Rockland Trust’s Affiliated Charitable Foundations announce more than $200,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations

Rockland Trust’s two affiliated charitable foundations (Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. and Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc.) announced combined giving of more than $200,000 to 40 local organizations providing services to at-risk populations during the second quarter of 2020. The $200,000 of affiliated foundation second quarter giving was in addition to $460,000 of donations made by the foundations during the second quarter of 2020 to support pandemic relief efforts.

During the second quarter of 2020 the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation provided support to 25 organizations including;

• The Brockton Visiting Nurse Association: An organization based out of Brockton, MA that provides innovative and cost effective health care services in home.
• The S.E.A.L. Foundation: A Plymouth County organization that creates and funds educational and social opportunities in non-public school and camp settings for students who learn differently in order to ensure they maximize their potential.
• The Brockton Together Fund: A collaborative effort between the City of Brockton, the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley that will provide direct resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution to the most economically vulnerable populations in Brockton.

The Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation provided support to 15 organizations during the second quarter of 2020 including;

• Franciscan Children’s Hospital: A pediatric post-acute hospital located in Brighton, MA where children with complex medical, mental health and educational needs receive specialized care whom are committed to excellence, innovation and family support.
• Horace Mann Educational Associates: A Norfolk County based organizations that supports, teaches and empowers adults with developmental disabilities and their families to live a meaningful life of their choice.

“We were thrilled to provide grants to these incredible organizations, all of which have a tremendous positive impact on the individuals and communities they serve,” said Edward Seksay, President and Chair of both the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. and the Rockland Trust – Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc. “By assisting these non-profits we hope to help provide our communities with the services they need to flourish.”

Rockland Trust’s affiliated charitable foundations focus on giving that supports affordable housing, community development, education, financial literacy, health and human services and youth programs.

For more information about the organizations who have received funding from the affiliated foundations please visit, RocklandTrust.com.

ROCKLAND TRUST CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. became affiliated with Rockland Trust in 2009 and has contributed more than $7 million dollars to non-profit organizations.

ROCKLAND TRUST- BLUE HILLS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc. became affiliated with Rockland Trust in 2019 and has contributed more than $6.8 million dollars to non-profit organizations.

ROCKLAND TRUST

Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: INDB) is the holding company for Rockland Trust Company, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts. Named in 2019 to The Boston Globe’s “Top Places to Work” list for the 11th consecutive year, Rockland Trust offers a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services. Rockland Trust serves businesses and individuals through more than 95 retail branches, commercial and residential lending centers, and investment management offices in eastern Massachusetts, including Greater Boston, the South Shore, the Cape, and Islands, as well as in Worcester County and Rhode Island. The Bank also offers a full suite of mobile, online, and telephone banking services. Rockland Trust is an FDIC member and an Equal Housing Lender. To find out why Rockland Trust is the bank “Where Each Relationship Matters®,” please visit RocklandTrust.com.

Rockland Trust’s Affiliated Charitable Foundations announce more than $200,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations

Planning Board: Public Hearing - Mixed Business Innovation Zone - 5 Fisher, 29 Hayward Sts

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a Remote Public on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 7:10 PM, for a Site Plan application at 5 Fisher Street and 29 Hayward St in Franklin, MA prepared by Farland Corporation, New Bedford, MA, Inc. and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development by K Fisher RE Services, LLC, 69 Milk St, Westborough, MA 01581.

The property is located in the MBI Zoning District (Assessors Map 278 Lot 016) on Fisher and Hayward Streets. The purpose of the Site Plan modification is to allow non- woven materials be produced at 29 Hayward Street.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. All future Public Hearings on this matter, will be posted on the Planning Board’s website under Agendas.

This meeting will be done remotely via “ZOOM” platform. Residents can view the Town Website and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on access to the meeting.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520- 4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Anthony Padula, Chairman

Planning Board: Public Hearing - Mixed Business Innovation Zone - 5 Fisher, 29 Hayward Sts

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

New guidance just released by DESE for school re-opening planning.


Transportation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uDU352EwOD12AtjP71zvgOnkniqgV0VY/view?usp=sharing




Facilities and Operations

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uD1Qqh6nfF1_bOLrZKysfSvd55aHVTA/view?usp=sharing

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

Community Outreach Hearing: Proposed Marijuana Establishment - Aug 6

Community Outreach Hearing

Subject: Proposed Marijuana Establishment
Date: 8/6/2020
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting Web Address: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87564277718
Zoom Access Information Dial in #: 1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 875 6427 7718
Zoom meeting instructions: To join the online community outreach meeting enter the above listed web address into the address bar at the top of your internet browser. Then follow the listed instructions on the provided website. Or you can dial in using the phone number and meeting ID provided.

