| We are excited to offer a wide range of programming including interactive workshops [3 options offered], follow-up networking sessions, 1-1 speed coaching, exciting guest speakers and panel events. February is packed with programming! Mark your calendar! Be sure to visit our website 50plusjobseekers.org for additional details. Interactive Workshop Series: Learn new Job Search Skills and Strategies
G2G Networking Sessions: Session Recap-Homework-Networking-Open Forum Q&A
Special Events Series: Guest Speakers and Panel Events
If you are registered with the 50+ program, you will receive a URL to join the events. Not registered? Register at our website 50plusjobseekers.org Thanks, Ed Lawrence * 50+ Program - Group Leader * Resume-writer for the Framingham Public Library * Principal coach - www.getstart-ed.com
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Sunday, January 31, 2021
50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events
Two FHS Art award announcements and one FHS Honor Society announcement
Via Brenna Johnson:
"I am excited to share that Morgan Towne, a student in Ceramics II has won a Gold Key from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Program for this amazing teapot. Congratulations Morgan! I am so proud of you! @artandwriting @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook
And FHS has three Honorable Mentions from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards including Emily Cesa, ceramic teapot; Elizabeth Tang, acrylic painting; and Elaine Pu, mix media self-portrait. WOW. Congratulations! #artmatters @artandwriting @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS
Finally, the National Art Honors Society painted the library windows on Thursday to spread love, friendship, diversity, inclusion, and NOT germs for the month of February. Just Amazing! What a GREAT week for FHS ART! @HonorsArt @AmyEdson @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS #artmatters "
Franklin Art Association: Christine Toubeau featured at Feb 3, 2021 meeting
Join us at the next monthly Franklin Art Association meeting. Yes, our regular monthly get-together will take place this coming Wednesday, February 3 at 6:30 PM, as usual, via Zoom. The Zoom link is below.
Following an informal virtual social gathering from 6:30-7:00, we have an exciting program to share, a viewing of a Franklin TV Cable retrospective on the work of painter Christine Toubeau.
"Toubeau, a member of the FAA, is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art, earning her MFA from U Mass, Amherst in 2004. She has worked as a fashion illustrator, free-lance graphic illustrator, art teacher at both Tri-County’s Graphic Arts Shop and Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls. She has had her own wall mural painting business here in Franklin for several years.Franklin Art Association is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Toubeau’s original, acrylic, paintings deal with the theme of the interaction of humans with futuristic technology. She currently has an exhibit of her acrylic paintings on view at the First Universalist Society Church in Franklin. Franklin TV cameraman Chris Flynn, in collaboration with Toubeau, combined footage of that exhibit with additional images taken from her larger body of work, including paintings featured in a 2010 solo art show at UMass entitled “The Robot Next Door” to produce the film to be shown at the FAA meeting. During the show, she will also illustrate her approach to working with large, four foot canvases as well as a painting with acrylics demonstration from her home studio."
Topic: FAA Monthly Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82181910922?pwd=ME9aTGtvRVJFVlg2aDBlMllVT1ZZdz09
Meeting ID: 821 8191 0922
Passcode: 229622
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| Franklin Art Association: Christine Toubeau featured at Feb 3, 2021 meeting |
February 2021 VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - Feb 3
February 2021 VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social
We hope you will join us!
Hello Veterans!
We hope you are staying healthy and managing to keep active during this cold weather spell. The good news is…the days are getting longer (sunset is at 4:51 pm today!) so SPRING must be right around the corner!
February has crept up on us so it's time for our monthly VIRTUAL Coffee Social. Please join us on Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 hours for conversation and updates. As always, all veterans are welcome so feel free to pass this invitation along to others who may not be on our email list.
If you have not participated in a Zoom call yet, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your device before joining us.
Here is the log-in information for the February 3, 2021 meeting only:
- Join Zoom via URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87924233395
- Call in number: 1-929-205-6099
- Enter Meeting ID: 879 2423 3395
For more information, contact the Veterans' Services Office at: (508) 613-1315.
We look forward to seeing you at the February VIRTUAL Coffee Social!
Shared from the Town of Franklin page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/february-2021-virtual-coffee-social
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/february-2021-virtual-coffee-social
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| February 2021 VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - Feb 3 |
FTC Marks Identity Theft Awareness Week with Events to Help Consumers Identify Risks of Identity Theft During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Federal Trade Commission is launching Identity Theft Awareness Week, February 1-5, 2021, with a series of events to highlight steps consumers can take to help reduce their risk of identity theft and recover if identity theft occurs.
Identity theft happens when someone steals personal information about you such as your Social Security number or credit card information, and uses it to commit fraud. Reports about any type of identity theft topped the list of consumer complaints(link is external) submitted to the FTC through the third quarter of 2020.
