Boston Globe: "Baker’s $50 million effort to help small businesses is wildly oversubscribed"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Governor Charlie Baker’s two new grant programs to help small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic have been swamped by applications, essentially ensuring there won’t be enough money to go around for everyone who sought the help.

Working through the quasipublic Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp., the Baker administration unveiled two programs in October offering a combined $50.8 million in grants, aimed at helping small businesses endure what’s expected to be a tough winter.

One program, backed by $40 million, offers grants of up to $75,000 for businesses with as many as 50 employees; the other, with $10.8 million, provides grants of up to $25,000 for businesses with five or fewer workers. The latter program also requires that the owners who apply have below-average incomes.

Mass. Growth Capital stopped accepting applications last week. At that point, state officials said, more than 10,000 applications had been received for the two programs, which are being funded by federal dollars. About 37 percent were for the program to help businesses with five or fewer employees, although a few businesses applied to both programs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/25/business/bakers-50-million-effort-help-small-businesses-is-wildly-oversubscribed/

 

Franklin Recreation: Reindeer Holiday Drop Off Class - Dec 21

"DATE CHANGE: The Reindeer Holiday Drop Off Class will now occur on Monday December 21st"

https://t.co/bT4XKEiiD0

 
(https://twitter.com/FranklinRec/status/1331630707437867014?s=03)

 

Franklin Recreation: Reindeer Holiday Drop Off Class - Dec 21

"Perhaps the path to healing begins with three simple words: Are you OK?"

By Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex:

"It was a July morning that began as ordinarily as any other day: Make breakfast. Feed the dogs. Take vitamins. Find that missing sock. Pick up the rogue crayon that rolled under the table. Throw my hair in a ponytail before getting my son from his crib.

After changing his diaper, I felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right.

I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.

Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/25/opinion/meghan-markle-miscarriage.html

CommonWealth Magazine: "The Legislature’s ‘black box’ committees"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"After months and even years of public debate, the fate of six key pieces of legislation is now in the hands of just 29 lawmakers.

The lawmakers are charged with resolving differences between House and Senate bills dealing with the state budget, police reform, climate change, economic development, health care, and transportation bond funding.so-called conference committees on which these lawmakers serve are “black boxes” whose inner workings are unknown.

Rep. Denise Provost of Somerville, who retires in January after 14 years in the Legislature, said on the Codcast this week that many of her constituents have been asking her about progress on bills in the House-Senate conference committees. She said she has to explain that she doesn’t know.

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/the-legislatures-black-box-committees-2/

Representative Roy's letter to "correct erroneous comments"

Continue reading the full letter with the embedded PDF copy (below) or download the PDF to read on your device  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bz1oGOYjaogjCrxjeWCBq72RyPhq4ywd/view?usp=sharing

 

Thomas Mercer, Chair
Franklin Town Council
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

RE: November 18, 2020 Town Council Meeting

Dear Chair Mercer:

I am writing to correct erroneous public comments aired at the Franklin Town Council meeting on November 18, 2020. Specifically, I am referring to comments from Councilor Kelly who called into question the work of Franklin’s legislative delegation. I know that Councilor Kelly attempted to clarify his remarks later in the meeting, but I feel it is important to correct the record so that the citizens of Franklin have a clear understanding of the delegation’s commitment to the community.

 

Let me begin with a discussion of Franklin’s receipt of state aid over the years. Contrary to the assertions made, the state has not decreased aid to Franklin. In fact, Chapter 70 aid, the largest component of state aid to Franklin, has increased annually despite precipitous drops in student enrollment over the last 10 years. The spreadsheet and charts included below show that since 2009, Franklin student enrollment has gone from 6,254 students to 5,236 in 2019 (a drop of over 1,000 students). During the same period of time, Chapter 70 showed drops following the

recession in 2009, but increases in every year from 2012 on. The impact of the drop in student enrollment as compared with the increase in Chapter 70 funds is shown most clearly by the increase in per-pupil expenditure from 2008 through 2019. That is, in 2008, Franklin spent $9,146.71 per student and in 2019 that figure was at $14,276.06. That represents a 56% percent attributable to the advocacy of your legislative delegation. "

