Friday, September 18, 2020

Budget Subcommittee Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020

Recap:
  • Current local receipts coming in per FY 2021 budget, that is good. Will look to another meeting in October to see if anything is happening with the Federal and/or State funding before making a decision in November.
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explained the accounting for the CARES Act funding, how it is being allocated (review the details in the memo linked as part of the meeting agenda)
  • This subcommittee would benefit from having someone from the School District participate to help answer the school side questions when they arise.
  • Buildings getting UV filter upgrades/additions to their ventilation systems. Some will be easier (i.e. less expensive) than other older buildings (which will cost more). Specific building breakout to be gathered as they go with hope to get all work done by end of Dec 2020.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #bsc0916
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bsc0916&src=typed_query


  • Real time reporting underway for Budget Subcommittee meeting #bsc0916
  • Initial update from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on budget, agenda doc for tonight can be found here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/09-16-2020_budget_sub_agenda.pdf #bsc0916 on target for meeting the FY21 budget with local receipts
  • Meeting via Zoom but also via Verizon and Comcast as well as live stream via http://Franklinma.gov webpage #bsc0916
  • Building a/c units being updated with UV all buildings should be done before end of this year 2020. Using CARES act funds for this and other COVID-19 related expenses #bsc0916 all PPE covered this far, what happens in Jan 2021 is open at this point
  • Look at memo, FinCom meeting coming Oct 8?, chromebooks purchased with CARES act. Look for pages 8-9 with the recap Jamie provides https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/09-16-2020_budget_sub_agenda.pdf #bsc0916
  • Businesses with five or fewer employees eligible for grants, info on town page. Q from Pellegri on why the need for the chromebooks. Q on receipt of chromebooks? Not arrived yet, order in early. #bsc0916 current ETA possible in November to be confirmed.
  • Would benefit from participation of SchComm member or Central Office to answer chromebooks question. Per my info; middle through FHS were 1-1 with systems. Middle schools had been kept in the building, FHS took them home. K-5 had units in school not 1-1 #bsc0916
  • The 4,000 purchased were to bring elementary students to 1-1 ratio for remote learning #bsc0916 Q on local receipts, so far so good. Cases are the highest since Memorial Day. More at Council meeting Mercer adds to chromebooks story with background from FHS project start
  • Q on PPE supply and split of #s from the UV costs. It is a fluid situation, approx 40k for municipal bldg for UV, still getting estimates and start making orders to confirm pricing, so bunched together for now, will be split later. Library will be low cost, FHS also #bsc0916
  • Older buildings like Parmenter, Museum, etc. They will cost more and exactly how much remains to be seen #bsc0916 folks will need to know each building cost. CARES act may not cover it all, may need free cash to do so. Q on what about families without internet
  • Jamie doesn't have answer but will get one. Jones present but can't speak as only 4 Councilors can in a subcommittee meeting #bsc0916 33 businesses have applied for the micro loans. Kelly thinks excise tax will come in ahead as dealers don't have used cars available
  • We can't forget the business with more than five employees and yet aren't 'big' business. The food pantry line is not what you would think, the meals tax needs to be watched. #bsc0915 16 cases as of yesterday Motion to adjourn

 

Additional photos from the meeting can be found in this album
 
Town Adminisatrator Jamie Hellen explaining at the Budget Subcommittee meeting
Town Adminisatrator Jamie Hellen explaining at the Budget Subcommittee meeting


"Like son, like father: Alan Earls eyes the Franklin Town Council seat vacated by son"

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

“Like father, like son” is a familiar phrase that in the Earls family these days is more accurately expressed the other way around: “Like son, like father.”

It is equally as valid to turn around another familiar phrase -- the one about the apple not falling far from the tree -- and say that the tree, in this case, doesn’t stand far from the apple.

On Tuesday, Alan Earls officially announced he is seeking election to the Franklin Town Council, hoping to fill the seat vacated by his son, Eamon McCarthy Earls. The declaration comes a month after the younger Earls, 26, announced his exit from the town’s top governing board in order to pursue a law degree at Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University in Virginia. Eamon Earls’ resignation was effective on Sept. 6. He was on the Council for nearly three years.

