Please call (508) 533-7700 to register for private lessons or any of our classes at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios (http://www.encoremusicacademy.net/).
Check out our flyer for information on some new exciting classes coming this Fall!
Download your copy of the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13wzWrC5IilNr490HudMUJRWIUt2XqRFd/view?usp=sharing
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Visual Capitalist: "How China’s Plastics Ban Threw Global Recycling into Disarray"
Good overview of the recycling problem created by changes to China's policy. This tells the story of how we got here. How we get out of the problem remains to be seen.
How China's Plastics Ban Threw Global Recycling into Disarray
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/china-plastic-ban-global-recycling-industry/
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/china-plastic-ban-global-recycling-industry/
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| Visual Capitalist: "How China’s Plastics Ban Threw Global Recycling into Disarray" |
In the News: fraudulent unemployment claims identified; funding required for ballot application mailing
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/at-least-158m-in-unemployment-fraud-recovered-by-mass-dua-reveals
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/galvin-waiting-for-funding-to-mail-ballot-applications
"Massachusetts has recovered more than $158 million from fraudulent unemployment claims after identifying tens of thousands of incidents of fraud since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, officials announced Tuesday.
Because of the rampant fraud, which officials said is part of a nationwide scheme, new identity verification efforts are being implemented by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance.
DUA officials said the additional measures may “temporarily delay the payment timeframe” for some claims. The agency is working on the verification effort with the Massachusetts State Police, the Department of Corrections, and the National Guard.
Officials said that personal data stolen in earlier commercial data breaches is being used in the fraud."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/at-least-158m-in-unemployment-fraud-recovered-by-mass-dua-reveals
"The state’s top election official said Tuesday he can’t mail ballot applications to voters, as required under a time-sensitive new law, until the Legislature approves funding for the bill that Gov. Charlie Baker signed on Monday.
The law requires Secretary of State William Galvin to send mail-in voting applications by July 15 in order to give voters time to request a ballot for the Sept. 1 primary elections, fill it out, and mail it back in.
“We had hoped to do it by that date. The legislation calls for it. But the Legislature has not sent the money. We can’t pay for the postage. We can’t pay for the printing until we have the postal permit. We can’t buy the permit until we get the money,” he told reporters outside the State House.
Galvin said a $5 million appropriation included in a more than $1 billion Senate spending bill that largely deals with COVID-19 appropriations “would probably get us going.” The House and Senate spending bills differ, and it’s unclear when legislative leaders will agree on a single bill."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/galvin-waiting-for-funding-to-mail-ballot-applications
In the News: ballot question signature process objected to
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200708/auto-repair-question-opponents-file-to-disqualify-question
"Opponents of a proposed ballot question that would increase access to automobile data formally objected to its eligibility Wednesday, echoing an argument that has so far blocked a congressional candidate from making the ballot in a separate case.
The Coalition for Safe and Secure Data, a manufacturer-backed group organized to fight the question, submitted a challenge Wednesday that will prompt a state panel to decide whether the proposal can go before voters on Nov. 3.
In their challenge, the coalition argued that the third-party company used by the campaign disobeyed electronic signature-gathering requirements outlined by the Supreme Judicial Court by storing signatures in a separate file and tracking personal data without notification.
“The signature gathering effort used by ballot question proponents not only violated public policy and failed to meet the standards outlined by the court, it also put the personal information of more than 24,000 Massachusetts voters at risk for potential misuse, hacking and identity theft,” said Conor Yunits, a spokesperson for the coalition."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200708/auto-repair-question-opponents-file-to-disqualify-question
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Gov Baker: Prep for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) (video)
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel and local officials to highlight steps the Commonwealth is taking to prepare for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this year. Preparedness measures include ongoing and increased surveillance testing, an updated public awareness campaign, and mitigation efforts such as larvicide, spraying, and horse vaccination. The Administration also highlighted its recently-filed legislation that would authorize a coordinated, proactive, statewide approach to mosquito control activities.Video link = https://youtu.be/Po7IX-j7IBc
New DPH mosquito and tick web page
https://www.mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks
Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about EEE in January
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-196-cathleen-liberty-franklins.html
and more recently about tick borne diseases in May
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html
Gov Baker press release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-highlights-eee-preparedness-measures
THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Concerts to Begin THURSDAY
The shows will take place in the venue's parking lot.