As part of Identity Theft Awareness Week, the FTC will participate in webinars and other events to highlight what you can do to protect your personal information, red-flag warning signs of possible identity theft, and steps to take if identity theft happens to you.
Events include a webinar on Monday, February 1, with Identity Theft Resource Center and FTC experts discussing identity theft during the pandemic, and a Facebook Live discussion on Thursday, February 4, hosted by the AARP Fraud Watch Network, focused on COVID-19-related identity theft, current trends, and ways to protect yourself.
You can find the full list of events at ftc.gov/IDtheftweek, along with details on how to participate and tips on how to reduce the risk of identity theft.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Like the FTC on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/federaltradecommission), follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/FTC), get consumer alerts, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.
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| FTC Marks Identity Theft Awareness Week |
"Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio)
From January 20, 1961 wise words show the work still needs to be done:
"So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.President John F Kennedy's first Inaugural Address can be found (text and audio)
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms--and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah--to "undo the heavy burdens . . . (and) let the oppressed go free."
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.
All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."
The last episode in the "It Was Said" podcast gets into the context for this inaugural address. Well worth the 34 minutes to listen to:
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| "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country" (audio) |
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Franklin Historical Museum: new exhibit "Women in Franklin"
"We are excited to announce that our new exhibit, Women in Franklin, is now on display! Come visit the Museum on Sundays from 1-4 PM and learn about some of the amazing women who have devoted their lives to the Town!"
Shared from Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/p/CKoh7djhGK4/?igshid=150cw4plisusq
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| Franklin Historical Museum: new exhibit "Women in Franklin" |
Town of Franklin: Vaccination Information and COVID-19 Data
Vaccination Information and COVID-19 Data
Go direct to the Portal
Rep Jeff Roy: COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Rep Jeff Roy writes:
"Just finished a meeting with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and here is the latest info on the vaccine rollout:
Beginning February 1st, residents age 75 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. Appointments became available yesterday for online booking at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. Right now and until more vaccines are readily available, there is a very high demand for a limited number of appointments through the online platform.
Early next week the website will be revised and simplified and they will also offer a telephone number to schedule appointments. And they will continue to add sites and expect to increase capacity to 305,000 doses each week by mid-February. The current allocation from the federal government is 86,000 doses per week, so we are hoping for a larger allocation to match our capacity."
Continue reading the update online
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| Rep Jeff Roy: COVID-19 Vaccine Update |
Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee to recommend closure of building to full School Committee
Quick Recap:
- Review of the 5 options as discussed at the meeting last week. Committee should have had time since then to review and prepare, final questions, clarifications asked of each option as they went through each one
- The three members got to outline their background and approach to decision and what the factors were for them; Superintendent and Business Administrator also asked for their views
- Consensus across the group for recommending to close in September, acting now to start planning for a good transition. Recognizing not an easy decision to close, or even in the pandemic period, but it is the best for the students across the district
- Next meeting to work on the proposal and outline of decision factors for the full committee to decide at a future meeting (time TBD, could be as early as the Feb 9 meeting - stay tuned.)
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/71thcyJaDWXNoWqC7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/71thcyJaDWXNoWqC7
The audio recording of this meeting will be available soon
----
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 #DTFA0128
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23dtfa0128&src=typed_query
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23dtfa0128&src=typed_query
Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis = DTFA
- Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 28, 2021 about to begin at 6:00 PM Full agenda (including connection info) https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_1.28.21.docx.pdf
- #dtfa0128 getting ready for real time reporting of this meeting (what is the difference between ‘real time’ vs. live reporting’? Glad you asked - I did prepare an answer "Live" reporting is used when I am in the room. "Real time" is when I report via the live cable or internet feed. http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/07/note-of-distinction.html
- Meeting opens, minutes from prior meeting approved 3-0 via roll call. #dtfa0128
- Protocol and process for meeting reviewed, status of where they are in the process grounds the start #dtfa0128
- Recap of the 5 options under consideration, three shown here #dtfa0128
- #dtfa0128 graduation of about 150 more students than are entering the district that year, hence the enrollment decline. Study of 2013 had touted renovation costs of $23m and build new at $28m, clearly dated numbers but for reference. BTW approx. 60+ participate via zoom
- #dtfa0128 decision needed sooner than later for budget planning as well as planning for the transition to Keller. Moving boxes, changing bus routes, 'easy'; the soft and fuzzy stuff also done regularly, getting ahead of it can better ensure success of the transition
- #dtfa0128 schools are buildings but there is much more to the building too! Keller built with 5 classes/grade, plans show use of 4 per with some exception but middle school population declines and rooms from Annie Sullivan would be used to assist.
