Washington Post: "How Jennifer O’Malley Dillon transformed Joe Biden’s campaign"

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"When Jennifer O’Malley Dillon was brought in to take over the Joe Biden campaign operation five months ago, she barely knew a soul there — and that included the candidate himself.

If that wasn’t a big enough adjustment, there was another big announcement during the staff meeting where she was introduced as campaign manager: Biden’s Philadelphia headquarters was about to be shuttered due to the coronavirus. Starting the next day, they all would be working remotely — indefinitely, it turned out.

Since then, O’Malley Dillon, 43, has been transforming what had been an underfinanced, undisciplined and dysfunctional Democratic primary operation into a general-election machine capable of carrying Biden through to the November election. (Disclosure: My adult son works for the Biden campaign.)

The lockdown order has meant that the nerve center of the campaign in which anxious Democrats are investing their hopes is now located on the third floor of O’Malley Dillon’s suburban Maryland home, where she is also raising twin 7-year-old daughters and a 2-year-old son. Her second-graders have taken to joking that their mother is “the ghost in the attic.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-jennifer-omalley-dillon-transformed-joe-bidens-campaign/2020/08/14/d49de192-dbdd-11ea-8051-d5f887d73381_story.html  

Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Joe Biden’s campaign manager. (Andre Chung for The Washington Post)

In the News: "second human case of Eastern equine encephalitis"

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

"The state Department of Public Health is reporting the year’s second human case of Eastern equine encephalitis.

State health officials said a woman in her 60s was exposed to the EEE virus in Hampden County.

As a result, the EEE risk level in Wilbraham has been raised to “critical,” while the risk levels in Hampden and Monson have been raised to “high.” All three communities are in Hampden County.

In addition, the risk level in the Hampden County communities of Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Palmer and Springfield has been raised to “moderate.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/state-reports-second-human-case-of-eee?rssfeed=true

Listen to my conversation with Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty on mosquito and tick borne diseases  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html

For more about EEE in MA, check out the MA.gov page  https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts  and the risk map copied below  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update#eee-risk-map-

EEE risk map

“Any public communications would promote only the topic, not the elected official”

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

"AN ELDERLY MAN speaks dispiritedly on a TV public service announcement about having been a victim of financial fraud.  But his frown quickly morphs into a big smile as he talks about how Secretary of State William Galvin got him his money back.

“I like to bring good news,” says Galvin on the ad. “If you’ve been the victim of financial fraud, we might be able to help. Call me.”

The public service announcement is another in a long line that Galvin has been running at taxpayer expense since he took office 25 years ago. From April 2019 to March 2020, Galvin spent close to $2 million of taxpayer money to produce and air five different public service announcements, according to documents obtained under the public records law.

The announcements undoubtedly perform a public service by alerting the public to the services Galvin’s office provides. But they also serve as a form of taxpayer-funded advertising for Galvin the politician."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/galvin-mixes-public-service-promotion/

Not the first time for this issue of Galvin's PSA usage to be questioned  https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/22/ethics-officials-say-mass-secretary-state-used-public-resources-for-political-gain/A9lh58iTVfem8xA2GAzFrO/story.html

"disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:  (so separate from the fact that some tests can result in false positive results, this story reminds us all that the handling process to get the results is also very important. The quality control of this particular  lab is in question and we'll need the fulls set of retests to confirm what the real problem is.)

"Late Friday afternoon, the Department of Public Health disclosed that a commercial lab, which state officials did not identify, is under investigation and has voluntarily suspended all testing after state officials detected 130 false positives test results were reported.

The errors mean Fall River is being re-categorized from the red to yellow, moderate-risk category and Taunton is shifting from yellow to green.

DPH officials say the reporting issue occurred from July 30 to Aug. 1 and “resulted in a disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab during that time.”

“The lab ceased testing when the issue was identified and is under investigation,” DPH spokeswoman Katheleen Conti said in a statement. “Test results conducted by the lab during this time are being verified by an independent lab, and based on results received to date, the Department has accordingly released updated case numbers and risk levels for the August 12 weekly public health report for Fall River and Taunton.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/fall-river-taunton-risk-assessments-changed-after-false-positives?rssfeed=true

Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1

COUNCILLOR (Governor’s Council)

The Governor's Council is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, and the Lieutenant Governor who serves ex officio.  They provide advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments, pardons and commutations, and warrants for the state treasury.

For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/orgs/governors-council

• ROBERT L. JUBINVILLE    Democrat    https://www.votejubinville.com/

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

REGISTER OF PROBATE   NORFOLK COUNTY

The register of probate administers the probate court, which primarily handles family legal matters (including divorce and child custody cases), and wills and estates. The register of probate provides the court's services and keeps the court's records.

For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/locations/norfolk-probate-and-family-court

• COLLEEN MARIE BRIERLEY    Democrat  https://www.facebook.com/Colleen4Probate/
• NOEL T. DiBONA    Democrat  https://www.facebook.com/Noeldibonaprobate/
• KATHRYN E. HUBLEY    Democrat  https://kathyhubley.com/
• COURTNEY M. MADDEN    Democrat  https://courtneymadden.org/
• MICHAEL F. WALSH    Democrat  https://walshforprobate.com/

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

COUNTY TREASURER NORFOLK COUNTY

The County Treasurer is responsible for the collection, custody and management all money belonging to the County government, and disbursement of those funds according to law. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping financial records, including bills, vouchers, and documentation of borrowings and debt, to be accessible for future reference., and annually prepares and publishes a report of the County receipts and expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.  

 The Treasurer also acts as Chairman of the County Retirement Board.  

The County Treasurer is an elected official serving a six-year term.  

For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/treasurer

• MICHAEL G. BELLOTTI    Democrat   https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Government-Official/Mike-Bellotti-for-Norfolk-County-Treasurer-125523504157200/
• BRAD L. CROALL    Democrat  https://www.bradcroall.com/

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

COUNTY COMMISSIONER NORFOLK COUNTY

The Norfolk County Commissioners' Office is charged with implementing policy, budget and other decisions of the elected board of Commissioners. The office's duties include personnel, purchasing, management information systems, and general administration.   For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/commissioners-office

• JOSEPH P. SHEA    Democrat  https://www.facebook.com/SheaforNorfolk/
• DENNIS J. GUILFOYLE    Democrat  https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Political-Candidate/Dennis-Guilfoyle-for-Norfolk-County-Commissioner-109258227331366/
• CHARLES B. RYAN    Democrat  https://www.votecharlieryan.com/
• RICHARD R. STAITI    Democrat  http://www.votestaiticommissioner.com/

There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

SHERIFF (VACANCY) NORFOLK COUNTY

The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office serves the citizens of Norfolk County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by enhancing public safety through the operation of a safe, secure, and humane correctional facility that establishes structure and accountability for offenders and focuses on re-entry programs and community based programs that promote crime prevention, citizen awareness, education, youth development, elderly assistance and law enforcement support.   

For more information, go to https://www.norfolksheriff.com/

• JAMES F. COUGHLIN    Democrat   https://coughlin2020.com/
• PATRICK W. McDERMOTT    Democrat  https://www.patrickmcdermott.org/
• WILLIAM J. PHELAN    Democrat  https://www.phelanforsheriff.com/
• JERRY P. McDERMOTT Republican  https://www.sheriffjerrymcdermott.com/

There are no candidates for the Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties

Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on voting in the Primary Election

 Voting in primary elections is very important, yet voter turnout in primaries is usually low.  (Embarrassingly so:  in 2016 the Franklin primary turnout was only 4.1 % of the eligible voters.)  But even conscientious voters probably think, “The real show is the general election.  I’ll vote then.  I know who I like.  What’s the difference?”

One difference is that who you can vote for in the general election is not settled until the primary has occurred.  If the people you like have primary challengers, of course, they must defeat the challengers to get on the general ballot.  So they will need your help in both elections, not just the general.

