Help on the way: "US Army Creates Single Vaccine Effective Against All COVID & SARS Variants"

"Within weeks, scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research expect to announce that they have developed a vaccine that is effective against COVID-19 and all its variants, even Omicron, as well as from previous SARS-origin viruses that have killed millions of people worldwide. 

The achievement is the result of almost two years of work on the virus. The Army lab received its first DNA sequencing of the COVID-19 virus in early 2020. Very early on, Walter Reed’s infectious diseases branch decided to focus on making a vaccine that would work against not just the existing strain but all of its potential variants as well.

Walter Reed’s Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccine, or SpFN, completed animal trials earlier this year with positive results. Phase 1 of human trials, which tested the vaccine against Omicron and the other variants, wrapped up this month, again with positive results that are undergoing final review, Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, director of Walter Reed’s infectious diseases branch, said in an exclusive interview with Defense One. 

Unlike existing vaccines, Walter Reed’s SpFN uses a soccer ball-shaped protein with 24 faces for its vaccine, which allows scientists to attach the spikes of multiple coronavirus strains on different faces of the protein."

.

Continue reading about this new vaccine development

https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/12/us-army-creates-single-vaccine-effective-against-all-covid-sars-variants/360089/?s=03

Further testing with Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials is required, a partner needs to be aligned to assist with the testing (and eventual production) along with FDA and CDC approvals. So this is not 'around the corner' but quite possible.

A scientist with the Emerging Infectious Disease branch of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research conducts studies to find a vaccine for COVID-19 in July 2020. SHAWN FURY, ARMY

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on her health status

December 21, 2021 

 

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka 

I want to thank everyone who wished me well this past month during my recovery. Your support is greatly appreciated and continues to be a source of strength.

I have advocated for people to share their personal stories my whole career, and so, I decided today to share my experience as well. In mid-November, I was diagnosed by my doctors as having had a mild stroke. My symptoms, a severe headache and nausea, were not the typical signs of stroke. As they worsened, I canceled a planned trip to Washington, D.C. on November 15. The next day, I sought medical care. I returned to working in a remote capacity the following day and have been working with colleagues and staff throughout my recovery. I am feeling stronger every day, and my doctors expect a full recovery within a matter of weeks.  I am grateful to the medical professionals I have worked with for their assistance, especially as many have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to care for those with COVID-19.

I wanted to share my story today in a televised interview, accompanied by this statement, because I wanted people to see firsthand that I'm doing well. I also feel it would be a missed opportunity not to speak up. I hope that by telling my story, I can help raise awareness about those who have survived and thrived after experiencing stroke, and encourage those who are experiencing symptoms to seek help immediately. 

I am proud of what we have accomplished in the Senate and energized by the work ahead to support the residents of our Commonwealth. We have important work to do on mental health care, childcare, our climate and much more. As we move into a new year, I look forward to running for re-election in 2022 and having the opportunity once again to lead the Senate as Senate President. 

I would like to thank my family for always being there for me as well as my Senate colleagues, my staff, and my partners in government for their continued support.

Senate President Karen Spilka speaks after Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signs new climate policy legislation, at the State House.. (File photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

CommonWealth Magazine coverage
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/spilka-discloses-she-suffered-mild-stroke/

Boston Globe coverage (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/20/metro/mass-senate-president-suffered-mild-stroke-last-month-will-seek-reelection/

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka asking to "reinstitute a statewide indoor public mask mandate"

December 21, 2021

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka

"We must act aggressively to mitigate the impact and spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant across Massachusetts and prioritize protecting our most vulnerable residents, workers, and communities disparately impacted by the pandemic. To do this, I believe it's necessary to go beyond advisories and recommendations and apply a uniform, consistent approach to stopping the spread and saving lives. 

While I thank the Governor for his actions to date, today, I am calling on the Administration to reinstitute a statewide indoor public mask mandate, increase efforts to achieve vaccine equity and require proof of vaccination for most public indoor social venues. Additionally, when it comes to school safety, our COVID-19 pool testing practices should be provided on an opt-out, rather than opt-in, basis to better protect our students, teachers and staff. 