A special town election has been scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, to fill the newly empty seat."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
 

Board of Health Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020

The Board of Health met on Wednesday to review and revise the penalty order they had approved at their Sep 2 meeting. Feedback from Town Attorney Mark Cerel led to the revision. The revision was approved by a 3-0. As soon as the order is available, the link will be shared.


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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0916
https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoH0916?src=hashtag_click

  • Real time reporting underway for Board of Health meeting #BoH0916
  • Education is the primary tool, not wanting to use penalties - only as a last resort. They have been getting multiple requests from same place. #BoH0916 motion to withdraw motion on 9/02/20 on penalty provisions; passed 3-0 via roll call
  • Motion for revision proposed for fine where social distance is not possible, second, passed 3-0 via roll call. Motion amended to be effective Thursday 9/17/20 end of day. Passed 3-0 via roll call. #BoH0916
  • First cluster found in a business in Franklin. Regroup of the Board to review/revise penalty process as devised in prior meeting. #BoH0916 should it be considered to include parties for residential areas as well as business entities. Limit to face coverings as those as frequent
  • Discussion on keeping meeting virtual as long as possible, many have high risk family members. Want to avoid unnecessary contact. #BoH0916 meetings are still functioning well in the remote mode. Meeting adjourned with roll call vote


Sep 2, 2020 - recap = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/board-of-health-recap-sep-2-2020.html

 

Board of Health Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020
Board of Health Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Important Information and Dates

Important Information and Dates

Fall 2020

Click HERE for FHS schedule for online learning

FHS Chromebook Insurance will be available for purchase soon. An email will be sent to all families when the Chromebook Insurance payment portal has opened. 

FHS calendar items at a glance:
 
September 25th- Half day of school PDD day
September 28th- No School Yom Kippur
October 7th-        Half Day of School PDD day
October 12th       No School -Columbus Day
November 3rd     No School Election Day/PDD Day
November 10th   Parent Conferences
November 11th   No School Veteran's Day
November 12th   Parent Conferences
November 19th:  FHS begins Hybrid learning
November 25, 26, 27th- No School Thanksgiving Break
 
  • Franklin Public Schools School Re-Opening website click HERE to view
  • Principal's Page<< watch Mr. Hanna's video updates 
  • Student Parking Registration is now open. Click HERE to have your 11th or 12th grade student register with their school google account.
  • New to Franklin? Or Need to change your address? Click HERE to go to the New Student Registration/Change of address page
  • Need to withdraw your student from Franklin High School? Click HERE for instructions
  • Having troubles with your Chromebook ? Complete this Tech Remote Support form and someone will contact you to help
The difference between Home Schooling and Remote Learning from the Office of Teaching and Learning:

Home Schooling is an available option for some families who wish to provide every aspect of their child's education. To begin a home schooling, you must notify the Office of Teaching and Learning (annually) of your intent to homeschool, prior to the start of the school year. The requirements involve preparing an educational plan for approval by the Franklin Public Schools. Assessment/progress results will also need to be submitted and approved at the end of the school year. Upon approval of a homeschool plan, your child will be withdrawn from the Franklin Public Schools and the resources associated with the Franklin Public Schools will no longer be available to you. This includes, but is not limited to, curriculum materials, books, and Chromebooks. 

It is important to note that home schooling is different from remote learning. The remote learning model is being provided to all students enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools during the pandemic. This encompasses curriculum, instruction, assessment, and materials provided by the Franklin Public Schools for all students. Teachers are assigned to teach classes as they typically would in person. Students will complete a full day of education at home that is a blend of online learning, class facetime with peers and teacher(s), and independent work. When schools are able to transition back to either a hybrid or fully in-person model of instruction, all students engaged in remote learning will be a part of that transition back to school. 

If you decide to homeschool your child, you will need to provide a letter of intent, along with an educational plan for the 2020 - 2021 school year to Franklin Public Schools by September 4, 2020..  You can email this information to Dr. Joyce Edwards, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning,  at:  edwardsj@franklinps.net   Once Dr. Edwards reviews your plan and approves it, we will send you a confirmation via email.