- Concern of new housing project to tax school population, not really, it is a phased project if it comes to fruition. (Numbers should already have been included in overall forecast). Capacity is not the issue at Keller. (Over capacity is what we are trying to solve) #dtfa0128
- #dtfa0128 there is a policy on attendance area, a request form is also available, serious consideration is done in case of an exception. Traffic issue? Keller used to have more students several years ago, so it has been seen before (as did Sullivan)
- #dtfa0128 could be a potential issue with staffing if kept open another year, not to say the existing staff is not dedicated, it is. But the longer the decision, the more uncertainty, the more likely a problem with staffing.
- #dtfa0128 if keeping open next year could some students/families now rather than later to avoid multiple transitions (K, VLA, etc. )? Would already cover this scenario in Option 4, hard to do for efficiency and cost perspectives esp if for a small #of students
- #dtfa0128 by staggering the transition, could also make the cultural adjustments more of a challenge; bus routes could get complicated with routes going to a street and students going two ways.
- K registration is ongoing, it usually is from Feb to May but do get movins over the summer, and after September starts. This year had increase in two schools in K and added staff accordingly. Q on siblings during staggering xfer, transportation would be a factor
- #dtfa0128 there are many options when you consider the permutations, need to reduce change and simply not increase complexity and increase expense. Option 5 close DT and redistrict. Summary was to look at the stand alone schools (Parmenter and Kennedy).
- SchComm needs to look at developing a master facilities plan, and down the road possibly look at redistrict. #dtfa0128 the master plan would likely begin after the DTFA work is done (at least decided).
- #dtfa0128 Judy for closure in Sep, provides brief history of Franklin roots including graduation from DT earlier in her life. MJ only in Franklin 31 years. SchComm 97-2007, and then re-elected 6 years ago, involved with youth soccer. "Compensated so well for it" (actually $0)
- #dtfa0128 the benefits are not financial. Making a good decision for the community. We simply can't afford it. Or fix it. 1st to close DT in Sep, 2nd to close and consider redistricting. Can't wait longer? Chair asked Superintendent and Business director for their (views) before her…
- #dtfa0128 other member objected, so Chair provides her analysis, get ready it will be long (her words) thru lens evaluated the options (will need to listen to the recording, not going to do justice to this)
- #dtfa0128 so bottom line, chair is on closing train for Sep.
- Superintendent, some facts are hard to overlook, decisions do need to be made, facts align support closure of DT, same footprint with 20% less students, an opportunity to invest in the kids of the district
- #dtfa0128 if decision made soon, we could make a thoughtful transition. We have a structural deficit to address and hard to avoid. Not an easy decision, difficult time in pandemic, but not any easier later.
- #dtfa0128 Goodman; accessibility, budgeting, facts are what others have referenced and I agree to close sooner than later to be most helpful for everyone. Chair to put together draft recommendations for review next meeting (Feb 3).
- #dtfa0128 reminder 7 people with 7 votes. Opening up for citizen comments. 1 optics on bullets and negativity apparent and from parent point of view most depressing. 2 question on staffing (raised from someone who hasn't heard the answer in prior meeting) oh and yes, staff …
- Would move as much as possible to support the students in the combined building. #dtfa0128 3 - kids haven't been in school for a normal day for a year. (Also answered in prior meeting; recordings available) 4 - to ask to close and pack up a building at this time?
- #dtfa0128 5 - so conflicted right now, agree with decision but things to be explored in depth to make this happen. Support may need to be increased to help the kids. 6 - a Keller parent says the community is welcoming 7 - we have little bandwidth, so how can it be a …
- Thoughtful transition? #dtfa0128 8 - could you consider keeping DT kids in their own classrooms to help the transition? 9 - came in from another school, not easy but it has moved on, interesting to see that none of the options kept DT open. Email to subcommittee an option
- #dtfa0128 motion to adjourn, second, passes via roll call 3-0,
- That's all for tonight, catch you next time!
Davis Thayer Facility Analysis SubCommittee
Jan 20, 2021 recap = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/schcomm-davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html (audio) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-442-davis-thayer-fa-subcomm-012021.html
Jan 14, 2021 recap = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis-sub.html (audio) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-438-schcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg.html
My meeting notes for sessions during 2020 can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html (scroll down to 2020 section)
The Davis Thayer Subcommittee page also has the link to send a question to the subcommittee
https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis
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| DTFA Subcommittee to recommend closure of building to full School Committee |
FHS gymnastics set a new team record in vs. Oliver Ames
From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:
Gymnastics = Oliver Ames, 137.3 @ Franklin, 145.5 – Final
– Franklin set a new team record with a total of 145.5 points in a win over visiting Oliver Ames. Junior Emma White won the All Around with a score of 38.35, highlighted by a spectacular 9.8 score on the bars. White added a 9.45 on the vault, a 9.5 on the beam, and a 9.6 on the floor. Kate Rudolph was second in the All Around with a career-best score of 36.8.
For other results around the Hockomock League
FHS Gymnastics Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1355358539640926208
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Jan 29, 2021
Hello Everyone!
