Senator Rausch: 2021 Beacon Hill Roundup (newsletter)

We achieved so much together last year, and we're just getting started.

View this email in your browser Senator Rausch State House Briefing    Part 2, Chapter 12 (January 10, 2022)    Dear friends,    I hope you had a joyful holiday season and a positive start to the new year. 2021 was certainly a challenging year for many of us. Now in the heart of the legislative session, I remain deeply committed to advancing equity, transparency, and justice through policies that keep you and your family safe during this pandemic and delivering top-notch constituent services to our district alongside my team.  In this newsletter you will find a 2021 Beacon Hill Roundup, an invitation to my 2022 Virtual Town Hall and monthly office hours, and a snapshot of upcoming community events in our district.   With the current record surge in COVID-19 cases, I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted if you have not yet done so, wear a mask whenever you are in a public space, practice physical distancing, and limit your social engagements to small groups, held outdoors. As always, if you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My office line is 617-722-1555 and my email is becca.rausch@masenate.gov. We are here to help.      Wishing you and your family strength, health, resilience, and joy throughout the year.        Yours in service,   Senator Becca Rausch     Senator Rausch's 2021 Beacon Hill Roundup I am very proud to have accomplished so much on behalf of my constituents this last year in the Senate, including a robust COVID-19 response, billions of dollars invested into our Commonwealth's communities, and advancing critically needed reforms through the legislative process on Beacon Hill.  COVID-19 Safety: My top priority has been keeping you and your family safe throughout this crisis. Last year alone, my team and I worked on over 500 constituent cases – including nearly 200 COVID-19 unemployment cases – helping individuals receive the supports they deserve, especially during these difficult times. I hosted monthly virtual office hours, senior coffees, and two youth legislative forums for middle and high schoolers in my district to remain accessible to my constituents even while physically distant.   Getting the second dose of my COVID-19 vaccine at Gillette Stadium. Thank you to all the healthcare workers for keeping us safe over the last two years!  I also worked in partnership with my legislative colleagues, frontline community organizations, and public health experts to pressure the Baker Administration to implement policies to keep our communities safe and local economy afloat through this crisis. Some of our victories included universal masking in all K-12 schools, paid time off for families and caregivers taking children to COVID-19 vaccination appointments, and implementing a COVID vaccine pre-registration system for mass vaccination sites.   This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, follow this link ->   https://mailchi.mp/44aace7ac384/reopeningupdate-15648360?e=0c2c9810fe  Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

Angelina Silva-Perez chosen as a 2021 Scholarship by Friends Of Franklin Library

Angelina Silva-Perez was chosen as a 2021 Scholarship recipient of the Friends Of Franklin Library / In Memory of Wilma Winters.

Angelina was awarded a check for $1000.00 at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

It was presented by Lisa Rein and members of the Friends of Franklin Library Committee. 

Angelina Silva-Perez (front) poses with members of the Friends

Angelina's essay including details on the scholarship process can be found in the embedded file below or at this link ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11OSIslOAUjHuixYOk5jwURU6SO8rz-ya/view?usp=sharing

Reminder: St. Mary's Men's Faith Formation - Jan 15

The St. Mary's Men's Faith Formation group will be starting our monthly meetings again. Our first meeting of the New Year will be January 15 from 8:45 - 9:45 am virtually via Zoom and in person.

We will be learning and discussing the topic of Prayer. We really look forward to welcoming you back or hopefully welcoming you for the first time to our group. Please email Deacon Guy (deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org) if you are interested in the Zoom link contact information. Either way you join us – we are glad you are there. 

All Men are welcome.  https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/mens-faith-formation 

St. Mary's Church Franklin Men's Formation - Jan 15

 

“We have mask mandates in specific places and are not considering a universal mask mandate at this time”

"Arguing the state has been too hands-off in quelling the latest COVID-19 surge, Democratic state lawmakers on Tuesday pressed Governor Charlie Baker to take a more aggressive posture on testing in schools, masking rules, and public messaging. 

