Saturday, January 23, 2021

COVID Vaccines: Fact Versus Fiction

"Vince Venditto, UK College of Pharmacy, is busting myths about COVID-19 vaccines to help inform your decision to get vaccinated":

"Over the past year, a novel, highly contagious virus has spread across the world. Scientists and researchers have worked quickly to respond with vaccine development, two of which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use so far.

As the vaccine rollout continues for frontline health care workers and others in the most vulnerable populations, it is important to separate fact from fiction with regard to the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

Vince Venditto, PhD, assistant professor in the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical Science, has extensive expertise in vaccine design. He was trained in organic synthesis and vaccine development. He is currently working on a clinical trial with community pharmacies to understand the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Kentucky.

He is busting myths about the vaccines to help inform your decision to get vaccinated. "

Continue reading the article online:
https://uknow.uky.edu/research/covid-vaccines-fact-versus-fiction?fbclid=IwAR1nZB8LOXGaBScaCC37ouamxhVH15Oc_0NgWEgRFsaQL_J4cfsNc4Pnh8w

One in a series of COVID myth articles, early this week we shared:

Vince Venditto, UK College of Pharmacy, is busting myths about COVID-19 vaccines
Vince Venditto, UK College of Pharmacy, is busting myths about COVID-19 vaccines (University of Kentucky photo)


Friday, January 22, 2021

Franklin's Weekend Outlook: Jan 23 - Jan 25, 2021

Saturday, January 23
11:00am -  Preschool & Kindergarten Open House (Sunrise Montessori)

Sunday, January 24
1:00pm -  Historical Museum (open and free admission)
3:00pm -  Project BOE - Informational Meeting (virtual session)

Monday, January 25
7:30pm -  S.W.A.N Paint Night; Strength, Wellness & Networking (virtual session)
 

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar
 

Franklin's "Watch list" for 2021

The "watch list" for Franklin in 2021. These are the items I see facing Franklin this year. The insights developed in over fourteen years of reporting on Franklin and in particular over 100 meetings during 2020 are behind the summary of items here. This is the short story. 

If you need or want more on these, stay tuned, I'll be following these throughout the year. If you want a better explanation of one or more, send me an email. If there are enough inquires, I can also schedule a Q&A session like held Thursday for the Senior Center.

Pandemic and recovery

  • This should not be a surprise, our individual health and the health of the community will begin to determine how much the economy can recover.

Town budget/School budget for FY 2022

  • While we averted a real problem last year, the question remains: what will happen this year? We get a peek with the release of the Governor's budget next week (by statue required by Wednesday). Given 22% of our budget is state aid (DLS numbers via DLS Dashboard), that is a key starting point.
  • The economy will help via the local receipts (assuming we recover from COVID-19). The School budget is the big unknown (from my point of view). The District is making progress on the Davis Thayer situation (but no timeline or approval yet on closing the building). While that is underway, the other buildings that could also be closed are not yet on the table for discussion.

Affordable housing

  • The population of Franklin has seen slower growth recently. What is the proper mix of housing for the population we have and anticipate? Will it be affordable for the folks to live here? All good questions and the discussion will be held in earnest this year.

Franklin election (November 2021)

  • Yes, the Town Council, School Committee, and many other positions are up for election in November. Who will run? What issues will they be facing? Will we see more youthful and diverse candidates?

Citizen engagement

  • The voter turnout for the Sep and November 2020 elections were the highest numbers seen although by percent, we have turned out more (in 2016). The pandemic likely contributed to both the voter numbers and smaller per cent. Mail ballots were a key contributor. Will they become the 'norm'? What about early voting for a local election?
  • The access to public meetings has made more engagement possible. Franklin residents can participate via Zoom, live stream, or cable channel. Less of an excuse to not be able to see and hear what is going on whether Town Council, Planning Board, School Committee or any number of other public boards and committees.

 

What would you add to this list?


What was the "watch list" for 2020?

American Anthem - Norah Jones

In his inaugural speech, President Biden says:
"Will we rise to the occasion is the question. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I’m sure you do as well. I believe we will. And when we do, we’ll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story. A story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me. It’s called “American Anthem.” There’s one verse that stands out, at least for me, and it goes like this:"

"The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day.
What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?
Let me know in my heart when my days are through.
America, America, I gave my best to you.
"
The song was originally performed by Norah Jones for the Ken Burns film "The War"
 
 

 

Franklin High School: Important Information and Dates

Important Information and Dates

Winter 2020-2021

FHS calendar at a glance:

School Picture Days for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
Saturday, January 30th, and Saturday, February 6th. Click here for information, to select a time slot and order picture packages.
 
January 25     - FHS PCC Meeting 7:30 PM via Google Meets; click here to join meeting. Guest: Mrs. Heather McVay, FHS Guidance Director; Submit your questions prior to the meeting HERE
January 30th  - School Picture Day for 9th,10th,11th graders. See above
February 2     - Q2 Ends
February 3     - Q3 Begins
February 6     - School Picture Day for 9th,10th,11th graders. See above
February 12   - No School - PD Day
February 15-19  - No School  - Winter Break
 

 

FHS basketball teams split with Taunton; girls win to stay unbeaten

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:
 
Girls Basketball = Franklin, 66 @ Taunton, 29 – Final 
– Franklin went on the road and scored a big win to stay unbeaten on the season. Olivia Quinn was the top scorer for the Panthers with 12 points, but it was a balanced effort as all 13 players got on the score sheet. Taunton got nine points from Sonya Fernandez and eight points from Jaelyn Fernandez in the season opener for the Tigers. 
 
Boys Basketball = Taunton, 55 @ Franklin, 46 – Final 
 
"Most teams in the Hockomock League are hitting the halfway point of the regular season this week, but the Taunton boys basketball team is just getting started.

While it was a victory for Taunton to just get on the court after weeks of delays, the Tigers were in search of a different kind of win.

Buoyed by a hot start offensively and solid defense throughout, the Tigers won their season opener, 55-46, giving head coach Charlie Dacey his 400th career win — all coming with Taunton."
Continue reading the game recap by Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com: https://hockomocksports.com/taunton-boys-basketball-hold-franklin-charlie-dacey-400th-win/
 
 
For other results around the Hockomock League
 
Taunton head coach Charlie Dacey, who earned his 400th win on Thursday, watches the action in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Taunton head coach Charlie Dacey, who earned his 400th win on Thursday, watches the action in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

 

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - January 2021

The 1st District Newsletter of 2021 is now available &  includes info about:
 - The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee
 - Class of 2034 Kindergarten Registration
 - ECDC Applications & Lottery
 - Pool Testing
 - Travel
 - SWAC & more!
 Find it here https://conta.cc/2LR2v9T

 

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - January 2021
Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - January 2021