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Graduation 2020 information
Photos taken inside the Gym will be on Gradimages.com (you need to register to see them)
Photos take outside:
SMUGMUG photos from Day 1 June 1st
SMUGMUG photos from Day 2 June 2nd
SMUGMUG photos from Day 3 June 3rd


Franklin Public Schools: Important Information and Dates
Franklin Public Schools: Important Information and Dates

Recording of Micro Grant Information Session Available for Replay

Franklin Downtown Partnership
If you missed yesterday's informational Zoom meeting on the Micro-Enterprise Grant Opportunity, you can watch a recording of it on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEg2KZms03Y).
Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.

In the News: get your flu shot now; COVID-19 vaccine will be a wait

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

"Think of the doctors and nurses dealing with COVID-19 on a daily basis.

That was Gov. Charlie Baker’s message Thursday after he got a flu shot at a Roslindale CVS and pressed Massachusetts residents to get vaccinated against the flu this fall, which he said will be critical to prevent overburdening the state’s health care system with the flu and COVID-19, which share many symptoms.

Baker has mandated that students in Massachusetts, from pre-school to college, and kids who participate in child care programs, must get their flu vaccine by the end of 2020 but said Thursday that it’s important that others elect to get a flu shot too. The governor said health care workers began talking with his team about a month ago about what it would mean to have flu activity peak at the same time as a second surge of COVID-19 cases. April’s surge in COVID-19 cases came after the bulk of activity associated with the last flu season.

“The point they made to us at that time was from a diagnostic point of view, from a care delivery point of view, from a capacity point of view, having the flu and COVID-19 surge in the commonwealth at exactly the same time would be an incredibly difficult situation for them to manage their way through and they urged us to step up our game — which is already pretty good relative to most of the states around the country — on flu vaccines,” Baker said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200918/baker-flu-shot-push-based-on-health-care-feedback?rssfeed=true

 

"FOR MONTHS, a quarantine-weary, virus-ridden nation has been waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s become the endgame, the antidote to all the death and economic destruction the virus has caused. Massachusetts’s final reopening stage, referred to as the “new normal,” is predicated on having an effective treatment or vaccine.

But experts are beginning to rein in the sky-high expectations, warning that a vaccine will not be the silver bullet that allows us to suddenly remove our masks and once again hug our friends.
“I don’t think we’re going back to normal any time soon, vaccine or no vaccine,” said Shira Doron, hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center. “It’s not going to be like everyone gets vaccinated on Monday, nobody has to wear masks Tuesday.”

Todd Ellerin, director of infectious diseases at South Shore Health, echoes that caution. “Many experts don’t think that the vaccine alone is going to get us out of the pandemic,” he said. "

Gov Baker's press conference on Thursday:  https://youtu.be/kUOGMYLhVYs 

Community Preservation Coalition - Happy birthday CPA!

"Happy 20th Birthday to CPA!

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Gov. Cellucci signing the #CommunityPreservationAct into law. 
 
Since then, over half the state has adopted the program, raising over $2.35 billion for open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing."
 
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is on the Franklin ballot (Question #3) for the voters to decide this November.  You can find out more about the act and what it provides online  https://www.communitypreservation.org/
 

 


Commonwealth Magazine: "Senate leader sees $5b revenue downturn"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"DESPITE SIGNS that the state’s finances have not completely cratered during the pandemic, the Senate’s top budget official said this week he anticipates tax collections in fiscal 2021 to be down $5 billion from last year, and said lawmakers will need to dip “deeply” into the state’s $3.5 billion “rainy day” fund unless new federal aid arrives from Washington.

The state’s uncertain financial picture could start to come into clearer focus in the coming weeks as House and Senate leaders, as well as Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration, prepare to outline a plan to introduce and pass a long-term budget that would carry the state through July of next year.

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues told business leaders that “some major announcements” would be made in the next couple weeks about how Beacon Hill leadership wants to proceed with a fiscal 2021 budget, as well as how to close the books on the fiscal year that ended June 30.

“It’s going to be a tough year, but we’ll get through this,” Rodrigues said."

