Thursday, August 20, 2020

Help out with #MassWildlife's Annual Turkey Brood Survey

MA Fish & Game (@MassDFG) tweeted at 9:02 AM on Wed, Aug 19, 2020:
Help out with #MassWildlife's Annual Turkey Brood Survey by reporting sightings of hens, poults (young turkeys), and males (both juvenile and adult) now through August 31.   https://t.co/clV0SJFCNO https://t.co/F2BNbaxxYq


Or go directly to the MA Fish and Game page https://www.mass.gov/news/report-wild-turkey-sightings

Help out with #MassWildlife's Annual Turkey Brood Survey
Help out with #MassWildlife's Annual Turkey Brood Survey

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Senior Center Coffee Hour - Aug 20, 2020 - 8:30 AM

Please join us tomorrow at 8:30 AM for a discussion with Jeff Roy, Jamie Helen, and members of the Town Council on Issues about our community. 

See the Zoom connection information for access. 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84224595197

Call in Phone Number 1-929-205-6099 enter Meeting ID: 842 2459 5197 then press #
Senior Center Coffee Hour - Aug 20, 2020 - 8:30 AM
Senior Center Coffee Hour - Aug 20, 2020 - 8:30 AM


 

4th District Candidates - Town Hall on Race and Racism

Virtual Town Hall on Race and Racism for  the  candidates  of  the  4th  Congressional district race to have a discussion while answering YOUR questions on addressing racism/combating  systemic  racial  inequality.


Democrats: (7:00-8:40)

  • Ben Sigel (Going)
  • Alan Khazei (Going)
  • Natalia Linos (Going)
  • Jesse Mermell (Going)
  • Becky Grossman (Going)
  • Jake Auchincloss (Going)
  • Ihssane Leckey (Going)

Republicans: (8:45-9:00)

  • David Rosa (Going)


- all Democrat and Republican candidates were invited - 

This will also be broadcast via live stream  https://franklintv.vod.castus.tv/vod/?live=ch3&nav=live

Follow the event on Facebook for updates  https://www.facebook.com/events/332521414591118/

4th District Candidates - Town Hall on Race and Racism
4th District Candidates - Town Hall on Race and Racism


Franklin Matters Radio schedule for Wednesday 8/19/20

You can listen to my recent interviews on Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm - from any browser) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. If you can't catch the schedule, you can follow the links below to listen to the audio whenever you want online or via your podcast app.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020:

9:00 AM/ 12:00 PM /6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio 

Conversation with Rabbi Tom  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-330-conversation-with-rabbi-tom.html

Conversation with Supt Sara Ahern  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-325-superintendent-sara-ahern.html

11:00 AM/ 2:00 PM /8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio 

Talk  Franklin with Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracy  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/talk-franklin-with-town-administrator.html

Franklin Matters Radio schedule for Wednesday 8/19/20
Franklin Matters Radio schedule for Wednesday 8/19/20


FM #331 Senator Becca Rausch 8/14/20 (audio)

FM #331 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 331 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Senator Becca Rausch. Our conversation was conducted outdoor, appropriately social distanced, on the Town Common. 


We were slowed in talking by the sound check by the Jesse Liam Band preparing for their set at the last Concerts on The Common. So thanks to Jesse Liam and his band for providing an interlude for our conversation. Actually more than one, as we stopped and started again. Periodically, you will hear some wind noise. Note to self when recording outdoors, even if it doesn’t seem breezy, put the windcap on the microphone.


In this conversation, Senator Rausch and I have a wide ranging conversation covering budget, health, schools, transparency, and some Franklin specific topics. I learned, and you can hear, of Senator Rausch's background as a health attorney which has played a key part in her role in this pandemic period.


The recording runs just about 41 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Rausch. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-331-senator-becca-rausch-8-14-20



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


Senator Becca Rausch page   https://www.beccarauschma.com/ 


Election information, Vote by Mail Act  https://www.beccarauschma.com/2020-elections  


Sign up for a spot during one of her virtual ‘office hours’  https://www.beccarauschma.com/office-hours 


COVID-19 updates https://www.beccarauschma.com/coronavirus 


Newsletter archive  https://us20.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=09452b4d597ce95fe20563af4&id=c427233b9b 


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

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 #331 Senator Becca Rausch 8/14/20 (audio)
FM #331 Senator Becca Rausch 8/14/20 (audio)

Franklin voters: How to return your mail in ballot

Guidance from the Town Clerk's office on ballot return. https://t.co/qU3lARaIt8

Franklin voters: How to return your mail in ballot
Franklin voters: How to return your mail in ballot



Franklin Public Schools: Home Schooling vs. Remote Learning

Home Schooling is an available option for some families who wish to provide every aspect of their child's education. To begin a home schooling, you must notify the Office of Teaching and Learning (annually) of your intent to homeschool, prior to the start of the school year. The requirements involve preparing an educational plan for approval by the Franklin Public Schools. Assessment/progress results will also need to be submitted and approved at the end of the school year. 

Upon approval of a homeschool plan, your child will be withdrawn from the Franklin Public Schools and the resources associated with the Franklin Public Schools will no longer be available to you. This includes, but is not limited to, curriculum materials, books, and Chromebooks. 

It is important to note that home schooling is different from remote learning. The remote learning model is being provided to all students enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools during the pandemic. This encompasses curriculum, instruction, assessment, and materials provided by the Franklin Public Schools for all students. 

Teachers are assigned to teach classes as they typically would in person. Students will complete a full day of education at home that is a blend of online learning, class facetime with peers and teacher(s), and independent work. When schools are able to transition back to either a hybrid or fully in-person model of instruction, all students engaged in remote learning will be a part of that transition back to school. 

If you decide to homeschool your child, you will need to provide a letter of intent, along with an educational plan for the 2020 - 2021 school year to Franklin Public Schools by September 4, 2020..  You can email this information to Dr. Joyce Edwards, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning,  at edwardsj@franklinps.net   Once Dr. Edwards reviews your plan and approves it, we will send you a confirmation via email.


For reference, the approved Return to School plan is found here  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home


Franklin Public Schools: Home Schooling vs. Remote Learning
Franklin Public Schools: Home Schooling vs. Remote Learning

MIAA to meet Wednesday on sports

Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 6:33 PM on Tue, Aug 18, 2020:
"The full DESE statement:
The MIAA and DESE have collaborated to provide the following modified sports schedule for year 2020-21 and guidance for sports participation for students who are learning remotely. Please note this is pending ratification by the MIAA Board..." https://t.co/4TzYR4o1TZ

Shared via Twitter = https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1295851315604717569?s=03

Other news reports based upon Matt Feld's info



MIAA to meet Wednesday on sports
MIAA to meet Wednesday on sports

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Update

We may be paused, but we're still here!

Typically we would be announcing our upcoming September Meeting at this time.  But like everyone and everything else, we're social distancing and staying safe.

BUT, that doesn't mean we're not here if you need us!

Our goal remains to enrich the lives of new and long-time residents of Franklin and nearby towns.  Through our monthly meetings, common interest groups and volunteerism we aim to foster a sense of community as well as new and lasting friendships.  

You can keep up with our plans for the 2020/2021 season on our Facebook and Meetup pages.  

www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub/

www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends/

Check in with us on social media to learn about virtual and social distance gatherings and plans for when we can restart our programs and Craft Fair.  And you can always reach out to us with any questions about Franklin or if you're looking to make a social connection.  It is because of and through this organization that we have found lifelong friends!  We love hearing new ideas so please share . . . but , we especially love welcoming new friends

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Update
Franklin Newcomers and Friends Update

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-july272020.pdf

Water Operations Person (L4) - Department of Public Works   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/l4-water-operations-externalposting-august2020.pdf

Recycling Center Laborer - Department of Public Works  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/recycling-center-laborer-posting-august172020.pdf

Substitute Custodian   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/sub.custodian-posting-july272020.pdf

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities
Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with DPW, Facilities


Lifelong Community Learning: UPDATE


A Note To Our
Lifelong Community Learning Friends
As the coronavirus (COVID–19) continues to impact our communities, we're committed to doing what's best for our Lifelong Community Learning neighbors. Lifelong Community Learning will remain closed and all fall programming cancelled until December 31. We look forward to the resumption of classes and welcoming you back when circumstances permit.

If you haven't already taken a look at our Online Learning options, perhaps you would like to check them out now. There may be a course or a series that interests you and/or captures your imagination. 
Here's the Online Learning link

As things evolve, we will make sure you are informed. Stay safe, stay connected, and together we will get through this.