Staying Connected
Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
Link to the Senior Center Calendar https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day
Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/
Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/
Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
COVID-19 and the vaccine
We know people are anxious for information about when and where they can get vaccinated.
Phase 2 of vaccine distribution begins on February 1st. On Wednesday, January 27th, individuals 75 or older can begin making appointments for dates February 1st or later.
Vaccination sites can be found by clicking on the map in the link below:
This is your best resource for vaccine information. The Senior Center unfortunately has no information on when individuals in our community will be able to get vaccinated or recommendations for how to get the vaccine.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-locations-for-individuals-in-phase-1
GOOD NEWS: The public clinics for 75+ went live Thursday. You can now access Phase II public clinics at Gillette and Fenway. https://www.maimmunizations.org/
Cyber Seniors
Franklin Matters talk with Norfolk County RSVP program Director, Robert Pierson, about "Cyber Seniors" and available free training - audio recording is 22 minutes long.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-439-norfolk-county-rsvp-011321-audio.html
Tips
Hawaii - A scenic journey with relaxing music - 60 Beautiful minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxcJtLbIhvs
Shaolin Qigong - 15 minute routine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2RAEnWreoE
Stretch and Dance Movements with Paul Eugene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCncBK720Z4
If you weren't able to attend this week's Estate Planning Event here is a link to the full MASSBAR Association 2020 Elder Law guide.
https://nselder.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020-elder-law-education-guide.pdf
Music
Beethoven: The man revealed with John Suchet (a podcast)
https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/episodes/7DrcM1K/
Victor Gama - Toha in concert - the Tower harp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V883gPZtO_Y&feature=emb_logo
Toha - Tower Harp, what exactly is it and about the design
http://www.instrmnts.com/toha-2/
Just for Fun
The world's most dangerous ways to school - (a film) And you thought telling your kids you walked "uphill both ways"was impressive. The dedication to education these children have is truly impressive!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0ZUJtwXyY4
Moments caught on camera you won't believe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUNfkY-KD4g
The redwood Forest an incredible and relaxing walk through the beauty of nature
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOEGIGx8rr4&t=1s
The coolest treehouses in the world!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjmqtMn4bsM
Humor
Jeanne Robertson - Lights, Camera, Action!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnaR-jcLKhI
How to play "Happy Birthday" like Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Bach and Mozart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaZveHbxAYs
Kindness Matters
22 inventions that are helping to save the earth - Kindness to the planet matters too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWFb-8hFutY
Upcoming Events
email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend zoom events unless noted otherwise.
*Monday Feb 1st at 11am - Book Club via zoom
*Monday Feb 1st at 1pm - Tele-Bingo Call the Senior Center to register- Phone in
*Tuesday Feb. 2nd at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour. Zoom
*Tuesday Feb. 2nd at 1pm -Low vision support group- email
mgunderson@franklinma.gov - phone call in
*Wed. Feb. 3rd at 1pm -Fireside Chat with the staff of the Franklin Senior Center
*Thursday Feb. 4th at 10am- Discussion Group - call to sign up 508-520-4945
*Thursday Feb. 4th at 1pm - Tele-Bingo call the Senior Center to sign up 508-520-4945
*Thursday Feb. 4th at 1pm - Franklin Historical Museum Tour with Jim Johnston via zoom -
If you missed this event last week you have a second chance to attend!
*Friday Feb. 5th at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of
socialization, games and gentle exercise. Zoom Event
Wednesday Feb. 3rd at 1pm - Fireside Chat with the staff of the Franklin Senior Center Hear what's on the schedule for February, Ask questions of the staff, provide input as to activities and events you would like to see or just catch up with us all. Call to sign up for this zoom event or email adoggett@franklinma.gov
Thursday Feb. 4th at 1pm - Franklin Historical Museum Tour - Take 2!
If you missed seeing the new exhibit at the Franklin Historical Tour with Jim Johnston last week here is your chance to see it! Tour the beautiful Parlour VIRTUALLY and learn about the rich history of the treasures inside. This is a zoom event.
Curbside Cafe' - Special week of Feb. 1-5 is Cheese Pizza and salad
Attached you will find Donna's fun filled activity pages!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fszGVt0jcTUuEre87_qI8DIdr4ebdhrX/view?usp=sharing
Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all! We are still here for you! Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!
Ariel & Donna
Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it. If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it.
REMEMBER:
When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution! Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer. Many look like real sites. Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here
--
Ariel Doggett
Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator
"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small
FHS A World of Difference: 1 minute video - how perspectives matter
FHS A World of Difference (@Franklin_AWOD) tweeted on Fri, Jan 29, 2021:
"Happy Friday everyone! Here is a short, 1-minute lesson taught by a World of Difference Member that you can do right now to illustrate how perspectives can differ! "
View the video =https://t.co/zgnaumLvgq
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