Saturday, May 30, 2020

What Is the Point of Chamber Membership?

Listen, friends, when society starts throwing around blanket definitions of which roles are "essential," although we can understand the meaning in this context, I think everyone starts considering their value a little.

A Chamber of Commerce is a unique thing. Many people think we are a city, probably tax funded, entity. Not true. Many people think we are a marketing agency. Not true, although we do provide marketing services. Many people think we are Downtown event planners. Not in our job descriptions, although we do believe our community is enriched by having regular activities to enjoy.

At the United Regional Chamber, we heavily consider ourselves to be customer service professionals. We exist to serve our business members, school districts, individual members, non profit partners, and the residents and visitors of our communities.

We provide word of mouth referrals on a daily basis. We manage a social media presence with broad reach. We create networking connections and new partnerships. We help your granddad find the phone number he didn't find in the yellow pages. We help high school kids navigate the steps of their community service project. We mail visitor packets out of state to people who are interested in relocating here, and we encourage them to stay in our local hotels and order our favorite menu items from local restaurants.

We help newcomers settle in by giving them useful resources accompanied by a sincere warm welcome to the community. We are an information hub.

We work closely with city leaders, local merchants, State agencies, Small Business Development Centers and more to stay in the know of things that could benefit or damage our communities. We are in a constant state of event planning, and are regularly brainstorming new things for families to do– because the truth is, if nobody enjoys living in and visiting our communities, our businesses will not thrive the way we want to see them thrive.

If you ask us "what's the point of joining the Chamber" we can rattle off a list of things we will do for you/your business, and I will explain that in some ways, we are like a gym membership– the more ways you choose to use your membership, the more benefit you will see. No two people will use the exact same combination of equipment, because we recognize that different members are seeking different results. Overall, like a gym, a Chamber cultivates a healthier community.

A Chamber is many things. We are flexible and ever evolving, because that's what it takes to be forward thinking and relevant. We offer a mix of tangible benefits and intangible benefits to our members, but a vibrant Chamber is GOOD for a vibrant community.

Before you dismiss a Chamber of commerce as non-essential for your business, please consider that Chambers are essential for community. Supporting your chamber is doing something for yourself– helping to build the quality of life in the communities where you live, work and play. #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"
United Regional Chamber of Commerce
United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Attention Franklin: We Are a Purple Heart Community

We Are a Purple Heart Community - Honoring Those Who Served and Sacrificed

The Town of Franklin was recently named a Purple Heart Community. Along with 90 other Massachusetts communities, Franklin recognizes and honors recipients of the Purple Heart medal which is presented to U.S. military members who have been wounded or killed by enemy forces. 

Please let the Veterans Services Office know if you or a family member (residing in Franklin) is a Purple Heart recipient.







Contact info for Dale Kurtz, the Veterans Service Officer
Dale Kurtz
Veterans Service Officer
Towns of Avon and Franklin
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-613-1315 (O)
508-520-4917 (F)


A recent (April 27, 2020) interview with Dale Kurtz
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-257-dale-kurtz-veterans-services.html

Franklin Municipal Building at night
Franklin Municipal Building at night

In the News: "(the scammers) can do a lot of damage"

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

"Using information stolen in a previous data breach, scammers are using Massachusetts’ residents personal information to get unemployment benefits, something that could have far-reaching effects for victims. 
Police in Ashland, Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Natick and Sherborn have received multiple calls from residents saying they have received letters in the mail indicating that they have been approved for unemployment benefits. 
The problem is, those victims had never applied for the benefits. 
Although the victims of the identity fraud aren’t losing money, it could lead to problems."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200529/area-police-warn-of-unemployment-scam


Friday, May 29, 2020

St Mary's to hold Mass May 30-31

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

This weekend, May 30-31, we will “re-open our Parish” to Saturday/Sunday Masses. 


We begin this reopening on a special, powerful and meaningful feast: The Feast of Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, also called the Birthday (Beginning) of the Church. 

After this long quarantine we are at a “new beginning” of our Parish and its spiritual life. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Lord Jesus, is with us as we start the “baby steps” to begin to walk and re-open our Parish. I invite you to read this letter closely because although everyone is invited, there are many, many of you who should remain at home for health and safety reasons. 