Presentation Information

Presented by: PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc (dba Verilife)
Proposed address for the retail marijuana establishment: 164 Grove St Franklin, MA 02038
Questions can submitted prior to the hearing by email: MAOutreach@PharmaCann.com
★ There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions
★ The meeting will be recorded for replay on local cable access or other broadcast means at the host community’s discretion.


For the site plan and application on the Planning Board page
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/164-grove-street

For additional info on the company, visit their web page   https://www.verilife.com/ma

From the Cannabis Control Commission
https://mass-cannabis-control.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MPL-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY-PHARMACANNIS-v3.pdf


Note: This had been scheduled previously and is now rescheduled for this date/time
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-residents-community-outreach.html

In the News: "Those timelines can be vitally important"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin: (Franklin is one of the districts found non-compliant)

"As a former school committee member with more than a decade of experience advocating for twin sons with special needs, Jennifer Curran is not used to feeling powerless in dealing with schools. 

But when school officials in her small western Massachusetts town of Granby presented Curran in May with a document requesting that she relinquish federally protected rights for her sons’ special education services during school closures, Curran assumed it was part of a new, and troubling, pandemic reality. She signed the paperwork. 

“I felt like I had no choice,” she said. 

Now, the state says Granby and at least 10 other Massachusetts school districts, including Beverly, Malden, and Norfolk, violated state and federal special education laws by asking parents this spring to absolve school districts of key special education responsibilities, including, in some cases, the provision of vital services (such as speech therapy and one-on-one reading help), and, in others, the requirement to follow a strict timeline governing how quickly a child must be assessed for a disability and provided an instruction plan."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/22/metro/dozens-massachusetts-districts-faulted-asking-parents-sign-away-special-education-rights/

In the News: "Those timelines can be vitally important"

COVID-19 Immunology 101 for Non-immunologists.(video)

"In collaboration with BioRender, Akiko Iwasaki, Ph.D., Professor of Immunobiology at Yale University School of Medicine, explores COVID-19 Immunology 101 for Non-immunologists."

About BioRender:
BioRender is the easy-to-use science illustration tool that’s quickly becoming a staple in academic institutions and labs around the world! You can access the program for free at https://biorender.com/

Video link =https://youtu.be/jeN8v5I5VNA

July 22, 2020 Town Council Meeting Postponed

Town Council Meeting Postponed

Good evening Franklin,

Unfortunately tonight's (July 22, 2020) Town Council meeting will need to be postponed until next Wednesday July 29th, due to technical difficulties with the live stream. We apologize for any inconvenience. We feel postponing was the best option to allow for citizens engagement. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.

July 22, 2020 Town Council Meeting Postponed

Sidewalk Sale! Franklin Federated Church Friday, July 24, 12-5

Franklin Federated Church at 171 Main Street is in the process of renovating and upgrading its dining room and kitchen. On Friday, July 24 from 12-5, as a result of intense cleaning and purging of the cabinets, church members will set up tables at the church containing silverware, utensils, dishes, glassware, etc.

The public is invited to peruse the items, take what they want, and make a goodwill donation. 

• No pricing, no money exchanging hands. 
• No direct social contact needed but some masked, friendly conversation always welcome.

Sidewalk Sale! Franklin Federated Church Friday, July 24, 12-5

THE BLACK BOX: Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh - July 23

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh sponsored by Dean Bank on Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 pm!

Join Ali Funkhouser, pianist Raye Lynn Mercer & violinist Irina Fainkichen for an evening of musical shenanigans with music from Sondheim to Whitney Houston!

Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students/Alumni/Seniors.

Get tickets online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1375&month=07&year=2020

THE BLACK BOX: Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh - July 23

Concerts on the Common: Friday, July 24

The Franklin Farmers Market update:

"Franklin's Concerts on the Common start this Friday! This week's concert starts at 5 PM so come early and do some shopping at the market."

