Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Fun Run FUNdraiser - July 23-26

Super fancy but Margot made a QR code for the 3K Fun Run July 23-26!
Use your phone's camera and try it!

https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1283719342270676992/photo/1

* If the QR code doesn't work, the info was posted here previously

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 onlinehttps://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser

Franklin radar picked up the QR code via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1283719342270676992?s=09

Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Residents from Mosquito-Borne Viruses

 Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Residents from Mosquito-Borne Viruses

Bill creates system to help Massachusetts mitigate spread of arboviruses like EEE  

The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed legislation that will help protect residents from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne arbovirus that is rare but can be fatal. The bill, which now moves to the governor's desk, comes amid an already active mosquito season across the state.

"We must act quickly to protect our residents given the mosquito season is well underway and health officials this week discovered the presence of the EEE virus for the third time after testing mosquito samples," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Central Massachusetts, for the first time, was one of the many areas impacted by last year's EEE outbreak.  With chances of EEE continuing to spread to other areas of the state, now is the time to act. This bill establishes a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling EEE that will reach all corners of the Commonwealth. I would like to thank Senators Comerford and Rodrigues for advancing this issue with urgency. I look forward to seeing this critical bill become law." 

Last year, Massachusetts saw a resurgence of EEE, with more than two hundred communities designated as moderate to critical risk by the Department of Public Health (DPH). The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can impact humans of any age as well as animals. Massachusetts typically experiences outbreaks every 10-20 years, and the outbreak can last for two to three years. In late September 2019, the DPH confirmed three people died due to EEE. Prior to 2019, the most recent outbreak, according to state health officials, began in 2010.  

The bill authorizes the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) to take actions to reduce the mosquito population if the Department of Public Health determines there may be an elevated risk of EEE.  

These actions include public education, surveillance of the mosquito population, elimination of standing water and application of larvicides that safely prevent mosquitoes from becoming adults. The SRMCB would also be authorized to conduct aerial pesticide spraying, subject to notifying the public and putting in place procedural safeguards. Certain landowners, such as owners of organic farms, may apply to opt-out of spraying, and a municipality may opt-out of spraying if the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs approves an alternative mosquito management plan provided by the municipality. The bill also creates a Mosquito Control for the 21st Century Task Force to recommend reforms to modernize and improve the state's mosquito control system. 

The bill now moves to the governor for consideration.

Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Residents from Mosquito-Borne Viruses

In the News: Contollo a finalist "in the Lever’s COVID-19 Intrapreneur Challenge"

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

"About a dozen finalists selected from across the state will participate in a five-week virtual acceleration program in which they will learn about Lever’s intrapreneur curriculum. Each finalist will give a virtual pitch at the end of the program. A $25,000 prize will be given to the winner to start a commercial scale of PPE. 

“We are very pleased to be a part of the challenge and we are looking forward to the final presentation. We believe our idea is really unique and helpful and we are certain we’ll be in the running to win,” Kennedy said. 

Lever will also be running a second challenge to help support the state’s reopening processes. This challenge will also end with a virtual presentation and the winner will be awarded a $25,000 prize to scale production of is innovation. 

Also nominated is Peter Berzin, who has worked to transform Contollo Mass Manufacturing in Franklin from a vacant factory to one that can produce roughly 2,500 medical gowns a day. The factory, housed in the building once operated by the Clark-Cutler-McDermott company at 5 Fisher St."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200716/shrewsbury-and-franklin-companies-recognized-for-work-and-are-finalists-in-levers-covid-19-intrapreneur-challenge?rssfeed=true

Contollo donated PPE to area Fire Depts on June 30, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/contollo-mass-manufacturing-donates-ppe.html

Chilson Beach water quality tested weekly

The Town of Franklin (https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA) tweeted:

"The water at Chilson Beach at Beaver Pond is tested weekly by the Board of Health and is currently safe. If the safety status of the water changes, the public will be informed and notifications will be posted. 

Thank you!"

Chilson Beach water quality tested weekly

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1283838782236745732?s=09

Unsupported = "fact-checkers opted to say there was 'no evidence'"

From the Poynter Institute we share this article:

Public data is the raw material with which fact-checkers work every day. Without it, the credibility of rating information as false — without being able to show the reasoning behind the decision — is weakened, no matter how obviously false the content seems. But there is a way to navigate this, even if data is not accessible. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when conspiracy theories and misinformation related to vaccines, thermometers, and miraculous prevention methods are gaining steam on social media, the fact-checking community has found a simple – and honest – way to say something is probably not 100% true. 

