MBTA Commuter Rail: Winter schedule now in effect, NO weekend service on Franklin Line

Winter Schedule will take effect on January 23. Weekend service will only operate on the Middleborough, Fairmount, Providence, Worcester & Newburyport/Rockport Lines. Schedules are now available at South Station, North Station, Back Bay & MBTA.com.

On January 23rd, the 2021 Winter Service Schedule will go into effect. This Schedule will introduce:

- Additional trains on the Middleborough, Fairmount and Newburyport Lines.

- A revised weekend service with trains only operating on the Fairmount, Worcester, Providence, Middleborough, and Newburyport/Rockport lines.

Paper Schedules will be available in South Station, North Station and Back Bay starting the week of January 18th.

Last Updated: Jan 22 2021 02:55 PM

For other updates and the online schedule visit https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA Commuter Rail: Winter schedule now in effect, NO weekend service on Franklin Line

COVID Vaccines: Fact Versus Fiction

"Vince Venditto, UK College of Pharmacy, is busting myths about COVID-19 vaccines to help inform your decision to get vaccinated":

"Over the past year, a novel, highly contagious virus has spread across the world. Scientists and researchers have worked quickly to respond with vaccine development, two of which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use so far.

As the vaccine rollout continues for frontline health care workers and others in the most vulnerable populations, it is important to separate fact from fiction with regard to the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

Vince Venditto, PhD, assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical Science, has extensive expertise in vaccine design. He was trained in organic synthesis and vaccine development. He is currently working on a clinical trial with community pharmacies to understand the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Kentucky.

He is busting myths about the vaccines to help inform your decision to get vaccinated. "

Continue reading the article online:

https://uknow.uky.edu/research/covid-vaccines-fact-versus-fiction?fbclid=IwAR1nZB8LOXGaBScaCC37ouamxhVH15Oc_0NgWEgRFsaQL_J4cfsNc4Pnh8w

One in a series of COVID myth articles, early this week we shared:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/washington-post-8-facts-about.html

Vince Venditto, UK College of Pharmacy, is busting myths about COVID-19 vaccines (University of Kentucky photo)

Franklin's Weekend Outlook: Jan 23 - Jan 25, 2021

Saturday, January 23
11:00am -  Preschool & Kindergarten Open House (Sunrise Montessori)

Sunday, January 24
1:00pm -  Historical Museum (open and free admission)

3:00pm -  Project BOE - Informational Meeting (virtual session)

Monday, January 25
7:30pm -  S.W.A.N Paint Night; Strength, Wellness & Networking (virtual session)

 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 

Community Calendar

 

Franklin's "Watch list" for 2021

The "watch list" for Franklin in 2021. These are the items I see facing Franklin this year. The insights developed in over fourteen years of reporting on Franklin and in particular over 100 meetings during 2020 are behind the summary of items here. This is the short story. 

If you need or want more on these, stay tuned, I'll be following these throughout the year. If you want a better explanation of one or more, send me an email. If there are enough inquires, I can also schedule a Q&A session like held Thursday for the Senior Center.

Pandemic and recovery

• This should not be a surprise, our individual health and the health of the community will begin to determine how much the economy can recover.

Town budget/School budget for FY 2022

• While we averted a real problem last year, the question remains: what will happen this year? We get a peek with the release of the Governor's budget next week (by statue required by Wednesday). Given 22% of our budget is state aid (DLS numbers via DLS Dashboard), that is a key starting point.
• The economy will help via the local receipts (assuming we recover from COVID-19). The School budget is the big unknown (from my point of view). The District is making progress on the Davis Thayer situation (but no timeline or approval yet on closing the building). While that is underway, the other buildings that could also be closed are not yet on the table for discussion.

Affordable housing

• The population of Franklin has seen slower growth recently. What is the proper mix of housing for the population we have and anticipate? Will it be affordable for the folks to live here? All good questions and the discussion will be held in earnest this year.

Franklin election (November 2021)

• Yes, the Town Council, School Committee, and many other positions are up for election in November. Who will run? What issues will they be facing? Will we see more youthful and diverse candidates?

Citizen engagement

• The voter turnout for the Sep and November 2020 elections were the highest numbers seen although by percent, we have turned out more (in 2016). The pandemic likely contributed to both the voter numbers and smaller per cent. Mail ballots were a key contributor. Will they become the 'norm'? What about early voting for a local election?
• The access to public meetings has made more engagement possible. Franklin residents can participate via Zoom, live stream, or cable channel. Less of an excuse to not be able to see and hear what is going on whether Town Council, Planning Board, School Committee or any number of other public boards and committees.

 

What would you add to this list?

What was the "watch list" for 2020?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_8.html

The slide deck I used for the Q&A session on Thursday can be found here

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FWJEGxU7iVSSDnlsPLrpeOK4hYfyLaeoECYGkbJ7RFA/edit?usp=sharing

Franklin's "Watch list" for 2021

American Anthem - Norah Jones

In his inaugural speech, President Biden says:

"Will we rise to the occasion is the question. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I’m sure you do as well. I believe we will. And when we do, we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story. A story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me. It’s called “American Anthem.” There’s one verse that stands out, at least for me, and it goes like this:"

"The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day.
What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?
Let me know in my heart when my days are through.
America, America, I gave my best to you."

