Senior Center: Email Blast - 9/11/20

Hello Everyone!

Wishing all you Grandparents a very happy Grandparent's Day on September 13th!

Eighteen countries, in addition to the United States, celebrate some form of Grandparents Day as of 2020.  In 1969, a young boy wanted the nation to share his love and appreciation for his grandparents. Nine-year-old Russell Capper decided to take his dream straight to the top and wrote to the president at the time, Richard Nixon. He asked if there could be a special day just for the celebration of grandparents and for that day to be recognized as a national holiday.

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/

*Schedule of Events is located at the bottom of this email.

Tips

Incorporating meditation into your bedtime routine is a great way to quiet your mind and relax your body to prepare for sleep. In fact, even leading sleep experts advocate the benefits of this practice for both reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and improving the quality of sleep.  Enjoy these options for deep relaxation for sleep.

https://youtu.be/Uw3h_WNngYk Or https://youtu.be/vvldC6mzLvA 

Balance exercises with Cindy

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/74450200076606476/ 

Music

Choirs got talent - a compilation of some of the best choirs performing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYh7Ax5IaaY

D-Day Darlings - We'll meet again

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

Luciano Pavarotti and James Brown - Duet, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"  WOW!!

https://youtu.be/GaB9F3R9cIY

Just for Fun

Felix Semper - Mind bending paper sculptures

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

 

Virtual hike through the Redwood Forest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOEGIGx8rr4

 

Stairway to heaven in Austria - Would you do this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLZx0IfwU9g 

7 most wonderful Natural phenomena 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwBGvYpFStE&t=398s 

 

Hand clapping skit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDvIo_LRIZ4 

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - What part of the South are you from?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1NvnDduZCs

Fred Klett - Women know things men don't

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

Kindness Matters

Train passengers sing Under the Rainbow.  Would you join in if you were on the train?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xctzp0dp9uc

A dying Puppy's rags to riches story

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

Queen's Guard making a 5 year old's wish come true

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=argh8anOJQA 

Attached you will find:

1. An apple a day activity page, word search and coloring page https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SigB9bl85jf8xiNdwoKU30DPBcqwMthQ/view?usp=sharing

2. Paint by number cowboy https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mUzFFzQ1ofG3lkjZA8q4to9dJvDyXvcm/view?usp=sharing

3. Crossword puzzle - homemade bread https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aYxq51g1e1RDehZNbLpJxzT0-iDTCZlS/view?usp=sharing

Happenings in September

• September 18th - Karen Alves's Retirement party

• Every Tuesday at 5:30 pm Join us for Quarantini time.  A fun social hour filled with friendly discussions.  Bring your favorite beverage, sit back and chat. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the zoom link to attend.

• Memory Cafe - Sept. 14 & 21 at 2pm and Sept. 30th at 11am.

• Curbside Cafe - Open M-F for curbside pick up lunches.  (call ahead or order online)

• WED., SEPT 9: PRINCESS DIANA DOCUMENTARY at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. Diana: In her Own Words will be presented on Zoom and you can watch from home! To join, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

• MON., SEPT 14 at 11am: PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB discusses Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen -email: judymurphy @verizon.net to attend

• TUES., SEPT 15: 50+ JOB SEEKERS NETWORKING presents: SELF-ASSESSMENT, CAREER PATHWAYS & AGEISM at 10:00 a.m., on Zoom. To register, go to: susan@sdkelly.com 

• THURS., SEPT 17: SENIOR COFFEE HOUR WITH LOCAL & STATE OFFICIALS at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom. State Rep. Jeff Roy, Town Council members and T.A., Jamie Hellen will be available. To join, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

• Tues. Sept. 22nd at 10am (note date change)- TALK FRANKLIN MATTERS with our favorite Franklinite, Steve Sherlock. Discuss Franklin and what is going on in our town. Via zoom, email adoggett@franklinma.gov for the link to attend. 

• WED., SEPT. 23: MY LIFE, MY HEALTH Chronic Disease Self Management at 1:00 p.m., on Zoom

• TUES., SEPT 29: 50+ JOB SEEKERS NETWORKING presents: TURN YOUR RESUME INTO A MARKETING TOOL at 10am email susan@sdkelly.com 

• WED., SEPT 30: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY with NURSE TRISH at 1:00 p.m. Positive emotions are linked with better health, longer life and greater well being. Learn ways to become more positive! This discussion will take place out-doors at the Center. Space is limited, call to sign up.

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES:

MONDAYS:

BOREDOM BAG PICKUP: We can send you games, books, puzzles, dvds, embroidery kits, yarn or fabric!