Many communities, businesses and school districts have already instituted these measures to help save lives and they should be applauded. However, time is of the essence and a patchwork strategy will not lead to a healthier, faster recovery for Massachusetts." 

In response to the Gov Baker update provided on Tuesday 12/21/21

https://youtu.be/4WkufQt7FZU

Baker-Polito Administration Provides COVID-19 Update: "Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID"

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced additional measures to address a recent rise in COVID-19 cases and to ensure acute care hospitals have sufficient capacity to care for both COVID and non-COVID patients.

The Commonwealth's healthcare system is facing a critical staffing shortage which has contributed to the loss of approximately 500 medical/surgical and ICU hospital beds since the beginning of the year. Hospitals are also seeing a high level of patients, many due to non-COVID related reasons.

Residents are reminded that getting a vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID. The Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated COVID breakthrough data this week showing that 97% of COVID breakthrough cases in Massachusetts have not resulted in hospitalization or death. Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID than fully vaccinated individuals and 31 times more likely to contract COVID than individuals who have a booster.

Massachusetts is a national leader in COVID-19 vaccinations, with over 94% of eligible residents having received at least one dose. Over 89% of the entire Massachusetts population has at least one dose, and 74% of the entire population fully vaccinated. Massachusetts also leads the nation in vaccinating communities of color, with 68% of all black residents and 67% of all Hispanic residents receiving at least one dose, compared to 42.0% of black residents and 51.7% of Hispanic residents nationally.

National Guard Activation

Governor Charlie Baker today will activate up to 500 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to address the non-clinical support needs of hospitals and transport systems. Up to 300 of these Guard members will begin training this week and will support 55 acute care hospitals, as well as 12 ambulance service providers across the Commonwealth.

DPH surveyed all hospitals and ambulance service providers, and in concert with the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, has identified five key roles that non-clinical Guard personnel can serve in support hospital operations for up to 90 days:

• Non-emergency transport between facilities: driving ambulances used to transfer patients between two healthcare locations such as when patients are discharged from a hospital and transferred to a long term care facility. 
• Patient observers: providing continuous or frequent observation of a patient who is at risk for harm to themselves.  
• Security support: helping to maintain a safe workplace.
• In-hospital transport: bringing patients via wheelchair or, if needed, stretcher, from their patient room to tests such as x-ray or CT scan, or from the emergency department to their inpatient floor. 
• Food service/tray delivery support: delivering patient meals to their rooms

Guard personnel will be deployed to the field beginning December 27th, 2021.

Elective Surgery Guidance

DPH released updated guidance to hospitals concerning nonessential, elective invasive procedures. To preserve health care personnel resources, effective 12:01am on December 27th, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential elective procedures likely to result in inpatient admission in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity.

Patients are reminded to still seek necessary care at their hospital or from their health care provider.

To read the guidance, click here.

Mask Advisory

DPH released an updated mask advisory today, recommending that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering in indoor, public spaces.

DPH particularly urges this recommendation for individuals who have a weakened immune system, or are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities.  Please see here for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's current mask requirement and Policy on Vaccination Rate Threshold issued on September 27^th, 2021 is not impacted by this advisory. 

To read the full advisory, visit: here. 

"Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID"

FHS' O'Neill, Cinelli, and Griffith recognized with soccer awards by HockomockSports.com

HockomockSports.com has posted the Boys Soccer Awards for the fall 2021 season. Franklin High School was well represented by the following individuals: 

 
HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI
Terry O’Neill – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin senior Terry O’Neill had another great year controlling the midfield in the heart of the Panthers’ lineup. A three-year starter for head coach Fran Bositis, O’Neill consistently plays at a high level and can be counted on to make the right choice each and every game. Sitting in a defensive midfielder role, he shored up one of the best defensive units in the league and added a team-high six goals along with one assist. “Terry was our best player, our hardest worker, and an excellent leader both on and off the field,” Bositis said. “He has an excellent understanding of tactics and he was the player for us who set the tone both offensively and defensively. Everything we did went through Terry.”