 

 

 

 

Audio and notes of the Town Council meeting of Nov 18, 2020 can be found here

Part 1 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-396-town-council-meeting-111820-p1.html

Part 2 -  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-397-town-council-meeting-111820-p2.html

 

Town Council chair Tom Mercer opens the meeting

 

 

Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities for Finance, DPW, and Police

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

Purchasing Agent - Finance Department   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/purchasing-agent-job-posting-nov242020.pdf

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw-hmeo-posting-nov242020.pdf

Executive Assistant - Police Department   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/executive-assistant-police-jobposting-nov2020.pdf

Recycling Center Laborer - Department of Public Works   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/recycling-center-laborer-posting-august172020.pdf

Substitute Custodian   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-july272020.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

Franklin, MA:: Job Opportunities for Finance, DPW, and Police

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Budget Workshop - Dec 1

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Budget Workshop

Tuesday, December 1, 2020  =  6:00 PM

 

Call to Order 

Discussion

1.    Budget Development Process and Timelines

a.     Process  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hUNEMYeZGR07TcOCCcnmxQRdGHO_hVLPabIrejnHJco/edit
b.     Timeline  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pv4YhUoNoOUzPk-sNEQwQmcaiOgT0GkS/view

2.    FY 22 Priorities
3.    Per Pupil Expenses  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qegibWEASNACal1hmpFV_ciRZXHkEjGFJXXQqrwpRs8/edit#gid=164888986

a.     Scenario at 50th percentile  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kCnT6f7tzJvVyOeRFXMhAEC7gBfPpKnxAei4zrWKqmY/edit

i.    What would the budget look like?
ii.    What additional enrichment services would be funded?

4.     Unfunded Mandates -- Quantified, Where Possible  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rhjSDdp42EMubSTyeGpyh1jSsTNeDNxQ/view

a.     Cost Analysis of Selected Unfunded Mandates (not all inclusive)  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dM6rRxMs3HzOCb6HKXf0vnF7UpP6r1T86Gt30ptS7hw/edit

5.    Medicaid reimbursement information

a.     MA School Based Medicaid Program Overview  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WHmIQsu9MJOLSs9fB-sLaje8dQmlegYCPknldCioAWQ/edit

6.    New Business -- January Budget Workshop

a.    Revolving accounts
b.    Special Education Process and the budgetary impact
c.    Budget drivers
d.    Student teacher ratios

Adjournment 

Agenda doc and connection information

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_workshop_agenda_0.pdf

 

Superintendent Sara Ahern updating the School Committee at a recent meeting

Panther TV: Q&A on the FHS hybrid model (video)

"Check out this Q&A with @MrHanna_FHS about our hybrid model. Lots of your questions answered here!"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1331218323376398337?s=03

Video link =  https://youtu.be/SLieuVHXY14

 

 

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Nutrition Infographic

"Franklin Public School SWAC (Student Wellness Advisory Council) is sharing this infographic to provide our families with some helpful nutrition tips!  #swac #nutrition #healthychoices  "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/jCzTgrmLun

 
Other info from the SWAC can be found at

https://www.franklinps.net/district/swac-school-wellness-advisory-council

helpful nutrition tips

The Franklin Food Pantry Distributes 220 Thanksgiving Meals

The Franklin Food Pantry gives thanks to our community for helping us fulfill 220 Thanksgiving baskets for our neighbors. Our neighbors received a turkey, potatoes, vegetables, rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, coffee, choice of an Apple or Pumpkin Pie, and a Yankee Candle votive to help make their meal festive.

We couldn't make so many Thanksgivings extra special without the help of the following business and individuals who reached into their hearts and pockets. Thank you to b.Luze Hair & Makeup, Big Y, Yankee Candle Wrentham, Franklin Stop & Shop, The Franklin Interfaith Council, Greater Boston Food Bank, Working Moms Social Club, Dell, and the community members who purchased off of our Amazon Wish list.

If you want to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit their page  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

 

Some of the Franklin Food Pantry Staff and Volunteers that distributed Thanksgiving Meals

 

 

MA Office of Campaign and Political Finance - local election reminder

Don't be the candidate who 'remembers' at 3:00 PM that a critical report is due at 5:00 PM. Yes, Franklin is one of the 300 communities with a local election in 2021. We'll be voting for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk and other elected boards and committees.
 

"There are nearly 300 towns in Massachusetts with municipal elections early next year. If you're thinking of running for town office, email us at OCPF@cpf.state.ma.us for educational materials. #mapoli "

 

Shared from The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance which administers the state's campaign finance law. https://t.co/lr6hJ9CZub

 
Video link = https://youtu.be/8ycnxkY4QMs

Uncovering the 'real Thanksgiving story

From the Worcester Telegram & Gazette we shared the following:

"The traditional story of Thanksgiving, and by extension the Pilgrims  — the one repeated in school history books and given the Peanuts treatment in "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" — doesn’t start in 1620, with the cold and seasick Pilgrims stepping off the Mayflower onto Plymouth Rock.

It also doesn’t start a year later, with the Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag all sitting together to “break bread” and celebrate their first successful harvest and a long, harmonious relationship to come.

It doesn’t start there because those things never happened, despite being immortalized in American mythos for generations. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.telegram.com/story/lifestyle/2020/11/24/real-story-first-thanksgiving-and-fateful-encounter-between-pilgrims-and-wampanoag/6340122002/

FM #397 Town Council Meeting - 11/18/20 - P2 of 2 (audio)

FM #397 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 397 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour plus meeting into two almost 90 minute segments:

* First - covers the opening through the meeting minutes approvals, one appointment and then the discussion on nationalGRID and their response to power outages during storms (1 hour and 28 minutes)

* Second - picks up the Legislation for Action, most of the discussion falls during the bylaw to create the Community Preservation Committee. The public portion of the meeting closes as the Council goes into Executive Session to hear the latest on the ‘spear phishing’ incident. Reportedly, the community will be provided an update at the Dec 2 meeting. (1 hour and 19 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Nov 18, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXnrnzzS

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/11-18-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda details with individual documents https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-18-town-council-agenda

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/town-council-meeting-recap-nov-18-2020.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

- If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

Town Council chair Tom Mercer opens the meeting

FM #396 Town Council Meeting - 11/18/20 - P1 of 2 (audio)

FM #396 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 396 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour plus meeting into two almost 90 minute segments:

* First - covers the opening through the meeting minutes approvals, one appointment and then the discussion on nationalGRID and their response to power outages during storms (1 hour and 28 minutes)

* Second - picks up the Legislation for Action, most of the discussion falls during the bylaw to create the Community Preservation Committee. The public portion of the meeting closes as the Council goes into Executive Session to hear the latest on the ‘spear phishing’ incident. Reportedly, the community will be provided an update at the Dec 2 meeting. (1 hour and 19 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Nov 18, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDvK4P8S

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/11-18-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda details with individual documents https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-18-town-council-agenda

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/town-council-meeting-recap-nov-18-2020.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

- If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides an update on the Dec 5 special election

Emma's Quilt Cupboard is closed this week to move!

Emma's Quilt Cupboard & Sewing Center -12 Main Street is Closed For Relocation
 

Reopening December 1 at New Address:

Horace Mann Plaza (Shaw’s Market)
319 East Central Street
Franklin, Ma
508-520-0234

 

Emma's Quilt Cupboard is closed this week to move!

Reminder: Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29

Due to the pandemic we are changing the format of Santa on the Common. A Drive By is planned where you can see Santa in your car. You must follow these simple rules:

1. Santa will be on the corner of Main and High St. 
2. You family must enter by Union St. and exit Main St.
3. You and your family must wear masks
4. Before you see Santa give your Christmas list to the person before Santa
5. When you are in front of Santa you can wave and greet him and he will give you a souvenir of the event
6. After you have greeted Santa you will be given a gift certificate for a treat 
7. We hope you join us, for Santa wants to be able to see  you before his magical flight

When?

Sunday - November 29, 2020 - 4:00 PM

Reminder: Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2hSRT2enI5bOyg1pf6ija0YMXj5hPh5/view?usp=sharing

Pantherbook: "Thanksgiving During the Pandemic"

From Pantherbook we share the following: 

"The CDC advises that “the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.” To still feel connected to your extended family, you can video chat with them on Thanksgiving.

However, if you are visiting family, a safer way to celebrate is outside, perhaps at a bonfire. If you are gathering inside, you can open windows in the house to establish more air-flow. Inside or outside, the CDC highly recommends wearing masks when not eating or drinking, social distance as much as possible, and washing your hands often."

Continue reading Pantherbook online   https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2020/11/23/thanksgiving-during-the-pandemic/

 

https://franklinpanthers.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/getty-covid-mask-coronavirus-fall-thanksgiving-900x471.png

Franklin Senior Center: December 2020 VIRTUAL Coffee Social - Dec 2

Join Us! Wednesday, December 2 at 10:00 AM

HELLO VETERANS!

Just a reminder… Our next VIRTUAL Coffee Social is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2 at 10:00 hours!

Please join us for veterans' updates and conversation and feel free to extend this invitation to other veterans who may not be on our contact list.

We hope you and your families are remaining healthy and safe by wearing face coverings and observing social distancing guidelines when out in public. Remember to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly especially after going shopping or to appointments. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Please follow the governor's Covid-19 travel and visiting guidelines during the holiday season.

Flu shots are available at local pharmacies. If you're over 65, you may want to call ahead to be sure your pharmacy has the high-dose influenza vaccine in stock.

The Veterans' Office will host the monthly Coffee Social via Zoom on Wednesday, December 2 at 10:00 A.M.

If you have not participated in a Zoom call yet, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your device before joining us.

Here is the log-in information for the December 2020 meeting only:
Join Zoom via URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82499173596
Call in number: 1-929-205-6099
Enter Meeting ID: 824 9917 3596 then press #   

For more information, contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315.

We look forward to chatting with you at the December Coffee Social!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

Franklin Senior Center: December 2020 VIRTUAL Coffee Social

Commonwealth Magazine: "Baker says fraud rampant with unemployment insurance"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER said a relatively small number of state unemployment claims were approved last week because of a screening process designed to weed out a rising tide of fraudulent claims.

The governor said the state received 31,000 applications for unemployment assistance last week, but only 1,000 passed the screening process.

“There’s a tremendous amount of fraud going on around UI,” Baker said at a Monday afternoon press conference. “Some of these fraudsters are actually paying people to call unemployment offices around the country and advocate for benefits pretending to be somebody they’re not, who’s not in fact actually unemployed.”

Baker said the anti-fraud effort is slowing down the claims process and preventing state officials from obtaining an accurate count of the number of new claims being filed each week."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-says-fraud-rampant-with-unemployment-insurance/

 

The Gov Baker press update where he made the comments on unemployment fraud. YouTube link = https://youtu.be/0c6nZ7OLwdc

FTC Consumer Alert: Holiday shopping season 2020

Holiday shopping season 2020 by Shameka Walker Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC The holiday season is upon us and retailers are already preparing for what they hope will be a successful shopping season. Because of COVID-19, it's likely that we'll be going online to look for those perfect gifts. With so many deals around and what seem like eternal "Black Friday" sales, it's important to keep some online shopping tips in mind. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/11/holiday-shopping-season-2020 This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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