Encore Music Education Foundation in Action

With all of us trying to cope, manage, and thrive in difficult situations, music is a well-acknowledged way to bring serenity and smiles to our faces. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and families, The Encore Music Education Foundation (EMEF) continues to help sustain music students throughout the current crisis. 

In the last two weeks alone, EMEF has awarded over $1500.00 in grants to help families in need remain in the instrumental, vocal, and class environments that are more important than ever. Please read about some of our past scholarship recipients here! 

For more about Encore Music Education Foundation visit them online
https://www.wesupportmusic.org/emef-in-action-your-impact/ 

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Abby

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Arina

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Claire

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Prem

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Sunehri

In the News: exploring ‘new ways’ to pass State budget; public assistance programs

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

Spilka: State exploring ‘new ways’ to pass budget

"Bills aimed at providing protection for renters and homeowners are among the Senate’s short-term COVID-19 response plans, and beyond that, Senate President Karen Spilka is looking at ways to keep the body running with most senators working remotely amid the ongoing public health crisis. 

“We’re just about to enter the surge. I think all of us need to keep our eye on the ball, or the surge, right now,” Spilka said Wednesday after virtually caucusing with Senate Democrats for upwards of three hours. “We just can’t take our eyes off of it.” 

Gov. Charlie Baker has projected the number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts could reach its peak somewhere between Friday and April 20. A total of 16,790 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, and 4 o’clock has become synonymous with grim daily updates of infection and virus death totals. 

Nearly a month after Baker declared a state of emergency, Spilka said the Legislature’s focus has remained on limiting spread of the virus and providing a safety net for residents whose lives have been disrupted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/spilka-state-exploring-new-ways-to-pass-budget

MA residents leaning heavily on public assistance programs

"A flood of new applications surged into state social safety net programs in recent weeks, another piece of evidence reflecting widespread economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Following Gov. Charlie Baker’s March 10 state of emergency declaration, the number of Massachusetts residents seeking government aid from three major programs rapidly increased as businesses were ordered to close and as layoffs spread widely. 

Total weekly applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC) and the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) more than tripled over the past month, state data show. 

The heightened need will get attention next week from the Legislature: on Monday, the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee will host a virtual hearing on a bill (H 4622) that would provide an extra month of TAFDC and EAEDC benefits to families in need."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/mass-residents-leaning-heavily-on-public-assistance-programs

FHS Announcement - Place Your Yearbook Order - Due April 17

FHS Announcement 

Place Your Yearbook Order 

Due April 17

Please click below for the link.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z7uEs16Uov2HHBGPn1xV73Wns9MjpysakvFUI26ipNI/edit

Thank you and take care.

FHS Announcement - Place Your Yearbook Order - Due April 17

Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page
https://www.franklinps.net/horacemann/news/announcement-place-your-yearbook-order-due-april-17

Attention Small Business Owners: Is Your Business on the Franklin Downtown Partnership list?

Attn Small Business Owners: Get on the Franklin Downtown Partnership List

FDP

The FDP is encouraging all Franklin small businesses to contact the FDP office at Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com so they can list your updated business information on the FDP website. You do not need to be an FDP member to be listed.

The FDP's goal is to provide Franklin residents with one place they can visit for all updated information on local businesses ... and one website that lists all the small businesses that sell gift cards.

Also, any Franklin business owner who would like to receive the monthly FDP newsletter please contact the FDP office so you can be updated on Franklin local business updates.

Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News

Recreation COVID-19 News

All Town and Public Schools grounds, playgrounds, turf fields, grass fields, and the track are closed until further notice. 

Trails are still open, click here to learn more
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/431c30cda1e24123b5fe9795b5bae17c

Please practice social distancing and avoid groups.

For Recreation activities with arts and sports contests visit
https://sites.google.com/view/recdeptcovid-19contests/home?authuser=1

Franklin Residents: Recreation COVID-19 News

FM_#240 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - Town business during the pandemic 4/06/20 (audio)

FM #240 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 240 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator and Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communication Specialist. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the revised budget schedule and how the economic planning is fluid given the pandemic, how business is continuing although remotely, and highlight activities by the Library and Recreation Dept. We talk about remote meetings for the Planning Board, Board of Health, and others that are on the schedule.