Rex Cinelli – Franklin – Defense

Franklin sophomore Rex Cinelli was a towering presence in the Panthers’ back four, making his squad one of the hardest teams to score against in the Hock. The lone underclassman selection in the Best XI, Cinelli partnered with Aidan Griffith to form the best center back duo in the league. He logged a ton of minutes this season and consistently made good decisions in the air and with his tackling. He also added a pair of goals and four assists for Franklin, who finished second in the Kelley-Rex. “Rex was very consistent throughout the year,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “He was a lockdown defender for us and did a great job of winning 50-50 balls whether they were on the ground or in the air. He certainly had a big impact on the success of our team defense.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI
Aidan Griffith – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior Aidan Griffith had a standout out season this fall, emerging as one of the best defenders in a league known for tough defenses. He partnered with Rex Cinelli to form the best center back duo in the league. His veteran leadership was key throughout the season and his ability to come away with the ball on key challenges was a big reason the Panthers allowed less than a goal a game this year. “Aidan was the leader of our defense and also played a big role in initiating our attack,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “Aidan has great feel for the game and he was very good at making defensive adjustments on the field. He was very calm under pressure and always made good decisions on the field.”

Continue reading the article for the complete Hockomock League awards ->
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-soccer/2021-2/

FHS Panthers

Community Preservation Act Public Hearings Set to Begin in January 2022

The new portal to accept ideas or applications for funding for Community Preservation is now open. As required by law, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is required to have one public hearing per year to hear input on how to allocate Community Preservation funds. The Franklin CPC has decided on two public sessions in January. 

The committee legal notice can be found HERE ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-12-20_cpc_legal_ad_.pdf

The public hearing dates are:
1. January 4, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street  Agenda = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-04_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_1.pdf
2. January 18, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street   Agenda =   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-18_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_2.pdf

Citizens may attend in person, through Zoom, offer comments and opinions, ask questions or submit ideas for consideration in our new online portal. Hard copy applications are also available by contacting Alecia Alleyne in the Town Administrator's Office at 508-520-4949 or by emailing aalleyne@franklinma.gov.

The Online application can be found HERE or by copying this link into your internet browser: https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1097

The Application for Funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) beginning July 1, 2022 must be received by 4:00 PM on Monday, February 28, 2022. After the first year of CPA funding, applications will be then taken on a rolling basis. 

Applicants should review the State CPA legislation prior to submitting any applications for CPA Funding. Please keep in mind that there are legal limitations on the use of CPA funds. 

Additional information regarding the CPC & CPA can be found at the following links:

1.  Community Preservation Coalition -> https://www.communitypreservation.org/about
2.  MA State Legislator - Community Preservation ->   https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter44B
3.  Secretary of State Page - Accepting the CPA ->   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elecpa/cpaidx.htm

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was passed in 2000 to help communities empower themselves to raise a dedicated revenue source for the purposes of open space preservation, historic preservation, affordable housing and recreation. 

The Town of Franklin approved the Community Preservation Act by local ballot November 2020. 

Please bookmark the Franklin CPC website: https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee

Commonwealth of MA  CPA legislation ->   https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter44B

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/2022-cpa-funding-application-now-live

Community Preservation Act

26 Franklin High School Music Students were accepted to the Massachusetts Central District Honor Band, Chorus, and Orchestra

Twenty-six members of the Franklin High School music program virtually auditioned and were accepted into the 2022 Massachusetts Central District Honor Ensembles. Twelve of these Franklin High School students received All-State audition recommendations.  

Due to the pandemic, the festival will continue to look a bit different this year. Students will participate in one virtual rehearsal with the conductor.  Students will then be tasked with practicing their music and submitting a recording of their performance.  