The song was originally performed by Norah Jones for the Ken Burns film "The War"

 

 

Full set of lyrics: = > https://www.elyrics.net/read/n/norah-jones-lyrics/american-anthem-lyrics.html

 

Full text of inauguration speech: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2021/01/20/biden-inauguration-speech/ 

 

Video => https://youtu.be/sdjnAFqapg4

 

 

Franklin High School: Important Information and Dates

Important Information and Dates

Winter 2020-2021

• Hybrid Bell Schedule for all students, including new Wednesday schedule
• Hybrid Cohort Schedule  (Semester 2 Schedule will be posted soon)

FHS calendar at a glance:

School Picture Days for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders

Saturday, January 30th, and Saturday, February 6th. Click here for information, to select a time slot and order picture packages.

 

January 25     - FHS PCC Meeting 7:30 PM via Google Meets; click here to join meeting. Guest: Mrs. Heather McVay, FHS Guidance Director; Submit your questions prior to the meeting HERE

January 30th  - School Picture Day for 9th,10th,11th graders. See above

February 2     - Q2 Ends

February 3     - Q3 Begins

February 6     - School Picture Day for 9th,10th,11th graders. See above

February 12   - No School - PD Day

February 15-19  - No School  - Winter Break

 

• Franklin Public Schools School Re-Opening website click HERE to view
• Principal's Page << watch Mr. Hanna's video updates 
• FHS Students having troubles with your Chromebook or need technical help? Go to THIS PAGE for technology support
• The difference between Home Schooling and Remote Learning from the Office of Teaching and Learning

 

FHS basketball teams split with Taunton; girls win to stay unbeaten

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

 

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 66 @ Taunton, 29 – Final 

– Franklin went on the road and scored a big win to stay unbeaten on the season. Olivia Quinn was the top scorer for the Panthers with 12 points, but it was a balanced effort as all 13 players got on the score sheet. Taunton got nine points from Sonya Fernandez and eight points from Jaelyn Fernandez in the season opener for the Tigers. 

 

Boys Basketball = Taunton, 55 @ Franklin, 46 – Final 

 

"Most teams in the Hockomock League are hitting the halfway point of the regular season this week, but the Taunton boys basketball team is just getting started.

While it was a victory for Taunton to just get on the court after weeks of delays, the Tigers were in search of a different kind of win.

Buoyed by a hot start offensively and solid defense throughout, the Tigers won their season opener, 55-46, giving head coach Charlie Dacey his 400th career win — all coming with Taunton."

Continue reading the game recap by Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com: https://hockomocksports.com/taunton-boys-basketball-hold-franklin-charlie-dacey-400th-win/

 

– For a photo gallery of this game:  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Winter-2020-2021/Franklin-Taunton-Boys-Basketball-01-21-21/

 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-21-21/

 

Taunton head coach Charlie Dacey, who earned his 400th win on Thursday, watches the action in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

 

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - January 2021

The 1st District Newsletter of 2021 is now available &  includes info about:
 - The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee
 - Class of 2034 Kindergarten Registration
 - ECDC Applications & Lottery
 - Pool Testing
 - Travel
 - SWAC & more!
 Find it here https://conta.cc/2LR2v9T

 

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - January 2021

 

FM #441 Jen Delmore - Conservation Agent - 01/13/21 (audio)

FM #441 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 441 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Conservation Agent Jen Delmore. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jen Delmore.

Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fe003ca7-7e2a-456f-baf2-b9facd1bba62

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

Conservation Forms  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/filing-instructions-forms-and-fees

DelCarte Reports and Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/delcarte-conservation-area

Conservation Home owners 101  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/homeowners-101

Conservation Regulations and bylaws  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/regulations-and-bylaws  

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

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" 

DelCarte, on a January morning 2020

Reminder: Community Preservation Committee seeks At-Large Candidates - application deadline, Sunday - Jan 24, 2021

The Town of Franklin seeks interested residents who wish to be a member of the inaugural Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The Town voted overwhelmingly to approve the adoption of the Community Preservation Act at the November 2020 election. The Town Council established a Community Preservation Committee(CPC) in December and is seeking applicants for the four At-Large seats. 

We have opened the application period for the four (4) At-Large resident vacancies. If interested, please fill out the form and required information below. Resumes are optional but preferred and helpful. Application period: Monday, January 4, 2021, through Sunday, January 24, 2021.

If you are interested in serving please apply here:
http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

The new Town bylaw can be found here:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/signed_cpc_bylaw_20-864.pdf

For more information on Community Preservation visit the town website, which will continue to evolve as the program gets active:
https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cpc_vacancy...

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/community-preservation-committee-seeks-large-candidates

 

Community Preservation Committee seeks At-Large Candidates

 

"the early closure business order and the stay at home advisory will be lifted"

 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER, citing positive trends in COVID-19 data, said that starting Monday he plans to lift a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. stay-at-home advisory and a curfew that left many businesses shuttering at 9:30 p.m. over the past 2 ½ months. 

