In the News: "Student Opportunity Act funding in question"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Pushed by Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in November, the $1.4 billion Student Opportunity Act aims to invest in students who have been left behind, such as those with disabilities or limited English skills. It implements the recommendations of a state commission, which reported in 2015 that the state’s outdated school funding formula, known as the foundation budget, underestimates the cost of education by $1 billion annually.

The injection of new cash from the state is meant to begin next fiscal year, which begins July 1. It was included in Baker’s FY2021 $44.6 billion budget, which was based on the projection that the state would collect an estimated $31.15 billion in tax revenue during fiscal 2021.

But economic activity has halted in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Nonessential businesses have shut down and residents are staying home to adhere to physical distancing guidelines.

As a result, financial experts expect state revenues will fall."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200412/student-opportunity-act-funding-in-question-coronavirus-pandemic-slows-state-revenues

State revenues are likely to fall, driven by the same circumstances on the local level Franklin's revenues are likely to fall as well. How much is still too early to say. Assuming the 4th quarter of Fiscal Year 2020 sees the dip, the current year budget will need looking at. The revenue forecast for FY 2021 is already in jeopardy as stated by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in the most recent interview.  (4/10/20(  https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Update-from-Town-Administrator-Jamie-Hellen-eclf6n

Getting back to the school budget, the Franklin School Committee holds their budget hearing Tuesday with a remote meeting. The budget presentation and related documents were shared here on Sunday.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

Presentation Link =
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/fps-fy-2021-budget-hearing-presentation-20200414 

All the documents released for this budget hearing can be found online https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

Links I would bring attention to

• Executive Summary  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/2-exec-summary
• Budget presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/open-hearing-presentation
• Overview A  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/6-overviewa
• Overview B  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/6-overviewb

Franklin, MA:: School Committee Agenda & Budget Hearing April 14, 2020

 

In the News: "Towns shutter playgrounds, recreation areas"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

“It’s one of the hardest things I have had to do yet,” Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said last week regarding the closure of the town’s recreational areas, “especially for someone like me who is an avid outdoorsman, and loves sports and being outside.

“It’s toughest on the kids and families who all want to be outside utilizing our playgrounds and school grounds,” he wrote via email.

In Franklin, closures have included not only playgrounds and school grounds, but also Chilson Beach at Beaver Pond and the Beaver Pond field. The state forest land, though, is still open at this time, as is the Southern New England Trunkline Trail that passes on into Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge, Douglas and beyond.

“As for town forests, we have kept those open and have actually set up a new site with a challenge and used trails and walks as a way to help give people something to do and look forward to doing with the whole family,” Hellen noted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200412/towns-shutter-playgrounds-recreation-areas


Related post on outdoor trails in Franklin
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/enter-town-of-franklin-trails-walking.html

Interview with Rec Director Ryan Jette
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-239-recreation-dept-director-ryan.html

This section of the SNETT trail you can get to from the Lake St parking area

Check out the FHS Robotics channel on YouTube!

"Check out the Franklin High School Robotics Channel! Don't forget to like and subscribe!" https://youtu.be/rPoDlmAN41M



Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHSRobotics3/status/1249056287708643329?s=09


–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 
Website: https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fhsrobotics/home 
Email: fhsrobotics99@gmail.com 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSRobotics3

"Five months on, what scientists now know about the coronavirus"

From The Guardian, a good overview of what we know so far about the novel coronavirus called COVID-19

"Coronaviruses have been causing problems for humanity for a long time. Several versions are known to trigger common colds and more recently two types have set off outbreaks of deadly illnesses: severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers).

But their impact has been mild compared with the global havoc unleashed by the coronavirus that is causing the Covid-19 pandemic. In only a few months it has triggered lockdowns in dozens of nations and claimed more than 100,000 lives. And the disease continues to spread.

That is an extraordinary achievement for a spiky ball of genetic material coated in fatty chemicals called lipids, and which measures 80 billionths of a metre in diameter. Humanity has been brought low by a very humble assailant.

