Now Announcing: The Gathering Makeover Series!

How do we gather people now?

You're invited to The Gathering Makeover I'm thrilled to announce The Gathering Makeover, a free four-part video series to re-imagine how we spend our collective time as we ease back into our communities. After 16 months of doing things very differently, many of us are now wondering how to bring people together and show up to gatherings again.  As schools re-open, administrations are asking: Who do we bring back first? How do we take care of our teachers? What's the purpose of a school? As offices debate bringing staff back in person, they're asking: What is the core of our work? Who needs to be part of what? What and who benefits from in-person connection? How do we hybrid gather well? As we get invited to parties and picnics and potlucks again, we get to ask ourselves: Who are my people? How open am I to the new? How do I want to spend my time?  We're living through an extraordinary moment and have the rare opportunity to actually pause and makeover how we come together and spend our time.  So, how do we make the most of this moment? Let's navigate this together. The Gathering Makeover will give you the permission, inspiration, and tools to rethink one crucial gathering that matters to you and your people as we re-emerge—from parties to classrooms to boardrooms. You'll start to explore what you'd like to be doing rather than what you've always done. Starting July 28 at 3pm EST, I'll host a live workshop every Wednesday at the same time four weeks in a row. Joined by a special guest, I'll address some of the new gathering pressures we're navigating and creative ways to think about them. Each workshop is part conversation, part coaching, and part Q&A. Learn More and Reserve Your Spot RSVP by clicking the button above so we know to expect you! You'll receive a personal log-in to access the livestreams and their recordings. We'll also share additional resources, announcements, and reminders related to The Gathering Makeover. Hope to see you there,  Priya

Drawing Democracy: "communities of interest"

Drawing Democracy (@DrawingDemMA) tweeted on Tue, Jul 20, 2021:

Throughout the redistricting process, we hear a lot about identifying "communities of interest," but what does that actually mean? We break it down for you here ⤵️ #Redistricting101 #FairMapsMA https://t.co/cuC3qwEqWs

(https://twitter.com/DrawingDemMA/status/1417562703640637440?s=03)

Drawing Democracy: "communities of interest"

Bracing for the 2021 Hurricane Season

Above-normal activity predicted for this hurricane season. Learn more in this America Counts story.

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers Bracing for the 2021 Hurricane Season The 2021 hurricane season began on June 1 and the nation is bracing for a 60% chance of above-normal activity: The outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) includes a range of 13 to 20 named storms. Six to 10 of the storms could become hurricanes, including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5).    https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/07/bracing-for-2021-hurricane-season.html Read More Tropical storm Ana graced the Atlantic on May 22, weeks before the official start of the 2021 hurricane season. Tropical Storm Bill formed on June 14, Tropical Storm Claudette on June 19, Tropical Storm Danny on June 28 and Hurricane Elsa on July 1. After last year's record-breaking hurricane season, the U.S. Census Bureau released an infographic of the three major Atlantic hurricanes that made landfall in the United States in 2020, using the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics OnTheMap for Emergency Management data tool. Continue reading to learn more about: Above-normal activity Planning for disasters Help us spread the word about America Counts. Share this story on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This About America Counts America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, economy, emergency preparedness, health, population, income and poverty. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews. Don't miss an America Counts story! Subscribe here.

A Message from the Franklin Fire Department - PFAS & Foam

A Message from the Franklin Fire Department - PFAS & Foam

July 19, 2021

To: Franklin Residents

From: Chief McLaughlin, Franklin Fire Department

Re: PFAS and Foam

Recently, the Franklin DPW published the 2020 Drinking Water Report, in which the topic of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was explained. As stated, one of the possible sources of groundwater contamination may come from the use of “legacy” firefighting foams, which routinely contained 2% - 5% PFAS by volume; specifically, Class B AFFF, which is used to extinguish burning hydrocarbons or flammable liquids.

As your fire department, we just wanted to make you aware that this topic has not been ignored by the Franklin Fire Department, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS), or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). In 2018, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, MassDEP chose to implement a foam “take-back” program to assist fire departments in removing these foams from current stockpiles and ensuring they are properly disposed of, rather than used during trainings or firefighting and subsequently released into the environment.

MassDEP’s program targeted foams manufactured before 2003, as manufacturers stopped production of suspect foams in 2002. Recognizing the challenges proper disposal would present to the budgets of most municipalities, MassDEP decided to fund the disposal of these legacy foams through its Massachusetts Chapter 21E / Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup (BWSC) capital funding, consistent with programmatic goals of “pollution prevention” and elimination of “threats of release” of hazardous materials. Under the “take-back program,” MassDEP offered to pay for foam removal and disposal; the local fire departments were responsible for replacing the foam with safer foam alternatives. As part of this take-back program, Franklin Fire was able to dispose of approximately fifty (50) gallons of outdated foam, at no expense to the townspeople.

