Attention Franklin: We Are a Purple Heart Community

We Are a Purple Heart Community - Honoring Those Who Served and Sacrificed

The Town of Franklin was recently named a Purple Heart Community. Along with 90 other Massachusetts communities, Franklin recognizes and honors recipients of the Purple Heart medal which is presented to U.S. military members who have been wounded or killed by enemy forces. 

Please let the Veterans Services Office know if you or a family member (residing in Franklin) is a Purple Heart recipient.

• Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf

Contact info for Dale Kurtz, the Veterans Service Officer
Dale Kurtz
Veterans Service Officer
Towns of Avon and Franklin
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-613-1315 (O)
508-520-4917 (F)


A recent (April 27, 2020) interview with Dale Kurtz
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-257-dale-kurtz-veterans-services.html

Franklin Municipal Building at night

In the News: "(the scammers) can do a lot of damage"

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

"Using information stolen in a previous data breach, scammers are using Massachusetts’ residents personal information to get unemployment benefits, something that could have far-reaching effects for victims. 

Police in Ashland, Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Natick and Sherborn have received multiple calls from residents saying they have received letters in the mail indicating that they have been approved for unemployment benefits. 

The problem is, those victims had never applied for the benefits. 

Although the victims of the identity fraud aren’t losing money, it could lead to problems."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200529/area-police-warn-of-unemployment-scam

St Mary's to hold Mass May 30-31

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

This weekend, May 30-31, we will “re-open our Parish” to Saturday/Sunday Masses. 

We begin this reopening on a special, powerful and meaningful feast: The Feast of Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, also called the Birthday (Beginning) of the Church. 

After this long quarantine we are at a “new beginning” of our Parish and its spiritual life. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Lord Jesus, is with us as we start the “baby steps” to begin to walk and re-open our Parish. I invite you to read this letter closely because although everyone is invited, there are many, many of you who should remain at home for health and safety reasons. 

The Apostles at Pentecost: they were brave, they will filled with faith and hope, but they also had to stumble about, back up a few times, go forward a few steps and also stop to figure it out some more. Some were able to step right along, and many were unable to come forward until later. 

Remember the great and magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome took centuries to be built as it appears today and also was torn down, added to and changed inside and out at various times. We cannot gild the lily with gold, until we plant, water, care for and grow the lily first, a lots of steps which all take time. 

So we do not start with the highest and fancy best as we begin again, we start with the basic and solid elements of Mass. Also, what is true is that the early church is a good model for us about deciding about “returning to church”. We need to remember that this decision is not about lack of faith; instead it is about being prudent and sensible and also using common sense. 

No one will get a higher seat in heaven for coming this week or in the next period of time, we receive our seat by the grace of God and then by our actions of our entire lifetime. 

We will begin with Masses at 4 PM this Saturday May 30, 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM on May 31 this Sunday. Bear in mind we need to clean and sanitize the church between each Mass.

The Mass in church for the foreseeable future will feel very different and perhaps strange to you. Further along in the letter I will explain some of the steps which we must take. Bear in mind that Cardinal Sean has continued the Dispensation for everyone about not attending Mass for any reason. This means any age. 

First I wish to address straight on a serious matter of who should consider coming to Mass and the folks who simply should not come. We are at present in Phase One in our State which means “stay safer at home.” 

This means there are categories of people who should choose not to attend Mass: People who are over the age of 70, with health issues the ages of 65-70, those who are receiving medical care, especially cancer and cardiac patients, people with emphysema, asthma or COPD, a history of pneumonia, those who use oxygen, or any respiratory complication etc. - basically any significant health reason whether physical or psychological. Good Catholics will observe this and all good Catholics will understand.

Coming to Church for Mass means cooperating with the new mandated rules and procedures, whether you like them or not. None of us will prefer them, but you, me and everyone else must care for the safety of others first. 

You may find a video of this as an example on our website (stmarysfranklin.org) or our Facebook Page 


Archdiocese of Boston: Returning to Mass from Archdiocese of Boston on Vimeo.

• All of us must observe the rules. 
• Please place your mask on while at the sidewalk. 
• Entrance is only by the front middle door or the elevator side entrance. 
• Everyone must come in and go down the main aisle to the front and circulate to side by going up to the front, across and then up the side. 
• Benches are closed off by tape. Do not break the tape. 
• The benches without tape on the aisle are for sitting. 
• Tape is placed on the bench seat to show where you may sit in that bench so that six feet will be observed. 
• If you are a household of 2 or more, you may sit as a group. 
• The next single near your group must stay 6 feet away. 
• There are only about 180 seats available in the church. 
• When capacity is reached, by law we must not admit anyone else.

Sadly, you will be unable to attend Mass in the church. There will be volunteer “Ambassadors” who will remind folks, help direct traffic flow and answer questions. 

• There will be no missalettes or singing. 
• At Communion, the Ambassadors will direct this bench by bench. 
• You must come down the main aisle. 
• The sides must go to the back, come across and come down the main aisle. 
• You must stay 6 feet apart. 
• Only Communion in the hand is allowed. “By tongue” is expressly forbidden because it is so very, very most dangerous in spreading infection, now or at any time. 
• Please put out one hand palm up. 
• Then step over about 6 feet to the taped box on the rug, remove your mask, receive Communion and then re-mask. 
• After receiving, please go down the side aisle and leave immediately by the front side door. You must leave by the two side doors in the lobby area. “Middle in, side out!” 
• If you are coming, please realize it will take extra time and come starting a half hour before hand. 

The side stairwell and wooden door on the Rectory side will be unavailable for use for the foreseeable future. Entrance to the lower level, will be by the side glass doors towards the front. 

The Prayer Wall in our Church is available electronically via our Facebook Page and also in church. If you use in church, you must come early and put your prayer up before Mass. Because of health reasons, you must provide your own pen for church. 

Terry Kerr, our Music Director and Organist, will provide music and singing at allowed times. 

Also, please know that Private/Family Only Funeral Masses are now being held. Weekday Mass will be a few more weeks away. We are following the priorities as directed by the Archdiocese.

Please know the very spiritual and holy Masses and Services on Catholic TV (catholictv.org) are available for everyone who should be staying at home. I have received many, many emails from folks about how this great spiritual treasure of our Archdiocese has kept their faith vibrant and strong. Parishes that stream their amateur efforts just cannot compete with Bishop Reed offers on the Catholic TV Channel. 

Our Saint Vincent de Paul acknowledges your generosity to them for their caring for the needy and frail. To bring donations of food and supplies from now on, please bring them up the sidewalk between the Rectory and church building and place them inside the glass doors on the side of the church at ground level. Many have also mailed in financial donations to the Rectory. 

I admire greatly the constant and faithful generosity of all who have thoughtfully sent financial support to our Parish via on-line giving (found at stmarysfranklin.org) or mailed in or dropped through the Rectory mail slot. Your continued generosity will help us as we go slowly through the many stages over the long time of re-opening.

Our Blessed Mother Mary is our Patroness and we honor her especially in this month of May. Saint Rocco, our special Patron, intercedes for us in heaven. We are blessed to be able to begin. We have the Holy Spirit who has been sent as an Advocate and Helper to us. The Spirit empowers us as we begin and re-open. 

May the Lord bless us as we continue His command to announce “the Good News of Salvation”.

Father Brian

PS: “Dear God, please get Father Brian to write shorter letters!”

St Mary's to hold Mass May 30-31

FM #279 Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 - 5/27/20

FM #279 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 279 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

This is the first of four budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21).

The Finance Committee Chair Micheal Dufour opens the meeting. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting packet and to the individual documents referenced.

The recording runs about two hour and twenty-five minutes (2:25) , so let’s listen to the Finance Committee budget hearing of May 27.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB7R38g7



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Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-27_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

Budget doc and Overview memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message

FY 2021 budget documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

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

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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 #279 Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 - 5/27/20

FM #278 School Committee Meeting - 5/26/20 (audio)

FM #278 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 278 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The School Committee Chairperson Anne Bergen opens the meeting. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting packet and to the individual documents referenced.

The recording runs about one hour and fifty minutes (1:50) , so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of May 26.

Audio link = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW257rH7



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


Agenda document
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_5-26-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/may-26-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes reported in real-time during the meeting via Twitter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/school-committee-meeting-recap-budget.html

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 #278 School Committee Meeting - 5/26/20 (audio)

Senate Passes Legislation to Collect Vital Public Health Data, Establish a COVID-19 Diversity Task Force

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed bipartisan legislation to promote equity and transparency as the Commonwealth continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, An Act Addressing COVID-19 Data Collection and Disparities in Treatment, will increase the amount of statewide, publicly available data as it relates to the coronavirus. The legislation also establishes a task force to study and make policy recommendations to address health disparities for underserved and underrepresented communities during the pandemic. The bill advanced to the governor.

“This strong, comprehensive bill will help us begin to address the disparate impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare, especially among our communities of color and other vulnerable populations,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am proud of the thoughtful and collaborative work my Senate colleagues, as well as the Senate Working Group, did to advance this urgent piece of legislation. I look forward to it becoming law.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the bill we passed today is a true reflection of the Senate’s teamwork,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D- Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Owing to the collaborative spirit and input of Senators Brownsberger, Comerford, Chang-Diaz, Cyr, and Jehlen, this critical legislation increases transparency and ensures we have access to the important data necessary to effectively and precisely fight this pandemic.”

“This legislation has two major wins: data transparency and government accountability,” said Senator Jo Comerford, co-chair of the Committee on Public Health and Chair of the Senate COVID-19 Working Group (D-Northampton). “Public access to comprehensive data is foundational to a strong democracy and a healthy government is one that commits publicly to address any disparities and inequities found in the data. Thank you to the advocates who organized effectively around this legislation. And thank you to the Senate President, Chair Rodrigues, and colleagues for their tenacious efforts and commitment to propelling this bill across the finish line.”

“Communities of color are more vulnerable to disease because of long-term, structural barriers to care and treatment,” said Assistant Majority Whip Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “COVID-19 has disproportionately sickened and killed underserved and underrepresented populations in Massachusetts, and the Commonwealth is obligated to respond and care for communities where the need is greatest. Collecting actionable demographic data is critical to inform policies and interventions for the duration of the pandemic. This legislation is a step towards making right the gaping equities that COVID-19 has laid bare.”

“This pandemic has been particularly devastating for Black, brown, and immigrant communities across the state, and this bill is a vital step towards helping us craft an equitable recovery,” said Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz (D-Boston), a member of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus. The bill's data requirements are rigorous, comprehensive, and time-sensitive and — so importantly — it takes the next steps beyond data and requires the development of action steps to address COVID-19 disparities. Many thanks to Senate President Spilka, Senator Rodrigues, and Senator Comerford for ushering through such a strong bill, to the Black & Latino Caucus, and to so many in the healthcare and social services communities--in particular, the Massachusetts Public Health Association--for their dedicated and thoughtful advocacy throughout this process.”

“Overcoming the challenges of gaps in treatment and access to health care has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). “By working together, the House and Senate have responded with a comprehensive bill, with bipartisan support, that will help close those gaps while informing our future decisions to prevent inequalities from happening in the first place.”

Under the bill, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is required to compile, collect and issue daily online reports on the number of people tested for COVID-19, positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths along with the gender, race, ethnicity, primary residence, occupation, disability, age and primary language of each case.

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of cases statewide, the legislation also requires that daily reports include data and demographic information from municipalities and counties with more than 25 positive cases, elder care facilities, as well as state and county correctional facilities. Facility-specific information will be made publicly available while maintaining individual privacy. In addition to requiring greater data collection, the bill requires the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to describe the actions it is taking to address disparities identified through the data collected.

In response to increasing concerns about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and disproportionately impacted populations, the legislation also establishes a task force to study and make policy recommendations for how to address these health disparities. The task force is required to issue an interim report by June 30, 2020, with a final report due August 1, 2020.

The bill, which is the latest action by the Senate to address the COVID-19 public health crisis and its effects on Massachusetts, now advances to the governor’s desk.

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update

Brick Sales Are Ongoing

The May 2020 brick installation has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The next installation will be in June.

Brick sales will be ongoing until all bricks have been engraved.

Brick order forms can be found on this web page. Click on the Veterans Walkway Brick Order Form link on the left side of the Veterans Services home page.
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/files/veterans-walkway-brick-order-form

Veterans or current members of the U.S. military being honored with an engraved brick do not need to be Franklin residents.

For more information, call (508) 613-1315.

Thank you for your support of this project that honors our Veterans!

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update