Thursday, April 9, 2020

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action

With all of us trying to cope, manage, and thrive in difficult situations, music is a well-acknowledged way to bring serenity and smiles to our faces. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and families, The Encore Music Education Foundation (EMEF) continues to help sustain music students throughout the current crisis. 

In the last two weeks alone, EMEF has awarded over $1500.00 in grants to help families in need remain in the instrumental, vocal, and class environments that are more important than ever. Please read about some of our past scholarship recipients here! 

For more about Encore Music Education Foundation visit them online
https://www.wesupportmusic.org/emef-in-action-your-impact/ 

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Abby
Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Abby

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Arina
Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Arina

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Claire
Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Claire

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Prem
Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Prem

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Sunehri
Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Sunehri

In the News: exploring ‘new ways’ to pass State budget; public assistance programs

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Spilka: State exploring ‘new ways’ to pass budget
"Bills aimed at providing protection for renters and homeowners are among the Senate’s short-term COVID-19 response plans, and beyond that, Senate President Karen Spilka is looking at ways to keep the body running with most senators working remotely amid the ongoing public health crisis. 
“We’re just about to enter the surge. I think all of us need to keep our eye on the ball, or the surge, right now,” Spilka said Wednesday after virtually caucusing with Senate Democrats for upwards of three hours. “We just can’t take our eyes off of it.” 
Gov. Charlie Baker has projected the number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts could reach its peak somewhere between Friday and April 20. A total of 16,790 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, and 4 o’clock has become synonymous with grim daily updates of infection and virus death totals. 
Nearly a month after Baker declared a state of emergency, Spilka said the Legislature’s focus has remained on limiting spread of the virus and providing a safety net for residents whose lives have been disrupted."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/spilka-state-exploring-new-ways-to-pass-budget

MA residents leaning heavily on public assistance programs
"A flood of new applications surged into state social safety net programs in recent weeks, another piece of evidence reflecting widespread economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 
Following Gov. Charlie Baker’s March 10 state of emergency declaration, the number of Massachusetts residents seeking government aid from three major programs rapidly increased as businesses were ordered to close and as layoffs spread widely. 
Total weekly applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC) and the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) more than tripled over the past month, state data show. 
The heightened need will get attention next week from the Legislature: on Monday, the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee will host a virtual hearing on a bill (H 4622) that would provide an extra month of TAFDC and EAEDC benefits to families in need."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/mass-residents-leaning-heavily-on-public-assistance-programs

FHS Announcement - Place Your Yearbook Order - Due April 17

FHS Announcement 
Place Your Yearbook Order 
Due April 17

Please click below for the link.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z7uEs16Uov2HHBGPn1xV73Wns9MjpysakvFUI26ipNI/edit

Thank you and take care.
FHS Announcement - Place Your Yearbook Order - Due April 17
FHS Announcement - Place Your Yearbook Order - Due April 17


Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page
https://www.franklinps.net/horacemann/news/announcement-place-your-yearbook-order-due-april-17

Attention Small Business Owners: Is Your Business on the Franklin Downtown Partnership list?

Attn Small Business Owners: Get on the Franklin Downtown Partnership List

Franklin Downtown Partnership
FDP
The FDP is encouraging all Franklin small businesses to contact the FDP office at Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com so they can list your updated business information on the FDP website. You do not need to be an FDP member to be listed.

The FDP's goal is to provide Franklin residents with one place they can visit for all updated information on local businesses ... and one website that lists all the small businesses that sell gift cards.

Also, any Franklin business owner who would like to receive the monthly FDP newsletter please contact the FDP office so you can be updated on Franklin local business updates.



Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News

Recreation COVID-19 News

All Town and Public Schools grounds, playgrounds, turf fields, grass fields, and the track are closed until further notice. 

Trails are still open, click here to learn more
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/431c30cda1e24123b5fe9795b5bae17c

Please practice social distancing and avoid groups.

For Recreation activities with arts and sports contests visit
https://sites.google.com/view/recdeptcovid-19contests/home?authuser=1

Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News
Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

FM_#240 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - Town business during the pandemic 4/06/20 (audio)

FM #240 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 240 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator and Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communication Specialist. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the revised budget schedule and how the economic planning is fluid given the pandemic, how business is continuing although remotely, and highlight activities by the Library and Recreation Dept. We talk about remote meetings for the Planning Board, Board of Health, and others that are on the schedule.

The show notes include links to the web pages Anne Marie references. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.

https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-of-Franklin-Updates-4720-ecgdoi/a-a1sh2dm




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The Franklin Town budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/

The Town and School social media accounts https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/social-media-center

The current News and Alerts is where to find the daily MEMA update mentioned
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/current-news-and-alerts


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM_#240 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - Town business during the pandemic 4/06/20 (audio)
FM_#240 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - Town business during the pandemic 4/06/20 (audio)


FM #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic 4/03/20 (audio)

FM #238 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 238 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Kristin Letendre, Health and PE Director for the Franklin Public School district as well as a teacher at FHS. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about her work on the School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC), on the Social Emotional Learning Committee, and importantly about keeping learning alive with her approach to mindfulness and a daily practice shared via Twitter.

This recording runs about 20 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Kristin and hear how a mindful approach can really provide help for us to be present during these challenging days.   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZB9N9D7




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The Twitter account for FPS Health PE = https://twitter.com/FPSHealthPE

The Social Emotional Learning Committee has created this SEL page with resources and a monthly focus  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/sel/home

Kristin is an adjunct professor at Bridgewater State
 https://www.bridgew.edu/department/movement-arts-health-promotion-leisure-studies/kristin-letendre 

Resources shared by Kristin as mentioned during our conversation:

Mindfulness





Mindfulness Book Recommendations


  • Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration  by Meera Lee Patel
  • Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization by Meera Lee Patel
  • The Little Book of Mindfulness by Dr. Patrizia Collard
  • Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day by Jennie Marie Battistin
  • Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are by Aimee Chase
  • Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in Everyday by Matthew Sockolov
  • Choose The Life You Want: The Mindful Way to Happiness by Tal Ben-Shahar, PHD


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"


FM #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic 4/03/20 (audio)
FM #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic 4/03/20 (audio)