The leaders of a legislative committee peppered Baker and his health secretary, Marylou Sudders, with questions over a combined 75 minutes, at times engaging in testy exchanges about the governor’s turbulent distribution of masks to educators and his administration’s resistance to a universal mask mandate. 

A through-line of their requests: more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/metro/baker-testify-before-legislature-covid-19-rips-through-massachusetts/ 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER often says he and his political opponents will “agree to disagree.” That could have been the mantra of Tuesday’s oversight hearing of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management.

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 surges through Massachusetts, overwhelming hospitals, lawmakers monitoring the state’s response questioned Baker and Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders in a 1 1/2-hour virtual hearing. They pressed the officials on vaccination outreach, education policy, and how to help the state’s struggling health care system. "

CommonWealth Magazine coverage called the session more 'testy' than the Globe

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-democratic-legislators-clash-on-virus-response/

Governor Charlie Baker spoke at a press conference on Tuesday.JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF

Night Owl Farm announces a New Place to Buy Your Veggies

We have officially partnered with Fresh Start Market in Franklin to offer you better hours for grabbing your veg!

They have provided us with a produce display case that we will regularly fill with produce from our farm and others like us.

They are at 369 West Central Street (in the same plaza as Liquor World)

They are open Monday-Saturday, 10-7, and Sundays 10-6! Now you can shop for your produce according to YOUR schedule, rather than ours. 

Find out more about the produce and programs Night Owl Farm offers in their newsletter  https://us7.campaign-archive.com/?e=9924a495b2&u=9e517f8ba72777e1fdd23368a&id=a8e24fde49

partnered with Fresh Start Market

OCPF Reports: Training Classes available for Town Candidates

Training Classes available for Town Candidates conducted by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

To attend, e-mail Jason at jtait@cpf.state.ma.us to request a Zoom invitation to the date of your choice:
Tuesday, Jan. 25, noon / Monday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. / Friday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.  Thursday, March 10, 6 p.m. / Friday, March 18, noon / Tuesday, April 5, noon #mapoli https://t.co/FITlQaOKHY

OCPF Reports: Training Classes available for Town Candidates

Mass. has issued new guidance on when should you get a COVID test

"Massachusetts on Tuesday issued new guidance on when residents should seek COVID-19 testing, aligning the state with measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The guidance was updated as Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced that the state has secured an order to get 26 million rapid antigen COVID-19 tests over the next three months.

Here’s a look at the Department of Public Health’s new guidance on COVID testing:

When should you get tested?

The state is recommending that residents get a COVID test when they’re experiencing symptoms of the virus or five days after a known close contact with someone who has tested positive."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/nation/when-should-you-get-covid-test-mass-issues-new-covid-19-testing-guidance/

Rapid antigen test kits.JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022

 

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events

• This slot features the combined interviews Supt Sara Ahern and then the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer.    
• Sara's audio segment -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-694-franklin-public-schools-supt-sara-ahern-01-07-22
• Tom's audio segment -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-690-town-council-quarterbacking-w-tom-mercer-01-06-22

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This slot features the audio recording of the vigil for Jan 6 held on the Town Common Jan 6, 2022.   Audio on demand -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-691-jan-6-vigil-01-06-22

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:29:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: COVID-19

7:30:00 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

8:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Charlie Harrington

10:00 am The Drummers Studio: 11th Anniversary Show Two

11:30 am Whole Health Visions: Life Coaches Pt. 2

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 2

4:30 pm We The People January 6th Vigil

6:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

6:30 pm Ben Gardner's Boat

9:30 pm Circle of Friends: Freebo, Alice Howe & Kirsten Maxwell

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Winter Music 2021

8:30 am Public School Concert: FHS Winter Jazz 01-23-20

10:30 am FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Milford 01-05-21

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Longmeadow 12-31-21

3:01 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

4:31 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 12-22-21

8:30 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2019

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 01-05-22: 01-05-22

11:00 am Community Preservation: 01-04-22

2:00 pm Town Council 01-05-22: 01-05-22

6:30 pm Finance committee, LIVE, Chambers, 882 8020 9191

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Snow day conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern - 01/07/22 (audio)

