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Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: John Gorka online concert Sept 12 - 7:00 PM
Franklin Food Pantry Launches Ambassador Program
Today (Sep 8, 2020) the Franklin Food Pantry announced that it has launched a new ambassador program to raise awareness, help educate the community about hunger and publicize the many ways people can get involved in the Franklin Food Pantry. Ambassadors can raise funds through their own activities like marathons, product sales, and other activities that benefit The Pantry. Ambassadors will display a real commitment to eradicating hunger and a passion to inspire others to help.
Both individuals and small businesses can become Franklin Food Pantry Ambassadors. Individuals can support The Pantry with donor pages, hosting events, educating the community via social media, opening lemonade stands, and in a variety of other ways. Small businesses can help connect their service and community by adding a Franklin Food Pantry ambassador logo to their website, become a donation location, serve a special drink, and in different initiatives that support The Pantry.
"The idea behind the Ambassador Program is that anyone can join the fight against hunger, whether they are five years old or 105 years old. Being hungry is more than just the inability to buy food and every person who faces this challenge has their own unique story," said Kim Cooper, Donor Relations Manager for The Franklin Food Pantry. "The Ambassador Program will help those stories get told and increase ways the community can help The Pantry. Each word spoken, each dollar raised, goes back to help people facing food insecurity in our community. Every hand, big or small, can help."
If you have a passion for helping end food insecurity and are looking for ways to contribute to The Franklin Food Pantry, the Ambassador Program may be right for you. Please reach out to Kim Cooper at kcooper@franklinfoodpantry.org for more information and learn how you can help make a difference in your community.
During the pandemic, the Franklin Food Pantry continues to operate to serve all new and existing neighbors. The Pantry has changed its hours to Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:30 Pm to 7:00 PM and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Fridays. The Pantry is distributing prepackaged bags of shelf-stable items as well as fresh produce and proteins through a drive-up service. Since March, the Pantry has seen a weekly increase of new neighbors needing to receive services and all donations have gone toward continuing to feed our patrons.
About the Franklin Food Pantry
The mission of the Franklin Food Pantry is to alleviate food insecurity and compassionately empower our community through resources and collaboration.The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,400 individuals.
As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations and receives no town or state funding. In FY 2019 - 2020, 287,691 pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.
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| Franklin Food Pantry Launches Ambassador Program |
School Committee Recap - Sep 8, 2020: midpoint of professional development, communication issues acknowledged, budget remains a concern
The School Committee meeting of Tuesday, Sep 8, 2020 can be summarized as follows:
- The Franklin school district is at the midpoint of the professional development period before schools re-open this month. Teachers in buildings preparing, work on air quality and circulation continues.
- Communications to parents on cohorts and teacher assignments acknowledged as a problem. A combination of technical glitches and fluid situation. Additional communications coming this week
- Handbooks and associated policy changes approved for distribution. The number of pages for handbooks surprised one school committee member. A video presentation to highlight what to expect with the new school operations in this pandemic period is in development.
- The Early Childhood and Development Center reviewed their plans and operational adjustments.
- The school budget remains a major item. While there are some savings being realized, there are additional costs, and concern over some of the COVID-19 funding that may expire before the pandemic is done.