TELE-BINGO on Mondays and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m., starts Sept. 14, by conference call. We will send you what you need to play Bingo over the phone. Prizes can be picked up or mailed to you. Conference call-in number is: 508-208-8603. Just call to sign up.

TUESDAYS:

CHAIR EXERCISE with Judith at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

CARDIO, STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASS with Judith at 11:00 a.m. on ZOOM. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP (Conference Call) 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. Call the Senior Center for details to attend.

AUDIO BOOK CLUB (Conference Call) at 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Email mgunderson@franklinma.gov  or call the Senior Center to attend

QUARANTINI HOUR at 5:30 p.m. with Ariel on Zoom. Email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

WEDNESDAYS:

BLOOD PRESSURE & SUGAR TESTING with Nurse Trish by appointment only.

ZUMBA GOLD with Judith at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION & DONATIONS at 1:30 p.m. Please call to arrange pickup/drop off.

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Call for more info.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Link to Caregivers guide https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center-and-council-aging/pages/companion-caregivers-respite 

THURSDAYS:

CHAIR EXERCISE with Judith at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

CARDIO, STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASS at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. Email: judivperez@gmail.com 

CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP at 10:00 a.m on Zoom. Email Matt Rovendro at:

mrovedro@yahoo.com 

FRIDAYS:

TOPS (TAKING OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS at 12:30

p.m., via Zoom. The group provides support and encouragement. Join us by emailing: pat-amour@yahoo.com

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 Boston metro West and Seniors Helping Seniors  - 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 due to Yom Kippur)

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

Senior Center: Email Blast - 9/11/20

FHS Principal Hanna - Video Update - 9/11/20

FHS Principal Josh Hanna provides an update and responds to questions submitted since last week.

Link to video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/0zUWWFv3OQQ

Senior Center: Coffee Hour with Town Officials and Rep Roy - Sep 17

Attention Seniors! Please join us for a Coffee Hour on Thursday, Sep 17 at 8:30 AM! The Zoom links are found below.  This is a great opportunity to connect with local and state officials!

State Rep Jeff Roy, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and members of the Town Council. 

Topic: Senior office hours with Franklin officials
Time: Sep 17, 2020 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84045863217?pwd=NDdjUHFHZitsWmMxMzVrZWF5U2U3QT09

Meeting ID: 840 4586 3217; Passcode: 335355
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,84045863217#,,,,,,0#,,335355# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,84045863217#,,,,,,0#,,335355# US (Chicago)

 

Senior Center: Coffee Hour with Town Officials and Rep Roy - Sep 17

In-Person Credit Card Payments Accepted at The Recycling Center!

 Effective today, 9/11/20, in-person credit card payments are accepted at the Recycling Center to purchase a FY'21 Recycling Center permit and pay any additional required fees.
No cash or checks will be accepted.

Please adhere to social distancing guidelines.

*Note: Additional fees and Recycling Center permits may still be purchased online through the Viewpoint Payment portal or by calling the DPW Administration office during regular office hours 

(508) 553-5500 or
(508) 520-4910.
Full information can be found here. 

 https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/three-ways-purchase-your-fy21-recycling-center-permit-pay-additional-fees
 

In-Person Credit Card Payments Accepted at The Recycling Center!

 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/person-credit-card-payments-accepted-recycling-center

You can help to decorate Downtown for Fall 🍁

Help Make Franklin Look Great this Autumn

Attention Businesses: FDP Decorating Committee Needs Help to Make Franklin Look Great this Fall We are encouraging businesses to decorate by September 20 to help celebrate the season. Here are a few ideas and suggestions: Decorate the storefronts and windows with your brand and complement the decor with items that are reflective of the autumn season. If possible, include some decorative lighting, perhaps a string of white or clear lights.  🍁 Click Here for More Autumn Decor Ideas 🍁 https://files.constantcontact.com/ceff47be401/6ab5203d-7495-4d5c-a340-3c8e4b136661.pdf Fall Decorations - Buy Local We recommend purchasing your autumn mums and decorations locally and supporting other Franklin businesses. Franklin Agway has the following selection: 8" mums $6.99 12" Mums $24.99 5" Cabbage and peppers asters $5.99 Corn stalks $4 Straw bale $13 Hillside Nurseries and Fairmount Farm also have great selections. Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses before shopping anywhere else! Volunteers Needed to Help Decorate Downtown Franklin to help plant mums on Wed., Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. Contact Eileen Mason or Roberta Trahan if you can volunteer. Holiday Happenings Coming Soon Contact the FDP office if you are interested in being a sponsor. Franklin Downtown Partnership | 774-571-3109 downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | www.franklindowntownpartnership.org   ‌  ‌

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Election recap: Statewide in MA 47 percent of voters voted by mail

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

"Faced with a historic number of voters, the Sept. 1 Massachusetts primary avoided the weeks-long delays that beset some New York elections. Officials said there is no apparent rash of potential fraud, as officials in Georgia are investigating. “Very positive” is how the state’s top elections officer described the experience.