As the take-back program progressed, many fire departments requested confirmation that current Class B AFFF foam was safe. While these foams often contain some amount of PFAS, it is at lower levels than legacy foam and includes PFAS that are more stable (so-called “short chain”) and expected to have less of an impact on the environment. New “Fluorine Free Foam,” aka “F3” foam, is just now entering the main-stream market. Currently, the majority of Franklin Fire apparatus, that carry foam, carry these newer F3 foams.

Shared from the Town of Franklin  page

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/message-franklin-fire-department-pfas-foam

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) referenced in the letter above

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2020_web_final.pdf

A Message from the Franklin Fire Department - PFAS & Foam

Climate Action Held in Franklin, July 17

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node held a protest Saturday, July 17, in front of the Bank of America branch in Franklin. The intent was to educate the public and demand that the bank stop funding Line 3, the tars sands pipeline being constructed in MN through tribal lands and hundreds of waterways including the Mississippi River headwaters. 350 Mass is demanding that the banks financing this project must  defund Line 3, or face pressure from activists and consumers to defund these banks! (The Burma Shave signs can be read in either direction to accommodate the traffic direction.)

 

As Franklin resident and longtime 350 Mass member Ray Milici pointed out, "Line 3 does not just affect Minnesota, but the entire world. Even in Franklin, Mass. If we continue to invest in projects that burn fossil fuels, we will continue to destroy our planet and experience a worsening climate crisis. If there is no money, there is no pipeline. It's that simple. If the banks don't stop their funding, 350 Mass will continue to encourage bank customers and investors to withdraw their accounts and investments from the supporting banks."

Line 3 is a proposed pipeline expansion to bring nearly a million barrels of tar sands oil per day from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin. It was proposed in 2014 by Enbridge, a Canadian pipeline company responsible for the largest inland oil spill in the US. Enbridge seeks to build a new pipeline corridor through untouched wetlands and the treaty territory of Anishinaabe peoples, through the Mississippi River headwaters to the shore of Lake Superior.

Carolyn Barthel, Co-coordinator for the Greater Franklin node, highlighted, "All pipelines spill. Line 3 isn't about safe transportation of a necessary product, it's about expansion of a dying tar sands industry." Line 3 would contribute more to climate change than Minnesota's entire economy. Minnesota's own Department of Commerce found their local fuel market does not need Line 3 oil. Climate organizations are demanding the old Line 3 be decommissioned to help in the transition to a renewable, sustainable economy.  Barthel further explains, "Line 3 would violate the treaty rights of Anishinaabe peoples and nations in its path — wild rice is a critical part of Anishinaabe culture, it grows in numerous watersheds Line 3 seeks to cross. It's well past time to end the legacy of theft from and destruction of indigenous peoples and territories." 

350 Mass, a statewide grassroots climate organization, engages members in many ways on multiple levels--municipal, state and national. Ralph Halpern, Node Co-coordinator, explained regarding the focus on Line 3, "We will keep organizing, educating, and advocating to stop Line 3 and build the future we want. Legal and grassroots efforts have kept Enbridge's Line 3 destruction at bay--it was supposed to be completed in 2017." He goes on to say, "Our advocacy and outreach activities include holding events in community centers, churches, and schools. We present webinars, meet and talk to our politicians, speak up at hearings, march in protests, and help towns take local actions to become more sustainable. We teach and learn from each other. Wherever you are and whatever your skill set, there is a place for you in the movement."

 

Climate Action Held in Franklin, July 17

 

FM #581 - Dean College Alcohol License Discussion & Vote - 05/06/20 (audio)

FM #581 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 581 in the series. 

We step back into the audio archives. This session shares the segment from the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 that covers the discussion and vote to deny the all alcohol license requested by Dean College. 

The meeting was conducted in a remote format: all of the Town Council, Town Administration personnel, meeting guests, and the public participated remotely via the Zoom conference bridge, during this pandemic period.

The recording shares only the license discussion and vote from this meeting and runs about 56 minutes:

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for the 2020  meeting as well as for the July 21, 2021 meeting where the license is back before the Council. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of May 6, 2020

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a27e3737-d890-4624-b6b9-3e1ef4d8dbc4

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

July 21, 2021 Agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda 

Specific item for Dean College

Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA. Town Administrator Memo Summary; Dean College Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages license application;  Town Council meeting minutes April 15, 2020, May 6, 2020; Town Council Statement of Reason of denial;  Dean College appeal to the ABCC; ABCC Appeal decision.

May 6, 2020  Agenda folder ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-6-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting 

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/7a._dean_college_license_application_web.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting   May 6, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/town-council-denies-dean-college-liquor.html 

My notes from the meeting   April 15, 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/town-council-twitter-notes-recap-april.html 

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

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 www.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"

 

FM #581 - Dean College Alcohol License Discussion & Vote - 05/06/20 (audio)

Franklin United Methodist Church -> FREE Community Cookout - July 24, 2021

Join the Franklin United Methodist Church for a FREE Community Cookout on July 24 from 5:30 -7 PM. Burgers, hotdogs, chips, and a drink will be provided. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit in the garden and grassy lot behind the church and enjoy the company of your neighbors.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. All cancellation announcements will be posted to the church website (franklinumc.org) and to social media.

Mark your calendars for upcoming cookouts on August 28 & September 25 from 5:30-7pm!

If you would like to help with or donate to these events, please contact Pastor Jacob (508-528-1092). This cookout is being funded through the church’s Mission Fund.

82 W Central St, Franklin, MA 02038-2103, United States

Duration: 1 hr 30 min

Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook

FREE Community Cookout - July 24, 2021

Invisible Stories - #7 - "Suitcase Joe Captures the Humanity of Skid Row"

"It needs to be done, and it needs to be done right"

Mark Horvath (@hardlynormal) tweeted on Sun, Jul 11, 2021:

Invisible Stories is a mini-doc series that goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages understand and can't ignore. 

Link to the 7th of the series: https://youtu.be/7YG8KMFGA4c

More photos of the life on Skid Row by Suitcase Joe   https://suitcasejoephotography.tumblr.com/

Link to the series: https://t.co/Y0NRNIujar 

Shared from Twitter:   https://twitter.com/hardlynormal/status/1414284287034155020

Note: I met Mark at a social media conference many years ago and have been following his work. This series is very well done. Yes, the series is set in LA but homelessness is an issue all around us whether visible or not.

 

"Exploring Nantucket" rescheduled to August

Hello All,

Due to unforeseen circumstances and a medical emergency "Exploring Nantucket" has been cancelled.  My Dad, Ranger Allen, is on the mend and we are hoping to be able to bring both programs to you in August. 

Stay safe out there,

Ariel

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

"Exploring Nantucket" rescheduled to August

Massachusetts RMV: "Beware of text phishing scams!"

Massachusetts RMV (@MassRMV) tweeted on Mon, Jul 19, 2021:

Beware of text phishing scams! https://t.co/msV0DtdGhA

Shared from Twiter: https://twitter.com/MassRMV/status/1417212841837436929

Massachusetts RMV: "Beware of text phishing scams!"

BFCCPS celebrate retirement of Madame Malouf

More than 100 Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) alumni and parents celebrated the retirement of their French teacher, Madame Mireille Malouf. 

After 13 years teaching the French language Madame Malouf retired. On Friday evening July 8, 2021, the Franklin community of past BFCCPS students celebrated the retirement of their French teacher. 

"Education starts at home" says Madame Malouf. In 2017, she was recognized as a Chevalier (Knight) in the Order of the French Academic Palms for her outstanding service and active expansion of French education and culture.

“Madame Malouf has inspired me” was a sentiment expressed by all the students. They took the time to show their gratitude for the gift of French language that Madame Malouf shared with them. Madame Malouf and her husband Dale were touched to meet and hear from all the wonderful students she taught. Madame Malouf signed off saying "I am honored to have taught those young men and women." 

The event was organized by KP Sompally, Town Council candidate in 2020.

For more about BFCCPS visit http://bfccps.org/ 

More about the 2017 recognition can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/malouf-recognized-for-her-work-in.html

BFCCPS celebrate retirement of Madame Malouf

Artisan vendors sought for Franklin Cultural Festival

"The Franklin Cultural Council is looking for artisan vendors of all types. We reeeeeallllly want to support small, independent artists and businesses who were affected by the pandemic. 

The word "ARTISAN" in this case is very broad. We will certainly have visual artists, but we will also have jewelry makers, artisan clothing, artisan foods, and so on. 

This is a "juried" craft show which is to the vendor's advantage (we won't have 30 vendors all competing to sell jewelry, etc...) 