Masks and social distancing are required in the lobby; typical gathering in the lobby is currently not allowed.
Two people will be allowed at a time in the rest rooms; please wait six feet apart if there is a line.
Table groupings will be limited to six.
Patrons are asked to purchase tickets for their table group in one transaction.
Patrons will only be seated with family or those with whom they are comfortable socializing.
Advance ticketing and payment encouraged.
The Bar will be table service only.
Shows are one hour.
Masks and social distancing are required in the lobby; typical gathering in the lobby is currently not allowed.
Two people will be allowed at a time in the rest rooms; please wait six feet apart if there is a line.
Table groupings will be limited to six.
Patrons are asked to purchase tickets for their table group in one transaction.
Patrons will only be seated with family or those with whom they are comfortable socializing.
Advance ticketing and payment encouraged.
The Bar will be table service only.
Shows are one hour.
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| THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Concerts to Begin THURSDAY |
St John's Episcopal Church - Outdoor Service - July 19
St John's Episcopal Church to re-gather for Outdoor Worship THIS Sunday, July 12th
Bring your own chair and mask for worship on our front lawn.
See you Sunday at 10 AM. We'll still be live streaming on Facebook, as well.
St John's Outdoor worship postponed till July 19
We need a little more time to pull together the details. Bring your chair and mask NEXT Sunday (7/19/20) at 10 AM
Bring your own chair and mask for worship on our front lawn.
See you Sunday at 10 AM. We'll still be live streaming on Facebook, as well.
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| St John's Episcopal Church - Outdoor Service - July 12 |
Purchase Your FY21 Recycling Center Permit and Pre-Pay for Item Drop Off
The Recycling Center is open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted.
All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s).
The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site. https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1078 If you do not have a Viewpoint account, please follow the instructions to create one.
A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment at the Recycling Center.
No material that includes a fee will be accepted at the Recycling Center without prior payment online with printed receipt.
For a copy of materials accepted, fees and hours at the Recycling Center and Curbside costs: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/news/recycling_center_and_curbside_fees_fy21.pdf
For additional information please call 508-553-5500, leave a message and someone will promptly call you back.
Please observe social distancing guidelines.
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| https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/fy-20-recycling-center-permit-expiration-extended-july-31-2020 |
Southeastern MA Veterans' Service Officers Association $500 Scholarship!
Veterans and Family Members Apply Before July 31, 2020
Please find the application for the scholarship here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/scholarship_application.pdf
The Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans’ Services Officers Association (SMVSOA) will grant a $500.00 scholarship to be used to help defray education expenses if the following criteria is met:
Contact Dale Kurtz, Franklin VSO, at (508) 613-1315 for more information
Please find the application for the scholarship here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/scholarship_application.pdf
The Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans’ Services Officers Association (SMVSOA) will grant a $500.00 scholarship to be used to help defray education expenses if the following criteria is met:
- Applicant is a Veteran, the spouse or widow of a Veteran, the child of a Veteranor the grandchild of a Veteran–DD214 required for verification
- The Veterans’ Service Officer who is sponsoring the nomination is a current member of the SMVSOA
- Application must be typed and submitted by hard copy; email not accepted
- Application to include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor or employer
- Official high school, trade school or college transcript
- Application is post marked by July 31 of the current year and mailed to Lisa Potts, 210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043
Contact Dale Kurtz, Franklin VSO, at (508) 613-1315 for more information
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| Southeastern MA Veterans' Service Officers Association $500 Scholarship! |
Franklin Residents: Job Opportunity - Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent
Job Opportunities
To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.
- Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent - Department of Public Works https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/storm-water-and-environmental-affairs-superintendent-jobposting-july2020_0.pdf
To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here (https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe).
