Friday, July 10, 2020

Phase 2 of the Franklin Double Track project making progress

"Teams continue to make progress on Phase 2 of the Franklin Double Track project. Phase 1 was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. 
When all three phases are complete, the entire line will be double-tracked - continuing improvements to performance."
For additional project information and status visit  https://mbta.com/projects/franklin-line-double-track



Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KeolisBoston/status/1281209931857887232?s=09

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Don White Concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry - July 23

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is presenting an online concert by Don White, on Thursday, July 23 at 7 PM to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Don is an award-winning singer/songwriter, a comedian, an author, and a storyteller. He’s been bringing audiences to laughter and tears for thirty years. He is a Circle of Friends regular whose songs and stories always have our crowds rolling in the aisles. http://www.donwhite.net/
Don White Concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry
Don White Concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show.

A special surprise guest will be joining Don at the end of the show.

You will be able to view this show on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Zwoc7dXhnpU

There is no fee but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.
Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show
Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Please visit  http://www.circlefolk.org/ for more information.

Franklin Federated Church rings the bell Fridays at 7 PM

If you happen to be walking in the vicinity of the Town Common at 7 PM on a Friday night, there is a good chance you will hear the ringing of a steeple bell.

Since April, a small group of volunteers from Franklin Federated Church has rotated the responsibility of ringing the bell every Friday evening.

It is FFC’s weekly reminder to the congregation and the community to continue to remember first responders and all workers who maintain essential services, taking risks every day to create some semblance of normal life and giving hope to all during this pandemic and a sincere thanks to each and every one.

Note: the schedule currently is set for the bell ringing at least through August

Franklin Federated Church rings the bell Fridays at 7 PM
Franklin Federated Church rings the bell Fridays at 7 PM

Senior Center coffee hour - July 16

The latest Senior Coffee Hour is scheduled for July 16 at 8:30 AM. 

State Rep Jeff Roy and Franklin town officials will participate

The Zoom link to attend is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88465356605?pwd=Nkw3TFNNc29xVlE1T09FYXVXZWJ5dz09


Senior Center coffee hour - July 16
Senior Center coffee hour - July 16


Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1280918785168420866?s=09

New FHS principal schedules Google meetings

From FHS' new principal, Joshua Hanna
"I'm looking forward to meeting with Parents, Students and Educators throughout the month of July on Google Meets! 
For anyone interested use this link to sign up:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdU3c9KdaqkKHdqRn9SihhKhsWBuODfq_Rfu3hwbdIl7hvN6Q/viewform


Shared from Twitter: 
 https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1280913979456577536?s=09

New FHS principal schedules Google meetings
New FHS principal schedules Google meetings

Reminder: BSO Violinist Plays a Streaming Live Concert - July 12

REMINDER! Join us for a special donation-based concert!

LiveARTS presents Boston Symphony Orchestra violinist VICTOR ROMANUL in a streaming live concert on Zoom!

This Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 3 PM.

If you want to join us for this special donation-based concert, you need to go to our website, liveartsma.org, and order a free ticket.

The Zoom link will be emailed to you at about 24 hours before the concert begins. Tickets are free, but donations are always welcome!


PROGRAM

  • Vieuxtemps: Moderato, Op. 48, No. 12
  • Ernst: Terzetto "A Joachim"
  • Ysaye: Sonata No. 4, "A Fritz Kreisler"
  • Elgar: Etude Caractéristiques No. 5
  • Sauret (Arr. by V. Romanul) Sauret Fantasie
  • Tarrega: Memories of the Alhambra


LiveARTS has been working hard to improve the quality of the sound in these Zoom events. We know you will appreciate the difference!

You can download Zoom using this link: 
Download Zoom  (https://zoom.us/download)

Reminder: BSO Violinist Plays a Streaming Live Concert - July 12
Reminder: BSO Violinist Plays a Streaming Live Concert - July 12

New Fall Classes at Encore Music - register now

Please call (508) 533-7700 to register for private lessons or any of our classes at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios (http://www.encoremusicacademy.net/)

Check out our flyer for information on some new exciting classes coming this Fall!

Download your copy of the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13wzWrC5IilNr490HudMUJRWIUt2XqRFd/view?usp=sharing



Visual Capitalist: "How China’s Plastics Ban Threw Global Recycling into Disarray"

Good overview of the recycling problem created by changes to China's policy. This tells the story of how we got here. How we get out of the problem remains to be seen.


In the News: fraudulent unemployment claims identified; funding required for ballot application mailing

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Massachusetts has recovered more than $158 million from fraudulent unemployment claims after identifying tens of thousands of incidents of fraud since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, officials announced Tuesday. 
Because of the rampant fraud, which officials said is part of a nationwide scheme, new identity verification efforts are being implemented by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance. 
DUA officials said the additional measures may “temporarily delay the payment timeframe” for some claims. The agency is working on the verification effort with the Massachusetts State Police, the Department of Corrections, and the National Guard. 
Officials said that personal data stolen in earlier commercial data breaches is being used in the fraud."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/at-least-158m-in-unemployment-fraud-recovered-by-mass-dua-reveals


"The state’s top election official said Tuesday he can’t mail ballot applications to voters, as required under a time-sensitive new law, until the Legislature approves funding for the bill that Gov. Charlie Baker signed on Monday. 
The law requires Secretary of State William Galvin to send mail-in voting applications by July 15 in order to give voters time to request a ballot for the Sept. 1 primary elections, fill it out, and mail it back in.
“We had hoped to do it by that date. The legislation calls for it. But the Legislature has not sent the money. We can’t pay for the postage. We can’t pay for the printing until we have the postal permit. We can’t buy the permit until we get the money,” he told reporters outside the State House.
Galvin said a $5 million appropriation included in a more than $1 billion Senate spending bill that largely deals with COVID-19 appropriations “would probably get us going.” The House and Senate spending bills differ, and it’s unclear when legislative leaders will agree on a single bill."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200707/galvin-waiting-for-funding-to-mail-ballot-applications

In the News: ballot question signature process objected to

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Opponents of a proposed ballot question that would increase access to automobile data formally objected to its eligibility Wednesday, echoing an argument that has so far blocked a congressional candidate from making the ballot in a separate case. 
The Coalition for Safe and Secure Data, a manufacturer-backed group organized to fight the question, submitted a challenge Wednesday that will prompt a state panel to decide whether the proposal can go before voters on Nov. 3. 
In their challenge, the coalition argued that the third-party company used by the campaign disobeyed electronic signature-gathering requirements outlined by the Supreme Judicial Court by storing signatures in a separate file and tracking personal data without notification. 
“The signature gathering effort used by ballot question proponents not only violated public policy and failed to meet the standards outlined by the court, it also put the personal information of more than 24,000 Massachusetts voters at risk for potential misuse, hacking and identity theft,” said Conor Yunits, a spokesperson for the coalition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200708/auto-repair-question-opponents-file-to-disqualify-question

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Gov Baker: Prep for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) (video)

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel and local officials to highlight steps the Commonwealth is taking to prepare for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this year. Preparedness measures include ongoing and increased surveillance testing, an updated public awareness campaign, and mitigation efforts such as larvicide, spraying, and horse vaccination. The Administration also highlighted its recently-filed legislation that would authorize a coordinated, proactive, statewide approach to mosquito control activities.
Video link = https://youtu.be/Po7IX-j7IBc

New DPH mosquito and tick web page
https://www.mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks





Health Director Cathleen Liberty talks about EEE in January
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-196-cathleen-liberty-franklins.html

and more recently about tick borne diseases in May
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html


Gov Baker press release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-highlights-eee-preparedness-measures


THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Concerts to Begin THURSDAY

The shows will take place in the venue's parking lot. 

Masks and social distancing are required in the lobby; typical gathering in the lobby is currently not allowed. 

Two people will be allowed at a time in the rest rooms; please wait six feet apart if there is a line. 

Table groupings will be limited to six. 
Patrons are asked to purchase tickets for their table group in one transaction. 

Patrons will only be seated with family or those with whom they are comfortable socializing. 

Advance ticketing and payment encouraged. 
The Bar will be table service only. 
Shows are one hour.

THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Concerts to Begin THURSDAY
THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Concerts to Begin THURSDAY

St John's Episcopal Church - Outdoor Service - July 19

St John's Episcopal Church to re-gather for Outdoor Worship THIS Sunday, July 12th
St John's Outdoor worship postponed till July 19
We need a little more time to pull together the details. Bring your chair and mask NEXT Sunday (7/19/20) at 10 AM

Bring your own chair and mask for worship on our front lawn.

See you Sunday at 10 AM. We'll still be live streaming on Facebook, as well.


St John's Episcopal Church - Outdoor Service - July 12
St John's Episcopal Church - Outdoor Service - July 12


Purchase Your FY21 Recycling Center Permit and Pre-Pay for Item Drop Off


The Recycling Center is open regular hours for full services. No cash or checks will be accepted.

All residents who wish to use the recycling center for item drop off will need to go online prior to pay the required fee(s). 

The online payment portal for recycling fees is on our Viewpoint site. https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1078 If you do not have a Viewpoint account, please follow the instructions to create one.

A printed slip detailing the fees paid will be required to show proof of payment at the Recycling Center.

No material that includes a fee will be accepted at the Recycling Center without prior payment online with printed receipt.

For a
copy of materials accepted, fees and hours at the Recycling Center and Curbside costs: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/news/recycling_center_and_curbside_fees_fy21.pdf

For additional information please call 508-553-5500, leave a message and someone will promptly call you back.

Please observe social distancing guidelines.


https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/fy-20-recycling-center-permit-expiration-extended-july-31-2020
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/fy-20-recycling-center-permit-expiration-extended-july-31-2020



Southeastern MA Veterans' Service Officers Association $500 Scholarship!

Veterans and Family Members Apply Before July 31, 2020

Please find the application for the scholarship here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/scholarship_application.pdf

The Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans’ Services Officers Association (SMVSOA) will grant a $500.00 scholarship to be used to help defray education expenses if the following criteria is met:
  • Applicant is a Veteran, the spouse or widow of a Veteran, the child of a Veteranor the grandchild of a Veteran–DD214 required for verification
  • The Veterans’ Service Officer who is sponsoring the nomination is a current member of the SMVSOA
  • Application must be typed and submitted by hard copy; email not accepted
  • Application to include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor or employer
  • Official high school, trade school or college transcript
  • Application is post marked by July 31 of the current year and mailed to Lisa Potts, 210 Central Street, Hingham, MA 02043

Contact Dale Kurtz, Franklin VSO, at (508) 613-1315 for more information

Southeastern MA Veterans' Service Officers Association $500 Scholarship!
Southeastern MA Veterans' Service Officers Association $500 Scholarship!

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunity - Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.


To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here (https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe).

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunity - Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent
Franklin Residents: Job Opportunity - Stormwater and Environmental Affairs Superintendent

Franklin (MA) School Committee: July 2020 Newsletter

Read the latest "Franklin School Committee News" at this link:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/newsletters

Franklin (MA) School Committee: July 2020 Newsletter
Franklin (MA) School Committee: July 2020 Newsletter



Franklin Residents: Community Outreach Hearing - 164 Grove Street - July 16

Community Outreach Hearing - 164 Grove Street
PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc. (dba Verilife)

Subject: Proposed Marijuana Establishment
Date: 7/16/2020
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Online via Zoom at the following web address https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87564277718

Presented by:​ PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc. (dba Verilife)
Proposed address for retail establishment:​ 164 Grove St, Franklin MA 02038

There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions. To join the online community outreach meeting enter the above listed web address into the address bar at the top of your internet browser and follow the listed instructions on the provided website.



For additional info on the company, visit their webpage https://www.verilife.com/ma

From the Cannabis Control Commission
https://mass-cannabis-control.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MPL-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY-PHARMACANNIS-v3.pdf

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/legal-notices/agenda/community-outreach-hearing-164-grove-street-0

In the News: Updates on Peri, Klements

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

Former Franklin High School Principal Paul Peri told Weston School Committee members this week that he is excited to get to work as Weston High School’s new principal, replacing Anthony Parker.

Peri said he has “been thoroughly thrilled and impressed and pleased with the educators, the students, the central office administrators that I’ve met and have worked with in Weston. People have been incredibly kind and welcoming.”

A team of Weston parents, teachers and administrators initially reviewed over 40 resumes for the Weston High School principal opening, interviewing seven candidates and narrowing down to three finalists.

The two other finalists were Weston High School Assistant Principal Kelly Flynn and Somerville High School Assistant Principal Darius Green.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200703/former-franklin-high-principal-starts-new-job-in-weston



After four years at Franklin High School, Deputy Principal Bill Klements will not be returning to the district in September - and neither will his position.

The role of deputy principal was one of at least 19 positions cut from Franklin Public Schools after the School Committee recently voted to chop $3.4 million from its budget adopted back in April. Those cuts were approved on June 23, bringing the committee’s revised budget to $65,658,500.

The role of deputy principal was the only administrative position cut.

Late last month, Klements was notified by Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern that the district had decided to eliminate his position due to the budget gap, according to an email he sent to high school staff in late June. His last day with the district was Tuesday, he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200702/franklin-high-vice-principal-victim-of-budget-cuts?

Franklin Residents: Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library


Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library

Curbside Pickup Updates! Patrons can place holds online or by phone. When placing holds by phone, there is a limit of five holds per call. 

Inter Library Loan is now available! You are able to place holds on items throughout the Minuteman Library Network. Search our catalog at find.minlib.net

Once you receive a text or email that your items are ready, visit the Library at the School Street entrance between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Monday through Saturday to pick them up! 

In the event of rain, items will be available under an awning near the door. The Library will still be closed to the public, but staff will be available to answer questions by phone and email 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Please call us at 508-520-4941.

Starting Monday, July 13, Curbside Pickup hours will be extended to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Additionally, staff will be available by phone 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Franklin Residents: Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library
Franklin Residents: Curbside Pickup Updates at the Franklin Public Library