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Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Free! Monday Night Masterclass with Jacqueline Volpe - Apr 12
Board of Health - Agenda - Apr 7, 2021 - 5 PM
- COVID-19 2nddose vaccine clinic update
- Discuss Mass Homebound Vaccination Program
- Discuss Metacomet Public Health Alliance
Agenda doc and connection info = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-4-7-21.pdf
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| Board of Health - Agenda - Apr 7, 2021 - 5 PM |
Town of Franklin receives two MA grants
One
"We are excited to announce that the ToF has been awarded $201,000 to begin work on the required sewer pump station for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project! It's the 1st step & grant award in a multi-year effort to construct 60 units of senior affordable housing in Franklin!"Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1379095460477075460
Press release on Housing Choice awards: https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-awards-5-million-in-capital-grants-to-communities-committed-to-housing-production
Two
"The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce the grant award of $19,975 through the Department of Fire Services. These funds will be used for protective equipment."
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| Department of Fire Services. These funds will be used for protective equipment |
Senator Rausch State House Briefing: Part 2, Chapter 5 (April 5, 2021)
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Dementia or other neurological conditions
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Down syndrome
- Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
- HIV infection
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
- Liver disease
- Overweight and obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
- Substance use disorders
Remember, you can now pre-register for your COVID vaccine appointment at a mass vaccination site (Gillette Stadium and Natick Mall are the closest for our district). Go to mass.gov/COVIDvaccine to secure your spot in line. For all other vaccination locations, go to vaxfinder.mass.gov or mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap and search for open appointments using your zip code or click through the various vaccination sites closest to you. Individuals who are unable to schedule an appointment online or are having difficulty with the online sign-up process can call 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 for assistance. Please note, appointments are limited due to limited vaccine supply. If you have no luck in getting an appointment, check back periodically to see if appointments have opened up. More information about COVID-19 vaccinations is available on my website at www.beccarauschma.com/covidvaccine.
Yours in service,
Senator Becca Rausch
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| Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here. |
FM #504 -Town Council - Capital Budget SubComm - 03/31/21 (audio)
FM #504 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 504 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Subcommittee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, were in the Council Chambers; the public was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 78 minutes, so let’s listen to the Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4bfe56e1-5469-43da-a665-d573497a9237
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Capital Budget agenda https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting-mar.html
Franklin Schools budget page https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/finance-committee-meeting-recap-topics.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/fm-488-finance-committee-meeting-031021.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-of-capital-budget-subcommittee.html
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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!
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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"
FM #504 -Town Council - Capital Budget SubComm - 03/31/21 (audio)
Now On View: The Norfolk Annual Juried Art Show!
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MA State News: vehicle inspections next week; Gov Bakers gets first vaccine shot
"Vehicle inspections will not be performed until at least next week because of an ongoing problem with Applus Technologies, a vendor with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, officials said Tuesday.
The RMV is granting a grace period for some motor vehicle inspections, the RMV said. Vehicles with expired inspection stickers from March and vehicles bought or registered after March 23 should be given until April 30 to get an inspection, the RMV said.
Customers who recently had an inspection and are in the 60-day free retest window will be afforded an extra day for each day Applus’s system remains unavailable, but should plan to get an inspection as soon as possible once the system is restored."
"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER appeared to have no problem on Tuesday with Northeastern University requiring students to be vaccinated by the first day of the fall semester, even though he has balked at mandating vaccinations for other populations.
The governor said many colleges and universities are considering vaccine requirements for students similar to what Northeastern announced. “It’s going to be an issue they’re all going to talk about,” he said, adding that students should get vaccinated."
New IRS imposter scam targets college students and staff
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| New IRS imposter scam targets college students and staff |
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving
The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) invites the community to join in a day of giving on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, as Franklin celebrates the birthday of public-school advocate, Horace Mann, and the amazing work of our local educators.
Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of educational grants totaling well over $300,000, to inspire innovative and sustainable programs, and to further support excellence in education within Franklin Public Schools. The educational grants support engaging, diverse and sustainable preK-12 learning opportunities and resources including a Franklin Family Resource Guide, Box City, Family Astronomy Night, Franklin High School Empty Bowls Project which are just a few of the many amazing projects that have benefitted students, families, educators and the community-at-large over the decades.