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| Franklin Residents: Job Opportunity - Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent |
Franklin (MA) School Committee: July 2020 Newsletter
Read the latest "Franklin School Committee News" at this link:
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/newsletters
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/newsletters
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| Franklin (MA) School Committee: July 2020 Newsletter |
Franklin Residents: Community Outreach Hearing - 164 Grove Street - July 16
Community Outreach Hearing - 164 Grove Street
PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc. (dba Verilife)
Subject: Proposed Marijuana Establishment
Date: 7/16/2020
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Online via Zoom at the following web address https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87564277718
Presented by: PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc. (dba Verilife)
Proposed address for retail establishment: 164 Grove St, Franklin MA 02038
There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions. To join the online community outreach meeting enter the above listed web address into the address bar at the top of your internet browser and follow the listed instructions on the provided website.
For additional info on the company, visit their webpage https://www.verilife.com/ma
From the Cannabis Control Commission
https://mass-cannabis-control.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MPL-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY-PHARMACANNIS-v3.pdf
Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/legal-notices/agenda/community-outreach-hearing-164-grove-street-0
In the News: Updates on Peri, Klements
Former Franklin High School Principal Paul Peri told Weston School Committee members this week that he is excited to get to work as Weston High School’s new principal, replacing Anthony Parker.
Peri said he has “been thoroughly thrilled and impressed and pleased with the educators, the students, the central office administrators that I’ve met and have worked with in Weston. People have been incredibly kind and welcoming.”
A team of Weston parents, teachers and administrators initially reviewed over 40 resumes for the Weston High School principal opening, interviewing seven candidates and narrowing down to three finalists.
The two other finalists were Weston High School Assistant Principal Kelly Flynn and Somerville High School Assistant Principal Darius Green.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200703/former-franklin-high-principal-starts-new-job-in-weston
After four years at Franklin High School, Deputy Principal Bill Klements will not be returning to the district in September - and neither will his position.
The role of deputy principal was one of at least 19 positions cut from Franklin Public Schools after the School Committee recently voted to chop $3.4 million from its budget adopted back in April. Those cuts were approved on June 23, bringing the committee’s revised budget to $65,658,500.
The role of deputy principal was the only administrative position cut.
Late last month, Klements was notified by Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern that the district had decided to eliminate his position due to the budget gap, according to an email he sent to high school staff in late June. His last day with the district was Tuesday, he said.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200702/franklin-high-vice-principal-victim-of-budget-cuts?
Franklin Residents: Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library
Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library
Curbside Pickup Updates! Patrons can place holds online or by phone. When placing holds by phone, there is a limit of five holds per call.
Inter Library Loan is now available! You are able to place holds on items throughout the Minuteman Library Network. Search our catalog at find.minlib.net.
Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library at the School Street entrance between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Monday through Saturday to pick them up!
In the event of rain, items will be available under an awning near the door. The Library will still be closed to the public, but staff will be available to answer questions by phone and email 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Please call us at 508-520-4941.
Starting Monday, July 13, Curbside Pickup hours will be extended to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Additionally, staff will be available by phone 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Inter Library Loan is now available! You are able to place holds on items throughout the Minuteman Library Network. Search our catalog at find.minlib.net.
Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library at the School Street entrance between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Monday through Saturday to pick them up!
In the event of rain, items will be available under an awning near the door. The Library will still be closed to the public, but staff will be available to answer questions by phone and email 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Please call us at 508-520-4941.
Starting Monday, July 13, Curbside Pickup hours will be extended to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Additionally, staff will be available by phone 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.
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| Franklin Residents: Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library |
Town of Franklin: July 2020 E-Newsletter
The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal) is available on our homepage and is updated frequently to provide our residents and business owners with the latest information and resources.
Find Franklin specific data, including Department Updates and Procedures (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_13.pdf) under the "Town of Franklin News" (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/town-franklin-news-and-alerts) button.
We recently added a "Reopening Resources" (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/reopening-resources) button to house information related to Governor Baker's four phase reentry plan.
Find Franklin specific data, including Department Updates and Procedures (https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/department_protocols_covid_19_13.pdf) under the "Town of Franklin News" (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/town-franklin-news-and-alerts) button.
We recently added a "Reopening Resources" (https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/reopening-resources) button to house information related to Governor Baker's four phase reentry plan.
- Find the full newsletter online at the Town of Franklin page
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| Town of Franklin: July 2020 E-Newsletter |
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