CommonWealth Magazine: three articles of interest

From CommonWealth Magazine:

"Baker takes stock of unprecedented pandemic"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER’S feelings about the year 2020 echoed public sentiment when he slammed his fists on a lectern at the State House Wednesday afternoon.

“As we close out 2020, finally, we’re again urging everyone if they can to stay home,” Baker said, banging both fists."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-takes-stock-of-unprecedented-pandemic/

 

"House, Senate seem to be in no rush" 

"THE HOUSE ELECTED a new speaker on Wednesday, but otherwise the two legislative branches did little of consequence and adjourned until Monday.

That leaves just Monday and Tuesday for lawmakers to take action on a slew of pending bills, some of which have been stuck in conference committee trying to resolve differences between the two branches for months."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/house-senate-seem-to-be-in-no-rush/

"Ronald Mariano elected speaker of the Massachusetts House"

"IN A DAY filled with ceremonial pomp – but no suspense — the Massachusetts House on Wednesday selected Quincy Democrat Ronald Mariano to be the next speaker of the House.

In his inaugural address, Mariano laid out a series of major policy goals, while reiterating the philosophy of governance that he has applied until now: a focus on achieving consensus through compromise. “In the reality of governing, we must live in the world of the possible and not make perfection the enemy of progress,” Mariano said."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/ronald-mariano-elected-speaker-of-the-massachusetts-house/

 

"The Baker-Polito Administration today provided an update on the ongoing distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. Including shipments arriving today and tomorrow, the Commonwealth expects more than 287,000 vaccine doses to arrive in the state by the end of 2020"

Direct video link = https://youtu.be/HQ4Lfdh4Sl8

Commuter Rail notice - New Year's Eve service

On New Year's Eve, the Commuter Rail will run on the reduced weekday schedule. There will be no adjustments made to the schedule.

Affected routes:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston/Plymouth Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Dec 30 2020 03:31 PM 

Additional info can be found on the MBTA page for the Franklin Line

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

 

Commuter Rail notice - New Year's Eve service

FM #425 Fresh Start Market - 12/16/20 (audio)

FM #425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 425 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Fresh Start Market co-owner Bonnie Corso. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the social distancing requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how Bonnie and her husband Mark have spent many years developing the market which will open in the near future here in Franklin. They will be located in the Liquor World Plaza, in the space where the Shiva Market had been.

We talk about the timeline how they came to bring this to reality. How they used the Market Study developed by MAPC for Franklin to confirm three was an opportunity here. 

By way of disclosure: I did purchase a brick on their wall to help share the Franklin Matters Name. I did also contribute as an investor in their venture. We talk about this and how they will be part of the community in bringing a ‘farm to table’ approach to grab and go meals.

While I do believe in what they are doing, this radio program is part of my overall effort to share newsworthy goodness in Franklin. This happens to be a very good example of the stories I think are newsworthy.

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H13TRRHS

 
--------------
Follow Fresh Start Market on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartMkt/ 
On Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start.market/ 
Their investment opportunity page on MainVest  https://mainvest.com/b/fresh-start-market-franklin 
`
EDC Meeting with the MAPC Market Study presented and discussed
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-73030-audio.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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"

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session. Here is a cropped photo of Finian shared on the Fresh Start Market Instagram page  https://www.instagram.com/p/CJIEFN7gQ29/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session

Town of Franklin: Holiday office hours for New Year's Eve, New Year's Day

The offices will close at noon on Thursday, December 31st, and will be closed on, Friday, January 1st. 

Have a happy and healthy holiday season!  

Town of Franklin: Holiday office hours for New Year's Eve, New Year's Day

Boston Globe: "First Night Boston cancels New Year’s Eve Fireworks"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"Boston’s traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks displays are canceled for the first time since 1975 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In November, the First Night Boston celebration typically held around Boston and over Boston Harbor was called off by organizers, according to the website, in favor of a livestreamed and broadcast event. First Night tweeted out a reminder Monday that the cancellation includes the traditional fireworks over the city."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/29/metro/first-night-boston-cancels-new-years-eve-fireworks/

Youth programs starting in January at YMCA

A few updates happening at the Y. They are offering 4 programs for youths of all ages and revising the athletes conditioning program. 

Everything will be starting in January.

• Kids running club  https://www.hockymca.org/franklin/youth-development/youth-swim-sports-recreation/youth-recreation/youth-fitness/
• Athletic development: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=full+athletic+training
• No Jump, Jump Rope: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=jump+rope
• Up N’ Run: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5192/ProgramsV2/Search.mvc?keywords=up+n+run

Kids running club

Up N’ Run

Town of Franklin, MA: Diner Code of Conduct

"Do you have plans to go out to eat at one of our great restaurants?  (or anywhere for that matter!) 

Please read the Diner Code of Conduct and #DoYourPart to keep yourself, other diners, and the employees safe! 

#DoYouPartFranklin #BeKind #BeRespectful" https://t.co/NbwhgWYY2X

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1343931581430427648?s=03

Town of Franklin, MA: Diner Code of Conduct 

Franklin, MA: 1950 to 1959 (video)

Joe Landry provides this video about the history of Franklin, MA from 1950 to 1959. 