However, none of these innovative programs and resources would be possible without the financial support of area businesses, organizations, families and individuals. The Franklin Education Foundation is entirely dependent on the generosity of sponsorships, financial donations, and in-kind donations. We welcome contributions all year long and hope you will consider participation in our day of giving to the Franklin Education Foundation to support innovative programs that truly enhance student learning in Franklin Public Schools.
Contributions can be made directly to the Franklin Education Foundation website under the donate tab https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/donate, or by mailing a check to Franklin Education Foundation at P.O. Box 531, Franklin, MA 02038.
You can learn more about the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) on their website at https://www.franklined.org/. For more information about FEF please contact FEF co-chair, Pandora Carlucci at pandora.carlucci@gmail.com.
The Franklin Education Foundation thanks you for your continued support.
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| Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving |
Hey Franklin, you can help with this request
"Hi there. I'm wondering if you can help me.
My father in law just passed away and one of his last requests was for us to be sure to tell a man named Ed Beksha from Franklin, used to own the Uptowne Pub. I found a land line for him, but it was disconnected.
I don't see anyone by his name on Facebook. I'm hoping since you're from Franklin, hopefully you're a "townie" and may either know this man or know how I can get in touch with him?
Apparently he and my father in law were army buddies, and very good friends. my father in law said Ed Beksha would want to know when he passed. thank you in advance. By the way, my father in law is Karl Backlund Sr.
In kindness,
Wendy Backlund"
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| Hey Franklin, you can help with this request |
A Spring Arts Awakening for THE BLACK BOX
Spring Arts Awakening at THE BLACK BOX kicks off on April 16 with a concert by three Disney Stars of Broadway: Broadway’s original “Mary Poppins” Ashley Brown, current “Genie” Michael James Scott, and original “Tarzan” Josh Strickland. The trio will perform an evening of Disney favorites. There will be limited seating for this special evening out in Franklin.
The Spring Arts Awakening lineup will also include local band The Peacheaters, Blues legend James Montgomery, viral a cappella sensation T.3, international touring ensemble Electric Youth, cabaret performances featuring Broadway stars, a June Pride Month concert benefiting The Trevor Project, FPAC’s annual Culinary Cabaret, and more.
“The Spring Arts Awakening provides an opportunity to welcome our audiences back to THE BLACK BOX,” notes TBB and Franklin Performing Arts Company Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “The safety of an outdoor venue provides patrons a comfortable transition to performances and event gatherings.” Mercer adds, “Reopening guidelines will be followed and all safety protocols will be in place.”
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| Disney Stars of Broadway |
FHS volleyball team tops Attleboro; both track teams top King Philip
Boys Winter Track = King Philip @ Franklin, Win (score not yet available)
Girls Winter Track = King Philip @ Franklin, Win (score not yet available)
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| Happy Senior Night!! Congrats to both the girls and boys teams for their wins over talented KP teams!! And a big congrats to our seniors!! |
[Girls Winter Varsity Indoor Track] Franklin HS defeats King Philip Rgnl HS, 61 to 30.
Hockomock League: Away Spectators Expanded for all Fall II Competitions
"Effective immediately, the Hockomock League will admit 2 family members of all AWAY student-athletes competing in games, matches, or meets. Home-team spectator restrictions continue to be limited to 2 adult family members and siblings per HOME participant.
This policy will include all league sports offered during the Fall II season: Cheerleading, Football, Volleyball, Track and Field, and Unified Basketball.
The Athletic Directors will continue to monitor information as it is made available from the EEA, DESE, and our local Boards of Health. Each district has the ability to modify this policy based on its own facility limitations and/or local Board of Health restrictions. It is our goal to focus on the health and safety of our communities while safely permitting family members of our athletes the opportunity to watch high school sports in person. "
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| Hockomock League: Away Spectators Expanded for all Fall II Competitions |
Franklin Art Association: Marjorie Sardella - Photography - April 7, 2021
FAA member Marjorie Sardella will talk about her approach to photography. Monthly meeting Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 6:30 PM.
Marjorie S. Sardella ~ Marjorie’s love of photography began at the age of ten with her first Brownie Camera. She later painted in oils for several years, but eventually returned to her first love, photography. Having taken several photography courses in the past, at Boston College, she came to love the process of creating a finished photo from a developed negative in the darkroom, skills Marjorie now applies to her photographic works, using mostly traditional darkroom techniques in her “digital darkroom” when required.