The show notes include links to the web pages Anne Marie references. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.

https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-of-Franklin-Updates-4720-ecgdoi/a-a1sh2dm




--------------

The Franklin Town budget page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/

The Town and School social media accounts https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/social-media-center

The current News and Alerts is where to find the daily MEMA update mentioned
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/current-news-and-alerts


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

FM_#240 Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - Town business during the pandemic 4/06/20 (audio)

FM #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic 4/03/20 (audio)

FM #238 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 238 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Kristin Letendre, Health and PE Director for the Franklin Public School district as well as a teacher at FHS. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about her work on the School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC), on the Social Emotional Learning Committee, and importantly about keeping learning alive with her approach to mindfulness and a daily practice shared via Twitter.

This recording runs about 20 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Kristin and hear how a mindful approach can really provide help for us to be present during these challenging days.   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZB9N9D7




--------------

The Twitter account for FPS Health PE = https://twitter.com/FPSHealthPE

The Social Emotional Learning Committee has created this SEL page with resources and a monthly focus  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/sel/home

Kristin is an adjunct professor at Bridgewater State
 https://www.bridgew.edu/department/movement-arts-health-promotion-leisure-studies/kristin-letendre 

Resources shared by Kristin as mentioned during our conversation:

Mindfulness

• Calm.com - Website including daily calms, body scans, and other mindful practices
• Headspace - App for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life
• Breathe - App designed to help people stop, breathe, think
• Insight Timer - App for sleep, anxiety and stress
• Stop Stress in its Tracks - American Heart Association
• Loving Kindness Meditation - American Heart Association
• Mindful Eating Article 
• Drawing Your Breath Activity
• Mindfulness Based Art Activities and Resources for Children and Parents
• Mindful Online Learning

Mindfulness Book Recommendations

• Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration  by Meera Lee Patel
• Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization by Meera Lee Patel
• The Little Book of Mindfulness by Dr. Patrizia Collard
• Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day by Jennie Marie Battistin
• Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are by Aimee Chase
• Practicing Mindfulness: 75 Essential Meditations to Reduce Stress, Improve Mental Health, and Find Peace in Everyday by Matthew Sockolov
• Choose The Life You Want: The Mindful Way to Happiness by Tal Ben-Shahar, PHD

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

FM #238 Kristin Letendre - Mindfulness in a pandemic 4/03/20 (audio)

Franklin Public Schools: Closure Update and Vacation Survey Response Requested

April 7, 2020

 
Dear Franklin Families,

We are thinking of you and your children as we adjust to a new phase of Remote Learning this week. We all recognize there is a big learning curve here (including your Central Office team who had a bit of a fumble Sunday night with live streaming). We are all learning!

Survey about April Vacation
There have been many questions about April vacation. DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley issued a statement on Friday, deferring to local decision making for potential changes to April vacation/the school calendar. Some districts have already made decisions to either stay with April vacation or to eliminate it in favor of shortening the end of the school year.

Right now, in Franklin, we are expected to end on Wednesday, June 24, or our 185th day. We are surveying both faculty/staff and families to learn more about your preferences. 

Please complete this form by noon on Thursday, April 9.

https://forms.gle/rnq9LEwh6bZj9Jo38


Breakfast, Lunch, and Weekend Backpacks Over Long Weekend
Friday, April 10 is a non-school day, as it is Good Friday and typically a day off of school in our school year calendar. As a result, the breakfast and lunch program from FHS will not be operating. We will, however, issue Thursday and Friday lunches and breakfasts on Thursday, April 9. Additionally, weekend backpacks will be available for pick up on Thursday, April 9, instead of Friday, April 10, this week.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools


Closure Update was shared from
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

Franklin Public Schools: Closure Update and Vacation Survey Response Requested

Franklin Residents: Recycling Center Hours This Week

Recycling Center Hours This Week

Hours This Week:

• Friday, April 10 ~ 8 AM to 3 PM
• Saturday, April 11 ~ 8 AM to 3 PM
• Sunday, April 12 (Easter) ~ Closed

Reminder, the Recycling Center is only accepting yard waste and brush at this time. 

A pass is required and can be purchased in advance by calling the DPW Admin office at 508-553-5500.