 

Direct video link: https://youtu.be/Bgl12IcLKLU

 

 

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID-19 Dashboard

The Town of Franklin COVID-19 Dashboard can be found here bit.ly/TOFDshbrd 

new 'dashboard view' = https://t.co/jPvsvLAL0O

Shared from Twitter = https://t.co/pUiGppThKQ

The new presentation of data uses the same data previously shared

The chart below details the confirmed, recovered, and isolated cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Franklin. This data reflects the most current information available and will be updated with additional information as confirmed counts are released through the Franklin Board of Health from the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Data for this table is based on information available in the Department of Public Health surveillance database at a single point in time. Case counts for specific cities and towns change throughout the day, as data cleaning occurs (removal of duplicate reports within the system) and new demographic information (assigning cases to their city or town of residence) is obtained. Statewide data is here  (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting) 

 

Town of Franklin, MA: COVID-19 Dashboard

Abortion access policies become law in MA

The Boston Globe has the following on the override of Gov Baker:

"Abortion rights will be formally codified in state law, and access to the procedure will be expanded after the Senate on Tuesday joined the House in overriding Governor Charlie Baker’s veto of the legislation.

The Senate reaffirmed its support for the abortion access measures on a 32-8 vote, one day after the House’s 107-46 vote."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/29/metro/abortion-access-policies-become-law-massachusetts-despite-governor-bakers-veto/

CommonWealth Magazine has the following

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/legislative-countdown-abortion-bill-becomes-law

On Ma.gov, the actual legislative text  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5179

Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & 

Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Treasurer Collector, Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills. 

The due date for these bills is February 1, 2021

Shared from the Town of Franklin
https://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/fiscal-year-2021-3rd-quarter-real-estate-personal-property-tax-bills-have

Fiscal Year 2021 3rd Quarter Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Bills have been mailed

Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

From the current Solid Waste flyer

"Christmas Tree Collection Days 

Week of January 11, 2021"

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

FM #424 Planning Board Meeting - Food Pantry segment - 12/21/20 (audio)

FM #424 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 424 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the public hearing segment of the Planning Board meeting held Monday, Dec 21, 2020. The segment covers the site plan and renovations for the proposed new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at 138 East Central St. 

 
The meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

• Surprise, the Planning Board is concerned about parking on the site
• After initially objecting to a request for a waiver of the $1500 site plan fee, the Board did reconsider and vote to waive the fee. The Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 operation operating only on grants and donations to provide support for its clients, mostly Franklin residents
• More importantly, the site is contaminated from previous use as an auto dealer and that complicates how to handle stormwater and snow removal. Should be impossible but will be complicated and possibly expensive
• Residential abutter concerned about losing their green bush divider along the property line and to talk with the Food Pantry planners to work out an agreement

The recording runs just over an hour, so let’s listen to the Planning Board discussion on the Franklin Food Pantry plans to move into 138 East Central St.
Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-424-planning-board-mtg-food-pantry-segment-12-21-20

 

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

Meeting agenda  
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/agenda/planning-board-agenda-102

Meeting agenda folder
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/agenda/planning-board-agenda-102

Food Pantry proposal and renderings - 138 East Central Street   

• Site Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_st_site_plan.pdf
• Review docs   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_review.pdf 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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 #424 Planning Board Meeting - Food Pantry segment - 12/2120 (audio)

$668M available to support businesses in MA

 

"The Commonwealth has made an additional $668M available to support businesses. @MassGCC   will target a portion of these funds to sectors experiencing the most significant economic hardship & loss of revenue due to #COVID19MA. #MAbiz"

Details: http://ow.ly/P72Z50CVyHy

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassEOHED/status/1343612866801315846

Go direct to grant info:  https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses

 

$668M available to support businesses in MA

CommonWealth Magazine: Deleo stepping down, House overrides Gov Baker's abortion veto

From CommonWealth Magazine:

"DeLeo stepping down; Mariano facing no opposition"

"IN A MESSAGE read by a tearful House clerk, Speaker Robert DeLeo announced he is resigning his position on Beacon Hill at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, setting the stage for the ascension of Majority Leader Ronald Mariano of Quincy to the top position in the chamber on Wednesday.

Shortly after the announcement just before 2 p.m., the speaker’s office said DeLeo would give a farewell address Tuesday afternoon and a caucus to elect a new speaker will be held on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/deleo-stepping-down-mariano-facing-no-opposition/

"House overrides Baker’s abortion veto"

"THE HOUSE ON MONDAY voted 107-46 to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of legislation allowing women as young as 16 to obtain abortions without parental or judicial consent and expanding when pregnancies can be terminated after six months.

The Senate on Tuesday is expected to join the House in overriding the governor’s veto, giving the Legislature a victory on the issue of broader abortion access at a time when President Trump has added several justices perceived as anti-abortion to the US Supreme Court. It’s not clear if a Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision protecting a woman’s right to have an abortion without excessive government intervention, would have any impact in Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/house-overrides-bakers-abortion-veto/