Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Aug 29 - Sep 11

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 11 I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Remembering 9/11 Anniversary of September 11th: On Sunday, we commemorated 21 years since our way of life came under assault, in an attack so horrifying that the images and sounds are forever seared in our collective memory. In solidarity, I spoke at the Newton Fire Department in honor of the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. As a country, we commit ourselves to freedom and democracy, in their memory. On the Hill MBTA: I met with Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) General Manager Steve Poftak and other MBTA officials on the shutdown of the Orange Line and other service restrictions caused by maintenance and safety concerns. The federal government has provided sufficient funding to the MBTA, but now the MBTA needs to properly use the funding for increasing staffing and performing maintenance. Specifically, they need to hire at least 2,000 people over the next two years. I do not believe that the Federal Transit Administration should impose receivership on the MBTA. The FTA has demonstrated its value in enforcing safety upgrades and should stay in close oversight of the MBTA, but as a former local official, I strongly believe that state and local officials are best equipped to run the MBTA. Supporting Ukraine: Ukrainian forces recently retook over 1,000 square miles in northeastern Ukraine from Russian troops. Ukraine's counteroffensive is the most significant development in the war since Russia's retreat from Kyiv and is further evidence that Russia can be defeated. I am continuing to work to maintain strong bipartisan support in Congress for Russia's strategic defeat. We must continue providing economic, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukrainian forces to ensure their victory on the front lines of the free world. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to provide widespread access to public transit. Let me know below if you have access to reliable, public transportation. Have you been impacted by recent public transit service restrictions? Around the Fourth Investing in Health: I joined Governor Baker in speaking at the opening ceremony for a new Blackstone life sciences location in our state. Blackstone is investing in new cures, good jobs, and better care for Massachusetts residents. And, increasingly, the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem is extending to southeastern Massachusetts, where, for example, Thermo Fisher Scientific recently opened a biomanufacturing facility in Plainville. Meet-Ups Across the Fourth: Throughout the month of August, I hosted a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants throughout the district. I enjoyed hearing from constituents on a variety of topics, from Congress's recent action on climate change to providing support to Ukraine to continuing our work to lower health care costs. I will take all of this information with me back to Washington and keep it in mind as relevant legislation arises. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Panther TV News: Friday, Sep 16, 2022 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted  on Fri, Sep 16, 2022:

Club announcements, advice for freshman, and info on next week's Club Fair...all on Panther News: 

Friday, Sept. 16, 2022!! @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @GraceTucceri   

https://t.co/4fe1gNSuli via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1570823950925729793

FHS football, field hockey, and volleyball teams post wins on Friday

HockomockSports.com posted the results of Hockomock League competition on Friday, Sep 16, 2022. We share the FHS results here and provide the link to the full set below.

Football = Franklin, 37 vs. Brockton, 6 – Final

1Q: No scoring.

2Q: (F) Jase Lyons 3-yard rush, Garrett Portesi XP good; (F) J. Lyons 55-yard pass to Grayson Hunter, XP failed; (F) J. Lyons 35-yard pass to Luke Davis, G. Portesi XP good; (F) J. Lyons 3-yard rush, G. Portesti XP good.

3Q: (F) J. Lyons 5-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good; (F) G. Portesi 22-yard field goal.

4Q: (B) Monteiro 60-yard rush, XP failed.

Franklin TV video of the game ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXEHXPCHqP8

Girls Soccer = King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 

– KP bounced back from a loss to OA by handing Franklin its first loss of the season. Heidi Lawrence scored a brace for the Warriors, who moved back into a first-place tie with the Panthers in the division. Lawrence scored 13 minutes before halftime after a nice run that was picked out by Ella Pisani’s diagonal ball. Norah Anderson got Franklin’s goal off a Katie Ewald corner, but then Lawrence popped up with the winner five minutes from full time. Pisani again provided the killer pass.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 9 @ Taunton, 0 – Final 

