Kids 5-11 COVID Vaccine Clinic - January 19 & February 9, 2022

Kids 5-11 COVID Vaccine Clinic  

January 19 & February 9, 2022

The Franklin Department of Health is hosting another round of vaccine clinics on January 19 and February 9 for kids ages 5-11. The clinics will run from 2 PM - 5 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

Register here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/kids-5-11-covid-vaccine-clinic-january-19th-february-9th-2022

Kids 5-11 COVID Vaccine Clinic - January 19 & February 9, 2022

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail: Call for Nominations – make a difference in your community

View this email in your browser The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is now accepting nominations to serve in leadership positions. Your help is critical at this time to maintain this great community resource. What is the Mission? The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Rail Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path. Here is what some of our volunteers say about being involved!" "I first got involved with the FBRTC to help develop the local rail trail and offer outdoor recreation opportunities for myself and my kids. What I received back was much more! Serving on the committee has connected me to neighbors and leaders in my community and has led to friendships both professionally and personally. I feel good giving back, and at the same time helping to create opportunities for people to improve their health and connect with nature." - Marc "I appreciate the work being done on the trail. While walking the Rail Trail: I especially treasure the serenity and fresh air, Walking with my grandchildren and dog, To feel like I'm in the woods but only a few yards away from civilization, The maps on the kiosks, The cleanness, safety, and surface and width of the trail." - Tony "Not everybody can say that they are helping to build something permanent that will be utilized by Franklin, Bellingham and neighboring towns for the good health and happiness of all of our residents; but we can! When we achieve our goals, we can also say that we are leaving something really good for our children and grandchildren! Help us achieve our goals! - David Being part of the committee helps ensure the benefits of the trail are there for you and others! How You Can Help The committee is charged with assembling a slate of nominees for President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Other positions and areas to serve are also available and determined by need on an annual basis.    Any interested member is eligible to serve. Please complete the online form now to be contacted. Nominations must be received before January 10, 2022. You can also reach out to the committee directly to discuss getting involved at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com  While we hope that we are overwhelmed with nominations, we recognize that not everyone has the time to serve. FBRTC has always been a volunteer-based organization with multiple opportunities at a variety of levels. To that end, we would encourage you to fill out the interest form.   Fill out our interest form Copyright © 2022 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

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

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/criminal-justice/commission-sharply-split-on-qualified-immunity-proposals/

"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

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/236839/ 

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/

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

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

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/poll-shows-sharp-divide-in-attitudes-depending-on-vaccination-status/

 

Review the poll directly ->  https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb9fa2f8ac4df11937f6a49/t/61d61b5f814eea43d2f83022/1641421664656/Topline+2021+12+Voter+Poll+Statewide.pdf

Poll results ->  https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb9fa2f8ac4df11937f6a49/t/61d61b7fe8c5f17dc68ec8c8/1641421698144/Crosstabs+2021+12+Voter+Poll+Statewide.pdf

"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.

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

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

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples
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

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021
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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 12-16-21
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     

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/

Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures

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/

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

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 -> 

https://facebook.com/events/s/electric-youth-2022-debut/1388154101616705/

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

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-04-22/

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

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

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Next General Meeting - Feb. 3, 2022

General Meeting on Feb. 3, 2022 Please note that the next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 at 8:30 AM via Zoom. We will send the Zoom link closer to the date of the meeting. Franklin Downtown Partnership

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

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

http://www.mysunrisemontessori.com/

Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Jan 22

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.

-------
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 ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-689-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-01-04-22

Town of Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Jan 4, 2022