Your privacy and data protection: "If you have lots of data, you can turn that into money"

"Why should you care about protecting your privacy online? Tech critic Carissa Véliz says it’s not just a matter of personal preference: It’s a civic duty.

Véliz, associate professor at the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford, is the author of “Privacy Is Power: Why and How You Should Take Back Control of Your Data,” which blends philosophical insight and practical advice. Véliz says that guarding your privacy promotes something akin to digital herd immunity. Many companies claim that the more data they have, the better their products will be, but Véliz argues that this personal data ultimately gets transformed into something toxic, which society should regulate much like asbestos. Last year The Economist called “Privacy Is Power” one of the best books of the year, on any subject."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/28/opinion/why-its-good-you-if-i-protect-my-privacy/

Amazon link for book "Privacy is Power"  https://www.amazon.com/Privacy-Power-Should-Take-Control/dp/1787634043

Whether using either Google or Firefox as my browser, I use DuckDuckGo to help prevent the tracking codes from gathering the data  https://duckduckgo.com/
   

https://duckduckgo.com/about

Redistricting Data: What to Expect and When? Written by Dr. Ron Jarmin, U.S. Census Bureau Acting Director Since releasing the apportionment results in April, we've had several teams working hard on the next set of 2020 Census data — the redistricting data. These data play an important role in our democracy and will begin to illuminate the changes to the local and demographic makeup of our nation over the last decade. These data include the first sub-state population counts and demographic characteristics from the census, information that states typically use for redistricting — the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries based on where their populations have increased or decreased.  Although redistricting is a state function, the U.S. Census Bureau performs an important role in the process — providing quality data to the states from the census that states may choose to use in redistricting.  Continue reading the article ->  https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/director/2021/07/redistricting-data.html Video: What is Redistricting? Video link -> https://youtu.be/O0MhAue2Tuk Hear from the Census Bureau's James Whitehorne, chief of the redistricting and voting rights data office, and Nicholas Jones, director and senior advisor of race and ethnicity research and outreach, as they answer common questions about the upcoming 2020 Census data release.  We serve as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. The Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. We are a scientific organization focused on data. Policy-makers, businesses, and the public use our information to make far-reaching decisions.

Medical Experts Urge Governor Baker To Require Masks In MA Schools

Two sign-on letters from Massachusetts physicians and public health experts urge masking to preserve in-person learning and avoid future COVID-19 outbreaks 

This evening, two coalitions totaling over 200 public health and medical experts sent sign-on letters to Governor Baker and Commissioner Jeffrey Riley, head of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, urging the administration to implement universal indoor masking in Massachusetts schools for the 2021-2022 school year. This broad support for masking comes on the heels of today’s updated CDC guidance and the American Academy of Pediatrics' interim guidance on COVID-19 safety in schools, both of which encourage in-person learning with mandatory mask-wearing indoors and vaccinations for all eligible students, staff, and faculty.  

This push by medical professionals comes in the wake of recent pressure on the Baker Administration from elected officials and public health experts. On July 21, a coalition of legislators led by Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) called on Governor Baker to require masks indoors in early education programs and grades K-6 for the upcoming school year. While Governor Baker publicly rejected any change to masking guidance, Boston Mayor Kim Janey announced on July 22 that all Boston Public School students will be required to wear masks at school in the fall. 

"Schools and school-supported programs are fundamental to children’s development and well-being, and we must take all available measures to keep children at school in person," said one letter, penned by Dr. Regina LaRocque, an infectious disease physician and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "The rapid, ongoing spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant in Massachusetts represents a serious risk as the 2021-2022 school year begins. Young children lack protection from disease, and vaccination rates among adolescents are insufficient to prevent outbreaks in school communities." 

The second letter, written by Dr. Natalya Davis, a Quincy pediatrician, notes that mask-optional schooling is not viable for multiple reasons, including increased risk for illness and quarantine for students, families, and staff; peer pressure and bullying due to individual mask decisions; and the creation of separate groups based on parental preferences. 

"Our goal should be to keep children at school and learning. We cannot prevent every illness, but we can certainly mitigate the risks with a simple mask,” said Dr. Davis in the letter. “This change will be beneficial, helping keep our children in school, without hybrid learning or long quarantines – but only if masks are mandatory." 