– Franklin scored five goals in the opening quarter and never went back in a big win on the road over Taunton. Sophia Cuneo opened the scoring less than a minute in, Sydney Rogan and Payten Crandall each scored once, and Haley Wernig scored two goals inside the final minute to give the Panthers a big lead early. Kaitlyn Carney, who scored two goals in the second half, assisted on Franklin’s first four goals. Lindsay Dennett and Brooke Taylor (first career goal) added a goal each for Franklin.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 0 – Final 

– Franklin continued its undefeated start to the season with a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-17, 25-16) on the road at Taunton. Makayla Kuykendall had a big game for the Panthers with 11 kills, eight digs, and four aces while Taylor Lacerda continued her streak of strong performances with 17 kills and 11 digs.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-16-22/

FHS Panthers

Dan Rather: A Shameful Stunt

It is easy to demonize the "other".  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Open in browser A Shameful Stunt Dan Rather and Elliot Kirschner Sep 16 A bus carrying migrants who crossed the border from Mexico into Texas arrives in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) It is easy to demonize the "other" — the one who looks different, speaks differently, or comes from somewhere else. Especially during periods of deep social, political, and economic anxiety, pounding one's chest about "us" and "them" and using fear as a rallying cry can whip populations into a fervor.  It is clear that Republicans, facing tremendous blowback in the face of the Supreme Court's abortion ruling, falling gas prices, the specter of Donald Trump, and the backlash he provokes for many voters, have settled on immigration as a motivator to turn out their base in the upcoming midterm elections. The stunts by Republican politicians — specifically Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis — of busing and flying migrants and asylum seekers to places like Washington, D.C. (including outside of the vice president's residence), New York City, and now Martha's Vineyard have all the toxic energy of a fraternity prank. This is deadly serious.  And it may be effective politically. It has been the case many times before, both in this country and abroad. History is replete with political power built on vilifying foreigners and immigration. As much as they might not like to admit it, Democrats may worry about their vulnerability on this issue, especially in close elections. Fear can be a motivator to get people to the polls.  The public rationale for what Republicans are doing can't be only to "own the libs," although that desire is clearly behind the glee with which the governors and their supporters justify their actions. They say they are pointing out rampant hypocrisy, that blue states should have to carry the burden of immigration. The truth is, of course, that blue states, and cities in particular, are full of immigrants, documented and undocumented. And many of these immigrants are thriving members of local communities. Furthermore, blue state tax revenue is a major source of federal government funds, which are then distributed across the nation, including to red states and in support of immigration infrastructure. You could imagine a reason it would make sense for migrants and asylum seekers to travel from the border to other parts of the country. But a good faith effort would include planning and resources. It would include giving people full and accurate information about where they would be going and some choice in their fate. These current stunts are nothing of this sort. They are driven by cruelty and lies. They are certainly not for the benefit of the immigrant or even the immigration system. They are about scoring political points on the backs of others. Can you imagine being put on a bus or a plane with your children — or even being a child yourself — and arriving at some street corner, maybe late at night, with no idea where you were or what would come next?  Immigration is a complicated issue. It always has been. It stirs emotions deep and powerful. The movement of people across oceans, over lines on maps, and within nations is a fraught endeavor. It is often driven by desperation, coercion, bondage, and hope. Those in transit tend to be vulnerable for exploitation.  One of the hallmarks of the human species is that we are incredibly mobile. From our origins (probably in Africa, say scientists) we spread out to almost every imaginable corner of the Earth — from the arctic tundra to equatorial rainforests, from the tops of mountains to remote islands. We invented all manner of conveyances to carry us over open seas, across continents, and even through the air. Horizons beckon us to go beyond them.  Humans, however, are also territorial. We have claimed time and time again, around the world, and throughout history, that this land is "ours." We have divided the globe into discrete states. We have created borders, sometimes hundreds or thousands of miles long, that delineate divisions over who has the right to live on either side. Sometimes these boundaries follow geographic reasoning — rivers or mountains. Sometimes they are literally just random lines on the map.  For all this human movement, however, we are also a species with a strong sense of home. We group ourselves in regions where we share language, culture, family, and friends. Some of us may be inveterate wanderers, but many would rather stay close to where we are most familiar and comfortable.  But that changes when violence threatens us, when living conditions prove inhospitable, when our prospects for earning a livelihood and providing for our family are hopeless, when our freedoms are trampled. Then a primal survival mode kicks in. We would do anything to protect ourselves and our families. We would put our own health and security at risk in search of a better life. It was this very instinct that over the course of many centuries brought waves of immigrants to the United States.  America, it is often said, is a land of immigrants. Most of us here had ancestors who attempted a similar journey to that of those now being used as pawns in political showmanship. Back in our family tree, someone made the decision that they needed to leave somewhere else and come here. For some of us, that decision was decades or centuries in the past. For some it was recent. Many in this country now are immigrants themselves.  There are also those among us whose ancestors didn't choose to leave. They were ripped from their homes by force — chained, beaten, and raped — and taken to a new land where they were separated from their families and forced to live in bondage. Others still are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Americas, whose lands were taken by new immigrants. Many of these Native peoples perished from the diseases brought by white settlers. Those who didn't were forced from their homes and pushed into far less hospitable lands.  Of course, you won't hear any of this context from those sneering now with xenophobic fear-mongering. There is no nuance in the MAGA slogan. Heck, they want to ban the teaching of this very history in schools. The truth isn't comfortable, and it challenges their divisive narratives.  For as long as America remains a beacon for those seeking a better life, we will have to find ways of creating a fair, equitable, safe, and humane system for immigration. What can be done? Recognize the incredible advantages immigrants have brought to this nation. Be driven by empathy. And keep our nation protected. We should not expect these balances to be easy. And that is all the more reason to debate the issue with seriousness instead of scapegoating, with a commitment to our noblest values rather than an appeal to our basest instincts.  We would do well to remember those stirring lines from the Emma Lazarus poem "The New Colossus" that adorn the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" We are talking about people here. Our fellow human beings. And there but for the grace of God go I.  Note: If you are not already a subscriber to our Steady newsletter, please consider joining us. And we always appreciate you sharing our content with others and leaving your thoughts in the comments. Leave a comment Share Thanks for subscribing to Steady. This post is public, so please feel free to share it. © 2022 Dan Rather 548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104