There is an effect to Franklin with this news. Check out the Town Budget page to keep informed
 

 

IN the News: "Drought conditions ‘extreme’ in parts of Massachusetts"

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

"Much of Greater Milford is currently dealing with a “severe drought,” while all of MetroWest is dealing with a “moderate drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties are dealing with an “extreme” drought and persistent dry conditions span most of the state, threatening crops, diminishing air quality and forcing water conservation measures.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that 6.8% of the state — most of Bristol County and a sliver of western Plymouth County — is under an “extreme” drought while 30.4% of the state is facing a “severe” drought and another 49.9% of the state contends with a “moderate” drought.” Only the northwestern corner of the state is properly hydrated, the Monitor said.

“The meteorological summer (June-August) of 2020 was one of the hottest and driest on record in parts of the Northeast,” Brad Rippey, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wrote in the monitor’s weekly summary. “Given the protracted period of heat and dryness, drought continues to expand and intensify in many areas.”

 
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/jpg/current/current_ma_trd.jpg


Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year

The best way to protect against the flu is to get the flu shot.
medicare dot gov

Why it's important to get your flu shot this year

Now more than ever, we all need to do our part to prevent the spread of illnesses. The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu and keep you from spreading it to others is to get vaccinated.

Once per flu season, flu shots are covered for people with Medicare, when you get it from your doctor, pharmacy, or other health care provider that accepts Medicare or your Medicare plan.

All places offering flu shots should be following CDC guidance to ensure you have a safe place to get vaccinated. This includes that patients wear a face covering and maintain social distance in areas like waiting rooms. Visit CDC.gov for more information on how to safely get a flu shot during the pandemic.

Sincerely,

The Medicare Team

For additional info = https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/flu-shots






Thursday, September 17, 2020

THE BLACK BOX Sings… Wicked - Sep 26 and Sep 27

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue, will present a concert celebrating the music of the fifth longest running show in Broadway history: WICKED. THE BLACK BOX Sings...WICKED will star Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero. Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Socially distanced on THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage, join this cast of FPAC favorites for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz.

THE BLACK BOX Sings...Wicked will be performed September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm and September 27 at 2:00 pm.

Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series with the songs of Wicked. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites.  

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com

Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch
Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch

 

Morini Gallery - "In the Zone" - Online Juried Exhibit

In the words of Emily Hill, the journalist, being "in the zone" is delicious, immersive, and kinda trippy.  Time collapses. Sound falls away. Suddenly we look up, and it's 4 AM.  This tunnel-vision phenomenon is reported by athletes, creatives, and psychologists alike as a hyper-focused, sometimes spiritual, state of mind where anything is possible. It is where we become our most productive, creative, and powerful selves.

Artist's were asked to take a moment to recall that feeling and show us examples of when they truly felt they were… "In the Zone".

This exhibition is presented in a virtual format and can be viewed HERE https://mmas.org/online-exhibit-2/
 
 
“In the Zone” Online Juried Exhibition

September 1 – December 31, 2020


Morini Gallery - In the Zone Online Juried Exhibit
Morini Gallery - In the Zone Online Juried Exhibit


Commonwealth Magazine: "Number of high-risk communities jumps"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"THE NUMBER of communities considered high risk for COVID-19 increased from 13 to 17, while people younger than 39 led the way in infections, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases over the last two weeks.

The weekly data released by the Baker administration on Wednesday showed those in the 20-29 age category had 1,207 cases over the last two weeks, or 25 percent of the total. They were also highest on a per capita basis, with 16.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Those in the 0-19 category had 864 cases, or 18 percent of the total (53.9 cases per 100,000 people), while the 30-39 age category had 843 cases, nearly 18 percent of the total (92.9 cases per 100,000)."

Franklin's case count has increased slightly each of the recent weeks. Per the Board of Health meeting on Wednesday, there is a business that was identified as a 'hot spot' with a number of employee cases.  The business was not identified.

