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Thursday, January 6, 2022
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail: Call for Nominations – make a difference in your community
Mass News Items of Note: 'qualified immunity' sharply divides commission; Allen unveils a 'democracy agenda'
"A SHARPLY DIVIDED commission established to study qualified immunity – a controversial legal doctrine that shields police officers and other public employees from liability from civil lawsuits – is recommending that lawmakers not change the law for at least two years.
But the commission did recommend two changes that could make it easier for people to bring civil lawsuits against public employees in state courts, even with the qualified immunity doctrine unchanged. "
Continue reading the article online
"DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL candidate Danielle Allen unveiled a democracy agenda on Wednesday, outlining a host of initiatives to encourage greater voter participation and civic involvement and reduce the influence of money in politics.Some of the proposals are part of the current debate on Beacon Hill — same-day voter registration, the establishment of Indigenous People’s Day as a state holiday, the creation of a new state flag, and allowing communities to embrace ranked-choice voting and a lower voting age without state approval."
Continue reading the article online
Allen led the Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship to produce a report "Our Common Purpose " https://www.amacad.org/ourcommonpurpose/report
Her gubernatorial campaign -> https://allenforma.com/
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| Allen unveils a 'democracy agenda' |
Dean Leadership Institute: Eric D. Lee, Esq - Feb 11, 8 AM
"MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The Dean Leadership Institute is excited and honored to welcome Eric D. Lee, Esq. '08 back to campus as its first speaker in the Leadership In Action series.
Join us on Friday, February 11, at 8 AM on Zoom for a great presentation." #dcleadinst
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/5SVkJ4PC3Z
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| Eric D. Lee, Esq. '08 |
"Private businesses often get caught in the crosshairs"
"WITH COVID CASES surging in Massachusetts and tests hard to come by, deciding what feels safe to do can be a moving target. But for one group at least, the decision is a lot easier. Those who are unvaccinated largely feel safe eating in restaurants, attending public places and events, and are hesitant to introduce more restrictions. Meanwhile, those who have been vaccinated or boosted are cautious to partake in many public activities and are calling for more strident stances on COVID-related mandates.
That’s according to the latest poll from the MassINC Polling Group, which surveyed 1,026 registered voters in Massachusetts in late December. The results highlight the irony that those who are the least protected against the virus are the least concerned, while those who have taken more precautions by getting vaccinated continue to be more cautious.
Even in a state with one of the highest vaccination rates, the battle against COVID-19 is as much one of public attitudes as it is of public health infrastructure. "
Continue reading the article online
Review the poll directly -> https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb9fa2f8ac4df11937f6a49/t/61d61b5f814eea43d2f83022/1641421664656/Topline+2021+12+Voter+Poll+Statewide.pdf
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| "Private businesses often get caught in the crosshairs" |
Franklin Library: Dark Journeys & Urban Legends with Jeff Belanger - Jan 6 - 6:30 PM
Have you ever heard a story you didn't think was true, but then thought… what if? Bloody Mary in the mirror? The Hook by Lover's Lane? White Lady ghosts? Stolen body parts? Why do similar stories pop up all over the world? Are they more than just stories?
Come take an entertaining and enlightening virtual journey through the graveyard at midnight with author and folklorist Jeff Belanger. For over 20 years, Jeff has been exploring the unexplained. He seeks out history, folklore, ghosts, monsters, and legends all over the world and in your backyard.
JEFF BELANGER is a storyteller, adventurer, journalist, and one of the most visible explorers of the unexplained today. The author of over a dozen books published in six languages, he is also the Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the PBS and Amazon Prime series New England Legends and the weekly New England Legends podcast. He's the writer and research for the Ghost Adventures series, and he's been a guest on hundreds of television and radio networks and programs, including History, Travel Channel, Biography Channel, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, BBC, and Coast to Coast AM.
To learn more about Jeff, please visit https://jeffbelanger.com/ .
This program is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
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| Franklin Library: Dark Journeys & Urban Legends with Jeff Belanger - Jan 6 - 6:30 PM |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Jan 6, 2022
- wfpr.fm =Thursday
10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday
8:00 am Veterans' Call: Matt Ching Pt. 1
9:00 am The Black Box: Newsies
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
11:30:00 am SAFE Coalition: PSA
12:00:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Oral Health
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm ArtWeek: Games
3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples
4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Ray Block
4:30 pm Frank Presents: Greg Dowd
5:30 pm Arts Advocacy: Impact
6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday
8:30 am ArtWeek: FHS Jazz & Kenny Hadley Band
11:00 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 12-22-21
1:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Attleboro 12-17-21
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v St. John's Shrewsbury 12-20-21
5:00 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
6:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Mansfield 12-16-21
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday
2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 12-16-21
7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Franklin Public Schools: Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures
Dear Franklin Community,
You have likely seen the news reports that some schools in our local area had to close today due to high COVID-19 cases among faculty/staff or cases that affect their families. We are also hearing about daycare closures due to COVID.
