Sunday, September 13, 2020

Washington Post: "a far more muscular federal approach"

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Joe Biden has created a war-cabinet-in-waiting on the coronavirus pandemic, with major figures from the Obama, Clinton and George H.W. Bush administrations drafting plans for distributing vaccines and personal protective gear, dramatically ramping up testing, reopening schools and addressing health-care disparities.

The effort began six months ago when the campaign consulted David Kessler, a former Food and Drug Administration commissioner under Presidents Bush and Bill Clinton, and Vivek H. Murthy, surgeon general under President Barack Obama, on how to run a presidential campaign during a pandemic.

The pair, along with a growing cadre of volunteer health experts, has been working behind the scenes to craft plans that could take effect Jan. 20, when the next president will take the oath of office, said Jake Sullivan, a senior policy adviser on the Biden campaign. 

Biden has laid out a far more muscular federal approach than has President Trump, whose “failures of judgment” and “repeated rejection of science” the Democrat first pilloried in a Jan. 27 op-ed about the crisis. Biden has said that he would urge state and local leaders to implement mask mandates if they are still needed, create a panel on the model of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s War Production Board to boost testing, and lay out detailed plans to distribute vaccines to 330 million people after they are greenlighted as safe and effective."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 



“I do believe that that authority has been there to deal with disasters”

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

Six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s highest court is poised to decide whether Gov. Charlie Baker’s string of executive orders were a legally appropriate response to contain the highly infectious virus or if he overstepped the authority outlined in law.

An attorney representing business owners and religious leaders who sued the Baker administration argued in court Friday that Baker has “turned the government upside-down” by taking significant individual action, rather than executing laws passed by the Legislature, during the public health crisis.

“At this point, the Legislature is left to approve or disapprove of the governor’s policy choices,” Michael DeGrandis, a lawyer with the New Civil Liberties Alliance, told justices. “That’s not how it’s supposed to work. The governor is merely supposed to execute the policy choices of the Legislature. For the Legislature to make a change, the Legislature would also have to have a veto-proof majority to do so. That is standing the government on its head. That’s not a republican form of government.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

"SEVERAL MEMBERS of the Supreme Judicial Court seemed wary on Friday of upending the fight against COVID-19 during a hearing on a case challenging the sweeping powers Gov. Charlie Baker has exercised over the last seven months in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

The justices, meeting via a Zoom call, are being asked to declare the governor’s March 10 emergency declaration and his subsequent slew of executive orders illegal and void. The plaintiffs, a group of business owners and pastors, say the governor’s reliance on the 1950 Civil Defense Act for his authority was improper. They say the governor should have relied on the older Public Health Law that specifically deals with infectious diseases and grants additional powers to local boards of health. If the governor needs more authority to deal with the crisis, the plaintiffs say, he should go to the Legislature and ask for those powers.

There was a lot of legal discussion between the justices and the attorneys representing Baker and the plaintiffs, but the judges at various points seemed genuinely concerned about what would happen on the ground if they sided with the plaintiffs.

“Don’t you have to admit that Gov. Baker has done a pretty darn good job here, especially when you compare him to other states?” asked Justice Elspeth Cypher, who was appointed to the SJC by Baker."


In the News: opportunity to re-purpose office buildings; Russia meddling in election

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

"Commercial tenants say they can negotiate for lower rent payments because there’s a glut of office space on the market due to an increasing number of remote workers.

The long-term impact on commercial office space caused by the coronavirus pandemic is unknown, but it could be a rocky road.

Many companies turned to a remote workforce since March, and some are considering making it a permanent move. If that happens, owners of commercial buildings could lose vast numbers of tenants, and take a huge financial hit.

“Those who own commercial properties, they’re going to be devastated by that (potential scenario),” said Jim Giammarinaro, president of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

  

"The leaked recordings were hardly a political bombshell: The apparent phone conversations between Joe Biden and Ukraine’s then-president largely confirm Biden’s account of his dealings in Ukraine.

