Boston Globe: "Franklin teams up to repeat as Dalton Division 1 champion"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"Tom Angelo can’t mask his ear-to-ear smile when discussing the success of the athletic program at Franklin High.

The Panthers produce winners consistently in a community with a rich tradition of supporting athletics, from the youth level up to varsity. Beyond the impressive numbers, and the wins and losses, Franklin prides itself in victories large and small, on and off the field, with a simple mantra . . .

“It’s all about being a great teammate, and really sticking to it," said Angelo, entering his fifth year as athletic director for the school district. “It’s a community effort.”

In a 2019-20 school year in which athletics were abruptly halted in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic — two days before the 25-0 Franklin girls' basketball team was scheduled to take on Andover in the Division 1 state final — and the spring season was cancelled entirely, Panther Pride flourished in the fall and winter months."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/13/sports/2019-20-globe-scholastic-awards-franklin-teams-up-repeat-dalton-division-1-champion/

 

Franklin High athletic director Tom Angelo (center), his coaches, and administrative staff oversee a Panther program that places a premium on teamwork.NATHAN KLIMA FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE/THE BOSTON GLOBE

Franklin Public Schools: Food Services - Updates on Reopening

Information on the Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Food Services has been updated on the FPS Reopening Site.  

Find information here: 

https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/school-operations/food-services

Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Food Services

Tiffany Haddish interviews Dr. Fauci about COVID-19

Tiffany Haddish interviews Dr Fauci in this 35 min video. Instead of the sound bite clips here and there on the main media, this interview covers the important items in the full conversation.

"I ask Dr. Fauci about the coronavirus and the ways it specifically affects the African American community. We talk about vaccines, whether supplements and vitamins can improve your immune system to keep you safe, and the other ways people can protect themselves."

Video link = https://youtu.be/_FZXfgT_IRg

Commonwealth Magazine: “We can’t afford to run the system we ran before COVID-19.”

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"THE MBTA OVERSIGHT BOARD on Monday began formulating principles to follow as it prepares to cut the transit authority’s operating budget by $300 million to $600 million, with T officials recommending the preservation or enhancement of services that cater to minority and low-income customers without cars and a reduction in low-ridership services such as commuter rail and ferry that tend to serve wealthier people who can more easily find alternative ways to move about.

The discussion at the Fiscal and Management Control Board was fairly vague and lacked specifics – those are coming soon and will be honed over the next few months – but it appears the pre-pandemic discussion about expanding service is giving way to a debate about how best to cut service amid diminished demand.

Steve Poftak, the general manager of the T, said he and his staff want to focus available resources on customers who need the T the most and have either continued to ride the system or are likely to come back soon. “We have to be realistic,” he said. “We’re facing significant deficits.”

Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack warned that the cutting process won’t be easy. “This is going to be painful because any conversation about not having enough resources is painful,” she said. “We can’t afford to run the system we ran before COVID-19.”

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/t-gears-up-for-rich-poor-divide-in-service-cuts/ 

 

 

FTC Consumer Alert: If you have federal student loans, read this

If you have federal student loans, read this by Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC A few months ago, we told you that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act gave some flexibility to federal student loan borrowers. Understanding these options can help you make more informed decisions about paying your bills and prioritizing your debts. These benefits have been extended until December 31, 2020. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/if-you-have-federal-student-loans-read?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FM #347 Talk Franklin with Jamie Hellen - 9/11/20 (audio)

FM #347 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 347 in the series. 

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

We talk about: 

• Election processing
• Stormwater map
• Budget subcommittee – Town Council meeting
• Re-opening: Restaurant extension
• Beaver St credit card payments

Good stuff in the news

• Police on wbz TV
• Students on wbur radio

The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b18b550a-7318-4491-9877-1e0e41daf7e2

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Town Clerk page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Stormwater impervious map  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5 

Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Beaver St recycling  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/person-credit-card-payments-accepted-recycling-center

Franklin Police clip on WBZ  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-police-take-positive-steps-to.html

Franklin students on WBUR radio   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-students-feature-in-wbur-story.html

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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 #347 Talk Franklin with Jamie Hellen - 9/11/20 (audio)

 

NEW DATE - October 2-4 for the PMC Franklin Kids Ride 2020 Re-imagined

In order to celebrate with the PMC Kids Ride Community, we have moved our ride to the weekend of October 2-4. Since the majority of the Massachusetts rides will be held this weekend, we can all ride VIRTUALLY together.  

Cancer isn’t taking the year off so neither is the the PMC Franklin Kids Ride. Kids can ride as much or as little as they want in their own neighborhood, on a bike path or anywhere they choose! It’s a great opportunity for them to be creative, have some fun, make it their own, and raise money to help find a cure for cancer. Get family, friends, and neighbors to register too. All local communities are encouraged to participate. 

There is no registration fee and no fundraising minimum and all money raised will go directly to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. These donations benefit research, treatment, and care for children and families impacted by cancer. 

Since 2006, PMC Franklin Kids ride has raised over $540,000 for the Jimmy fund and we look forward to adding to the total this year. Sign up today to be a virtual rider and/or donate at: https://kids.pmc.org/franklin

For more information, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net

Many kids. One mission. Cure cancer. 

PMC Franklin Kids Ride 2020