Like other districts, Franklin Public Schools is seeing a large volume of students and staff testing positive. I don’t mean to alarm you, however we publish weekly case counts and I think it is important to give you both a preview and an honest snapshot of what we are experiencing. Yesterday’s COVID informational letter identified 20 individuals within the school setting who tested positive. (Today’s letter indicated 30). The total number of individuals testing positive yesterday alone was 68 when individuals who were isolating at home are included. These numbers are straining our ability to adequately staff our schools.
We are not experiencing evidence of school-based spread. I wish to reassure you that our schools have significantly more mitigation measures in place than public and private settings, generally.
We are doing our best to collaborate across the district and deploy substitutes in order to provide adequate coverage to keep students safe in the learning environment. Our efforts also include coverage by building and central office administrators.
I share this information with you to:
- emphasize the hard work the team is doing in an aim to keep schools open and to keep everyone safe
- and ask you to prepare for the possibility that on any given day, we may need to close a school if we feel that we can not safely operate the school based on the number of adults we have to supervise.
As with our snow notifications, a decision to close will be made as early as possible for your planning purposes. It may be the night prior to school but it may also be in the morning. We will aim to make the decision and initiate notifications by cell, text, and email by 5:30 AM and no later than 6:00 AM.
Days missed will need to be made up at the end of the year as all students are required to have 180 days of instruction. Moving to remote instruction is not an option.
Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, patience, and cooperation,
Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools
Shared via SchCom Chair Denise Spencer's Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3072054019731270/
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| Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures |
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Jan 6 Vigil at Franklin Town Common Bandstand Among More than 175 Events Across the Country
WHAT: January 6, 2022 marks one year since a faction of elected officials incited armed right-wing militants to attack the U.S. Capitol. One year later, the same faction is working to restrict the freedom to vote, attacking fair voting districts, and quietly preparing future attempts to sabotage free and fair elections.
On Thursday, January 6, 2022, Americans across race, place, party, and background are holding candlelight vigils to say: In America, the voters decide the outcome of elections. To prevent this kind of attack from happening again, advocates are demanding that elected leaders pass urgent legislation including the Freedom to Vote Act, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and DC Statehood.
This event in Franklin is one of more than 175 events that will take place across the country, including at the U.S. Capitol.
WHO: The Committee to Protect Our Democracy
WHERE: Franklin Town Common Bandstand
WHEN: 5:00 -6:00 PM
VISUALS: Speakers include Representative Jeffrey Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and a member of Congressman Jake Auchincloss’ staff with a message from the congressman
LINK to event signup: https://www.mobilize.us/democracyvigils/event/434622/
_20211214160956019103.png?auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&h=494.24083769633506&w=944 "Vigil at Franklin Town Common Bandstand Among More than 175 Events Across the Country") |
| Vigil at Franklin Town Common Bandstand Among More than 175 Events Across the Country |
Franklin Newcomers & Friends - meeting Jan 19 - a game night!
Not just for Newcomers . . .
Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers & Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 19th at 7:30 for Game Night! Following the club updates, we will play some fun, social games to kick off the new year!
We will also be collecting personal care items and cleaning supplies for the Franklin Food Pantry. Please bring one or more items from the following list: shampoo (8 oz-24 oz), conditioner (8 oz-24 oz), disposable razors, hand and body lotion (8 oz-24 oz), liquid hand soap (6 oz-24 oz), Scott’s toilet paper (single WRAPPED roll 1000 sheets), cleaning wipes, all purpose cleaner spray (32 oz), ajax or comet cleansers.
Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
No need to be a newcomer to the area…residents of Franklin (or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club) are welcome to join us. We run our meetings September through May on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers) upstairs in a private room at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin.
Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.
Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends
Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends
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| Franklin Newcomers & Friends - meeting Jan 19 - a game night! |
Electric Youth 2022 schedule debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 8, 2022
Electric Youth 2022 will debut at THE BLACK BOX on January 8 with two shows at 4:00 and 8:00 pm!