The Apostles at Pentecost: they were brave, they will filled with faith and hope, but they also had to stumble about, back up a few times, go forward a few steps and also stop to figure it out some more. Some were able to step right along, and many were unable to come forward until later. 

Remember the great and magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome took centuries to be built as it appears today and also was torn down, added to and changed inside and out at various times. We cannot gild the lily with gold, until we plant, water, care for and grow the lily first, a lots of steps which all take time. 

So we do not start with the highest and fancy best as we begin again, we start with the basic and solid elements of Mass. Also, what is true is that the early church is a good model for us about deciding about “returning to church”. We need to remember that this decision is not about lack of faith; instead it is about being prudent and sensible and also using common sense. 

No one will get a higher seat in heaven for coming this week or in the next period of time, we receive our seat by the grace of God and then by our actions of our entire lifetime. 

We will begin with Masses at 4 PM this Saturday May 30, 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM on May 31 this Sunday. Bear in mind we need to clean and sanitize the church between each Mass.

The Mass in church for the foreseeable future will feel very different and perhaps strange to you. Further along in the letter I will explain some of the steps which we must take. Bear in mind that Cardinal Sean has continued the Dispensation for everyone about not attending Mass for any reason. This means any age. 

First I wish to address straight on a serious matter of who should consider coming to Mass and the folks who simply should not come. We are at present in Phase One in our State which means “stay safer at home.” 

This means there are categories of people who should choose not to attend Mass: People who are over the age of 70, with health issues the ages of 65-70, those who are receiving medical care, especially cancer and cardiac patients, people with emphysema, asthma or COPD, a history of pneumonia, those who use oxygen, or any respiratory complication etc. - basically any significant health reason whether physical or psychological. Good Catholics will observe this and all good Catholics will understand.

Coming to Church for Mass means cooperating with the new mandated rules and procedures, whether you like them or not. None of us will prefer them, but you, me and everyone else must care for the safety of others first. 

You may find a video of this as an example on our website (stmarysfranklin.org) or our Facebook Page 


Archdiocese of Boston: Returning to Mass from Archdiocese of Boston on Vimeo.

  • All of us must observe the rules. 
  • Please place your mask on while at the sidewalk. 
  • Entrance is only by the front middle door or the elevator side entrance. 
  • Everyone must come in and go down the main aisle to the front and circulate to side by going up to the front, across and then up the side. 
  • Benches are closed off by tape. Do not break the tape. 
  • The benches without tape on the aisle are for sitting. 
  • Tape is placed on the bench seat to show where you may sit in that bench so that six feet will be observed. 
  • If you are a household of 2 or more, you may sit as a group. 
  • The next single near your group must stay 6 feet away. 
  • There are only about 180 seats available in the church. 
  • When capacity is reached, by law we must not admit anyone else.
Sadly, you will be unable to attend Mass in the church. There will be volunteer “Ambassadors” who will remind folks, help direct traffic flow and answer questions. 

  • There will be no missalettes or singing. 
  • At Communion, the Ambassadors will direct this bench by bench. 
  • You must come down the main aisle. 
  • The sides must go to the back, come across and come down the main aisle. 
  • You must stay 6 feet apart. 
  • Only Communion in the hand is allowed. “By tongue” is expressly forbidden because it is so very, very most dangerous in spreading infection, now or at any time. 
  • Please put out one hand palm up. 
  • Then step over about 6 feet to the taped box on the rug, remove your mask, receive Communion and then re-mask. 
  • After receiving, please go down the side aisle and leave immediately by the front side door. You must leave by the two side doors in the lobby area. “Middle in, side out!” 
  • If you are coming, please realize it will take extra time and come starting a half hour before hand. 

The side stairwell and wooden door on the Rectory side will be unavailable for use for the foreseeable future. Entrance to the lower level, will be by the side glass doors towards the front. 

The Prayer Wall in our Church is available electronically via our Facebook Page and also in church. If you use in church, you must come early and put your prayer up before Mass. Because of health reasons, you must provide your own pen for church. 

Terry Kerr, our Music Director and Organist, will provide music and singing at allowed times. 

Also, please know that Private/Family Only Funeral Masses are now being held. Weekday Mass will be a few more weeks away. We are following the priorities as directed by the Archdiocese.