Helpful coronavirus Update Links:



Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038
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"I think it is important for us to stay engaged with our community” - FPAC "Outside the Box" Aug 20

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

"A great arts organization can be like a roaring bonfire, drawing together people entranced by the lively flames and illumination.

But just as a thunderstorm can quickly drench a good bonfire, the pandemic abruptly doused the programming of two local arts organizations.

“In 2019 we had the best year that we have ever had as an organization,” said David Lavalley, the executive director of TCAN, The Center for the Arts in Natick. “We had an all-time high in terms of attendance and program revenue. We paid off our mortgage. We had nothing but blue sky ... In the first four months of this year we had members continuing to renew their memberships, we had families and donors making contributions. We received generous grants from Middlesex Savings Bank and the Foundation for MetroWest. ...We felt protected and supported.”

But a state of emergency was declared in Massachusetts on March 10 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and everything changed. On March 13, TCAN suspended all programs at its 14 Summer St. location, a red brick building that was once a firehouse. All live performances were rescheduled or canceled."

 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20200818/fire-still-burns-local-arts-organizations-innovate-during-pandemic?rssfeed=true


"A parking lot celebration featuring a reunion of past and present FPAC performers accompanied by the ACME Rhythm Section! Sponsored by 1776 Financial.

Masks and social distancing are required in the lobby; our typical gathering in the lobby is currently not allowed. Two people will be allowed at a time in the rest rooms; please wait six feet apart if there is a line. Table groupings will be limited to six.  Please purchase tickets for your table group in one transaction.  You will only be seated with family or those with whom you are comfortable socializing. Advance ticketing and payment encouraged. The Bar will be table service only."

Tickets for OUTSIDE THE BOX  = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1395&month=08&year=2020 

"I think it is important for us to stay engaged with our community”  - FPAC "Outside the Box" Aug 20
"I think it is important for us to stay engaged with our community”  - FPAC "Outside the Box" Aug 20

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

State Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - August 2020 newsletter


State Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - August 2020 newsletter

Voting has begun

With mail-in voting that was approved by the legislature in July, voting for the September 1, 2020 primary has begun. Vote-by-mail applications were mailed to every person who was registered to vote by July 1 and who had not already requested an absentee ballot for the State Primary. The applications are pre-addressed to your local election official and no postage is necessary. If you did not get one, you can download an application by clicking here.

For the State Primary ballot, your application must reach your local election office no later than August 26. If you wish to vote by mail, you are strongly encouraged to return your application earlier than that to make sure that you will receive your ballot in time to return it and have it be counted. And you can drop off your completed ballots in specially marked boxes at Town Hall. You can even track the progress of your ballot here.

You can also take advantage of early voting. In-person voting for the September 1 State Primary will take place over 8 days, with 7 days of early voting being held August 22-28. All cities and towns are required to offer early voting on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. The early voting schedule for Franklin is here. The early voting information for Medway is here.

Finally, you can vote in person on Tuesday, September 1 at the regular polling places. Your vote is essential for our democracy, so I hope you will take advantage of one of the three available methods to let your voice be heard. As always, please stay safe and keep in touch.


Copyright © 2020 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House.

Our mailing address is:
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State House Room 43
Boston, MA 02133

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Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office

A Message from the Town Clerk's Office

Hello Franklin, 

Please know that we are processing ballot requests as quickly as possible. Our office is currently processing 1,000's of requests each day; be assured that you will receive your ballot. 

We will be returning phone calls to citizens who have left messages after the workday. Also, we are requesting our residents to return their ballots to the 24-hour white mailbox located on the left side of the Municipal Building  This is the best place to return your ballot for guaranteed on-time delivery. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

Thank you and have a great day!

Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office
Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office


'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

FM #329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


We talk about: 

  • Re-opening

  • Election

  • Recap/set up

    • Stormwater - Sep 9 next meeting; 

      • #thinkBlueFranklin extension to 8/23

    • EDC/ MAPC 

      • Aug 20 next meeting, listening sessions scheduled

    • MECC grant

    • Senior center office hours 8/20

    • Councilor Earls leaves for law school

The recording runs about just over an hour, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio Link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Updates-and-News-Reopening--Elections-and-more-ei9f85/a-a2vir6h



 

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

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"


'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)
'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)