Central Districts will have each part edited into a virtual audio performance.  Accepted Franklin High School students are as follows:

• Central District Orchestra: Aadit Bhatia - Violin, Christopher Broyles - Viola, Shreya Choudhury - Violin, Kyle Formato - Cello, Vivienne Loukota - Viola, Jossalyn Mascio - Violin, Patrik O'Brien - Cello, Weylan O'Connell - Bass, Anton Sackley - Percussion, Pritam Sompally - Viola, Sarayu Vijayanagaram - Violin, Leo Yang - Violin
• Central District Band: Adithya Balagurumoorthy - Baritone Saxophone, Karah Bradanese - Clarinet, Thomas Bradley - Trombone, Emma Brown - Flute, Nipun Goel - Trumpet, Derek Halet - Trumpet, Joel Keller - Tuba, Sydney Lincourt - Clarinet, William Olbrys - Trombone, Lola Richardson - Flute, Zachary Simms - French Horn, Maria Zaki - Flute
• Central District Chorus: Margaret Diehl - Alto
• Central District Jazz Band: Colin Manocchio - Trombone, Ian Richardon - Bass 

Franklin High School Music Students were accepted to the Massachusetts Central District 

An Update from Your Congressman - Jake Auchincloss

Hello, I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. I want to share with you three significant developments since I last wrote.  Raising the Debt Ceiling  Last week, the House addressed the debt limit and prevented a catastrophic debt default. Raising the debt ceiling is about meeting obligations we've already made. We should not be playing games with the full faith and credit of the United States.  As Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, I am working to support a strong economy that works for everyone. I recently spoke with the Financial Times and penned an op-ed in FOX News about how we can work together to tackle inflation as the next major bipartisan policy initiative in Congress.   Holding Big Tech Accountable for Vaccine Disinformation  Last week, I led other Democratic members in a letter to PayPal urging the corporation to ban the use of its online payment system on websites that perpetuate COVID-19 vaccine and treatment disinformation. Specifically, the letter calls on PayPal to deactivate the accounts of the "Disinformation Dozen." More than 800,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. The majority of these deaths have come after the approval of safe, free, and effective vaccines.  Throughout this pandemic, PayPal has played a role in financing vaccine disinformation spreaders and should consider banning the use of its online payments system on websites that perpetuate dangerous lies about COVID-19 treatment and immunization. I spoke about the letter during a recent interview on MSNBC that you can watch here. End of the Year Events   On Saturday December 11th I hosted an in-person town hall in Brookline. It was a great opportunity to meet with constituents and hear about issues important to them. I was also able to give updates on how I'm representing our values and advancing our priorities. We discussed a wide range of topics from the recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill to protecting voting rights. If you were not able to join us, you can watch a recording of the event here. Please continue to be on the lookout for future events my office will be hosting where we can meet in person to discuss what's happening in Congress.  As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to close by sharing a report our office put together highlighting our accomplishments in Congress thus far. This year alone, despite the limitations of COVID-19, we've hosted over 30 district events, including more than 20 city and town-specific roundtables, traversed the MA-04 district conducting more than 100 in-person visits to each of our 34 cities and towns; responded to over 112,000 messages and successfully closed out over 1,100 casework requests in every city and town in the district; and successfully brought home federal funds including $154.8 million in tax cuts delivered to over 76,000 families in the Fourth District.  As we look forward to the new year, my priorities remain: Putting the pandemic behind us, Putting a strong economy ahead of us, and Protecting the integrity of our democracy I hope you are able to take some time to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family. To stay up to date on the state of play in Congress, please make sure to like my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Instagram.  Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss Member of Congress OFFICE LOCATIONS WASHINGTON DC OFFICE • 1524 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON DISTRICT OFFICE • 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 • Newton, MA 02458 • Phone : (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO DISTRICT OFFICE • 8 N. Main St. Suite 200 • Attleboro, MA 02703 • Phone : (508) 431-1110   WEBSITE  |  CONTACT View Congressman Auchincloss's first year highlights on his webpage https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/memorandum-re-jake-auchincloss-first-year-office

FHS boys basketball, boys hockey, and girls basketball teams all post wins on Monday; girls in Overtime!

