coordination of youth sports organizations field use. The department operates and schedules activities for Beaver Pond (beach and turf field), Fletcher Field, Dennis Pisani Softball Field, Henry “Ski” Faenza Tot Lot (Nason Street Tot Lot), King Street Memorial Field, Dacey Community Field, and the Meadowlark Lane fields. The department is also responsible for scheduling the use of all school athletic fields. Our department works closely with the various town youth sports organizations and Athletic Director Tom Angelo to schedule all youth sports activities around the high school team practices and games.

Chilson Beach
Chilson Beach was open from June 20-August 21, 2020 with a swim at your own risk policy. No lifeguards were on duty. However, we staffed the beach with gate guards to check for residency as the beach remains Franklin residents only. The pond was home to canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hiking. 

For information on Chilson Beach and our water testing results, visit:

At the above website, residents can check the water quality and E-coli levels as we run a water quality check every week to make sure it is safe for swimming.
On the turf field at Beaver Pond, we continue to permit soccer, field hockey, flag football, and boy’s lacrosse. The turf field was used for the Franklin Recreation Department’s NFL Flag football, Franklin Youth Soccer, and Franklin youth boys lacrosse, as well as yoga for senior citizens, tai chi, boot camp, and many other recreational activities. A portable recycled plastic walkway is on site for handicap accessibility to the water edge and playground area. The Franklin High School soccer, lacrosse and field hockey programs play all of their home games on the turf field as well. The turf field was recently resurfaced in 2017.

The Recreation Dept does so much, their full report doesn't fit here. Please continue reading with either the PDF version (page 109) or the print version (#103) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Recreation Department
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Recreation Department

08/13/21: Let's keep it going Franklin

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

The state releases its weekly public health dashboard on Thursday of each week. 

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/15/nation/massachusetts-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-by-city/ 

Franklin OVID-19 cases in past 14 days
Franklin OVID-19 cases in past 14 days


Franklin vaccination status to date
Franklin vaccination status to date


"Businesses say requiring the vaccine is the best way to keep employees – and customers – safe"

 

"There is no question vaccines are important and effective in combating COVID. But if vaccines are less effective in preventing illness and transmission with the Delta variant, it raises real questions about how the pandemic will end.

Initially, scientists were talking about reaching herd immunity – the level of population protection  at which the virus could no longer spread. Now, the conversation among experts suggests COVID may become endemic – a virus that circulates perennially, which society will have to learn to manage. Using vaccination – one-time or through boosters — to ensure that the virus takes a mild or moderate toll rather than a serious one is likely to be part of that. Natural immunity from infection could play a role. So could more effective treatment. Testing and limited quarantining could be another part. There could be other societal changes, like seasonal masking or improved indoor ventilation.

Harvard public health professor Yonatan Grad argues that past pandemics “have led to massive changes in the way we live that we’ve come to accept as normal.” COVID may do the same."

Continue reading the article online
Army Spc. Angel Laureano holds a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., Dec. 14, 2020. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)
Army Spc. Angel Laureano holds a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., Dec. 14, 2020. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)


Franklin Downtown Partnership unveils "Flower Alley"


We're thrilled to unveil Flower Alley in downtown Franklin!
#fdp
#signsbycam
#franklinartassociation https://t.co/Pbgp2gzHdI

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FranklinDowntwn/status/1425926337877970953?s=03

Franklin Downtown Partnership unveils "Flower Alley"
Franklin Downtown Partnership unveils "Flower Alley"


wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 026 - Tulsa & Juneteenth

"In this episode, Frank and the group discuss the history of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Texas, the history of Juneteenth, and the recent developments on the legislative push to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday."
Direct link ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ea84ae12-18eb-4bf8-b186-5b26f7ef0d52

 

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 026 - Tulsa & Juneteenth
wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 026 - Tulsa & Juneteenth


State Rep Jeff Roy: Join me on September 8th!


State Rep Jeff Roy

Hi Friend,

I hope you've been enjoying your summer and are taking advantage of the warm weather. As we move towards fall, I'm hopeful that we can continue to enjoy the outdoors and get involved in our communities.

I'm excited to invite you to my annual community gathering at La Cantina on Wednesday, September 8th from 5:30-7:30pm. More details are below. It'll be a fun time, with great wine, food, and company! I hope to see you there.

Please register online by clicking here  (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jr_9_8_21or RSVP directly to Kate at katem@reservoirstrategies.com or (617) 286-4757.

Sincerely,

Jeff

RSVP and Register


State Rep Jeff Roy · State House Room 43 · Boston, MA 02133 · USA

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Thursday, August 12, 2021

Franklin Police: 2021 Media Update, Vallee Jewelers

2021 Media Update, Vallee Jewelers

This release is provided as an update to our earlier notice and release of video detailing the break in that occurred on July 31st, 2021 at Vallee Jewelers in Franklin.

            At this time the Franklin Police Department has formally charged Patrick MARANDA, age 32 of North Attleboro, Massachusetts with the following offenses:

  • MGL               266/16             B&E NIGHTIME FOR FELONY
  • MGL               266/20             Larceny from a Building
  • MGL               266/126A        Vandalize Property

An arrest warrant for MARANDA was issued on August 10, 2021. Working with the North Attleboro Police, MARANDA was taken into custody and then brought back to Franklin Police for processing at approximately 3pm on August 10th.

MARANDA was arraigned at the Wrentham District Court on Wednesday August 11th.

 Franklin Police extends its thanks to our Law Enforcement partners, including the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Unit for their help in bringing this case forward.