But the choppy audio, disclosed by a Ukrainian lawmaker whom U.S. officials described Thursday as an “active Russian agent” who has sought to spread online misinformation about Biden, was nonetheless seized on by President Donald Trump as well as his supporters to promote conspiracy theories about the Democratic nominee. Social media posts and videos about the recordings have been viewed millions of times, according to an Associated Press analysis, even though Trump’s own administration says they rely on “false and unsubstantiated narratives.”

The audio’s proliferation on social media shows how foreign operations aimed at influencing the U.S. election are still easily reaching Americans, despite efforts by Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to rein in such meddling."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


9th Annual Renegade Run Obstacle Course Race Virtual Run to be held September 12-27, 2020 - Register today!

9th Annual Renegade Run Obstacle Course Race

Virtual Run To Be Held September 12 – 27, 2020

Safety for our community, family and friends is the top priority of Type One. The 9th Annual Renegade Run Obstacle Course Race, sponsored by Type One, will now take place as a virtual event. During this challenging time, staying connected (and active) is more important than ever. While our event is typically held in October, the uncertainty of the virus has led us to make the decision to not have our 9th Renegade Run at the park. While the decision saddens us, we are determined to stay connected to you, and will move forward with a Virtual Run, which we promise will be unique to our Type One brand, and to you, our Renegades.

The purpose of our Virtual Run is to have fun, stay motivated and to connect with each other as we continue to raise awareness and funds toward a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Your registration fee supports our Type One Cares campaign, an amazing charity making huge strides to provide assistance to those living with T1D, while continuing to fund Dr. Faustman's efforts to advance research toward a cure for disease.

Type One was founded in 2012 by a group of South Shore residents to support their friend Tyson Sunnerberg, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, when he was 21 years old. On November 25, 2012, the first ever Renegade Run Obstacle Course Race was held raising awareness and funds toward a cure.

Register today!!   https://typeonerenegaderun.com/register/


Spitler Race Systems
30 Orms St, Pawtucket, RI, 02861 United States

/emimg

In the News: "Dakotas lead US in virus growth as both reject mask rules"; Franklin Town Clerk resigns

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

"Coronavirus infections in the Dakotas are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation, fueling impassioned debates over masks and personal freedom after months in which the two states avoided the worst of the pandemic.

The argument over masks raged this week in Brookings, South Dakota, as the city council considered requiring face coverings in businesses. The city was forced to move its meeting to a local arena to accommodate intense interest, with many citizens speaking against it, before the mask requirement ultimately passed.

Amid the brute force of the pandemic, health experts warn that the infections must be contained before care systems are overwhelmed. North Dakota and South Dakota lead the country in new cases per capita over the last two weeks, ranking first and second respectively, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.

South Dakota has also posted some of the country’s highest positivity rates for COVID-19 tests in the last week — over 17 percent — an indication that there are more infections than tests are catching."

Teresa Burr resigns

"A week after it was learned that 3,000 ballots sat uncounted in a vault on primary election night, Town Clerk Teresa Burr announced her intent to resign.

In a letter released Friday night to Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Burr said she was resigning to “re-establish confidence with the voters of this community in their elections.”

“After the events of the past three months, this election season has been the most challenging election cycle of my career,” Burr wrote. “I fully support our Town Clerk office staff and election workers to take my place and lead this community through future elections.”

Franklin was one of three communities, along with Newton and Wellesley, to have uncounted ballots as of the morning of Sept. 2, the day after the primary. About 750 ballots that were dropped into Newton’s secure ballot drop boxes in the last three hours of the election went uncounted, while Wellesley was unable to get to about 100 ballots, between late drop box submissions and absentee ballots."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Town Clerk Teresa Burr resigns effective 9/18/20

 September 11, 2020

Thomas D. Mercer, Chair 
Town Council
355 East Central Street 
Franklin, MA 02138


Dear Mr. Chairman:

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning my position as Franklin's Town Clerk, effective Friday, September 18, 2020.