The 2022 group of talented young singers and dancers includes Hayley Driscoll, Tatiana McAlpine, Sami Goldman, Abby Settle, Audrey Miningham, Devin DeAngelis, Finley Doherty, John Fitzhenry, Madigan Wirkus, Abby Trombert, Anya Fox, Ashley Peppin, Erin Belger, and Tzintli Cerda. Electric Youth is scheduled to tour again this summer bringing timeless hits and non-stop entertainment to venues across Europe.
Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.
The group has toured Europe performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna.
Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. Last year, EY recorded and released their a cappella single “Always Remember Us This Way” arranged and edited by Jim Hogan of a cappella sensation T.3 (available on all streaming platforms).
Collectively, the members of Electric Youth 2022 have performed with Broadway stars, sung the National Anthem for Boston sports teams, been selected to perform at “Broadway Sessions” in NYC, worked with choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance, and more.
Alumni of Electric Youth have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national and international tours, television, regional theater, feature film, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and more
Tickets online at -> https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1532
Shared from Facebook ->
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| Electric Youth 2022 schedule debut at THE BLACK BOX |
FHS girls hockey drop match to Canton on Tuesday
Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Tuesday:
Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Canton, 3 – Final
- Slow start for Panthers, Canton 2-0 after one. Big period coming! https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1478517351310102528
- 3-0 loss to a tough and talented Canton team. Back at It Saturday at the Vet 6:30 v. Dedham. @FHSSports @HockomockSports https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1478543636572872705
For other results around the Hockomock League
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| FHS Panthers |
Attention Residents: Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works - January 4, 2022
Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works
January 4th, 2022
Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works:
The Franklin DPW has been working with Waste Management throughout the pandemic to minimize disruption to the solid waste/single stream recycling curbside program. However, Waste Management's collection team has been impacted by a severe increase in COVID related absences. At this time, it is anticipated that Franklin's curbside trash & recycling collection will encounter occasional delays over the next several weeks. Routes that are not completed on their scheduled day will continue to be collected the following day.
In the midst of the new year, the DPW and the Waste Management team are keenly aware of the unfortunate timing of collection delays. It is always our goal to stay on track, and to ensure collection for trash and recycling occurs as scheduled.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this causes to the residents of Franklin. Rest assured that we are working all the angles to ensure each route is collected on its scheduled collection day.
Stay safe,
Franklin DPW
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/message-franklin-department-public-works-january-4th-2022
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| Attention Residents: Message from the Franklin Department of Public Works - January 4, 2022 |
Legal Notice = Franklin Historical Commission - Public Hearing scheduled for Jan 12, 2022, 6:30 PM
PUBLIC HEARING 1/12/22
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday January 12, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition
application for the property
at 230 East Central Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin
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| Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022 |
Franklin Downtown Partnership: Next General Meeting - Feb. 3, 2022
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Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Jan 22
Admission open house for families interested in Montessori preschool/kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year. Tour the classrooms, meet the staff and current parents, learn about Montessori
Where: 31 Hayward St., Suite J2, Franklin
When: Saturday, Jan 22, 2022 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Visit their webpage for more about their programs
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Recap: Community Preservation Committee opens first hearing how CPA funds should be used (audio)
Quick Recap:
- First of two public hearings opened Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022. Residents made several suggestions for use of the CPA money to be available later this year. The second hearing is scheduled for Jan 18.
- This is the first time the Town of Franklin is doing this process but it seems will be great opportunity for residents to get into the discussion on prioritization of what money goes where for which items; open space (i.e. Maple Hill - done), recreation (more pickleball courts were top item at hearing), preservation (Museum or Red Brick School previously mentioned as possible), or housing (needs for more housing and more affordable previously raised).
- Town Administrator Jamie Hellen cautioned that the projects will need to layout to allow for Town personnel to handle them, they all can't be done at once. Part of the prioritization will be which project to be set, in which area of Town, and for which need to ensure some equitable distribution. An example, don't add more pickleball courts to King St as that would be the only location, spread them out around Town.
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conference bridge.
