Thursday, August 20, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Raymond D Milici - "Kennedy Supporter! Not Anymore"

In 2012, at a house party here in Franklin Massachusetts, I met a young man who wanted to get into politics and run as a US Representative in the 4th congressional district. I listened to him and I was quite impressed with what he was saying. He seemed to be compassionate, concerned and wanted to do good for the people in the state and country. His name happened to be Joe Kennedy. I've been a strong supporter of Representative Kennedy and was happy and proud to have helped in his campaign. 

That has changed for me since his decision to run for the Senate in the Democratic primary, challenging Senator Edward Markey. Even in politics, there should be a moral code of what's right and what's wrong. Running against Senator Markey is just plain wrong. The Senator is a well respected public servant who has been fighting for racial, economic and environmental justice. He is a proven effective leader. There is no good reason why Representative Kennedy should run against Senator Markey.

His decision to challenge Senator Markey has given me a totally different perspective of who Kennedy is. I thought I was supporting a different kind of politician. An idealistic young man who could rise in the Democratic Party with patience and persistence without hurting anyone. I guess I was just being naïve. It turns out he is one of those typical politicians, ready to step on and step over anyone that gets in the way. 

At a time when Democrats should be focused on winning the White House, the Kennedy campaign has managed to divide the Democrats, spending precious time and resources on an unnecessary primary election. But that doesn't seem to matter. After all, he's a Kennedy, a man of wealth and privilege, who thinks the senate seat belongs to the Kennedy family, not a guy from a working class family in Malden. I decided to vote for the working class guy. I hope my fellow Democrats will do the same.

Raymond D Milici,
75 Grey Wolf Dr,
Franklin MA 02038

FHS boys soccer team COVID-19 update

 August 19, 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

We are writing with a follow up to the community regarding the August 14th communication regarding a reported positive COVID case at Franklin High School. At the request of the family, we have permission to share that the student had never been symptomatic and it was a false positive; the testing was done proactively as part of a planned family trip to Maine.

We regret that our communication caused distress and raised alarm in the community, particularly as some individuals seem to have inferred that there was irresponsible behavior among boys’ soccer players who were engaging in the sport through out-of-season workouts (of which our athletic department and coaches do not participate). Based on the information available, it is our understanding that these out-of-season workouts were conducted in accordance with appropriate safety measures and expectations and that the parties involved followed appropriate preventative protocols (e.g. contact tracing, isolation, testing) without further incident.

The intent of our original letter was to be informative within the community about appropriate steps to take in the event of exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, the letter was intended to provide families with recently issued guidance about sports so that you can assist your children in engaging in valuable physical exercise and the social benefits that athletics involves.

As part of the Reopening Plan, we will be publishing further information for families and staff about the protocols and procedures that will be in place for this school year related to symptomatic students and staff. These measures will include reporting, contact tracing, additional cleaning and disinfecting, and strict adherence to the Universal Health and Safety Practices.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has left us all emotional and on high alert. Please continue to extend kindness and grace to each other.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools
Please direct any questions to 508-553-4819


The original notification

Franklin (MA) School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - Aug 21

Budget Sub Committee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)

Read more   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/bsc_agenda_8-21-20.pdf  



Franklin (MA) School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting
Franklin (MA) School Committee: Budget Sub Committee Meeting

MA Fish & Game magazine - new issue available

MA Fish & Game (@MassDFG) tweeted at 11:02 AM on Wed, Aug 19, 2020:
The newest issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine features articles on bald eagles, nature-deficit disorder, Belle Isle Marsh, and eiders! Subscribe today.   https://t.co/aZhijVsO7b https://t.co/TVxRpUrIP1
Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/MassDFG/status/1296100268510187520?s=03 

Subscribe to the Wildlife Magazine ($6/year)

MA Fish & Game magazine - new issue available
MA Fish & Game magazine - new issue available

"Voters who chose to vote-by-mail can track their ballots on the secretary of state’s website"

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

"The Secretary of State’s Office has already mailed out almost 950,000 ballots in advance of the Sept. 1 primary election, representing nearly a quarter of the state’s 4.5 million registered voters.

The estimate of ballots mailed so far comes as the United States Postal Service faces increased scrutiny over whether it will be able to deliver mail-in ballots on time for local clerks to count them. USPS officials set off an uproar in late July when they warned states that deadlines for requesting and casting mail-in ballots are incongruous with the Postal Services’ delivery standard.

But on Tuesday, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy issued a statement saying that he would suspend operational initiatives “that have been raised as areas of concern as the nation prepares to hold an election in the midst of a devastating pandemic” until after the election, to avoid the appearance of effects on electoral mail.

Secretary of State William Galvin said about 149,000 ballots have been returned to local clerks and he expects mail-in voting will help boost participation while taking into account public health guidelines. The state’s top election official said “a lot of people” who requested ballots were primarily motivated by voting in the November general election, adding that more than a million people asked for ballots for the general election."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Your application and ballot tracker  

Franklin voters can return their ballots at the Municipal Bldg
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-voters-how-to-return-your-mail.html

Franklin voters can return their ballots at the Municipal Bldg
Franklin voters can return their ballots at the Municipal Bldg


In the News: "Flu shot to be required for students"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: 
"Students across all levels of schooling in Massachusetts will now be required to receive flu vaccines, a new mandate that state public health officials described as a step to reduce the impact of flu-related and respiratory illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The immunizations will be required from the age of 6 months on for attendees of Massachusetts child care programs, pre-schools, K-12 schools, and colleges and universities, the Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.

Students will need to get their flu vaccines by Dec. 31 for the 2020-21 flu season, unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

Home-schooled K-12 students and college students “who are completely off-campus and engaged in remote learning only” will also be exempt, DPH said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Mass. Public Health (@MassDPH) tweeted at 6:01 PM on Wed, Aug 19, 2020:
A flu shot is now required for all children  6 months and older who attend Massachusetts child care, pre-school, K-12, and colleges and universities. Learn more: https://t.co/VGTRYv0qHC https://t.co/mWCjsZhv94
Franklin radar picked up
(https://twitter.com/MassDPH/status/1296205702625730562?s=03)

MA DPH requirements

In the News: "Flu shot to be required for students"
In the News: "Flu shot to be required for students"

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



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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