"Looking to donate food to The Pantry? We have updated our current needs list and included a list of items that we currently have too many of!Take a look and thanks for your support!"
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| Franklin Food Pantry - current needs list updated! |
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Franklin Food Pantry - current needs list updated!
Behind on your rent and worried about eviction?
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Monday, March 29, 2021
Franklin ArtWALK Celebration 'Escape to the Arts' - June 11-13, 2021
Dear Cultural District Partners,
Thank you very much for your thoughts and ideas at our meeting Thursday night. The Franklin Cultural District Committee is excited about the Franklin ArtWALK Celebration, Escape to the Arts which will take place during the weekend of June 11th - 13th.
In order for this event to be a success we will need lots of our partners to get actively involved in the planning process.
Below are the four working groups that will be working together on this event. Each group will be responsible for a part of this event.
Art Displays & Business Coordination Group FCDC Member - Amy Adams Hopefully many of the Franklin Art Association members will work
alongside LIsa Piana to match the artists with the local businesses.
Entertainment and Performance Group FCDC Members Jamie Barrett, Pandora Carlucci, Jamie Barrett Hopefully all of the grant recipients associated with the
seven different performing groups will work with this group to determine the needs and performance locations for each of the performing ensembles.
Kickoff Reception Group FCDC Member Roberta Trahan This group will work with Raye Lynn Mercer and TBB to plan this kickoff reception which will take place at TBB.
Event Marketing Group FCDC Members John LoPresti, Evan Chelman This group will work with FCD partners to market the June 11th - 13th Franklin ArtWALK Celebration.
It is our hope that many different Cultural District Partners will join one of these working groups.
Please send your name and the group that you would like to join to Nancy Schoen at nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com.
We look forward to working with all of you to plan this wonderful event.
Regards,
Nancy
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| Franklin ArtWALK Celebration Escape to the Arts - June 11-13, 2021 |
FM #502 - Franklin Matters Q&A - 03/18/21 (audio)
FM #502 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 502 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Matters Q&A session held by the Senior Center held Thursday, Mar 18, 2021. The session was conducted virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I do use a brief presentation deck to open the session (link below). A couple of recent photos and screen captures of the webpages and the “watch list” are among the key items to share and open the discussion. After that, we are there to answer your questions.
Among the topics we discussed in this session; my ‘watch list’ for 2021 including vaccine availability, the School Committee budget, Town budget cycle, after Davis Thayer - the next step for the School Committee is developing the long range ‘master plan’ for the school district.
The recording runs just about 45 minutes so let’s listen in. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b19835d0-f25e-46fc-9189-330f02e6f7ad
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Presentation deck
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RgkTpVpCMuWuWYyJJuSk-iVmYLBpnXm7el0zeA5okmI/edit?usp=sharing
Franklin Senior Center newsletter
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter
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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/ 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"
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| FM #502 - Franklin Matters Q&A - 03/18/21 (audio) |
Getting to Know Franklin ECDC
Find and view the slide show online here
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LhyeEPFl-Z2Oy_nfgSo6PBM-biLTM_VTumfmYk0Pf3E/edit?usp=sharing
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| Getting to Know Franklin ECDC |
Worcester getting into their school start time discussion
The Worcester Public School District is getting into their school start time discussion. Yes, remember that? Franklin put it aside to deal with the Davis Thayer issue and then the pandemic hit. It is still sitting on the sidelines.
The Davis Thayer issue remains only partially resolved, so it would seem that the Franklin school start time discussion is not likely to resume anytime soon.
The decision to close Davis Thayer effective September 2021 was made by the School Committee at their Feb 9, 2021 meeting. Planning on the transition of Thayer students to the Keller facility for September are underway. The FY 2022 budget is being adjusted to account for what savings and/or expenses would occur to make the transition seamless for both school and Town sides of the budget. (The School budget handles the education side, the Town budget handles the facility operation side.)
The decision to make the Davis Thayer building 'surplus' for the School District has not yet be scheduled. The Town of Franklin can't do much officially without that notification from the School District.
The next big item the School Committee (and community) will get into should be development of the 'master plan' for the school district. Recall that the facility utilization report revealed the District could operate with less schools than it currently has. The excess capacity could be addressed by closing additional schools and potentially restructuring to operate with three elementary schools, one middle school all feeding to Franklin High. How to get to this position, if it is desired, is what the 'master plan' should work on.
Running with excess capacity is a budget issue and will need to be addressed sooner or later. In the meantime, you can read what Worcester is starting here
Washington Post had an article recently touching on how sleep times have been affected by the remote learning schedules of the pandemic:
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| Worcester getting into their school start time discussion |
Refer to the Meeting Notes page for all the reporting and audio files for the prior School Committee and subcommittee meetings
Vaccine 'passports' (really 'certificates') will be difficult but are in development
"The Biden administration and private companies are working to develop a standard way of handling credentials - often referred to as “vaccine passports” - that would allow Americans to prove they have been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus as businesses try to reopen.The effort has gained momentum amid President Joe Biden's pledge that the nation will start to regain normalcy this summer and with a growing number of companies - from cruise lines to sports teams - saying they will require proof of vaccination before opening their doors again.The administration's initiative has been driven largely by arms of the Department of Health and Human Services, including an office devoted to health information technology, said five officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the effort. The White House this month took on a bigger role coordinating government agencies involved in the work, led by coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients, with a goal of announcing updates in coming days, said one official.
