In the News: conference committee resolves difference on ballot bill; Big-E canceled

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

"The House and Senate are poised this week to approve compromise early voting and vote-by-mail legislation that should pave the way for a major expansion of options ahead of the 2020 election to encourage participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All six lawmakers appointed to find a compromise on the bill (H 4820) signed onto a report Monday, including Republicans Rep. Brad Hill and Sen. Ryan Fattman. Rep. John Lawn, the lead House negotiator on the bill, said he anticipates a vote of the full House on the final bill Tuesday while the Senate plans to take it up Thursday, according to a spokesperson for the Senate president’s office.

“Hopefully we’ll take this up tomorrow and then to the Senate and get it to the governor as soon as possible,” Lawn said.

The House and Senate versions of the bill instruct the secretary of state’s office to mail every voter an application to request a mail-in ballot for the primaries on Sept. 1 and the general election on Nov. 3. The goal, lawmakers have said, is to continue in-person voting but to allow voters cast their votes early if they wish or to avoid the polls altogether if they feel unsafe due to virus transmission risks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200629/voting-early-by-mail-nears-approval-by-house-senate

"Organizers announced Monday their decision to cancel the 2020 Big E Fair in the interest of safety.

The event was scheduled to be held from Sept. 18 through Oct. 4. Approximately 1.6 million people attend the annual event.

“The Big E Fair is so much more than just a fair, it is tradition, it is celebration, it is the showcase of everything we are so proud of in New England. This is why our hearts are heavy as we bring you this news,” a spokesperson wrote.

Organizers said staff spent months trying to figure out a way to save the event, but “realized that The Big E experience that everyone has come to know and love would not be the same.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200629/2020-big-e-canceled-because-of-coronavirus-outbreak

In the News: Supreme Court maintains abortion rights; Broadway performances suspended for year

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

"A narrowly divided Supreme Court struck down state restrictions on abortion clinics Monday for the second time in four years, signaling that its conservative shift under President Donald Trump has not eliminated a deep split over abortion rights.

The court ruled 5-4 that a Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals would unduly burden women. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the four liberal justices in the majority.

The court reached the same conclusion in 2016 regarding a Texas law, but since then Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh had succeeded retired Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, giving abortion opponents hope for even more substantial restrictions.

Associate Justice Stephen Breyer wrote the main opinion for the four liberal justices. He agreed with a federal trial court that found Louisiana’s law “poses a ‘substantial obstacle’ to women seeking an abortion” and “offers no significant health-related benefits.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200629/supreme-court-strikes-down-abortion-clinic-restrictions-in-louisiana-defeat-for-conservatives

"Broadway performances are being further suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Broadway League announced Monday in a press release that Broadway performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19.

Broadway theaters are also now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through January 3, 2021, the release states.

“The Broadway League continues to work with city and state officials as well as leaders in science, technology, and medicine to formulate the best plan to restart the industry,” the release states. “Some of the logistics being currently reviewed for audience members and employees include: screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding inside theatres, backstage protocols, and much more.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200629/broadway-suspends-performances-through-2020-amid-coronavirus-extends-ticket-refunds-to-2021

COVID mask exemption cards are not from the government

COVID mask exemption cards are not from the government by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC  To help limit the spread of the Coronavirus, many states are requiring people to wear face coverings in places open to the public. But there are cards circulating online and on social media that say the holder has a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, and that it's illegal for any business to ask them to disclose their condition.  Variations of the card include the seal of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), one of the federal agencies responsible for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The fact is, these cards aren't issued or endorsed by DOJ, or any other federal agency. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/covid-mask-exemption-cards-are-not-government This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

Virtual Coffee with Brutus - June 30 - Ask questions about water usage, resources, etc.

Join in for a brief presentation on the current drought conditions.

Residents can ask questions about water usage, development, water resources, etc...

Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84275794979​ or Call-In Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099, enter Meeting ID 84275794979, press “#”

Virtual Coffee with Brutus - June 30 - Ask questions about water usage, resources, etc.

Franklin radar found via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1277622714623238145?s=09

Franklin Public Schools: Updates on Re-opening, FY 2021 Budget, and Davis Thayer Status

June 29, 2020

Dear Members of the Franklin Community:

Reopening of Schools in the Fall

Governor Baker’s office and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently released their initial guidance about reopening schools this fall. These guidelines were developed by a representative team of educators, leaders, medical experts, parents, and students. An overarching goal is on meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs with the primary focus being the safe return of as many students as possible to in-person school settings.

The district will be spending time in the coming days to review this initial guidance. We understand that it is incomplete and that additional information will be issued later this summer. We are including the initial guidance if you would like to read it directly. 

Some key points include:
● Current medical research supports a safe in-person return to school - with preventive measures in place - as infection and transmission rates are lower for children than adults;
● Preventive measures include masks/face coverings, physical distancing, handwashing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces;
● Masks/face coverings will be required for all students in Grade 2 and above and for all adults; they are recommended for students in Grade 1 and below;
● Based on current medical research, and in conjunction with other preventive measures, a minimum physical distance of three feet has been established.

We will be working to develop three learning plans - one for return to full in-person instruction with safety requirements, one for full remote learning, and one for hybrid learning that combines in-person and remote learning. Which plan is employed will depend on health data.

We acknowledge that there are still many questions. We will continue to communicate with you in the coming weeks and encourage you to review the guidance. Additionally, be on the lookout for family and faculty/staff surveys that will ask for your reflections on this spring’s remote learning as well as your perspectives on reopening in the fall. We thank you for your continued patience.