I am resigning to re-establish confidence with the voters of this community in their elections. After the events of the past three months, this election season has been the most challenging election cycle in my career. I fully support our Town Clerk office staff and election workers to take my place and lead this community through future elections.

I want to assure every resident that my performance over the past few months for this election was not intentional, nor have I ever conspired to deprive any voter of their ability to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted as part of an election. Any oversights that I made during this election cycle are due to the many challenges this election has brought upon myself. I believe it is in the best interest of the community to have a new leadership team in place.

I thank the Town Council, town staff and citizens of this community for their support through the years. I will always cherish the opportunity you gave me for the previous 5 years to serve as your Town Clerk.

Sincerely,

Teresa M. Burr

Cc: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

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

Today I received a letter of resignation from Town Clerk Teresa Burr. On behalf of the entire Town Council, I want to thank Teresa for her many successful years of dedicated service to the town. I fully support her personal decision to step aside and for the reasons stated. I wish her and her family all of the best in the future.

I want to assure the voters of Franklin that our current Town Clerk office staff, in conjunction with assistance from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s team, will conduct a flawless election in November and beyond. While the events of the past two weeks have certainly caused some concern in town, I am confident in the ability of the Town Clerk office staff, our election workers, and collective town staff to support them as they work tirelessly toward November.

Thomas D. Mercer, 

Chair Franklin Town Council

Town Clerk Teresa Burr resigns effective 9/18/20
Town Clerk Teresa Burr resigns effective 9/18/20

PDF copy of Teresa Burr's letter 

Franklin Cultural District Partners' Meeting - Monday - Sep 14

Dear Cultural District Partners,

Below, please find  reminder information about the Cultural District Partners Meeting, scheduled for Monday, September 14th  at 7:00 PM. 

Attached you will find the agenda for the meeting. Please join us via Zoom. Our speaker for the meeting is Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Town of Franklin/Franklin Schools.

Cultural District Partners Meeting 
Monday, September 14, 2020 ⋅7:00 – 8:30 pm 
Meeting ID: 824 8011 6280  

One tap mobile +19292056099,,82480116280# US (New York) 

Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) 
Meeting ID: 824 8011 6280
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kclpB6JDSu  

If you have any questions, please respond to this email.

Hope to see you all on Monday.

Regards,

Nancy
___________________________________________

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District

Agenda document

Franklin Cultural District Partners' Meeting - Monday - Sep 14
Franklin Cultural District Partners' Meeting - Monday - Sep 14 


Senior Center: Email Blast - 9/11/20

Hello Everyone!

Wishing all you Grandparents a very happy Grandparent's Day on September 13th!


Eighteen countries, in addition to the United States, celebrate some form of Grandparents Day as of 2020.  In 1969, a young boy wanted the nation to share his love and appreciation for his grandparents. Nine-year-old Russell Capper decided to take his dream straight to the top and wrote to the president at the time, Richard Nixon. He asked if there could be a special day just for the celebration of grandparents and for that day to be recognized as a national holiday.


Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/


*Schedule of Events is located at the bottom of this email.


Tips

Incorporating meditation into your bedtime routine is a great way to quiet your mind and relax your body to prepare for sleep. In fact, even leading sleep experts advocate the benefits of this practice for both reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and improving the quality of sleep.  Enjoy these options for deep relaxation for sleep.

https://youtu.be/Uw3h_WNngYk Or https://youtu.be/vvldC6mzLvA 


Balance exercises with Cindy

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/74450200076606476/ 


Music

Choirs got talent - a compilation of some of the best choirs performing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYh7Ax5IaaY


D-Day Darlings - We'll meet again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sThuGZcEtuU


Luciano Pavarotti and James Brown - Duet, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"  WOW!!