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcomm0908
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcomm0908&src=typed_query
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcomm0908&src=typed_query
- Ready for the real time reporting of #schcomm0908
- Right into the superintendent's report, Midpoint of professional development for school staff, comms on cohorts going out, tech glitches acknowledged, more coming later this week, presentation in development #schcomm0908
- Work on increase of air flow during and after school day, units got preventive maintenance done during summer, filters changed, CO2 filters adjusted, air transfer adjusted, about to bid project for further improvement, To be completed in Dec, fans in exhaust mode #schcomm0908
- Flu vaccine is a requirement, exception will need to be supported by documents from nurse/doctor for medical, parent for religious reasons
- #schcomm0908 no mandate for staff vaccine, day to be scheduled for staff to make it easier
- #schcomm0908 Q on COVID-19 cases Communications, to be handled with privacy in mind, please be generous and kind with notifications, pls avoid stigma and harassment. Health dept to maintain contact tracing
- Q on FHS could they come in early? Open to it but want to focus on getting underway first and then relook at bringing students in, #schcomm0908
- Kelly Kelly provides an update for ECDC presentation similar to that made to parents Aug 5, classes are integrated (sped and peers), task force worked on, core values and mission important to keep in mind #schcomm0908 present doc not available on FPS page (will share when avail)
- Note prior tweet should be Kelty Kelley (auto corrected wasn't overridden, oops) #schcomm0908 additional cleaning between sessions added, already did quite a bit given nature of program
- Will be using outside space where possible, tent in place, easels ready, fencing to be added, drop off changed #schcomm0908 some students pay tuition, some recieve as part of IEP, some may not get peers all the time in order to get services
- Some tuition based students are not returning, most folks did get first or second choices; if they do go remote (due to health reasons) would need to relook at tuition #schcomm0908 short personal visit with teachers before starting via Google meet planned
- Sep 16 family orientation scheduled, 16-17-18 remote option welcome sessions planned with team members, a parent teacher conf via Google meet also scheduled to help with transition to first day of school Sep 21 #schcomm0908 approx 100 students this far
- Playground off limits (as good as it is) due to complexity of cleaning after sessions. Being creative with the spaces they do have, will be able to use the garden when harvested and play with dirt. #schcomm0908 if guidance changes, they'll relook at it.
- Discussion/Action items up now; #schcomm0908 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2ndread-adoption.pdf comms back to family on mask non-compliance an issue of privacy/confidentiality. Plexiglass only in certain areas of high frequency close contact motion to approve, second, pass 7-0 via roll call
- Handbooks up next https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_handbooks.pdf #schcomm0908 process to review/revise began in Jun, built terminology and framework as a team before getting to details. (Kudos to that approach!!!)
- Some of the policies already were approved during the year by #schcomm0908 section 3 new this year, section 2, section 1 school specific, middle schools have an FAQ section, all this non-COVID; school Council was leveraged during spring and currently for Communications
- COVID specific sections, some across schools, some for both remote and hybrid, Google enterprise adding features to help management, need to set expectations and how to support them #schcomm0908 what can teachers, family and admin do to support process
- Visitors limited even more so in these COVID circumstances, stopped for questions; Judy shocked by size of handbooks, 100+ pages for Davis Thayer. #schcomm0908 printed copies only upon request. Presentation on over view, monumental approach. Impressed by bully section
- Handbook info to be included in presentation being put together, assistant principals were key to this effort. #schcomm0908 motion to approve second, passes 7-0 via roll call
- Discussion only; annual report draft for #schcomm0908 for review, Dr Bergen for SchComm, Superintendent, unaudited FY 2020 budget figures.
- Budget update https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-update shared via link
- Many leaves and retirements being covered by substitutes, hence a cost savings, transportation cost savings due to 45 days less than normal as well as less students (only 30%) reduction in fees for transportation also could be a revenue hit, along with sports/activity fees
- Lifelong Learning getting hit with revenue drop, can't cover health costs. Will stay within constraints of bottom line budget (something will give but no indication yet of what) #schcomm0908 tents funded through Cares act
- Tim: we were in a budget shortfall and will be still in the future. Judy: concern about folks not funded after Dec. There is some favorable numbers but we'll make decisions based upon info at that time. #schcomm0908 "budget situation unlike previous years"
- Davis Thayer, ready to schedule meeting to resume work. Other subcommittees will resume as school reopens. #schcomm0908 mental health issues sky rocketing, looking to DESE and other state agencies for funding help
- Next meeting: preview of district goals, hiring process explained, update on total staff retired, riffed, leaves, cafeteria, etc.
- Judy - request for comments, should be part of agenda, was looked at previously and not included #schcomm0908 status of chromebooks
- Consent agenda, motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call
- Motion to executive session, not to return to public meeting, passed via roll call 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!! #schcomm0908
Photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aaVGfjybqqMDm1pu7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aaVGfjybqqMDm1pu7
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| ECDC Principal Kelty Kelley |
Franklin DPW introduces "Water Smart" program
"A leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.
Sign up for leak alerts at www.franklinma.watersmart.com to save water and money!"
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| www.franklinma.watersmart.com |
Follow the post on Facebook
50+ Job Seekers Networking Group - Sep 15 - "Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism"
Session #1 = Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism
- Wednesday, September 15th from 10:00 am – 12 pm
- Virtual Doors open at 9:45 am!
- The session shall start promptly at 10 am
Facilitators: Ed Lawrence and Melody Beach
This first interactive session in our fall program discusses ageism, career pathways, and assessments.
Ageism is real. Bias is inevitable. So, what do you do?
What’s your career path? Do you want to stay in the same field or transition to a new one? What’s your plan?
Assessments may be required by many companies, but they are a necessity for the modern job seeker. Knowing yourself--your values and preferences--enables you to set realistic career goals and ultimately land the job you want.
This session isn’t just a presentation; it poses questions, presents real- time exercises, and challenges your mindset.
This is your first step in mastering the 21st-century job-search in a world of Millennials still reeling from an ongoing pandemic.
Are you willing to do what it takes to land a job during uncertain, challenging times? If so, we invite you to join the 50+program this fall. Eight sessions that build a foundation for one purpose---land you a job.
Pre-Registration is Required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/
Get your copy of the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X9NH62bZBEGAcpd2rkefxi4RyXf02GR4/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X9NH62bZBEGAcpd2rkefxi4RyXf02GR4/view?usp=sharing
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| Sep 15 - "Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism" |
Significant Drought Conditions Continue Across MA
"Due to four months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in all seven regions of the Commonwealth – the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions. The drought level remains unchanged from the previous month’s declaration.At a Level 2 – Significant Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, conditions are becoming significantly dry and warrant detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, emphasis on water conservation, more stringent watering restrictions, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities.“Although recent rain events have been helpful, the combination of four months of below normal rainfall and consistently above normal temperatures throughout the summer have led to very dry conditions in every region of Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides.“All levels of government are coordinating to address these critical drought conditions, and it is essential that residents and businesses across the Commonwealth take extra care to conserve water both indoors and outdoors and be mindful of the increased risk of brush and wildland fire when using any fire or smoking materials.”
Continue reading the article on the MA.gov page
.jpg?itok=C0IFF4KH "Significant Drought Conditions Continue Across MA") |
| Significant Drought Conditions Continue Across MA |
“This model is going to be unique, because it’s a learning model”
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"As students prepare to spend at least part of their week this fall learning remotely, many families are faced with a practical problem they’ve been wrestling with since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Someone needs to watch their children from the same side of the computer screen during the work day.
School systems in Milford, Franklin and three other communities have teamed up with the local YMCA to offer that opportunity.
“We’ve been able to work with the town, as well as the youth center and the YMCA, to provide a low-cost child care option for families, to be open throughout the school year,” Milford Superintendent of Schools Kevin McIntyre said. “We know that child care is going to be one of the biggest challenges.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200908/working-families-in-milford-franklin-get-relief-from-ymca-remote-school-program?rssfeed=true
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200908/working-families-in-milford-franklin-get-relief-from-ymca-remote-school-program?rssfeed=true
For reference, the press release from the Hockomock YMCA
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda - Sep 9, 2020
Agenda
1. Stormwater Implementation Update, Plan Proposal & Discussion
- Stormwater Town website https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division
Connection info in Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-09_stormwater_ad_hoc_committee.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-09_stormwater_ad_hoc_committee.pdf
- Aug 8 meeting recap
- Aug 8 meeting audio
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| https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division |
Franklin, MA: Budget Update Memo to School Committee - Sep 3, 2020
To: Franklin School Committee
From: Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator
Date: September 3, 2020
Re: Updated Budget Information
Due to the pandemic, we find our budgetary needs changing rapidly. Concurrently, we find our revenue sources also changing. This memo is to provide you with some updated information relative to budget fluctuations based on the information that we know at this time.
Budgetary Savings:
We anticipate some favorability based on retirements and resignations that currently approximates $414,000. We are still filling some vacant positions as well, so this figure will change as the year progresses.
Midyear leaves of absences would be replaced by a substitute which would generate savings as well. Additionally, contract negotiations were favorable, and after school stipends are likely to be reduced due to the pandemic and the limitations of what we can provide for students.
We expect there will be some savings in transportation due to the reduction in the number of student in-person days by about 45 days. Additionally, there are fewer students being transported on any given day due to the AAXBB hybrid schedule. While there is still reduced capacity on buses, I expect that we will be able to reduce the number of buses used on our contract by at least ten. We will be negotiating with our vendor and will keep you apprised.
