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Thursday, August 26, 2021
Early-bird registration for the 2021 MNN Annual Conference now OPEN
Mass Audubon: "Safe to Start Feeding Birds Again!"
"Wonderful news!
Based on the absence of confirmed cases of the mysterious avian disease in Massachusetts and declining numbers of cases in states to our south, we are following the lead of our neighbors and recommending it is once again safe to resume bird feeding in Massachusetts."
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| © Paul F. Silvestri |
Franklin PMC Kids Ride shifts gears to virtual ride
"After initial plans to wheel back to an in-person event, the 15th annual PMC Franklin Kids Ride has backpedaled to being a fully virtual undertaking due to concerns about the latest COVID-19 surge."Sadly, due to delta (variant) and the increase in cases, PMC corporate decided to make all rides virtual and ride re-imagined," said one of the Franklin ride's organizers, Nancy Brogan, via email on Monday. "We want to keep them safe and healthy."This event will still go off on the same day, just in a different direction."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
To sign up, or contribute to this fund raising effort visit -> https://kids.pmc.org/franklin
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| Franklin PMC Kids Ride shifts gears to virtual ride |
Senate President Karen Spilka sets mask requirements for MA Senate
Senate President Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka) tweeted Wed, Aug 25, 2021:
Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/KarenSpilka/status/1430643138666901513?s=03
Yesterday, the @MA_Senate Reopening Working Group, tasked with preparing us and the public for a safe and full return to the State House, recommended all Senators and employees provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by Oct. 15. I agree. #mapoli 1/3
2/3 As Senate President, the safety, health and wellbeing of Senators and Senate employees is my top priority, particularly as COVID-19 continues to spread. #mapoli
3/3 Vaccines have proven to be the best tool we have to reduce transmission and are our best hope to emerge from this pandemic and get back to better. I want to thank the members of the Working Group, along with their staffs, for their continued efforts. #mapoli
CommonWealth Magazine article on this topic
"Are masks effective for kids? Here’s what to know before school starts" & DESE mask order detailed
"What do we know about masks and their effectiveness in schools?The American Academy of Pediatrics — as well as many doctors and scientists — support universal masking policies as the best chance to keep schools safely open. A properly fitted mask that covers the nose and mouth reduces the amount of viral droplets in the air exchanged by people breathing or talking near each other, said Dr. Ibukun Kalu, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at Duke University Medical Center.Several studies have shown the effectiveness of masks. One of the largest, conducted by the ABC Collaborative with Duke University, analyzed data from North Carolina public schools where masks were required. Researchers found that from March to June, 7,000 children and adults attended school while infectious with COVID, leading to 40,000 “close contacts” being quarantined. Of those, only 363 contracted the virus.That low rate of in-school transmission was due in large part to masks, Kalu said, as most schools didn’t upgrade ventilation or socially distance students."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/25/metro/are-masks-effective-kids-heres-what-know-before-school-starts/
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/bostonglobe/IMYTMNNHXUJIJFXZXJTEAL5EAI.jpg "Arianna Licona, 6, led a class of first graders into the Hill School for Revere's first day of classes on Wednesday. For the first time since early March 2020, all 11 Revere Public Schools opened at full capacity for the 2021 school year.CRAIG F. WALKER/GLOBE STAFF/THE BOSTON GLOBE")
"The new guidance from @MASchoolsK12 in line with the Commissioner's conferred authority is now online: https://t.co/C84yY6vSMF " #MAEdu
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1430668117538222080?s=03
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Ready. Set. Bid. - St. John’s Church To Host Virtual Silent Auction
St. John’s Episcopal Church in Franklin is getting creative initiating their first Virtual Silent Auction for the public from August 27 through September 10. People will have a chance to bid on merchandise from local and regional businesses. Select from a variety of goods and services: food, retail merchandise, electronics, kid and adult activities, sports, museums & outings.
Access the auction three ways:
1) the auction link at https://www.32auctions.com/StJohnsFranklin;
2) St. John’s Church website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org;
3) on Facebook at St. John’s Episcopal Church https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsfranklinma
Just register your name and contact details and the list of items will be displayed. It’s easy to scroll through and make your bid. Check back often to update your bid! Bidding starts August 27 at 12:15 am and will end Friday, September 10 at 12 noon. The highest bidder on each item will be contacted.