Friday, July 24
5 - 6:30 PM = "Pub Kings"
6:30 - 8:00 PM = "Frank Padula Band"
8:15 PM - Movie Night = "Toy Story #4"

Follow the Franklin Farmers Market on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFarmersMarketMA/photos/a.562064507186871/3379373718789255/?type=3&theater

Concerts on the Common: Friday, July 24

In the News: cocktails to go legislation signed; police chiefs object to police reform drafts in House/Senate

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday afternoon signed a pair of bills that will update the state’s approach to mosquito control and allow restaurants to sell sealed containers of mixed drinks with their takeout and delivery food orders. 

Lawmakers sent Baker those two bills on Thursday, along with a $1 billion supplemental budget that focuses on spending related to the state’s COVID-19 response. That spending bill (H 4808) remains on Baker’s desk, and he has until Sunday to act on it. 

“While many mom and pop establishments have been able to slowly reopen in recent weeks, they still face significant challenges in their efforts to retain employees and pay their bills,” said State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, who filed the legislation. “According to our local, family owned and operated restaurants, these measures could help them generate thousands of dollars a month and would greatly assist them in paying utility bills and rent.” 

The new to-go cocktails law (S 2812) is aimed at helping restaurants generate additional revenue while their operations are restricted amid the COVID-19 crisis. It follows an April law that allowed restaurants to sell beer and wine alongside takeout and delivery, and restaurants will now be able to sell limited quantities of beer, wine and mixed drinks for off-premises consumption through February 2021 or until the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted, whichever comes later."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200721/cocktails-to-go-and-mosquito-bills-become-law-in-massachusetts?rssfeed=true

"For years, Massachusetts police chiefs say, they’ve been ignored by state lawmakers. Now, police say legislators are threatening their safety - and the safety of the public — through proposed police reform measures. 

“Law enforcement in Massachusetts is under attack by a liberal element that wants to bring shame (to police officers) that none of us understand,” said Hampden Police Chief Jeff Farnsworth, president of the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association, on Tuesday. Massachusetts police have been leading the way in model police standards in the United States for years – but those efforts haven’t been acknowledged by legislators, he said. 

“As leaders, we can stand here today and tell you, the legislation will not make us safer,” Farnsworth said. 

Farnsworth was joined by nearly 100 of the state’s 351 police chiefs Tuesday morning in Framingham to criticize two police reform bills that were recently moved by the Senate and House. The chiefs urged Gov. Charlie Baker and state legislators to work with police on the legislation instead of cutting them out of the conversation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200721/mass-police-chiefs-criticize-lawmakers-on-rushing-police-reform-bills?rssfeed=true

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures to October 17

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"As concerns mount about a potential wave of evictions this fall, Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday extended the state’s ban on evictions and foreclosures into mid-October, citing the ongoing health and economic crisis set off by the pandemic. 

The ban, which was set to expire Aug. 18, will remain in effect until Oct. 17, buying time for tenants as the state slowly starts to recover economically from the impact of COVID-19-related shutdowns. The measure blocks nearly all eviction cases from being filed in the state’s housing courts. 

“The extension I am declaring today will provide residents of the Commonwealth with continued housing security as businesses cautiously re-open, more people return to work, and we collectively move toward a new normal,” Baker wrote to the Legislature."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/21/metro/gov-baker-extends-eviction-moratorium-until-oct-17/

Link to Press Release  https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-extends-moratorium-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-to-october-17

PDF of the extension letter  https://www.mass.gov/doc/foreclosures-and-evictions-moratorium-extension-july-21-2020/download

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures to October 17

DESE: "What happens when a student or staffer gets sick at school this fall?"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"A kid sniffles on a school bus. A parent’s throat is sore. A teacher’s spouse feels sick. 

As schools reopen in the fall, previously common and insignificant situations will carry new prospects of danger. To guide districts’ responses, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education this week released protocols for when students, staffers, or families experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 — a 19-page plan that makes clear how complicated and challenging the new school year will be. 

“Even as we remain vigilant, and public health metrics in Massachusetts remain positive, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in school will not be zero,” the guidance reads. “No single strategy can ever be perfect, but all strategies together will reduce risk.” 

The guidance includes detailed instructions for various scenarios, which all stress the importance of assessing symptoms, isolating the sick, disinfecting spaces, testing, and staying home while awaiting test results and notifying the school. It says schools should promptly notify the families of any “close contacts” — anyone who came within 6 feet of the infected person in recent days for more than 10 minutes — so that family member can self-isolate and get tested too.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/21/metro/what-happens-when-student-or-staffer-gets-sick-school-this-fall/

Link to DESE guidance doc:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo6FG3G2KJIAJ9Arct4uWHP4s0TEMCiK/view?usp=sharing

Or view the doc here

DESE: "What happens when a student or staffer gets sick at school this fall?"

