Good evening!
I am sure that you will enjoy today's posting which includes a jazz trumpet solo performed by our very own freshman, Colin Manocchio. Colin is actually a phenomenal trombone player who decided to pick up the trumpet while home! Colin is a member of the FHS Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band and studies with Mr. George Murphy. Colin participated in the 2020 MA Central Districts Jazz Band. This is a pretty remarkable accomplishment as a freshman. Congratulations Colin!
ALSO! Members of our string orchestra put together an arrangement of Amazing Grace. I would like to present this to our graduating seniors. We will miss you and we are so sad that our year had to end in this way. We wish you all the best!
COLIN MANOCCHIO - Jazz Trumpet
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W_KAFeHrh8IU1MumgoA3ySxznuqReb99/view
FHS STRING ORCHESTRA - Amazing Grace
https://youtu.be/Z-NgddrNrQY
--
Diane M. Plouffe
Director of Music
Franklin Public Schools
Franklin High School
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Don't miss HMEA's incredABLE Auction
HMEA's incredABLE Virtual Auction ends Sunday, May 24th at noon!
Concert tickets, weekend get-away, Patriots tickets, private wine class for 20, and other great prizes to bid on!
https://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/index.cfm?auctionID=21291
You Still Have Time to Do Something incredABLE!
http://events.hmea.org/site/TR?fr_id=1150&pg=entry
 |
| Don't miss HMEA's incredABLE Auction |
Legislature Passes Bill to Provide Relief and Improve Access to Unemployment Benefits
The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday May 21, 2020, passed a bill that will provide additional Unemployment Insurance (UI) relief to low-income families, non-profit institutions and employers. The legislation now moves on to the governor.
An Act Providing Additional Support to Those Affected by the Novel Coronavirus Through the Unemployment Insurance System builds on UI legislation already signed into law waiving the one-week waiting period to receive benefits.
"From the outset of this public health pandemic, our focus has been on easing the burdens felt by working families, and this thoughtfully crafted bipartisan legislation exemplifies that commitment," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "With this legislation, we are taking steps to ensure Massachusetts workers and employers can maximize the benefits available to them through state and federal actions. I am thankful to my Senate colleagues as well as Speaker DeLeo and his members for their work in moving this legislation one step closer to becoming law."
"This bill protects employers, including non-profits, and workers as we deal with the economic crisis in the wake of COVID-19," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). "I thank Chair Michlewitz, Chair Ferrante, Vice Chair Hay, Senate President Spilka, and my colleagues in the House and Senate for their work on this important UI Bill."
"With the passage of this bill, the Senate is building on its commitment to support the workers and business owners of the Commonwealth who are struggling with the financial impacts of COVID-19," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D- Westport), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. "I applaud my colleagues in the Senate and the House for continuing to work collaboratively to provide relief to the state's most vulnerable citizens during this challenging time."
"Throughout this pandemic our unemployment system has been put under tremendous stress as employers and employees try to navigate the system," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). "By passing this legislation we will help both businesses and workers alike have a more streamlined relationship with the unemployment system."
The legislation builds off the legislature's ongoing efforts to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its impact on workers and follows the passage of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which significantly increased UI benefits and expands eligibility during the coronavirus pandemic."
"Our Commonwealth is confronting both a health crisis and an economic crisis. Due to no fault of their own, more than 1 million Massachusetts residents have now filed for unemployment. Our communities face layoffs on a scale that has no modern precedent, with potentially devastating long-term consequences if policymakers fail to act swiftly," said Senator Eric Lesser, Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D-Longmeadow). "It is urgent that families receive their benefits in a timely matter, that the benefit period is extended and properly compensates families with dependents, and that small business owners also get relief from fines and penalties that are unjustly applied. This legislation will help offer such relief, which is why it passed both the Massachusetts Senate and House with bipartisan support. On behalf of the more than one million families and hundreds of small businesses facing urgent need, I urge Governor Baker to sign this legislation immediately."
"Clearly, Covid-19 has presented many challenges to the Commonwealth. Chief among them are protecting residents from a potential life threatening virus, financial ruin and hunger. In Massachusetts and across the country, we have seen unparalleled levels of unemployment," said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D-Gloucester). "As our residents try to navigate an enormously difficult health care and economic crisis, this unemployment legislation allows the Commonwealth to work more effectively with the business and non-profit communities by streamlining unemployment regulations and mitigating costs while simultaneously tending to the needs of residents, who may require additional time to return to work."