Vaccines are reaching residents. Positive case rates and hospitalizations have stabilized. Those trends are moving in the right direction,” Baker said at a State House press conference on Thursday. “As a result, we believe it’s OK and it’s time to start a gradual easing of some of the restrictions we put in place in the fall.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-sees-some-promising-covid-signs/

 

Boston Globe coverage (subscription may be required):  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/21/metro/baker-announces-stay-home-advisory-early-closure-orders-will-end-monday/

 

Direct video link to Gov Baker's press conference Thursday:  https://youtu.be/broVNPR3E7I

Sunrise Montessori School: Open House - Preschool & Kindergarten - Jan 23

Sunrise Montessori School is hosting an in-person Open House for our Preschool & Kindergarten programs. 

Families are welcome to tour the school, speak with our teachers and learn more about Montessori education. 

Applications are being accepted for the 2021-2022 school year. No RSVP is necessary, but you may call Andrea Rossick, Head of School, at 508-541-8010 if you have any questions. 

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

When: Jan 23, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Check out Sunrise online: http://www.mysunrisemontessori.com/
or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sunrisemontessori 

Sunrise Montessori School: Open House - Preschool & Kindergarten - Jan 23

Milford Daily News: "Man indicted in fatal Franklin shooting pleads not guilty"

"Prosecutors said when one witness yelled for the mother of DeAndre Scott's child to call 911, Marcus Thibodeau, 26, left the living room and said, "What was I supposed to do, he came at me."

Read the full article via @milforddaily  at  https://t.co/prRv3xdEaC 

Franklin Resident Awarded the Carol A. Pizzi Scholarship

Declan Lynch, a recent graduate of Franklin High School, has been awarded the Carol A. Pizzi Scholarship by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee.

An Eagle Scout from Franklin, Declan and members of his troop recently completed a registry for Franklin’s Union Street Cemetery. He logged in more than 170 hours to make this project possible. Declan is also an active member of the Best Buddy program and has competed in many Special Olympic events.  He now proudly serves on the Best Buddy board. 

“To go from being coached in the pool to coaching younger children with disabilities is pretty cool. And to be able to represent kids with learning disabilities on the Best Buddies Board is quite an honor.”- Declan Lynch

Declan also volunteers his time every Friday at the Magnolia Heights Retirement Community where he plays games with the residents and enjoys bringing smiles to their faces. 

Declan Lynch

This fall, Declan began his first year at Dean College as part of the Arch Program and will use the $1,000 scholarship to assist with tuition and school supplies. The Franklin Democratic Town Committee is thrilled to honor this extraordinary young man with this scholarship award and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors. 

“Declan’s character, commitment to success, determination in spite of challenges, and tremendously positive approach to all things will make him a success wherever he may go.”- D. Soulard, Guidance Counselor at Franklin High School

The Carol A. Pizzi scholarship is named after beloved Franklin resident Carol A. (O’Connor) Pizzi who passed away in 2010. Carol was a real estate agent in town and a passionate member of the town’s Democratic committee. If you would like to learn more and/or contribute to this scholarship fund, please visit www.franklindemocrats.com.  

Rotary Club of Franklin MA - "Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction!

Good Afternoon,

I am writing to you today to share our upcoming fundraiser flyer with you and ask that you kindly share it via email and other, with everyone you know and encourage them to check it out! This is our very first virtual event, so this means anyone from around the globe can participate. All purchased art is framed and will be shipped to the home address, FREE within the U.S.!

In addition, we encourage folks to support local businesses by pre-ordering their custom Valentine Date Basket by February 5^th  for only $50. Each basket will include: A personalized Valentine, Wine or Bubbles; Chocolates & Cheeses all sourced & delivered locally by February 12. Just in time to enjoy it along with the live simulcast Virtual Art Auction that will start promptly at 8 PM EST!

Due to Covid-19, our Rotary Club of Franklin MA has struggled to provide our annual awards and community service projects. This event will support the our Rotary Club scholarship and leadership awards, as well as, the many service projects for the elderly and underserved in our area planned for 2021.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly and I thank you in advance for your support!

Diane M. Padula

Rotary Club of Franklin MA, Fundraiser Chair

padularotary@gmail.com

508-284-9598

• Pre-order baskets by Feb 5

Support local businesses by pre-ordering our custom Valentine Date Basket by February 5th  for only $50. 

Each basket will include: A personalized Valentine, Wine or Bubbles; Chocolates & Cheeses all sourced & delivered locally by February 12.  

 

Purchase through this link = https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689/Event/say-it-with-art

• Virtual Live Auction - Feb 12 - 8 PM

Pre-register, PreBid and Preview: Wed., February 10 @ 10 AM, EST, Thru Fri, February 12th

Live Simulcast Auction w/ Auctioneer, February 12 @ 8 PM EST

Just in time to enjoy it along with the live simulcast Virtual Art Auction that will start promptly at 8pm EST!  Just login to https://bid.marlinart.com/.

Link for QR code = https://qrs.ly/ywc7wy0

"Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction!