Saturday, April 18, 2020

Recycling Center open this weekend for Yard Waste Only

"DPW News:
Due to the storm this past week, we know many residents have yard waste to dispose of. The Recycling Center will be open THIS* WEEKEND ONLY for yard waste.
Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM and Sunday 9 AM - 1 PM. Only 5 customers at a time to practice and enforce social distancing.

Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1251152127902113794?s=09

* April 18, and April 19, 2020

Recycling Center open this weekend for Yard Waste Only
Recycling Center open this weekend for Yard Waste Only

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #13

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #13

Friday, April 17, 2020

Hi friends,

Warm greetings from virtual Beacon Hill. The Legislature has been hard at work this week. I was proud to participate in the first and second virtual public hearings ever to occur in Massachusetts, in my capacities as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs and a member of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. I expect more of these virtual hearings to come in the near future, especially with regard to election reform and my 2020 Vote By Mail Act. I've also been hard at work on efforts to support our first responders and public safety personnel.

We got some big news today in access to our democracy and elections -- the Supreme Judicial Court issued a ruling halving the signature requirements for all seats, pushing the deadline for signature submission back as far as it could go, and requiring the Secretary of the Commonwealth to go digital. I've supported signature reductions all along, and am glad to see this ruling.

As you likely know, we are in the coronavirus surge period. Everyone, please maintain extensive social distancing. Wear facial coverings if you need to go out in public, including going to the grocery store. Wash your hands. Stay hydrated. Get sleep. Get some exercise every day, preferably outside (if we're not in the middle of a massive wind and rainstorm). Be vigilant. We will get to the other side of this, eventually. The more safeguards and protections we maintain now, the quicker we'll get to recovery.

Thank you to those who have reached out to tell us that stimulus checks haven't arrived and unemployment claims have gone unanswered and small business loans aren't coming through. This is how we know to work these problems and push for solutions.

Yours in service,
Senator Rausch
Senator Becca Rausch



This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full set of contents visit this link  https://mailchi.mp/3f60d12f7092/covid19-update-12314218


Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #13
Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #13

FM #247 Doug McPherson HMEA Virtual IncredABLE 5K

FM #247 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 247 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug McPherson, Vice-President of Development and Public Relations for Horace Mann Education Association (HMEA). We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

In our first conversation, Doug and I talked about the preparation for the HMEA’s IncredABLE 5K scheduled for May 17, 2020. Alas, in this pandemic period, the road race, community walk, and family fun field day has been converted to a virtual event. Virtual? Yes, we talk about how you can run your 5K on a certified 5K course and send your results in to HEMA to count.

Our conversation includes the other elements of the virtual event still to occur on May 17, but all virtual, not on the fields at Dell/EMC.

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Doug   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVMrv2m7




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

https://www.hmea.org/incredable-5k/

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 #247 Doug McPherson HMEA Virtual IncredABLE 5K
FM #247 Doug McPherson HMEA Virtual IncredABLE 5K

Panther News Special Edition: April 17, 2020 (YouTube)

Produced by Franklin High School's TV Production Program   https://youtu.be/2rPz8u-PKnw




Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1251139625185353728?s=09

Franklin Public Library: Collecting images of the pandemic challenge

"The Library would like to collect images of Franklin’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic ranging from the good to the challenging. 
Reply with the hashtag #FranklinStaysHome. 
We will get through this together!"

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib/status/1250770410699984897?s=09

#FranklinStaysHome
#FranklinStaysHome

Franklin schools cancel Spring break

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"School officials have voted to cancel April vacation this year, making the Franklin School District the latest to erase the spring break from their calendars.

Instead, the district - like others in the area - will continue with remote learning as students remain home during the coronavirus crisis.

Schools have now been closed for five weeks, with some having gotten more formal remote learning underway two or three weeks ago.

“This will provide for continuity at this time,” Franklin school officials noted in a statement issued on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200417/franklin-school-board-cancels-april-break/1


My notes from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/real-time-reporting-school-committee.html

The audio recording of the School Committee can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-246-school-committee-mtg-virtual.html

The Franklin Public Schools coronavirus portal page with all the information pertaining to the schools   https://www.franklinps.net/district/pages/franklin-public-schools-covid-19-closure-information-portal


screengrab of the budget discussion portion of the School Committee meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2020
screengrab of the budget discussion portion of the School Committee meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Attention Residents: Notice of Aerial Spraying

Notice of Aerial Spraying

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District will be conducting aerial spraying in Franklin. 

