Boston Globe: "Workers to get a boost in 2021 as new laws take effect Jan. 1"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"The new year will be an important one for workers’ rights in Massachusetts. Here are three key pieces of legislation that will take effect in 2021. The trio is part of a large labor and wages bill passed in 2018, known as the grand bargain. Advocates say several of the measures will help workers desperately in need of relief during the pandemic. In addition, starting this year workers will be eligible for holiday pay on Juneteenth, after officials recognized it as a state holiday.

1. Paid family and medical leave

Starting next year, all employees in Massachusetts will have access to paid family and medical leave that will allow up to 12 weeks of family leave and up to 20 weeks of medical leave, with the guarantee that they would be restored to their same or equivalent positions, with the same status, pay, and employment benefits."

 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/30/metro/workers-get-boost-2021-new-laws-take-effect-jan-1/

"A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain"

The Boston Globe has the following:

"One moment, Governor Charlie Baker is asking people to lobby their legislators for some relatively modest funding as the state’s well of small-business relief funds runs dry.

The next: Baker unveils $668 million for grants, in particular to help several sectors hit hard by COVID-19 such as restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and hair salons.

The sharp turnabout last week surprised many small-business advocates — not to mention the budget writers in the Legislature.

A Christmas miracle, or clever budgetary legerdemain on the part of Baker’s Administration & Finance team?

Maybe a bit of both."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/30/business/baker-pulled-650m-small-business-aid-seemingly-out-nowhere-heres-how/

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

 
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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

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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)