Franklin data on COVID-19 community map
Franklin data on COVID-19 community map


 

"we need the federal government to step up to the plate and help us out"

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

"On a day when many students re-entered classrooms for the first time in six months, Senate President Karen Spilka said she’s closely monitoring the return to school, as well as efforts to control COVID-19 in local hot spots as legislators contemplate what the next three months will bring.

Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo successfully pushed to extend formal legislative sessions past July until the end of the year, but immediately went on an extended recess and the agenda remains unclear. Leaders have said they wanted to preserve their ability to respond to any pandemic needs.

The Senate president took part in a “Women in Leadership” event hosted by the One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, but after several weeks out of the spotlight gave away very little about what the fall might look and sound like on Beacon Hill. She instead focused on her biography and what the Legislature had accomplished since March, and asked for the chamber’s input.

“With a global pandemic, it’s more important than ever to be bold and creative with our policy ideas,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


In the News: "Baker plugs police reform, climate investments"

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

"Beacon Hill has been nearly silent for more than six weeks since the House and Senate extended formal sessions beyond their traditional July 31 end, and Gov. Charlie Baker made a call Tuesday for legislators to wrap up their work on his State Police reforms and a $1 billion climate resiliency proposal.

Baker highlighted those two issues as priorities he hopes to see lawmakers advance, adding emphasis to those matters more than a month after wide-reaching law enforcement and climate bills were steered into conference committees for private negotiations.

When the topic of State Police came up at a Tuesday press conference, Baker said his administration referred about 40 individuals to state and federal attorneys for criminal review, then touted a bill he filed in January.

That legislation would make it easier to suspend troopers without pay following misconduct and create a “fraudulent pay statute” allowing the state or municipalities to seek triple the amount of damages from police who falsify timesheets, among other changes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
Gov Baker press conference on Tuesday = https://youtu.be/CtXQBsxbC9k 

"The story of Tabitha. It's the story of us" (video)

"Please watch. It's the story of Tabitha. It's the story of us. 

We can do hard things. 
And we will. 
Because we are goddamn cheetahs. "

 
A four minute video - Picked by Franklin radar via Twitter

 

"The story of Tabitha. It's the story of us"
"The story of Tabitha. It's the story of us"

 

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Hold the date: Missions Food Pantry Collection on Sept 25

Franklin Federated Church will be helping our neighbors in need in Franklin.  The collection is scheduled for Sept 25, 2020 rain or shine. Additional information contained in the PDF flyer here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n4hXxAW8a2ngI5hDlw1G40OFyPbZwwEh/view?usp=sharing


 

Hold the date: Missions Food Pantry Collection on Sept 25
Hold the date: Missions Food Pantry Collection on Sept 25

 

WBUR: Mass. Ballot Question 1 and Ballot Question 2 - What you need to know (video)

Ballot Question 1 - Right to Repair
"Question 1 on the Massachusetts ballot this fall may look familiar. It's a sequel to the "Right to Repair" measure that passed eight years ago.

Because of that law, you can take your car to any shop — not just a dealer's service center — and a mechanic can plug into your vehicle's computer system to figure out what's wrong. You can also buy a device to do this yourself.

The idea is that you have a right to the information needed to repair your car wherever you want and can't be forced to go to a dealership, hence the "Right to Repair" moniker."

wbur link to video   https://youtu.be/Iayi5t3YT90

 

Ballot Question 2 - Ranked Choice Voting

"November, Massachusetts voters will take up a ballot question that would fundamentally reshape the way they vote. Under a system called "ranked-choice voting,” races that involve more than two candidates give voters the option to numerically rank their choices.

Proponents of ranked-choice voting (RCV) say it would help to ensure that no candidate is elected by a minority of voters. Supporters include former Govs. Deval Patrick and Bill Weld, as well as former Harvard president Lawrence Summers, who calls it "the single most important change we can make to improve American democracy.”

But the voter system is controversial. Those against the proposal say it violates the “one-citizen, one-vote” principle and could create a bureaucratic nightmare."

wbur link to article   https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/09/14/2020-ballot-question-2-ranked-choice-explainer

wbur link to video   https://youtu.be/xNO-TONjuwI


Board of Health - update to Town Council 9/16/20

The presentation document scheduled for the update to the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020

You can download your copy of the presentation doc here
 
The full agenda for the Town Council meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/september-16-town-council-agenda

Senior Coffee Hour with Local and State Officials - Sep 17

Senior Coffee Hour with Local and State Officials

A Senior Coffee Hour with local and state officials is scheduled for this Thursday, September 17 at 8:30 AM. 