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Monday:

Boys Basketball = Oliver Ames, 48 @ Franklin 64 – Final 

– Franklin saw its 22-point halftime lead shrink to single digits going into the fourth quarter, but the Panthers bounced back and closed out strong to get a win over visiting Oliver Ames. Franklin built a 37-15 lead by the break behind a balanced scoring attack and strong defense. Franklin hit half of its 12 three-pointers in the second quarter alone, two apiece from Geino Scaringello and Justin Allen (team-high 12 points) and one each from Andrew O’Neil and Hansy Jacques, to take a commanding lead. OA came roaring back in the third as Zach Tagliamonte scored 10 of his team-high 14 points in the third and Dan Reilly had nine of his 12 points to make it 46-37 going into the fourth. Ben Harvey had half of his eight points in the fourth, Henry Digiorgio scored five of his seven, and Allen added another three to pull away.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 6 vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury, 3 – Final 

– Franklin saw its three-goal lead evaporate in a three-minute span in the second period but the Panthers bounced back with a big third period, scoring three more times to get the win over St. John’s Shrewsbury. Adam Quinn (from Ben Jarosz and Ben Paterson) and Ryan Sicchio (from Logan Marchand) scored for a 2-0 lead at the midway point of the first, and Siccio (from Dylan Marchand and Quinn) added a second just over two minutes into the second to make it 3-0. SJS scored three times within the next four minutes to tie the contest 3-3 through two periods. In the third, Quinn got his second of the day (from Paterson and Sicchio) at the midway point of the third and Dom Lampasona (from Anthony Lampasona) added a key insurance goal less than a minute later. Anthony Lampasona tacked on a key empty net goal (margin of victory) in the final seconds on an assist from Christian Shabbick. Cole Porter made 31 saves in net for the Panthers.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 51 @ Oliver Ames, 48 – Final (OT)

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Even though the winter has barely gotten underway, anticipation for a matchup of the defending league champions had been building for months. Franklin and Oliver Ames finished last year unbeaten in their respective divisions and unfortunately couldn’t find a date to play each other in the pandemic-shortened season. Ten months later, both teams were 2-0, both look like favorites to repeat as division champs, and on Monday night at the Nixon Gym they finally squared off. 

It was a game that lived up to all that hype.

Franklin extended its win streak to 38 games, dating back to the beginning of the 2019-20 season, with a 51-48 overtime victory. Neither team held a lead larger than six points at any stage and there were eight lead changes in the fourth quarter and overtime alone.

“We got a bounce,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “That bounce could’ve gone the other way and they could’ve won the game. That’s how close of a game it was."

Continue reading the game recap ->  https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-outlasts-oliver-ames-in-overtime-thriller/

- For a photo gallery of this game ->  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Winter-2021-2022/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-12-20-21/

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-12-20-21/

Stefany Padula (21) buried a big three-pointer late in overtime that turned out to be the game-winner, lifting Franklin to a win at Oliver Ames. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Panther TV: FHS Band, Winter Concert - Dec 9, 2021 (video)

"FHS Band,Winter Concert, December 9, 2021
@FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS"

https://t.co/bdL3rrfgyV or  https://youtu.be/NxIPLwBuJu4

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1472984916606529538

St Mary's Women's Faith Formation - January 8, 2020 Meeting

Please join the  St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation group on January 8, 2022 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM as we again have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Aldona Lingertat, who will be speaking on the topic of "Types, Forms, and Examples of Prayer". 

Dr. Lingertat is Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry Program and the Master of Theological Studies Program at St. John's Seminary.   

We are extending an invitation to all women to join us either in person (One Church Square, Franklin - lower level Parish Hall) or via Zoom. 

Please email Deacon Guy (deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org) if you are interested in the  Zoom link contact information. 

Also, please note that those attending in person will be required to wear a mask, as Cardinal O'Malley has requested for all parish events occurring through mid-January 2022.

