 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday, September 18, 2020
Recording of Micro Grant Information Session Available for Replay
In the News: get your flu shot now; COVID-19 vaccine will be a wait
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Think of the doctors and nurses dealing with COVID-19 on a daily basis.
That was Gov. Charlie Baker’s message Thursday after he got a flu shot at a Roslindale CVS and pressed Massachusetts residents to get vaccinated against the flu this fall, which he said will be critical to prevent overburdening the state’s health care system with the flu and COVID-19, which share many symptoms.
Baker has mandated that students in Massachusetts, from pre-school to college, and kids who participate in child care programs, must get their flu vaccine by the end of 2020 but said Thursday that it’s important that others elect to get a flu shot too. The governor said health care workers began talking with his team about a month ago about what it would mean to have flu activity peak at the same time as a second surge of COVID-19 cases. April’s surge in COVID-19 cases came after the bulk of activity associated with the last flu season.
“The point they made to us at that time was from a diagnostic point of view, from a care delivery point of view, from a capacity point of view, having the flu and COVID-19 surge in the commonwealth at exactly the same time would be an incredibly difficult situation for them to manage their way through and they urged us to step up our game — which is already pretty good relative to most of the states around the country — on flu vaccines,” Baker said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200918/baker-flu-shot-push-based-on-health-care-feedback?rssfeed=true
"FOR MONTHS, a quarantine-weary, virus-ridden nation has been waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s become the endgame, the antidote to all the death and economic destruction the virus has caused. Massachusetts’s final reopening stage, referred to as the “new normal,” is predicated on having an effective treatment or vaccine.
But experts are beginning to rein in the sky-high expectations, warning that a vaccine will not be the silver bullet that allows us to suddenly remove our masks and once again hug our friends.
“I don’t think we’re going back to normal any time soon, vaccine or no vaccine,” said Shira Doron, hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center. “It’s not going to be like everyone gets vaccinated on Monday, nobody has to wear masks Tuesday.”
Todd Ellerin, director of infectious diseases at South Shore Health, echoes that caution. “Many experts don’t think that the vaccine alone is going to get us out of the pandemic,” he said. "
Gov Baker's press conference on Thursday: https://youtu.be/kUOGMYLhVYs
Community Preservation Coalition - Happy birthday CPA!
"Happy 20th Birthday to CPA!
This week marks the 20th anniversary of Gov. Cellucci signing the #CommunityPreservationAct into law.
This week marks the 20th anniversary of Gov. Cellucci signing the #CommunityPreservationAct into law.
Since then, over half the state has adopted the program, raising over $2.35 billion for open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing."
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is on the Franklin ballot (Question #3) for the voters to decide this November. You can find out more about the act and what it provides online https://www.communitypreservation.org/
 |
| Community Preservation Coalition - Happy birthday CPA! |
Picked up by the Franklin radar via Twitter https://t.co/EyUgKHnMAM
Commonwealth Magazine: "Senate leader sees $5b revenue downturn"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"DESPITE SIGNS that the state’s finances have not completely cratered during the pandemic, the Senate’s top budget official said this week he anticipates tax collections in fiscal 2021 to be down $5 billion from last year, and said lawmakers will need to dip “deeply” into the state’s $3.5 billion “rainy day” fund unless new federal aid arrives from Washington.
The state’s uncertain financial picture could start to come into clearer focus in the coming weeks as House and Senate leaders, as well as Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration, prepare to outline a plan to introduce and pass a long-term budget that would carry the state through July of next year.
Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues told business leaders that “some major announcements” would be made in the next couple weeks about how Beacon Hill leadership wants to proceed with a fiscal 2021 budget, as well as how to close the books on the fiscal year that ended June 30.
“It’s going to be a tough year, but we’ll get through this,” Rodrigues said."
Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/senate-leader-sees-5b-revenue-downturn/
There is an effect to Franklin with this news. Check out the Town Budget page to keep informed
IN the News: "Drought conditions ‘extreme’ in parts of Massachusetts"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Much of Greater Milford is currently dealing with a “severe drought,” while all of MetroWest is dealing with a “moderate drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties are dealing with an “extreme” drought and persistent dry conditions span most of the state, threatening crops, diminishing air quality and forcing water conservation measures.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday that 6.8% of the state — most of Bristol County and a sliver of western Plymouth County — is under an “extreme” drought while 30.4% of the state is facing a “severe” drought and another 49.9% of the state contends with a “moderate” drought.” Only the northwestern corner of the state is properly hydrated, the Monitor said.
“The meteorological summer (June-August) of 2020 was one of the hottest and driest on record in parts of the Northeast,” Brad Rippey, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wrote in the monitor’s weekly summary. “Given the protracted period of heat and dryness, drought continues to expand and intensify in many areas.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200917/drought-conditions-extreme-in-parts-of-massachusetts?rssfeed=true
 |
| https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/jpg/current/current_ma_trd.jpg |
Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year
| The best way to protect against the flu is to get the flu shot. |
|
Thursday, September 17, 2020
THE BLACK BOX Sings… Wicked - Sep 26 and Sep 27
THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier theater, music, and event venue, will present a concert celebrating the music of the fifth longest running show in Broadway history: WICKED. THE BLACK BOX Sings...WICKED will star Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch with Jim Hogan singing Fiyero. Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr. Socially distanced on THE BLACK BOX Outdoor Stage, join this cast of FPAC favorites for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz.