HLAA Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter Meeting – July 21, 2020

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the short notice on this email below, but I didn't see it until today.  It's about a Virtual "zoom" meeting tonight at 8:00 PM EST, for Veterans with hearing loss. Please forward this info to anyone you think might be interested. 

Thanks again

Maggie

HLAA News: HLAA Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter Meeting – July 21, 2020

---

HLAA Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter Meeting – July 21, 2020 Posted: 15 Jul 2020 08:39 AM PDT We invite veterans with hearing loss to attend the next Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter Meeting online using Zoom on July 21, 2020 at 8 pm EST (US and Canada). This meeting will be an open... Read more here https://www.hearingloss.org/hlaa-veterans-across-america-virtual-chapter-meeting-july-21-2020/

Proposal on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Massachusetts for Franklin

TO:                Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
FROM:         Bryan W. Taberner, AICP, Director
RE:               Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Massachusetts
CC:               Mark G. Cerel, Town Attorney; Christopher Sandini, Finance Director; Kerri Bertone, Collector/Treasurer; Kevin W. Doyle, Director Of Assessing; Amy Love, Town Planner; Chrissy Whelton, Assistant To The Town Administrator
DATE:           JULY 14, 2020

As you know on April 10, 2020 representatives from the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) met with Town of Franklin staff to introduce the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Massachusetts program, and discuss potential benefits to property owners, and requirements of the Town.

PACE is a tax based financing mechanism that enables low-cost, long-term funding for energy improvements, such as energy-efficiency projects and renewable systems, on existing Commercial and Industrial properties in Massachusetts. To finance the improvements, a property owner agrees to a betterment assessment on their property, enabling property owners to undertake more comprehensive energy upgrades with longer payback periods (up to 20 years). At property sale the lien stays with the property and is transferred to subsequent property owners.

MassDevelopment’s PACE Program Manager Wendy Lee O’Malley will be attending the July 22nd Town Council Meeting remotely to outline the PACE program and its benefits, and answer questions. MassDevelopment acts as the Lead Program Administrator for PACE Massachusetts. In order for the community to participate in PACE Massachusetts it must opt-in through passage of a Town Council Resolution.

Attached for review and consideration is Resolution 20-42, a two page PACE Massachusetts flyer, a short presentation, and a couple examples of PACE projects in other communities.

PACE is an economic development tool for Massachusetts communities that help to create a more competitive environment for attracting and retaining businesses through lower energy costs. DPCD highly recommends the Town participate in this new economic development incentive program. I look forward to discussing PACE at the July 22nd Town Council meeting.

The memo and associated documents can be found at the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

The full agenda and documents released for the Town Council meeting July 22, 2020   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Proposal on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Massachusetts for Franklin

#ThinkBlueFranklin Contest starts - get your camera ready!

The Think Blue Franklin Contest starts today (7/20/20)!

Help us spread awareness about storm water!

Dear Franklin residents,
Today we're announcing the launch of a #ThinkBlueFranklin hashtag and photo contest! Participating is easy! Review the contest categories and take a few pictures. Pick your best and tag the photos on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram with #ThinkBlueFranklin and @townoffranklinma (Instagram), @TOFranklinMA (Twitter), or @OfficialTownofFranklin (Facebook)! Twenty participants will be chosen at random to win $100 Amazon gift cards!
In this contest, residents of Franklin can win by sharing photos that fit the topics below: 

• Storm Drains: We want you to go "Go Drain-Spotting" in your neighborhood or around the community. Take a picture of a storm drain and tag it on social media.
• Walkin' In the Rain: Put on your raincoat, galoshes, and grab the umbrella and take a stroll in the rain. Check out where the water in your neighborhood goes after a storm. Take a picture of you and your family out on the walk and tag it on social media.
• Smart Yard Care: Taking your grass clippings to the local drop off-site? Following the instructions on your lawn fertilizer bag? Take a picture and tag it on social media so we can reward your smart yard choices!
• Scoop the Poop: It's always a good idea to pick up after your pet and toss the waste in the trash. Take your best scoop the poop picture and tag it on social media. 

The hashtag/photo contest runs from Monday, July 20th through Sunday, August 16th, and is open to Franklin residents only. There is no cost for residents to submit photos or win prizes.  Winners will be contacted by August 21st. 