https://youtu.be/GaB9F3R9cIY


Just for Fun

Felix Semper - Mind bending paper sculptures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvGbmyzxXVc 

 

Virtual hike through the Redwood Forest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOEGIGx8rr4

 

Stairway to heaven in Austria - Would you do this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLZx0IfwU9g 


7 most wonderful Natural phenomena 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwBGvYpFStE&t=398s 

 

Hand clapping skit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDvIo_LRIZ4 


Humor

Jeanne Robertson - What part of the South are you from?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1NvnDduZCs


Fred Klett - Women know things men don't

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntvyMfRPKBM 


Kindness Matters

Train passengers sing Under the Rainbow.  Would you join in if you were on the train?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xctzp0dp9uc


A dying Puppy's rags to riches story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hecedoRF_nY 


Queen's Guard making a 5 year old's wish come true

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=argh8anOJQA 


Attached you will find:

  1. An apple a day activity page, word search and coloring page https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SigB9bl85jf8xiNdwoKU30DPBcqwMthQ/view?usp=sharing

  2. Paint by number cowboy https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mUzFFzQ1ofG3lkjZA8q4to9dJvDyXvcm/view?usp=sharing

  3. Crossword puzzle - homemade bread https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aYxq51g1e1RDehZNbLpJxzT0-iDTCZlS/view?usp=sharing



Happenings in September

  • September 18th - Karen Alves's Retirement party

  • Every Tuesday at 5:30 pm Join us for Quarantini time.  A fun social hour filled with friendly discussions.  Bring your favorite beverage, sit back and chat. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the zoom link to attend.

  • Memory Cafe - Sept. 14 & 21 at 2pm and Sept. 30th at 11am.

  • Curbside Cafe - Open M-F for curbside pick up lunches.  (call ahead or order online)

  • WED., SEPT 9: PRINCESS DIANA DOCUMENTARY at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. Diana: In her Own Words will be presented on Zoom and you can watch from home! To join, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

  • MON., SEPT 14 at 11am: PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB discusses Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen -email: judymurphy @verizon.net to attend

  • TUES., SEPT 15: 50+ JOB SEEKERS NETWORKING presents: SELF-ASSESSMENT, CAREER PATHWAYS & AGEISM at 10:00 a.m., on Zoom. To register, go to: susan@sdkelly.com 

  • THURS., SEPT 17: SENIOR COFFEE HOUR WITH LOCAL & STATE OFFICIALS at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom. State Rep. Jeff Roy, Town Council members and T.A., Jamie Hellen will be available. To join, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

  • Tues. Sept. 22nd at 10am (note date change)- TALK FRANKLIN MATTERS with our favorite Franklinite, Steve Sherlock. Discuss Franklin and what is going on in our town. Via zoom, email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. 

  • WED., SEPT. 23: MY LIFE, MY HEALTH Chronic Disease Self Management at 1:00 p.m., on Zoom

  • TUES., SEPT 29: 50+ JOB SEEKERS NETWORKING presents: TURN YOUR RESUME INTO A MARKETING TOOL at 10am email susan@sdkelly.com 

  • WED., SEPT 30: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY with NURSE TRISH at 1:00 p.m. Positive emotions are linked with better health, longer life and greater well being. Learn ways to become more positive! This discussion will take place out-doors at the Center. Space is limited, call to sign up.


SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES:


MONDAYS:

BOREDOM BAG PICKUP: We can send you games, books, puzzles, dvds, embroidery kits, yarn or fabric!

TELE-BINGO on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m., starts Sept. 14, by conference call. We will send you what you need to play Bingo over the phone. Prizes can be picked up or mailed to you. Conference call-in number is: 508-208-8603. Just call to sign up.

TUESDAYS:

CHAIR EXERCISE with Judith at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

CARDIO, STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASS with Judith at 11:00 a.m. on ZOOM. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP (Conference Call) 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. Call the Senior Center for details to attend.