Budget Update

The School Committee adopted a revised budget of $65,658,500 at the Tuesday, June 23, 2020, School Committee meeting. This budget is a $3.4 million reduction from the budget adopted in April, which totaled
$68,767,873 and represented level service with some additions to support student services. 

This revised budget is a reduced service budget and includes several reluctantly made reductions:
● 5 classroom teaching positions at the elementary level and 1 at the middle level
● 2 special education teaching positions at the elementary level and 2 at the middle level
● 3 FTEs classroom teaching positions at Franklin High School
● 2 Educational Support Professionals
● Specialists due to reduced classroom sections at the elementary level
● Consolidation of two director positions to one for both fine and performing arts
● Reorganization of the high school leadership team from 6 to 5 administrators (reduction of Deputy Principal position)
● Reduction of central office administrative assistant to half-time (0.5 FTE)
● Reduced clubs and activities at middle school
● Reduce music stipends for afterschool and evening performances
● Reduction of the job coach position at the high school

Undoubtedly, these reductions will have an impact on students in terms of class size as well as educational services our students and families experience.

We anticipate that there will be further reductions in local aid due to a $6 billion shortfall in state revenue and that the school department will need to prepare for additional reductions to the budget. The magnitude of these reductions depends on Chapter 70 funding from the state, which is not yet known with certainty; many districts are preparing for a 10% reduction, which would amount to an additional $2.4 million (estimate) reduction.

In positive financial news, as we prepare for school in the fall, DESE has announced additional grant funding opportunities to support the safe return to school, about which we are also keeping informed.

We encourage Franklin community members to continue to follow the budget development this summer. Our budget materials are posted on a dedicated webpage:
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

Despite these difficult financial challenges, the District reviewed the list of non-professional status educators who had been non-renewed in early June. These non-renew notices were given prior to the statutory deadline of June 15 in order to afford us flexibility during an uncertain budget season. At this time, 54 educators have received re-appointment letters due to their specialization. We hope to be able to re-appoint additional non-PTS faculty soon.

Davis Thayer Closing Study
The Facilities Analysis Subcommittee of the School Committee continues to gather and review information and data related to the study of the potential closure of the Davis Thayer Elementary School. At this time, the architectural firm of Kaestle-Boos is preparing a Facilities Capacity Report that will detail the physical capacity and educational adequacy of each K-8 school building. This report uses the enrollment forecast developed by McKibben Associations in February to provide the School Committee with considerations related to building use across all facilities in the future.

The report is anticipated to be completed this summer when it will be first shared with the Subcommittee and then presented to the full School Committee. After the presentation, the Facilities Analysis Subcommittee will host a community informational meeting and the report will be shared on the DT Facilities Analysis webpage: https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

The Five-Stage process can also be found on the webpage:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/image_5.png

The Five-Stage process

At this time, the Subcommittee is also developing a questionnaire to elicit input from the Davis Thayer faculty/staff and families, as well as the community. We will continue to provide updates throughout this process.

Lastly, we want to acknowledge how difficult this spring has been for families and our faculty/staff. It is our sincere wish to the entire Franklin community that you have a healthy and safe summer break.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools


Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-553-4819 with any questions. Please leave a voicemail. Although we are working remotely, voicemails are sent to email and will be responded to in a timely fashion.

A PDF version can be found online 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F4gKt3IXaXb4Gxa5a0Lt8C1tQIGD-9x2/view?usp=sharing

Food Pantry - closed this week, re-opens July 7

**Please note the Pantry will be closed the week of June 29 – July 3 and will reopen on Tuesday, July 7 at 9:30 for our drive up service. **

Please do not leave items in the drop off location this week

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1276197787013656581?s=09

Food Pantry - closed this week, re-opens July 7

FM #308 Water Rate and "Conservation measures" vs. "ban" Discussion - 6/24/20 (audio)

FM #308 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 308 in the series.

This session shares the a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. Each person who speaks is announced. After running through several action items, the agenda gets to the item for the water rate and discusses the “to be announced” water ban. As we record this, the ban, only the third in the past several years, is in effect due to drought conditions.

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

This meeting segment runs just about 48 minutes, so let’s listen to the proposed water rate increase and overall water supply discussion from the Town Council meeting of June 24.

Audio file:  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1KCrK0K




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

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-budget-sub-committee.html

Water rate action item
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5d._20-855_water_fees.pdf

Water presentation
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-water-use-update-june-2020

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/state-to-call-for-water-ban-due-to.html


Presentation deck: https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-ma-water-use-update-june-2020

Franklin, MA: Water Use Update - June 2020 from Franklin Matters

--------------
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"

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

FM #310 Town Council Meeting - 6/24/20 (audio)

FM #310 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 310 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opens the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

The meeting recording runs about an hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of June 24.

Audio file: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hs5z8tDK





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

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/school-committee-budget-sub-committee.html

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/state-to-call-for-water-ban-due-to.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 #310 Town Council Meeting - 6/24/20 (audio)

Franklin, MA: Board Of Health - Agenda - July 1, 2020

 Wednesday, July 1, 2020

#5:00 PM

Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Board of Health Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Link: Meeting; pin # =  ID meet.google.com/vxi-qpda-odp-
Phone dial = 1-470-745-0585; pin = 483 909 156#

1) Reading of June 3, 2020 Minutes

2) OLD BUSINESS
• None
Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

3) NEW BUSINESS
• Discussion of FY 21 Budget
• Discussion of Tobacco Control Law
• Update on Re-opening Businesses
• Discussion of EEE
Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

5) ADJOURNMENT

  
Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-7-1-2020.pdf

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

"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