St Mary's Women's Faith Formation - January 8, 2020 Meeting

 

December Holiday Hours for the Franklin Public Library

December Holiday Hours for the Franklin Public Library

December Holiday Hours 

Thursday, December 23. Closing at 2:00 PM

Friday, December 24. Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 PM

Saturday, December 25. Closed for Christmas Day

Sunday, December 26. OPEN 1:30-5:00 PM

Thursday, December 30. Closing at 2:00 PM

Friday, December 31. Closing at 2:00 PM

Saturday, January 1. Closed for New Year's Day

Sunday, January 2. OPEN 1:30-5:00 PM

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/imce/u231/december_2021_hours.png

December Holiday Hours for the Franklin Public Library

No Trash Delay ~ Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 27-31

No Trash Delay ~ Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 27-31

No Trash Delay ~ Dec. 20-24 and Dec. 27-31

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/no-trash-delay-dec-20-24-and-dec-27-31

Candlelight vigil coverage as the Franklin community came together Sunday evening

"Bethany Manning stood on the top step of the brick gazebo in the town common Sunday night and looked out over a sea of people wrapped in winter coats and holding candles in gloved hands, the small flames flickering in the cold, gentle breeze. 

Manning, speaking into a microphone so the crowd of several hundred could hear, remembered her friend, Shirley Branco Owen, who was killed Friday morning, allegedly at the hands of her former husband, Brendon J. Owen. 

Shirley Owen was a “daughter, a mother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend to everyone that had the blessing to know her,” Manning said. “She was the light in every room, and she was a hot ticket. She got things done. And boy, boy, did she advocate and do everything for her amazing children.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/19/metro/franklin-community-mourns-loss-woman-killed-horrific-domestic-violence-case/

Photos from the Milford Daily News coverage

https://www.milforddailynews.com/picture-gallery/news/2021/12/20/shirley-owen-honored-franklin-ma-community-prayer-vigil-after-murder/8964048002/

Franklin Matters audio of the event 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/candlelight-vigil-for-shirley-owens.html

Mourners at a candlelight vigil honored Shirley Branco Owen, who was killed Friday morning.JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

Looking for films to view during the holidays? 'Return of the Jedi' One of 25 Added to National Film Registry

'Return of the Jedi' Among 25 Eclectic Films Joining National Film Registry Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced today the annual selection of 25 influential motion pictures to be inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Selected for their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation's film heritage, the newest selections include epic trilogies, major roles for Jennifer Lopez and Cicely Tyson, extraordinary animated features, comedy and music, and films that took on racially-motivated violence against people of color decades ago. The 2021 selections represent one of the most diverse classes of films to enter the registry, with movies dating back nearly 120 years and representing the work of Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, documentarians, women directors, filmmakers of color, students and the silent era of film. The selections bring the number of films in the registry to 825, representing a portion of the 1.7 million films in the Library's collections. "Films help reflect our cultural history and creativity — and show us new ways of looking at ourselves — though movies haven't always been deemed worthy of preservation. The National Film Registry will preserve our cinematic heritage, and we are proud to add 25 more films this year," said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. "The Library of Congress will work with our partners in the film community to ensure these films are preserved for generations to come." Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will host a television special Friday, Dec. 17, starting at 8 p.m. ET to screen a selection of motion pictures named to the registry this year. Hayden will join TCM host and film historian Jacqueline Stewart, who is chair of the National Film Preservation Board, to discuss the films. Also, select titles from 30 years of the National Film Registry are freely available online in the Library's National Screening Room. Follow the conversation about the 2021 National Film Registry on Twitter and Instagram at @librarycongress and #NatFilmRegistry. Films Selected for the 2021 National Film Registry (chronological order) Ringling Brothers Parade Film (1902) Jubilo (1919) The Flying Ace (1926) Hellbound Train (1930) Flowers and Trees (1932) Strangers on a Train (1951) What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) Evergreen (1965) Requiem-29 (1970) The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971) Pink Flamingos (1972) Sounder (1972) The Long Goodbye (1973) Cooley High (1975) Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) Chicana (1979) The Wobblies (1979) Star Wars Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Stop Making Sense (1984) Who Killed Vincent Chin? (1987) The Watermelon Woman (1996) Selena (1997) The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) WALL•E (2008) Click here for more information on this year's entries to the National Film Registry.