At the end of last year we were able to prepay additional tuition amounts in excess of the amount that was budgeted, so there is additional favorability there as well.
Changes to Revenue:
The local appropriation budget is currently approved at 65,658,500. As of now, we expect Chapter 70 funding to be fully funded.
We expect to see a reduction in transportation fees collected. The School Committee should consider a reduction in the fee based on the AAXBB hybrid schedule in place for the year. Most students will only be riding a bus 2 times per week. Some would ride more, many would ride fewer. None are riding until at least October 1, 2020. Additionally, based on current signups, we have about 30% fewer students riding.
We will see a reduction in Preschool Tuition revenue based on the current climate.
With changes to the Athletic program, we expect reduced revenue in this area.
Our Lifelong Learning program suffered significantly last year and will not be able to continue to support the cost of healthcare or central services as expected. This amount could approximate $200,000 and we are still working on finalizing this.
Added Expenses:
Due to additional enrollments, which has increased class sizes at the elementary level, and significant space constraints due to physical distancing requirements, we need to hire three additional elementary teaching positions.
Of course, as you know, the School Committee’s budget is a bottom line budget, and we expect as usual, to stay within the constraints of this bottom line.
GRANT FUNDING:
Entitlement Grants such as Title I, Title IIa, Title IV, IDEA and IDEA preschool have all been received as expected and the budget has been adjusted accordingly.
ESSER - Federal Grant - Allocation $123,235 - This grant was identified during the budgetary process and will support interventionists. The budget was already reduced accordingly.
CvRF - Federal Grant - Allocation $!,156,275 - This grant will support the addition of 3 Digital Learning Integrationists as well as monitors, long-term and permanent substitutes, ESPs, LPNs, and Crossing Guards through December, 2020. These will be strategically hired as the need arises. Additionally, these funds will be used for the rental of tents at each location to support outdoor mask breaks. Vendor professional development is included as well as additional software subscriptions to support learning in a remote environment. And finally, there is an allocation for personal protective equipment (PPE) also included in this grant.
Thank you for the opportunity to present this information to you. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Memo PDF copy on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_for_school_committee_9_2_2020.pdf
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_for_school_committee_9_2_2020.pdf
School Committee agenda for Sep 8, 2020 meeting
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| Franklin, MA: Budget Update Memo to School Committee - Sep 3, 2020 |
Register O’Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Driving Norfolk County Real Estate Market
Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and high unemployment rate seen in Massachusetts, the Norfolk County real estate market more than held its own during the month of August 2020.
Register O’Donnell noted, “During August, a total of 1,865 real estate sales transactions, both residential and commercial, were recorded. This represented a slight 2% increase year over year. However, the average sales price for a property, again both residential and commercial, actually fell 9% to $877,906. Also, the total real estate sales volume in Norfolk County, both residential and commercial, also fell 9% to $1.1 billion. The drop in average sales price and total sales volume can be explained by the $270 million sale of the Windsor Gardens apartment complex located in Norwood and Walpole that took place in August 2019.”
Norfolk County lending numbers continued to show significant strength in August. A total of 4,096 mortgages were recorded countywide, a 36% increase from the previous year. In addition, the total dollar amount borrowed in Norfolk County also increased 24% to $2 billion. “These numbers,” noted the Register, “are a direct result of historically low interest rates and the continuing appeal of Norfolk County as a place to live and work. A recent announcement by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicates low interest rates may persist well into the next year no matter what happens with the economy.”
Homestead recordings also showed some life in August. A total of 1,344 Homesteads were recorded, a 2% increase compared to August 2019. Register O’Donnell stated, “I am especially pleased to see Norfolk County homeowners taking advantage of the benefits afforded by the Homestead law. It is another layer of protection that can be utilized by a homeowner on their primary residence. Specifically, a Homestead prevents the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.”
During August, a total of 5 foreclosure deeds were recorded against Norfolk County property. However, due to the ongoing statewide moratorium against initiation of foreclosure or eviction activity, no Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, were recorded.