....
U.S. officials say they are grappling with an array of challenges, including data privacy and health-care equity. They want to make sure all Americans will be able to get credentials that prove they have been vaccinated, but also want to set up systems that are not easily hacked or passports that cannot be counterfeited, given that forgeries are already starting to appear."
Continue reading the article online at the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/28/nation/vaccine-passports-are-way-developing-them-wont-be-easy/
Or where it originated with the Washington Post (subscription may be required):
Or where it originated with the Washington Post (subscription may be required):
Equal access to sports
"The last time Republicans in South Dakota made a serious push to bar transgender girls from school sports, in 2019, their bill was known only by its nondescript numerical title, Senate Bill 49. Its two main sponsors were men. And it died without ever getting out of committee, just 10 days after it was introduced.But when Republicans decided to try again in January, they were far more strategic in their approach. The sponsors this time were two women who modeled their bill after a template provided by a conservative legal organization. They gave the bill a name that suggested noble intent: the “act to promote continued fairness in women’s sports.” Supporters from Minnesota and Idaho traveled to the Capitol in Pierre to testify that a new law was urgently needed to keep anyone with male biological characteristics out of female competitions, even though they acknowledged only a handful of examples of that happening in South Dakota."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
"Megan Rapinoe: Bills to ban transgender kids from sports try to solve a problem that doesn’t exist"
"I remember how I felt when I played soccer for the first time. Long before I was winning World Cup matches, I was trying to keep up with my brother. Soccer has been a part of my life since I was 4 years old. I spent hours outside working to perfect that next move — I wanted to be the best.Being able to play sports as a child shaped my life’s path. It taught me so much more than is seen on the field and brought me so much joy. Every child deserves to have that experience. That’s why I believe that all kids, including transgender youth, should be able to participate in sports they love."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Phone scams keep calling
"A Globe colleague recently got two unsettling calls on his mobile phone from the same “888″ number.He received the first call a couple of weeks ago from someone who said he was from Eversource (spoiler alert: he wasn’t) and that the electricity to his house would be turned off in “40 to 45 minutes” because his account was overdue.“Are you really from Eversource?” my colleague asked, more a statement than a question.The caller quickly hung up."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/28/business/phone-scams-keep-coming-here-are-tips-how-avoid-them/
Additional information from the Federal Trade Commission can be found here
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| A person uses a credit card for a phone purchase.ADOBE STOCK |
Next year juniors/seniors in high school - check out the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
"Do you know a rising high school junior or senior interested in public health? @CDCgov Disease Detective Camp is an incredible experience, and this year it is offering a new, web-based Public Health Academy for remote learners!"
"All students to who will be high-school juniors or seniors during the 2021-2022 school year and at least 16 years old on the first day of the camp session to which they are accepted.
As the CDC Museum remains closed due to COVID-19 precautions, we are not able to predict yet if in-person programming will be available the summer of 2021. If the museum is not reopened for in-person programming, the CDC Museum will offer only online courses. A final decision on in-person programming will be made May 3, 2021; all applicants will be notified of the decision by email."
Details and reg links: https://t.co/z1Fk2qnM9a
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmaccannell/status/1376196094632267778
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| Next year juniors/seniors in high school - check out the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp |
Name That Tune Invitation - Monday March 29 at 1 PM
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| Name That Tune Invitation - Monday March 29 at 1 PM |
Join us on Monday, March 29 at 1 PM for our first DAYTIME version of our most popular Zoom event "Name That Tune!". Whether you know music inside out and backwards, just love listening to it or are looking for a SUPER fun event with lots of great music, fun people and lots of laughs you are sure to have a great time at this event!
Feel free to pass this link along to a friend who might enjoy playing too.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/99580209814?pwd=dXJCOXNPRXlpQWdUYVZMQmNLaGVvUT09
Meeting ID: 995 8020 9814
Passcode: 564106
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,99580209814#,,,,*564106# US (New York)
+13017158592,,99580209814#,,,,*564106# US (Washington DC)
Ariel Doggett
Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator
"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small
Sunday, March 28, 2021
FM #501 Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 03/17/21 (audio)
FM #501 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 501 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on March 17, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about the major topics of
- COVID-19
- Emergency dispensing
- Drive through flu clinic
- Mosquitoes
- Returning to ‘normal’
The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/35fbeef7-0241-4769-97c4-2e359d744d55
--------------
Health Dept. page
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
Board of Health page
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department
Prior podcasts with Cathleen
421 - Dec 17, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/fm-421-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html
391 - Nov 12, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-391-health-dir-cathleen-liberty.html
355 - Sep 29, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-355-town-of-franklin-health-director.html
271 - May 11, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-355-town-of-franklin-health-director.html
259 - April 29, 2020 BoH Chair Bridget Sweet & Cathleen Liberty https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-259-board-of-health-c-liberty-b.html
232 - March 27, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-232-franklin-ma-health-director.html
224 - March 13, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-224-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html
204 - Feb 12, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-204-health-director-cathleen-liberty.html
196 - January 28, 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-196-cathleen-liberty-franklins.html
------------
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/ 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"
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| Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty |
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Mar 30
Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 30, 2021 = 6:30 PM
Agenda:
1. CPC New Member Training - Stuart Saginor, Executive Director, Community Preservation Coalition
Recommended
Committee Homework & Reading:
1.
