Monday, July 27, 2020

Talking the Blues - new episode

Talking the Blues (@TalkingtheBlue2) tweeted at 9:29 AM on Sun, Jul 26, 2020:
New Episode - 2020 Blues Blast Music Awards show! Talking the Blues | https://t.co/Ch5pBX2ymR @FranklinMatters @tmonjar @BillyBranch1003
(https://twitter.com/TalkingtheBlue2/status/1287379617754624000?s=03)





Voices of Franklin: Pandemic Poetry by Faith Flaherty

Here is a couple of acrostic, pandemic poetry. An acrostic poem is a poem where certain letters in each line spell out a word.

Faith

Contrary to fear, let’s relish our family time.
Ours to do what we always wanted:
Rest, read, do whatever enters our mind,
Only walk wherever our feet led.
No one to impress, no one to care.
Alone. We can go most anywhere!

***********************************************************

Can I throw kisses
Over fences and through doors,
Very heartfelt messages?
Isolated and alone, catch them,
Destined to outlast a virus.


"Voices of Franklin" is open to all residents and reader of Franklin Matters. Details can be found  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

numb - a short film // liv mcneil

"This is just a generalization of the feeling of isolation, not my personal feelings, I for sure haven't been enjoying quarantine, but some have it worse. We have all been going through stuff right now, especially with Black Lives Matter, my struggles are in no way comparable to some things people are going though right now. this is my own experience, some are a whole lot worse than mine. I'm just showing what I know.

This is a mini film, Numb by me. I did this for a school project but I'm really happy with how it came out, so I'm posting it here. This took me a combined 3 weeks or so. hope you enjoy! please feel free to share as much as you like, just please credit me and M83, the band who made the music.

This is a COVID-19 youth mental health resource hub if you've been negatively affected by isolation. https://jack.org/covid"


song: my tears are becoming a sea - M83
directed by, edited by, written by and starring me

YouTube link =  https://youtu.be/iSkbd6hRkXo



Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/bill_klements/status/1287375353384783872?s=09

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

The public will NOT be permitted to enter the building or participate in person. Only pre-approved participants on the meeting agenda will be allowed to enter the Building and participate in person. Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

Link to access meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87066659039
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 870 6665 9039--Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  • a. May 6, 2020
  • b. May 20, 2020
  • c. June 3, 2020
  • d. June 17, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Board & Committee Appointments
  • i. Agricultural Commission: Charles J. (CJ) Koshivas
  • ii. Conservation Commission: Patrick Gallagher
  • iii. Cultural Council: Joni Magee
  • iv. Cultural Council: Pushpa Jangareddi

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town of Franklin Market Study & Economic Profile
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._town_of_franklin_market_study_and_economic_profile.pdf

b. PACE Program Presentation: MassDevelopment
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
  • a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
  • b. Budget Subcommittee
  • c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-42: Authorization to Participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE Massachusetts) (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-42- Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-43: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-43 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-44: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Historical Museum (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-44 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-45: Easement - Overhead System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-45 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resoltuion_20-45_easement_-_overhead_system.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-46: Easement - Underground Electrical Distribution System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-46 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_-_underground_electrical_system.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-47: Solid Waste Prior Year Bill (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-47 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-855 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
  • COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Note:


  • Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
  • Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 2020

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 28, 2020

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Franklin Public Schools Preliminary Reopening Plan 2020-2021

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. School Calendar 2020-2021

  • I recommend adoption of the revised School Calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.

B. Policy - 1st Reading

  • I recommend moving Policy FA - Facilities Development Goals to a second reading as discussed.

C. Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption

  • I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:


  1. EEA - Student Transportation Policy
  2. EEA-R - Transportation Policy and Responsibilities
  3. EEAG - Student Transportation in Private Vehicles


IV. Discussion Only Items
A. None

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 14, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. FHS Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $10,633.22 for FHS scholarships as follows:
$10,000.00 from Stella Wilk’s estate
$633.22 from Ahold Delhaize USA

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN, FEA/Cafeteria, FEA/ESP, FEA/Secretaries, FEA/Van Drivers as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Return to Open Session

XII. Adjournment

The agenda doc in PDF format can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-7-28-20

Documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 28, 2020
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 28, 2020

Zooming into the Future, Part 3 This Time for Sure. (Sigh!)

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/26/2020

Take two –

Live! On Wednesday July 29th – It’s our first Zoom meeting from Town Chambers.

We didn’t get there last week.

After a 3-hour power failure on Friday 7/17, most of our TV control room had stopped working. Disaster. We spent a few days rebuilding – resetting, replacing digital devices that failed. Last Wednesday evening we discovered more hidden failures. When tested earlier, some systems indicated that they were operating properly, but in fact were not. The meeting couldn’t proceed.

We have been in Chambers since last Wednesday – reinstalling, retesting, refining and improving the control room’s many functions. We will continue upgrading and testing – and retesting everything for our planned meeting this Wednesday.

Remote meeting apps – Zoom, Google, Skype or Webex – all introduce complexity. Their use must be easy for participants in Chambers or via the Internet. It must also be easy for the meeting managers and our TV control operators. It poses design issues that we must address for everyone. We will add improvements as we move forward.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

Note that we at Franklin TV are holding our own Zoom remote open annual meeting on August 3rd at 7PM. All are welcome to participate and learn about Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr●fm.

The full Program Guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or the Franklin Matters copy of this issue
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cz1JtNurXA3zICyQok5IuF4K899Tjp4f/view?usp=sharing


Zooming into the Future, Part 3 This Time for Sure.  (Sigh!)
Zooming into the Future, Part 3 This Time for Sure.  (Sigh!)

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast July 24, 2020

Hello Everyone!

Next week we have 2 special events along with all of our regular programming! 
Please join us for:

*We are excited to host Molly Rabuffo A Sound Renewal event, sponsored by Benchmark at Forge Hill, on July 27th at 10 AM. Molly Rabuffo is a singer, sound healing artist, and arts administrator. 

Molly Rabuffo
Molly Rabuffo
In this session, Molly will guide listeners through a 30-minute sound journey designed for deep relaxation and energetic clarity. By using various instruments like Biosonic tuning forks, a Shruti box, crystal singing bowls, chimes, and voice, Molly will provide a safe and supportive space for emotional, physical, and mental relief. Find a comfortable place to sit or lay down, plug in your headphones, close your eyes, and enjoy a moment of meditative stillness. 

Following the sound journey, Molly will be available for 15 minutes to answer questions and listen to any reflections you may have about your experience. You may also reach out to her and learn more about her work at mrabuffo.com. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend.


Staying Connected
Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/
Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Tips
Tai chi for beginners

Senior Gold - Aerobic workout with GREAT toe tapping music with Paul Eugene

Music
Doo Wop - 50 top hits

Boogie Woogie Piano Tommy Johnson

Classic Rock - Greatest Hits from the 60's and 70's - An hour and a half of your favorite music!

Just for Fun
Virtual tours of some of the world's most stunning libraries

15 incredible abandoned homes

The Badlands National Park - Twenty minute film about the diverse resources and histories associated with Badlands National Park.

People who are at a whole other level of amazing with these skills and tricks!

Have you ever wanted to be hugged by a lion?  Taigan Lion Park in Russia this happens!

Humor
Tony Dayo - Being a parent is harder than being a Navy Seal

Keeping Up Appearances Bloopers and outtakes

Guilty animals - funny videos of animals

Kindness Matters
102 year old dancer sees herself on film for the first time

Therapy dog saves a boys life

Attached you will find:

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!
Ariel and Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:
When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

MEMORY CAFE!
For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast July 24, 2020
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast July 24, 2020