AUDIO BOOK CLUB (Conference Call) at 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Email mgunderson@franklinma.gov  or call the Senior Center to attend

QUARANTINI HOUR at 5:30 p.m. with Ariel on Zoom. Email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

WEDNESDAYS:

BLOOD PRESSURE & SUGAR TESTING with Nurse Trish by appointment only.

ZUMBA GOLD with Judith at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION & DONATIONS at 1:30 p.m. Please call to arrange pickup/drop off.

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Call for more info.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Link to Caregivers guide https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center-and-council-aging/pages/companion-caregivers-respite 

THURSDAYS:

CHAIR EXERCISE with Judith at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

CARDIO, STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASS at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP at 10:00 a.m on Zoom. Email Matt Rovendro at:

mrovedro@yahoo.com 

FRIDAYS:

TOPS (TAKING OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS at 12:30

p.m., via Zoom. The group provides support and encouragement. Join us by emailing: pat-amour@yahoo.com


Metrowest Memory Cafe schedule  We are excited to be able to bring you a Memory Cafe EVERY MONDAY starting Sept. 14th! What better way to start off your week then with friendship and music!


  • Monday Sept. 14th at 2pm - "Time Out Cafe" hosted by Better Day - email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. 


  • Monday Sept. 21st at 2pm - "Grateful Moments Cafe" hosted by Right At Home Boston metro West and Seniors Helping Seniors  - email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. Sing along to your favorite 70s songs!


Musician Pam Steinfeld recreates the age of the singer/songwriter.  She brings the songs of James Taylor, Carole King, Carly Simon, Eagles, etc. to life - on guitar, piano, and vocals.  An award-winning singer/songwriter herself, Pam peppers the show with anecdotes about the artists, songwriters, and often lyrical meaning behind the songs.  Come join the party!


  • Wednesday Sept. 30th at 11am - Memory Cafe hosted by Franklin Senior Center.  Featuring the engaging, toe tapping, get up and dance, sing along with us music of Howie Newman.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend ALL memory cafes if you aren't already on the list. (date changed due to Yom Kippur)


Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna


Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 


REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here


MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Senior Center: Email Blast - 9/11/20
Senior Center: Email Blast - 9/11/20


FHS Principal Hanna - Video Update - 9/11/20

FHS Principal Josh Hanna provides an update and responds to questions submitted since last week.

Link to video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/0zUWWFv3OQQ

Senior Center: Coffee Hour with Town Officials and Rep Roy - Sep 17

Attention Seniors! Please join us for a Coffee Hour on Thursday, Sep 17 at 8:30 AM! The Zoom links are found below.  This is a great opportunity to connect with local and state officials!

State Rep Jeff Roy, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and members of the Town Council. 

Topic: Senior office hours with Franklin officials
Time: Sep 17, 2020 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 


Meeting ID: 840 4586 3217; Passcode: 335355
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,84045863217#,,,,,,0#,,335355# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,84045863217#,,,,,,0#,,335355# US (Chicago)

 

Senior Center: Coffee Hour with Town Officials and Rep Roy - Sep 17
Senior Center: Coffee Hour with Town Officials and Rep Roy - Sep 17

In-Person Credit Card Payments Accepted at The Recycling Center!

 Effective today, 9/11/20, in-person credit card payments are accepted at the Recycling Center to purchase a FY'21 Recycling Center permit and pay any additional required fees.
No cash or checks will be accepted.


Please adhere to social distancing guidelines.

*Note: Additional fees and Recycling Center permits may still be purchased online through the Viewpoint Payment portal or by calling the DPW Administration office during regular office hours 
(508) 553-5500 or
(508) 520-4910.
Full information can be found here

 https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/three-ways-purchase-your-fy21-recycling-center-permit-pay-additional-fees
 

In-Person Credit Card Payments Accepted at The Recycling Center!
In-Person Credit Card Payments Accepted at The Recycling Center!