Please know the very spiritual and holy Masses and Services on Catholic TV (catholictv.org) are available for everyone who should be staying at home. I have received many, many emails from folks about how this great spiritual treasure of our Archdiocese has kept their faith vibrant and strong. Parishes that stream their amateur efforts just cannot compete with Bishop Reed offers on the Catholic TV Channel. 

Our Saint Vincent de Paul acknowledges your generosity to them for their caring for the needy and frail. To bring donations of food and supplies from now on, please bring them up the sidewalk between the Rectory and church building and place them inside the glass doors on the side of the church at ground level. Many have also mailed in financial donations to the Rectory. 

I admire greatly the constant and faithful generosity of all who have thoughtfully sent financial support to our Parish via on-line giving (found at stmarysfranklin.org) or mailed in or dropped through the Rectory mail slot. Your continued generosity will help us as we go slowly through the many stages over the long time of re-opening.

Our Blessed Mother Mary is our Patroness and we honor her especially in this month of May. Saint Rocco, our special Patron, intercedes for us in heaven. We are blessed to be able to begin. We have the Holy Spirit who has been sent as an Advocate and Helper to us. The Spirit empowers us as we begin and re-open. 

May the Lord bless us as we continue His command to announce “the Good News of Salvation”.

Father Brian

PS: “Dear God, please get Father Brian to write shorter letters!”

St Mary's to hold Mass May 30-31
St Mary's to hold Mass May 30-31

FM #279 Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 - 5/27/20

FM #279 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 279 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

This is the first of four budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21).

The Finance Committee Chair Micheal Dufour opens the meeting. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting packet and to the individual documents referenced.

The recording runs about two hour and twenty-five minutes (2:25) , so let’s listen to the Finance Committee budget hearing of May 27.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB7R38g7



--------------

Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-27_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

Budget doc and Overview memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message

FY 2021 budget documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Town Budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

--------------

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"

FM #279 Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 - 5/27/20
FM #279 Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 - 5/27/20

FM #278 School Committee Meeting - 5/26/20 (audio)

FM #278 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 278 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The School Committee Chairperson Anne Bergen opens the meeting. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting packet and to the individual documents referenced.

The recording runs about one hour and fifty minutes (1:50) , so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of May 26.

Audio link = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW257rH7



--------------


Agenda document
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_5-26-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/may-26-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes reported in real-time during the meeting via Twitter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/school-committee-meeting-recap-budget.html

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"

FM #278 School Committee Meeting - 5/26/20 (audio)
FM #278 School Committee Meeting - 5/26/20 (audio)

Senate Passes Legislation to Collect Vital Public Health Data, Establish a COVID-19 Diversity Task Force

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed bipartisan legislation to promote equity and transparency as the Commonwealth continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, An Act Addressing COVID-19 Data Collection and Disparities in Treatment, will increase the amount of statewide, publicly available data as it relates to the coronavirus. The legislation also establishes a task force to study and make policy recommendations to address health disparities for underserved and underrepresented communities during the pandemic. The bill advanced to the governor.

“This strong, comprehensive bill will help us begin to address the disparate impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare, especially among our communities of color and other vulnerable populations,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am proud of the thoughtful and collaborative work my Senate colleagues, as well as the Senate Working Group, did to advance this urgent piece of legislation. I look forward to it becoming law.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the bill we passed today is a true reflection of the Senate’s teamwork,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D- Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Owing to the collaborative spirit and input of Senators Brownsberger, Comerford, Chang-Diaz, Cyr, and Jehlen, this critical legislation increases transparency and ensures we have access to the important data necessary to effectively and precisely fight this pandemic.”

“This legislation has two major wins: data transparency and government accountability,” said Senator Jo Comerford, co-chair of the Committee on Public Health and Chair of the Senate COVID-19 Working Group (D-Northampton). “Public access to comprehensive data is foundational to a strong democracy and a healthy government is one that commits publicly to address any disparities and inequities found in the data. Thank you to the advocates who organized effectively around this legislation. And thank you to the Senate President, Chair Rodrigues, and colleagues for their tenacious efforts and commitment to propelling this bill across the finish line.”