THE BLACK BOX Sings...Wicked will be performed September 26 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm and September 27 at 2:00 pm.
Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series with the songs of Wicked. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites.
THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Downtown Franklin, MA. For tickets and more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.
Broadway Elphaba Emily Koch
Morini Gallery - "In the Zone" - Online Juried Exhibit
In the words of Emily Hill, the journalist, being "in the zone" is delicious, immersive, and kinda trippy. Time collapses. Sound falls away. Suddenly we look up, and it's 4 AM. This tunnel-vision phenomenon is reported by athletes, creatives, and psychologists alike as a hyper-focused, sometimes spiritual, state of mind where anything is possible. It is where we become our most productive, creative, and powerful selves.
Artist's were asked to take a moment to recall that feeling and show us examples of when they truly felt they were… "In the Zone".
This exhibition is presented in a virtual format and can be viewed HERE https://mmas.org/online-exhibit-2/
“In the Zone” Online Juried Exhibition
September 1 – December 31, 2020
 |
| Morini Gallery - In the Zone Online Juried Exhibit |
Commonwealth Magazine: "Number of high-risk communities jumps"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"THE NUMBER of communities considered high risk for COVID-19 increased from 13 to 17, while people younger than 39 led the way in infections, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all cases over the last two weeks.
The weekly data released by the Baker administration on Wednesday showed those in the 20-29 age category had 1,207 cases over the last two weeks, or 25 percent of the total. They were also highest on a per capita basis, with 16.6 cases per 100,000 people.
Those in the 0-19 category had 864 cases, or 18 percent of the total (53.9 cases per 100,000 people), while the 30-39 age category had 843 cases, nearly 18 percent of the total (92.9 cases per 100,000)."
Continue reading the article online https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/number-of-high-risk-communities-jumps/
Franklin's case count has increased slightly each of the recent weeks. Per the Board of Health meeting on Wednesday, there is a business that was identified as a 'hot spot' with a number of employee cases. The business was not identified.
 |
| Franklin data on COVID-19 community map |
Image from the community data interactive map https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-level-covid-19-data-reporting
"we need the federal government to step up to the plate and help us out"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"On a day when many students re-entered classrooms for the first time in six months, Senate President Karen Spilka said she’s closely monitoring the return to school, as well as efforts to control COVID-19 in local hot spots as legislators contemplate what the next three months will bring.
Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo successfully pushed to extend formal legislative sessions past July until the end of the year, but immediately went on an extended recess and the agenda remains unclear. Leaders have said they wanted to preserve their ability to respond to any pandemic needs.
The Senate president took part in a “Women in Leadership” event hosted by the One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, but after several weeks out of the spotlight gave away very little about what the fall might look and sound like on Beacon Hill. She instead focused on her biography and what the Legislature had accomplished since March, and asked for the chamber’s input.
“With a global pandemic, it’s more important than ever to be bold and creative with our policy ideas,” she said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
In the News: "Baker plugs police reform, climate investments"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Beacon Hill has been nearly silent for more than six weeks since the House and Senate extended formal sessions beyond their traditional July 31 end, and Gov. Charlie Baker made a call Tuesday for legislators to wrap up their work on his State Police reforms and a $1 billion climate resiliency proposal.
Baker highlighted those two issues as priorities he hopes to see lawmakers advance, adding emphasis to those matters more than a month after wide-reaching law enforcement and climate bills were steered into conference committees for private negotiations.
When the topic of State Police came up at a Tuesday press conference, Baker said his administration referred about 40 individuals to state and federal attorneys for criminal review, then touted a bill he filed in January.
That legislation would make it easier to suspend troopers without pay following misconduct and create a “fraudulent pay statute” allowing the state or municipalities to seek triple the amount of damages from police who falsify timesheets, among other changes."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Gov Baker press conference on Tuesday = https://youtu.be/CtXQBsxbC9k
"The story of Tabitha. It's the story of us" (video)
"Please watch. It's the story of Tabitha. It's the story of us.
We can do hard things.
And we will.
Because we are goddamn cheetahs. "
#GetUntamed https://t.co/n24gE5g0rv
A four minute video - Picked by Franklin radar via Twitter
Please watch. It's the story of Tabitha. It's the story of us.
— Glennon Doyle (@GlennonDoyle) September 15, 2020
We can do hard things. And we will. Because we are goddamn cheetahs. #GetUntamed pic.twitter.com/n24gE5g0rv
 |
| "The story of Tabitha. It's the story of us" |
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Hold the date: Missions Food Pantry Collection on Sept 25
Franklin Federated Church will be helping our neighbors in need in Franklin. The collection is scheduled for Sept 25, 2020 rain or shine. Additional information contained in the PDF flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n4hXxAW8a2ngI5hDlw1G40OFyPbZwwEh/view?usp=sharing
 |
| Hold the date: Missions Food Pantry Collection on Sept 25 |
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 article https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/09/14/2020-ballot-question-1-right-to-repair-explainer
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
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.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
“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."
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" |
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 |
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 |
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) |
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
The agenda doc and connection info can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-16_budget_subcommittee_meeting.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-16_budget_subcommittee_meeting.pdf
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: 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
The PDF with connection info for this meeting https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-9-16-20.pdf
 |
| 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.
Get your copy of the information flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11clmfF_YnJsNh_LBCvYF8EMmvf11siyd/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11clmfF_YnJsNh_LBCvYF8EMmvf11siyd/view?usp=sharing
 |
| 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."
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/
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:
 |
| 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)