Our #Think Blue Franklin campaign is about encouraging residents to do their part to make Franklin a cleaner and healthier place to live and work. To join in the fun, grab your phone, and snap pictures of you and/or your family doing these simple things to make Franklin's land and waters cleaner!

Ready to get started? You may submit one entry per category (listed above) and each photo you post must include #ThinkBlueFranklin and @townoffranklinma (Instagram), @TOFranklinMA (Twitter), or @OfficialTownofFranklin (Facebook). You may post to either Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, whichever social media site you prefer.

Questions? Visit www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division, check out our contest website at https://www.thinkbluemassachusetts.org/thinkbluefranklin or contact Anne Marie Tracey by email at traceya@franklinps.net  

Have fun and good luck! 

#ThinkBlueFranklin Contest starts - get your camera ready!

Franklin Recreation: Street hockey program begins

"Night one of our street hockey program. Thanks to our super coach ⁦ @JackGeromini for running another great ⁦ @FranklinRec ⁩ program"

Franklin Recreation: Street hockey program begins

Franklin radar shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/FranklinRec/status/1285356486122704896?s=09

Other photos of the Fletcher Field courts recently renovated
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/fletcher-field-basketball-and-hockey.html

VIRTUAL Veteran's Coffee Social - August 5

VETERANS AUGUST VIRTUAL COFFEE SOCIAL

Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00 AM

Here is the log-in info:
Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87169235196
Call-in number: 1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 871 6923 5196

If you haven't joined us for the last three Zoom Socials, you'll need to download the Zoom app if it's not already on your device.

If you have any questions, please send an email to: veterans@franklinma.gov
Put "Coffee Social" in the subject line.

We'll provide updates and conversation, you'll need to supply your own coffee :-)   We hope to "see" you on August 5th!

VIRTUAL Veteran's Coffee Social - August 5

Franklin Public Library: curbside pickup hours changed slightly

We adjusted the hours slightly, so now Curbside Pickup is available 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday!

Franklin Public Library: curbside pickup hours changed slightly

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib/status/1285284490475175937?s=09

“Massachusetts has a historic opportunity to lead on this issue"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin. The article provides a comparison of the police reform legislation currently in process at the State House highlighting the common points and differences between the Senate and House versions.

WITH THE END OF the legislative session fast approaching, the House and Senate are trying to hammer out a bill dealing with police reform. In the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, there is tremendous momentum to pass a bill, but significant differences are emerging between the two branches. 

The Senate passed its bill last week and the House is scheduled to take up its version on Wednesday. Both measures share common ground. They require fellow officers to intervene in situations of excessive force. They ban chokeholds, the use of tear gas, and most no-knock warrants. The latter became a spotlight issue following the shooting death of Breonna Taylor, a woman who died when Louisville, Kentucky, police executed a no-knock warrant at the wrong address, killing her in her own home.

The two branches also appear to be in general agreement on eliminating the municipal police training committee – a little-known entity within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security – and replacing it with a new Massachusetts Police Standards and Training Commission with the power to investigate misconduct claims against police officers and decertify those officers found to violate standards. The decisions of the commission would be open to the public and shared with a national database of decertified police officers. 

The House and Senate are not totally on the same page with regard to the commission. They differ on who would serve on the commission and the House bill would require that complaints about police misconduct not include a nondisclosure or non-disparagement agreement unless the complainant requests that provision. That would mean that police officers couldn’t ask their accusers to avoid speaking publicly about their conflicts if settlements are reached.

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/police-reform-big-momentum-little-time/

In the News: MA House has its own police reform legislation; Marlboro lab to use new testing process

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Massachusetts House released its own police reform bill that includes a police certification process, standardizes training across the state and makes officer discipline records more readily available to the public. 

The House bill unveiled late Sunday comes about a week after the state Senate passed its own police accountability bill that would place limits on the “qualified immunity” shielding officers from civil prosecution and limits the use of force by officers. 

The 129-page bill includes the establishment of a seven-person Massachusetts Police Standards and Training Commission that would serve as the “primary civil enforcement agency” in the state. 

“In keeping with our commitment to debate a bill to address structural inequalities that contribute to and are also a result of racial inequities, this bill creates a new Massachusetts Police Standards and Training Commission that is truly independent and empowered,” Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200720/mass-house-reveals-own-police-reform-bill?rssfeed=true

The Boston Globe posted a copy of the proposed House bill. 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/20/metro/read-text-houses-police-reform-bill/?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link

"By the end of the week, one of Massachusetts’ most prolific COVID-19 testing labs will deploy a newly-approved method designed to allow them to test more samples. 