"As a mother of two young children, I understand firsthand the fear of navigating our post-lockdown world without the protection of a vaccine," said Senator Becca Rausch. "Medical and public health experts in Massachusetts and nationwide are saying it loud and clear: masks work.  Our children and families should not be forced to risk illness and future school closures due to any delay in implementing necessary public health measures." 

Prior to today's updated CDC guidance on mask wearing, large American cities including Atlanta, Washington D.C., New York City, and Chicago already announced mask mandates for the upcoming school year. 

Copy of letter from (attached)

• Dr. Regina LaRocque, an infectious disease physician and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hbKhoqih2rtCqi85vZnUCvA5zqX-LH9O/view?usp=sharing
• Dr. Natalya Davis, a pediatrician in Quincy    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wPU_sstpjm7x2n4V6Q-Kf9wbhEXz7i7i/view?usp=sharing
• PDF copy of this press release from Senator Becca Rausch's office    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DRbot4oZwUbmg8Fw_yRfKH7qgF9R_iOT/view?usp=sharing

Medical Experts Urge Governor Baker To Require Masks In MA Schools

TBB Summer Series: Jerry Garcia's Birthday Celebration - Aug 1

THE BLACK BOX Summer Series presents Eddy’s Shoe and the Peacheaters: An Allman Brothers Experience for a special event to celebrate Jerry Garcia’s Birthday! The night will include a set of Grateful Dead tunes followed by a set of Allman Brothers Music!

About the Peacheaters: Fueled by admiration and passion for the music of the Allman Brothers Band, The Peacheaters have been rocking audiences for over 15 years. The Boston Globe, WZLX, Boston's Classic Rock Radio, and many other media outlets have raved about the authenticity of the band's performances. The band's dedication to this music, and to “hitting the note” every night, has helped them build an loyal and ever-growing fan base. The “Peach” has won multiple “Best Tribute Band” awards, and shared stages with legends such as The Outlaws, Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), Matt Abts (Gov’t Mule), The Zen Tricksters, and James Montgomery.

About Eddy’s Shoe: Eddy's Shoe Plays Original Music (Contemporary Blues Rock, extended Jams with a Grateful Dead Meets Frank Zappa Feel) & Jam Band Favorites which include a Heavy Dose of Some Good O'l Grateful Dead Music.

When August 1 at 4 PM.  For tickets and other information   https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1492

TBB Summer Series: Jerry Garcia's Birthday Celebration - Aug 1

 

FHS' DeFillipo, Fracassa, Owen, and Carlucci selected as Hockomock Wrestling All Stars

Below are the official 2021 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

KELLEY-REX DIVISION MVP
CJ Glaropoulos, Mansfield

KELLEY-REX DIVISION ALL STARS

• Drew DeFillipo, Franklin
• Mike Fracassa, Franklin
• Johnathan Owen, Franklin
• Jake Carlucci, Franklin 

For the complete listing

https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-league-wrestling-all-stars/

FHS' DeFillipo, Fracassa, Owen, and Carlucci selected as Hockomock Wrestling All Stars

Veterans Coffee Social - Aug 4, 2021 - 10 AM

Veterans Coffee Social

Wednesday ● August 4, 2021 ● 10:00 AM 

Franklin Senior Center Café 

Come And Chat With Other Vets 

Coffee And Pastry Will Be Provided 

All Vets Are Invited!

For More Information, Contact The Veterans’ Services Office At: (508) 613-1315

Veterans Coffee Social - Aug 4, 2021 - 10 AM

Lions Heart drive a success

"Thank you Franklin Chapter for collecting 36 bags of clothing and 16 boxes of books for Cradles To Crayons. They picked up donations today and we’re very happy."

Shared from Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/634019520060152/permalink/4043289512466452/

Lions Heart drive a success

"stressed the importance of focusing on equity and addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities"

"NEARLY 70 PERCENT of White households in Massachusetts own a home. Only 37.4 percent of non-White households own a home. That gives Massachusetts the seventh highest racial homeownership gap in the country.  

Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kinnealy told legislators at a public hearing Tuesday that for Black families trying to buy their own home, “the cards are stacked against them.”  

As lawmakers are determining how to spend $5.3 billion in federal money that the state will get from the American Rescue Plan Act, Baker administration officials are pushing their plan to spend $1 billion on housing programs as a way to help close that racial gap. "

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/housing/baker-official-pitches-housing-plan-to-close-racial-homeownership-gap/ 

Condos under construction in 2018 on Washington Street in Dorchester. (Photo by Michael Jonas)

Current draft of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Current Master Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

The most recent virtual meeting on Housing took place July 14, 2021 and the audio recording is available here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/fm-580-community-conversation-on.html

Milford Daily News: "Did you find a painted whelk in Franklin?"

"For three years, Katie Loder, 63, was reminded by doctors that she would probably die soon. 

But they also didn’t know exactly what was wrong with her — and still don’t, said Loder, who also previously had esophageal cancer. 

The Wareham resident wasn’t allowed to go outside or near anyone, not even to the mailbox. But eventually, doctors said she could go alone to the beach. More often than not it was Onset Beach. It’s where she would often find an array of whelk shells -- from the larger knobbed whelks to smoother channeled and waved whelks, to smaller Stimson’s whelks -- and started collecting them. 

Today, you can find more than 300 of those shells scattered across Franklin -on benches, outside the window sills of storefronts and sometimes even in random front yards when she tosses them from her moving car while driving by. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://milforddailynews-ma.newsmemory.com?selDate=20210728&goTo=A07

August at the Franklin Historical Museum

The first event as we renew our Second Sunday Speaker Series will be Sunday, August 8. The presentation will be on the history of the Whiting and Davis Company and a look at Charles A Whiting, his family, his gardens and beautiful home, which once stood majestically on West Central Street. 

Many people from Franklin once worked for Whiting and Davis, or had family members who worked for them. The company is now under new ownership and we will hear from the current owner. The presentation on the Whiting Family & home will be from a private collection of glass plate negatives, from Franklin photographer Nathan Wales circa 1912. 

Doors will open at 1:00 and the presentation will start at 1:15. 

August at the Franklin Historical Museum

In September, we will have a special guest, Franklin native Paul Faenza, retired NYPD, who will share his 9-11 experience and his two weeks at Ground Zero. Scheduled for Sunday, September 12.

The Davis Thayer School Retrospective exhibit will be on display through the end of the summer.

While visiting the museum please stop in to our newly revamped gift shop for many unique Franklin items.

We are now back to our pre-COVID hours, Thursday evenings 5PM-7PM, Saturday mornings 10am-1pm and Sunday afternoons 1pm-4pm.  Admission is always free. We are wheelchair accessible. Come in and discover your history.

FM #586 - Breaking 'radio silence' on "Men & Miscarriage" - 07/21/21 (audio)

FM #586 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 586 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin residents Aaron and MJ Gouveia. You may recall that Aaron and I talked about his first book outdoors on the Town Common in May of 2020. 

We had this conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St.  MJ joined us for this session as she is co-author of their new book Men and Miscarriage. A key quote from the intro to the new book: “When it comes to men and how they are impacted by these issues, it’s almost complete radio silence.”

We had a great conversation to help break the ‘radio silence’ (yes, pun intended) on this topic of miscarriage and how it affects both members of the relationship. My kudos to both of them for starting the conversation on this tough topic. The statistics show that one in four women do experience a miscarriage.  “Half the battle is knowing you are not alone.”

In some of my conversations after our recording session, it has been enlightening to find out how many folks I talk with who reveal that they have had one or more miscarriages in their immediate or extended family. One key take away you’ll hear about is to ask someone; “How are you doing?”

The show notes include links to the Amazon book page, Aaron’s Daddy Files book web page. MJ tends to avoid social media and occasionally writes on Aaron’s page.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with MJ and Aaron.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/382fc625-e1ac-4f3a-90b0-cfb4c0d9d256

-------

Men and Miscarriage: A Dad's Guide to Grief, Relationships, and Healing After Loss – published July 6, 2021  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510763600/

Link to the CNN article mentioned  https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/15/health/miscarriage-men-grief-loss-wellness/index.html

A discussion at the Franklin Public Library scheduled for Sep 1.