"It is so important that we continue to support the people who have had their incomes interrupted by the efforts necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19," said Senator Patricia Jehlen, Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Somerville). "I am glad we are able to take this step to expand unemployment to help more people, and their families, longer and with extended benefits."
"This bill provides critical support to businesses, non-profits, and municipalities facing an unprecedented crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, this bill contains a necessary change to the unemployment system to help low-income families struggling to make ends meet by raising the cap on dependency benefits," said Representative Stephan Hay, Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Fitchburg). "I am proud of the work done by this legislature to respond to the needs of the Commonwealth during an extremely difficult time."
"Unemployment benefits are a critical lifeline in an economic storm and the pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of having a sound unemployment insurance system that responds effectively to people depending on it," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). "The measures contained in this bill will go a long way to strengthening our system and helping individuals and families when they need it most."
"The economic fallout from the COVID-19 global pandemic has been devastating, with over one million Massachusetts residents filing for unemployment and businesses struggling to survive. This bill takes additional steps to assist residents and employers impacted by the pandemic," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). "It allows for a four-week extension in benefits if new unemployment claims filed in any week exceed 100,000, and lays the groundwork for lifting the dependency cap. It also protects employers from being penalized and hit with rate increases if they are forced to lay off workers due to the pandemic. This bill will help families and businesses as we continue to navigate through this unprecedented public health crisis."
The components of the bill are as follows:
Protection for Employers. Employers who participate in UI pay contributions based on their layoff experience. Like other forms of insurance, employers that are more likely to have workers use unemployment compensation are asked to pay more in the system. The system does not anticipate a situation where employers across a number of sectors have been forced to significantly reduce their workforces due to situations outside of their control. This bill prevents layoffs related to coronavirus from negatively impacting employer's future UI contributions.
Extending Unemployment Benefit Period. The number of weeks of unemployment compensation available in Massachusetts is tied to unemployment rates around the state. This trigger did not anticipate a situation, however, in which unemployment grows rapidly in a very short period of time. This bill ensures that the 30-week benefit period is triggered by a significant uptick in weekly unemployment claims.
Lifting the Cap on Dependency Allotment. This bill eliminates the 50% cap for the dependency allotment providing additional benefits to low-income families. This increase will be in addition to the $600 per week benefit add-on provided for in the CARES Act for all workers eligible for state or federal benefits. This provision is effective for 18 months after the end of COVID-19 emergency and the end of enhanced federal benefits.
Currently, UI recipients are entitled to an additional $25 per week for each child in the family, capped at 50% of a recipient's base allotment. The result is that workers with particularly low allotments, such as low wage workers, can easily be capped out of receiving these additional amounts.
Non-Profit Contribution Grace Period. Presently, many non-profits self-insure for unemployment claims. This means that when layoffs in the sector occur, non-profits pay the cost of those benefits dollar for dollar at the next billing period. This bill provides a 120-day grace period for non-profits to make these contributions. This delay will allow the state to review additional changes that are warranted to mitigate the impact on non-profits. The CARES Act provides 50% reimbursement for self-insured benefit payments during the Coronavirus crisis.
An Act Providing Additional Support to Those Affected by the Novel Coronavirus Through the Unemployment Insurance System now moves to the governor for consideration.
An Act Providing Additional Support to Those Affected by the Novel Coronavirus Through the Unemployment Insurance System builds on UI legislation already signed into law waiving the one-week waiting period to receive benefits.
"From the outset of this public health pandemic, our focus has been on easing the burdens felt by working families, and this thoughtfully crafted bipartisan legislation exemplifies that commitment," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "With this legislation, we are taking steps to ensure Massachusetts workers and employers can maximize the benefits available to them through state and federal actions. I am thankful to my Senate colleagues as well as Speaker DeLeo and his members for their work in moving this legislation one step closer to becoming law."
"This bill protects employers, including non-profits, and workers as we deal with the economic crisis in the wake of COVID-19," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). "I thank Chair Michlewitz, Chair Ferrante, Vice Chair Hay, Senate President Spilka, and my colleagues in the House and Senate for their work on this important UI Bill."
"With the passage of this bill, the Senate is building on its commitment to support the workers and business owners of the Commonwealth who are struggling with the financial impacts of COVID-19," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D- Westport), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. "I applaud my colleagues in the Senate and the House for continuing to work collaboratively to provide relief to the state's most vulnerable citizens during this challenging time."
"Throughout this pandemic our unemployment system has been put under tremendous stress as employers and employees try to navigate the system," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). "By passing this legislation we will help both businesses and workers alike have a more streamlined relationship with the unemployment system."
The legislation builds off the legislature's ongoing efforts to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its impact on workers and follows the passage of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which significantly increased UI benefits and expands eligibility during the coronavirus pandemic."
"Our Commonwealth is confronting both a health crisis and an economic crisis. Due to no fault of their own, more than 1 million Massachusetts residents have now filed for unemployment. Our communities face layoffs on a scale that has no modern precedent, with potentially devastating long-term consequences if policymakers fail to act swiftly," said Senator Eric Lesser, Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D-Longmeadow). "It is urgent that families receive their benefits in a timely matter, that the benefit period is extended and properly compensates families with dependents, and that small business owners also get relief from fines and penalties that are unjustly applied. This legislation will help offer such relief, which is why it passed both the Massachusetts Senate and House with bipartisan support. On behalf of the more than one million families and hundreds of small businesses facing urgent need, I urge Governor Baker to sign this legislation immediately."
"Clearly, Covid-19 has presented many challenges to the Commonwealth. Chief among them are protecting residents from a potential life threatening virus, financial ruin and hunger. In Massachusetts and across the country, we have seen unparalleled levels of unemployment," said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D-Gloucester). "As our residents try to navigate an enormously difficult health care and economic crisis, this unemployment legislation allows the Commonwealth to work more effectively with the business and non-profit communities by streamlining unemployment regulations and mitigating costs while simultaneously tending to the needs of residents, who may require additional time to return to work."
"It is so important that we continue to support the people who have had their incomes interrupted by the efforts necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19," said Senator Patricia Jehlen, Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Somerville). "I am glad we are able to take this step to expand unemployment to help more people, and their families, longer and with extended benefits."
"This bill provides critical support to businesses, non-profits, and municipalities facing an unprecedented crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, this bill contains a necessary change to the unemployment system to help low-income families struggling to make ends meet by raising the cap on dependency benefits," said Representative Stephan Hay, Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Fitchburg). "I am proud of the work done by this legislature to respond to the needs of the Commonwealth during an extremely difficult time."
"Unemployment benefits are a critical lifeline in an economic storm and the pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of having a sound unemployment insurance system that responds effectively to people depending on it," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). "The measures contained in this bill will go a long way to strengthening our system and helping individuals and families when they need it most."
"The economic fallout from the COVID-19 global pandemic has been devastating, with over one million Massachusetts residents filing for unemployment and businesses struggling to survive. This bill takes additional steps to assist residents and employers impacted by the pandemic," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). "It allows for a four-week extension in benefits if new unemployment claims filed in any week exceed 100,000, and lays the groundwork for lifting the dependency cap. It also protects employers from being penalized and hit with rate increases if they are forced to lay off workers due to the pandemic. This bill will help families and businesses as we continue to navigate through this unprecedented public health crisis."
The components of the bill are as follows:
Protection for Employers. Employers who participate in UI pay contributions based on their layoff experience. Like other forms of insurance, employers that are more likely to have workers use unemployment compensation are asked to pay more in the system. The system does not anticipate a situation where employers across a number of sectors have been forced to significantly reduce their workforces due to situations outside of their control. This bill prevents layoffs related to coronavirus from negatively impacting employer's future UI contributions.
Extending Unemployment Benefit Period. The number of weeks of unemployment compensation available in Massachusetts is tied to unemployment rates around the state. This trigger did not anticipate a situation, however, in which unemployment grows rapidly in a very short period of time. This bill ensures that the 30-week benefit period is triggered by a significant uptick in weekly unemployment claims.
Lifting the Cap on Dependency Allotment. This bill eliminates the 50% cap for the dependency allotment providing additional benefits to low-income families. This increase will be in addition to the $600 per week benefit add-on provided for in the CARES Act for all workers eligible for state or federal benefits. This provision is effective for 18 months after the end of COVID-19 emergency and the end of enhanced federal benefits.
Currently, UI recipients are entitled to an additional $25 per week for each child in the family, capped at 50% of a recipient's base allotment. The result is that workers with particularly low allotments, such as low wage workers, can easily be capped out of receiving these additional amounts.
Non-Profit Contribution Grace Period. Presently, many non-profits self-insure for unemployment claims. This means that when layoffs in the sector occur, non-profits pay the cost of those benefits dollar for dollar at the next billing period. This bill provides a 120-day grace period for non-profits to make these contributions. This delay will allow the state to review additional changes that are warranted to mitigate the impact on non-profits. The CARES Act provides 50% reimbursement for self-insured benefit payments during the Coronavirus crisis.
An Act Providing Additional Support to Those Affected by the Novel Coronavirus Through the Unemployment Insurance System now moves to the governor for consideration.
 |
| Legislature Passes Bill to Provide Relief and Improve Access to Unemployment Benefits |
"Massachusetts is not alone in facing unprecedented circumstances"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200522/states-jobless-rate-surges-past-15
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200522/crisis-communications-experts-you-have-to-be-credible-in-reporting-effects-of-coronavirus
"The Massachusetts unemployment rate surged above 15% in April, smashing four and a half decades of records as the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public shutdowns caused massive job losses.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
State labor officials announced Friday that Massachusetts shed 623,000 jobs in April, the first full month during which non-essential businesses were ordered to close their physical locations to employees and customers and most residents were urged to stay at home whenever possible.
From March to April, the unemployment rate increased 12.3 percentage points to 15.1%, the highest level since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking seasonally adjusted unemployment rates at the state level in 1976. The numbers reflect the waves of new jobless claims that have been filed in recent weeks, and show how far the state now has to go to both defeat the virus and return people to their old jobs or new ones.
Michael Goodman, executive director of the UMass Dartmouth Public Policy Center and a co-editor of MassBenchmarks, said joblessness in Massachusetts may not have reached such elevated levels since the recession immediately following World War II."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200522/states-jobless-rate-surges-past-15
 |
| https://www.mass.gov/topics/unemployment |
"Crisis communications professionals told the Daily News that nursing homes would be wise to share the number of fatalities, even if that means communicating rising death tolls.
“You have to be credible in crisis communications, because if your community loses trust in you, you are dead in the water,” said Capt. Thomas Lennon, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain and current chair of the emergency management department at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Administrators at North Hill and Briarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Needham had already publicly announced 27 of the 33 reported deaths in the town before the town officially announced the first known COVID-19 related deaths.
Both skilled-nursing facilities hired Ball Consulting Group LLC - a crisis communications firm based in Newton - to help with external messaging during the pandemic."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200522/crisis-communications-experts-you-have-to-be-credible-in-reporting-effects-of-coronavirus
Friday, May 22, 2020
Town of Franklin FY 2021 Budget
Town of Franklin FY 21 Budget
The Town of Franklin FY21 Budget materials are now available on our website.
Finance Committee Meetings begin next Wednesday, May 27th, and will continue on May 28, June 2, and June 4.
All documents, agendas and meeting links can be found here https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials
Town Administrator budget message and budget summary
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message
May 27 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259774
May 28 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259784
June 2 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259794
June 4 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259804
 |
| Library funding is one of many topics for the budget cycle in this pandemic period |
Town Council - Recap of 5/20/20 meeting (and recording)
My notes were captured via Twitter and tagged #tc0520
The Twitter treads can be found online https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click
FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.
The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7
- Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 5/20/20 #tc0520 Dellorco absent, other 8 Councilors present
- Motion to approve Apr 15 meeting minutes, passed via roll call. 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent) #tc0520
- Memorial Day parade and breakfast cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Film being edited for broadcast on Franklin TV. #tc0520
- Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf
- Proclamation on American Legion Post Edward L Grant #75 #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4b._proclamation_-_american_legion.pdf
- Proclamation to recognize Larry Bedarian #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4c._proclamation_-_larry_bedarian.pdf
- Presentation by Tracey Taddeo on the Animal Control Dept, a quiet group that does good work. #tc0520
- Patrick Kelleher leads the Franklin side in the joint effort with Bellingham that Tracey covers
- Next up, Franklin Food Pantry, Lynn Calling and Tina Powderly talking about the new building and updates due to the pandemic requirements #tc0520 intro by TA Jamie Hellen
- Presentation copy per agenda from Franklin Food Pantry https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._franklin_food_pantry.pdf. #tc0520 in a normal BCE before coronavirus era there were about 9 new folks, last month 80. Changed from shopping experience to drive through pickup during this time
- Lynn Calling says seeing a familiar face (albeit masked) is important to the pantry clients, approx 60-80 per day drive through to get 5000 lbs/week. Hopefully to be in new building by summer of 2021 #tc0520 a capital campaign to be launched soon to help fund the building
- Empty Bowls would have celebrated the dinner May 7, they will go virtual during a week in June, approx 200 bowls made by students for this fund raising effort. #tc0520 listen to the students talk about empty bowls https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html
- The father daughter group mentioned during the meeting building garden beds, VFJ renovations was interviewed recently and you can listen to their story https://franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-261-vfj-renovations-empowering.html?m=1. #tc0520
- The Food Pantry current needs list can be found online at https://franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/. #tc0520
- Tina Powderly takes time to recognize Amy Cataldo as one of the 3 keys to the operation (Lynn, and Sue Kilcoyne) #tc0520
- Next up, SAFE Coalition with Jen Levine and Jim Derick to present, copy of deck to be shared later #tc0520
- SAFE is busy, one contact leads to approx 8 others ( to confirm details, explore options, etc.) #tc0520
- 40 people/week reach out for support from SAFE Coalition, while they cover 9 communities, it is still a need that is rather large and being met #tc0520
- SAFE currently funded by grants and donations #tc0520
- Next up, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) the regional dispatch center #tc0520 last week was first anniversary of operations so timely albeit delayed due to COVID-19
- Mendon/Millville regional dispatch will actually merge with the MECC final planning underway
- Collaboration with depts beyond Fire/Police in Franklin help to make the work that much easier; DPW, technology, Assessors, GIS, facilities, etc. #tc0520
- Regionalization of dispatch is a success and could be a guide for others to follow. MA had 300plus dispatch centers, CA has 4. With the MECC online and expanding (Millville , Mendon) a source of pride and savings #tc0520
- Moving to Legislation for action, first up https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-27_cell_tower_easement.pdf. #tc0520 more of a house cleaning item, "this is an exercise for lawyers" moved, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)
- Next legislation, 2nd reading on plot line changes for Pleasant, Chestnut, Brook Sts. #tc0520 https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._20-853_cestnut_pleasnt_brooke_streets.pdf moved, 2nd, passed 7-0-2 (7 for, 1 absent, 1 recused (Bissanti))
- Next legislation, Water resource district adjustment. Up for 2nd and final approval, https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10c._20-854_water_resource_district.pdf #tc0520 map needed to be updated, moved, 2nd, approved 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)
- Senior Center coffee hour on Thursday at 8:30 AM with virtual meeting #tc0520 bring your coffee! Announcement of curbside cafe coming at the meeting but due to start June 1
- FY2021 budget coming out Thursday, Finance Committee meetings over the next two weeks spread over 4 nights, agendas to show which dept which night, etc. #tc0520 . Need Community engaged as these discussions will be challenging
- Parks and parking lots to open on Monday, playgrounds will remain closed, masks and social distance requirements still in place #tc0520
- Board of Health special session on 5/21/20 at 5 PM details on Town of Franklin page effectively #tc0520
- Council comments wrapped up, motion to adjourn, passed 8-0-1 via roll call. Real time reporting ends for this meeting with this tweet. #tc0520
The Twitter treads can be found online https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click
FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.
The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7
 |
| screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation |
Leaping into Kindergarten - May 20
Leaping into Kindergarten, the annual program for parents of incoming kindergarteners, was held via virtual meeting and recorded for replay via YouTube.
The video link: https://youtu.be/jPh1jJVhr-8
The presentation copy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P-1IADJFm4kN3kl_kU8RtcHulZsAOVSs/view
Shared via Twitter https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1263516493330944002?s=09
The video link: https://youtu.be/jPh1jJVhr-8
The presentation copy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P-1IADJFm4kN3kl_kU8RtcHulZsAOVSs/view
Shared via Twitter https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1263516493330944002?s=09
Why You Need Your Chamber Now More Than Ever
What Does a Chamber of Commerce Do?
No other organization represents the local business community like a Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce brand is recognized across the globe as an organization fighting for the rights of employers. No other group balances the needs of the business community with the needs of the general community like the Chamber of Commerce.
Chambers are your businesses' life raft in the troubled waters of COVID-19. They were the life raft for you during the great recession and they'll be again the next time a crisis rolls around.
