In the News: "Candidates for Kennedy’s seat advocate views on voting, racial justice, COVID-19"

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

If one of the nine Democrats running for the state’s 4th Congressional District seat wins, voting rights, the environment, racial justice and tackling COVID-19 will be top priorities during his or her first term.

All 11 candidates vying for office, including two Republicans, discussed their experience and goals during the Aug. 5 League of Women Voters’ virtual forum. Questions came from league members and the public ahead of time.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200806/candidates-for-kennedys-seat-advocate-views-on-voting-racial-justice-covid-19?rssfeed=true

In the News: "July tax haul plugs some of state’s fiscal ’20 deficit"

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

"Massachusetts recorded $4.456 billion in tax collections in July, with just more than half of that money being counted toward the budget year that ended June 30 about $3 billion short of expectations.

The Department of Revenue said about $2.293 billion, or roughly 51% of July’s collections, came from income tax payments and refunds originally due in fiscal 2020 but received in the first month of fiscal 2021 because the Legislature and governor extended filing deadlines due to the pandemic.

About $2.163 billion in July revenue will be counted toward fiscal 2021, including an estimated $50 million in corporate and business taxes that were deferred from the spring when state waived penalties for late filing and payment, the DOR said. Once the numbers are adjusted for tax deferrals, tax collections last month were about $88 million or 4.3% higher than the equivalent tax collections in July 2019, the DOR said.

“July total collections were also boosted by corporate and business tax payments attributable to returns due in April, which will be recorded as FY21 revenue, following the waiver of late filing and payment penalties in connection with such returns,” Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said. “Sales and use tax revenue also increased as compared to the same period in 2019, despite the deferral of certain regular sales, meals, and room tax payments from FY2020 to FY2021, which are due in September.”

 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200806/july-tax-haul-plugs-some-of-states-fiscal-20-deficit?rssfeed=true

FM #324 Memory Cafe Music Session - 7/27/20 (audio)

FM #324 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 324 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin Senior Center “Memory Cafe” music session held on Monday, July 27, 2020. Ariel Doggett introduces Ray Valente who plays some toe-tapping music. He introduces each song with an anecdote or bit of interest about the song.

While everyone was muted during the concert, there was plenty of singing and dancing. At the end, Ariel took the mute off so all could thank Ray with a round of well deserved applause.

The concert runs just about 60 minutes, so let’s listen to Ray Valente play his music.

Listen here - (audio file) = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVSJyR8K

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin (MA) Senior Center

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Diane Blue - Aug 8

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Diane Blue as an outdoor concert in the theater's parking lot. Sponsored by Dean Bank.

Boston's DIANE BLUE is a “multi-talented performer who’s equally at home belting out a blues standard or cutting loose with a ferocious harmonica solo.” (Bill Van Siclen, Providence Journal). Her performances are captivating, charismatic and heartfelt, whether fronting her own world-class band or singing alongside master Bluesman Ronnie Earl. Ms. Blue is the first female member of Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, prominently featured on the band’s most recent six celebrated records, including co-writing credits. When Diane is not performing with Ronnie Earl, she leads her own all-star band of extraordinary musicians.

Diane’s reputation as a sensational entertainer has led her all over the United States and tours of Europe where audiences enjoy her traditional and original songs alike. A multi-nominated and award-winning artist, she competed at the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Diane has shared the stage with many greats including Muddy Waters’ guitarist Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, Irma Thomas, Toni Lynn Washington and the late Big Jack Johnson of Clarksdale, Mississippi who called Diane a “monster on the harp.”

Diane Blue’s latest solo record, Look for the Light (Released 12 October 2019 on Regina Royale Records), made its debut at #10 on the Living Blues Radio Chart and climbed to #8. The album also charted on the international Roots Music Report Top 50 Contemporary Blues Albums of the Year 2019. Produced by Lorne Entress, the album includes six original songs and four cover songs, and features special guest guitarist Ronnie Earl (courtesy of Stony Plain Records), backed by some of Boston’s top musicians (Dave Limina, Chris Vitarello, Brooks Millgate, Jesse Williams, Lorne Entress, Kevin Barry).

Saturday August 8, 2020 - 8:00 PM

• For more info and tickets, visit THE BLACK BOX online

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1392&month=08&year=2020

• What does the outdoor seating look like? Check out this aerial view

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/the-black-box-outdoor-concert-setting.html

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Diane Blue - Aug 8

Franklin Public Schools: Family Reopening Webinar available for replay

"Good morning,

Due to the widespread power outages, the Family Webinar scheduled for 7:30 AM this morning (Weds) will not occur as scheduled. We will assess the situation to determine if it can be postponed in a timely manner. The recording from last night's session (which contains all the same information as was planned for today) is available to view and can be accessed at the following link for those who wish to view it: "

Topic: Family Reopening Webinar #2

Start Time : Aug 4, 2020 05:55 PM

Meeting Recording: https://zoom.us/rec/share/tJZxMpL29kBLZ53xx2PuWJ8vMIvoaaa81CJL-_cJnxoRwjL_ZKAvLJpppJG9fuGq

Franklin Public Schools: Family Reopening Webinar available for replay

Presentation copy: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1u0AEgJeeT2_MJxB5D-NLI1rcrxgB73ymGd6KWaGIR-g/edit?usp=drivesdk

School Committee Reopening Site Inspections - Aug 7

School Committee Reopening Site Inspections

Virtual Meeting (Links in 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.”

 

9:00 AM          Call to Order

Inspection of Davis Thayer Elementary School Inspection of Annie Sullivan Middle School Discussion

12:00 PM        Adjourn

Read full agenda online at Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-7-20_site_inspection.pdf

Davis Thayer Elementary School

In the News: "Breakfast After the Bell" signed by Gov Baker

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

A new law will require public schools with large populations of low-income students to provide breakfast after the school day begins in an effort to address childhood hunger and give all students a chance to succeed in school.

The so-called “Breakfast After the Bell” bill was signed Tuesday by Gov. Charlie Baker. The governor also signed a resolve to erect a memorial in the House chamber containing the text of the speech Martin Luther King Jr. delivered on April 22, 1965 to a joint assembly of the House and Senate.

The breakfast bill championed by state Sen. Sal DiDomenico, D-Everett, and others would require schools with 60% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price meals to offer breakfast after the instructional day begins.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout has disproportionately impacted poorer communities and communities of color – communities that experience the greatest gap between what support is needed and the support they receive. Breakfast After the Bell will break down barriers to accessing food, which perpetuates the achievement gap, and help us move to a more equitable public education system, one in which all students get the nutrition they need to succeed,” said Catherine D’Amato, CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200805/baker-signs-school-breakfast-mlk-memorial-bills?rssfeed=true

The legislation itself  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4218

In the News: MA joints state compact on PPE; MA adds RI to restrictions list

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

"Massachusetts is among seven states that are entering formal talks with manufacturers with the goal of facilitating rapid point-of-care antigen tests that could more quickly detect COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces, schools and congregate care settings.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who announced the interstate testing compact Tuesday, negotiated the agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation in his final days as chairman of the National Governors Association. Plans call for each state to purchase 500,000 tests.

“Increasing both testing capacity and access to testing is a critical part of stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “We are pleased to join this interstate compact and look forward to working with this bipartisan group of governors to collectively build on these shared goals.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200805/massachusetts-joining-interstate-compact-to-enter-talks-with-manufacturers-for-rapid-point-of-care-antigen-tests?rssfeed=true

"Rhode Island on Tuesday was added to travel advisory lists for Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The new rules for self-quarantines when traveling from Rhode Island to those states were imposed after Rhode Island saw recent upticks in coronavirus cases.

The rules apply to Rhode Islanders traveling to those states, as well as to people returning to those states from visits to Rhode Island. There are some exceptions, like people who have been in Rhode Island for less than 24 hours.

Massachusetts added Rhode Island later on Tuesday, hours after the tri-state area did. There are exceptions in Massachusetts, like going to work or producing a negative test. Massachusetts’ order is effective Friday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200805/massachusetts-adds-rhode-island-to-travel-order-as-coronavirus-cases-increase-in-state?rssfeed=true

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

"Most historians just study the past. But Allan Lichtman has successfully predicted the future."

From the New York Times: "The best way to predict the future is to choose it" 

• If you are not registered to vote, please do so 
• If you want to vote by absentee ballot, please do so
• if you wan to vote by mail, please do so
• if you want to vote early, please do so
• If you want to vote on the day of, please do so

To register or choose one of the options for voting, please visit the Town Clerk's page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/05/opinion/2020-election-prediction-allan-lichtman.html

 

FM #323 Welcome FHS Josh Hanna - 8/04/20 (audio)

FM #323 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 323 in the series. 

This is a special session as we have a ‘welcome’ conversation with the new FHS principal Josh Hanna. I am joined by Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan for this special ‘radio gang’ interview. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We have a wide ranging conversation to get to know Josh and how he feels about his new role at Franklin High School. The pandemic has been challenging but he prepared for this role as principal and loves the high school experience.

In the show notes we provide links to the video updates Mr Hanna does. We also share the link to the Google form to submit questions.

Our conversation runs about 52 minutes, so let’s listen to the conversation with Josh Hanna, the new principal at FHS, as he is interviewed by part of the ‘radio gang’

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsMHLs8K

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Link to the Week 2 video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/AVp7GU-P79o

The Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg

Mr Hanna provides a Google form to submit questions

Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/viewform

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

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"

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Peter Yarrow this Saturday Aug 8 - 7:30 PM

Folk legend Peter Yarrow online concert Aug 8

Peter Yarrow online Aug 8 View this email in your browser PETER YARROW online concert August 8 - 7:30 PM donations Sorry for the short notice but details have just been finalized. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents an online concert by folk legend Peter Yarrow, on Saturday, Aug 8 at 7:30 PM to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.   Peter Yarrow's talents as a creative artist—both with the legendary trio Peter, Paul & Mary and as a solo performer—are frequently directed at using music to convey a message of humanity and caring. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs from Peter, Paul & Mary, including "Puff, the Magic Dragon," "Day is Done", "Light One Candle" and "The Great Mandala." As a member of the renowned musical trio, Yarrow has earned multiple gold and platinum albums, as well as numerous GRAMMYs.  http://www.peterpaulandmary.com/ Here is the concert link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LakqPYWLg&feature=youtu.be The concert is free but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society.  http://www.circlefolk.org/ Upcoming Online Shows Saturday, Sep 12  JOHN GORKA

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

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Britt Connors and Bourbon Renewal - Aug 6

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Britt Connors and Bourbon Renewal, as an outdoor weekend concert in the theater’s parking lot. Sponsored by Dean Bank.

Singer/Songwriter Britt Connors was born and raised singing in small-town West Boylston, MA before taking her studies to Ithaca College in NY. But, the lure of the talented Boston singer/songwriter scene and the thought that she may someday try her hand at songwriting brought her to Boston in 2001. Her acclaimed 2010 debut “The Bad Side of Good" was released under her maiden name of Britt Sawdon and blended blues, folk, and country with jazz voicings and pop sensibilities. 

By the time she released her second album, "Warmer Season" in 2014, she had met and formed her backing band, "Bourbon Renewal," and had written the songs with that sound in mind, with tunes that are alternately rockin', country, sweet, rootsy, and New-Orleans-street-parade. The record needed its own category, so they started calling it "Y'all-Ternative" music. Britt continued to expand into the band's sound, calling on even more of some of Boston's talented musicians for her 2020 album, "Longitude." On this third record, she slips nimbly and authentically between soulful ballads, pop-rock, and gospel-infused Americana, reminiscent of recent feminist-inspired albums by Sara Bareilles and The Highwomen.


Thursday, August 6, 2020 - 8:00 PM

• For more info and tickets, visit THE BLACK BOX online

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1391&month=08&year=2020

• What does the outdoor seating look like? Check out this aerial view

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/the-black-box-outdoor-concert-setting.html

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Britt Connors and Bourbon Renewal - Aug 6

School Committee - Policy Subcommittee - Agenda - August 6 at 4 PM

A G E N D A

“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.”

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies

1. ECAF - Security Cameras in Schools
2. EEA - Student Transportation Policy and Eligibility
3. EEA-R - Transportation Policy Responsibilities
4. EEAG - Student Transportation in Private Vehicles
5. Policy Distribution Folder

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

• 1. Second Readings (8/11/20):

• a) FA - Facilities Development Goals

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

1. Creation of a General (Interim) Policy on COVID-Related Issues EBC Supplemental
2. Continued Review of Policies

Shared from the agenda document (meeting connection info in doc)
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/8.6.20_policy_posting_agenda_.pdf

School Committee - Policy Subcommittee - Agenda - August 6 at 4 PM

Senior Center - Curbside Cafe Menu for August

The August menu for curbside pickup at the Senior Center is shown here. 

You can order online or call

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclQGOzstB8joXRPN2N-I3zEq968zAKsS8SLOsVsUJNm-ICTQ/viewform

A Safe, No Contact, Curbside Lunch Pick-Up for anyone who's been alive since the Eisenhower Administration :). 

Please Order by 9:00 AM for same day pick-up. (After 9, Call 508-520-4945) 

When Picking up, please stay in your vehicle and wear a mask. We will place your order in your trunk or backseat, while practicing safe distancing at all times. 

If you do not have transportation, Dial-A-Ride may be able to assist you. Call: 800-698-7676 for details. 

This program is funded by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation and generous support of the Franklin Council on Aging. Meals are offered at a subsidized rate of $2.00 ea. and will be billed monthly. 

Let us know if you or anyone in your party has food allergies. 

Please call our Social Service Coordinator if you are in need of any additional food assistance. 

Curbside pick up Located at The Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill St. Franklin MA, 02038 Phone: 508-520-4945

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb

Senior Center - Curbside Cafe Menu for August

Attention Franklin: Solution Finders for Parents

Hi. 

With the school's announcement that they're starting the school year with remote learning, and all the negative feedback that's gotten, I was hoping you could help spread the word about something POSITIVE we've got going on. 

I've created a Facebook group for parents looking for solutions and people in the community who can help with solutions. 

KAREN BURKE 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/672152883370682/requests/?hoist_pending_member_ids_suggested_order=527890845%2C565763694&notif_id=1596502727569101&notif_t=group_r2j

Attention Franklin: Solution Finders for Parents