More info
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/urgent-alerts/beaver-st-recycling-center-re-open-following-guidelines
 

Franklin Residents: Recycling Center Hours This Week

Franklin Board Of Health - Agenda - April 8, 2020 - 5:00 PM

VIRTUAL MEETING: Connection link ->

https://zoom.us/j/741337294?pwd=T01TQ3dQZkVuWEp2ejk2VndJVXU2Zz09


Franklin Board Of Health 
Duly Scheduled Meeting
Wednesday, APRIL 8, 2020, 5:00 PM, Virtual Call 

AGENDA

This meeting is being recorded. 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.

1) Reading and acceptance of February 5, 2020 minutes 

2) Old Business

A. None
Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

3) New Business

• A. Discussion of COVID-19
• B. Title V procedures
• C. Application to the Regional Collaboration and Community Planning for funding

4) Health Director’s Report

Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

5) Citizens Commentary

6) Adjournment


Next Board of Health meeting will be Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 5:00 PM in Room 106

 

Franklin Board Of Health - Agenda - April 8, 2020 - 5:00 PM

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #10

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #10

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Hi friends,

I hope you all are staying safe during these trying times. My team and I are still working around the clock to respond to this pandemic and support constituents and communities throughout the Commonwealth. My commitment to intersectional equity and justice has always been a top priority, and this commitment is stronger than ever. 

There is no doubt that black and brown communities, low-income families, and undocumented individuals are disproportionately impacted by the significant economic downturn spawned by COVID-19 and are over-represented in coronavirus cases nationwide. I pledge to continue centering equity and justice as we continue to devise and implement solutions to this unprecedented challenge.

Quick update on my personal work: I was asked to serve on the Senate’s COVID-19 public safety subcommittee. I accepted immediately, and was honored to be asked by leadership. I also continue to serve in my capacity as the Senate Chair of the Municipalities Committee. I am deeply focused on crafting legislative solutions that constituents and communities so desperately need, and getting those solutions across the legislative finish line.

A note about face masks: on Friday, April 3, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a recommendation encouraging cloth face coverings in public settings, since individuals who contract COVID-19 can carry the virus without symptoms and transmit the virus to others. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in places such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and anywhere else where community-based transmission may be high. 

This recommendation does not replace social distancing, stay-at-home measures, and hand washing recommendations that remain in effect. Also, this does not mean people need N95 or medical grade masks; the clinicians and first responders need those. If you have access to N95 masks, please contribute those resources to the statewide COVID-19 response efforts.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #10

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full contents
https://mailchi.mp/1e0cb164d333/covid19-update-12306901

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Agenda - 4/08/20

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

7:00 PM

Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Cultural District Committee Meeting.

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 copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required).

Please click on https://zoom.us/j/373351887 or call on your phone at 312-626-6799, meeting ID is 373351887.

Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes 7:00 PM

• March 11, 2020 CDC Meeting

Chair’s Update 7:05 PM

• Massachusetts Cultural Council Webinar 
• FCD/MCC Grant Updates
• FY 21 Regional Tourism Grant Application 
• May 12th Partners Meeting

Partners Sub-committee Update 7:20 PM

• Possible Franklin Cultural District Newsletter

Marketing Sub-committee Update 7:30 PM

Goals & Data Sub-committee Update 7:40 PM

Future Cultural District Partners Meeting Dates 7:50 PM

Next Meeting Date 7:55 PM

• Cultural District Committee Meeting, Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Cultural District Partners Meeting, Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn 8:00 PM

The listings 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.

For Additional information, contact:
Bryan W. Taberner, AICP, Director
Department of Planning and Community Development
508-520-4907; btaberner@franklinma.gov

Franklin Cultural District Committee:  Agenda - 4/08/20

“It’s something we all have to do until things get back to normal”

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

"Police officers are doing their best to socially distance themselves from others, but sometimes at emergency calls, that can be impossible.

This weekend, three Milford Police officers were exposed on the same call to someone with the coronavirus, and because of that, they are now quarantined, Chief Michael Pighetti said.

As a result, Pighetti said his department has added even more stringent procedures to make sure that officers and civilian employees practice social distancing during the workday.

“This is a fluid situation and it changes minute-by-minute,” said Pighetti. “We try to do our best practices and we’re doing our best to stay away from each other.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200407/in-wake-of-coronavirus-police-officers-make-changes-to-keep-distant-from-each-other

Coincidentally, I recorded a conversation with Franklin Police Sgt Brian Johnson recorded on Monday and this is one of the topics we talked about. Stay tuned, you should be able to listen to the recording in a day or so.

