Zooming into the Future, Part 2: Something, Best Laid Plans, Something, Something.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/19/2020

Last week I mentioned that Zoom connectivity is being installed for government meetings in Town Chambers as a permanent capability. Beyond just watching, citizens who can’t travel or are unable to attend in person will be able to participate and interact with the proceedings. A new good thing.

Technologist Paul Saffo once quipped, “Never deny a clear vision its long journey”. We know what we want. Getting there? Quite another matter. But, get we must.

Live! On Wednesday July 22nd– It’s our first Zoom meeting from Town Chambers.
So much for fanfare. Now we have to make it happen.

This past Wednesday we began our installation. The plan was solid. The outcome; not so much. Some of our newly installed digital widgets, adapters, gewgaws and the like were not cooperating. Note: There are at least a hundred-ish digital media devices stuffed into a TV control room. All must do their part to make our meetings happen. The new ones weren’t getting on well with the old ones, even after a stern lecture. On Thursday, more of the same. We pressed on. On Friday; worse still. After a 3-hour power failure, most of them had stopped working entirely. Disaster.

After several hours of digital resuscitation, we managed to get enough of our systems working to be back in operation. After 3 days of digital frustration we also managed to get our Zoom systems to work. Some refinements are planned, but Zoom connectivity is working, So far, so good. Come Wednesday – fingers crossed.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.


Note that we at Franklin TV are holding our own Zoom remote open annual meeting on August 3rd at 7 PM. All are welcome to participate and learn about Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr●fm.

For the full program guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or the Franklin Matters copy (effectively the same thing)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YLdtVKDhcEOj2OfRJUporkqDbSqycPaf/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 2: Something, Best Laid Plans, Something, Something. 

FM #315 FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs (audio)

FM #315 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 315 in the series.

This session shares the FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs collected as the graduates and family members arrived to record their walk across the stage in June. Some of these shout outs were used in the broadcast of the parade. This recording makes all of the shout outs available.

The statement runs just about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to FHS Class of 2020 Shout Outs.  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZyFFgtK




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

FHS Graduation - Class of 2020 - https://youtu.be/TWHQVJgffQk
FHS Parade - https://youtu.be/A891JM1TwGU

These 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.


--------------
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 #315 FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs

MAEA Newsletter features article on the FHS Empty Bowls

Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) tweeted at 3:04 PM on Sat, Jul 18, 2020:

"Need something to read??? There's a great article on the FHS Empty Bowls Club in MAEA's recent publication co-written by recent grad Drew Conrad! @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinPSart @FranklinHS #artedmatters #arted #MassArtEd"

(https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1284564691788996608?s=03)

Need something to read??? There’s a great article on the FHS Empty Bowls Club in MAEA’s recent publication co-written by recent grad Drew Conrad! @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinPSart @FranklinHS #artedmatters #arted #MassArtEd https://t.co/7DBVXzZvPi

— Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) July 18, 2020

The MAEA newsletter
https://massarted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NewsletterSummer2020v2.pdf

or here

To vote by mail in 2020, the application is available at the Town Clerk's page

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin

"SECRETARY OF STATE William Galvin has started mailing out applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters in Massachusetts, and all the applications should be sent out by Tuesday.

If that happens, voting rights groups say they will dismiss a lawsuit they filed earlier this week accusing Galvin of ignoring a state-mandated deadline for sending out the applications.

If the mailings are sent out, “We have no reason to doubt that we would be willing to voluntarily dismiss,” said Oren Sellstrom, an attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights, which represents the voting rights groups, at a hearing before Supreme Judicial Court Justice Frank Gaziano on Friday.

A new state law allowing mail-in voting during the pandemic required Galvin to send out applications for mail-in ballots to every registered voter by July 15, in advance of the September 1 state primary election."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/mail-in-ballot-applications-on-their-way-to-voters/

You do not need to wait for the application in the mail. A copy is on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-vote-by-mail-application_-_primary.pdf

Additional info on the 2020 Elections can be found on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/2020-election-information

As we get into August, we'll start the "Election Collection" to gather all the 4th Congressional District candidate info, the Sep 1 primary info and the Nov 3 election info.

"‘Superspreading’ events, triggered by people who may not even know they are infected, propel coronavirus pandemic"

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"It wasn’t until Day 7 of her team’s coronavirus investigation when it dawned on Linda Vail, the health officer for Michigan’s Ingham County, that this was going to be a big one. It had started with just two infections at the college bar on June 18, not long after the state began reopening. But the numbers quickly jumped to 12, then 18, then 34. 

As of Friday, she was staring at a spreadsheet with 187 infected at Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub. 

“The tables were six feet apart, but no one stayed there,” she said. “The DJ was playing music so people were shouting, the dance floor started to get crowded. We had flattened the curve and then boom.” 

The East Lansing case is what’s known as a superspreading event — possibly the largest so far in the United States among the general public. Many scientists say such infection bursts — probably sparked by a single, highly infectious individual who may show no signs of illness and unwittingly share an enclosed space with many others — are driving the pandemic. They worry these cases, rather than routine transmission between one infected person and, say, two or three close contacts, are propelling case counts out of control."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/07/18/coronavirus-superspreading-events-drive-pandemic/?hpid=hp_hp-banner-main_virussuperspreader-235pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans

"‘Superspreading’ events, triggered by people who may not even know they are infected, propel coronavirus pandemic"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 22, 2020

The public will NOT be permitted to enter the building or participate in person. Only pre-approved participants on the meeting agenda will be allowed to enter the Building and participate in person. Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. 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.

If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

Link to access meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86025870247
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 860 2587 0247 --Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• a. May 6, 2020
• b. May 20, 2020
• c. June 3, 2020
• d. June 17, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Board & Committee Appointments

• i. Agricultural Commission: Charles J. (CJ) Koshivas
• ii. Conservation Commission: Patrick Gallagher
• iii. Cultural Council: Joni Magee
• iv. Cultural Council: Pushpa Jangareddi

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town of Franklin Market Study & Economic Profile
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._town_of_franklin_market_study_and_economic_profile.pdf

b. PACE Program Presentation: MassDevelopment
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

• a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-42: Authorization to Participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE Massachusetts) (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-42- Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-43: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-43 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-44: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Historical Museum (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-44 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-45: Easement - Overhead System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-45 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resoltuion_20-45_easement_-_overhead_system.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-46: Easement - Underground Electrical Distribution System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-46 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_-_underground_electrical_system.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-47: Solid Waste Prior Year Bill (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-47 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-855 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 22, 2020

Franklin Senior Center: Weekly Email Blast 7/17/20

Hello Everyone,

This week we on July 20th at 1pm- Nurse Trish will be discussing the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of time via zoom! - 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

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Tips

Chair aerobics - improve strength 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7zCDiiTBTk

Senior Chair Dance Party - Sit and get your groove on!  WHOOT!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esu3vstQqDU

Music

Greatest hits from the 1950's and 1960's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I299tJVbpAQ

Rock and Roll the early days - a documentary.  FILLED with music and the history of rock and roll.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD2Om1g3B3o

Just for Fun

5 massive dam failures all caught on camera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSxWwTAG6gA

Airplane History

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcqxI-OJ1mk

10 amazing machines you never knew existed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un2hYsl1MDg

Incredible and unusual houses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nzqns8WQKKI

10 of the strangest cars ever built

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5-SyM2RJjI

Humor

Animals can be so silly - Funny animal videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rdGVxaA59c

Jeanne Robertson - Grandma Freddie's trip to the Holy Land

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KUttI3noRk

Kindness Matters

Animals saving animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pieJ-GSdyx8

How you treat people is who you are. A kindness motivational video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTsvSAItPqA

Attached you will find:

1. Donna's activity page https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TFABy-qchSK5IOMw0U9XtviRJ4_hKX8K/view?usp=sharing
2. Coloring page - thread https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GB_MjJ4K5fb9EJJklQZ6kluS5F--zTsZ/view?usp=sharing
3. Wacky Wordies https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aGjGy0JyoWeeDji45NWnzdrAoS6wpxs6/view?usp=sharing
4. Detective page https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VJwlpOQRdcumbSwOno1Twk3qDQZHXTNS/view?usp=sharing

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

Virtual programming

What's happening at the Senior Center? 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

SPECIAL EVENTS are listed below by date. 

TUESDAY

10am - Chair Exercises with Judi - email judivperez@gmail.com  to attend (7/14 start)

11am - Total Body Conditioning with Judith - 30 minute exercise class - email

 JudiVPerez@gmail.com for the link to attend 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 - ZUMBA with Judith - email judivperez@gmail.com to attend (starts 7/8)

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 - Total Body Conditioning with Judith - 30 minute exercise class - email 

JudiVPerez@gmail.com for the link to attend

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 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 pcollatos@franklinma.gov to attend

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

July 27th - 3pm MEMORY CAFE - Join us for the toe tapping music of Ray Valente.  Ray plays all your favorites and is sure to get you up dancing.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend. 

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/

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin Senior Center: Weekly Email Blast 7/17/20

New FHS volleyball head coach: Samantha Elliott

Franklin High School is proud to announce Samantha Elliott as the new Volleyball Head Coach. @fhspanthervball @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports @tommycassell44 @BostonHeraldHS @BGlobeSports pic.twitter.com/4WrqWrjXyy

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) July 13, 2020

Samantha Elliott

Fletcher Field basketball and hockey rink almost complete

Our outdoor basketball/ hockey rink is nearly finished. Boards are going up today and tomorrow and final painting will be completed shortly after. Special thank you to @NHLBruins for their support. pic.twitter.com/Mhq42VxqXr

— Franklin Recreation (@FranklinRec) July 14, 2020

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/FranklinRec/status/1283101565834887168?s=09

view of the new basketball courts and street hockey rink 1

view of the new basketball courts and street hockey rink 2

Hockomock Area YMCA Invites Businesses and Individuals to Pitch in and Support the Y’s 5th Annual Backpack Drive

Operation Backpack is now underway and seeks the support of local businesses and individuals. The Hockomock Area YMCA donated 2,000 backpacks last year and aims to put 2,500 fully stuffed backpacks into the hands of children for the coming school season. We are eager to help send children confidently back to school this fall.