“Communities of color are more vulnerable to disease because of long-term, structural barriers to care and treatment,” said Assistant Majority Whip Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “COVID-19 has disproportionately sickened and killed underserved and underrepresented populations in Massachusetts, and the Commonwealth is obligated to respond and care for communities where the need is greatest. Collecting actionable demographic data is critical to inform policies and interventions for the duration of the pandemic. This legislation is a step towards making right the gaping equities that COVID-19 has laid bare.”

“This pandemic has been particularly devastating for Black, brown, and immigrant communities across the state, and this bill is a vital step towards helping us craft an equitable recovery,” said Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz (D-Boston), a member of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus. The bill's data requirements are rigorous, comprehensive, and time-sensitive and — so importantly — it takes the next steps beyond data and requires the development of action steps to address COVID-19 disparities. Many thanks to Senate President Spilka, Senator Rodrigues, and Senator Comerford for ushering through such a strong bill, to the Black & Latino Caucus, and to so many in the healthcare and social services communities--in particular, the Massachusetts Public Health Association--for their dedicated and thoughtful advocacy throughout this process.”

“Overcoming the challenges of gaps in treatment and access to health care has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). “By working together, the House and Senate have responded with a comprehensive bill, with bipartisan support, that will help close those gaps while informing our future decisions to prevent inequalities from happening in the first place.”

Under the bill, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is required to compile, collect and issue daily online reports on the number of people tested for COVID-19, positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths along with the gender, race, ethnicity, primary residence, occupation, disability, age and primary language of each case.

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of cases statewide, the legislation also requires that daily reports include data and demographic information from municipalities and counties with more than 25 positive cases, elder care facilities, as well as state and county correctional facilities. Facility-specific information will be made publicly available while maintaining individual privacy. In addition to requiring greater data collection, the bill requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to describe the actions it is taking to address disparities identified through the data collected.

In response to increasing concerns about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and disproportionately impacted populations, the legislation also establishes a task force to study and make policy recommendations for how to address these health disparities. The task force is required to issue an interim report by June 30, 2020, with a final report due August 1, 2020.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Senate to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, now advances to the governor’s desk.

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Brick Sales Are Ongoing

The May 2020 brick installation has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The next installation will be in June.

Brick sales will be ongoing until all bricks have been engraved.

Brick order forms can be found on this web page. Click on the Veterans Walkway Brick Order Form link on the left side of the Veterans Services home page.
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/files/veterans-walkway-brick-order-form

Veterans or current members of the U.S. military being honored with an engraved brick do not need to be Franklin residents.

For more information, call (508) 613-1315.

Thank you for your support of this project that honors our Veterans!

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update
Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Franklin Recreation COVID-19 News - June 1 meeting

Recreation COVID-19 News

5/29 Update: On Monday, June 1, the Recreation Dept will be hosting a zoom meeting to discuss phase 2 approach to bringing back youth sports with all Franklin Youth Sports presidents and Recreation Advisory Board members.

5/28 Update: As of now, the Recreation dept is planning to run summer camp beginning on July 6th, pending meeting to discuss with all School and Town officials on 6/1. There will be no field trips, groups will be limited to 5:1 ratio and extreme safety measures will be in place. More information to come next week.

5/25 Update: All Town and School playing fields, courts, open space are now open with restrictions. Playgrounds are still closed until further notice. See Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen's memo  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020-05-22_athletic_fields_reopen.pdf


https://bit.ly/3bDgozC
https://sites.google.com/view/recdeptcovid-19contests/home

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee
DT Facility Analysis Subcommittee

Per Governor Baker’s order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee Subcommittee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting via remote conference. The School Committee reserves the right to implement additional remote participation procedures and will notify the public of these procedures as soon as practicable.

DATE: 6/1/2020
TIME:3:00pm
LOCATION:Remote participation -  meet.google.com/hbu-nkev-qhv
Meeting ID  meet.google.com/hbu-nkev-qhv
Phone Numbers (US)+1314-666-2768
PIN: 807 291 230#


MEETING AGENDA
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Approval of past minutes (5/7/20 and 5/21/20)

Discussion:
●Revisit our 5 Stage Process, discuss Phase Two
●Focus on gathering family and staff member perspectives
○collaborate on questionnaire components 
○discuss timeline to disseminate questionnaires 
○schedule 2nd community info session (virtual) 
●Prepare for Thursday discussion with Craig Olsen

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_6.1.2020.pdf

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting
Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting

"we cannot bring the world to Boston in September"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced Thursday that running the 2020 Boston Marathon is “not feasible this year.”