Please see the attached document for details https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/updated_notice_aerial_application_boh_04162020.pdf

"These applications will be conducted over a likely 2 to 4-day window, lasting only 2 days, anytime between April 13, 2020, and May 1, 2020.
As always, the weather in the spring is unpredictable. For this reason, the District cannot pin down actual application dates with any more accuracy at this time. We will send out further notices as the application date approaches."

Attention Residents: Notice of Aerial Spraying
Attention Residents: Notice of Aerial Spraying

Trivia Night & Thank You Sign Fund Raiser

From Temple Etz Chaim:

Virtual Trivia Night
"Take a break from the day and gather the family for a short round of trivia with Rabbi Alpert as our master of ceremonies!

Congregants, please check your email for more details.
Everyone else, please join us on Facebook Live!"
When: April 23, 2020 - at 5:00 PM

Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/TempleEtzChaimMA/

Virtual Trivia Night
Virtual Trivia Night
Thank You Sign Fund Raiser

Show your thanks to all those essential workers by placing a lawn sign of thanks on your front lawn. $10 each (includes wire sign holder). Quantities are limited!

Two drive through pick-up times to choose from (at the Temple circle driveway...never leave your car!):
  • Thursday, April 23 from 2-3
  • Sunday, April 26 from 11-1

Questions? Contact Margot Rivelis. 

Ready to purchase one? 

Use this form!  https://templeetzchaim.shulcloud.com/form/thank%20you%20fundraiser


Thank You Sign Fund Raiser
Thank You Sign Fund Raiser

Veterans Affairs recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments

The Internal Revenue Service, working in partnership with the Treasury Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs, announced today that recipients of VA benefits will automatically receive automatic Economic Impact Payments.

Veterans and their beneficiaries who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA will receive a $1,200 Economic Impact Payment with no further action needed on their part. Timing on the payments is still being determined.

Moving VA recipients into the automatic payment category follows weeks of extensive cooperative work between VA, Treasury, IRS as well as the Bureau of Fiscal Services.

“Since many VA recipients typically aren’t required to file tax returns, the IRS had to work with these other government agencies to determine a way to quickly and accurately deliver Economic Impact Payments to this group,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Additional programming work remains, but this step simplifies the process for VA recipients to quickly and easily receive these $1,200 payments automatically. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices and service to our country by each and every veteran and their families, as well as the assistance of VA and the Bureau of Fiscal Services in this effort.”

No action needed by most taxpayers
Earlier this month, the IRS took a similar action to ensure those receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement benefits can receive automatic payments of $1,200. While these groups receive Forms 1099, many in this group don’t typically file tax returns. Many people in these groups are expected to see the automatic $1,200 payments later this month, with SSI payments expected to start in early May.

For eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018, they will also receive the payments automatically. About 80 million payments are hitting bank accounts this week.

For benefit recipients with dependents, extra step needed to claim $500 for children; Register now for earlier delivery
The law provides eligible taxpayers with qualifying children under age 17 to receive an extra $500. For taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 or 2019, the child payments will be automatic.

However, many benefit recipients typically aren’t required to file tax returns. If they have children who qualify, an extra step is needed to add $500 per child onto their automatic payment of $1,200 if they didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019.

For those who receive these benefits – including VA, Social Security retirement or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits or SSI – and have a qualifying child, they can quickly register by visiting “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” available only on IRS.gov. For those who can use this tool as soon as possible, they may be able to get earlier delivery of the child payments by having these added to their automatic payments.

By quickly taking steps to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they can receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. If beneficiaries in these group do not provide their information to the IRS soon, they will receive their $500 per qualifying child at a later date, depending on when they complete the registration process.

The Treasury Department, not the VA, will make these automatic payments. Recipients will generally receive the automatic payments the way they receive their current benefits.

For more information related to veterans and their beneficiaries who receive Compensation and Pension (C&P) benefit payments from VA, please visit VA.gov.

Information for recipients using the IRS.gov Non-Filer and Get My Payment tools
We recognize that many non-tax filing beneficiaries have already begun using the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here) tool to provide basic personal information to receive their EIP. There will be no interruption to payments being processed using this portal, and Veterans with internet access are encouraged to continue providing information and track their EIP through the “Get My Payment” (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment) tool.

General information about the Economic Impact Payments is available on a special section of IRS.gov: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center

Watch out for scams related to Economic Impact Payments
The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. To use the new app or get information, taxpayers should visit IRS.gov. People should watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information. Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information.

More information
The IRS has posted frequently asked questions on IRS.gov/coronavirus and will provide more updates as soon as they are available. 