Call-in Number 1-312-626-6799  Meeting ID: 840 4586 3217
Passcode: 335355

Senior Coffee Hour with Local and State Officials - Sep 17



In the News: "One challenge the region faces due to its economic success is traffic congestion"

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

"The MetroWest region’s unemployment rate has been consistently lower than the statewide numbers for the past three decades thanks in part to an influx of biopharmaceutical, information technology and analytics as well as medical device companies moving to the area.

But the increase in new businesses coming to the region has created some challenges, such as increased traffic congestion, according to a new profile of economic and demographic trends released Monday.

The Westborough-based 495/MetroWest Partnership and the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth released the new profile, which indicates the region continues to enjoy a number of strategic advantages while continuing to confront challenges related to transportation and housing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
Visit the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. online at https://www.495partnership.org/ 

Get your copy of the full report to read and review
 

Scientific American: “science, health, the environment, evidence-based policy, and reality over disinformation."

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

"Scientific American, the magazine that has delved into scientific topics for 175 years, is endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time, picking Democrat Joe Biden over Republican incumbent President Donald Trump.

“The evidence and the science show that Donald Trump has badly damaged the U.S. and its people—because he rejects evidence and science,” the magazine’s editorial said. “The most devastating example is his dishonest and inept response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which cost more than 190,000 Americans their lives by the middle of September. He has also attacked environmental protections, medical care, and the researchers and public science agencies that help this country prepare for its greatest challenges.”

The magazine said it was urging people to vote for Biden, “who is offering fact-based plans to protect our health, our economy and the environment. These and other proposals he has put forth can set the country back on course for a safer, more prosperous and more equitable future.”

“It’s time to move Trump out and elect Biden, who has a record of following the data and being guided by science,” the magazine said.

Laura Helmuth, the magazine’s editor-in-chief tweeted that a vote for Biden would support “science, health, the environment, evidence-based policy, and reality over disinformation."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/15/nation/scientific-american-makes-its-first-endorsement-its-history-picking-joe-biden/

Scientific American editorial  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientific-american-endorses-joe-biden/

We’ve never backed a presidential candidate in our 175-year history—until now
"We’ve never backed a presidential candidate in our 175-year history—until now"


Get ready to ZOOM with the Franklin Art Association at upcoming meetings in Oct/Nov

Dear FAA Members,

If you haven't already Zoomed with family and friends, as well as other organizations you belong to, please download the free ZOOM app to your laptop, ipad or even your smartphone now!   If you are new to ZOOM, please check out YouTube "how to zoom" videos, along with instructions on the Zoom web-site to learn how to Zoom.   Or, of course, ask any teen or young person how to use this popular video-conferencing app! 

Yes, the FAA Franklin Art Association is going to start meeting virtually, since our "new normal" in the midst of the pandemic won't allow us to meet in person at the Franklin Senior Center, at least for the foreseeable future.  

Please mark Oct 7 & Nov 4 on your calendars for our regular FAA first Wed of the month 6:30 meetings.  We have guest artists lined up to give ZOOM demos followed by Q&A:  Karen Israel will demo on Oct 7, and Nan Hass Feldman will be presenting on Nov 4.  You will receive more info about these exciting artists shortly.

Also, a new issue of the FAA Newsletter is forthcoming, including an informative letter from our President.  We would also like to include any news from FAA members- e.g. have you been in any shows, have any artistic tidbit to share with other FAA members?   Please send any news items to me by Sep 20.

Looking forward to "seeing" everyone on Oct 7 and Nov 4!!

Susan Plume
FAA Corresponding Secretary


Get ready to ZOOM with the Franklin Art Association at upcoming meetings in Oct/Nov
Get ready to ZOOM with the Franklin Art Association at upcoming meetings in Oct/Nov