The announcement from New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics comes about a week after the company announced “soaring demand” for COVID-19 molecular testing was slowing turnaround time to a week or more for most patients. 

Quest Diagnostics announced Friday that the company’s lab in Marlborough will be one of two facilities to begin pooling specimens for testing in a procedure approved by under an emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this procedure, samples are collected individually but combined into a small batch for testing. 

“A negative result for a batch means that all patients in that pool are considered negative (If a positive result occurs for the batch, each specimen is retested individually). The technique is an efficient way to evaluate patients in regions or populations with low rates of disease,” company officials explained in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200720/marlborough-lab-to-be-among-first-to-use-new-pooled-testing-method-for-coronavirus?rssfeed=true

Town of Franklin: Market Study

The Market Study is on the listing of Presentations scheduled for the Town Council meeting on July 22, 2020. Link to the full agenda can be found below. 

From the MAPC Market Analysis 
for the Town of Franklin:

"The Town of Franklin, its community partners, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, through research, outreach, and analysis, have worked to create the following Market Study. Within this study, the input of residents, businesses, and students and staff from Dean College were incorporated. The three focus areas of the study were Downtown Franklin, the Mixed Business Innovation District, and the Crossing, as well as the Franklin Cultural District. 

Research included demographic, housing, transportation, and business data, with consumer spending habits, and market potential, and expenditures incorporated within the study. Additionally, the Town of Franklin Market Study held multiple community engagement sessions, with a town-wide open house, a Business Roundtable, a Dean College Roundtable consisting of students and staff, and a town-wide survey, in addition to the Cultural District Roundtable already mentioned. Furthermore, a town Economic Development Survey was provided, with over 700 responses. 

Through research, interviews, and public outreach, a list of eleven recommendations were created in ranked order. These recommendations build upon the strengths of Franklin’s history, its arts and culture community, its active boards and committees, its inspiring college, and its distinctive neighborhood businesses. A full breakdown these recommendations can be found at the end of the study.

...
Based on results from the market study, along with input from the community (through the Open House, Business Roundtable, Arts & Culture Roundtable, Dean College Roundtable and Economic Development Survey), a set of recommended goals, strategies and actions were developed. Recommended goals, strategies and actions focus on marketing Franklin’s existing and potential future amenities to attract more business activity; concentrating development in the existing economic corridors of Franklin Center, The Crossing, and the Mixed Business Innovation District; and growing industry sectors identified in the market study as holding the potential for growth."

Read the full report on the Town of Franklin page or the copy below
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Agenda and documents released for the Town Council meeting July 22, 2020
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Town of Franklin: Market Study

Zooming into the Future, Part 2: Something, Best Laid Plans, Something, Something.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/19/2020

Last week I mentioned that Zoom connectivity is being installed for government meetings in Town Chambers as a permanent capability. Beyond just watching, citizens who can’t travel or are unable to attend in person will be able to participate and interact with the proceedings. A new good thing.

Technologist Paul Saffo once quipped, “Never deny a clear vision its long journey”. We know what we want. Getting there? Quite another matter. But, get we must.

Live! On Wednesday July 22nd– It’s our first Zoom meeting from Town Chambers.
So much for fanfare. Now we have to make it happen.

This past Wednesday we began our installation. The plan was solid. The outcome; not so much. Some of our newly installed digital widgets, adapters, gewgaws and the like were not cooperating. Note: There are at least a hundred-ish digital media devices stuffed into a TV control room. All must do their part to make our meetings happen. The new ones weren’t getting on well with the old ones, even after a stern lecture. On Thursday, more of the same. We pressed on. On Friday; worse still. After a 3-hour power failure, most of them had stopped working entirely. Disaster.

After several hours of digital resuscitation, we managed to get enough of our systems working to be back in operation. After 3 days of digital frustration we also managed to get our Zoom systems to work. Some refinements are planned, but Zoom connectivity is working, So far, so good. Come Wednesday – fingers crossed.

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


Note that we at Franklin TV are holding our own Zoom remote open annual meeting on August 3rd at 7 PM. All are welcome to participate and learn about Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr●fm.

For the full program guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or the Franklin Matters copy (effectively the same thing)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YLdtVKDhcEOj2OfRJUporkqDbSqycPaf/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 2: Something, Best Laid Plans, Something, Something. 