The race was originally scheduled for Patriots Day and was rescheduled for Sept. 14. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A) said that the 124th Boston Marathon will be held as a virtual event.

Walsh said Thursday that officials agreed it was not possible for the city and other communities along the route to host the race safely.

“The traditional one-day running of the 124th Boston Marathon is not feasible this year for public health reasons,” Walsh said. “There is no way to hold this unusual race format without bringing large numbers of people into close proximity. While our goal and hope was to make progress and contain the virus and recover our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on Sept. 14 or anytime this year.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200528/updated-2020-boston-marathon-is-canceled-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-this-is-first-time-in-history-it-will-not-be-held-in-person


"Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney to tour UMass Lowell’s Fabric Discovery Center, a Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (M-ERT) funding recipient conducting high volume screening of locally produced personal protective equipment (PPE) for FDA approval."

https://youtu.be/UY1_FPyIqxQ




Ballpark Dining at McCoy Stadium



PawSox introduce Ballpark Dining at McCoy Stadium

   

With the return of outdoor dining to Rhode Island, the Pawtucket Red Sox are inviting fans and families to return to McCoy Stadium to enjoy ballpark fare either via curbside pick up or at pre-reserved picnic tables on the iconic baseball diamond.  "Ballpark Dining" at McCoy Stadium begins with Curbside Pick Up, this Friday, May 29, from 5-8 p.m., with fans receiving their dinners and driving off without ever opening their car doors.    

The curbside offerings will resume the following weekend, Friday and Saturday evening, June 5 and 6, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., along with the premiere of "Dining on the Diamond," which will have seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Additional dates will be announced.   

All ordering must take place in advance, payable via credit card, at pawsox.com, starting Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 10 a.m.  In accordance with state guidelines, reservations are required for Dining on the Diamond, seating is limited to five people per table, and the number of tables is limited to 20 per seating (thus 40 total reservation slots per evening).  To accommodate as many fans as possible, fans can dine for one hour.  

Fans can also call 401-724-7300, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday, to receive personal service from the PawSox staff. Visit pawsox.com for more information!


   







     
You are receiving this email because you have purchased PawSox tickets in the past. 
.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

CURBSIDE CAFE opens June 1 at Senior Center


PLEASE REGISTER  and select your meal(s) and pricing by 9:00 AM for day of pick up   https://www.franklinma.gov/curb

The Curbside Cafe provides freshly prepared meals for curbside pickup, Monday through Friday, at the Franklin Senior Center from 11 AM to 1 PM, for elders, 60 years and older and disabled residents. This program is funded by a grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation and generous support from the Franklin Council on Aging.


PICK UP:
Meal pick up is at the side door of the Center’s kitchen using the rear access road; see sign for Senior Meals as you enter the parking lot.

Stay in your vehicle at all times; meals will be placed in the trunk of your vehicle.

Masks must be worn and physical distancing practiced. If customers are not masked, a separate area is designated for pick up

PAYMENT:
  • The program offers meals at a subsidized rate of $2 but customers can make an additional donation to support the program.
  • Customers will be invoiced for payment.
  • Cash or checks can be mailed to the Senior Center or deposited into the secured mail box at the entrance to the Senior Center. Please include name and phone number on the envelope. (There is a $10 minimum amount for checks.)
  • If you cannot afford any payment, please call the Center and ask to speak with our Social Service Coordinator.

GATRA TRANSPORTATION: 
Dial-A-Ride is available to drive customers to the Center for meal pickup. Please call (800) 698-7676 by noon on the day prior to pick up.

https://www.franklinma.gov/curb
https://www.franklinma.gov/curb


https://drive.google.com/file/d/10dxBBmqG87LZe1E1g9Lk2VGS0P8ZaUD4/view?usp=sharing





CURBSIDE CAFE opens June 1 at Senior Center
CURBSIDE CAFE opens June 1 at Senior Center

School Committee Meeting recap - budget not good news, 25 or more teachers targeted for potential cuts

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: "#schcomm0526"
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcomm0526?src=hashtag_click