Fact-checkers are posting articles with intermediary rating labels such as “unsupported” and “no evidence” to alert audiences to highly dubious content. 

In the list of more than 7,800 fact-checks published by the CoronaVirusFacts alliance (http://poy.nu/alliancedatabase), the collaborative project that since January brings together 99 fact-checking organizations from around the world, there are at least 107 articles in which fact-checkers opted to say there was “no evidence” regarding the truthfulness of a certain piece of information rather than flagging it as completely “false”. One-third of these checks were produced in the last two months.

Continue reading the article online
https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2020/unsupported-a-powerful-rating-to-flag-covid-19-conspiracy-theories/

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/Poynter/status/1283774388483940353?s=09

Unsupported = "fact-checkers opted to say there was 'no evidence'"

In the News: MA State flag to be redesigned; Re-opening plans in other states being rolled back

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

"In a moment that spoke to the political charge permeating throughout the state amid debate over racial justice and pandemic impacts, three distinct rallies entangled into a mass group of advocates on the State House steps Thursday with one group calling for a redesign of the state’s flag and motto out of respect for Native Americans. 

The movement to replace the state’s motto and images on the flag seems to be growing as conversations on policing have also engulfed Beacon Hill. Indigenous people, advocates, and lawmakers took to the steps of the capitol to urge the Legislature to consider three bills that would replace the state flag and motto, ban Native American mascots, and refine laws around repatriation and disposition of Native American human remains. 

United American Indians of New England and the North American Indian Center of Boston helped organize Thursday’s event where Sens. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) paid tribute to the state’s Native American tribes and supported the bills. 

Lewis said Senate Democrats planned at a midday caucus to discuss bills “to replace the seal and flag and to prohibit [Native American] images and mascots in our high schools.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200716/senators-will-consider-replacing-massachusetts-state-flag-and-seal?rssfeed=true

"A week after the United States surpassed 3,000,000 coronavirus cases — around a quarter of the world’s cases and deaths — the coronavirus pandemic continues unabated. Nearly half of all states, per a USA TODAY study, are facing a more rapid spike in cases than in the spring. 

Governors and other leaders in states including California, Texas and Michigan continue to grapple with plans to reopen their economies – or slow them down again – amid this severe uptick in cases. Among measures on the table: shutting down high-capacity businesses such as bars and gyms, halting elective surgeries and requiring people to wear masks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200716/at-least-half-of-all-states-including-california-and-michigan-pause-reopening-or-take-steps-to-halt-spread-of-covid-19?rssfeed=true

Frank's Music with Frank Falvey: "The Softer Side of the 50's" (audio)

Frank Falvey has a radio show called "Frank's Music". Self described as 'eclectic' you hear some good music and info about the songs and the performers. Frank records with Jim Derick as they "search for the meaning in music." 

These shows are part of the Franklin Public Radio playlist and also available on SoundCloud.  Franklin Public Radio is 102.9 on the local FM radio dial or anywhere in your browser at wfpr.fm

Thursday = 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey
Frank explores a range of music genres and artists

 The show repeats on Saturday at 10:00 AM

This session covers "The Softer Side of the 50's."  

Audio link = https://soundcloud.com/user-653308056/the-softer-side-of-the-50s

Frank's Music with Frank Falvey · The Softer Side of the 50's

Circle of Friends: Don White online concert Thurs, July 23

Hilarious singer/storyteller Don White - donationas

Don White Thurs, July 23 7 PM View this email in your browser Don White Online Thursday, July 23rd, 7 PM The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents an online concert by Don White on Thursday, July 23rd 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/ Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show. Special surprise guest(s) will be joining Don at the end of the show for a song circle.  If you check our last email that may give you a clue. More info next week You will be able to view this show on YouTube or on Don's Facebook page. There is no fee but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Here is the link to YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zwoc7dXhnpU 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.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Student Bus registration required for 2020-2021 school year

Bus Registration is now available for the 2020 -2021 School Year. 

Find more details, including the necessary registration forms and payment information here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/communication_to_families_re_20-21_busing.pdf

Student Bus registration required for 2020-2021 school year

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1283447794146181121?s=09

Election Workers needed for upcoming Primary and State Elections

The Town Clerk's office is seeking election workers for the upcoming elections scheduled on September 1st and November 3rd.

If you are interested or if you have any questions, please reach out. 

Contact information for the Town Clerk can be found on our website here https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Election Workers needed for upcoming Primary and State Elections

FTC Alert: Utility company calling? Don’t fall for it.

Utility company calling? Don't fall for it. by Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Every day, millions of people who have lost their jobs are making difficult choices about how to pay their bills. As the Coronavirus continues to spread, scammers are taking advantage of people's heightened economic anxiety.  Their latest ploy is posing as representatives from utility companies to dupe people out of their cash and personal information by convincing them their utilities will be shut off if they don't pay. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/07/utility-company-calling-dont-fall-it?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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“I think 2025 is a very aggressive schedule"

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

"State Department of Transportation officials have laid out the three-stage process it will likely take to start replacing the Bourne and Sagamore bridges, with the goal of starting construction on the same timeline as laid out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

The multiyear process will include preliminary design, a 25% design and then handing it over to a design and building firm for the construction phase, department officials said in an interview with the Times on Tuesday. 

The department took the lead on replacing the two 85-year-old bridges last week after signing an agreement with the Corps, the owner of the existing bridges, that would hand over ownership of the newly constructed bridges to the state. 

The project was originally going to be done by the Corps, but the state is taking over because Massachusetts transportation officials said it was better suited to build two highway bridges. Replacing the bridges will be the largest construction project on Cape Cod in recent memory, and the state is currently embarking on the preliminary design phase."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200715/massdot-shoots-for-2025-construction-start-on-1b-project-to-replace-bourne-sagamore-bridges?rssfeed=true

The press release announcing the transfer of ownership from the Army Corp of Engineers to Mass DOT  https://www.mass.gov/news/memorandum-of-understanding-reached-between-massdot-and-the-us-army-corps-of-engineers

Further updates can be found on the Mass DOT page
https://www.mass.gov/cape-cod-canal-transportation-study

Further updates can be found on the Mass DOT page

In the News: DESE requests no announcement of final decisions on re-opening plans

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

"Parents who are eager to know whether Massachusetts students will return to classrooms this fall will likely have to wait until at least early August for any final decisions. 

Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley sent additional guidance on fall reopening plans to school districts on Friday and asked officials not to make any announcements to families at this time.

“While you continue working to flesh out these models, I am requesting that you hold off on announcing any final decisions about what reopening will look like for the fall in your district until early August,” Riley wrote. 

In late-June,school districts received Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance, which asked them to prepare a reopening plan that addresses three possible learning models for the fall: a full return to in-person learning with new safety requirements, a hybrid of in-person and remote learning and the continuation of remote learning."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200715/massachusetts-school-districts-asked-not-to-announce-fall-decisions-until-august/1?rssfeed=true

The DESE request was discussed during the Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday. My notes and the audio for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/fm-312-franklin-ma-school-committee.html

The re-opening FAQs can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/dese-fall-reopening-frequently-asked.html

In the News: DESE requests no announcement of final decisions on re-opening plans

FM #314 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution Discussion 7/14/20 (audio)

FM #314 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 314 in the series.

This session shares the discussion around the anti-racism resolution on the agenda of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

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

The statement runs just about 33 minutes, so let’s listen to discussion from the School Committee meeting on July 14.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrB6lq3K



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

School Committee agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

School Committee meeting packet
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-14-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Resolution link
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-c-resolution-anti-racism

My real time reporting via Twitter summarized
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/school-committee-recap-anti-racism.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 #314 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution Discussion 7/14/20 (audio)

FM #313 Franklin (MA) School Committee Re-Opening Update - 7/14/20 (audio)

FM #313 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 313 in the series.

This session shares Superintendent Sara Ahern updates on the school fall re-opening status to the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Sara acknowledges much work is underway, much work remains to be done, she does not have all the answers, and the info shared may still change. The initial plan will be reviewed by the School Committee at their July 28 meeting before being submitted to the State by July 31, 2020.

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

The statement runs just about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to Sara's statement updating the School Committee and community on July 14.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hys9X83K



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

School Committee agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

School Committee meeting packet
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-14-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

My real time reporting via Twitter summarized
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/school-committee-recap-anti-racism.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 #313 Franklin (MA) School Committee Re-Opening Update - 7/14/20 (audio)