Open Space & Recreation Plan
4.
Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development
5.
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Report
6.
Historical Museum website and Instagram
8.
Most Current Housing
Production Plan
Agenda doc and meeting connection information
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| South Franklin Congregational Meeting House |
HMEA shares reminders on fund raising leading up to incredABLE Day May 23
A few reminders about how YOU can get more involved in our special 20th Anniversary incredABLE Day!
- Please click here (http://events.hmea.org/site/TR?fr_id=1171&pg=entry) to join a team (pick your favorite HMEA program, or join our Amazing Admin Team!) Or, if you haven’t already, you can start your own team!
- Coming up next Friday, April 2 at 7pm is HMEA’s Smarty Pants Virtual Trivia! Show off your smarts and you could win a portable photo printer!! Get your $10 ticket here (https://www.hmea.org/smarty-pants/). RSVP and invite your friends and family through Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/events/748314989159353/).
Remember – all you need to know about ALL the activities and contests for incredABLE Day – a jam-packed schedule from March 1 to May 23 – can be found in one place – www.hmea.org/incredable-day/
Take Care,
Doug MacPherson
We’re virtually CELEBRATING the 20th Anniversary incredABLE Day!
Join us for a virtual walk, run, and lots of online fun! March 1 – May 23
HMEA shares reminders on fund raising leading up to incredABLE Day May 23
Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle
"FHS family, friends, and fans - Thank you so much for taking the time to view our fundraiser page. Your support is greatly appreciated.
For every $10 you spend, you will receive one raffle ticket to win a Visa gift card: 1-$100 card, 2-$50 cards and 4-$25 cards. ($20 donation gets you two tickets, $30 gets you three tickets, etc.) Drawing to be held in April when the campaign ends.
Please help these exceptional young men, who are working hard to represent their school and community, reach their goal.
Please spread the word about our fundraiser by sharing it with your friends via Text, Email, Facebook and Twitter. We greatly appreciate any support! Go Panthers!"
Visit the page to donate
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| Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle |
Town of Franklin, MA shared @wbz video clip on air filter system
Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Sat, Mar 27, 2021:
Thank you to @wbz and @AnnaMeiler for visiting Franklin and showcasing this groundbreaking solution to keep our teachers, children, staff and general public safe now and well into the future! A great story.
Check out the video clip 👇
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1375779090872078340
This was presented at the School Committee meeting Feb 23,2021. You can listen to the presentation here https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-473-school-committee-meeting-022321.html
Photos from the meeting including slides from the presentation on the UVGI system https://photos.app.goo.gl/nbQRysFGMgEF4owE7
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| Town of Franklin, MA shared @wbz video clip on air filter system |
MA State News: Sen Finegold meets with Duxbury HS football team; lessons to learn from the pandemic
"Why does it matter to talk about the Holocaust?
Sen. Finegold reflects on discussion with Duxbury High School football team"
Sen. Finegold reflects on discussion with Duxbury High School football team"
"EARLIER TODAY (Saturday, Mar 27, 2021) I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Duxbury High School football team. We had a great conversation, and I wanted to share a few reflections.
I spoke to the students about what being Jewish means to me. I told them how my Jewish faith helped me get through the loss of my sister Joni, who passed away at the age of 42 and left behind two young daughters. I also talked about the joy of being Jewish and about how I’m looking forward to celebrating Passover with my family tonight."
Continue reading the article online
"Lessons to learn from the pandemic"
"WHEN THE PANDEMIC passes, what then? What will we do differently to expand opportunity to the most vulnerable and hardest hit?We’ve seen the disparities. Black Americans are 2.6 times more likely to get COVID-19 and more than two times more likely to die from it than white Americans, the Centers for Disease Control reports. Low-income residents and people of color have been the first to get sick and the first to lose their jobs, housing, and food security."
Continue reading the article online
Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is continuing to collect data to help towns respond to the impact of Covid-19 on the arts, artists and cultural organizations.
They are hoping to hear from as many artists, performers, musicians and cultural institutions as possible. Thank you very much to all who have already completed this survey. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the survey which can be found at the following link: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9
Thank you all for your help with this.
Regards,
Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee
nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee
nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com
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| Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so |
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