One-Day Electronics Recycling Event at St Mary's Church, on Saturday, Aug 22 from 9 AM to 2 PM. The image shows the pricing per item accepted for this event.
Follow the event on Facebook for updates https://www.facebook.com/events/4624346957583028/?
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| One-Day Electronics Recycling Event - Sat - Aug 22 |
Ch – Ch – Ch – Ch – Changes! Time to Face the Change.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/16/2020
"Lately, all I hear rolling through my head is an unending earworm of David Bowie’s “ Changes”.
Changes keep a-comin’ as the virus forces us to move toward whatever our new normal might be. Our goal is simple: Get in front of it, and drive. We seek and embrace whatever new means help us to “ Build Back Better” via changes, big and small.
Clearly, Zoom is a permanent part of that future. We will begin posting the Zoom access code on our cable channels for ten minutes each evening prior to the government meetings.
And –
Our own Frank Falvey has been interviewing the many candidates running for the Fourth District seat. Listen to wfpr●fm Tuesdays from now until the primary election. Each week we will feature three of the candidates on Tuesday morning, afternoon and evening. Listen and learn all about the candidates – in their own words – on 102.9 fm.
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching."
Program Note: This Wednesday evening at 7 PM on the government channel you can hear the congressional candidates discussing the topic of racism.
August 20, 2020 = 6:00 PM
Agenda:
1. Reopening Phase 3 Discussion
2. Economic Development update
3. Market Analysis & Market Position Presentation Discussion & Work Plan
For the connection information (via Zoom) along with the MPAC Market Study, find the agenda doc on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf
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| Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020 |
Wed, Aug. 19:
FIVE WISHES is a legally binding, advanced directive (living will), that lets you control your personal, emotional and spiritual wishes. This presentation is on Zoom at 1:00 PM
If you aren't able to access Zoom our Nurse can call you to discuss the info one- on-one. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov or call 508 520-4945.
For more about Five Wishes, visit them online at https://fivewishes.org/
For other activities in August, check out the Senior Center Connections https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/aug20connection.pdf
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| Franklin Senior Center: Five Wishes - Aug 19 |
Since then, O’Malley Dillon, 43, has been transforming what had been an underfinanced, undisciplined and dysfunctional Democratic primary operation into a general-election machine capable of carrying Biden through to the November election. (Disclosure: My adult son works for the Biden campaign.)
The lockdown order has meant that the nerve center of the campaign in which anxious Democrats are investing their hopes is now located on the third floor of O’Malley Dillon’s suburban Maryland home, where she is also raising twin 7-year-old daughters and a 2-year-old son. Her second-graders have taken to joking that their mother is “the ghost in the attic.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-jennifer-omalley-dillon-transformed-joe-bidens-campaign/2020/08/14/d49de192-dbdd-11ea-8051-d5f887d73381_story.html
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| Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Joe Biden’s campaign manager. (Andre Chung for The Washington Post) |
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The state Department of Public Health is reporting the year’s second human case of Eastern equine encephalitis.
State health officials said a woman in her 60s was exposed to the EEE virus in Hampden County.
As a result, the EEE risk level in Wilbraham has been raised to “critical,” while the risk levels in Hampden and Monson have been raised to “high.” All three communities are in Hampden County.
In addition, the risk level in the Hampden County communities of Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Palmer and Springfield has been raised to “moderate.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/state-reports-second-human-case-of-eee?rssfeed=true
Listen to my conversation with Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty on mosquito and tick borne diseases https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html
For more about EEE in MA, check out the MA.gov page https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts and the risk map copied below https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update#eee-risk-map-
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| EEE risk map |
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"AN ELDERLY MAN speaks dispiritedly on a TV public service announcement about having been a victim of financial fraud. But his frown quickly morphs into a big smile as he talks about how Secretary of State William Galvin got him his money back.
“I like to bring good news,” says Galvin on the ad. “If you’ve been the victim of financial fraud, we might be able to help. Call me.”
The public service announcement is another in a long line that Galvin has been running at taxpayer expense since he took office 25 years ago. From April 2019 to March 2020, Galvin spent close to $2 million of taxpayer money to produce and air five different public service announcements, according to documents obtained under the public records law.
The announcements undoubtedly perform a public service by alerting the public to the services Galvin’s office provides. But they also serve as a form of taxpayer-funded advertising for Galvin the politician."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/galvin-mixes-public-service-promotion/
Not the first time for this issue of Galvin's PSA usage to be questioned https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/22/ethics-officials-say-mass-secretary-state-used-public-resources-for-political-gain/A9lh58iTVfem8xA2GAzFrO/story.html
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: (so separate from the fact that some tests can result in false positive results, this story reminds us all that the handling process to get the results is also very important. The quality control of this particular lab is in question and we'll need the fulls set of retests to confirm what the real problem is.)
"Late Friday afternoon, the Department of Public Health disclosed that a commercial lab, which state officials did not identify, is under investigation and has voluntarily suspended all testing after state officials detected 130 false positives test results were reported.
The errors mean Fall River is being re-categorized from the red to yellow, moderate-risk category and Taunton is shifting from yellow to green.
DPH officials say the reporting issue occurred from July 30 to Aug. 1 and “resulted in a disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab during that time.”
“The lab ceased testing when the issue was identified and is under investigation,” DPH spokeswoman Katheleen Conti said in a statement. “Test results conducted by the lab during this time are being verified by an independent lab, and based on results received to date, the Department has accordingly released updated case numbers and risk levels for the August 12 weekly public health report for Fall River and Taunton.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/fall-river-taunton-risk-assessments-changed-after-false-positives?rssfeed=true
COUNCILLOR (Governor’s Council)
The Governor's Council is composed of eight individuals elected from districts, and the Lieutenant Governor who serves ex officio. They provide advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments, pardons and commutations, and warrants for the state treasury.
For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/orgs/governors-council
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
REGISTER OF PROBATE NORFOLK COUNTY
The register of probate administers the probate court, which primarily handles family legal matters (including divorce and child custody cases), and wills and estates. The register of probate provides the court's services and keeps the court's records.
For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/locations/norfolk-probate-and-family-court
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
COUNTY TREASURER NORFOLK COUNTY
The County Treasurer is responsible for the collection, custody and management all money belonging to the County government, and disbursement of those funds according to law. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping financial records, including bills, vouchers, and documentation of borrowings and debt, to be accessible for future reference., and annually prepares and publishes a report of the County receipts and expenditures for the preceding fiscal year.
The Treasurer also acts as Chairman of the County Retirement Board.
The County Treasurer is an elected official serving a six-year term.
For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/treasurer
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
COUNTY COMMISSIONER NORFOLK COUNTY
The Norfolk County Commissioners' Office is charged with implementing policy, budget and other decisions of the elected board of Commissioners. The office's duties include personnel, purchasing, management information systems, and general administration. For more information, go to https://www.norfolkcounty.org/county-administration/commissioners-office
There are no candidates for the Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
SHERIFF (VACANCY) NORFOLK COUNTY
The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office serves the citizens of Norfolk County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by enhancing public safety through the operation of a safe, secure, and humane correctional facility that establishes structure and accountability for offenders and focuses on re-entry programs and community based programs that promote crime prevention, citizen awareness, education, youth development, elderly assistance and law enforcement support.
For more information, go to https://www.norfolksheriff.com/
There are no candidates for the Libertarian or Green Rainbow parties
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| Other State Officials up for Election on Primary Ballot - Sep 1 |
Voting in primary elections is very important, yet voter turnout in primaries is usually low. (Embarrassingly so: in 2016 the Franklin primary turnout was only 4.1 % of the eligible voters.) But even conscientious voters probably think, “The real show is the general election. I’ll vote then. I know who I like. What’s the difference?”
One difference is that who you can vote for in the general election is not settled until the primary has occurred. If the people you like have primary challengers, of course, they must defeat the challengers to get on the general ballot. So they will need your help in both elections, not just the general.
And even if the ones you really like have no primary challengers, you may still be wise to vote in the primary. Remember, your favorites will not be alone on the general ballot. Many offices must be filled. Say you are a straight-ticket, one-party voter. You do not want to find yourself obliged to vote for people you dislike just because, on a thin plurality, they squeaked by the primary that you skipped.
And since primary turnouts are low, a few votes can make an outsized difference. Impact per voter is greatly magnified. And naturally, the bigger the field, the more crucial every primary vote is. There are nine contestants in the Fourth Congressional District, for example, for the one place for a Democratic candidate on the general ballot. If voter support were divided equally among the nine and turnout were at 2016 levels, then each candidate would have about 97 supporters in Franklin. In such a race, every primary vote really counts, and could decide who goes to Washington.
The primary is September 1. You can vote in person, vote early, or apply by August 26 to vote by mail.
Colin Cass
146 Longhill Road
Franklin, MA 02038
If you have interest in "Voices of Franklin" please read the guidelines here https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
Hello Everyone!
I hope you are all enjoying the warm summer weather and staying healthy.
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/
August Events
Wed., Aug. 19: FIVE WISHES is a legally binding, advanced directive (living will), that lets you control your personal, emotional and spiritual wishes. This presentation is on Zoom at 1:00 p.m. If you aren't able to access Zoom our Nurse can call you to discuss the info one- on-one. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov or call 508 520-4945.
Mon., Aug.24: MEMORY CAFÉ at 3:00 p.m. on ZOOM, features the beautiful and engaging music of violinist, Lynn Canavan. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov
Thurs., Aug.27: FASHIONS OF HOLLYWOOD on ZOOM with Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion at 1:00 p.m. Ren presents this fascinating look at the glamorous fashions of the silver screen during the '30s, '40s, '50s. Join us as we travel through the decades to enjoy a glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov
Mon., Aug. 31: STEVE SHERLOCK - Talk Franklin Matters at 2:00 p.m. for all the latest Franklin news. To join us, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov
And don't forget the Curbside Cafe! Open M-F, Great food and service with a smile!
https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb
Tips
Old School funk - Fun and easy moves to get you moving with Paul Eugene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT7JQ0E5nXw
10 minute chakra balance for positive energy - a guided meditaiton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGT1VXwfx4
Music
The SWING Era! Enjoy an hour of fantastic swing music!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPfjomqZuXc
Andre Bocelli, Sarah Brightman - Time To Say Goodbye
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=4L_yCwFD6Jo&feature=emb_logo
Rock N' Roll from the 60's - over an hour of fantastic music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2QYj1Ku0jI
Just for Fun
John Wayne - The man behind the legend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIf76KbdM8w
Bryce Canyon National Park
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7kC0EpClCM
This baby aardvark thinks she is a totally different animal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCf93giKT6k&feature=emb_rel_end
The real Mary Poppins - a documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJScqa9jtyA
Humor
Bushman prank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIyzE1Wr5cw
13 year old comedian on America's Got Talent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuC37syScVs
Tucker Budzyn - My dog reacts to a head massager.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR21cqtSih8
Jeanne Robertson - I'm Trying to Tell You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq5sjoc_N0w
Kindness Matters
The long way home - a man searches for his family after 30 years being lost
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL1EWOtql5M
109 year old veteran shares his secrets for a long life - a short film
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXyfCGDnuWs
Random acts of Kindness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lmhYh8XnGI
Attached you will find:
CDMSP flyer for Tri-Valley https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YQISdgQ8pk11_PwljyIYjCem9dF7UeMP/view?usp=sharing
Color / Paint by number Stained Glass and Cupcake Stand https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xEVbFaKDRc6qYg2xBcSX07KAwHQGpwJ5/view?usp=sharing and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mRGDOb7x6XNRVcLopGd2o2vfgH-v3FxG/view?usp=sharing
Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all! We are still here for you!
Ariel
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.
MEMORY CAFE!
Exciting news starting on September 14th, there will be a virtual Memory Cafe EVERY MONDAY at 3pm! Please let us know if you would like to be on the list to receive the invite 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.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here
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| Franklin Senior Center: Email blast 8-14-2020 |
Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 11:05 AM on Thu, Aug 13, 2020:
"The MIAA releases a statement noting how the Board of Directors won't meet until the accompanying DESE guidance is released. DESE is expected to release that guidance no later than Monday, meaning the Board will likely meet by next Thursday (8/20)."(https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1293926720102379520?s=03)
"For the avoidance of doubt, this guidance applies to K-12 school and other youth sports activities." #MAEdu(https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1293951865193926656?s=03)
Certainly appears that DESE will not be releasing it's K-12 athletics guidance today, leaving Monday as the likely day of its release. No Friday afternoon news dump is probably overall a good sign. Enjoy the weekend ✌️(https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1294378851884310531?s=03)
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| MIAA waiting on DESE after receiving guidance from EEA |
August 14, 2020
Dear Franklin Community,
Our Athletic Department was informed that a Franklin High School student who had been engaged in out-of-season workouts with members of the boys’ soccer team tested positive for COVID-19. Per MIAA rules, our athletic coaches and athletic department are not involved in these types of out-of-season summer workouts. These out-of-season summer workouts do not occur within our school buildings.
We think it is important to inform you, however, of this information as a reminder of the health and safety practices that should be followed. Close contacts of anyone testing positive for COVID-19 should stay at home and be tested 4-5 days after exposure. Individuals who test positive should remain home (except to get medical care), monitor symptoms, notify the school, notify personal close contacts, and answer the call from the MA Community Tracing Collaborative. Most people who have relatively mild illness will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 10 days and until at least 3 days have passed with no fever and improvement in other symptoms. If an individual is not tested, they should remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days from exposure.
We wish to remind you of the importance of universal health and safety practices including mask wearing, physical distancing, and good hand hygiene. Additionally, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs recently issued guidance on safe activities for low, medium, and high risk sporting activities of which you may wish to be aware: https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-1/download
I also wish to assure you that in the event of a positive case within the school setting, additional measures would be followed depending on the facts of the situation. Most specifically, the pertinent spaces within the building would be promptly closed off and promptly cleaned and disinfected. Close contacts would receive a communication with instructions on steps they should follow including isolation and testing or a 14-day quarantine.
We recognize that news like this can be scary to learn about. By working together collectively, we can take steps and measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community.
Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools
Please direct any questions to 508-553-4819
A PDF copy of this can be found online https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QkjlyEKBW6Dv0aGdIBEFgedSZgQww8Ds/view?usp=sharing
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| A FHS boys soccer team member tested positive for COID-19 |
Due to the ongoing pandemic and its social distancing guidelines, the board of the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has canceled this year’s Harvest Festival originally scheduled for Oct. 3. Instead, the FDP is planning to have smaller events during the holiday season to encourage residents to shop downtown Franklin.
“These are challenging times for our local businesses,” said Lisa Piana, executive director of the FDP. “We are eager to help those businesses in whatever way we can. We have a list of exciting new initiatives for the coming fall and holiday season including our Holiday Happenings.”
On its website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, the FDP has a list of local business updates so residents can easily access information about those businesses, such as which ones are offering outside dining, curbside pick-up and gift certificates. Businesses who would like to be included in that list can email the FDP office at downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com.
“We encourage residents to support Franklin businesses and to shop local whenever possible,” Piana added.
The next general meeting of the FDP will be Thurs., Sept. 10 at 8:30 AM. Anyone interested in joining the Zoom meeting is welcome. Please email the Partnership for sign-in information.
To help fund Holiday Happenings, as well as other fall and winter projects, the FDP is seeking sponsorships. Please contact the FDP for specific sponsorship information.
Residents can support the Partnership and our local businesses by becoming FDP resident members for only $25. Membership is tax deductible. Join online through the Partnership’s website.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of nearly 300 businesses, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for more information.
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| Harvest Festival 2020 Canceled - New Initiatives Coming Soon |
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Jami Pandiscio’s warning against texting while on the road will be hard for drivers to miss.
The Franklin teenager’s public service announcement design will be on billboards nationwide through the end of the year, after she won a national contest through Project Yellow Light.
“I saw some texting and driving ... in high school,” said Pandiscio, 18, in explaining why she entered the contest. “I’d constantly remind people to put their phones down, and I wanted to make a real difference, nationwide.”
Project Yellow Light was started to honor Hunter Garner, after the then-16-year-old and his friend died in a car crash in 2007, according to the program’s website. This is the ninth year of the contest, which is aimed at cutting down on distracted driving."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200814/franklin-teens-psa-against-texting-while-driving-to-be-on-thousands-of-billboards?rssfeed=true
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| “I kind of got hooked on the idea of using an emoji” |
