Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - July 23, 2021

Hello Everyone!

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 

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

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

Link to the Franklin Observer - https://franklinobserver.town.news/ 

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 

Tips

Sleeping with science - 6 tips for getting a good night's sleep

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0kACis_dJE 

Paul Eugene low impact 30 minute workout - He's coming at you from the beach! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf4lcz8CsAg 

Music

The classical period.  A brief history of classical music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhooZG6jiOM 

25 bizarre facts about classical music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1lUR7tLjLA 

Romantic mandolin music - Venetian serenade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L04V4OFKOLk 

Just for Fun

Kids try banned food

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-G2WgBs0AU 

How one man in Egypt is keeping a 200 year old tradition alive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5x7GLl-mMo 

Humor

Candid Camera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UzgBALsxco 

Cats interrupting work (anyone working remotely with pets can relate to this!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Es4gkwGkY 

Kindness Matters

A valuable lesson for a happier life (What an incredible message and reminder!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqGRnlXplx0 

Color your world with kindness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdA2sByFX1I 

Upcoming Events

*Monday 

9:00 Hairdresser / Barber by appt. 

9:30 Italian Conversation 

9:30 Mexican Train Dominoes 

1:00 Chair Volleyball 

1:00 American MahJong 

1:15 Movie: "Hamilton"

 6:00 Cribbage 

*Tuesday

 9:00 Cribbage 

9:30 Busy Bees Crafter 

9:30 Low Impact w/Shirley $3 

9:30 Hand & Foot Cards 

10:00 Virtual Chair w Judith 

11:00 Cardio, Strength $3 

1:00 Bingo 

1:00 Cribbage Instruction 

1:00 Quilting 

1:00 Mindful Movements $3 

5:00 Quarantini Time Zoom 

 *Wednesday

8:30 Blood Pressure & Sugar 

9:45 Chair Yoga $3 

10:00 Knitting 

10:00 Scrabble 

10:00 Asian MahJong 

11:00 Zumba $3 

1:00 Chair Volleyball 

1:00 Line Dancing $2 

1:00 Senior Scribblers 

1:00 Bridge 

1:00 Hairdresser by appt. 

4:00 Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group 

*Thursday 

8:30 Blood Pressure & Sugar 

9:00 Cribbage 

9:30 Busy Bees Crafters 

9:30 Bocce Ball 

9:30 Low Impact w Shirley $3 

10:00 Virtual Chair w Judith 

10:00 Discussion Group 

11:00 Cardio, Strength $3 

11:00 Balance Class w Trish 

12:30 Painting Space 

1:00 Bingo 

1:15 Tai Chi $3 

 

*Friday  

9:30 Hand & Foot Cards 

10:00 Woodcarving 

11:00 Sunshine Zoom Group 

12:00 T.O.P.S. 

1:00 Pokeno

Attached you will find Donna's fun filled activity pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LHOLgvReZxRZJV0GnHwYh907CjH6MlTF/view?usp=sharing

Time is short so remember to make the most of every day.  Tell your friends what you enjoy about them, let your family know you love them and spread some kindness!

Ariel

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Cobi's Corner: Returning to Life

As Franklin reemerges, exciting things are brewing!

07/23/2021 Cobi's Corner Hey Neighbors! As life reemerges in Franklin, the Town is bustling with energy and new priorities. The summer's been busy, so I'm excited to share progress in chipping away at the goals laid out in my campaign values (https://www.cobifrongillo.com/values/)! 1. New Priorities - Franklin is learning to invest in ourselves Open Space and Recreation On Wednesday, the Council voted for the first time ever to exercise our "right of first refusal" on the sale of a protected property. The Maple Hill property - 70 acres of trail-laden, old-growth forest that abuts numerous neighborhoods, schools, and public lands between Maple and Lincoln street - presents a fantastic opportunity to prioritize open space and recreation. The Town's purchase will be partially funded through the newly-formed Community Preservation Fund. The Council adopted the Complete Streets framework - opening the Town to state funding for safe and accessible transportation improvements - and are in the process of creating our first strategic plan to examine the pedestrian, biking, and public transportation impacts of future infrastructure projects. Economic Development Following the launch of our new Business Guide, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) continued actively seeking ways to help our struggling businesses and open up new opportunities for innovative businesses. To date, the Council has approved the removal of unnecessary restrictions on local taprooms and the allowance for food trucks on private property. Legislation to reduce stifling parking minimums downtown is awaiting final Council approval, and the EDC is considering legislation to allow for micro-retail in residential spaces (i.e. a small-scale artisans or bakers). Both changes will help spur economic investment in Town. The Town has received first-time state grants to invest in both community pop-up shops (temporary spaces Downtown where entrepreneurs can test out their business idea) and shared streets (temporarily opening up Main Street to pedestrians, bikes, and on-street dining). The initiatives were priorities of mine, and I will continue working with Town Administration to ensure the funds are allocated properly. In personal news, I am excited to have accepted a new job in May with the state legislature's Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy! The TUE Committee - currently Chaired by Franklin State Rep. Jeffrey Roy - is working to ensure Massachusetts remains a leader the clean energy transition. Please reach out if you ever have any questions! Your Franklin neighbor, Copyright © 2021 Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo PO Box 562 Franklin, MA 02038-0562

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full contents, you can download and view this PDF version. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CPbwq8MoMGuapnoj5vtgfZNqgkGxvFI_/view?usp=sharingYou can also subscribe to receive your own copy next time. https://www.cobifrongillo.com/

"Massachusetts will need to make major investments in infrastructure"

"If the heavy rains of this summer are emblematic of our future normal as climate change progresses, then so, too, is this: Much of that rainwater overwhelms local sewers, triggering the release of hundreds of millions of gallons of raw, untreated sewage into Massachusetts waterways.

When the rain falls, as it has so many days this month, aging sewers can fill and overflow, spilling pathogen-laden sewage into the same places where people fish, swim, and boat. It’s a problem that plagues the state, even without the expected impact from climate change.

Despite billions of dollars that have been spent to repair and upgrade sewers around Boston Harbor, for example, sewage overflows from Quincy have remained a persistent problem. Quincy recently signed a settlement with the federal government, agreeing to spend $100 million to fix its sewers. And just this week, discharged sewage was pointed to as a possible cause of an oily sheen, dead fish, and putrid smells on a section of the upper Charles River."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/23/science/climate-change-will-bring-heavier-storms-our-sewers-arent-ready/ 

One of the major infrastructure pieces for Franklin just came online; the new water treatment plant on Grove St. The next item to come up for discussion later this year is the replacement project for the Beaver St interceptor, our major sewer connection. The project has been talked of for years and earlier this year, received funding for the full project plans and costs to be developed. That proposal is likely to come up during the fall. Stay tuned for it.

Recap of Jan 6, 2021 Town Council meeting which included authorization to fund the development work for the project design

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/town-council-meeting-jan-6-2021-recap.html

The Finance Committee posted agenda for Nov 2020 including the interceptor project presentation document  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda_14.html

My notes of the meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/finance-committee-meeting-recap-nov-17.html

The Oct 21, 2020 Town Council meeting segment with the Beaver St interceptor presentation and discussion  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html

key graphic depicts the sewer gravity flow along with the depth of the access points

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 23 - July 29, 2021

Hopefully, a good weather weekend as there are outdoor activities today with the Farmers Market and Concert on the Common which includes "movie night". THE BLACK BOX also offers a concert choice Friday and Saturday nights. The Historical Museum is open both Saturday and Sunday so you can check out the new 'parlor' exhibit as well as the Davis Thayer exhibit. And consider stopping by the Toys for Tots Festival (at the Alumni Restaurant) during the day Saturday as well as the Franklin United Methodist Church for a cookout Saturday evening.

Friday, July 23
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
5:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "Kendo"
6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "Frank Padula Band"
7:30pm - Exit 17
8:00pm - Movie Night: Spider Man into the Spider-Verse

Saturday, July 24
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)

12:30pm - Toys for Tots Festival
5:30pm - FREE Community Cookout 
7:30pm - The Zajac Brothers Band

Sunday, July 25
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Tuesday, July 27
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey

Wednesday, July 28

10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, July 29
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey

11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
5:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

Franklin Food Pantry appoints 3 new Board members

Franklin Food Pantry Bolsters Board with Three New Members

Experienced Leaders Join Board of Directors

The Franklin Food Pantry today announced three new members to its Board of Directors. Community Members Vicki Coates, Susan Dewsnap, and Chris Kilburn have joined its Board to further The Franklin Food Pantry's mission to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions within the Franklin area as well as guide The Pantry to its next stage of services.

"Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders committed to relieving food insecurity within our community," said Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Tina Powderly. "Vicki, Sue and Chris bring a variety of experience that round out our Board of Directors and we are excited to have their talents available as we look to fully fulfill our mission."

Vicki Coates

Vicki Coates has over twenty-five years of senior leadership experience in product development, operations and contracting for various Massachusetts health and dental insurance carriers. She received her master's from Clark University and her undergraduate degree from Colby College. She was a co-founder of the Franklin Education Foundation and the former Partners in Education program at the J.F. Kennedy School in Franklin. She and her husband have resided in Franklin for over 30 years and raised two children, both graduates of the Franklin Public Schools.

Susan Dewsnap

Susan Dewsnap is a Vice President and Relationship Manager at Rockland Trust. She is a graduate of The University of Massachusetts Amherst (B.B.A.) and Bryant University (M.B.A.). Her professional financial experience includes both corporate and personal financial planning.  Her volunteer involvement includes 10 years on the Franklin Finance Committee and Treasurer of Tockwotton Home in Providence, RI. She also enjoys helping at school events and cheering for her kids at sports and music events. Dewsnap lives in Franklin with her husband and two children.

Chris Kilburn

Chris Kilburn recently retired from Fidelity Investments, where he was a Senior Vice President and Head of Technology Architecture. In that role his responsibilities included the strategic vision, design and delivery of technology, enabling customers to confidently make decisions that drive better health and financial outcomes. Previously he held several technology leadership roles across Fidelity's market-leading workplace retirement business. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Marketing at Boston College Carroll School of Management.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,400 individuals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Pantry has moved to a curbside distribution. Clients receive a bag of shelf-stable items, fresh produce and a choice of proteins along with specialized bags for children under 18. The Franklin Food Pantry receives no state or local funding for our operational costs. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin elementary and middle school children in need, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Recap: Town Council approves Dean alcohol license and executes right of first refusal for Maple Hill open space

Quick Recap:

• The Town Council recognized two retirees Patti Wyllie, Treasurer-Collector's Department and Tommy Grundstrom, DPW and Ndoumbe Ndoye, Franklin High School, Commonwealth Heroines Award
• Reconsideration of the alcohol license for Dean College per their ABCC appeal resulted in approval by a 7-2 vote
• The right of first refusal for the Maple Hill property was funded and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote (via roll call). This is the first time the time has accepted its right of first refusal as it was in position to do so with the funds from the Pond St sale ($1.6M) and use of the Community Preservation Act funds now available. It will take time to complete the purchase, then the planning for trails, access parking, etc. can begin. Funding for this improvement work remains to be determined.
• Town Administrator contract approved with minor revisions to extend for 5 years (from 3), increase aligned with that of other town employee commitments, and formalized the annual review with an ad-hoc subcommittee to provide a report to the full Town Council.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0721
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0721?src=hashtag_click 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z1PGypSXJfKJSZuK9

 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf
 
Agenda folder -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda 

 

• Getting ready for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf #tc0721
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting, connection info in image #tc0721

Citizens comments

• Citizens comments, Dale Kurtz announcement of purple heart day, Aug 7, recognition of 18 recipients. Contact veterans office to confirm participation. Monument repair project starting.
• Kerri Bertone treasurer collector announcing paperless billing option, also waiving ACH charge for electronic payments. #tc0721

Approval of minutes

• Motion to approve mins of 5/26 meeting; 5/27 minutes approved also by voice vote; June 9 meeting mins, Jun 23 minutes, approved also via voice vote - 2 abstentions for last vote #tc0721

Recognitions

• Patti Wyllie recognized at retirement after 33 years of service to Town of Franklin #tc0721
• Tommy Grundstrom, DPW sewer dept now retiring after 26 years, #tc0721
• Ndumbe Ndoye, recognition for her selection as a commonwealth heroine. #tc0721
• Public hearing opened for bylaw amendment on tasting rooms, no Public step to comment, EDC subcommittee chair Hamblen speaks for, hearing closes ... up for vote later in meeting #tc0721