And even if the ones you really like have no primary challengers, you may still be wise to vote in the primary.  Remember, your favorites will not be alone on the general ballot.  Many offices must be filled.  Say you are a straight-ticket, one-party voter.  You do not want to find yourself obliged to vote for people you dislike just because, on a thin plurality,  they squeaked by the primary that you skipped.

And since primary turnouts are low, a few votes can make an outsized difference.  Impact per voter is greatly magnified.  And naturally, the bigger the field, the more crucial every primary vote is.  There are nine contestants in the Fourth Congressional District, for example, for the one place for a Democratic candidate on the general ballot.  If voter support were divided equally among the nine and turnout were at 2016 levels, then each candidate would have about 97 supporters in Franklin.  In such a race, every primary vote really counts, and could decide who goes to Washington.

The primary is September 1.  You can vote in person, vote early, or apply by August 26 to vote by mail.

Colin Cass

146 Longhill Road

Franklin, MA 02038

If you have interest in "Voices of Franklin" please read the guidelines here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Franklin Senior Center: Email blast 8-14-2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying the warm summer weather and staying healthy. 

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

August Events

Wed., Aug. 19: FIVE WISHES is a legally binding, advanced directive (living will), that lets you control your personal, emotional and spiritual wishes. This presentation is on Zoom at 1:00 p.m. If you aren't able to access Zoom our Nurse can call you to discuss the info one- on-one. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov or call 508 520-4945. 

Mon., Aug.24: MEMORY CAFÉ at 3:00 p.m. on ZOOM, features the beautiful and engaging music of violinist, Lynn Canavan. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

Thurs., Aug.27: FASHIONS OF HOLLYWOOD on ZOOM with Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion at 1:00 p.m. Ren presents this fascinating look at the glamorous fashions of the silver screen during the '30s, '40s, '50s. Join us as we travel through the decades to enjoy a glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

Mon., Aug. 31: STEVE SHERLOCK - Talk Franklin Matters at 2:00 p.m. for all the latest Franklin news. To join us, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

And don't forget the Curbside Cafe!  Open M-F, Great food and service with a smile!

https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb

Tips

Old School funk - Fun and easy moves to get you moving with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT7JQ0E5nXw

10 minute chakra balance for positive energy - a guided meditaiton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGT1VXwfx4

Music

The SWING Era!  Enjoy an hour of fantastic swing music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPfjomqZuXc

Andre Bocelli, Sarah Brightman - Time To Say Goodbye

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=4L_yCwFD6Jo&feature=emb_logo

Rock N' Roll from the 60's - over an hour of fantastic music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2QYj1Ku0jI

Just for Fun

John Wayne - The man behind the legend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIf76KbdM8w

 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7kC0EpClCM

 

This baby aardvark thinks she is a totally different animal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCf93giKT6k&feature=emb_rel_end

 

The real Mary Poppins - a documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJScqa9jtyA

Humor

Bushman prank 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIyzE1Wr5cw

13 year old comedian on America's Got Talent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuC37syScVs

Tucker Budzyn - My dog reacts to a head massager.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR21cqtSih8

Jeanne Robertson - I'm Trying to Tell You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq5sjoc_N0w

Kindness Matters

The long way home - a man searches for his family after 30 years being lost

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL1EWOtql5M

109 year old veteran shares his secrets for a long life - a short film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXyfCGDnuWs

Random acts of Kindness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lmhYh8XnGI

Attached you will find:

1. CDMSP flyer for Tri-Valley https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YQISdgQ8pk11_PwljyIYjCem9dF7UeMP/view?usp=sharing

2. Color / Paint by number Stained Glass and Cupcake Stand https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xEVbFaKDRc6qYg2xBcSX07KAwHQGpwJ5/view?usp=sharing and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mRGDOb7x6XNRVcLopGd2o2vfgH-v3FxG/view?usp=sharing

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you! 

Ariel 

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. 

MEMORY CAFE!

Exciting news starting on  September 14th, there will be a virtual Memory Cafe EVERY MONDAY at 3pm!  Please let us know if you would like to be on the list to receive the invite to attend!

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).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

--

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 8-14-2020