Register O’Donnell stated, “While the vast majority of foreclosure activity has been suspended while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, we know many of our neighbors and friends are experiencing economic hardship due to the pandemic. One of the programs I am most proud of here at the Registry of Deeds is our ongoing partnership with Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP), 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950. Each of these agencies are staffed by knowledgeable professionals who can help individuals and families who are facing challenges paying their monthly mortgage payment. Another program available is the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Like QCAP and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, the CARD program can help those having difficulty paying their mortgage. Each of these programs are excellent examples of non-profit and government agencies helping those in need.”
Concluding his remarks, Register O’Donnell stated, “I am pleased and frankly happily surprised by the relative strength of the Norfolk County real estate market while the COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing. The importance of low interest rates can not be overstated as the primary reason for these solid sales and lending numbers. As long as interest rates remain low, we should be able to sustain these numbers in Norfolk County. Additionally, real estate observers are continuing to see the demand for housing far exceeding the available supply. Antidotally, we have been made aware of instances of housing selling for above the original asking price. While all of us are hopeful a vaccine to eradicate COVID-19 will be available sooner than later, the after effects of the pandemic will be interesting to watch. Will remote work continue to be utilized by companies large and small? Will remote work result in individuals and families considering more rural areas to live? Going forward, will individuals and families be more inclined to live in single-family homes as opposed to condominiums? These are just a few of the many questions facing the Norfolk County real estate market over the next few months and years.”
“I want to remind Norfolk County citizens and all our users that the Registry of Deeds building continues to remain closed to the general public and real estate professionals alike. This is being done out of an abundance of caution. Registry staff continues to be onsite doing the important work of recording land documents in a safe, accurate and secure manner. We are receiving documents via regular mail, Federal Express and a drop-off box located just outside the main entrance to our building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA. Many of our institutional users, banks, law firms, title companies, are utilizing electronic recording for their land document submissions. I urge any institutional user not using electronic recording to consider its usage.”
“Finally, I want to thank all Norfolk County residents for their patience and understanding while the pandemic has been ongoing. It has not been easy but working in a spirit of cooperation, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been able to remain open. This has kept the Norfolk County real estate market viable benefiting individuals, families and real estate professionals alike. I am hopeful the end of this pandemic will be sooner than later. In the meantime, be healthy, be safe.”
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
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| www.norfolkdeeds.org |
"Everyone has a stake in ensuring that the workers we all depend on are secure and healthy"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"It’s simple. If the workers who make our economy run aren’t healthy and secure, then our economy isn’t healthy and secure. Especially in the absence of any leadership or plan from the Trump administration, we need Massachusetts leaders to walk the walk when it comes to our workers, and not just talk the talk.
Essential workers need a bill of rights. They deserve hazard pay for the dangerous and critical work they are performing for the public. Everyone agrees on the importance of people with symptoms staying home from work and school, but that should come with the guarantee that nobody will lose their job or the ability to feed their families should they need to stay home.
Essential workers here in Massachusetts, like many of their counterparts in other states, deserve a presumption that if they contract COVID-19 they did so in the line of duty so they are covered by workers compensation. Workers need a reliable place to turn to if they think their workplaces are unsafe, and they need protection from employer retaliation for whistleblowing.
We need comprehensive data collection on the infection rates of workers — by occupation, industry, and employer — which are crucial data points to identify new outbreaks and guide future responses to protect these workers and the public they serve. And we need science, workers, and occupational safety experts to guide how our workplaces and economy reopens, definitely not CEOs. "
Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/essential-workers-need-a-bill-of-rights/
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/essential-workers-need-a-bill-of-rights/
“I do think there’s an opportunity to not have snow days anymore”
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Snow days are typically tacked on at the end of the year, pushing classes into summer, when students’ minds tend to be drifting toward vacation, Tremblay pointed out. “Those are really lost days. They’re never going to be the same value,” he said.
Could widespread remote learning mean the end of snow days?
“It’s possible, at least for this year, that the state ... (may) allow districts to go remote during snow days,” said Milford Superintendent of Schools Kevin McIntyre. “It wouldn’t be that big of a lift for our teachers or our school because they’ll be very, very engaged in remote learning.”
With many school districts opting to begin the year either fully or partially remote because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, school leaders were forced to find speedier ways to make remote learning accessible to all students.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200907/so-long-snow-days-routine-of-remote-learning-may-allow-classes-to-stay-on-course?rssfeed=true
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200907/so-long-snow-days-routine-of-remote-learning-may-allow-classes-to-stay-on-course?rssfeed=true
Monday, September 7, 2020
Join us for our 2020-2021 Donation-Based Zoom Concert Series
Announcing our Exciting 2020-2021 Season
COVID-19 CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC AT LIVEARTS!