You can join the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance mailing list

From the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Please add your name to our mailing list. You can sign up for general updates, volunteering opportunities, and/or leadership.

Use this form to join the mailing list:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnRB-LK3z7DKSe1Rl0ClaY7LQpAteHAhf3YpLLjejFi_A6gQ/viewform 

You can join the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance mailing list

Gov Baker announces tax rebate coming some time

Via Governor Baker:

"Stronger-than expected state tax revenues have led to a major surplus for Fiscal Year 2022, and we are pleased to be able to return nearly $3 billion in excess revenue to the taxpayers. Read more http://bit.ly/3RX14ni Estimate your refund http://mass.gov/62frefunds"

Gov Baker's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-details-for-return-of-2941-billion-in-excess-tax-revenue-to-taxpayers

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1570807319428210690

CommonWealth Magazine coverage -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-presses-forward-with-hefty-tax-cap-refunds/

Boston Globe coverage (subscription maybe required) ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/16/metro/heres-how-much-money-you-could-get-back-through-new-mass-tax-refund/

Gov Baker announces tax rebate coming some time

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring

via Franklin Fire Dept twitter:

Our Regional Dispatch Center is hiring!

Check out the posting below:

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring 

For more about the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) https://www.franklinma.gov/metacomet-emergency-communications-center-mecc

And an overview presentation to the Town Council in May 20202

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/mecc_presentation.pdf

FHS Cheerleaders hold fund raising car wash today from 9 AM to 1 PM

at Franklin Car Wash on 340 East Central St

Shared from Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/CikcOufsT7DEdHSL5KpXrVTprOgXHPFEQRiaqY0

FHS Cheerleaders hold fund raising car wash today from 9 AM to 1 PM

New September 2022 Workshops offered for those looking for work

 