FM #694 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 694 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

• School mid-year status, on first snow day

• Her personal status

• Much to do

• Working with new School Committee

• FY 2022 Budget adjustment

• Administrative searches underway

• Capital budget being readied

• FY 2023 budget in preparation

• Davis Thayer surplus decision remains along with the master facility plan work ahead of them

The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-694-franklin-public-schools-supt-sara-ahern-01-07-22

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

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 www.Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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"

 

FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern updates the School Committee at a meeting in Oct 2021

Franklin Council on Aging - Meeting Agenda - Jan 11, 2022 - 10 AM

Franklin Council on Aging - Meeting Agenda

Jan 11, 2022 = 10:00 AM

Meeting will be held at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street

1. Call to order; 10:00 a.m.

2. Minutes of last meeting

3. Introductions of new Director and Deputy Director

4. Common Grounds Cafe update

5. Role of the Council on Aging

a. General Role of the COA

b. Senior Center five year strategic Plan

6. FOFE Liason Report

7. Chairperson’s Comments

8. Citizen’s Comments

9. Adjournment

Next Meeting - Feb 8, 2022

Agenda doc with remote connection option ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/untitled_document.pdf

Franklin Council on Aging - Meeting Agenda - Jan 11, 2022 - 10 AM

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 12, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Joint Budget Subcommittee Committee Charge and Role
4. FY23 Operating Budget Revenues Sheet Analysis & Discussion
5. Biennial review of the Town of Franklin Financial Policies
6. General business:

a. Approval of Minutes: 12/08/21

b. 2022 Budget Calendar & 2022 Finance Committee Schedule

c. Stabilization Account update

d. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

Agenda doc with remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-12-22_finance_committe_agenda_packet.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022

Recap: Franklin Housing Authority meeting - 01/10/22 (audio)

Started the new year with attendance and recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting at Central Park Terrace. Meetings are generally scheduled for the 2nd Monday of the month. 

Audio of the meeting came out well so you can listen in and follow along with my notes below. (Note: doc links provided are to my Google Drive copies of what is posted to the State page.) 

Meeting agenda doc -> (opens a Word doc)  https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority/agenda/fha-agenda-01-10-2022

Link to current annual report ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JqWUz-VIjMmU7TneXMqLVLLY9SbUMHHt/view?usp=sharing

Link to prior year PMR report ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JraJlxJGjpKSs1TKQ4vP2joW0MjtC7Mo/view?usp=sharing
 

• Reporting on the Franklin Housing Authority meeting today #fha0110 public hearing on annual plan first up on agenda (recording in process, so assuming tech gremlins kept aside can be shared later)
• Link to annual report to be added later, capital plan part of the report. Emergency work orders reqd to be processed within 24 hours, list of EWOs part of the report, preventive maintenance plan part of report. #fha0110
• Operation budget for year included in report. #fha0110 deficit of approx $82k for past year, looking forward to a slight plus for next year. Unable to collect income due to some units offline due to fire and recovery steps
• No findings in PMR which is part of the annual report #fha0110 DHCD does resident survey totally apart from the FHA survey results part of the report, good review overall.
• How does the tenant survey compare to prior year? DHCD survey results cover the period from 2016-2019. Q on meeting notification? Is it posted locally? How to let other residents know about the meeting? Meeting notices posted at the office #fha0110
• Capital plan meeting was well attended #fha0110 hard to send word to everyone re: contact protocols. Can post to the common areas. Typically the 2nd Monday of the month; aside from Jul/Aug
• Chair request for maintenance update once a quarter, minutes approved unanimously (3-0) Capital charges, motion to accept, passes unanimously (3-0) Commissioner training coming, if anyone wants let Lisa know #fha0110 training switched to remote, 9-noon Saturday
• Current waiting list over 8,000. #fha0110 congregate program removed from the 'champ' (sic) system EOEA will be working to pre approve applicants for this type of living, 3 deaths in Dec, hence openings. 11 units (4 fire) open and in process of turnover physical • • •
• No waiver for delay processing during COVID commented on the annual report to account motion to accept director report, approved 3-0 #fha0110 statements, look in line with other periods, motion to accept statements. Norfolk is 100% occupied.
• Norfolk brought from a $100k deficit to a $100k positive, primarily due to calculation of rent properly as well as timely collection of such, worked through timing issues of SSS benefits and rent payments #fha0110
• Building fire update, roof truss came in, insulation being added and inspected, wall board coming, coming along, possible in Feb; about 9 months to recovery #fha0110 
• not in position of DHCD approved contract, likely 30-50 agencies will not sign the contract from DHCD Dispute on contract in court, approval of audit report passes 3-0. #fha0110
• No old business, new business, FISH contract looking for extension due to supply delays, moved seconded passes 3-0; 2nd FISH contract, completion of fire alarm cert of completion, passes 3-0 
• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 #fha0110