Dean College all alcohol license

• Next up, dean college alcohol license up for approval after denial last year by council. ABCC determined no legal reason for denial. Back for approval... #tc0721 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._dean_college.pdf 
• If TC does deny again, the applicant could appeal, would be heard by superior court which would review the hearing by the Council. Not a public hearing, applicants can respond to questions clarification on points. Students would not be tending bar, only Sodexo employees #tc0721
• Councilor Chandler pulled records of last 4 years of police incidents. College may not notify of all incidents, can be handled internally, major ones or per student request do get reported. Alcohol events are well managed by college personnel and Sodexo tip certified #tc0721
• Chandler concerned with 'capricious' comment by ABCC. Council does have broad authority, the applicant does have broad authority. "It is not that simple" #tc0721
• Bissanti Council should not be bullied by ABCC or threat of lawsuit. Dellorco how much have we spent? Just over $2k to defend the community for the prior decision. Jones adds that this is a simplification of the 30 one day licenses with this they did have no incidents #tc0721
• Mercer important to clarify the license for events, no a pub open in the campus center, faculty, college business. #tc0721 Cerel "do you want to take their advice or not?" Hellen State ABCC acts to provide guidance and oversight on the legality of the process.
• Events only license not a liquor license? Kelly - Dean needs to do better community outreach on any number of the other issues, parking etc. #tc0721 a further amendment to add a condition of req 21+ to serve at the events. Bissanti calls this a recipe for disaster
• Exception made for citizen comment which is not part of the public hearing. Another citizen complaining about the student behavior as neighbors. #tc0721
• Confusion between what is allowed per license for the special events vs. general alcohol already on campus from other Franklin establishments. This license doesn't allow for those type purchases. #tc0721
• Roll call vote: Chandler, Bissanti no, all other 7 Councilors voted to approve. 7-2 vote, it passes. #tc0721

Legislation for Action

• Next up, gift resolution. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-40_library_gift.pdf #tc0721 vote passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._vets_gift.pdf Vote to approve, 9-0 passes #tc0721 Gift acceptance, police dept https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._pd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance, fire dept #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-43_fd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0 Bylaw amendment, stop signs https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-870_stop_signs.pdf vote to pass after second reading, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Zoning bylaw amendment, tasting room #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-872_tasting_room_0.pdf removes the 25% required per feedback via EDC listening sessions After second reading, vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call

Maple Hill right of first refusal

• Appropriate funds for Maple Hill right of first refusal #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill.pdf FinCom and CPC gave prior approval, CPC specifically for the use of CPA funds for this vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call (for purpose of record)
• Approval of acceptance of first refusal option https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill_0.pdf. #tc0721 While the prior provides the fund, this applies the funds to the purchase the land as outlined with CPA funds (inspite of what bond counsel reqmts called for) passes 9-0 via roll call

Town Administrator report

• Many happy people out there voted for this historic vote. #tc0721 TA Hellen report, grant for $20k for complete streets for chairs, lighting, barriers for outdoor dining downtown. Thanks to the 4th of July committee for their work. Quiet zone study money rec'd.
• Thanks to Chrissy Welton for her work, she is moving to FL, best wishes. #tc0721 Dean Ave parking for future agenda. Thanks to those who voted for CPA, put us position to make the purchase of Maple Hill. Last word "awesome" for Chrissy. Dean relationship does need to improve
• #tc0721 thanks to prior Councils for identifying the Maple Hill space and helping to work towards the purchase today. Executive session, will return to open session, subject to what happens for final adjournment. Negotiate with TA, motion and 2nd passes via roll 9-0

Executive session

Return to open session

• Council returns to open session, contract for Jamie, FY 22 same salary (2% COLA) no new financial commitments, removes auto increases, replaced by increase inline with other municipal employees, also reqs ad hoc sub comm to do review and bring to full council. #tc0721
• No comments on new contract, motion to approve, passes 9-0 Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 #tc0721

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days 

Dean College officials answering questions during the alcohol license discussion