Wednesday, September 16, 2020

WBUR: Mass. Ballot Question 1 and Ballot Question 2 - What you need to know (video)

Ballot Question 1 - Right to Repair
"Question 1 on the Massachusetts ballot this fall may look familiar. It's a sequel to the "Right to Repair" measure that passed eight years ago.

Because of that law, you can take your car to any shop — not just a dealer's service center — and a mechanic can plug into your vehicle's computer system to figure out what's wrong. You can also buy a device to do this yourself.

The idea is that you have a right to the information needed to repair your car wherever you want and can't be forced to go to a dealership, hence the "Right to Repair" moniker."

wbur link to video   https://youtu.be/Iayi5t3YT90

 

Ballot Question 2 - Ranked Choice Voting

"November, Massachusetts voters will take up a ballot question that would fundamentally reshape the way they vote. Under a system called "ranked-choice voting,” races that involve more than two candidates give voters the option to numerically rank their choices.

Proponents of ranked-choice voting (RCV) say it would help to ensure that no candidate is elected by a minority of voters. Supporters include former Govs. Deval Patrick and Bill Weld, as well as former Harvard president Lawrence Summers, who calls it "the single most important change we can make to improve American democracy.”

But the voter system is controversial. Those against the proposal say it violates the “one-citizen, one-vote” principle and could create a bureaucratic nightmare."

wbur link to article   https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/09/14/2020-ballot-question-2-ranked-choice-explainer

wbur link to video   https://youtu.be/xNO-TONjuwI


Board of Health - update to Town Council 9/16/20

The presentation document scheduled for the update to the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020

You can download your copy of the presentation doc here
 
The full agenda for the Town Council meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/september-16-town-council-agenda

Senior Coffee Hour with Local and State Officials - Sep 17

Senior Coffee Hour with Local and State Officials

A Senior Coffee Hour with local and state officials is scheduled for this Thursday, September 17 at 8:30 AM. 


Call-in Number 1-312-626-6799  Meeting ID: 840 4586 3217
Passcode: 335355

Senior Coffee Hour with Local and State Officials - Sep 17



In the News: "One challenge the region faces due to its economic success is traffic congestion"

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

"The MetroWest region’s unemployment rate has been consistently lower than the statewide numbers for the past three decades thanks in part to an influx of biopharmaceutical, information technology and analytics as well as medical device companies moving to the area.

But the increase in new businesses coming to the region has created some challenges, such as increased traffic congestion, according to a new profile of economic and demographic trends released Monday.

The Westborough-based 495/MetroWest Partnership and the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth released the new profile, which indicates the region continues to enjoy a number of strategic advantages while continuing to confront challenges related to transportation and housing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
Visit the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. online at https://www.495partnership.org/ 

Get your copy of the full report to read and review
 

Scientific American: “science, health, the environment, evidence-based policy, and reality over disinformation."

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

"Scientific American, the magazine that has delved into scientific topics for 175 years, is endorsing a presidential candidate for the first time, picking Democrat Joe Biden over Republican incumbent President Donald Trump.

“The evidence and the science show that Donald Trump has badly damaged the U.S. and its people—because he rejects evidence and science,” the magazine’s editorial said. “The most devastating example is his dishonest and inept response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which cost more than 190,000 Americans their lives by the middle of September. He has also attacked environmental protections, medical care, and the researchers and public science agencies that help this country prepare for its greatest challenges.”

The magazine said it was urging people to vote for Biden, “who is offering fact-based plans to protect our health, our economy and the environment. These and other proposals he has put forth can set the country back on course for a safer, more prosperous and more equitable future.”

“It’s time to move Trump out and elect Biden, who has a record of following the data and being guided by science,” the magazine said.

Laura Helmuth, the magazine’s editor-in-chief tweeted that a vote for Biden would support “science, health, the environment, evidence-based policy, and reality over disinformation."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/15/nation/scientific-american-makes-its-first-endorsement-its-history-picking-joe-biden/

Scientific American editorial  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientific-american-endorses-joe-biden/

We’ve never backed a presidential candidate in our 175-year history—until now
"We’ve never backed a presidential candidate in our 175-year history—until now"


Get ready to ZOOM with the Franklin Art Association at upcoming meetings in Oct/Nov

Dear FAA Members,

If you haven't already Zoomed with family and friends, as well as other organizations you belong to, please download the free ZOOM app to your laptop, ipad or even your smartphone now!   If you are new to ZOOM, please check out YouTube "how to zoom" videos, along with instructions on the Zoom web-site to learn how to Zoom.   Or, of course, ask any teen or young person how to use this popular video-conferencing app! 

Yes, the FAA Franklin Art Association is going to start meeting virtually, since our "new normal" in the midst of the pandemic won't allow us to meet in person at the Franklin Senior Center, at least for the foreseeable future.  

Please mark Oct 7 & Nov 4 on your calendars for our regular FAA first Wed of the month 6:30 meetings.  We have guest artists lined up to give ZOOM demos followed by Q&A:  Karen Israel will demo on Oct 7, and Nan Hass Feldman will be presenting on Nov 4.  You will receive more info about these exciting artists shortly.

Also, a new issue of the FAA Newsletter is forthcoming, including an informative letter from our President.  We would also like to include any news from FAA members- e.g. have you been in any shows, have any artistic tidbit to share with other FAA members?   Please send any news items to me by Sep 20.

Looking forward to "seeing" everyone on Oct 7 and Nov 4!!

Susan Plume
FAA Corresponding Secretary


Get ready to ZOOM with the Franklin Art Association at upcoming meetings in Oct/Nov
Get ready to ZOOM with the Franklin Art Association at upcoming meetings in Oct/Nov

In the News: lock your cars; Venus de Milo to close

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

"A group of organized thieves from Connecticut that targets unlocked cars to steal and to burglarize has hit communities not only in MetroWest and Greater Milford, but throughout the state.

They come quick. They hit fast. And they leave town often before anyone knows a crime has been committed.

A group of organized thieves from Connecticut that targets unlocked cars to steal and to burglarize has hit communities not only in MetroWest and Greater Milford, but throughout the state, as well as Rhode Island and Connecticut."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
 
"Servers carrying massive trays laden with tureens of Venus de Milo soup will no longer be a commonplace sight at SouthCoast celebrations.

Venus de Milo owner Monte Ferris is closing the Swansea banquet facility and putting it up for sale with an asking price close to $5 million. The Venus de Milo soup and other signature fare, including baked stuffed lobster, will still be available through a new company, Venus Foods.

The closure, said Ferris, is a result of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings. With no company holiday parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations in sight, Ferris said he had no choice but to close the banquet facility, resulting in close to 100 people losing their jobs permanently. The staff had already been reduced to bare bones with what he hoped to be temporary layoffs back in March when Gov. Charlie Baker issued stay-at-home orders.

“We do a lot of revenue from that Thanksgiving to New Year’s period. The money was in events, but we do alright with takeout and we’re going to keep takeout going,” said Ferris, adding the COVID-19 pandemic and the results of it have lasted a lot longer than expected. Additionally, faced with huge overhead costs for operating such a large venue, the takeout business, which has been in operation since the shutdown, is slower in the warm weather months."
 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 

Commonwealth Magazine: "Health insurance premiums to rise 8% next year"

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

"HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS for Massachusetts residents will rise by an average of 7.9 percent at the beginning of next year, despite insurers having profited from declining health care costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kevin Beagan, deputy commissioner for the health market at the state Division of Insurance, said the higher premiums reflect several factors, including uncertainty about what health care will look like next year. “Every company highlighted the uncertainty associated with 2021,” Beagan said during a presentation before the Health Policy Commission on Tuesday.

The biggest increase will be for the lower-cost offerings of Tufts Health Plan on the Massachusetts Health Connector. Beagan said the Division of Insurance is “definitely not happy with” Tufts’ 12.2 percent planned increase. But the division chose not to challenge the increase and conduct a hearing process because that would have prevented the plans from being available in time for October’s open enrollment period on the Health Connector.

Among the other largest health plans in the state, a Boston Medical Center plan that is also available to low-income patients on the Health Connector will see an average 2.5 percent premium increase. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s HMO Blue plan, a commercial plan that covers 80,000 members, will see a 5.4 percent premium increase. Always Health Partners and United Healthcare both are planning increases of at least 9 percent, while members with different Tufts health plans will see increases of at least 7 percent. Harvard Pilgrim’s HMO plan members will see a 5.5 percent increase on average."

Continue reading the article online
 

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Remote and Hybrid Learning Info Updates

Good afternoon,

Please use the following link to access some helpful slides and videos that will assist families on what to expect with both remote and hybrid learning this year.

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Remote and Hybrid Learning Info Updates
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Remote and Hybrid Learning Info Updates


Reminder: Volunteers Needed to help decorate downtown Franklin

Reminder:

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is looking for volunteers to help decorate downtown center 
this Wednesday at 2:00 PM.

If you are available please contact Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com 
The group will be meeting at town center island.

Feel free to send this email to your contacts who you think may be interested.

Please remember to wear your mask...we will be social distancing.

Thank you everyone!

The summer flowers on the water trough (Aug 2020)
The summer flowers on the water trough (Aug 2020)





Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 16, 2020

Agenda

1. FY21 Budget Update & Discussion 


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


or here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NCufCklUhN3URlhkyA2YvGr_h-Loi5Kf/view?usp=sharing


 

Franklin, MA:  Town Council Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 16, 2020
Franklin, MA:  Town Council Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 16, 2020


Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Sep 16, 2020

Agenda 

1) OLD BUSINESS

Penalty Provision Discussion

2) NEW BUSINESS

3) HEALTH DIRECTOR’S REPORT

4) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

5) ADJOURNMENT



Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Sep 16, 2020
Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - Sep 16, 2020


Franklin Post 3402 is participating in the Food4Vets Service on Oct 3

Franklin Post 3402 is participating in the VFW Day of Service on Oct  3. The State VFW is teaming up with the Mass Military Support Foundation. The food boxes will be similar to what was distributed at Gillette Stadium and other points in Western Mass earlier this year. 

This is open to all vets, but we will require proof of service (vet org ID card, VA ID card, DD-214, etc). They'll need to register in advance (link is coming). If they don't have internet access I'll be happy to take their info and get them in the system. We'll need name, branch of service, and family size. 

Anyone with questions or issues registering once the link is shared can reach me at post3402@vfwma.org or 508-533-2377. E-mail preferred. 

Pick up will be at the VFW Post (Pond St) on Oct 3 from 10 AM - 1 PM.




Franklin Post 3402 is participating in the Food4Vets Service on Oct  3
Franklin Post 3402 is participating in the Food4Vets Service on Oct  3


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."

 

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 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: 

Franklin Public Schools: Food Services - Updates on Reopening
Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Food Services