PDF of Twitter thread ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/19y55ky9CUtRrEZT7daSsgDMOt9XX1Fch/view?usp=sharing

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-695-franklin-housing-authority-meeting-01-10-22 

Franklin Housing Authority - Meeting - Jan 10, 2022

FHS girls indoor track team posts win vs. Attleboro

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

Indoor Track (@ Wheaton College)
Franklin, 43 @ Attleboro, 56 – Final

Franklin, 89 @ Attleboro, 11 – Final 

– Franklin swept all nine points (first three spots) in five events on its way to a big win over Attleboro. Jillian Fenerty won a pair of races, taking first in both the 55M dash and the 300M, the latter a complete sweep with Sophia Cuneo and Alexandrea Pond taking second and third, respectively. Franklin also swept the 1000M led by Allison Powderly’s first place finish, the 2 Mile highlighted by Colleen Golden’s win, the shot put with Darby Nicholson taking first, and the high jump with Ava Fraulo winning with a leap of 5-02.00. Attleboro’s Jahela Douglas took first in the long jump at 14-08.00.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-10-22/

Results can be found online ->  https://live.harrierrace.com/meets/12217/events

FHS performance listing can be found in this PDF doc ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11J83so9Pve_FbpnvSzRRNgFTnIsSZb_C/view?usp=sharing

FHS Panthers

COVID Self Test Kits available for Franklin, MA residents

To answer the need of this pandemic period, Franklin resident KP Sompally is making volunteering his services to provide COVID SELF TEST KITS. He obtains the kits with the help of Telugu Association of North America (www.tana.org). 

KP will distribute the COVID SELF TEST KITS for the cost of $11 per test kit. 

Who is TANA and how are they involved?

• TANA is one of the oldest charitable organizations. They do selfless service for humanity. Providing these test kits is one service. The supply is obtained via TANA community network.

Is there any limit per request?

• yes either 1 or 2 test kits per request

Is there any delivery schedule?

• Since this is not a business just KP volunteer time, delivery would be after 5 PM and while supplies last. The delivery is restricted to Franklin, MA residential addresses.

How would I pay?

• cash OR Venmo

If any Franklin Resident need a COVID SELF TEST KIT call or text KP Sompally @ 724 726 1166 with your address.

COVID test kit image:

COVID test kit

KP’s Venmo account info 

KP’s Venmo account info

Updated: Andrew M Bissanti - Obituary link

Updated: to add obituary details/link

"Andrew Mario Bissanti, 64, of Franklin died peacefully January 7 at Milford Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Christina M. (Lombardi) Bissanti.

Direct link to Ginley Funeral Homes page -> https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/262044?fbclid=IwAR1Cn8MLtbkxV9UCrhw8yN03_nZX9XNAs9457-MQRXtoyqzxyl_qnbYR9zQ

PDF Copy -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11B5oansKbKq8mBZmEz-S3bQ1howYeuGV/view?usp=sharing

former Town Councilor Andy Bissanti at an EDC meeting in Feb 2021

Shared from the Franklin Observer -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/59450/andrew-mario-bissanti-64