Primary day election update 9/5/20

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 2:02 PM on Sat, Sep 05, 2020:

A primary day election update from Town Clerk Teresa Burr:

"The results from the State Primary will be certified and posted by the Secretary of State's Office on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Please contact the Secretary's Office with any questions at (617) 727-2828."

(https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1302306115246530560?s=03)

Primary day election update 9/5/20

FM #342 Easy Walks with Marjorie Turner Hollman - 9/01/20 (audio)

FM #342 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 342 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with author Marjorie Turner Hollman. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We had a comfortable and easy conversation about ‘easy walks’ in and around Franklin. Marjorie has four books now, three that are trail based and the newest one is more about how to find easy walks wherever you are.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ac6a6eab-fcd9-4bbe-9eb7-9a8342d54520

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Links to 

Marjorie’s web page which among other things features her books   https://marjorieturner.com/ 

‘Easy Walks in MA’ group on Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/Easywalksinmassachusetts 

Photos from Marjorie   https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157715853783092

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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"

 

FM #342 Easy Walks with Marjorie Turner  Hollman - 9/01/20 (audio)

Marjorie Turner  Hollman

Franklin (MA) Senior Center: Email Blast - Sep 4, 2020

Hello Everyone!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!

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/

September Events

September 10th 1:30-2:45: Tips for Dementia Caregiving at home. Due to COVID-19, there are fewer supports outside the home for loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Many caregivers had to quickly change their daily routines and take on longer hours of hands-on care. In this free online session, we will  provide tips, resources, and strategies from Community VNA's Alzheimer's Assistance Program  invite caregivers to share their experiences  recommend activities for loved ones living with dementia Register Now: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eh7s2ji92db928ac&llr=dcpna67ab Or call 774.203.1307 (see attached flyer as well)

Tuesday Sept 22nd at 10am - TALK FRANKLIN MATTERS with our favorite Franklinite, Steve Sherlock. Via zoom, email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. 

Metrowest Memory Cafe schedule 

We are excited to be able to bring you a Memory Cafe EVERY MONDAY starting Sept. 14th! What better way to start off your week then with friendship and music!

Monday Sept. 14th at 2pm - "Time Out Cafe" hosted by Better Day - email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. 

Monday Sept. 21st at 2pm - "Grateful Moments Cafe" hosted by Right At Home - email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. Sing along to your favorite 70s songs!

Musician Pam Steinfeld recreates the age of the singer/songwriter.  She brings the songs of James Taylor, Carole King, Carly Simon, Eagles, etc. to life - on guitar, piano, and vocals.  An award-winning singer/songwriter herself, Pam peppers the show with anecdotes about the artists, songwriters, and often lyrical meaning behind the songs.  Come join the party!

Wednesday Sept. 30th at 11am - Memory Cafe hosted by Franklin Senior Center.  Featuring the engaging, toe tapping, get up and dance, sing along with us music of Howie Newman.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend ALL memory cafes if you aren't already on the list. (date changed for Yom Kippur)

Tips

7 minute easy yoga routine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDLad2vOHkU&t=296s

Low Impact cardio workout - use a chair if necessary - 15 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aViIzXtqi8c

Stayin Alive, chair disco yoga dance.  We haven't done this one in a long time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKm9lmZO0ik&t=81s

Music

Lets mix things up a bit - Classic Rock, the greatest hits of the 60's, 70's and 80's! Over an hour and a half of music that's sure to bring back memories and get your moving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Bu3M4r4K4

22 musicals in 12 minutes!  This is FANTASTIC!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_TvKH-qEJk

Just for Fun

Cows love music - bet you didn't know this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RWee_tFbgg

 

Colorado viewed by drone - BEAUTIFUL!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z6hP1_uSVk

 

BREATHTAKING drone footage of 3 canyons in Utah.  Shot in 4k

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

 

Everyone knows that a dog is man's best friend, so what better way to show your canine some love then with a cold brew?  Busch has created and just launched the first ever Dog Brew.  Who knew this was a necessary thing!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/busch-beer-just-released-a-new-brew-made-specifically-for-dogs/ar-BB18wRAM?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=U452DHP

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - You don't know Garth Brooks?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvu5AquDno8&feature=emb_rel_end

Mary Maxwell - Funny prayer about getting old  …..wait for it!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPFCn3itBFE

Funny animal videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IODoAbgaV5U&t=35s

Kindness Matters

A little motivational reminder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tghjgOv4mKc

5 acts of kindness that changed history (article not video)

https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/acts-kindness-history-examples-jane-austen-harriet-tubman-elizabeth-fry-jesse-owens-berlin-olympics-miep-gies-anne-frank/ 

Kindness boomerang

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

Attached you will find:

1. Donna's Fun filled activity sheets https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PTEynUBsHFxrWtTmzIeDvp_ccr5B6cpZ/view?usp=sharing

2. Flyer for the upcoming "Tips for Dementia Caregiving at Home" https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xIg7LxFYrBYK4ef7UwAZE76MwGuh9wmg/view?usp=sharing

3. Paint/color by number mushrooms https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wIAO2DoCJGq5alQkMOO_s40BTlBWLCjQ/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 & 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 (MA) Senior Center: Email Blast - Sep 4, 2020

“I thought I had them all. .... It was human error”

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

"The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office will work closely with Franklin in the weeks leading up to the November presidential election, after about 3,000 ballots went uncounted on election night Tuesday.

“We will certainly be heavily involved in the office leading up to November,” said Debra O’Malley, a spokeswoman with William Galvin’s office.

Franklin was one of three communities, along with Newton and Wellesley, to have uncounted ballots as of Wednesday morning. About 750 ballots that were dropped into Newton’s secure ballot drop boxes in the last three hours of the election went uncounted, while Wellesley was unable to get to about 100 ballots, between late drop box submissions and absentee ballots.

But in Franklin, officials said, the Town Clerk’s Office missed about 3,000 mailed ballots that were processed in advance but not yet tallied, which is allowed by state law. The ballots had been processed (checking which residents voted), then locked into the town clerk’s vault, with the expectation that they would be counted on election day.

“They were in the vault and I forgot them,” Franklin Town Clerk Teresa Burr said. “I thought I had them all. .... It was human error.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200904/franklin-town-clerk-human-error-led-to-3000-ballots-counted-late?rssfeed=true

Via Twitter on Friday, and shared to Facebook:

Q - When will the town election results be published?

A = That is a good question. I would guess not until the results are final and official. In case you missed it, the State took over the count process.

Seconded by Town of Franklin:

"Steve is correct. The complete results are being entered by the town staff along with the Secretary of State. They are due by tomorrow but should be done today. We will post immediately when available and when the final results are certified. There will be no preliminary numbers."

(https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1301913940247695360?s=03)

“I thought I had them all. .... It was human error”

November 3 and Special Election (Dec 5) Schedule

With the Primary behind us, and a record voter participation, the run up to the November election will not end the season for Franklin. There is a special election on Dec 5, (yes, a Saturday) to select the replacement for Town Councilor Eamon McCarthy Earls, who resigned effective Sep 6 to go to law school.

The Town Charter requires a replacement election within 90 days, hence Dec 5.

2-8-2 Vacancies shall be filled by special election to be called within ninety (90) days of said vacancy unless a regular or special Town election shall occur within one hundred twenty (120) days.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/revised_2013_1.pdf

**STATE ELECTION – Tuesday, November 3rd, 7 am – 8 pm FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GYM**

• Early Voting:  FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL  (2 weeks) starting   Saturday, Oct. 17th through Friday, Oct. 30th