FM #315 FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs (audio)

FM #315 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 315 in the series.

This session shares the FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs collected as the graduates and family members arrived to record their walk across the stage in June. Some of these shout outs were used in the broadcast of the parade. This recording makes all of the shout outs available.

The statement runs just about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to FHS Class of 2020 Shout Outs.  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZyFFgtK




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FHS Graduation - Class of 2020 - https://youtu.be/TWHQVJgffQk
FHS Parade - https://youtu.be/A891JM1TwGU

These three programs freely available for Video On Demand

We have recently completed the final release versions of programs for the FHS 2020 Graduation. They will be shown on our cable channels for several weeks according to our weekly schedule. These TV Program files are also available for downloading in high-definition at these links.

• Senior Awards = http://tbf.me/a/BwXVZ5 (4 GB)
• Car Parade = http://tbf.me/a/BVmlpJ (5 GB)
• Graduation = http://tbf.me/a/CFR8yf (12 GB)

Just enter these links into your browser and download/save the files to your computer. These are lengthy TV programs, and downloading may take some time, depending on your internet speed. These programs will remain available for free downloading until July 23rd.


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

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

FM #315 FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs

MAEA Newsletter features article on the FHS Empty Bowls

Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) tweeted at 3:04 PM on Sat, Jul 18, 2020:

"Need something to read??? There's a great article on the FHS Empty Bowls Club in MAEA's recent publication co-written by recent grad Drew Conrad! @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinPSart @FranklinHS #artedmatters #arted #MassArtEd"

(https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1284564691788996608?s=03)

Need something to read??? There’s a great article on the FHS Empty Bowls Club in MAEA’s recent publication co-written by recent grad Drew Conrad! @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinPSart @FranklinHS #artedmatters #arted #MassArtEd https://t.co/7DBVXzZvPi

— Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) July 18, 2020

The MAEA newsletter
https://massarted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NewsletterSummer2020v2.pdf

or here

To vote by mail in 2020, the application is available at the Town Clerk's page

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin

"SECRETARY OF STATE William Galvin has started mailing out applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters in Massachusetts, and all the applications should be sent out by Tuesday.

If that happens, voting rights groups say they will dismiss a lawsuit they filed earlier this week accusing Galvin of ignoring a state-mandated deadline for sending out the applications.

If the mailings are sent out, “We have no reason to doubt that we would be willing to voluntarily dismiss,” said Oren Sellstrom, an attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights, which represents the voting rights groups, at a hearing before Supreme Judicial Court Justice Frank Gaziano on Friday.

A new state law allowing mail-in voting during the pandemic required Galvin to send out applications for mail-in ballots to every registered voter by July 15, in advance of the September 1 state primary election."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/mail-in-ballot-applications-on-their-way-to-voters/

You do not need to wait for the application in the mail. A copy is on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-vote-by-mail-application_-_primary.pdf

Additional info on the 2020 Elections can be found on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/2020-election-information

As we get into August, we'll start the "Election Collection" to gather all the 4th Congressional District candidate info, the Sep 1 primary info and the Nov 3 election info.

"‘Superspreading’ events, triggered by people who may not even know they are infected, propel coronavirus pandemic"

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"It wasn’t until Day 7 of her team’s coronavirus investigation when it dawned on Linda Vail, the health officer for Michigan’s Ingham County, that this was going to be a big one. It had started with just two infections at the college bar on June 18, not long after the state began reopening. But the numbers quickly jumped to 12, then 18, then 34. 

As of Friday, she was staring at a spreadsheet with 187 infected at Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub. 

“The tables were six feet apart, but no one stayed there,” she said. “The DJ was playing music so people were shouting, the dance floor started to get crowded. We had flattened the curve and then boom.” 

The East Lansing case is what’s known as a superspreading event — possibly the largest so far in the United States among the general public. Many scientists say such infection bursts — probably sparked by a single, highly infectious individual who may show no signs of illness and unwittingly share an enclosed space with many others — are driving the pandemic. They worry these cases, rather than routine transmission between one infected person and, say, two or three close contacts, are propelling case counts out of control."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/07/18/coronavirus-superspreading-events-drive-pandemic/?hpid=hp_hp-banner-main_virussuperspreader-235pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans

"‘Superspreading’ events, triggered by people who may not even know they are infected, propel coronavirus pandemic"