MJ's post as discussed during the conversation: https://www.daddyfiles.com/mj-speaks-out-2/

First book links: 

• The DaddyFiles page  https://www.daddyfiles.com/

• The Amazon link   https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510749411?tag=duckduckgo-ffab-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

• Aaron’s Amazon author link  https://www.amazon.com/Aaron-Gouveia/e/B08127Z6JN

• Follow Aaron on Twitter  https://twitter.com/daddyfiles

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

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

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• 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 #586 - Breaking 'radio silence' on  "Men & Miscarriage" - 07/21/21 (audio)

Reminder: Open Meet this Wednesday at FHS

Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) tweeted on Mon, Jul 26, 2021:

Just a reminder about the Open Track & Field Meet this Wednesday at FHS. Registration and field events start at 5 PM and running events begin at 6 PM.

Volunteers should get to the track around 4:45 so we can give people assignments.

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1419781408248172549

MassConsumer: "Eviction Moratorium to Expire This Month" - resources available

"Throughout the pandemic, state and federal governments developed policies to protect residents facing job loss and other COVID-19 related hardships. Among those orders were moratoriums placed on home evictions. When the state’s pause on evictions expired on October 17, 2020, the federal moratorium established by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) became effective in Massachusetts.

The CDC order, which has been extended several times, prohibits residential landlords nationwide from evicting certain tenants through July 31, 2021. Over the past year while the moratorium has been in place, courts have accepted filings, processed cases, and in some cases even entered judgments; however, no orders of execution (a court order that allows a landlord to evict a tenant) have been permitted. The CDC has said there will be no additional extensions on the eviction moratorium which means these cases can move forward. "

Continue reading the article online

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/eviction-moratorium-to-expire-this-month/

 "Eviction Moratorium to Expire This Month" - resources available

Franklin Artist Amy Adams: "I AM HERE - art project opens Saturday, July 31 in Natick

"Hello FAA members. I have created a community interactive display.  If you happen to be near Natick please stop over to visit this very important installation. There will be a short dedication event that will have speakers and a host to help introduce the display. 

It will be on Saturday 7/31 @11am First Congregational Church lawn. Address is : 2 E Central St, Natick. It is also their Farmer's Market day so there will plenty of venders if you decide to walk the common directly across the street."

Please read about the installation below

I AM HERE (2021)
 
Amy Adams (b1979)
 
What would you do, for a loved one who needs you? What would you say to a loved one who has transitioned?". This interactive installation asks you to sit for a moment, read messages of encouragement and explore the resources available to you.
 
I Am Here is a community collaboration that highlights the importance of Mental Health, love, support and treatment. 

This scenario fits with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Eating Disorders (etc.) and reminds us how easily these can relate to substance use and loss. The overall purpose is to promote awareness /prevention, acknowledge our loss and bring healing to the community. 
 
I Am Here, features non-binary figures created with concrete, a supporter and a person struggling. The seated figure in need of support is wearing a shirt made of material (donated by the families in our community), these represent someone in recovery. Its core is filled with flowers to symbolize the beauty within, often missed by the exterior and what we see. Perched on the edge of the bench, a bird holds tokens (donated by the families in our community) to serve as reminders for the loved ones lost during a mental health crisis or overdose. The open bench is covered in messages, words of encouragement and hope, these were also submitted by our community to show our support for one another.
 
The stigma behind affliction is isolating and thus needs to be a normalized conversation as it affects people from all races. This display will offer the directly impacted resources for support, to assist in preventative measures and hopefully open important discussions. 
 
The display is meant to connect people and amplify that Mental Health connects us all.

For more about Amy, visit her page  https://www.paintingvenus.art/about

"I AM HERE - art project opens Saturday, July 31 in Natick

MA News: masks for students remains question; masks make sense in circumstances

"FOR MONTHS, there was hope that by the time children returned to school this fall, they could be vaccinated against COVID-19. But with approval of vaccines for children still months away, many public health experts believe students – particularly in elementary school – need to continue wearing masks inside school buildings. The topic is becoming a significant debate in Massachusetts, where the Baker administration has not yet imposed any statewide COVID-related precautions on schools this fall.  

