State Rep Jeff Roy: "Police reform bill passes House"

State Rep Jeff Roy wrote a blog post to put together his reasoning for his vote on the police reform legislation that the MA House passed on Friday night. It is a long explanation as the legislation covered multiple aspects so you can find the intro here and the link to his full text below. 

The MA Senate also passed their version earlier in the week. The differences will need to be reconciled in conference committee before the legislation goes to Governor Baker.

"On Friday evening (7/24/2020), I joined 92 of my House colleagues in voting for a bill (H.4860) that will create a more modern, transparent and accountable system for law enforcement credentialing and training. Forty-six states in America certify their police officers. Massachusetts is one of the four that does not. 

This certification and licensing process will make our system stronger and bias free. And it will make it a better atmosphere for those who serve proudly and honorably.  

I very much support the police. My vote reflects my desire, along with that of the many officers and chiefs I spoke with in considering the bill, to get rid of the bad apples. They are a stain on the 99% who do a great job. 

We spent 35 hours over three days deliberating the bill, held public hearings on many of the components of the bill over the last year, and had another public hearing last week. We considered 217 amendments and the over 800 pieces of testimony that were submitted. I personally met with and spoke with several officers about the bill and listened to their concerns. In addition, I did a great deal of research on my own, incorporating my 34 years of experience as a trial attorney in Massachusetts. Moreover, I listened to and consulted with many of my colleagues in the House, one who happens to be a retired Massachusetts Police Chief."

Continue reading State Rep Roy's explanation of his vote on this legislation
https://jeffreyroy.com/2020/07/26/police-reform-bill-passes-house/

State Rep Jeff Roy: "Police reform bill passes House"

"Many other barriers also have yet to be broken"

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

"There are about 56,000 people living in Massachusetts nursing homes, but about 10,000 to 20,000 of them could be living in their own homes. 

That’s according to Paul Spooner, director of the MetroWest Center for Independent Living, who said finding a place to live at home with care - and affording it - remains a problem for people with disabilities 30 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990. 

The act doesn’t guarantee private housing, but nine years after it was passed, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Olmstead v. L.C. decision because of it. 

The decision was made on June 22, 1999, and ruled that the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination because it violates the ADA, and that individuals have a right to live in their community when appropriate instead of in an institution. But how people with disabilities can afford to live on their own outside living with others - like in institutions and nursing homes - remains a question."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200726/looking-at-americans-with-disabilities-act-30-years-later--and-during-global-pandemic?rssfeed=true

handicap parking was added to the Town Common (High st shown) and Unions St just last year

Frank Falvey was the one who asked the question and ended up getting handicap parking at the Town Common. We recorded a radio show (podcast)episode) to capture the event and how it developed.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fm-197-frank-falvey-handicap-access-on.html

“What we are seeing is that there are more families in need because of job losses”

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

“We’re unsure what’s going to happen at the end of the month, when that extra money runs out,” Franklin Food Pantry’s Lynn Calling said, of federal benefits set to expire at the end of July. “That’s something a lot of pantries are talking about. .... We don’t know what it will look like. This is nothing we can plan for.” 

Closing in on four months into statewide shutdowns driven by the global pandemic, the region’s food pantries are settling into a “new normal” of more clients, longer hours, and fewer volunteers. 

“I hate to use that term (but) I think really it’s the only expression that’s accurate,” United Way of Tri-County President and CEO Paul Mina said. “I think during this time frame, people have come to trust that we’re going to be there when we say we’re going to be there, and there’s going to be food.” 

The United Way of Tri-County oversees three pantries – Pearl Street Community Cupboard and Café in Framingham, Marlborough Community Cupboard, and WHEAT Community Cupboard and Café in Clinton."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200726/months-after-shutdown-due-to-coronavirus-food-pantries-find-new-normal-as-they-feed-hungry-in-metrowest-and-milford-area?rssfeed=true

You can donate directly to the Franklin Food Pantry via their secure online donation link. You can set up for a one time donation or recurring, from a bank account or a credit card.  http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Donation2FoodPantry  or go the the Food Pantry page and select "Donate"  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Note: I was honored to lead the  Board of Directors for the Food Pantry for several years and will be helping them with the capital campaign to fund the purchase and buildout of their new building on East Central St.

Franklin Food Pantry

Register O’Donnell Advises Homeowners of Need to File Mortgage Discharges

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners about the importance of filing a mortgage discharge after their mortgage has been paid off.

The Register stated, “When a mortgage has been paid off, a mortgage discharge document needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner’s property title relative to that loan. This is particularly important in light of the many homeowners currently taking advantage of historically low interest rates to refinance their mortgages. Please note a discharge is a document (typically one-two pages) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as “Discharge of Mortgage” or “Satisfaction of Mortgage.”

“There are instances,” noted the Register, “where discharges are filed directly by banks or settlement closing attorneys with the Registry as part of a property sale or as a result of a refinancing transaction. In other cases, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who then becomes responsible for making sure the document is recorded. Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, it is important that the property owner makes sure all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds.”

“To check on their title,” noted O’Donnell, “Norfolk County homeowners can access the Registry’s online records at www.norfolkdeeds.org and verify if all mortgages associated with the property have been discharged. Please remember not having a mortgage discharged will result in a title issue and thereby impact the process of selling one’s home.”

The Register further noted that there have been cases where no discharge has been recorded against a long paid off mortgage. “Unfortunately, some of the lending institutions that provided funds for these mortgages are no longer in existence. In other cases, financial entities have merged with another lending institution.”

If a property owner needs to retrieve an original discharge of a mortgage and is unclear which lending institution is now responsible for providing the document, an option is to contact the Massachusetts Division of Banks at 1-800-495-2265 x-1 and then x-61501. Another option is to access the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website www.fdic.gov. Then find the BankFind tab approximately half way down the home page, put in the lending institution in question, then click on the lending institution link and you will be able to determine who has responsibility for the mortgage.

When recording a discharge, the original document is required. The Registry of Deeds does not accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee, set by state statute, is $106.00.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “After paying off all the mortgages on their property, homeowners want to have peace of mind that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling. Being on top of what is required will go a long way in giving the homeowner assurances that they have clear title to their property. I strongly urge homeowners to make sure their mortgage discharge has been filed with the Registry of Deeds once their mortgage has been paid off.”

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM at 781-461-6101. These representatives have been trained in researching documents and are well versed on the subject of mortgage discharges and what, if necessary, needs to be done to clear title to a property.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell Advises Homeowners of Need to File Mortgage Discharges

Talking the Blues - new episode

Talking the Blues (@TalkingtheBlue2) tweeted at 9:29 AM on Sun, Jul 26, 2020:

New Episode - 2020 Blues Blast Music Awards show! Talking the Blues | https://t.co/Ch5pBX2ymR @FranklinMatters @tmonjar @BillyBranch1003
(https://twitter.com/TalkingtheBlue2/status/1287379617754624000?s=03)

Voices of Franklin: Pandemic Poetry by Faith Flaherty

Here is a couple of acrostic, pandemic poetry. An acrostic poem is a poem where certain letters in each line spell out a word.

Faith

Contrary to fear, let’s relish our family time.
Ours to do what we always wanted:
Rest, read, do whatever enters our mind,
Only walk wherever our feet led.
No one to impress, no one to care.
Alone. We can go most anywhere!

***********************************************************

Can I throw kisses
Over fences and through doors,
Very heartfelt messages?
Isolated and alone, catch them,
Destined to outlast a virus.

"Voices of Franklin" is open to all residents and reader of Franklin Matters. Details can be found  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

numb - a short film // liv mcneil

"This is just a generalization of the feeling of isolation, not my personal feelings, I for sure haven't been enjoying quarantine, but some have it worse. We have all been going through stuff right now, especially with Black Lives Matter, my struggles are in no way comparable to some things people are going though right now. this is my own experience, some are a whole lot worse than mine. I'm just showing what I know.

This is a mini film, Numb by me. I did this for a school project but I'm really happy with how it came out, so I'm posting it here. This took me a combined 3 weeks or so. hope you enjoy! please feel free to share as much as you like, just please credit me and M83, the band who made the music.

This is a COVID-19 youth mental health resource hub if you've been negatively affected by isolation. https://jack.org/covid"

song: my tears are becoming a sea - M83
directed by, edited by, written by and starring me

YouTube link =  https://youtu.be/iSkbd6hRkXo



Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/bill_klements/status/1287375353384783872?s=09

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 29, 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/87066659039
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 870 6665 9039--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 29, 2020

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 28, 2020

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Franklin Public Schools Preliminary Reopening Plan 2020-2021

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. School Calendar 2020-2021

• I recommend adoption of the revised School Calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.

B. Policy - 1st Reading

• I recommend moving Policy FA - Facilities Development Goals to a second reading as discussed.

C. Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption

• I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. EEA - Student Transportation Policy
2. EEA-R - Transportation Policy and Responsibilities
3. EEAG - Student Transportation in Private Vehicles

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. None

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 14, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. FHS Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $10,633.22 for FHS scholarships as follows:
$10,000.00 from Stella Wilk’s estate
$633.22 from Ahold Delhaize USA

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN, FEA/Cafeteria, FEA/ESP, FEA/Secretaries, FEA/Van Drivers as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Return to Open Session

XII. Adjournment

The agenda doc in PDF format can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-7-28-20

Documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 28, 2020

Zooming into the Future, Part 3 This Time for Sure. (Sigh!)

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/26/2020

Take two –

Live! On Wednesday July 29th – It’s our first Zoom meeting from Town Chambers.

We didn’t get there last week.

After a 3-hour power failure on Friday 7/17, most of our TV control room had stopped working. Disaster. We spent a few days rebuilding – resetting, replacing digital devices that failed. Last Wednesday evening we discovered more hidden failures. When tested earlier, some systems indicated that they were operating properly, but in fact were not. The meeting couldn’t proceed.

We have been in Chambers since last Wednesday – reinstalling, retesting, refining and improving the control room’s many functions. We will continue upgrading and testing – and retesting everything for our planned meeting this Wednesday.

Remote meeting apps – Zoom, Google, Skype or Webex – all introduce complexity. Their use must be easy for participants in Chambers or via the Internet. It must also be easy for the meeting managers and our TV control operators. It poses design issues that we must address for everyone. We will add improvements as we move forward.

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 7PM. All are welcome to participate and learn about Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr●fm.

The full Program Guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or the Franklin Matters copy of this issue
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cz1JtNurXA3zICyQok5IuF4K899Tjp4f/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 3 This Time for Sure.  (Sigh!)

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast July 24, 2020

Hello Everyone!

Next week we have 2 special events along with all of our regular programming! 

Please join us for:

*We are excited to host Molly Rabuffo A Sound Renewal event, sponsored by Benchmark at Forge Hill, on July 27th at 10 AM. Molly Rabuffo is a singer, sound healing artist, and arts administrator. 

Molly Rabuffo

In this session, Molly will guide listeners through a 30-minute sound journey designed for deep relaxation and energetic clarity. By using various instruments like Biosonic tuning forks, a Shruti box, crystal singing bowls, chimes, and voice, Molly will provide a safe and supportive space for emotional, physical, and mental relief. Find a comfortable place to sit or lay down, plug in your headphones, close your eyes, and enjoy a moment of meditative stillness. 

Following the sound journey, Molly will be available for 15 minutes to answer questions and listen to any reflections you may have about your experience. You may also reach out to her and learn more about her work at mrabuffo.com. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend.

MEMORY CAFE - July 27th at 3 PM.  Join us for the top tapping music of Ray Valente! Ray plays  everything from Big Band to your favorites, get ready to sing along.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov  for the link to attend. You don't want to miss this!

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

Tai chi for beginners

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

Senior Gold - Aerobic workout with GREAT toe tapping music with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn1r39YHfrE&t=183s

Music

Doo Wop - 50 top hits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0MvPkv-HTs

Boogie Woogie Piano Tommy Johnson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHmmid1pLi8

Classic Rock - Greatest Hits from the 60's and 70's - An hour and a half of your favorite music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19woJVdMgxE

Just for Fun

Virtual tours of some of the world's most stunning libraries

http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/take-virtual-tours-these-stunning-libraries

15 incredible abandoned homes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pPrLGY82Q8

The Badlands National Park - Twenty minute film about the diverse resources and histories associated with Badlands National Park.

https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=8D87C0DB-9F9E-7BC4-FEA190987383A1B4 

People who are at a whole other level of amazing with these skills and tricks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tizKtYxlap8

Have you ever wanted to be hugged by a lion?  Taigan Lion Park in Russia this happens!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGA-UiYU-OU

Humor

Tony Dayo - Being a parent is harder than being a Navy Seal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K70uOevfp5o

Keeping Up Appearances Bloopers and outtakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w37YjGJhMI&t=92s

Guilty animals - funny videos of animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W31DluxnQR0

Kindness Matters

102 year old dancer sees herself on film for the first time

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

Therapy dog saves a boys life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=221Rm7Cp4kw

Attached you will find:

1. Donna's fun packed activity sheets - Nursery Rhymes https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lgwi8mDaFOYpe-W9U-f4AmvoMIMqbiXR/view?usp=sharing
2. Hummingbird coloring page https://drive.google.com/file/d/10KmRmoWR5I8PrtZg-mD6IyOnTT-AkXLA/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 and 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/

--

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: Email Blast July 24, 2020

"Unfortunately, the need is likely to be still greater"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin.

"WITH COVID-19 DEATHS and infections remaining low here, enhanced federal unemployment benefits continuing through July, and the state’s emergency freeze on evictions still in effect, it’s possible to believe that Massachusetts is rebounding better than the rest of the country. 

But this is only the eye of the hurricane. The second half of 2020 risks becoming an unfolding catastrophe unless state leaders take decisive action before the end of July. 

The key is to stabilize housing, now. 

So far, the 30,000 undocumented workers in the state who were laid off during the pandemic have borne the brunt of the crisis. Without access to federal assistance, their families have been in dire circumstances. They are scraping by through the heroic efforts of friends, families, neighbors, charitable groups, and churches. 

But on August 1, the problem escalates exponentially, when enhanced federal unemployment benefits end for hundreds of thousands of workers. Even with most employees returning to work, perhaps 120,000 households in the state will have trouble making their housing payments. A survey from the MassINC Polling Group revealed that 29 percent of all renters surveyed had already missed a full or partial payment by the end of May. Young people, communities of color, service workers, and part-time employees have been hit particularly hard."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/housing/the-eye-of-a-housing-hurricane/?