The Twitter hashtag #cpc0104 can be found online. The thread begins with
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478513721886777347
- Getting ready for the first of two public hearings to start development of the Community Preservation Committee project list, some of which could be funded when the CPA funds become available in 4Q 2022. #cpc0104 agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-04_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_1.pdf
- First hearing begins at 7 PM tonight, second same time on Jan 18. #cpc0104 audio recording of overview of committee work with three members here https://franklinmatters.org/2021/12/conversation-on-community-preservation.html?m=0
- Meeting broadcast available in multiple ways; 1- cable via local Comcast or Verizon govt channel, 2- Zoom (info in agenda doc) or 3- live stream via Franklin TV https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream… #cpc0104
- Chair Feeley opens meeting; TA Hellen provides overview of meeting tonight, format and background on process as this is the first time through the CPA timeline. #cpc0104
- M Ryan resident proposing additional three pickleball courts, with lights, potentially at King St where others are already today. #cpc0104 allows for play across all age levels, all you need it court, ball and paddle. Fastest growing sport in America. 16 communities used …
- CPA funds for courts thus far. Can't always get a spot in Franklin, waiting list for clinics and leagues here, lights enable expansion of playing hours. Randolph spent $51K in 2019 for three courts, may be a worthy estimate. #cpc0104
- B Kelso, resident wants to support pickleball court idea. A Earls advocating for the federal lands along Mine Brook, between Pond St and i495; also abuts Maplegate. R Trahan, regarding the SNETT trail and improvements needed on Franklin side.#cpc0104
- TA Hellen adds that lighting at King St is possible. Question would be where at King St. #cpc0104 Rec Director R Jette adds a reservation system is available. Costs have gone up, since this was done, other things are on the capital plan.
- A caution on not all can be done at once, projects would need to be laid out so the staff could do them without contention, next meeting Jan 18; motion to adjourn, seconded, passes via aye vote (not roll call with 2 members on remote - oops) #cpc0104
Listen to the meeting recording ->
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, Virtual Meeting, Thursday, January 6, 7:00 PM
Best wishes to all as we welcome the new year. At 350 Mass, we stand prepared to take on the challenges confronting us, and we invite you to participate at your own determined level of engagement. Every contribution will help the cause. Our first Greater Franklin Node meeting of 2022 will be this Thursday, January 6, 7:00-9:00 pm. (We have a lot to discuss, but feel free to leave early if necessary.)
Best wishes to all as we welcome the new year. At 350 Mass, we stand prepared to take on the challenges confronting us, and we invite you to participate at your own determined level of engagement. Every contribution will help the cause.
Our first Greater Franklin Node meeting of 2022 will be this Thursday, January 6, 7:00-9:00 pm. (As always, attendees should feel free to leave the meeting early if necessary.)
Here are the Zoom details.
Zoom link for the meeting, January 6, 7:00-9:00 pm.
Join on Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755
Password: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923
During the meeting, we will address climate bills being considered by the state legislature, actions to promote national changes, and local developments. Please read the rest of this email for information and actions, whether or not you can attend the meeting. Thank you.
Energy efficiency and retrofitting homes and buildings. All of 350 Mass' nodes are working hard to promote and achieve the organization's priorities, as defined in our Campaign "Bringing the Green New Deal Home" and its three components focused on Buildings, Transportation, and Energy. At this meeting we will focus on the first component, "Building the Green New Deal," that is, requiring that new buildings be efficient and non-emitting, and retrofitting existing buildings, including insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and replacing fossil-fuel heating systems with non-polluting (electric) ones. These changes will occur via legislation, individual consumer choices, and policies and programs adopted by cities and towns. This will be an all-hands-on-deck effort. We ask you to join the Zoom meeting to learn about the campaign, share information about groups and activities in your community, and help us plan and implement this campaign. Also, we ask your help in publicizing this important meeting and inviting others. Thank you.
Next Generation Roadmap Climate Law. In January, 2021 the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Next Generation Roadmap Climate Law requiring the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. One key to success is to write new building codes and retrofit at least one million homes by 2030, as described in our Campaign (above). Priority would be given to low-income households and environmental justice neighborhoods. Regrettably, progress has been slow. It is clear that Mass Save, the agency currently responsible for these types of home improvement programs, needs to expand its scope beyond insulation and energy-efficient supplies to provide a roadmap that homeowners can use to electrify our homes with renewable energy at a cost we can afford. Add your voice to demand action. Sign the "Times Up For Fossil Fuels!" Card. Help pressure the utilities that run Mass Save to obey the law, and support the call for additional laws and programs to meet the state's climate goals.
Massachusetts legislative action. The House and Senate committees are actively reviewing the many bills proposed for the current 2021-22 session. This is a critical time to support 350 Mass' top three priority bills (click for descriptions). We are asking everyone to contact your legislators via phone or email or, preferably, with a meeting in January, to encourage them to cosponsor these bills. For constituents of Rep. Jeff Roy (Democrat, Franklin, and Chairperson, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy), the Node is working on setting up a meeting with him; if you'd like to participate, let us know by replying to this email. If you'd like to learn about all the bills that we support, you can find information sheets here.
We hope you can join us Thursday at 7:00. We'll send a reminder Thursday afternoon.
Thank you for your commitment to the struggle for a transition to a just, equitable, and clean energy economy.
Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern
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