A dedicated association of staff, volunteers, donors, partners and community members, the Y commits itself to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families, and communities. Convening donors and volunteers to improve the back to school season for local families reflects what the Hockomock Area YMCA stands for. The Backpack Drive is a collaborative effort made possible by the YMCA staff, program participants, partners and neighbors to provide kids the confidence that comes when boys and girls are able to go to school prepared.

New supplies and backpacks are requested now through August 14th. To aid families facing financial hardships, the goal is to provide 2,500 fully stocked backpacks to students residing in each of the 15 towns served by the Hockomock Y. Community members who would like to sponsor the Backpack Drive are asked to contact Katie Moore at 508-643-5265 or katiem@hockymca.org. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000–which will provide 20 backpacks to students in need–through Presenting Sponsor, which is a giving level ensuring that 200 children will receive needed supplies. Be sure to inquire about all sponsorship levels by contacting the Y today.

In addition to backpacks and monetary donations, the Y is requesting the following supplies: pencils and colored pencils, highlighters, washable markers, rulers, crayons, glue sticks, spiral notebooks, scissors and hand sanitizer.

A donation of $50 will cover the cost of a fully stocked backpack. Please text HOCKYMCA to 56651 or visit hockymca.org/give to complete a secure monetary donation.

Anyone who wishes to provide school supplies in a contactless fashion is encouraged to visit Amazon, where a wish list is in place to offer easy purchasing and direct delivery to the Y; please visit: bit.ly/ybackpack.

Thank you for your support. Donation bins are located at all Hockomock Area YMCA facilities:

• Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic Street, Foxborough 508-543-2523; 
• Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin 508-528-8708; 
• Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom Street, Mansfield 508-964-2088; 
• North Attleboro Branch, 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro 508-695-7001.

Please contact Brandi Jacobs at 774-235-2753 or brandij@hockymca.org should you or someone you know need a backpack. Details are available at: hockymca.org/backpack-drive/.


About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

Hockomock Area YMCA Invites Businesses and Individuals to Pitch in and Support the Y’s 5th Annual Backpack Drive

Tegra Medical expands in Franklin

"Medical device manufacturer Tegra Medical has paid $16.4 million for a 120,000-square-foot new building across the street from its Franklin headquarters, the company announced in a Wednesday press release. At the same time, the company is expanding its Mississippi space by 4,000 square feet. 

The expansion will increase the company’s overall square footage by more than 53%, according to a press release. 

“This is our biggest expansion yet,” said Hal Blenkhorn, Tegra’s Franklin general manager, in a statement. “As large as the space is already, the property can accommodate expansion to more than triple the building footprint in the future, positioning Tegra Medical for a continued growth path.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.wbjournal.com/article/tegra-pays-16m-for-franklin-expansion

Franklin radar picked up a couple of references for this including from Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1284249450249101312?s=09

Pictured (from left) are Tegra Medical Director of Manufacturing Brian Rua and Director of Quick Wire and Tubing Patty Rushia in front of 16 Forge Parkway in Franklin  PHOTO: COURTESY OF TEGRA MEDICAL

“To get to this point feels so so very good”

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

"Craft brewers and the state’s beer wholesalers have reached a deal that would resolve a decade-long dispute over distribution rights centered around when a brewer can sever ties with its distributor, paving the way for the state’s smaller beer brands to free themselves from relationships they may feel are inhibiting their growth. 

The deal, if accepted by legislators on Beacon Hill, would apply to almost all of the more than 200 craft brewers in Massachusetts. The one notable exception would be Boston Beer Company, brewer of Samuel Adams beer and the second largest craft brewer in the country. 

Sam Hendler, one of the three founding brothers of Jack’s Abby Brewing in Framingham, helped negotiate the deal on behalf of the Brewers Guild. 

“I’m really excited. There’s still some anxiety because we don’t have a signature from the governor on the bill just yet. We are anxiously hopeful for everything to play out over the next two weeks,” Hendler said on Saturday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200718/craft-brewers-wholesalers-strike-distribution-deal?rssfeed=true

Reminder: sign up for the High School Experience

HSE Franklin (@HseFranklin) tweeted at 0:08 PM on Fri, Jul 17, 2020:

"Only 2 Weeks left to sign up for the High School Experience! Don't miss this awesome introduction to FHS!

Registration Closes July 31st!  https://t.co/Yge1FpASo0
#PantherPride https://t.co/He9ny8lONB"

Reminder: sign up for the High School Experience