Franklin Police: 2021 Media Update, Vallee Jewelers
Franklin Police: 2021 Media Update, Vallee Jewelers

The Franklin Police Department is aware that much attention was drawn to the clothing the suspect was wearing in the video. The company, who self-identified publicly as Reilly Tree and Landscape of Plainville came forward early in the investigation and worked with our investigators to identify the individual. Their cooperation assisted this investigation tremendously.

Questions about the status of this case should now be referred to the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office.


All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

FHSBaseBoosters: Set the date for a fund raising golf tournament - Oct 18, 2021

Come out to support the Franklin High Baseball Program with a day of golf, raffles & laughs.  We hope to see former players, families and coaches as well as our FHS baseball supporting community.  
Sign up and pay they website below, Venmo or check.  
@FHSCoachZBrown @FHSSports https://t.co/D4YfacMzS4

Register ->  https://www.franklinpanthersbaseball.com/page/show/5093644-golf-tourney
FHSBaseBoosters: Set the date for a fund raising golf tournament - Oct 18, 2021
FHSBaseBoosters: Set the date for a fund raising golf tournament - Oct 18, 2021

Tri-County RVTHS Athletics: Summer Charity Wrestling Clinic - Aug 14

Summer wrestling makes winter champions!  
Join us at Tri-County for a charity wrestling clinic Saturday 8/14/21.  
All money raised will benefit Spaulding Rehab!

Tri-County RVTHS Athletics: Summer Charity Wrestling Clinic - Aug 14
Tri-County RVTHS Athletics: Summer Charity Wrestling Clinic - Aug 14

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

The Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust fund was established on May 18, 2015. The Trust Fund has capabilities to receive, hold, invest or expend funds for the rehabilitation, renovation, construction, financing or refinancing of property within the Town of Franklin making these residential properties available to low and moderate income families looking for an affordable home.

This year interest rates have been at historic lows and we have had numerous homeowners choosing to refinance their mortgages. The Department of Housing and Community Development provided an Agent to resell an over 55+ Townhouse in the Hidden Acres development. These units are purchased by income and asset qualified households, therefore keeping them in the affordable housing inventory. The Town has over the 10% target of its housing inventory as affordable units. We are currently at 11.89%. This number allows the Town leeway to support only those developments that it feels benefit the community.

Even though it is still several years away, Franklin Ridge, the much needed senior housing project, is proceeding as planned. Franklin Ridge will be located off of Veteran’s Memorial Drive and have 60 new senior apartments. The Trust has earmarked $500,000 and the land in support of this project. It will sit behind Eaton Place, our current senior housing development.

This year, as always, we look forward to pursuing innovative ways to produce affordable housing in the Town of Franklin.

It is our pleasure to submit this annual report for your review.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Anne Bertone 
Christopher Feeley 
Jamie Hellen 
Robert Keras 
Maxine Kinhart 
Judith Pond Pfeffer
Christopher Vericker, Chair 

For additional info about the Housing Trust, visit their page

For the full Annual Report for 2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Municipal Affordable Housing Trust
Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

Announcing free Virtual Concert: Afternoon Serenade with Precious Perez - Aug 13


Join Us For a Free Virtual Concert:
Afternoon Serenade with Precious Perez
Precious Perez standing outside holding a guitar

When: Friday, August 20, 1:00 PM
Where: Join on Zoom or by phone
 
Precious Perez is a classically trained pop/R&B and Latin vocalist/songwriter currently pursuing a double major in music education and vocal performance at Berklee College of Music. Her goal is to make a difference through doing what she loves and showing the world that blind people are as capable as everyone else. She hopes to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and be successful in the same way that she has, because she knows that anything is possible, and giving up is never an option. As an activist and music educator, she will be able to make a difference by using her reach as a Puerto Rican Spanish speaker to crush stereotypes by sharing her experiences across cultures and doing what has not been done while advocating for all of the communities she represents. She is confident that she can lead, she can achieve, and she can be the one who alters the way people see.
 
Join us as Precious shares her talent and her message! Below is the information to join via Zoom on by phone.
 
Time: Aug 20, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting Here:
 
Meeting ID: 869 5396 5465
Passcode: 268762
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,86953965465# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,86953965465# US (Chicago)
877 853 5247 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 869 5396 5465

Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired | 200 Ivy Street, Brookline, MA 02446

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wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 025 - Ethics

"In this episode, Frank and the group discuss how ethics play a role in society and how something the difference between what's legal and what's ethical."
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e3f733db-612f-4cbb-b374-c241d210bf53

 

wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 025 - Ethics
wfpr.fm: More Perfect Union - 025 - Ethics

 

Franklin School Committee: Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Aug 13

Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Training Room (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Friday, August 13, 2021 - 9:30 AM


A G E N D A
"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."
●  Complete Superintendent’s Evaluation


Full agenda doc and connection info ->

Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Aug 13
Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Aug 13


Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Franklin Area Mom's "Lessons for Littles" (video)

"How do you navigate conversations with your young children about topics such as race, diversity, inclusion, and equity? 

Watch as jamele adams (educator, poet, and activist), Dr. Ashley Cameron (licensed child and adult psychologist), Julie Parsons (Executive Director of the Cambridge-Ellis School and veteran kindergarten teacher), Sofie Chouinard (local high school student), and Mia Story (local high school student) discuss the importance of having race-related conversations with young children, and when and how to have these conversations. The discussion is moderated by Franklin Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

This event was sponsored by Franklin Area Moms (www.franklinareamoms.com) and Franklin Area Against Racism (FAAR). Video by Franklin TV."

Direct link to video on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/7bx3nLfeYS4

Direct link to Franklin Area Mom's page with speaker profiles, and additional resources





Franklin Area Mom's "Lessons for Littles" - Jun 6, 2021
Franklin Area Mom's "Lessons for Littles" - Jun 6, 2021