How Can Joining the United Regional Chamber Help Me?
Right now, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) is learning to navigate complicated government processes while protecting your rights so you can stay focused on keeping your business afloat. We're talking to governors, state legislators, members of Congress, and any other person with a .gov email address, to convince them that the economy isn't the antithesis of public health. Both can coexist safely and prosperously together.
Our members get value through member discounts on office supplies and other tangible goods, but you can't put a price on the value they're receiving from the URCC's advocacy efforts aimed at the federal, state, and local government. Over many years, URCC leaders have built relationships with a myriad of public officials, always trying to find the right opportunity and opening to showcase a public official's comments while subtly (or sometimes not so subtly) educating them to the realities of providing jobs.
We hope you'll take advantage of all the webinars, Zoom meetings, and educational programming that we're providing (mostly free of charge) to keep you engaged with government and business leaders. We still have our monthly Executive Express-O hosted by URCC Board Member Charlie Miller of Business Advisory Solutions and our Extreme Networking Group that meets every other week. Same people, same timely topics, same great ideas.
The only difference is that we're now conducting these meetings virtually via Zoom. We had one virtual Alive After Five facilitated by Rob Peters of Rob Peters Entertainment and we're going to have more. We have our on-line Job Board and we encourage you to send in your job listings.
We're doing it for YOU in hopes it'll help YOU survive. Visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/) and read our weekly enews to learn about the programs that we are offering.
If you have any ideas about the programs and groups you would like to see facilitated by the URCC, please contact me.
#URCC #Chamberstrong
Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"
No other organization represents the local business community like a Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce brand is recognized across the globe as an organization fighting for the rights of employers. No other group balances the needs of the business community with the needs of the general community like the Chamber of Commerce.
Chambers are your businesses' life raft in the troubled waters of COVID-19. They were the life raft for you during the great recession and they'll be again the next time a crisis rolls around.
How Can Joining the United Regional Chamber Help Me?
Right now, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) is learning to navigate complicated government processes while protecting your rights so you can stay focused on keeping your business afloat. We're talking to governors, state legislators, members of Congress, and any other person with a .gov email address, to convince them that the economy isn't the antithesis of public health. Both can coexist safely and prosperously together.
Our members get value through member discounts on office supplies and other tangible goods, but you can't put a price on the value they're receiving from the URCC's advocacy efforts aimed at the federal, state, and local government. Over many years, URCC leaders have built relationships with a myriad of public officials, always trying to find the right opportunity and opening to showcase a public official's comments while subtly (or sometimes not so subtly) educating them to the realities of providing jobs.
We hope you'll take advantage of all the webinars, Zoom meetings, and educational programming that we're providing (mostly free of charge) to keep you engaged with government and business leaders. We still have our monthly Executive Express-O hosted by URCC Board Member Charlie Miller of Business Advisory Solutions and our Extreme Networking Group that meets every other week. Same people, same timely topics, same great ideas.
 |
| www.unitedregionalchamber.org |
The only difference is that we're now conducting these meetings virtually via Zoom. We had one virtual Alive After Five facilitated by Rob Peters of Rob Peters Entertainment and we're going to have more. We have our on-line Job Board and we encourage you to send in your job listings.
We're doing it for YOU in hopes it'll help YOU survive. Visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/) and read our weekly enews to learn about the programs that we are offering.
If you have any ideas about the programs and groups you would like to see facilitated by the URCC, please contact me.
#URCC #Chamberstrong
Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"
In the News: "Franklin named Purple Heart Community"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200521/franklin-named-purple-heart-community
The Proclamation making Franklin a Purple Heart Community did not need a Town Council vote on Wednesday. It was one of three proclamations made during the Wednesday session held via virtual meeting.
The town is now recognized as a Purple Heart Community, joining more than 90 other Massachusetts communities in honoring local veterans.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
The designation was approved by the Town Council on Wednesday night, and honors recipients of the Purple Heart medal, which is presented to U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed by enemy forces.
The medal - the nation’s oldest military award - was created by George Washington in 1782 and was originally called the “Badge for Military Merit.” Part of the designation entails celebrating Purple Heart Day, which is held on Aug. 8.
The designation also adds Franklin as a stop along the Purple Heart Trail, a national network of roads, bridges, highways and other monuments honoring soldiers who have been awarded a Purple Heart medal. There are currently designated sections in 45 states, including Guam.
