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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Lifelong Community Learning: UPDATE
"I think it is important for us to stay engaged with our community” - FPAC "Outside the Box" Aug 20
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A great arts organization can be like a roaring bonfire, drawing together people entranced by the lively flames and illumination.
But just as a thunderstorm can quickly drench a good bonfire, the pandemic abruptly doused the programming of two local arts organizations.
“In 2019 we had the best year that we have ever had as an organization,” said David Lavalley, the executive director of TCAN, The Center for the Arts in Natick. “We had an all-time high in terms of attendance and program revenue. We paid off our mortgage. We had nothing but blue sky ... In the first four months of this year we had members continuing to renew their memberships, we had families and donors making contributions. We received generous grants from Middlesex Savings Bank and the Foundation for MetroWest. ...We felt protected and supported.”
But a state of emergency was declared in Massachusetts on March 10 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and everything changed. On March 13, TCAN suspended all programs at its 14 Summer St. location, a red brick building that was once a firehouse. All live performances were rescheduled or canceled."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20200818/fire-still-burns-local-arts-organizations-innovate-during-pandemic?rssfeed=true
"A parking lot celebration featuring a reunion of past and present FPAC performers accompanied by the ACME Rhythm Section! Sponsored by 1776 Financial.
Masks and social distancing are required in the lobby; our typical gathering in the lobby is currently not allowed. Two people will be allowed at a time in the rest rooms; please wait six feet apart if there is a line. Table groupings will be limited to six. Please purchase tickets for your table group in one transaction. You will only be seated with family or those with whom you are comfortable socializing. Advance ticketing and payment encouraged. The Bar will be table service only."
Tickets for OUTSIDE THE BOX = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1395&month=08&year=2020
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"I think it is important for us to stay engaged with our community” - FPAC "Outside the Box" Aug 20 |
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
State Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - August 2020 newsletter
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Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office
A Message from the Town Clerk's Office
Hello Franklin,
Please know that we are processing ballot requests as quickly as possible. Our office is currently processing 1,000's of requests each day; be assured that you will receive your ballot.
We will be returning phone calls to citizens who have left messages after the workday. Also, we are requesting our residents to return their ballots to the 24-hour white mailbox located on the left side of the Municipal Building This is the best place to return your ballot for guaranteed on-time delivery.
We appreciate your patience and understanding!
Thank you and have a great day!
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Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office |
'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)
FM #329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
Re-opening
Election
Recap/set up
Stormwater - Sep 9 next meeting;
#thinkBlueFranklin extension to 8/23
EDC/ MAPC
Aug 20 next meeting, listening sessions scheduled
MECC grant
Senior center office hours 8/20
Councilor Earls leaves for law school
The recording runs about just over an hour, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio Link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Updates-and-News-Reopening--Elections-and-more-ei9f85/a-a2vir6h
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
FM #330 Conversation with Rabbi Tom - 8/11/20 (audio)
FM #330 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 330 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Rabbi Tom Alpert of Temple Etz Chaim here in Franklin. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
In this introductory conversation, I learn from Rabbi Tom of the history of the Temple and of his different path to this role. Did you know Rabbi Tom was a lawyer? Along the way, we talk of the shift from in person to virtual during this pandemic and yet still being present in spirit and community. I found the conversation easy going, informative and insightful. I hope you do too.
The recording runs just about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Rabbi Tom. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-330-conversation-with-rabbi-tom-8-11-20
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Temple Etz Chaim https://temple-etzchaim.org/
InterFaith Council http://franklininterfaith.org/
--------------
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"
In the News: Trump administration blocked by ruling; US House calls Postmaster General to testify
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A federal judge blocked the Trump administration on Monday from enforcing a new regulation that would roll back health care protections for transgender people.
Finalized days after the Supreme Court barred sex discrimination against LGBT individuals on the job, the regulation from the federal Department of Health and Human Services was to have taken effect Tuesday.
Monday’s preliminary injunction from U.S. District Court Judge Frederic Block in Brooklyn bars the administration from enforcing the regulation until the case can be heard in court and decided. Block indicated he thought the Trump administration’s so-called transgender rule is invalid in light of the Supreme Court ruling in June on a case involving similar issues in the context of job discrimination.
“When the Supreme Court announces a major decision, it seems a sensible thing to pause and reflect on the decision’s impact,” Block wrote in his order, suggesting the agency may want to reconsider. “Since HHS has been unwilling to take that path voluntarily, the court now imposes it.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200817/trump-rule-on-transgender-health-blocked-at-11th-hour?rssfeed=true
"Facing a public backlash over mail disruptions, the Trump administration scrambled to respond Monday as the House prepared an emergency vote to halt delivery delays and service changes that Democrats warned could imperil the November election.
The Postal Service said it has stopped removing mailboxes and mail-sorting machines amid an outcry from lawmakers. President Donald Trump flatly denied he was asking for the mail to be delayed even as he leveled fresh criticism on universal ballots and mail-in voting.
“Wouldn’t do that,” Trump told reporters Monday at the White House. “I have encouraged everybody: Speed up the mail, not slow the mail.”
Embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will testify next Monday before Congress, along with the chairman of the Postal Service board of governors."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200817/amid-outcry-postmaster-general-to-testify-before-house?rssfeed=true
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US House calls Postmaster General to testify |