Friday, August 7, 2020

Franklin Democratic Town Committee Calls to Franklin to Eliminate Systemic Racism

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee (FDTC) proudly supports the Black Lives Matter movement and its goals of dismantling systemic racism and ensuring equality for all, in Franklin, in our Commonwealth and across our nation. 

To achieve these ends, the FDTC is dedicated to working to eliminate the social and health care inequities that have resulted in disproportionate health risks, and the historic targeting and systemic violence against Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities by pursuing equal justice within our judicial system. This is not a political issue that should divide Franklin residents, but a required step in our never-ending efforts to perfect our democracy. 

The FDTC calls on all Franklin residents and community leaders to join in the hard work of achieving true social and racial justice in Franklin through the following action steps:

  1. Support the continued movement of the Franklin Police Department toward greater community policing and the hiring of officers of color and diverse gender.
  2. Call out and oppose any voter suppression attempts by elected officials or organized groups including efforts to suppress the vote of the poor or people of color within Franklin or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  3. We support the Town of Franklin in their continued efforts to hire a diverse professional staff and we stand by the Franklin PS in their efforts to create a diverse cultural curriculum.

We stand together in the words of Civil Rights activist, Congressman John Lewis:

“Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.”

Approved and endorsed by:

The elected and associate members of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, July 15, 2020

For more information contact the FDTC Co-Affirmative Action Officers: Joni Magee (AffirmativeActionOfficer@FranklinDemocrats.org)

Dave McNeill (AffirmativeAction@FranklinDemocrats.org)

 

www.FranklinDemocrats.org

High School Experience cancelled - Refund Processing defined

Via Twitter we share that the High School Experience scheduled for next week has been canceled due to the on-going development of plans to re-open schools. Something to replace next week's event is being planned for FHS incoming freshman. Stay tuned for further updates.
High School experience cancelled
High School Experience cancelled - Refund Processing defined

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter

You don't need a classroom to gain new skills


You don't need a classroom to gain new skills
Add caption
This is a great time to learn something new
& get ready for your future!
In partnership with Ed2Go, we offer online courses on a wide variety of topics. So take some time to gain business or personal skills from home.
New sessions begin August 12th OR many courses also have a self-paced option that you can start anytime.
We have a few suggestions below, or you can review the full array of career training and/or professional development courses using the links at the bottom of this email.
This series will help to prepare you for the SAT or ACT verbal and math sections. You'll become familiar with the exams and learn how to answer questions in the most time-efficient manner.
If you're planning to apply to graduate school, you'll likely have to take the GRE. This series is here to help!
Create an effective resume or improve the one you already have. Transform your resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. Learn different resume formats and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Want to Learn Something Else?


Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038
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Board of Health Recap: - Weds, Aug 5, 2020


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0805

  • Real time reporting underway for the Board of Health meeting. #boh0805
  • Cathleen Liberty spending at least 6 hours per week on the school re-opening process providing guidance from the health perspective. #boh0805
  • EDS drive through discussion, plan sounding good, process handbook best seen thus far, logistics to be worked; include Senior Center and Housing Auth in planning for this flu clinic. #boh0805
  • Arbovirus report, DPH reports first human EEE case in Plymouth County, individual has recovered. Norfolk County mosquito control webpage has info on testing process. #boh0805 all applications now online for permits via ToF page
  • BOH members sharing kudos for Cathleen, Ginny and Tyler for their efforts on everything along with COVID-19 #boh0805 intern generated survey, initial results showed depression widespread among Community. New survey got over 800 responses, not related to school process
  • Food inspections found 3 problems, resulted in one establishment getting closed down (name not revealed - assumed a quick turn on issue) #boh0805 safe celebration document to be shared. 2 businesses were notified by MA DLS for non-compliance with COVID-19 violation
  • Calls on RI about their status change per MA change, work exemption applies should be only point to point and not for recreational purposes. DPH will send spreadsheet to BoH for tracking on quarantine #boh0805 next meeting, Weds Sep 2. No citizen comments/questions
  • Motion to adjourn, approved. Meeting ends. Catch you all next time #boh0805

The agenda for this meeting can be found

Board of Health Recap: - Weds, Aug 5, 2020
Board of Health Recap: - Weds, Aug 5, 2020

Franklin Food Pantry has updated their Amazon wish list

"We've updated our Amazon Wish list and would appreciate any item you could donate it from it. Thank you!"

For information on the Franklin Food Pantry visit them online at
Franklin Food Pantry has updated their Amazon wish list
Franklin Food Pantry has updated their Amazon wish list

In the News: "Candidates for Kennedy’s seat advocate views on voting, racial justice, COVID-19"

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

If one of the nine Democrats running for the state’s 4th Congressional District seat wins, voting rights, the environment, racial justice and tackling COVID-19 will be top priorities during his or her first term.

All 11 candidates vying for office, including two Republicans, discussed their experience and goals during the Aug. 5 League of Women Voters’ virtual forum. Questions came from league members and the public ahead of time.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200806/candidates-for-kennedys-seat-advocate-views-on-voting-racial-justice-covid-19?rssfeed=true

In the News: "July tax haul plugs some of state’s fiscal ’20 deficit"

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

"Massachusetts recorded $4.456 billion in tax collections in July, with just more than half of that money being counted toward the budget year that ended June 30 about $3 billion short of expectations.

The Department of Revenue said about $2.293 billion, or roughly 51% of July’s collections, came from income tax payments and refunds originally due in fiscal 2020 but received in the first month of fiscal 2021 because the Legislature and governor extended filing deadlines due to the pandemic.

About $2.163 billion in July revenue will be counted toward fiscal 2021, including an estimated $50 million in corporate and business taxes that were deferred from the spring when state waived penalties for late filing and payment, the DOR said. Once the numbers are adjusted for tax deferrals, tax collections last month were about $88 million or 4.3% higher than the equivalent tax collections in July 2019, the DOR said.

“July total collections were also boosted by corporate and business tax payments attributable to returns due in April, which will be recorded as FY21 revenue, following the waiver of late filing and payment penalties in connection with such returns,” Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said. “Sales and use tax revenue also increased as compared to the same period in 2019, despite the deferral of certain regular sales, meals, and room tax payments from FY2020 to FY2021, which are due in September.”

 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200806/july-tax-haul-plugs-some-of-states-fiscal-20-deficit?rssfeed=true


Thursday, August 6, 2020

FM #324 Memory Cafe Music Session - 7/27/20 (audio)

FM #324 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 324 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin Senior Center “Memory Cafe” music session held on Monday, July 27, 2020. Ariel Doggett introduces Ray Valente who plays some toe-tapping music. He introduces each song with an anecdote or bit of interest about the song.


While everyone was muted during the concert, there was plenty of singing and dancing. At the end, Ariel took the mute off so all could thank Ray with a round of well deserved applause.


The concert runs just about 60 minutes, so let’s listen to Ray Valente play his music.


Listen here - (audio file) = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVSJyR8K

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Franklin (MA) Senior Center
Franklin (MA) Senior Center

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Diane Blue - Aug 8

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Diane Blue as an outdoor concert in the theater's parking lot. Sponsored by Dean Bank.

Boston's DIANE BLUE is a “multi-talented performer who’s equally at home belting out a blues standard or cutting loose with a ferocious harmonica solo.” (Bill Van Siclen, Providence Journal). Her performances are captivating, charismatic and heartfelt, whether fronting her own world-class band or singing alongside master Bluesman Ronnie Earl. Ms. Blue is the first female member of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, prominently featured on the band’s most recent six celebrated records, including co-writing credits. When Diane is not performing with Ronnie Earl, she leads her own all-star band of extraordinary musicians.

Diane’s reputation as a sensational entertainer has led her all over the United States and tours of Europe where audiences enjoy her traditional and original songs alike. A multi-nominated and award-winning artist, she competed at the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Diane has shared the stage with many greats including Muddy Waters’ guitarist Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, Irma Thomas, Toni Lynn Washington and the late Big Jack Johnson of Clarksdale, Mississippi who called Diane a “monster on the harp.”

Diane Blue’s latest solo record, Look for the Light (Released 12 October 2019 on Regina Royale Records), made its debut at #10 on the Living Blues Radio Chart and climbed to #8. The album also charted on the international Roots Music Report Top 50 Contemporary Blues Albums of the Year 2019. Produced by Lorne Entress, the album includes six original songs and four cover songs, and features special guest guitarist Ronnie Earl (courtesy of Stony Plain Records), backed by some of Boston’s top musicians (Dave Limina, Chris Vitarello, Brooks Millgate, Jesse Williams, Lorne Entress, Kevin Barry).

Saturday August 8, 2020 - 8:00 PM
  • For more info and tickets, visit THE BLACK BOX online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1392&month=08&year=2020


  • What does the outdoor seating look like? Check out this aerial view

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/the-black-box-outdoor-concert-setting.html

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Diane Blue - Aug 8
THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Diane Blue - Aug 8

Franklin Public Schools: Family Reopening Webinar available for replay

"Good morning,

Due to the widespread power outages, the Family Webinar scheduled for 7:30 AM this morning (Weds) will not occur as scheduled. We will assess the situation to determine if it can be postponed in a timely manner. The recording from last night's session (which contains all the same information as was planned for today) is available to view and can be accessed at the following link for those who wish to view it: "

Topic: Family Reopening Webinar #2
Start Time : Aug 4, 2020 05:55 PM

Franklin Public Schools: Family Reopening Webinar available for replay
Franklin Public Schools: Family Reopening Webinar available for replay

Presentation copy: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1u0AEgJeeT2_MJxB5D-NLI1rcrxgB73ymGd6KWaGIR-g/edit?usp=drivesdk

School Committee Reopening Site Inspections - Aug 7

School Committee Reopening Site Inspections

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)


“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

 

9:00 AM          Call to Order

Inspection of Davis Thayer Elementary School Inspection of Annie Sullivan Middle School Discussion

12:00 PM        Adjourn

Read full agenda online at Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-7-20_site_inspection.pdf

Davis Thayer Elementary School
Davis Thayer Elementary School


In the News: "Breakfast After the Bell" signed by Gov Baker

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

A new law will require public schools with large populations of low-income students to provide breakfast after the school day begins in an effort to address childhood hunger and give all students a chance to succeed in school.

The so-called “Breakfast After the Bell” bill was signed Tuesday by Gov. Charlie Baker. The governor also signed a resolve to erect a memorial in the House chamber containing the text of the speech Martin Luther King Jr. delivered on April 22, 1965 to a joint assembly of the House and Senate.

The breakfast bill championed by state Sen. Sal DiDomenico, D-Everett, and others would require schools with 60% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price meals to offer breakfast after the instructional day begins.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout has disproportionately impacted poorer communities and communities of color – communities that experience the greatest gap between what support is needed and the support they receive. Breakfast After the Bell will break down barriers to accessing food, which perpetuates the achievement gap, and help us move to a more equitable public education system, one in which all students get the nutrition they need to succeed,” said Catherine D’Amato, CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200805/baker-signs-school-breakfast-mlk-memorial-bills?rssfeed=true

The legislation itself  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4218