It was also, in effect, a test run.

With less than eight weeks until the Nov. 3 general election, the scramble to distribute millions of vote-by-mail applications is beginning anew, and local clerks — some of whom struggled with the deluge of primary ballots — are girding for a turnout that could be double, if not more, than the record-setting 1.7 million ballots cast in the primary.

That expected flood is partially the result of the newly expanded option to vote by mail, a route nearly 813,000, or roughly 47 percent of voters, took for the Sept. 1 primary, according to data provided by state officials. And about 1.4 million people have already requested mail-in ballots for the general election, and Secretary of State William F. Galvin’s office expects that number to grow as additional mailings asking if voters want a ballot begin to go out."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/11/metro/by-most-accounts-massachusetts-primary-was-historic-success-now-comes-hard-part/

Election recap: Statewide in MA 47 percent of voters voted by mail

In the News: studies show children can spread COVID-19, small gatherings are also sources

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

"Children who caught the coronavirus at day cares and a day camp spread it to their relatives, according to a new report that underscores that kids can bring the germ home and infect others.

Scientists already know children can spread the virus. But the study published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “definitively indicates — in a way that previous studies have struggled to do — the potential for transmission to family members,” said William Hanage, a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher.

The findings don’t mean that schools and child-care programs need to close, but it does confirm that the virus can spread within those places and then be brought home by kids. So, masks, disinfection and social distancing are needed. And people who work in such facilities have to be careful and get tested if they think they may be infected, experts said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200911/study-kids-infected-at-day-care-spread-coronavirus-at-home/1?rssfeed=true

"Relatively small social gatherings continue to drive infections in Framingham, according to Wong.

Over and over, residents who have tested positive tell Framingham’s contact tracing team they recently got together with friends or family.

“We have not seen any one single gathering or a couple large gatherings that generated multiple cases,” Wong said. “That’s not happening at this point. But that is also telling us that there’s a lot of smaller gatherings going on.”

Over the past few weeks, younger residents have accounted for most new COVID-19 infections in Framingham. The median age of those newly diagnosed with the coronavirus between Aug. 23 and Sept. 5 was 40, according to the Framingham Health Department’s weekly data release."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200912/in-framinghams-third-week-of-high-risk-designation-community-transmission-of-covid-19-is-on-rise?rssfeed=true

Franklin's weekend - Sep 11-12

Friday, Sep 11 - Two shows with outdoor seating at THE BLACK BOX
The Peacheaters! at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/the-peacheaters-allman-brothers-band.html

Saturday, Sep 12 - Cub Scout Join Day
from 12-3 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/cub-scouts-join-day-sep-12-12-3-pm.html

Franklin's weekend - Sep 11-12 

Franklin Police take positive steps to help people in a mental health crisis

Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) tweeted at 5:58 PM on Thu, Sep 10, 2020:

"Thank you to @wbz's @LouisaMoller  (https://twitter.com/LouisaMoller) for showing the positive steps that policing is taking to help people in a mental health crisis."

Direct video link (if embedded video below doesn't work)     https://cbsloc.al/2ZtCmBI

 

Also a video link = https://t.co/UxsNzvk1An

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1304177445877223424?s=03

Plenty to listen to on Saturday on WFPR.FM

Saturday's schedule on WFPR, Franklin's Public Radio station. You can find it anywhere you are with your internet browser at wfpr.fm or on the FM dial at 102.9 in the greater Franklin area.

9:00 AM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock  (should be Easy Walks with Marjorie Turner Hollman)  Franklin and its local government, services and events 

10:00 AM Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey
Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

11:00 AM Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey
An hour of uplifting music for all

1:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone 

All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

2:00 PM Chapters – Jim Derick
Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 

3:00 PM        Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock (should be the Board of Health meeting Sep 2, 2020)  Franklin and its local government, services and events 

4:00 PM Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group
Original short stories presented by the authors 

5:00 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition. 

Plenty to listen to on Saturday on WFPR.FM

Mask requirements - Franklin Public Schools, MA

Hello FPS!   

Please make note of our mask guidelines as posted on our Reopening Website! 