Pre-meeting
Real-time reporting
  • Real-time reporting underway for School Committee meeting tonight #schcomm0526
  • Attendance via roll call for #schcomm0526 all 7 present
  • Superintendent report: #schcomm0526 Miriam Goodman presented recently to a professional group ; bus fees clarification, to provide continuity of service: approx 50 participation in meeting
  • Roles in education expanding, doc explaining such roles shared via link posted in Superintendent report #schcomm0526 available in Weds AM and on main page
  • Details on June 5 timing coming next week. 50th anniversary group of FHS graduation, where are they? TBD #schcomm0526

Retiree Recognition
Intro of New FHS principal
  • Next up - intro of the new FHS principal Josh Hanna. #schcomm0526 his first comment was that he was blown away by the retirement honorees, how much that means, he is excited to be here
  • Next up; discussion/action items with some policy changes; 2 for second reading, motion to approve, second, passed 7-0 #schcomm0526 next item motion to approve as 1st reading, passed 7-0. Votes via roll call: last item policy elimination, passed 7-0
Discussion only items
  • Discussion only items: closure update first - DESE guidelines on in person grad released last week, already planning for the virtual grad and parade will go forward. #schcomm0526 Friday June 5 the plan, pre-recorded sets of grad diploma and speeches to be broadcast
  • Plans underway school visits to clear out rooms, lockers, etc. Schedule being finalized. Awaiting summer guidelines from DESE; CDC guidance released, awaiting state info on the September planning #schcomm0526
Budget
  • Next up budget... Yes, budget for #schcomm0526 up for Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, May 28. Magnitude of gap between $3.4m and $5.4m currently, those numbers could change as State funding is determined (whenever that is?)
  • FY 22 and FY 23 will also be challenging budget years given the uncertainty of the economy, the pandemic, and the recovery. #schcomm0526 Judy asks why education can't be delivered more cheaply, avg salary (w/o benefits) is 70K?
  • Budget was going to be an issue before COVID-19, only gets worse with the pandemic State and Town revenue in disarray. Likely to be one of several budgets per Town Admin J Hellen. #schcomm0526 option 1 could mean 25 positions (3.4m) option 2 could mean 50 (5.4m)
  • Salaries are somewhat competitive, we do loose candidates when they have multiple offers, #schcomm0526 budget is 75-80 percent to salary and benefits. Tim came because of the schools, if we keep cutting, that perspective/expectation will change
  • There is some reimbursement of COVID-19 incremental costs but not enough to provide a resolution to the major budget issue. Cares act approx $126,000 #schcomm0526
  • Lots of programs are designed to keep students in district to avoid higher outplacement costs, the story needs to be told of all that is done. #schcomm0526 students are coming with greater challenges needing more support, and that won't change
  • Judy asks what part of the budget is unfunded mandates? Per Sara, a good number but not readily available, can work to pull together something. #schcomm0526 reduction of teachers will increase class size; supplies generally picked up by teachers when cut from budget
Information matters
  • Moving on to info matters; budget subcomm meeting regularly, Community relations met last week, newsletter in works for what is underway. MA ranks 2nd in criteria of responses to COVID-19 response. Facility report coming early June, no decision made #schcomm0526
  • Facility updates on the schools page https://franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis #schcomm0526
Adjourn
  • Next up - future agenda items, DECA students scheduled for June 9 meeting, request for page numbering on docs over 2 pages (some one still using printed copies) #schcomm0526 motion to accept consent agenda passed 7-0 via roll call
  • Motion to adjourn, second, passes via roll call 7-0. Real time reporting for this meeting ends. Thanks! #schcomm0526
Agenda document
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_5-26-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/may-26-2020-school-committee-packet

School Committee Meeting recap - budget not good news
School Committee Meeting recap - budget not good news
 

School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - May 29


Budget Sub Committee Meeting
Virtual Meeting 
May 29 - 1 PM

Location: Remote Participation
Meeting ID  meet.google.com/tar-iofd-ubo
Phone Numbers(US)+1505-431-2376 PIN:909430903#

A G E N D A
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

  • Capital Projects
  • FY21 Budget Development

Agenda Doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/agenda-bsc_5-29-20.pdf


The School Budget page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget

School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - May 29
School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - May 29