Often, her photographic works are mistaken for paintings, perhaps reflecting on her earlier experience in oil painting. For twenty years, Marjorie was the event photographer and Photo archivist for the Boston College Presidential Scholars Program, which involved traveling to France for over a month each year, offering her the opportunities to travel to other western European countries as well as ventures throughout the northeastern part of the US.
Through the years, Marjorie’s photos of land, sea, and cityscapes, of wildlife and people seek to capture moments in time that also evoke a sense of timelessness, inviting viewers to enter into a world that rouses, renews and rewards their inner selves.
Zoom link for FAA Meeting Apr 7 => https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82181910922?pwd=ME9aTGtvRVJFVlg2aDBlMllVT1ZZdz09
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| Franklin Art Association: Marjorie Sardella - Photography - April 7, 2021 |
Attention Senior Citizens - Comcast Discount Available
Attention Franklin Seniors 65+! You may be eligible for a monthly discount on your Comcast bill.
"Comcast offers a $2.00 per month on off its monthly “Extra” Service Level or that Digital Level of Service"
Please find more information and the form to apply for the discount posted here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_senior_citizen_discount_form_for_comcast.pdf
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| Attention Senior Citizens - Comcast Discount Available |
Let’s Laugh Today is FREE Every Wednesday at 7:30 PM on ZOOM!
Let’s Laugh Today is free on ZOOM!
There is nothing like a good belly laugh to help release stress and anxiety. These laughter exercises and gentle deep breathing help to bring more fresh oxygen into the body and brain helping you feel more energetic and healthy. It's a great way to connect with other people through eye contact while remaining socially distant and it is thoroughly up-lifting and immunity-boosting!
See www.letslaughtoday.com for link to the free 45 minute ZOOM Meeting EVERY Wednesday at 7:30pm.
All ages are welcome. You can sit or stand the entire time. It’s a good time to try something new and take care of your mental health!
Led by local Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers and Laughter Ambassadors, Bill and Linda Hamaker. They are the HA Makers! They are the only Master Trainer couple on this continent!
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| Let’s Laugh Today is FREE Every Wednesday at 7:30 PM on ZOOM! |
CommonWealth Magazine: State revenue exceeds projection again; Committee on reimagining the post-COVID commonwealth begins work
"THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE collected more than $3 billion from Massachusetts residents, workers, and businesses last month, once again shattering the Baker administration’s expectations and putting the state’s coffers more than $1.5 billion ahead of where they were at the same time last year.
Revenue collections for March added up to a total of $3.061 billion — $402 million, or 15.1 percent, more than what was collected in March 2020 and $648 million or 26.8 percent more than what the Baker administration was expecting to collect last month.
Now nine months through fiscal year 2021, Massachusetts state government has collected $22.588 billion in taxes from people and businesses, which is $1.524 billion, or 7.2 percent, more than it did during the same nine mostly pre-pandemic months of fiscal year 2020. The last month Massachusetts saw a year-over-year decline in tax collections was September."
"WHEN SEN. ADAM HINDS looks at the disproportionate toll COVID-19 has taken on poor people and communities of color in Massachusetts, he said, “It’s hard not to experience it as a massive policy failure.”Continue reading the article online
Hinds, a Pittsfield Democrat who now chairs a special Senate Committee on Reimagining Massachusetts Post-Pandemic Resiliency, said inequity will be a major focus of the committee as it has broad discussions on how to rebuild a stronger state in the wake of the COVID-19 emergency.
“It would be a dereliction of duty if we didn’t do everything in our power to correct the inequities that led to more death in certain communities,” Hinds said."
RMV may resume inspections Wednesday, Apr 7
"Businesses that provide vehicle inspections in Massachusetts are “anxious” to resume offering the service, amid an ongoing problem with a Registry vendor that has shut down inspections for the past week in the Commonwealth and several other states, a trade group leader said Monday.
“Well, I think everybody is anxious to get it back online, so we’re all waiting,” said John Howell, co-executive director of the New England Service Station & Automotive Repair Association, in a phone interview.
He said service stations often see a spike in revenue toward the end of every month from drivers who need new inspection stickers. "
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| RMV may resume inspections Tuesday, Apr 6 |