We are expecting potentially 5,000 visitors. Booth fees for this month only are $75. "

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1450276438659512

Artisan vendors sought for Franklin Cultural Festival

Franklin High School - Mid-Summer Newsletter

Franklin High School (@FranklinHS) tweeted on Sun, Jul 18, 2021:

Mid-Summer FHS Newsletter!  

https://t.co/6QT1wP80zX  or   https://www.canva.com/design/DAEg6XyM6C4/_ge3HEh-IjKAxEbO9UkvNA/view#1 

@FranklinPSNews @FHS_PCC #pantherpride 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1416752333745180677

Franklin High School - Mid-Summer Newsletter

Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage or facing foreclosure that there are consumer programs available to help them out.  There has been an increase in notices to foreclosure and foreclosure deeds.

Register O'Donnell stated, "The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great deal of upheaval in all our lives. Some more than others. Some of our neighbors have been furloughed or lost their jobs all together due to the economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the beginning of the pandemic, policy makers at the state and federal levels recognized the impact the pandemic was having on the ability of many to pay their mortgages and rents. A moratorium was put in effect which suspended foreclosure. However, this moratorium expired on October 17^th."

"While the pandemic has been ongoing," stated O'Donnell, "The Norfolk Registry of Deeds has been working in close cooperation with Attorney General Maura Healey's office monitoring protections afforded to homeowners affected by the COVID-19 state of emergency through Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, Act Providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency as well as protections put in place by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Pub L. 116-136, (the "CARES Act"). We are very sensitive to how this pandemic has caused upheaval in people's lives, and want to do our part to ensure compliance with the CARES Act."

To help those facing issues paying their mortgage, the Registry of Deeds has partnered with upstanding non-profit agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure programs. Homeowners can contact Quincy Community Action Programs, (617) 479-8181 x-376 or NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (508) 587-0950 x-46. Another option available is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400. O'Donnell stated, "All of these agencies provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process, providing legal services, and offering credit counseling. For more information on these and other support options, go to the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org, click on the Support tab and then click on the subtab that mentions Foreclosure Assistance."

Register O'Donnell also warned homeowners against falling prey to for-profit companies who offer loan modification and credit counseling services but charge an exorbitant fee. "Even in these times of COVID-19, unscrupulous for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification companies are in some cases preying on vulnerable homeowners. They make unrealistic promises and charge a lot of money for doing so. If one of these companies is telling you something that is too good to be true, it probably is. Please check out any for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification company before entering into a contract with them," noted O'Donnell.

Concluding his remarks, Register O'Donnell stated, "There are important discussions ongoing at the State House surrounding the foreclosures. Hopefully, state officials and stakeholders can come to a resolution that satisfies all parties. With the foreclosure moratorium rescinded, many individuals and families are faced with some very difficult decisions. It is truly tragic that so many are having issues paying their mortgages and facing foreclosure through no fault of their own. If you or a loved one are in this situation, it would be prudent to sit down with a reputable non-profit agency such as Quincy Community Action Programs, NeighborWorks Housing Solutions or the Massachusetts Attorney General's office to discuss what options are available. The Registry is always glad to help those facing a mortgage delinquency or foreclosure crisis by directing them to one of these fine agencies. Each of these organizations are there to serve your needs in a professional and honorable manner."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

 

Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs

Invisible Stories - #6 -"Los Angeles Homeless Man Produces Podcast with his Cellphone"

"I never woke up and said ... I want to live out here on the streets"

Mark Horvath (@hardlynormal) tweeted on Sun, Jul 11, 2021:

Invisible Stories is a mini-doc series that goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages understand and can't ignore. 

Link to the 6th of the series: https://youtu.be/VixkQ6iu9_c

Theo Henderson's podcast =>   https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3dldGhldW5ob3VzZWQubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M?ved=0CAUQrrcFahcKEwightjc96LqAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQIg

Link to the series: https://t.co/Y0NRNIujar 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/hardlynormal/status/1414284287034155020

Note: I met Mark at a social media conference many years ago and have been following his work. This series is very well done. Yes, the series is set in LA but homelessness is an issue all around us whether visible or not.

 

Mass.gov: In-home vaccinations are available

Mass.gov (@MassGov) tweeted on Sat, Jul 17, 2021:

"In-home vaccinations are available for anyone who is unable to travel to a vaccination location.

Learn how you can have a medical professional come to your preferred location and administer a vaccine here: https://t.co/JcPkpdvEJV #COVID19MA"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassGov/status/1416491655738314756

Mass.gov: In-home vaccinations are available