New Registration Process for All Events Offered By 50+ Job Seekers! If you registered with 50+ Job Seekers prior to August 22nd, you will automatically have a login for our website. All you need to do is go to https://50plusjobseekers.org/password-reset/ in order to set your password. Your user name will be this email address. If you have not previously completed the full registration form to create your profile, you will be asked to do so when you login.    Going forward, you will need to login to the website at https://50plusjobseekers.org/login/ to register for events. Once logged in, access the Master Calendar. Each event will have a booking button on it, and you can book as many events as you like. Immediately, you will receive confirmation of your bookings. A Zoom meeting link will then be emailed within 24 hours of the event to those who have registered.   Should you have any questions regarding this process, please contact 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com. If you have any trouble logging in, you may contact lynn@mcoaonline.com. Mon, Sept 19th, 10:00 – 11:30 am: Interview Practice with Ed Lawrence!

Ed Lawrence is the founder and principal of Getstarted LLC, through which he offers practical job-search advice, résumé-writing services, and assessments to help people gain meaningful employment or transition to a new career. Ed is a member of Professional Association of Resume Writers CPRW Certification Committee and is a group leader for 50+ Job Seekers in MA.

Ed Lawrence

For good or bad, first impressions matter. When interviewing you need to put your best foot forward, and that takes practice!   Do you have an interview coming up?   Do you know how to respond to behavioral questions?   Do you need suggestions on how to address gaps in employment?   Please join us for answers to your questions and learn how to respond to a variety of questions that may be presented to you during an interview! Thurs, Sept 22nd, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Introduction to Toastmasters Savvy Seeker Series with Barry Regan!

Barry Regan Barry Regan is a Distinguished Toastmaster and Operations Quality Manager at Waters Corporation. Barry credits Toastmasters for the communication and presentation skills he learned, which enabled him to advance at EMC/Dell and to make the transition to a manager role at Waters.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. Please join Barry Regan to hear all about the Toastmasters program! Tues, Sept 27th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm: Should I Stay or Should I Go? Interactive Workshop with Melody Beach!

Melody Beach has more than 20 years as a Human Resources professional. In 2018, Melody founded Melody L. Beach Consulting Group, which provides human resources services to small- and medium-size companies and transitional coaching for individuals looking to make a change. Melody is a group leader for 50+ Job Seekers in MA.

Melody Beach

Are you currently employed…underemployed, unhappy with your current position or looking to pivot in a totally new career direction?   Are you unsure whether you should start or continue searching for a new job?   Are you trying to decide whether to accept a job offer or stay where you are?   If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us as Melody Beach guides you through the process of weighing all the factors, some you may not even have considered, to help you decide if this is the right time for a career change!

Questions: Email us at 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com

_._,_.

New September 2022 Workshops offered for those looking for work

Franklin Harvest Festival scheduled for Oct 1

Harvest Festival October 1

Please share this poster with your friends to help us spread the word! If you'd like, you can download and print the poster - just click on the image below! Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

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

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 16, 2022 to Sep 22, 2022

Weatherwise, this weekend is forecast to be a good one and there are events indoor and out to enjoy. The Farmers Market today, along with the bottle&can drive, the Car Show, and the cornhole tournament on Saturday show the variety of choices. On Monday, the Library features a session on how to use its resources for your business! 

Friday, September 16

2:00pm - Farmers Market Franklin (Town Common) 

5:00pm - 2nd Annual Mexican Independence Fiesta (SOLD out) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Heather Deary (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, September 17

8:00am - Bottle & Can Drive fund raiser for FHS boys hockey (Pirelli Arena) 

9:00am - FHS Cheerleader fund raising car wash (Franklin Car Wash)

9:30am - 6th Annual Rotary Club Car Show (New England Chapel) 

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament (Bellingham Sportsmans Club)

4:00pm - Tyler Zajac (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - The Felt (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery

Sunday, September 18

12:00pm - Caribbean Press (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

6:00pm - Girls Youth Basketball Clinic (Franklin High School) 

Monday, September 19

6;30pm - Libraries for Business (Franklin Public Library)

Tuesday, September 20

6:00pm - Book Club: "Circe" (Escape Into Fiction)

Wednesday, September 21
11:00am - Franklin Q&A (hybrid event - Zoom & Senior Center)

Thursday, September 22
6:00pm - Charlie Rock (live music)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar