Boston Globe: "On the streets of Watertown, a Black Civil War soldier tells the rest of the story"

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

"In this pandemic year, reimagining theatrical performance means exploring not just the digital space but that infinitely roomy analog space known as the outdoors.

In any year, heightening theater’s relevance and immediacy means grappling with urgent social issues such as the kind of entrenched racial injustice that has spawned massive nationwide protests in 2020.

New Repertory Theatre tackles both the performative and thematic sides of that equation with its premiere of “The Charles W. Lenox Experience,” copresented with the Watertown Free Public Library and the Historical Society of Watertown. Scripted by local dramatist Ken Green and directed by Michael Ofori, it’s a solo play set in the 19th century that has the ongoing struggles of the 21st century very much on its mind. 

The estimable Kadahj Bennett plays Lenox, a Black barber in Watertown who served in the Civil War with the storied 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, rising to the rank of sergeant. As Bennett leads patrons on a one-hour stroll to notable sites in and around Watertown Square, Lenox’s first-person narrative outwardly resembles one of those tourist-friendly guided expeditions.

But this is no anodyne history tour. Embedded throughout “The Charles W. Lenox Experience” are pointed reminders of how little the nation had done to deserve the service of Black soldiers — and how little it appreciated their sacrifice once they had helped to save it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/28/arts/streets-watertown-black-civil-war-soldier-tells-rest-story/

 

Kadahj Bennett portrays Charles Lenox, a Watertown barber who enlisted in the Union army, in "The Charles W. Lenox Experience."New Repertory Theatre

In the News: Acapulcos open on Union St; Riley says MCAS resumes in spring 2021

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"New aromas are wafting from the re-done kitchen of a familiar spot on Union Street these days, where the culinary traditions of Mexico have replaced those of Italy.

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina is now welcoming diners to its new location in the building formerly occupied by the Union Street Grill, after a move from its previous location one mile away in the heart of downtown Franklin.

The restaurant opened quietly over the summer at 371 Union St. after months of renovation work inside that conveys the atmosphere of a warm and welcoming Mexican hacienda with its saltillo tiled floors, colorfully tiled walls and archways, and displays of Mexican terracotta cooking vessels.

Jesus Ruelas, who operates the restaurant with his wife, Yahilda, said not everyone got the message that the popular eatery moved, and is not a victim of the pandemic, though they have also been glad to see many new faces drop by."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200930/ruelas-family-continues-sharing-authentic-taste-of-mexico-by-open-acapulcos-location-in-franklin?rssfeed=true

 

 

Acapulcos Mexican Family Restaurant & Cantina

Massachusetts students should expect to take their MCAS exams next spring, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said Tuesday.

This past spring, after schools were abruptly forced to transition to remote learning as COVID-19 cases mounted, state officials suspended the MCAS testing requirement for 2020. A federal decision allowing states to cancel tests if they filed waiver requests facilitated that move.

Addressing the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Tuesday, Riley said the federal government has signaled that similar action will not be coming in 2021.

“We have told superintendents very clearly that we do anticipate administering the MCAS this spring,” Riley said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200929/riley-expects-spring-administration-of-mcas-exam/1?rssfeed=true

 

Have you gotten a collection call about a debt you don’t recognize?

Have you gotten a collection call about a debt you don't recognize? by Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Nobody likes getting debt collection calls. But have you ever gotten one for a debt you already paid — or you know isn't yours? Or have you been threatened and harassed by a debt collector until you paid up? If so, we want you to know how to protect yourself. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/have-you-gotten-collection-call-about-debt-you-dont-recognize  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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“All I Really Want” Democracy Remix (YouTube video)

The cast of Jagged Little Pill redid Alanis Morissette's "All I really Want" - https://youtu.be/eUKRMz4PY5U

 

Found on Facebook https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3582050101833869&id=1622393121132920&sfnsn=mo&extid=S54F0ZMf3oO1gUSI

Wednesday night: 2 important meetings

First meeting: 

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Sep 30 -  5:00 PM
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/facilities-analysis-sub-committee.html

The consultants will come back with the completed facility analysis for review and discussion. This committee had suspended work during the summer due to the preparations required for reopening schools.

Second meeting:

Economic Development Subcommittee - Business Listening & Networking Session #1: Downtown Franklin, The Crossing & Franklin Cultural District

Wednesday, Sep 30 - 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/economic-development-subcommittee.html

The Market Study provides a lot of insights to what Franklin could do to improve. This is the first of a series of listening sessions to gather input before making the action and priority list.

 

a recent photo of DelCarte but not directly related to either meeting

Economic Development Subcommittee: Business Listening & Networking Session #1 - Sep 30

 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 30, 2020

6:30 PM

Agenda:

1. Business Listening & Networking Session #1: Downtown Franklin, The Crossing & Franklin Cultural District. 

The members of the EDC will host the first in a series of five Business Listening &  Networking Sessions on sectors of the Town’s economy. 

Anyone is invited to attend and offer public comments.

Link to the agenda doc:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17UImA84x_AbI-8IGmqqHO82P-qv44vmg/view?usp=sharing

The Market Study:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf

The Market Study

2020 Hockomock League Golf Preview: Franklin High School

High schools sports is underway and HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the golf teams in the Hockomock League. We share the Franklin outlook here and provide the link to the full listing. 

FRANKLIN
2019 Record: 14-4
Coach: Dustin Picillo

With six starters returning from last year’s 14-win team, including five experienced seniors, the Panthers are primed to make a push for the Kelley-Rex division title. After sharing the crown with OA in 2018, the Franklin finished second last year but will be one of the top challengers as rival Mansfield looks to repeat. Franklin calls Franklin Country Club home and will host teams on the front nine (par 35).

Spearheading the way for the Panthers will be senior Jack Paterson, returning after a stellar 2019 campaign. After finishing the regular season in the top five with an average score of 38.2, Paterson capped the season by shooting a 76 at Blue Hill Country Club to take home the individual title at the Hockomock League Championships. Seniors Nolan Norton, Brian Sandham, Sean Connelly, and Pat Dolan, who is coming off a breakout season in 2019, will make up the backbone of the Panthers this season. Juniors Caroline Woelfel and Jack MacKinnon will also be in the mix after gaining valuable experience on the course a year ago, while underclassmen Jack Hagerty, Ben Paterson, and CJ Steel have impressed in the early going.

“We are excited about our team this year,” said head coach Dustin Picillo. “Greens are firm and fast at FCC which has given us an early test of where we are at. We’re excited to get started against Attleboro.”

For the full listing

https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-golf-preview/

2020 Hockomock League Golf Preview: Franklin High School

Bottle/Can drive to benefit Scouts BSA Troop 126 held on Oct 3 and Oct 10

On Saturday, October 3, and Saturday, October 10, 2020, Scouts BSA Troop 126 will be having a bottle and can drive, to raise money for camping equipment and exciting trips like whitewater rafting. Our troop is in Franklin, which means your contributions will directly benefit the youth of your community.

If you wish to donate bottles or cans, please drop them off at the Elks parking lot, 1077 Pond Street, on October 3 or 10, 2020, between 10 A.M. and 12 P.M.

If you are a Town of Franklin resident and are unable to come, but you would still like to contribute, please fill out our Google Form to have your donation collected at your curbside. Please complete the form by Friday at 5 P.M., and please have curbside bottles and cans out by 7 A.M. We thank you in advance for your contribution and your support for local Scouting!

Google form for pickup
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelJfph-q1qFM0iZiUUFU1F0R9E3k7vF6PeYvf6yKsHX_SmfQ/viewform

Bottle/Can drive to benefit Scouts BSA Troop 126 held on Oct 3 and Oct 10

Sculpture Park - September 2020 (slide show)

A walk through the Sculpture Park this weekend enabled me to capture some current photos.

To view the album directly in Flickr    https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157716169151072

 

MMA: "The flu shot is even more important this year"

From the Mass Municipal Association: 

"In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging everyone over the age of 6 months to get an influenza vaccine this year.

Both the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that can lead to hospitalization for pneumonia and other serious – sometimes life-threatening – complications.

According to research conducted over multiple flu seasons, people who get the flu vaccine and still get sick have a 37% lower risk of being admitted to the hospital for treatment and an 82% lower risk of admission to an intensive care unit. Due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the hospital, it’s particularly important this year to keep flu cases out of hospitals.

After getting the flu shot, it takes about two weeks for the body to develop protection against the flu. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the vaccine before the flu starts to spread in your community."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/the-flu-shot-is-even-more-important-this-year/

MMA: "The flu shot is even more important this year"

In the News: "Lawmakers make plea for federal dollars"; 3 year old loses part of leg in accident

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"Dozens of lawmakers want the Baker administration to act promptly to aid workers who missed out on up to $1,800 in additional benefits because of “arbitrary” and “punitive” eligibility requirements.

More than 110 legislators, almost all Democrats and no Republicans, wrote to Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta on Thursday, urging her to work with the House and Senate to raise the state’s minimum unemployment benefit payments so all recipients can access a pool of federal aid.

A small but unclear number of Bay State residents facing major economic strain fell just short of qualifying for the temporary Lost Wages Assistance federal program, lawmakers say, blocking off additional aid that could help them survive the pandemic’s continuing upheaval."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200928/lawmakers-make-plea-for-federal-dollars?rssfeed=true

"Sarah Reardon “got the kind of phone call that no parent ever wants to get.”

She was unpacking boxes on Aug. 22 at her new home in Franklin while her two daughters, Alexa, 6, and Abigail, 3, stayed at their father’s home in Lakeville for a few days. That Saturday, she received a hysterical call from her children’s father riding in the back of an ambulance.

Abigail had been backed over by a riding lawn mower.

He told her the ambulance was on its way toward Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, which had the closest Level 1 Trauma center." 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200928/franklin-3-year-old-loses-part-of-leg-after-lawn-mower-accident-her-mother-is-urging-parents-to-understand-full-dangers-of-machines?rssfeed=true

In the News: "Open or closed? Town officials have to decide"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:  

"Franklin Town Manager Jamie Hellen agreed that the pandemic has spurred some innovations that are likely to continue after the outbreak subsides. For instance, he said the town has been conducting some inspections via photo or video, which has been successful so far. In addition, the Town Council and other boards are meeting in person at the Franklin Municipal Building, but broadcasting sessions and taking public comment virtually via video-conferencing.

Hellen said the town worked with the local cable access television station to outfit its meeting chambers for video-conferencing participation, and he doesn’t anticipate that format going away anytime soon, though Franklin is looking to reopen some of its facilities in November.

“Citizen engagement in our meetings has been at an all-time high,” Hellen said. “And I think the great thing is, because they’ve had more access through Zoom or Google Hangout or whatever technology, we’re going to end up continuing to use to be that portal for public participation, I think if we removed it, I think people would be disappointed.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200928/open-or-closed-town-officials-have-to-decide-to-what-to-do-about-public-buildings-during-covid-19-outbreak?rssfeed=true

Board of Health meeting conducted virtually in September

RSVP for "Housing to Build a Just Recovery," Envisioning Equity Pt. I Recap, and more

Claim your free tickets today and learn how housing policy can support a just recovery from the pandemic.

September 28, 2020 RSVP for Envisioning Equity Part II: Housing to Build a Just Recovery The pandemic and recession have created a new housing crisis across the Commonwealth as renters struggle to pay rent and homeowners struggle to meet their mortgage payments. But this crisis is hitting communities of color and low-income communities hardest, tearing the cover off long-standing, structural housing inequities. Join us on Tuesday, October 6th from 4-5 pm to hear from our esteemed panel of housing experts. They will discuss housing policy challenges from the national, state, regional, and local perspectives and look at ways that antiracist policy choices can help build housing for a just recovery. The panel will include: Peggy Bailey, Vice President for Housing Policy, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Keith Fairey, President & CEO, Way Finders Lisa Owens, Executive Director, City Life/Vida Urbana Robert Terrell, Member, Roxbury Neighborhood Council Moderator Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción Host Marie-Frances Rivera, President, MassBudget Register Today! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4_gBYGskSM6MnhNok-WwSg Watch: Equitable Education through the Crisis Thank you to all of our panelists and attendees for the first session of our Envisioning Equity series. Were you unable to attend? Watch the full webinar today:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YRE7S_j8ws #ICYMI: MassBudget in the News Read President Marie-Frances Rivera's latest opinion piece in MassLive on the need for increased federal relief to help address multi-billion state revenue shortfalls. Senior Policy Analyst Phineas Baxandall provided his take on unemployment and what the economy needs to recover in Commonwealth Magazine.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Town of Franklin, MA: Halloween Activity Guidelines

The State released health and safety standards related to Halloween activities.  

FYI: The Town of Franklin does not manage or schedule trick-or-treat.  

Please follow the state guidelines if you choose to participate. https://t.co/zYWzr7hF8Z 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/19pZyp1tAH

Town of Franklin, MA: Halloween Activity Guidelines

Three Voices of Franklin: Vote Yes for the Community Preservation Act

We urge residents to vote for Franklin’s future by voting Yes for the Community Preservation Act in the upcoming election!

This is our chance to fund Franklin’s special needs that too often go ignored or postponed, such as protecting open space for water supply protection and farms, parks, new playgrounds or improving current recreation, preserving the Brick School and the South Meeting House, and creating new community housing.

Our local CPA contributions will allow Franklin to receive a distribution from the state CPA fund. This state distribution comes from the fees paid on transactions at the Registry of Deeds. Those fees were raised in 2019, which mean that the state contribution is secured for the future. This year the state match is estimated to be more than 20% for the 176 cities and towns which have already voted CPA. Franklin would begin to receive a share of that pool in 2022 if CPA is approved.

This question asks us to approve a CPA surcharge of 2% on our property tax. Residential properties would get an automatic $100,000 exemption, and exemptions would be offered to low-income families and moderate-income seniors.

The average homeowner in Franklin would pay about $105 a year... or about $2 a week... less than one cup of coffee, let alone a latte! Far less than a year’s gym membership and less each week than a train ticket to Boston, parking in the MBTA lots or a new pencil case for a kindergarten student.

The funds raised by the CPA stay in Franklin in a dedicated fund for eligible projects. A five to nine-person committee will evaluate proposals annually and the final section will be made by the Town Council.

It’s estimated that the funds raised through CPA would be more than $1 Million a year and the fund would grow to allow Franklin to invest in many of the “wish list” goals for historic buildings, open space, parks and recreation, and much needed community housing for seniors and families – all projects that are often set aside for “someday.”

Well, if we pass CPA, we can make that “someday” possible. If each family gives a little, we all will get much more in return. Please look for the Community Preservation Act at the bottom of the ballot and vote “Yes”!

For more information, sign up at CPA4Franklin@gmail.com.

Monique Doyle 

Susan Speers
Roberta Trahan 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTBRSlvC_HpcNpBg22mKyLDYhtpkF-S6/view?usp=sharing

 

Three Voices of Franklin: Yes for the Community Preservation Act