We are very pleased to be presenting our regular season of four concerts.
Keep reading for details!
- Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 3 p.m.
For additional info visit the web page https://www.liveartsma.org/
StoryWalk(R) on the SNETT
Please enjoy the StoryWalk(R) along the SNETT in Bellingham, MA. The StoryWalk(R) will be installed at the Center St. trailhead. Please observe social distancing when visiting or wear a mask if 6ft distance cannot be maintained. Thank you.
The featured book is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
The StoryWalk(R) Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kello-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk(R) is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
For additional rail trail events https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/events/
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| StoryWalk(R) on the SNETT |
Trash/Recycling schedule delayed one day this week (due to Labor Day)
Trash/Recycling schedule delayed one day this week (due to Labor Day)
The annual program guide for this year can be found online if you miss placed the mailing
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf
Shared from the Franklin DPW Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/3413612852056494
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/3413612852056494
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| Trash/Recycling schedule delayed one day this week (due to Labor Day) |
Hockomock Area YMCA Opens Virtual Learning Space For Children
With the announcement by area school superintendents that schools will be run virtually or hybrid this fall, the Y, which typically offers before- and after-school care to children, will now offer programming during school hours to provide children a space where they can attend virtual classes while supervised by Y staff.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our Y is committed to best serving our community and be a safety net for those who need us,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “As an organization dedicated to youth development, we know how important it is that children have a safe and enriching environment for learning and to provide essential child care to those parents who need to return to work.”
The Hockomock Y is offering Out of School Time to provide children a place where they can attend virtual classes while their parents are at work. The Out of School Time Program will be run at Hockomock Area YMCA branches in Foxboro, Mansfield and North Attleboro, as well as at the former St. Mary school building in Franklin and the Milford Youth Center in downtown Milford. Virtual learning/enrichment programs are available for enrollment for children in grades K-6.
YMCA Opens Virtual Learning Space For Children
Working with school partners, the Y has created this program with the intent to complement the students’ remote school day curriculum while providing participants with enrichment and physical activities to keep kids active and engaged.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify, ensuring every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
In order to help keep children and staff healthy and safe, the Hockomock Area YMCA, following state and local requirements, has adapted several changes to its day-to-day operations in licensed Y school-age programs, including:
- Required facial covering for all participants and staff
- Daily health screenings for children and staff
- Reduced capacity in group activities
- Staggered mealtimes to reduce crowds
- Classrooms arranged by academic pods
- Enhanced outdoor play
“We are very fortunate to have the Hockomock Area YMCA as a partner in education,” said Allan Cameron, Ph.D., Superintendent of Wrentham Public Schools. "The Hockomock YMCA's Out of School Time program is a tremendous benefit for Wrentham families. The hybrid learning schedule is very challenging for families. Unfortunately, the school district does not have the space or staff to supervise students when they are learning remotely. The YMCA Out of School Time program provides families with a safe and supervised learning environment for students when they are learning remotely.”
For more information and to sign up for the Out of School Time Program and Before & After School Care, visit www.hockymca.org/out-of-school-time or call 508-528-8708.
About the Hockomock Area YMCA
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.
Talking the Blues!: Piano Blues
"This weeks' episode focuses on piano blues. We talk about and listen to a range of blues pianists from classic originals to those that have carried on the sweet tickling of the ivory.
We bring to you legends like Otis Spann, Memphis Slim, Professor Longhair, Pinetop Perkins, James Booker, Ray Charles, Jesse Yaw, Roosevelt Sykes and Lachy Doley. Keep on Talking the Blues! "
Audio link = https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-x2tn7-ea2751
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| Talking the Blues!: Piano Blues |
Cub Scouts - Join Day - Sep 12 - 12 - 3 PM
If you are interested in having your son or daughter join Cub Scouts this year, we are having a Join Day next Saturday the 12th from 12-3 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum in the center of town.
Come Learn more about Scouting, our plans for the year, and how to sign up!
Follow the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/621116372176461/
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| Cub Scout Join Day - Sep 12 |
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