This was shared from:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/veterans-affairs-recipients-will-receive-automatic-economic-impact-payments-step-follows-work-between-treasury-irs-va 
 

Friday, April 17, 2020

FHS "Keep Music Alive" - 4/16/20

Good Morning!

Please enjoy our 2nd release of "FHS Keep Music Alive", featuring:

1 - Emma Kucich, Flute (Emma will be attending UMASS Amhurst in the fall to study Music)
"Hi! My name is Emma Kucich, and I am a senior at Franklin High. This is a piece I've started working on called 'Elegie' by Donjon. Hope you enjoy, and are staying safe and healthy!"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JcJ6j7c3jnH7Y_X0bNaIf_Cr8ZRtLOvo/view?usp=sharing

2 - Jamie Barrett, Elementary Music Teacher @ Jefferson and Davis Thayer. "All the Time in the World"

"If you know me, then you know that I'm pretty much music 24-7... sometimes to the dismay of those around... I just can't turn it off... whether I like it or not, I constantly have music swirling around in my head... don't know if that's a good or a bad thing... maybe just a thing... and lately I've really been needing to capture it in one form or another... 
If you like what you hear, maybe 'subscribe' to my YouTube channel (I'm trying to reach 1000!), and/or maybe share it by forwarding it to as many folks as humanly possible..."
https://youtu.be/guizVtKZ3LU




Enjoy and stay safe!


Diane

--
Diane M. Plouffe
Director of Music
Franklin Public Schools
Franklin High School
218 Oak Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-613-1650
Twitter - @ FranklinHSOrch

In the News: food pantry needs donations; guidelines for states to reopen

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

food pantry needs donations
“We expect that we’ll see the numbers continue to grow, because of people losing their jobs, and unemployment benefits taking time to kick in,” Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Lynn Calling said.

In addition to new clients, the Franklin pantry is seeing the return of people who had previously stopped needing its services.

“When we open up at 9:30 (a.m.), there is sometimes a line of cars,” she said. “Usually the first hour or so we are pretty busy. The Police Department has been helping us out with traffic control.”

DeAngelo said he thinks some of the increase is also because local churches and other organizations that offer free suppers can no longer do so."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200416/amid-spike-in-clients-food-pantries-in-metrowest-milford-area-need-donations-volunteers

Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/



guidelines for states to reopen
President Donald Trump is set to issue new guidelines to states on Thursday aimed at easing social distancing restrictions and reopening parts of the country as the U.S. grapples with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

States will have to meet a certain set of “medical metrics” before they can feel safe reopening, according to the guidelines provided by senior administration officials. The officials did not provide details on metrics, but stressed that they are “recommendations” and provide governors and local leaders with flexibility.

The president has said that some states could lift restrictions, send people back to work and open schools before the current guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus end May 1.

https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200416/trumps-new-guidelines-for-states-are-aimed-at-reopening-parts-of-us-lifting-coronavirus-restrictions

CDC "Work for America" plan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KFiHXRQvTXCScL9J450JIfkdqbEYXGwg/view?usp=sharing

White House "Opening Up America Again" Plan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jt_nLvQAfmMVh2_X0mU5ASQYn40iWcLG/view?usp=sharing




Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Plan Update for Week 2

April 15, 2020

Dear Families,

I hope that this communication finds you and your family well. As we continue with Week 2 of our Remote Learning Plan (RLP) we wanted to provide you with information on several topics: MCAS Testing, Deepening Learning, and Grading Practices. If you have questions, please be in touch with your child(ren)’s teacher(s) or the school principal. I am also happy to answer questions as needed. We miss your children and hope that you are all staying safe.

MCAS Testing Spring 2020

As you likely have heard in the news, MCAS testing for this spring has been
canceled for Grades 3-10 due to the extended closure of schools. For high school students, there are still unresolved topics related to the MCAS competency determination that is required for high school graduation. As soon as we get more information pertaining to high school students from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, we will pass this along to you.

What does it mean to deepen learning for elementary school students?

For our youngest learners, this can mean a variety of things during this period of remote learning. Opportunities must be provided for all learners to continue, reinforce, enrich, extend, deepen, and advance their learning. Teachers must be aware of all equity concerns in providing access to all students for technology, support, alternative assignments, accommodations, and modification as needed. This means that assignments and activities might look different for each child. In the context of remote learning, we want all students to be successful and independent learners with the content provided. The content that one child is successful and independent with may be different than that of a classmate.

While the core content for each classroom will be the same for all students, in future weeks, teachers will provide a range of activities that allow students to actively participate in skill development and content acquisition in meaningful ways for each student. Reinforcing, deepening, enriching and extending, or advancing knowledge and skills is the heart of the Remote Learning Plan (RLP). We also know and fully understand that there will be impacts on our work when we return to school and into the next school year as some students will excel in learning at home and others may not.  Our job as a district and within each school will be to meet each student where they are and to work toward success for each child.

Family partnerships are an integral part of the work for our elementary children, yet the Remote Learning Plan specifically states that parents should not be put in the position of needing to be the teacher. That said, supporting your child’s independent work is key.  Families can assist students by creating a schedule and routines that support the learning during the facetime with teachers and classmates and the at-home expectations. If your child is struggling to meet the academic expectations or needs more challenging work, reach out to the teacher. This is no different than if we were physically in school. Communication is essential as the teachers no longer see your child for many hours a day.

We are just beginning week 2 of the Remote Learning Plan and there is a learning curve for both teachers and students. Please be patient with us and let us know where we have hit the mark and been successful for your family and where we may need to adjust our practice. We know that we won’t be perfect, but we all want the very best for each of our students. We will be seeking formal feedback about the student experience from families soon.

Grading Within the Remote Learning Environment

For our elementary school students, the primary approach in our Remote Learning Plan calls for an emphasis on learning to the fullest potential and providing access for all students. Many staff, students, and families have ongoing concerns related to Covid-19 which may hamper their ability to “do school” as usual. Minimizing the emphasis on grading is a deliberate effort to reduce the anxiety about grades, and hopefully overall anxiety, during a very stressful time in our lives. We respectfully ask that you encourage and support your child(ren) to participate in all learning activities, either with their class or independently, to the fullest extent possible.

Therefore, for students at the elementary level, we will be using a Complete/Incomplete grading system. This will include any specific assignments that students are asked to do during this time of closure. We fully recognize that there may be times that students cannot complete an assignment and we have directed teachers to be flexible about this.

With a May 4 return to school, these grades will then be used to inform our typical grading practices through to the end of the year. However, should we not return to school as planned, grading practices will be reviewed at that time for the trimester. We encourage you to speak with your child’s teacher if you have any specific questions or concerns.

You can find a copy of the PDF file here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZXGdZkX8bxWcTWZkUaVijIAFNmlrpNKV

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Pan Update for Week 2
Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Pan Update for Week 2


MassDPH: How to Quarantine at Home (video)

"Learn how to safely self-quarantine and self-monitor at home if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. 

Learn more at www.mass.gov/covid19."

Video link = https://youtu.be/QlRd6F9BWUA





Shared from Franklin Police Twitter account:
https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1250778770988052481?s=09

Run the incredABLE Virtual 5K

You Can Still Run the incredABLE 5K


Here's how it works:

  • Register as an incredABLE Virtual 5K Runner at events.hmea.org/incredABLE2020
  • Run a USATF certified course wherever and whenever you choose. You can even run our incredABLE race course in Franklin. Click here to find a course near you.
  • Screenshot or take a photo of your time on the fitness app you used to time your run.
  • Submit the screenshot/photo and the course ID# to tandryc@hmea.org by midnight May 10, 2020. Post it on Facebook or Instagram with #incredABLE2020 and win 25 tickets to our Dream Raffle!
  • The live virtual 5k run will be held on May 17th at 10:00 AM on our Facebook page. Can you beat last year's winners?
  • Registration fee is $15 for all runners. The first 200 registered participants will receive an incredABLE lunch tote. If you are a returning runner and you get a new runner to register, you'll get an HMEA beach towel.
  • Your time must be submitted by midnight May 10, 2020 to be entered into the competition.

Winners will be announced during the live streamed virtual event on May 17th

For additional info on the IncredABLE Day https://www.hmea.org/incredable-5k/

Shared from the HMEA newsletter
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Run-the-incredABLE-Virtual-5K.html?soid=1114254466392&aid=Omop8hHnm9I


Run the incredABLE Virtual 5K
Run the incredABLE Virtual 5K

Save Small Business Fund - grant application opens Monday, Apr 20

Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and our economy. Employing nearly half the American workforce, they keep our neighborhoods running and make them feel like home. The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have wrought unprecedented financial uncertainty. These businesses need resources and relief — and they need it now.

That's why the Save Small Business Fund, a grantmaking initiative funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, is providing $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community.

The grant application will go live on Monday, April 20 at 12:00 PM PT/3:00 PM ET. To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund and to apply for a grant, visit www.savesmallbusiness.com

We're all in this together and we'll get through this together,

Jack


Jack Lank, IOM
President and CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762

www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"

 
Save Small Business Fund - grant application opens Monday, Apr 20
www.savesmallbusiness.com