On the other hand, our knowledge about the Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is also remarkable. This was an organism unknown to science five months ago. Today it is the subject of study on an unprecedented scale. Vaccines projects proliferate, antiviral drug trials have been launched and new diagnostic tests are appearing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/12/five-months-on-what-scientists-now-know-about-the-coronavirus

A model of a betacoronavirus, the virus linked to Covid-19.Photograph: NEXU Science Communication/Reuters

"In the absence of federal direction, Massachusetts last week unveiled a plan to begin building a contact tracing army"

From the Washington Post, an article on the plan coming together in the absence of one being put together by the Federal government. The MA effort to perform extensive contact tracing is referenced.

"A national plan to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the United States and return Americans to jobs and classrooms is emerging — but not from the White House.

Instead, a collection of governors, former government officials, disease specialists and nonprofits are pursuing a strategy that relies on the three pillars of disease control: Ramp up testing to identify people who are infected. Find everyone they interact with by deploying contact tracing on a scale America has never attempted before. And focus restrictions more narrowly on the infected and their contacts so the rest of society doesn’t have to stay in permanent lockdown.

But there is no evidence yet the White House will pursue such a strategy.

Instead, the president and his top advisers have fixated almost exclusively on plans to reopen the U.S. economy by the end of the month, though they haven’t detailed how they will do so without triggering another outbreak. President Trump has been especially focused on creating a second coronavirus task force aimed at combating the economic ramifications of the virus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/10/contact-tracing-coronavirus-strategy/

In some countries, the use of mobile apps to help monitor and manage the virus are being used. This is possible for the US, but would require an approach to protect privacy and personal information data more than US companies currently provide for, or some US citizens feel comfortable with.

Commuters wearing masks in Singapore, where authorities have used digital tools to combat the coronavirus. (Catherine Lai/AFP)

"There is a crack in everything / That's how the light gets in"

The tweet contained this quote which caught my attention:

Vulnerability isn't generally the mode that is most welcome in this world, and even people who say they love Leonard Cohen's line, "There is a crack in everything / That's how the light gets in," tend to spend most of their time furiously hiding their own cracks from public display.

https://twitter.com/elamin88/status/1248989058195488770?s=19

So I followed the link to the article to begin reading:

Our apartment window has become a television screen, and we’ve started to name the people we can see when we look out of it, as if they’re characters in a new and still-captivating show. There’s Bruce Wayne, and the Lady with the Floofy Cats, and – dearest to my heart – Shouty French Dad. SFD appears to have approximately 10 children, all of them boys, all of them requiring cheetah levels of exercise every day.

A couple of months ago, in the before-time, I used to roll my eyes at SFD when I heard him yelling at his many children in multiple languages (it did not occur to me, until this moment, that he could probably hear me screaming at my own). Now that’s all changed. He’s still shouty, but I recognize what a good dad he is, as he ties the shoes of the little ones with ragged patience, and plays soccer with the older ones after they leave the apartment for their one hour of prison-yard exercise.

He’s doing the best he can. Or maybe he’s secretly sinking. It’s hard to judge, since the great pandemic see-saw is no respecter of emotional equilibrium. It might see you coping one day, and sobbing in the bathroom behind a locked door the next. What everyone does feel, it seems to me, is raw. Raw and human and fallible, open to the possibilities of catastrophe and grace, all at once.

Continue reading the article online
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-nothing-will-be-perfect-again-and-thats-just-fine/

ILLUSTRATION BY HANNA BARCZYK

Recent Franklin Matters Radio shows

Recent Franklin Matters Radio shows, or podcasts.... from April 1 to April 11. This is a listing from Google Podcasts.You can also find this show on iTunes and other podcast apps.   https://podcasts.google.com/?q=franklin%20matters

 

You can also find some of the shows on wfpr.fm

Available episodes



2 days ago

FM #244 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen "Talks Franklin"