“Masking in schools until we can ensure we’ve reached a critical mass of children [with vaccines] is almost a no-brainer,” said Vincent Chiang, chief medical officer at Boston Children’s Hospital, at a legislative hearing Monday. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/state-remains-mum-on-whether-school-mask-mandates-will-return/ 

"With COVID-19 cases beginning to rise again in Massachusetts, you may be wondering whether it’s still safe to go shopping, catch a movie, or do any other indoor activity without a mask.

If you’re fully vaccinated, you already have the best defense against falling ill with COVID-19, experts say. But wearing a mask could still go a long way to protect others and inhibit the spread of the virus.

Although breakthrough infections are happening, and were expected, it’s unvaccinated people who make up more than 97 percent of those hospitalized with COVID-19 across the country."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/26/metro/mask-up-if-you-want-vaccines-have-you-covered-covid-cases-rise-experts-say/ 

masks make sense in circumstances

MassBudget: "Envisioning Equity: Federal Relief for Mass. K-12 Schools" - July 29 (webinar)

Join @MassBudget  and sponsoring organizations (including CfJJ) on July 29 for "Envisioning Equity: Federal Relief for Mass. K-12 Schools". Register through the link below.  

Register for the webinar -> http://BIT.LY/K12ARPA 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassBudget/status/1419720707320296399

MassBudget: "Envisioning Equity: Federal Relief for Mass. K-12 Schools" - July 29 (webinar)

Reminder: Franklin●TV Annual Meeting - August 28, 2021

This year our Annual Open Board Meeting will be conducted as a neighborhood block party at our 23 Hutchinson St. studios.

Join us, Saturday, August 28 at 3:00 PM.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by August 15 to: info@franklin.tv

It’s open to all Franklin businesses and residents. We’ll meet-and-greet and enjoy refreshments starting at 3:00 PM. Come hungry and enjoy some great barbeque. You can also tour our studios, and learn about Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm. We’ll also review our progress during the past year and discuss plans for the future. At our meeting you may cast a vote for new and/or renewing board positions. This year we will vote to extend Jay Horrigan’s board position for an additional three years.

Excerpt from FCCA bylaws: (Available on our website http://franklin.tv/ftv_v12_010.htm)

Section 15. Election of Director by the Membership (a) Members shall be notified by the Clerk of the election of a director by the Membership at the Annual Meeting. Said notice shall be in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 4 of this Article IV. (b) Any eligible voting Member may be nominated for election to the position of Director by:

(i) Written notification to the Clerk no later than seven (7) days prior to Annual Meeting; or (ii) By nomination from the floor of the Annual Meeting made and seconded by no less than three (3) eligible voting members.

Our facility enables us to provide full production support for Franklin residents and groups who wish to create TV and radio programs. Thanks to our board members who contribute their time and energy to help make Franklin●TV all that a public access studio can be. 

If you would like to become involved either as a volunteer or produce your own TV or radio programs at Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm, just send an email to: info@franklin.tv with your contact information. You can also call us to discuss and explore your ideas. 508-541-4118.

Please join us at our Franklin●TV event. Again, it’s Saturday, August 28th starting at 3:00pm. We’ll have tours of our facility, some good eats, and you can meet our board and staff. Our brief open meeting begins at 4:00pm. Come meet, greet, and learn all about local TV and radio in Franklin.

See you then. 

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching. 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

 

Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St

 

Improv Everywhere: "Stand Here for Dance Party"

Even with social distancing, there are opportunities for creativity and fun! 

"We surprised random people with an unexpected 100-person dance party on the streets of NYC.
Full Story: https://improveverywhere.com/2021/07/15/stand-here-for-dance-party/
Note: Our entire cast and crew were fully vaccinated for COVID-19 

This project is made in collaboration with the Museum of the City of New York and their new exhibition New York, New Music: 1980-1986. 
Learn more here: https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/new-york-new-music"

Stand Here for Dance Party

Video link -> https://youtu.be/NvA5rxEdj34