• Saturday, Oct. 17th and Sunday, Oct. 18TH (5 hours per day) TBD
• Monday, Oct 19th  TBD
• Tuesday, Oct. 20th TBD
• Wednesday, Oct. 21st TBD
• Thursday, Oct. 22nd TBD
• Friday, Oct. 23rd TBD
• Saturday, Oct. 24th and Sunday, Oct. 25th   (5 hours per day) TBD
• Monday, Oct 26th  TBD
• Tuesday, Oct. 27th TBD
• Wednesday, Oct. 28th TBD
• Thursday, Oct. 29th TBD
• Friday, Oct. 30th TBD

** SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION – Saturday, DEC. 5th  ( Hours TBD)

• Monday, September 21st -   Nomination Papers Available
• Wednesday, October 14th   -   Last day to obtain nomination papers
• Friday, October 16th   –        Last day to file nomination papers
• Tuesday, October 20th    –      Last day to withdraw
• Monday, November 23rd    -    Post Warrant
• Wednesday, November 25th   –   Last day to register to vote/change party
• Saturday, December 5th –    Election Day

November 3 and Special Election (Dec 5) Schedule

"Objectively, the nation’s economic conditions are still dire"

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

On the campaign trail with President Donald Trump, the pandemic is largely over, the economy is roaring back, and murderous mobs are infiltrating America’s suburbs.

With Democrat Joe Biden, the pandemic is raging, the economy isn’t lifting the working class, and systemic racism threatens Black lives across America.

The first week of the fall sprint to Election Day crystallized dizzyingly different versions of reality as the Republican incumbent and his Democratic challenger trekked from Washington and Delaware to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and back, each man on an urgent mission to sell his particular message to anxious voters.

All the conflicting messages carry at least a sliver of truth, some much more than others, as the candidates fight to navigate one of the most turbulent election seasons in modern history. And beyond legitimate crises threatening public health, the economy and public safety, a new divide erupted Friday over the military.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200904/dueling-versions-of-reality-define-1st-week-of-fall-campaign/1?rssfeed=true

Commonwealth Magazine: "Voting reforms reinvigorated democracy"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin: 

"When the Legislature passed an unprecedented expansion of mail-in voting, they did it for this year only, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that makes crowding into polling places unsafe.

But now, amid record-breaking turnout in this week’s primary, some are calling for mail-in voting to become a permanent feature of Massachusetts elections.

“Voter turnout in the September 1 primary makes one thing abundantly clear– vote by mail should be here to stay,” said Cheryl Clyburn Crawford, executive director of MassVOTE, a coalition that aims to expand voting access, in a statement.

The last time turnout in a state primary election topped 1 million was in 1990, when 1.5 million people voted. This year, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin says that turnout will be more than 1.5 million, although he still did not have a final number. "

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/is-mail-in-voting-here-to-stay-2/

"AT THE START of July, the Legislature passed a landmark bill to expand early voting, implement a secure vote-by-mail system, and strengthen safety measures for in-person voting. Tuesday’s primary was the first major test of these important reforms. They worked.

More people voted in this year’s state primary than ever before. According to preliminary data, over 1.6 million voters cast ballots, totaling more than a third of all registered voters. In recent state primaries, fewer than 1 million voters have showed up at the polls, with voter participation rates mired in the teens and low twenties. This year, several competitive races for Congress helped increase voter participation, but the high turnout was also a product of Massachusetts’ new election laws. In the face of an ongoing  pandemic, Massachusetts did not simply protect voting rights—we reinvigorated our democracy.

The Legislature’s voting reforms gave voters several different ways to cast their ballot. For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, voters had the choice to vote by mail, to vote in person during a week-long early voting window, or to vote in person on the day of the election. The intent was to empower voters to vote in a way that worked best for them, and it is clear that people availed themselves of the opportunity. Over 1 million people requested mail-in ballots, 180,000 people voted during early voting, and hundreds of thousands more went to the polls on election day. While the vast majority of people who requested a mail-in ballot were able to return it successfully, voters still had the ability to vote in person if they encountered difficulties in the vote-by-mail process."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/voting-reforms-reinvigorated-democracy/

Commonwealth Magazine:  "Voting reforms reinvigorated democracy"