FM #244 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 244 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator and Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communication Specialist. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. Given the dynamic changes we are seeing during this pandemic period, we are shifting this call and show format to a weekly schedule. We talked about the decision to follow the DPH guidelines and not to report COVID-19 locally. The Town is reporting through the proper channels and the State DPH reports on the overall total and at the County level but not locally. We get into some of the pros and cons of this discussion item. We talk about the Beaver St recycling center that after being open for yard waste only on Easter weekend is returning to a ‘closed’ status at least until May 4. Other topics include participation in local or at least area blood drives, the School Committee has a meeting Tuesday, and the Town Council has their next session scheduled for a virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 15. Among the topics on the agenda are the Community Preservation Act, a public hearing on another in the series of plot line clean ups, the discussion on the solid waste fee increase proposed for July 1, 2020. The full agenda and documents for the Town Council meeting are linked to in the show notes. The recording runs about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Ann Marie. -------------- 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"

47 min

3 days ago

FM #243 Board of Health -Virtual Mtg 4/08/20

FM #243 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 243 in the series. This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) Board of Health meeting which was conducted virtually for the first time. One member had some audio difficulty at the beginning of the call so he hand signaled and chatted until he resolved his audio problem. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting held virtually on Wednesday, April 8. -------------- I was using Twitter to capture my notes during the meeting. The twitter results can be found https://twitter.com/search?q=%23boh0408&src=typeahead_click 1 - Real time reporting: Board of Health's first virtual meeting under this pandemic period. #BoH0408 it is a struggle as things are changing daily, fear among residents seems to be subsiding, dealing with other queries re: companies/businesses on closures, etc. 2 - Many business calls related to essential and non-essential status, esp with listing changes. #BoH0408 on positive side, volunteers through new MA program in planning; couple 2 focus on local hotels re: hosting first responders needing to self quarantine 3 - a number is not going to make the presence more real, releasing at County level makes sense; DPH doesn't release those #s for contagious diseases; need to mindful of those with the disease; testing is not end all be all #BoH0408 4 - respect that folks are upset with that decision but it won't change #BoH0408 5 - Title V inspections being kept up, use of an interim transfer point for doc handling (i.e Title V plans) working well #BoH0408 contractor is taking precautions and continuing inspections for Title V 6 - direct contact = within 6' for more than 15 minutes; if someone identified, then those individuals who do let us know who those are, we do make (or at least attempt to) contact - use of DPH MAVEN program for tracking #BoH0408 7 - some of the prior mentioned volunteers will help nurse do the contact tracing as identified and needed; effort being coordinated on a 'regional' basis to help with efficiencies #BoH0408 8 - food code was designed pre-COVID-19 to prevent spread of disease; restaurants should be following those anyway; they are checked 2x year as usual; as something comes up, we'll check. #BoH0408 9 - Board Of Health meeting ends; Chair had disconnected just prior, couldn't get back, other members picked up and closed logically and formally. Audio recording to be available later #BoH0408 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"

34 min

4 days ago

FM #241 - Superintendent Sara Ahern - Remote Learning Phase

FM #241 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 241 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 Phase 2 of the remote learning being implemented this week. We review how this new learning mode is not optimal but the best we can do under the circumstances. Feedback on the implementation will be looked for after giving it some time to happen. On the business front, the FY 2021 budget discussions resume next week with a virtual School Committee meeting. The recording runs about 15 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara and hear about what is happening with “Keeping Learning Alive” for the Franklin Public Schools. -------------- As you hear during our discussion, there were updates made to the COVID-19 Portal page for the School District. As I checked the page preparing for this to be posted, the 9-box layout I mentioned has expanded to be 12 boxes. https://www.franklinps.net/district/pages/franklin-public-schools-covid-19-closure-information-portal 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"

18 min

5 days ago

FM_#242- Sgt Brian Johnson - Check On Your Neighbors

FM #242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 242 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Police Sgt Brian Johnson. Sgt Johnson is the Public Information Officer for the Police Dept and we had a great conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. Can you have a conversation about the Franklin Police Dept and not discuss their four-legged star? Listen and hear how we had plenty to talk about; how the FPD is responding during this pandemic, how some personnel assignments have been juggled, how they can find time to help celebrate a birthday, and then the call to action to check on our neighbors (to see how they are faring in this period). The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sgt Johnson and hear about what is happening on the front lines with the Franklin Police Dept. -------------- Police Dept page = https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department Police Dept Twitter account = https://twitter.com/franklinpolice Police Dept Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Police-Department-162770995915/?fref=ts 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"

31 min

5 days ago

FM #239 Recreation Dept Director, Ryan Jette

FM #239 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 239 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Recreation Department Director Ryan Jette. We had this conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. We talk about the Recreation activities underway, those being planned/and or rescheduled as needed in these times. Stay tuned for a new date for Earth Day, hopefully we’ll get a date when we can be out and about. We also hear about a couple of construction projects that are on hold right now. You’ll hear about the work at Fletcher Field for the new street hockey and basketball court and with the safety netting at the high school ball fields. This recording runs about 18 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Ryan and see what the Recreation Dept will have in store for us post-pandemic. -------------- Rec Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/ Rec twitter account https://twitter.com/FranklinRec 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 app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

20 min

6 days ago

FM_#240 TA Jamie Hellen - Town business during pandemic

FM #240 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 240 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator and Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communication Specialist. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. We talk about the revised budget schedule and how the economic planning is fluid given the pandemic, how business is continuing although remotely, and highlight activities by the Library and Recreation Dept. We talk about remote meetings for the Planning Board, Board of Health, and others that are on the schedule. The show notes include links to the web pages Anne Marie references. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. -------------- The Franklin Town budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/ The Town and School social media accounts https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/social-media-center The current News and Alerts is where to find the daily MEMA update mentioned https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/current-news-and-alerts 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"

43 min

6 days ago

FM #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic

FM #238 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 238 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Kristin Letendre, Health and PE Director for the Franklin Public School district as well as a teacher at FHS. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. We talk about her work on the School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC), on the Social Emotional Learning Committee, and importantly about keeping learning alive with her approach to mindfulness and a daily practice shared via Twitter. This recording runs about 20 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Kristin and hear how a mindful approach can really provide help for us to be present during these challenging days. -------------- The Twitter account for FPS Health PE = https://twitter.com/FPSHealthPE The Social Emotional Learning Committee has created this SEL page with resources and a monthly focus https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/sel/home Resources shared by Kristin as mentioned during our conversation: Mindfulness Calm.com - Website including daily calms, body scans, and other mindful practices Headspace - App for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life Breathe - App designed to help people stop, breathe, think Insight Timer - App for sleep, anxiety and stress Stop Stress in its Tracks - American Heart Association Loving Kindness Meditation - American Heart Association Mindful Eating Article Drawing Your Breath Activity Mindfulness Based Art Activitiesand Resources for Children and Parents Mindful Online Learning ** Mindfulness Book Recommendations Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration by Meera Lee Patel Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization by Meera Lee Patel The Little Book of Mindfulness by Dr. Patrizia Collard Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day by Jennie Marie Battistin Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are by Aimee Chase Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in Everyday by Matthew Sockolov Choose The Life You Want: The Mindful Way to Happiness by Tal Ben-Shahar, PHD 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"

22 min

7 days ago

FM_#236 Karen Alves - 4/03/20

FM #236 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 236 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Karen Alves, Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. We talk about food services, “Meals on Wheels” can use volunteers, GATRA’s “Dial-a-Ride” has waived fees for seniors, the 50+ networking group is going virtual, an Earth Day lecture was recorded and the video will be posted to the Senior Center page on Apr 22. Additional details on topics of our conversation can be found in the April issue of “The Franklin Connection” newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/apr20connection_-_copy_1.pdf Two quick updates to add to our conversation that Karen realized we missed discussing: - For reassurance calls: "The Senior Center staff offers a weekly reassurance call for those who would like to receive one. Please call the Center at 508 520-4945 and leave a message." - For the mental health clinician: "A mental health clinician is available by telephone for elders needing assistance. Please call Gail at: (774) 307-3524 or (508) 657-2791." This program is available through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This conversation runs about 20 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Karen and hear what the Senior Center is doing during this pandemic period. -------------- Tri-Valley, Inc delivering “Meals on Wheels” can use volunteers, please contact Gail Hamilton by calling 508-520-1422 Franklin Senior Center = https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc and specific updates for this pandemic period https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/senior-center-resources-and-support The April issue of “The Franklin Connection” newsletter. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/apr20connection_-_copy_1.pdf 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"

23 min

Apr 6, 2020

FM #237 Jamie Barrett - "Sisu Ubuntu"

FM #237 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 237 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Barrett, Franklin teacher and singer/songwriter. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. We jump right into the making of “Sisu Ubuntu”, his new song, collaborated on with over 100 word suggestions, and as we find out, it came together once he picked up his guitar to work on the music to frame the lyrics. We also talk about TuNesDay and his “Wake up with Mr Barrett” Live concert that he performs on Tuesday mornings at 8 AM. We also raise another challenge for Franklinites to help Jamie get more than 2,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. He really needs 1,000 but we believe Franklin can do better than that, so let’s go for 2,000. This recording runs about 15 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Jamie and get some insights into the creative process for this teacher and singer/songwriter. -------------- If you haven't heard it, you can listen to the “Sisu Ubuntu” song here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVP2eDzQGnQ Please subscribe to Jamie’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiitAGAChXLE-lzyzPxauhg 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"

18 min

Apr 3, 2020

FM #235 United Regional Chamber's Jack Lank 4/1/20

FM #235 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 235 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jack Lank, President of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. We had this conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. Jack is in the middle of a number of things trying to help his business community as they navigate the restrictions and changing requirements of this pandemic. They have canceled their in person events and are shifting as much as they can to virtual events and the use of social media tools to help spread good information. We talk about the reach of the current United Regional Chamber and some of their initiatives like: their Facebook page to “Rally ‘round the Restaurants”, a virtual ‘Alive After 5” networking event and a recharged Young Professionals Organization (YPO). YPO is something we’ll likely hear more of as it is a business networking group for the 20-30-40 something crowd. This conversation runs about 22 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Jack and see what we can do to help businesses during this time -------------- Find the “Rally ‘round the Restaurants” page on Facebook and share your update for a restaurant https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634 Find the United Regional page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/ Find the Young Professionals Organization (YPO) on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegionalYoungProfessionals/ 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"

25 min

Apr 2, 2020

FM #234 Fire Chief J Mclaughlin - LRoy 3/31/20

FM #234 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 234 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Fire Chief James McLaughlin and Firefighter/paramedic Laurie Roy. Laurie serves the Fire Dept as the Infection Control Officer. This was conducted via conference bridge to help maintain ‘social distance’ during this pandemic period. Chief McLaughlin shares the modifications taken by the Fire Dept in order to continue to serve the community in responding to 911 calls. The firefighters are taking extra precautions as they respond to the call to minimize exposure on both sides and help prevent any spread of COVID-19. This conversation runs about 12 minutes, so settle in and listen to my conversation with Chief McLaughlin and Firefighter Roy. -------------- Link to Franklin Fire Dept letter 3/30/20 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_letter_-_ffd.pdf Link to Town of Franklin Coronavirus Update Portal https:…

14 min

Apr 1, 2020

FM #233 Fire Chief McLaughlin 03/04/20

FM #233 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 233 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Fire Chief James McLaughlin. We had managed to meet in person to record this at the Franklin studio on March 4 and while we did briefly discuss coronavirus this was ‘back in the old times’ before the COVID-19 pandemic. While this recording almost got ‘lost in the mix’ of the pandemic, most of what we covered is as valid today as when we recorded it. A few of the time references may change due to our new circumstances. The Fire Dept did successfully host their St Patrick’s meal at the Senior Center on Friday, March 6. The one scheduled for Friday, March 13 was canceled as we entered shutdown mode. Chief McLaughlin shares the story of his work and how the road led him from Warwick, RI to Franklin. He was appointed in June 2019 and in the course of our discussion talks about his first several months on the job. We will schedule…

43 min

Special Easter fun from the Franklin Police Dept

Thanks to the Franklin Police Dept for a little fun to share today!

checking in

vehicle check

ready to roll