"Social distancing has fundamentally challenged the way libraries across the MetroWest region operate"

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

"Nearly every library has needed to similarly adapt to changing demands - particularly in children’s departments. 

Summer reading and summer programming helps serve as vital educational supplements to maintain learning out of school, Caleigh Keating, youth services librarian at the Franklin Town Library, said. Children’s departments are often one of the busiest sections of the library and serve a vital role in the community. 

As a result, Franklin has begun offering more virtual events than ever before, such as storytime sessions, book clubs, and “Dungeons and Dragons” sessions, and has started promoting novel software, such as Beanstack, to track reading logs. Additionally, the Franklin Town Library has sent weekly packets with activities including arts and crafts and STEAM projects so children can continue learning at home. 

Though she misses seeing her patrons, Keating said offering more online events has helped the library better fit parent schedules, encouraging increased family participation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200628/region-wide-libraries-are-changing-how-where-and-when-they-offer-services-during-coronavirus-pandemic

The Franklin Public Library has a resource page focused on service for this pandemic period  https://sites.google.com/view/toflibrarycovid19resources/home

Franklin Public Library has a resource page

Effectiveness of masks demonstrated

It's amazing how much good one little mask can do! Check out how a normal, everyday mask keeps respiratory droplets from spreading outside your body, potentially sharing viruses. pic.twitter.com/zeXyemJwO8

— Providence Eastern WA (@providence_phc) June 26, 2020

https://twitter.com/richdavisphd/status/1276629366789697536/photo/1

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/richdavisphd/status/1276629369675370496?s=09

FM #309 "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen 6/26/20 (audio)

FM #309 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 309 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

• Water conservation measures vs. ban

• Virtual Coffee session with Brutus on Tues, June 30, 9:00 AM

• Budgets

• Closing FY 2020, Starting FY 2021

• Re-opening

• Restaurants, July 4 weekend

And close with some comments about Concerts on the Common opening Friday, July 24. Farmers Market will be there in the afternoon. Plans for a movie and a band, with space for the audience appropriately socially distanced on the common. Reinforcing the need for Social distance, face coverings, hand washing, etc to keep re-opening gradually

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio link: https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/News-and-Happenings-in-Franklin-eg0dsn/a-a2inm0e



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

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

Water Ban info
https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-ban-now-effect

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

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"

Jamie on the FHS field for the Town Council budget hearings

FHS Graduation 2020 - Video downloads available for limited time

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/28/2020

Three Programs 

 freely available for Video On Demand

We have recently completed the final release versions of programs for the FHS 2020 Graduation. They will be shown on our cable channels for several weeks according to our weekly schedule. These TV Program files are also available for downloading in high-definition at these links.

• Senior Awards = http://tbf.me/a/BwXVZ5 (4 GB)
• Car Parade = http://tbf.me/a/BVmlpJ (5 GB)
• Graduation = http://tbf.me/a/CFR8yf (12 GB)

Just enter these links into your browser and download/save the files to your computer. These are lengthy TV programs, and downloading may take some time, depending on your internet speed. These programs will remain available for free downloading until July 23rd.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And, thank you for watching.

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

And if you want to watch them on the local cable channels, the schedule for the week looks like this:

Franklin All-Access 
Comcast Channel 8; Verizon Channel 26

Sunday
12:00 PM FHS Graduation 2020
04:00 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

Monday
08:00 AM FHS Graduation 2020
03:30 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

Tuesday
07:30 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Wednesday
08:30 AM FHS Senior Awards 2020
05:30 PM FHS Graduation 2020

Thursday
11:00 AM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Saturday
04:30 PM FHS Graduation 2020

Franklin Pride 
Comcast Channel 96; Verizon Channel 28

Sunday
03:31 PM FHS Car Parade 2020
09:00 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Monday
05:34 PM FHS Graduation 2020

Tuesday
09:01 AM FHS Graduation 2020

Wednesday
11:00 AM FHS Senior Awards 2020
06:30 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

Thursday
08:01 AM FHS Graduation 2020
04:30 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Friday
01:30 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Saturday
03:30 PM FHS Graduation 2020
09:30 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

The full schedule can be found in the TV guide for this week
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or for historical record
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJyATMa_FLnZiTRd9gMYwII7emYAPAFT/view?usp=sharing

FHS Graduation 2020 - Video downloads available for limited time

FM #307 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Statement - 6/23/20 (audio)

FM #307 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 307 in the series.

This session shares Elise Stokes’ statement on the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis work from the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Elise Stokes is the Chair of the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis subcommittee. Given the town budget hearing discussion, subsequent comments and emails on the status of Davis Thayer, she made this statement to set the record straight on where the analysis stands.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and reference documents.

The statement runs just about 4 minutes, so let’s listen to Elise’s statement updating the School Committee and community on June 23.

Audio file  =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-307-davis-thayer-facility-analysis-statement-6-23-20

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

School Committee agenda
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-6-23-20

School Committee meeting packet
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-23-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Facility Analysis page   https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

School Budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

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

Auto email response (as of 6/28/20)

Thank you for reaching out to the Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Sub-Committee and sharing your thoughts and concerns.

Communication with the community is extremely important in this process! We want families and community members to be informed and included. At this time no decision has been made regarding the closing of DT. We are following our process as designed and continue to be committed to transparency about our progress as we gather new information. In the near future, we'll be moving into the second part of Stage 1 which is when we gather staff, family, and community perspectives, along with other important information.

Thank you for contacting us; we appreciate your input.

Respectfully,
The DT Facilities Analysis Sub-Committee:

Elise A. Stokes
Mary Jane Scofield
Judith Pond-Pfeffer

For more information, please visit our DT Facilities Analysis website at: https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

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?

1. If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
2. 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 #307 Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Statement - 6/23/20 (audio)

FM #306 School Committee Meeting - 6/23/20 (audio)

FM #306 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 306 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

School Committee Chair 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 just over an hour and fifty minutes (1:51), so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of June 23.  

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-306-school-committee-meeting-6-23-20

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

School Committee agenda
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-6-23-20

School Committee meeting packet
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-23-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Facility Analysis page https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

School Budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-relutantly-approves.html

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

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 #306 School Committee Meeting - 6/23/20

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser

Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA is pleased to announce our first Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser. This year, we're welcoming walkers and runners from near and far to join us in our social distancing 3K. All proceeds from this event will help support Temple Etz Chaim as we support our local community.

Join us Thursday, July 23rd through Sunday, July 26th to get out and get in your steps. You may complete the full 3K (1.8 miles) at one time or across multiple walks/run. Use your iPhone, Fitbit, pedometer, Google maps, or any other tracking device to measure your distance. Walk or run as individual, with your family, or join a larger team remotely, and submit your results here. We're also encouraging participants to get on Facebook and tag us @TempleEtzChaimMA showing us your favorite way to get active and healthy while staying safe.

Participants may also opt to purchase a customized Temple Etz Chaim 3K medal at an additional by clicking here  https://www.etsy.com/EngraveGuys/listing/814937628/custom-temple-3k-medal-with-blue-ribbon

We look forward to sharing this great community-building 3K experience with all of you!

For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boardofdirector3@temple-etzchaim.org

Register online
https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser

Discovered by the Franklin radar via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1276592394583060480?s=09

"we’ve got to realize that we are part of the process"

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

"As the COVID-19 pandemic reaches new levels driven largely by surges of cases in southern and southwestern states that had resumed economic and social activities, Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that Massachusetts can avoid a similar fate if people continue to wear face coverings, remain socially distant and stay home when sick.

“It’s been working. It’s worked well for the people in Massachusetts and we all need to keep it up. COVID-19 will not be taking a summer vacation,” he said. “As many people have seen, other states have suffered massive spikes in new cases and hospitalizations, and we urge every resident in Massachusetts to continue to be vigilant and mindful during their daily activities that we can contain this insidious virus, but it’s critically important for everybody to do their part.”

Florida reported a record high of more than 8,900 new coronavirus cases Friday and the governor suspended alcohol sales at the state’s bars. On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he did not plan on moving to the next phase of the Sunshine State’s reopening as initially scheduled. In early June, Florida had allowed bars to reopen at 50% capacity indoors and at full capacity outside, and also allowed movie theaters to reopen."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200627/baker-urges-vigilance-against-insidious-virus

Gov Baker's video update Friday, June 26: https://youtu.be/f8lY8dUUdds

In the News: “remain open to a negotiated resolution"

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

"A proposed question to allow more stores to sell beer and wine will not appear on the ballot this fall and its backers will instead work to put the question before voters in 2022.

Cumberland Farms, the Westborough-based convenience store giant that was leading the ballot initiative campaign, said Friday night that it is dropping its effort due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on the retail sector and the company’s corresponding need to focus more on the health and safety of its workers and customers.

“They deserve our undivided attention as we fulfill our ongoing commitment to safely providing essential services in cities and towns across Massachusetts. To that end, it’s become clear that leading an eight-figure ballot measure campaign is not a prudent course of action at this particular moment in history,” said Matt Durand, chairman of the ballot question committee and head of public policy at Cumberland Farms. “Make no mistake: The issue of safe and fair competition in the beverage alcohol marketplace remains a top legislative priority for Cumberland Farms and other food stores, just as it remains an important question of public policy for this commonwealth. As we’ve said from the beginning, we’re prepared to take this effort all the way to the voters if necessary. That position has not changed, and I look forward to the next biennial election cycle.”

The proposed question, according to the attorney general’s summary, would “create a license allowing food stores to sell wine and beer for off-premises consumption, progressively increase and then eliminate the limit on the number of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages consumed off-premises that any one retailer could own or control.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200627/cumberland-farms-drops-beer-and-wine-ballot-question

“The incentive structure is misaligned for compromise. That’s the reality of it"

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

"For a moment, Congress had a chance to act on a policing overhaul, mobilized by a national trauma and overwhelming public support. Those efforts have stalled now and seem unlikely to be revived in an election year.

It’s the latest example of how partisanship and polarization on Capitol Hill have hamstrung Congress’ ability to meet the moment and respond meaningfully to public opinion.

Major changes in policing policy appear likely to join gun control and immigration as social issues where even with Americans’ overwhelming support, their elected representatives are unable or unwilling to go along, especially when President Donald Trump is indifferent or opposed.

“In this moment, as it was with gun violence and immigration reform, we don’t know where the president really is,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who weeks ago was expressing skepticism weeks ago about a breakthrough. “If this were the first time we were in this situation, I’d be more hopeful,” he said then."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200628/once-again-congress-unable-to-act-during-national-trauma

Senior Center: Virtual events for July 2020

Hello Everyone, hard to believe this is the last week of June already!

Virtual programming

This is where you will see the options for virtual programming (online usually via zoom) and who to contact to join.  Please reach out to the hosts in advance so that you get the invite link for the program you want to attend. You can also check out happenings on our town page.  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

MONDAY

Please check the events calendar for our special events on Mondays!

TUESDAY

11am - Fitness with Judith - 30 minute exercise class - email JudiVPerez@gmail.com for the link To attend

11am - Low Vision Support Group - email Mgundersen@franklinma.gov for instructions on how  to phone in. MEETS EVERY OTHER TUES)

11am - Audio Book Discussion Group - email mgundersen@franklinma.gov for instructions on  how to phone in. MEETS EVERY OTHER TUESDAY

5:30pm - Quarantini Time - virtual cocktail hour - email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to  attend

WEDNESDAY

11am - Be Well Coffee Hour - email pcollatos@franklinma.gov for the link to attend - this is an  informal hour of conversation, socialization, friendship and you can ask Nurse Trish  questions. 

4pm - Caregiver support group (2nd & 4th Wed of the month) email elaine.owens@verizon.net  for the link to attend.

THURSDAY

11 am - Fitness with Judith - 30 minute exercise class - email JudiVPerez@gmail.com for the link

FRIDAY

11am - Sunshine Club - email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. You must be a member of the supportive day program or respite program to attend.

12:30 - TOPS program - email patdamour@yahoo.com for the link to attend

July special virtual events

July 13th - Join our favorite Franklinite Steve Sherlock to discuss Everything Franklin, happenings, hot topics, and history - email adoggett@franklinma.com to attend

July 16th - 1pm Award winning author Dr. Andrew Budson presents -"Seven Steps to Managing Memory: What's Normal, What's Not and What to Do About It" - email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend

July 20th - The signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of time! - Do you know that the faster a stroke is treated the better your chances of a full recovery are?  Learn the signs and symptoms to help save someone's life.  Presented by Nurse Trish - email pcollotos@franklinma.gov to attend

July 27th - 10am Sound Renewal, a mindful meditation with Molly Rabuffo - email adoggett@franklinma.com to attend

July 27th - 3pm MEMORY CAFE - stay tuned for more details on who is performing. 

Attached you will find:

1. Donna's awesome activity sheet
2. Wacky Wordies - brain crunchers
3. All Puns Intended 

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/

If you need help with Zoom please reach out to the Franklin Senior Center.  We are happy to help you connect! 508-520-4945

All puns intended

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y9aq_lP_cfLZcAZUv4S2iEkCO1BqkGmw/view?usp=sharing

Wackie Wordies

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u2oygT-ZcJ-8PWL1GTIh54MqBO25ZvH6/view?usp=sharing

Donna's activity sheet
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nhDn33UUxar-z6czdphR-G_xN8iAa4iy/view?usp=sharing

Video links
 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DwT6jHdkR7oLzS3rSHSgsLAMKnaESk3t/view?usp=sharing

Senior Center: Virtual events for July 2020

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #24

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #24

Friday, June 26, 2020

Dear friends,

Voting by mail is the best way to enfranchise voters and ensure free, open, fair, and safely accessible elections in pandemic conditions. In a major bipartisan victory for free, fair, and safely accessible elections, last week my Senate colleagues and I passed a number of important reforms to enable people to cast their ballots this Fall without risking their health and safety. This legislation also begins to chip away at the systemic racism that has long been embedded in voting rights and access, and still is today.

I spoke on the Senate floor in favor of the amendment I filed to automatically send every active registered Massachusetts voter a ballot in November, no request or application necessary. During the committee process, every elections advocate supported legislation to automatically mail ballots in the general election. We know that mailing the actual ballots, rather than applications, would make voting easier for voters and local clerks alike, and we know it's a better approach to enfranchising voters of color. That's precisely why I crafted and filed the 2020 Vote By Mail Act (https://www.beccarauschma.com/2020-vote-by-mail-act) back in April to expand ballot box access in our Commonwealth, as well as the amendment that I brought to the floor last week. Watch my full floor speech (https://www.facebook.com/beccarauschMA/videos/553538202001388/ to learn why, unfortunately, automatic vote by mail will not be a reality for our 2020 elections.

Although automatic vote by mail for the 2020 statewide elections was not in the cards, sending mail-in ballot applications to all registered voters is a significant step in the right direction, as is expanded in-person early voting. I am proud that the bill we passed in the Senate (https://mailchi.mp/3234ff105745/covid19-update-12574208) also includes health protections for poll workers and an allowance for local clerks to process ballots before election day – two provisions that were central components of my 2020 Vote By Mail Act. I am also proud that the Senate adopted a number of critical amendments, including my own to improve voter education about the new voting processes and requiring public votes to change polling locations, and amendments I cosponsored to improve voter accessibility options, strengthen the online ballot request portal, and ensure polling place changes will not have racially disparate impacts.

I'll continue my direct voter education efforts, as I did for the local elections, about how people can vote by mail in September and November. In fact, that work already started! I was glad to meet (via video conference, of course) with residents of a retirement community in our district earlier this week to discuss the voting options for the Fall.

I am deeply grateful for the work and support of community advocates like MassVOTE, Massachusetts Voter Table, AARP Massachusetts, ACLU of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG), Lawyers for Civil Rights, NAACP Boston Branch, The Chelsea Collaborative, MIRA: Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition and dozens more organizations that endorsed automatic, universal vote by mail. I will never stop fighting for full and equitable access to the ballot for every single voter in our Commonwealth until we enact and implement elections policy that enfranchises everyone.

If you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times during this public health crisis and need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My team and I are hard at work connecting constituents with resources they need, whether it is collecting unemployment benefits, accessing food stamps, reaching state agencies, and more. My office line is 617-722-1555 and my email is becca.rausch@masenate.gov. We are here to help.

Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full contents, visit

https://mailchi.mp/3234ff105745/covid19-update-12574208

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #24

"Coffee with the DPW Director" - June 30

A Zoom “Coffee with the DPW Director” meeting will be held next Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 9:00am with DPW Director Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi for any resident to listen to a brief presentation on the current drought conditions. The presentation was given to the Town Council on their June 24th meeting. 

Residents can ask questions about water usage, development or any other topic on water resources.

Link to access the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84275794979 

or Call-In Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099, enter Meeting ID 84275794979, press “#”.

 

"Coffee with the DPW Director" - June 30

"The planned implementation of a new school funding law in the new fiscal year is on hold"

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

Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday morning signed an interim budget to keep state government running when the new fiscal year begins on July 1 since the Legislature has not yet developed a fiscal 2021 spending plan.

The governor filed the $5.25 billion interim budget a week ago and said Friday that the amount is sufficient to fund government operations through July and “will make it possible for the treasurer to deliver local aid payments to cities and towns.”

House and Senate leaders have not laid out a timeline yet for completion of a budget for the full fiscal year.

With just a few days until the new budget year begins, the Baker administration this week told municipalities that upcoming monthly local aid payments will largely be based on fiscal year 2020 estimates. The planned implementation of a new school funding law in the new fiscal year is on hold, at least for the time being.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200626/baker-signs-budget-to-fund-government-in-july


Gov Baker's video update Friday, June 26: https://youtu.be/f8lY8dUUdds

Recycling Center Closed Saturday, July 4

The Recycling Center will be open on Friday, July 3 (8am-3pm) and Sunday, July 5 (9am-1pm), but will be closed on Saturday, July 4 in observance of the holiday.

Other info on the Recycling Center can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste
 

Recycling Center Closed Saturday, July 4

"Some 2,000 hidden infections were already spreading through major cities"

From the New York Times, comes a great read showing research on how much travel (without social distancing and other measures) spread the virus around  before the country acted on it. 

Note: this is best viewed on a laptop/desktop. The phone screen was too small to display the scrolling data.
 

"Invisible outbreaks sprang up everywhere. The United States ignored the warning signs. We analyzed travel patterns, hidden infections and genetic data to show how the epidemic spun out of control."

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-spread.html

screen capture of NY Times article

Tracy Novick: "COVID doesn't care"

Great summary by Tracy Novick of the recently released guidelines for school districts on how to prepare for September.

• If you managed to read through the 27 pages, good. Check out this summary.
• If you haven't got there yet, check out this summary:

"COVID-19 doesn't care about your politics.
It doesn't care about the economy or small businesses or the GDP.
COVID-19 doesn't care about learning loss.
It doesn't care about language acquisition or student growth or meeting state standards.
COVID-19 doesn't care about socio-emotional learning.
It doesn't care about your mental health or your social connections or student support.
COVID doesn't care.

We can want, desperately, to have things back to normal, to have children back in classrooms, to have families back to work, to begin to repair what we've lost by schools being closed.

But COVID doesn't care."

Continue reading Tracy's summary
http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/06/covid-doesnt-care.html

The DESE guidelines can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/in-news-screening-children-for-covid-19.html

the dogwood tree in my backyard, a pleasant sight this time of year

Town Council Budget Hearing videos available

The video for both of the budget hearing sessions held by the Town Council on the FHS football field are available for replay.

June 17  = http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=764

June 18  = http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=765

Town Council Budget Hearing videos available