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200521/franklin-named-purple-heart-community
The Proclamation making Franklin a Purple Heart Community did not need a Town Council vote on Wednesday. It was one of three proclamations made during the Wednesday session held via virtual meeting.
- Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf
- Proclamation on American Legion Post Edward L Grant #75 #tc0520https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4b._proclamation_-_american_legion.pdf
- Proclamation to recognize Larry Bedarian #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4c._proclamation_-_larry_bedarian.pdf
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| The Edward L Grant granite marker along the Veterans Walkway photo taken in Nov 2018 |
This “game” is a chain letter scam
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Thursday, May 21, 2020
FM #272 Senior Center Updates 5/15/20 (audio)
FM #272 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 272 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Director Karen Alves and soon to be Director Erin Rogers of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Meetings going virtual
Meals for breakfast or lunch coming in June = “Curbside Cafe”
The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Karen and Erin Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVtQtsP7
If you are not on the Senior Center newsletter and updates listing, please call 508-520-4945
If you would like a ‘wellness’ check in call, please call 508-520-4945
Additional info about the Senior Center can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
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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?
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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
This session shares my conversation with Director Karen Alves and soon to be Director Erin Rogers of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Meetings going virtual
- 50+ job seekers
- Caregiver support group
- 1-800-QuitNow
- Daily diversions available on SeniorCenter page
- Nurse Trish to start Balance Sessions via Zoom
Meals for breakfast or lunch coming in June = “Curbside Cafe”
The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Karen and Erin Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVtQtsP7
If you are not on the Senior Center newsletter and updates listing, please call 508-520-4945
If you would like a ‘wellness’ check in call, please call 508-520-4945
Additional info about the Senior Center can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
--------------
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/
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"
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| FM #272 Senior Center Updates 5/15/20 (audio) |
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #20
CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #20
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Hi friends,
Wow - this is our 20th COVID-19 update email. I remember wondering, when we sent the first one back in March, just how many we would issue. Here we are at 20, and I suspect there will be many more. This is perhaps several marathons all in a row, and even with the summer months nearly here and all of us getting antsy, we must remain vigilant in our physical distancing, hand-washing, and other personal and public health measures.
There's been a lot of news this week about Massachusetts moving toward reopening. As your State Senator, my top priority is protecting your health and safety, and I do that by working to ensure any reopening strategy is governed by a data-driven approach that prioritizes public health. I am still reviewing the details of Governor Baker's initial reopening sketch. I remain concerned that we need more information and better guidelines for small businesses, workers, and childcare.
I am also concerned that the outline released earlier this week does not do enough to ensure compliance with public health best practices. While the emergency power to make these reopening decisions rests with the Governor, I am working with my colleagues to fully assess the Governor's sketch and offer improvements, particularly in the childcare space.
As a parent of youngsters myself, the lack of focus on ensuring adequate childcare for working families keeps me up at night. If you are a childcare provider, a parent of younger children, or otherwise have expertise in the area, please email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov with your thoughts and ideas.
...
As always, my team and I are here for you. Call us at 617-722-1555 or email me directly at becca.rausch@masenate.gov and one of us will get back to you as quickly as we can. Please follow me on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates.
Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.
Yours in service,
Senator Becca Rausch
The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents visit
https://mailchi.mp/51a8fc33682f/covid19-update-12441474?e=0c2c9810fe
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| Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #20 |
Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - May 21
Franklin Board Of Health Agenda
Thursday, May 21, 2020
5:00 PM
Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Board of Health Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.
Link: Join with Google Meet meet.google.com/rxf-kpti-gfd
Join by phone - - #
1) OLD BUSINESS
- A. None
- Chairman opens the floor for any other old business
2) NEW BUSINESS
- Discussion of Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards
- Chairman opens the floor for any other new business
3) CITIZENS COMMENTARY
4) ADJOURNMENT
Agenda doc in PDF format
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda-5-21-20_revised.pdf
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| Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - May 21 |
FHS Oskey 2020 - Friday, May 22 - 7 PM
"Comedy is subjective. Memories are forever. This is OSKEY"
https://youtu.be/V5vBlJXISFQ
Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/FalangaAndrew/status/1263105140942180352?s=09
https://youtu.be/V5vBlJXISFQ
Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/FalangaAndrew/status/1263105140942180352?s=09
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