“It’s something we all have to do until things get back to normal”

"every community can assume that the virus is here"

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

"At least four towns in the MetroWest and Milford regions are no longer publicly reporting the number of confirmed positive coronavirus cases in their communities.

On March 28, the state Department of Public Health recommended that individual communities stop publishing the number of COVID-19 cases to protect the privacy of patients. However, reporting those numbers remains entirely up to each individual community.

At least three communities in Greater Milford are following the DPH’s advice: Franklin, Millis and Upton, according to town public health officials. Those three towns, however, had already released information about their first confirmed positive cases in their communities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200407/at-least-four-communities-not-reporting-new-coronavirus-cases

The next Franklin Board of Health meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00 PM. It will be a virtual meeting. Information on how to connect is contained in the meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda-4-8-2020_revised.pdf

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

FM #236 Karen Alves - Senior Center Pandemic Updates 4/03/20 (audio)

FM #236 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 236 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Karen Alves, Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about food services, “Meals on Wheels” can use volunteers, GATRA’s “Dial-a-Ride” has waived fees for seniors, the 50+ networking group is going virtual, an Earth Day lecture was recorded and the video will be posted to the Senior Center page on Apr 22.

Additional details on topics of our conversation can be found in the April issue of “The Franklin Connection” newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/apr20connection_-_copy_1.pdf

Two quick updates to add to our conversation that Karen realized we missed discussing:

• For reassurance calls: "The Senior Center staff offers a weekly reassurance call for those who would like to receive one. Please call the Center at 508 520-4945 and leave a message."
• For the mental health clinician: "A mental health clinician is available by telephone for elders needing assistance. Please call Gail at: (774) 307-3524 or (508) 657-2791." This program is available through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

This conversation runs about 20 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Karen and hear what the Senior Center is doing during this pandemic period.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrsfSY07



  --------------

Tri-Valley, Inc delivering “Meals on Wheels” can use volunteers, please contact Gail Hamilton by calling 508-520-1422

Franklin Senior Center = https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc and specific updates for this pandemic period https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/senior-center-resources-and-support

The April issue of “The Franklin Connection” newsletter.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/apr20connection_-_copy_1.pdf

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

FM #236 Karen Alves - Senior Center Pandemic Updates 4/03/20 (audio)

wfpr.fm Weekly Schedule

Our weekly wfpr●fm program schedule lists interviews and musical programs of interest hosted by Franklin residents. Our current slate of programs runs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Programs repeat at 9 AM, Noon, and 6 PM, and Saturdays, starting at 9 AM.

Wednesday:
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey - All about Franklin Public Schools

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone - All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00p Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock - Franklin and its local government, services and events

Thursday:
9:00a/12:00p/6:00p The Tabernacle Choir - from Salt Lake City 

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey - Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick - Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition

Friday:
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick - Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey - An hour of uplifting music for all 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group - Original short stories presented by the authors

Weekdays:
3:00p Music of the Swingin’ Big Band Era
4:00p Starlight Songs from the Great American Songbook

Listen each week on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm as we bring more of our community – to community radio.

Find the complete Franklin TV and wfpr.fm program guide online  http://franklin.tv/
 

wfpr.fm Weekly Schedule

Once Upon a Town: Felix Cataldo Block & Dana Block - Downtown Franklin

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry to "Find out the history of the Felix Cataldo Block, a landmark of downtown Franklin and host to numerous notable businesses. Also, the Dana Block."

Video link = https://youtu.be/GtLkaIk5cQU

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Presentation

April 6, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Remote Learning Presentation

We would like to thank those who could join us last night as we presented the FPS Remote Learning Plan and answered questions. A recorded version of the presentation can now be found on our YouTube channel at the following link: https://youtu.be/zTFW_Vpqnhk

We apologize for our technological difficulties and appreciate the patience everyone exhibited.

Chromebook Borrowing

We appreciate that everyone is adjusting to the remote learning framework this week. As noted, we will seek feedback to monitor the roll out.

We anticipate that there will be requests for Chromebooks. We would like to allow for a few more days of adjustment as everyone gets used to this new framework. We will be back in touch with further information about another round of Chromebook borrowing.


Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin PUblic Schools: Remote Learning Presentation