Mask requirements - Franklin Public Schools, MA

More info on the Reopening web site https://t.co/av14MmSQep #staysafe  #DosandDonts

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/K0y3aDkuDs

Franklin students feature in WBUR story on reopening schools

WBUR (@WBUR) tweeted at 5:15 AM on Thu, Sep 10, 2020:

"As students get ready for a pandemic school year, WBUR checked in with a few about how they are feeling and what they want:  

Virginia and Henry Bernstein, rising seventh- and fifth-graders in Franklin Public Schools"

 

   

Henry and Virginia Bernstein. (Photo Courtesy Camille Bernstein)

Audio link = https://t.co/j92o8FYWbO

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/WBUR/status/1303985474520920069?s=03

FM #344 Franklin Senior Center - September Updates - 9/01/20 (audio)

FM #344 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 344 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with outgoing Senior Center Director Karen Alves and incoming Director Erin Rogers. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

In case you missed it along the way, Karen is retiring Sep 17. There will be a socially distanced party in the parking lot to see her off. Details are in the September newsletter.

We also review a number of the activities during September, mostly conducted virtually but some careful steps are being made to move safely to an in person where possible.

Reminder to call the Senior Center to register for an event, to get on the mailing list, or to order from the Curbside Cafe.

Audio link = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBwZftrK

 

Links to the 

Senior Center page  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc 

Newsletter sign up  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter 

Curbside cafe menu   https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb  or call 508-613-1313

--------------

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 #344 Franklin Senior Center - September Updates - 9/01/20 (audio)

In the News: ‘Sons’ rise in Franklin; Gov Bakers extends support for restaurants outdoor dining

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

"Although he has not served in the military, Alan Earls has felt a strong connection to the armed services since he was a kid.

“When I was a child, my dad, and pretty much every adult male I knew, was a veteran of World War I, II or the Korean War,” said Earls. “Later, of course, many contemporaries went off to Vietnam.”

It was a time when, he said, “military service by males was universal and honored.” And while not everyone directly faced peril, “everyone who served played an important role, for limited benefits and modest thanks.”

As the son of a veteran, Earls felt from an early age the importance of always remembering and honoring people — both men and women — who have served, “or simply been ‘asked’ by their country to serve.” 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200910/sons-rise-in-franklin-legion-post-75-relaunching-support-group?rssfeed=true

"Vittorio Ettore’s restaurant, Bistro 5, was “basically 100% empty” at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday when a city official happened to stop in and suggested Ettore needed a patio.

Ettore was skeptical of the idea at first, he recalled Thursday. His Italian restaurant is at a busy intersection, and with the West Medford commuter rail station nearby, overlooks steady train and bus traffic.

“There’s a lot going on in the streets, but she really got me inspired to actually do a small patio, and I have to say, since we decided that evening, within five days, I was able to do business outside, which is kind of incredible,” Ettore said. “We went from doing roughly about under 30 people per week in June and July, which is pretty crazy, to roughly 30 to 40 people a day, so that has changed our business completely.”

Gov. Charlie Baker, Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn and other officials visited Bistro 5 on Thursday, where Baker announced a doubling of the Shared Streets and Spaces grant program from $5 million to $10 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200910/outdoor-dining-gets-boost-with-doubling-of-shared-streets-and-spaces-grant?rssfeed=true

Commonwealth Magazine: money flows to opposition for one ballot question, group forms to fight the second question

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

"THE NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE  industry is ponying up huge sums of money to defeat a question on the Massachusetts ballot that would give independent auto repair shops the right to access more information about the cars they are repairing.

As of August 30, car manufacturers had contributed $25 million to the Coalition for Safe and Secure Data, a ballot committee formed to defeat Question 1 on the November ballot, which would update the state’s existing “Right to Repair” law to explicitly cover telematics, which are systems that transmit information wirelessly."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/car-manufacturers-pool-25m-to-fight-auto-repair-ballot-question/ 

"The ranked-choice voting ballot campaign has been pushing its message for months with only minimal, informal opposition.

Now, with two months left before the election, an organization is finally forming to oppose ranked-choice voting, with the earliest supporters coming from the conservative wing of Massachusetts politics."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/opposition-forming-to-ranked-choice-voting-2/

 

The Peacheaters: An Allman Brothers Band Experience - 2 shows on 9/11/20

THE BLACK BOX Fall Concert Series presents The Peacheaters! Friday, September 11 at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. 

The Peacheaters dig deep into the 40+ year catalog of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an EXPERIENCE like no other. No 2 gigs are ever alike. The Peacheaters make these songs feel as fresh as the first time you heard them. Fueled by admiration and passion for the music of the ABB, The Peacheaters have been rocking audiences for over 15 years. 