“Last year was tough on everyone,” said Rev. Kathy McAdams. “We have continued to gather for worship in whatever way possible. We have continued to serve the community by growing food for the Franklin Food Pantry, providing lunch for Common Cathedral and its unhoused congregation twice, and installing a handicap-accessible restroom.”
Funds earned from the silent auction help continue outreach to the area, Rev. McAdams added. “Please participate in our on-line auction, as well as the Pumpkin Patch in October, so that we can continue to have a positive impact in the Franklin community and beyond.”
The Virtual Silent Auction and Pumpkin Patch replace the church’s holiday fair this winter. The annual Christmas Fair has been a staple in Franklin and a source of income for St. John’s Church.
Want more details? Contact Blanca DiGiacomo at 617-429-4676 or blancadigiacomo@verizon.net.
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| Ready. Set. Bid. - St. John’s Church To Host Virtual Silent Auction |
FM #590 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 - P3 of 3
FM #590 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 590 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent.
We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St. This is the third of three in the series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water Dept.
Part 3 - approx. 28 minutes
Water treatment process flow on last page of “Consumer Confidence Report” CCR
CCR only shows what was found when tested
Programed with multiple fail safes, if deviation occurs outside of range, it shuts down
Safe in that it is also closed, no internet access to system controls
All of the water system is managed by four guys; Licenses required, continuing education required annually, training provided/supported by Town
Water enterprise account, Usage based services, quarterly billing per usage
Capital projects funded from ratepayers
Work to prepare for water and sewer line replacements as part of rebuilding the roads
Retained balance of $1M as a practice for “in case”
Increase reliability of SCADA system by switching to fiber from radio wave
Good to know; the water sewer world of infrastructure is a thing for consideration - job security and regular challenges; the industry is facing 60% of the workforce retiring in the next 10 years
The show notes include links to the Franklin Water Dept. page and other references.
Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn all about Franklin’s water supply.
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3e921c80-30d7-4f9b-bd36-a8becc68be90
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Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division
Water Smart program -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/welcome-watersmart-program
Consumer Confidence Reports -> archive = https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports
Consumer Confidence Report for 2020 us what we walked through during the conversation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2020_web_final.pdf
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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"
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| FM #590 - The Franklin (MA) DPW Water Series 07/15/21 P3 of 3 |
In Heat vs. Humidity debate, humidity wins
Good timing for this article given the heat wave baking the area. It is nicely done and interactive so spend a few minutes to review and understand. It doesn't matter whether you accept climate change or not, dealing with humidity is a requirement to remain healthy.
"When it comes to heat, the human body is remarkably resilient — it’s the humidity that makes it harder to cool down. And humidity, driven in part by climate change, is increasing.A measurement of the combination of heat and humidity is called a “wet-bulb temperature,” which is determined by wrapping a completely wet wick around the bulb of a thermometer. Scientists are using this metric to figure out which regions of the world may become too dangerous for humans.A term we rarely hear about, the wet-bulb temperature reflects not only heat, but also how much water is in the air. The higher that number is, the harder it is for sweat to evaporate and for bodies to cool down."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/climate-change-humidity/?itid=orw-hp-2021
For those working outside or participating in athletic activities, tips to stay healthy
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| In Heat vs. Humidity debate, humidity wins |
Senator Becca Rausch: Our Public Health Victory
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FSPA Offers Pre-Professional Ballet Program
The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) continues its successful Ballet Conservatory program under the direction of Cheryl Madeux. With pre-professional training, FSPA's Ballet Conservatory offers classical ballet education of the highest quality. An extensive range of training and performance experiences provides exceptional opportunities for students of all ages and levels interested in the study of classical ballet.
The FSPA Ballet curriculum is based on the foundations of the ABT National Training Curriculum. As of 2015, all teachers on FSPA’s Conservatory Track have been certified in the NTC program. Additionally, FSPA Academy, partnered with the virtual Massachusetts Public School TECCA, combines the flexibility of a virtual education with the practicality of a schoolroom, and can accommodate professional opportunities, rehearsal, and performance schedules for pre-professional students who wish to study at FSPA full-time.
The first levels of the ballet program begin an earnest study of classical ballet. Barre work is introduced with a strong focus on individual turnout, foot development, and port de bras. As dancers progress into the intermediate levels, the faculty carefully evaluates each student's progress and potential for pointe work while continuing to nurture the desire to dance. The Pre-Professional Program begins advanced ballet technique and pointe.