The Boston Globe, WZLX, Boston's Classic Rock Radio, and many other media outlets have raved about the authenticity of the band's performances. From festivals to concert halls, the band's success has taken them all over the U.S.—including performances at venues such as Showcase Live, The House of Blues, Daytona's Bike Week, The Big House in Macon, GA, and B.B. Kings, NYC. 

The band's dedication to this music, and to “hitting the note” every night, has helped them build an loyal and ever-growing fan base. The “Peach” has won multiple “Best Tribute Band” awards, and shared stages with legends such as The Outlaws, Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), Matt Abts (Gov’t Mule), The Zen Tricksters, and James Montgomery. 

Get tickets  https://cts.vresp.com/c/?FranklinPerformingAr/44df79fb76/9b055c5183/32b72351e3/id=1399

Find out more about the band on their web page  https://www.peacheaters.com/ 

Or listen to this video sample of the band: https://youtu.be/iJCBDhQNiME

 

Stormwater Ad hoc Committee Recap - Sep 9, 2020 - find your impervious area

Summary:

• One of the key questions for the proposed stormwater utility fee is “What is impervious area? “ The DPW has updated one of the GIS Franklin maps with the calculation per property.
• The new web page highlighted during this meeting is a great start. How to calculate the fee based upon your impervious area needs to be added. What credits are available also need to be added.
• The utility fee proposal now moves to the Town Council for further discussion. There will be more info coming on this as it continues to develop for an implementation in July 2021.

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 #swsc0909
https://twitter.com/hashtag/swsc0909?src=hashtag_click 

• Real time reporting underway for Stormwater ad hoc subcommittee #swsc0909
• Follow along shortly with your own property on this map https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5 
• #swsc0909
• 2 page memo mentioned with charge per unit $18.66 #swsc0909 copy of memo found after agenda page here  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-09_stormwater_ad_hoc_committee_0.pdf 
• 50% credit for property initially, if qualify for Community assistance, get full waiver of fee. Would require a bylaw change but it is not anticipated to be a problem #swsc0909 Town Admin Jamie Hellen providing updates
• If we don't do this, liable for fines from EPA for non-compliance, already took them to court and gained remediation on timeline #swsc0909 the proposed charge is less than other Communities that have implemented a similar fee. DPW Director Cantoreggi adds points of info
• Stormwater fee will eventually allow for shifting of some expenses from operations budget to Stormwater utility fee (similar to trash/recycling or water/sewer) #swsc0909 will allow for billing for usage across all properties commercial and residential
• Approx $1.2m in operations budget today could move to utility over time, recognize that the fee needs to build up some to be able to pay those invoices. Wouldn't start charging until 3Q 2021 due to billing change to system to add the line #swsc0909
• Leaf pickup has not been included in this yet as EPA has not created the credit value for leaves. It would be a capital expense (to get the trucks/equipment) to do so. #swsc0909 moved to demo portion to highlight use of map
• A great start to helping to provide the information to explain what it is #swsc0909 https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division 
• Would need to add how to calculate the billing unit from the impervious area. #swsc0909 would need to add the other approved surfaces i.e. to replace a blacktop driveway with some stone or other approved surface - what is the standard?
• Motion to move forward to full town Council for review and discussion, second, passes 3-0 via roll call (Hamblen, Dellorco, Jones) #swsc0909
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0... #swsc0909 That's all for today folks, catch you next time!

Photos from the meeting used in the Twitter stream can be found online

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pSzwosBcnN6o8ecT8

 

Stormwater Ad hoc Committee Recap - Sep 9, 2020 - find your impervious area

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting - Sep 14

Dear Franklin Cultural District Partners,

It is hard to believe that the summer of 2020 is now behind us. As fall approaches we would like to remind you of the upcoming FCD Partners Meeting scheduled for Monday, September 14th at 7:00 PM. We will once again be using the video conferencing platform, Zoom. On Friday we will send out the meeting agenda which will have the Zoom meeting link.

At our September 14th meeting our guest speaker will be Anne Marie Tracey.  Anne Marie is the Marketing and Communication Specialist for the Town of Franklin/Franklin Public Schools. Anne Marie will be discussing the Franklin Cultural District's website (https://www.franklinculture.org/). We will also be sharing an overview of the Massachusetts Area Planning Council, Regional Indicators Project.

We hope everyone is able to attend this meeting. If you have any questions, please reply to this email and we will do our best to assist you.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee looks forward to seeing you on Monday evening.

Best regards,

Nancy

 ___________________________________

Nancy Schoen

Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee 

nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com 

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting  - Sep 14