Admission is by teacher evaluation and audition only. This program consists of FSPA’s most challenging and demanding schedule and provides additional performance opportunities for dancers, along with private coaching and extra classes if desired.
FSPA’s Ballet program is under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, a former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Joffery Ballet, and Hartford Ballet. She received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Ms. Madeux has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, worked with leading choreographers including Gerald Arpino, Kirk Peterson, and Twyla Tharp, and been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono.
Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the full-length classical productions as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Firebird, Balanchine’s Serenade, Spectra de La Rose, and much more. Many of Ms. Madeux’s FSPA Ballet Conservatory students have been accepted to some of the most prestigious summer programs available and a select few recently participated and advanced to the finals of the Youth America Grand Prix in NY. Ms. Madeux is also a summer faculty member for the ABT Young Dancers Program in NY and an examiner for the ABT National Training Curriculum.
In previous years, FSPA has presented its students for Examinations in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum at ABT’s studios in New York, NY. The Examination class was taught by Ms. Madeux. FSPA is proud to incorporate the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, a nine-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development for students of all ages and skill levels. Upon successful exam completion, Cheryl Madeux earned the distinction of ABT Affiliate Teacher.
FSPA offers two additional tracks of Ballet study for students not on the pre-professional path and advanced dancers with limited time in their schedules. The Standard Track is designed to train and educate students in classical ballet so they may use this knowledge to enhance other disciplines and prepare to enter competitive college dance programs, if desired.
Pointe is not offered on this track, allowing for fewer requirements and greater flexibility of schedules. Students are evaluated for placement in the level to assure continued development and success. The Recreational Ballet Program consists of once-a-week classes to meet the needs of older students with no prior experience who wish to explore the discipline of classical ballet and dancers with some experience who want to continue study for enjoyment.
For more information on Ballet at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by the facility at 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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| FSPA Offers Pre-Professional Ballet Program |
Q&A on Franklin Matters - August 26 at 1:30 PM
Get your Franklin questions answered on Thursday, August 26 at 1:30 PM.
This is a virtual event coordinated with the Senior Center = "Franklin Matters Q&A with Steve Sherlock"
email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend
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| Q&A on Franklin Matters - August 26 at 1:30 PM |
"a strong supply chain is vital for everyone"
The CDL or truck driver shortage reported previously as affecting the trash/recycling pickup and was also highlighted in the two open jobs that the DPW is looking to fill, is not just a US issue. This article shares the info on preparation for the Christmas season in Europe (UK and Iceland in particular).
"The UK government must allow retailers to recruit HGV drivers from foreign countries to avoid a supply chain crisis that could ruin Christmas, a senior supermarket chain boss has warned.
Richard Walker, Iceland’s managing director, said the UK faced a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers that was already causing 30-40 deliveries to its stores to be cancelled daily, and would upend plans to begin building Christmas stock from next month.
“We’ve got Christmas around the corner, and in retail we start to stock build really from September onwards, for what is a hugely important time of year,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/25/iceland-boss-hgv-drivers-shortage-cancel-christmas-immigration-rules-uk
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/25/iceland-boss-hgv-drivers-shortage-cancel-christmas-immigration-rules-uk
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| The Franklin DPW is hiring 2 for Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions |
“We should not even be thinking about closing the book or backing off, but rather ratcheting up the effort”
As shared earlier this week (Virus theory vs politics: "unlikely hard answers will be provided this week"), the report did lead to no hard conclusions and more research (in the scientific manner) remains to be done. The 90 day push accomplished much but could not reach a conclusion in the time allotted.
"President Biden on Tuesday received a classified report from the intelligence community that was inconclusive about the origins of the novel coronavirus, including whether the pathogen jumped from an animal to a human as part of a natural process, or escaped from a lab in central China, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
The intelligence community will seek within days to declassify elements of the report for potential public release, officials said.
The assessment is the result of a 90-day sprint after Biden tasked his intelligence agencies in May to produce a report “that could bring us closer to a definitive conclusion” on the origins of a virus that has killed more than 4 million people globally and wrecked national economies. But despite analyzing a raft of existing intelligence and searching for new clues, intelligence officials fell short of a consensus, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the report is not yet public."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
New York Times coverage of this topic (subscription maybe required)
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